LeagueNews - Cerebral Palsy League

League NewsVOLUME 29 • NUMBER 3 • SUMMER 2005Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Three times a yearNew causes of cerebralpalsy discoveredUNIVERSITY of Adelaide researchershave found a link between congenitalclotting disorders and cerebral palsy.Minute amounts of stored bloodsamples from healthy babies andthose with cerebral palsy were testedusing molecular biological testsadapted by Catherine Gibson.The reseach was part of her worktowards a PhD supervised byProfessor Alastair MacLennan andProfessor Gus Dekker at theUniversity of Adelaide and Dr PaulGoldwater at the Adelaide Women’sand Children’s Hospital.Thrombophilias (blood clottingdisorders) have been isolated asfactors associated with an increasedrisk of cerebral palsy in studiescarried out by the South AustralianCerebral Palsy Research Group(SACPRG) and published duringNovember in the American Journal ofObstetrics and Gynecology.Professor MacLennan said this wasthe first large case-control study ofcerebral palsy and hereditarythrombophilias.“We now have evidence that certainhereditary clotting disorders appearto increase the risk of cerebral palsy.“We were able to monitor this acrossgestational ages, and it was notedthat there was a higher prevalence ofcerebral palsy in babies with genemutations for any of three differentthrombophilias, who were bornprematurely.”“A five-fold increase in quadriplegiccerebral palsy was found at allgestational ages when two of thehereditary clotting disorders occurredtogether.”“We have also found that someintrauterine infections and hereditarysusceptibility to infection may becontributing factors to cerebral palsy.”This work, to be published soon, wasrecently presented at scientificmeetings both in Australia and in theUSA.“These factors may start anirreversible destruction process inparts of the fetal or neonatal brain thatcontrol posture and movement.The first signs of this problem maysometimes present as ‘fetal distress’at birth, however, this is oftenmisidentified as the ‘cause’ of cerebralpalsy, rather than as a symptom.“Efforts to speed up delivery in thesecircumstances have yet to be shownto reduce cerebral palsy rates,possibly because the destructiveprocess is already established.”Cerebral palsy is a common (one in400 births) disorder of movement withposture impairment, which haspreviously been assumed to resultfrom low oxygen levels encounteredduring the birth of the baby.Boardroom Blitz:‘Studio 54 Revisited’took Brisbane’s corporateelite to the infamous 1970sdiscotheque era.Left to right:Volunteers, the Xanadudes,Graeme Ballantyne, Lisa King,Chris O’Kane, Stefanie Van DerMeer.What’s Up?Discovery .................. page 1Heather Foord .......... page 16CRM ........................... page 7CP Week .................... page 8League Awards ......... page 5Gold Coast Getaway page 8Coming Up ................ page 1220-26 Februarywww.cplqld.org.au/mfr/colouryourdaySign up for 2006!Bring back the 80s!www.boardroomblitz.org.au(Continued on page 11)i dream, therefore I am1

Letter to the EditorMy brother has cerebral palsy.As you can imagine, we don’tknow how this was caused, buthe is now a fully-grown adult andme being the older sister by twoyears have grown up with him andthis problem all my life.I am 30 years old, so it was 28years ago that my brother wasborn.Things were very different insociety then to what they aretoday.When we were young I oftenlooked out for my brother and ofcourse, my parents overcompensated for him and spoilthim every way they could, tryingto give him things they couldn’tand trying to perform a miracle.I remember that we went to everydoctor there was, and my brotherhad quite a few operations on hislegs.From the CEOTHE League and ACROD Qld, thepeak body for disability serviceproviders, are concerned there is acrisis pending for the health andwellbeing of children with disabilitiesand their families due to the lack offunding for services.The Australian Bureau of Statistics(ABS) conservatively indicated 64,000children aged zero to 14 years withdisabilities who require specialistservices, reside in Queensland.Fifty-two per cent of whom have asevere or profound activity restriction.In 2003/2004, only 3978 (6.2 per centof Queensland children withdisabilities) received services fundedunder the Commonwealth State andTerritories Disability Agreement.The ABS data does not includechildren with mild disabilities, zero tofive and the 15 to 18 years populations.Therefore, the percentage ofQueensland children receiving aservice is lower than this 6.2 per cent.The main issues that need addressingare:• An urgent and immediate increasein funding for Queensland childrenwith disabilities• Dedicated funding needs to beprovided for therapy servicesthroughout the child’s continuum ofcare2My parents were very strong anddetermined people.Despite advice from primary schoolteachers and advice from doctors mymum insisted on leaving my brotherin the normal school system.I thank God everyday that my mumdid that.Despite people’s misconceptionswhen they see him walking towardsthem, as soon as he talks they soonrealise his intelligence.My brother has battled throughdiscrimination in the workforce and atschool.I dealt with it by trying to fool myselfthat there was nothing different aboutmy brother.My brother has a mild case, however,it clearly affects his balance andwalking.My brother, despite advice when hewas young is clearly the mostintelligent person I know.• Development of a children’sservices program that includes earlyintervention and a continuum ofcare as the child develops toadulthoodRecently, I attended a MinisterialRound Table Discussion Forum held bythe Minister for Disability Services, theHon. Warren Pitt, on the need forservices to children with a disability.The outcome of this discussion forumwas encouraging with the Ministerstating he wanted Disability ServicesQueensland to take a lead role in awhole of government approach aimedat supporting Queensland children withdisabilities and their families.The Minister spoke about the need todevelop a Disability Action Plan forservices to Queensland children,highlighting the issues of therapy, earlyintervention and additional support atcritical stages in the continuum of careof the child.The League is looking forward toworking with the Minister and DisabilityServices Queensland to ensure theimprovement of services to childrenwith a disability and their families.Bruce MilliganChief Executive OfficerCerebral Palsy LeagueMy brother has an Arts / Lawdegree with Honours and is anextremely successful solicitor.I don’t want my name publishedanywhere, nor my brother to betraced about this.But I do want you to give thismessage to parents and familiesthat are going through what wehave for the last 28 years.Give your child every opportunity,believe in him/her as my parentsdid, and don’t just give up.Another point to this is... I wishpeople wouldn’t judge people bywhat they see on the outside, it’sthe inside that counts.I don’t know if I have helpedanyone, but I have helped myselfby writing this… about somethingI don’t talk about to anyone.Thank you(Name witheld)Letter to the EditorLeague News EditorPO Box 386Fortitude Valley, Q 4006The Editor reserves the right to publishone letter per edition of League News,and the right to decide the respondent.Letters will not be responded toindividually, and no correspondencewill be entered in to.Responses are no substitute forseeking individual consultation withregard to queries.Cerebral Palsy League of QldABN 27 009 942 269PO Box 386 FORTITUDE VALLEY Qld 400655 Oxlade Drive NEW FARM Qld 4005www.cplqld.org.auExecutive Management TeamBRUCE MILLIGAN, Chief Executive OfficerPhone: (07) 3358 8003 Fax: (07) 3254 1291Email: bmilligan@cplqld.org.auGEOFF ROWE, Service Development & PolicyPhone: (07) 3358 8014 Fax: (07) 3254 1291Email: growe@cplqld.org.auGREG CUFFE, Organisational ServicesPhone: (07) 3358 8064 Fax: (07) 3254 7387Email: gcuffe@cplqld.org.auSTUART PILTON, Human ResourcesPhone: (07) 3358 8078 Fax: (07) 3358 8103Email: spilton@cplqld.org.auMARGARET SCOTT, Marketing & FundraisingPhone: (07) 3358 8090 Fax: (07) 3358 2495Email: mscott@cplqld.org.au

