Doing our part to help with bushfire relief
Like every Australian, C2A has been shocked and saddened by the devastation caused by the recent (and ongoing) bushfires…the loss of life, homes and wildlife. Like many Australians, we feel compelled to do our part to help.
C2A will be donating 20% of ALL SALES from our online Gifts with a Conscience range to wildlife rescue appeals. The range includes candles, hand & body wash, reed diffusers, room sprays, wax melts and our specially created “Wildlife Bushfire Appeal Range”.
There’s something special about our products- they’re made by people in your local community who are living with a disability who enjoy supported employment with C2A.
So please help us help others by purchasing something from our range and together we can start the healing process by supporting those organisations that are caring for our wonderful wildlife.
Click here to go straight to our online shop
Thank you 🙂
C2A has expanded its supported employment offer with the recent acquisition of Creative Opportunities in Brunswick.
Originally operated by The Salvation Army, Creative Opportunities is an Australian Disability Enterprise that specialises in timber product manufacture and design that proudly offers supported employment options for people with a disability.
C2A is very pleased to announce from February 3rd, the business will now be known as Connecting2Australia Creative Opportunities (or C2A Creative Opportunities for short). The values of caring, inclusion and diversity remain the same and it’s “business as usual” for the supported employees currently working there as well as their existing suppliers and customers. We have engaged the same employees, offered employment pathways to existing staff, and remain fully committed to the ongoing success and viability of the business.
With C2A’s existing tagline of “Creating Opportunities”, it seemed an organic fit to now add “Creative Opportunities” to the 11 separate hubs we offer across Victoria. C2A is very excited to see what the future brings as we build on the solid foundation that currently exists.
Plans are underway to design and develop a new e-commerce/marketplace website that will showcase a diverse catalogue of reclaimed and recycled timber furniture as well as wide range of homewares products – all of which are created by C2A participants within their supported employment. Here we’re giving you a sneak preview of the shop logo.
For furniture enquiries please contact Creative Opportunities on 9386 7611. For all other matters please contact C2A on 1300 111 212.
We love COLLABORATION at C2A and our Bendigo Work Connections site is collaborating up a storm.
The facebook post by Grow Cook Share Bendigo was a big THANK YOU to our Bendigo site and Kalianna School Bendigo for their harvest donation of spring onions, broad beans, silverbeet and snow peas, weighing in at a hefty 32.5kg of fresh home grown deliciousness. It didn’t last long at the Bendigo Foodshare warehouse and is now being enjoyed a healthy meals by the Bendigo community.
C2A Bendigo were thrilled to have the opportunity to make the aprons for the Grow Cook Share project that then were so beautifully embroidered. Working together is a marvellous thing…let’s ensure it all keeps on growing
FOR the second year in a row, Connecting2Australia’s Wonthaggi’s Catering Group has run a very successful fundraising Trivia Night in support of Phillip Island Wildlife Rescue Shelter.
What makes this story even more heart warming is all aspects of the fundraiser, from sourcing the prizes to doing the catering behind the scenes, were carried out by people living with a disability.
Combined with last year’s Trivia Night results, C2A Wonthaggi’s participants have now raised and donated $2000 to support the wildlife shelter, a voluntary and unfunded service passionately run by Colleen Gilbee and Kaylene Mendola (two wonderful wildlife warriors who work tirelessly around the clock to provide rescue, care, transport and rehabilitation of all native wildlife of Phillip Island and surrounding areas).
About 80 people attended the event with C2A Wonthaggi’s Catering Group organising and preparing the supper with gusto, preparing a selection of sweet and savoury finger food they then served to guests throughout the night.
With the help of the local community that generously donated prizes towards the evening, and the Wonthaggi Bowls Club for once again donating the use of the venue free of charge, the C2A Wednesday Community Inclusion group were thrilled with the outcome of their hard work and overwhelmed by the generosity of their local community who supported their endeavours.
Special thanks to Dan Murphy, MG Trading, Landmark, Vela Nine, Venus Bay Pharmacy, The Kitchen in South, Paul the Pieman, Coles Wonthaggi, North Pier – Cowes, Kaisercraft, Beach Gems, Cape Creations, Bombshell Betty’s Beauty, T.F. McGarvey – AG Contracting, Australia Post Cowes, Hunter Street Dairy, and Bohemian Mumma Designs for their donations and support.
The Trivia Night is just one example of what can be achieved when community works together to help each other – everyone comes out in front. C2A would like to thank everyone involved with the event and everyone is looking forward to an even bigger result next year.
