A Winter of Wins: Celebrating Good News Across Orana

From personal milestones to community connections, there was plenty of good news this winter

Winter may have brought cooler days, but across Orana, there was certainly no shortage of warmth, energy and good news.
Over the past few months, people across our community have been celebrating personal milestones, developing new skills, trying new experiences and enjoying the activities and connections that make everyday life meaningful.

From sporting achievements and exciting adventures to employment milestones, volunteering, creativity and community connection, these stories are a wonderful reminder that achievement looks different for everyone.

Building skills and confidence

In Murray Bridge, our supported employees have been getting hands-on and building practical skills through a range of meaningful work.
Thomas, Corey, Caleb and Scott have each taken on different challenges, from dismantling furniture and recovering recyclable materials to cleaning outdoor areas and learning to use new tools. Their work has provided opportunities to develop problem-solving skills, perseverance and confidence, while making a valuable contribution to their team and community.

Roger has also been enjoying hands-on work in the shed, where furniture disassembly has become one of his favourite tasks. His concentration, attention to detail and enjoyment of practical work have been fantastic to see.

These everyday achievements demonstrate the value of having opportunities to learn, contribute and discover what you enjoy.

Growing confidence and independence

For some people, winter brought exciting steps towards greater independence.

Emily achieved an incredible personal milestone when she flew to Queensland by herself to visit her uncle. After being dropped at Adelaide Airport, Emily boarded the plane independently and embarked on her first solo holiday. By the time she returned home, her confidence had soared – and she was already thinking about becoming a regular traveller.

As Emily proudly put it: “I am really proud of being able to fly on the plane by myself!”

It was a wonderful example of how trying something new can open the door to greater confidence, independence and future adventures.

We also celebrated Sam’s incredible growth since joining Orana in March 2025. Once quiet and hesitant to interact with others, Sam has developed friendships, confidently greets people by name and actively joins conversations and activities. His productivity has doubled, and his smiles, thumbs up and famous fist bumps have become a much-loved part of the workplace.

His family has also noticed the difference, celebrating the confidence, social skills and independence he has developed.

Passion, participation and achievement

Sport continued to provide plenty of reasons to celebrate this winter.

Emily and her ten-pin bowling team, The Blasters, won the Season 1 2026 Championship Trophy after finishing on top of a 12-team field. Emily also took home the Highest Women’s Game award with an impressive score of 168.

Meanwhile, Kirsty and The Shooting Stars finished fourth in their Limestone Coast Ability ten-pin bowling competition, with Kirsty also receiving the High Series Women Trophy after achieving a season total of 275.

And in carpet bowls, Brendon celebrated reaching his first Thursday night final with his team, Blue Lake Bowlers White, before progressing to the Preliminary Final.

Whether it is taking home a trophy, reaching a final or simply enjoying a regular weekly activity, these achievements highlight the importance of having opportunities to pursue interests, build friendships and be part of the community.

Making connections and trying something new

Across Orana, winter was also filled with opportunities to connect with others and participate in the wider community.

Sabrina began volunteering at her local op shop, gaining new experience while helping mark down clothing, restock shelves and keep the store organised.

At Galway, participants enjoyed the rewards of their patience after successfully growing and harvesting bananas from their garden – a simple achievement that brought everyone together.

And in Mount Gambier, participants took part in the My Supports – Talking to Support Workers About Getting the Support I Want workshop delivered by the SACID team. The session provided an opportunity to build confidence, understanding and self-advocacy while talking about the support that matters to each person.

Creativity and community

Creativity was another highlight, with Mai creating her first artwork, a decorated work vest, with gentle encouragement from her Client Coach, Amandeep.

Mai made her own creative choices and independently completed the colouring and decoration. Proud of her finished work, she is now looking forward to seeing it displayed at Common Ground Café alongside artwork from other members of the Orana community.

Meanwhile, Murray Bridge employee and young author Cadeyrn continued to turn his passion for South Australian railway history into children’s stories, publishing his second book, Smiley the Steam Train Driver. His books combine storytelling, drone photography and illustrations to celebrate local heritage, friendship and adventure.

Celebrating people and milestones

Of course, some of winter’s biggest moments were about celebrating the people who make our community what it is.

In Murray Bridge, Phil Jaensch marked an incredible 44 years with Orana before beginning his retirement. From the early days of making mud bricks through to helping establish operations at Howard Road, Phil played an important role in the growth of Orana’s Murray Bridge services.

In Port Augusta, Maureen Cross also celebrated 44 years with Orana. Affectionately known as the “matriarch of Orana in Port Augusta”, Maureen leaves behind a remarkable legacy of dedication, friendship, humour and community spirit.

There were also plenty of everyday celebrations – from Nicole’s birthday with friends and housemates, to special family visits, getting dressed up for celebrations and enjoying time with the people and pets who make life feel like home.

Looking back on a season of good news

Looking across these stories, one thing stands out: there is no single definition of success.

Success can be flying independently for the first time, winning a bowling trophy, learning how to use a new tool, starting a volunteer role, creating your first artwork, growing confidence at work, sharing a birthday with friends or simply discovering an activity that makes you smile.

This winter, people across Orana have continued to learn, grow, connect and challenge themselves in ways that are meaningful to them.
And as we head into spring, we’re looking forward to seeing what new opportunities, achievements and good news are just around the corner.