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I start off this newsletter with the sad news that our miniature dachshund, Dartanyn, passed away at the end of March after being a member of our family for 17 years.
He was the reason that I named us BigDog. I wanted to reflect the attributes that he showed his family every day. Things like a big heart, loyalty, devotion, unconditional love, compassion, selflessness, forgiveness and non-judgmental. He will be sadly missed but what he stood for will live on.
Steven In This Issue } BigDog } In the world of DisAbility } NDIS Updates } Community NEWS } Community Partners } Photograph Gallery } Management Updates } Day Service } Rockhampton } Safety Matters } Admin Updates } April Events BigDog Newsletter Privacy Notice: Please note that as a subscriber to our BigDog Newsletter which supplies news and events relevant to this organisation, your email address or any other personal information collected will only be used for the purpose for which you gave it to us and will not be disclosed to any other person, body or agency except where you have provided your consent or it is required or authorised by law. 2
The Dane and the Dachshund
Have you heard the story about the Dane and the Dachshund? No? Well, there were these two best friends, one a Great Dane and the other one a miniature Dachshund. Because of their obvious physical differences their human owners created “pet” names for them.
When the children told their father, he said that despite the Dachshund’s small size he was very brave and called him “BigDog”. The Dane didn’t mind this change to his pet name, he just knew that he was very lucky to have such a brave and faithful friend who was who deserved to be called “BigDog”. So if there is a moral to this story it is that sometimes size doesn’t really matter. It’s the size of the heart that’s important
The Great Dane was called “Big Dog” and the Dachshund was called “Little Dog” Despite their differences in size they just loved to spend time together, whether it was at the beach, the park or at home. It didn’t matter to them, because they were best friends. The Dane could always run faster, jump higher, and he could even bark the loudest and scare away any unwanted visitors. That was until that fateful day when playing in the back yard with their human children they came upon a huge poisonous snake which struck out at them, trying to bite them. The Dane took off as fast as his legs would carry him leaving the others behind. The Dachshund stood his ground protecting the children and barked at the snake until it crawled away. The children just stood there in amazement. 3
NDIS Advocates 11am 16th April 2018
Professor
Glenvale Seventh Day Adventist Church Hall 669 Greenwattle Street Glenvale
We join his family in saying how deeply saddened we are that this great man has passed away. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years.
This Forum is the opportunity to give service providers, solicitors with social justice concerns, advocacy groups, allied health professionals, the disabled and carers in the community a voice. The format of the Forum will be very different to any NDIS Forum you may have attended previously as the majority of the 2 hours will be to give the community the microphone. The three speakers including will only be getting about 5 minutes each. The difference is that there will be politicians (who are already confirmed) sitting in the crowd from a number of different political parties to hear from disabled people and also service providers whose businesses are affected by flaws in the NDIS system. The ABC recently revealed $300 million was owed to service providers. This system has implications not just the disabled but also taxpayers many of whom expect better accountability in the NDIS system and the many small businesses that are service providers in this system. The Toowoomba community is a close knit strong community and many feel what is happening to not just our family but other high need families is unacceptable. We want our politicians to represent all of our community. Here is their opportunity to not just listen but to act after the Forum. We don't care if you’re LNP. Labor, One Nation, Green, PHON, Jackie Lambie, Derryn Hinch or whoever. This is an issue that affects your voters. YOU ARE ALL WELCOME
Stephen Hawking has died at 76.
His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. The famed physicist contracted motor neurone disease - a form of motor neurone disease that attacks the nerves controlling voluntary movement - in 1963 and was given two years to live. The English physicist was known for his ground breaking work with black holes and relativity — the nature of space and time. He was the author of several popular science books including A Brief History of Time and was also the subject of Oscar winning film The Theory of Everything in 2014. 4
The Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) have just released the Independent Pricing Review (IPR) Report undertaken by McKinsey & Company, giving in principle support to all of the Report's 25 recommendations. Key recommendations made by the IPR include:
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Adding a third tier to the complexity loading to account for higher level skills or experience of workers and additional training required;
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Allowing providers to charge up to 45 minutes of travel time in rural areas;
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Allowing providers to quote on the delivery of services in isolated regions;
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Changing the cancellation policy to allow providers to recover 90% of their costs if a cancellation is made after 3pm on the day before the service;
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Removing the annual $1000 travel cap for therapy supports and aligning the travel policy with the attendant care travel policy;
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Changing therapy prices to better reflect different therapy types, and introducing a second tier of pricing for therapy assistants;
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Introducing temporary overhead assistance equivalent to a 2% to 3% loading on the price for providers delivering attendant care for the next 12 months.
