My Plan Connect

In The Chair: President Peter Draper
 
Members:        14
Guests:            Jodie O’Bree, Michael O’Bree, Heidi Whyatt (My Plan Connect).      
             Ian Draper and Javian
           
 
 
 
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My Plan Connect
 
Jodie O’Bree
My Plan Connect Pty Ltd is a private company (family trust) that delivers services to the disabled through NDIS funding.  It started in 2020 when Jodie and Michael O’Bree identified a gap in the services provided in regional communities for people with disabilities.  They both have disability in their families and are aware of the challenges in that space.  They recognised that people in some regional communities found it difficult to get the services they require or may be required to re-locate.  They decided to address the need.
     Jodie hails from Leeton and has a broad experience in the training and disability sector. Michael is from Swan Hill and has a background in carpentry and training.  He also has a disabled brother and so understands the requirements in this area. It is not surprising, then, that the business has divested its interests in Griffith and Wagga and now focus on Leeton and Swan Hill. The Company employs 72 people – 62 in Leeton and 10 in Swan Hill.
     Clients receive NDIS funding directly and then they choose the service providers.
     My Plan Connect has care homes in Valencia Street and Washington Drive that provide for disabled and respite care. They have recently purchased 2 4-bedroom town houses in Belah St to add to their accommodation.
     They have also started a Lawn mowing and handyman business to provide mainstream employment for some of their community. This is important in raising the morale of those involved.
 
It was clear from the discussion that My Plan Connect is a company that cares.
 
Heidi Whyatt
Heidi began a school-sponsored traineeship with My Plan Connect while only 15.  She applied for and gained a full-time position with the business at the end of Year 11. She is now Administration Assistant with the company and plans to have a career in HR Management.  She has studied a Cert 3 in Business and is now doing 2 Cert 4 courses in Business and Leadership and Management.  This would give her access to university, but she is not yet sure if this is the direction she is seeking.  She left us in no doubt that she enjoys working with My Plan Connect and, I am sure, we were all impressed by her enthusiasm and talent.
 
Nicholas and Bill Aliendi both highlighted how important My Plan Connect is to our community and how significant they are in supporting the community.
 
 
President Peter supported these sentiments in his vote of thanks on behalf of the members.
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The Brain Teaser
 
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Director’s Roundup
 
  •  VOCATIONAL VISIT NEXT WEEK (28TH March)
    • Visit to Moricom Orchards Farm 484 Murrami (John Morris)
    • Note the early start – 5 pm
    • Adjourn to the Wade Hotel for a meal after the visit.
    • Directions to Moricom from the Hospital Roundabout:
      • Turn into Brobenah Rd. Travel 4.9km to the T Intersection.
      • Turn Left onto Koonadan Rd.  Travel 2.3 km
      • Turn Right onto Stony Point Rd. (There is a green sign pointing to Murrami). Travel 7.4 km
      • Do Not turn at Wattle Rd towards Murrami but continue straight ahead following the Main Canal. Travel about 2.1 km to the end of the tar.
      • Almost immediately turn right at Round Hill Rd across the bridge over the Main Canal.
      • When across the bridge, turn sharp right and then take the first set of double gates on the left.
      • Drive 100m up to the large pump shed.
      • NB if you need a GPS – Enter 205 Apostle Yard Rd Leeton and that will take you to the end of the tar - just before turning across the main canal.
 
  • Brian
    • We have offered $300 to the small schools so their Year 5 and 6 students can travel to Sydney for the show, museum and zoo.
    • Warren Belford suffered a case of low blood pressure last week.
    • Nicholas is (has) attended the Penny Panniz art show to give out the Rotary prizes.
  • Barry
    • We are manning the BBQ in Mountford Park on Easter Saturday (sausages only).  A list for volunteers was passed around but, if you were not at Rotary please come along anyway. There are 2 sessions 11.00 to 1.30 and 1.30 to 4.00.
    • The next Market Day is the following Saturday (6th April)
  • Nicholas
    • We – and Nicholas in particular, received a certificate from FRRR for our contribution in combing with the Roxy Re-Development Committee to help stage their production of Henry V.
 
  • Jennifer
    • Griffith Avanti are staging a bush dance in Yenda Hall Friday 5th April.
  • Javian
    • Has now moved to the Draper residence.
    • Had a bird’s eye view of the area thanks to pilot Peter.
    • Will be on Safari in a couple of weeks.
  • A: 
    • Move one matchstick from the first + sign to 1. The equation becomes: II - II + III = III
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Sergeants Session – Dan Cotter
 
 
 
Dan hosted a very novel session by raffling off a box, made with the help of his new Whizz-bang machine.
The highly sought after prize was won by Eric Hudson (Darn!).
 
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Anyone for Chess?
 
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. “But why?” they asked, as they moved off. “Because,” he said “I can’t stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.”
 
I was having dinner with Garry Kasporov (world chess champion) and there was a check tablecloth. It took him two hours to pass me the salt.