Staff matters October 6, 2017 - Issue 123 Week 13
Gala Ball – A Night Under the Big Top Where Dreams Came True
In This Issue 1 Gala Ball – A Night
Under the Big Top Where Dreams Came True
2 Staff Profile South West on the Move Con Swings into Action
3 Gala Ball – A Night
Under the Big Top Where Dreams Came True Continued
4 Fitness Passport – Be
Safer and Perform Better at Work! Selfie Of the Week
Roll up, roll up! It was ‘A Night Under the Big Top’ with circus themed fun and celebrations at this year’s Afford Annual Gala Ball!
Have a Laugh
The second annual Gala Ball was held at Penrith Panthers marquee last weekend, with over 700 clients, family, carers and Afford Supporters attending. Attendees were transported into a circus themed extravaganza as soon as they walked through the brilliant and colourful entrance. It was a sensory overload as attendees began to arrive into a fun, colourful and exciting wonderland; complete with circus lion, elephant and coloured decorations. The surprise WOW factor of the night was the Afford Logo centrepiece that lit up as it hung from the roof top and rotated prominently throughout the evening. This amazing feature was donated to Afford by Afford Supporters, Motif Signs. The circus theme was showcased in an outstanding fashion with performances from the Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School performing a spectacular acrobatics dance. The highlight of the performance was the custom made wings outfit featuring the Afford origami birds, which was gracefully displayed throughout the performance.
Let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au
Reminder Don’t forget to send your/clients’ achievements, good news stories and photos to CELEBRATE@afford.com.au
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October 6, 2017 - Issue 123
Staff Profile
Jermyn Chan
TTW Vocational Trainer Fairfield & Lurnea Favourite Song: The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite Favourite Movie: The Blind Side Favourite Hobbies: Eating, Sleeping and Cricket. Favourite Foods: BBQ Ribs, Italian food, Thai food, Chicken Kiev, Pork Belly, Surf n Turf, Chicken Schnitzel, Parmy, Sushi (no raw fish), Lamb Cutlets, Yum Cha, Lebanese food, Mexican, Cheesy bread from Sizzler, Rashays and all you can eat buffet. If you could be an animal what would you be: A pet dog like a husky because they’re cute, full of energy, and always happy! What is your dream holiday destination: Anywhere – as long as my family are with me. If you had the power what would you change about the world: Homelessness What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: Winning the staff award last year and having the opportunity to take my parents and brother on our first overseas trip together as a family
let your abilities soar
South West on the Move The South West region has experienced enormous growth over the past few years, and Afford has developed many new and exciting ventures to support the district. In response to demand in the South West area, Afford has expanded and relocated many services. Over the last fortnight, there have been exciting moves for South West clients. Lurnea Lifestyle Centre has now moved to Prestons, which has been transformed with a range of program rooms including a beauty parlour, arts and craft room and sensory room. The Lurnea site has now been redesigned as a Vacation Care Site and weekend teen Club Afford. Symone from Customer Care has done a great job setting this up and we look forward to seeing another Afford venture grow. The Afford Narellan Group Home residents have now moved in to their new home. The men are very excited to start their new independent living journey and have already invited their families to a BBQ on Friday to celebrate. To top off all the wonderful developments in the South West district, the Eschol Park Respite facility is opened this week and has already welcomed its first guests! Many great wins for Afford clients in South West! We look forward to sharing many client successes from the growing district.
Con Swings into Action
Since November 2016, it has been challenging for Con to participate in any outdoor activities but recently, thanks to the dedication of staff, he has progressed and made a real breakthrough. Con now receives 1:1 support on a Saturday and recently had the opportunity to take part in community access with great support from the staff at Belmore Lifestyle Centre. When staff went to Con’s house to pick him up, he was completely overwhelmed with excitement about what the outing would bring. When Con arrived at the park he had a big smile and said to staff “I’m happy”. He also wanted staff to push him higher while he was on the swing. Con then chose to have his lunch at the park under the pergola. This is such a wonderful achievement for Con and Afford is so privileged to be able to support him on his journey towards a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
www.afford.com.au
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October 6, 2017 - Issue 123
Gala Ball – A Night Under the Big Top Where Dreams Came True Cont. Celebrity guest singer, Mark Vincent, gave an emotional performance, including a duet of ‘You Raise Me Up’ with clients Lilliana and Mohammad from Condell Park Lifestyle Centre. It was a moving performance that brought members of the crowd to tears. Our Afford Supporters and Board were overwhelmed and proud to see the amazing effort that had gone into the event. CEO, Steve Herald commented that he felt overjoyed and privileged to be able to stage the Annual Gala Ball for our amazing clients. Seeing the smiles and excitement on the faces of the clients truly made the night for all. Thanks to the generous support of many sponsors – including major sponsors NAB, Southlands Estate Agents, EcoVolt Electrical Air-conditioning, and Blacktown Workers – over $50,000 was raised on the night, and with their support the event was 100% funded by donations. Afford would like to thank the many Afford Supporters of the event, the dedicated staff that worked tirelessly to make the evening a memorable celebration for everyone, and most importantly, Afford would like to thank the many clients and their families and carers who trust in the Afford community, and for who the night was all about. As always, the Afford Gala Ball was magical and clients are already eagerly awaiting next year’s celebrations!
let your abilities soar
www.afford.com.au
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October 6, 2017 - Issue 123
P EM
Fitness Passport – Be Safer and Perform Better at Work! It’s National Safe Work Month and as part of the Afford Employer of Choice initiative, Fitness Passport can help you be free from strain, pain and injury. Whatever your type of work, take a moment to imagine yourself in a peak state. Your mind is clear and focused on the task you are doing, it comes easily to you. Your body works effortlessly to do the movements you need to perform your task, even if it is repetitive.
OF
LOYER
CHOICE
HEALTHY BODY . HEALTHY MIND . SAFE AT WORK Be free from strain, pain and injury
It's National Safe Work Month and the Afford Employer of Choice initiative Fitness Passport can help you be free from strain, pain and injury.
You are free from strain, free from pain. Now, if this is true for you, guesses are that you have a wellbalanced body and mind. Your core muscles are strong, eliminating any lower back pain. You exercise your quads and glutes to support your trunk. Your arms and upper back are strong from the weights you lift. Endorphins released during your exercise make you happy and relaxed. If instead, you feel strains and sprains, your body creeks and moans, stop what you are doing! Don’t soldier on with the pain. Take alternative action. Start exercising twice a week for thirty minutes and then gradually build that up to four times per week. You will feel better for it. Your body will thank you, your mind will be clearer and you will be safer and perform better at work.
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JOIN YOUR FITNESS PASSPORT PROGRAM TODAY! Sign up here and see what gyms and pools you can access!
Unlimited Access . Extensive Choices . Amazing Value www.fitnesspassport.com.au │ October 2017
Have a laugh
Sef the o
In the Selfie Above: Staff Members Paul Thomas, Susan Guest, Anjuli Chami & Christina Emmanouel taking an insta selfie @ the Afford Gala Ball.
Please send in your selfies
let your abilities soar www.afford.com.au