News

Northcott celebrates ability

9 December 2008

Children, schools, businesses, supporters and members from the local community celebrated the achievements and contributions of people with a disability on Tuesday, 2 December 2008 as Northcott Disability Services in partnership with Parramatta City Council celebrated International Day of People with Disability at Church Street Mall in Parramatta.

2008 International Day of People with Disability

Petta's story

7 January 2009

Petta Patterson is an enthusiastic young woman, who enjoys a bright and early start to the day.

Petta preparing breakfast at McDonalds Northmead

Northcott celebrating Women in Business

Businesswomen, business owners and professionals gathered at the Crowne Plaza Norwest on Thursday, 27 November 2008 for the Coleman & Greig Women in Business Forum to network with other executives and raise funds for Northcott Disability Services’ Adult Christmas Recreation Program.  

A therapeutic answer for children with disabilities

13 November 2008

Children with disabilities in the Macarthur and Wingecarribee areas who are approaching their first year of school now have the option of engaging individualised support to prepare for and take on their first months of school.

Team members of the Macarthur Wingecarribee Therapy Transition Project team Beth Atkins, Speech Pathologist and Shayla Thayer, Occupational Therapist

Cops on the beat for Northcott

13 November 2008

Students at the NSW Police College in Goulburn recently raised $3360 for Northcott Disability Services in memory of Andrew Christison, a former Northcott client who sadly passed away in May this year.

Goulburn Police College presents Northcott with a $3360 cheque

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week November 10 - 16

11 November 2008

For Josh Da Prato, a 15-year-old Tumbi Umbi resident, Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, which runs this week November 10 – 16, holds special significance. Josh is one of the estimated 2.5 million people worldwide who are living with a spinal cord injury after he sustained a spinal cord injruy in a car accident when he was 14.

Janelle and Josh Da Prato

School holiday support

7 January 2008

Ruchi is 18-years-old and attends Mainsbridge Public School at Liverpool. Ruchi, who has epilepsy and autism, has been attending the OOSH program during the school holidays for the past six years.

Ruchi, who uses the OOSH Program during the school holidays

Home sweet home

7 January 2008

Janette Bondy has finally achieved her dream of having a place she can call home, after spending four long years in a nursing home. The 58-year-old year old, who has ankylosing spondylitis, uses a power drive wheelchair for mobility and currently lives in her own home provided by the Department of Housing.

Jannette Bondy inside the modified kitchen of her new house at Greystanes

Making communication easier

For Sylvana Mahmic, the Director of Pathways Early Childhood Intervention at Marrickville, the Early Childhood Assistive Technology Project (ECAT) is a project that is close to her heart, for not only does it make alternative communication options accessible to children and families who use the centre, it also brings together a range of other technology options that she wishes existed when raising her 18-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy and a speech impairment.

Occupational Therapist Samantha and client Holly explore alternative communication options

Disability no barrier to job success

29 October 2008

Employers, including Newington based ParaQuad, were recently recognised at the Jobmatch Employer of the Year Awards on Tuesday, 14 October 2008 for their contribution to building an inclusive society, by employing someone with a disability.

Garry Dale from Freedom Motors presents the Employer of the Year award to Paul Hoppenbrouwer from ParaQuad

Northcott Trivia Night

30 October 2008

Northcott are running a Trivia Night on December 4 2008 at the Northcott Conference and Function Centre. All clients, staff and Northcott supporters are invited so do not miss this night of fun, frivolity and trivia. Click here to download the brochure and booking form for more information.

Support Northcott this Christmas

27 October 2008

Any purchase you make from our selection of Christmas cards will enable us to continue our vision of building an inclusive society for children and adults with a disability by supporting them to develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Northcott Disability Services has also launched their supporter survey. Click here to complete online now, or alternatively, a paper version will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Christmas Bells

Women in sport inspire wheelchair campaign

13 October 2008
Some of Australia’s most influential sportswomen gathered over breakfast on Wednesday, 8 October 2008 at Rosehill Gardens Race Course to help support children and adults with a disability, as part of Northcott’s Women in Sport breakfast sponsored by GHD.

Jayme Paris, Julie Charlton and Nicole Livingstone

Aboriginal Play Links stirs local community

7 January 2008

Christine Dargin is passionate about her role as one of Northcott Disability Services first Aboriginal Group Assistants at Aboriginal Play Links.

Northcott Disability Services and Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation come together to run Aboriginal Play Links

Driven to achieve

7 January 2008

Jake Perkins is an ambitious young adult with so much passion for life. The 18-year-old, who is currently in his final year of high school, has a number of plans for the future.

Jake and his mother Karen enjoy the independence that comes with accessing the CPP Program in Tamworth

Win A Luxury BMW worth $100,000 and $93,000 will be donated to Northcott

29 September 2008
Charity Partners Australia in association with Northcott Disability Services is running an incredible Art Union with the first prize a Luxury $100,000 BMW 323i Coupe.

BMW 323i Coupe

Get set for Northcott's Women in Sport Breakfast

29 September 2008

Take your marks and strap yourself in as some of Australia’s most influential sportswomen gather for a breakfast fit for champions on Wednesday, 8 October 2008 at Rosehill Gardens Race Course for Northcott’s Women in Sport Breakfast.

