Artability Father’s Day
Carnival of Flowers 1
Editors Note September is a particularly busy time in of the year with Father’s Day, Disability Action Week (DAW) and the Carnival of Flowers.
Additional to this activity, I am on holidays in the USA for half of the month and although I will miss DAW I know that the rest of you will be active in promoting disability awareness and equality. Father’s Day reminded me that BigDog is a family business and that starting and owning a family business was one of the most fulfilling decisions I have ever made. Not only could I create employment stability for my family during uncertain times, but I also gain a great deal of personal satisfaction and recognition of the great work that we do.
In This Issue } Disability Action Week
According to a Family Business Australia report, family owned small businesses like BigDog make up the backbone of the Australian economy – accounting for 70% of all businesses countrywide.
} In the world of DisAbility
As we are serious about the longevity of our family business we are continuing to invest in new technology including accounting and rostering software, new images and ways of promoting BigDog, new business enterprises including the meal preparation and delivery, the expansion of our cleaning teams, and mail delivery service, life skills training and social enterprises.
} Community Partners
It is an exciting time for all of us and I invite you all to be a part of these developments.
} Admin Updates
Steven
} NDIS Updates } Community NEWS } Photograph Gallery } Management Updates } Day Service } Rockhampton
} Safety Matters } September 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
make small changes to create a more welcoming state for people with disability. Disability Action Week will be a key part of the Everybody has a role to play awareness campaign, which aims to help create opportunities for all through sharing stories of Queenslanders with disability and providing tips for individuals and organisations on how they can be more inclusive.
Toowoomba Region
Disability Action Week will be held from 9th to 15th September 2018.
Disability Action Week is held annually in September with the aim of empowering people with disability, raising awareness of disability issues, and improving access and inclusion throughout the wider community. With 1 in 5 Queenslanders having a disability, and disability touching the lives of most Queenslanders in some way, the week is an important celebration. This year’s theme, “Everybody has a role to play”, encourages everyday Queenslanders to
As part of Disability Action Week, the Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee are hosting the "Disability Assistive Technology Expo" on Tuesday the 11th of September, 2018 from 10am-3pm at the Civic Precinct. There will be stalls, food and guest speakers on the day.
Inside Out Movie Screening Hosted by TASC National Walton Stores 476-482 Ruthven St., Toowoomba Free open air screening of the movie Inside Out to mark Disability Action Week. Hear from inspirational guest speakers before the screening.
Monday 10th September 5:30pm - 9:00pm Walton Stores
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Man with disability in NDIS ad campaign ineligible for NDIS plan
By Gemma Sapwell and Catherine Marciniak
A man living with a disability who featured in ads across the country for the NDIS when it launched has had his own NDIS application rejected.
Jeremy Hawkes, 46, from Goonellabah in northern New South Wales, lives with Parkinsonism and chronic pain from a work-related spinal injury. In 2013, he was cast in a nationwide NDIS ad campaign. Mr Hawkes said when he received a letter this year informing him that his application was rejected, he was devastated. "I was quite shocked, really quite shocked," he
said. "Everyone I'd spoken to assured me I'd have no issue, and I'd sent them such detailed medical reports - like 11 years of medical records describing my various issues." The rejection letter said he did not meet the scheme's requirements - that he did not have substantially reduced functional capacity in communication, mobility, self-care and selfmanagement. He said he immediately started the appeal process, "but I must admit I got hit by a big wave of depression and went down for a couple of months, it really knocked the wind out of my sails". 4
The Business DisABILITY Awards of Australia achieve this aim. The Awards provides a platform to recognise businesses and individuals in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region who support, educate and employ people with a disability. The 2018 Awards Committee is comprised of: Paul Wilson, Founding Committee Member David Wallis, Founding Committee Member Penny Hamilton, CEO, YellowBridge QLD Jodie Collins, General Manager Disability Services, YellowBridge QLD Lyndel Bunter, CEO, Warrina Services Greg Luck, CEO, HELP Enterprises
Productive and prosperous communities rely on all its members having the opportunity to participate in and contribute as fully as possible to their community.
