BIGDOGNEWS
BIGDOG OPERATIONS
And Welcome to February, that awkward month that hasnt got much going for it, no public holidays!
A big thank you to those Support Workers who has helped us write up bigger and more detailed support notes! Over the next little while we will continue to build these out for all our Participants which will make it easier to identify aligned goals, complete your shift summaries and provide support for newly assigned Support Workers. If you have any suggestions or ideas to add for a particular client, please reach out to the office.
SHOUT OUTS!
Toowoomba
Tiona Pemberton
"Congratulations Tiona! You have been nominated for a staff shout-out from your admin team for your consistency, reliability, great communication, and being a strong advocate for the participants
Tracy Smith
"Congratulations Tracy! You have been nominated for a staff shout-out from your admin team for your compassion, communication, and integrity We really appreciate how you use CareMaster chat for updates and how you ’ re a strong advocate for your participants
Our Latest Stand-outs
Each month the office staff from Toowoomba and Rockhampton pick two standout employees from each location for their incredible contributions to the team and stand-out behaviours and dedication
Rockhampton
Riley Denham
Riley, your willingness to support all participants, tackle high behaviours, and join the yard team hasn’t gone unnoticed! Your positive attitude and dedication have earned great feedback well done!
Oliver may be a quiet achiever, but his dedication speaks volumes! Oliver is always ready to step up, tackling any task with a great attitude Despite frequent cancellations, he stays adaptable and gets the job done!
Thanks for your hard work, Oliver!
COMMUNITY ROCKHAMPTON
Rockhampton Reptile & Aquarium Expo 2025
01
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2025
Venue: Rockhampton Showgrounds
Details: Explore a variety of reptiles and aquatic life at this expo, featuring exhibits and educational sessions
02
PLANNING ACTIVITIES
Check Accessibility:
Ensure that the venues are accessible and can accommodate any specific needs of the participants
Verify Event Details:
Confirm dates and times of events or openings, as schedules may change
Consider Participant Preferences: Tailor activities to the interests and comfort levels of the participants to ensure an enjoyable experience
Big Beer Festival
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2025
Venue: Rockhampton Riverside Precinct
Details: Enjoy a selection of local craft beers, alcoholic ginger beers, cocktails, wines, and spirits with live music from local musicians from 1 PM to late
03
Disco Revolution Live + DJ
Date: Saturday, 22 February 2025
Venue: Great Western Hotel
Details: Enjoy a night of disco hits and dance the evening away with live music and DJ sets.
A QUITE PLACE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Community Supports are a practical resource for assistance with tasks like shopping and errands while also offering opportunities to engage in new activities and environments with familiar support. Public libraries are a great example of this.
The Rockhampton Regional Council operates three libraries, each providing a wide range of resources and programs
ALDI Supermarket Opening: The second ALDI store in Rockhampton is expected to open in early February 2025 at Stockland Rockhampton Shopping Centre, which is more locally accessible.
Supermarkets play a crucial role in supporting daily living tasks within the community, particularly for individuals who require assistance with independent living skills. By incorporating supermarket visits into support plans, individuals gain meaningful, hands-on experience in essential life skills, fostering greater independence and confidence in daily living.
These libraries offer access to digital resources, Internet Cafes, free Wi-Fi, books, magazines, DVDs, and educational materials, along with quiet spaces for relaxation.
Beyond these resources, libraries host free community programs designed to encourage learning, social interaction, and skill development Below are some highlights of the upcoming events and activities available
Starting in February 2025, the cinema will undergo refurbishment, increasing from five to six screens. Depending on the construction schedule, attending a movie can be an enjoyable outing, providing entertainment and a comfortable environment for participants.
Diggz
COMMUNITY TOOWOOMBA
EVERYTHING NDIS 2025
01
Impairment Notices
New and renewing participants will receive impairment notices explaining their eligibility Use these to better understand and tailor support.
02
Art and Music
Therapy Review
A review of therapy pricing and qualifications is underway, with updates expected mid-2025. Stay informed if you work in these areas.
03
Flexible Budgets
Participants have more control over funding, allowing personalised plans. Support workers should help adjust services to meet goals. Organise a catch up with the Service Coordinators.
TRENDING THIS MONTH
Summer Tunes – Free live music at Rocky Creek Hall (8 Feb).
Makers Market – Handmade goods at Railway Goods Shed (9 Feb).
Broncos Fan Day – Meet players and enjoy activities (15 Feb).
