January 2021 Newsletter
Our wishes for a COVID-19 Free year
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Newsletter Editor Notes Hi everyone and welcome to 2021. 2020 Milestones COVID-19, COVID-19 and COVID-19 what else! New buildings that we have bought include our future Rockhampton office and community centre at 107 East Street Rockhampton CBD, a block of 3 by 3 bedroom SIL homes in Ibis Avenue Kawana and a 4 bedroom respite house in Vanity Street Rockville. The Paul Myatt Community Centre has received new safety fencing, a new paint job and a new sun sail. The front office has been updated and our accounts department now occupy that space. Online Training The response to our new online training program by staff has been very disappointing considering the number of requests for training last year and the efforts to get this operational. There are 58 staff who have still not logged in. Well done to those who have logged in and completed modules, with special mention to those who have completed the first 9 modules
In This Issue
Performance Appraisals
7 Staff Updates
January / February is the time of the year when performance appraisals are conducted with each employee to determine their goals for the new year.
8 NDIS Updates
This year the individual results of your training will have a major part in determining your pay rates and promotion or development. The original 9 modules must be completed by the time of your interview.
12 People we lost in 2020
2 Editor Notes 3 10 years ago BigDog in 2011 4 December Training Infographics 5 Queens Park Market 6 Safety Updates
10 Toowoomba Community 11 Rockhampton Community 13 Community Partnerships 16 What’s happening in January
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
10 Years ago
BigDog in 2011
10th January 2011 and the deadly wall of water that hit Toowoomba's CBD and the Lockyer Valley struck without warning. Weeks of persistent rain had saturated the ground and filled creeks and stormwater drains. The ferocious torrent, described by emergency services as an "inland tsunami", swept away cars and ripped businesses apart. This was a day that I certainly will never forget. I was in the BigDog office in Water Street (appropriately named when you consider the events of the day), that I shared with Parent to Parent. I was spending time with my client, a young man who was blind and in a wheelchair and we were listening to an RL Stine spooky tale on my laptop when the power went out. As the laptop had a battery, the tale kept playing. Hearing the sound of something bumping against the window, I raised the blind to see my car float by in a torrent of water. The building was Besser brick and the main entrance faced away from the flow of water so with the blinds closed and the roar of the rain on the tin roof, the impending danger was not obvious until this time.
There goes my car floating past the office
Cars piled under the railway bridge behind me
Soon after this a huge wave of water engulfed the entire building and we were completely submerged by water for several minutes. The steel bars on the windows were the only thing that saved us from being washed away. When the waters began to subside a little I was able to attract the attention of a 4 wheel drive with a winch and rope, and carrying my client with a rope around my waist we were able to reach safety. We were lucky.
Damage outside Grand Central 3
Infographics
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Training
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Queens Park Market The Queens Park Market team would like to thank all our valuable customers and stallholders for their support this year. Without you we would not be able to raise funds for our sponsor WhatsUp in Disability
So far this year we have raised around $10,000. This went to purchase a large Shade Sail and renovation of an outdoor recreation area as well as fencing at the Paul Myatt Community Centre.. This amazing fridge/ freezer for our market when we do our sausage sizzles and other events. Next market is in February 2021.
Hannah and Courtney at the finishing post. Photo Toowoomba Chronicle
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Safety Updates
Steve
How to build relationships
7. Always be polite and courteous
1. Honest and open communication
8. Don’t be angry back
2. Be consistent
9. If you cannot refrain from becoming angry, acknowledge that the issue is not progressing in a positive way and advise that you will refer the issue to your coordinator
3. Be courteous, even in times of conflict 4. Follow correct communication channels 5. Do not GOSSIP. Maintain confidentiality 6. Keep a professional distance
10.If the other person is ranting, let them. Often this will release their stress.
7. NEVER refer to any participant on social media
11.Think “What is the potential impact of this if I don’t seek a peaceful resolution?”