The Parents andGuardians ReportQueensland Cerebral PalsyRegister (QCPR)CEREBRAL Palsy Awareness Weekheld in August, for all accounts wasanother successful event.The Hon. Stephen Robertson, Ministerfor Health, launched the QueenslandCerebral Palsy Register at this time,and we encourage clients to register.Clients who attended the ClientConvention would have had formsand information in their conventionbags.For further information, contact:QCPRPh: 07 3358 8122qcpr@cpqld.org.au9 th Annual Client ConventionTHE Client Convention, also heldduring Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek, was of high standards and weparticularly noted the contribution ofRhoda Fleming with her talk on‘Facing fears …. Finding futures’.Congratulations are also in order forYvonne Donnan for her contributionto Client Conventions over the pastseven years.Yvonne has been a tower of strength,showing compassion and devotion toall her tasks, particularly to the ClientConventions over the past sevenyears.The 2005 convention was her last asOrganiser, and we will miss her at theParents and Guardians meetings.Yvonne received a Certificate ofCommendation from the Board,which was well deserved.We wish her well in her new position.Yvonne BurnsWE were privileged to receive apresentation by Professor YvonneBurns, on the subject of cerebralpalsy.Thank you Yvonne for your interestingand informative presentation, as weall appreciated your time andexpertise.Adept PackagingTHERE is at last, thanks to RegionalManager Judy Dickson and others, acontract for Adept Packaging, labellingjars of honey at Rocklea.CONGRATULATIONS go to TerryDonaldson who was elected to theposition of Chairperson of the StateCCC.This brings me to the end of myrun as State CCC Chairperson.In the eight years I have chaired thecommittee I have overseen anumber of activities that I am veryproud of.These include:• The development of the Charterfor Consultation;• Hosting of the Annual ClientConvention and the fact it hasbecome the most significantclient and family focused eventin the League’s yearly calendarduring National Cerebral PalsyWeek; and• Our commitment to theestablishment of regionalCCC’s of which a visit to theGold Coast to hold an openState CCC meeting early in theyear was an example.There are some things I will notmiss as Chairperson such asgetting up early on Saturday toattend Board meetings.For any information, Judy would bepleased to provide the details:Judy DicksonRegional Manager Adult Services SouthPh: 07 3358 8047Fig Tree PocketTHE Fig Tree Pocket project is stillon the drawing board, and I believeprogress is on the way.We will soon have more to report.Labrador UnitsTHE Freemanson’s QueenslandCerebral Palsy League ofQueensland Holiday Units have beenrefurbished and accommodation isavailable again.Thank you to the entireorganisation, clients, families, staffand the Board for the supportshown to me over the years.Thank you to all past and presentcolleagues of the CCC.Special thanks must go to KevinRodgers, Des Orr, RowenaMcNally, Jenny Johnson, John Rynnand Shane MacFarlane.As I grew in the role, all of the abovementioned people played a part inguiding me and providing counselwhen I required it.I have no intention of leaving theCCC.I am looking forward to a rest fromplaying such a prominent role as Ihave.This leaves me more time tomeet my other communitycommitments.By the way, if you require theservices of a Justice of the Peacein Brisbane, all you have to do iscontact LAAS South office and theywill forward your details to me.In the words of a well- known actorand one of my favourite quotes,“may the State CCC live long andprosper”!I wish you all the best for thecoming festive season.Warm regards,Byron AlburyCCC Chairman (1997-2005)FarewellIT is with sadness I report the passingof Wayne O’Donnell, who attendedAdept Tingalpa.We extend sympathy to Wayne’sparents, Mary and Mervyn, his brother,Denis, and his family.Once again we have come to the endof another year.Carol and I wish you all a very happyChristmas and a healthy 2006.Joan WilliamsPresidentParents and Guardians Committee3

Natate’s PlaceSpecial Needs Child?EARLY help can make a veryimportant difference to their life aswell as yours.We offer a full-time earlyintervention conductive educationprogram where young childrenwith motor disorders such asCamp Have a Chat2-5 October 2006THE Cerebral Palsy League is proudto announce Allens Arthur Robinson(AAR) as sponsor for Camp Have aChat 2006.Each year, AAR sets aside apercentage of its income for itsCharity Committee to use to fundprojects from a range of charitableorganisations.The AAR Charity Committeecommitted $12,780 to the League tohelp it run Camp Have a Chat, whichcerebral palsy can learn physical,intellectual andsocial skills amongst their peersin a safe, happy and rewardingenvironment.A three week parent and childprogram that pays specialattention to self care , motivationand independence is nowavailable.Everything from meal times, play,problem solving and hygiene isincluded.The program will be run by visitingHungarian conductors withindividualised sessionsincorporated for each child.9-27 January 2006Limited places.Ph: 0410 600 911delivers unique benefits to nonspeakingchildren with cerebral palsywho require the assistance ofspecialised equipment tocommunicate.The League appreciates the supportreceived from AAR for this importantproject that gives children inQueensland a “voice” for life.Below: (left to right) Rochelle Carey from AAR,Chairperson of the League Rowena McNally, ErinFeros, League CEO - Bruce Milligan and CampHave a Chat Coordinator and Speech LanguagePathologist, Wendy Webster.Solving theMystery ofHigh SchoolFOR students startinghigh school in 2006THROUGH a detectivetheme, a group of youthsstarting high school willcover topics like what toexpect, how to solveproblems, making newfriends, being assertive andlooking after yourself.Where:Wishart Rotary CerebralPalsy League Centre21 Whitley StMt GravattWhen:17-18 January 2006Time:10:00am - 2:00pmFor more information,contact:Your League TeamChild & Family SupportServicesPh: 07 3347 72004

