Being a Voice for Generations
Each year, May 26 marks National Sorry Day and is followed by National Reconciliation Week that runs from May 27 to June 3. Mamre is at the beginning of our journey towards reconciliation. We’ve explained why reconciliation is important to us, and indeed all Australians, in this article.
This year we started work on our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our newly formed RAP working group will follow Reconcilation Australia’s framework to craft Mamre’s unique RAP. I look forward to updating you on our progress.
One of the true highlights for me of National Reconciliation Week 2023 was unveilng our new artwork in our reception area. Leah Cummins of Bunya Designs, a strong Mayi-Kulan and Kalkadoon woman from NW Qld, created the stunning digital design and Jesse Green from Yilay, a proud Butchulla/Woppaburra/Gunditjmara man born and raised in Brisbane, printed the mural.
Called Mamre Exploring Culture, the beautiful artwork welcomes customers, families, staff and visitors to our Windsor office. It serves as a visual reminder of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Click here to learn more about our mural and hear the artist Leah talk through her design.
Mamre also celebrated National Reconciliation Week by joining Reconciliation Australia’s Voices of a Generation choir call out. Our office staff came together to sing From Little Things Big Things Grow by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody, which tells of the Gurindji people’s struggle for their land. As we sang, we were reminded that we all have a part to play in reconciliation and that our voices can make a difference.
Find out more about Voices of a Generation here and click here to watch Mamre’s choir.
What goes on at group time?
Our allied health therapists use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) during group time to maximise an individual’s communication skills. Have a quick look at speech pathologist Jess modelling AAC by clicking here.
Wondering what else happens during group time at Mamre? Every session includes literacy and reading, communicating, cooking, and creating, crafting and painting. Email [email protected] or call us on 07 3622 1222 to learn more.
Have your say about the NDIS
Do you have views on how to improve the NDIS? Participant First wants to hear from you! Participant First is a community-focused scheme that gathers and implements feedback from NDIS participants, families, carers and people with lived experience of disability and first-hand experience of the NDIS. To find out more, click here to watch a new video featuring some of the members talking about their experience.
New toy alert at Mamre!
Here’s speech pathologist Kim with Mamre’s new bubble blower — one of the fun ways she engages with some of our Allied Health customers. Learning what each customer loves to do and what lights them up helps Kim to provide tailored therapy centred around them. A great way to do this is to have fun together in therapy! It helps build a positive therapeutic relationship and makes sessions more enjoyable and effective.
Sensory awareness and movement differences workshop
Community Resource Unit (CRU) is hosting a workshop on sensory and movement differences, which will tackle relevant topics and concerns. This event is on Friday 16 June from 9am to 4:30pm, at the Jindalee Hotel. Book your tickets here.
Upcoming CRU events
Community Resource Unit (CRU) have some great events coming up like Shaping a Good Life on Friday 16 June at the Jindalee Hotel. This interactive workshop is a great introduction to sensory awareness and movement differences. Register at https://cru.org.au/upcoming-events.
Source Kids Disability Expo 2023
Mamre is so excited to be back at Source Kids Expo and we can’t wait to see you there! The expo will include:
- more than 150 disability product and service providers
- performers to entertain young and old
- a sensory zone to relax in a sensory-friendly space
- fun, sport and chill zones.
It’s at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July from 10am to 4pm and is free to attend. Tickets are essential so click here to register.
Staff Spotlight
Cate is our superstar Quality and Compliance Manager! She’s responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance processes, monitoring compliance with standards and addressing any non-compliance issues. “I’m passionate about creating level playing fields where people can fully engage on their own terms and be supported to live the life they choose.”
Danielle does amazing work in our Allied Health team supporting our therapists as an Administrator/Assistant. You may have seen her sitting with Sarah-Fay at our reception desk! Danielle is also a support worker and occupational therapy student. “As much as I enjoy streamlining processes and ensuring smooth running behind-the-scenes for the Allied Health team, I find the most pleasure in moments of connection with the people we support.”