What does connection, collaboration and community look like to you? To us, it is our Community of Practice!

What a way to finish up the week! On Friday, a vibrant gathering of NDIS service providers took place at Peibri Place for Integrity 4 Life’s Community Practice meeting. Despite the chilly winter morning, the sun graced us with its presence, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed the stunning water views and took advantage of the balcony, setting the perfect scene for community connection.

In collaboration with Big Brown House and The Gray Area, we extended our invitation to celebrate Pride Month. Together, we proudly supported Black Rainbow, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQI+SB organisation dedicated to promoting unity in diversity.

The event was a true reflection of our commitment to fostering connections, celebrating diversity, and empowering our communities.

“All the people who attended. Ian being a great host with the quick witted jokes. The disability first aid presentation by Joel was great. Food 10/10”

Kurt Walker

Director, Newcastle Social Workers

Embracing Mindfulness: The Ice Breaker Activity

The day kicked off with an engaging ice breaker activity aimed at connecting local NDIS service providers through the power of mindfulness. This activity was more than just a warm-up; it was a platform for fostering connection and inclusivity. As participants engaged in mindful practices, initial barriers began to dissolve, creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone involved.

Welcoming Our Guest Speakers

Empowering Indigenous Communities: Insights from Koiop Connect

The morning of presentations kicked off with Suevanah Brown from Koiop Connect providing insights into supporting Indigenous people with disabilities. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisation, Koiop Connect embodies the spirit of its name, which means Dragonfly in the Meriam Language of the Torres Strait Islands. This symbolises change and self-realisation, which Koiop Connect brings to life by working closely with participants to embrace their cultural heritage.

Essential Skills for Disability First Aid

Next, Joel Robinson from Essential Skills Training took the stage to lead a crucial disability first aid course. Joel covered essential topics, including managing choking incidents in wheelchairs or beds and effective strategies for handling emergencies. Essential Skills Training also added an element of excitement by providing our lucky door prize, further engaging the attendees.

The Multidisciplinary Approach to NDIS Service Provision

Dr. Agness Tembo, Director of El Roi Healthcare, highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary (MDT) approach in NDIS service provision. She emphasised how dynamic and successful MDTs involve health professionals with complementary skills working together towards common goals, assessing, planning, and evaluating patient care collectively.

Refuelling and Networking

After a morning filled with valuable learning, attendees enjoyed a delicious spread prepared by Peibri Place. This break not only provided nourishment but also fostered further connection and networking among participants.

Mealtime Management and Neurodivergent Therapy

Post-break, Lauren Burns, Senior Speech Pathologist at Sublime Care, presented on mealtime management plans, detailing assessments and implementations. She highlighted the critical importance of swallowing and its impact on various aspects of life.

Introducing The Neuro Nest: Therapeutic Support for Neurodivergent Children

Following Lauren, Helen Marquez and Sierra Jean from Lotus Assist introduced The Neuro Nest, a program offering therapy options for neurodivergent children in a safe, playful environment. Their goal is to create meaningful connections among peers and provide therapeutic resources to help children thrive.

Celebrating Diversity Through Storytelling

The event concluded with a heartfelt book reading of "The Difference Between Us," written and illustrated by Integrity 4 Life’s own Meg Blackburn. The book celebrates community differences and reinforces the purpose of our Community of Practice: to accept, advocate, and celebrate those we support.

Wrapping Up with Gratitude

Ian Campbell from Integrity 4 Life, wrapped up the Community of Practice by drawing the winner for the lucky door prize which was presented by Essential Skills Training. Emphasising the importance of the Community Practices as an essential means of connecting service providers, promoting collaboration, and strengthening our community. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we continue to build a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

A special thank you to our guest speakers for taking the time to present such engaging presentation. We would also love to say a huge thank you to hosts and catering experts Peibri Place for making our Community of Practices happen. Whilst the morning was one for the memories, we also want to thank Slumpgait Media for capturing the special moments! Thank you to everyone who attended and taking time out of your busy schedules to be a part of our community.

Want to look back on the morning?

Click the link below to check out the full gallery of images by Slumpgait Media

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