Awards!CONGRATULATIONS to thefollowing recipients of thisyear’s League Awards asrecently issued by the LeagueBoard of Directors:Life MembershipByron AlburyCertificates ofCommendation• Winnie Soma• Meg Curtis• Reverend Illtyd Loveluck• Betty Steffan• Colleen Jeff• Ron Barton• Judith Free• Margaret Beckett• Jeanette Campbell• Peter Shields• Jean Appleton• Edna Hess• Yvonne Donnan• Sandra Anderson• Ruby ReidAlso in attendance were longtermvolunteer James Asplinand staff members ElizabethAsplin (Administration) andRobert Shaw (Physiotherapist),who received their long-serviceawards of fifteen years and tenyears respectively.Pictured: At the Child and Family SupportService presentation, Chermside -volunteer Ron Barton (left), receiving hisaward from League client GaryWolstenholme (centre) and League CEO,Bruce Milligan (right).Ruth’s ChairIN memory of Ruth Neal, long-timefriend to the people of Sevenoaks, agarden seat was unveiled at adedication ceremony on Tuesday 1November.When Ruth visited Sevenoaks, shewould joke, ‘Where’s my chair?’ andpeople would rush to find her one.With this in mind, Ruth’s chair wasdeemed a fitting symbol to dedicatein her honour.Artforce finalistsIN the 2005 Artforce Awards therewere a total of 22 boxes entered intothe Best Organisation/Schoolcategory.Eleven of these were chosen to beshortlist, including one by theLeague’s Moorooka Day Serviceartists Angela Coutts, Michelle BallDisability Action WeekTHE League’s Ford family visitedwith Patron, Her Excellency MsQuentin Bryce AC, Governor ofQueensland, at an official functionduring Disability Action Week(DAW) in July.The League also participated in theDAW launch at RockhamptonBotanical Gardens, where itdistributed information about itsservices and support available topeople with cerebral palsy.The Fords: Gavin and Denise (back),Nathan and Josephine (front) with HerExcellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governorof Queensland.Lovingly restored to pristine conditionby some of the people who knewRuth well, the seat was decoratedand inscribed with a brass plaque inher memory.The Reverend Canon Illtyd Loveluckgave the dedication and LeagueCEO, Bruce Milligan assistedSevenoaks Recreation Office,Vaughan Mason with the ceremony.Ruth’s cousins Errol Nonmus andShirley Sakrzewski also addressedthose attending.and Christine Cameron supported bystaff members Pedro Guillen-Cordonand Euan Graham.The box entitled: “Tropical Fish” looksfabulous on the streets of Moorookawhere it brightens up the streetscape.Pictured: (left to right) Christine Cameron,Michelle Ball, artist/support worker Tina Alchinand Angela Coutts.5

Brave Gold Coastteenage lifesaving heroA BRAVE Gold Coast teenagerovercame physical disabilities tobecome one of the most dedicatedsurf lifesavers on the popular GoldCoast destination - Mermaid Beach.Sixteen-year-old Ty Avent wasawarded a youth achievement awardat Robina in November after beingnominated for her dedication andcommitment as a surf lifesaver.Over the past two seasons, Ty – whohas overcome physical disabilities asa result of cerebral palsy – recordedmore than 136 hours of patrol time,which is more than any other JuniorSurf Lifesaver at the Mermaid BeachSurf Lifesaving Club.Cerebral Palsy League OccupationalTherapist, Jane Tranberg, who is avolunteer surf lifesaver and coach atMermaid Beach, nominated Ty for theGold Coast City Youth Awards.“Ty is an inspiration. She hasovercome many fears and obstaclesto become a competent anddedicated lifesaver,” Ms Tranbergsaid.“I have seen Ty stare adversity in theface to reach her goals.”“Her courageous journey to achieveher Bronze Medallion shows what astrong and determined person sheis,” she said.Ty began training at the MermaidBeach Surf Life Saving Club inNovember 2003 for her Surf RescueCertificate and has since completedher Radio Operators Certificate andBronze Medallion.She also won Club Cadet PatrolChampion in her first season andJunior Patrol Champion in her secondseason during 2004/2005.6CPLQ Library UpdateTHE League’s Library will beclosed for the Christmas breakbeginning Monday 19December 2005 and will reopenMonday 16 January 2006.The Library catalogue can beaccessed from the website:www.cplqld.org.auRequests can be emailed fromthe Library page on the Website.Above: The Hon. Stephen Robertson, Minister for Health (left) with first signatory on behalfof her child, Raylene Watling, her son Kai Watling, and Queensland Cerebral Palsy RegisterManager, Michael deLacy.QueenslandPalsy RegisterCerebralTHE Hon. Stephen Robertson,Minister for Health, and QueenslandCerebral Palsy Register Manager,Michael deLacy, officially launched thefirst state-wide register forQueenslanders with cerebral palsyduring Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek.At the same time, the firstQueensland child, three-year old KaiWatling, ‘signed’ on to the Register,with the help of his mother, Raylene.“As the most common physicaldisability affecting children, and withno known cure, the QueenslandCerebral Palsy Register will form partof a national register and is potentiallythe first step towards futureprevention,” Mr deLacy said.“There’s an estimated 7000Queenslanders with cerebral palsy,with another 100-120 people bornwith the disability each year,” MrdeLacy said.“The Register will collect informationon these people for use in identifyingcauses and preventions of thedisability.”“It will also enable us to assess thenumber and needs of Queenslanderswith cerebral palsy and better planfuture services,” he said.

