Scope in the media (2010)

August 2010

• Eaglehawk empowered by group's generosity

Empowering Eaglehawk held its fourth annual general meeting last Thursday. The community-based program has helped distribute $115,000 of funds into the community through a variety of  projects since inception four years ago. Organisations that were funded during the year include Neangar Preschool, Eaglehawk Bowling Club, Eaglehawk Community House, the Our Shed Program and Scope. Bendigo Miner, 26 August 2010, Page 10, General News.

• Small steps are giant ones for Frank

Even one step is a big one for St Albans' Frank Heileman, who only 18 months ago started walking after being confined to a wheelchair for 15 years. As a result of intensive physiotherapy, the 50-year-old is now able to walk slowly. Mr Heffernan, who has cerebral palsy, became wheelchair-bound after he fell over and hurt his leg. But with the help of staff at Scope in St Albans, he's now slowly recovering and can take part in many activities previously beyond his reach, such as going away on holidays. The Advocate Sunshine, 24 August 2010, Page 14, General News.

• 30-year lease deal

Whittlesea Council has approved a $1 a year lease agreement with Scope Victoria for land in South Morang. The council-owned land at 73 Reid St will be used for a six-bed respite centre which is being moved from Preston. Whittlesea Leader, 24 August 2010, Page 5, General News. Read full story.

• Scope Gippsland get's Facelift

Warragul's Scope building has been given a $200,000 facelift as part of International Power's Global Flagship Award Program. Mark Burrowes, Scope Board, says there is never enough money to provide money for the ever increasing needs of people with special needs. WIN Gippsland, Sale, WIN News, 12 August 2010, 6:37PM.

• Call for help with disability

Scope is calling on political parties to put disability issues on the agenda during this federal election campaign. Scope chief executive officer Diana Heggie said people should be able to have access to services so they could be included in society. "If you've got a significant disability, the reality is you need support from the community." Knox Journal, 11 August 2010, Page 5, General News. Read full story.

• Caring parents reject Libs policy

Doncaster East parents Roger and Gillian Gamble have hesitantly welcomed Labor's election promise to deliver more supported accommodation, but slammed Liberal MP Kevin Andrew's counter policy. Scope's chief executive officer Diana Heggie said it was not appropriate for a young person to live in an aged care facility. However, she said that while Labor's policy was a much
needed investment, it would not meet the demand for services. Manningham Leader, 11 August 2010, Page 9, General News.

• Kialla boy fitted with walking frame

A Kialla boy and Scope client battling cerebral palsy has been fitted with a new specially engineered walking frame. WIN News, 5 August 2010, 6:45pm.

• Community garden has much Scope for clients 

Anyone can get the gardening bug and become a green thumb. Whether it hits you in your teens, mid-life or retirement, for many gardeners, they became hooked as soon as they put shovel to soil. It's the same for a group of three eager green thumbs from Syndal Lifestyle Options. Waverley Leader, 10 August 2010, Page 23, General News.

• Little Henry finds his feet

He can't keep up with his big brother and sister yet but three-year-old Scope client Henry Holmes is on his way to a new life after being fitted out with a Hart walking frame. Shepparton News, 7 August 2010, Page 4, General News. Read full story.

• Taking time out in the garden

Social interaction is blossoming at Scope Chelsea. The Thames Promenade centre runs a weekly gardening program aimed at keeping clients active, healthy and engaged in the community. Mordialloc Chelsea Leader, 9 August 2010, Page 2, General News. Read full story.

• Fun swim with purpose 

Scope clients took to the pool last week as part of early celebrations to mark National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week. Scope flexible services coordinator Kim Barr said the week was about generating awareness about cerebral palsy and highlighting the services offered by Scope. Latrobe Valley Express, 6 August 2010, Page 9, General News. Read full story.

• Pies? Cats will Finnish 'em off!

