Gateways AGM 2019 celebrates past and gears up for new opportunities
Recognition of long service, celebration of past achievements and plans for the future were among the themes of Gateways Support Services Annual General Meeting this week.
Some 50 people gathered to reflect on a successful year that included the roll-out of new programs and the arrival of a new chief executive to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
Occupational therapist Anthony Cunningham talked about the Youth Plus Therapy Team’s main focus of helping young people with autism transition through their adolescent years and into adulthood. He said the Youth Plus team, which now comprises five dedicated therapists, has recently begun its first Transition to High School group program, and has grown to service more than 70 young people in the Geelong region.
Among the awards for long service were Accommodation and Specialist Support Manager Sean Justin who has been with the organisation for 25 years, as well as Residential Support Worker Rob Meade and Administration and Payroll Coordinator Leanne Moreillon, who have both been with Gateways for 20 years.
Recreation and Volunteer Coordinator Jenny Schmidt also recognised two long-serving Interchange Host volunteers who were stepping down from the program now that their buddies were all grown up.
Lyn Swan became an Interchange volunteer to then 3-year-old Casey more than 25 years ago. With strong ties forged between the two families, Casey recently moved into a shared home with Lyn’s daughter, Katie (read Lyn’s full story). Tina Bansal began her Interchange journey with Stephanie, more than 20 years ago. Lyn and Tina both agreed that while they might be leaving the formal program the relationships they had built with the two girls would go on.
Chairman Dr Bernie Jenner thanked retiring board member Rose Hodge for her dedication to Gateways over 12 years. Rose began her relationship with Gateways when her autistic son, Connor, was just three. She told the meeting how Connor, now in his mid-twenties, and her family had benefited from the early support and therapy provided by the organisation.
Dr Jenner also thanked Rosemary Malone for her 15-year ‘reign of brilliance’ and formally welcomed new CEO Stephanie Gunn, adding that she had joined the organisation at a time of huge opportunity and capacity to make a difference.
‘Gateways has grown from a grassroots organisation to one that is highly respected state wide and nationally. What we do is special and I thank all staff and volunteers for their commitment to showing respect and humanity and their desire to be individually client-focussed,’ Dr Jenner told the meeting.
‘Leadership is about creating change you believe in, so watch this space because there is more to come and Gateways will be leading the way.’
Treasurer Cassandra Gravenall reported a clean bill of financial health, which would enable the organisation to drive new programs and initiatives aimed at improving inclusion and participation for people with autism, intellectual disability and complex medical needs.
