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The CP Awareness Week Community Excellence Awards recognise organisations who ‘Go the extra mile’ for a person with CP and like disabilities.
Nominees fall under four categories. Organisations that:
- Provide a disability friendly facility
- Are consistently helpful and supportive to people with CP
- Have friendly staff who see the person, not the disability
- Go out of their way to provide an excellent service to a person with CP
Congratulations to organisations that were awarded a CP Awareness Week Community Excellence Award in 2011. Read on to find out more about this year's winners.
To find out about last year's winners click here.
Ashdale Primary School
BGC Contracting
Bletchley Park Primary School
Bunnings Warehouse
Burswood Park Board
Commonwealth Bank
Coolbinia Bombers Under 12 Football Team
Creaney Primary School
Creative Connections Art & Poetry
Dome Cafe, Galleria, Morley
EVE, Burswood Entertainment Complex
Fremantle Football Club (Fremantle Dockers)
GreyhoundsWA
IGA Ballajura
Kevrek Australia
Laguna Vento Social & Bocce Club
Lavan Legal
Lions Club of Floreat
Lorimer Homes
Lotterywest
Melissa Northcott
OAMPS
Office of the Public Advocate
Perth Wildcats
Perm-A-Pleat
Professor Fiona Stanley
Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant, Subiaco
Scarboro Toyota
Soroptomist International
Special Aussies Foundation
The Beach House
The Rainbow Tractor Train
WA Golf Club Associates
Xtreme Ice Arena, Mirabooka
Lotterywest
Lotterywest has been The Centre's partner since 1951 and has supported the wider community since 1932. Thank you to Lotterywest for sponsoring the CP Week Community Excellence Awards.
Soroptomist International
Soroptomist International are recognised for organising their 20th Annual Ploughman’s lunch this year in support of people with CP. Funds raised from the lunch has gone towards purchasing an item on The Centre’s Wish List. Soroptomist Darling Range members generously volunteer their time to make delicious home made products to bring this special event together each year in support of CP.
Creative Connections Art Exhibition
Creative Connections are recognised for bringing WA artists and poets together in support of CP Week each year with an inspirational exhibition. This year the exhibition was a huge success thanks to Maureen Sexton and her committee.
Office of the Public Advocate
The Office of the Public Advocate led by Pauline Bagdonavicius, works to highlight the economic, social, cultural and human rights of people with decision-making disabilities. Pauline and her team provide ongoing assistance to The Centre, to individuals in our services and families to protect, promote and ensure rights and inclusion of individuals with decision making disabilities.
Melissa Northcott
Melissa won a St John Ambulance Award in April this year for her outstanding service. She is also a Joseph Michell Scholarship Winner who went on to be elected by her peers as a Director of The Centre’s Board. Melissa is an outstanding advocate for people with disabilities. She is an active member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability WA. Melissa also took our Wheelie Big Challenge in 2009 to raise funds towards the work of The Centre.
GreyhoundsWA
GreyhoundsWA are long term supporters of people with cerebral palsy through The Centre’s Wish List. In addition GreyhoundsWA dedicate a special meeting each year to celebrate CP Week and raise funds for The Centre.
Professor Fiona Stanley
Named Australian of the Year in 2003, Professor Stanley has been a vocal advocate for the special needs of children and their families for many years. She is also the Founding Director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. As a former Board Member and now Life Member of The Centre Fiona has certainly ‘gone the extra mile' for children with CP.
Burswood Park Board
Brian Wishart and his team at the Burswood Park Board are the major sponsors of our Wheelie Big Day Out. They also generously support CP Week and our Charity Golf Day.
Lavan Legal
Not only leaders in law, Lavan Legal lead the way in corporate responsibility and are a perfect example of giving back to the WA community through a number of activities. This law firm’s motto ‘what can we do’ is reflected in every aspect of their business. The diverse team at Lavan Legal have contributed to the work of The Centre in a variety of ways over many years like their ‘Big Night In’ to improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy.
Scarboro Toyota
Scarboro Toyota have been the major sponsors of our Charity Golf Day and CP Week for many years. Their commitment to the work of The Centre and people with cerebral palsy is outstanding.
Commonwealth Bank
Commonwealth Bank is a major sponsor of CP Week each year, our Wheelie Big Challenge raffle and Charity Golf Day.
The Commonwealth Bank Community Chest Fund also supports our never ending Wish List and special projects at The Centre.
BGC Contracting
BGC Contracting is a major sponsor of CP Week each year and Charity Golf Day.
