• Message from our CEO• Long Tail luncheon• The latest word on our redevelopment works• Mild brain injuries are serious business• Oats Street facts plus much more...

in this issue...

October 2011, issue 2

> Oats Street staff celebrate the commencement of the redevelopment

Thanks to the generous financial support of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Corporate Financial Services Division, the inaugural Long Tail Luncheon was held on Thursday 4 August, in support of the Brightwater Care Group (Inc) Oats Street Redevelopment Project.

One hundred diners were delighted by the veritable feast prepared by Chef Dale Sniffen and inspired by presentations from Dr Penny Flett (Brightwater CEO), Mr Steven Cole (Chair of the Brightwater Board) and Professor Lyn Beazley (Chief Scientist of WA).

It was a great opportunity to win hearts and minds with news of the redevelopment plans for Brightwater’s

Oats Street post-acute rehabilitation facility for people living with an acquired brain injury.

This world-class resource has been in operation for 20 years, assisting young people recovering from an acquired brain injury. And through the generous support of organisations such as the Commonwealth Bank,Lotterywest, the WA Government as well as community and private giving, this redevelopment project will improve the lives of Western Australians affected by brain injuries long into the future.

To find out more about the fundraising program for Brightwater’s Oats Street Redevelopment Project, please visit www.thinkaboutit.org.au

Oats Street has been abuzz with activity since our first newsletter was published in May this year. In fact, the last few months of our redevelopment journey have been just as exciting as when we established Oats Street in 1991.

Leafing through a collection of old photographs I have of the building works that took place 20 years ago, not only was I reminded of how much younger we all were back then, but how far we’ve come in that time. The unique nature and considerable success of Oats Street’s rehabilitation program has earned us recognition on the national and international stage.

So, let us all celebrate our past and look to the future as we put up with the frustrations of noise disturbance and being short of space. And let me take this opportunity to thank you all for your unfaltering patience as we progress with the redevelopment plans. I hope that seeing the new facility take shape each day will continue to keep your spirits up until completion in 2013.

Dr Penny Flett Brightwater Chief Executive Officer

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

LONG TAIL LUNCHEON

> Ben Wyatt MLA, Chris Carey and Mayor Trevor Vaughan

> Professor Lyn Beazley, Alan Cransberg and Dr Penny Flett

> Ben Carter > Trent Carter and Dr Penny Flett

Any loss of consciousness from a blow to the head, no matter how brief, can cause damage to the brain. Even a blow to the head without loss of consciousness can lead to brain damage resulting in problems with daily functioning.

Sporting injuries, assaults in adulthood or childhood, or even simple falls can cause brain injury, which may be minor or obvious. The minor injuries are often ignored, but for the specialists and therapists in neurological services in WA, prevention of the effects of mild brain injury is a strong area of interest.

Proper identification of mild brain injury is the first step in assisting people to adjust to these effects. Prof. Bryant Stokes, Consultant Neurosurgeon, says, “Even subtle symptoms after a head injury can lead to significant changes in function, including emotional disturbances. With training, these effects can be managed and their impact considerably reduced.”

The Oats Street facility, run by Brightwater Care Group, provides a comprehensive community rehabilitation service for both live-in residents and day service users. Janet Wagland, Manager of Services for Younger People – including the Oats Street program, says, “Even a knock to the head in a weekend sporting match can cause mild effects that go unnoticed for years.”

“A person may present much later with lost employment, a failed relationship, a financial crisis, reporting a feeling that they have ‘lost their edge’ – possibly as a consequence of poor planning, inability to concentrate and other cognitive effects of a brain injury,” she adds.

“This damage to the higher level executive functioning can be countered with brain training if a person can secure a diagnosis and find the right specialist in brain rehabilitation.” Janet continues, “The biggest problem is the initial diagnosis. A person may consult their GP for advice but we need GPs to be able to recognise the signs and refer on to the right specialist.”

Mrs Wagland also states that any person who believes they may have effects from a period of unconsciousness or a blow to the head that was never investigated at the time, could contact their GP for a referral to a neurosurgeon, neurologist or neuro-psychologist for assessment.

“It is only when the numbers of people needing specialist cognitive services starts to become clear that we can advocate for high quality and accessible services for cognitive rehabilitation in WA.”

Article reprinted with thanks to Headwest

MILD BRAIN INJURIES ARE SERIOUS BUSINESS THE LATEST WORD ON

REDEVELOPMENT WORKS AT OATS STREETThe building licence has been approved and demolition work on the old buildings has commenced.

Those old walls have witnessed many joys and achievements over the past 20 years, and we reflect on how well they have served our clients and staff from day one. It’s the end of an era, but we’ll be taking our proud history and success stories with us to the new facility.

Now the builders have erected a temporary fence, the Corowa and Darri houses may only be accessed through the front door of Corowa or the gate between Corowa and Darri.

