Staff Matters February 7, 2020 Issue 243 Week 32
CARING ABOUT OUR STAFF GALA BALL GALORE IN 2020
The Afford Gala Ball is a highly anticipated and glamourous client event that has been held in our home state of NSW for the past four years. Now in its fifth year, Afford Events is extremely excited to announce we will be holding the first interstate Afford Gala Ball events in 2020! This event remains the only event of its kind in the disability sector that is staged purely as an opportunity for people with disability to celebrate in style, with their family, carers and friends. This year we are excited to give that opportunity to our interstate clients and their families, to be able to enjoy the special night.
In This Issue 1
Gala Ball Galore in 2020 Joke Of The Week Afford Trivia
Each Afford Gala Ball has its own unique theme and this year Queensland attendees will experience a magical night in an Enchanted Garden, while our Victorian attendees pull their best celebrity pose as they strut down the red carpet for their Hollywood themed night. Over 260 clients and their guests have accepted their VIP invitation to the QLD event of the year, which is happening on Friday the 28th February at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
2
Golf Like A Pro!
3
Safety Matters - We Drive Safe!
Staff Profile
Reminder
4
Your Passport To Fitness Handyman Timetable Selfies of the Week Upcoming Events Afford Trivia Answer
Victorian Gala Ball VIPs will receive invitations in the next week, with the Ball scheduled for the 17th April at The Vogue Ballroom in Burwood East. Later in the year the NSW Afford Gala Ball VIPs will be magically transported into an exotic Arabian Night theme at the Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Homebush on the 15th August. There have been many spectacular themes over the past few years, which have wowed our clients and guests. From our very first Gala Ball theme, ‘Over the Rainbow’ full of colour and dreams to a night of magic at the ‘Circus’ in 2017, guest have been transported into another world. Two of the favourite themes saw guests hopping down the rabbit hole to find ‘Afford in Wonderland’ and diving beneath the ocean to ‘Afford Under the Sea’. All attendees are encouraged to dress formally, and if you would like to dress in the theme – go for it! Supporting inclusiveness and opportunities for people of all abilities is something we are very passionate about at Afford and we look forward to sharing some talented performances with you all and dancing the night away.
AFFORD TRIVIA
What year did we hold our 1st Annual Gala Ball?
If you have any questions regarding the Afford Gala Ball in your state, please email Cristina Alvarez in Afford Events – cristina.alvarez@afford.com.au
www.afford.com.au
Staff Matters
STAFF PROFILE NAME: Jessica Scicluna POSITION: Event Coordinator LOCATION: Minchinbury, Head Office FAVOURITE MUSIC/SONG? Show Me Love – Steve Angello FAVOURITE MOVIE? The Wizard of Oz FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Cooking, gardening and entertaining family and friends FAVOURITE FOODS? Lasagne IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? An elephant - because ‘an elephant never forgets’ and I have a good memory WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Bora Bora IF YOU HAD THE POWER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? For everyone to show kindness and compassion to one another IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? To cook one of my favourite recipes SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? When I was little, I did line dancing
February 7, 2020 Issue 243
GOLF LIKE A PRO!
Afford recently partnered with The Golf School and renowned golf coach, Lee Harrington, based at Palm Meadows Driving Range in Queensland, to provide Affordians with the chance to learn new skills during a week of golf during Disability Action Week. All week clients had access to all of The Golf School’s PGA accredited coaches delivering expert advice to develop their skills while having lots of fun along the way. Supporting inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities is something we are very passionate about at Afford. We are always looking for new opportunities to partner with local organisations to create a more inclusive community, and this opportunity could not be missed. Working with our expert PGA golf instructors, the five-day Golf School allowed Afford clients to develop their skills in hand-eye coordination to play the game of golf. Clients are encouraged to have a go and are provided with the ‘tricks of the trade’ to improve their golf. The partnership was a great initiative to make the game of golf more accessible to people of all abilities and aligns strongly with Afford’s mission to promote inclusive communities. “Afford is absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this, especially with the elite players that are playing! It’s fantastic that Afford is a part of this, to be able to bridge the gap and make golf more accessible” said Tamara Dunn, Customer Care Manager and President of Woman’s Golf Gold Coast. Golf is a great way to encourage healthy lifestyles, as it involves high physical activity such as walking, swinging and carrying equipment. This sort of physical activity increases your heart rate and blood flow, resulting in a healthy heart, enhanced brain stimulation and improved balance and posture – win! Afford’s partnership with The Golf School is ongoing and is another way in which we go above and beyond traditional service offerings to give individuals opportunities to realise their dreams and participate in activities they enjoy. “We’re looking forward to further and future endeavours” – Tamara Dunn. The opportunity to experience golf is through the support of Afford, and we look forward to seeing more successful partnerships in our local communities in 2020. Don’t forget to pencil in our Annual Afford Golf Day on Friday the 8th May 2020.