I think we make statements like “where have the last 12 months gone” or “hasn’t the year flown by” but it’s only when you sit and reflect on the last 12 months you realise how much has been achieved. We have all heard the line “what a difference a day makes”; have a look below at the difference an amazing group of people and 365 days can achieve.
This year we have:
· Cemented our organisational values – Integrity, Empowerment, Compassion, Respect and Collaboration are now at the centre of everything we do
· Redesigned our website and developed our social media platforms with a new fresh look to promote C2A across the spectrum
· Relocated to two new sites – our Bendigo and Seaford teams are working out of fresh new premises
· Developed a new range of “gifts with a conscience”, enabling our participants to be an active part in this social enterprise
· Our Pod Op Shop in Morwell has been transformed into an art space
· Art is not the only talent that has been demonstrated with our Wonthaggi team putting on another stunning performance, “Pricilla’s Ballroom”. Traralgon also engaged themselves into the musical theme this year, participating in the Gippsland Music & Drama Eisteddfod with a rendition of the George Ezra hit song “Shotgun”
· We have had outings a plenty, from Motorcycle GP’s to horse-riding, adventure camps, footy games, garden visits, multicultural days and many others. C2A continues to be about being part of our wider community
· Our participants have enjoyed much sporting success on the sporting field with many medals being proudly worn
· Our Business Connections team are a standout not only for their work but also in their new Hi Vis shirts. These shirts have been screen-printed by our Bendigo team who have added our Hi Vis shirts to their already impressive repertoire of products
· Our organisation has participated in many expos and open days across the state and across our hubs. These have all been positive learning experiences and a valuable way for us to demonstrate our capabilities to the wider community and our partners.
None of this is anyway possible without the dedicate efforts of many people:
· Firstly, our participants. You are the heart and soul of this organisation and the only reason we exist. I’m sure I speak for all staff in saying you are totally inspirational and never cease to amaze and inspire
· Our volunteers – whether in one of our Op Shops or at our hubs with participants, you add so much to what our organisation achieves. We appreciate everything you do
· Our supporters – we are incredibly lucky to have a wide variety of organisations that support our work. We have received donations of equipment, support for our products and organisations providing programs and support for our participants. We are extremely grateful
· Our staff – you continue to inspire and your dedication and passion for what we do is unparalleled. Whether you are directly supporting our participants or part of our teams that make things happen behind the scenes, we say thank you so much
· Our Board – who volunteer their valuable time to govern the organisation, we thank you for your commitment and dedication.
I encourage you this Christmas season to invest time on people who you care about. None of us know what’s around the corner and those special moments spent with people who matter will be remembered far more than a gift that may still be in its box.
Merry Christmas to everyone and we look forward to an even better 2020.
AccessAbility Day provided the perfect opportunity for jobseekers with disability and employers to connect for a day and experience what each has to offer.
For C2A participant Bradley Sharp and TuffTurf in Heatherton, that’s exactly what happened. With the help of C2A’s Disability Employment Service Consultant Amanda Clifford, the two parties had a ‘trial run’, where TuffTurf got to explore the concept of employing a jobseeker with disability, while Bradley had the chance to gain an insight into open employment.
Brad currently enjoys supported employment at C2A’s Work Connections Seaford hub where he is part of the grounds maintenance crew and is undertaking his Certificate III in Horticulture at Chisholm. TuffTurf plans, provides, installs, and maintains synthetic turf and surfaces so it was a great opportunity for Brad to dip his toe in the water and trial a different type of work and environment, with him spending time working with Barry in the warehouse.
According to TuffTurf Office Manager Vicky Malliaros, it was a wonderful opportunity for both the business and staff to experience firsthand and one they would consider repeating in the future. Prior to his arrival, a lovely email was sent out to all staff welcoming Brad and a link to AccessAbility Day so staff could better understand the purpose behind it.
“This was the first time we had organised to someone with a disability come to our work and we thoroughly enjoyed it”, she said. “Having Bradley spend the day with us was a delight. He was very happy, friendly, easy to get along with and no task was too hard for him. We greatly appreciated the work he did while he was here”.
For Bradley, the time at TuffTurf was well spent because it proved to him, he is on the right track with his Horticulture course.
“I enjoyed being there and the people were really friendly and nice to me”, he said. “What I did learn was I prefer being outside, even in winter. For me, working outside in the garden is what I love doing the most”.
According to Amanda, that’s exactly what AccessAbility Day is all about. “We’re very grateful to TuffTurf for being so inclusive and opening their doors to provide this opportunity to Brad and we equally commend Brad for stepping outside his comfort zone. It’s all about learning new things, being open to experiences, and figuring out we’re all unique and its not a one size fits all world”.
