Break Thru Celebrates & Supports
International Day of People with Disability

Penrith Celebrations

This year, to coincide with International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), Penrith Disabilities Resource Centre held an amateur art competition for people with varying types & levels of disabilities in the Nepean Area.

The ‘Colour My Disability’ art competition award ceremony was hosted by Penrith Break Thru People Solutions on the 3rd December 2010 (IDPWD Day). The competition was a fantastic opportunity for people with a disability to express themselves through visual representation.

Break Thru’s Transition to Work Penrith clients entered the competition in the group category. Entries also had to be accompanied by a description stating what the painting represented for the entrants & their disability.

The Penrith TTW client’s entry was described as follows;
“Throughout the painting there are masks; these masks are different faces & forms that we must take when we are around different people to feel accepted & to fit in with the people around us. Surrounding our masks are all the things we enjoy doing or a hobby we love, making us feel that we are more than our disability & we have more to offer.”

The Penrith TTW client’s entry was very impressive & won them the national Disability Coordination Officer Art Award of 2010, along with $100 in prize money. The clients were very happy & proud of their accomplishment. Featured below is a photo of the winning painting & the clients who created the winning artwork.


Western Region Celebrations

Break Thru People Solutions in Darling Street, Dubbo held its annual awards night on Thursday 2nd December 2010 to coincide with the International Day for People with a Disability.

The night was a celebration & acknowledgement of the achievements made by Break Thru’s Disability Employment Services, Transition to Work, Post School Options, Community Participation & Western College service users.

Those who attended had opportunity to browse through the Break Thru Art Gallery that had art, craft, sewing, woodwork, hobby group & men’s group work on display.
The role of Master of Ceremonies for the night was ably shared by Jim & Colin (staff from the Disability Employment Service Team) who were both informative & entertaining. Further entertainment was provided by the Community Participation drama group & the music/band group.

A representative from our local member’s office was in attendance as well as Board Member Paul Bolton who spoke on the night.

The night was filled with pride, humour, fun, emotion & celebration as service users & some DES program clients received much deserved awards & trophies for their achievements throughout 2010. The DES team also presented the “Employer of the Year Award” to Wellington based Maranatha House (Management & Staff) for their support & empathic approach to providing employment for their local community members. The very positive feedback from service users, families & their friends indicate that this was one of the best awards nights Break Thru has ever held.

Liverpool Celebrations

Break Thru Liverpool held a morning tea to celebrate & support International Day of People with Disability.

Signs were posted throughout the building inviting staff, clients, employers and other residents to join in the celebrations.

The Aim of the morning tea was to ensure everyone was aware of the day, so staff hosted and held discussions about the importance of the day whilst serving guests scones, cakes, cracker, cheese and fruit. Break Thru employees discussed the work the organisation does to support people with a disability get into employment & there was information about disabilities displayed & available for people to take.

Overall, it was a successful & enjoyable morning that allowed clients and employees alike to come together and celebrate International Day of People with Disability.


Preston Celebrations

Break Thru were invited by the Senior Customer Service Advisor at Broadmeadows Centrelink to have an information stand for customers of Centrelink at a fair run to coincide with International Day of People with Disability.

Anita (DES Manager) & Judith (Employment Support Consultant) attended. Judith has been a Break Thru employee for the past 11 years & joined Break Thru as a client prior to becoming an employee. Having dealt with depression first hand, Judith is aware of the importance of lifestyle changes & employment to successfully manage her illness. Judith will attest to the importance of employment & having a supportive employer for recovery & wellbeing.

Originally starting with Break thru as an Administration Assistant, Judith has since been promoted to Employment Support Consultant. Part of Judith’s role is to host information sessions for potential referrers & clients, which she does with passion & enthusiasm - she is not afraid to tell her personal story, especially if it benefits others.

At Centrelink on Friday, as part of the fair for International Day of People with Disability, Judith spoke to potential clients about her experience with depression & how Break Thru has assisted her, & can assist them, in reaching their goals.

Judith’s story & personal experience with mental illness is always met with interest & evokes a positive response in people who have experienced mental health issues.


Hunter Region Celebrations
(Newcastle, Toronto, Charlestown, Wallsend, Raymond Terrace)

In support & celebration of International Day of People with Disability, the Hunter Region DES employees organised for morning tea & display areas to be set up in each branch with information about the day.

