WA Disability Support Awards 2018

by PN Gail McCulloch

"WA Disability Support Awards 2018 Celebrating 10 Years." -- This was advertised in a four-page lift out in The West Australian on Monday April 30th, so the visit on that date to the Attadale Rotary Club from the Justinian Group was very topical and timely.

President Colin McCulloch welcomed the guest speakers from the Justinian Group, Eileen, Joshua, Jessica, Christopher, Simon and Amanda the House Mother. He also was pleased to welcome guest Michael Feeney as well as the Murdoch Student Emerging Leaders (MSEL) Team, Thomas Stewart, Varun Gandhi, Louise Dinnie and Alex.

Amanda Turner's role is the Justinian House Senior, but she is affectionally known as the 'House Mother'. Amanda helped each of the guests share information about themselves to the meeting. She did it in such a way that each one gained in confidence and enjoyed the experience. 

Colin was delighted to tell Amanda that the people who look after the old, the young and those with special needs are very special and valued members of the community.

Amanda wrote a lovely email to the club to say thanks for inviting the Justinian Group to the meeting. They all had a ball as everyone was so welcoming and showed interest. The best part for Amanda was to see the community inclusion for people with disabilities. Club members enjoyed having one of the guests at each table as they shared a meal together. Amanda's role as House Senior is to ensure the smooth running of the household and to make sure all the individuals who reside at Justinian House have all their needs met in every aspect of their life. This includes, social, medical, financial etc.They have regular housemate meetings where all individuals can discuss anything that is important to them.

Thomas Stewart of the Murdoch Student Emerging Leaders told the meeting how he left school at the end of year ten and took the first job available. No one taught him how to write a resume or told him what opportunities were available to him. He eventually went to university and realises the need and value of the project the team from Murdoch are working on for the Rotary Club of Attadale, that is how to write a resume, interview skills and general employability skills. Varun, one of the team, explained that they would like to develop the project so that it can be introduced into other schools. 

President Colin McCulloch is pictured with Justinian Group 'House Mother' Amanda Turner and Eileen. Simon, Jessica, Eileen, Joshua and Christopher of Justinian Group with Amanda Turner and Attadale Rotarian Patricia Robertson. 
​
Also pictured are Louise, Varun, Alex and Thomas from the Murdoch Student Emerging Leaders Team with Attadale Rotarians Bev Moffat and Martin Houchin and Bruce Robinson being presented a Microbat Roosting Box by a delighted Club President (and our very own Batman) Colin McCulloch. Bruce was well prepared with a sign saying 'Early Check In'.