The Cats have big boots to fill in tonight's blockbuster duel with the Magpies. Boots belonging to Finn Burns, 6. Cerebral palsy and a rare bone disorder that stunts his growth and swells his joints threatened to doom Finn's dreams of playing footy. Michelle Davis-Burns said the invitation to training from the club and Scope meant more to her son than anyone could imagine. Herald Sun, 7 August 2010, Page 17, General News.

• Taking it one step at a time

It's been more than three years since Oscar Chinkwok Clarke took his last step. Now that he's mobile again, he's not planning to slow down anytime soon. The Frankston boy was a walking, running handful for his parents before things went "pear-shaped" and he lost the ability to walk when he was two. Oscar is one of four children who received Hart Walkers yesterday from Scope. The Shane Warne Foundation donated $30,000 for the walking frames. Herald Sun, 5 August 2010, Page 9, General News.  

• Look at Me 

Frankston boy learns to walk again after receiving a specially designed frame. Channel 9 News, 4 August 2010, 6.11pm.

• See the person, not the disability

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week starts next week, running from August 1 to August 7. Viviana Ortolan is a Scope disability educator who has cerebral palsy, affecting her mobility, speech and ability to do daily tasks. Y Weekly, 5 August 2010, Page 4, General News.    

• Taking it one step at a time

It's been more than three years since Oscar Chinkwok Clarke took his last step. Now that he's mobile again, he's not planning to slow down anytime soon. The Frankston boy was one of four children who received Hart Walkers yesterday from Scope. Oscar was overwhelmed by the number of people applauding him. Herald Sun, 5 August 2010, Page 9, General News.

• See those with CP as people first - Scope

Having mild cerebral palsy hasn't stopped Deer Park's Fadila Abdo from doing the activities she loves. At Scope in St Albans last week, Ms Abdo, 31, was among a group of people enjoying their regular art class and creating colourful works. Brimbank Leader, 3 August 2010, Page 7, General News. Read full story.    

• CP Awareness Week

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week will take place between August 1 and August 7. Scope, a leading disability service provider in Victoria, works to make our community more inclusive, more accessible and more welcoming for people living with Cerebral Palsy. North Central Review, 3 August 2010, Page 17, General News.   

• A hindrance hit for six

Leeanne Mackey enjoys going out for dinner, meeting new people, shopping, reading magazines and spending time with her boyfriend. Although she has cerebral palsy, she does not let it hinder her enjoying her hobbies. The 28-year-old has been living at Scope Victoria in Glenroy for 10 years. She is one of about 34,000 Australians living with the condition, which is the most common form of childhood disability. Hume Weekly, 3 August 2010, Page 7, General News. Read full story. 

• Cerebral palsy program assists local sufferers

A weekly program for locals living with cerebral palsy in Warragul is providing exercise and community inclusion. Judging by the smiles Scope is using National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week to educate the community. Warragul & Drouin Gazette, 2 August 2010, Page 20, General News.   

July 2010

• Mad as hell

Karen Sweeney meets three mothers determined to get a better deal for people with a disability. These three Bendigo mothers are 'Mad As Hell' and would do anything for their kids. All mothers of children with disabilites. Community groups including Bendigo's Amicus Centre and Scope are throwing their support behind NDIS. Bendigo Advertiser, 31 July 2010, Page 37, General News.

• Scope takes aim at cerebral palsy

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week starts this Sunday and will run until Saturday, August 7. Cerebral palsy is the most common form of childhood disability, affecting about 34,000 Australians, according to The Economic Impact of Cerebral Palsy in Australia in 2007. Portland Observer, 30 July 2010, Page 7, General News.  

• Awareness of cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week will take place between August 1 and 7. "The important message for our community is to focus on seeing people with cerebral palsy firstly just as people, and to work together to achieve full social inclusion," Scope CEO Diana Heggie said. East Gippsland News, 28 July 2010, Page 10, General News.

