WhatsUp Nov/Dec 2018 Magazine

WhatsUp $5.50

in Disability

November/December 2018

Toowoomba and Southern Queensland

Volume 6, Issue 85

Subscription $33 PA

Breaking Free Concert 100 years World War 1 Armistice Disability Information Services by People with Disability Proudly supported and printed by Toowoomba Region

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WhatsUp

Welcome

Stories in this edition include the State Minister for Disabilities Coralee O’Rourke MP visiting Toowoomba to discuss issues that we have experienced with the transition to the NDIS, Mental Health Week with the Breaking Free Concert organised by Michael Burge with Bronwyn Herbertson as MC, Seven Sunrise Sam Mac visits Toowoomba to present Mick Jackson with the Suburban Superstar award and a cheque for $7,000, the QCOSS, QDN, NDIS, ADCQ and Toowoomba Regional Council “Changing Lives, Changing Communities” 2 day conference at the City Golf Club and (time to take a breath)…

The Queensland review of the Disability Services Act 2006 around items such as strengthening the focus on rights of people with disability, strengthening Government and Community partnerships, Community Visitor Program, Restrictive Practices and positive behaviour support, background screening for support workers and the scope of that screening.

I wish all our readers the very best for the upcoming holiday season and hope that 2019 sees all of your dreams come true.

CONTENTS Cover Page Michael Burge at Breaking Free Concert for Mental Health Week

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3

Breaking Free

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4

World War I Armistice 100 years

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7

International Day of People with Disability

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9

Minister NDIS Forum

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NDIS Yearly Report

Page 13

Reshaping the Disability Services Act

Page 15

Advocates Remembered

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Live to Ride

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7 Sunrise Suburban Superstar

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NEWS Items

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Weinerstock

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Changing Lives Changing Communities

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Reader’s Stories

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Toowoomba Region

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What’s Happening

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Copyright and Disclaimer Notices

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Advertiser’s Index

Toowoomba Regional Access and Disability Advisory Committee (RADAC) We’re looking for interested individuals to join RADAC. RADAC provides the community with a clear portal into Council regarding access and issues and will provide guidance to Council on a range of projects and issues. Interested applicants will need to submit a one-page expression of interest, detailing their experience and desire to join, to Andrew Spradbrow via email - andrew.spradbrow@tr.qld.gov.au. No resume required with submission. For more information, contact Andrew Spradbrow on 0474 041 010.

Steven Paull

JP (Qual) President

WhatsUp In Disability (the magazine) was first published in 1994 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.

To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be an advertiser, please contact the WhatsUp office at 4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba or call on 4632 6678.

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Rear Cover Community Workers End of Year Celebration

WhatsUp

Breaking Free Concert

This year's award winning event was held on Friday, 12th October at the City Golf Club.

"We encourage anyone interested to come along and enjoy the afternoon."

Organiser Michael Burge OAM said Breaking Free had become an inspirational event with entertainers and speakers talking candidly about mental illness.

The event is sponsored by the Division of Mental Health Darling Downs Hospital & Health Service, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and Mental Illness Fellowship of Queensland (MIFQ)

"I'm proud that this is the 17th anniversary of the event and am delighted that the Toowoomba community has embraced Breaking Free as a special forum for people from all walks of life," he said.

Toowoomba Branch, Yellow Bridge QLD, Warrina Services, MIFQ Personal Helpers and Mentors, RFQ, Lifeline, Fitzy's Fibbers Magee, BigDog Support Services, WhatsUp in Disability, Mental Health at Work, East Creek Community Centre, Breakaway Toowoomba and The Gap.

This year's concert will help commemorate the centenary of the armistice that ended World War I. "The fancy dress theme for this year is military and I am asking everyone to come along dressed in military fancy dress," Mr Burge said.

“Bronwyn Herbertson will again be MC with a special guest appearance by Ruby Slipperz.”

"Our special guest speaker is Ivan Frkovic QLD Mental Health Commissioner who is sponsored

by Queensland Mental Health Commission.”

"The entertainment will have everyone up and dancing under the direction of Rob McGregor with a variety of musicians including the Denise Kimber Band, Rainbow Choir, Belly Dancing; Tribal Drumming, RIGG'D Crew, FAD Cheer and Dance, Flash Dance activity, Military fancy dress, and more surprises.”

Breaking Free Concert Above: Ruby Slipperz Below: Rob McGregor and Bronwyn Herbertson

"These acts have donated their time as part of their commitment to breaking down the barriers that surround mental illness.”

"The event will be an enjoyable event for young and old, and we welcome people from across the world to join with us in this special event.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp

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100 years

World War I, sometimes called the 'Great War', lasted four years, from 4th August 1914 until 11th November 1918. Initially it was a war between two sets of alliances: the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary and their allies) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France and Russia) and their allies, including the member countries of the British Empire, and the USA, which entered the war in 1917.