Toowoomba Swap Meet – Auto parts and antiques at Toowoomba Showgrounds (1–2 Feb)
Oakey Rodeo – Rodeo events at Oakey Showgrounds (22 Feb).
NEW YEAR, NEW GOAL, NEW APPROACH
Starting the New Year with Clear Goals
As the new year begins, we’re focusing on setting clear goals and improving support for participants. This is an opportunity to streamline services and ensure everyone’s needs are met effectively.
Coffee Catch-Ups to Streamline Support
I’ll be hosting coffee catch-ups with staff and clients to:
Review participant progress.
Address challenges and successes.
Share ideas for better support.
These meetings will help ensure open communication and collaboration
Key Focus Areas for Support Staff
Communication: Share feedback and updates regularly.
Collaboration: Work together to find creative solutions.
Development: Set professional goals to improve support quality.
Moving Forward
Let’s make this year productive and impactful by setting goals, working together, and staying focused on what matters most. Here’s to a successful year ahead!
GROWTH IN THE COMMUNITY
During my time visiting participants and staff at BigDog Support Services, I’ve seen firsthand how positive relationships are at the heart of everything they do. Participants shared how much they value the staff’s genuine belief in them, with one saying, “They don’t just assist they encourage me to grow ”
I’ve also witnessed the strong friendships formed between participants during group activities and social events, with several describing these gatherings as feeling like “a second family.” It’s clear that these connections, built on trust and respect, create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive.
DAY SERVICE ROCKHAMPTON
Exercise and Adventure
February has been another busy and exciting month for the Rocky Day Service Group! While we’ve continued with our regular activities, we’ve also ventured out to explore some amazing spots around our region
We kicked off the month with a fantastic trip to Cooberie Park, where we had the chance to see some incredible wildlife up close. We headed up to Mount Morgan to visit the famous dam and stopping in at the train museum. We also made several trips to Yeppoon, where we enjoyed many refreshing swims in the Yeppoon Lagoon.
Our cooking classes have been a hit, with everyone getting involved in preparing delicious meals. And for those seeking a bit of relaxation and stretching, our yoga sessions have been a great addition to our week.
Back at our centre, we’ve kept up our fitness routine by using the gym every Friday afternoon and making the most of our hydrotherapy pool on select days.
We wrapped up the month with a fun outing to the Rockhampton Cinemas, where we all enjoyed the new Captain America movie. What a way to finish off another action-packed month!
We can’t wait to see what March has in store for us!
TOOWOOMBA
Eco-Innovation and Technology
Welcome to February!
This month, we’re focusing on learning, staying active, and connecting with the community through cooking classes, fitness sessions, social gatherings, and outings. Let’s make the most of it!
we’re excitied for!
This month, we’re off to:
Jondaryan Woolshed – Explore Australia’s wool industry with live demos and a step back in time
Crow’s Nest Cordial Tour – Discover how cordial is made while enjoying the scenic countryside. Get ready for fun, learning, and lasting memories we can’t wait to share these experiences with you!
Health & Fitness Focus
Our weekly fitness sessions at Highfields Centre help boost strength, flexibility, and energy levels. Exercise enhances confidence, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. By staying active, we’re building healthier, happier lifestyles together!
Social Morning Tea
Each month, Toowoomba Day Service hosts a themed morning tea, bringing clients together to enjoy great food, laughter, and friendship These gatherings also support local charities, making them a meaningful way to connect and give back.
Tuesdays at 1 PM are all about cooking at our Day Service! Each week, we choose a recipe, create a shopping list, and cook together building essential skills like budgeting, meal prep, and food safety. Cooking fosters confidence, independence, and social connections. Let’s keep creating and sharing delicious meals!
Come join Jess and the rest of the team for all the exci ppening at the Toowoomba Day Service. We can’t wait
Policy Reminder Team work
Support Workers, if your shift is cancelled, please call the office as soon as possible so we can correctly manage this
Please use the Caremaster Chat to share any updates/ knowledge with your peers, keep informed about shift changes & requests from participants
Please feel free to come and talk to me if you need to address any changes in your availability, such as new commitments or reduced hours. I'm here to assist and ensure we can best accommodate your needs and come up with a game plan.
I appreciate everyone submitting their leave requests. Please ensure these are submitted as early as possible, preferably two weeks in advance, to help us manage adequate coverage for our participants. Early notice allows us and our participants to prepare for any changes to routines or plans effectively.
