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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 for participants to connect with others, release their emotions, and engage in whichever artistic medium their heart’s desire.

Outside of OC Connections, the Arts Team are always looking for opportunities to connect and share our participants’ experiences with the wider community. Recently, several OC participants have had their works of art showcased in the ‘Expression’ gallery at Cardinia Cultural Centre – an excellent space to show the inspiration and determination that’s palpable in our art sessions.

‘Expression’ is all about spotlighting the incredible talents of artists living with disability, and exploring the different ways that they communicate and express themselves. The exhibition has been open since the beginning of August and our participants loved seeing their pieces on display, walking the halls of Cardinia’s gallery with a sense of pride.

Anna, Peter and Mandy all submitted artworks using different mediums – Mandy’s mosaic piece, “What Lies Beneath”, shows her keen eye for detail and colour. Peter chose watercolour for his work “In my Mind’s Eye”, finished with bold, determined applications of black marker. Anna’s use of oil pastels and contrasting colour in “People in my Dreams” show confidence and patience in her medium.

Several other participants have their beautiful work on display:

  • Ben
  • Craig
  • Alison
  • Mitchell
  • Joey
  • Mark
  • Emma
  • Kathleen
  • Julie
  • Anna

It’s been heartwarming to see the outpour of support from the community, with many expressing how impressed they are with the final pieces and the guidance of our creative leaders. Thank you to the entire Arts Team for uplifting our talented artists and creating opportunities for participants to share their stories, connect with the broader community, and grow their confidence.

You still have time to see “Expression” before the exhibition closes on Sunday the 24th of September. Don’t miss out!

“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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OC’S PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST NATIONS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

OC’S PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST NATIONS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

7 June 2023

From doubling their order to spreading the good word about social procurement, First Nations Traffic Management has backed OC Connections Enterprises from the beginning. Lionel and Peter, directors of the 100% Indigenous company, have encouraged many organisations in the traffic control industry to go green by purchasing our Eco T Top Bollards, made from recycled materials in […]

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NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PARTICIPANT REFERENCE GROUP (PRG) INITIATIVE AT OC CONNECTIONS

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PARTICIPANT REFERENCE GROUP (PRG) INITIATIVE AT OC CONNECTIONS

30 May 2023

OC Connections has made significant developments to its Participant Reference Group (PRG) initiative. The PRG serves as a platform for participants to provide valuable feedback directly to the OC Connections Board, ensuring continuous improvement in the way supports are delivered. At the beginning of 2023, the PRG underwent a refresh to enhance its effectiveness and […]

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AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: WHAT’S CHANGED AND WHY?

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: WHAT’S CHANGED AND WHY?

1 May 2023

Trigger Warning: This blog article includes outdated language to identify key moments in history and briefly mentions the affiliations of Hans Asperger. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Think about our brains as computer operating systems. The norm, neurotypical, is Apple. Autism, and neurodiversity, is Android. Neither are better or worse, simply different. Both are equally […]

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HOW TO GET HOLISTIC CARE WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

HOW TO GET HOLISTIC CARE WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES

23 April 2023

Navigating the world of disability healthcare can be tricky, especially when you have more than one disorder. Neurodiverse people are facing a growing field of specialisation, which can impact the way people with disabilities receive care. We set out to understand this complex situation and how to work with the system to get the best […]

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OC Connections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of this nation. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past, present and future.

OC Connections respects Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their contribution to our society.

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