BigDog Newsletter November 2020

November 2020 Newsletter

Movember

Hike for homeless

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Newsletter Editor Notes Groom By-Election Saturday 28th November

Since its foundation in 1984, it has always been held by the Country/National, Liberal or, since 2010, Liberal National parties. Groom has been represented by four MPs: the first, Tom McVeigh, was the father of the outgoing MP John McVeigh. McVeigh's appointment as Queensland Agent-General in London led to his resignation, Bill Taylor, a former naval officer, was elected and served until his retirement at the 1998 federal election.

Taylor was succeeded by Ian Macfarlane, who served as a minister in the Howard and Abbott Governments. Macfarlane remained aligned to the federal Liberal Party following the merger of the Queensland Liberals and Nationals in 2008, but in 2015 attempted to defect to the federal Nationals after being dropped from cabinet. The move was blocked by party executives and Macfarlane opted to retire at the 2016 election.

In This Issue 2 Editor Notes 3 Busing Transport Myths 4 NDIS Updates 5 David Janetzki new LNP Deputy 6 Hike for Homeless

John McVeigh, was elected to federal parliament in 2016, having previously served in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland as the member for Toowoomba South.

8 Community News

We pass on all our very best wishes to Dr John McVeigh who resigned as the Liberal National MP on 18th September 2020 to concentrate on caring for his wife Anita, who has been suffering from a major illness. John was a great friend to BigDog.

12 Asbestos Awareness Month

9 Peter Ford 10 Toowoomba Community Centre 11 Rockhampton Community Centre 15 Admin Updates 16 November Events 16 BigDog Big Garage Sale

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BigDog Support Services Magazine

Transport Myths

By Rob Woolley DSC Transport is possibly the most frustrating element of NDIS service delivery. It’s boggled our minds and frustrated us for years. It’s a complex cocktail of links to old service systems, mainstream interfaces, unclear information and out-of-date workarounds. And it only accounts for 3.7% of all NDIS spend – what a lot of stress for 3.7%!

But being able to go places is, you know, kind of important. Access to transport underpins so many of the 1.6 million goals in NDIS plans across Australia, so it’s a vital part of most providers’ support models (and, by extension, providers’ businesses and reputations).

When it comes to transport, there’s a lot of confusion and a lot of misconceptions. So, in this article, we’re busting some of the most common transport myths we see making the rounds and driving us all around the bend (we promise, no more transport puns).

Transport can only be claimed from the Transport Support category in Core. True or false?

If you do have transport funding allocated in your plan, and it’s paid as a periodic payment, then you can’t spend other core funding on general transport. True or false?

True This periodic payment is usually paid fortnightly and straight into the person’s bank account, and it is listed on the person’s NDIS Plan. When this is the case, the person does not have flexibility to spend their other core funding on general transport.

Every participant can get transport support in their plan. True or false?

False The NDIA states that transport funding takes into account whether the person can use public transport without substantial difficulty (due to their disability) and other factors like whether the person is accessing any relevant taxi subsidy scheme. Transport funding is part of the planning process. Transport funding in plans are cases that are brought most commonly to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

When delivering Activity Based Transport, providers have to follow the per-kilometre prices listed in the Price Guide.

General Transport: Claimed from the transport support category

False The Price Guide lists $0.85 per km ($2.40 per km for a vehicle that is modified for accessibility or a bus) as a reasonable contribution; however, unlike most prices, this is only a recommendation. (BigDog charges a flat rate of $10 per hour for up to 20kms in one of our standard vehicles)

If you don’t have funding allocated under transport, you can’t purchase general transport. True or false?

Transport must be provided in vehicles owned and operated by the registered provider. True or false?

False If you have no transport funding allocated in your plan, you can use your core funding flexibly on transport.

False The NDIA does not place any restrictions on the ownership or management of vehicles that are used to deliver transport.

False Two types of transport are claimable from different parts of the plan: Activity Based Transport: Claimed from any of the line items in 6 different support categories

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Updates Complaints and Reportable Incidents Wow, how are these for some destressing figures? Last financial year the NDIS Commission received 4,469 complaints from participants (17 per working day) about Provider Practice 48%, Provider Policies 20%, Worker Conduct 19% (850) and alleged abuse and neglect 13%.

