Celebrating 2025 with CCF

As the close of another year draws near, soon it will be time to start thinking of new goals for the next. But before we dream of milestones for 2026, perhaps it’s time to take a minute to enjoy what we’ve ticked off so far in 2025. 

A big ticket item on our list of goals in 2025 was to see the completion of the specialist disability accommodation that we’ve worked in partnership with Canopy SDA to provide. 

With their construction expertise and our combined vision for accessible NDIS housing, after all the planning and anticipating, we welcomed the deserving participants into their brand new home in Albion Park in October, complete with high quality assistive technology.

It’s been so wonderful to see Netty, Maria and Robyn all settling into their new home within the Albion Park community. From smart home devices that control lighting, temperature, and security with a simple voice command, to adaptive equipment like automated door openers, adjustable kitchen benches, and mobility aids, it is these tools that make everyday tasks safer and more accessible.

We’ve seen so many of our participants go from strength to strength. Brayden has been enjoying going to Sydney for music concerts and we welcomed him home here in Wollongong. Lyndell has been beautifully building her confidence and Sally has been using her new found confidence to get her own breakfast and walk to Crown Street Mall. Iggy has found more calm and enjoying his short walks, which is improving his mobility. Amazing to see.

Karen’s invested in improving her health and wellbeing and we love that Narih is still setting a strong pace when we join him on his walks. Speaking of putting us through our paces, Leicia certainly gives us a run for our money as she powers on in her wheelchair, while she’s also busy giving her time to the Wollongong Council to serve on the Disability Committee. 

We’ve had some warm welcomes and said some sad goodbyes and we’re so thankful that sad times are bolstered with many happy times. 

The Sydney Royal Easter Show was certainly a blast along with Halloween and the many events that happen week to week. But I must say, seeing our own Xanthe bust a move at the Illawarra’s Cancer Council Dancing with the Stars sure was a highlight and what a treat it was to see some participants get involved also. 

We welcomed two new registered nurses, had many of our people step up into new roles and were fortunate to have many wonderful support workers join us throughout the year, all of whom have been building strong rapport with participants at Thomas Street and in the community.

It’s been amazing to see our young community participants regularly enjoying our School Holiday Program each term and hearing that their spirits are high when our support workers visit after school is fantastic. 

We’ve seen participants buckling their own seatbelts with enthusiasm, building upon their day to day wellbeing thanks to swimming lessons and frame running into the future to enjoy more outdoor activities and movies - very rewarding to see.

What is also amazing to see is that our transport service is being put to good use, taking participants out for dinners, shopping trips, and to appointments and local cafes for coffee and chats. 

Our resident artist, Juundaal, marked an artist’s exhibition at Wollongong City Art Gallery this year and embraced the opportunity to attend other events, including the Rock and Run Festival in October. Juundaal continues to build confidence accessing the community and participating in social activities during evenings and weekends, which is great to see.

Our participants have many talents, like learning to cook and prepare nutritious meals thanks to some hot tips from a support worker who is also a qualified chef. It’s so special to see so many of our participants set a goal and achieve it. 

Each of our participants' goals always vary. Sometimes it’s about learning a new skill and other times it’s about building physical ability or even developing confidence to try new things. 

These experiences have not only provided opportunities for fun and personal growth but have also helped participants build lasting friendships and confidence through inclusion and shared achievement.

Also in 2025, we continued our focus on making a long-term investment in regional wellbeing, community belonging, and delivering high-quality care where it’s needed. Therefore we launched a Client Care First within the Crookwell region to provide even more people access to disability services in a warm, inclusive, and empowering environment where participants, families, local professionals and community members can benefit from working with CCF to help meet individual needs and work towards shared community goals. 

Client Care First is proud to reflect on the many milestones and meaningful moments we’ve shared with our participants. From community outings and creative workshops to special celebrations and themed events, each activity has been designed to bring people together, spark joy, and strengthen the sense of connection within our community. 

Looking back, 2025 has been a year defined by connection, laughter, and belonging. Whether it was welcoming participants into new housing, enjoying local festivals, or simply spending time together in our activity hub, every moment has contributed to a stronger, more vibrant community. 

We’re incredibly pleased of what our participants and team have accomplished together, and we look forward to carrying this same spirit of inclusion and joy into the new year, continuing to create spaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Because every life is worth living.