The League urged all Queenslanderswith cerebral palsy to participate in theRegister, particularly parents onbehalf of children.“We need to research the populationof those with cerebral palsy to identifythe causes before we can startrecognising the preventions,” MrdeLacy said.“Those aged from five years withcerebral palsy are key to identifyingthe causes of the disability becausethis is the age when the condition canbe confirmed,” he said.Representing 20 per cent ofAustralia’s population, Queensland isforecast to make a huge contributionto the efforts already undertaken byother states in terms of identifying thecauses of cerebral palsy.“There are also factors inQueensland, such as the tropicalclimate and associated infections,which we think might make acontribution to identifying causes,” MrdeLacy said.Raylene Watling said there are manypossible theories as to why her son,Kai, was born with cerebral palsy.“Doctors thought Kai was born withcerebral palsy because I might havebeen pregnant with twins andmiscarried the twin,” Ms Watling said.“It could also be that Kai had a virusat three months old.“Nothing is definite and I hopeinitiatives such as the Register willmake in-roads into understanding andeventually preventing this disability,”she said.Since the launch in August, theLeague has received a goodresponse to the Register and is nownearing its one thousandthparticipant.The Register is owned and operatedby the Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland and funded byQueensland Health.Queensland CerebralPalsy RegisterPh: 07 3358 8122Fax: 07 3358 8143cpregister@cplqld.org.auwww.qcpr.org.auFresh eyes look out forpeople with cerebralpalsyAFTER launching the QueenslandCerebral Palsy Register (QCPR)during Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek, the Cerebral Palsy Leagueannounced its appointment ofClinical Research Manager DrLeanne Johnston.Dr Johnston will work with QCPRstaff to initiate research practicesand outcomes of most benefit toLeague clients, families andcarers.With a background inphysiotherapy and a PHD inpostural muscle timing and upperlimb motion, Dr Johnston’s priorresearch has includedinvestigation of best practiceassessment and treatment forchildren with motor andorthopaedic dysfunction.League Manager ServiceDevelopment and Policy, GeoffRowe said her appointment to theposition was a step forward inenhancing the efficiency andaccuracy of service provision topeople with cerebral palsy.“Dr Johnston has a remarkablehistory and commitment toresearch and practice in paediatriccare to people with conditionssuch as cerebral palsy,” Mr Rowesaid.“Her primary role with the Leaguewill be to facilitate research at theLeague with state-wide andnational collaborators to informservice planning,” he said.Mr Rowe said this would beachieved by (a) identifying bestpractice methodology for existingservices; and (b) act as a trial todetermine practice options foremerging services.“The outcomes will help determinethe best approach to the servicedelivery and help the organisationallocate and lobby for funding,” hesaid.A team of senior professionals insocial work, occupational therapy,speech pathology andphysiotherapy, as well as stafffrom state and national cerebralpalsy registers - including theQCPR - will help with the research.Dr Johnston said she has alreadyoutlined research targets, includingquantitative and qualitative studiesinto links between physical ability andparticipation, as well as the accuracyand reliability of the ActivePAL formeasuring physical activity inchildren.“Research will be used to increaseunderstanding of the nature ofcerebral palsy and the needs ofclients,” Dr Johnston said.“Outcomes on efficiency,effectiveness and equity of servicedelivery can be used to supportbusiness cases for funding,” DrJohnston said.Dr Johnston has worked as anadvanced Paediatric Physiotherapistspecialising in complexdevelopmental disorders includingcongenital and acquired neurologicalconditions such as cerebral palsy,with gait laboratories andphysiotherapy departments.She has also submitted researchinternationally, and has presentedlocally on a range of issues, includingaddresses on neurodevelopmenttherapies and techniques - a popular,non-invasive technique in treatingmotor dysfunction in children withcerebral palsy.Mr Rowe said the League wasexcited about the implications of DrJohnston’s research over the comingyears, and is looking forward toresults from both its new ClinicalResearch Manager, and the QCPR.“We’re looking forward to the first fiveyearlyreport from the Register, aswell as the planned approach toresearch using its resources from DrJohnston,” Mr Rowe said.“The League continues to maintain itscommitment to its services and asClinical Research Manager, we areexpecting Dr Johnston will be able toprovide evidence based researchresults of best practices within arelatively short time frame,” he said.It is estimated there areapproximately 7000 people withcerebral palsy in QueenslandThe QCPR will help determine thisfigure and the requirements oftherapy, as well as investigate thecauses and possible preventions ofthe disability.7