Kevin Beach, Employment & Training, HELP Enterprises
The 6th Business DisABILITY Awards of Australia aims to acknowledge those within our business community who are helping to
Mark Setchfield, Arafmi QLD
Nerida Luck, Arafmi QLD
Heather Smith, Event Manager, Wishbone Communication Good luck to our own nominee, Dane, in the category that recognises an employee with a disability who has demonstrated a notable attitude or effort in a work space. Regardless of the outcome you are a winner with us. Editor
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Pitch@Palace
Originally known as NeuroSwitch and later as NeuroNode, his device can pick up tiny movements of a muscle and synchronise them with a cursor shining up and down the rows of a virtual keyboard.
Motor neurone disease/ALS sufferers and those paralysed by congenital illnesses who still have some small muscle movement can then communicate with the world using text-tosynthesised voice technology. Physicist the late Stephen Hawking was a user of Mr Ford’s technology in its early days. The winner of Pitch@Palace Commonwealth is...
Control Bionics Australia
The technology also has seen sufferers email, operate equipment, and even drive a remote presence robot.
Australian inventor and former TV anchor Peter Ford has won a prestigious award pitching in a technology competition initiated by The Duke of York. Peter is chief executive of Control Bionics, which develops devices that let almost paralysed people communicate with the world around them, despite their inability to move or talk. 6
Parent to Parent
WhatsUp in Disability
Fathers Day
Artability
So why do Australians celebrate in September?
One of the first mentions of Father's Day in Australia was seen in the Newcastle Sun on 4th September 1936. The article promoted a Father's Day meeting at the Baptist Tabernacle, with reference to hopes the day would become as popular as Mother's Day. The idea had also surfaced a week earlier on 29th August 1936 in The Daily News Perth, with an advertorial suggesting gifts to be given on the day.
But an article in the Western Herald in 1964 said the day was first celebrated in 1935. The same article explained the day was officially designated as the first Sunday in September through the Commonwealth in 1964. No reason was officially given for the choice of date, but it is a widely held belief that the month was chosen for commercial benefit. September spaces Father's Day almost perfectly between Mother's Day and Christmas in a calendar year, giving shoppers ample time to save for all.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads, everywhere.
Artability Exhibition Disability Action Week Entry is open to any artist who has a disability. Businesses in Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, will display this artwork in their front windows or inside the shop. Art can be of any description, like a painting, photography, jewellery or pottery which can be displayed in a window. It must be framed, laminated or on a canvas. (not just a piece of paper). The largest size is 1m by 1m. Let’s show the community how wonderful and artistic and skilled people are. Art is limited to 2 pieces per person. All Art work must be delivered to me by the 30th of August and it must be collected by you from me by the end of September. For more information, please contact Toni Mitchell, Artability Convener on 0438327984
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
Chloe with Ian Thorpe, Jo Ellevsen, Brody Morgan, George Mason
My Name is Chloe By Chloe Ellevsen My name is Chloe Robyn Ellevsen and in November I will turn eighteen. My parents noticed when I was 18 months old that there was something not right and they decided to take me to the hospital and found out what was wrong. I was diagnosed with a rare condition called Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS Type I Hurler-Scheie Syndrome). There are seven different types of MPS and I am one of around 200 people in Australia with a type of MPS and one of roughly 20 in Queensland with a type of MPS BUT I’m the only one in Queensland that has Hurler-Scheie Syndrome. I have to go to the hospital to put enzymes back in my body- MPS means a person doesn’t make enough or any of enzyme that lives in cells which are needed to break down waste products of cells. 2 years after I was diagnosed my little brother was born and he completed the family- but I am the only person
in my family who was born with MPS two of my siblings are carriers I have two sisters and 1 brother. I lived in Roma for about 12 years and went to both schools that they had. I was on TV for a documentary about bullying which was called Bullied. It was hard to do but in the end, I got to meet one Bronze Medallist Ian Thorpe. I don't go to school anymore due to all the bullying. I left in grade eleven, but I have been out of school for a year. I’m now Studying Cert 3 in business Administration. Not long ago my family moved from Roma to Toowoomba but it was a slow process because we had to make sure the new hospital in Toowoomba could give me my enzyme properly, so we had to wait for them to be trained. The best thing about moving to Toowoomba is that I’m not just closer to my family but I'm also closer to my best friend and my nephew and who is the cutest nephew ever. There is a lot more to do in Toowoomba then there ever was in Roma. 8
BigDog newsletters on ISSUU
2018 will be blooming great There are now 176,030 more reasons to love the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – that’s how many seedlings and bulbs will be planted for this year’s event which runs from Friday 21st to Sunday 30th September. Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has flourished and is now an iconic Queensland event. The brainchild of Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Carnival was introduced as a way for the city to use their “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the hardships of war. 2017 had 255,639 people attended the event.