Other recommendations relate to price limits, interventions to address specific market challenges, and improvements in market monitoring and engagement.
The NDIA will now ensure the recommendations are implemented in a thorough, timely and diligent way that reflects the NDIA’s commitment to strong implementation and drive to deliver better outcomes for NDIS participants and providers. While some recommendations require additional work to understand their full impact, implementation will be phased so that those recommendations, that produce the greatest benefits for providers and participants, will be actioned first. This is consistent with the NDIA’s commitment to delivering better outcomes for both NDIS participants and providers alike Other considerations in determining the phasing have been urgency, timing and the scale of each recommendation. HSQF Audits and Notifiable Issues The Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services requires organisations delivering services funded under a service agreement or other specified arrangement to comply with various legislative, policy and/or contractual safeguards. Audits under the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) provide an opportunity for independent auditors to assess whether organisations have effectively implemented these safeguards, as appropriate to the type of services being delivered.
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The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition. From youngsters to some of Australia’s most accomplished legends, these people have been selected to be a part of history, taking more than a million steps to bring the Baton to its final destination, the Gold Coast 2018 Opening Ceremony.
Sharon Boyce at Rockville State School
Jeff Horn and Ann at Southbank
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Cycle Up
PRESS ID’s
P2P's social enterprise Cycle Up is up and running. The first repurposed bikes are for hire at Rivershore Resort Bli Bli. Josh Poland and the Cycle Up crew repaired the bikes ready for the Easter Holidays.
All of our volunteer reporters and photographers have received their PRESS ID’s so that the can be easily identified while they are attending public events in their roles with WhatsUp in Disability.
For more information on Cycle Up call Robbie 1800 777 723.
Exciting times for our Patron, Kathryn Lyons with her carrying the Queen's Baton today.
To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be an advertiser, please contact WhatsUp via:
Congratulations Kathryn on all you have achieved!!
Office
4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba
admin@whatsupindisability.org
Phone
4632 6678 7
ANZAC Day
Cruise to Hamilton Island P&O Cruises Aria Voyage 4 Day Seabreak Whitsundays from Brisbane Oceanview interconnecting room including wheelchair accessible cabin
ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember all Australians who served and died in war and on operational service. The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.
Monday April 23
Depart Brisbane at 4pm
Tuesday April 24
At Sea
Wednesday April 25 Hamilton Island tender (Wheelchair Access may be limited) Thursday April 26
At Sea
Friday April 27
Arrive 6am
BigDog Bus transport departs Toowoomba 10am and collects Brisbane 10am Friday
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Chef Mark By Bec McDermott
Mark comes from a family of chefs, his dad was a chef. Mark followed in his dad’s footsteps because he didn’t want to go to university because his sister had just gone to university and he thought it was too much work for him so he got a traineeship in cooking.
87-93 West Street Toowoomba 0420 906 186
Now Chef Mark is a 5 star classically trained chef who donates his time to teach people with a disability and people trying to get a second chance in life how to cook. Mark now also co-owns a little cafe called ParisiAnne Patisserie. Before he owned the cafe he was a teacher at TAFE. Teaching many different types of people to cook and this is where he tort his first person with a disability to cook. He loves to teach people with a disability how to cook because they tell you how it is. He loved his job at TAFE but he got fired from Campbell Newman. Chef Mark loves to donate his time because he loves teaching people and making them happy with his food and chef mark does not have a favourite food because it changes all the time depending what he is cooking. Chef Mark provides a 2 hour cooking class every Friday at 12:30 at the Dog House. Call us to book in for a class.
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28th March 2018 Tasha and Alyssa waiting for the Queen’s Baton outside Rockville State School
26th March 2018 We're wearing purple today to support Epilepsy awareness day
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29th March 2018 Dan, Dom and Alyssa at a screening of Peter Rabbit. But where’s Tasha?
Chanell & Tash admiring the fabulous work of everyone because they created this GIANT poppy
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Appraisals are due in May
Respite House
To link in with the adjusted award levels that will be effective in May, the 2018 Performance Appraisals are now available on the website on the staff tab (access is explained in Phill’s article on the next page) or as a hard copy from the office.
