August 2014

NEWSLETTER
Hello All,
The GVSGCSN Inc. Committee of Management held
their annual planning meeting in June & we look
forward to bringing you some of the great
opportunities which we are busy arranging at the
moment. I would like to thank the Committee
members for their ongoing commitment to our
group. Without people willing to contribute their
time our group would cease to operate.

I am in the GVSGCSN Inc. office on Mondays,
Tuesdays and Wednesdays during school terms
only. If you would like to meet with me outside of
these hours please contact me at the office and we
can make arrangements.
Nicole OBrien
P O Box 794
Shepparton Vic 3632
Ph/Fax: 03 5831 7157
Email: information@gvsgcsn.com.au
Issue No 75
Diary Dates Diary Dates

August August
18th Coffee Morning 18th Coffee Morning pg 2 pg 2
22nd COM Meeting 22nd COM Meeting

September September
15th Coffee Morning 15th Coffee Morning pg 2 pg 2
19th Office Closes 19th Office Closes

October October
6th Office re 6th Office re- -opens opens
14th Carers Week Dinner 14th Carers Week Dinner pg 2 pg 2
20th Coffee Morning 20th Coffee Morning pg 2 pg 2
26th Weekend Coffee morning 26th Weekend Coffee morning pg 2 pg 2
27th Annual General Meeting 27th Annual General Meeting

November November
17th Coffee Morning 17th Coffee Morning pg 2 pg 2
21st COM Meeting 21st COM Meeting
23rd Weekend Coffee Morning 23rd Weekend Coffee Morning pg 2 pg 2

December December
18th Office Closes 18th Office Closes
GVSGCSN Inc.
Contact details

Telephone: 03) 5831 7157
Email: information@gvsgcsn.com.au
Please update your records
Do you have an email address?
Has your email address changed?
Send me a quick email at
information@gvsgcsn.com.au so I can
confirm your email address & keep you
better informed.
No Internet????
If you dont have access to the internet & would
like further information on something in this
newsletter, please contact the office & the
information will be posted to you
Reminder -
2014/2015 Memberships
are now due
Please note: Your
membership is appreciated and
valued. Please complete the form
located on page 9 and return to the
GVSGCSN Inc. office.
Thank-you for your continuing
support.

Page 2
GVSGCSN Inc. Coffee Mornings
Where: DHS Childrens Respite House
124 Sobraon St. Shepparton

When: Mondays (monthly)
Time: 10am - 12

Term 3: 18th August
15th September
Term 4: 20th October
17th November
Children Welcome
(Note: Please ensure children who attend are well)

All enquiries to Nicole - 5831 71 57
Weekend Coffee Mornings 2014
When: Sundays
(monthly during warmer months only)
Time: 10am to 12pm
Venue: Lakehouse Caf,
Wyndham St, Shepparton
Dates: 26th October
23rd November
RSVP: Essential the week prior

Note: All beverages & food at own cost
GVSGCSN Inc. Coffee Mornings..
Coffee mornings are held to give parents an opportunity to come together and meet
other parents in a relaxed and supportive environment. Regardless of your child's care
needs we all have similarities in areas such as education, nutrition, behaviours, programs
we utilise, programs we wish were running & we could access etc. etc.

Connecting with other parents can be one of the most beneficial & rewarding things to
do for yourself. Its not only about what you can take away from meeting others but also
what other parents may take away from meeting you.

We offer both mid-week & weekend coffee mornings to allow for greater opportunity of
participation regardless of your schedule. The Sobraon St venue is perfect for bringing
along any children you may have at home with you.

I hope you make use of this opportunity soon & come along to a coffee morning.
Advance NoticeGVSGCSN Inc.
Carers Week Dinner
When: Tuesday 14th of October
Where: 2wo 5ive 7even Restaurant,
257 Wyndham St Shepparton
Further details to come in the next
GVSGCSN Inc. Newsletter
Parenting Teens with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

GVSGCSN Inc. together with each and Amaze are
finalising plans to bring a parenting teenagers
workshop to Shepparton in October 2014.

