4 hidden benefits of martial arts for kids

Considering an after-school activity for your child? Martial arts has many positive benefits for kids, the two obvious that spring to mind: your kids can get active and learn to defend themselves.

But there are a range of other positives that aren’t so obvious, here are four benefits of martial arts that you may not have considered.

Builds body awareness

Martial arts helps kids think about how their body moves. The constant and repetitive movement helps children build coordination and improve body and spatial awareness.

Boosts confidence and self-esteem

Mastering a new move and improving skills can bring with it a sense of achievement which can further build confidence and self-esteem.

Further develops social skills

It can be easier to socialise and get to know people when a common interest is shared. A martial arts class provides that common interest, and promotes a team environment.

Improves concentration and listening skills

Martial arts can improve concentration, listening skills and the ability to follow instruction because kids must focus and listen to the instructor to learn the movements.

STEPS Autism Treehouse's Weekly Self Defence Classes are designed for children and teens with autism. If you would like to join, please register by emailing autism@stepsgroup.com.au .

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.

Why superheroes are overrated: Being kind to yourself in day-to-day life

As parents your life often revolves around giving your child the most fulfilling life possible. In this rush, we often set bars for ourselves that are unrealistic and lead to negative thoughts about how successful or worthwhile we are as parents.

While these negative thoughts may just feel like an everyday aspect of life, multiple studies have indicated the widespread effect of negative self-talk and the importance of combating these thoughts in order to lead a healthy life for both you and your family. 

An easy way to start is to utilise what is known as the “Be your own best friend” technique. This is a frame of mind where you imagine directing your self-talk at a close friend or loved one. By using this thought process, we are able to avoid “filtering”, where we filter out positive aspects of a situation and critique ourselves only on the remaining negative aspects.

Next time you hear yourself saying something highly negative about yourself or your achievements, imagine yourself saying that to a friend or loved one who was in the same situation. If you cannot imagine saying it, consider why your feelings are not being held with the same importance as those around you.

Changing your negative self-talk will be a process and for the short term, it may be difficult to avoid self-critique entirely. When possible, try to take the time to confront and question these negative thoughts. If you constantly feel that your self-talk may be exaggerated or damaging, ensure that you ask yourself some of these important questions:

Have you given equal weight to your efforts as you have to your success?

Just because you didn’t complete the marathon, doesn’t mean you didn’t put in a valiant effort. Try to take into consideration all the work you have done and the perseverance that it took.

How much of the situation is in your control?

While certain circumstances can lead to feelings of judgement and failure, there is often very little that could have been done by you to change the outcome. Try to take this into account when assessing your critique of your reaction to the situation.

Are you projecting other’s opinions onto yourself?

External judgements are based on a very small sight of your life. No-one knows your life better than you and only you should be deciding what is and is not working.

Where have you succeeded?

Successes, no matter how big or small, shouldn’t be worth a single congratulations. Don’t hesitate to remind yourself of the things you have done right whenever you face a perceived failure.

A magical time at the 2020 STEPS Autism Treehouse Christmas Party

On the weekend, we had the chance to experience the magic once again at the STEPS Autism Treehouse 7th Annual Christmas Party presented by the Fleet Office.

Occurring this year at the Kawana Sport Precinct, the event saw people travel from all across the Sunshine State and enabled young people and families living with disability and autism to experience the joy of Christmas without any limitations.

The party was an immense success and saw just under 1000 people join 75 volunteers and 30 sponsors in celebrating the holiday season.

Both children and adults had a range of fun activities to undertake, with sensory activities and interaction with animals remaining particularly popular.

We also got an exciting visit from the man himself, Santa. Set up in our dedicated Santa Zone, everyone had the chance to share all their Christmas wishes.

We also announced our very lucky winner of the 2020 Adventure Raffle, which saw the winner receive a Camper Trailer package worth $28,819.

The grand prize went to the very deserving Naylor family, who were overjoyed to win the prize.

We have no doubt that the Naylor family will get to experience a range of exciting adventures in the near future and we wish them the best of fun.

While the Christmas party may be over for another year, many more exciting things are planned as we head into 2021.

We look forward to seeing you all again soon and wish you a safe and joyful holiday season until then.

Are you are looking to support or be supported by the STEPS Autism Treehouse? Contact us at autism@stepsgroup.com.au for more information or visit our donation page.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.

