A Newcastle charity is marking three decades of helping children with disabilities, highlighting the impact of community generosity. Variety the Children's Charity ACT/New South Wales, which has been operating for 30 years, recently assisted a local family after their daughter's NDIS application for a walker was rejected.
Katinka, a 13-year-old girl from Newcastle, had her application for a $6,000 walker turned down by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) several months ago. The story was covered by ABC's AM program, prompting offers from listeners and charities to fund the equipment.
Heather Richmond, a physiotherapist from Firefly Therapy, and Katinka's parents, Mary and Darren Pettett, were involved in the effort. David Sexton, chief executive of Variety the Children's Charity ACT/New South Wales, confirmed the charity's role in providing support.
Katinka had trialled the walker a year before the NDIA rejected her application. The community response underscores the ongoing need for assistance beyond government schemes, as charities like Variety continue to fill gaps for families.