Further details once finalised will be forwarded.
GVSGCSN I nc. s Annual Gener al Meet i ng
This years AGM will be held on Tuesday the 27th of October from 7.00pm.
Page 3
S P O R T I N G C H A N C E GREATER SHEPPARTON SCHOLARSHIPS
Guidelines
Sporting Chance aims to provide support to Greater Shepparton residents to become more active in sporting clubs
and the local community.
To be eligible applicants must be
A resident of Greater Shepparton, although their sporting activity may be outside the municipality
In possession of a valid Health Care Card or Pension Card
Clubs, businesses and groups are not eligible to apply
Conditions
scholarships up to $250 per applicant are available
no assistance will be given for retrospective expenses (expenses already paid)
funding will not be provided directly to applicants. FamilyCare will manage the allocation of the applicants
funds to designated clubs, businesses or organisations
successful applicants agree to provide feedback on their playing experiences so outcomes can be recorded
only one application per person can be submitted within a 12 month period
submitting an application does not guarantee funding
To ensure that your application can be considered in full, please return a certified photocopy of your Health
Care and/or Pension Cards at the same time as your application. Refer to page 6 for further information
Incomplete applications may not be considered
Funding will be provided for
Sporting Chance will cover costs under the following categories:
club membership
participation fees
equipment and uniforms
Closing Dates
There will be two rounds for 2014. Applications can be submitted at any time and will be assessed after the clos-
ing date.
First round closing date - 11 April 2014
Second round closing date - 26 September 2014
Assessment
Applications will be assessed by an independent panel consisting of a FamilyCare financial representative, Coordi-
nator of the Sporting Chance program, and a Greater Shepparton Council representative when available.
Allow four weeks from the closing date for the assessment process to be completed.
More Information
For further information or questions contact Ron Garner at FamilyCare on 5823 7000 or
email: rgarner@familycare.net.au
In specific circumstances of hardship or applicants do not meet the eligibility criteria please contact FamilyCare
on 1300 854 944 prior to submitting an application.
THE NATIONAL PUBLIC TOILET MAP
The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 16,000 public and private public toilet facilities
across Australia. Useful information is provided about each toilet, such as location, accessibility details,
opening hours and features. You can access the map at www.toiletmap.gov.au
Page 4
Carers Vi ct ori a
Give me a break!
Free online learning for carers
Carers Victoria is pleased to launch
the new interactive, online workshop
Give Me a Break. If youre helping
someone who has a disability, a
chronic or mental illness or who is
getting frail with age, then you are
one of more than 2.7 million unpaid
family carers in Australia.
'Give me a break' is the first in a
new series of free interactive
workshops to help make caring
easier:
Understand the benefits of
taking a break
Explore the barriers
Think about how to best use
your time off from caring.
Carers Victoria is the state-wide
voice for caring families,
representing and providing support to
carers in Victoria.
Carers can access this online
learning tool at:
www.givemeabreak.org.au

Dont forget, Carers Victoria also
offer free counselling for Carers.
The Carer Counselling Program is
specially designed for carers, with
qualified professionals who
understand the challenges of caring.
You can access up to 6 free sessions
face-to-face (in your area) or via the
telephone.
Contact Carers Victoria on
1800 424 636 or visit:
www.carersvictoria.org.au/
howwe-help/counselling
Comel y Bank Ret r eat
Comely Bank is a charming, rambling retreat set on 5 acres in a
peaceful, rural environment. Comely Bank House was built about
100 years ago and is situated 2.5kms from Healesville located by
the Wats River. The property features 6 bedrooms with 3 shared,
accessible ensuites. Each bedroom has access to the wraparound
verandah.
Comely house also features:
Lovely landscaped surrounds
Fully equipped kitchen
Large lounge with TV, library and sofa bed
Accommodaton for up to 10 people
Large tmber decking with a BBQ area
Laundry with linen provided

