INTERCHANGE AWARDS
Jean Simpson Award 2007
This Award has been established to celebrate the life and achievements of the late Jean Simpson (1950-2002). A long time campaigner for flexible respite for families who are caring for a child with a disability, Jean Simpson’s influence and vision have left an on-going legacy at Interchange.
Jean was employed as the Executive Officer at Interchange’s Inner East program for nine years and was responsible for leading the significant growth of the program. Jean’s determination to bring about change developed Inner East into four strong programs now servicing over 200 families in the inner east region of Melbourne.
Jean was a dedicated member of the Interchange Victoria Board and served on the Executive. She was a willing member of many working groups. Her valuable input at these meetings, whilst not always conformist, was well respected by her peers.
Jean was tireless in her efforts to best serve the needs of the children or young adults with a disability and the well being of their families. The Award is in memory and acknowledgment of Jean Simpson’s valuable contribution to Inner East and to Interchange across Victoria.
2008 Volunteer Award Winners
Kate and Alex Serrurier
Kate and Alex Serrurier are the deserving recipients of the 2008 Jean Simpson Volunteer of the Year Award. Kate and Alex have been long serving hosts with Interchange Central Highlands since April 1993. They have provided care for many different children in this time often in emergency and short notice circumstances. As Interchange hosts they warmly welcomed the children into their lives and home as well as expressing acceptance, understanding and giving the families of the children caring support.
They speak lovingly of their experiences and have offered their thoughts to community groups and have even opened their beautiful garden to benefit Interchange. For fifteen years Kate and Alex have contributed an enormous amount of time, love, energy and enthusiasm to being hosts in the Interchange Program and we sincerely thank them for their dedication and wish them continued success.
2008 Staff Award Winner
Tara Cantwell
A very worthy winner of the 2008 Jean Simpson Worker of the Year Award is Tara Cantwell at Interchange Outer East. Tara has shown an extended commitment to Interchange from an early age, signing herself up for Outer East's recreation program when she was 14 years old. After completing her high school studies Tara achieved a degree in Disability Studies at Deakin University and continued her remarkable efforts at Interchange in a professional capacity. Tara enjoyed her role organizing holiday programs, working with volunteers and co-coordinating care with both the Flexible Care and Specialised Care Programs.
On top of her ‘day job' Tara also spent eight years caring for a young girl with Angelmans Syndrome. Most recently Tara has been promoted to Interchange Services Team Leader from her role as the Volunteer Coordinator at Interchange Outer East. Tara's belief in the benefit of engaging young teens in volunteering took her to Paris in 2006 where she presented a well received paper on those particular benefits. Tara represents the heart of Interchange in all that she does and offers invaluable skills, positive attitude and unwavering enthusiasm making her a respected and valued member of the Outer East Team.