The ANZACs

The war began soon after the assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne by a Serbian nationalist.

Austria threatened to punish Serbia, an ally of Russia. Russia threatened Austria. Austria, in turn, appealed to Germany.

The ANZACs were part of an Allied campaign against the Turks to control the Dardanelles and thus open the way to Constantinople and Eastern Europe. This engagement ended with the evacuation of Australian troops on 19th - 20th December 1915.

Germany struck first by declaring war on Russia and its ally, France.

When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain entered the war on the side of Russia and France. The war was fought on a number of fronts. In Europe, the Western Front was in France and Belgium.

The Eastern Front involved Russia and Austria-Hungary. Africa was another front because of colonial possessions on that continent, and after Turkey entered the war on 1st November 1914, the Middle East became another theatre of war.

In the autumn of 1918, Germany and its allies were exhausted. Their armies were defeated and their hungry citizens were beginning to rebel. As early as 29th September German General and strategist Erich Ludendorff decided that a cessation of hostilities must be sought.

The need became more urgent as Germany’s allies began to drop out of the war.

In 1914, Australia's Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher, immediately promised Australian support for Britain 'to the last man and the last shilling'.

Australian involvement in World War I is synonymous with the legend of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). The name became famous with the landing of the Corps on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey on 25 April 1915. It was the first military engagement in which significant numbers of Australians fought and died as Australian nationals.

The Gallipoli campaign resulted in the deaths of 7,600 Australians and 2,500 New Zealanders and the wounding of 19,000 Australians and 5,000 New Zealanders. Despite the defeat, the legend attached to the heroism, comradeship and valour of the soldiers, stretcher-bearers, medical officers and others involved remains a source of Australian pride and national identity.

The Australian population in 1914 was less than five million.

A summary of the numbers of those who served and of the numbers of deaths and other casualties makes it clear that Australia made a major sacrifice for the Allied war effort .

 Enlisted and served overseas 324,000  Dead 61,720  Wounded 155,000

The armistice was signed at 5:00am on the morning of 11th November 1918 and came into effect at 11:00am that same morning.

Lest we forget Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp Games in the team sport of Goalball.

Gerrard returned to his former sporting love – distance running and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon (42.2 kilometres). He has gone on to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic games, six Athletics World Championships, and 2012 Marathon World Cup. He is currently training for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Gerrard also has a head for heights! He has co-piloted an ultra-light motor glider around Queensland three times, and climbed to the summit of Mount Everest.

His many achievements, strength and determination to succeed at whatever he sets his mind to, saw him named Young Queenslander of the Year, and a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year.

Gerrard is also a Project Manager for MAX Employment, where he assists people with disability to find work.

and at 16 he was the youngest ever recipient of a guide dog in Australia. Gerrard has gone on to become an adventurer, three-time Paralympian, Ironman, chocolatier, motivational speaker and former Dancing with the Stars contestant.

Gerrard was honoured with an Order of Australia (OAM) award in 2012, for his outstanding service to sport and to people who are blind or have low vision. He has also been awarded the Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal, which has been recognised by the international media as “The Nobel of Life”.

Gerrard was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship for humanitarian service, and in 2003 received a Centenary of Federation Medal for service to sport.

Gerrard has run the 2,000 kilometres from Cairns to Brisbane five times to raise money for charity. He represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic

In addition to his full-time job, business venture as a chocolatier, sporting and adventure pursuits, Gerrard is writing a book called “My Eyes had a Wet Nose”, which provides an insight into the many unique and entertaining experiences that he has encountered with his guide dogs, Joey, Anchor, Summit, Chief, and now Boss.

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The theme for IDPwD 2018 is ‘Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality’.

The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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Wellways Healthcall Toowoomba, Brisbane, Roma Mackay and Townsville Providing: 1. In home and out of home disability support and nursing services 2. Day Services 3. Providing respite services through Siena House in Toowoomba Please call 07 4638 7159 or 1300 363 898 99a Russell Street Toowoomba We look forward to discussing your support needs.

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WhatsUp Coralee O’Rourke MP conducted a forum to seek feedback on the transition to the NDIS in Toowoomba and heard a number of issues.

Anna (parent of 21yo with a disability) “We had more assistance with Disability QLD than with NDIS. Her self harming has meant no one wanted to support her. Not even AS&RS did the right thing by her.”

“Despite NDIS reviews we have not had a good resolution. NDIS reviewer was not helpful, he did not want to approve her goals as he couldn't understand them.

She has less community supports on this new funding scheme.”

“One of my Support Coordinators actually gave me the advice to dump her at the hospital or she'd never get better funding for care.”