• Psst, here's how to stay ahead 

Geelong's longserving businesses are still flourishing in their industries, despite the recession, and have generously shared a few of the secrets to their success. Shannon Park Industries is an example. As a division of Scope Victoria's supported employment enterprise, Shannon Park also provides employment to people with disabilities, who pack and repackage clothing, hardware, beautician products and occasionally food. Geelong News, 21 July 2010, Page 25, General News.    

• Moose not mad at all

Finding a suitable place for that well-earned slice of cake or early-morning coffee has never been easier, thanks to Maribyrnong Council's Cafe Access Guide. The council, with help from Scope, Access All Abilities and community members with disabilities, visited all 80 cafes in the municipality to rate them on entrance access, provision of accessible parking and toilets, space and ease to rearrange furniture, counter height and noise level. Maribyrnong Leader, 6 July 2010, Page 5, General News. Read full story.

• Bad weather fails to stop the reel thrill

Winter rain couldn't deter almost 100 keen fly fishers from trying their luck at Lillydale Lake last month. The event brought clients from several disabled support services, including Scope, together to fish for trout. Scope community development worker Guy Brown said the biggest catch of the day was almost 30cm long. Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader, 6 July 2010, Page 5, General News.   

• Hard men go toe to toe

He is better known for playing Jason Moran on the first Underbelly series, but actor Les Hill is something of a code jumper. The Sydneysider will play for the All-Stars in tonight's EJ Whitten Legends Game at Etihad Stadium. People with a disability will sell football records, with proceeds going to Scope, which looks after their needs. Herald Sun, 6 July 2010, Page 75, Sport Confidential.

June 2010   

• Respite centre to move

A $1 annual rental fee has been proposed by Whittlesea Council for Scope Victoria to use land in South Morang for a six-bed respite centre. The centre would move from Regent St, Preston to 73 Reid St in South Morang. Whittlesea Leader, 29 June 2010, Page 5, General News. Northern Weekly.

• Clear view of the Cup

Western suburbs icon for 40 years, the Ashley Hotel has evolved into one of the premier sporting hotels in the region with bar facilities second to none. Not only caring for its customers, the
Ashley Hotel is a pub with real heart. As part of the ALH Group, the hotel gets involved in raising money for the Royal Children's Hospital and other charities, such as Scope. The Advocate Sunshine, 22 June 2010, Page 82, General News.   

• Play started with a good old chat

Mooroolbark's Melinda Smith will help examine the ethics of parenthood for people with disabilities this week with her play - Perfectly Imperfect. Ms Smith, who works at Scope and has a physical disability that restricts her mobility and causes speech difficulties, will star in the dance-based play as Kate - a mother with cerebral palsy. Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader, 15 June 2010, Page 9, General News. 

• Filling the gaps

An advocacy group is seeking input from people with disabilities. A case study is outlined on Rochelle and Kerrin. Rochelle has an individualised package through DHS which is handled by Scope. Bendigo Weekly, 18 June 2010, Page 24, General News. Read full story.  

• Driver's Outburst 

Discrimination on Melbourne Train. Metro has been forced to apologise after one of its drivers accused disabled passengers of making Melbourne's trains late. The outburst came as wheelchair-bound Muscular Dystrophy sufferer Ray Jordan boarded a train at Reservoir Station. Disability support workers say they are fighting a constant battle against community attitudes and ignorance. Channel 7 News, 16 June 2010. 6.08pm. 

• Disability Week - See The Person Not The Disability

Students from Jeparit Primary School wore their pyjamas to school. The pj day was in support of Scope - for people with a disability. Students and teachers paid $2 each which went to Scope and everyone received a wrist band to wear. Rainbow Argus, 4 June 2010, Page 6, General News.  

• Gym opens doors to a happier life

For Penny Clough, a visit to the gym gives her not only the opportunity to stay fit but also a chance to connect with her community. Being in a wheelchair has not stopped the outer eastern suburbs resident from embracing the world around her. With the help of  Scope in Wantirna, Ms Clough regularly visits Knox LeisureWorks in Boronia, performing leg exercises and doing weights. Knox Journal, 9 June 2010, Page 11, General News. Maroondah Journal. Read full story.  

