December Variety e-News updates from the Variety NT Starfish Swim Group.
RAZAMATAZ
Starfish swim Group promoted the Razamataz Show, a live performance show featuring a host of international world class award-winning performers who will dazzle and delight both young and old with a mix of Comedy, Magic, and Mayhem! The show was organised by Lions Club of Palmerston and was a huge success. The show was on 19th October at the Convention Centre. Many Variety Starfish families attended this wonderful show and three of our members were on stage.
MUMS LUNCHEON
Starfish held a Mums only Luncheon on 27th October at Casuarina Club. The event provides mothers the opportunity who have a child with special needs to interact socially, to share information and develop friendships. It is a relaxed environment and made more enjoyable over a glass of wine and a nice lunch. The evet is organised every 3-4 months.
NATIONAL DISABILITY SERVICE AWARDS
NDIS Awards were held on 2 November at the convention Centre. Starfish was nominated IN THE Excellence in improving learning and development category but was not successful. However, the recognition on the night about our nomination was excellent.
SANTA FUN RUN
This was a wonderful event enjoyed by many families. Starfish volunteers worked with Variety NT Volunteers in ensuring the even ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all participants. VarietyNT event Coordinator Viviane did a fantastic job in organising the event. Starfish received huge media coverage in the Sunday Territorian and NT news on the Monday. Proceeds from this event go to Variety NT Starfish Swim Group to enable the 2020 program’s continuance. Starfish would like to thank all volunteers and participants for their wonderful support.
THE POOL ROOF AT MIMIK-GA-CENTRE
Starfish has been rigorously pursuing Dept Education to erect a roof over the pool to ensure that the Teachers and participants are protected from the harsh sun and storms. To date Dept Education have not come to the party. This situation has become a health and safety issue and there has been considerable pressure put on to the Minister of Education to act. The matter has yet to be resolved.
HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS
The Variety NT Starfish Swim Group was recognised for their work with children with disability in winning the Human Rights “Fitzgerald” Awards in the Social Change category. This was a huge win for Variety and Starfish and received enormous praise at the presentation night at the Supreme Court on Tuesday 10th December. The awards recognised that the program promotes equal opportunity and non-discriminatory attitudes and practices by never rejecting an application to join the program based on a child’s disability, race, gender, culture or social status.
SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY
Starfish families will be attending and volunteering for the annual Variety Special Children’s Christmas Party at the convention Centre on Saturday 14th December from 10am. The Special Children’s’ Christmas Party is a highlight for many of our local Special Needs children.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Last but not least, Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 
We will be taking a break from lessons at both venues from 23rd Dec to 6th Jan, 2020.
Donna Rousham