No one knows what evidentiary documentation she needs to get adequate support.

Complex needs are not being funded sufficiently in this new model. Society and service providers do not want to deal with it.

“How are families supposed to

Minister NDIS Forum

separate the complexities of health and disability services when in many cases it all goes hand in hand.”

David from TASC said it is difficult for the support people in these participants lives to keep going with less funding on this new scheme.

The Queensland Government needs to speak to these participants directly to work through the high level interfaces as we transition to a NDIS model that acknowledges COAG and allied healthcare services.

DSQ gave you OTs, physios, social workers, support workers as a given. Now with the NDIS these services aren't easily accessed or even available in many country towns and even in the cities. Not enough allied health are willing to come in as a provider for the NDIS. We desperately need qualified professional services that can be accessed.

What is being done to manage the vulnerability and exploitation that occurs?

“Why state that no one would be worse off on the new scheme when so many are?”

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

There is a real problem with obtaining permission for restrictive practices. This is limiting organisations’ abilities to provide the level of care needed for behaviourally unstable clients.

The Minister listened intently to this an other stories and promised that her department will seek further information from the NDIS with a view to making the transition a smooth one.

In a recent update Coralee O'Rourke MP has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ms O'Rourke, the Labor member for the Townsville seat of Mundingburra, said she would take time off over the next few weeks to spend time with her family and work with her medical team to undergo treatment and recover from surgery.

"After that, challenge Queensland cancer do on with my she said.

I plan to face this like most other women with breast by continuing to get work, which I love,"

WhatsUp would also like to extend our wishes to the Minister for a speedy recovery.

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87-93 West Street Toowoomba 0420 906 186

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WhatsUp 2017 2018 Annual Report available

NDIA now

It is the NDIA's fifth Annual Report and reflects the NDIA's continuing commitment to listen to and engage with participants, providers and sector stakeholders.

The report highlights the achievements and challenges of the year, as well as the growth opportunities ahead to improve the experience of the NDIS for participants and providers.

Chairman’s Report 2018 has been a critical and significant year for the NDIS. It has been a year of achievement, and a year of change. It has been a year of addressing ongoing issues from the past, as well as confronting emerging challenges.

It has been a year of solid attainments, of which the NDIA should be justifiably proud, while in no way denying the enormity of the task ahead. But above all else, it has been a year of unequivocal affirmation that the NDIA Board and Management are committed to getting it right for participants.

So let me talk first about our commitment. What we as a Board and Management are doing is working to deliver the promise that every Australian with a significant and permanent disability, along with their families and carers, can get the reasonable and necessary support they need to participate to their maximum social and economic potential in their communities.

We are demonstrating that com-

NDIS Yearly Report

mitment, as well as addressing challenges and achieving success, in five key areas.

First, we are demonstrating it through our commitment to the beliefs and principles that underpin the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Second, we are committed to getting it right for participants.

That means we are committed to delivering a Scheme that is person-focused, that is outcomesoriented, and that delivers a quality planning experience.

Third, we are committed to building a market of innovative providers.

Fourth, we are committed to engaging with stakeholders, who are the lifeblood of the sector.

Fifth, we are committed to ensuring the Scheme’s financial sustainability.

We know that the Scheme has to be financially sustainable, both in the short and longer term, if it is to be there for future generations of Australians. We know that we must deliver it within the funding envelope that has been provided by governments. And indeed, every year to date we have delivered the Scheme under budget, including this year.

And we are committed to ensuring that continues. This is essential.

Dr Helen Nugent AO, Chairman

A copy of the annual report is available to download from: https://www.ndis.gov.au/aboutus/information-publications-andreports/annual-reports.html Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

Drought Future Fund Disability advocates have slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to "repurpose" $3.9 billion originally set aside for the NDIS to pay for drought relief, but the plan has been cautiously welcomed by farmers.

Mr Morrison unveiled his $5 billion Drought Future Fund at a summit attended by farmers, economists, industry bodies and state and federal ministers in Canberra on Friday, promising measures to drought-proof the nation's agriculture sector.

The first $3.9 billion of the scheme, which would operate similarly to the Medical Future Fund, is to be paid for out of a pool of money originally intended for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

New National Autism Diagnosis Standard The Federal Government has also announced a new national standard for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), improving diagnostic consistency across Australia.

Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, today welcomed the release of the national guideline, funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency.

About 164,000 Australians, including 136,000 children and young people under the age of 25, have ASD. That represents a 79% increase from 2009.

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Reshaping the Act

WhatsUp

empower and support NDIS participants to exercise choice and control, while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place so providers and their staff deliver high quality supports.

While the new worker screening system for the NDIS be be consistent across states and territories, Queensland can choose how to implement some of the changes.

Strengthening Rights A.

Strengthen disability principles

B.