• Championing the cause is a snap for St Brigid's  

Wristbands were snapping for See The Person Week at St Brigid's Catholic Primary School last month. Students gave up their recess and lunchtime to sell wristbands at a stall, helping to raise money for and awareness of people with disabilities. Berwick Leader, 2 June 2010, Page 5, Regional Changes - Pakenham. Read full story.

• Seeing the good   

Two Frankston schools took part in See the Person Week, which encouraged students to "see the person and not their disability". Seaford and Kanngal primary schools screened a DVD featuring Australian rock outfit Rudely Interrupted. Frankston Independent, 1 Jun 2010, Page 1, General News.   

• Daylight robbery of disabled man  

A man with cerebral palsy has spoken of his distress at having his wallet snatched while travelling down a Ringwood street in a wheelchair. Maroondah Leader, 1 June 2010, Page 3, General News. Read full story.   

May 2010   

• Moyhu Primary sees the person, not their disability

There was a Mexican wave of blue wristbands on Friday as Moyhu Primary School showed their support for people with disabilities for See the Person Week. Wangaratta Chronicle, 26 May 2010, Page 15, General News.

• Opening eyes and minds - Disability 'is possibility'

Williamstown pupils at St Mary's Primary School were encouraged to see the person, not the disability, during a performance by band Rudely Interrupted. The Mail, 26 May 2010, Page 4. 

• Band rocks students' views of disabilities

Students at St Anthony's Primary School in Melton are learning of the importance of seeing the person, not the disability. As part of Scope's See the Person Week, they watched a documentary on Melbourne rock band Rudely Interrupted, whose members have disabilities. Melton Leader, 25 May 2010, Page 9, General News.

• Schools back disabled

Werribee's Manorvale Primary School joined hundreds of schools across Victoria taking part in Scope's See the Person Week. Wyndham Leader, 25 May 2010, Page 7, General News. Read full story.    

• Students learn to see the person

Students from Invermay Primary School took part in a statewide program encouraging young people to look beyond disabilities of their classmates. Ballarat Courier, 22 May 2010, Page 34, General News.

• Having fun is the aim of the game

Nazareth College and Scope are teaming up for a sports tournament that is buoying everyone's spirits. Balloon football gives people in wheelchairs the chance to play a social and competitive sport. Dandenong Leader, 24 May 2010, Page 20, General News.   

• Scope See The Person Ball - Docklands

Peninsula was the venue last night for disability charity Scope's annual fundraising ball. Entertainment was provided by Lisa Edwards and Wilbur Wilde. Sunday Herald Sun, 23 May 2010, Page 124.  

• Students help out

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College students participated in 'See the Person Week' and sold wristbands to raise funds to help those living with a disability. Dimboola Banner, 19 May 2010, Page 6, General News.

• See the person...

Raising money for a cause. Verney Road School Students, Sam Cook, Nathan Prior and Damon Messina show off their wrist bands to help promote and raise money for Scope. Shepparton Adviser, 19 May 2010, Page 3, General News. 

• Almon's path of pride

Scope client Almon Peterson is an example of what determination can achieve. Yesterday, he was joined by fellow Scope clients and his friends and family to celebrate the completion of a footpath along Bennett Street that gives those who attend Scope in wheelchairs improved access to the centre. Bendigo Advertiser, 21 May 2010, Page 7, General News. 

• See the person, not disability

Community members are being urged to 'see the person, not the disability' during 'See The Person' Week. Riverine Herald, 17 May 2010, Page 3, General News.    

• Help to see the person

Shepparton's Verney Rd School is one of hundreds of Victorian schools participating in 'See The Person' Week. Shepparton News, 20 May 2010, Page 3, General News.  

• See the Person Week at Melbourne High School.