Comely house is ideally suited for:
Carers and family holidays
Individuals or groups
Small events
Bookings and enquires: Telephone8720 1100
Emailcomelybank@each.com.au
Comely Bank retreat is managed by each Family and Carer
Support Services
Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS)
Webwise
YDAS has produced an interactive YouTube video to
entertain and educate young people about cyber safety
with the support of the Victorian Government's web Wise
initiative. Our aim was to produce a resource that would
be easy to understand and accessible to adults with
learning disabilities that would also get people LOLing
(Laughing out loud) and sharing the resource. It received
over 77,000 views in the first week! Check it out here.
www.ydas.org.au/projects/webwise
This is a choose your own adventure style interactive
series
Note: This material contains adult themes, nudity,
course language and other content not suitable for
young childrenParent discretion advised.
MASTER LOCKSMITHS ACCESS KEY
The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is a system that
enables people with disability to gain 24/7 access to a network
of public facilities. The MLAK system has been fitted to elevators
at railway stations, accessible toilets in Council municipalities
and National Parks and in adaptive playground equipment
across Australia. More information about the MLAK can be
found at www.masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak.php
Page 5
BRAVE Program
You may be interested in the following free program, proven to help prevent and treat anxiety in young
people aged eight to 17, which is now available online.
The BRAVE program, which has been trialed and evaluated over the last 13 years, uses Cognitive Behaviour
Therapy, is backed by Beyond Blue and the University of Queensland, It has a section for children 8 years
and over, another for teens and one for parents.
If youre on a waiting list for your child to see a psychologist or would like to understand more about
reducing your childs anxiety, click on the link:
www.brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au
Pr i mar y Car e Connect Par ent Educat i on Ser vi ce
Hume Region Parent Education Service is a preventative service, providing parent education,
information and support to parents and carers of children 0 to 18 years of age.
The Program offers group parenting programs and workshops in your local community; there is a small
cost for some programs.
We provide up to four individual consultations of one hour duration with a parenting worker at the
Shepparton office or by telephone. This service is free.
We also provide:
Free written information relating to parenting
Access to Telephone Education Service
Resource Library books, DVDs and CDs
This service is available to Parents and Carers in Greater Shepparton, Moira, Mitchell, Murrindindi and
Strathbogie Shires.
Primary Care Connect399 Wyndham Street, Shepparton, Victoria 3630.
Telephone: 5823 3200
The Access Spot Enabling Independence
Brought to you by Community Accessability Inc.
1300 704 530 www.communityaccessability.com.au

Travellers Aid Medical Companion Service
Travellers Aid offers trained volunteer companions who will meet
you at your train, tram, bus or taxi and guide you to and from you
medical appointments.
This is a free service. You are required to
cover your own fares to and from Melbourne
cover your fares around Melbourne
there is no luggage service available
Provide 48 hours notice for bookings
To book, phone 1300 700 399
Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)
The VPTAS subsidises the travel & accommodation costs incurred by rural Victorians and an approved escort who
have no option but to travel a long distance to receive approved medical specialist services.
VPTAS claim forms are available at the GVSGCSN Inc. office, or visit the following website for claim forms and full
program details and guidelines: www.health.vic.gov.au/ruralhealth/patient-transport-assistance
LINK IS AN
AUSTRALIAN CROSS-
DISABILITY MAGAZINE.
Featuring opinions and
perspectives directly
from people with a
disability, Link covers a
diverse range of topics
including news, issues,
art, sport,
breakthroughs, travel,
health, advocacy,
products and people in
the disability sector.
www.linkonline.com.au

Page 6
Monash University Delta Project - Volunteers Needed
Concentration and attention problems have a signifcant impact on educational achievement and social integration. Our
team at Monash University has developed a cognitive training program specifcally for individuals with developmental
disorders in an attempt to improve attention skills. This program utilizes current android technology to provide a
training program that runs on tablets similar to Ipads.
The study would involve you and your child attending a session at Monash Universitys Clayton Campus. Your child will
complete a series of tasks which will provide us with important information about their unique profle. As a parent you
will be asked to complete some rating scales regarding your child. At the end of this session you will receive one of two
programs. Your child will be asked to play the game at home, for 16 minutes per day, fve days a week for fve weeks.
After this fve week period, we will reassess your child to see if any changes have occurred.
Your involvement in this study will provide important information about how efective this training program is in
improving attention. In addition as a thank you for your participation you and your child will be allowed to keep the
tablet once your involvement in the study is complete.
If your son/daughter is aged between 4 to 10 years, has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability and would like to
participate in this project then please contact Hannah Kirk: E: hannah.kirk@monash.edu T: (03) 9905 0230
Subject: Disability and Tourism ResearchMy name is David Fraser and I am a postgraduate research
student at Plymouth University, currently researching the barriers that prevent disabled people from
participating in tourism.
This is an issue I am very interested in because I am disabled and have travelled extensively. This is
an area that has not been widely researched before. One of the aims of this study is to create a
better understanding of disabled people's needs as tourists or potential tourists, leading to better services
within the tourism industry.
To this end, I have created a website, which includes an online questionnaire and I am requesting that
you encourage anyone who is disabled and over 16 years of age to look at the website and complete
the anonymous questionnaire. The more data I collect, the more accurate the results and conclusions
will be. The website address is; http://www.pbs.plymouth.ac.uk/teamweb/davidsblog/ The website also
includes my travel blog where people can post comments and photographs about their experiences as
disabled tourists.
Therefore, I would be grateful if you could make people aware of my website. My supervisors are
Professors Paul Brunt and Sheela Agarwal. Please feel free to contact me or my supervisors
(pbrunt@plymouh.ac.uk, sagarwal@plymouth.ac.uk) if you require any clarification about my research.
Regards, David Fraser
Do you have a 13-14 year old? Wed love you to get involved in our
Autism Sibs Study! How can we foster the well-being of sibs?
Research Study by: Laura Green & Susana Gavidia-Payne RMIT University
This study will assist Laura to:
Understand and identfy the concerns of siblings
Explore factors afectng the adjustment of siblings
Track the experience of sibs across their lifespan
Finally, develop strategies for ensuring the well-being of sibs.
You can agree to partcipate via email: s3267184@student.rmit.edu.au or phone: 0400 679 353

