by Brenden Hall
The Editor’s Desk
I welcome our readers to our Spring edition and highlight that September is the time of the Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba and Riverfire in Brisbane and there are hundreds of activities for people to be involved in and enjoy.
Internationally there are the Paralympics in Paris where Australians have high hopes that our Paralympic Team will be as successful as our Olympic Team.
Steven Paull JP (Qual) President
Having just returned from 4 months around the world cruise I am happy to say that it is nice to go away, but there is no place like home and no greater country in the world than Australia. Following the news overseas it was disappointing to watch the poor way in which the current government has dealt with the findings of the Royal Commission as are the actions of the NDIA.
WhatsUp Sport
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will see more than 4,400 athletes from around the world competing in 549 medal events. The first Paralympic Summer Games in the French capital will showcase 22 sports, including both individual and team sports.
The International Paralympic Movement caters for five impairment groups:
1. Athletes with spinal cord injuries
2. Cerebral palsied athletes
3. Amputees and les autres athletes
4. Blind and visually impaired athletes
5. Intellectually disabled athletes
Athletes with spinal cord injuries include those competitors with a spinal cord lesion, spina bifida or polio. These athletes are divided into two broad categories: paraplegics and quadriplegics. Cerebral palsied athletes have brain injuries that cause motor function disorder. Amputee athletes have acquired or congenital amputations. The French term ‘les autres’ (the others) includes athletes with conditions such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and arthritis, as well as those athletes with dwarfism. Blind and visually impaired athletes range from those who are totally blind to com-
petitors whose vision restricts their recognition of objects and contours. Intellectually disabled athletes display limitations in intellectual functions and adaptive behaviour.
Not all of these disability groups have participated in the entire suite of Paralympic Games since 1960. Athletes with spinal cord injuries are the oldest and most numerous participants in the Paralympic Movement. They were the sole participants for the first four summer Paralympics until the Toronto 1976 Games. In Toronto, blind and visually impaired athletes, and amputees, joined athletes with a spinal cord injury in Paralympic competition. These three disability groups were all represented at the first Winter Paralympics held in Ornskoldsvik in 1976. Cerebral palsied athletes joined summer Paralympic competition at the Arnhem 1980 Games and the winter Paralympic competition at the Innsbruck 1984 Games. Les autres athletes first competed in both the summer and winter Paralympics in 1984 in New York and Innsbruck respectively.
The last disability group to join the Paralympic Movement were athletes with an intellectual disability. These athletes participated initially in the summer Madrid 1992 Games and were fully integrated into the summer Paralympics at the Atlanta 1996 Games. Two years later, athletes with an intellectual disability first competed in winter Paralympic sports at the Nagano 1998 Games. Following an incident of cheating by the Spanish basketball team at the Sydney 2000 Games, athletes with an intellectual disability were banned from the Paralympic movement until their reintroduction at the London 2012 Games.
Paris 2024 Paralympics
Brenden Hall
With 4 Paralympic campaigns under his belt, Brenden Hall is a seasoned veteran.
Brenden first experienced the buzz of a Paralympic Games in 2008. Although he was the second youngest athlete on the Australian Paralympic Team, Brenden broke a Paralympic record in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 and placed fifth in the hotly contested final, which also featured Australia’s most prolific gold medallist in Matthew Cowdrey.
But it was another four years before Brenden really came of age. The freestyle expert hit his peak at just the right time to win a gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. He also won a gold and bronze medal as a member of the men’s 4x100m freestyle 34 Points and
men’s 4x100m medley 34 Points relay teams.
More than 3 decades have now passed since Brenden lost his right leg to chicken pox in 1999. In that time, he has competed at three Paralympic Games and won six Paralympic medals. He is an eight-time world champion, three-time Commonwealth Games medalist, and the reigning world record holder in the men’s 400m freestyle S9, men’s 800m freestyle S9 and men’s 1500m freestyle S9.
Competing at his fourth Paralympic Games at Tokyo 2020, Brenden finished fourth in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 in a time of 4:14.48. He finished in eighth in the men’s 100m backstroke S9, touching the wall in 1:05.90. In the men’s 100m butterfly S9, he finished 12th in the heats with a 1:04.70.
WhatsUp Excluded
The below are goods and services that are not an NDIS support.
Day-to-day living costs
Accommodation and Household
• Rent, rental bonds, home deposits, mortgage deposits, strata fees, rental bonds and home deposits.
• Standard home security and maintenance costs, fencing, gates and building repairs
• General furniture removal and services, unwanted furniture pick up
• Pools, pool heating and maintenance, spa baths, saunas, steam rooms
• General home repairs, general renovations and maintenance.
• Water, gas, and electricity bills, council rates
• Water filters, purifiers, or aerators.
• Electricity generators, solar panels, and batteries
• Standard household items (dishwasher, fridge, washing machine, non-modified kitchen utensils and crockery, fire alarms, floor rugs, beanbags, lounges, standard mattresses, and bedding), replacement of appliances, including hot water services, solar panels, etc.
Finance and payments
• Donations, tithes, gifts, and political contributions,
• Fines penalties, and court-ordered amounts
• Travel insurance, life insurance, home and contents insurance, car insurance and excess insurance for Novated vehicles (Salary Sacrifice).
• Superannuation for participants or related parties (exceptions apply for
arm’s length Employment arrangements)
• School/education fees including TAFE and university.