What is more concerning is there have been 311,040 reportable incidents including sexual misconduct, death, unlawful physical, serious injury and alleged abuse and neglect. Of these the huge majority 302,690 were for unauthorised use of restrictive practices.

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BigDog Support Services Magazine

MP Appointment David Janetzki is named as the new LNP deputy leader His LNP party room colleagues elected him to the role at a meeting at Parliament House in Brisbane.

“It is my extraordinary honour to have been elected deputy leader of the (LNP),” Mr Janetzki said.

“We take a deep breath and steel ourselves for the challenges ahead.

“Thank you for all the well wishes and support.”

Mr Janetzki succeeds Tim Mander as the party’s deputy after he resigned from the position after the LNP’s state election loss last month.

He went up against Dale Last, Steve Minnikin and Christian Rowan for the position.

Broadwater MP and former Newman Government minister David Crisafulli has also replaced Deb Frecklington as the party’s leader.

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Hike for

BigDog Team Kyle, Henry, William, Courtney, Monique, Ann, Sharie, Mishel and Kylie

Win ton Que ens 6

BigDog Support Services Magazine

Homeless

Hannah and Courtney at the finishing post. Photo Toowoomba Chronicle

n n e sl 7

NEWS Community Radio 102.7 FM Did you know you can become a presenter at 102.7FM? We will train you in the process and support you to become a community broadcaster and go on air with your very own show. As well as becoming a presenter at 102.7FM you can help out in other areas such as production & tech support. There are lots of ways to get involved at Community Radio 102.7FM so reach out!

To volunteer at the station, please get in touch with us via the Facebook page or call (07) 4638 4171 between 9am and 12pm Monday to Friday. Stream online at www.102point7fm.com.au

Queens Park Market Sunday 15th There will be a sausage sizzle provided by WhatsUp in Disability raising funds for their community centre and sales of raffle tickets to raise funds to create an AstroTurf area under the trees at the Paul Myatt Community Centre as the attempts to grow grass over the years has not proved to be very successful.

8am to 1pm 3rd Sunday every month Frog’s Hollow Hume Street Toowoomba Supporting WhatsUp in Disability

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BigDog Support Services Magazine

Partnerships Peter Ford I first met Peter Ford at Rendezvous on Ruthven while a member of a local group of people with strong opinions about our region and the fine coffee served by our host and friend, Tony Wigan. This group came to be known as the “International Men of Mystery” and we still meet regularly, although less often due to COVID-19.

Peter had worked with Tony as a radio journalist on local radio before joining the Seven Network in Sydney as a reporter, news reader and then co-anchor on Sunrise. In 1981 he moved to the USA and joined CNN in Atlanta, later moving to NBC in Miami and then NBC in Washington DC. Peter covered the NASA Space Shuttle program for more than a decade, covered the White House, The Pentagon, The Vatican and covered Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and after 9/11 reported from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Peter Ford is now better known as the inventor of NeuroSwitch, a device that helps those with neurone damage, spinal cord injuries and other immobilising conditions break free of their bodily prisons and reengage with the world.

Peter is not only a great man for his achievements to the betterment of mankind but he is a valued friend to me and has been a strong supporter of BigDog as well as WhatsUp in Disability.

To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be a sponsor, please contact WhatsUp via: Office

11-15 Alexander Street, Toowoomba

Email

admin@whatsupindisability.org

Online

www.whatsupindisability.org

WhatsUp in Disability

Nov/Dec Magazine Stories in this issue include: • Peter Ford • Control Bionics—Say Hello • Make Disability Count QLD • Hike for Homeless • NDIS Updates • Accessible Australia • The Keeper of Dreams • Busting Transport Myths

Steven Paull President 9

Fundraiser for the AstroTurf area

Virtual Jobs Fair

Everybody has been busy checking with their local business seeking donations to include in this year’s Day Service fundraising raffle. Due to these generous local businesses we have been able to put together a prize package worth in excess of $500.

BigDog is participating in the 2020 Toowoomba Virtual Jobs Fair.

The winning entry will be drawn at the Queens Park Market at 1:00 pm Sunday the 20th December 2020. The winner will be notified by text message, be announced during the Tony Wigan Morning Show on Monday and appear on our Facebook page. The draw will be randomly selected using a number selection application witnessed by a representative of the Promoter.

