Autism under review NDIS Code of Conduct BigDog Cleaning Services 1
Editors Note Many ‘expert’ NDIS commentators seem to be coming out of the woodwork to grab their 15 minutes of fame lately, with an almost daily onslaught of ignorant, negative commentary about the scheme. When you combine this with the Australian newspaper's ongoing campaign to destroy the NDIS, there is so much more grief out there than joy. As humans, we are wired to more readily receive negative news. We’re more upset by criticisms than we are flattered by compliments and we’re more shocked by failed NDIS planning meetings than we are pleased by successful ones. Some researchers suggest the ratio is one to five: that we require five times as many positive experiences to register the same impact as a negative one. So it’s no wonder that the deluge of negative NDIS news stories is building up resentment in ourselves and in our organisations. It’s destroying morale, which makes the whole thing a sadly self-fulfilling prophecy: if we believe the NDIS is doomed to be bad, we let it flounder or we even contribute to its demise. We shrug our shoulders in collective defeat, instead of making the effort to shape the Scheme to live up to its potential. At BigDog, we thought it was time to remind us all about the positives the NDIS can bring with the right stewardship. We asked our participants and support staff who have lived experience of the NDIS to give us a little NDIS sunshine. Some of their comments appear in this issue.
Steven
In This Issue } Winter in Toowoomba
} In the world of DisAbility } NDIS Updates } Community NEWS } Community Partners } Photograph Gallery } Management Updates } Day Service } Rockhampton
} Safety Matters } Admin Updates } June 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
A cold winter in Toowoomba So here’s the weather forecast... It happened three years ago and it looks like history is going to repeat as snow has been predicted to fall on the Southern Downs this winter. Hydrologist Dave Taylor, who runs Facebook page Brisbane Weather, predicted southern Queensland would have one of the coldest winters yet, with snow falling from Stanthorpe possibly all the way up to Warwick and Toowoomba. Mr Taylor uses sunspots to produce long-term weather outlooks. "When we get into a phase when sunspots are a minimal, usually we have a very cold winter,” he said. Mr Taylor said we were also heading into a La Nina, which is a period of increased rain.
and snow in places it wouldn't usually be seen. Mr Taylor said everyone must still play it by ear to see how the weather will pan out, but he was very confident our region would see some white coverage before winter was through.
Marriott Hotel Donation Thank you to my long time friend Barbara Leslie and the Brisbane Marriott Hotel management team for their generous donation of sheets, towels and dressing gowns.
But what is most striking is his theory about just how cold it'll be, as he predicts it's going to be colder than we've ever seen in modern history.
"I wouldn't be surprised if we see snow around Stanthorpe this winter, I think it will shock people how cold it's going to be,” he said. Mr Taylor said Australia usually follows the weather pattern of America, which has had their coldest winter 3
Eligibility for people with Autism under review It has been confirmed that eligibility rules for people with autism under the National Disability Insurance Scheme are under review, after a document outlining changes to direct eligibility for autism cases was accidentally published online.
senior NDIA staff also called autism stakeholders to alert them to the error.”
The operational guidelines document – which sets out the conditions qualifying people for access to the NDIS -– was changed on the NDIS website last week, removing direct eligibility for most people with autism.
The report also said the operational guideline changes had been “confirmed as genuine”. This lack of clarity has drawn the ire of the autism community, with advocates slamming the possible eligibility changes.
After concerns were raised, the NDIA clarified that this was an “incorrect document”, and reverted the operational guidelines online to contain both level two and level three autism under List A.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) said it was outraged that the criteria for funding supports for autistic people could become more stringent. After the changes were accidentally published online, ASAN chairperson Katharine Annear said: “It’s not just the changing of the goalposts for entry in to the scheme that have outraged us – it is the level of secrecy from the NDIA – this change was only stumbled upon by a participant trying to access the scheme for her daughter.”
But then the NDIA confirmed that it was reviewing the access requirements for autism under the NDIS, but denied any decision had been made. The NDIA’s statement said the Productivity Commission’s review of NDIS costs recommended that NDIA Lists used to assess scheme eligibility be monitored, “to ensure they are working as intended”.