At C2A we love developing new partnerships with local businesses that help us create opportunities for people living with a disability.
The C2A Business Connections Bayswater work crew were thrilled when they were invited by Harcourts Real Estate Boronia to create some ‘gift packs’ for their agents to present as thanks to new home owners. The gift packs comprise a glass soy candle with a timber lid (made by our very talented C2A supported employees), and a reed oil diffuser featuring the Harcourts logo and a little story about C2A.
This arrangement is ongoing and Harcourts is receiving some wonderfully positive feedback from those who have received the pack. Currently Harcourts Boronia exclusively gives the packs although there is the possibility of other Harcourts branches following suit in the future.
C2A participant Joel Buckley wanted to make a difference to the lives of others, in memory of his mum. So he decided he was going to shave his head for charity and, with the help of his local community and C2A Frankston, Joel raised the incredible amount of $1200 which has been donated to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
This was definitely a ‘team’ effort with a footy day organised at C2A’s Community Connections Frankston hub so there’s a few people and organisations Joel wanted to thank: Frankston Fire Brigade, Frankston Police, Planet Fruit and Vegetables, Campbell Page, Brian Walker, Sooz Hair Dooz, Bertocchi Smallgoods, Frankston French Hot Bread Bakery, Karingal Bulls Football Club, Sam’s Pearl Secrets, Jo @ OC Connections.
The fundraising event/footy day wouldn’t have been the success it was without the support of his fellow Community Connections participants, who all chipped in towards his fundraising, and for the tireless efforts of C2A facilitator Amy Dawson and all C2A Frankston staff. Huge effort, fantastic result, fun day for everyone…Joel, you should feel very proud of what you accomplished. Congratulations from all at Connecting2Australia.
Recently a group of environmentally proactive Grade 4 students from Grey St Primary School attended C2A Community Connections Traralgon hub to give a presentation about their work to save the endangered Baw Baw Frog. The students have raised over $5000 to go towards the preservation of this critically endangered local Gippsland frog. They did a presentation that explained why it has become endangered and how they have been raising money to help its plight.
The students then supported participants to make origami frogs and stayed at site for a community lunch. It was a great opportunity for the primary students to meet some of the participants and engage in activities where they learnt a lot from the participants and vice versa.
Once again the very talented “Music Mayhem” group from C2A Traralgon took to the stage in the Gippsland Parasteddfod which is part of the West Gippsland Music and Drama Eisteddfod. Held in July and August each year, the Parasteddfod was introduced in 2012 as a way of giving people with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Our Music Mayhem crew performed to George Ezra’s song “Shotgun” while proudly wearing their new t-shirts that were printed by C2A Bendigo. And to top off an awesome day, they also received the Encouragement Award for their efforts.
Well done to everyone who participated and to the C2A staff who worked so hard behind the scenes to ensure this was a tremendous experience for everyone. Rock on!
For Connecting2Australia’s Disability Employment Consultant Amanda Clifford, it’s all about finding the balance in meeting the needs of both employer and employee. And with Kleeton Broad and ACS Signage, it seems she found the perfect match.
Kleeton, who for the past 15 years had been part of the C2A Seaford work crew as a supported employee, made the transition to open employment in October and he is thriving in his new role. According to Amanda, ACS Signage is equally thrilled with their newest employee and feedback is they would highly recommend C2A to other employers.
“It was the first time ACS had ever employed someone with a disability and I don’t think it will be their last”, she said. “Andrew at ACS has been most impressed with the process, particularly the post placement support Kleeton receives from C2A for up to 12 months if needed”. When Kleeton first decided he wanted to move into open employment, Amanda worked with him to determine what he wanted to do, secured the lead with a potential employer, took him to the job interview and later discussed wage subsidy and work trail options with ACS.
For Kleeton, open employment means more money in his pocket, a new career path in warehousing and the potential to be trained in signwriting. And judging by the smile on his face, he’s pretty happy with his decision. “In my job, it’s all about the connection”, said Amanda. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing such a positive outcome for both parties. When I see an employer who is happy with the placement and an employee who looks forward to going to work and creating a new future, it’s truly what makes my job worthwhile”.
What started as a fun activity has blossomed into a micro business for the creative participants at C2A Community Connections Frankston. With a camera, some props (including one very versatile Elf on a Shelf), oodles of creative ideas and some expert guidance by staff, the participants have made a fabulous range of Christmas cards. The cards feature Elf in an array of unusual and funny circumstances and have been selling like hot cakes. Congratulations to the team for a wonderfully engaging activity that helps spread the Christmas spirit.
