issue 1 2015 (vol 1) web

Photo courtesy of ABC - Tasmania

Also in this issue:

2New Look!

4White wallabies and possum magic

6From the Board

8Trips Down Memory Lane

Issue 1 2015

(Vol 1)

Peter Harvey celebrates 50 years of service 12

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From the CEOWelcome to Veranto News, our new-look newsletter that is to be our flagship publication to showcase news, information and activities from across Veranto.

Veranto has adopted a new-look style and livery of colours to

take us into the emerging market that is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our website is new, offering a comprehensive array of features to make it easier for users to quickly access the information they need. Our brochures and social media presentations to the world are also sporting the new look.

Veranto News, while giving us a brand new newsletter image, will be retaining the aspects of News & Muse (N&M) that were highlighted as valuable to our readership. That means lots of photos and articles about the people we support, interesting information and commentary on the changes that are occurring as the NDIS continues to roll-out.

To ensure we maintain alignment with our readership, I ask that you provide us with feedback on each edition. With your help, Veranto News can be a relevant, informative and most importantly, an enjoyable read.

Finally, I would like to thank retiring Editor of N&M Graeme Rayner. Graeme gave generously of his time, talent and expertise to produce N&M over several years. The high level of satisfaction that our readers expressed with the publication was a strong endorsement of Graeme’s work. Our most sincere thanks to Graeme.

I hope you enjoy Edition One 2015 of Veranto News.

Paul Byrne

CEO

Veranto has a new look!We’re delighted to introduce to you our new and improved website, showcasing our re-energised logo and colour scheme. These vibrant, modern colours have been chosen to encapsulate our innovative and fresh approach under the revolutionary National Disability Insurance Scheme. Whilst our ethos to enrich lives remains unchanged, our new website focusses on the adaptable and flexible nature of the supports we are providing to people. It’s all about delivering your supports, your way!

Our website’s purpose is to make your virtual experience with us completely engaging. You will find vibrant photos of the people we support and our employees throughout the site, and these images will be updated regularly. The ‘what’s happening’ section links directly to our Facebook feed, and allows you to stay in touch with all the latest news and events from Veranto, the disability sector and the wider community. There is loads of content for you to explore, from information and resources on the NDIS, to pages on our wide range of services. Importantly, it is now easier to connect with us. Whether you have a question, wish to provide feedback or would like to register your interest to get involved with Veranto, it can all be done using our interactive ‘get in touch’ page.

We’re very excited about our new look and website, and we want you to join in on the celebrations as well. From Monday March 30th to Tuesday April 28th we will be giving away a Mother’s Day Hamper to one lucky person who, between these times, likes the Veranto Facebook page. The winner will be announced on our Facebook page at 9am on Thursday April 30th.

Keep your eyes glued to our website in the coming months for more features, including videos and pages dedicated to feature Veranto events and initiatives.

For now, log on to www.veranto.org and check the site out for yourself. We hope you love the new look as much as we do! There is also a picture of the main page of the website on page 17 of this newsletter.

http://www.veranto.org

Veranto News Issue 1 2015 (Vol 1) 3

All aboard for Melbourne adventure

Peter, Patsy and Stanley reunited again. Peter Dunkley at Melbourne Aquarium

David’s been busyDavid Chandler has had a very busy summer break.

David endeavoured to fit as much in as he could.

David has been swimming at the aquatic centre, 10 pin bowling, looking at boats at the Wooden Boat Festival, listening to live music at The Apple Shed, doing his DIY project which is refurbishing the picnic table (most favourite activity ever!) going to Music While You Munch, fishing at Dru point, and a visit to Zoo Doo.

As you can see by the photo, it is safe to say that this summer has been a good one for David.

David with his new belt sander

A holiday to Melbourne was full of adventure for Peter Dunkley and for Oakdale Lodge siblings Stanley and Patsy including a long-awaited family reunion.

The group spent five days in the Victorian capital, enjoying shopping, sightseeing and eating out.

The highlight was the family reunion for Stanley and Patsy with their Melbourne-based brother Peter whom they hadn’t seen for more than 12 months.

Support worker Kerrilyn said:

“The encounter was just delightful to see.

“Not a lot was said between the three siblings but what was said was just so meaningful and the body language and eye contact ‘said’ it all.

“Peter is quite a funny man and could tell us stories of times gone by.

“The evening was absolutely delightful with lots of laughter shared.”

Another day of the trip was spent wandering around the Queen Victoria Markets before heading to see the dinner theatre performance Draculas. They reported seeing some strange looking characters who put on a great show!

They marvelled at the array of things to see at the Sea Life Aquarium including fish, frogs, turtles and crocodiles. The staff members at the aquarium were exceptionally friendly and gave the trio a book of photos of sea life that also contained some photos of them.

That night they headed down to St Kilda for dinner at a place called Abby Road with friend Teresa and her daughter Chelsea.

The final order of the trip was another visit to the Queen Victoria Markets to see if any more bargains could be found - they all ended up with something new.

The last day was a travelling day and they headed back to Hobart feeling they’d had a wonderful few days away full of interesting things.

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White wallabies and possum magicA long-awaited Bruny Island camping trip did not disappoint seven intrepid explorers who went paddling in the sea, toasted marshmallows by the campfire and saw white wallabies grazing at dusk.

With the sun shining down on them Russell, Rohan, Rodney, Graeme, Cleve, Mary and Robyn arrived at the Adventure Bay Captain Cooks Caravan Park.