• Legal costs
• Child support fees, debt repayments, gift cards
• Business development costs, business skills development costs
• Debts, liabilities, and taxes, other than those necessarily incurred in the receipt of supports
Food and Beverage
• Groceries (except for modified foods required as a result of a person’s disability e.g. PEG feeding),
• Fast food services and takeaway food
• Alcohol Lifestyle
• Cigarettes, vapes and smoking paraphernalia, legal cannabis
• Gambling
• Internet services, land line phone, mobile phones, mobile phone accessories, and mobile phone plans and smart phones.
• Gaming PCs, consoles and games, subscriptions for streaming services
• Standard toys, balls, racquets, uniforms, membership costs and other costs associated with recreational sports
• Wedding, honeymoon, funeral, other events.
• Musical instruments, music production, social media production
• Tickets to music, theatre, cinema or sporting events, and general conference fees
• Sex work
• Sex toys
• Surrogacy, Menstrual products, IVF
• Trampolines
• General play equipment, indoor or outdoor.
• Membership of a recreational club Clothing
• Jewellery, watches (including smartwatches)
• Makeup, cosmetic treatments, wigs, and cosmetics
• Standard clothing and footwear
Travel
• Cruises, holiday packages, holiday accommodation, including overseas travel, Airfares, passports, visas, meals and activities.
• Tickets to theme parks, tourism and entertainment operators.
• Motor vehicles, motorbikes, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles and other recreational vehicles, mechanical repairs, tools, vehicle registration.
• Petrol
Pets
• Animals (other than approved NDIS funded assistance animals),
• pet food for animals other than for approved NDIS assistance animals,
• veterinarian costs, pet boarding, pet grooming, taxidermy, pet cremations/ funeral
Not value for money/not effective or beneficial
Alternative and complementary therapies
• Crystal therapy
• Tarot card reading, Clairvoyants
• Cuddle therapy
• Reflexology
• Aromatherapy
• Sound therapy
• Yoga Therapy
• Wilderness Therapy
• Alternative or complementary medicine
Wellness and coaching
• General massage
• Sports or athletic supplements
• Life/wellness/career coach/cultural coach
• Hypnotherapy
• Neurofeedback
• Gaming therapy
• Mastermind coaching
• Somatic therapy
• Kinesiology
Energy and Healing Practices
• Reiki (including intuitive reiki)
• Scalar Lounge
• Frequency Healing and Energy balanced massage
• Deep Energy Clearing
• Spinal Flow Technique
• Shamanic Healing
Beauty Services
• Hair therapy
• Hair and beauty services including nail salons
WhatsUp NDIS
NDIS funded Group Homes
What did the Taskforce say about group homes?
The Taskforce is concerned that services delivered in closed and congregate settings like group homes have the potential to restrict people's rights due to increased risk of isolation. The Taskforce heard that people in group homes often have reduced access to natural safeguards, community participation and capacity building which places them in the highest risk category.
The NDIS Commission’s 2022 Own Motion Inquiry into Aspects of Supported Accommodation found 85% of all reportable incidents occurred in group home settings.
Currently NDIS funded group homes can operate unregistered, subject to little regulation without visibility from the NDIS Commission. This also means unregistered providers do not need to submit the aforementioned reportable incidents.
The Taskforce heard concerning stories of unregistered providers targeting people with very large funding packages, despite having no prior experience in delivering high-risk support. Reports include NDIS participants being housed together then evicted and left homeless once their funding is exhausted. The lack of visibility in the unregistered market makes it difficult to understand the scale of the problem. However, what is clear is while there continues to be no baseline quality requirements to operate a group home, the risk of exploitation and opportunity to ‘drain’ plans remains significant.
Given the gravity of these concerns, the
Taskforce recommends that all Supported Independent Living (SIL) and home and living supports be required to be registered as a matter of urgency (within 12 months). They say this can be done under the existing framework and should not wait for the new model to be developed.
In addition to increased registration requirements, group homes would be subject to unannounced visits and the NDIS Commission would have a statutory right to enter the premises.
The Taskforce says increasing the external supervision of these providers is important to try and counteract some of the isolation that can be built into the service model.
The Taskforce has also recommended group homes be registered under the Advanced Registration category and undergo in-depth observational audits by the NDIS Commission (rather than an approved quality auditor as is currently the case for all registered providers).
The Taskforce says there should be a core team of auditors within the NDIS Commission who audit the highest risk supports.
Latest Updates
Self-Directed Support Registration
This registration category will apply to participants (or their guardian or legal representative) who engage their supports directly. This includes through direct employment, Services for One and independent contractors.
The Taskforce heard that self-directed supports have a different risk profile to other service arrangements. Natural safeguards and control over when to stop and start services are effective in keeping people safe. Participants using these arrangements often have specific, sophisticated and tailored approaches to safeguarding that address their individual risks and needs. The real risk to these participants is when they are unsupported in these arrangements. The Taskforce wants to ensure registration adds value and drives quality and safety in these arrangements rather than increasing compliance burden.
Participants registered for self-directed supports will be able to use unregistered providers because visibility will come from the participant’s registration. When a participant or their nominee registers for self-directed support, they will automatically receive a registration reference number, concluding the registration process. The NDIS Commission will review registrations and can contact the participant or nominee to follow up as needed (with regular check-ins ongoing).
The Taskforce recommends the Government invest in the systemic benefits of self-directed supports by offering programs and opportunities for capacity building and peer support. The Taskforce has heard that people self-
directing supports learn a lot from their peers who are doing it, and there are opportunities to build capacity to sophisticate their arrangements.
