“A paver was bought in loving memory of Jordan Smith by his friends at Trilogy Disability Foundation who died in 2022. We are so appreciative to Trilogy, and Director Cathy Deblaere, for the ongoing support they provide to our family and the hope they have provided/continue to provide to our children with profound disabilities. 

Who do Trilogy care for? For our separated family of three children, they cared for our son Jordy (18) and continue to care for our daughter Olivia (Lulu, 13). We cared for them for as long as we were able to. However, both Jordy and Lulu are/were non-verbal, wheelchair-bound, tube-fed, incontinent with epilepsy and other medical complications. We feel extremely blessed for Jordy and Lulu to be/have been part of the Trilogy family – with the care provided, second to none.

With Trilogy’s support, Jordy enjoyed: a circle of wonderful carers; lots of family interaction/participation; a Make a Wish holiday; community outings including ice skating, attending football matches; the very best medical care; and more.

Like the Trilogy Foundation, we hope they able to shift the support offered to Lulu and other children like her from the current rental property – which experience has demonstrated can be dissolved in an instant/on a political whim – to a more permanent, Trilogy-owned ‘home’ which will provide a more secure, consistent future. We cannot thank them enough for their generosity of spirit and inclusiveness.”

- Vanita, C

“Thank you, Trilogy Disability Foundation. After years of battling my heart condition and experiencing challenges receiving the disability pension, I was feeling more frustrated then ever. Di helped me to get the support I needed. She really listened to my story, responded to my needs and we worked together to find solutions. Di used her experience and advocated for me throughout the process of applying for the disability pension and rental assistance. She also sought out possibilities for me to receive additional funding through the NDIS. I was able to progress much quicker and reach my desired outcomes thanks to Di’s efforts, her compassion and our communication. I am happy to be living a more stress free life, have my health and spend my time doing the things I enjoy doing.

— Wayne M.

The Causley’s Carnival

Recently Trilogy Disability Foundation shared a monumental day with the Causley family. We saw the compassion, belief and generosity of our community come together to purchase a vehicle in support of the awe-inspiring Thomas! Thomas’ story has touched the hearts of many including Stuart Latham’s (a member of our board). These photos capturing the beauty of this act of kindness and heartwarming words shared by Stuart.

For Thomas …

You would think that the ancient, giant 350-foot-tall Redwood trees would need deep roots to be able to grow so high, but that’s not the case at all. Redwood tree roots are very shallow, often only five or six feet deep. But they make up for it in width, extending up to 100 feet from the trunk. They thrive in thick groves, where the roots can intertwine. This gives them tremendous strength against the forces of nature. This way they can withstand high winds and raging floods. Alone, they could not survive. Together, they form “tribes” or communities connected by intertwining roots that provide each other with the strength and support they need to thrive. Not deep, but wide - living in an embrace of each other. The merged roots meet the needs of the tribe for sustenance and nurture. The entire system relies on their rooted connections.

As it is true for a Redwood “tribe”, it is true for our own. This lesson from nature reminds us there are moments in a life that we also need friends and neighbours and groups of like-minded people. There are also times when the shared strength of the whole tribe is called upon. Together we can sustain and nurture each other and thrive.

By this gesture we hope to support Thomas and the Causley family to thrive. We also hope that by this gesture Thomas will know that he is a much loved, valued and respected member of our tribe – and that his strength and joy lights the path for us to follow. Thank you Thomas for showing us the way with your strength and your joy.

Thank you also to the Trilogy Disability Foundation for co-ordinating this project, which would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of its sponsors.

Diamond Sponsors

James and Hayley Baillie, and The Baillie Foundation | Cathy Deblaere – Founder, Trilogy Disability Services | Stuart Latham – Stuart Latham Solicitors

Gold Sponsors

Natalie Kovacevich & Palm Beach Kindy | Peter and Amethyst Robinson – LJ Hooker Palm Beach and Avalon | Dave Schubert and Mita Kovacevich - BAU Group Builders | Nicole Jackson – Founder, Trilogy Disability Services | Andrew and Melinda Blake – Blake Real Estate Avalon | Lions Club of Epping Eastwood | Mary Alice Bannister - Millards Lawyers | James Baker and Adrian Venturi – McGrath Pittwater

Silver Sponsors

Tony Root – Keith Root Builders | Donna Groom – Serotonin Enterprises | Noel Nicholson – Ray White Palm Beach and Whale Beach | Liz Dunn – The Local Bookie | Sam Baum | Barrenjoey Designs | Kathryn Parker – Salt Creative Studio

Glenn @ Barrenjoey Designs graciously helped out to add a lovely touch for the rear window – a message of love for Thomas every time he approaches to enter the vehicle.

Self-Development Workshop for Carers