Staff Matters MARCH 25, ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
QUEENSLAND TEAMS WALK FOR AUTISM Last week, Affordians in Queensland banded together, walking thousands of steps to raise vital funds in the Walk for Autism. The team consisted of Afford staff, clients, residents and carers from Caboolture Day Programs, Caboolture Supported Accommodation, Support Coordination and Customer Care. The group attracted tremendous support from all of the Afford community, with interstate Affordians choosing to walk on the same day in solidarity to contribute steps towards the Caboolture team to support the cause.
The Walk for Autism fundraiser ran from the 21st to 28th March and our team at Caboolture raised a whopping $5,422 in total, $422.00 more than their goal of $5,000. Our team did so well that we are currently in 6th place for highest fundraisers in a workplace team (out of 265 workplace teams). Congratulations to our top 3 fundraisers, Amy Morgan (resident) who raised a massive $677.00 and Sarah Bryant (TL) and Taniel Eising (LSA) both raised $542.00! It is another example of the Afford culture of care, raising money for such a great cause. This has been a well-coordinated event across our organisation and states, with teams meeting-up at Sutton Beach last Sunday and staff interstate joining the fundraising by sponsoring the virtual walk. The idea originated from District Manager, Joe-Marie van Zyl as she saw the event’s advertising and Caboolture’s Senior Lifestyle Assistant, Simone Guevara was keen to organise the entire event! Simone took charge by registering the team and advising staff and families in the area about the details of the event. After the walk, everyone relaxed in the warm sun and were treated to a delicious bacon and egg roll. Some clients played sports and some decided to head to the water to wet their feet in the ocean. “Everyone, including staff, clients and families, had a good time. It was an amazing day spent away from the office enjoying the morning out. Customer Care handed out some Afford hats to members of the public that were interested in our services. Some of the active residents showed younger family members how to play cricket. The smiles on everyone’s faces showed they had a lovely day. We will continue to do these events quarterly,” said District Manager, Joe-Marie Van Zyl. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Walk for Autism!
Afford Teams and Tribes
Matters Staff Matters Staff Staff Matters ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
In This Issue Queensland Teams Walk For Autism
Weight Loss Challenge
Celebrating Harmony Day
August 7, 2020 Issue 269
WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE Our team in Queensland South recently smashed their fitness goals by organising and completing an 8-week challenge amongst their team!
Every year, people worldwide make New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, eat better and maintain a healthier lifestyle. With work and life commitments, these resolutions may lose momentum. However, the Queensland South team wanted to start their year motivated and ready to achieve their goals and decided it would be a great idea to have a weight loss challenge. Weight loss challenges are great to spark competitiveness and motivate people to lose as much as possible to win! The fitness event was open to all staff across Queensland’s South district. Over the 8 weeks, team members worked hard on encouraging a healthy diet, drinking water and exercising to make sure they were successful. “I loved it, just pushing myself, it was great. Each week we were given a challenge that we needed to complete by the end of the week,” said second-place winner, Apenisa Kanaveilmoani (Api).
Puzzle Of The Week
Congratulations to our top three winners from the challenge:
Wots On! Psychologist of the Year, Karina Johnson
Reminder Handyman Schedule
Selfies of the Week
1st – Kellie TeKani: start weight 81.6kg – finish weight – 67.6kg 2nd – Apenisa (Api) Kanaveilmoani: start weight 106.4kg – finish weight – 92.9kg 3rd – Jodie Nathan: start weight 116.5kg – finish weight – 107.3kg Collectively these three champions lost over 36kgs! “I’ve never done any sort of weight loss challenge before. I thought I wouldn’t be able to stick to the challenge ahead because I love my food, but with the help of family members who are fitness fanatics, a healthy food guide and the help of Fitness Passport I pledged to myself to put in 110%! By the end of the challenge, I nearly got to my 21-year-old weight and I am feeling more fit more healthier than ever. Anyone can achieve if you put your mind to it. Thanks and best of luck to everyone on their journey,” said firstplace winner, Kellie TeKani. After Queensland’s success, they would like to put out the challenge to all states. Queensland South teams have already commenced their next challenge, which will run until 10th May, so the ball is in your court!
Words of Wisdom Puzzle Answer
If you think you can take on Queensland? Contact marketing@afford.com.au for a weight loss challenge flyer to distribute to your site today. Let’s get moving!
