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.
There are some significant projects happening for Northcott in 2023, and I’m confident we have the right community to build a sustainable and exciting future for our staff, community and the people we support. We are looking to build on our partnership with Western Sydney University to further develop our amazing archive of images, documents and artefacts, collected over more than 90 years of delivering disability support. We have already created a learning resource which will be used by students this year.
However, there is so much more we can do with your support. Continue reading to learn about a recent visit to the library by Margaret, who was thrilled to find her mother’s photos in our collection! We are always happy to welcome you at any of our Northcott sites. This is a great way to see firsthand the difference you make. Berta Youakim, our Fundraising Manager, will be delighted to organise a tour or a volunteering opportunity for you.
Thank you so much for your continued support. I hope you enjoy this update about some of the initiatives you have helped us achieve and all the exciting things happening across our community.
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.
Kayaan had his first session with his Northcott team comprising a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and allied health assistant.
The team learnt about Kayaan' strengths and what he would benefit from support with. Together with his mum Yojana, they came up with some goals to target. Yojana is looking forward to learning strategies to help Kaayan express himself more clearly and be more stable when he is sitting and walking.
“Any support we receive is a gift to a family like us who is struggling and can’t cover the cost needed for his therapy, thank you!” said Yojana.
Thank you for creating miles of smiles!
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.
Thank YOU for creating miles of smiles - we couldn’t have done it without you all!
John, Illawarra Area Manager shared, “The young adults had so much fun preparing their food. They were excited when the judges tasted the food and then announced the winners. There was a lot of joking and fun banter throughout the day. They also enjoyed sharing this new experience with their friends and getting to know new people.”
The North Western Sydney Squad consisting of young adults with disability and staff from our Penrith, Hornsby, Seven Hills and Parramatta offices gathered to ‘Walk or roll’ around Parramatta Park. “Everyone enjoyed having a nice walk around the park, meeting new friends and getting dressed up in bright colours,” said Angelique, Hornsby Support Worker. Our CEO, Liz also joined with her puppy Martha.
Many corporates and donors also organised fundraisers and most importantly helped us spread the word about the work we do to support people with disability. Thank YOU all for your generosity and kindness, especially:
Baresque group, botton+gardiner, Western Earthmoving, Skipper Jacobs charitable Trust and KPMG. You are our heroes!
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.
Northcott’s Athletics Carnivals are an opportunity for children with disability to make friends and compete against each other, all while having fun.
Damon (11) from Toongabbie Public School attended the carnival for the first time. His mum Kim said, “I think it’s fantastic. The kids get to have an active day out that is customised especially for them and it makes them feel amazing.”
Peter, a teacher from Beresford Public School said: “The carnivals give kids a chance to play and compete with others who have similar abilities to them. This is so important as they can see there are many people just like them and it helps them to feel supported. It is also great to see what fun they are all having!”
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.
Judi Lipp, Northcott’s Librarian shared a display of photos and press clippings from The Northcott School with Margaret, recounting stories from our organisation’s history. In one anecdote, Judi shared that Mrs Hanlon took some of her students from Northcott to Bennelong Restaurant in Sydney to mark the successful completion of their School Certificate in 1973. Mrs Hanlon’s son and his friend were escorts.
Margaret identified her mother in several photos and was so grateful to receive copies for herself. Judi also offered Margaret a copy of “Breaking the Barriers” book by Beverley N. Fletcher that narrates the story of the Northcott Society.
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. Thanks to the opportunity to move into supported disability housing with Northcott, Vicky is now supported to do things she loves, like shopping, while also having control over other aspects of her life.
Northcott’s Oran Park home is specifically designed for people with severe functional impairment or highly complex support needs, with automated doors, blinds and benches.
“We help our residents to have some type of independence and control in what happens in their lives. To see them able to do something for themselves is wonderful.” Alana, Northcott Service Coordinator at Oran Park.
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.
Two and a half years later, with Northcott’s support, Sean is more confident and has developed skills and a work ethic that is preparing him for the workforce.
When Sean was ready to participate in work experience, Northcott approached Ben, a local Taree mechanic about opportunities. Sean has since been spending one day a week in the workshop, building his confidence and social skills, as well as learning new skills.
“Sean has gained so much confidence. He is much better at talking to people, and much more caring towards other people. You don’t have to prompt him on how to do things once he’s been taught. I feel that Sean is really ready to join the workforce now,” said Chad, Northcott Support Worker.
Sean also recognises changes in himself: “I’m different now. I feel a little bit more confident. I enjoy not being stuck at home all day. I’m proud to leave the house more often, even when it’s not a day I go to Northcott."
Find out more about Sean in the video below.