Who might not be able to register for this category?
Participants could register to self-direct their supports, unless they fall within the Advanced Registration category (for example they require behaviour support, restrictive practices or live in a group home). Under the proposed model, these supports would be subject to Advanced Registration regardless of selfdirection. This is to avoid a loophole of a provider exploiting participants by using their self-direction status to avoid the provider’s own registration. The Taskforce has heard that very few participants that would fall within the Advanced Registration category currently self-direct their supports. But they recognise the need for further consultation to ensure the proposal works for people.
Registration requirements
• Code of conduct
• Worker screening required
• Complaints process required
• Reportable incidents
• Check-ins with NDIS Commission
• Application, identity verification, Code of Conduct and worker screening
• Own assessment for practice and quality according to self-defined standards
• Suitability assessment undertaken by the participant
• Ongoing monitoring and compliance
WhatsUp Election
My life took a dramatic turn on 4 January 2011, when a wave at Mooloolaba Beach I was body surfing on, slammed me head-first into the shore. I found myself face down in the surf with what turned out to be temporary quadriplegia due to a severely compressed spinal cord. I was rescued by the swift actions of Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving club’s lifesavers on duty. Without their professionalism and care on that day, things could have been much worse. After the incident I spent the first five days in Hospital unsure if this would be permanent. Six weeks post, I underwent surgery inserting a titanium plate to reinforce my spine, it took three months of rehabilitation to learn to walk again and nine months before I could gently run.
During those 5 days I continually questioned what life would look like for my family as I knew my permanent disability insurance would not be enough money for my personal care and to keep my family functioning. Therefore, I have always been a great supporter of a National Disability Insurance System to ensure people can live out a dignified, full, and independent life. My time in recovery deepened my commitment to advocating for enhanced services and accessibility, ensuring others facing similar challenges have the tools and support they need.
The 26 October state election is fast approaching, the LNP is committed to providing real solutions to the critical issues facing Queenslanders. The LNP is focused on tackling the significant crises created by the Palaszczuk-Miles Labor Government crises in health, housing, youth crime, and the cost of living. Queenslanders deserve better, and our
policies are designed to uplift every community member.
People with Disabilities
Our focus is improving the lives of Queenslanders living with disabilities. We recognise under the current government, many individuals with disabilities have been left behind. Access to essential services, affordable healthcare, and tailored support systems have been inadequate, leaving many vulnerable individuals struggling to lead dignified lives. This is about more than just services; it’s about fostering an inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
Housing is another area where the LNP is dedicated to making a difference. The current government’s failure to adequately address the housing crisis has left many Queenslanders, including those with disabilities, in precarious living situations.
The LNP’s Securing our Housing Foundations Plan is designed to tackle this issue head-on. We will streamline the development approval processes to increase the supply of housing, ensuring new homes are built with people’s needs in mind. In Toowoomba, this will translate to more affordable and accessible housing options, providing security and stability for those who need it most.
Enhancing Healthcare Access
Healthcare is a fundamental right, yet under the current government, many Queenslanders, have found it increasingly difficult to access the care they need close to home. The LNP will prioritise fixing the broken healthcare system to reduce wait times, improve service delivery, and ensure those with disabilities
Trevor Watts MP
receive the specialised care they require.
Our hardworking doctors and nurses do an outstanding job, but in Toowoomba they are working with outdated facilities.
For Toowoomba, this means more investment in local healthcare facilities, ensuring residents no longer travel long distances to receive care. We will also introduce initiatives to attract and retain healthcare professionals in regional areas, guaranteeing Toowoomba’s residents, have access to high-quality healthcare services closer to home.
The Palaszczuk-Miles Government spends millions of dollars transporting patients out of Toowoomba to receive healthcare. I want more patients to receive care closer to home through a University Hospital in Toowoomba.
Supporting Toowoomba’s Growth
Beyond these critical areas, the LNP is
committed to supporting the broader growth and development of Toowoomba. Our policies will encourage job creation, improve infrastructure, and ensure the local economy thrives. We recognise the unique challenges regional communities face and are dedicated to ensuring Toowoomba remains a vibrant and prosperous place to live.
The LNP’s 2024 election commitments are about more than just addressing the crises of the moment; they are about building a better future for all Queenslanders.
For those with disabilities, for the residents of Toowoomba, and for every citizen across the state, we promise a government that listens, acts, and delivers real results. The choice this October is clear: a fresh, united LNP with a plan for Queensland’s future or more of the same from a government that has let us down.
Photo from the Toowoomba Chronicle (Kevin Farmer)
WhatsUp Jack’s
Chloe Grimshaw
Courier Mail 26 August 2024
A once content teenager living with a devastating muscle condition spent the last months of his life in anguish, sending a final desperate text message moments before he died about the status of his NDIS funding.
A final text message sent from a teenager moments before he died about his NDIS funding has left his grief-stricken family and his support team demanding change to the system.
The message was from Brisbane university student Jack Bailey to his occupational therapist Izzi Harman.
The 19-year-old asked Ms Harman if she had received a response to their letter calling on National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten to reconsider his case.
“He sent me a text asking if we had a reply at 10.26am and his fatal cardiac episode started at 10.30am,” Ms Harman said.
“It was quite literally the last thing he ever did.”
