A fashion fiesta, high tea bonanza, and entertainment spectacular, Hartley Lifecare’s feel-good event of the year returns next month to raise funds for the local disability support organisation. Serving lovely looks, tasty treats, and a high that will stay with you for days, the Hartley High Tea and Fashion Showcase takes over Albert Hall on Saturday 5 August.

This year’s theme ‘Effortless Elegance’ invites attendees to step out in simple yet stylish looks. Organisers suggest combining simple, classic pieces with luxurious fabrics that are flattering to the body’s natural shape. The divine is in the detail – a quaint piece of jewellery or statement handbag can add the perfect touch to your unforced, relaxed and classy look.

Albert Hall takes a page from the books of Paris Fashion Week with its purpose-built runway ready for models to strut their stuff. Our glamorous cover stars, Hartley clients Joanne and Carol-Jayne, are two of the models who will be striking a pose – or two – on the day. Having already selected their outfits and practising their make-up, the women are sure that the guests will be just as excited about their looks as they are.

“I’ll be at the fashion parade and pose,” says Joanne.

“I’ll do a sexy pose … I’ll do it all by myself, [I learnt it] from The Full Monty,” smiles Carol-Jayne.

Joining Joanne, Carol- Jayne and other members of the Hartley community on the catwalk are the beauties from Victoria Models, volunteering their time to be part of the joyous occasion. The entertainment doesn’t stop when the models step off the stage; returning for another showstopping performance are The Extreme Stars, who have been busy working on a dance routine just for the event.

Having so much fun can surely work up an appetite. Included in the ticket price is a delicious high tea featuring scrumptious cakes, savoury delights and refreshing beverages. More excitement comes in the form of the prize wheel, where all ticket holders are in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes donated by local businesses.  

“People have fun taking some time out and getting together and just doing that all for a great cause,” says Eric Thauvette OAM, CEO of Hartley Lifecare.

“It was important that people weren’t just there to do a high tea, but they can see that we have people with disabilities who we support, people with disability who are also walking the fashion parade and helping out and also in the audience,” Eric says.

With a long background in the disability field including time at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and running a school for teenagers on the autism spectrum in Vancouver, Eric has a passion for quality care. Coming to the Hartley team in 2006, the now CEO has seen the organisation grow from something small into one that is a leader in the local disability care sector.

“We’ve got 85 people with disabilities living in about 34 homes across Canberra and we also do some respite care; we’ve got about 20 families that we provide respite care for … we also run a hydrotherapy pool in Hughes, and we also do a lot of fundraising,” he says.

While the organisation does receive National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) funding, Eric says Hartley Lifecare relies on fundraising and donations for the things the scheme doesn’t cover. This could be anything from a trip away for their clients, an event like a Raiders game, or something major such as a new residence. In the last few years, they have constructed a number of facilities including their new respite care. The funds raised through the high tea will go towards the construction of two houses at Hartley Court.

“The houses that we’re building are for people with high physical needs. There’s a lot of equipment like ceiling hoists and assistive technology that we put throughout the house to help people be more independent so they can operate doors and windows without having to ask staff,” he says.

According to Eric, the Hartley approach is a person-centric one; they collaborate with clients and their families, and tailor support to each individual’s requirements. Hartley wants to ensure that their clients feel confident in their daily lives, as no one wants to feel totally dependent on other people.

“The more independence you can provide for people, the better outcomes. It’s a matter of pride and respect. I think people thrive more when they’re more independent and they achieve more,” Eric says.

Historically and sometimes still today, people living with disabilities are marginalised and not welcomed by the broader community, says the CEO.

“We owe them to be able to support them with dignity and respect and to promote them into the community to be involved as much as they can … People with disabilities are just like anybody else; everybody’s got something to offer.”

Join the fun at the Hartley High Tea and Fashion Showcase at Albert Hall, Saturday 5 August 1-4pm. For more information and tickets, visit hartley.org.au

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