Whitelion's November 2009 Newsletter -
Nov 17, 2009
Newsletter Topics:
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Whitelion Charity Christmas Cards on sale now
Support Whitelion by purchasing our exclusive designer Christmas Cards, with all proceeds supporting our work with youth at risk.
There are 3 designs to choose from as shown in the image to the right.
Suitable for professional or personal use these exclusive designer Christmas Cards are retailing at $20.00 p/pack of 10.
Please click here to download the order form.
Once you have completed the order form please either fax to 03 9389 4284, or mail to Whitelion along with your cheque or money order.
Be sure to order your pack soon, so you don't miss out.
Whitelion young person receives award
Whitelion young person, Matthew, is the proud recipient of an Encouragement Award following his participation in a Spotless Culinary Event on 1 October 2009. The Culinary Event is an in house competition that Spotless run for their apprentice chefs where they are required to plan and practice a 2 or 3 course menu, then prepare and cook it in competition conditions.
Matthew was referred to the Whitelion Employment Program in March 2008 and subsequently placed in part time employment at a Spotless Alliance Catering site that May. After progressing to full time employment, Matthew's performance and attitude at work had been excellent. It is evident that employment has had a very positive impact on Matthew providing him with purpose and connection. As a result, Matthew was accepted into a three year apprenticeship program at Spotless which he continues with to date.
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Rural Victoria hears the Primal Beat
Imagine drumming with a world class drummer! That's what young people in Indigo Shire will be doing next week.
Young crew from Barnawartha, Chiltern, Tangambalanga and Yackandandah will be participating in a 4-week program aimed at providing meaningful music and cultural opportunities for young people in rural areas. The Primal Beats workshop is facilitated by Travis Demsey (formerly of the Living End) and Brendan Ryder (Council FReeZA Officer) along with Wylie J Miller from the Grand Wazoo.
Living in rural areas sometimes limits access to recreational and leisure activities - the Primal Beats workshop aims to expand young people's access to music and cultural activities and develop performance and technical skills that will enable young people to independently initiate cultural events themselves that increase their sense of place within their local town. The program also builds capacity of young people to work together as a group and increases their ongoing connection to local FReeZA events and their own sustainable, community involvement.
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Wheelchair basketball challenges Bendigo mentors and young people
During October the Bendigo Leaving Care Mentoring Program held a Wheelchair Basketball activity for young people and mentors. The idea for the activity was inspired by one of the young men who suggested the activity would create an opportunity for people to experience what it is like to have a disability and to try something challenging and new. After a short time to practicing how to manoeuvre their chairs, all participants undertook activities such as wheelchair races and basketball.
Physically demanding, wheelchair basketball challenged both mentors and young people. The experience can only be described as playing basketball in dodgem cars. At the end of the day, it's safe to say everyone enjoyed themselves, developed a sense of appreciation at the determination required to tackle such adversity and came away with aching shoulders!
Congratulations to all participants for getting involved and trying something new, and especially to the Bendigo Mentoring Coordinator for continuing to be creative and innovative when planning program activities. Positive outcomes are more often derived when incorporating the needs and suggestions of young people into program planning.
Whitelion's Bicycle Program gears up for Christmas
Are you thinking about getting a new bicycle this Christmas?
If your old bike is in working order and in need of a little tuning and TLC, why not donate it to Whitelion's Bicycle Program.
Our aim is to teach some of our young people the basics to maintaining and owning a bike so they may have the freedom and independence of travel we all took for granted when we were their age.
All styles of bikes are welcome as long as they don't need too much money spent on them to get them back on the road.
For more information, please contact Luke Mitchell on 03 9389 4455.
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New ambassador for Whitelion Tasmania
Sam Cawthorn, Tasmanian 2009 Young Australian Of The Year, has joined Whitelion as Ambassador in Tasmania. Sam is excited to be representing Whitelion and assisting us to promote our work with vulnerable young people in the State.
Sam's personal life journey changed dramatically in October 2006 when he was involved in a major car accident and DIED. Thankfully he was resuscitated but was left with an amputated right arm and now lives with a permanent disability in his right leg. Sam was hospitalised for over five months and confined to a wheelchair for close to a year. It is the story of Sam's remarkable resilience, his mental strength as well as his physical recovery that has amazed and inspired so many Australians and people around the world.
Through overcoming such a tragedy Sam launched his motivational speaking business. Sam is now a highly sought after speaker with audiences of over 50,000 people throughout Australia and overseas. He has been nominated for many awards and more recently won the 2009 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania.
Click here to read more about Sam's message to others
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Sailing tall in Whitelion South Australia
Congratulations to Whitelion South Australia for their success in gaining the Tall Ships Grant Funding from Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). This means that young people will have the opportunity to participate in a 'once in a life time' sailing experience that will provide them with life skills and possible employment opportunities. The Tall Ship's first voyage will embark on 30 November - 4 December, with seven (7) young people attending accompanied by mentors.
The Federal Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, will be attending the Tall Ships Launch on 8 December when it returns from its maiden journey.
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Whitelion reflects, celebrates and inspires at our 10 Year Celebration Ball
The WHITELION 10 YEAR CELEBRATION BALL was held on Saturday, 14th November 2009 at the MELBOURNE TOWN HALL and has proven to be one of our premier events with 490 people in attendance. It was a huge night marked by the celebration of our achievements and history, with 10 years of memories on display, moving footage, touching tributes and special awards.
The evening starting to the echoes of a live didgeridoo playing, and then our breath was taken away listening to Marina Prior. Then guests were laughing uncontrollably as the Scared Weird Little Guys hit the stage. Throughout the evening we heard some pre-recorded tributes and a surprise piece for our co-founders Mark Watt and Glenn Manton. The night ended with lots of friends reminiscing and dancing the night away.
Click here to read more on the Saturday nights ball.
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Eureka Climb - this Sunday 22 November 2009
For those still keen to participate in the Eureka Climb 09 there is still time to register before entries close 6.00pm Thursday 19 November 2009. Register now to avoid disappointment.
EVENT DAY ACTIVITIES
- Kids Activities - Face painting, clown/juggling, magician, roving entertainment
- DJ - DJ with special guest appearances from legendary Grant Smilie and Lindy Klim, Live Music - Peter Miller Duo
- Eureka Climb Celebrity Challenge, presented by MILK skincare - Michael Klim, Nick Riewoldt, Grant Hackett, Daniel Kowalski, Tiffany Cherry, Grant Smilie, Daniel Grollo, Drew Petrie plus NZ firefighters in full kit.
- On-stage interviews and updates - Fire-fighters, Police, fastest participants etc
- Food & Beverage - Variety of stalls including the Skybar
- Attractions - Emergency Service vehicles on display, Brooks Apparel display, Big M giveaays and Whitlion/Interplast charity display and donation station.
- Live Broadcast from Magic 1278 on Level 88
- Other - massage (gold coin donation), milk skincare samples, learn how to fly a helicopter with the "heli-experience" simulator and other prizes and giveaways
EUREKA SKYDECK OFFER - free entry (conditions apply)
One free child entry with a paying adult (valid on Sunday 22 November 2009 on Adult Entry Only, not valid on Edge or Family Passes).
Please visit www.eurekaclimb.com.au for more information.
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