The group had been waiting three months for the day to arrive and were eager to head to the beach. Mary and Graeme particularly enjoyed jumping the waves and getting wet before everyone walked to the end of the beach and back again. At the furthermost end of the beach the cliff was full of sandstone and the trees and shrubs grew from it sideways.

After exploring the beach, the group went back to the park and rummaged through the scrub to gather twigs, bracken fern and sticks to make a campfire. Russell, Rohan and Cleve then went on to cook up a storm for tea. While waiting for tea, the family camped next door let Robyn hold their four-month-old puppy called ‘Bella’ and Mary got kissed on the nose by their six-month-old baby boy which absolutely delighted her!

After tea, the sun was going down and it was time to head further south east to try and spot the white wallabies that inhabit that end of the island. With torches in hand the group headed off in the van to the beach that lead to the meadow where the wallabies graze.

Robyn, Mary and Cleve on Adventure Bay beach

Everyone crept ever so carefully into the scrub so as not to crunch the foliage underfoot and disturb the wildlife. Within minutes the beautiful white mammals moved into sight. Everyone stood quietly and watched them graze in the meadow. It’s not something many people get to see.

As the evening got darker and it became harder to see, two ghostly beings appeared! There was a familiarity about these beings that reminded us of Russell and Rohan… but was it?

Once back at camp, everyone toasted marshmallows and shared tales of the day by the campfire. Some also enjoyed a beer as they reflected on the wonderful day. Most then headed off to bed, leaving only Rodney and Jeannie next to the campfire until late.

The next morning everyone awoke to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. While eating breakfast outside on the deck Robyn and Jenny complained that some possum had been disturbing them throughout the night. Pebbles were tapping against their bedroom window and then they saw a big possum with a torch run off into the night. Thank goodness the possum didn’t get caught!

It wasn’t long before rumbles of thunder could be heard and the sky came alive with lightening. Down came the rain, forcing a rapid change of plans. Everyone packed up their belongings and headed off to Snug for a late BBQ lunch. On the way home the van was buzzing with chit chat and laughter about the antics of the trip.

Russell and Cleve admiring some of the cliffs on Bruny


Hard work recognisedAfter 15 weeks of hard work Ray was recently awarded a Certificate II in Horticulture.

He completed the course, run by the Royal Botanical Gardens, and was presented with his certificate by Derwent Valley Mayor Martin Evans.

The course was conducted at the Derwent Valley Community Gardens and after the certificates were presented the students celebrated with drinks and nibbles in the Community Garden.

Derwent Valley Mayor Martin Evans presenting Ray with his Certificate II in Horticulture

Course group pose with their certificates

Splashing good time for Laura

Laura could think of no better present than the pool she received this Christmas.

And with the helpful handy work of Peter and Matt she can now enjoy it any time. Anytime the weather permits that is!

Laura’s love of water activities started at a young age going surfing and diving with her father. These days Laura is never happier than when she is in water.

But, Laura needs the assistance of a hoist to get in and out of the pool and it was not possible to get the hoist base under the pool.

Peter, with Matt’s help, came to the rescue and built a platform for the pool to sit on, allowing the hoist to fit underneath.

While the weather this summer has been a little patchy, Laura has made use of the pool at every opportunity.

The joy on her face and the giggles when she’s in the water are priceless.

Laura in her new pool

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From the BoardIt’s hard to believe it is almost the end of March with Easter only a couple of weeks away! As usual there has been plenty of activity in the first few months of the year and lots to celebrate. Here are a few highlights from Board Chairperson Ginna Webster:

Life Members

Life Memberships were awarded to previous Board Directors Anne-Marie Stranger and Arthur Jones at November’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Anne-Marie and Arthur both completed their full complement of years of service at the 2013 AGM. In presenting the Life Memberships, the Board and members recognised the extraordinary contribution they both made to the lives of the people we support, to the organisational development of Veranto and for the stewardship of the history, values and principles that continue to guide Veranto. Anne-Marie held positons of Deputy Chair and Chair and was the Convenor of the Strategy & Planning Forward Committee. She also sat on the Finance, Policy Development, Risk Management, and Marketing & Communications Committees. Arthur held numerous positions including Secretary from 2009- 2013 and was the Convenor of the Policy Development Committee where he saw the development of policies on Computer & IT Access and Usage, and the Policy Development Guidelines. He also sat on the Asset Management, Strategy & Forward Planning, and Client Policy Committees.

Christmas Party

The Acorn Christmas Party was another resounding success and as you can see from the photos it was lots of fun. Thanks to the Acorns for continuing to make such a valuable contribution to the people we support, particularly at Christmas time when everyone is so busy with their own lives.

Annual Veranto Day

The Annual Veranto Day, run by the Rosny Park Bowls Club Ladies Section, is an event which all directors love to attend to say thank you to the Club, and to practice their bowling skills with the people we support. Rosny Park Bowls Club has fundraised for Veranto\Oakdale Lodge for at least 45 years and it is greatly appreciated. This year the Club raised $650 and a cheque was presented to our Company Secretary Brenton West. But without doubt, the main reason this event is a highlight of the Board calendar is the fantastic afternoon tea that is provided by the club. I think it is safe to say this year Brenton did us proud, not only with his bowling talents but his ability to sample a considerable percentage

of the treats on offer! Thanks again to the Rosny Park Bowls Club for their continued generosity.