Weather reporter mentions that this week is 'See The Person' Week, which is about helping students look beyond someone's disability and recognise them for who they are. He introduces singer Rory Burnside, who was born with no eyes and also has Asperger's. Channel 10, 17 May 2010. 

• Band opens eyes to its members' skills

A craigieburn drummer will tour Victorian schools in one of Australia's celebrated bands to help raise awareness of people with disabilities. Melbourne rock band Rudely Interrupted has performed on renowned stages, including at the United Nations in New York, and starred in a critically acclaimed documentary film. All proceeds from the band's new single will go to Scope. Hume Weekly, 18 May 2010, Page 7, General News. Read full story.    

• Whittlesea desperate for respite care

Respite facilities proposed for City of Whittlesea are "too little, too late" for those unable to cope with family members with a disability, carers have said. "Scope is committed to offering respite services from a new facility to our current clients and, where it is possible, to new clients." Northern Weekly, 18 May 2010, Page 3, General News.

• Band's opening eyes

A drummer in one of of Australia's most celebrated bands will be with the band as it tours Victorian schools to help raise awareness of people with disabilities. All proceeds from the band's new single, Close My Eves, will go to Scope. The Advocate Sunshine, 18 May 2010, Page 19, General News. 

• Band has very rude awakening

Sorry to interrupt, but if you haven't heard these guys play, you're really missing out. Rudely Interrupted, who are supporting See the Person Week are launching their new video and single, Close My Eyes. Diamond Valley Leader, Nillumbik, 19 May 2010, Page 35, General News.

• Marnoo School supports Scope

This week Marnoo Primary School is supporting Scope's See the Person Week. Ararat Advertiser, 18 May 2010, Page 5, General News.   

• Pushing positive point of view

See the person, not the disability. It's a pretty simple message but an important one. Canterbury resident Rory Burnside, who was born without eyes and has a form of autism called Aspergers, fronts successful rock band Rudely Interrupted. The band will donate all proceeds from its new single to Scope. Progress Leader, 18 May 2010, Page 13, General News.

• Rhythm in his blood

Music therapy beats path to drummer's American tour. A Craigieburn musician has proved that a disability is no barrier to being a rock star. Josh Hogan, 23, belongs to band Rudely Interrupted that wiII launch a video single this week in preparation for an American tour next month. Rudely Interrupted will launch its video single Close my eyes at the Corner Hotel this Thursday as part of 'See The Person' Week, a new campaign to encourage the community to see the person, not the disability. Hume Leader, 18 May 2010, Page 22, General News. Read full story.   

• Band with a plan

Kilmore musician Marcus Stone is doing a lot more than living the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. He is in a band with a social conscience that is, rather than just advocating causes in its music, is making a real difference to people's lives.The band, Rudely Interrupted, is participating in Scope's See the Person Week, which was launched yesterday and runs until Friday. Read full story. 

• Launch for video

Band Rudely Interrupted will launch a new video single called Close My Eyes at The Corner Hotel on Thursday, May 20, in support of 'See the Person week. Rudely Interrupted front man Rory Burnside, 23, said he was thrilled to be supporting Scope. Whittlesea Leader, 18 May 2010, Page 11, General News.  

• Pride grows at garden

Clients at Chelsea's Scope Day Service have a greener outlook after their front garden received a makeover. Four volunteers from Bunnings Mentone spent a day removing weeds, planting drought-tolerant native plants and laying mulch. Diana Heggie praised the workers, who were treated to a thank you morning tea at the Thames Promenade service this month. Mordialloc Chelsea Leader, 17 May 2010, Page 14, General News.

• See The Person Week

See the Person Week is a new campaign to encourage students and the wider community to see the person, not the disability. Herald Sun, 15 May 2010, Page 25, Weekend.    

• Skene Street celebrates See the Person

Skene Street School will be taking part in a statewide program next week. See the Person Week is an initiative designed to encourage schools and the wider community to see the person not the disability. Ararat Advertiser, 14 May 2010, Page 13, General News. Read full story.

