ANZ Abilities Program:
Target to recruit 35 people with a disability by September 30 2009

ANZ are committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce. ANZ believe it is important to understand their customers, and as over 20% of the Australian population currently have a disability, they are striving to reflect the makeup of the communities in which they operate.

As part of ANZ’s broader diversity initiatives that centres on an inclusive workforce, they have put in place some measurable targets to ensure that hiring people with a disability forms part of the overarching plan. ANZ plans to recruit 35 people with a disability into their organisation by 30 September 2009 and are well on their way to achieving this target.

ANZ appreciate that there are exceptionally talented people within their chosen profession who may have experienced barriers to employment due to accessibility. With a Disability Action Plan in place, Accessibility Managers who ensure work tools such as technology are accessible to everyone and a Disability Network that brings people together from all over Australia, ANZ are well equipped to support the hiring of people with a disability into their organisation.

ANZ would love to hear from people with a disability who have an interest in working for their organisation. For a confidential discussion about the Abilities Program, what it’s about and to discuss current professional opportunities that are available, please contact:

Joel Kilgour
The ANZ Abilities Program Manager
Phone: 03 8685 5368
Email: Joel.Kilgour@anz.com

St Vincent’s Hospital is conducting research into the cognitive changes that occur following limb amputation

Some patients who suffer the tragic loss of a limb continue to feel a sensation that their limb is still there (a ‘phantom limb’). This suggests that the brain is capable of adapting to the loss of a limb.

Unfortunately, however, very little is known about the exact changes that take place in the brain after this amputation takes place.

We are conducting a research project to help us better understand what changes occur in the organisation of the brain following the loss of a limb.

The study involves taking part in an interview and responding to some images on a computer screen.

If you have had a limb amputated and are interested in participating in this research project please contact Rachel (Ph: 9207 1691) for more information.

An Amputee Challenge - 7th - 10th October 2009

During Amputee Awareness Week 2009 Andrew Bedggood, an amputee of 26 years will paddle 80 nautical miles (130km approx) in 4 days, kayaking.

This personal challenge is for charity, challenging amputees and those of all abilities to live life.

Kayaking from the Port of Sale to Lakes Entrance through the iconic Gippsland Lakes. Raising funds that will be donated to dual charities, Amputee Support Services at Caulfield Hospital and Limbs4Life.

For donations or more information contact Andrew on;
(03) 51430-187 / 0407 471-539

Ritchies’ Community Benefit Card Program

Ritchies’ Community Benefit Card Program donates a percentage of the money spent by you the customer to your nominated club, school or charity. Would you like us to donate money to your favourite charity, every time you shop with us?

The Ritchies’ Community Benefit program can raise funds for your favourite club, school or charity at no extra cost to you! Limbs 4 Life has been very lucky to receive donations from Ritchies to help support our Peer Support Program. It doesn’t cost anything to join, so next time you shop in one of these stores request a card. Proceeds can greatly assist new amputees in hospital and rehabilitation facilities.

Ritchies stores operate throughout Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

For more information on the program go to
www.ritchies.com.au/benefits.html

Are you a female amputee who has had type 2 diabetes complications?

Diabetes Australia - Vic is launching a new television commercial preventing type 2 diabetes aimed at people over 50.

• Have you had an amputation due to neuropathy or other complications of type 2 diabetes?
• Are you willing to talk about it?
• Can you speak about your experience and how it has effected your life?
• Are you comfortable to speak to camera and have your picture taken for print media.

We will offer you assistance and coaching to make you feel at ease if you think you could do this task. We need about 3-4 hours of your time and then a couple of 1 hour sessions for radio or picture opportunities. You would have to be available for a shoot date early to mid May, the date and time yet to be confirmed and likely to be in or around the City of Melbourne.

Diabetes Australia - Vic would cover your costs.

If you or if you know of somebody who may be able to assist please contact:
Lisa Embling on 0408391541

4,000km Ride - Raising Funds for The Pindrop Foundation and the Bionic Ear Institute

John Nelson is a father of two profoundly deaf children. In 2003 John and his friend Ted Lowe planned to ride their bikes down the west coast of Australia stopping at the Rotary Clubs along the way to promote the work of The Bionic Ear Institute and raise funds.