8. Understand and accommodate differences
12.Look for win-win solutions. Try to work towards an outcome that is satisfactory for both parties
Key tips for resolving issues 1. Listen. What is the most important thing that the other person is saying?
13.Show respect for your employer
2. Work at all times to establish rapport
14.Do not personalise abuse.
3. Use positive cues, “I understand”
15.Be proud of the work that you do.
4. The person needs to feel that they are being heard and understood
Ethical Dilemmas
5. Respect what they are saying 6. If you cannot solve the issue, seek help from a coordinator
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“A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two courses of action, either of which entails transgressing a moral principle.“
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Staff Updates
Ann
Payroll A reminder that pays are now processed on a Monday and paid on the Tuesday.
Staff Birthdays
Use of Staff Cars If a staff member wishes to use their vehicle to transport a participant and claim for the transport allowance, there must be prior approval by their roster coordinator and this approval will be recorded on Easy Employer. If this has not been approved, then payment of that allowance may not be included in the pay. It is a requirement that all staff motor vehicles used to transport participants be comprehensively insured with acknowledgement that the vehicle is used for business purposes. A copy of this must be on your file and be updated upon renewal of the policy. All staff vehicles will also need to have a roadworthy certificate if they wish to continue to be utilised after March. Specific attention will be given to the safety aspects of the vehicle including seat belts and brakes.
January 2021 4th 7th 10th
16th 20th 21st 22nd 29th
Catherine B Suzanne S Dylan V Emily D Judith S Vivian D Courtney P Tyler S Shane P Bodie M
Have a great day!
All staff vehicle are to be maintained in a clean and tidy condition reflecting their use as a business vehicle. All business related transport must be logged and all details completed to ensure correct payments. iPads are available at all of the reception desks for staff to complete their travel logs and shift notes when they are returning keys for the cars.
Welcome to our new Receptionist Aleisha Duncan has a Diploma in Business and has recently moved to Toowoomba to be closer to her family. Please take the time to meet with her when you next visit the Ruthven Street office.
Welcome to our new Accounts Assistant Maree Smith has had NDIS accounts experience as well as Policy development in line with NDIS Standards. She will be working principally with Kylie, but will also be assisting Ann with payroll and transport. 7
Updates Media Releases Digital Payment Solutions
Individual Support Worker
Media release 14th December 2020
Samantha Taylor PSM 22nd December 2020
The NDIA is seeking input and information on ways to improve how participants make claims and providers get paid.
Participants are receiving advice that the conditions of their NDIS provider’s registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) have been changed where support is provided by an individual support worker.
The Agency has issued a Request for Information (RFI) via the Australian Government’s Procurement Information System, AusTender, seeking information on potential Claim at Point Of Support (C-POS) solutions to accelerate and streamline payment processing for NDIS participants and providers. The aim of the RFI is to gather information to inform the Agency’s development of a C-POS solution, so that NDIS participants or providers can claim for services immediately. ‘We understand the process of claiming for participants can be challenging and complicated and we want to make it a smoother and quicker experience through better use of technology.’ NDIA CEO, Martin Hoffman said. ‘We are always looking for ways to make it easier for participants and providers when claiming. The information gathered through this RFI will hopefully help us to simplify that process.’ The RFI will ask for responses on design, cost estimates and payment options, and help identify a preferred solution design. This is an essential piece of the Digital Roadmap announced by Minister for the NDIS, Stuart Robert in June this year, which aims to improve the overall digital experience for NDIS participants and providers.
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It is emphasised that the personal supports their NDIS provider gives them in their home are of good quality and safe. The NDIS provider: • properly looks at risks they might face in their home
• checks the quality of the supports they provide to you • asks the participant how happy they are with those supports. To do this, a new condition has been added to the registration of NDIS providers. From 22nd December 2020, under a newlyintroduced registration condition, registered NDIS providers of Assistance with Daily Personal Activities must make sure that measures are in place to keep participants safe if they choose to receive personal support from only one individual support worker, and no other. This new condition will apply to all registered NDIS providers that deliver daily personal support to NDIS participants who live alone. Providers will need to work with participants to assess whether there are any things that might put them at risk in this circumstance. Agreements updated for all applicable cases.