Cerebral PalsyAwareness WeekTHE Cerebral Palsy Leaguecelebrated Cerebral PalsyAwareness Week with a range ofactivities from state-wide initiativessuch as the launch of the QueenslandCerebral Palsy Register, to localcelebrations for people with cerebralpalsy achieving personal goals withintheir community. Activities included:Wide BayTHE Wide Bay Burnett regioncelebrated with a Community BBQfor the Fraser Coast with an extendedinvitation to the community to join inat the refurbished Ron BeatonMemorial Park, Torquay.RedcliffeBUSINESSES rallied together tocelebrate the achievements of peoplewith a disability.The local Lions Club, Woolworths andthe Cheesecake Shop joined forceswith the League to celebrate theachievements of locals with adisability living independently withinthe community, at a free BBQ and kiteflying display at Pelican Park inClontarf.Clients also enjoyed using the LibertySwing, a specially designed swing forpeople in wheelchairs.League Adult AccommodationManager, Sandra Anderson said itwas great to see the local communityshowing their support.“Living independently is somethingnot everyone with a disability is ableto do easily but it’s most encouragingto see that there is the support in thecommunity to make the goal moreachievable,” Ms Anderson said.“Being independent is something thatwe may take for granted but forpeople who are more severelyaffected with cerebral palsy, it couldmean achieving their lifetime goal,”she said.BethaniaThe League thanks Bethania LutheranPrimary School for celebratingCerebral Palsy Awareness Week withits Crazy Socks Day.Students sported socks as bizarre asthey could find for a donation, to raisefunds for people with cerebral palsy.BroadbeachThanks go to the Broadbeach SeniorCitizens Dance Group, which held aCharity Ball to raise funds for peoplewith cerebral palsy, during CerebralPalsy Awareness Week at The NewSeniors Hall.Chermside WestThank you to the Bunya Lions Cluband the Australian Lions Children’sMobility Foundation for donating theproceeds of its Walk for an Aussie Kidannual event to the Cerebral PalsyLeague.The Downfall Creek Reserve walk inBrisbane’s Chermside West washost to this year’s event.Other League organised initiativesincluded the launch of Cerebral PalsyAwareness Week in Queensland withArt for Art’s Sake: The Doors exhibitionand auction, the re-opening of therefurbished FreemasonsQueensland Cerebral Palsy Leagueof Queensland Holiday Units, theParliament House Charity GolfChallenge, and the 9th Annual ClientConvention.Gold Coast getawayENJOYING Australia’s beautiful GoldCoast is now easy and affordable forpeople with disabilities, thanks to localcommunity and business support.Re-opened during Cerebral PalsyAwareness Week in August, theFreemasons Queensland CerebralPalsy League of Queensland HolidayUnits are situated on the northern tipof the Gold Coast.The Complex was recentlyrefurbished to better suit the needs ofpeople with special needs after theGold Coast community chipped inmore than $200,000 to renovate sixholiday units, complete with pool,barbecue area and increasedwheelchair access.The Units are now available for peoplewith disabilities and their families torent at below market rates.Regional Manager for the Gold Coast,Sally Edwards said although the unitshad been refurbished, the cost ofenjoying them would not increase.“The units offer an affordable GoldCoast holiday option for people with8disabilities, who don’t often havefinancial means available to spend ona holiday,” Ms Edwards said.“In comparison to current marketrates, tariffs for our holiday units arestill the same as they were six yearsago,” Ms Edwards said.“Holiday makers should be able toenjoy the Gold Coast without worryingabout how much they are paying onaccommodation,” she said.Unit features include extra widedoorways, accessible bathrooms,fully equipped kitchens, and space;each purpose-built unit cancomfortably accommodate up to sixguests.They are situated within minutes ofsome of the best shopping and touristattractions on the Gold Coastincluding Sea World, Pacific Fair,Conrad Jupiters Casino andSouthport Broadwater.For further information, contact:The Booking OfficerCerebral Palsy LeaguePh: 07 5532 2088goldcoast@cplqld.org.auParliament HouseCharity GolfChallengeQUEENSLAND parliamentarystaff and prominent businesseswere given a legitimate ‘leavepass’ during Cerebral PalsyAwareness Week to practicetheir golf swing.The Cerebral Palsy League heldits annual Parliament HouseCharity Golf Challenge at theWynnum Golf Course with morethan 70 golfers participating.League CEO, Mr Bruce Milligancompeted against aParliamentary services team, aQueensland ParliamentaryLions Club team and majorbusinesses includingQueensland Rail, Honeywelland Westpac.Supported by the QueenslandParliamentary Lions Club, theGolf Challenge was followed bya dinner and auction of sportingand celebrity memorabilia.

Facing Fears - FindingFutures9 th Annual Client ConventionTHE State Client ConsultativeCommittee (CCC) hosted the 9 thAnnual Client Convention, on August20, during Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek and were again overwhelmedby the support the event attracted.Almost 200 delegates, Leagueclients, friends, family members,staff, volunteers and Board Directorsmet to engage in a challenging,interesting program and share theirexperiences at Riverside Receptions,New Farm.Byron Albury, State CCC Chairmanopened the Convention andintroduced fellow committeemembers.Keynote speaker, Rhoda Fleming,Senior Professional - Social Work, setthe tone for the day on the theme ofFacing Fears - Finding Futures usinghumour and examples.Ms Fleming also chaired a panel ofinvited speakers who spoke to thetheme, from their personalperspectives.Melinda Foord and her young son Willwho has cerebral palsy, were joinedby members of Will’s ‘Circle ofFriends’, to talk about how thisconcept evolved and how they wereall benefiting from being part of Will’scircle.Karni Liddell spoke of herParalympian dreams andexperiences in achieving them.Judy Pagan spoke of the healthissues that older people with cerebralpalsy may face and the strategies sheidentified as being helpful.The event program also included briefaddresses from Bruce Milligan, CEO,Joan Williams, President Parents andGuardians Association and RowenaMcNally, Chairperson of the Board anda robust open forum with BoardDirectors.Ms McNally, in collaboration with theChairman of the State CCC,presented a Board Commendation tostaff member, Yvonne Donnan, for herwork in supporting the State CCC andthe annual conventions over the pastseven years.Volunteer, David Gray, was alsoacknowledged for his long-servingcontribution to the success of theconvention.Musician, Ricky Chaplin, closed theconference with a number of balladsand shared his experiences ofovercoming fears.The State CCC extends its sincerethanks to all staff and volunteers whocame together to make this a greatevent.Below: The audience at the 9th Annual ClientConvention.Front: (left to right) Mobile Personal CareAssistant Kerry Mullin, Nigel Webb, ConventionOrganiser Yvonne Donnan, Kim Schweida andBoard Director Kevin Rodgers.Walk for an Aussie KidFOUR0-year-old League client,Bianca Power celebrated hercourage and raised dollars forother children with a physicaldisability, when she participatedin the “Walk for an Aussie Kid”fundraiser at Chermside duringCerebral Palsy Awareness Week.The Power family joined her tocelebrate her ability to walk usinga Smart Walker (fundraised for bythe Aspley Lions Club) – a mobilityaid used to assist children withphysical disabilities such ascerebral palsy to walk.Walk for an Aussie Kid is anational initiative organised by theAustralian Lions Children’sMobility Foundation.The annual fundraiser – raisingclose to $1 million since beginningin the late 90’s – provides vitalmobility aids for children with adisability.“Mobility aids such as the Smartand Hart Walker cost families upto $6000 to buy and that amountagain to adjust and maintain duringthe growth of their child,”LeagueCEO, Bruce Milligan said.“Some families find it almostimpossible to raise enough fundsfor mobility aids, which are vital fordevelopment, including betterrespiratory and circulatoryfunction,” he said.9