Anniversaries

Tina Chandler and Anthony Ozols recently celebrated 10 years as highly valued members of the Veranto team. Tina was presented with her anniversary certificate from Treasurer Todd Hitchins and Anthony from Deputy Chair Sue Leitch. Congratulations to both Tina and Anthony and thank you for being part of the Veranto family.

Retirements and Appointments

After more than four years as a member of the Veranto Board Director Sarah Patterson retired at the 2014 AGM.

Sarah’s contribution to Veranto since joining the Board has been significant. Sarah not only brought her legal and financial knowledge to the organisation but was also a regular attendee at social functions, building a great rapport with fellow Directors, staff and people we support. Sarah served as both a member of the Finance Committee and Marketing and Communication Committee during her tenure.

On top of her day job with the Tasmanian Government, during her term on the Board, Sarah and her husband Tristan also managed a major renovation of their house, had their first baby James and more recently welcomed their second child Thomas Robert Patterson on 17 February 2015.

We are very grateful of Sarah’s contribution to Veranto and will certainly miss seeing her (and her lovely family) around the place.

I am very pleased to welcome Margot Maddock who is filling a Board vacancy on a casual basis until the next AGM. Margot is the Practice Manager with Hobart legal practice Simmons Wolfhagen with considerable experience in both the legal and financial sectors. Margot is a CPA and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Margot’s skills and experience compliment our other Board members nicely and we are very fortunate to have her as part of our team. Margot has really thrown herself into her new role as Director and I know you will all join me in welcoming her to the Veranto family.

Strategic Planning Day

The management team and the Board will get together in April for their annual strategic planning day, something that I am really looking forward to. I know all the Board appreciate the opportunity to work with Paul’s talented and inspirational team. I look forward to reporting back to you in the next edition of Veranto News.


New Look

I would also like to note that this is the first edition of Veranto News, our new and improved newsletter that will keep you up-to-date with everything that is happening in and around Veranto. This first edition also provides an opportunity for us to launch our new colour scheme and design. The Board is thrilled with the new corporate image which will be progressively applied across all our materials in the coming weeks, starting with the website. This change retains our strong links to the past while also reinforcing that Veranto is a modern and professional organisation committed to quality and continuous improvement. I hope you like the new look of both the logo and the newsletter as much as I do.

Peter & Graeme enjoying a game of lawn bowls with the Ladies from Rosny Bowls Club

2014 Veranto AGM

Footy Fever for Acorn BranchA footy fever day organised by the Acorn Branch saw people come along to Oakdale Lodge in their favourite footy club colours.

Much to the dismay of Veranto CEO Paul Byrne, there were far more Hawthorn colours than Geelong!

After a barbecue lunch, everyone was entertained by Julie and Tim who provided music with people singing along, tapping their feet and showing off their dancing skills. There was some considerable talent on display with some very interesting dance moves. Thank you to all those who helped to make this such an enjoyable event.

The Acorn Branch’s first fundraising morning tea for the year will be held on Wednesday 8th April at Oakdale Lodge at 10.30am. The cost is $8.

If you would like to attend, please book by phoning Maureen on 6247 7915.

David listening to Julie & Tim

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Trips Down Memory LaneMoment of reflection at Cornelian Bay

Cleve and friends went for a drive back in time to his first family home on Rosny Hill. Cleve lived there with his Mum and Dad and told us stories of his early years.

Sadly, Cleve’s Mother passed away in 1981 and she was buried at Cornelian Bay cemetery - Cleve was keen to visit the cemetery and find his Mother’s resting place.

For some time, we looked for the grave site but as the cemetery is so big we ended up going to the cemetery’s office to see if they could help us. The ladies in the office were wonderful and very helpful. They were able to print out a map of exactly where Cleve’s Mum was buried and the map had her name and the date she was buried on it. He was delighted that he was able to keep the map.

He was certainly in the right vicinity, but the area was still so large. He knew his Mum was laid to rest with a view of the Tasman Bridge. He placed a single carnation on his Mother’s head stone and shared a quiet moment before leaving. Cleve was really happy to have achieved this.

Cleve then went on to show us the second home he lived in with his Dad in Lindisfarne, which he still regularly visits. Cleve was happy to see that his long time neighbour, Jane Wilson, was home this particular day and up for a chat. We then headed off to Cleve’s choice of BBQ spot at Lindisfarne for a late lunch.

Cleve loves cooking a BBQ with a good steak and is always willing to be head chef. At the BBQ site, we met a lady called Jill who was on a walk with her large, very friendly and well behaved dog, ‘Melody’. Melody was happy to have a pat and a scratch from everyone in the group. Later on, we caught up with his neighbour Jane again, this time walking her dogs.

Chops on the barbie bring back

memories for Joy

Joy and some of her longtime friends enjoyed a drive back in time to Dodges Ferry.

Joy fondly remembered her early childhood years and the family home she shared with her Mum, Dad and sister. When arriving at the house, Joy recognised the window where her old bedroom used to be and shared the stories of growing up in the old house that still looked so familiar to her.

Joy sadly recalled her Dad going away for a long time to fight in the War. She also remembered as a young girl her Mum asking her to go to the shop to get the bread and other supplies. Joy said she often went to the beach, which was just across the road and down a short dirt track. She didn’t like to swim but she loved to paddle her feet in the water.

Joy used to help her Mum cook the dinner and recalled burning the chops more than once. She revealed that she really likes lamb loin chops, so with that we purchased some chops and went to a lovely park in Dodges Ferry to cook up a BBQ. Joy was quite delighted to be turning the chops on the grill. This time she didn’t burn them and we were all rather happy about that! Joy found a shady spot to eat her chops and other goodies, and also enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea.