Mr Bailey lived with late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative muscle condition that meant he was confined to a wheelchair and reliant on 24-hour care.
In the months leading up to his death, the National Disability Insurance Agency, which governs NDIS funds, unexpectedly slashed his funding.
The teenager achieved many goals in his short life.
Mr Bailey moved out of home and interstate, studied a double degree at university and worked as a lived-experience disability adviser.
He was an enthusiastic powerchair footballer and a much-loved member of the Queensland Powerchair Football Association.
Ms Harman said, however, the last months of his life were filled with anxiety and uncertainty after the NDIA unexpectedly took away his access to his team of 24-hour support workers.
On June 17, Mr Bailey was alone in his apartment when he suffered a lifethreatening cardiac incident, just managing to call himself an ambulance before blacking out.
Ms Harman described his survival as nothing short of “miraculous”.
“I was so angry, I wrote that this could happen in all my reports and he got super lucky with the first cardiac incident, it was pure luck he felt a bit sick and dizzy so he called an ambulance for help before he blacked out,” Ms Harman said.
“Jack’s family then gave the NDIS an update about his situation, we told them what had happened and we just didn’t get much acknowledgment of that.”
According to Ms Harman, in the lead up to Mr Bailey’s support plan expiring he spent hours on the phone with the National Disability Insurance Agency trying to ensure he would have adequate care in place.
“He was getting so stressed and even said to me at one point that he was getting anxious going to sleep every night because he wasn’t sure if he would have someone there to get him out of bed in the morning,” Ms Harman said.
She said in a rush to put a plan in place, the NDIA made Mr Bailey’s support workers’ funding agency managed. This left the teenager unable to pay his
NDIS Funding Slashed
well-established and personalised support team as he had previously done.
While some of Mr Bailey’s support workers continued to assist him for free, the NDIA’s move meant he was alone for periods of time in his apartment.
Ms Harman claimed inefficient staffing, a lack of training and ineffective processes when it came to Mr Bailey’s planning review meant his high-level needs were not taken seriously.
When Mr Bailey suffered a second, fatal cardiac incident in his apartment on Sunday, August 11, he still had not been granted around-the-clock care by the NDIA.
Someone was not with him when he died.
“Jack had a really beautiful full life before the NDIS let him down,” Ms Harman said.
“They didn’t put a planning meeting in place when they needed to, Jack was
meant to have reviews every year but it had been over two years since he had a review.
“We said he needed 24-hour support or he might die and they didn’t schedule the meeting, then when they finally did they told us they hadn’t even read Jack’s documentation.”
In a statement, Mr Bailey’s parents said for years the NDIS enabled their son to live his “absolute best life”, but ultimately failed to provide the security and essential support he needed leading up to his death.
“Bureaucracy, red tape and incompetence caused Jack significant stress and anxiety, ultimately placing him at unnecessary risk on June 17, 2024,” his family said.
“Although Jack is no longer with us, we want to ensure that we learn from his experiences and that his legacy of a life well-lived, supported by the NDIS, continues to inspire.”
WhatsUp Fair Work
The second part of the Federal Government's "Closing Loopholes" reforms passed Parliament on 12 February 2024. The Bill received Royal Assent on 26 February 2024, and largely came into effect on 26 August 2024. and includes the updated definition of ‘Employment’ and ‘Casual Employee’
Definition of ‘employment’
It is imperative that your business is able to clearly discern whether workers are ‘independent contractors’ or ‘employees’ in the eyes of the law, since this vastly alters your rights and obligations under the FWA.
The new section 15AA of the FWA introduces a definition of employment whereby the meaning of "employee" and "employer" is determined by reference to the "real substance, practical reality and true nature of the relationship between parties." In practice, this requires a multi-factorial approach when characterising a relationship of employment. Importantly, this provision overturns the effect of recent High Court decisions which placed focus solely on the written terms of the contract in determining if a worker was an employee or a contractor. This multi-factorial approach means that the substance of the relationship, and the post-contractual conduct of parties will once again be greatly significant in defining whether a worker is an employee or a contractor.
As such, employers and principals ought to be cautious of relying solely on the terms of a written contract.
Definition of ‘casual employee’
A new definition of "casual employee" will also be included in the FWA at section 15A. Similar to above, the current primacy given to the terms upon which the employee accepted the offer of employment will be replaced by a twopronged definition:
The employment relationship is characterised by no firm advanced commitment to continuing and indefinite work; and
The employee is entitled to a casual loading, or specific casual rate of pay, under a fair work instrument or contract. Whether the first element under s15A(1) exists depends on a range of factors, including the "basis of the real substance, practical reality and true nature of the employment." The amendment includes references to a range of other indicia that will be relevant to the assessment. With the reduced emphasis on the employment contract, employers need to discern whether an employee is encapsulated by the new definition, and if necessary alter the substance of the employment relationship.
Casual Conversion Process
The amendment also inserts Subdivision B, ‘Employee choice about casual employment’ into the FWA.
In essence, this new provision aligns with a new focus on ‘employee choice’, whereby an eligible casual employee can give an employer written notification that they wish to convert to permanency. This amendment shifts the onus off the employer to offer, to a qualifying employee, a conversion to permanent employment.
‘Closing Loopholes’
However, an employer must give the employee a written response to a notification within 21 days, which must include certain information set out in the provision.
As such, employers ought to communicate this shift of onus, from them, to the employee to request permanency, and may need to implement internal policies or processes to facilitate responses thereto.