Issuu is a digital discovery and publishing platform that enables anyone — from independent creators to global brands — to distribute, measure and monetize their digital content. They offer the best digital reading experience possible and provide you with tools to easily upload, share and sell beautiful content online. BigDog has decided to use this platform to publish our newsletters and information documents because our readers are rewarded with the absolute best reading experience possible regardless of device or platform. To experience this new format we invite you to go to the following link which will open a shareable full-screen reader. https://issuu.com/bigdogsupport/docs/ newsletter_1808?e=34185557/63631658 Please enjoy this technology. 9
By Kamie Bartlett and Bec McDermott
I have a picture from the zoo of a Sabin tiger looking directly at the camera. Tigers are very solitary and shy creatures and we were very lucky to witness this beautiful animal showing off to us on the day. Caitlin and Rebecca enjoyed patting a deer at the zoo, the deer shown here was in labour while we were visiting the zoo and we all thought she was really cute.
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Downsizing contributions into Superannuation Why a wave of Baby Boomers will be have a total super balance greater than $1.6 million. cashing in their homes If you are 65 years old or older and meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to choose to make a downsizer contribution into your superannuation of up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling your home. Your downsizer contribution is not a nonconcessional contribution and will not count towards your contributions caps. The downsizer contribution can still be made even if you
You can only make downsizing contributions for the sale of one home. You can't access it again for the sale of a second home. Downsizer contributions are not tax deductible and will be taken into account for determining eligibility for the age pension. If you sell your home, are eligible and choose to make a downsizer contribution, there is no requirement for you to purchase another home.
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WARNING – Hot weather ahead Hi team, Winter will soon be in the rear view mirror; put away the jumpers and get out the pluggers.
It is timely to talk about community access and the warmer weather. We need to ensure that we are not putting the participants at risk of heat related illness. Things to consider when planning a trip out are: Have I checked the weather forecast? Is it going to be unusually hot? Are we expecting a hot wind to be blowing? Are there any hot weather warnings in place?
light coloured clothing. Avoid darker colours as they absorb the sun’s rays. Have we eaten, or are we planning to eat during the activity? Food helps you regulate your salt levels, which are vital when you are exposed to high temperatures. Have we both got hats and sunscreen? Do we need sunglasses to protect us from glare? Should we limit our time in the sun/ heat? Spend short periods in the heat, rest in the shade and replenish your fluids.
Do we have enough water to last the activity’s duration? This should include having a big drink before the activity? Can the water be kept and a cool drinking temperature?
In extreme temperatures, spend as little as 20 minutes per hour in the heat.
Is there any respite from the sun at the activities location?
Being unwell can increase your risk of being effected by heat related illness.
Take breaks from the heat, using shady areas or air-conditioned buildings.
Some illnesses can increase your dehydration levels.
Are we wearing suitable clothing for the activity/weather? Wear loose fitting, lightweight,
Beat the heat and keep everyone safe this summer.
Are either of us unwell at the moment?
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Acknowledge the Ability Lost Voice Guy wins Britain’s Got Talent The 37-year-old, whose cerebral palsy affects his ability to speak, uses a voice synthesiser for his act. The comedian, whose real name is Lee Ridley, will receive £250,000 in prize money and the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance. After the result was announced, Ridley said via his synthesiser: "I have been blown away by the support of the judges and the general public. "I'm very excited to perform in front of the Queen. "I've loved her since she sang Bohemian Rhapsody." The comedian, who is from Consett, County Durham, was bruised and wearing a plaster on his nose following a fall after his semi-final performance. He quipped that he had been told to "smash it" in the final but his injury showed he had taken this advice too literally. Interviewed for the final, he said: "When I am performing, it's as if I have finally found my voice - and it's a great feeling making people laugh." 13
Carnival of Flowers Float
September Activities
Now in its 67th year the award-winning Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers continues to grow. Spectacular gardens, country touring, live music and local food and wine plus much more.
Picnic Point Scavenger Hunt
This year BigDog is again having our every own float in the Carnival of Flowers parade on Saturday 22nd September‌
Grand Central Parade Walking Troop
This is an expression of interest to see who would like to be involved in this long running community event. We have some seats available in the ute for those who cannot walk and we also have spots available for walkers. Spots are limited and it is strictly first in first served.