The agency also apologised for their “error” in publishing incorrect guideline changes. “The NDIA regrets the confusion caused earlier this week by the placement of an incorrect document loaded onto the NDIS website. This error was rectified as soon as management became aware of it. Accurate information was made available the same day,” it said. “In the spirit of openness and transparency,
But according to a report in The Australian, the NDIA has been working on a strategy to reduce the number of people with autism accessing the NDIS since late last year.
Autism Awareness Australia CEO Nicole Rogerson, told Pro Bono News that the autism community was “terribly shocked” and disappointed by the possible changes, “but maybe not surprised”. “I think it’s fairly obvious that the government is going to make changes to certain sections of children with autism and their eligibility under the NDIS, and you’d have to say the reason for that is cost cutting,” Rogerson said. “My fear is that it’s a decision that’s been made already.” 4
NDIS Code of Conduct by Bronwyn Stanley The NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission released the long awaited Quality and Safeguarding Rules. At the same time, they released the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Code of Conduct) Rules 2018. What are the Code of Conduct Rules? The Commission is responsible for a range of functions under the National Quality and Safeguarding Framework including a National Code of Conduct for providers. The rules are intended to support participants to be informed purchasers and consumers of NDIS supports and services and to live free from abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation. Who is covered by the Code of Conduct? The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to all providers of NDIS supports, regardless of whether they are registered. This can include workers who are paid or unpaid and includes people who are self-employed, employees, contractors, consultants and/or volunteers. The good news is the list is not too long, but it will be interesting to see how the Commissioner uses its compliance powers to enforce the rules.
There are 7 minimum standards providers and workers must meet: 1.
2.
Act with respect for individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making in accordance with applicable laws and conventions Respect the privacy of people with disability
3.
Provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner, with care and skill
4.
Act with integrity, honesty and transparency
5.
Promptly take steps to raise and act on concerns about matters that may impact the quality and safety of supports and services provided to people with disability
6.
Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against, and exploitation, neglect and abuse of, people with disability
7.
Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct
What does this mean for providers? Along with the NDIS Practice Standards, the NDIS Code of Conduct is used by the Quality and Safeguarding Commission to provide education and build capacity, ensure compliance and also apply civil penalties. As a last resort, they may also ban workers or providers from operating in the NDIS market. Breaches of the NDIS Code of Conduct can result in a civil penalty of up to 250 Penalty Points, which, at the current rate of around $210 per penalty point, is just over $50k. Hopefully, the Quality and Safeguarding Commissioner will not have to wield this big stick often. Anyone can raise a complaint about potential breaches of the NDIS Code of Conduct, and the Commissioner can investigate the complaints.
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Every Australian Counts - Just No! With all the focus on possible changes to the NDIS Operational Guidelines, you might have missed the article from Professor Kenneth Wiltshire from the University of Queensland, who gave us the benefit of his learned experience about how to fix the NDIS. According to Professor Wiltshire, all this stuff about choice and control is just nonsense. The notion that people with disability should have control over their own lives is just silly. Few people with disability have the capability or capacity to do so, he reckons. Honestly, he says it’s “insulting” to people with disability to expect otherwise. Funding, he says, should go directly back to the old charities because they know what’s best for people with disability. That’s because, according to Professor Wiltshire, people with “mental disabilities” are not capable of making their own decisions. Funding should go to charities who “know best” what people need …Wow. What can you say in response to that kind of wrong? Just. No. All kinds of No. This kind of smug, patronising, “leave it to us we know best” attitude is exactly why we all fought so hard for the NDIS in the first place. We fought so people with disability did not have to beg for charity. We fought so they got the funding they needed to get on with their lives. We fought so that they could work out what worked best for them and. Just. Get. On. With. It. We fought. And we will keep fighting because
the principle of choice and self-determination for people with disability is the bedrock of the NDIS. It is not a “shaky foundation” as the Professor claims. It is the only thing that will deliver the transformation people with disability want and deserve. It is the only thing that will ensure their rights become reality. We all know there are problems with the way the NDIS is being rolled out at the moment. But the answer is not to go back to last century. To the days of rattling tins and telethons. The answer is to fix the implementation problems with the NDIS to make sure it works the way it should. And invest in people with disability so they are able to make the most of the opportunities it represents. Professor Wiltshire is right about one thing. Service providers are vital to the success of the NDIS. If there are no services or only poor quality services, having the ability to choose doesn’t mean much. The way providers organise their services can either empower their clients to live the life of their choosing – or ensure they continue to live lives dictated and determined by others.