Right to Disconnect
Lastly, the somewhat controversial ‘right to disconnect’ arises from new insertions into the FWA. Note that for small businesses (a business with less than 15 people), the right commences on 26 August 2025.
Broadly, an employee may refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from an employer outside of the employee’s working hours, unless the refusal is ‘unreasonable’.
Whether contact from an employer is ‘unreasonable’ depends on a range of factors, for example, the reason for contact; the level of disruption; and the nature of the employee’s role.
The insertion of the provisions creates both a new legal right for the employee, and also a new limitation for the employer since they are prohibited from taking adverse action against an employee exercising the new right.
The upshot is significant for employers who communicate with employees outside of agreed working hours; they will now have less control regarding when they can expect responses.
To accommodate the new right to dis-
connect, employers ought to be proactive in:
• preparing policies regarding the use of work technology outside of agreed working hours;
• gathering information regarding activity outside of agreed working hours;
• encouraging respect of employees' boundaries;
• providing training for managerial employees who may expect responses outside of agreed working hours;
• explaining the new right to employees;
• ensuring the employer does not take action against employees who are exercising their new right; and
• encouraging open communication where employees feel the need to work outside of agreed working hours.
Intentional Underpayment
Commencing 1 January 2025
Intentional underpayment of wages by employers will become a criminal offence.
Employers will commit an offence if:
• they're required to pay an amount to an employee (such as wages), or on behalf of or for the benefit of an employee (such as superannuation) under the Fair Work Act, or an industrial instrument
• they intentionally engage in conduct that results in their failure to pay those amounts to or for the employee on or before the day they're due to be paid.
WhatsUp Community
Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship
NIDA will offer a new scholarship to prospective Bachelor of Fine Arts students living with disability as part of a new collaboration with The Dylan Alcott Foundation (DAF).
The Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship will be open to all applicants aged 26 years and under for the three-year course, including the Acting, Design, Costume, Props and Effects, Stage Construction and Technologies, and Technical Theatre and Stage Management disciplines.
Commencing in 2025, one scholarship recipient will receive $20,000 per annum for three years to cover tuition fees and some living expenses via the Dylan Alcott Foundation and the NIDA Foundation Trust.
Founded in 2017 by Paralympic Gold Medallist and Grand Slam champion Dylan Alcott, The Dylan Alcott Foundation (DAF) is a charitable organisation that empowers young Australians living with disability to chase their dreams and break down barriers.
Alcott said the foundation was passionate about creating further education opportunities for the disability community
with the creative industry being “no exception”.
“We want to empower young Australians living with disability to dream big and explore whatever category of education interests them and we can’t wait to come and see them on the big stage,” he said.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said her institution was “immensely grateful” for the foundation’s support and Alcott’s leadership.
“This life-changing scholarship will enable greater access to NIDA’s internationally recognised and industry-ready training for a talented BFA Student commencing in 2025,” she said.
NIDA equity and inclusion manager Alexia Derbas said the scholarship represented NIDA’s commitment to “addressing the barriers young people with disability face in accessing opportunities in the creative industries”.
“It’s exciting to partner with the Dylan Alcott Foundation to continue working at this,” she said.
Applications for the Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship can be submitted after completing a 2025 course application, which must be submitted before midSeptember to be eligible.
School Leaver Support
Community Access Care
We are super excited to announce that, starting in September 2024, CAC Toowoomba will offer NDIS School Leavers Employment Supports (SLES).
We would love you to meet Jenny whose passion lies with supporting People Living with Disability. She has a caring, kind and approachable nature and is excited to join the Toowoomba CAC team as our SLES and Programs Coordinator.
Jenny is inspired everyday by seeing people progress with living their lives more independently and it warms her heart to see them working toward their dreams and goals.
Jenny's values are to assist Participants live their best life possible and she feels it is a blessing to play such an important role!
Jenny has seen firsthand the amazing benefits the School Leavers Employment Supports offers to school leavers under the NDIS employment pathway. Mentoring Participants in a supportive respectful way through SLES provides jobready skills, task management tools, practical experience, setting individual work goals and, confidence and capacity building exercises to become a valued member in the working community.
Jenny has extensive experience and knowledge in SLES and is enthusiastic to be part of the Team at Community Access Care.
If you are in the Toowoomba region and have any questions regarding SLES or how we can support you, please contact our awesome Team on 1300522104 or admin@communityaccesscare.com.au so we can assist you today
WhatsUp
Business disABILITY Awards
Eleven years strong, not only will the event see the coveted Award winners announced, but the Business disABILITY Awards 2024 is set to showcase some of Queensland’s best talent, with Tony Dee Music opening, keynote speaker, Michael Crossland, and Fibonacci Band ending the night on a high.
Michael Crossland
Michael has been a fighter since birth, defying the odds of surviving not only a rare form of life-threatening cancer, but being the sole survivor of a horrific cancer drug trial. His battle continues to this very day, having spent nearly ¼ of his life in hospital. Michael is a true fighter, and despite only being told what he could not do, he continually shows the world absolutely everything that he can accomplish.
change and the mindset needed to achieve your goals. Once you hear him speak, you will have a renewed perspective on life.
Despite spending nearly a quarter of his life in hospital, he has forged a highly successful career in the corporate world, represented Australia in his chosen sport and featured regularly across all forms of media. He also runs a school and orphanage in Haiti and has been presented with the Australia Day Ambassador role for 7 consecutive years.
