How It Started
This organisation was formed to cater for the needs of amputees in this, the Northern Region. A public meeting in the Newcastle City Hall Council Chambers, chaired by the Lord Mayor Mrs Joy Cummings, with an attendance of 250 was held on Wednesday, March 3rd 1976. The aim was to form an organisation which can promote the intention to have a Limb Centre for Newcastle, to serve
the amputees from Coffs Harbour to Wyong. On behalf of amputees, Mrs Chris McConnell became President who was a strong leader and was honoured 6th August, 1977 by receiving the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Limbs were provided to amputees from Ralac in Surrey Hills, then Blues Point, Sydney. Meetings were held in TPI House then in Scott St Newcastle, later moving to the corner of Auckland & King Streets. Fellowship and fund raising & some social trips occurred, also with workshops to assist amputees. Fundraising included Bingo at Sacred Heart Hall, raffles with tickets being sold in shopping centres around the area.
2022 Update
Today, some 46 years later, the organisation continues to provide Peer Support for new amputees weekly at Hunter New England’s Rankin Park Facility. The group consists of founding members, through to very recent amputees, and consists of both upper body (Arms etc) and lower body (Legs etc) and can be an ideal source of Peer Support for new and longer term amputees alike, hints and tips from those in a similar position on how to manage day to day tasks, and broad knowledge of available assistance equipment. (Medical advice is NOT provided, we are simply fellow amputees, not Medical Professionals). Like the old advertising slogan, “Ask an owner”! Although like most of the world we have more recently been restricted in our ability to meet and perform our roles, as of Sept/Oct 22 we have slowly started to re-engage and return to regular roles and activities where permitted. Amputees and families are welcome to contact us regarding assistance / support and even if we cannot assist directly, we can quite likely give ideas and suggestions of other assistance / support available from other Agencies / Organisations. Likewise, anyone interested in connecting with our organisation are quite welcome. Even if it’s only to have a yarn and a coffee with fellow amputees! Oh, and yes by the way, we are 100% unpaid Volunteers, not because we are worthless but because we are Priceless! Any comments or enquiries can be made here or by contacting the Secretary on 0418 218236.
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