Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Lifelong Support has celebrated 50 years of supporting people with disability and their families, marking the milestone with a 50th Anniversary Cocktail Celebration on Saturday, July 18.
The organisation's story began in 1976, when a group of parents and supporters came together to create better opportunities for their children at a time when disability services were limited.
Longtime supporter of the organisation, Nathan Henderson, was the MC and said the organisation's foundations were laid by parents who believed their sons and daughters deserved better.
“The seeds of this organisation were planted 50 years ago,” he said.
“Those seeds weren't planted by governments or large charities. They were planted by a group of parents together with their friends and supporters who simply believed their sons and daughters deserve better.”
Mr Henderson said the organisation had been created during a time when many families had little access to education, respite or therapy, with some travelling hundreds of kilometres to access services.
“This wasn't because parents loved their children any less; it was because society hadn't caught up yet,” he said.
“Then a handful of parents decided enough was enough. They weren't experts or politicians. They were mums and dads, and somehow, they created lasting change in our community.”
The celebration welcomed original parents, former clients, staff, volunteers and supporters, while recognising the organisation's history and the people who helped shape its future.
Letters and messages from throughout Lifelong Support's history were also read aloud during the evening, bringing tears to the eyes of many listeners as they reflected on the organisation's impact over five decades.
A significant part of the celebration was recognising current CEO Elizabeth (Liz), whose long-term contribution was highlighted by one of Lifelong Support's founding parents. Liz was praised for her tireless advocacy for people with disability and her determination to challenge government departments and fight for better outcomes.
The evening celebrated the many people who have contributed to Lifelong Support's 50-year journey and the continuing importance of its work in the community.
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