May 2021 Newsletter
Federal Budget Summary 1
Newsletter Editor Notes Our sponsorship of the Capras has allowed some of the Toowoomba management team to attend their recent match against the Dolphins at Redcliffe, being treated to a great meal and drinks in one of the corporate boxes. Shame about the loss! Two weeks later other members of the Toowoomba management team were able to meet up with Suz and Tyler from Rockhampton and attend the Capras match against the Seagullsat Wynnum-Manly in Brisbane. Shame about that loss—50 to 0! We wish a quick recovery to those injured players.
In This Issue 2 Editor Notes 3 Federal Budget 4 NDIS Updates 5 Toowoomba Virtual Jobs Fair 6 Sponsorships 7 Community Partnerships 8 Compulsory Items 9 NGO Training Infographic 10 Toowoomba Community 11 Rockhampton Community 12 Safety Updates 13 Staff Updates 14 What’s happening in May 16 Something about Bella 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
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Federal Vaccines An extra $1.9 billion will be spent on our vaccine strategy over the next five years, with the government also confirming it's set aside a pool of money to invest in mRNA vaccine production in Australia.
Budget
clared the sector was underfunded by about $10 billion a year. The money will be spent on 80,000 new home care packages over the next two years, bringing the total to more than 275,000 by June 2023.
The government is also chipping in another $1.5 billion for COVID-related health services like testing and contact tracing.
Respite care and support services will also be boosted by $798 million over the next five years.
Women
Mental Health
In addition to changes to the childcare subsidy, the government's tipping in $354 million for women's health.
An extra $2.3 billion is being invested into the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, and will be shared across five key areas.
That includes $100 million for improving cervical and breast cancer screening programs, including extending the free mammogram service to now cover women aged 40 to 74 (previously it was for women aged 50 to 74).
Around $250 million has been set aside for early intervention, including a new digital platform that'll provide online counselling, peer and clinical support, and referrals.
More than $47 million is being put toward depression services for pregnant women and new mothers, $95.9 million on screening of embryos during IVF and $13.7 million to reduce pre-term birth rates, especially among Indigenous communities. There'll also be a new trial program which gives women fleeing violent relationships up to $5,000 in assistance, split into a $1,500 payment and $3,500 in expenses like rent, legal fees and furniture.
Aged Care The government is putting an extra $17.7 billion toward aged care over five years, or roughly $3.5 billion a year. While it's a significant injection, it's worth noting the royal commission into aged care de-
A further $298 million will go directly to suicide prevention. The federal government is going to work with the states and territories to fund aftercare for every person discharged from hospital after a suicide attempt.
Businesses Businesses with a turnover of up to $5 billion will be able to write off the full value of any eligible asset like a work vehicle or equipment they bought between last budget and June 30, 2023, an extension of an additional 12 months. The extension also mean any losses incurred up to June 2023 can be offset against prior profits made going back to the 2018-19 financial year.
Farmers Waive almost $15 million of debt owed by more than 5,000 farmers receiving the Farm Household Allowance from Centrelink. 3
Updates Media Releases Disability advocates delivered new NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds a formal ‘terms of engagement’ in a bid to reset relations between the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) and people with disability, their families and community. Australia’s major disability representative and disabled persons organisations have been increasingly concerned that the NDIS is changing in order to slash costs – rather than continue the investment in individualised services and supports for people with disability. This is an opportunity for the new minister to build a new model of engagement with people with disability based on mutual respect and common sense of purpose.
munity will continue to speak up against these changes, but we need a reset in this relationship. The flawed and widely criticised plan to introduce NDIS compulsory assessments shows what happens when people with disability and their representative organisations are not involved. We are deeply concerned that this is a giant leap backwards with processes in place that are unreliable and unethical.” “We are asking for the Minister to stop, rebuild trust and respond to our concerns. The time is now,” she said.
Without this commitment it is difficult to see how people with disability and the disability community can continue to work productively with the NDIA. Mary Sayers, CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA) on behalf of the group of disability advocates, said that this is a pivotal point in the in the development of the world leading NDIS. “This is a truly defining moment for Minister Linda Reynolds. It will determine how willing she is to engage in real consultation with us on behalf of over 430,000 people with disability who use the NDIS and their families.”
The Highfields Lions invite you to join the pride for our upcoming 2021 season. Under 8.5, under 10.5 and under 12.5 mixed. Join a team, kick a goal, win a trophy, make friends and have fun playing Aussie Rules
Season launch day is Saturday March 20th 8:30 am—9:30 am Kratzke Oval We look forward to seeing you at our launch For more information contact
“The NDIS is a critical piece of Australia’s social infrastructure, like Medicare. The success of the NDIS should be defined by how well it supports people with disability.”
For all new families joining the Club, the first season is completely free of charge.