STEPS Charity & STEPS Autism Treehouse August Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

A new season has come and with it some exciting changes, I am delighted to introduce the first STEPS Charity & STEPS Autism Treehouse Newsletter. It is here that we can keep you up to date with all our fantastic Charity and Treehouse news and events.

We have started preparations for the 7th Annual STEPS Autism Treehouse Christmas Party - it's one of our biggest events of the year and it will be spread out over two football fields. This spectacular day will be on 6 December 2020, add it to your calendar because it is going to be a lot of Christmas fun!

We are taking extra care with planning this annual event and will ensure that it is COVID safe because the wellbeing of our community is our top priority. However, because we are implementing increased health and safety measures, we need double the number of volunteers we’ve had in previous years. If there are any generous people in our community who would like to donate their time and help us make the day a huge success, please let me know and email charity@stepsgroup.com.au.

Until next time,

Anne Nioa
Charity Manager - STEPS Autism Treehouse

July eNews from STEPS Autism Treehouse

Hello everyone,

I cannot believe that we are on our way to the end of the year!

I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who supported the STEPS Virtual Grand Winter Ball and the mega raffle - both were hugely successful.

For those who tuned in, I hope you enjoyed the night as much as I did. This virtual event was a first for us and it was a marvellous night full of fun and warmth. The community support was palpable, we had so many viewers writing in such kind and encouraging words. It was beautiful to be a part of.

Please continue to stay safe in these challenging times and enjoy the last bit of this beautiful winter weather.

Until next time,

Anne Nioa
Charity Manager - STEPS Autism Treehouse

Social Events - Connecting and Sharing Experiences

STEPS Autism Treehouse invite parents and carers to a free social dinner event at the Duporth Hotel Maroochydore, 6.30pm, August 20 to connect, exchange stories and helpful tips about living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

STEPS Autism Treehouse program coordinator Jessica Winnell facilitates regular social groups for Coast parents and teens with ASD, to connect in a familiar space, and to share the joys and challenges that autism brings to their lives.

STEPS Autism Treehouse program coordinator Jessica Winnell and her daughter, helping other Coast families living with autism

Jess is the mother of children on the spectrum and says her own experiences help her to help others.

“I can honestly relate to what families are feeling and the challenges they are facing on a day-to-day basis,” Jess said.

“I can really listen to parents about what they are going through and draw from my own experiences to help them get through what can be a very challenging and confusing time, especially on top of dealing with a global pandemic.

“I can also take some of the stress out of the whole process for them by explaining what has worked for me and how to get the ball rolling with things like funding, group therapy, suggest helpful resources like books and podcasts, I think I have tried every single online program and some work better than others.

“Whenever we are having a tough time at home with the kids we always seek help and I encourage all the families we connect with to do the same.

“A lot of parents have found this year to be really difficult, and we would love to see parents come out and have a break and a free meal, connect and socialise with us, even for a couple of hours,” Jess said.

Jess says her autism journey wasn’t always easy for her family, even though she felt a weight had been lifted after her eldest son was diagnosed with ASD, she then had to navigate what to do next, and that was often overwhelming.

“As a parent of a child with autism you do begin to get used to standing out of the crowd or your child being different to the other kids,” she said.

“It can be really hard at first and you almost have to grieve what you thought parenting would be like.

“But I was determined for my son to get all of the same opportunities as every other child in the class room and this is how my passion grew for inclusion in schools for all kids with additional needs,” she said.

Jess says she’s proud to be a part of the Sunshine Coast autism community, an amazing group of people that have such a wonderful spirit.

STEPS run regular free morning teas for parents and carers, alongside a range of programs from educational workshops, social groups, NDIS support coordination and major fundraising events each year.

For more information and to secure a dinner booking email autism@stepsgroup.com.au or follow STEPS Autism Treehouse on Facebook.

The Parent & Carer Social Group Dinner is: Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.

June eNews from STEPS Autism Treehouse

Hello everyone,

Well winter is upon us! I hope you have all pulled through the lock-downs, travel restrictions, panic buying and home-schooling; it seems amazing what we have taken for granted and regard as normal.

As you know, our normal at STEPS Autism Treehouse has changed; all of our fundraising activities and events have been cancelled due to government regulations and health and safety concerns.
This is why we have made the exciting decision to present our first virtual ball, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to the STEPS Virtual Grand Winter Ball 2020 presented by BA Murphy Constructions. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, you and your family and friends can experience two hours of wonderful entertainment from the comfort of your own couch!