The award-winning documentary on his life, by ABC’s Australian Story, has been viewed by over 4 million people, and in 2016 he released his first tell-all autobiography, which is now a best seller across 6 different countries. In June 2017 he featured on MTVs funny show ridiculousness in the USA with over 3 million viewers and was one of the queens baton bearers for the 2018 commonwealth games! If that’s not enough a recent video of him speaking in LA has been viewed by more than 51 million
Raw, real and truly life changing, Michael’s story will undoubtedly bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your heart, as he teaches the keys to success, the importance of embracing
2024 Awards Dinner
Date: Saturday, 5 October 2024
Time: 6:30pm - 11:30pm
Venue: Edmund Rice Cultural Centre, St Marys College, Newtown
Dress Code: Black tie
Ticket Prices:
Individual: $160 incl. GST
Buy a table of 10: $1600 incl. GST Award Entrant (1 person per entry): $90
Donate Pay it Forward individual: $160 incl. GST
Each ticket includes a two-course meal, wine on the table, and a welcome drink. Visit https://bdaa.au/
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent –and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not there
Globally 1 in 7 of us live with a disability. That is approximately 1.3 billion people.
But while some of us experience a disability that is visible, many have a nonvisible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties. They can also be respiratory as well as chronic health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders. https://youtu.be/xgfRQDD2q0w
Making the invisible visible
As diverse as these conditions are, so are your individual access needs and the barriers you face in your daily life. So you can opt to wear the Sunflower to discreetly be seen in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
Since its launch in 2016, businesses from every sector have been joining the global Sunflower network - ranging from retail, travel and tourism, transport including over 200 airports - as well as railway networks, coach and bus services and ferries, education (universities, schools and colleges), healthcare, central and local government agencies to football teams, theme parks, theatres and financial institutions. The Sunflower has now been launched locally in Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA.
Why did we choose a sunflower?
Without a visual cue, it can be difficult for others to identify, acknowledge, or understand the daily barriers faced by people living with an invisible disability. We searched for a discreet sign that is visible from a distance as well as being distinctive, joyful, and dynamic. We chose a sunflower as it suggests happiness, positivity, strength as well as growth and confidence and is universally known.
WhatsUp Disability
Scleroderma pronounced as sklair-ohdur-muh, is an autoimmune condition that affects blood vessels, muscles, and organs in the body, which results in the tightening or hardening of the skin. In some people, the skin around the finger, hands, feet, and face appears tighter initially. For others, skin thickening may also happen in the forearms, upper arms, lower legs, chest, thighs, and abdomen. In the early stages, one may also experience problems with digestion.
Scleroderma causes an unusual growth in the connective tissue responsible for the body’s shape and strength. The thickening and tightening of the skin can lead to problems with other body organs, digestive tracts, and blood vessels and cause severe problems such as shortness of breath and high blood pressure.
The symptoms of scleroderma are characterised based on the organ or area of the body affected. Some of which can be minor or life-threatening, depending on what organs have been affected by the
condition. Highlighted below are common symptoms of Scleroderma.
Skin
Often, the skin shows the first visible signs of the condition. It begins to thicken or become unusually dark in some spots. Some other skin symptoms of Scleroderma include:
• Oval or straight-line patches all over the skin
• Restricted movement when pulled
• Unusual shining and glittering
• Skin ulcer
• Swelling, thickening, and tightening of the skin
Finger and toes
Restriction in the blood can permanently damage the extremities and cause sores and other symptoms. Discolouration, especially after exposure to cold surfaces, is a common symptom of the condition.
Here are a few other signs that fingers and toes show when this condition affects the body.
• Colour changes
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Pain
Digestive system
Some people with this condition may encounter problems with digestion and may not readily absorb nutrients from food. Other symptoms associated with digestion may include:
• Heartburn
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Bloating and constipation
• Diarrhoea
Internal organs
The internal organs of persons with this disability may suffer complications that impact their ability to perform normal body functions. This may result in these symptoms.
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased tolerance to physical activity
• Scarring in the tissues of the lungs
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeats
• High blood pressure
The content on this page has been kindly reviewed by Scleroderma Australia (Jan 2023)
Visit www.sclerodermaaustralia.com.au/
WhatsUp Innovations
Staydry
It’s a common problem affecting 1 in 4 Australians aged 15 years or older, and up to 1 in 2 women, but it’s not one that people like to talk about. Incontinence, or the involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control, isn’t a glamourous topic, well at least it never used to be.
Melbourne business Staydry is turning this idea on its head, with a unique range of continence products that look and feel beautiful.
“We really want to empower our customers with great design and bold and bright prints. We hear from some of our customers who are teenagers and young adults, and they’re dating and socialising and having to wear an adult nappy which is really undignifying,” owner, Pauline Ceddia said.
“Staydry is all about making sure our customers are dry, secure and confident so continence care can be accessible and dignified without compromising on style or comfort.”
Incontinence affects people of all ages, with 5,000,000 Australians currently dealing with this condition. It’s particularly common in women, with one in three women who’ve ever had a baby, wetting themselves. (Continence Foundation of Australia)
“We’ve developed world leading textile technology that drastically improves absorption and wicking moisture away. And when it comes to waterproof protection, we’ve developed a fabric that is waterproof while also being highly breathable that no other brand is using,” Ms Ceddia said.
“Our fabrics have been tested independently so we can back its perfor-
mance. We’re also releasing a new range of washable continence underwear for kids, teenagers and adults that look and feel like normal underwear.”