They’ve also constructed a viewing platform outside the Physio Room, allowing clients to watch the progress of this exciting build in a safe environment.

The area where Kyeema once stood is a hive of noisy activity, as work continues to establish a temporary car park. While the drainage is installed, the site will be abuzz with diggers, compactors and truckloads of sand arriving at the site.

Elanora is next in line to be demolished, with construction to follow shortly.

Oats St_Newsletter #2_Sept11.pdf

Following a $4.2 million Lotterywest grant awarded to Brightwater Care Group last year, Oats Street has now been selected to receive a State Government supported Lotterywest grant totalling $3.75m to continue redevelopment of its 40-year-old facility. Minister for Disability Services Helen Morton said the grant would help fund stage one of the unique redevelopment program that’s set to be an Australian first.

“There are at least 600 new cases of severe brain injury each year in Western Australia, and this funding will enable Oats Street to deliver its essential services long into the future – supporting the increasing numbers of people with disability and acquired brain injury,” says Mrs Morton.

“Once redeveloped, the facility will provide for an additional 60 people in rehabilitation, doubling the current program capability,” she explained.

In recognition of the grant scheme, Mrs Morton was keen to add that WA is the only state in Australia where the profits from lottery games are returned directly back to the community, pointing out that Lotterywest gave nearly $235 million to the WA community in 2009 - 2010.

“Oats Street is a worthy recipient of a Lotterywest grant because of the high level of care and support it provides to people with acquired brain injury and cognitive issues,” the Minister said.

“Brightwater’s mission is to enrich the lives of the elderly and younger people with disabilities – assisting them in living full lives in the community. Crucially, this mission aligns with the State Government’s ‘Count Me In: Disability Future Directions Strategy’ – ensuring all people live in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone.”

OATS STREET FAST FACTS

LOTTERYWEST GIVES BACK TO REHABILITATE YOUNG ADULTS WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY

• In the late 1980s, Brightwater worked with the WA Health Department to establish the Victoria Park campus, known today as Oats Street.

• Oats Street provides slow stream, post-acute rehabilitation in a real-life community environment – enabling people with acquired brain injury (ABI) to manage their extensive physical, cognitive and social disabilities, relearn life skills and live full lives independently in the community.

• To date, 225 young people with an ABI have graduated from Oats Street, with around 20% coming from regional and rural Western Australia.

• The unique nature and considerable success of the rehabilitation programs resulted in national and international recognition.

• Oats Street is the only service for this purpose in Western Australia, forming an integral part of the Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Pathway of the Health Department of Western Australia.

• The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has estimated that ABI affects 1 in 45 Australians, of which 75% are under the age of 65.

• There are currently 22,000 Western Australians living with an ABI, serious disability and participation limitations.

• There are at least 600 new cases of severe brain injury every year in Western Australia and incidences continue to increase.

• The State Head Injury Unit WA receives over 300 referrals from acute hospitals for young people with brain injuries every year.

• Costly to maintain and operate, and increasingly constraining the program, the 40-year-old Oats Street facilities are undergoing redevelopment to create a purpose-built complex with increased capacity and versatility.

• The new facility will further promote and support collaborative training of health professionals and ABI research.

> Steven Cole, Dr Penny Flett, Hon Helen Morton MLC, and Ray Bennett

IN THE MEDIA

HAVE A GO NEWSPAPER

THANK YOUSince embarking on the Redevelopment Project, Brightwater Oats Street has discovered that successful fundraising is as much about ‘friend-finding’ as it is about generating funds.

We’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response to the capital fundraising program, which gives us reason to be extremely confident in achieving our financial goal, as well as increasing the community’s awareness and affinity with Brightwater.

We gratefully acknowledge all donors and volunteers for their talent, treasury and time, and for bringing this fundraising endeavour to the attention of the Western Australian corporate and wider community.

Major public and private supporters:

• Lotterywest

• Western Australian Department of Health

• Ausdrill Limited

• Harry L Howden Bequest Trust

• The Packer Families

• The McLarty Estate

• The Alfred T Bellord Charitable Trust

• The McCusker Charitable Foundation

• The Stan Perron Charitable Trust

• The Bunning & Hovel Families

Since 1991, Brightwater Oats

Street has been setting the benchmark

in Australia as a centre for specialist

rehabilitation for people living with

acquired brain injury. It has now

been 20 years since Brightwater Oats

Street first opened its doors to run the

specialised program for people living

with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Four staff members who started

work on that very first day at Oats Street

in 1991 can still be found working at

Oats Street. Brightwater Chief Executive

Officer, Dr Penny Flett, was on-hand

to join in the celebrations and present

the four original staff members – Gary

Breeze, Wendy Foote, Wilma Traill and

Ray Francis – with special certificates to

commemorate their time at Oats Street.