For only $150 this special event can be streamed directly into your home and the funds raised on the night will go directly towards the new extension to STEPS Pathways College. Did you know that about 80% of the students who attend the college as a boarding or day student are living with Autism?

If you are unable to attend our evening of entertainment, you can still take part by purchasing a ticket online in our mega raffle, which has over $20,000 worth of prizes. Help us create a brighter future, support our vision of making a difference by providing opportunity to young people living with a disability and Autism.

Take care, stay warm and stay happy,

Anne Nioa
Charity Manager - STEPS Autism Treehouse

May eNews from STEPS Autism Treehouse

Hello to our friends and families,

I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy in these unprecedented times.

STEPS Autism Treehouse, like most of the world, is doing our part: sticking together by staying apart. To continue the much-needed measures of social distancing and self-isolation, our services have gone online. It's great that our STEPS community is embracing these changes with parents, children and teens catching up on Zoom rather than meeting in-person.

With so much uncertainty, let’s make certain we take care of one another. Many of us may be anxious about what the coming months will bring. Share your worries or fears with friends or family, this simple act of talking and connecting can ease your concerns and benefit your wellbeing.

Being a parent of a young person with a disability who is very vulnerable to any sort of respiratory virus – I am very worried about the next few months and her health. I am doing what I can: I am following the instructions of our leaders and health professionals – and trying to stay positive.

Be kind to each other. Lend a hand if you can. Reach out if you need some support.

From our STEPS family to yours,

Anne Nioa
Charity Manager - STEPS Autism Treehouse

Let’s spread kindness and understanding this Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month and we want to promote not only awareness but kindness and understanding. We asked children living with autism and their families to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences with us.

Here are some of the things children with autism want you to know or understand about autism.

“I need to move around a lot.”

“Everything.”

"We are not incapable, and we are not a bad thing.”

“Just that people would learn to listen to us.”

---

Everyone has strengths, some parents shared with us what their children are great at:

‘Empathetic.”

“Online gaming.”

“Cars.”

“Kind, intelligent.”

“Maths, independence.”

“Reading, writing.”

“Active. Climbing. Jumping. Science and maths.”

“Art and imagination.”

“Hand-eye coordination.”

“Far too many to list here. We are human, don’t have to justify our existence by listing our strengths.”

---

We all have challenges in our life, some parents shared what their child struggled with most:

“Almost everything.”

“School work, writing, instructions.”

“Stranger danger, living skills and making friends.”

“Social skills.”

 “Making friends, going out, doing things in groups.”

“Understanding being patient and waiting, not calling out.”

“Ableist attitudes and medical/disability systems. People deciding things for us without us. The anxiety that comes from needs not being accommodated fairly.”

---

Parents of children with autism want you to know...

“We need space and quiet and time. Even if it’s just to give us more time to answer a question. Stop expecting us to be the same and react the same as you.”

“It's ok to be different, it's neurologic, it can't be cured just understood.”

“They are all different and deserve respect.”

“Autism is a neurological difference and not something to treat or cure. That it’s who I am as a person and there’s nothing inherently wrong or bad about this.”

“They are sensitive to touch, sound, pictures...”

---

Autism Awareness Month is about more than just spreading awareness, it’s about sharing knowledge and experiences so that our community not only practices understanding but embraces all. STEPS Autism Treehouse would like to thank the children and families who took the time to share with us.

April is Autism Awareness Month. If you would like to learn more about autism or the resources and services we offer, please contact STEPS Autism Treehouse on 5409 9014 or email autism@stepsgroup.com.au

Inspiring ideas at inclusive education conference

Earlier in the year, STEPS Autism Treehouse Program Coordinator Jessica Winnell had the opportunity to attend the Australian Inclusive Schooling Conference in Brisbane.

With two full days of back-to-back presentations from an array of nationally and internationally renowned speakers, Ms Winnell said the ideas showcased at the conference had energized her.

“It was such an amazing opportunity for me to learn from some of the most inspiring people.

“For me, the highlight was hearing from acclaimed author, Dr Paula Kluth, who wrote the book You’re Going to Love this Kid,” she said.

Bringing together experts in the field, the conference explored inclusive education through the lens of philosophy, research, and practice.

