Anne Skipper’s introduction to The Spastic Centres of South Australia took place within days of bringing home her daughter, Katie, from hospital. Mrs Skipper and her husband, Rob, realised Katie’s cerebral irritation was causing her to cry for hours.
Shortly after the family arrived home, two women from the Spastic Centres visited. They also had children with disabilities, and they wanted to talk to Mrs Skipper about what the future could look like for the Skipper family. Mrs Skipper recalls this meeting was the first time she had met other mothers who were accepting of Katie and this gave her great sense of hope and a source of comfort.
What Mrs Skipper noted was that these mothers had brought her something of the sense of family that has been a part of the Centre from its first days. It was once said, “In all States of Australia, as far as can be seen, Spastic Centres were started by the mothers”.
Since her initial association with The Spastic Centres of South Australia, Mrs Skipper went on to hold many roles over the years, including President. Her other roles included Deputy Chair of the Miss Australia Awards, Deputy Chair of the Australian Cerebral Palsy Association and Founder and Chair of ‘Gullywinds’ School for children with multiple disabilities. Her most important role, which is where the story started, was as mother of Katie Skipper who attended the Centre for 16 years.
Image description: Anne Skipper
For more than four decades, Edna Redman was a passionate advocate and tireless supporter of the Spastic Centres of South Australia. Her commitment to improving the lives of people with disability saw her serve in many roles throughout the organisation, including Patron, member of the Board of Directors, and an active member of the Woodville Women’s Auxiliary.
Edna was part of a generation of parents and community members who refused to accept the limited expectations society placed on people with disability. Through fundraising, advocacy and volunteer support, she helped strengthen the organisation and create opportunities for children and adults with disability to live fuller, more inclusive lives.
Reflecting on the organisation’s beginnings, Edna once described the shared determination of the founding families:
“The mothers of the spastic children had a common bond in that they wanted to do something for their children, and they started the Centre with the idea, eventually, of a permanent home for their children.”
Her words capture the spirit that drove the early years of the organisation. Edna’s dedication, leadership and unwavering belief in a better future helped shape the foundation on which Cara continues to build today. Her legacy lives on through the many people, families and communities whose lives have been enriched by the opportunities she helped create.
Image description: Edna Redman
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