Just a reminder, both offices are open from 7 AM to 4 PM Monday-Friday. For after-hours matters that can wait until we reopen, please send an email or text.
Rostering
Our next Public Holiday is the Toowoomba Show HolidayMarch 28
Calling in Sick: If you're unable to attend a shift that starts before 9am, please contact ON CALL directly. Important Note: DO NOT TEXT on call otherwise your message will not get through, you MUST CALL!
Weekend Shifts: For any shift starting after 4pm on Friday and before 9am on Monday, be sure to reach out to ON CALL. The office is not open. Unable to See a Participant? Let the Rostering team know so they can update the participant’s profile accordingly.
Missing a Car Assignment? If you're unable to see which car you've been assigned to, reach out to the office.
Changing Your Availability: If CareMaster isn’t allowing you to adjust your availability, please contact Rostering for assistance.
Time Off Requests: If you need time off for an appointment, remember to submit a partial or full-day leave request.
Leave Approval Times: Please note that leave requests will not be approved after Noon on Fridays and before 7am on Mondays.
App Issues? If your app is malfunctioning, take a screenshot of the issue and report it via the CareMaster app.
If interested or wanting to hear more, please reach out to r
ROCKHAMPTON
MEMBERSHIPS
GOLD
$350 (10 WEEK TERM)
UNLIMITED FITNESS AND SQUASH COMPETITIONS
SILVER
$200 (10 WEEK TERM)
UNLIMITED FITNESS CLASSES
CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS!! GENTLE FLOW - BACE - SHRED IT!
STAY ACTIVE WHILE SITTING:
6 Easy Stretches to Boost Flexibility
Sitting for long periods doesn’t mean you can’t stay active! Here are 6 simple stretches you can do anywhere to improve flexibility and keep your body engaged:
Neck Twists – Gently twist your neck from side to side to relieve tension.
Calf Raises – Lift your heels while seated to promote circulation and strengthen calves.
Toe Touches – Reach for your toes to stretch your hamstrings and lower back.
Triceps Stretch – Bend one arm overhead, gently press your elbow with the other hand.
Deltoid Stretch – Reach one arm across your chest, and gently pull with the opposite hand.
Back Twists – Twist your torso from side to side to improve spinal mobility.
Incorporating these quick stretches into your daily routine can help improve flexibility and keep you feeling active, whether you’re at work, school, or even relaxing at home. Little stretches, big benefits!.
Happy Birthday!
Happies birthday to all of our February babies : Nawaf F, Tracey C, Daniel A, Logan B, Ryan
H, Michele R
BIGDOG RECEPTION
THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY
Valentine’s Day is more than just a day for flowers and chocolates it's a special occasion to celebrate love in all its forms! Here’s how it got so special;
Valentine’s Day became a tradition through a mix of history and legend. It’s believed to be named after St. Valentine, a priest who secretly married couples in ancient Rome when Emperor Claudius II banned marriages. Valentine’s actions were seen as acts of love, and he became a symbol of romance.
Over time, the holiday evolved from a religious observance to a celebration of love, with people exchanging love notes and gifts. It was later linked to an ancient Roman festival celebrating love and fertility. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it became the modern holiday we know today, with cards, flowers, and chocolates.
So, in short, Valentine’s Day started as a mix of history, acts of love, and ancient traditions that grew into a celebration of affection.
"Hey Siri, play 'Best Love Songs of All Time: Office Edition.'"
“Amazed” Lonestar
“Love On The Brain” Rihanna
“Nobody Gets Me” SZA
“Truly Madly Deeply” Savage Garden
“Can’t help falling in love” Elvis
“I Got You Babe” Sony & Cher
“fOoL fOr YoU” ZAYN
“Strangers In The Night” Frank Sinatra
“Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” Barry White
“My Person” Spencer Crandall
“Lover of Mine” John Vincent III
“Lay Down” Son Little
“Iris” The Goo Goo Dolls
“Beautiful Crazy” Luke Combs
“Accidentally In Love” Counting Crows
Happy Valentines Day
Dont forget to share your successes or updates that you might like shared in the BigDog Newsletter. Please send details to Billy at t_services@bigdog.au.
For all staff that feel the pressures of work a little more then you feel you should, if you require any debriefing after an incident or any kind of psychiatry for work related concerns please keep in mind we are registered for an Employee Assistance Program with the Business Relience Centre. Everything that is discused with their team remains annonymous and private. go to Catholiccare.services/eap