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Impact on people with disability This Act will enhance safeguards for people with disability. It will introduce: • a no card-no start law to ensure people who need to be screened are checked before they start working with people with disability
The Disability Services and Other Legislation (Worker Screening) Amendment Act 2020 was passed on 4th December 2020. The Act will implement NDIS worker screening in Queensland. From 1st February 2021, Queensland will start nationally consistent worker screening for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The new NDIS worker screening checks are part of national reforms to improve the safety and quality of services being delivered to NDIS participants.
An NDIS worker screening clearance will be valid for five years rather than the current three year validity period. Application fees will be as follows: • NDIS worker screening application for paid workers: $117 • Joint NDIS worker screening application and blue card application for paid workers: $127 • Volunteer application: Free.
This means on an annual basis the cost for the new five year card will be cheaper than the current three year yellow card. From commencement, new employees of NDIS registered providers will need to apply for a clearance at the Worker Screening website. Existing yellow card holders are able to continue to work for registered NDIS providers until their card expires or is cancelled.
• a stronger framework for excluding people convicted of concerning offences • a stronger decision making framework that focuses on risk and considers a broader range of information • national daily monitoring of changes in criminal history • expanded screening requirements so more people need to be screened to work with people with disability. Workers and volunteers will apply for a clearance through the Queensland online application process rather than the current process where the employer applies on their behalf.
NDIS Worker Screening Database Employers will access the NDIS worker screening system through the NDIS Worker Screening Database (NWSD). They will use the NWSD to confirm they are proposing to engage the applicant. Employers will also receive notifications and communications about people they employ with clearances or exclusions from the NWSD.
Expansion of disqualifying and serious offences The range of disqualifying and serious offences has been expanded and there is a new framework for dealing with charges and convictions for a serious offence. 9
Day Service with Congratulations to the winner! Our fundraiser for the AstroTurf area had a prize package worth in excess of $500.
365
The winning entry was drawn at the Queens Park Market at 1:00 pm Sunday the 20th December 2020. The winning ticket was 365 and the winner was present and was also announced during the Tony Wigan Show on the following Monday on FM102.7. The fundraising for the Astro Turf has been progressing well and will be a reality very soon. I would like to thank all of the local businesses who donated to the prize and to all of those staff, participants, families and friends who purchased tickets in the raffle.
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
Rockhampton with Welcome back, I hope everyone had a great Christmas break. This year is going to be full of fun with a heap of activities and fundraisers planned for throughout the year. With Australia day fast approaching what better way to start the new year then to celebrate Australia Day down the beach with beach activities and a sausage sizzle.
Fundraiser Winner Congratulations to Sean, the winner of a framed, signed Brisbane Broncos Jersey shown below. A very happy young man being presented with his prize by Mikaela.
Also this month we will be starting off with our first fundraiser for the year, being a Pie Drive, if anyone would like to make an order or would like a form for family and friends please come and see me.
