Staff Matters APRIL 23, ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
AFFORD EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE
Another exciting Afford Employment Conference was held for all Afford Employment staff at the Novotel in sunny Manly, NSW. These conferences are key to the Afford Way and they keep our staff updated, connected and involved with what is happening with our organisation. It is an opportunity to network with other teams and upskill our staff so that they continue to provide the highest quality support in the disability sector. The Afford Employment conference provides the best platform for all three employment services to link up and continue to work together for our clients to access opportunities available across our employment services. “It was amazing being able to get together with the entire team once again, including our Queensland SLES team. We now have over 90 Afford Employment staff members. This year was the first year we had made it a client free day so as ALL team members could attend- this will be the standard each year from now on,” said National Executive Manager Commercial Services, Gordon Griff. The conference kicked off last Thursday evening. Team members checked into the Novotel and met at the Peanut Butter and Jelly restaurant for dinner, drinks and networking. The next morning, National Executive Manager Commercial Services, Gordon Griff, opened the day, followed by presentations that focused on PACES/ACES, grants, employer of choice, workers compensation and ADE, DES and SLES. The presentation highlight was an inspiring guest speaker, Kamal Sarma, who delivered an inspiring speech about living in the moment and how to connect with our peers, friends and family deeply. Staff were treated to a team-building activity, being the signature Afford scavenger hunt! Groups were given a list of clues and locations they needed to find in Manly. Congratulations to team SLES for winning the trophy! “I would like to say a massive thank you to all the presenters on the day and all the people who contributed to make the conference such a great success. Once again, thank you for attending, contributing and making an amazing conference which had a fantastic team vibe!” said National Executive Manager Commercial Services, Gordon Griff. Conferences are a great way to get our employment staff together all in one place and are essential in helping to maintain a healthy and robust relationship between our employment services at Afford.
Afford Teams and Tribes
Matters Staff Matters Staff Staff Matters ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
In This Issue Afford Employment Conference
How To Take A Good Photo
Afford Employment Conference Continued
August 7, 2020 Issue 269
HOW TO TAKE A GOOD PHOTO Many of our sites snap hundreds of photos every day to upload and share with your client’s families Facebook. For some staff, the art of taking a photo doesn’t come easy. So, we’re here to help with some tips to take your photography to the next level!
Photography is one of the most amazing pieces of technology we have. It gives us the ability to capture a moment in time and tell a story. Taking great photos is essential for four PACES story submissions and sharing your images with your client’s family. There have also been instances where clients could also get involved with advertising projects (given permission) due to great photos. FIVE TIPS TO UP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GAME: 1. L ighting is everything! Pay attention to how bright the photo is on your camera or phone screen. The quality of your lighting can have a big effect on the result of your photo. Natural light is always better, particularly in the early morning or late evening and use a flash if necessary. Touch your finger to your phone screen to focus the light.
Puzzle Of The Week Get to Know
2. C heck the background in your image. Think about how this will look in the photo. 3. Keep a steady hand and try not to move when clicking to take the photo. You can use a tripod or selfie stick if you need.
Wots On! Congratulating Our Speech Pathologists of the Year
Reminder Handyman Schedule
Selfies of the Week
Words of Wisdom Puzzle Answer
4. T ake notice of the activity. For example, if someone is eating or drinking, it isn’t the right time to take the photo. Photos of client’s or staff eating cannot be used in good news stories. Ask the client to pose with their food BEFORE they eat or take a different photo, such as the client shopping and preparing the food before eating. 5. Don’t be shy, try new things! Switch it up, try new perspectives and angles, mix it up with props and have fun. Extra tip for smartphone photographers – try portrait mode! Top tip! If you take a photo that you think is AMAZING, don’t be afraid to share it with marketing! Email marketing@afford. com.au we love seeing great photos and often share our favourite images on our social media pages.
