On Monday, 23rd September 2024, we marked a truly momentous occasion—Unisson’s 100th birthday—celebrating at none other than the iconic Sydney Opera House. The evening was filled with joy and reflection as we launched our commemorative book and honored the incredible legacy of Unisson Disability.
The celebration was co-hosted by Sally, one of our inspiring Supported Employees who, just like Unisson, celebrates her birthday in September. Joining her was Ryan Packness, one of our dedicated Team Leaders. Sally was undoubtedly the star of the night, her joy infectious as the room came together to sing a special “Happy Birthday,” led by Lara, a talented blind musician. Lara’s heartfelt performance united the entire room through the power of music.
Our CEO, Lee Carpenter, took a nostalgic journey through time, sharing a clip from the award-winning 1980 documentary Stepping Out. The documentary featured some of our clients as young adults preparing for a performance at the Opera House, making it a full-circle moment as a few of those very same individuals were present that evening. Their ongoing trust in Unisson is a testament to the strong relationships and support we’ve nurtured over the years.
We were also honoured to have Gloria with us, our longest-serving support worker, who has devoted an incredible 36 years to caring for people with disabilities. The reunion of clients, support staff, families, and both past and present directors created a beautiful tapestry of memories, reflecting our shared journey. For those who couldn’t be with us in person, they were certainly in our thoughts.
The true highlight of the evening, however, was seeing our clients connect with one another and simply enjoy the celebration. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do—it always starts with heart. 💜🧡💛
A special mention to Rebecca Fletcher, Director at Unisson Disability and the Lorna Hodgkinson Foundation, who spearheaded a dedicated 12-month project to bring our rich history to life in a beautiful commemorative book. This heartfelt work captures the stories, memories, and milestones that have shaped Unisson over the past century. Thank you to Candida Baker, the talented editor of 100 Years of heart, who helped bring this book to life. Many thanks to everyone who contributed quotes and shared their special memories—your voices are at the heart of this extraordinary tribute.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of Unisson’s story. Together, we are creating a better, more inclusive world for people with disabilities.
📸 Want to relive the night? Head over to our photo gallery to view all the special moments captured during this unforgettable celebration. And stay tuned—the event video is coming soon! 🎥
