Category: OCC Stories

The Spirit of Giving: OC’s Partnership with Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm

24 February 2024

For 50 years, Dandenong Christmas Tree Farm has been a loyal supporter of OC Connections. Previous owner Jim Boucher, and his wife Lorna, built the partnership with OC Connections (which at the time was called the Oakleigh Centre) to engage and bolster fundraising efforts in the local community. Neil and Neal (the two Neil’s) purchased […]

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Neurodiverse Employment: What does it look like?

12 February 2024

For this blog, we will be using “neurodiversity” to describe: – autism– ADHD– intellectual and developmental disorders– Downs Syndrome– and psychiatric disorders Employment is an important part of people’s lives. You get paid for your work, you contribute to the community, and you can make friends. People living with disabilities face barriers to employment, but […]

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SASI Art Show

17 November 2023

The opening night of the SASI Art Show was a heartwarming, resounding success. Staff from across OC Connections came to support our participants in exhibiting their beautiful works of art to the community, including OC’s CEO Therese Desmond. I can only urge you to take a drive to Cube 37 in Frankston and see the […]

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DEFEND CHOICE IN DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT

DEFEND CHOICE IN DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT

20 September 2023

The Australian Government will soon review the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission, including employment services and opportunities for people living with disability. Around 16,000 people living with disabilities work as Supported Employees across Australia. Working in Supported Employment makes a significant difference in the lives of people with disability – engaging in work helps […]

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“EXPRESSION” EXHIBITION AT CARDINIA CULTURAL CENTRE

“EXPRESSION” EXHIBITION AT CARDINIA CULTURAL CENTRE

19 September 2023

The OC Art Space provides a welcoming, encouraging environment for participants to learn creative forms of self-expression. Living with intellectual and developmental disabilities can feel isolating, especially when your natural type of communication isn’t widely understood. That’s why support staff Renate, Rose, Michelle and Val have worked to build a strong foundation at OC Connections […]

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TIM & BART’S ALL-ACCESS AFL TRIP TO ECHUCA

2 August 2023

In July, two residents from our Oakleigh Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) made the trip up to Echuca to participate in a game of footy with Moama Rockets! Tim and Bart are members of the Mazenod Panthers in Glen Waverly, an all-abilities football club that goes up against teams from around Victoria. They woke up bright […]

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ZANE’S SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION STORY

ZANE’S SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION STORY

22 July 2023

Meet Zane, a regular resident of our Short-Term Accommodation (STA) house located in Oakleigh. Since the start of the year, Zane has become a pillar of the STA community. He’s got a vibrant personality and adores the regular staff and participants at our STA house.  He’s even been spreading the word and getting his mates […]

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27th annual charity golf day

27TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY

17 July 2023

On Monday 10th July, we held our Annual Charity Golf Day at the Metropolitan Golf Club. This is one of our largest fundraisers, and we couldn’t have done it without the efforts of the organising committee, our volunteers, business partners and sponsors. The prestigious Metropolitan has been supporting OC Connections for 27 years – their members […]

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DINNER DANCE

DINNER DANCE ’23

14 June 2023

On Friday 2nd June, we had our annual OC Connections Dinner Dance! This year’s theme was Bright and Bold, and attendees delivered standout looks with lots of gold, glitter and florals. Dressed in our fancy outfits, participants enjoyed a two-course meal at Merrimu Receptions. A big thank you to the attentive and friendly staff; the food […]

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