BIGDOGNEWS
AUSTRALIA DAY!!
BUSINESS UPDATES
edition 11 November 24
Welcome to 2025,
I hope everyone had a refreshing break and is feeling ready for the new year. We can all experience Holiday Hangovers where it is hard to get back into the rhythm of things, so if everyone can make an effort to refocus, engage with participants and do their job to the best of their abilities.
And in other news, we are next month waving goodbye to Pam our rostering guru in Rockhampton. She has made the difficult decision to spend more time with her family as they navigate new challenges. Pam has been a mainstay at BigDog for some time now and will be sorely missed. Her last day will be the 7th Feb if when you have a moment please reach out and say goodbye!
Lets have a great year!
SHOUT OUTS!
Toowoomba
Congratulations Cameron Hillier, you have been nominated for a staff shout-out for being an incredible all-rounder! Nothing is ever too much for you, and you consistently step up to take on any task with a positive attitude
Congratulation Greg Wheeler you ' ve been nominated for being reliable and consistent! Your dedication to the participants, especially during the long days, makes a huge impact
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
Congratulations Adam Levi Your willingness to adapt and support your team and participants during this transition has made a significant difference
Congratulations Michele Ryan your incredible flexibility and dedication at Scottvale! Your positive attitude and commitment to ensuring everything runs smoothly make a huge impact, and we deeply appreciate your hard work and reliability
ROCKHAMPTON Community
edition 11 November 24
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! As we step into the new year, it's exciting to focus on the possibilities ahead. We've jumped straight back into things, ready to tackle new projects and challenges with energy and teamwork.
During our check-ins, we're reassessing goals and rostered supports to ensure they meet participants' evolving needs. These adjustments help provide tailored assistance for each individual.
A big thank you to our incredible Support Workers for your dedication during the holiday season. Your commitment makes a lasting difference, and we’re grateful for all you do. Let’s keep this positive momentum going!
As we begin the new year, it’s a great opportunity to focus on meaningful goals. For participants, support staff, and service providers, it’s the ideal time to reflect, reset, and realign objectives that promote growth, independence, and positive outcomes.
For NDIS participants, this is the perfect moment to revisit personal goals—whether improving daily living skills, pursuing education, seeking employment, or enhancing well-being. By collaborating with stakeholders, participants can create achievable plans with clear steps.
The NDIS space thrives on collaboration and shared success. As clients and providers set their sights on the year ahead, working together to overcome challenges and celebrate milestones will be crucial. Open communication, regular feedback, and a commitment to excellence will help ensure that the goals set at the beginning of the year are met with success.
Community
edition 11 November 24
The break was wonderful, but Kicking Off 2025 with a Big Thank-You!
Happy New Year, BigDog team! We just wanted to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU for all the hard work you put in over the Christmas period. The holidays can be a bit hectic, but you all handled it like absolute champs, making sure our participants were supported and cared for.
Local Events & Activities
Toowoomba Farmers Market (Saturdays): Great for social skills and community engagement.
Summer Tunes (Sundays): Free live music in local parks, perfect for a relaxed outing.
It’s not always easy juggling schedules, last-minute changes, and holiday chaos, but you made it happen and you did it with heart. That’s what makes this team so special.
Now that 2025 is here, we’re excited to see what we can achieve together. Let’s keep that awesome energy going and make this year one to remember.
Thanks again for being the incredible people you are— here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Australia Day 26th Jan): Celebrate with community BBQs and live entertainment.
Movies to Watch "Kung Fu Panda 4" – Fun for all ages. "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" – Action-packed superhero adventure. "Paddington in Peru" –Light-hearted family fun.
Updates for Support Workers
Goal Setting: Help participants reflect on last year’s progress and set new goals.
Accurate Shift Notes: Make sure Shift Notes are detailing any behaviours, your interaction with the Client whther good, bad or neutral .
DAY SERVICE
Rockhampton
November 24
December was a jam-packed month full of festive cheer and exciting activities for our Rockhampton Day Service and School Holidays Group!
We kicked off the month by transforming our centre space into a Christmas wonderland, decorating with colourful lights, ornaments, and tinsel.
