BigDog Newsletter January 2022 by BigDog Support

Wake me when I can travel again

Newsletter Hi everyone and welcome to 2022. 2021 Milestones included COVID-19, COVID-19 and COVID-19 what else!

New buildings that we have bought include a block of 5x2 bedroom SIL units in Card Street Berserker and a 2x3 bedroom duplex in Archer Street Rockhampton. Rockhampton have moved into their new building after major renovations were completed including a separate administration section and air-conditioning. The Paul Myatt Community Centre has received Astro turf, a new internal paint job and a renewal of our lease for an additional 10 years. We are negotiating for an additional building next door as well as a new administration building which is close by. Online Training continues to be a great success with over 30 modules now available. Thank you to everyone for your contributions during a challenging but successful year.

In This Issue 2 Editor’s Notes 3 2022 Price Guide Released 4 aaa 5 CareMaster 6 aaa 7 Wendy Adams 8 aaa 9 NGO Training Infographic 10 Toowoomba Community 11 Rockhampton Community 12 Safety Updates Face Masks 13 Staff Updates 14 What’s happening in January

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Effective 1 January, the NDIA have temporarily increased the prices for some core supports to account for the additional costs related to the current COVID environment. The changes are: • 0.25% increase to the price limits for community participation supports and supports with activities of daily living, other than group core supports and Supported Independent Living (SIL) • 0.4% increase to the price limits for group core supports and SIL. These price increases replace previous support items related to PPE for workers. They will be in place until 30 June 2022, when the Annual Pricing Review will be released. COVID Addendum The COVID Addendum to the Price Guide also saw some changes: • The COVID-19 vaccination payment has been extended until 31 March, and an additional payment of $75 to support people to receive boosters is in place until 30 June 2022.

• SIL providers can now directly bill NDIA up to $12.50 for Rapid Antigen Tests for workers. This can only be claimed in cases where a worker must be tested for the support to take place – if the provider can roster someone who does not need to be tested, then no claim can be made. (This temporary measure is available nationally until 31 January 2022, while longer term support arrangements are being considered, con-

sistent with health orders and advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)). • Participants receiving SIL supports may use their low-cost assistive technology funding to purchase Rapid Antigen Tests. (The Low Cost Disability-Related Health Consumables line item in the core budget (support item 03_040000919_0103_1_1) can be used to claim for each RAT cost. ) • Line items related to PPE for support workers have been ended effective 31 December (replaced by the price increases above)

Disability Support Worker Cost Model The NDIA have now published their updated Disability Support Worker Cost Model, just 3 weeks after submissions to the Pricing Consultation closed. We’ll let you draw your own conclusions about how thoroughly the responses informed this new cost model, but the major changes it introduces are: • Base pay rates increased in line with SCHADS classifications • Superannuation rate increased to 10% (from 9.5%) • Casual loading increased to 1.3% (from 1.2%) • Introduction of temporary COVID price adjustments described above All in all, probably not the Christmas present we were expecting. The modest price increases and COVID measures will hopefully take some of the pressure of everyone. 3

The my NDIS mobile app will work alongside the myplace participant portal to help selfmanaged participants quickly, easily and flexibly manage their NDIS plans. When logged into the app for the first time, NDIS will send an SMS code to confirm the information. This will be sent to the mobile phone number they have recorded. Once received set up a PIN as it will be needed to log into the app.

Changes to the NDIS Board Media release from the Minister 17 December 2021

Minister for the NDIS Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC announced a number of appointments and reappointments to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Board. Four new members have been appointed to the Board with effect from 1 January 2022; Ms Leah van Poppel; Dr Peta Seaton AM; Ms Meredith Allan and Dr Denis Napthine. Minister Reynolds said these appointments were made in consultation with the states and territories, and with careful consideration of the specialist skills, knowledge and experience required to guide the NDIA through its next phase. “Importantly, two new appointments to the NDIA Board are people with disability which will ensure that the leadership of the Board has direct representation of lived experience. This aligns with the Government’s commitment through the NDIS Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Bill 2021 introduced into the Parliament recently, which will legislate people with disability as a key consideration when making appointments to the NDIA Board.” “I congratulate and welcome the new Board members. Their wealth of experience across the public and private sectors, as well as their demonstrated commitment to, and advocacy for, people with disability, will strengthen the Board’s leadership of the NDIS.” Of the remaining current Members, Professor Jane Burns, Ms Estelle Pearson, Ms Sandra Birkensleigh, and Mr Glenn Keys AO have all been reappointed to the Board.

