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Christina's Day with Victoria Police
"It was the best day, I made friends with all the police and learned a lot of things."
Latrobe Lifeskills recently participated in a pilot program, fittingly named 'Latrobe Lifeskills & Whittlesea Police Academy,' a program designed to break down barriers between police and people with a disability by giving Participants a behind-the-scenes look at the roles police play in the community through an immersive experience at various locations.
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Growth. Education. Connection.
It's been seven months since commencing in the ‘hot seat’, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the third CEO of Latrobe Lifeskills in three decades. When I took on this position, I had been working at Lifeskills for six years. I thought I knew Lifeskills like 'the back of my hand’, however, I soon realised that I had begun a whole new job and a whole new way of contributing toward the goals of Latrobe Lifeskills.
I am most fortunate to be well supported by a team of loyal, talented and enthusiastic staff, alongside a lineup of multiskilled and well-credentialed Executive Team (Tammy Matthews-Prosser, Daniel Lim and Jacqueline Flynn). One of the many strong foundations laid by my predecessor Douglas Ball prior to his retirement from the role.
Reflecting upon our journey, our previous Vision, Mission, and Values have suited a purpose, but it was time to look forward and re-engineer. We asked ourselves, ‘what do people want, how do we better serve our community, and where can we improve on people’s experiences?’.
We studied our value proposition, analysed survey results, and found a common theme across our service sites; Participants LOVE to attend Lifeskills, enjoy activities with peers alongside staff, and will not skip a single day. Thus, our new Vision is born:
Creating a place where everyone wants to be.
Alongside our Mission and Values:
Mission: To provide opportunities for growth, education, and connection.
Values: Equity, Diversity, Innovation, Independence, Creativity, Choice.
It is a purpose and a journey of growth together. We believe that the new Mission and Vision cut through our entire organisation and sit well with all levels of people engaging with Latrobe Lifeskills. Most importantly, we are paring it back to focus on growth, education, and connection for the Participants, families and carers, staff teams and the local community.
It only works if we embody, exemplify, and express it. Holding ourselves at Lifeskills responsible and accountable for making good things happen. Together, we create a place where everyone wants to be. And for that, we are not afraid to roll our sleeves up and get on with the work.
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Important Update Regarding COVID-19 Isolation Period
The mandatory isolation period at Latrobe Lifeskills for those with COVID-19 remains seven days from the date of testing positive. While this has changed to five days in some settings, disability services providers are required to maintain seven days of isolation.
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Victorian Electoral Commission - How to Vote Sessions
The How to Vote sessions were back again this year, timed perfectly for the upcoming Victorian State Election. Participants in Bundoora and Bendigo thoroughly enjoyed the session, run by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
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A day out in Castlemaine!
Bendigo's Travel Training group recently visited Castlemaine, where they enjoyed a counter meal and had the opportunity to check out some art.
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Student Placement at Lifeskills
For many years now, Latrobe Lifeskills has been involved with Latrobe University Work Integrated Learning (WIL) as an Industry Partner to host student placements at Latrobe Lifeskills. This has involved hosting students from the School of Business, Public Health and Art Therapy.
Since 2019, we have hosted several students from the School of Public Health. These students have been involved with a variety of projects, including education related to advocacy, goal setting for Participants and analysis of NDIS Providers in the North East Region.
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New Projects in the Garden
With Winter comes many changes in the garden, the icy temperatures are a time to introduce different products and turn our focus to readying for spring and summer abundance. With the establishment of a winter vegetable garden, we have introduced lots of brassicas, with some purple cauliflower and purple broccoli being something of a highlight! A collection of lettuces and cabbages, plus silver beet, and kale to beat those grocery store prices. As the soil becomes cold and dormant, participants are learning about the different processes involved in the improvement of soil, from worms to green mulch crops to massive manure hot piles.
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COVID-19 Boosters
The Federal Department of Health and Aged Care has published their recommendations regarding boosters for people with a disability.
It is recommended that you receive a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccination if you are 16 years or over and have a disability.
Find out more here:
COVID-19 Booster Information
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"[They Will Use] My First Name"
VALID presents “[They will use] My First Name”, a virtual reality documentary exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disability in Australia’s criminal justice systems.
You can use your mouse to scroll across the screen when viewing this video.
Please note that this video may contain material that may upset some viewers.
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AFL Grand Final Public Holiday
Latrobe Lifeskills will be closed on Friday 23 September for the Friday before the AFL Grand Final public holiday.
We hope everyone enjoys the weekend (even if your team isn't in the grand final!).
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Jackson Reflects on his Volunteer Work at Bundoora Park Farm
"I go to Bundoora Farm every Friday and do work experience as a volunteer. There are pigs, goats, ducks, horses, guinea pigs, chickens, cows and rabbits. It is my job to clean their enclosure, feed them, fill their water, pet them and groom them. The tools we use are a wheelbarrow, shovels, brooms, rakes, hose and protective gloves. I really enjoy going to Bundoora Farm, my favourite animals are the barn cat Millie and the horse Benny, because I see them all the time, they recognise me and enjoy it when I pet them. I have been going to Bundoora Farm for a few months, and I am really enjoying it." - Jackson, Lifeskills Bundoora Participant.
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