South Burnett CEO Nina Temperton, centre, is congratulated by CTC chairman John Box, HR Manager Janet Champney, who has been with CTC since 1990 when it was still known as South Burnett SkillShare; and former CTC chairman Howard Leisemann, who spent 24 years in the role
Cherbourg artist James Hopkins  made the bowl which was presented to Nina Temperton (Photo: John Box)

September 23, 2017

South Burnett CTC celebrated Disability Action Week with an Open Day at Gumnut Place in Murgon recently, but the organisers also had a special surprise in store for CTC CEO Nina Temperton.

Gumnut Place is an “Australian Disability Enterprise” (ADE), ie a not-for-profit organisation which provides meaningful employment for people with a significant disability.

The Open Day had been planned as an opportunity to promote the various services that Gumnut Place can supply to the community – everything from a commercial laundry and hardwood pallets to catering and sports trophies – and as another opportunity to explain the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which will be coming to the South Burnett on July 1 next year.

It was also an opportunity to thank Stanwell Corporation for their long-term support of Gumnut Place activities and for a recent grant which allowed the expansion of the laundry facilities.

But the Open Day also coincided with another important milestone: it was the exact 25th anniversary of the day that CTC chief executive officer Nina Temperton joined CTC.

Nina has been the driving force behind so many of CTC’s initiatives over the years, from youth services, family support, accommodation services and, of course, the takeover of Gumnut Place.

She has seen CTC through good times and lean times, while funding for some programs rolled in and while other sources of income dried up.

CTC chairman John Box and CTC staff organised a presentation to Nina, which had her blinking back tears.

Nina admitted she didn’t expect to be at CTC for 25 years; she initially thought the role may last four or five years.

“The last 25 years were fantastic but would not have happened without Janet (Champney) and Howard (Leisemann),” she said.

“I really am grateful for 25 great years.”

* * *

Artist Olivia Everitt, from Kingaroy, was encouraging everyone at the Gumnut Place Open Day to add a touch to a “Community Inclusion” mural
Murgon businessman Mark Smith with CTC Board members, chairman John Box and Kaylene Schilf
CROW-FM announcer Shaz Birkett interviewed Barb O’Hanlon … CROW-FM did a live broadcast from Gumnut Place throughout the open day
CTC’s longest serving employee, Janet Champney, presents Nina Temperton with her surprise present
Meet one of the real heroes at Gumnut Place …  Chris Thompson who was ironing work clothes which had come out of the commercial laundry
Stanwell’s Community Partnership Fund provided a grant to enable CTC to expand the laundry area … in the new room are Ailsa Spiro, Andrew Wesener and Courtney Varidel
Gumnut Place provides a confidential document shredding service for local businesses … Jenny Goodman was hard at work destroying documents
Bill Wessling is the king of the trophy room which turns out trophies, shields, plaques – and even pet tags – for local businesses and sporting teams … new ergonomic tables were installed in the area recently
Phillip Marten and his workmates were busy making pallets and painting survey pegs
CTC employees Annette McCorry and Eri Carey were helping in the kitchen to prepare a light lunch

* * *

National Disability Insurance Scheme

NDIS consultant Linda Hayes with CTC Disability Services Manager Barb O’Hanlon

Consultant Linda Hayes, from Corporate Synergies Australia, spoke to the Open Day visitors about the NDIS and the important changes which will be coming to the South Burnett when the national scheme is implemented next July 1..

Linda has been working with CTC and Gumnut Place for about 12 months to prepare the organisation for the scheme.

She has also been providing workshops in the South Burnett  to assist parents and carers.

Linda said Gumnut Place had a small part in the changes … it was cited in a government report that eventually led to the idea of the NDIS.

“The report said we (the government) can do it better because there are organisations around Australia which are doing it better,” she said.

Linda said Gumnut Place’s driving scheme was also picked up.

“I really admire the working ethos of everyone involved with this place,” she said.

“Thirty-one years have created an innovative and supportive space.”

Linda said she had been working really hard with CTC and CROSB over the past 12 months to get ready for all the NDIS changes.

She said CTC has achieved registration to provide almost 20 services under the NDIS, and is one of the most broadly registered associations in the South Burnett.

It is also one of only 19 registered specialised employment providers in Queensland.

South Burnett CTC has been registered to provide:

  • Accommodation and tenancy assistance
  • Assistance to access and maintain employment or higher education
  • Assistance with daily personal activities
  • Assistance in co-ordinating or managing life stages, transition and supports
  • Assistance with travel/transport arrangements
  • Specialist positive behaviour support
  • Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living arrangement
  • Development of daily living and life skills
  • Group and centre based activities
  • Household tasks
  • Innovative Community Participation
  • Participation in community, social and civic activities
  • High intensity daily personal activities
  • Management of funding for supports
  • Specialised supported employment
  • Specialised driver training
  • Support co-ordination

* * *

CTC CEO Nina Temperton cuts the special “25 Years” cake made for her anniversary

Message to Nina from Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington

Firstly, my sincerest apologies for not being able to attend today’s events at Gumnut Place to celebrate Disability Action Week. I’m sure it will be a fun and successful day.

Secondly, I understand today marks the exact day, 25 years ago, that you started at South Burnett CTC.

Nina, while I can’t be there to personally congratulate you on this significant milestone, I would like to express, on behalf of the whole South Burnett, our sincerest thanks for your hard work, passion and unwavering commitment to our community.

Without your drive and vision, South Burnett CTC would not be where it is today, and our community would not have the amazing South Burnett CTC team providing such high quality services each and every day.

Thank you for all that you do. Here’s to the next 25 years!

  

 

One Response to "Open Day Catches Nina By Surprise"

  1. Thank you. Excellent, meaningful article to celebrate the wonderful people and outstanding Murgon facility ‘Gumnut’. Also recognizing an amazing, dedicated lady who has made CTC what it is today and continues to work for the betterment of our South Burnett Community

    Reply

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