Cleve’s family home

Joy on her way down ‘Memory Lane’ to Dodges Ferry


Trips Down Memory LaneCourting old memories

Maxine reminisced about old times when she visited her childhood home of Franklin.

She enjoyed lunch at the old court house building, a building she remembered as operating as a court!

Maxine was very chatty about things she remembered about growing up, like her brother working at the local pub and her other brother going to meetings at the local hall.

On the way back to Kingston, she recognised the house she used to live in and wanted to have a look. There was a lady in the front garden, so we got out and asked her about the house. The woman was lovely and after we explained that Maxine had grown up in the house she invited us inside.

Maxine was very excited to go inside and remembered her old bedroom and many other things throughout the house. She also remembered a building on the property as being the old bakehouse where old Henry baked bread.

Life’s a beach for TimIt was a trip down memory lane for Tim when he took his friends to see the home he grew up in West Hobart.

Tim was wearing a big smile as he shared stories about his family growing their own strawberries, apricots and quinces and about how he liked to chase the chooks around. Of course, he said when he wasn’t chasing them he collected their eggs. His Aunty Doris liked to cook rock cakes and Tim liked to eat them. He also liked to go to the local pub for lunch with his Mum and enjoy a beer.

One time the house caught on fire and his Dad had to call the fire brigade. It was after this that the family moved into Arthur Street in West Hobart.

Tim and his family used to holiday every Christmas in a shack down at Dodges Ferry. Tim loved going to the shack as it was only a stone’s throw across the road to get to the beach. Tim and his siblings would go to the beach where they would enjoy a swim and a spot of fishing off the sandbars. The family also loved a good game of cricket on the beach once the tide went out. Tim remembers his Dad catching a snake or two down at the shack and how his Dad had to chop their heads off.

Everyone enjoyed a BBQ at Dodges Ferry and listening to more of Tim’s stories. A quote from Tim that day was, “What a wonderful life I’ve had.” And what a wonderful day everyone had too.

Maxine in front of her old family home

and having lunch in the old court house Tim out and about

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Natalie sees life in another ‘Dimension’While holidaying in the United Kingdom this year, Coordinator - Individual Support, Natalie Rose spent two days seeing how specialist service provider Dimensions UK supports people with learning disabilities and people who experience autism. Here she reflects on her experience:

I had the privilege of spending two days with Dimensions UK, a not-for-profit organisation supporting around 3,500 people and their families with 5,000 staff throughout England and Wales.

Over the two days I wanted to find out about:

- How an organisation of such scale keeps person centred thinking alive

- How personal planning was undertaken and used within the organisation

- Ways of involving and engaging people they support and families within the organisation

- eLearning systems (online learning)

- How does Dimensions measure success

I spent the first day in their Worcestershire office where I got to visit some of the homes of the people they support and speak to residents and staff. It was fantastic to see the interactions between everyone. Staff seemed very positive and motivated whilst the people they supported were relaxed and happy. Two Dimensions managers took me through how personal plans are conducted as well as the role of intake.

One the second day, I spent time at the head office in Theale. I was shown through their award winning Person Centred Thinking eLearning. Online learning has become a huge part of their training due to the size of the organisation. Dimensions staff members have been very positive towards this training and are encouraged to use the training as a resource guide for continual learning and reflection.

I was also shown through the quality and compliance side of the business. It was really interesting to learn how Dimensions has developed its own set of standards that balance compliance auditing and quality auditing. This meets the requirements of the regulators but also improves service delivery. We can tick and flick boxes that tell us people are ‘healthy and safe’ but how do we know we are recognising what is important to people? Are people happy with our service or having a good life? Are we actually listening?

I spent a lot of time talking about best practice and some of the ways in which Dimensions ensures that

people they support are at the centre of everything they do. Some of these included using people with disability as paid ‘experts’ for quality checking, using family consultants and using personal plans at an individual action level. Their strategic decision-making is also informed and facilitated by ‘The Council’ which is an elected body of people whose primary role is to allow the voice of people supported by Dimensions to be heard. They meet directly with the Board on a number of occasions throughout the year.

It was fantastic to see similarities between Veranto and Dimensions. The strengths and struggles are all too similar. We are both on the personalised journey with Dimensions leading the path. Even though Dimensions is so large, they are still maintaining a quality service that listens to people and lives and breathes the person centred approach.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to Dimensions UK for a life changing two days. I am so excited to be back at work and seeing how some of the things I learnt can be embedded into Veranto practice.

Natalie Rose

Coordinator - Individual Support


A new perspective on Person Centred ThinkingPerson Centred Thinking (PCT) is a concept that has been at the heart of Veranto’s way of operating for some time now. It’s a term that many people may have heard. But what does it actually mean to the people Veranto supports?

Veranto HR Business Support Officer, Hannah Sun, spent two days on a PCT training session and found out more about how support workers apply it. Here are her thoughts:

Recently I attended a PCT training session. I was the only person in the room who was not a support worker and I was keen to see how it was applied in day-to-day-support. Throughout the training session we were asked to stand in the shoes of the people we support and my eyes were truly opened to what a wonderful difference PCT makes to them.

In one exercise we were asked to write down our morning routines in fine detail – getting up, having breakfast, getting ready for work, leaving the house etc. - and then compared them amongst the 17 people on the course.