www.afford.com.au
February 7, 2020 Issue 243
Staff Matters SAFETY MATTERS - WE DRIVE SAFE! There is no denying that our fleet of eye-catching vehicles makes a huge statement on our roads. Driving around, no matter where you are, you will likely see an Afford vehicle. Due to our vans being so recognisable with our brand, we need to ensure we are diligent and safe when we are operating an Afford vehicle. Our Lifestyle Assistants transport hundreds of clients each and every day, on community outings, to attend events, shopping, or even on road trips! With such a big need placed on our vehicles, we must use them correctly, following road rules and common-sense safety procedures. When you’re out in the community - you represent Afford, and your clients safety is paramount. In the Afford Way, you need to continue to provide our awardwinning service, and it’s up to you to make sure that you are professional at all times, follow policy, procedures and the law.
We need to be mindful that we are parking in areas that minimise disruption to other residents in the streets we visit. It is important that we maintain a great relationship with the community and always promote the positive culture we encourage at Afford. This is particularly important for our Day Program sites as many of our sites are run out of residential homes, and may have a number of vehicles parked on site. If you are unsure about parking restrictions, check with your Team Leader. As a reminder, here are some driving tips to help you reduce your risk and present the best image of Afford at all times when on the road: • Always Place Safety First: Avoid aggressive and inattentive driving tendencies. You can’t control other driver behaviours, but you can control yours. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front. Always ensure seatbelts are fastened to protect yourself and clients. • Pay Attention and Be Aware: Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions 20 to 30 seconds ahead of you. Keep your eyes moving. If a vehicle is showing signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid it. Also, keep an eye on pedestrians, cyclists, and animals along the road. • Don’t Presume What Other Drivers Are Going to Do: Do not assume another driver is going to move out of the way or allow you to merge. • Reduce Your Speed: Posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your speed matches conditions - when it rains, storms or in extreme heat. • Cut Out Distractions: A distraction is any activity that diverts your attention from the task of driving. Driving deserves your full attention and our clients deserve your best driving behaviour. Drive safe Affordians and stay focused on driving at all times!
Reminder - SIBLING CAMP COMING SOON! ATTENTION Affordians have you heard that a camp for Afford Siblings is coming soon? Afford is working on an exciting new event concept for the siblings of our valued clients. As you know, the siblings and families of our clients are extremely important and we want to recognise the role siblings play in creating a strong and caring support network. Often siblings assist in the care of a child with disability, and being appreciated can add to a sibling’s sense of self-worth. Afford’s concept is to create an exclusive siblings event where the brothers and sisters of our clients come together to: • Share experiences with other siblings • Recognise the important role they play within their family • Learn they are not alone • Encourage them to create an Afford social network to whom they can turn for support ** If you would like to register your interest for your site, please email jessica.scicluna@afford.com.au with the following details: site name, clients, number of siblings to participate and ages of siblings. **
www.afford.com.au
February 7, 2020 Issue 243
Staff Matters YOUR RENEWED PASSPORT TO FITNESS
As an Employer of Choice, Afford has established a range of initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of staff. The Fitness Passport is one such initiative that gives you the tools to maintain a healthy mind and body. With the Fitness Passport, we are continually adding new facilities to keep your program fun and fresh! Make sure to visit fitnesspassport.com.au/AFS to check out the program and facility updates. In addition to offering great facilities, the Fitness Passport can help you set your fitness goals, by providing access to multiple fitness centres for you and your family. As a Fitness Passport member, it is important to take note of the following price increases taking effect from 21st February 2020: • From $14.95 per week – Single membership (employee only) • From $22.95 per week – Family membership (employee + partner + children U18) • From $14.95 per week – Dependent child U25 This price increase means we can continue to add a wide variety of gym and pool options to your program. Make sure you visit www.fitnesspassport.com.au/AFS and check program updates. Stay motivated and continue to access a range of programs and facilities near you, thanks to the Fitness Passport.
Handyman Timetable Our Handy Man, Tahier, will be at the following sites this week:
Meet Our Handyman Tahier
- 10th February: Sunshine, Panthers and Empire Group Homes - 11th February: Minchinbury Head Office Project - 12th February: Canley Vale and Eschol Park - 13th February: Mount Annan and St Andrews Group Homes - 14th February: Paperwork/Weekly catchup and attend to urgent requests
SELFIES OF THE WEEK
C LSAs, Selfie Above: VI Pawsome Se Rakhi Kapoor d an an Sr lfie Above: Kuljeet M d Jade Richa an t Druitt LS hi Ris b, co rd A and furb with clients Ja e aby, Pippa. s, stl Tre e oje No e th at , ha nt Sama Bridge Walk.
UPCOMING EVENTS DATE:
EVENT:
18 February
International Asperger’s Day
20-21 February
Managers Conference
28 February
QLD Client Gala Ball
29 February
Leap Day
Afford Trivia Answer: 2016
www.afford.com.au