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Plans to introduce the new software have been delayed a couple of weeks due to the current restrictions on workplaces and providing group training sessions so that everyone is confident in operating this new format. We are very excited about this change but also frustrated that it is not operational as planned. We will get there. So, in the meantime we will continue with what we have and continue with the excellent support services that we offer.

#myjobishumans The Community Services Sector, is a dynamic, fast-growing industry that offers many exciting and rewarding career pathways. The sector is in high demand of a skilled human service workforce and has multiple entries via school based traineeships, vocational education training and academic pathways. The Community Services Gateway to Industry Schools Project is a forward-thinking approach to promote Community Sector jobs to our young people and ensure an ongoing supply of industry-mentored workforce in the years to come. BigDog collaborates with schools, industry, local and state governments and community organisation at our Regional Reference Group meetings. BigDog offers opportunities within our organisation for students to be exposed to the industry through classroom student engagement. Provide real life examples of working in the sector, the values BigDog looks for, recruiting methods and general guest speaking. We participate in specific working groups with targeted community services sectors and we work with young people to become Youth Ambassadors.

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Wendy Adams Wendy was a passionate advocate for disability, accessibility and driver safety topics at the state and local levels. While not inclusive, below are some of the programs Wendy was actively involved in. • SEAT – Spinal Education Awareness Team (1999 – 2021): educating students from Prep to Year 12 about the risks and associated dangers and how to prevent a spinal cord injury. • Peer Support Person – Spinal Life (2005-2021): gathering information and advocating for members of Spinal Life Australia Inc. • RYDA – Rotary Youth Driving Awareness (20132021): program developed by Rotary in conjunction with the Police, Ambulance and TK Driving school with Wendy as an educator to promote driver awareness through encouraging the youth who are entering the automobile driving population. • RADAC – Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee Member (2013 – 2021). Gathering information from the community on how better to meet the needs of local people living with a disability. Sub Committee member to develop the 2018/29 Disability Action Week event. • Development of the 2014 Toowoomba CBD Accessibility Map What’s Up in Disability (2007 – 2017): Editor for 10 years assisting with the production of the magazine.

Jan/Feb Magazine WhatsUp in Disability Stories in this issue include: • Wendy Adams • Good Access • Access Design Failures • Appeals at what cost?

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

• Welcome to Radio Persia

Office

11-15 Alexander Street, Toowoomba

• Christmas Wonderland

admin@whatsupindisability.org

Online

www.whatsupindisability.org

• No Sweat

Steven Paull President 7

VALE Wilbur Smith From the moment I read 'When the Lion Feeds' I was a lifelong devotee of Wilbur Smith's storytelling. The experience was like no other. I started sourcing and collecting all of his works in both hard copy and audio. “I wrote a story about a young man, Sean Courtney by name, growing up on an African cattle ranch. I wrote about my own father and my darling mother. I wove into the story chunks of early African history. I wrote about black people and white. I wrote about hunting and gold mining and carousing and women. I wrote about love and loving and hating. In short I wrote about all the things I knew well and loved better. I left out all the immature philosophies and radical politics and rebellious posturing that had been the backbone of the first novel.” I loved the character so much that I promised myself that when I had children that the first born son would be called Sean or the first born girl would be called Courtney. The Courtney family runs across several centuries, 20 books, every continent in the world and multiple generations. There are no words to describe the loss of this great man. Through his books Wilbur Smith gave me a better insight into the African continent, its history, culture and people. I ran with the lions, looked into the eyes of an elephant, saw amazing sunsets, dug for diamonds, survived a ship wreck, rode a galloping horse, tasted sand and felt the heat of the African sun burning my neck. Thank you Wilbur Smith your books will live forever and continue to entertain and bring joy to all readers. 8