Donations for the Dunrossil centre were also taken at each event & raised a total of $184.00 for the centre. Staff were also encouraged on the day to learn about the Dunrossil centre & the fantastic services it provides to people with disabilities.

Some thoughts & quotes from staff involved on the day are listed below;

“We had a steady stream of people through reception, the food table drew attention as they entered the office – especially the delicious smell of popcorn! We drew people’s attention to the theme of the day & pointed out the posters featuring the ambassadors of IDPWD.” Jodie Hodson, Employment Support Consultant, Newcastle Branch

“I set up a morning tea in the reception area for all staff & clients. It was successful & many of the clients enjoyed helping themselves to drinks, cakes & lollies. I invited both NAB & East Coast Conveyancing from within this building in for morning tea & four staff from the NAB attended. I explained all about Break Thru & DES & how we assist our clients/ We also discussed what International Day of People with Disability is in aid of.” Robert Costello, DES Training & Placement Consultant, Charlestown Branch

“Last Friday we held a morning tea for staff & clients at Toronto Office to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. It was really good to have this opportunity to focus & think about the clients we are assisting to find employment & the problems they have to face on a daily basis. Also, on a positive note, to be able to support the Dunrossill Centre that Break Thru are now funding made it a very enjoyable day. As an employee of Break Thru it is great to see the organisation supporting people with disability at a grass roots level, helping provide services & social opportunities for them & their families.” Trish McDonald, DES Training & Placement Consultant, Toronto branch

“Posters up & plenty of food for the offering, our day began by explaining to our clients what were we celebrating. We explained how Break Thru have a passion for helping people with a disability & we were able to provide information on services we offer & the support our clients receive. Dunrossil is the newest addition to our Break Thru family & are doing an excellent job & helping Break Thru to moving forward in becoming the leading diversity champion.” Vicki Alyce, DES Team Leader, Newcastle Branch

Parramatta Celebrations

Parramatta celebrated International Day or People with Disability by having a mini fair at Parramatta Mall on Friday 3rd December 2010. The event proved to be a great success & increased awareness in the community of people with disability.

This Year, Parramatta DES Team alongside two DES jobseekers sponsored our local community by catering a low cost BBQ at the event. The BBQ was immensely popular - selling over 400 sausage sizzles to the community. This provided great exposure & illustrated Break Thru’s commitment advocating for people with disabilities, as well as their integration & participation within the community.


DES Parramatta clients that participated in the BBQ were well prepared for the event, obtaining their Food Handling & Food Hygiene Statement of Attainment through the Break Thru RTO division. One jobseeker that participated on the day stated; “I helped cooked sausages on the day & it was good to help out the Break Thru team in what they were doing for the community.” – Paul Bennett (DES Jobseeker)

As well as the BBQ, Break Thru Parramatta Team held a stall that provided the community with jobseeker information packs & promotional materials - including brochures on DES, Care for Families & TTW.

To support & advocate the employment of people with disability, Employer Information packs were also given out to local businesses outlining the benefits that come with employing people with disabilities & the unique services that Break Thru are able to offer to meet their business needs.

Throughout the day activities took place all around the mall, such as the sports demonstrations by the Wheelchair Rugby Team. Public Art & Craft workshops were also popular - encouraging participation from visitors of the event and live Music Entertainment.

All staff thoroughly took pleasure in participating in the event, and are eager to contribute towards next year’s International Day of People with Disability.


Enfield Celebrations – 2.12.10

On the 2nd of December, the Enfield office represented Break Thru at a Disabilities Event hosted by Burwood Council & the Family & Community Services Co-op.

Everyone had a great time with guests being entertained by dancers, singers & interactive activities like drumming (which of course Break Thru staff joined in & made the most of!)

The Break Thru table was a hub of activity and the brochures were quickly snapped up – the lollies being the hit of the day.

Break Thru Enfield looks forward to being a part of this event next year, especially after being encouraged by one of the attendees of the event yelling out “see you next year” as we packed up for the day.


Enfield Celebrations – 3.12.10

IDPwD brings together individuals, businesses, community organisations & governments from every corner of the world to celebrate & acknowledge the contributions, skills & achievements of people with disability. The slogan for the day is Don’t Dis MyAbility.