Ms Winnell said the conference was extremely informative and she learned about the latest research in inclusive education and new approaches and strategies that were all designed to engage students with autism or a disability.

“We also got to hear from some amazing young adults like Gerard O’ Dwyer, an award-winning actor, public speaker and advocate, who is living a fully inclusive life.”

“It was wonderful to make connections with so many passionate teachers, advocates, support staff and parents who all share the same dream of full inclusion and opportunities for all children” Ms Winnell said.

If anyone would like to chat to Jessica about this amazing event or get any details of the resources she has come across, please email autism@stepsgroup.com.au or call STEPS Autism Treehouse for a chat on 5409 9014.

Social skills expanding in the digital world

In a time when some of us may feel less connected, the teen social groups at STEPS Autism Treehouse have made sure they stay connected in the digital space.

By continuing to catch up with each other by video chatting on Zoom, STEPS Autism Treehouse Program Coordinator Jessica Winnell said like most, they have had to change the way they socialise.

“We continue to hold our Teen Social Club meetings, only now we meet online “I’ve been really impressed with how our teen groups have adapted,” Ms Winnell said.

She said having the teens gather online has been different but has had some very positive results.

“I feel like their social skills are expanding with this new format,” Ms Winnell said.

STEPS Community Services Manager Josh Hansen said it is essential that they continue to deliver their services and ensure the community remains connected in these difficult times.

“STEPS Autism Treehouse offers connection and support to many Sunshine Coast families, that is why having the ability to adapt in these changing times is so important.

“By conducting our programs online, we are able maintain the health and safety of our community and ensure our services remain accessible to everyone,” Mr Hansen said.

At STEPS Autism Treehouse, our Junior and Senior social groups meet regularly for a chat, a laugh and some fun. If you would like to learn more, please email autism@stepsgroup.com.au.

STEPS rally the troops to support families in need

STEPS Charity helped rally the troops recently to deliver a message of kindness and support to local Sunshine Coast families facing uncertain times due to coronavirus this Easter.

The Fleet Office director Jim Lee along with Toyota dealership proprietor Brett Mills and Maleny Supa IGA owner Rob Outridge pulled their collective resources together to ensure local families won’t be going without some essential items this Easter.

Fifty local families in need received a special care package full of essential household items – and a few Easter eggs – thanks to the collaborative efforts of three local business identities and STEPS.

Mr Lee said he contacted STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch, to see how many families were in need due to the impact of the Covid-19 virus.

“With the STEPS Autism Treehouse Trek for Autism postponed this year we wanted to do something practical to support local families who are in need,” Mr Lee said.

“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of families doing it tough at the moment and the reasons why they are struggling has had a significant impact on me personally.

“I reached out to my good mates in Brett Mills and Rob Outridge and together we came up with the care package idea.

“Rob has been very generous with supplying the goods and Brett has enlisted his team, including Ken Mills Toyota ambassador Laura Scherian, to help deliver the items,” he said.

STEPS Autism Treehouse charity manager Anne Nioa also rolled up her sleeves to help pack up the goods, as they were whisked away to families in need.

“We know that in these extraordinary times it’s really important to help support the most vulnerable in our community, we’re absolutely blown away by the amazing efforts of Jim and his team,” Ms Nioa said.

“It’s just great to see such positivity and kindness in our current climate, we really hope others will see this and be inspired to help too.

“STEPS are remaining strong and we’ll keep on in delivering for our communities, but we are facing uncertain times, and we know how important it is to rally together to help in these times.

Maleny IGA owner Rob Outridge said he got involved because STEPS is a well-known local charity, that does great work, and Jim is his good friend.

“Jim’s so generous, he wanted to pay for everything himself, and for us to make no discounts, what he doesn’t know when he gets the bill, we’ve applied some discounts, and we’re happy to do that: A it’s Jim and B: It’s STEPS,” Mr Outridge said.

Brett Mills said he’s holding onto all his staff, but he realised they’re entering a slow period due to coronavirus, so he reached out to STEPS to ask what they can do to help.

“I’m personally very happy to get out today in the sunshine, and to not have to think about much because it’s been fatiguing, for employers, employees and for everyone,” he said.

“It’s just nice to get out and do something that makes everyone feel good.”

Australian diamond netball player and Ken Mills Toyota ambassador Laura Scherian said she saw the opportunity to be able to get out and help those in need.