• High school students see the person

In Victoria, a new initiative has been launched which aims to give high school students to view those with a disability as ordinary people in See the Person Week. Rudely Interrupted is helping. Triple J, Melbourne, 17 May 2010.    

• Open your eyes

Melbourne band Rudely Interrupted played an early gig yesterday morning at Melbourne High School to launch See the Person Week, an initiative to encourage school students - and the wider community - to see people rather than disabilities. The Age, 18 May 2010, Page 18, General News.  

• Help see the person

Melbourne rock band Rudely Interrupted have been chosen by Scope as ambassadors for 'See The Person' Week. Next week's event is designed to encourage schools and the wider community to see the person, not the disability. The Age, 14 May 2010, Page 8.

• Loch in on special week

One of Australia's celebrated bands has joined hundreds of primary and secondary schools across Victoria, including Loch Primary School, to participate in 'See The Person' Week. South Gippsland Sentinel Times, 11 May 2010, Page 35, General News.     

• Awareness week 

Ararat Conununity College and Stawell's Skene Street School will help raise money for Victorians living with a disability during 'See The Person' Week. The awareness week is a new campaign which encourages students to see a person, not their disability. Wimmera Mail Times, 12 May 2010, Page 11, General News.   

• Great scope for garden to delight 

The garden at the entrance of the Scope day service building on the corner of Thames Promenade and Scotch Parade, Chelsea, has been given a full makeover by four staff members of Bunnings, Mentone. Chelsea Independent, 11 May 2010, Page 7, General News. Read full story.

• Games raise laughs and self-esteem

Young adults with an intellectual disability were taught the benefits of a healthy diet and having regular exercise when visited by the 'Go For Your Life van' on Friday. The visit was organised through Scope in St Albans, as part of its 'Look Inside' program, which is designed to give young adults the chance to have fun and share in activities that build self-esteem and confidence. The Advocate Sunshine, 11 May 2010, Page 7, General News. Read full story.  

• Action as van rolls in to the life of St Albans 

The Department of Health's Go For Your Life van has rolled into St Albans to help show young adults with an intellectual disability how to get active. The mobile community education van visited Scope as part of the "Look Inside" program, which gives people with intellectual disabilities the chance to try activities that build confidence. Brimbank Leader, 11 May 2010, Page 5, General News. Read full story.

• See the Person

Schools across Victoria will celebrate 'See The Person' Week, with students encouraged to see people beyond their disabilities. Many schools, including some in Brimbank, will be viewing a DVD promoting awareness and understanding about disabilities put together by Scope. Brimbank Leader, 11 May 2010, Page 9, General News.  

• DVD is an eye-opener 

Pupils at St Albans' Meadow Primary School will soon be rocking to some cool tunes during assembly in support for people with disabilities. 'See The Person' Week encourages people to avoid focusing solely on a person's disability. The Advocate Sunshine, 11 May 2010, Page 17, General News. Read full story.  

• Interview with Diana Heggie, CEO. See the person, not the disability 

Heggie says Scope's message is see the person, not the disability. She says it is important to allow people with a disability to communicate and not interrupt, to not assume they have an intellectual disability, that all people with a disability do not need assistance and to avoid speaking to the carer instead of the person. Heggie says they want a national insurance scheme as an entitlement. Channel 10, The Circle, 12 May 2010. 

• Rudely Interrupted ambassadors for 'See The Person' Week 

Rudely Interrupted, the local band that was recently the subject of an hour-long ABC documentary, has signed on as ambassadors of Scope's upcoming awareness week. The disability service provider's campaign is targeted at school students and encourages them to "see the person, not the disability". City Weekly, 6 May 2010, Page 19, General News. 

• Let the person come forth  

Bayswater Secondary College is one of hundreds of Victorian schools to sign up to take part in 'See The Person' Week. Knox Journal, 5 May 2010, Page 9, General News. Read full story. 