Afford Teams and Tribes
Staff Matters Staff ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
Matters
ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
CELEBRATING HARMONY DAY Recently Affordians celebrated the rich cultures and people that make up the Afford community for Harmony Week (15-21 March)! It was a week to celebrate inclusion, cultural diversity and belonging for everyone who calls Australia home. Afford clients, residents, supported employees and staff make up our community and come from many different backgrounds. The staff who support individuals and their families in our day programs, supported accommodation, short term accommodation, employment services and more, speak over 30 languages combined and support individuals to achieve their goals under the NDIS with compassion and understanding of heritage and traditions. Harmony Day is a time to recognise the diverse backgrounds, cultures and traditions that make up our wonderful community. Jamisontown Day Program held a family day, where carers joined their loved ones to enjoy on-site festivities. Staff organised a sausage sizzle, colouring program, dancing and everyone participated in a fun sing-a-long to their favourite tunes. Blacktown Day Program was bursting with colour, flowers and the amazing aromas of delicious exotic foods. Floral garlands hung from the doorframes welcomed visitors as they entered the site. Many staff and clients wore clothing unique to their countries of origin, such as Ireland and India, with fabulous headwear and decorations. These two sites are, to name a few. There were far too many Afford hubs to list who got involved with the event and we thank each of you for ensuring your clients, carers and families had a wonderful day celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion at your sites. Well done Affordians!
Afford Teams and Tribes
Staff Matters Staff ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
Matters
ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
PUZZLE OF THE WEEK
get to know ANNIE YUAN POSITION: LIFESTYLE ASSISTANT LOCATION: DECEPTION BAY, QLD FAVOURITE SONG? You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban FAVOURITE MOVIE? Forrest Gump FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Yoga FAVOURITE FOODS? Hazelnuts IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A human not an animal WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Japan
WHAT IS THE NICEST THING SOMEONE HAS EVER DONE FOR YOU? A cat chose me as his new owner from his ex, a poor lady who had him for 11 years IF YOU HAD THE POWER WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? I would like to bring more harmony to the world. I would like the world to be more balanced IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? Mandarin SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? Sorry cannot think about anything
Afford Teams and Tribes
Matters Staff Matters Staff Staff Matters ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
PSYCHOLOGIST OF THE YEAR, KARINA JOHNSON
WOTS ON!
We are so proud of the Affordians that received awards at the recent Staff Awards night. Please join us in congratulating our psychologist of the year, Karina Johnson!
MARCH/APRIL 2021
MARCH 26: WORLD PURPLE DAY
Karina started with Afford back in October 2019 as a psychologist/clinical psychology registrar and was the first allied health employee in the North Brisbane area. She has absolutely excelled in her role and since 2018, she has received her endorsement as a clinical psychologist and stepped up into the Allied Health Team Leader QLD position. There are so many things Karina loves about her job. “Being a psychologist, you can impact clients and families at any job, but I really love the holistic approach Afford offers. There’s nothing better than when clients reach their goal and the whole team does a happy dance together. It’s such a privilege to be a part of their journey,” said Karina.
Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness Winning the psychologist about epilepsy worldwide.. of the Year award last APRIL 2: GO BLUE FOR AUTISM Each year on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, iconic buildings across Australia and the world turn their lights blue to promote autism awareness. In support of this global initiative, Autism Queensland asks people Go Blue for the month of April. APRIL 2: GOOD FRIDAY Good Friday is a religious holiday primarily observed by Christians. APRIL 4: EASTER SUNDAY Easter Sunday is a religious holiday primarily observed by Christians. APRIL 5: EASTER MONDAY PH Easter Monday in a nationally observed public holiday.
October was a highlight for Karina and she was so happy to win. When asked what she thought when she won, Karina said, “I actually thought it was a mistake. I get to work with so many fantastic psychologists within Afford that I genuinely thought I wouldn’t get a look in. It was an honour to receive it. One of the best things about Afford is how each team works together for the clients. It’s amazing how much that impacts the clients but also how much more fun and effective it makes us as a team.” Congratulations Karina!
Afford Teams and Tribes
Staff Matters Staff ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
Matters
ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
REMINDER Have you ever thought about a new adventure interstate? Did you know Afford has a Secondment’s Program? Secondments are for staff members interested in relocating and bringing the Afford culture to our new locations in Adelaide or Perth. At Afford, we believe in brightness of future for all staff and everyone has the opportunity to take advantage of a secondment. Staff members who may be interested in relocating to either Adelaide or Perth should speak with their immediate and district managers and express interest to HR. Attractive secondment benefits will be available for all those willing to head over and get the Afford Way happening.
ADELAIDE
PERTH
This is your opportunity for a career progression and Afford will support you with any training, accommodation and relocation for you and your family.
HANDYMAN SCHEDULE MEET OUR HANDYMAN TAHIER Site Visits: - Monday 29th March:
Rouse Hill, Kings Park & Blacktown
- Tuesday 30th March:
Canley Vale, Eschol Park & Eaglevale
- Wednesday 31st March: Marrickville, Ashfield & Lurnea - Thursday 1st April: - Friday 2nd April:
Woodbine, Ingleburn & Prestons ADE
Lakemba, Guildford & Bexley
Afford Teams and Tribes
Matters Staff Matters Staff Staff Matters ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
August 7, 2020 Issue 269
ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
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Matters Staff Matters Staff Staff Matters ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
Words
ISSUE 302 | WEEK 39
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PUZZLE ANSWER The letter ‘T’
Afford Teams and Tribes
August 7, 2020 Issue 269