Monday March 29th started pretty much the same as any other day for 31 Best Buddies Australia members in that they arrived at school. But...hang-on...that shiney stretch hummer pulling up in front of school...what the?! And...is that a MONSTER truck?!
Transport to the 2010 Best Buddies Australia Leadership Conference had arrived.
And so six schools from all around Sydney made their way to NSW Parliament House on Macquarie St for an action packed day of workshops, discussion, presentations and film on the themes of 'Leadership' and 'Social Inclusion' - One Friendship At A Time! We were fortunate to be joined by a group from Best Buddies New Zealand and a representative from Best Buddies International, Brooke Switzer.
The days proceedings were opened by the Hon Minister for Disabilities Mr Paul Lynch who commended the work of Best Buddies in filling a great need in the support of people with an intellectual disability. He said that while government and non-government organisations provided accommodation and services like therapy, day programs and respite, Best Buddies helped break down barriers for people with an intellectual disability.“The program’s one to one “buddy system” – the pairing of a volunteer with a person with an intellectual disability – goes a long way to promoting inclusion in our communities,” Mr Lynch said.
Best Buddies Australia Chairman Mr Andrew Buchanan then introduced the Key Note Speaker - NRL Ambassador and Footy Show Presenter Mario 'The Maltese Falcon.' Fenech shared his experiences of mateship, leadership and inclusion both on the field representing the Rabbitohs for 9 years and off the field.
Workshops then splintered off for specialised sessions with external facilitators around particular Officer roles - these included: self expression through acting for Buddy Directors; a 'toolbox' of activities for Chapter Presidents and Vice Chapter Presidents; 'what makes a good story' - how to write a news article for Secretaries and Treasurers, and 'how to support a one to one friendship' for Advisors.
A working lunch followed with school groups reconvening to put together a response to this brief: 'produce a television newscast with a 'live cross' including everyone in your Chapter. Much hilarity took place as teams used the prop box to inspire their presentations. Sydney Secondary College - Leichhardt Campus were judged to have won the day (and BBA Hoodies) by our guest judges - Actor & Star of Be My Brother Gerard O'Dwye, Film Director Genievieve Clay and Chairman Andrew Buchannan. Although special mention must go to the BBA NZ team who can be credited with introducing the term 'Schwagger' to the days proceedings, to much mirth as it was accompanied by dance!
The day was rounded off by a screening of Best Buddies Day 2009 and interviews with the finalists from last years Buddy Pair Of The Year Award before Naomi Simson - Chief Experience Officer at Redballoon announced the launch of the search for Best Buddy Pair Of The Year 2010.
Best Buddies Australia would like to thank all those who participated in the day for making it such a fun and successful day. Especially our workshop facilitators: Genevieve Clay, Lisa Armstrong from Knowledge Shop, Gerard O'Dwyer, James Kell from Kell & Rigby, Peter Kerr from the Sydney Morning Herald, LJ Loch, Helen Sara from Northcott Disability Services, Rebecca Vanderspek and Olivia Nasser.
More photos from the day are available in the Buddy Up Photo Gallery.
This report by Natalie Bishop - Program Manager.
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Fairvale & Marrickville High Schools in their Stretch Hummer.
One of the Stretch Hummers pulls up at NSW Parliament House.
Buddy Directors & Chapter Presidents with Mark Trevaskis BBA Exec Director, Minister Paul Lynch & Program Manager Natalie Bishop.
Alexandra & Nadia from SSC Balmain.
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