Highfields Pioneer Village
BigDog will have everything organised, if you choose to be part of the day all you will need to do is turn up on the day.
Paul Myatt Community Centre
Once I have an idea of who is interested, I will be able to provide more information about the day.
North Toowoomba 4350
If you are wanting to be a part of the BigDog float, you will need to let me know no later than Friday 14th September.
Wednesday 12th September Queens Park Sideshow Alley Friday 21st September
Saturday 22nd September
Wednesday 26th September The Gruffalo - Empire Theatre Saturday 29th September BigDog Day Service Toowoomba
11-15 Alexander Street
Coordinators Marrissa Moore and Sharon Price 4512 6020 dayservice@bigdogsupport.com 14
Bell Park - Emu Park
Friday 14th September 9:30am - 2:00pm ‘Beach Day Out’ is an annual community event held during Disability Action Week and provides a platform for those with a disability, carers and their families to gain support, education and opportunities that will be the most responsive and beneficial to their individual needs. BigDog Day Service Rockhampton
1/105 Denham Street, Rockhampton 4701 Post Office address PO Box 9777 Frenchville 4701 Coordinator Suzanne Smith 0438 724 306
This event invites service providers and organisations to attend the event as a stall holder, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage with services that may contribute to an improved quality of life. This will ensure informed decisions are made when accessing services with a particular focus to benefit those who will be accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Activities allow for social inclusion through experiences that our target audience wouldn’t normally participate in on a day to day basis, these opportunities allow for growth, development, increased awareness and learning. Attractions include accessible access to the beach, accessible inflatables, petting zoo and other inclusive activities. This year BigDog will again have a stall at this great event with free hair extensions, so come along and enjoy a great day with us.
Suzanne@bigdogsupport.com 15
Get Started Vouchers Get Started Vouchers is one of the funding programs that comprise the Queensland Government’s Get in the Game initiative to support sport and recreation at the grassroots level. Get Started Vouchers assist children and young people who can least afford, or may otherwise benefit from, joining a sport or active recreation club. Eligible children and young people can apply for a voucher1 valued
up to $150, which can be redeemed at a sport or recreation club that is registered for Get Started Vouchers. More information for clubs, parents/guardians/ carers and referral agents can be viewed at http://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/ funding/getinthegame/getstarted/. The factsheets provide an overview of the eligibility criteria and application process.
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New Financial Year changes
Birthdays
With the end of the financial year now a memory, there were a few changes that came into effect from 1st July. Single Touch Payroll reporting is now applicable for employers with 20 or more employees. The HighIncome threshold for Unfair Dismissal increases to $145,000, and the National minimum wage is now $719.20 per week. There are also further changes to Penalty Rates for various awards. Glasses are no longer allowed in new passport photos, Online Shopping Tax, Comprehensive Credit Reporting, Housing Affordability Package Downsizing for people over 65, and changes to Family Tax Benefit Part A. From July 1, single-use plastic bags are banned in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, bringing them into line with South Australia (the first state to ban the bag in 2009), ACT, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. While NSW is standing firm, most major retailers have instituted a virtual nationwide ban. Remember that this law applies to everyone, not just the major retailers. corner stores, small shops, and even the local weekend markets must comply.
September 3rd 17th 19th 20th 24th 27th
Amy-Lee H Andrew S Des W Sharon B Sandra N Merryl M
12-month Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty is a one -off opportunity for employers to self-correct past Super Guarantee (SG) non-compliance without penalty. Subject to the passage of legislation, the Amnesty will be available to 23rd May 2019.
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The Business Disability Awards Gala Dinner 7pm 13th September 2018 Armitage Centre Toowoomba Tickets are available at www.tbda.net.au
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Brisbane Riverfire
What’s on in September 1st September
Fathers Day Dads stay Positive Run with Dad - Queens Park
4th September
Highfields Business Breakfast
5th September
Fresh Futures Market Ipswich
12th September
TDSPN Meeting 10am - Noon
13th September
Business Disability Awards
14th September
Beach Day Out - Emu Park
22nd September
Carnival of Flowers Parade
29th September
Brisbane Riverfire
Contact Us BigDog Support Services 232 Ruthven Street Toowoomba QLD 4350 PO Box 234 Harlaxton QLD 4350
(07) 4632 9559
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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