BUSHkids Annual Report 2011-2012

WARWICK IN OUR OFFICE

The BUSHkids Golf Day has also attracted a lot of positive attention and local businesses have been quick to put up their hands and contribute to what they strongly feel to be a very worthwhile cause. IN OUR OFFICE The Warwick BUSHkids team has created a welcoming, supportive environment for staff and clients alike. In 2012, the installation of new air conditioners has been a welcome upgrade to the centre. There has been discussion with head office around expanding or moving the Warwick centre to meet the needs of the team and our growing client list and I am sure problem solving around this issue will continue in 2013. INGLEWOOD Due to unavoidable, extended staff leave, there is no report from Inglewood this year.

ACTIVITYAND OUTPUTS The Warwick centre has been very busy in 2012, staff seeing individual clients as well as running a variety of group programs. Not only has there has been a steady flow of registrations for the current programs run through in the centre, we are also identifying a need for new groups that address issues such as social skills, ADHD education and living with a sibling with ASD. IN OUR COMMUNITY BUSHkids is held in great esteem in the Warwick community. With limited private practice options available, BUSHkids has been receiving a steady flow of refer- rals from a range of health and education professionals around the region. The Warwick community has honoured BUSHkids with a Community Service Award at the 2012 Heritage Bank Business Excellence Awards. Our service was acknowledged by Best Employment, who chose us to be one of the community organisations to receive proceeds from a fundraising auction and dinner held in September. The Warwick Daily News is also a great supporter of BUSHkids, regularly publishing stories which raise our profile within the community.

The centre continues to maintain a really supportive environment. Work days often encompass a mix of learning, laughter and, of course, productivity that makes working within the team a great experience. The warmth which a cohesive team creates within our centre for the families using our service is often reflected in comments made by our clientele who report back about the welcoming feel that BUSHkids has in Warwick. As always on our wish list, we hope for more space. THEYEAR IN GENERAL Reflections by Emily Hetherington As a newly qualified SLP, 2012 was bound to be a busy year for me. I was lucky enough score my ideal job – in a multi-disciplinary paediatric team in a rural area – and it happened to be in my hometown! I feel very fortunate to be employed within such a friendly

and welcoming team in the Warwick BUSHkids centre. AROUND OURAREA

Fortunately, the Warwick com- munity has not been affected by any major disasters in 2012. The population in the Warwick region continues to grow steadily, while maintaining the community feel of a small town.

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