Plus: New Project, Lend-A-Hand and more
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November 2025
Message from CEO
Dear participants, families and carers,
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our annual Participant and Family/Carer Survey. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping how we deliver services across all our campuses in the year ahead.
We’re excited to share that Onemda is advancing its Integrated Services Model, a connected and collaborative approach that brings together learning, therapy, and social engagement. This model aims to ensure every participant's experience is as seamless and coordinated a journey as possible. Stay tuned for further announcements in the new year.
Our Research & Innovation Centre continues to lead the way in advancing evidence-based practice and improving how we measure care and support. Demonstrating this commitment, Onemda recently presented at the Australian Society for Intellectual Disability National Conference in Sydney, sharing insights from an innovative trial conducted in partnership with Ghent University in Belgium and the University of Technology Sydney. As an Australian first, this project takes a co-designed approach to identify meaningful life indicators, deepening our understanding of each person and enhancing their independence, social participation, and wellbeing.
Community engagement also remains a strong focus. Recently, participants from our Glenroy campuses contributed to the Merri-Bek Council Seniors Festival in a variety of roles, while the Embrace Café Team brightened many people’s day with their coffee and charm.
We look forward to sharing more updates and outcomes with you soon.
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Simon Lewis
Onemda CEO
The latest from our participants
Turning woodwork into wonder
There’s something uniquely special about creating something with your own two hands. Even more so when it turns into a special gift for a loved one.
Connection and Clay
Over the past eight weeks, a group of six participants from the Studio Art program have been quietly shaping, rolling, pinching, carving and glazing their way through a community-based pottery course.
Halloween a spooky success
Halloween has become a much-loved tradition at Onemda, and this year proved no different as participants and staff alike dressed up and decorated all campuses to look as spooky as ever for the grand event!
More Great Stories From This Month
Onemda have been one of the very first disability services to trial the latest SilVR Virtual Reality headsets in both therapy and programs, and we're delighted to continue the partnership with SilVR.
The Lend a Hand crew from Glenroy Neighbourhood House continues to grow in strength and momentum, with participants taking on even more hands-on tasks alongside Onemda’s Facilities Team at the Doncaster East campus.
Other Information
Christmas Giving: Empowering Creativity, Connection & Innovation
The festive season is a time for joy, expression and connection - and with your support, we can bring these meaningful experiences to life for people with intellectual disability.
This year, we’re raising funds for three exciting initiatives that build creativity, skill development and digital inclusion across our campuses. Each gift helps create opportunities for participants to express themselves, build confidence and experience greater independence.
Your donation, large or small, can fund:
- Creative Tools for Our First Onemda Art Exhibition
- Cooking Program Supplies for Purposeful Skill-Building
- Accessible Digital Technology for Inclusive Learning
New Project: Safe and Enjoyable Meals for People with Dysphagia
Onemda is excited to be partnering with the University of Technology Sydney on an important new project led by Professor Bronwyn Hemsley, a leading speech pathologist and researcher. The project aims to understand how we can make mealtimes both safe and enjoyable for people with dysphagia or those at risk of choking. Project partners include Dr. Jeffery Chan, Melba Support Services and Speech Pathology Australia.
There will be opportunities for participants, families and staff to be involved in this research project. This includes completing a survey and joining a focus group at Onemda in February next year. Your input will help shape best practice and improve the safety and quality of life for people with swallowing difficulties.
Stay tuned for more details on how you and your loved ones can participate in this vital work!
Disability Action Plan for Manningham
Manningham Council are developing a new Disability Action Plan 2025-29 to help make Manningham more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. They are wanting to hear from all community members including people with lived experience of disability, and carers. Have your say via the link below.
All Abilities Cricket Program - Season 2025/26
The Ferntree Gully CC All Abilities provides an award-winning cricket program for children and adults with a disability. The All-Abilities cricket program has been running for 15 years, and the program is well recognised in the Knox region.
The club are looking for players for this summer period, with All Abilities welcome. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Frank McGowan on fm4183@outlook.com
Scope SIL / SDA Property Vacancies
For those interested in, or may require SIL/SDA property, please find linked below a list of new build vacancies via the Scope website.
Important Dates
Tuesday 23 December 2025: Participant's Final Day of the Year
Wednesday 24 December 2025: Campuses CLOSED
Thursday 25 December 2025: Christmas Day!
Tuesday 06 January 2026: Campuses REOPEN, Participants return
