I was born in Germany and moved to Australia in 1978 with my father, my stepmother and younger sister. We lived in Wollongong NSW where my father worked in Port Kembla in a steelworks company. He then went on to work for various building companies building houses, through these roles he became very skilled in his trade and ended up building us a house in Unanderra.
Being a Support Worker for Interchange Australia is such a rewarding job and I am so beyond glad I joined the team, I love it so much. I will be here at Interchange until they say to me “Jennifer you’re turning 90 next week we think you should retire!”
At Interchange Australia, we offer two drama groups one as part of our Day Options Program called “show stoppers” this is held on a weekly basis across all locations and is an introduction into the world of stage plays and drama games. Show Stoppers is a super fun group where you can really get a feel for what drama groups are all about, and then we have the “Stage Fright Players” with classes held on a weekly basis in Bowral.
In a world where you can be anything, stay positive and be kind!
Sean is a living example of this statement with his positive “I will give anything a go” attitude, he offers encouragement to everyone around him to get involved as well and enjoy the moment. Sean is incredibly social, polite and kind to others, making friends everywhere he goes and embracing life with a smile.
I love the work that Interchange Australia do – especially the awesome activities that Participants have the opportunity to participate in. I think I was drawn to Interchange as the company philosophy ‘supporting you to live independently in your community’ resonates with me as I am passionate about ensuring people with disabilities and our older community have the same access and equal opportunity to engage as the rest of our community.
Interchange Australia’s Day Options programs are developed around four key components; Life & Learning, Education, Health & Wellness and Socialising & Leisure.
One of these programs ‘Garden Gurus’ is designed to teach participants about sustainable living, and planning menus in ‘Cheftastics’ using what is grown and harvested from the garden in their meals for healthier eating.
We all have experiences of being engaged in music – even if it is only by tapping our foot to a song on the radio, or singing in the shower. Most of us don’t need any help to access the opportunities music offers for socialising, communication, expression or just plain joy. But often people who have a real need for these experiences need help in accessing musical opportunities.
My name is Nectaria and I am an Aged Care Consultant here at Interchange Australia. My role here at Interchange is coordinating services for our Aged Care Services – Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages. Home Care Packages involve Case Management. I bring care and supports to people to remain independent and live at home for as long as possible. This includes personal care, social support, domestic assistance, allied health, nursing and continence aid purchases, just to name a few examples.
On Friday December 3rd Interchange Australia celebrated International Day for People with Disability with a fabulous poolside event at Moss Vale Aquatic Centre.
It was a fantastic turn out as all six Interchange Australia houses met at the Aquatic Centre for a Mini Olympic challenge of the houses.
The Arts (whether it be performing arts or creative arts) play an integral role as part of our Day Options program at Interchange Australia, the skills learned by our participants who take part in these programs coupled with the therapeutic benefits are instrumental in everyday life.
At Creative Creations we work with all forms of media throughout each year and encourage participants to experiment with using different techniques.