And one more thing Professor – despite media reports, there are no “cost blowouts” when it comes to the NDIS. Participants are not given “open slather to work out a shopping list”. They are eligible for supports which are reasonable and necessary. Wheelchairs, therapy and vital equipment. Just ordinary, everyday stuff. So thanks for sharing your thoughts Professor! 6
WhatsUp in Disability May/June Issue is out now! Includes an in depth breakdown of the Federal Budget
The NDCO program is excited to launch eight new resources to support students with disability navigate who is responsible for providing what support while undertaking further education. NDIS Pre-planning Toolkit is for people with an Intellectual Disability entering Higher Education or Vocational Education and Training. Your disability may mean you require extra support to complete your chosen course to ensure your participation is on the same basis as other students. This booklet will help you identify what supports you may need, who is responsible for providing them and how you can access them.
To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be an advertiser, please contact WhatsUp via: Office
4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba
admin@whatsupindisability.org
Phone
4632 6678 7
A Cautionary Tale...
Greatest Morning Tea
A Carpenter tells his Master he wishes to stop working as he is old and his body hurts. The Master agrees, but says he needs to build one last house.
BigDog held a fundraising morning tea at the Paul Myatt Community Centre on the 25th May to raise funds for the Cancer Council with their 2018 fundraising target of $2.2 million.
The Carpenter agrees but his heart is not in it and his work is not his usual high quality.
These funds will ensure that the Cancer Council will continue their vital work in research, prevention and advocacy and enabe them to support Queenslanders through their cancer journeys.
When the house is finished, the Master hands over the keys to the Carpenter and gifts him the home as a thank you for all his years of dedication. Immediately, the Carpenter regrets not doing his usual best on his final house. A regret he now has to live with. The message? Don’t do the NDIS by half. There are so many people who have fought so hard to give us this opportunity and we now have a once in history chance to finally get it right. The foundations are true, it’s now up to all the Carpenters – the NDIA, providers and participants - to build something really worthwhile.
On the day we received donations totalling $21.70 and BigDog provided an additional contribution of $50.00 making a total donation of $71.70. BigDog also contributed an additional $50.00 to purchase the food for the event.
People with disability, their families and friends deserve the best efforts of everyone involved.
Support for those who never had it What’s often missed in the often inaccurate articles about NDIS cost blowouts is that double the funding is coming down the pipe to support tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of people who were not previously receiving any support at all. Many of these people are newly arrived refugees and schoolaged children, who are likely to have significantly changed life outcomes as a result of the NDIS’ investment in them and their families.
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Queensland Day 6th June
By
Steven
Queensland Day is a celebration of Queensland’s birthday and its official separation from New South Wales as an independent colony on 6th June 1859. Celebrated annually, Queensland Day is an opportunity to commemorate the state’s culture, heritage, people, places and industry. In 2018, Queensland will mark its 159th birthday on Wednesday 6th June.
In celebrating Queensland Day, the community can share a sense of pride in being both Australian and a Queenslander. It is a time to reflect on how lucky we are to be part of such a wonderful, diverse state. History of Queensland Day Moves towards statehood began with a public meeting in 1851 to consider separation from New South Wales. As the push for separation gained momentum, Queen Victoria was approached to consider
establishing a separate colony based on Moreton Bay. The Queen gave her approval and signed the Letters Patent on 6 June 1859, now known as Queensland Day. Not surprisingly, she favoured the name Queensland over suggestions to call it Cooksland in honour of Captain James Cook. The new colony of Queensland had been established. With the word Separation painted on its hull, the ship Clarence sailed into Brisbane on 10th July to be greeted by a jubilant crowd eagerly anticipating the news of separation.