On the 3rd December 2010, Eveline Newland & Sarah Roseworne from Enfield / Rockdale attended a function held by Burwood Centrelink in honour of the day. We started the day with a delicious Morning Tea & a ‘Meet & Greet’ hosted by the lovely staff at Burwood Centrelink.

After saying thanks to all the organisations that attended & cutting of the cake with the International Day of People with Disability logo, we headed outside to our Break Thru stall to meet other providers & other people who joined us for the celebration.

Burwood Centrelink put on a BBQ & everyone was entertained by a variety of performers & guest speakers. The day was a great success said Alison Frame (Area Manager for Western Centrelink), who stated; “We’re doing this to support people living with a disability & to recognise the efforts of local service provider. It’s all about raising community awareness of people with disability & the support networks that are available for them. With 1 in 5 Australians affected, it's important we acknowledge the contributions made to our community by people with a disability. Along with local providers, Centrelink provides support, information and referral to those living with a disability & helps job seekers with a disability to find employment, training and rehabilitation”.

Break Thru Penrith hosts Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce (PVCC) network function

There was a ‘business buzz’ in the air as over 70 people from the local business community conversed animatedly in the offices of Break Thru People Solutions Penrith on Tuesday night, 14 September.

Ian Maynard - DES Manager and Don Mackenzie - New JSA Manager, were hosts to the monthly networking function of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce (PVCC).

Bill Sayers, Break Thru's Western Sydney Regional Manager, made an impressive and engaging address that captured the attention of the 65 business people in attendance, the caterers from OUTBACK Steakhouse, guests from Mudgee Wines and our own staff. The impromptu aria at the conclusion of his address was especially well received.

Break Thru's Employer Engagement duo - Christine Dooley and Narelle Wynne - expertly worked the floor and were instrumental in enlisting the support of OUTBACK Steakhouse restaurant, who provided the delicious snacks / finger food, with their compliments.

Mudgee Wines also supplied tasting samples of their great range - which added additional sparkle to the function.

In keeping with the theme of building relationships that was highlighted by Bill Sayers, a presentation was also made by Adam Stewart - Supervisor at Karelle Enrichment Services - where Break Thru's Penrith DES now has three clients placed and happily working. Adam and a colleague also shared a number of finished products that were produced by their staff with everyone gathered at the event.

The event was a great success and Jill Woods, CEO of PVCC confirmed this in a follow up note that has been received. In it she says;

”Well done on a great function last night! It was a fun night and everyone seemed to have a ball. I think Bill’s passionate address touched a number of people and hopefully opened minds and even doors to your organisation."

Thank you to all of those who took the time out to attend and to all of the Break Thru staff who helped to make the event such a success.

Break Thru wins Best Stand award at Indigenous Jobs Market - Mt Druitt

Break Thru are thrilled to have won the Best Stand award at the Indigenous Jobs Market held at Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt Druitt on Tuesday the 7th September 2010.

Congratulations to Renee, Catherine & Meri from Blacktown JSA and Rere, Karen Taylor & Benjamin from Mt Druitt who set up and manned the stand on behalf of Break Thru.

They did a fabulous job and the stand was extremely well set up with a great selection of promotional materials and branding.

The event itself was a great success with hundreds of job seekers attending. Many of those who attended visited the very popular Break Thru stand to have a chat, provide details and pick up goodies.

The event was also very well received thanks to the appearances of many NRL Legends – including Wendell Sailor, Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Cliff Lyons, Phil Blake, Paul Dunn, Brett Kenny, Max Krilich, Andrew Johns and many more.

Congratulations once again to the staff involved, you did a great job of representing Break Thru and getting our name & services out to those who attended!

Penrith DES completes successful 10 week Career Preparation Course at Kingswood High School

On the 1st September, 2010 Bill Sayers (Western Sydney Regional Manager) presented Certificates of Attendance for our Career Preparation Course to 20 students from Kingswood High School.

Over a period of 10 weeks Ian, Renee and Stacey from the Penrith DES team presented the Career Preparation Course in Kingswood High School to two classes of students. The program covered interview skills, workplace relations, building a resume and other work related topics. The program ended with some worksite visits and a morning tea to present the students with their certificates of attendance.

