BIGDOGNEWS
ST PATRICKS DAY IS HERE
BIGDOG OPERATIONS
Hi Team, this month it has been busy times at the BigDog Offices, with some big intakes happening at both Rockhampton and Toowoomba. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up and put in the extra hours and helped out rostering where possible. If you know of anyone that is chasing a new career and might be a good Support Worker, encourage them to send through a resume and we will see if they are a good fit for the company. Otherwise, if you are chasing more hours and are able to expand your availability to take on more shifts reach out to your Rostering Coordinator to update your schedule!
SHOUT OUTS!
Toowoomba
Staff Shout Out - Dylan Glossop
Congratulations Dylan! You have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for your outstanding engagement with participants, your genuine care factor, and your dedication to follow through
Staff Shout Out - Daniel Abellera
Congratulations Daniel! You have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for always covering shifts, being flexible with last-minute changes, and your willingness to work with anyone, anywhere
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
Staff Shout Out - Rhett Austin
Congratulations Rhett! You have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for your incredible resilience and dedication, especially for doing sleepovers for over 2 years
OStaff Shout Out - Shane Amarasinghe
Congratulations Shane! You have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for always stepping up, never saying no to anything, and being incredibly dedicated
01
COMMUNITY ROCKHAMPTON
Visit the Rockhampton Zoo
Description: Located adjacent to the Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton Zoo is wheelchair accessible and home to a variety of native Australian animals, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone
02
Explore the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Description: The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens offer wellmaintained, wheelchair-accessible paths, providing a beautiful escape for all visitors
WHAT IS A RESTRICTIVE PRACTICE?
The NDIS defines a restrictive practice as ‘any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability’.
There are 5 categories of restrictive practices under the NDIS These are:
Chemical restraint
Mechanical restraint
Physical restraint
Environmental restraint
Seclusion
Some helpful tips to remember about restrictive practices:
Always use the least restrictive means possible for the shortest time possible Locked medication is not a restrictive practice
Consider the impact of others, making sure not to be performing an RP on a nonintended recipient in the process.
BigDog is excited to announce new service opportunities available within our organisation. We currently have:
A 1:3 SIL vacancy
A full SIL vacancy
Capacity in our Yard Maintenance and Cleaning Services
03
Accessible Adventure at Mount Archer National Park
Description: Mount Archer offers accessible trails and boardwalks, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy panoramic views of Rockhampton and the surrounding landscapes.
Mechanical restraints don’t just refer to the car, but any piece of equipment that restricts a persons behaviours or movements (excluding equipment used for therapeutic or non-behavioural purpose i.e. wheelchair, postural harness)
Telling a person they are not allowed to leave a certain area, i.e. their room, is seclusion.
The most important tip of all to remember is, if unsure, report it. It is always better to report something you are unsure about that way your admin team know where to assist you If you are ever unsure please reach out to your admin for further information.
For more helpful information on restrictive practices: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/sites/defaul t/files/2024-09/regulated-restrictive-practiceguide-rrp-20200 0.pdf
Additionally, we are seeking a second Service Coordinator to fulfil the role previously held by Kirby. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our passionate team, supporting individuals to live their best lives. If you or someone you know is interested in any of these opportunities, please reach out to our team for more information.
COMMUNITY TOOWOOMBA
01
Lifeline Bookfest
Date: March 1-2, 2025
Location: Toowoomba Showgrounds (Founders Pavilion)
Description: A massive book sale event where proceeds support Lifeline Darling Downs' crisis and emergency services.
02
Williams Park Open Day
Date: March 8, 2025
Location: Williams Park
Description: As part of the Annual Parks Week events, the Friends of Escarpment Parks Toowoomba invite you to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of Williams Park
03
Heritage Bank Toowoomba Royal Show
Dates: March 27-29, 2025
Location: Toowoomba Showgrounds
Description: Celebrating its 160th year, the Toowoomba Royal Show offers world-class entertainment, competitions, and exhilarating rides It's a family-friendly event that showcases the region's rich agricultural heritage.
TRENDING THIS MONTH
Climate and Environment:
Rising Spring Temperatures: Data indicates a consistent increase in spring temperatures across the United States For instance, Allegheny County experienced a 3.1°F rise from 1970 to 2024, surpassing the national average This warming trend raises concerns about intensified extreme weather events, ecological impacts, and heightened seasonal allergies
Health and Wellness Blogging:
Focus on Mental Health and Self-Care: There's a growing emphasis on mental well-being, with blogs offering guidance on self-care practices, mindfulness, and meditation to help individuals manage modern life's challenges.