“Brett said he was doing the drive today and it was a perfect opportunity for me to jump in and be able to help out a bit,” she said.

“Obviously the world’s a bit of a strange place at the moment and everyone needs to help each other out in any way they can,” she said.

STEPS Charity encourage locals to continue to support their local charities to help the most vulnerable in the community, for more information call 5458 3000.

Update -2020 STEPS Trek for Autism - presented by The Fleet Office

An update for our valued supporters and amazing STEPS Autism Treehouse community:
It is with a heavy heart that we write this news.

Like all organisations within the events industry,  STEPS Autism Treehouse is facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our supporters, team and community.

In this ever-changing situation, along with guidance from the public health authorities we have made the decision to cancel the 2020 STEPS Trek for Autism presented by The Fleet Office.

We are devastated that the cancellation of our much loved event will directly impact our ability to provide support to our community through access to resources, like skills programs, education and social events.

While this is disappointing for both you and us, please be assured that anyone who has registered can request a full refund or roll over their ticket to next year's event. We have sent emails to each person who has registered for the event with update information.

Of course we want to see everyone at next year's STEPS Trek for Autism which will take place on May 2, 2021.

In these difficult times the world is experiencing, we are thankful that we are powered by the STEPS Autism Treehouse community, our tribe is strong and made up of the best kind of humans there are.

Let's continue to celebrate the amazing joy that autism brings to our lives, we can all help to support each other - even from 1.5m away! :)

We will continue to monitor and update you on any changes on STEPS Autism Treehouse events as they come to hand.

For more information about the current health warnings please visit www.health.qld.gov.au

Thank you for your incredible support, see you at the trek next year!

March eNews from STEPS Autism Treehouse

Hello,
It is amazing how quickly the days fly by – I can't believe it is March! We have been super busy planning the STEPS Trek for Autism 2020 and the second half of the year's activities.

In BIG NEWS: STEPS has engaged Professor Tony Attwood for seven seminars across Queensland and Tasmania in the second half of 2020.  I am personally super excited at the prospect of being able to reach out to  families and professionals in regional Australia.  Coming from a regional town, I know how difficult it can be to access quality information and connect to world-class speakers. 

We will be travelling to Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hobart and holding one day seminars in each location.  If you know of a family or a professional that lives or works with autism – please get them to join our Facebook page to keep up to date with all the details.
 
Even more exciting is due to the overwhelming attendance at last year’s STEPS Sunshine Coast Autism Seminar with Professor Attwood and the panel of experts, this year, we will be extending the seminar over 2 days – set aside November 5 and 6 for this event. We also have the amazing Sue Larkey coming for a workshop in May - see details below.
 
Until next month, get your team together and sign up to Trek for Autism with us!

Anne,

ANNOUNCING THE 2020 STEPS TREK FOR AUTISM TO SUPPORT COAST FAMILIES

STEPS Autism Treehouse is excited to announce early bird registrations are now open for the 2020 STEPS Trek for Autism presented by The Fleet Office on Saturday May 2.

The annual event is in its third year and is one of the charity’s major fundraisers. STEPS Autism Treehouse charity manager Anne Nioa says by trekking, participants are directly impacting the lives of Sunshine Coast families living with autism.

“There’s a trekking adventure for all abilities, and it’s also a great idea for businesses to get teams on board for the event,” Anne said.

“The full 22km Trek from Coolum Beach to Cotton Tree is the most challenging option, or you can choose to take on the half trek of 11.5kms from Mudjimba to Cotton Tree.

“This year we’ve also added the 5km ‘Family Fun Fiver’ which will give more families the opportunity to get involved, which is fantastic as helping families who are living with autism is the reason behind this event.”

With the Trek taking place on the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, Anne says the idea is for participants to make the event part of a scenic getaway and adventure experience.

“People have already begun signing up for the event from Brisbane, keen to take advantage of the stunning Sunshine Coast beaches and scenery along the Trek’s route,” she said.

“The route takes trekkers along one of the nation’s most beautiful stretches of coastal pathway, so it’s truly a special experience as well as a rewarding cause,” Anne said.

A non-profit organisation, STEPS Autism Treehouse focuses on building community and connecting families, children and young people living with autism and provides support through access to resources, life skills programs, education and social events.

