Community Living Australia book launch gets emotional

The disability organisation had an emotional launch of a book about its 41-year history, which began in Murray Bridge.

Community Living Australia clients (left to right) Martin Scott, Kristy Phillips and Sophie Pinkerton alongside Community Living Australia CEO Mark Kulinski. Photo: Michael X. Savvas.

Community Living Australia’s Our Story chronicles around four decades of the organisation supporting people with disability in the Murraylands and Strathalbyn to improve their lifestyles and reach their dreams.

Community Living Australia board member Emily Cordell spoke at the launch, mentioning how the organisation began as Community Lifestyles in the 1980s to serve the Murraylands community, with just four employees.

In 2016, Community Lifestyles became Community Living Australia after merging with CLASS, an organisation formed by parents living in Strathalbyn looking for recreational activities for their children with disability.

“We now support 350 people and their families and employ over 500 staff,” Ms Cordell said.

With Our Story featuring stories and photographs of Community Living Australia’s clients and staff over four decades, some guests at the event were visibly emotional.

Community Living Australia CEO Mark Kulinski spoke at the launch and did what an engaged CEO should do – he became choked with emotion when talking about his organisation.