We have blinked and Christmas is here again. As we all rush around to finalise arrangements and complete our last minute gift shopping, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the past 12 months as it really has been an exciting year. There have been so many achievements which I wish to share:

Interaction expanded its accommodation and individual options support areas.

Interaction commenced supporting the people we serve to transition to the NDIS as well as welcoming new participants to Interaction’s offerings and quality supports.

We conducted our biennial Voice Project Client and Parent-Carer Engagement Survey with outstanding results. It was reported Parent-Carer Satisfaction has continued to increase since 2014 and remains well above the disability services sector average. It was also reported by our clients that they feel involved around decision making and this also exceeds the disability services sector average.

We launched Interaction’s Empowered Living Apartments concept for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) on 3rd November 2016 in Brisbane, Queensland. This was the result of extensive international research I conducted in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany and the United States as part of a study tour.

Interaction has maintained its strong financial position throughout the year, even in the face of the administrative challenges the NDIS has thrown us. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge Interaction’s leadership and staffing team who have faced each obstacle with vigour and determination and have come through with a renewed sense of passion for Interaction’s mission of Empowering People.

Interaction held its annual Connecting Carers Event. The event was attended by over 80 carers and generously sponsored by many community-minded businesses. This is Interaction’s way of acknowledging the tireless support carers give to their families and thanking them for all that they do.

Interaction held its 10th annual Client Camp at Camp Breakaway. This year saw a record breaking 40+ people attend. Activities included visits to the Hunter Valley Gardens and Elvis concert.

Interaction welcomed two new Board members, Allan Dodd and Laurie Boxwell who both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Interaction’s Board.

Although PWS has been a focus of Interaction’s in 2016 (and for many years before), it is only a small part of the supports we provide to the community. We are and always will be committed to providing exceptional services for people with disability through empowerment, person centred support and working together to achieve great things.

As always, feel free to contact Interaction’s staff or myself with any queries you may have about the NDIS or any other matters. From our Interaction family to yours we would like to wish you a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season and I look forward to an exciting 2017.

Kind regards,

Craig Moore
Chief Executive Officer