Lindley’s Charity Golf DayROCKHAMPTON businesses wereswinging into action to help childrenwith cerebral palsy at the inauguralLindley’s Panel Works Charity GolfDay during November.The fundraiser attracted significantlocal support, according to eventorganiser, Rob Lindley of Lindley’sPanel Works.“People have really opened theirwallets,” Mr Lindley said.“Almost every hole was sponsoredby a local business and Kev BrownsButchery helped by putting on thesausage sizzle lunch.”Harley heavenLUCKY Art Union 95 winner, CharlesGoats won his dream prize when heroad a Harley Davidson home.“It’s something I would never havejustified being able to afford, but I didn’thave to think about what to choosewhen I won.”Prizes for the Art Unions include onechoice of several cars, a HarleyDavidson, a boat, electrical goods,holidays or a caravan.For entry into Cerebral Palsy Leagueof Queensland Art Unions, contact:1800 819 08610Left: Art Union 95 winnerCharles Goats with hisdream prize - a HarleyDavidson worth $37,000from Morgan andWhacker.“One local brickie paid for holesponsorship, then gave anotherhundred dollars on top of that,” hesaid.Mr Lindley said the support wasn’trestricted to the Rockhampton area.“One of my customers in Brisbanesent four high quality fishing knives,as well as other prizes, as he couldn’tmake it here on the day,” Mr Lindleysaid.The League said dedicated supportfrom people like Rob Lindley went along way to helping Queensland kidswith special needs.Opening doors to abrighter futureTHE inaugural Art for Art’s Sakeexhibition and auction titled ‘TheDoors’ was held at the BrisbanePowerhouse as a new fundraisinginitiative of the League and the launchof Cerebral Palsy Awareness Weekin Queensland.Up to 30 Queensland artistscreated pieces fromrecycled doors, salvagedfrom the demolition ofseveral buildings at theLeague’s New Farm site.Well-known artists,including Robert Coleby,Donna Gee, TraceyKeller, John Morris andJan Jorgensen createdamazing masterpiecesfrom the doors includingcolourful paintings andremarkable sculptures.More than 250 artaficionados fronted to theauction, with most worksachieving an average of$350.However, their were someoutstanding bidsplaced on hotlycontested doors, includingthe winning bid of $4000 forthe John Morris headsculpture made from the oldMarketing and Fundraisingboardroom door.The auction raised more than$20,000 for the League and hasestablished itself as a popular eventfor both artists and art lovers alike.“Rob has been supporting the Leaguefor decades,” the League’s RegionalManager for Rockhampton, DaniGerhardt said.“This support raises valuable dollarsthat go towards providing muchneededservices for youngRockhampton residents with cerebralpalsy.”The event raised several thousanddollars, which Ms Gerhardt saidwould be used to purchase a “Click‘n’ Go” attachment for a powerwheelchair for the equipment library.‘Unhinged’: (right) John Morris with hissculpture and former boardroom door,‘Unhinged’.Art for Arts Sake: The Doors exhibition andauction, launched Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek in Queensland this year and raised morethan $20,000 for the League.

League staffvolunteer too!MANY League staff volunteer insome capacity during the year.Some help out with events,such as the Bridge to BrisbaneFun Run or Boardroom Blitz.Others offer their time tosupport League clients withcommunity access or whenextra assistance is needed withholiday plans.One such volunteer is theLeague’s Event andSponsorship Coordinator,Rebecca Zepackic.Rebecca volunteered herservices two years ago andremains in touch with a Leagueclient on Brisbane’s north side,as the occasional assistancewith community access hasdeveloped into a mutualfriendship.For further information onvolunteering, contact:The Volunteer CoordinatorPh: 07 3358 8008jpanter@cplqld.org.auLeading by example: RebeccaZepackic works for the League as theEvent and Sponsorship Coordinator, andalso volunteers her time to help peoplewith cerebral palsy access the community.Wilde boogie nightsWILBUR Wilde of “Hey Hey It’sSaturday” fame swapped his trustysaxophone for 70s-style platformshoes and flares to host this year’scharity rock event of the year -Conrad Treasury Boardroom Blitz,aptly themed “Studio 54 Revisited”.Queensland corporates weretempted to temporarily trade intheir ‘day jobs’ for a chance at 70srock ‘n’ roll stardom on October 15at the Brisbane EntertainmentCentre, taking centre stage tocompete in the corporate talentevent.“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime forthe ‘average Joe’ to live thecelebrity rock dream, red carpetand all,” Mr Wilde said.Ten corporate bands includingthose from Conrad Treasury,Brumby’s Bakeries, Roche Mining(MT), Allens Arthur Robinson, jointband Bickerton Masters and DFKHirn Newey, Super Cheap Auto,Ergon Energy, AustralianRecruiting, BreakFree Resorts andNorwest Productions, entertainedalmost 1000 guests from more than80 Queensland companies.‘Groove Train’ riders were treatedto the entire Blitz experience,including entertainment at theRoma Street platform with band FatChance and the Red CarpetExtravaganza with comedic roleplayingby Izit actors in retrocharacters.Mustangs taxied everycelebrity, judge and bandmember in style to theiradoring fans, whowere treated to thesmooth Motownsounds ofStylus - theband whichbrought us‘SummerBreeze’ and‘World of MakeBelieve’.In true Blitz fashion, it was everyband for themselves, with the lineupeach trying to out-do each other,encouraging the crowd to get downand boogie to the disco (and punkrock) numbers they performed.The judging panel deliberated on thecategory winners and announcedConrad Treasury’s “Perfect Pairsand the Caribbean Studs” as the‘Judge’s Pick’.Hot on their heels in second placewas Ergon Energy’s “Disco Lights”and Brumby’s Bakeries “BreadZeppelin” rounded off the top three.‘Best Rock Moves’ was awarded toRoche Mining MT’s “Flash Machine”while ‘Best Stage Presence’ and‘Crowd Pick’ via SMS voting wentto Super Cheap Auto’s “SuperGroove”.Congratulations to Blitzers - thecompanies that performed on thenight - as well as the dozens ofsponsors who have supported thisevent over the past three years.Blitzers (left to right): (Back) Kees Payens ofRoche Mining MT’s band “Flash Machine”;host of Boardroom Blitz 2005, Wilbur Wilde.(Front) Shirley Lothian and Kimberley Purcell,dancers with “Flash Machine”; RebeccaMaitland and Ellen Coventry of BreakFreeResorts’ band “Buddy Holiday and the CheckinChicks”.11