Two weeks prior to their original starting date John Nelson contracted meningcoccal septicaemia which resulted in both of his legs being amputated. Extraordinarily, after only approximately 18 months of rehabilitation and with the assistance of prosthetic legs, he was on the road again with his friend Ted Lowe. Together, they successfully raised more than $45,500 for the Institute.

John Nelson and John Flower are currently undertaking an epic 4,000 km journey through New Zealand's North and South Island. They will be stopping at 30 Rotary clubs en-route to raise funds and promote research to improve the bionic ear.

Please support the work of the Pindrop Foundation
and the Bionic Ear Institute.

MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY by visiting
http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/JohnNelson/

Limbs 4 Life offers our deepest condolences to the families & communities who have been devastated by the Victorian bush fires.

We urge you to give generously to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal
by visiting http://www.redcross.org.au

or call Freecall 1800 811 700
from anywhere within Australia
to make a credit card donation.

IN THIS EDITION:
• Brad Ness
• Scott Reardon
• Skin Care Tips
• 2009 Victorian Amputee Golf Championship

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• Join our mailing list

2nd Annual Chrysler Australia Victorian Amputee Golf Championship 2008

Limbs 4 Life was proud to host the 2008 Victorian Amputee Golf championships on November 27-28 at the stunning Tirhatuan Lakes golf course in Rowville. This year saw many new faces compete for the coveted trophy.

Congratulations to all competitors new and experienced.

Many thanks to our tournament partners: Chrysler Australia, Tirhatuan Lakes, Ossur and Cleanspray.

Limbs 4 Life resident photographer Troy Laws-Herd was there to capture the fun!
• Visit the 2008 online image gallery here
• Visit the 2007 online image gallery here

ISSUE FOCUS - DIABETES
• Diabetes Support Services, Research and more..
• Profile - Graham Parish
• Destination Beijing
• AMP-Link Forum Update

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NICOLE KULLEN NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Nicole Kullen’s dream of representing Australia at the Beijing Paralympics this September is set to become a reality. It’s a dream come true for the 28 year old who had both her lower legs amputated after contracting meningococcal meningitis septicemia in 1996.

Nicole was also left with limited arm movement and no function in both her hands and wrists as a result of the illness. She's also had a lot of damage to her internal organs & lost all function from both of her kidneys & now relies of Peritoneal Dialysis four times daily to keep her alive, which has to be done by her mother Margaret, who is also her fulltime carer, as Nicole's disabilities prevent her from being able to do this, and many other things, for herself. But sheer determination and courage has seen her triumph over adversity.

Nicole’s pursuit of winning gold on the world stage at the 2008 Paralympics is an expensive exercise. While all the costs of getting Nicole and her horse to the Beijing Paralympic Games are met by the Australian Paralympic Committee, the preparation and training expenses are considerable. So, Nicole is asking for help on the road to Beijing, and needs sponsors to assist her with the financial burden of the venture.

If you can help Nicole in any way, please contact her. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Email: nicole@nicolekullen.com
Web: www.nicolekullen.com
Phone: 0418 258 039

• Stepping Out with Kayla Woods
• Phantom Pain
• Upper Limb Prosthetics

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Welcome to our new website

Keep informed with regular news updates on the front page including Limbs 4 Life news plus local & international news threads.

New site features >

Amp-Link Forum - an opportunity for you to meet and talk to amputees online. Our experienced forum moderators will assist with any help you need to get started. The forum is open to amputees, their family members, friends and industry.

Articles List - download individual PDF's from previous editions of amplified

Links - Over 280 new and relevant links to assist with your search for information. We have included national links where possible and will continue to develop the links page as information becomes available

Jargon Buster - The Jargon Buster aims to demystify the medical jargon that may be associated with amputation.

Bimonthly polls - to help us gather information from the community

Site Search - Find the information you need quickly

Issue focus - Trauma & Limb loss

. Support Services
. Research
. Personal Stories
. 2007 Victorian Amputee Golf Championship

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