HOW TO ENGAGE WITH DIFFICULT CLIENTS
Working in the disability sector means supporting individuals with unique needs, and sometimes, interactions can be challenging Whether a client is frustrated, uncooperative, or experiencing heightened emotions, responding with patience and professionalism is essential.
Active listening is one of the most effective tools in de-escalating situations Acknowledging a client’s concerns without interrupting or rushing to a solution can make them feel heard. A simple, “I understand this is frustrating for you. Let’s work through it together,” can go a long way
NDIS GROWTH
Remaining calm and composed, even when a client is upset, helps prevent further escalation Your tone, body language, and choice of words set the tone for the conversation. Identifying the root cause of a client’s frustration whether it’s anxiety, past trauma, or communication barriers can also help in finding the best approach to support them.
Setting clear but empathetic boundaries ensures mutual respect. If a situation becomes unsafe or unmanageable, contacting the office or authorities if necessary ensures the safety of everyone involved. By using these strategies, we can turn difficult interactions into opportunities to build trust and strengthen client relationships, reinforcing BigDog’s commitment to person-centred care "
As of March 4, 2025, several notable updates have emerged regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): Legislative Amendments:
On August 22, 2024, the Australian Parliament enacted the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024. A pivotal change introduced by this legislation is a refined definition of NDIS supports, delineating the scope of funding coverage. This updated definition applies universally to all participants.
Operational Enhancements:
From January 1, 2025, new participants accepted into the NDIS will receive an impairment notice upon meeting access requirements or transitioning to new framework plans. This notice specifies the impairments that qualify them for the scheme, aiming to enhance transparency and clarity in the eligibility process.
DAY SERVICE
ROCKHAMPTON
Exercise and Adventure
February has been another fantastic month for Rocky Day Service, filled with fun activities and memorable experiences! We continued with our regular routine of library visits, grocery shopping, cooking, 10-pin bowling, and pub lunches, all of which bring joy and connection to our community.
February also marked the bittersweet farewell of our Day Service Coordinator, Taylah, as we welcomed our new Coordinator, Logan. We’re excited for the fresh energy and enthusiasm Logan brings to our team! Looking forward to more adventures in the months ahead!
This month, we ventured out to Cooberrie Park, where we were lucky enough to see some incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. We also celebrated Valentine’s Day by baking sweet treats and enjoyed a lovely BBQ at the park with friends.
A highlight of the month was our day trip to Mt Morgan. We had a great time grilling up a BBQ at the dam and taking a scenic walk across the iconic swinging bridge.
To cap it off, we visited the Rockhampton cinemas for a movie outing and treated ourselves to a relaxing hydro session in our pool at Big Dog.
DAYSERVICE TOOWOOMBA
Eco-Innovation and Technology
Exciting Adventures Await at Toowoomba Day Service!
We've been having an action-packed time at the Toowoomba Day Service, and there's no slowing down! With plenty of outings and activities, we’re making sure everyone has a chance to get involved, try new things, and have a fantastic time with friends.
Walking Club Takes a Wild Turn! Our Walking Club recently took an exciting trip to the Darling Downs Zoo! We enjoyed exploring the different animal enclosures, learning about exotic wildlife, and watching the cheeky monkeys play. It was a great opportunity for our clients to enjoy the fresh air, get some steps in, and experience the wonders of nature up close.
Encouraging Participation Every Step of the Way
At Toowoomba Day Service, we encourage clients to get involved in planning, activities, and responsibilities. These experiences build confidence, independence, and social connections
More exciting outings are on the way! If you have any ideas, let us know we love making sure everyone gets to do something they enjoy.
A Step Back in Time – Highfields Pioneer Village
Our visit to Highfields Pioneer Village brought history to life! Clients explored historic buildings, learned about early Australian life, and saw old machinery in action a hands-on experience of the past
Retail
Therapy Day
A fun day out shopping gave clients the chance to browse, pick up goodies, and practice money-handling skills. Whether it was a new outfit, a gift, or just enjoying the social outing, everyone had a great time!
Keeping BigDog Sparkling!
Clients have been busy washing the BigDog buses, scrubbing and rinsing to keep them in top shape. This teamwork activity builds responsibility and there's nothing better than a freshly cleaned bus shining in the sun!
Jondaryan Woolshed Trip Postponed Wet weather cancelled our planned visit to Jondaryan Woolshed, but we’ll be rescheduling soon. Stay tuned for a new date!
