July marks Disability Pride Month, with a focus on embracing the abilities of those living with disabilities, as opposed to their limitations. As you would be aware, disabilities exist in many different ways, however do not always inhibit the person from living quite a normal life.

Technology and research in the field has come so far and this has correlated with more acceptance of disability affected people within the community, and now in the workplace.

One of my favourite places in Geelong is Baked By Us, who doesn’t love a cupcake?! They embrace workers under the NDIS, providing them with the opportunity to gain skills and experience in a business environment. If you haven’t visited them, get down to their location on Ryrie Street, you won’t be sorry!

July also marks Donate Life Week, encouraging more Australians to consider becoming organ and tissue donors. Whilst not the happiest of topics, many of us would have been asked this question or faced with a situation where this question becomes relevant.

Losing a loved one is a hard and saddening experience, however organ donation could mean a new or longer life, and/or a better quality of life to those in need of a transplant. In fact, up to seven lives could be saved by one single organ donor and it only takes a minute or so to register. Of course, this is a very personal decision, and it is important that those you trust with your after-life affairs are aware of your preference. If you would like to read more about it and/or register as a donor, visit the website listed on the page.

It is definitely winter here in Geelong, so take it from someone who has just been holidaying in the tropics, it’s cold! And the cold months increase the risk of those pesky lurgies – colds, flus, covid, RSV, etc. So just a reminder to keep warm, get your flu and/or covid shots and, as we tend to hibernate through the colder months, look after one another!

Stay Well,

Corinne G.

With your support we can register more Australians as organ and tissue donors and get more people talking about donation this DonateLife Week. Register as an organ and tissue donors and be the reason someone gets a second chance at life.

With around 1,800 Australians waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and many more needing tissue donations, there has never been a better time to be a part of DonateLife Week.

Disability Pride Month, is a time to celebrate individuals with disabilities and their identities, while also raising awareness about their experiences and advocating for their rights.

Cerebral palsy, a lifelong physical disability, is one condition that falls under this umbrella. It is an opportunity to celebrate their identities, share their stories, and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding.

More than just baking…

Baked By Us is a super busy cupcake shop in the heart of Ryrie St, and when you look beyond the cupcakes, you will see a business
with a huge heart, teaching and supporting young people who have a disability. Everything they do is to truly support the people who work there and celebrate what they bring to the workplace.

Jess is the founder/director of Baked By Us, and knows what it’s like not to be understood within the workforce. This was a leading force of why she opened Baked by Us along with always supporting those around her with a greater sense of purpose, belonging and a sense
of community that they may not find elsewhere.

You are a shining star Jess and your cupcakes are like no other!

You can find them at 78 Ryrie St, Geelong or call 5260 1817.