• FEB 2, 2010: Introducing Access OneEleven! 
• DEC 3, 2009: International Day for People with a Disability
• NOV 5, 2009: FRANS For Art's Sake Exhibition
• OCT 1, 2009: Adults and childrens soccer training
• AUG 10, 2009: FRANS Plants gets a helping hand
• APRIL 14, 2009: Sport central
• MAR 10, 2009: Croydon House Official Opening

artz my ability for idpwd - December 3, 2009

Ethnic Child Care, Family and Community Services hosted a joint art initiative with Burwood Council this year for International Day for People with a Disability and invited FRANS to take part. The Artz my Ability event, held at woodstock Centre Burwood on December 3, 2009 featured multi-cultural dance performances, music workshops and art workshops. FRANS was delighted to support Ethnic Child Care in this event by taking the For Art's Sake exhibition to the public again and filling up the ballroom walls with wonderful, colourful canvases.

Over 150 Participants, families and carers from the Inner West attended the event, many of whom access FRANS services and contributed artworks to this exhibition. It provided a great opportunity for these guests, as well as other service providers and dignitaries such as Mayor of Burwood, Clr John Sidoti, to see the inclusive spriit with which FRANS approaches the skills and achievements of people with a disability.

FOR ART'S SAKE: An ANONYMOUS EXHIBITION AND A ROARING SUCCESS - november 5, 2009

At 6pm, Wednesday 4 November at the Addison Road Gallery, there was a certain buzz in the air. By 6:30pm, the place was swarming with a crowd of over 250 people. They were family, friends, supporters and people with a disability, all come together to celebrate art, for art's sake.

All guests embraced fundraising frenzy with 329 pieces available at a starting price of $65. Bids were quickly 'doubled-up' according to the rules of FRANS' fundraising game, some selling for over $1000. A separate room for silent auction pieces likewise saw some very generous bidders pass through.

FRANS would like to thank all 280+ individuals and groups who donated artworks for sale. Their contributions are in no way small and have made a vital difference to FRANS and its services for people with a disability.

[Above: FRANS Events Coordinator, Julia Flanagan, marks out a place for canvas no. 201. Photo by Phil Blatch for the Inner West Courier. See more photos here: http://inner-west-courier.whereilive.com.au/photos/gallery/addison-road-art/]

adults and childrens soccer training - october 1, 2009

FRANS United is starting its soccer season on Saturday October 3rd with its first ADULTS (over 18 years)  training session for the year. The following week will kick of the CHILDRENS soccer season. Training sessions focus on skills, team buiilding, and involve a casual game followed by a social BBQ. Go to Burwood Park from 10-12am near the BBQs and play equipment to get involved, but please call FRANS first so we know you're coming, on 02 9799 4333. Click here for more details.

FRANS Plants gets a helping hand - August 10, 2009

A project which has been in the making for some time now can now get off the ground thanks to a generous donation from the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation. FRANS Plants is a social enterprise for people with disabilities to engage in a legitimate employment opportunity - a small profit-turning nursery. The Community Participation group have kicked off the planting at the FRANS Respite House garden, having propagated tube stock into pots and erected greenhouses. From here, FRANS will develop a business plan, and support the larger production and sale of plants and pots at local markets and a FRANS Shopfront (to be established at 111 Edwin Street North).

SPORT Central - April 14, 2009

Thanks to a generous donation from the Australian Sporting Commission (through FaHCSIA) FRANS Participants will reap all the benefits of being able to use specialised sporting equipment. The market is small for people with visual, mobile and sensory limitations trying to get their hands on modified games and equipment. But with the Australian Sporting Commission's help, FRANS can now offer two bags full of variety when it comes to speciailsed activities for people with disabilities.

CROYDON HOUSE OFFICIAL OPENING - March 10, 2009

On Monday 9 March, the Honorable Paul Lynch, Minister for Disability Services, attended a celebration at the FRANS Respite House to officially open the house and recognise its continued services in the community. It was a fantastic event, with over 90 people attending, including local council and local business representatives, as well as the families and Participants who will be able to stay at, and grow in, the FRANS Respite House over the coming years.