Guest Speakers 8th July: Wendy Addison and Lyndall Milburn
Our guest speakers were Wendy Addison, CEO and Lyndall Milburn, CFO from Noah's Ark Resource Centre.
Noah's Ark is a not–for–profit community organisation operating in Canberra for over 37 years. Their mission is to enhance childhood outcomes for families in the ACT and surrounding regions. They seek to support the development of children inclusively and to provide equity of access to appropriate resources and services. Noahs Ark is dedicated to serving the needs of families and their children, particularly those with special needs.
Noah's Ark has grown by 30% each year since 2002, however, funding from Government sources has remained static. Making up the difference is becoming a fulltime commitment for the CEO. During 2009, the membership base includes over 900 families and children’s services across the ACT.
Growth and development continues in programs for children with additional needs. In 2008, programs expanded to include an after school and school holiday program for teenagers with disabilities. This special needs support program continues to be a major focus.
The Playschool program for three year olds was the first of its kind in the ACT and was developed to provide an environment in which pre-preschoolers could foster their developmental skills through a play-based program that also encourages their independence by attendance without a parent. During 2009, Noah's Ark delivered Playschool from four locations – Rivett, Giralang, Jerrabomberra and Letchworth.
These facilitated Play and Learn sessions are unique in Canberra and an excellent opportunity for little ones to learn valuable socialisation skills in a creative and stimulating environment. This is largely a child-centred program with a strong focus on positive parent/child interaction. It also provides parents and carers with the chance to meet and build lasting friendships and support networks, learn new skills and share information.
Noah's Ark Long Day Care Service and Canberra’s first ‘social enterprise’, it commenced operation in February 2010. In addition to offering quality childcare for children aged between 6 weeks and 5 years this service provides valuable funds to support our special education programs. The service also provides employment opportunities for marginalised women.
Noah's Ark, strives to foster collaborative relationships with other service providers. Through such association, “Puggles”, a playgroup for bereaved families in conjunction with Sids and Kids ACT has been established. Also the ‘My Time’ program, a support group for parents/carers of children with a disability or chronic medical condition. Offered in partnership with Playgroups NSW, the Parenting Research Centre and FACSIA, “My Time” was offered at Rivett and Giralang. Noah's Ark also co-facilitated “Paint and Play” at Chifley with a number of local community groups.
The Toy Library remains a central feature of Noah's Ark Resource Centre currently holding approximately 4,000 items of quality educational resources. The toys and equipment promote the creative, imaginative, cognitive and physical development of children. The collection also includes therapy and gross motor equipment and a specialist book section providing child development and special needs information for adults and children.
Noah's Ark is seeking help to continue their work in the Canberra community. Any assistance that the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin could provide in the near or long term future would be invaluable.
- Vincent Mahoney
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