This study is part of a PhD project investgatng the quality of life and adjustment of siblings of individuals with
autsm. With the results of the data that we collect from you, sibling support programs will be able to be developed.
If you have a child with autsm 3-25 years of age who has a typically developing sibling who is 13-14 years old, we
would be very grateful if you partcipate in this study. It involves a simple questonnaire for yourself and your teen
to complete which should take you approximately one hour each. This questonnaire will ask questons about your
childs satsfacton with life, the accommodatons the family makes, and emotonal and physical responses to life
stress.
Four families will also win $50 iTunes vouchers; by agreeing to partcipate in the study you are entering this rafe!

*Laura Green is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practtoners Regulaton Agency and a PhD
candidate at RMIT University, Bundoora. She is a qualifed Applied Behavioural Analysis therapist with experience
conductng ABA and PRT early interventon therapy for children with autsm as well as anger management and
emoton regulaton programs for siblings.

Page 7
Positive Behaviour Support Workshop
For Parents and Carers of Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
(see eligibility criteria below)
Aspect Victoria is pleased to offer our highly successful, contemporary, evidence -based three (3) day
Autism specific Positive Behaviour Support Workshop in the Eastern Region of Victoria.
More than 1200 families have participated in Aspects Positive Behaviour Support workshops across Australia. Post
workshop evaluations showed an effectiveness of the workshops, with participants reporting decreases in
challenging behaviours and increases in confidence and capacity to support their children and young adults.
Where: Yarrawonga Community Hall
Orr St, Yarrawonga, VIC 3730
When: Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th September 2014
Time: 9:30am-2:30pm (9:15am for Registration)
Cost: FREE (Tea, coffee & biscuits provided ~ participants to bring own lunch)
Registration: Register online at http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/content/events-and-workshops
You may search for this specific workshop location by entering Yarrawonga into the Search Keyword field
Eligibility to participate in this Workshop:
Parents or carers of children and young adults aged between 6 - 25 years, diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The individual with ASD must be living at home
Participating families are encouraged to invite professionals or service providers working with them to attend the workshop
Families participating in this workshop will:
Develop an understanding of autism and how an ASD impacts upon learning and behaviour
Learn how to be proactive by creating an autism friendly environment at home
Learn how to write an autism specific behaviour support plan for one of their childs behaviours
Learn how to write a plan to respond confidently when challenging behaviour occurs
Learn how to teach new skills to promote their childs independence and quality of life
Enquiries:
Contact Amber Day Workshop Administrator or Heather Kirkhope - Service Coordinator
Phone: 03 9377 6600 or email: aday@autismspectrum.org.au
What participants say about Aspect Positive Behaviour Support Workshops:

Brilliant information and concrete strategies to use, thank you. I have learnt very important self-reflection, being able to step back
and really look at and examine behaviour, so valuable. I really value the focus on being positive and improving my childs, my own
and my
familys quality of life. Great workshop I will highly recommend it to others.
Fantastic presentation. Very interactive, affirming & capacity building. Ideas not just discussed but taught how to follow through on.
Best information session on Autism I have been to. So much clarity about getting to the core behaviour, unpeeling the onion.
Enjoyed all the visuals. Thank you so much.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) ABN 12 000 637 267
Aspect Victoria Suite 2B, Level 1, 12 Hall Street Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 | PO Box 1115 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 | T 03 9377 6600 W
www.autismspectrum.org.au
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is Australias largest not for profit autism specific service provider. Established in 1966,
Aspect provides a wide range of services and support. In 2010 Aspect commenced operation in Victoria.
Aspect has been funded by the Department of Human Services to provide a range of positive behaviour support programs across Victoria.


