estara Quarterly Recap: June
An executive update from Lisa Feder - Chief Operating Officer
estara is excited to embark on the search for our next CEO. Recruitment has commenced and will likely take two months. We are seeking a leader with vision in the disability and human services sector and who has a client centred approach and a deep commitment to inclusion and improving the lives of people with a disability. We will keep you informed of progress.
New Website
You may have seen estara has a new website and we wanted to thank all who have provided feedback, particularly our Consumer Advisory Panel Members. The new website aims to offer a simple user experience with colour and heart. We plan to continue to work on further content updates in the coming months to keep the website fresh and interesting.
Volunteer Week
In May, we celebrated Volunteer Week with some of estara’s committed volunteers. Megan, our volunteer coordinator coordinated a dinner were volunteers shared stories. We were delighted to mark the following service milestones with our volunteers Kathrine - 20 years, Helen -1 year, Neil -10 years, Vi - 10 years, Cathy - 10 years. estara acknowledges our dedicated volunteer milestones in May and December each year. In recognition estara awards 1 year, 5-year, 10-year certificates and every 10 years.
Taking time out to thanks our volunteers for their contribution was a reminder of the value of supporting each other and creating community. Many give their time with home visiting, dog walking, gardening, and phone contact just to mention a few of the valued contributions of our volunteers. Thank you again for all that you do.
Morning Tea events
estara teams across South Australia came together to raise just over $1,000 for the Cancer Council at Biggest Morning Tea events. Thanks to everyone who made food, contributed a donation or shared a cuppa for this worthy cause.
SA Sharks Wheelchair Rugby
estara was excited to support the SA Sharks Wheelchair Rugby team with their recent campaign at the Australian National Championships alongside the Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge. The two events running side by side in Adelaide was a sensational showcase for the sport and for South Australia. Australia was runner up to the Netherlands in the world challenge. NSW Barbarians were the Div 1 winners and the SA Sharks were runners up to the ACT Buccaneers in Div 2 .
Sharks mid fielder Shane Brand was awarded the Quintin Fleishfresser Spirit of the Game Award. Congratulations Shane! estara is excited to continue our sponsorship of the Sharks in 2026.
Foodbank
Last newsletter we featured information about Foodbank. Breaking down the stigma of food security is an ongoing conversation we all need to be aware of as the cost of living increases. Food security means reliable access to food that is safe, healthy, affordable, enough to meet needs and culturally acceptable. In SA around 16% of households struggle to access enough food. The Department of Human Services is investing $2.5 million to grow the reach of Social Supermarkets: part grocery store, part community hub. These unique spaces offer low-cost food in a retail-like setting without requiring proof of income or need and connect people to the kinds of support that help break the cycle of food insecurity.
More information about available programs that could benefit you or your community can be found at Food security | DHS or contact Meryl J at estara for a referral to Foodbank. Another handy app has just launched in Adelaide – which connects you with a discounted bag of food at the end of day trading is Save Good Food From Going To Waste - Too Good To Go
High Tea
The estara community joined together on June 14th Global Wellness day to slow down from the pace of life and reconnect with our community. We reflected on the bonds that we build as a community and that we are stronger, kinder and more resilient together. Thanks for those who joined us for High Tea. The day was a meaningful step in gathering together to build connection.