To assist with security we have installed a number of cameras at the Dog House. They are sound and movement activated and will record entry to the house as well as kitchen and cooking area recording.
Once you have completed and returned your appraisal an interview will be organised to discuss any training needs that you may have as well as to confirm any new pay rates or position requirements that may result from the review.
The system will work in complete darkness as well as normal light and records the images to the cloud as well as sending notifications directly to the on call phone. Support staff can communicate by directly speaking through the security unit if required.
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Hi Everyone, As most of you know, I am completely new to this industry and have virtually no prior experience in supporting people with disabilities. I, like all of you, have a deep respect for our fellow human beings and feel strongly that everyone deserves their independence and freedom of choice and control in their lives. Just because I have this empathy and desire to help, doesn't instantly mean that I'm an effective support worker. For those who have lots of experience, (by the way, you're amazing people doing fantastic jobs) it is second nature to be a support worker. For those of us who are newer to the field, it's helpful to have mentoring, and to know that we have the support of patient and empowering management and peers. This enables us to grow as people and develop those skills that are so important to being a good carer.
In my first few weeks I was looking for resources to inform myself, and I stumbled across a disability service provider in Victoria who have put together a number of very well produced videos which are freely available on their YouTube channel. These have helped me, and I'm sure that they may help some of you, so I will share a link to just one of their playlists - this one focusing on demonstrating active support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=8jtwp16pMi0&index=1&list=PL7Nixh78GXas pAO51d940Mpn9GwX22ant
As we move into the future of BigDog, we want to rekindle our passion for learning and growing together to be the best we can be, as individuals, carers and as a service business. Please have a look through the videos when you have time and I hope you find them as helpful, interesting and inspiring as I have. You may or may not be aware that there is a 'Staff' section on the BigDog website. There will be more work done on this in the coming months, but I just wanted to share some information for those who aren't aware of this resource. If you go to www.bigdogsupport.com and click on the staff link, you'll be prompted for a username and password. I've also added a new link - 'BigDog Policy Docs' - which goes to a page which contains our policies. All of this is a work in progress, 13
Please allow me to take this opportunity to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Chanell Donnolley and I am the new Day Service Coordinator. It is a pleasure to have joined BigDog. I consider myself fortunate to have been given this opportunity to join an organisation with such a fine reputation for its high quality person centered service. I come from a retail management, construction and community service background. I am fairly new (3 years) to the community service industry. I have studied various qualifications and this includes the practical training where I have spent time in Wacol Maximum Security prison, Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, Bailey Henderson Mental Health Facility, Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre and the Department of Child Safety. I also have had a lot of exposure to the NDIS and have been involved in the development of plans and the implementation of them as a Case Manager. In additional to my formal training and certifications, I have also volunteered in Cambodia with an organization that helps, support and transforms the lives of children whom have been rescued from human trafficking. I am a caring, compassionate and team player with the passion for improving the quality of life for people. Helping and enriching the lives of
others already has been the most beautiful and significantly life-altering event that I could ever experience and has been utterly rewarding. My inherent belief is that supporting others is pious, and I am humbled by it. For the past several weeks I have undergone training to bring me up to speed about BigDog’s policies, practices and programs. I am ready and excited to start implementing some new activities and programs over the next month. As a precaution to trial all new activities they will be introduced slowly to avoid anxiety around change for the participants. This also allows them to taste test all new activities and programs to see what they would like to participate in. These new activities are focused on all the individual’s needs and likes of the participants. The new program also factors in capacity building, community access and personal growth of all the participants, while focusing and aligning with participant’s goals. Please know that my door is always open, my phone is always on me and I check my emails regularly. Please contact me will all your concerns, ideas, opinions etc. Sharon is the senior support worker for the service and will be by my side as we trial the new activities but please feel comfortable to come to me with problems etc. 14
If chronically ill people are enjoying themselves, they must feel OK, right? When an important occasion arises, people who are chronically ill have learned to put up with the symptoms of illness, including terrible pain, so they can try to enjoy what they’re doing, especially the enriching experience of being in the company of others. Please don’t assume that a person who is laughing is a person who is pain-free, ache-free or otherwise feeling good physically.
Day Service Address YWCA Sports Complex 125 Robinson Street, North Rockhampton 4701
Post Office address PO Box 9777 Frenchville 4701 Coordinator Suzanne Smith 0438 724 306 Suzanne@bigdogsupport.com 15
Driving and Mobile Phones
Using your Mobile Phone Safely
To keep yourself and other road users safe your full attention is needed when driving. Driving while using a mobile phone held in your hand is illegal - even if you're stopped in traffic.