Afford Teams and Tribes
Staff Matters Staff ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
Matters
ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
AFFORD EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE CONTINUED
Afford Teams and Tribes
Staff Matters Staff ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
Matters
ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
PUZZLE OF THE WEEK
get to know CAROL BRYANT POSITION: DIRECTOR AFFORD BOARD FAVOURITE SONG? Under The Milky Way – The Church FAVOURITE MOVIE? Amélie FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Bush walking and yoga
WHAT IS THE NICEST THING SOMEONE HAS EVER DONE FOR YOU? A big surprise birthday party for me IF YOU HAD THE POWER WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? I would like to make people more tolerant of each other, and to accept people for who they are
FAVOURITE FOODS? Ice cream WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION? A close friend of mine – she taught me to ‘have a go’ at anything and that it’s never too late to try and fulfil your dreams WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? France – The Dordogne Valley in particular
IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? I would try and teach people how to have a positive attitude and approach to life WHAT WAS YOU LAST JOB OR BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT? My last job was Chief Executive Officer at Macquarie University Hospital
Afford Teams and Tribes
Matters Staff Matters Staff Staff Matters ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
CONGRATULATING OUR SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS OF THE YEAR
WOTS ON!
We are so proud of the Affordians that received awards at the recent Staff Awards night. Please join us in congratulating our two speech pathologists of the year, Carmen Zheng and Laura Perez! Carmen and Laura won combined first place for their efforts throughout the year.
APRIL 2021
APRIL 25: ANZAC DAY Anzac Day is the solemn day of remembrance of those Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country. APRIL 26: ANZAC DAY PH The Anzac Day public holiday is for QLD, ACT, SA, WA & NT. NSW, VIC & TAS do not receieve a public holiday this year. APRIL 30 - MAY 1: BRISBANE DISABILITY SERVICE PROVIDER EXPO Proudly presented by Afford, visit us at the Brisbane Disability Service Provider and Participant Connection Expo! MAY 1 - MAY 2: SOURCE KIDS DISABILITY EXPO MELBOURNE Visit Afford at the Source Kids Disability Expo in Melbourne! There is over 120 disability product and service providers under one roof.
Carmen has been working with Afford since February 2020 and Laura started in May 2018. When asked what they enjoyed most about their job, Carmen responded with, “I enjoy the journey with my clients and getting to know them and their families long-term. Families are such a big part of a person with disabilities’ life and well-being. I have enjoyed seeing more of my client’s life, their supports and through these things, knowing how to make a difference that will improve both the client and their family’s life. While improvements can be slow due to the chronic nature of their disabilities, when you finally see improvements, it makes it especially rewarding.” Laura enjoys working with her team, one of the biggest departments at Afford, “I love working in a team, not only with the great allied health team but also with the carers and team leaders at day programs and accommodation and with the clients and their families. It all comes together to achieve the best results for clients,” Laura said. When asked, what did you think when you won, both Laura and Carmen expressed their surprise and gratitude. “I was not expecting to win anything but to enjoy the night, so it was a wonderful honour and privilege to be nominated and recognised in this way,” Carmen said. “I couldn’t believe it because everyone works equally hard and we all deserve a pat on our back. But It did feel nice to be recognised,” Laura said. Congratulation’s superstars!
Afford Teams and Tribes
Staff Matters Staff ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
Matters
ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
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 26th April:
Bexley & Liverpool
- Tuesday 27th April:
Belmore & Guildford
- Wednesday 28th April: Marrickville, Ashfield & Lurnea - Thursday 29th April: - Friday 30th April:
Mount Druitt, St Marys & Minchinbury
Woodbine, Ingleburn & Prestons ADE
Afford Teams and Tribes
Matters Staff Matters Staff Staff Matters ISSUE 08 | WEEK 10
August 7, 2020 Issue 269
ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
SELFIES OF THE WEEK
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Words
ISSUE 306 | WEEK 43
Words of wisDom of wisDom
PUZZLE ANSWER Large
Afford Teams and Tribes
August 7, 2020 Issue 269