Event UpdateMelbourne CupTHE Cerebral Palsy Leagueconducted sweepstakes at ConradTreasury and The Port Office Hotelfor the Melbourne Cup Race this year.Volunteers sold tickets to hundreds ofpunters to raise more than $2000.If you know of a venue hostingMelbourne Cup luncheons for 2006,please pass the information to theFundraising team on 1800 819 086.They would be glad to contactluncheon organisers about sweepsfor next year.Beach Volleyball withNatalie CookNATALIE Cook, Olympic GoldMedallist from the 2000 SydneyGames, hosted a corporate beachvolleyball day at ANZ Stadium, onbehalf of the Cerebral Palsy League.Clients and their families were invitedto meet Natalie Cook at an afternoonof fun in the sand at The Beach, MtGravatt.Below: Abby Laing played volleyball withOlympic Gold Medallist, Natalie Cook at TheBeach in Mt Gravatt.Tasty treats temptedtreadersMORE than 21,000 enthusiastsentered the Sunday Mail SuncorpBridge to Brisbane Fun Run onSunday 1 August, to raise funds forthe Cerebral Palsy League and majorbeneficiary QIMR.More than 5000 of thoserunners signed up for a hotbreakfast at the end of therace, provided again this yearby the League.With such a huge increase indemand for post-racebreakfasts, the Leaguerelied on a huge numberof volunteers to ensurethat the morning wentsmoothly.Almost fifty staff, clientsand friends also enteredthe race.Thanks go to TheSunday Mail andSuncorp forsupporting people withcerebral palsy and allowingthe League to participate intheir prestigious event.Colour Your DayCOLOUR Your Day 20-26February 2006, is theLeague’s first state-widefundraiser for the new year.All are encouraged to participateand sell merchandise to raisefunds for the League.Packs will be sent out in earlyFebruary so if you areinterested in participating,contact the Fundraising teamon 1800 819 086 at the League toregister.MerryChristmasTHE Cerebral Palsy League wouldlike to thank its supporters,volunteers, staff, members andclients for their continued assistancethroughout 2005.Without all those who leant theirsupport, the League would have notachieved the goals which it set forassisting children and adults withcerebral palsy inQueensland, to reachtheir goals.The Leaguewould alsolike to thankits sisterorganisations fortheir efforts whenworking together toachieve outcomes forour common cause.If you, or someone youknow, would also like to lendsupport to the League, as wellas thousands Queenslanderswith cerebral palsy, pleasecontact us.Cerebral Palsy League1800 819 086www.cplqld.org.auRelocationTHE Independent Living CentreQld will scale back services fromearly December to prepare for itsrelocation to Newmarket in the newyear.Phone enquiries service remainsopen until Friday 23 December.Clients may continue to call toreceive advice on equipment andtechnology solutions throughoutthe relocation period.1300 885 886Kokoda TrailA Taste of BorneoEgyptInca TrailGreat Wall of ChinaAfrican SafariChoose Your Own12

Big sounds forcerebral palsyTHE League welcomed KeithHampton to the position of DonorRelations Manager in Octoberand he has since looked forwardto approaching his new donorcare duties in a different way.Mr Hampton said he was lookingforward to giving the communitya ‘bell’ as soon as he could with anew take on meeting and greeting.“I’d like to bring entertainment inharmony to my presentationswhen visiting senior’s groups inBrisbane and Queensland, in themonths ahead,” Mr Hamptonsaid.Having played with the SalvationArmy band from the age of five,Mr Hampton has brought the bellsof his trombone and baritonehorns north from Sydney, to playwith the Amberley RAAF brassband.His first initiative with the Leaguewill be Music Midday, where hehopes to treat listeners toclassics, movie tunes, gospel andjazz music.Mr Hampton also brings with himwide experience within the notfor-profitsector, through some ofthe countries major organisations,including the Australian RedCross, the Salvation Army and theACT Society for the PhysicallyHandicapped recently renamedthe Hartley Foundation.During his five years as Managerof Marketing Development andPublic Affairs with Red Cross, MrHampton was instrumental inimplementing the best practicenational Bequest program to theACT.He thanked all the staff he hasmet to date for their kindness andfor putting on the little welcomeparty at Boondall on his firstSaturday night in Brisbane -‘Boardroom Blitz’ - what awelcome!For further information, contact:Donor Relations ManagerPh: 07 3358 8093Fax: 07 3358 2495khampton@cplqld.org.auIona College DonationMOOROOKA Day Service receivedgoods valued up to $350 including avacuum cleaner, kitchenware andsome much needed art supplies,from Committee for Service andAction (CSA) Students at IonaCollege.The CSA consists of year sevenstudents who fundraise for their localand extended community by runningraffles, collecting aluminium cans andholding competitions.Manager of the Moorooka DayService, Ms Julie Ferris said thestudents were a very motivated groupwho were genuinely interested inmaking a difference.“We had a lovely morning with two ofthe CSA students when theypresented the Service with theirdonations,” Ms Ferris said.“We would also like tothank the Principal of theJunior School, MartinLewis for taking thetime to bring thestudents to Moorooka,and the Year Seven Coordinator,Peter Holmesfor his involvement.”CSA representatives: (left toright) Matthew Ekin andLachlan Ritson of Iona Collegereceive a certificate ofappreciation for theirfundraising efforts.13