“People with disability, our families and com-
Sponsored by BigDog Support Services
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Jonathon Hogen 0475 831 438
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Toowoomba
Virtual Jobs Fair
The Toowoomba Workforce Strategy which outlines the current jobs situation in Toowoomba and strategies to implement. It includes our shared vision for the future and our recommended approach to addressing the unique challenges in the Toowoomba Region with respect to unemployment rates and skills shortages. The committee, including Steven from BigDog, is working together to share knowledge, intellectual property and recent observations, in order to positively influence the employment space in Toowoomba. In particular the TRJC supports initiatives to: •
Train the right people for the right jobs
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Help workers to take advantage of opportunities
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Help lower unemployment levels – targeting key vulnerable groups (i.e. youth, migrants)
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Help businesses to plan for their future workforce needs
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Keep people in Toowoomba
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Attract people to Toowoomba
Currently, unemployed and underemployed people of Toowoomba are reporting an apparent lack of quality jobs available to them locally, and at the same time businesses are reporting an inability to attract job applicants with the desired skills and experience. There is, therefore, seemingly an issue in enabling our workforce supply to meet our workforce demand. Thank you to the Queensland Government who has supported and funded the Toowoomba Regional Jobs Committee as a key initiative of the plan - Skills for Queensland – Great training and quality jobs. The Employ Toowoomba Virtual Jobs Fair will open from 10am Thursday 13th May 2021! The event will be live from 10am to 2pm on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th May but access to booth resources, the jobs board and on-demand presentations will be available after hours and on Saturday 15th May. https://www.employtoowoomba.net.au
Live Workshops Thursday 10.30am – How to create a Resume that Works for You •
Friday 10.30am – How to Ace an Interview •
We have positions available for Disability Support Workers so let your friends know and they can apply online.
Hannah and Courtney at the finishing post. Photo Toowoomba Chronicle
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Sponsorships Queens Park Market
The RSPCA's much-loved Million Paws Walk dog walking event is back in 2021 and will be run jointly with the Queens Park Market. Come and join us on Sunday 16th May to raise funds for the RSPCA and through our Sausage Sizzle, all sales are donated to the Paul Myatt Community Centre and the site fees are donated to WhatsUp in Disability. Staff and participants are encouraged to volunteer an hour or two of their time at the BBQ. All volunteers will receive a free sausage and a drink to thank them for their contribution. Million Paws Walk is a national event and in the lead up participants are encouraged to fundraise online and through merchandise sales available on the Million Paws Walk: Walk This May website. This will contribute to supporting the RSPCA’S work within the community, including caring for and re-homing some 112,000 animals that depend on us all over Australia each year. Plus, community events like Million Paws Walk are even more crucial in these challenging times, as the RSPCA depends on fundraising and donations to survive and continue the life saving work that they do. They desperately need you and your pooches’ help this May. #MillionPawsWalk and #MPWDOGSQUAD will be used across social media to allow walkers to share images and routes.
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
Community
Partnerships
WhatsUp in Disability is now in its 29th year of publication and this is our 100th edition. Our team has worked on this special edition to recount the major events for the magazine during these 29 years. “A presentation of events and happenings around Toowoomba which may be of interest to people with disabilities and their families.” And so with this simple description Michael Barber began our journey to create a relevant source of information for people with disability. WhatsUp In Disability (the magazine) produced by Australian Disability Media Association, a non-profit organisation, was first published in 1992 to give local people with disabilities and carers, information on a growing multitude of local disability services, local news and issues, with the purpose of not only supplying information to people with disabilities, but of giving choices to people and to give local services a specialist media outlet where they could give information on their services.
WhatsUp in Disability
WhatsUp in Disability is seen as the principle provider of this information for our readers.
May/Jun Magazine
A special mention needs to be made to the small legion of volunteers who have contributed their valuable time and skills in presenting their personal stories and experiences, reporting on local, national and world news and sharing their photographs. To our editors, proof readers, and office administration thank you. Without you we would not be able to maintain the day to day operations of the magazine.
Stories in this issue include: • Kim Stokes • COVID-19 Roll Our • Portable Long Service Leave • Dr Seuss • Provider Guarantee
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
• NDIS Invoices • Let’s (not) talk about sex
Steven Paull President 7
Items BigDog NGO Training Module In being a Disability Support Worker there are a number of compulsory licences, security checks and training certificates that must be up to date and valid for the work that you do. These include:
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A current first aid certificate valid for 3 years and CPR valid for 1 year
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A current Queensland Driver's Licence
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A current Working with Children Blue Card valid for 3 years or 5 years from 1st February 2021
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An NDIS Worker Screening Check/ Queensland Positive Notice Yellow Card valid for 3 years or 5 years from 1st February 2021
Maintaining up-to-date records on these com-
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pulsory items can be a time consuming job for our administration and management staff, so this module was created using our online training portal and allows employees to complete the module with a questionnaire to determine whether these items are current or due for renewal within the next 3-6 months. On completion of the module the employee will be issued a certification that is valid for 6 months. Prior to the end of that 6 months a reminder email will be automatically sent to inform them that the certification is about to expire and that they are required to complete the module to cover them for the next 6 months.
Employees without a current compulsory item will be stood down until renewal of that item.
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Infographics
Training
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Toowoomba Community History of the Building Once the home of the Willowburn Soccer Club, it was built over the old Toowoomba Dump but the club had to be relocated when noxious gas began to leak from under the football fields. Air testing monitors were installed but are no longer used as the ground has settled.