Bunnings Warehouse
Bunnings Warehouse are always the first to put up their hands when it is time to give one of our 33 facilities a makeover. Bunnings are always there to provide products necessary for the makeover and skills training to equip corporate volunteers with the skills necessary to complete the makeovers.
Kevrek Australia
The team at Kevrek are always among the first to sponsor our Charity Golf Day. In addition they very generously provide merchandise to help make the day a success.
OAMPS
OAMPS are long term supporters of people with cerebral palsy and The Centre’s Charity Golf Day helping The Centre raise vital funds for CP.
Bletchley Park Primary School
Renae, mum of Kade who has CP and is in Year 1 at Bletchley Park says: "I am nominating our school Bletchley Park Primary with absolute special mention going to the most gorgeous passionate teacher I have ever come across.
"Rebecca Burns not only teaches Year 1s for three days a week, she is the Disabilities Support Coordinator. She has started a parent support program for parents who have a special needs child, with which are plentiful at our school.
"Our independent school with the help of Rebecca goes way beyond the call of duty for our special children and their families.
"Rebecca has been on a mission to get a sensory garden at the school not only for the special needs kids to enjoy but so the whole school can come together and enjoy. She started the idea six months ago with the aim of raising $30,000. She has now raised that amount and believes she will raise $50,000 to give our school the best garden possible.
"My son Kade has cerebral palsy and is in her Year 1 class. He receives nothing but the best care and anything that can be done to make his life easier will be done. In fact Kade has been at Bletchley Park since Kindy and in that time we have seen the utmost improvement in him in every way.
"Thanks must also go to our wonderful principal Cris, who has nurtured this school since its beginnings. His pride in this school is evident in the beautiful way it is run."
Coolbinia Bombers
Val, a resident at The Centre's Rookwood Street home, has always been fiercely independent. Lately Val’s spirit has soared and we believe this is with THANKS, to the Coolbinia Yokine Football Club. The club has welcomed Val with open arms, embracing her independence and her determination to be the best she can. Val was offered an assistant coach position to the under 12’s that was accepted without question.
The duties that Val is required to perform as part of this role, give her a real sense of purpose and more importantly a sense of belonging, something that most individuals strive to achieve.
IGA Ballajura
Rosalie from Ballajura says: "I am nominating my local IGA store. I have lived in the TCCP accommodation since December 2000 in Ballajura just about 1km away from the local Market Place Shopping Centre in where there is an IGA store run by Kevin Rice and his family.
"Since we have moved in they and their staff have been very helpful. They assist us when we need it and know us by name. They will drop us back home if it is raining and drop shopping back if necessary. If we cannot get anything off the shelf or out of a freezer cabinet their staff will assist us.
"I just think it is nice to go into a supermarket and be greeted by friendly staff. It is a tiny shopping centre and staff in all the shops are friendly and helpful and know us all by name."
The Rainbow Tractor Train
Children's entertainment ride, The Rainbow Tractor Train has been nominated for providing a disability friendly activity.
The owner of the ride, Mr Bernie Pusey, has offered to build two new carriages which will be wheelchair accessible, including wheelchair ramps in order that the ride is available to children in wheelchairs.
The ride will be ready by the Yokine Reserve Community Festival, celebrating 60 years of The Centre for Cerebral Palsy taking place on 23 October.
Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant, Subiaco
Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant, Subiaco, has been nominated by social group Table 8. Stephanie says: "During the month of April 2011 our group went to the Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant for dinner. When we made the booking the lady was really helpful and they were happy to rearrange their Tequila Lounge to fit up to eight wheelchairs.
"On the day of the booking I also got a call saying they were concerned that their toilet may be slightly small for a large wheelchair so they had arranged with the Irish pub next door for us to use their toilet and they would help us during the course of the evening. All our clients had a fantastic night and said the staff were so helpful it made the evening every special."
Dome Cafe, Galleria, Morley
Dome Cafe provide an excellent service to their regular customer Val, who is a wheelchair user, every time she goes in for coffee. Over time the staff at Dome have taken the time to get to know Val, and even though she is non-verbal, they have taken the time to see that she uses a communication book to get across what she is asking for.
She has become such a regular that all staff know her by name and they communicate well with her. They always take her order out to her at the table and help set her up. They also take out her money and then put back her change and receipt into her purse. Staff also help to make sure she is clean before leaving the cafe, which is very important to Val.
Through providing this outstanding service to Val, she feels welcomed and it is creating natural networks.
Creaney Primary School
Jennifer, the parent of a child with CP, has nominated Creaney Primary School because they go out of the way to provide an excellent service tok a person with CP.