Some of us are fluid in how the morning routine runs, but others (me included) could not bear to live with such a lack of routine. Each of us has developed a routine where we have a very valid reason why things happen in a certain way. After reading each other’s morning rituals, the exercise was put into perspective when Anthony asked us to imagine we were the person being supported during an early morning shift. How would we feel if we were exposed to seven different staff, on seven different days, each with seven different rituals of their own? How would we feel if our own morning ritual was being ignored? It really made us understand a lot more about what the people we support experience.

We also thought a lot about ‘mindfulness’. We hear the word ‘mindful’ used loosely and frequently these days. Mindfulness is one of the most powerful tools we can apply at work and in our personal lives. If each Veranto employee applies mindfulness on a daily basis, we will be in a better position to stop and consider what affect our actions are having on others and ask the question: Is what I’m doing important ‘to’ the person we are supporting or important ‘for’ them? Even better, with mindfulness, we can work towards finding a perfect and workable balance between these two elements.

In my area of Human Resources, we’re working toward matching staff to the people we support. The idea is that we match the most appropriate staff to the needs and desires of a person. Increasingly, we are being asked to support an individual to learn a new skill or to spend

time with a person enjoying what they enjoy. Wouldn’t it be great to come to work and teach someone the skill of fishing or swimming if you also have a love of fishing or swimming? Matching staff is another of the many key and valuable lessons we covered during our two-day PCT training. Initially, matching staff is being trialed in the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Individual Support Package space with the hopes that can be used more broadly throughout our group homes and Oakdale Lodge.

Usually, you’re lucky to take on board a handful of tricks and tools from a training session. I believe I am speaking on behalf of all 17 people in our PCT training session when I say that we’re now armed with so many tools that we’re eager to implement or apply in our work and, as a bonus, in our daily lives.

Thank you Ian, Anthony, Sonya and Natalie for all of your wonderful efforts preparing and facilitating this valuable training for your Veranto co-workers.

Hard at work during the recent 2 day Veranto PCT training

Top photo creating a 1 Page Profile,

2nd photo learning about the 4+1 tool

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Peter Harvey - 50 years of Service at Oakdale Industries

Oakdale Lodge Resident Peter Harvey was invited to a very special presentation at Oak Tasmania’s Oakdale Industries on Monday 23rd March 2015. Peter received a framed certificate and gift acknowledging 50 years + of continuous employment with Oakdale Industries. Peter’s achievement was recognised by some very distinguished guests including His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove and Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman.

The Governor-General presented Peter with a framed certificate recognising his 50 years of service, followed by Oakdale Industries Divisional Manager John Hollis presenting Peter with a wooden sailing boat clock. Both the Governor-General and Manager spoke about Peter’s achievement and his time at Oakdale Industries in front of his work colleagues, Management, family & media.

Peter very proudly showed off his wares and smiled for the cameras as several news reporters were onsite to capture this special occasion. Peter was also very pleased to have his sister, brother-in-law and nieces and nephew in attendance to share this significant achievement. Peter couldn’t wipe the smile off his face all day and very excitedly told his housemates

and support staff ‘I’m a film star’. In conjunction with this special milestone, Peter retired from work the following day on 24th March. His workplace organised an afternoon tea celebration with his work mates. When Peter was asked what he will do in retirement he said ‘Take it easy’ & ‘Spend more time on the (family) farm’.

Congratulations Peter on achieving 50 years of service!

Ross day trippers spring surprise reunionFormer Oakdale Lodge employee Jenny Brickell got a wonderful surprise when residents Russell, Rohan, Rodney, Graeme, Cleve, Mary and Robyn visited her at her café in Ross.

Jenny had no idea the group was coming to visit her ‘Shearers and Shooters’ café and it was a delightful reunion. Jenny is head cook at the café so the group placed their orders and then all sat together sharing tales of times gone by and plans for the future.

Once we had finished lunch we walked some of the streets and admired the scenery. We saw old houses, huge trees that had been standing for such a long time, an old sandstone building that used to be a church and the convict bridge built in 1836.

We went into the antique store and looked at furniture, toys, tools and kitchen goods to name a few. It was here that Russell found a cap that was so well suited to him he had to buy it. Rohan shuffled through many CDs and found one he liked. Heading out of the store, the group spotted two old red phone boxes, one of them had been restored and could be used as a public phone. Day trippers surprising Ross

Peter with his gift from Oakdale Industries

The day was now drawing to a close so everyone wandered back to the café and said farewell to our old friend with a promise to return.


Rosemary tells an unexpected storyA very special rosemary plant is starting to flourish in the Oakdale Lodge courtyard under the attentive care of Stuart.

Stuart planted cuttings last year from a rosemary plant that came originally from a cutting brought back from Gallipoli by a World War I soldier from New Town.

The first cuttings would not strike, so Stuart’s second attempt started with stripping leaves from the mother plant, and laying the branch on the dirt with a brick on it. After a few weeks, a healthy root ball developed.

Stuart has purchased a pot, which is in the central courtyard at Oakdale Lodge. He intends to put small herbs around the side of the pot, not only creating a beautiful feature with an amazing story, but also using the plants to create culinary delights.

Stuart planting the rosemary

What an AdventureSam received a sea plane adventure ticket for his 21st

birthday. Sam was very excited and a little bit nervous to go on his plane ride.