The STEPS Trek for Autism presented by The Fleet Office will kick off at 7am from Tickle Park, Coolum Beach while the Half Trek starts at 8am from the Mudjimba Surf Lifesaving Club.

The Family Fun Fiver begins at 9am from Cotton Tree Park. Team participation is encouraged, with teams receiving 10 per cent off the registration price.

Early bird registration is now open for a limited time with $10 off the regular price. Follow the event on Facebook.

Our February eNews

Hello to everyone and here’s to a very exciting 2020.The first days in my position as charity manager for STEPS Autism Treehouse have been eye opening, informative and productive. 

I am delighted to be working as part of a team that can make a difference in the lives of young people and families living with autism. I have seen first-hand the extraordinary results that can be achieved at STEPS Pathways College, as my daughter Ariana was one of the first cohort starting back in May 2017. Ari graduated last year, and  now is living independently and working and enjoying life here on the Sunshine Coast.

Over the coming months, I will be super busy planning this year's Trek for Autism (now with a new date of May 2 which we will officially launch very soon!) –this year we hope to have as many families join in as possible with our new 'family friendly 5km!'  I would love to see you join us for this event – not only to help raise vital funds, but to showcase true inclusion in our community.

I look forward to getting to know you all as we work together for some really wonderful outcomes for our autism community. Feel free to get in touch with me at any time on anne@stepscharity.com.au 

Anne Nioa   
Charity Manager - STEPS Autism Treehouse

Former Fraser Coast Councillor Takes the Reins of Major Autism Charity

Maryborough businesswoman and former Fraser Coast councillor Anne Nioa has been appointed charity manager of the Sunshine Coast-based STEPS Autism Treehouse.

Ms Nioa replaces founding director Claire Gilmour, who successfully negotiated the organisation’s merger with STEPS Group Australia in 2017.

Ms Nioa, who managed the Tourism, Events and Marketing portfolio as a member of the Fraser Coast Council from 2004 to 2012, brings years of experience running successful organisations to STEPS Autism Treehouse, which provides resources, education and social events to families, children and young people living with autism.

Anne Nioa and Carmel Crouch.

A former furniture and homewares importer, real estate agent and business strategist, Ms Nioa thanked outgoing coordinator Claire Gilmour for her incredible contribution to the organisation and said she was excited to be joining such a respected and admired charity at a pivotal point in its life.

“My goal is to grow STEPS Autism Treehouse so that we can expand our reach and extend our services – not only to the Sunshine Coast and into the Wide Bay region, but as far north as Cairns and even south all the way to Hobart,” Ms Nioa said.

“As a former councillor and business owner in the Wide Bay area I have a deep understanding of and connection to the community, and I know that there is a real need for an organisation like ours in this part of the state.”

Ms Nioa said she also had a deeply personal connection to the STEPS Group.

“My daughter Ariana, who has Down Syndrome and has been attending the STEPS Pathways College in Caloundra since 2017 and graduated last year,” Ms Nioa said.

“It’s a living and learning facility for young adults with disabilities and it’s really allowed her to begin an incredible new chapter in her life. She’s wanted to go to college ever since her older brother Jackson started university and this has given her the opportunity to shine.”

Ms Nioa, a single mother who raised her children alone after her husband lost a battle with bowel cancer in 1997, knows first-hand how important organisations like STEPS Autism Treehouse are to the community and to parents like her.

“As the mother of a young person with a disability I understand how important it is to know that there are services out there that you can lean on,” Ms Nioa said.

“Raising a child with a disability presents such unique challenges to parents that it can sometimes feel like an all-consuming responsibility. An organisation like STEPS Pathways College has not only given my daughter Ariana new options in life, it’s also given me greater opportunities.

“In fact, Ariana now has so much confidence that she and her best friend have moved into an apartment together in Caloundra. Her independence has also given me my own independence and I would like to help other families on that important journey.”

STEPS Group Welcomes New Charity Team Leaders

A former Miss Sunshine Coast fundraiser and a popular former Fraser Coast local councillor have been announced as the new senior leaders in STEPS Group’s charity team.

Rebecca Whitehouse and Anne Nioa are starting their positions this week, with Anne having relocated to the Sunshine Coast over the Christmas break.

For new STEPS Charity executive manager Ms Whitehouse, the relocation is also a much-anticipated homecoming to work on the Sunshine Coast.

Anne Nioa, Carmel Crouch and Bec Whitehouse.

