2008 Central Coast Recognition of Excellence Award winners
Excellence in Art and Culture - demonstrates a positive contribution to any one of visual arts; music; drama; literature, film; song; techno/computer arts and inspires others Ty McGill This year Ty was invited to sing the National Anthem at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics State Tenpin Bowling and State Basketball held on the Central Coast. He did a marvellous job and only last week he attended The Seymour Centre at Penrith to record his rendition of the National Anthem with the backing of the Police Band. The recording will now be distributed to all Special Olympic regions for their use at all Opening Ceremonies for State Carnivals. Ty has also been recognised at Post School Options concerts over the last few years and he recently played a starring role in their Annual Concert at Laycock Street. Ty has also performed at Gosford Council’s Disabilities Award Ceremony. Ty is using his disability to show his ability and no doubt we will hear more of Ty and his beautiful voice. Excellence in Sports - demonstrates a positive contribution to their chosen sport/s and inspires others David Burke David competed at the Australian Tennis Classic held in Melbourne in January 2008 where he made the quarter finals in the singles and was runner up in the men’s doubles. David also competed at the 3rd INAS-FID World Tennis Championships held in Poland from 2 to 7 July. David came 4th in the men’s singles and 3rd in the mixed doubles, as well as competing in the men’s doubles. This was the first time David competed at these prestigious championships. David is also a member of Gosford Tennis Centre and plays tennis against able bodied players and handles himself very well. David won Gold and Bronze medals a the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai Excellence at Work - demonstrates a positive contribution in either paid or volunteer capacity and inspires others Paul Owen Until 1998, Paul was employed as a qualified panel beater and on various building sites. Late in that year, Paul experienced a rapid decline in his vision due to a previously undiagnosed hereditary condition. Since then Paul has had to adjust to living with a vision impairment, but also a complete change to his personal life, including not being able to drive or return to his previous work or play sport. Paul has had extensive re-training and applied for over 400 jobs. With assistance from Break Thru Employment and the Federal Governments work place modification scheme Paul is now employed with the Central Coast Area Health as admin support for the Engineering Department. Paul was initially employed for a 3 month contract; however, quickly showed his value in the work place and feedback from the employer, throughout his induction and training, was very positive. Paul is now employed on a full time contract.
Paul is also part of a mentoring program for young people and their families living with a vision impairment. Younger Person with a Disability - a person under the age of 24 who shows excellence in any category James Mulligan James is currently in Year 11 at St Peter’s Catholic College. Hisdetermination to overcome some of the impairments associated with autism by focusing on his strengths to give something back to the community has led to him becoming a role model for younger students enrolled in the Satellite Unit as well as other students at St Peter’s. In October 2007, James registered with the Toowoon Bay Surf Club and gained his Bronze Medallion (Surf) Aware and Certificate II in Public Safety. In November 2007, became a volunteer lifesaver with Toowoon Bay Surf Club. This has involved regular attendance on patrol; providing assistance with setting up/packing up the beach; maintaining the skills required for rescues; and working collaboratively with his Patrol Captain and other patrol members. On 5 January 2008, James was attending his second official day of patrol duties and received a call via radio that three people were in difficulty in the water at Blue Bay. James quickly responded by entering the rough seas on a rescue board and within minutes had managed to rescue all three swimmers by himself, returning them safety to shore. James received an award from the Surf Club after showing skill and determination in carrying out the rescue and he also received a Citizenship Award at school. Excellent Community Group - excellence in projects that ensure equity of access for people with a disability, their families, friends and carers Camp Breakaway Camp Breakaway is a self funding charity serving people with disabilities, children with high medical needs and their families. Breakaway is committed to providing an environment where people have the opportunity to experience joy and friendship and participate in a wide range of activities. Breakaway organises 7 camps a year. A high needs children camp in September hosted 12 families from the Central Coast and Sydney. The parents enjoyed a much needed break to recharge their batteries. The high needs children were cared for by specialist nurses and the siblings had an opportunity to take part in the many programs. In August, Camp Breakaway welcomed 19 adult campers, of whom 12 live at home with their parents. The camp is a great opportunity to allow the care giver much needed time out. Careers often relish the chance to take time out to take a holiday themselves, as for many it is indeed a rare opportunity. Breakaway is a small army of dedicated volunteers, without their support these camps just wouldn’t take place. The team has one goal: to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Excellent Community Building Project - an innovative project that engages people with a disability and their families and friends within the wide community Liberty Park Collaboration / POP4 Kids
The Liberty Park Collaboration involved POP 4 Kids, a group of local parents which worked with the Benevolent Society to influence stakeholders like Rotary, local businesses and Wyong Shire Council to provide fenced, accessible playgrounds that have a particular focus on children between 0-12 years Collaboration meant keeping the different groups and workers communicating about what accessible and inclusive facilities should look like.. POP4Kids conducted community consultations, approached local businesses and clubs, delivered presentations at Council meetings, met with State and Federal MP's and conduct media interviews. The Liberty playground opened on 23rd August 2008 and includes a Liberty swing which can be used by children and adults in wheelchairs. This is the only one on the Central Coast available for use by the public. The playground is used by hundreds of families and is enjoyed by many children with disabilities. The playground enables children with disabilities to interact, engage and play with other children.