The new range will also include outdoor mobility products like quick dry hooded towels for those doing hydrotherapy, car seat protectors for kids (that have a unique design to protect against poonamis) and discreet waterproof sleeping bag liners for camping trips.
Staydry also offers a range of beautiful quilt covers, bed pads and bamboo sheets that feel luxe and make bedwetting a breeze to navigate.
“We’re really excited about this rebrand and releasing new products and new colourways that haven’t been seen on the Australian market or anywhere else in the world,” Ms Ceddia said.
“I realised it was time to freshen up the brand to reflect the changing needs of our customers and provide the absolute best home care continence products.
We’ve made sure
we are inclusive of all ages, genders and abilities. Incontinence products don’t sound ‘sexy’, but honestly our products are ones you’d be proud to show off.”
Pauline is also passionate about sustainability and providing underwear and bedding that is reusable and can withstand years of use and hundreds of washes.
Disposable nappies take up to 500 years to decompose and sanitary pads consist of up to 90% plastic and can take around 800 years to biodegrade.
Staydry offers sustainable alternatives helping the environment and the customer’s back pocket.
Visit https://www.staydry.com.au/
Whatsie Play Couch
The Whatsie was the first Australian play couch, the brainchild of Lisa Nourbehesht who was looking for ways to entertain her energetic children during covid lockdowns.
“We were stuck at home, and I was trying to relive my childhood by building cushion forts with my children. I had done a lot of research about the benefits of risky play for kids, but I also wanted to make a safe space for the children to play in,” Lisa said.
“My youngest son at the time had a gross motor delay, and endless energy! He really enjoyed rough and tactile play, and the expensive lounges just weren’t the best solution.”
Lisa, a Medical Physics Specialist, was working from home at the time, and struggling to keep her kids occupied.
“In April 2020, my 2-year-old with gross motor delay broke his arm after falling in a plastic clam shell sandpit whilst I was trying to work from home,” she said.
“We couldn’t see an occupational therapist face to face, and our attempts at making pillow forts with the lounge and blankets resulted in lots of collapsed cubbies and bumps to the head from coffee tables. I was trying to organise radiotherapy plans and kept getting interrupted to fix the fort.”
The Whatsie is a ‘sofa meets playground’ encouraging open-ended play.
It is made up of individual pieces: four square bases pieces, two full-length half trapezium pieces, two armrests and two round cushions.
Within moments it can transform from a couch to a vehicle, to a café, to an obstacle course to a spare bed for sleepovers.
It was designed in conjunction with paediatric medical specialists and features stain and water-resistant fabric that can be easily machine washed if needed.
It has won numerous awards including Gold in the SHE-Com Awards and Gold and Silver in the ROAR Awards.
“We grew quickly, because it was the perfect solution for lockdown entertainment. And then the word got out, people would recommend it to others, and it took off,”
Since the original Whatsie, the business has launched play couches in different sizes, the Armie, the Shortie and other addons to elevate the soft play creations.
Visit https://www.whatsie.com.au/
WhatsUp Events
It's our 75th BIRTHDAY PARTY!
Get excited petals, we have a blooming amazing line up for you this Spring, featuring everything from our fantastic floral filled parks, some brand-new foodie moments, our ever-popular tours, as well as a couple of very special, onceonly events for our birthday.
Parade
The iconic Grand Central Floral Parade is one of Toowoomba’s favourite events of the year! Come along to watch street performers, carnival characters and roving entertainment escort the stunning floral floats on their journey through the heart of the city to Queens Park.
Festival of Food and Wine
For 3 mouth-watering days and nights you can sample the world-famous produce from the Queensland Country region, all in one location.
Treat yourself to incredible flavours, produce and wine fresh from the bountiful pastures, orchards and wine vineyards of the region. The talent at this year’s festival is blooming great, don’t miss a beat! Join us for cool concert sounds from some of Australia’s most popular bands and musicians, while you enjoy fine food and wine at the Festival of Food and Wine. The music makers are going to be filling the Main Stage with cool sounds!
Queens Park
Queens Park has retained the charm and character common to 19th century public parks and botanic gardens, putting on a special show for her visitors during Carnival. Spread across 25 hectares, Queens Park is something to behold, with bright flower beds, large canopies of stately trees and acres of expansive
green lawns, plus two playgrounds to delight the kids and an off-leash area that keeps the local dogs very happy. Queens Park is one of Toowoomba’s many gems and not to be missed! Botanic Gardens is the home to many events and activations during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, including thousands of blooms, the very popular Info Hub for collecting programs, merchandise and maps through to Ferris Wheel rides and over 70 free musical performances during Heritage Bank Parkland Entertainment.
Symphony under the stars
Performed by the full Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici in his first trip to the Garden City.
Carnival Quest
Are you, or someone you know a past Carnival Quest entrant, winner or fundraising superstar?
We are seeking all past entrants of the Carnival Quest to let us know their current details so we can invite all the past entrants to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events in 2024.
Garden Competition
The Garden City is home to thousands of passionate gardeners who work yearround transforming their private gardens into stunning floral showpieces. The Chronicle Garden Competition offers visitors the opportunity to visit the beautiful gardens that have been entered. There are so many amazing gardens to explore you’ll need The Chronicle Garden Competition Guide and Maps. Look for it in Friday 20 Sept edition of The Chronicle newspaper at newsagencies across
Carnival of Flowers
Toowoomba. Additionally copies of the Guide and Maps can be purchased from our TCOF Info Hubs in Queens Park Botanic Gardens, Laurel Bank Park or at the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre, 86 James Street, Toowoomba.
