Staff Matters 260

Staff Matters June 5, 2020 Issue 260 Week 49

CARING ABOUT OUR STAFF SUPERSTARS FEATURE IN AFFORD TV COMMERCIAL!

Our clients took centre stage this week as we filmed our new TV commercial at the National Head Office in Minchinbury. The day was a buzz of energy with everyone excited to be appearing on a television commercial.

Hannah, Ervin, Luis and Brenton, trainees from SLES kicked off the shoot with a series of takes, which included single shots and group shots. We also had Afford superstars from Jamisontown Day Program, Penrith and Nowra Group Homes and Minchinbury ADE feature in the TVC. Everyone had a turn to showcase their amazing talents, posing, smiling, laughing, dancing and singing. The room was radiating with confidence from all of our superstars.

Martin a supported employee from Minchinbury ADE pretended that he was on holidays at the beach, wearing a sporty singlet and a beach towel with bright yellow Afford sunglasses. He posed and pretended to take a selfie with his camera while on holidays. Michael, Brett and Mark from our Penrith Accommodation also had a special feature spot as they wheeled in their shiny new bikes and posed in front of the green screen with their helmets and Hi-Vis vests on.

In This Issue 1

Superstars Feature in Afford TV Commercial!

Afford Trivia Ask Our CEO

2

3

4

Zoom In On Friday Meeting Staff Profile

A DES Success Story!

Reminder Belmore’s Sensational Upgrades Handyman Timetable Selfies of the Week Upcoming Events Trivia Answer

Angela from our Nowra Group Home blew us away with her incredible voice as she sang along to Lady Gaga. Anthony from Jamisontown Day Program was shy at first but soon blossomed when he stepped in front of the camera singing away to the Jamisontown Good Morning Song.

Dougie, a resident from our Penrith Group Homes, who is predominantly non-verbal, blew us all away when he said the word paint encouraged by Reeta, his lifestyle assistant.

Everyone felt a sense of accomplishment when we finished filming the TV Commercial. We are all excited to see the final product which will air on WIN TV in Queensland and later in the year will be used in other states of Australia.

It is an exciting time at Afford as we expand and grow our award-winning services and supports.

What impact does the JobKeeper payment have on workplace entitlements and obligations?

Employers must continue to comply with their obligations in the Fair Work Act. The JobKeeper Payment does not remove any workplace protections for employees.

www.afford.com.au

Staff Matters

STAFF PROFILE NAME: Selina Company POSITION: Lifestyle Assistant LOCATION: Southport Day Program, QLD FAVOURITE MUSIC/SONG? Mind Control - Joe Stone x Camden Cox FAVOURITE MOVIE? Taken FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Waterfall chasing & yoga FAVOURITE FOODS? Mango, acai bowls & garlic bread IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A dog

June 5, 2020 Issue 260

ZOOM IN ON FRIDAY MEETING

Zoom has been such an incredible tool that has proven in recent times just how much it can help keep us connected. Two weeks ago, we successfully launched our first Friday Zoom meeting. CEO Steven Herald led the meeting which included representatives from all services across the business and states.

Friday meetings are an integral part of the Afford culture, keeping departments such as Payroll, Property, Support Coordination, Customer Care, Marketing, Events, Client Services and Allied Health connected and discussing all things Afford. It is the key to keeping open communication across all departments.

The use of video conferencing software such as Zoom is a fantastic tool to keep everyone connected not only while we social distance but the key to helping us maintain an understanding of our interstate sites. It offers a quick and easy way to catch up with our interstate teams and chance to see their friendly faces. Staying connected with our colleagues has never been easier.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? French Polynesia or Greece

It was great to see the team get into the Zoom spirit with some staff customising their backgrounds with tropical destinations. It is the Afford Way to bring in a bit of spirit and laughter after such a long period of isolation for many staff working remotely.

IF YOU HAD THE POWER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? Make everyone pay it forward

Encourage your teams to get to know how to use Zoom, as this will be a resource we will continue to use with staff and our clients.

IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? How to give back

Give it a try now – register for your free Zoom account by visiting the website:

SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? Nothing

https://zoom.us/signup

www.afford.com.au

June 5, 2020 Issue 260

Staff Matters A DES SUCCESS STORY!

Our DES Employment Consultants do a fantastic job helping their job seekers find work and keep a job in open employment. Terry was referred to Bankstown DES late last year with some medical, communication and language barriers. Terry showed great interest and motivation in finding employment. However, he lacked the confidence and self-esteem to do it without extra support. That’s where DES staff took the lead to help Terry shine!

DES Employment Consultants Ahmad Samra and Jennifer Nguyen started the employment preparation program with Terry to elevate his confidence levels and investigate industries where he can perform his duties without any barriers. Terry expressed his interest to work as a cleaner which was the first step in his employment journey. He has struggled with long term unemployment and felt that this job would be a great start. Ahmad started by contacting cleaning companies and small businesses to check vacancies for cleaners.

Ahmad contacted Menai Auto Mechanics who were looking for a person to help clean the shop. He spoke to the Business Manager, Nagham and together they organised an interview.

Terry demonstrated such enthusiasm and willingness to be trained that he was offered the job!

He started work and received intensive training by the employer as well as continued support from DES Employment Consultant Ahmad. Terry performed his tasks very well and the employer was happy!

Unfortunately, when the COVID-19 pandemic started and the Government put in place new workplace safety regulations, Terry’s job was at risk. Thanks to Ahmad’s suggestions and explanation about the new the JobKeeper Payment, he was able to encourage the employer to keep her business open and to get in touch with her accountant to get further details. The employer was delighted as she was not aware of this payment and registered her business for the JobKeeper Payment. As a result this allowed her to keep the business running and Terry was able to keep his job, continue to receive his weekly wage and received an increase.

Afford Staff always go above and beyond to provide the best services, supports and outcomes for not only our clients but for the community.

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!

www.afford.com.au

June 5, 2020 Issue 260

Staff Matters BELMORE’S SENSATIONAL UPGRADES

Thanks to the Watson 2019 Stronger Communities Grant our Belmore Day Program has had the opportunity to create an engaging sensory space and incredible games room for our clients to enjoy.

The sensory experience includes a state-of-the-art interactive iWall, comfortable bean bags, a soft sofa lounge, music speaker which plays gentle calming melodies and an indoor garden sensory wall.

The sensory room also has interactive technology with an iPad connectivity in the room, clients can use this to control the colours of the lights around them using an app.

Fairy lights sparkle across the roof, which look like the stars in the night’s sky, creating a relaxing space. “We’ve still got more to come! We’ve got a massage chair coming soon and we want to black out the back wall which will make the space darker”, said Team Leader Marc Menke.

Not only do our Belmore clients have a wonderful space to relax, but they also have a new space to re-energise and play games with their friends! The funding also provided a new games room where our clients can enjoy playing pool, table tennis, table football and air hockey. Everyone was excited about the new games room. Belmore client Tyronne commented, “Is this all new?” all beaming with excitement, the games room will be set to be a hit for a long time to come.

Handyman Timetable Meet Our Handyman Tahier

Our Handy Man, Tahier, will be at the following sites this week: - Monday 8th June:

Public Holiday

- Tuesday 9th June:

Marrickville, Ashfield and Lurnea

- Wednesday 10th June: Jamisontown and Butterflies - Thursday 11th June:

Narellan Vale, Narellan and Glen Alpine

- Friday 12th June:

Campbelltown and Leumeah

SELFIES OF THE WEEK

ngratulations Selfie Above: Co Payroll er, me er Sarah Vand ! years of service 15 r fo er, ag an M

Pawsome Se lfie Above: Caboolture therapy do g chilling wit h Joe-Marie ‘Maisie’ Van Zyl.

UPCOMING EVENTS DATE:

EVENT:

8th June

Public Holiday

8th -14th June

Infant Mental Health Week

15th - 21st June

International Men’s Health Week

26th June

Bring Your Dog To Work Day

A: A plate

www.afford.com.au