BigDog Newsletter March 2024

Courtney Company Updates

Performance appraisals have now been completed for both Rockhampton and Toowoomba staff and we have received some great feedback. We want to thank everyone who came in and spent the time to talk to us about how they feel about their workplace. This information was used in the admin team appraisals as well as implementing some new processes in our organisation to improve our service delivery.

Toowoomba:

Team Bonding

Last weekend the BigDog admin teams from Rockhampton and Toowoomba joined forces for a weekend away at the Sunshine Coast to undertake some team bonding activities. It was a great way for the team to meet each other and create relationships to support each other in their corresponding roles as a lot of the team had never met in person.

Michael Backman - recognised by your admin team for your personality mixed with can-do attitude and your willingness to go above and beyond for our participants needs.

Peter Spry - for being a standout worker for your ongoing commitment to the company and high level of communication and service delivery.

Rockhampton:

Tahlia Adams - from your admin team for being flexible and helping out with shifts when needed.

Logan Barclay - you have been recognised by your admin team for always helping out with shifts at the last minute and showing eagerness to learn

“Staff

Rockhampton

Courtney/ Abby

The transition of our new Supported Independent Living (SIL) client into our care has been nothing short of remarkable. After relying solely on informal supports for over two decades, they have embraced the shift to structured care with remarkable resilience and enthusiasm. What makes this transition even more extraordinary is the groundwork laid in the months prior, where we dedicated significant time and effort to building relationships and fostering trust with our client. This investment in rapport has undoubtedly facilitated their smooth integration into our SIL program.

In Rocky, our rapport with stakeholders and informal support has played a crucial role in ensuring that the transition went as smoothly as possible. It's inspiring to witness their adaptability and openness to new experiences as they navigate this significant change in their life. Despite the initial challenges, our client has shown incredible courage and determination, quickly forming trusting relationships with our team and actively participating in their care plan. Their positive attitude and willingness to embrace change serve as a testament to their strength and character, and we are honoured to be part of their journey towards greater independence and fulfilment.

Rocky are setting ambitious goals that align with our vision for the future. From innovative projects to community initiatives, we are committed to making a positive impact. Our team has been hard at work strategizing and planning, and we can't wait to share the fruits of our labour with you throughout the year.

February invites us to embrace the spirit of exploration and engage in meaningful dialogues as we conduct our check-ins. It's a month dedicated to active participation, where we not only venture into the world around us but also open our ears to valuable feedback. Join us on this journey of connection and growth as we step out, explore, and gather insights during our insightful check-in sessions. We're optimistic about receiving positive feedback, but we eagerly welcome and value all kinds of input. Your insights are instrumental in helping us navigate and enhance our journey, so please feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Billy & Marcu Toowoomba Community

Spring is in the air, and the Toowoomba community is buzzing with excitement this month!

Queens Park will be aglow with electrifying displays of lighting worth $3 million, promising a spectacle to remember.

As we embrace the spirit of the season, let's also mark our calendars for some significant events ahead. We'll celebrate World Hearing Day on the 3rd of March, Women's Day on the 8th, Harmony Week from the 15th to the 21st, and St. Patrick's Day on the 17th. And let's not forget, Spring will officially embrace us all from the 19th, kickstarting the Garden City's vibrant season.

I encourage all our support staff to make the most of this bustling month by involving our participants in the various community events and festivities.

At BigDog, we have the capacity to cater to all aspects of business, from Day Service 1:3 to SIL opportunities, and even Community access and Yard and Cleaning Services. Let's seize the opportunities that March brings and make it a month to remember for our participants and our community! -

Billy

It's been a whirlwind of two weeks. It's been said never judge another person until you have walked in their shoes. Being a support worker for the last two years has really opened my eyes to one side of the industry admittedly it too was a steep learning curve as I like many came from outside the industry. it's never an easy road being the new kid on the block although the support from the office and day service and the comradeship with my fellow support workers made the road traveled much easier.

