November 2004

50 reasons to celebrate

By Meaghan Adams

Nearly 300 people took part in a 50th anniversary celebration of Alkria Centre’s work for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The Box Hill Town Hall gala included singing, dances, speeches, awards and a birthday cake ablaze with candles.

Alkira’s General Manager Ray Crawnwell said the celebrations recognised the inspirational work of parents and friends over the half-century.

‘Moreover, it was an opportunity for us to celebrate people with intellectual disabilities who so enrich our lives.

‘They deserved this party immensely.’

Founding parent Jack Boldiston said Alkira—named from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘a happy place in the sun’—first established a volunteer-run kindergarten in a borrowed church hall.

At the time, children with intellectual disabilities were not eligible for kindergarten, received no early childhood education and their parents no relief from their care.

Volunteers built Alkira, literally brick by brick, while donations and fundraising events have kept the wheels turning.

With Department of Human Services support, programs have grown and the Box Hill-based agency now provides accommodation, day programs and recreation to 130 people in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

‘The dream for Alkira was much more than to simply provide services.

‘It was to encourage the whole society to mature in its attitudes, to finally allow people with intellectual disabilities the chance to belong,’ Mr Cranwell said.

‘People are more understanding of how much those with intellectual disabilities have to offer, especially when they receive the resources and respect that allows them to fulfil their potential.

‘A person’s IQ has no relation to the value of his life.

‘The intellect has little to do with the ability to love, share wisdom, meet challenges or contribute.’

Day service participant Vince Pederson, an indigenous Australian who recently moved to Victoria from the Northern Territory agreed.

‘I was a mullamulla (a bit shy) when I first started.

‘It changed me. I am very happy with Alkira—the smiles and helping people out.’

President Warwick Robinson said next year Alkira would realise another dream.

‘We will open two permanent accommodation houses, a dedicated respite house and refurbish the main day service facility.

‘There are many opportunities to get involved–enough for another 50 years.

• For more information about Alkira call 9890 1365 or email alkira@hotkety.net.au.