BigDog Day Service Rockhampton
Manderson’s Dance Centre 170 East Street Rockhampton 4700
and
206 Murray Street, Allenstown 4701 Manager Sarah Dillon Phone: 4573 4611 rockhampton@bigdogsupport.com.au 11
2020
People we lost
Brian Dennehy Connecticut-born actor Brian Dennehy, best known for playing dogged small-town sheriff Will Teasle in Sylvester Stallone classic First Blood. Chadwick Boseman Known around the world for his portrayal of African superhero Black Panther, passed away after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was 43. Dame Dianna Rigg played Bond girl Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and later as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones Helen Reddy Australian singer and actress Helen Reddy became synonymous with the feminist movement and appeared in the films Airport 1975 and Pete's Dragon Honor Blackman appeared opposite Sean Connery as iconic Bond girl Pussy Galore in 1964's Goldfinger Ian Holm British character actor Ian Holm played deceitful android Ash in Alien and brought Bilbo Baggins to life in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He was 88. Kelly Preston Actress and model Kelly Preston played Tom Cruise's fiancĂŠe in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire and starred alongside husband John Travolta in several feature films. Kirk Douglas Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, the patriarch of the Douglas dynasty aged 103. Born in New York as Issur Danielovitch, Douglas made his Broadway debut in 1941. His career was interrupted by WWII, but he returned to the stage after being honourably discharged from the Navy in 1944, and before long Hollywood beckoned. 1949's Champion made him a star (he earned his first of three Oscar nominations for the noir boxing drama), but his most famous picture was Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus (1960). Max von Sydow was best known for playing Father Merrin in The Exorcist and Ming the Merciless in Flash Gordon Olivia de Havilland Hollywood legend Olivia de Havilland was the last surviving star of 1939's Gone with the Wind. She was 104. Sean Connery the Scottish movie icon was best known for originating the role of James Bond on the big screen. He was 90. Post-Bond, Connery appeared in films like Highlander, The Untouchables (he was named Best Supporting Actor for his turn as a Depression-era cop), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October and The Rock. He was knighted in 2000. 12
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Community
Partnerships
#EndSegration 42 Disability Rights and Advocacy Organisations are calling for an end to segregation of people with disability In Australian Education, Housing and Workplaces. “What we have now is a system where children and young people with disability are not always welcome at their local school with their non-disabled peers and are unable to access the supports and adjustments for an equitable education” says Mary Sayers, CEO, Children and Young People Australia (CYDA). “Not only are we putting children and young people with disability at a disadvantage by failing to support them to reach their full potential, for many it’s the start of a pipeline to other segregated environments later in life, including workplaces where employers can legally hire people with disability to do real work, like packaging or gardening, for a fraction of the minimum wage.” Despite Australia’s move away from institutionalisation over the last few decades, many people with disability remain in congregated living situations like group homes or hostels, where housing and support services are managed by the same organisation.
WhatsUp in Disability
Rights and advocacy organisations are urging the Disability Royal Commission to recognise that segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination and a breach of human rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (which Australia has signed).
Stories in this issue include:
Full article can be read in this edition of WhatsUp. To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be a sponsor, please contact WhatsUp via: Office
11-15 Alexander Street, Toowoomba
admin@whatsupindisability.org
Online
www.whatsupindisability.org
Jan/Feb Magazine • Derek Tuffield - Lifeline • 10 year on 2011 Floods • 2020 a year in review • #EndSegregation • NDIS Updates • Queens Park Market • John Elliot’s Toowoomba • Keanu Reeves
Steven Paull President 13
What’s happening in
January When driving by our Ruthven Street office you will most probably notice the very large visitor sitting in our front yard. The Great Moscow Circus have arrived in town and have set up in the Frog’s Hollow oval in Queens Park. As we have a great position on the corner of Ruthven and Bridge Streets, they approached us to set up their advertising in exchange for some tickets. This Friday the 8th we will have a group of 12 attending the Circus and we thank the circus for providing the opportunity for some of our participants to attend the performance. The circus is on from the 8th to the 24th January with tickets ranging from $30 to $60 bookings available online.
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
FM 102.7 Big Bucks 50 for 50 As part of our sponsorship of FM 102.7 radio we have obtained 50 tickets in their 50 for 50, 2021 lottery. Toowoomba staff each received one ticket with their Christmas card and with only 100 tickets in this weekly draw each Monday, they have a chance to win $50 cash. As we have half of the tickets each week we would expect an even chance of having a winner. Winning tickets go back into the draw, so you can win again!
So listen in to the Tony Wigan breakfast show each Monday morning from 6:00am or follow the FM 102.7 Facebook page to watch the live draw. Winners will also be contacted by phone.
Justice of the Peace 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