When Sam arrived, he was very enthusiastic about meeting everyone who would be going on the plane with him, especially the pilot. Before going on the plane, there was a safety briefing. Sam found it hard to listen without asking which lucky person would get to sit in the front with the pilot. At the end of the briefing, the group decided that because Sam was the most excited he could be the one to sit in the front.

Sam got to see the Tasman Bridge, Government House, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and the whole City of Hobart along with the mouth of the Derwent River, Kingston Beach, Blackmans Bay and South Arm.

It’s football timeGraeme, Rodney and Janelle went on an overnight trip to Launceston to watch Hawthorn v’s Collingwood in the NAB Cup at the Aurora Stadium. The guys really enjoyed the football, but unfortunately Collingwood were the victors! Graeme, Rodney and Janelle all agreed that Hawthorn played well, but stated that they can’t win them all so better luck next time.

Back at the hotel, Rodney and Graeme were lucky enough to jump in the spa which of course they thoroughly enjoyed. In the morning, they all decided to skip breakfast and head straight to Ross to catch up with Jenny Brickell at the Shearers and Shooters café. Jenny (who used to work at Veranto) was very surprised and excited to see the guys. Rodney and Graeme really enjoyed chatting to Jenny over brunch and a coffee. Before leaving, they took some photos with Jenny in front of the café then headed back home to the Lodge. The guys said they had a great time and would love to go again.

Sam’s front seat adventure Janelle, Graeme and Rodney kicking off the season

After the flight, Sam shook the pilot’s hand and thanked him for a great trip. Sam enjoyed it so much, he decided to have lunch and an ice-cream on the Wharf while watching the plane take off again.

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Vale Betty DunkleyVeranto Life Member Betty Dunkley and mother of Oakdale Lodge resident Peter, sadly passed away in December 2014. Betty was a dedicated member of the Acorn Branch and was still active well into her nineties. Betty contributed her own experience to the Branch and her ideas and suggestions were always practical. Maureen McDonald recalls the Acorn Branch respected her wisdom and still viewed her as a member and when ill health prevented Betty from attending meetings she was still recorded as an apology in the minutes.

In 1998, the Board determined to name the refurbished Men’s Wing “The Dunkley Wing” in recognition of the contribution made by Mr Geoff and Mrs Betty Dunkley over so many years.

Excerpt from the 1997/98 Southern Branch Report: “Aged care funds – The Branch contribution of $50,000 to assist with Stage 4B, the lower men’s wing has been most rewarding. The updated and refurbished facility being named the Dunkley Wing was just and fitting. The majority of those present here tonight will know of the commitment by Mr and Mrs Dunkley to the needs of the intellectually disabled, has been of a life time. To quote Mrs Dunkley, “the joy they have had over this time was so rewarding they could do it all over again and modestly added they were not alone during this time, many others had contributed also”. The executive and members of the Branch congratulate them on their achievement”

Peter, Betty and Geoff Dunkley

Christmas Staff & Family BBQ

Veranto held a Staff & Family Christmas BBQ on Saturday 8th November at Tolosa Street Park. Those in attendance enjoyed a lovely BBQ lunch cooked by our CEO, Paul Byrne, followed by some sweet treats. Fun games and activities were provided for the children including bubble wands, egg & spoon races, totem tennis and a lolly treasure hunt. Many children also had their face painted and/or several balloon creations made by the balloon artist in attendance.

Thank you to the face painter & balloon artist from Make Believe Children’s Entertainment who entertained the children.

It was a great day for staff & Management from across the organisation to get together to celebrate the festive season and to socialise in a relaxed setting.

Fun for everyone at Staff & Family BBQ


Group fascinated by Port Arthur history

A boat ride, a picnic lunch and an eye-opening history lesson made for a very interesting summer’s day out to the Port Arthur historic site.

The group, comprising Mary, Robyn, Maree, Rohan, Julie, Ian, Joy, Tim, Cleve, PeterHarvey, Peter Dunkley and Stanley went on a boat ride around the nearby islands with some people choosing to sit outside on the upper deck while others sat inside.

After the boat ride some of the group got to ride in a buggy, driven by a man called Lindsay who drove around many of the historical buildings telling stories of a time long ago. Lindsay asked questions on the way around like, “who do you think lived here or there and why?” Tim impressed Lindsay by getting quite a few of them right.

After the buggy adventure everyone sat in the meadow admiring the scenery and having a picnic lunch. After lunch Maree, Rohan, Mary and Robyn got curious about some of the buildings and wanted to go inside some and have a look. There were so many stories behind every house and building.

The group walked on further to explore the penitentiary. Maree and Rohan were particularly interested in what went on inside these walls! They imagined what it must have been like for all the people that were condemned to Van Diemen’s Land - so many of the stories were truly moving and unbelievably sad. Everyone walked away thankful that they did not have to live in such harsh times.

On the way home the group’s thoughts were with the people and the animals that had to spend their lives out in this once harsh place.

Robyn, Mary and Stanley in the Port Arthur gardens

Ray’s Custom CardsRay from the VSLO program in New Norfolk has recently started his own business – Ray’s Custom Cards. Ray is passionate about his hand-crafted cards, which he uniquely tailors to suit any occasion and any request.

For Ray, having his own business is more than just the cards itself – it gives him an opportunity to develop a range of new skills; it provides an income which he uses to help support his family and it has helped strengthen and create friendships for Ray in the community. Ray’s dream is to one day fund a website for his business, and to grow and develop his knowledge and skills in this area further at TAFE.