• Rudely Interrupted help promote `See the Person' Week 

Portland schools are being encouraged to look beyond a person's disability as part of "'See The Person' Week. Portland Observer, 5 May 2010, Page 21, General News.

• Footy's flying start 

Balloon football season has rolled into Brimbank with matches to be played each week at the Keilor Basketball Stadium. Five teams registered for the competition, which includes clients from Scope in St Albans. Brimbank Leader, 4 May 2010, Page 2, General News. Read full story.  

• It's a flipping success 

There's no cartwheeling, flips or splits but a new group is taking the gymnastics world by storm. Footscray City Gymnastics Club is looking for adults with disabilities to continue the success of the club's pilot program. With help from Scope, the club developed the gymnastics program to build confidence and increase participants' functional abilities in a safe environment. Wyndham Leader, 4 May 2010, Page 2, General News.  

• Thanks to community

"On behalf of Scope I would like to thank the local community for coming together to ensure the inaugural Rossdale Golf Club Charity Day, held on April 12, was a huge success. The money raised will go towards assisting Scope's clients in the Southern Region to cover the costs of equipment, as well as the cost of home modification to allow them to live safely and independently in their own home." Mordialloc Chelsea Leader, 3 May 2010, Page 14, Diana Heggie. 

• Looking Beyond the Disability

A campaign to promote acceptance of people with disabilities and raise money to help them was launched in Victorian schools by Scope. 'See The Person' Week. The Age, 3 May 2010, Page 10, Education.  

April 2010 

• Balloon goes up for chair footy

A new sport for people with a disability is a hit in Keilor Park. The first balloon football season, which runs for 16 weeks, kicked off at the Keilor basketball stadium, attracting 20 players from across Melbourne. Scope is running the program with Brimbank Council. The Advocate Sunshine, 27 April 2010, Page 4. Read full story.  

• Clare's dream defied injuries, paralysis

A Barnawartha woman has defied the odds, overcoming injuries sustained in a car accident, and a blood clot, to graduate with a bachelor of physiotherapy. Miss Petzke now works at Scope Wodonga and hopes to inspire others with disabilities through her work. Border Mail, 23 April 2010, Page 18, General News.

• Recycle phones for good cause

In the first scheme of its kind in Australia, Tatura Primary School has joined forces with the Aussie Recycling Program to help clean up the environment, at the same time helping raise money for Scope. The school has become a drop-off point for old mobile phones and is inviting local residents to leave their unwanted handsets in the bin provided at the school office. The phones will then be collected and recycled to reduce waste and raise cash. Kyabram Free Press, 21 April 2010, Page 2.   

• Aleacia stands tall in walker

Aleacia Lawtey is revelling in her newfound freedom. Nicknamed "the little mystery girl" because her cerebral palsy has baffled doctors, the three-year-old can walk for the first time. She is one of many children to benefit with a Hart Walker provided by GoKids from Scope. Herald Sun, 19 April 2010, Page 19, General News.  

• Teeing Off

Rossdale Golf Club at Aspendale has offered its golf course to Scope Southern Region for a charity day. Chelsea Independent, 6 April 2010, Page 18, General News.

• Last dance for ladies

After rolling out some of the slickest dance moves for almost two decades, a novel Knox service has had to close its doors. Classes were made up of clients from a number of groups such as Scope Wantirna and local nursing homes. Knox Leader, 6 April 2010, Page 8, General News.  

• It's certainly a stop - Accessibility proves to be the problem

Scope Heidelberg West has found its clients have been left stranded by Melbourne's "so-called" accessible tram network. Heidelberg Leader, 6 April 2010, Page 1, General News.  

• Golf day to help Scope

Elizabeth Ruth loves her golf and stepped on to the course at Aspendale's Rossdale Golf Club to 'drive' for clients with a disability. Her 38-year old son Mark is visually impaired and has physical and intellectual disabilities. Mordialloc Chelsea Leader, 5 April 2010, Page 13, General News.  

