Staff Matters May 28, 2020 Issue 259 Week 48
CARING ABOUT OUR STAFF RESIDENTS CELEBRATE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK Acknowledgement of Country:
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet, the Dharug people. We would also like to pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. National Reconciliation Week encourages all Australians to learn about our country’s history, cultures and achievements. It is a time for us to reflect on ways that each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Part of the Afford Lifestyle is about supporting residents to explore more about the world around them. Krystal, a lifestyle assistant at the True Blue Group Home is passionate about educating the community on Indigenous culture. Residents said they wanted to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land during Reconciliation Week, Krystal and the True Blue staff organised a range of cultural appreciation experiences on-site. Residents from Sunshine, Panthers, Empire and Dolphin Cove Group Homes were invited to join in at True Blue.
In This Issue 1
Residents Celebrate National Reconciliation Week Afford Trivia Ask Our CEO
2
Crestmead Group Home Welcomes Its First Resident Staff Profile
3
4
Social Distancing Done Right! Keep Warm With Afford Reminder Handyman Timetable Selfies of the Week Upcoming Events Trivia Answer
In the lead up to Reconciliation Week, Krystal supported our residents to learn about Indigenous art and created National Sorry Day signs depicting the Aboriginal flag. They researched artworks and discovered that Aboriginal art is about storytelling. Indigenous art tells stories about the land, culture and beliefs of the Aboriginal people. Dave from Bushbred was invited to teach residents how to make damper and cook it on an open fire. The cooked damper was sliced and served warm with a selection of bush jams. He also showed residents a boomerang that he had crafted from timber found in the paddock at Cherrywood Friendship Farm. Afford staff understand the importance of embracing diversity and always find unique ways to incorporate all cultural celebrations with our residents and clients.
Being permanent part-time do I have to use my annual leave if I give up my shifts? No you do not need use annual leave. Conversely, if staff are needed to work shifts and refuse they will need to use leave.
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Staff Matters
STAFF PROFILE NAME: Cooper Ladlow POSITION: Lifestyle Assistant LOCATION: Southport Day Program, QLD FAVOURITE MUSIC/SONG? My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade FAVOURITE MOVIE? Princess Bride FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Photography, gaming and guitar FAVOURITE FOODS? Pasta, pies and tacos IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A sloth WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Venice, Switzerland, Fiji or Japan
May 28, 2020 Issue 259
CRESTMEAD GROUP HOME WELCOMES ITS FIRST RESIDENT We are excited to announce the opening of our Crestmead Group Home in Queensland and welcome our first client, Thomas. He has been living in his family home and this will be his first time living independently with the support of our staff. His goal is to be more independent and confident in everyday living skills.
Thomas has settled in well and loves to help where possible taking great pride in his home and keeping it clean. He loves helping to do chores around the house such as vacuuming, washing dishes, gardening, washing the car and other house maintenance. When he is asked to help, Thomas is always willing to give it go! He has been described as quiet and shy when he first meets people, but someone who also likes to have a laugh. He has a passion for cooking and is encouraged to assist with making his favourite dinner spaghetti bolognaise! “Thomas is an exceptional person to be around and he has the best smile”, said Sandy Dale LSA, Crestmead Group Home. This has been a lot of ‘first’s for Thomas and he is adjusting well and is looking forward to his plans to attend one of our Afford Day Programs. “I love my new home”, said Thomas Since moving into his new home in Crestmead, Thomas is radiating with self-confidence and overall enjoying ‘The Afford Lifestyle’. He is living the life he wants independently and comfortably. Thomas receives support when he needs it and can get involved in activities that he likes. In the next couple of weeks, Thomas will get to welcome two new housemates!
IF YOU HAD THE POWER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? Toliet paper would be used as currency IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? Anything someone wanted to learn SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? Nothing
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May 28, 2020 Issue 259
Staff Matters SOCIAL DISTANCING DONE RIGHT!
Our five ADE factories, Minto, Ingleburn, Prestons, Marrickville and Minchinbury take fire safety and social distancing very seriously. With the current circumstances around social distancing, it’s understandable that in a crisis such as a fire, people could easily forget to social distance but not our supported employee superstars! The steps our factory staff have been implementing to keep everyone safe have made an impact on our supported employees. When our Ingleburn ADE had a fire drill last week, they knew exactly what to do, not only for the fire drill but also how to maintain their social distancing measures. Our factory managers were blown away with the incredible leadership shown by our Ingleburn ADE supported employees, as they marched out onto the street, standing 1.5m apart and meeting at their designated evacuation point. Outside in their Hi vis work clothes, they lined the whole length of the street! We have all been working together to support each other through a challenging period and we are so proud to see our ADEs come together and implement these procedures to keep everyone safe through during these extraordinary times.
KEEP WARM WITH AFFORD Winter is coming and it’s starting to get chilly so stay warm with our amazing new Afford jackets! Whether you work in one of our factories or need something a little more flexible to work with clients, we have you covered!! This year you have two choices - the traditional bomber jacket or the new water/wind proof soft shell jacket - only $10 each All you need to do it click on the link and fill in the information required https://app.smartsheet.com/b/ form/468e18cefac845e89e8015103eea9127 Please put your order in by the 3rd of June – delivery of jacket will be approx. by the 9th June We love seeing you all in your Afford jackets and keeping warm out in the community. The positive benefits of wearing are uniform are: • They help promote customer loyalty and engage customers • It is positive for the image of the company • It also help employees to feel part of the same team – Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe! • It makes employees easily identifiable to others Send through your bomber jacket selfies to marketing@afford.com.au
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May 28, 2020 Issue 259
Staff Matters Reminder!
Staff please be reminded about the importance of social distancing while we out with our clients in the community or in a vehicle. • In a HiAce van there should only be max of 2 staff and 3 clients. • In an iMAX there should only be max of 1 staff and 3 clients. • Standard car there should only be max 1 staff and 1 client.
Help stop the spread and keep safe Affordians!
Handyman Timetable Meet Our Handyman Tahier
Our Handy Man, Tahier, will be at the following sites this week: - Monday 1st May:
Minchinbury Head Office
- Tuesday 2nd May:
Fairfield DES
- Wednesday 3rd May:
Canley Vale & Eschol Park
- Thursday 4th May:
Mount Annan and St Andrews
- Friday 5th May:
Weekly catch up & urgent requests
SELFIES OF THE WEEK
, misontown LSAs Selfie Above: Ja hlee As d an n rso te Shanice Pe g a bake sale! Carpenter havin
Pawsome Se lfie Above: Team Lead er, Claressa Windsor B new her fu r baby Coco otha and !
UPCOMING EVENTS DATE:
EVENT:
5th June
World Environment Day
8th June
Public Holiday
8th -14th June
Infant Mental Health Week
15th - 21st June
International Men’s Health Week
A: 7
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