ASSI STI NG FAMI LI ESCARERS WORKSHOP
Assisting Families is a group of workshops designed to help families, friends and carers of people
with mental illness. Families & friends can build on their knowledge, skills and find the most up to
date information relevant to carers. These workshops value the experience of carers & families, are
delivered in a relaxed atmosphere and can be a great place to enjoy support from others in similar
situations.
Assisting with Schizophrenia
Develop an understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of Schizophrenia. Learn about the
impacts, both on the person experiencing the illness and people close to them. As a part of the
workshop you will be able to develop a brief wellness support plan. It is suggested to attend the
Psychosis workshop before this workshop to gain better understanding
Where: Albury
When: Thursday 4th September 2014 10:30am -1:30pm
Please contact Vickie Priscina at Carer Assist Albury: (02) 6021 5882 for more information
or to make a booking. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential. You do not need to
be on a Centrelink carers payment to attend these workshops

Page 8
Youth Di sabi l i ty Ri ghts Hub Youth Di sabi l i ty Ri ghts Hub
Empowering young people with disabilities to know and defend their rights.
Know your rights when it comes to:
* Employment * Money & Decisions * Disability Services
* Crime & Justice * Centrelink & Medicare * Laws & Charters
* Transport & Travel * Leisure & Community * Relationships
* Housing * Education * Healthcare
www.youthdisabilityrights.org.au
Shepparton Autsm Community of Practce
NEXT MEETING:
Friday August 29th, 12.30pm 2.30pm
Venue: Room 1 Community Health @ GV Health, 121 135 Corio St, Shepparton.
RSVP: 22
nd
August Email: kerrig@autsmmansfeld.org.au
AGENDA
1. Girls with an Autsm Spectrum Disorder
2. Hearts & Minds Webinar & Discussion
3. Current Research



As a member of the G. V. Support Group for Children
with Special Needs, you will be entitled to: -
Newsletter
Regular information mail -outs
Free or reduced entry fee to attend seminars, workshops and
special events
Voting rights at Annual General Meeting

Memberships payable on July 1st, each year
Please send with payment to:
GVSGCSN, P.O. Box 794, Shepparton. 3632.

We would like to thank those businesses
that have assisted with the publishing
our Newsletters.
Thankyou to Verney Rd School for photocopying
assistance.


To advertise in this Newsletter,
please contact our office
on Ph: 5831 7157
G.V. Support Group for Children with Special Needs. Inc.

Membership Form / Tax Invoice
(Membership is GST Free)

ABN: 52 903 453 517
I would like to become a member / renew my membership and
enclose payment:: $10:00 Families of children with Special Needs
(Including relatives)
$ 25:00 Organisation / Professionals

Name:_______________________________________________

Organisation:__________________________________________


Postal Address:________________________________________

__________________________________P/C: ______________

Phone:_______________________________________________

Mobile Phone:__________________________________________

Email:________________________________________________

Childs Name:__________________________________________

Childs Date of Birth:_____________________________________

Childs Disability/ Diagnosis:________________________________

____________________________________________________

Siblings Names:_________________________________________

(Please tick if this applies to your family)
Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander
Enclosed is a Cheque / money order for $_____________________

The GV Support Group for Children with Special Needs is an inde-
pendent non-profit organisation. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax
deductible. Donations in addition to memberships fees are always
welcome.

Commonwealth Carer
Respite Centres
Giving carers a break
1800 052 222
Your local respite centre
Page 9
GVSGCSN Inc. is funded by the Victorian State
Government to provide the Strengthening Parent
Support Program
Internet Banking
Direct Deposit: Account NameGoulburn Valley
Support Group for Children with Special Needs Inc.
BankBank of Melbourne
B.S.B.193 879 Acc. No.041 910 908

(Note: Please email confirmation and details of your
deposit to information@gvsgcsn.com.au once complete.)


POSTAGE
PAID
GVSGCSN Inc.
P.O Box 794
Shepparton VIC 3632