A message from Northcott CEO, Liz Forsyth
As I reflect on the last year here at Northcott, I am left with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the wonderful support that we received from generous people like you. Thank YOU!
Your generosity created new opportunities for many children and adults with disability. You enabled children like Kaayan, who waited 2 years for therapy support because he didn’t have any NDIS funding, to access much needed services. Your kindness also empowered young adults to embrace new opportunities and become better skilled while applying for jobs. You gave them confidence to believe that their dream job was achievable, just like Ben who is now working as a sports coach.
Let's catch up with Kaayan
Thank you for giving children like Kaayan smiles that last!
Your generous donations will allow our therapists to organise and prioritise the requests we receive from families who are not eligible for NDIS support so they can start to access the therapy services they need.
We were thrilled to have so many teams supporting our Giving Day by organising fundraising activities throughout the Northcott community.
Young adults, staff, and you, our generous supporters, came together to make therapy accessible for many families who are not eligible for NDIS funding yet desperately need therapy support.
Inclusive Athletic Carnivals
Nearly 150 students from several primary and high schools came together to compete at Northcott’s annual Athletics Carnivals at the Hills Basketball Association.
It was great to have special guests, para-athlete Julie Charlton and Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire Council, Councillor Mark Hodges, cheering on the students.
Discovering family treasures at Northcott
We recently welcomed Northcott friend and supporter, Margaret to our Parramatta office.
Margaret’s mother, Mrs Hanlon, who sadly passed away early last year, generously left a bequest to Northcott. She was a former teacher at the Fred Birks School and The Northcott School.
A house to call home
Before Vicky moved into our home in Oran Park, she was living in an aged care facility for a long time following a stroke.
Although she was looked after, Vicky had limited supports for her complex needs and rarely would get out in the community.
Sean building a future full of potential
When Sean joined Northcott’s School Leavers Employment Service (SLES) at Taree in January 2020, his mother was worried about him.
Sean was becoming more defiant, spending hours isolated at home, and rarely socialising with his peers.
Cool Marie loves to give back!
Marie has been a proud member of the Northcott family since she was 5 years old. She was one of the three first participants in our Saturday Social outings group.
Through many activities with Northcott, Marie has thrived in the community, learnt valuable living skills and made lifelong friends.
Marie is grateful to Northcott for everything she has experienced and learnt which has shaped her to be a valuable member of the community.
Marie generously shared her artworks as part of Northcott calendar for 2023.
Marie’s love of giving back is shown through her many activities where she volunteers weekly in her local community. She recently supported children with disability at Northcott through organising a walk from Coogee to Bondi and inviting her friends and family to come along.
SPORT UPDATE
Rising to the Commonwealth Games
Making a name in the para-badminton world
Shot put para-athlete Julie Charlton has been involved with Northcott since birth. She started attended playgroups and recalls how it was fantastic to be around kids like herself.
It was competing at Northcott’s Athletics carnivals that Julie first discovered her love of sport. “I did both the swimming and athletics carnivals. This was my only opportunity to play sport. The school I was at didn’t know how to include me in sport. I would sit on the sidelines with an aid and play catch.”
Being at Northcott’s carnivals gave Julie the chance to experience competing in sporting events with people just like herself. They gave her a place to shine. Julie made her Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham in 2022, where shot put for athletes with disability appeared on the program for the first time since Delhi 2010.
“I think Northcott’s carnivals are so important because they provide a sense of community. My favourite part of the carnival was watching the children’s faces light up,” said Julie.
Fiona from Tamworth was supported by Northcott growing up and is now working with our Tamworth team as a support worker.
A passionate sportswoman, Fiona is also making a name for herself, playing parabadminton around the world. In fact, in recognition of her achievements, Fiona was recently presented with the Local Achiever Award at the Tamworth Regional Sports
Awards and inducted into the Tamworth Regional Sporting Hall of Fame!
“Follow your heart, fall in love with your sport and never give up because you will have good days and bad days. You may not always win, but you can take a step back and learn from your mistakes and move forward,” said Fiona.