Nicole Livingstone OAM, MC of Northcott's Women in Sport Breakfast

Beverley Park Residential Service celebrates 20 years in Campbelltown

17 September 2008
Northcott Disability Services’ Beverley Park Residential Service celebrated 20 years as an established community house on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 at 100 Beverley Road, Campbelltown.

Rant and Rave for Northcott

9 July 2008
Start ranting and raving for a good cause, to support children and adults who use Northcott Disability Services centre-based respite house at North Rocks.

Rant & Rave for Northcott - visit www.truelocal.com.au/charity

Northcott gives to local charity

16 January 2009

Thanks to the generosity of Tamworth residents Ben Fenner and Jake Perkins, Ronald McDonald House have benefited with $535 of much-needed funds.

Ben Fenner presents $535 to the house manager of Ronald McDonald House, Raelee Balderston

Support for Valerie and Derek

Valerie McRae is a tireless and devoted mother. The 71-year-old is the full-time carer of her 46-year-old son Derek, who has a mild intellectual disability. Derek is unable to read, write or cook, requires assistance with certain everyday activities and enjoys gardening and shopping.

Derek McRae with his mother Valerie

City2Surf Competitors Heart of Gold

2 September 2008
Paddington doctor Laurent Poorter worked up a sweat in the August 2008 Sun Herald City2Surf to raise funds for Northcott Disability Services. The $200 raised will assist in providing support to children and adults with a disability.

Spina Bifida Awareness Week Breakfast Launch 2008

1 September 2008
The Northcott Spina Bifida Group hosted a folate rich breakfast on Monday, 1 September 2008 at the Northcott Building in North Parramatta, to launch Spina Bifida Awareness Week 2008.

Emilie Lacoba and Linda Thomson embrace Spinasaurus.

Spinasaurus starts spreading the word

19 August 2008
'Spinasaurus’, the big and friendly blue dinosaur, made a visit to children from the John Hunter Children’s Hospital on Friday 15 August, in recognition of Spina Bifida Awareness Week 2008.  

Spinasaurus and Luke Bailey, with staff from the John Hunter Hospital Children's Spina Bifida Clinic.

Meet Linda Thompson - Ambassador for Spina Bifida Awareness Week 2008

1 August 2008
Linda Thomson, Dapto resident and full time mum, is on a mission to educate children and adults about spina bifida in her role as Northcott Disability Services 2008 Spina Bifida Awareness Week Ambassador.

Spina Bifida Awareness Week Ambassador for 2008 - Linda Thomson and son Reilly.

Northcott assists children with disabilities access technology

11 July 2008
Children up to 6 years of age with a disability, as well as families and healthcare workers, converged at Silverlea Early Childhood Services in Broken Hill to receive free screening assessments and training as part of Northcott Disability Services Early Childhood Assistive Technology (ECAT) project on Wednesday, 9 July 2008.

Northcott client Georgia Jonas utilises the new technologies available through the ECAT project

Northcott Disability Services begins a new era of service in Queanbeyan

7 July 2008
Children and adults with disabilities and their families in the Queanbeyan area now have access to dedicated disability services with the launch of Northcott Disability Services’ office in Queanbeyan on 30 June 2008.

Northcott Disability Services CEO Kerry Stubbs (left) and Deputy Mayor Ann Rocca, welcome a new era of service.

UWS students deliver Goodwill to Northcott

11 June 2008
Thanks to the hard work of five final year students from the University of Western Sydney, Northcott Disability Services will benefit from a recent donation of $12,679.80. 

UWS students present their fundraising efforts to Northcott Disability Services.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation supports children with disabilities

23 May 2008
Northcott Disability Services is set to benefit from a $35,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

(L-R) Newcastle Permanent's Darren Kidd, Northcott's Helen Smith and Simon Wilkins, Newcastle Permanent's Mike Slater.

Northcott Celebrate Volunteers

12 May 2008
Elizabeth Bloomfield has been volunteering at Northcott Disability Services since February and believes that volunteers are invaluable to any organisation. 
 

A valued member of staff - Elizabeth Bloomfield volunteering at Northcott Disability Services.

Drive 4 Life presents $100,000 to Northcott!

5 May 2008 
A motivated group of four-wheel drive enthusiasts from
across Australia
recently conquered the remote wilderness of the Victorian High Country to raise $100,000 for Northcott Disability Services.

(L-R) Drive 4 Life representative Chris Bates, Northcott Equipment Solutions Manager Alan MacLellan, Northcott Fundraising Manager Kylie Pike and Drive 4 Life representative Mick Whitehead.

Northcott makes a splash

23 April 2008 
School students with disabilities across Sydney competed at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre as part of Northcott Disability Services Interschool Swimming Carnivals held in March, 2008.

Students enjoy a day in the pool

Eels support Northcott Disability Services

22 April 2008
The Pirtek Parramatta Eels dedicated their Friday 18 April game at Parramatta Stadium to Northcott Disability Services, enabling the North Parramatta based organisation, which supports children and adults with a disability across NSW and the ACT, to raise $2,000 towards their Recreation services. 