Now, after two decades, Brightwater

Oats Street will undergo a complete

redevelopment, with Stage One

commencing 15 August 2011.

Dr Penny Flett said, “As we say

goodbye to the old buildings, it is

important that we celebrate the last

20 years with staff and clients before

embarking on this new and exciting

project. At a cost of $20 million,

the redevelopment of Oats Street

represents a major investment for

Brightwater.

“The community and economic

benefit of a world-class service model

of brain injury rehabilitation in Western

Australia has been recognised by

the WA Health Department and

Lotterywest, who are contributing more

than 60% towards the cost of the

redevelopment. With the community’s

support, Brightwater is committed to

the redevelopment of Oats Street and

believes in providing a community

where everyone is given the opportunity

to live with dignity, independence

and hope.”

Oats Street celebrates 20 years!

For Brightwater Oats Street’s acquired brain injury rehabilitation centre clients, developing green thumbs is not just about fun in the fresh air. It’s about recovery.

The Garden Gurus’ garden, which is part of the Victoria Park community garden at Read Park, operates as part of the therapy program. The garden has been so successful, the Gurus have been able to donate some seedlings to pot and use as decoration for a fundraising event on Thursday.

Each member of the group has a task with the Garden Gurus, which they carry out on their allocated day of the week. Planning involves deciding which plants to sow and projects to control bugs – all skills that contribute to longer-term rehabilitation.

“I like being a part of the Garden Gurus because I like gardening and discussing all the relevant issues regarding gardening,” Oats Street client Michael Hansen said.

“I enjoy visiting the garden and being a part of a community, sharing tips and advice with them over a cuppa and a biscuit. For me, it is gratifying that I can share with others a similar interest and get out and enjoy nature.”

SOUTHERN GAZETTE

Garden helps with brain injury rehab

$16m

Brightwater contributionand Community donations

$17m

$18m

$19m

$20m

www.thinkaboutit.org.au

Staff, clients, their respective families and the local community will no doubt have many questions about the redevelopment of Oats Street. So, Brightwater Transition Manager Peggy Christie took some time out of her busy schedule to provide some answers.

Q: Why is the redevelopment being undertaken in stages?

“ There are always people with brain injuries requiring rehabilitation, so we couldn’t close the program down while we built. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the problems that may arise throughout the building process and how we can minimise impact. Dust, noise and traffic are the main concerns, but the builders are obliged to follow regulations and limitations for works in residential areas.”

Q: Will the redevelopment improve the wellbeing of clients?

“ As the old buildings are increasingly restricting the development of the Oats Street rehabilitation program, the redevelopment has been carefully considered and remained in the planning stages for a long time. As well as recruiting the services of architects and builders to ensure the new complex is structurally sound, we have consulted our staff to ensure the design is practical and works for our purposes in the long term.”

Q: What will the redevelopment mean to me as a worker/client/family member?

“ For everyone involved in Oats Street, the redevelopment is going to bring about some level of positive change. How much change will vary over time for each client, family member and staff member.”

Q: What can I do to help? Who can I ask for help?

“ If you have a family member at Oats Street, you can assist by helping them understand what is happening on site. Check out

the ‘Building Events Board’ each time you visit for an update on what’s happening.

“ If you’re a staff member, stay up to date by regularly reading the information circulated and passing it on to clients in a format they will easily understand. Symbols will be posted on the Building Events Boards in each house to keep staff and clients informed. Support workers should discuss these updates with each client they are responsible for during their shift, while case coordinators (CC) should include the redevelopment as a topic for each CC catch up.

“ Clients are also encouraged to refer to the Building Events Board so they know what is happening.”

Please do not hesitate to ask Peggy Christie peggy.christie@brightwatergroup.com if you’re unsure about what is happening or feel that it is all too much.

Q: What happens next and when?

“ There is so much happening, it’s impossible to summarise in a few paragraphs. However, detailed updates will be included in all our newsletters. Staff can also get updates through the iCare ‘Message of the Day’ and the Building Events Board.

“ I’ll be meeting with groups on site throughout the building process to pass on as much information as possible. I’ll also be maintaining regular consultations with Southern Cross Construction to pass information back and forth.”

Stage One is scheduled for completion in early 2012, at which time staff and clients will have use of half of the new facility, including the new recreation area and administration building and offices.

PEGGY CHRISTIE ANSWERS YOUR REDEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

Brightwater Care Group P: (08) 9202 2800 F: (08) 9202 2801 Level 3, Brightwater House, 355 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park Western Australia 6017 www.brightwatergroup.com

 Brightwater Care Group (Inc) gratefully acknowledges funding received from the:Alfred T Bellord Charitable Trust; and,Harry L Bowden Bequest Trust,managed by Perpetual.