At this year's Annual General Meeting, we were pleased to announce three deserving winners of two annual scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to staff to conduct a project or research study that creates opportunities to improve the quality of life for Brightwater clients.
Don Hutchison Scholarship
Don Hutchison served on the Brightwater Board for 25 years, the final 13 as Chairman.
To honour his lasting and outstanding achievement, an annual scholarship was established in his name in 2001.
Each year, the Don Hutchison Scholarship is awarded to a Brightwater team member, in line with our commitment to developing our people and culture.
Kim Hughes - Physiotherapist at Brightwater Onslow Gardens
Kim Hughes (left) with Brightwater CEO Jennifer Lawrence
Kim was awarded the Don Hutchison Scholarship for her dance and wellbeing proposal.
Kim - a trained dancer and physiotherapist - aims to determine the impact of dance classes on wellbeing. The project aims to enrich the lives of residential aged care residents through enjoyment of dance movement and social interaction, via 12 dance classes coordinated by therapy assistants. The project will evaluate the impact of these classes on incidences such as falls and adverse behaviours.
"I am so excited to be bringing the joy of dance to Brightwater. Dance changes black and white to colour and is for everyone, regardless of their physical capabilities. With dance, there is no right or wrong as everyone’s movement and interpretation of a movement is unique to them and we are all there together as “dancers”, said Kim.
I would like to thank Brightwater and the Don Hutchison family for the opportunity to provide this experience and I can't wait to get started."
Gap Tshering - Disability Support Worker at Brightwater Hamilton House (Cannington)
Gap Tshering (left) with Brightwater CEO Jennifer Lawrence
Gap was awarded the Don Hutchison Scholarship for his proposal entitled 'The Weekend Entrepreneur'.
This project aims to engage disability clients on the weekends, a time which is currently under active.
The clients would volunteer to work on preparing and decorating pot plants, getting them ready for sale. Not only is the activity both creative and social, it instils a sense of purpose and accomplishment while generating a small profit through informal markets.
Peter Lane Scholarship
The Peter Lane Scholarship was established in 2008 through a donation from the Lane family in memory of their son, Peter.
Peter had an acquired neurological disability and lived in the Brightwater community before his death in 2004. Throughout Peter's time with Brightwater, his family campaigned for increased expertise in the area of neurological disability. Their commitment continues to this day and is recognised through the Peter Lane Scholarship.
Curtis Reddell - Program Manager at Brightwater Marangaroo
Curtis Reddell (left) with Christine Lane and Geoff Lane
Curtis was awarded the Peter Lane Scholarship for his community based return to work readiness program for people with an acquired brain injury (ABI).
This project aims to leverage partnerships with local community clubs to support clients with a disability. It aims to explore the impact of young adults with an ABI completing supported voluntary work in a local junior cricket club canteen, investigating the effects of this experience on functional work related skill sets and community integration.
Congratulations to Kim, Gap and Curtis!
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