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COVID-19 Updates Every week we seem to be subject to a different set of rules and restrictions and we are constantly reviewing how we operate during these challenging times. Queensland is subject to mandatory face masks. This has severely restricted our ability to attend some of our favourite community venues including 10 Pin Bowling, Gyms, Coffee Shops, the Library and swimming. We will however, ensure that we maintain our outdoor exercise programs, BBQ’s in the park and visits to the beach or state parks. When in our community centres we will ensure that all attendees are temperature checked and monitor that they are feeling well. Social distancing will be strictly maintained. We ask that all our participants, families, carers, volunteers and visitors be patient and understanding of what our support staff are currently required to do. We hope that these restrictions will soon be over when Queensland reaches 90% vaccinated and that we can return to our regular exciting and fun activities.

BigDog Day Service Toowoomba Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street North Toowoomba 4350 Coordinators Jess Wright and Billy Mills Phone: 4512 6020 dayservice@bigdogsupport.com.au 10

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Welcome back everyone We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and is ready for a jam packed 2022!

Getting ready for 2022

Rocky Day service is changing it up and bringing twice as much fun back while still focusing on our goals! What better way to start the new year off then to celebrate Australia Day?

All of our Capra Support Workers did the big run up Mt Archer to prepare themselves for the re-opening of the Day Service after the Christmas break. They say it was for the football but we know better!

From the 24th to the 28th day service will have Australia Day themed activities with a sneaky sausage sizzle down the beach with a game of beach cricket. Also, this year we will be focusing on fundraising, we will be selling cold cans of soft drink for $2 a can so if you’re close by and need a cold drink pop in and grab yourself a can! Stay turned for our new day service look.

BigDog Day Service Rockhampton BigDog Community Centre 170 East Street Rockhampton 4700 Coordinators Sarah Dillon and Michelle Schefe Phone: 4573 4611 rockhampton@bigdogsupport.com.au

From 1am AEST Sunday 2 January masks must be worn indoors everywhere in Queensland, except in your own home or accommodation, and where it is unsafe, such as while doing strenuous exercise. You do not need to wear a mask outdoors if you can remain 1.5 metres away from others that are not members of your household. Children under 12 years and people affected by a medical condition or disability do not lawfully have to wear a face mask. Masks must be worn at indoor workplaces such as offices unless unsafe to do so.

Masks must be worn at all times in shopping centres, supermarkets, retail outlets and shops.

Masks must be worn at all times in hospitality venues except when seated. This includes pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, food courts and other venues where a person buys and consumes food, drinks and ready to eat meals. Masks must be worn at all times by healthcare workers and visitors in hospitals, healthcare settings, residential aged care facilities, disability accommodations, and prisons.

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First target announced is to reach 80% fully vaccinated and the borders will open. No wait, others can enter Queensland but they have to have a negative reading 72 hours before coming here. No more coming and then isolating. Vacant Hotels everywhere just not for COVID. Then the target is 90% fully vaccinated and doors will open. But wait again, you can only go into pubs, clubs and hospitality if you show proof of being fully vaccinated and you will have to wear masks everywhere else, except in the workplace. What? No wait, we now have a new target of having the booster shot before things are open. Guess what? When you receive the booster shot the previous details of you being fully vaccinated disappear from your Digital Certificate.

Staff Birthdays

January 2022 7th 10th 14th 16th 20th 28th 29th

Suz Judith Nicholas Vivian B Courtney C Gustavo Bodie M

Have a great day!

Now masks everywhere, even in the pubs when just last week ...Oh dear! Welcome Amanda Amanda will be working with Leanne and Maree in our Accounts section assisting with Xero accounting software and the ATO. Amanda joins us from an Accounting organisation and will be a key part of our moving to the new CareMaster program Travel Allowances for employees authorised to use their own vehicles for a shift will now be re-imbursed by KM rate Under the new CareMaster program, employee timesheets will be automatically generated and transferred directly into the payroll system. You are reminded that you will need to be exact in recording your hours as any error will affect the pay calculated. 13

L to R Monique graduating Bachelor of Laws Courtney with new born Brady Scott Carroll Kyle and Mishel on their engagement

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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.

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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