They welcomed Clarence with a 14-gun salute, a ‘blue light’ display and fireworks. On 20th July, celebrations resumed with the news Sir George Ferguson Bowen would be the state’s first Governor. Fireworks, cannon fire, flag raising and the sound of gunshots expressed the public’s sentiment. On 10 December of that year, Governor Bowen arrived in Brisbane to a civic reception in the Botanical Gardens. He officially marked the historic occasion of statehood by reading a proclamation from St John’s Cathedral.
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BigDog Change Journey
We’re putting a renewed focus on our Clean Team with the aim of being able to offer first rate service to more participants. We have purchased a dedicated Clean Team vehicle and have brought on two experienced cleaners to join the team. The Renault Kangoo has been chosen as our new clean team vehicle. The Kangoo boasts
As part of the strategic direction for BigDog, we have been taking steps towards removing manual and paper-based processes. With everyone now well adapted to using electronic rostering, we will begin the next phase of change. There will be more information to come, but we are partnering with an Australian company who specialise in Workforce Management and Payroll software developed specifically for the community services and disability sector. This will take what we have already started with Sling and expand it to include award interpretation for payroll which is linked to rostering, and improve our processes from service delivery through to billing. I will continue to put updates in this newsletter about our journey of change and quality management, and will provide interim updates wherever possible to those who changes will impact. As always, please let me know any feedback or suggestions. Thinking outside the box
European luxury without sacrificing on practicality to get the job done. The implementation of this utility van means the clean team will now have more room for their cleaning equipment giving them access to a wider range of resources on shift. We’re also setting up the team with a full kit of cleaning equipment and supplies. If you know of anyone with an NDIS plan who would like cleaning services, please point them in our direction.
Providers and participants are slowly starting to make the most of the flexibility offered by the NDIS and engage in conversations about how to do things differently. New business models are popping up everywhere, trying to win 'customers' by offering them services and products they never had before. Making accessibility fashionable The sheer scale of the NDIS is bringing accessibility into the spotlight in other parts of the economy. We love seeing companies like Apple, Microsoft and Bupa targeting their offerings to serve their customers with disability. 11
Staff Development I have finished reviewing your submissions for the 2018 Performance Appraisal, and I am happy to see that most support workers are eager to participate in on-going training. We highly value training, and definitely see an advantage in encouraging this. I have spoken to most of you about the training ventures we are endeavouring to support in the next period. At this stage we are looking at pathway training and medication assistance. A number of our staff responded to the call for trainees to attend Certificate III in Individual Support in Disability, and are now well under way to reaching competency. It will be great to see these plans implemented, and support workers achieving their training and progression goals.
Welcome Jack New to Management Not sure if you have heard now, I’m now working in the role of Supports Coordination. This means I’m now assisting in the management aspect of the organisation. When it comes to any rostering and scheduling issues I’m the person you can now get in touch with on Sling. I’ll also be assisting in the organisation and resolution of day to day operational tasks in the community. If you have any other queries in relation to operational procedures and tasks let me know. Being part of the Coordination team I’m eager on getting out into the community and meeting some of the participants of BigDog, see you out there.
New Participants
How to be a parent in 2018
I am pleased to announce that we have taken on a few new participants recently; we are looking forward to getting to know them and growing our relationships.
Make sure your children’s academic, emotional, psychologist, mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional and social needs are met while being careful not to overstimulate, under stimulate, improperly medicate, helicopter or neglect them in a screen-free, processed foods-free, GMO-free, negative energy-free, plastic-free, body positive, socially conscious, egalitarian but also authoritative, nurturing but fostering of independence, gentle but not overly permissive, pesticide-free two-story, multilingual home, preferably in a cul-de-sac with a backyard and 1.5 siblings spaced at least two years apart for proper development, also don’t forget the coconut oil.