“I have had a close working relationship with STEPS group for several years, working alongside the charity team as the director of the event company who has managed the past three STEPS Grand Winter Balls,” Ms Whitehouse said.

“My appointment to the role of executive manager of STEPS Charity is one that will provide me with the scope to use my past skills and business acumen to innovate and grow the charity which has been built on solid foundations.

“The insight and relationships forged over this time will prove invaluable and provide a great foundation on which we will continue to build from.”

Ms Whitehouse, originally from Windsor, Brisbane was named Miss Sunshine Coast in 1997, back when the annual award recognised fundraising for the then Cerebral Palsy League charity.

STEPS Group managing director Carmel Crouch said Ms Whitehouse’s background in events, fundraising and business made her a perfect fit for the role.

“We have a strong foundation for Bec to build on and a very ambitious strategy for the future of STEPS Group,” Ms Crouch said.

“In 2020, we want to raise the funds for our next expansion to the STEPS Pathways College, which will potentially double our capacity and provide even more places for people with a disability to learn to live and work independently.”

Ms Whitehouse is joined in the charity team by new STEPS Autism Treehouse charity manager Anne Nioa, who has a very personal connection to the organisation.

“I have been part of the STEPS Group family since 2018 when my daughter Ariana enrolled at STEPS Pathways College,” Ms Nioa said, who has moved from Maryborough for the job.

“The work that STEPS Autism Treehouse does to educate families and improve the lives of those with autism is absolutely life-changing. My daughter recently graduated from STEPS Pathways College and is living independently on the Sunshine Coast.

“I am delighted to have an opportunity to give back and expand the work of an organisation that has done so much for me, and to be able to do so and live on the Sunshine Coast is a wonderful bonus.”

Ms Crouch said Ms Nioa’s experience in local government and her personal connection with STEPS Group and STEPS Autism Treehouse would ensure a bright future for the organisation.

“Anne has come to us with a vision of expanding our STEPS Autism Treehouse services to regional communities north of the Sunshine Coast, where there is an enormous need for support services for families living with autism,” Ms Crouch said.

“She will be continuing our very successful programs in the Sunshine Coast region and also expanding the number of events to help families further afield.”

FairPlay Voucher

Are you in Queensland and are the parent, carer or guardian of a child aged 5 to 17?

Does the child have a Department of Human Services Health Care Card, or do you have a health care card or pensioner concession card with the child’s name on it?

Then your child may be eligible for a FairPlay voucher (previously known as a Get Started voucher).

Each child can receive one voucher per calendar year, which can be used at any FairPlay registered activity providers.

The voucher can only be used for membership, registration or participation fees. It does not cover equipment or uniforms. If the fees are more than $150, you will need to pay the difference.

The idea behind the FairPlay subsidy is to help make participating in physical activity more affordable.

The next round of FairPlay vouchers open 22 January 2020.

Once the round opens you will be able to apply for a FairPlay voucher.

You will need to set up a  QGrants account or log in with your email address and password if you already have an account.

Once in are in your account, click ‘Applications’, then ‘New Applications’ then find the current grant round in the list provided.

Complete all details on each page before clicking next or submitting the form.

If you are successful the voucher will appear on your screen and you will also be emailed a copy of the voucher.

Give the voucher to your Activity Provider when you’re signing up. Then it’s up to them to redeem it. Just make sure that you use it before the expiry date!

Some of the activities you can use the FairPlay voucher on are Scouts and Girl Guides, martial arts, rugby, soccer, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, cricket, netball, hockey, cycling, and surf lifesaving.

Catch up on our December news

It's been a big year for STEPS Autism Treehouse, as we approach the end of 2019 we are looking forward to taking a well earned break to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. We are also full of excitement for what the New Year will bring.

We are so happy we are able to end our year with our 6th Annual Christmas Party and we're proud as punch to report it was the biggest and best yet, with record attendance of more than 780 people. Thank you so much for being such a special part of this event.

This is a magical time of year, especially for children and even with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, organising and craziness, it's also a wonderful time to reflect and be thankful for all the very special things we have, and the amazing contribution autism brings to our lives.

We are so proud to have been able to deliver so many workshops, support groups and events in 2019 and can't wait to bring more events to our STEPS Autism Treehouse community in 2020. Wishing you and your family a safe and joyous Christmas.