May: Month In Review

It's amazing to come to the end of another month at GO and look back at everything that's been happening. Each and every day has been jam-packed full of exciting adventures, opportunities for skills development, and above all: FUN!

Volunteer Month

This month, the Goulburn Options community came together to celebrate Volunteer Month! May is a fantastic excuse to celebrate all the people who selflessly support our organisation including our Op Shop Volunteers, and Volunteer Board of Directors. Everyday these people take time out of their own busy lives to make sure GO continues to thrive, and we couldn't be more thankful. To say thanks, we booked out Araminta's Tea Rooms in Seymour for a Volunteer High Tea. What a wonderful way to bring everyone together to celebrate!

Thank you to all our volunteers - you are a part of what makes this organisation great!

All our wonderful volunteers!

Araminta's was a hit!

Lots of yummy food on offer.

Woodwork In May

The Woodwork Crew has been absolutely crushing it this month! Every week, we get bundles of amazing photos of projects in the making, and creativity flowing freely in the shed. Here's some of our favourite photos, but if you're interested in seeing more, make sure to follow the Goulburn Options GO Woodwork page on Facebook!

Dylan working on some beautiful timber

Tahlia making a cut

Davis' chessboard

Steven working on a Bombers plaque

Community Connections

An integral part of Goulburn Options is our connection to the community around us. Our mission is to make sure that our participants have full access to all elements of public life, and that our community is welcoming and inclusive. By creating connections with other businesses, organisations, and service groups, we make sure that our networks are strong, and that everyone has a chance to belong.

This month, our CEO, Debbie Mitchell had the opportunity to speak at the monthly meeting of the Zonta Club of Mitchell, a local service club dedicated to supporting and upholding the rights of women and girls in our own backyard and all over the world. Debbie spoke about her own experience as a professional woman and her knowledge of the disability sector. Thank you to the Zonta Club of Mitchell for having us!

CEO, Debbie Mitchell, with Zonta representative Robin Audhem

Mother's Day

Of course, it was Mother's Day in May - a chance to celebrate all the fantastic women in our lives, including our mums, grandmas, carers, friends and extended families! Our participants made lots of lovely gifts and cards for the women in their lives during programs!

Cailtin's flowers for mum!

Election Time

May was the month of this year's Federal Election. In preparation, Goulburn Options joined the NDS (National Disability Services) in calling for all parties to address matters relating to the NDIS and disability support in Australia. Requests include, but were not limited to:

• Tiered Pricing - Payments for registered providers that demonstrate a commitment to quality, those working in rural and remote areas, and those working with participants with complex needs.

• Registration for All - Universal registration for all providers of NDIS services to ensure sustainable, quality providers.

• Independent Pricing - Transferring NDIS pricing to the IHACPA will ensure transparent and fair pricing and the sustainability of the NDIS

• Funding for Workforce - The sector needs pricing that enables better wages and working conditions, including funding for training and career development

We hope to see serious consideration and implementation of these requests in the coming months.

Visit www.nds.org.au for more

Literacy Excursions

Of course, it wouldn't be a monthly wrap up without the mention of an awesome Literacy Excursion! This month the crew ventured to Shepparton for an Op-Shopping Extravaganza and hit the big city to see Artvo and the Police Museum in Melbourne! Check out brilliant snaps below:

Literacy in Shep!

Police Museum!

DSW Jacinta, and Davis catching a wave at Artvo!

Paris and DSW Lucy - Trapped!

David listening to some tunes

Colder Weather Reminders

This month, things got well and truly chilly! We took the chance to remind everyone about some important winter-time considerations:

1. GO strongly encourages all staff, participants and families to think about getting their flu vaccinations as early as possible. This helps ensure our participants and workforce stay well and healthy during the colder months.

2. Make sure that you're staying safe around heaters and gas appliances this winter. We recommend getting your appliances serviced, keeping rooms ventilated, keeping flammable objects away from heat sources and knowing what to do in an emergency.

   
   

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

May 15th was Global Accessibility Awareness Day! A time to celebrate inclusive technology and remind everyone that the digital world should be open to all. At GO, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe and confident online, and so shared the Scop Be Safe Online Kit - a fantastic free resource designed to support people with disability to navigate the online world safely.

 Download the free resources here: https://www.scopeaust.org.au/.../communica.../be-safe-online

High Street Makeover

Then, at the very end of the month, High Street got a face lift! All cupboards have been sorted down to specific programs, the literacy room is set up for education purposes with plans to upgrade the carpet and tables, and the Palace is looking clean and fresh! We’ve already had some awesome feedback from staff and participants alike -- great work team!

The Palace - Neat and Tidy!

PHEW!

That's a wrap on this month! So much can happen in just a few weeks! To keep up with all of GO's adventures as they happen, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter by visiting the News and Media page of our website.

Until next month!