This also creates a great opportunity for our support workers to spread their wings in new and challenging environments. Please make sure we keep up the communication as we learn more about our growing family. This will greatly benefit all in ensuring we are providing a high standard of supported.
How to be a parent in previous generations Feed them sometimes. 12
Reborn Doll Therapy There are many advantages of a lifelike therapy animal or doll in end stage Dementia/ Alzheimer's patient care, this concept of ‘Doll Therapy’ was first coined in 1990 with the ultimate aim of reducing the impact of behavioural and psychological disorders in people with dementia and is one of the best available nonpharmacological interventions suitable for easing problems such as emotional distress and anxiety. It has been given many other titles such as ‘Child Representation Therapy’ and ‘Nurture Therapy’ over the years in order to sway families to consider this option for their loved ones as it is often seen negatively as being demeaning or childish. This reaction has divided not only families but also nursing staff and is a perfectly logical and rational conclusion. It isn’t a perfect option by any means and it is not usually recommended for the early stages of neurological degeneration as social inhibitions are still functioning normal. Doll Therapy is for when a patient has
lost the value and belief systems that were once so important to them and require activities that rekindle “the spark” of life in order to focus them and obtain genuine responses. Spark of Life Needs
}
To feel needed and useful
}
To be allowed to care
}
To love and be loved
}
To express emotions freely
It is widely believed that attachment behaviours are instinctive and imperative to our survival. Parent fixation (asking for a deceased parent repeatedly) is a common expression of this need Dementia/Alzheimer patients have for human interaction and is an indicator of insecurity and fear. The introduction of a realistic weighted doll of pet has significant therapeutic benefits and the positive impact is notable to those who embrace this practice. The patient has reduced agitation, aggression and wandering, increases social interactions, requires less medication and maintains self-care abilities for longer than their counterparts who are not offered the therapy.
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DISCO Night Winter Wonderland Saturday 16th June 7:00pm to 9:00pm Come one, come all to our June DISCO at the Paul Myatt Community Centre and don’t forget to wear your warmest winter woollies. The centre is air-conditioned so once you are inside you will be as warm as toast. $10 entry to the DISCO includes a hot supper and lots of the latest hip music as well as a few of the all-time favourites.
Payment for the DISCO can now be made using our new EFTPOS machine and your receipt will also be your entry ticket for the night. Funds raised on the night are returned to the Day Service for the purchase of needed items. BigDog Day Service Toowoomba
Thank you for your donations
Paul Myatt Community Centre
A reminder that if you know of a family in need let us know so that we can share.
11-15 Alexander Street North Toowoomba 4350 Coordinators Marrissa Moore and Sharon Price 4512 6020 dayservice@bigdogsupport.com
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Check out our new address in Allenstown
Everyone is excited that we have moved to our new administration and day service centre and we are just waiting for Steven and Phill to visit and set up our computers and phones. We have a great space here with lots of storage space for our equipment as well as an undercover parking space for our bus. BigDog Day Service Rockhampton
1/105 Denham Street, Rockhampton 4701 Post Office address PO Box 9777 Frenchville 4701 Coordinator Suzanne Smith 0438 724 306 Suzanne@bigdogsupport.com
Beef to Beach is a free family fun afternoon for everyone to enjoy and celebrate all things that are so great about Queensland. The event aims to bring together people of all ages, ethnicities and cultures. The celebrations will be held at Bell Park situated in Emu Park on Sunday 3rd June, starting at noon. Come along on the day for your chance to win a night’s stay (including meals) at Great Keppel Island Hideaway! 15
The importance of enclosed shoes by Jeremy
There are two major categories of workrelated foot injuries. The first category includes foot injuries from punctures, crushing, sprains, and lacerations. The second group of injuries includes those resulting from slips, trips and falls. Slips and falls do not always result in a foot injury but lack of attention to foot safety plays an important role in their occurrence. Common foot problems occur both on and off the job. Still, there is no doubt that some workrelated factors can lead to foot problems, especially jobs that require long periods of standing. Since the human foot is designed for mobility, maintaining an upright stance is extremely tiring. Standing for hours, day after day, not only tires the worker's feet but can also cause permanent damage. Continuous standing can cause the joints of bones of the feet to become misaligned (e.g., cause flat feet) and can cause inflammation that can lead later to rheumatism and arthritis. Footwear that fits poorly or is in need of repair also contributes heavily to foot discomfort. Pointed toes and high heels are particularly inappropriate for working footwear.