Now in my new role as Service Coordinator it has again opened my eyes to the complexity of what it takes to run the "BigDog" ship, there is an old adage that on a ship a crew is nothing without its Captain and in turn a Capitan is nothing without their crew. So as a team no matter what our role is we all play a vital role and have a right to feel proud of ourselves. Some days are diamonds and some simply aren't but gather the diamonds and realise their value. Billy and I have been busy making plans of how we can further our engagement from the office to our frontline workers, communication is always brought up as a bugbear in conversations in the past with frontline staff (me included). It would be amiss of me now in this position not to acknowledge this and (with Billy) we are putting plans in place to bridge this gap.

So, yes we will be looking for feedback and just as importantly we look forward to having regular conversations with you, it may be just a phone call as simple as "Hi, How are you doing?" and we can take it from there. Both Billy and I have acknowledged we need these conversations either in person or on the phone to keep our feet on the ground and keep the communication line open. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone, please share your good news stories and any ideas you have, "who knows? it might just be a game changer". -

Marcus

Toowoomba Centre

Greetings from the Toowoomba Centre!

As we bid farewell to February's heat, we reflect on the wonderful experiences we shared amidst the warmth. Throughout the month, we embarked on a Recycling Revolution, diligently collecting bottles and cans to contribute to a greener future.

"Move forward. Good things are up ahead."

Check out our website to download our monthly calendar.

Our Camel Adventures transported us to a realm of wonder as we observed the endearing grooming rituals between camel mothers and their offspring. Join us on Wednesdays for more heartwarming moments!

Stay tuned for updates on the Toowoomba Calendar, where we'll soon unveil DIY Delights. Unleash your creativity with an array of crafts and projects tailored to ignite your inner artist.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey through our newsletter. We look forward to sharing more adventures and updates in our upcoming editions!

ROCKHAMPTON DAY SERVICE

Hello Big Dog community! February has been n amazing month for out Rockhampton Day service group! We have been participating in a bunch of fun activities, making the most out of every moment. From refreshing swims to working up a sweat in the gym, beach trips to Yeppoon, culinary adventures, exploring science and so much more – our participants have been enjoying every minute.

Here at Rockhampton Day Service, every day is filled with laughter, learning and lasting memories. If you may be interested by the idea of joining our fantastic community, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Rockhampton office. We’d love to welcome you into the Big Dog Family!

Taylah

We take pride in not only creating enjoyable experiences but also incorporating activities that keep those fine motor skills sharp. It’s all about having fun, fostering growth, and achieving goals!

The excitement doesn’t stop there! March is gearing up to be just as exciting. We have some fantastic activities planned, including a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village, Stoney Creek Adventures, Exploring the Gladstone Marine Museum, and catching some action at the Rocky Nats!

FRONT OF HOUSE

What's up Everyone, it's TNT

As we embrace this rare leap year, it's a perfect time to ensure our company vehicles are in tip-top shape and meet all the necessary regulations. Maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of our company cars isn't just about appearances – it's a reflection of our dedication to professionalism and safety. Let's take advantage of this extra day on the calendar to check and update any worker documents that need attention, like licenses and certifications. Staying up to date not only helps us avoid hassles but also shows we're on the ball as a team. So, as we cruise through this leap year, let's keep our company wheels spinning smoothly and in line with the standards we set for ourselves.

Keep it fresh, keep it funky, Tahnee and Tyla (TNT)

Richelle Milway

Gus Delgato

Tahlia Adams

Tahnee & Tyla

Whats on at BigDog

Leave Requests

A note to all staff through Rockhampton and Toowoomba that with Easter Holidays just around the corner we expect you all to have your leave Requests sent through as soon as possible. Please note that it is as it states a ‘request’ and that not all leave may be approved if there are late entries.

Risk Training

Toowoomba and Rocky Admin

Toowoomba and Rockhampton will be undergoing Risk Management Training on March the 7th.

Football!

Capras and Clydesdales go head to head once more for the BigDog Cup! Keep the 9th of March free and if you can’t, bring any participants along to see the spectacle. There are 50 GA tickets available at the office.

Juliette S

Michael B

Brett W

Suzanne R

Margaret H Sharna J Logan M-S Janae G