So log on Tuesday, 17th November from 9:30am to 1:30pm

If you know someone who is looking for a new position or perhaps a casual, part-time or fulltime opportunity, make sure they register at employtoowoomba.net.au There will be some great information available including a huge number of vacancies from local and regional employers. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT OUT!

BigDog Day Service Toowoomba

Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street North Toowoomba 4350 Coordinator Sharon Price Phone: 4512 6020 dayservice@bigdogsupport.com.au 10

BigDog Support Services Magazine

Movember Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

Mo Bros, supported by their Mo Sistas, start Movember (November 1st) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache. During Movember, each Mo Bro effectively becomes a walking billboard for men's health and, via their Mo, raises essential funds and awareness for Movember's men's health partners.

Fundraiser for Great Keppel Trip Footy fan friends we are having a raffle... Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 it’s a framed Broncos jersey that has kindly been donated, has been worn and signed by the 2020 squad let Sarah know if you’d like some tickets.

So join us for a morning tea to raise awareness and funds for this important cause.

BigDog Day Service Rockhampton

Manderson’s Dance Centre 170 East Street Rockhampton 4700

and

206 Murray Street, Allenstown 4701 Manager Suzanne Smith Phone: 4573 4611 rockhampton@bigdogsupport.com.au 11

Asbestos Awareness Month

If you are thinking about renovating, you must be aware of asbestos. It is important for home owners and renovators to be aware of how to safely manage asbestos in and around the home.

als contain asbestos just by looking at them.

Importantly, if you suspect you have asbestos in your home, Dont cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it!

Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do… Don’t dump it!

For a NATA Lab List call 1800 621 666 or refer to their website at www.nata.com.au.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous silicate mineral. It was considered a versatile product, because it is able to withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire and water resistant properties.

Only scientific testing of a sample of material by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) asbestos testing laboratory can confirm the presence of asbestos.

When searching for an asbestos testing facility use a capital A in Asbestos.

When working in and around the home or renovating, if in doubt, assume you are dealing with asbestos and take every precaution The safest way to manage the removal of asbestos is to hire a licenced asbestos removal contractor

It becomes a health risk when asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in.

While some people may ensure they follow the regulations and safety requirements to remove small amounts of asbestos themselves, we recommend retaining a licenced asbestos removal professional who is equipped to protect you and your family from the dangers of asbestos dust.

In Australia, a complete ban of asbestos and its products became effective in 2003.

Most people can’t tell whether building materi12

BigDog Support Services Magazine

Payroll updates Pay Days From the first pay in January 2021 the day that pays will be paid into your account will be changed from a Monday to a Tuesday. In your letter of offer of employment it states that we will pay on the Wednesday but with improvements to our payroll system we were able to complete the pays on a Monday.

This is to be changed for two main reasons. The first is to work around public holidays which are traditionally on a Monday. In the past, payroll staff have worked on the public holiday to ensure prompt payment.

Secondly, there continue to be a small number of errors by staff in recording their shifts and in particular personal vehicle usage that require adjustments after the pays have been processed and the additional day will allow for these errors to be found and rectified.

Using your own car If you wish to use your own vehicle to transport a participant you must have a current signed and acknowledged Motor Vehicle Personal Use Agreement that includes but is not exclusive of the following:

Staff Birthdays

November 2020 3rd 5th 6th 10th 14th 15th 25th 27th 29th

Darren Trinity Kristy Tahlia G Monique P Kiana Anthony M Dawn K Darcy Tasha G

Have a great day!

} A current Driver’s licence for the class of vehicle } Comprehensive Insurance for your vehicle Additional new inclusions

} Any shift that you intend to use your vehicle must be approved beforehand and included in the shift notes by the approving coordinator.

} For any vehicle outside of the manufacturer’s warranty an annual Road Worthy Certificate will need to obtained and submitted to administration

} Comprehensive Insurance with a confirmation that it is covered for business purposes

} Travel allowance is to be paid as a daily rate of $10 13

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BigDog Support Services Magazine

Justice of the Peace

NAIDOC Week NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week is usually held in the first full week of July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society. The November dates follow the decision to postpone NAIDOC Week due to the impacts of COVID-19

This service is available at the Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street Toowoomba (please call first to make an appointment) The JPs in the Community Program is also available through major shopping centres, libraries, court houses and hospitals.

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) www.bigdogsupport.com.au 15

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BigDog Support Services Magazine