Prices for Ray’s Custom Cards are: $5 per card and $10 per 3-pack of cards

If you’d like to purchase cards from Ray’s hand-crafted collection, or would like Ray to customise a card, or series of cards for you, please email your request to: [email protected]

You can also phone in your requests to Veranto on 6244 8846 who will in turn get you in contact with Ray.

Cards are available for pick up from the Cottage in New Norfolk and Southern Branch House, Warrane. Where possible, Ray can also deliver any purchases to you on request.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Ray selling cards at Glenorchy Markets

16

Veranto GrowthOver the past 12 months Veranto has seen a significant growth in people seeking our services. This has come about from people with both Individual Support Packages (ISP) and National Disability Insurance Scheme Plans (NDIS Plans).

People have been looking for a variety of support, including:

- Building capacity within their community – getting out and about

- Learning a new skill such as cooking, catching public transport and budgeting

- Mentoring and peer support

- Case management

- Assistance with daily personal activities

The growth has definitely kept us on our toes. We have needed to develop systems to support the growth including recruitment of more staff, facilitating new training opportunities, restructuring management, building a stronger intake system, strengthening

The new look Veranto website

marketing tools and enhancing current processes to be as flexible and robust as possible.

The supports people are asking for has also changed; with people wanting more flexible supports and shorter hours. It is also fantastic to see families and individuals having more control and confidence in telling us what they want, and how and when they want it. This is exactly what we want – more choice and control for people!

The increase in new people we support, we believe, has come from continuing to develop a strong relationship with the Gateway, National Disability Insurance Agency, Schools, other service providers and existing participants and families. The feedback we are receiving is positive; with people telling us they find Veranto flexible, person centred and that we match staff with people really well. This is something we pride ourselves on.

Veranto currently supports 113 people, ranging from 5 years old to 89. We like to tell people who are interested in Veranto services that ‘it all starts with a conversation’. Come and talk to us about what supports you might need and how you would like to receive them. It is all about delivering your support, your way!


Veranto knows how dedicated, hard-working and committed our workforce are in their efforts to enrich the lives of the people we support. Going above and beyond has simply grown to be a part of our culture, and there is never any compromise on delivering the best possible Person Centred service.

As a part of the rollout of our Strategic Plan 2014-16, we are rewarding our employees for their positive contributions towards the success and reputation of Veranto.

The Peter Harvey Employee Excellence Awards have been formed as a greater way to say ‘thanks’ to our diverse and talented workforce. The awards have been appropriately named after Peter, as he and his family have been long supporters of Veranto and have given so much to help our organisation develop and thrive.

Every Veranto employee is eligible to be nominated for these awards, and anyone, including members of the wider community, is able to nominate others for the awards. Individuals, groups of employees, or whole teams can indeed be nominated.

The key criteria to be eligible for nomination is that employees demonstrate exceptional services to Veranto and/or the people we support, which go above and beyond the norm, and are aligned to our principles:

• Innovation

• Integrity

• Quality

• Respect

The electronic nomination form is already available on Veranto’s intranet for employees to access and will shortly be available on our website for everyone to use.

The Peter Harvey Employee Excellence AwardsThe awards operate on a quarterly basis, and commenced on 1st December 2014. They are assessed through a consultative approach, led by the Executive Management Team.

Award Quarters:

1st December 2014 – 31st March 2015

1st April 2015 – 30th June 2015

1st July 2015 – 30th September 2015

1st October 2015 – 31st December 2015

Individual recipients of the Peter Harvey Employee Excellence Awards will receive a:

Certificate of Excellence

$100 Gift Voucher

Personal Congratulations Card created by Ray Miller (VSLO Program)

Team recipients will be taken out to Lunch by a member of the Executive Management Team, and each member will receive a Certificate of Excellence. In addition, the person who nominated the successful recipient will also receive a small gift.

There is no limit to how many recipients there may be in any quarter, and awards will be presented and celebrated at Team Meetings.

In the next edition of Veranto News we will announce and celebrate the award recipients for the first quarter.

For more information on Employee Recognition, contact Human Resources:

E: [email protected]

P: 03 6244 4486

Peter Harvey

mailto:[email protected]

18

Acorn Branch 2014 Christmas PartyPhotos by Jack Robert-Tissot

20

Deep sea fishing with MatthewHi, I’m Matthew Hoori, and I live in Blackmans Bay.

I was recently invited on a ‘boy’s fishing trip’ out of Kettering on a fishing boat. I had never been fishing before and I was very excited to be going into deep waters I cast out my line - I waited and waited but had to be patient for a while - then I had a tiny nibble.

I jerked on the line and wound it really fast and caught my first fish! I had such a wonderful time even though the 3 baby fish I caught had to be thrown back because they were under size.

I had the most brilliant time and so when I got home, I asked if I could buy my own fishing rod and go fishing more often. . .

Waiting....waiting....got a nibble!!!!

PJ and JakeThe Oakdale Lodge family has grown by 2 - PJ and Jake. Their arrival has been many months in the making.

On behalf of Lodge Management and Residents we would like to thank the following people for enabling this adoption to go ahead;

Thank you to:

Lesley and Jayde from Rescue Cats Safe Haven for assisting us to adopt suitable cats for our home.

Bob Percival (Father of a Lodge resident) who very generously donated his time to design, build and install a cat enclosure for PJ and Jake, In addition to this, Bob also donated all of the materials he purchased to build the enclosure ($631 in total). Thank you also to Graeme Percival and TJ Ingram who assisted Bob to install the enclosure.

