Meeting of 16 September 2013

Lilly Benjamin – Former Exchange Student

Lily Benjamin was introduced by Max Carey who advised that Lilly who is from Indonesia was an exchange student in 1979 - 1980.
Lilly advised how she was flown out to Australia by Mavis Jones’ family for Mavis' 90th birthday celebrations. She entertained us all with her description of being reunited with Mavis Jones on her special birthday. She survived being squished into a box, rolled around on a trolley, with the box almost falling apart, until she was finally unwrapped by a very surprised Mavis. Lily is now an Editor with the Salvation Army in Indonesia, where her English is being finely honed by writing for the Salvation Army magazine.

Guest Speaker: Daryl Hancock – Dundaloo Centre

Neil Hanington introduced Daryl Hancock tonight, giving a description of Daryl’s roots in the Barossa Valley, until he joined Midcoast Water, being appointed Executive Manager of Corporate Services in 2011.

Daryl advised that he is on the Board of Directors for Dundaloo which was established in 1953 by families
concerned for their children with an intellectual disability. The Dundaloo Foundation became a part of the Challenge Foundation and was typical of it’s time when the staffing structure was like a hospital, with a Matron appointed to oversee the operations, and with the Service Users being viewed mostly from a perspective focused on their disabilities.

Currently, Dundaloo operates two Hostels in Taree, known as Cedar Lodge and Machin House. Two group homes are also in Taree and owned and operated by Dundaloo. Overall, Dundaloo provides a mixture of support and accommodation for 62 women and men in the Manning, Great Lakes, and Gloucester areas, with a total staff of approximately 55.

Many changes have occurred since the early days of Dundaloo, with more emphasis now placed upon not only planning how to accommodate and service people with an intellectual disability, but with listening to these people and their families. This is far removed from the previous paternalistic model. The person is now at the centre of all policy and service development.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Les Hogarth on behalf of our Rotary