14SMART Supplies is aspecialised online provider ofmore than 1950 lines ofgenuine IT consumables and14,000 lines of office products.Anything purchased from SmartSupplies attracts a two per centrebate that automaticallycomes back to the Leaguewhen you quote:Community Rebate Codem2wcerqldIf you have to buy ITconsumables and officesupplies (and who doesn’t?),why not choose the option thatgives back to your localcommunity!Personal riskDANIELLA Pocock of ‘Personal Riskand Retirement Specialists’ (PRRS)will donate $100 for any supporter ofthe Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland, who places their LifeInsurance, Income Protection,Trauma Insurance andSuperannuation business with PRRS.Ph: 07 3272 6860 or 0421 757 669for an obligation free appointmentto discuss your insurancerequirements at no charge.PETALS will donate 25 per centof every online order to theLeague, when the number 7059is quoted.www.petals.com.auPAYROLL donations are a taxeffective way for people to giveregularly to charity.More than $12 million dollarshas been donated to theCerebral Palsy League throughthe Payroll Donation Programover the past 35 years.These funds have assisted withthe provision of vital servicesand equipment to thousands ofchildren and adults withcerebral palsy in Queensland.As a passive form of donation,many staff and companieshave supported this programand have helped to raiseawareness of cerebral palsy intheir communities.For as little as a dollar a day,Queensland employees canmake a huge difference to thelives of thousands.For further information on thePayroll Donations Program foremployers, individual donorsand for supplementaryinformation, contact:Payroll DonationsCoordinatorPh: 3358 8052fundraising@cplqld.org.auBY booking all of your company’s traveland encouraging your staff and clients tobook their leisure travel through the FlightCentre “Takeoff” 1800 003 903 number,you can nominate the Cerebral PalsyLeague of Queensland to receive one percent of the total price of your booking.Rodney BarnardTHE staff and clients of theCerebral Palsy League ofQueensland would like toextend their sincerecondolences to the friends andfamily of long-standing Leaguevolunteer, Rodney Barnard,who recently passed away.A previous recipient of theLeague Board’s Certificate ofCommendation for servicesrendered to the League,Rodney had been a regularvolunteer in the Marketing andFundraising Department, sinceearly 1999, helping withadministrative processes.He was well liked, extremelyreliable, and will be sorelymissed.MaddalenaIT is with deep sadness that theLeague fare welled JeannetteMaddalena and her daughterRoxanne, who were killed in acar accident in August.Jeannette spent many of heryears as a staff member of theLeague and, prior to herretirement, as PropertyAssistant.HOTLINE VehicleInsurance provide acompetitive vehicleinsurance quote, and willdonate five percent fromnew contracts andrenewals, to the CerebralPalsy League ofQueensland.1300 134 222

Ever Lost Your Car & House Keys?THOUSANDS of keyrings each yearare found but are never returnedbecause there are no contact detailswith the keys.easy2track.com helps lost keyringsfind their way home.By adding a small serial-numberedkey tag to your keyring, easy2trackcan help track your keys.When someone finds your lost keys,they can phone the freecall numberon the key tag and quote the serialnumber to the call centre operator.The operator will get contact detailsfrom the keyring finder and thank themfor calling in.You will be contacted by the operatorabout your found keys and will be giventhe details for the keyring finder.Then it is up to you whether you collectthe keys or, get easy2track to send acourier for them, at a small cost.There is no finding fee from easy2trackso you can lose your keys as often asyou like provided your key tagsubscription is up-to-date.Subscription1 Year $ 9.952 Year $15.001 Year Re-Subscription $ 4.00Extra 3 Tags $ 9.00$5 from every sale will benefit theCerebral Palsy Leaguehttp://cp.easy2track.comHelp us, help othersMOTHER Nature tends to work inless obvious ways at times.Demand on League servicescontinues as more children arediagnosed with cerebral palsy andtheir service requirements continueinto adulthood.There are four fundamental issuesfor people with cerebral palsy, andthe League:• Cerebral palsy is one of the mostexpensive disabilities tomanage and provide servicesfor;• Equipment needs continue tochange and the ensuing costsare enormous;• Cerebral palsy is a life-longdisability;• Cerebral palsy can occur in anyfamily and there is no cure.The League needs your financialassistance to maintain services toits current clients.In addition, one child born inAustralia every 18 hours withcerebral palsy.The need continues to grow andwithout your assistance we willstruggle to meet service demands.Please, dig deep.(See reverse for details)15

Yes!I want to help theCerebral Palsy Leagueof QueenslandPlease accept my donation of:$10 $20 $50 $ ____ Please find enclosed mycheque/money order madepayable to the:Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland Please debit my credit card: Bankcard Mastercard Visa Amex DinersCard number:_ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _Cardholder’s name:_____________________________Cardholder’s signature:_____________________________Expiry date: ____ / ____Name: ________________________Company: __________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________Suburb: _______________________State: _______ Postcode: _________Phone: ________________________Email: ________________________1800 819 086www.cplqld.org.auNew ambassador forLeague of Friends DonorLoyalty ClubHEATHER Foord, the presenter ofNational Nine News joined theCerebral Palsy League as anambassador of its new program,League of Friends.Donor Relations Manager and Leagueof Friends Coordinator, KeithHampton said he was looking forwardto Ms Foord’s support with his newlydesigned strategy for recognition andappreciation of those with a specialinterest in the organisation, or thoseit provides support to.League of Friends will work toacknowledge current supporters ofpeople with cerebral palsy andparticularly those who nominate theirfuture support to the League.League of Friends aims to includeparticipants in activities organised bythe League, as well as invite them tospecial functions in their honour,to learn more about the workof the League and meetsome of the people theywill be assisting throughtheir membership withthe program.Ms Foord, whosenephew has cerebralpalsy, said she waslooking forward to herduties as the League ofFriends ambassador.“I’m very excited to be askedto become an ambassador,” MsFoord said.Heather Foord: Heather’s nephew has cerebralpalsy and she is keen to help communitiesunderstand more about the disability.Heather is ambassador for the League ofFriends donor loyalty program, a newinitiative of the Cerebral PalsyLeague.“It’s very flattering and I hope I canhelp in many ways, especially toraise the League’s presence on thecorporate conscience,” she said.“Cerebral palsy is very much a partof my life, my nephew hasquadriplegic cerebral palsy, butthanks to his amazing mother,Melinda, and his brothers, he’s doingwonderfully spiritually.”Ms Foord said there was alwaysmore that could be done physicallyfor people with cerebral palsy.“I’m looking forward to doing what Ican out in the community foreveryone with cerebral palsy,” MsFoord said.For further information on the Leagueof Friends, contact:Donor Relations ManagerPh: 07 3358 8093khampton@cplqld.org.au PO Box 386 Fortitude Valley Q 4006Thank you so much for caringDonations are fully tax deductible16