Thank you to the Veranto Acorn Branch who generously

donated $500 which covered the cost of the adoption fee for PJ and Jake and the installation cost for the two cat flaps.

Thank you to Tracey Percival-Ingram (Manager of Oakdale Lodge) who donated her own time to prepare, plan and organise the adoption of pet cats for the Lodge. Tracey also donated $350 to cover the cost of the cat scratching post, pet carrier for travel, two cat flaps, cat bowls, cat bed and a few months’ supply of kitty litter, and food.

With the generosity of everyone mentioned, there has been no cost to the Residents for the initial set up for the Lodge pet cats.

We look forward to many, many years of companionship, love and affection with PJ and Jake.


Bianca enjoying a New Years Day BBQ with a niece Indi Rose

David enjoying the Hobart Aquatic Centre

Ray and Robyn at Acorn Footy Day

Tim and jake PJ and jake

Bianca enjoying summer at the Royal Hobart Botanical Gardens

Anne and Sandra sharing a moment

22

What’s happening in HR?Training and development are important to ensuring Veranto can continue to deliver the best possible service to the people it supports. Here is a snapshot of some of the work being undertaken in these areas:

Qualifications

Our congratulations to staff members who have earned Certificates and Diplomas. The majority of our staff have qualifications in disability studies and we currently have 35 staff studying for Certificates III & IV, Diplomas and Post Grad Degrees and online studies.

Training

Veranto has invested a great deal of time and resources into Person Centred Thinking training and the majority of our 172 (94 FTEs) staff have now been trained in how to assist the people we support to achieve an even greater, meaningful and personally satisfying way of life.

Training continues to be an important part of human resources of course, although we are becoming more discerning in what we provide. In addition to essential training, some of the courses for the year to date include:

• Record keeping, digital record keeping and disposal of records

• Emotional Intelligence

• The New Manager

• Supporting a Positive Lifestyle (Active Support for Firthside)

• Youth Mental Health First Aid

Conferences and seminars

Some of the conferences and seminars attended in the past year include:

• NDS Support Worker Conference in Hobart

• NDS Conference in Geelong

• Good health, Good Business Conference in Hobart

• Leadership Development

• ASID

Milestones

Congratulations to Tina Chandler and Anthony Ozols for reaching 10 years of service with Veranto.

Health and wellbeing

We have started a health & wellbeing group in order to

do our part in addressing mental health & health issues in the workplace. We look forward to participation from all sectors of our workforce.

Quality Assurance

Our Quality Management System has been successfully re-assessed for another three years. We have been certified now for 14 years. The system continues to run well and underpins everything that we do at Veranto.

Division staff

Angela Gough, our HR Coordinator has returned from parental leave and Kylie Moore who has been acting coordinator returns to her role of HR Officer this month. Hannah Sun who has been acting HR Officer moves to the role of HR Business Support Officer.

Award

Congratulations to Veranto’s own Jayoung Hahn on receiving ‘International Student of the Year’ (VET sector) at the 2014 Study Tasmania International Education Awards. Jay received this prestigious award as a result of her outstanding work in completing her Certificate III in Disability. Jay’s TAFE teacher, Scott Eversham, nominated her for her natural ability to assist and mentor others, and also for working in partnership with other International Students to produce exceptional work – including a project on Cerebral Palsy that is now used as a teaching resource at TAFE. Jay was speechless when the announcement was made at the Awards Ceremony. She says it was completely unexpected given the calibre of nominees and was just so honoured and grateful to be recognised in this way. Veranto is delighted for Jay’s magnificent achievement, and is privileged to have support workers like Jay enriching the lives of the people we support.

Jayoung Hahn


Jayoung Hahn with fellow course participants

Tina Chandler and Todd Hitchins

Paul Byrne, Anthony Ozols and Sue Leitch

Management Christmas lunch - Table 1 and Tracey, Evangeline and Ian

Kylie donating blood

Valda, Angela and Natalie donated too.

24

Richard spent an afternoon walking along Windermere Bay in Claremont. He stopped to have a look at the information feature, showing all the different birds that are in the area, as well as the memorial to our services.

Richard was very brave getting to the top of our beautiful icon – Mt Wellington / Kunanyi. Even though it was a quick trip, there was still time to get a couple of good shots.

After coming down from the mountain it was off to Fern Tree for a walk.

And further along, up to Silver Falls…a very appropriate name I’m sure you’ll agree.

A wibbly wobbly walk made for a fun day at Tahune Airwalk for Georgia and Christine of Lenah Valley and Richard from Glenorchy.

The trio enjoyed taking in the views during a leisurely walk across the swinging bridge before going on to explore the nearby town of Geeveston.

A walk along Windermere Bay

On Top of the world

Swinging time at Tahune

Richard bowled over by boatsA day out at the Royal Hobart Regatta saw Richard get down to his beloved business of bowling.

Many people know of Richard’s love of bowling and he certainly earned his drink of fresh Huon Valley apple juice after bowling over a few bottles.

After the Regatta, it was off to Hobart’s beautiful waterfront, for the Wooden Boat Festival.

Another of Richard’s loves is sailing and he really enjoyed walking around looking at all the differ-ent sailing boats in dock.

Richard trying his hand at bowling them all over

7 Acorn Drive Warrane

PO Box 3130, Rosny Park, TAS 7018

Phone 03 62 448 846 | Fax 03 62 448 024

Email [email protected]

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