OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2023
LEANNE GILKISON
Company Updates
CompanyCulture
Courtney and I have spent a significant amount of time over the past month deeply considering what BigDog stands for and how we want our community to perceive us It has been a period of profound reflection across all aspects of our business, and what has consistently stood out as our guiding light is the culture we've fostered within our organisation
Moving forward, we're making company culture one of our primary focal points for the next 12 months We've already implemented some exciting changes related to workplace health and safety (WH&S), staff recruitment, and staff training.
We're eager to receive feedback from both our employees and the broader community. We want to know how we can improve and what people appreciate about BigDog. Your insights are invaluable to us as we continue to refine our identity and impact.
Rockhampton
Big Changes in Rocky this month with a change in management. We would like to acknowledge that Simone is off on new adventures and we would like to wish her well We also welcome back Tyla as our receptionist.
Courtney C will be based in Rocky for the next 3 months as we focus on service delivery and Company Policy and Procedures across the board
I will be back in mid October to do medication Training and staff training on Professional Boundaries Big Shout out to staff that are continuing to engage in NGO training it hasn't gone unnoticed
EndofYear
I cant believe I’m even saying this but we are already thinking about the end of the year!! End of year proformance meetings will start to be booked for staff to ensure we have everything in order before end of the year Things we are focusing on is NGO training benchmarks, service delivery & qualifications All of these things ensure we are delivering a high quality service.
Our service coordinators are gearing up for another round of 3 monthly checks to ensure our amazing participants are reaching goals, happy with service delivery and just a nice way to catch up and see how everyone is going We will be also checking on support delivery requirements for the Christmas break so everyone gets the support they need and our workers get some well deserved rest over the holidays
Admin@bigdogsupport.com.au
PROCEDURES PUBLIC APPEARANCE ATTENTIONS
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Courtney Shepherd
Halloween has always been a time for dressing up, carving pumpkins, and indulging in sweet treats. Rocky BigDog always goes above and beyond to make sure that individuals with disabilities have every opportunity to participate in the fun. Inclusivity is at the forefront of these Halloween events, with BigDog emphasizing the importance of ensuring that everyone can participate regardless of their abilities.
Halloween is an excellent opportunity for the NDIS community to come together, showcase their creativity, and promote inclusivity. As these events demonstrate, it's possible to celebrate this spooky holiday in a way that ensures everyone feels welcome and valued.
In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of inclusivity, Halloween events serve as a shining example of how the spirit of Halloween can unite people of all abilities, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
R CKHAMPTON COMMUNITY 3
TOOWOOMBA COMMUNITY
Billy Mills
September was a fantastic month for us, highlighted by the success of our Flower Power Disco event. We were thrilled to see such an amazing turnout, filled with laughter, joy, and some seriously groovy dance moves! A special thank you to all who attended - your energy truly made the evening unforgettable.
As we dive into October, we're excited for what's ahead. Get ready for our much-anticipated Halloween Spooktacular! With thrilling costumes, spooky surprises, and a whole lot of fun in store, it's an event you won't want to miss.
We're also delighted to announce our participation in the upcoming Toowoomba Jobs, Careers, and Skills Expo. Last year, this event brought a wealth of opportunities, and this year, we're gearing up for an even bigger impact. We saw a remarkable number of applications and successful interviews, and we're eager to connect again this year.
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Toowoomba Day Service
Jess W
September at Toowoomba Day Service was filled with exciting adventures for everyone. We explored the lively side show alley at Frog’s Hollow, enjoying the rides and the vibrant atmosphere. It truly was a day to remember. Our Friday music sessions with Sam continue to be a source of joy. Additionally, our RSPCA visits have been heartwarming, introducing us to a new animal each month. In September, we had the pleasure of meeting Milko, an adorable puppy.
As we step into October, we're introducing new activities. We're starting swimming sessions on Tuesdays, and our walking club remains a cherished activity. Don't miss our Dogtober morning tea on the 18th. Our cultural crafts day will feature Aboriginal dot painting and South American butterfly crafts, alongside a delightful South American treat, Sequilhos.
To end the month on a high note, join us for a Halloween-themed disco on the 26th. Entry is just $10, and the bestdressed will receive a special prize. We hope to give you a good scare! A special shoutout to Daniel S. for his birthday. Happy birthday, Dan! Here's to another month filled with wonderful moments and new experiences.
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Rockhampton Day Service
Taylah C
In September, the Rockhampton Day Service team had an eventful month packed with outings, fun activities, and birthday celebrations. Highlights included a trip to Mt. Morgan with a stop at the dam and swinging bridge on September 1st. On the 15th, we joined the "Beach Day Out" expo in Emu Park, where we distributed over 200 goodie bags and hosted a popular Cupcake Decorating activity. The event was a huge success, with positive feedback from the community.
The team enjoyed a day filled with freebies, engaging activities, and wonderful connections. Now, our September school holiday program is in full swing. The kids have been having a blast, from fishing in Yeppoon to exploring Mount Morgan and visiting the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Swimming and other exciting activities have also been on the agenda!
y p g g hanks!!
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Elle Stitt Rocky 7 New Employees Jarhlym Dans Rocky Jodie Midtvik T-Bar
TaylahC LeisaR AlexanderH AdamL
Kahn
StevenP Billy M PeterS MackenzieB KhiahW MarucT RhysG MatthewI
Shout-Outs September JataliaG
Alex H, Kristian S,
A,
SamanthaP MerrynL
TeresaR
Abby
Mcfarlane Rocky
Whats Happening At BigDog
HSR - HEALTH & SAFETY REPS
DO YOU WANT TO DO MORE FOR YOUR WORKPLACE?
We are now looking for nominations for 2 people per site to be HSR for your work groups.
We are looking for a SIL’s & Community rep for both Toowoomba and Rockhampton. If you would like to nominate please send an emai to lgilkison@bigdogsupport.com.au Nominations will close on the 31/10/23
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