Northcott Disability Services Ambassador Peter Wynn, with Northcott client Kimberly Gardner, gives a thumbs up just before taking to the field for the Northcott lap of honour.

A waxing good effort for Northcott

10 April 2008
Many may wonder what waxing has to do with going cycling, including Simon Wilkins - until a few months ago. In a fundraising effort to get himself to
Vietnam, the North Parramatta resident underwent a full body wax...

Simon waxing for a good cause!

Northcott seeks 4WD enthusiasts!

7 April 2008
A motivated group of four-wheel drive enthusiasts from across Australia will conquer the remote wilderness of the Victorian High Country on April 20 – 25, 2008 to raise $100, 000 for Northcott Disability Services. 

2007 Drive 4 Life

Aboriginal Play Links Launches

2 April 2008
Aboriginal families in South West Sydney with children from birth to 6 years now have access to a supported playgroup run by Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal medical service based in Airds Campbelltown, in conjunction with Northcott Disability Services.

Brighter futures are ahead thanks to the partnership between Northcott Disability Services and Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation

Northcott announces new CEO

20 March 2008
Former Executive Director of St Vincent’s Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospice, Kerry Stubbs, has been appointed CEO of Northcott Disability Services.

Parramatta Leagues Club keep well wishes alive for Northcott

19 March 2008
Patrons of Parramatta Leagues Club continue to support children and adults living with disabilities by throwing their change into the Northcott Wishing Fountain in the foyer of the club. 

Parramatta Leagues Clubs Alan Overton with Northcott Fundraising Manager Kylie Pike in front of the Northcott Wishing Fountain

Fitness First for Northcott

18 March 2008
Riding a mountain bike along the highways and byways of Vietnam is an adventure that Liverpool resident Andrew Vargodi will have the opportunity to experience, all in the name of charity.  

The 26-year-old General Manager of Fitness First Auburn will embark on a 1,000km bike ride across Vietnam in June 2008 to support Northcott Disability Services, an organisation that supports children and adults with disabilities across NSW and the ACT.

Andrew Vargodi...ready for the ride of a lifetime!

Northcott's Family Fun Open Day

17 March 2008
Northcott Disability Services opened its doors to the local community for a Family Fun Open Day on Sunday March 16 at their central office in North Parramatta.

Join in the fun at Northcott's Family Fun Open Day!

Jo Ragen - Breaking Boundaries

25 February 2008
Jo Ragen has been a lecturer and Course Coordinator with the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Sydney for the past five years. Her area of expertise lies in the leisure and play of children. She is also currently undertaking her PHD on a part-time basis, focusing on risk-taking and play for children with disabilities, in particular Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

Jo Ragen

Warragamba Play Links turns one

22 February 2008
Civic Park, Warragamba showed its colourful side on Monday February 18 as children laughed at clowns Hot Pot and Aunty Judy, danced the funky chicken and raced toy cars in celebration of Warragamba Play Links 1st birthday.

Leanne Charles and Bryce blow out the birthday candles while Hot Pot the clown, Cecilia and Jeanette look on

A Doodling Success!

21 February 2008
Doodles drawn exclusively for Northcott Disability Services by over 50 Australian celebrities were recently put under the hammer for auction at Northcott’s inaugural Celebrity Doodle Auction, held on Wednesday February 20, 2008 at the Arthouse Hotel, Sydney.

Guests with their winning Doodles!

Jason Lee - Doodling to Make a Difference

5 February 2008
My Name Is Earl star and American celebrity Jason Lee has lent his support to Australian children and adults with disabilities by donating his time to doodle.

Jason Lee with the Doodles he has created to support Northcott Disability Services

Smooth Sailing

1 February 2008
50 National Rugby League rookies representing all NRL clubs joined children and adults from Northcott Disability Services for a sail across Sydney Harbour as part of the NRL Rookie Sailing Regatta on January 29, 2008.

Greta Serov at the NRL Rookie Sailing Regatta

Cycling for Charity

28 January 2008
Riding a mountain bike along the highways and byways of Vietnam is an adventure that Punchbowl resident Richard Lawrence will have the opportunity to experience, all in the name of charity. The 25-year-old will embark on a 500km bike ride across Vietnam in June 2008 to support Northcott Disability Services. Northcott invited adventurous Australians to take part in its Vietnam by Bike 2008 Charity Cycling Challenge in an effort to raise funds for the organisation, with Richard answering the call. Vietnam by Bike 2008 is the adventure of a lifetime starting in Ho Chi Minh City and finishing in Hanoi. To register for the experience of a lifetime, please click here

Richard Lawrence

Celebrate May Gibbs on Australia Day 2008

27 January 2008
In celebration of May Gibbs’ Australian bush characters, Northcott Disability Services is encouraging the community to support children with disabilities this Australia Day by wearing a Gumnut Baby Badge. May Gibbs, an icon of Australian children’s literature and one of the country’s most loved artists and authors, left copyright of all her works to Northcott Disability Services and The Spastic Centre of NSW.

May Gibbs 2nd Series Pin
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