Exhibition Gardens
A garden event like no other! Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens will feature five beautiful, well-established private home gardens for your viewing pleasure. Open to the public over ten days, this is your exclusive opportunity to stroll through some of the finest gardens in the Toowoomba region and is an annual favourite during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
You’ll also be supporting a good cause –all proceeds from this event are distributed to five local charities.
Twilight Tours
Enter the twilight zone and discover the secret world of the parklands by night. This is your chance to see and hear from the experts about the darker side of plant life in a one-hour nocturnal tour of Laurel Bank.
Throw the spotlight on some shady characters from far off places like English and Spanish oaks, Gingko trees and Japanese maples. Track down exotic and rare species and find out what goes on behind the scenes to create our pictureperfect park. The tour meets near the Info Hub at Laurel Bank at 5:30pm.
WhatsUp In September
WhatsUp Community
WhatsUp Sponsors
Warrina Services is a specialist support agency that has been providing individual support to people of the Darling Downs since 1986. We support people with a diverse range of needs and also provide mental health services to assist personal recovery.
We can help you to achieve positive outcomes in your life. These may be related to choice and independence, education or training, attending social activities, increasing skills, getting a job or contributing to your community.
If you would like further information please visit our website www.warrinaservices.org.au Or contact us Phone: 07-46 380 399 Email: warrinas@warrinas.com.au or
WhatsUp Executive Team
STEVEN PAULL President
COURTNEY CARROLL Editor
JESS
WRIGHT Secretary
ANN PAULL Treasurer
PUBLISHER: Disability Media Association Inc (Australia) (DMAA)
TELEPHONE: (07) 4632 9559
OFFICE: Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street Toowoomba (open Monday to Friday 9:00am-3:00 pm)
POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3621 Toowoomba QLD 4350
E-MAIL: spaull@bigdogsupport.com.au
MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven Paull (President) Courtney Carroll (Editor) Jess Wright (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer)
CONTRIBUTORS: Bronwyn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Aidan Wilcock, Dean Gill, Jess Wright, Steven Paull and many others.
PUBLISHED
January/March/May/July/September/November
ABN: 72 821 350 911
PRINT POST APPROVED: PP 424022/ 1811
DISCLAIMER/INDEMNITY
Articles and adverts reproduced on these pages are accepted and published in good faith. It is a condition of acceptance that advertisers and article writers accept full responsibility for their advertisements and articles, and will fully indemnify the producers in the event of any claims or legal proceedings against them. Articles published are not necessarily the view of the publishers. Advertisements are also accepted on the basis that they do not conflict with any discrimination laws or other laws currently in force.
ADVERTISING
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2) A single edition of WhatsUp can be bought at the office and selected outlets. You may also subscribe by using the form on the outside cover.
3) Reference copies are held in the Tourist Office and Toowoomba Library.
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Copyright Protected. All pages are subject to copyright law and may be copied only with the permission of WhatsUp. Copies are not to be used commercially or for profit or for personal financial gain. Permission may be granted to copy only if the purpose is to give it away to others for their personal interest but not to any other organisation or service.
DISCLAIMER
All articles are accepted in good faith and are not necessarily the view of the Editorial team or Management. Articles are accepted on the understanding that in the event of any claims against WhatsUp, the writer of the article will take full responsibility and indemnify WhatsUp in the event of legislation against it. Articles are also accepted on the understanding that the contents do not breach any Disability laws or other legislation currently in use.
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WhatsUp In Disability is provided as a Master Copy to individuals and organisations or to view online form our website. We are environmental friendly, we do not print any more copies than is absolutely necessary. We prefer and encourage the practice of passing the magazine from person to person or copying the whole magazine to pass on to others. Permission is needed to copy (see Copyright above) When copying the magazine we require that the pages be marked ‘copy’.
www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au
With Sarah Rossiter
Community Satisfaction Survey
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has thanked residents for taking part in the 2024 Community Survey with the results tabled at an Ordinary Meeting of Council. Council received more than 1350 responses to the survey, which gathers feedback from residents regarding their satisfaction levels with Council’s services and facilities.
Customer, Communication and Engagement portfolio spokesperson Councillor James O’Shea said Council maintained its standing in the community with a 6.2 rating out of 10, which is equal to the ratings for comparable Queensland Councils.
“This is one of the ways Council engages the community to let them have their say on Council’s service delivery,” Cr O’Shea said.
“It allows us to gather feedback from residents regarding their satisfaction with what
we are doing and find out what level of importance they place on our services and facilities.
“For example, seven out of the nine facilities which were measured had significantly higher usage rates. Sports grounds and recreation reserves had the largest increase per year between 2019 and 2024 with an 80 per cent increase.
“While the goal is to provide a high-level of satisfaction in each category, we acknowledge we need to keep refining our services to meet the needs of the community.
“We will use the insights from this latest survey to shape the strategic documents that guide our decision making on our operations.”
“Surveys like this help to ensure TRC provides the best experience possible for residents of our great Region. It is important to hear from and understand how Council is performing in the eyes of our community.”
To contribute to the next edition please send your article to spaull@bigdogsupport.com.au by the 20th February/April/June/August/October/December or reserve your advertising or story