March 2010 

• Charity day tees off

A Charity golf day will raise money for Scope at Aspendale's Rossdale Golf Club on April 12. The fundraiser will help buy much-needed equipment. Mordialloc Chelsea Leader, 29 March 2010, Page 3.  

• Green thumbs get their hands dirty

Cloverdale Community Centre was the hub of activity on Friday when it underwent its own backyard blitz. Volunteers from Scope, REAP, Create and Leisure Networks Disability Services all took part in the makeover, turning old flower beds into lively gardens. Geelong Advertiser, 22 March 2010, Page 13, General News.  

• Accessible trams not in service until 2012

Young mothers and the disabled have been left stranded by Melbourne's so-called accessible tram network. They are angry that some routes do not have low-floor trams. The Victorian Government has promised another 50 low-floor trams, but they will not be in service until at least mid-2012. Channel 7 Melbourne, Seven News, Peter Mitchell, 16 March 2010, 6:16 PM.  

• Pampering adds to charity cash

More than 50 women will take part in a day of pampering next month to raise funds for Scope. Enve Hair Design proprietor Mick Day has organised the Ladies' Day Out event to provide a fun chance for a makeover for local women and to help out Scope. "A friend of our daughters has cerebral palsy, so we wanted the money to stay in town and help children locally," Mr Day said. Bendigo Weekly, 26 February 2010, Page 17, General News. Read full story.  

• Lack of footpath raises ire

For wheelchair user Almo Peterson, catching the bus from the front of Scope presents an unnecessary challenge. When the North Bendigo resident wants to catch the bus, he must first tackle the 20 metres of uneven ground along Bennet Street. Bendigo Advertiser, 13 March 2010, Page 3, General News. Read full story.  

February 2010 

• Guide helps to beat the heat

A new guide will help residents better navigate Bendigo, whether they travel by bus, scooter or wheelchair. City of Greater Bendigo director of community and wellbeing Barry Secombe launched the Bendigo Universal Access Map. There have been 20,000 copies of the guide printed and they are available from Bendigo Library and the City of Greater Bendigo offices in Lyttleton Terrace. Bendigo Advertiser, 22 February 2010, Page 13, General News.  

• New home in Grovedale

Victorian Minister for Community Services and Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville, has visited the construction site of a new home in Grovedale being built for people with a disability. Neville says funding is being provided to Scope who will provide care services. Channel 31 (Melbourne), Geelong News, 17 February 2010,  6:32 PM, Graham Rawlins.  

• Fine zucchini crop

Participants in a community garden at Scope in Warragul have found the `recipe' for growing big vegetables. Their hard work and nurturing has paid off with the garden producing an excellent crop of zucchini with some weighing more than two kilograms. West Gippsland Trader, 11 February 2010, Page 1, General News.  

• Desperation

Hundreds of desperate parents of children with disabilities are worried about the long-term future of their children, according to a parliamentary report.  Scope's North-West metropolitan manager Craig Andonovski said they are "well aware of the extra demand" that is put on adult parents waiting for supported accommodation. Star (Werribee - Hoppers Crossing - Point Cook) 2 February 2010, Page 2, General News. Read full story. 

January 2010 

• Lions' courage, angel's Hart

Working closely with Scope and the Lions club, Mark Ferey arranged for Lion and Lioness clubs across south-eastern Victoria to pay for a Hart Walker, through hosting a series of fund-raisers. Pakenham Gazette, 6 January 2010, Page 11, General News. Read full story.  

• Inhumane policy

Scope Board Member, Christian Astourian, says the Government has had a discriminatory process towards migrants with a disability for more than 30 years. This is despite having signed the United Nations' declaration on rights of migrants and refugees, and ratified the convention on disabled people. The Age, 7 January 2010, Page 10, Letters. Read Full story.