If you are driving a BigDog vehicle you must have your mobile phone off. All BigDog vehicles are hands-free so you can legally drive and talk on a BigDog issued phone
This means you can't:
You can be fined $378 and have 3 demerit points recorded against your traffic history if your mobile phone is in your hand and being used for any reason while you are driving— including when you're stopped at traffic lights or in congested traffic.
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hold the phone next to or near your ear with your hand
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write, send or read a text message
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turn your phone on or off
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operate any other function on your phone.
Penalties
Double demerit points apply for second or subsequent mobile phone offences committed within 1 year after an earlier offence.
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Pay Rates adjustment In May we will be adjusting some of our hourly rates in accordance with changes to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 with respect to the weekend and public holidays. Saturday x 1.2 Sunday x 1.6 and Public Holiday x 2.2 Permanent and Part-time employees will now have included pay points 1-3 on level 1 and 1-4 on level 2. An employee primarily engaged actively in responsibilities which are prescribed by B.1.2(g) will, if full-time, progress to pay point 2 on completion of 12 months’ industry experience, or if part-time, on completion of 1976 hours of industry experience. Industry experience means 12 months of relevant experience gained over the previous 3 years. Employees who have completed an appropriate certificate and are required to undertake work related to that certificate will be appointed to this level. Where the appropriate certificate is a level 4 certificate the minimum rate of pay will be pay point 2. Employees who have completed an appropriate diploma and are required to undertake work related to the diploma will commence at the second pay point of this level and will advance after 12 full-time equivalent months’ satisfactory service.
April 4th 6th 10th 12th 17th 18th 21st 22nd 27th 30th
Chanell D Lisa McA Emmanual S Matthew F Chisato C Caitlin M Michelle T Kendall A Dane T Sharon P
Have a great day!
Chanell Donnolley 17
Body Wizards Colour Run
Take a Hike Toowoomba!
Sunday 15th April 2018 8:30am - 9:30am start
Sunday 22nd April 2018 6:30am - noon
Held at Glenvale Park, Glenvale, We will have a 5km track marked out for everyone to follow with multiple colour stations along the way. You can walk, Jog, Run or a mix of it all. It’s completely self-paced. Once ticket has been purchased your race pack (Race Number, safety Pins, Personal chalk bag) collections available from 8:30am with the Run starting at 9:30am.
AEIOU Foundation's signature event, raising vital funds for the early intervention program we provide to children with autism aged 2 to 6. Please join us for a glorious morning of walking, running or racing through the beautiful streets of Toowoomba. Choose from three distances (5km, 10.5km or 21km) to suit your ability. From $30 pp
Barks & Brews Fitzy’s Sunday 15th April 3 - 5pm We will be raising much needed funds for RSPCA Toowoomba Shelter on the day to go towards the care and rehoming of animals. For the sake of staff and patrons please only bring your friendly socialised dog(s) } } } }
Photo Booth Giveaways Dog Treats Cold Beer
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Toowoomba Royal Show 12th. 13th and 14th April 2018
The Royal Toowoomba Show is Queensland’s longest running annual show event.
Show entry prices (only valid for pre-booking): Adult Tickets - $20.00 Concession Tickets - $13.00 Children (aged 7–12) - $7.00 Children (aged 0-6) - Free *Special offers* Side Show Alley Super Saver (single entry plus 10 sideshow rides) - $50.00 (save $70!) Family Pack (2 adults & 2 children aged 5–12) - $35.00 www.toowoombashow.com.au
Contact Us
What’s on in April 2nd April Monday
Easter Monday
3rd April Tuesday
HDBC Breakfast
4th - 15th
Commonwealth Games Gold Coast
11th April Wednesday TDSPN Meeting 12th April Thursday
Toowoomba Show Holiday
22nd April Sunday
AEIOU Take a Hike Toowoomba! Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns
25th April Wednesday ANZAC Day
BigDog Support Services 232 Ruthven Street Toowoomba QLD 4350 PO Box 234 Harlaxton QLD 4350 YWCA Sports Complex 125 Robinson Street North Rockhampton
(07) 4632 9559
1800 22 44 32 0427 408 698 (On Call) admin@bigdogsupport.com Visit us on the web at www.bigdogsupport.com 19
4th - 15th April 2018
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