Throughout the month, we embraced the holiday spirit with a variety of Christmas crafts, festive baking, and some cosy movie days, all while keeping up with our regular routine activities. With the brilliant weather on our side, we also made time for a few beach trips and swimming days, soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors.
The highlight of the month was our BigDog Christmas Party on December 19th, held at the Northside Pool. It was a day full of laughter, swimming, and fun on the giant waterslides. We all enjoyed a delicious pizza lunch, followed by presents to end the day on a high note.
It was a fantastic way to wrap up the year, and we're already making the most of the new year!
DAY SERVICE
Toowoomba
edition 11 November 24
Happy New Year!
We’re excited to kick off another fantastic year with you! Over the break, we’ve been working behind the scenes to make this year bigger and better than ever.
We’ve started the new year with a splash— literally! Our sessions have moved to the Highfields Fitness Centre, where we’re combining gym workouts with a refreshing swim to wind do
This year, our cooking class fun twist! Each week, a new “head chef” from our client charge, showing us their un skills. Last week, we baked homemade bread it smelle amazing! Looking ahead, we’re gearin celebrate Australia Daythis classic BBQ and a relaxing s local pool. It’s goingto be a and community spirit!
Here’s to an exciting year a
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!
ROSTERING
Rockhampton
Reflecting on the recent Christmas and New Year period, I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all staff for your unwavering commitment and understanding during this busy time. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and your flexibility in managing workloads over the holiday season has been greatly appreciated.
Happy New Year!
Thank you all for your hard work and dedication during this busy season. Your commitment and professionalism make a real difference in the lives of those we support.
Looking ahead, I want to remind everyone to schedule a time with me to discuss and set your availability for 2025 this can be done by calling the office and asking reception to book a time with me that suits you . It's important to plan ahead so we can ensure smooth operations throughout the year and accommodate everyone's preferences where possible.
It's important to plan ahead so we can ensure smooth operations throughout the year and accommodate everyone's preferences where possible. Let’s work together to make 2025 a successful and well-organised year.
Thank you once again for your continued support, and I look forward to meeting with you all soon.
As we plan for 2025, early preparation will help us ensure smooth operations and accommodate everyone's preferences wherever possible. Regarding upcoming leave, please submit your requests early, as it will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Before submitting, check in with your peers in the CareMaster group chat to ensure your leave doesn't leave a team without support. If adjustments are needed, we can work together to find a solution before finalising approvals.
Let’s collaborate to make 2025 a productive and successful year. Thank you again for your efforts, and I look forward to catching up with you soon.
Toowoomba
SCOTTVALE Rockhampton
Back from Holiday and Ready for the New Year!
Happy New Year, Scottvale family! After a well-deserved holiday break, we’re back and ready to help you achieve your fitness goals in 2025. Whether you’re looking to get back on track, try something new, or push yourself further, we’re here to support you. Plenty of Availability for You!
Exciting Updates for 2025!
This January, we’re introducing new programs and challenges to keep you motivated. Plus, we are continuing our Silver and Gold memberships so you can enjoy all of our group programs from just one easy payment.
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!
Casual Membership
Individual classes
$15 10 classes
$120
Sauna Sessions
$30 for 2 people
Members Special
$10/pp - 30 Mins
Squash Hire
1HR - $25
30 Mins - $17
We have plenty of availability for Exercise Physiology and Allied Health Assistance sessions to help you reach your goals.
Our expert team is ready to create personalised plans tailored to your needs, whether you're recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your overall health.
Check
Happy Birthday!
Happies birthday to all of our January babies, Courtney C, Gus D, Damian R, Emily M, Sele T, Kristian S, Jordan H, Abby M, Peter Blanch, Ella A, Lucie R, Baylee M
EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR AWARD! 20 24
At the end of the year, the final selection comes down to drawing names from a hat. However, both of you exemplify BigDog values and are shining examples of what makes outstanding support staff.
Thank you for your reliability, your readiness to assist your peers, and your consistent delivery of high-quality support to the participants in your care.
When your names come up in conversations with colleagues and management, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive and filled with kind words. Keep up the excellent work as we move into the new year!
Congratulations to Peter Spry from Toowoomba and Ashton Dans from Rockhampton, and thank you for all that you do.
THE WINNERS
Happy Australia Day
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