Message from Paul Fleay, CEO…
The year has flown by and it is at this point that we celebrate the anniversary of two fantastic programs that have both produced incredible outcomes in just twelve months – the Karratha Inclusive School Holiday Program and the Youth Connect Program.
Both started in July 2011 and both have grown to a level which we are really proud of. In both instances, we are successfully connecting individuals with the wider community and bringing about positive changes in these individual’s lives.
However, our main aim and purpose for existing as an organisation is to change the culture – change communities and individual’s mindsets – so that eventually we won’t need to connect individuals with the wider community, as the community will naturally connect to them without any encouragement from organisations such as ours.
Youth Connect has the potential to have these fantastic long term impacts – by focusing on young people who are disadvantaged, living with a disability or otherwise disconnected and engaging them with other teenagers we hope to contribute toward a generational shift in attitudes and expectations towards those living with a disability.
The Karratha Inclusive Holiday Program proves that there is a need for inclusive activities in regional areas. There have been some great outcomes there and lots of positives stories emerging from the community, however, we need to ensure we keep trying and keep building on what we have started to bring about a whole new level of change.
If we can get to a level where everyone is accepting of differences and fully embraces diversity, we will happily close the doors, put our feet up and have a cocktail – our work here will be done.
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