Congratulations to the winners! FM 102.7 Big Bucks 50 for 50 Hannah C, Kylie G and Steven P
After this the building was used for the Vietnam Veterans Club and after that was vacant for some time until the 2011 floods when the community centre in Water Street was destroyed and TRC offered this building.
Paul Myatt Community Centre Originally operated jointly by Parent 2 Parent, Toowoomba Disability Service Providers Network and BigDog Support the centre provided a meeting place for a number of community groups including the Kings Lions Club, Toastmasters, Better Breathers, Toowoomba Disability Network and others. Improvements have seen the building carpeted, airconditioned and painted and a wheelchair accessible toilet constructed, sun sails and astro-turf installed.
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
Sharon
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Rockhampton Community
SARAH
Friday 21st May Adani Arena Rockhampton
Hello, and welcome to May! I hope everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day! Our wonderful, and talented participants made some candles that not only looked amazing but smelt even more amazing as gifts. If you missed out don’t worry, we will be making candles and selling them in the centre year-round for a fund raiser. Prices are $5-$10 depending on the size. Our Tuesday fishing group has been a whole lot of fun, although no one has had any luck catching anything other than catfish at the moment a whole lot of laughs have been had. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has donated any fishing equipment to the centre, everyone has been enjoying using it.
BigDog Day Service Rockhampton BigDog Community Centre 170 East Street Rockhampton 4700 Coordinator Sarah Dillon Phone: 4573 4611 rockhampton@bigdogsupport.com.au
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Safety Updates MGs join the BigDog Fleet For over 90 years MG has been making cars people love to drive. Cecil Kimber (18881945), Morris Garages sales manager, wanted to make modified Morris cars that were faster and sportier.
1930 MG made their first big splash on the racing circuit at Brooklands, the world's first banked concrete racetrack. The tiny MGs beat the powerful Bentleys. One Bentley driver said, "We've been invaded by fleas."
Steve in Italy (the first non-Italian team to do so), Germany and Monaco. 1938 the MG TC was produced just before WWII broke out. The Duke of Edinburgh was the most famous TC customer. 1957 British legend, Sir Stirling Moss, broke the land speed record in the mid-engined MG EX 181, nicknamed 'Roaring Raindrop', at Salt Flats, Utah. He smashed the previous record, driving at 395.31 km/h, 20% faster than the previous record holder. 1975 the one millionth car was built; an LHD MGB roadster finished in Brooklands Green with Jubilee GT livery and wheels. 2000 MG Rover Group is formed following separation from the BMW Group. 2017 MG and innovation goes hand-in-hand. When Auto Shanghai 2017 commenced, the MG E-motion concept was revealed combining MG's design heritage with an all electric platform.
MG dominated racing events throughout the '30s: winning the Irish Grand Prix, Isle of Man Tourer's Trophy, the Ulster TT as well as wins
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Drivers are reminded that the indicator and windscreen stalks are on the opposite side to what all the other cars, with the exception of the Mercedes Bus, are. So beware!
BigDog Support Services Magazine
Staff Updates
Ann
Vehicle Logs Will now be checked every day and matched with the vehicle booking register and key sign out register. You must complete this at the end of each shift, not at the end of the day or at the end of the week. Reminders will be sent to those who do not complete the log.
Use of own vehicle for support work Permission must be given to use you own vehicle for work. The rostering coordinator will record this approval on Easy Employer for that shift. If it is not approved, travel allowance will not be paid.
ID Cards These must be carried on you whenever you are on duty. Lanyards have been provided and may be worn over or under the clothing but must be shown when requested as a confirmation of your identity and your role. If you do not have a current ID Card please use the Staff Portal App on your phone to order one.
Staff Birthdays
May 2021 3rd 4th 5th 7th 11th 16th 19th 21st 28th 30th
Aleisha S Vanessa S Kahn A Kerrie W Jett H Christine Caleb Craig W Hesty T Michelle T Trudy
Have a great day!
Welcome Steph Our new Toowoomba Receptionist is ready and eager to assist you with your enquiries and Steph will also be monitoring and managing the Travel Logs and Vehicle bookings. Welcome Steph! 13
What’s happening in
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May
BigDog Support Services Magazine
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 www.bigdogsupport.com.au 15
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Join Billy Drury and his family and friends as they celebrate the life and legacy of his daughter Bella who sadly passed away from SIDS due to premature birth. Billy has chosen to make his daughter's birthday party a public event to help raise funds for the Toowoomba Hospital’s Special Care Nursery. Funds raised will be used to purchase life-saving/ life-changing medical equipment that will potentially save and improve lives of babies that need a little extra help. BigDog and WhatsUp in Disability will be opening the Paul Myatt Community Centre and grounds to assist in this great community event. We will also have a sausage sizzle and community marques to provide awareness of community services in the Toowoomba Region. We will need lots of help on the day to man these sites and to also assist in directing cars into the designated place. If you would like to be a volunteer on the day please let Steven or Sharon know so that we can assign you a job to do Tell your friends and family about this event and everyone come along and enjoy a great day in the park.
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BigDog Support Services Magazine