Come join Jess and the rest of the team for all the exciting adventures happening at the Toowoomba Day Service. We can’t wait to see you there!
BIGDOG ROSTERING
New Leave Request Half Day
Here’s how to submit a leave request to ensure all parties' needs are considered and met.
Open the Caremaster app.
Navigate to ‘More’ at the bottom and select ‘My Leave Requests’. Tap ‘New Leave Request’.
Multiple Consecutive Days:
For a Half-Day Leave
(e.g., You have a doctor's appointment at 4:00 PM but can work until 3:00 PM)
Select ‘Partial Day’. Under ‘Date’, choose the day you are unavailable.
Enter the Start Time and End Time (e.g., Start Time: 5:00 AM, End Time: 3:00 PM)
Full Day
For a Full Day or Longer Leave:
Do not select ‘Partial Day’ (the button should remain grey).
Choose the Start Date and End Date for your leave.
Single-Day Leave:
Enter the same date for both Start Date and End Date
(e.g., If you are on a week-long trip overseas) Select the days you will not be working. (e.g. If you return to Australia on 09/03/2026 but cannot work until 11/03/2026, set your End Date as 11/03/2026 to reflect the full holiday duration.)
Finalising Your Leave Request:
Select ‘Leave Type’:
Casual employees – Choose ‘Leave Without Pay’. Permanent employees – Select the specific reason for leave Triple check all details are correct and select ‘Submit’
Please note that rostering hours for both Toowoomba and Rockhampton are from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and leave requests will only be approved within this timeframe. If you are submitting a leave request for the following day outside of these working hours, it will be considered an on-call matter. Please also be mindful of allowing sufficient time to ensure our valued participants continue to receive the support they need.
If
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!
EXERCISE WITHOUT EXERCISING
Looking for fun and exciting ways to stay active without hitting the gym? Here are some exciting and active games that are not only a blast, but also help keep you fit and in shape!
Balloon Stomp: Everyone ties a balloon to their ankle. The goal is to pop everyone else’s balloon while keeping yours safe. It’s a great way to get the heart pumping and work on agility.
Floor is Lava: Set up a "lava" zone on the floor, and participants have to move around the room using only certain safe spots (like furniture or cushions). It encourages balance and coordination.
Dance Party: Put on some fun music and let loose! Whether it's freestyle dancing or following a choreographed routine, you’re sure to get a full-body workout.
Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find around the house or outside. You can add challenges like "run to the tree" or "jump five times before you find the next clue."
Sardines: Like reverse hide and seek! One person hides, and the others search. As each person finds the hider, they join them until everyone is packed in a small hiding space. This one has a lot of running and searching involved.
Happy Birthday!
Happies birthday to all of our February babies : Michael B, Brett W, Suzanne R, Margaret H, Logan MS, Mia L, Kirby S, Ellie B
BIGDOG RECEPTION
Who invented the first telephone
The telephone is something we all take for granted today, but its invention was nothing short of revolutionary. Here are some fascinating tidbits about the very first telephone that will make you appreciate your device a little more:
The First Words: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you!” These historic words were spoken by Alexander Graham Bell on March 10, 1876, during the world’s first successful telephone call.
An Accidental Invention: Believe it or not, Bell wasn’t trying to invent the telephone. He was working on improving the telegraph, aiming to transmit multiple messages over a single wire. The telephone was a surprising, game-changing result of his experiments!
A Patent Battle: Bell wasn't the only inventor in the race. Elisha Gray, an American inventor, filed a similar patent on the same day. The two became e mbroiled in a famous legal battle, but Bell’s patent ultimately won out.
The First Public Demo: Imagine witnessing history! In 1876, Bell demonstrated the telephone to the public at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. While many were amazed, some struggled to grasp how it actually worked!
The First Telephone Line: The very first telephone line connected Bell's lab in Boston to his assistant, Thomas Watson, just a few miles away. It wasn’t until 1877, though, that the first commercial telephone service was launched in Boston!
Edison’s Big Help: Thomas Edison, famous for the lightbulb, wasn’t just an admirer of Bell. He played a huge role in improving the telephone by inventing the carbon microphone, which dramatically improved sound quality.
A Call for Help: The very first public telephone call wasn't for business or social chit-chat it was Bell calling his assistant for help with a simple task: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you!”
So the next time you pick up your phone, remember it all started with a lot of curiosity, a bit of luck, and a whole lot of innovation.
That’s a wrap!
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
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