Examples of workplace injuries include crushed or broken feet, amputations of toes or feet, punctures of the sole of the foot, cuts or severed feet or toes, burns, electric shocks sprained or twisted ankles. There is no workplace where a worker is immune to foot injury. However, the hazards differ according to the workplace and the types of tasks the worker does. The first step in developing a strategy to reduce foot problems is to identify the relevant hazards at the workplace. Such hazards should be assessed in each workplace, no matter how safe or how dangerous it may seem. Foot injuries then can be prevented by looking for measures through proper job design and/or workplace design, and identifying proper foot wear. Proper footwear is important, not only for foot comfort but also for one's general well-being. Improper footwear can cause or aggravate existing foot problems. Unfortunately, being fashionable sometimes takes precedence over choosing well-fitting, supportive safety footwear. However, many safety footwear manufacturers produce safety footwear that does look fashionable. 16
Technology update
Birthdays
June 4th 7th 15th 20th 21st 29th 30th
Lane N Steve A Noelle H Gary Carr Jay B Sam L Narelle W Sebastian M
Have a great day!
Rather than having to find and pay cash for daily activities we have installed an EFTPOS tablet to allow payments by debit or credit cards. We are looking to be totally cash-less by the end of this financial year. First Aid training is on Saturday 23rd June. Having a valid First Aid/CPR is a condition of employment. With the end of the financial year approaching staff are reminded that Payee Summary Sheets will be provided and that new Employee Detail Forms for 2018-2019 will need to be completed. 17
Winter Wonderland Civic Square 22nd June - 15th July 2018
Toowoomba’s Civic Square will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland and provide a magical experience for young and old. Get your winter woollies on, strap on your skates and glide across the outdoor ice skating rink. Activities include: Outdoor Ice Skating (11 x 45 min sessions per day), tickets on sale now, free Outdoor Movies Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Entertainment, Library events, Art Gallery Tours. Full event details and ticket purchase available at www.tr.qld.gov.au/winterwonderland
Red Apple Day 20th June 2018 A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day, when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities.
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The Great Australian Dachshund Walk Queens Park Toowoomba 3rd June 2018
Careers in Disability Expo Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Merivale Street South Brisbane Thursday 28th June 2018 WorkAbility QLD are hosting the Careers in Disability Expo in Brisbane on Thursday 28th June 2018. The purpose of the Careers in Disability Expo is to: Showcase the wide range of current and future job possibilities across the disability sector; Provide an opportunity for job seekers and career changers to meet prospective employers; and Provide information and practical advice about pathways, training and pre-employment and support programs.
What’s on in June 1st June Friday
Aged Care and NDIS Community Expo
3rd June Sunday
Great Australian Dachshund Walk Beef to Beach Emu Park
5th June Tuesday
Highfields Business Breakfast
13th June Wednesday TDSPN Meeting 10am - Noon 22 June - 15 July
Winter Wonderland
23rd June Saturday
CPR Refresher Training
30th June - 1st July
Gold Coast Marathon
This event is being run by and to help raise funds/awareness for Devoted 2 Dachshunds Rescue (D2DR -www.d2dr.org.au). This event is being held simultaneously all around Australia and is part of a record-breaking attempt. Please invite any local dachshund to get the word out about this fun event! 10am - 1pm
Contact Us BigDog Support Services 232 Ruthven Street Toowoomba QLD 4350 PO Box 234 Harlaxton QLD 4350 YWCA Sports Complex 125 Robinson Street North Rockhampton
Red Nose Day
(07) 4632 9559
End of Financial Year
1800 22 44 32 0427 408 698 (On Call) admin@bigdogsupport.com Visit us on the web at www.bigdogsupport.com
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