She says: "I want to nominate Creaney Primary School in Kingsley for the way in which they have gone out of their way to provide an excellent service to my daughter Emily on her commencement at Kindy this year.
"Staff members involved - Mrs Jane Fairs (Vice Principal), Mrs Liana Watson (Classroom Teacher), Mrs Sayers and Mrs Lofthouse (Emily's Aides) and Mrs Waldram (Teacher's Assistant).
"What they did - These staff members went out of their way to ensure that Emily was provided with an excellent, inclusive and supportive environment and education at the commencement of Kindy this year. They also ensured that our family's emotional needs were met. Sending Emily to school was a HUGE step and we were very nervous, fearful and anxious. The above people made this transition easy for all of us. I can drop Emily at school in the morning and know that her needs are met in every way.
"How they did it - Met with me whenever I needed (especially the entire year prior to Emily starting Kindy)
Nothing was EVER too much trouble
Any environmental issues were addressed immediately
They listened to, involved and welcomed Emily's Early Intervention Team from TCCP.
The classroom teacher rearranged the whole classroom to suit Emily's needs BEFORE school started.
They actually FOLLOW her medical plans
When Emily was frightened and anxious about using the disabled toilets and toileting, they decorated the entire toilet area with wall stickers so that she would feel more comfortable
They are always concerned and interested in the wellbeing of Emily and her siblings
They organise regular meetings and catch ups
They supported Emily during the Wheelie Big Challenge, including information, pictures etc in the school newsletter.
They are genuinely excited about Emily reaching her goals and support her in achieving them.
They have enabled OPEN and honest communication. They have helped develop a therapeutic and wonderful working relationship.
I am so grateful and want to thank them. While I know they have obligations at a school level, I really do feel they have gone above and beyond."
Perth Wildcats
Lucy, of The Centre's Opportunities Program, says: "The Centre for Cerebral Palsy's Community Access supports seven clients to attend the home games of the Perth Wildcats during the basketball season. To assist with our student volunteer program with Aquinas College; Nick Ristovic the Wildcats' Membership Manager organises complimentary passes for our volunteers to attend the the home games with clients. This is a positive opportunity for our clients and also for our student volunteers.
"Nick is always on hand to assist with any queries regarding games, seating and membership. This is vital to ensure we provide our clients, leisure buddies and students the best service we can so that on game days thety can confidently arrive at Challenge Stadium to participate in supporting Wildcats. The Wildcats provide excellent parking for our clients: it is easy to navigate to and from the game and it is in very close proximity to the entrance to where our clients are seated. During the season the staff build positive rapports with our clients and get to know them by name, which is paramount to our clients' wellbeing and social connectedness."
Fremantle Football Club (Fremantle Dockers)
Lucy, of The Centre's Opportunities Program says: "We have seven clients that are members of Fremantle Dockers. They all attend the home games with leisure buddies and student volunteers from Aquinas College. Prior to the 2010-2011 season I had discussions with Caitlin Hawkins, a Fan Development Officer at the Fremantle Dockers, regarding the companion card, seating and also volunteer passes. The service Caitlin provided was excellent and she still continues to do so whenever I have any queries. Caitlin assisted in streamlining our clients' seating so that our leisure buddies are in an area where they can all assist each other if needed.
"Upon presentation of our clients' companion cards, Caitlin organsed the refund, which reduced the cost to our clients. During the season from time to time we have encountered a few ticketing issues. Caitlin is always quick to respond and will happily assist where required. We also have a student volunteer program with Aquinas College and Caitlin assisted in securing a membership for Aquinas College to enable a student volunteer to attend the game and support our clients. This program helps build relationships and educates the students on the importance of seeing the person not the disability."
EVE, Burswood Entertainment Complex
Imran is an Independent Living Program client and a regular patron of Eve nightclub, at the Burswood Entertainment Complex. The wheelchair access to the nightclub is excellent and as Imran attends the nightclub independently, access is extremely important to him. He has found their service to be of a high standard; the staff and regular patrons are very friendly and always on hand to help. They assist him with drinks and ensure his safety.
"Feeling safe in a nightclub environment is important to all and Imran feels that the nightclub security and staff ensure his safety at all times. They also assist him with organising a taxi home. The staff of Eve nightclub provides excellent service that fosters inclusion and treats Imran with dignity and respect. He thoroughly enjoys his nights out at Eve taking in the music and the friendly atmosphere. Imran would like to personally thank the manager Shaun, for making sure he is looked after and taken care of."
