Staff Matters February 5, 2021 Issue 295 Week 32
CARING ABOUT OUR STAFF
3D SITE TOURS SHOWCASING OUR SITES ONLINE! Afford has some utterly amazing and unique sites across Australia. Our day programs, short term accommodation and supported accommodation sites are like no other and set the standards in the industry! It is for this reason that we wanted to showcase our services visually using the latest technology with online 3D video tours.
In This Issue 1
3D Site Tours Showcasing Our Sites Online! Trivia Afford Reward Of The Week
2
Bexley’s New Site Opening Soon Staff Profile
Carers, families and customers can now have a glimpse into our beautiful hubs and homes from the comfort of their own home.
3
On our website, we currently have available to view five day programs across New South Wales, with more locations to be filmed in Queensland and Victoria in the coming months.
4
We Care About Safety! Reminder Staff Awards Winner – Hall of Fame – Allan Sio Selfies Of The Week Upcoming Events
At Afford, we go above and beyond to ensure that our residents and clients feel at home and have access to the best facilities. Staff can confidently refer carers and families to our website to view some of our properties, so they can see firsthand our bright, inclusive and engaging sites.
Trivia Answer
Afford’s Day Program tours can be viewed here: • www.afford.com.au/services/day-programs/ You can view Afford’s Short Term Accommodation and Supported Accommodation tours can be viewed here: • www.afford.com.au/services/short-term-accommodation/ • www.afford.com.au/services/supported-accommodation/
Spoil Your Valentine!
PLUS ENJOY EVERY DAY SAVINGS ON THESE BRANDS!
www.afford.com.au
Staff Matters
STAFF PROFILE NAME: Mia Thulin POSITION: HR Officer - ADEs & Projects LOCATION: Minchinbury NSW
FAVOURITE MUSIC/SONG Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve been loving you FAVOURITE MOVIE? Robin Hood: Men In Tights FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Fishing, walking dogs & quality time with family FAVOURITE FOODS? A good medium rare steak IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A dog, so cute and loving WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Andaman Islands IF YOU HAD THE POWER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? Create a river that makes you younger IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? Dining etiquette SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? Studied music for 3 years – majored in vocals/ singing
February 5, 2021 Issue 295
BEXLEY’S NEW SITE OPENING SOON Afford’s new Bexley Day Program is almost ready to open! We are so excited to see the fresh new space coming together and are keen to open the new site and welcome our current clients, families and staff. The new Bexley Day Program will be located at 90B Highgate Street and will be a welcomed change with brand new fresh facilities. Featuring ten new rooms, including three large change rooms, a massive open kitchen area and a state-of-the-art sensory room. The sensory room is filled with modern new furniture and the latest sensory technology allowing clients to experience a new environment that reduces anxiety and stress. Bexley’s new hub will also feature a unique swim spa! As the name suggests, a swim spa is a combination of a pool and a spa. This will provide clients the best of both worlds, it will be a welcomed addition to the new site as a great way to keep cool and relax amongst the jets and bubbles, as well as provide therapeutic benefits. Last week staff got together at the new hub for the Friday meeting and to farewell Kathy Bullock who has headed into retirement. The site is set to open by the end of the month and staff and clients are excited, “I’m looking forward to seeing the clients faces as they have been so excited about the move,” said Kristiarne Colavito, Team Leader Signage will be installed over the coming weeks with the first sign to be placed over the entranceway, to welcome potential clients, carers and families to find out more about what Afford has to offer.
www.afford.com.au
February 5, 2021 Issue 295
Staff Matters DRIVE TO SURVIVE - SAFETY FIRST! There is no denying that our fleet of eye-catching vehicles makes a massive 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 operating an Afford vehicle. Remember the public know who you work for and can complain! When you’re out in the community - you represent Afford and your client’s safety is paramount. The Afford Way is to provide our awardwinning service and it’s up to you to ensure 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 essential 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 several 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.
• Stay off your phone: Never use your phone or any device while driving your vehicle. In Australia, distraction has been identified as a contributing factor in 22% of car accidents and a staggering 71% of truck accidents. 25% of all accidents involve improper use of a mobile phone in some way. Get your hand off it! • Reduce your speed: Posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure that your speed matches conditions - when it rains, storms or in extreme heat. Erratic driving and speeding will not be tolerated. Slow down, move over and give space!
• Do not presume what other drivers are going to do: Do not assume another driver will move out of the way or allow you to merge.
It is also important to help maintain the vehicle by servicing and washing our Afford vans and cars regularly. Include your clients in car washing as it can be a fun activity, a way to get outside and help build skills and confidence. Washing our vehicles makes them look good and protects the paint on the car. A clean windshield and windows and a car without clutter is ideal for safety. Drive safe Affordians and always stay focused on the road!
The Public Are Watching!
reminder! Please be reminded to nominate your colleagues for a customer service award! Customer Service Awards are awarded monthly and emails encouraging staff to send in their nominations are sent throughout the month from HR. February is now here, time to get in your nominations early or get ahead by keeping an eye out on who you will nominate for March! Send your nominations to: Mia.thulin@afford.com.au. Remember there are real prizes up for grabs, so get nominating today! 1st - $300 2nd - $200 3rd - $100
www.afford.com.au
February 5, 2021 Issue 295
Staff Matters STAFF AWARDS WINNER – HALL OF FAME – ALLAN SIO We are so proud of the Affordians that received awards at the Staff Awards night. Please join us in congratulating our Hall of Fame Winner, National Executive Manager, Business Development & QLD, Allan Sio. Allan joined Afford in 2015 as a lifestyle assistant. Allan is responsible for the operational management and strategic development of Afford’s Queensland operations. He has six years of experience working in complex one-to-one and crisis scenarios that have shaped his informed and practical approach to middle and senior management. When CEO, Steven Herald was announcing Allan as the winner, he reflected on where Allan started as an Afford Lifestyle Assistant. “He is the best frontline worker I have ever seen in my life,” said Steve. “He has made me cry on several occasions where he has absolutely turned around someone’s life. He has done amazing things to help grow Queensland.” Lost for words, Allan said, “It’s such a surprise, this would not be possible for everyone who has helped build me up to where I am today. Round of applause for your Team Leaders, a round of applause for your District Managers!” he called out to the room. Allan’s comprehensive frontline and managerial experience gives him the knowledge and expertise to lead our operations in Queensland, liaise with relevant stakeholders and support business development. Congratulations Allan!
SELFIES OF THE WEEK
lebrating the Selfie Above: Ce thday at Head bir s ell wv Ra lovely Office.
Pawsome Se lfie Above: Supported Accommod Penrith at John, with his first ever ion resident pet fish!
UPCOMING EVENTS DATE:
EVENT:
12 February
Chinese New Year
14 February
Valentines Day
14 February
International Aspergers Day
1 March
International Wheelchair Day
A: Castle
www.afford.com.au