Over the 10 week period the DES team built up a great working relationship with the students and teachers and really enjoyed interacting with them. BTPS DES Team look forward to continuing the program in Kingswood High School and rolling this program out to more schools next year.

The response received from students and staff has been very positive with students saying they felt they had brushed up on some very important skills.

As a result of the program there will be approximately 6 students connecting with our DES and TTW programs, which is a great result.

GREENING NEWCASTLE ‘ADVENTURES AT BLACKBUTT RESERVE’

Over the last 6 months, Break Thru People Solutions have worked alongside Blackbutt Reserve in Newcastle to coordinate a work experience activity for our jobseekers. As well as completing a Statement of Attainment in Certificate II in Horticulture, participants are involved in all aspects of daily operations at the Reserve, which includes landscaping, light construction, and Landcare, as well as assisting the staff of Blackbutt refurbish the animal enclosures:
“We have been re-mulching this area every 6 weeks or so; the mulch breaks down, but eventually a layer builds to high for more topping up, so once a year the material is removed, and then new mulch brought in. The material removed is recycled into gardens - approximately 20 trucks loads”

The Break Thru Crew of 11 jobseekers, 4 Labour Co-Op and 4 Newcastle City Council staff, worked in non-stop shifts to get the job done in one day to minimize the impact on the animals and the running of normal park activities.

Congratulation goes to David Cooper, Project Supervisor and Coordinator of the activity; with his commitment and dedication the activity ‘Greening Newcastle’ has been a great success!

Break Thru People Solutions & Youth Connection - Central Coast Community Garden Project

Our Central Coast RTO team have recently established a strong relationship with the Wyong Council and as a result, we have been given access to a community garden just 50m down the road from The Entrance Community Centre where we regularly run courses.

This has enabled our RTO team to deliver Cert II in Horticulture for early school leavers and Indigenous Youth.

The community garden will also have disability access and consist of herbs and Indigenous Australian plants. The outcome of this initiative will be an offer of employment by the Wyong Council to the students who meet the criteria, entry to higher education, and the encouragement of community responsibility through involvement in a community project.

The training will commence in October. An immediate result of this initiative and the relationship built with the Wyong Council has lead to an expression of interest from the Wyong Community Centre to run a similar project next year.

Congratulations RTO Central Coast!

To see a video from NBN News on the initiative, click the following link - http://soulstream1.sptel.com.au/NBN_News//ccgardenproject2408.wmv

Break Thru Raise Money For The Black Dog Institute In The 2010 City 2 Surf

At 8am on Sunday the 8th August, along with 80,000 other enthusiasts, "Team Break Thru" lined up in the Yellow section, bibs and timing chips donned - for what you ask? For the 40th annual 14km City2 Surf! Team Break Thru were proudly walking in support of The Black Dog Institute, raising funds to assist them to carry out the wonderful work they do for Depression and other mood disorders.

The morning was brilliantly sunny, and our dispositions matched - even though many of our runner's day had begun almost 3 hours before. There were some nerves in the air, a lot of talk about "slow walkers staying to the left", were to meet if someone got lost, how to combat potential gorilla scares and strategy development about how best to beat the infamous Heart Break Hill - oh, and most importantly - how to hold the 3 metre long banner!

The real runners started at 8:30am and with the sound of the first fire of the gun the excitement grew amongst Peta Maskell, Martin Petersons, Kevin Zhara, Kay Menemenios, Hoda Kobeissi, Anngrett Berry, Suzanne Gallagher, Melissa Gallagher, Jen-Lin Chien and Christine Spowart - It was ALMOST our turn!

Soon enough, they called the Yellow group to take their marks, set and GO! At this point, all we could really do was shuffle along for the first 500 metres, but at least that gave everyone the opportunity to ease into the next 13.5kms. With shouts of "Break Thru" and "The Black Dog" coming from those watching on the pavements, the team got into their rhythm that would finally see them through to Bondi Beach (2 hours and 58 minutes later, just to be exact).

The Care For Families team would sincerely like to thank those who walked/ran/crawled on the day and those who donated and bought chocolates in support of The Black Dog.

We hope you can join us again in 2011 - get those walking shoes on and start your training, just 360 days to go!