International Day for People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
In recognition of IDPwD (and every day), Connecting2Australia celebrates and acknowledges the wonderful diversity, humour, resilience, compassion, heart, humanity of our amazing participants across all our hubs as well as honoring the work done by our professional, dedicated and passionate staff. We are all connected.
Here is another wonderful example of communities working together to achieve common goals (as featured in the South Gippsland Sentinel Times). Three organisations worked together to put 325 plants in the ground to create a privacy screen between the Wonthaggi Cemetery and transfer station. The screen was part of the masterplan developed for the cemetery back in 2015.
The group, including workers from the Bass Coast Shire Council, Connecting2Australia, and the Bass Coast Landcare Network, certainly picked a perfect sunny day to get the job done.
At Connecting2Australia (C2A), we’re all about the connection and creating opportunities so we were quick to open our doors to Josh Telford as part of AccessAbility Day.
AccessAbility Day is a voluntary, obligation free day for employers (like C2A) to have an opportunity to see the potential jobseekers with disability can bring to the workplace and learn about available Government support. It is also a great opportunity for jobseekers with disability to experience a workplace or role that aligns with their career interests.
Josh, who is currently finishing his introductory course in Community Services at Advance Community College in a bid to kickstart his career working with youth, jumped at the chance to spend the day shadowing and being mentored by our Work Connections Coordinator Phil Trood who runs our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program.
On Friday, Phil, Josh, facilitator Rob and nine participants enjoyed an excursion to Melbourne Museum with a picnic in Carlton Gardens. The purpose of the outing was to teach the participants to implement skills they have learned (independent travel training, independent living, budgeting, social and emotional interaction, money handling) as well as reward them with a great day out.
“Josh did really well on the day, demonstrating a really good balance of respect and openness with the participants”, said Phil. “As his confidence grew, he became more relaxed and interactive with everyone. I think he did really well and benefited from this firsthand experience within a work environment”.
C2A’s Disability Employment Service (DES) Coordinator Amanda Clifford, has been working closely with Josh over the past few months and was instrumental in helping him access the introductory course in Community Services.
“Josh is one young man who knows he wants to create a career path for himself that involves working with youth”, Amanda said. “Having him come in to C2A and spend the day learning from Phil and Rob was invaluable but that’s what AccessAbility Day is all about…bringing potential employers and jobseekers together”.
Photo (left to right): C2A Coordinator Phil Trood, Josh Telford and C2A Facilitator Rob Liada. For more information about C2A’s SLES and/or DES programs, please call 1300 111 212 or visit www.connecting2australia.org.au
If you have ever wondered what happened when you donated to or bought goods from the Connecting2Australia (C2A) Cooinda Opportunity Shop, here’s your answer – it contributed towards the purchase of new vehicles to support those living with a disability within your local community.
Run by a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers, the C2A Cooinda Op Shop has raised significant funds that have been used to upgrade four vehicles sited at C2A Traralgon’s Dunbar Road site.
According to C2A Traralgon Coordinator Alyson Walsh, the new vehicles have had a positive impact on the 42 participants supported by C2A as well as the environment, with the two Camrys being part of the Hybrid range.
“The new vehicles enable more of our participants who use wheelchairs to get out and about and enjoy group and 1:1 activities within the community”, she said. “As one of the new buses accommodates two wheelchairs, it allows everyone the ability to access community venues that are a bit out of the way and don’t have regular accessible public transport. The new Camrys have also enabled more people to undertake activities while on weekend short-term accommodation”.
Another plus is the new vehicles have excellent air conditioning and heating which makes the longer regional trips far more comfortable for all passengers.
“We’re often travelling out and about with our participants, providing them with a wide range of activities including trips to Walhalla, Churchill, Cowwarr Weir, Gormandale Neighbourhood House, our Art Space in Moe to name a few”, said Alyson. “With the new vehicles, the longer trips (such as to Melbourne for the Grand Prix) where public transport really isn’t a viable option, are far more accessible and enjoyable”.
With the assistance of the op shop volunteers and the Traralgon community who supports their efforts, C2A has been able to enhance the experience of day to day transportation for our participants. It’s only by working together has this wonderful outcome become possible.
“We’re very grateful to our wonderful volunteers who gift their time and energy to operate such a viable opportunity shop”, said Alyson. “It’s great to see their hard work pay off in such a positive and tangible way that directly impacts on those who need it the most”.
The C2A Cooinda Opportunity Shop is situated at 15 Seymour St Traralgon and is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm. Delivery and collection of larger items can also be arranged by phoning 5174 6911.
It’s been an exciting year at Connecting2Australia and we’ve captured the highlights in our 2018-2019 Annual Report.
To read it in full, click here to download a copy.
