After many weeks of careful planning and anticipation, on Saturday November 9, we were all thrilled to bring the wider CPSN community together for a day of connection, exploration and friendship, accompanied by great food and conversation, at Melbourne Zoo's Leopard Lodge.
Our first allocation of event tickets was exhausted in just twelve hours, and after a long intermission necessitated by the COVID pandemic, the staff of CPSN were just as keen to finally be able to bring back a larger scale social event as our community was to attend it!
Over 100 guests with family members, friends or support workers attended the event
Melbourne Zoo's Leopard Lodge Client Liaison Co-ordinator, Sharon, speaking with some of our guests
The Leopard Lodge, with its open plan layout and lush greenery feature ceiling, proved a fabulous accessible space, and we were so grateful to Tilly and the Melbourne Zoo Events team for helping us to shape and execute our vision for the day. Having viewed the room weeks before the event, it was especially exciting arriving to see the set up that we had so carefully outlined had materialized.
Some of the CPSN team
CPSN staff Amy, Olivia and Brian greeting our guests
There is a particular sort of atmosphere created when people coming together share similar experiences, and this event was no exception.
"It was great to see the CPSN community come together and enjoy a lovely day at the zoo. I really enjoyed meeting new faces as well as reconnecting with familiar ones. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it such a special day for everyone involved! I also felt so grateful to photograph the event and share the moments with everyone"- Michaela Fernando, event photographer
Several of our board members attended, seated with our clients and guest tables to mingle and chat. We were especially thankful that they could join us to hear the stories, speeches and see firsthand some of our most valued clients and friends in the CPSN Community.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Scott Sheppard, and Kellie O'Shea, Our Deputy CEO, delivered memorable and powerful speeches to the room, citing how amazing it was to see so many smiling happy faces in the room, which really cemented the reason why we do what we do as a disability service provider. Kellie felt extremely proud to work for CPSN, highlighting how important the roles each of the CPSN staff members plays makes everything in the organization run so beautifully.
CEO Scott Sheppard addresses the room
One of key messages that Scott touched on as a key takeaway about us, was that despite many changes, one thing remains the same – our vision to see a world of equal opportunity for people with CP.
Over 100 guests attended the day, with family members, friends of their support workers. We had a small presentation ceremony during the day, and Scott presented one of our valued support workers, Cindy, with a Service recognition award for her ten years of employment at CPSN.
Scott Sheppard presents a service recognition award to our Support Worker Cindy
After a hearty lunch and lots of socialising the afternoon concluded with many families and friends heading off to see the animals.
Overall, the day was a huge success, and we couldn't have made it happen without the support of all of the CPSN Staff (Office and Support Workers) Team Harvey, Fancy Films, Michaela Fernando (Photographer), The CPSN Board Members, and our CEO, Scott Sheppard.
Lastly, a big thank you to all of you – the CPSN Community for coming along and connecting or perhaps re-connecting with us. It was wonderful to see so many people face to face.
We can't wait to start planning the next event for you.
Keep an eye on Facebook, Instagram @cpsn_aus and LinkedIn for more updates.
Remember, we're here to help – any and all questions are welcome!
We're available via the CPSN Hotline on 03 9478 1001 from 9am - 5pmMonday to Friday.
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