Mention the name Kittie Dwyer around the Parkes Shire and comments such as “dedicated, passionate and determined” are often the response. Kittie has always possessed a can-do attitude and it is that mindset that saw her
former neighbour and current Currajong Disability Services (CDS) Chairman Neil Unger ask her to get involved.
“I knew little about Currajong but I was prepared to give it a go,” said Kittie. “Working with people like Neil who are
enthusiastic, want to improve and have worthwhile goals made the decision about 12 years ago so much easier.
“Currajong are doing great things and undergoing major changes, and I am pleased to have been a part of that,” she said. While Kittie may be stepping back she certainly won’t be lost to the organisation vowing to remain an interested observer and contributor when and where she can. Kittie believes the biggest challenge facing CDS remains the same challenge when she arrived – to provide the best care and options for clients. She believes CDS is meeting it head on and going in the right direction.
“Not all participants have the same challenges nor are they the same people just because they share a common disability,” said Kittie. “It is the same challenge across the industry but I think we do it better and are getting better.” Kittie has a lot of empathy for carers in the industry. “We need lots of support for carers as well as clients as they go through a lot too,” she said. “We have to keep encouraging them and new people into the industry. It was one of
the reasons the Currajong Carers Support Group was started – to assist families and those who care for people with a disability,” Kittie said.
Kittie Dwyer is a former chair of the Currajong Carers Support Group and CDS board member. CDS acknowledge and appreciate all the work she has done and her positive contribution. All the best Kittie and thank you from everyone at CDS!
By Dane Millerd