Presentation to the ACROD Conference April 2004

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Presentation to the ACROD Conference April 2004

• NSW Tourism Sport Recreation

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Rural Getaways Pilot

• Borambola Sport Recreation Centre in Wagga
  Wagga NSW conducted a pilot in partnership with
  Kurrajong Waratah, a leading provider of assisted
  work opportunities to clients with a disability.
• The following details are testimonials provided
  by Steve Jaques CEO and from participants in the
  program

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Rural Getaways Recreation Project

• The two pilot Rural Getaways at Borambola for
  adults with a disability over 5 days each in
  November 2002 and February 2003 were an absolute
  success. 
• Participants came from Young, West Wyalong,
  Narrandera, Leeton, Deniliquin, Griffith, Harden,
  Hay and Wagga Wagga.
• The choice of activities and willingness of the
  centres' staff to provide support enabled all
  participants to enjoy a range of activities.

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cont.

• With all participants receiving the disability
  support pension as their main source of income
  the Rural Getaways allowed them the opportunity
  to take an affordable holiday whilst trying some
  new and exciting activities such as rock
  climbing, archery, canoeing and fencing etc.

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cont.

• This is what Paul D. had to day about rock
  climbing on Prime television who covered the
  rural getaway at the end of January
• "This is my first time, I was a bit nervous going
  up.  Tried to touch the wall, nearly got there. 
  Nearly got right to top of the roof.  Got right
  up!"

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Social Skills development

• The development and reinforcement of social and
  living skills were also an important part of the
  experience especially the sharing of communal
  responsibilities.  Ronald S. summed up the Rural
  Getaway to Prime television this way
• "Make good friends, had plenty of tucker.  We all
  take turns washing up, sweep floor." 

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Outcomes

• The experiences of new activities and social
  opportunities afforded to the participants was 
  the key outcome we sought from the rural
  getaways.  However another equally important
  outcome was that parents who normally provide
  care 24/7 for their sons or daughters also
  benefited by having the opportunity to take a
  well earned short break from this constant
  responsibility.

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Expanding the program

• So successful was the pilot Borambola experience
  that we are now arranging two rural getaways at
  the Departments Jindabyne facility.  One in early
  November this year, the other in late January
  2004. 
• We are also planning to revisit Borambola in
  March/April 2004

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• I believe the Department is on a winner with
  this holiday concept for adults with an
  intellectual disability, and should be looking at
  co-coordinating and promoting these opportunities
  for adults with a disability across all your
  facilities a part of your core business
  programmes centrally.
• Steve Jaques CEO, Kurrajong Waratah

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Support Available

• The Rural Getaways program continues to run at
  Jindabyne and Borambola. It will soon be
  available at our other rural locations.
• Lake Burrendong near Wellington/Dubbo,
• Lake Keepit near Tamworth/Gunnedah
• Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head.
• Berry on the South coast

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For bookings or general information

• Please contact Eric Brooks on 1800 810 890
• Mobile [phone] or email ebrooks_at_dsr.nsw.gov.a
  u