BUSHkids Annual Report 2011-2012

MOUNT ISA Due to extenuating circumstances, individual therapy sessions have been conducted in the schools to ensure that each child has access to the necessary services. Schools around the district have continued to be very supportive of the work we do at BUSHkids and have, at times, been able to bring children to the centre for their therapy sessions. BUSHkids Mount Isa continues to be an extremely sought-after service and we have received huge support from the community over the past year. From FHSW JaneWallace Fun Friends and Friends For Life have been very popular programs, with 10 groups running each term at various schools in town. We have run at least two PALS programs too. Our core programs continue as they have for many years. We will continue to monitor any changes in the trend for services/ programs, new programs needed to meet requirements, and any extra/ different services required to meet community needs. From Psychologist James Evans-McLeod Wow, what an extensive and varied workload – some assessment, other short/long term intervention, new presentations, reports to go the paediatrician, and so on. It’s good to see our school groups seem to be in a lot of year-round demand. Relative to the profession the lo- cal hospital has more permanent staff – paediatrician/psychiatrist – whereas in the past they were only in temporary positions. As usual, I attend the monthly mental health network meetings, and recently I’ve also attended the Mental Health Week planning meetings as well as the Mental Health Week family fun day (after our conference).

We have visited schools in the area as a team to meet with staff and parents to raise awareness of BUSHkids and our programs. HOGS donated a cheque to cover the cost of some project blocks for the centre. IN OUR OFFICE It’s been really good to see the solar panels up, as an enviro-friendly idea and a long term savings goal. New resources we have received during the year include: • Updated PLS 5 • new relaxation CDs • project blocks • visual learning for life • various new books • Bear Cards As noted elsewhere in this report, our computers are ageing and the slowness of their processing is reducing work efficiency. It is not stretching the truth too far to say that the printer is on its last legs (its drawer will not close properly even after a service) and the scanner is not working very well.

IN OUR COMMUNITY There is a constant demand for all services in our community, causing big waiting lists. Among the events and activities we have been involved in, highlights are: • NAIDOC Week • Moving together • Early Childhood network • Deadly ears launch • Medicare Local launch • SLP journal club • Communities For Children ( C4C) meetings • Dr Seuss-themed ‘ mega playgroup The decision was made to not hold a Ball this year, and its absence from the Mount Isa social calendar has triggered great interest in what might be in store in 2013! Tash hosted fundraisers during the Rodeo Queen Quest, including a Mother’s Day Breakfast, Paint- balling event, Boots and Bling Ball, Christmas in July, and a ‘Nitelife’ tour.

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