Xtreme Ice Arena, Mirabooka
Gareth, of The Centre's Opportunities Program, has nominated Xtreme Ice Arena for providing a disability friendly facility. He says: "I would like to nominate Xtreme Ice Arena, Mirrabooka, for a Community Excellence Award. Our clients access the Ice Arena as part of our Feel Good exercise program and thoroughly enjoy the venue.
"Xtreme Ice Arena with the help of part owner Brendan Lowick had a ramp constructed enabling our clients to enter and exit the ice rink. Without this ramp most of our clients who use a wheelchair would not have been able to access the arena."
WA Golf Associates
The WA Golf Club Associates have been long time supporters of The Centre’s never ending Wish List. The Wish List covers specialised equipment to benefits individuals or special projects like our Open Gym and Cassia makeovers.
Ashdale Primary School
Debbie says: "I would like to nominate Ashdale Primary School for the community Excellence Awards.
My son William is 7 and has cerebral palsy, and began at Ashdale primary school this year. The care and support he has received has been outstanding, and it is so comforting for me as a parent, to be able to drop William at school each morning, knowing that he is in the best of care.
"The wonderful staff involved are; Mr Firns (principal) Mrs James (deputy principal) Mrs Hurst (teacher) Mrs Sirna, Mrs Hunter-Smith and Mrs Green (Williams aids).
"Before William even started at school, numerous meeting were held, which included meeting William and seeing him in his previous school environment, to give him the best possible start to school this year. This included meeting his teacher prior to him starting, so both William and myself could get to know her.
"Meetings have continued throughout the year whenever needed, and both Williams’s aides and his teachers are always available for a chat. The school has encouraged all forms of therapy, and love having Williams’s therapists at the school, to assist them with his needs. They have even attended courses at TCCP, so as to help accommodate Williams needs better.
"The school also made sure that Williams’s class was completely accessible, which meant rearranging numerous classes to make sure William had the largest class, to assist him with moving around the classroom. They have provided anything that I have asked for, nothing has been too much to ask.
"The most important thing for me is the way William has been included in everyday school life. From playing jump rope to attending farm school every Tuesday, things are adapted so William can be involved. William loves attending Ashdale Primary, where he is “just one of the kids”. Mrs Hurst and Mrs Hunter-Smith are amazing teachers, I could not have asked for a better start to year one!
"And whilst I have mentioned the immediate staff involved with Williams care, I have to say that all the staff at the school have been wonderful. I am so glad he is at Ashdale primary school, and look forward to the continuing journey of his education."
Special Aussies Foundation
Helen says: "Special Aussies Foundation provides a fantastic website with loads of great information detailing what is available from both private providers and government agencies. From my experience, I have always found out the most useful information from other parents and Special Aussies have complied all this information and made it easily accessible. They also have great information on equipment, play ideas and more.
"Recently Special Aussies ran a school holiday dance program. They organized for a WAPPA student (Renee) to come along and teach the kids a dance sequence. My daughter Emily was in her element and loved it. It is the first time Emily has attended something of this nature and to say she enjoyed it would be an understatement!
"Special Aussies Foundation is run by people who are in a like situation, which to me, means they have me and my daughters’ best interests at heart."
Lions Club of Floreat
The Lions Club of Floreat have been long time supporters of The Centre’s never-ending Wish List. The Wish List covers specialised equipment that benefits individuals or funding special projects like our Boronia Gardens Projects.
The Laguna Veneto Social and Bocce Club
For generously providing their club rooms free of charge for 15 years-plus for one of The Centre's boccia groups.
The Beach House
A disability friendly facility, they are always helpful and supporting of children with CP and like disabilities. The Beach House have friendly staff and volunteers who see the person not the disability. They always make families feel welcome and go out of their way to provide an excellent service to our families.
In addition The Beach House have very generously hosted special events for CP families and have sponsored our Celebrating Strong Families CP Week Event for the past two years. They very generously supply the refreshments free of charge and make families and staff members feel very welcome.
Lorimer Homes
Lorimer Homes are always among the first to put up their hands to support key events like our Walk Wheel Run for Charity, our Wheelie Big Day Out, CP Week and our Charity Golf Day. In addition Lorimer Homes' staff volunteer their time to assist at the Wheelie Big Day Out and with the auctions at our Charity Golf Day.
Perm-A-Pleat
Perm-A-Pleat schoolwear is a long term supporter of people with CP and the work of The Centre. They regularly support The Centre’s mail appeals and provide flexible family friendly working hours for their employees.
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