Speeches
Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Novita Client Achievement Awards and Supporters Thank You Event
As Joint Patrons, Rod and I are delighted to join you to recognise Novita clients’ achievements and thank supporters.
We are looking forward to presenting client awards and Years of Service badges.
Both groups of people are truly inspiring.
The auxiliary members’ gift of their time and experience allows Novita to focus on its clients.
We understand some auxiliary members’ support for Novita has spanned more than 50 years – that is an incredible contribution.
What you do for Novita, its clients and their families has an impact that flows out into the wider community.
You can be proud of your contribution to supporting people with disabilities to live their best life.
That is what Novita has been doing for more than 80 years.
It has helped people with disabilities learn new skills and build their independence, empowering them to take their place in the community with confidence and make decisions about their lives.
The recipients of the Client Achievement Awards are exemplifying this in what you have done - congratulations!
Each of you has your own personal goals … building communication, movement or life skills; transitioning into a job; advocating for yourself and others.
What you have all achieved is remarkable progress and personal growth.
Now that you have realised your strength and determination to overcome challenges, Rod and I encourage you to keep going.
Your achievements are stepping stones that will help you with your next goal, whatever that may be.
We recognise the team who has been behind you every step of the way: family members and supporters who have provided encouragement and love.
Looking at your supporters tonight, it is clear how proud they are of you.
There are many others to thank: the staff and auxiliary members whose expertise and commitment has guided every step forward for clients, and Novita’s generous donors and supporters.
This support has helped Novita to expand, with new facilities - NovitaTech and the Salisbury Hub - and a new initiative, AccessTech which provides easier and cheaper access to refurbished equipment.
Congratulations to all involved in these modern facilities which are expanding services for the community.
Friends,
As a society, we recognise that people with a disability have the right to live safe, happy and fulfilling lives, to share in the dignity and independence afforded by employment, and to participate meaningfully in community life.
And Novita’s many decades-long focus on clients’ abilities has helped inform this understanding.
It is wonderful to see how Novita clients are claiming their rights with the support of families and Novita staff.
Rod and I congratulate the clients and auxiliary members – you are valued members of the Novita family and you set an inspiring example for the wider community.
Thank you and have a wonderful night.