Introduce specific principles to recognise the needs of particular groups with disability

C.

Introduce a Charter of Disability Rights

Increasing consistency, accountability

The Queensland Government wants to consider how the Disability Services Act 2006 can best reflect the role of the Queensland Government moving forward, with a critical focus on championing accessibility and inclusion of people with disability within the community.

Since the Disability Services Act 2006 commenced, there has been further recognition of the rights of people with disability and the role of government in promoting and upholding these rights. This review also provides an important opportunity to ensure that our laws are contemporary.

All states and territories have agreed to the national NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework. This Framework provides a nationally consistent approach to help

and

D.

Require the Queensland Government to develop a state plan

E.

Expand disability planning to apply to additional public authorities

F.

Strengthen consultation, implementation and monitoring requirements

G.

Improve data collection

Strengthening partnerships

As Queensland transitions to the NDIS and works to achieve full scheme operation by 1st July 2019 it is important to consider the laws we need in place in Queensland to support the NDIS and reflect the changing landscape of how supports for people with disability are funded and delivered across Australia.

collaboration

government

and

community

H.

Strengthen the legal requirements in relation to appointment and membership of committees

I.

Establish functions of advisory committees

Scope of worker screening J.

Limit screening to the scope required in the national policy framework; OR

K.

Expand the scope of mandatory screening

L.

Allow individuals to begin working with people with disability while their application is being processed

M.

Adopt a ‘no card, no start’ approach

N.

Separate screening systems

O.

Screening systems interact with each other

WhatsUp has attended a number of these consultation sessions and encourages our readers to participate in this consultation to ensure the legislation continues to meet the needs of Queenslanders with disability, their families and carers, well into the future.

Email submissions@communities.qld.gov.au Online www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au Online www.qld.gov.au/DSAreview

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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Flexible Respite Options * Breakaway Guesthouse- Highfields. Offers short term respite to children and adults with a disability in a comfortable and relaxed environment which is fully staffed. * In-home and/or Community Access Support that is flexible and focused on meeting individual family needs. * Rural and Remote Offers respite support to people with disabilities and their families in rural and remote South West Queensland. * Vacation Care Respite support for children with disabilities and their families during school holidays.

27 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4639 5100 Fax: (07) 4639 5079 Email: info@breakawaytmba.org

Employment Services Supporting people with a disability to gain and maintain employment that is valued by the client, the employer and the community.

3 Finchley Street PO Box 1715 Toowoomba QLD 4350 P: (07) 4688 3900 F: (07) 4688 3911 employment.toowoomba@uccommunity.org.au www.uccommunity.org.au/employmentservices

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WhatsUp

Advocates Remembered

Paul Cain WhatsUp is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our esteemed colleague Paul Cain.

Paul was a staunch and fearless advocate for the rights of people with disability, particularly in the areas of inclusive education and employment. Paul was an advocate of great integrity, intellect, passion, and commitment.

We are indebted to Paul for his exceptional work in the area of wage justice and reform of disability employment services.

Paul Cain was a gentleman, a man of dignity who was, and who will always remain, highly respected in the disability sector and beyond.

Besides being a genuinely lovely person Paul was one of Australia’s biggest champions of the right for people with a disability to access employment. His work needs to be picked up and continued by others in Paul’s memory We extend our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. Rest peacefully now Paul.

Quentin Kenihan The boy from Adelaide who became a TV star and even landed a role in a Mad Max movie has died at the age of 43.

Hollywood star Russell Crowe tweeted on Sunday afternoon “devastating news. My little mate, the bravest bloke I ever met … gone.”

Quentin was a suburban boy suffering brittle bone disease or osteogenesis imperfecta when in 1983 he was first interviewed on television by legendary journalist Mike Willesee.

From the age of seven, came a household name tralia and formed a friendship with Willesee series of stories.

he bein Ausstrong over a

The interviews set young Quentin on a path which would make him the subject of multiple media appearances which made him a popular if unlikely star.

His first appearance with Willesee in 1983 was one of the highest rating shows on television.

He would become an author, filmmaker and movie star, as well as a disability advocate.

This was despite the fact that the multiple fractures Kenihan

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

suffered since birth due to his condition, plus numerous operations and arthritis meant he existed on painkillers.

In 2000, he carried the Paralympic torch down Oxford Street in Sydney for the Paralympic Games.

In 2015, he played the character of Corpus Collosus in the blockbuster Mad Max Fury Road.

Well known around the streets of Adelaide in his electric wheelchair, Quentin was not shy about expressing his opinion on everything.

Quentin said he wanted to give back to the city where he has lived for 20 years.

In 2016, Quentin wrote a memoir about his life to inspire others to follow their dreams.

“I’ve accomplished every career dream I’ve ever had,” he said at the time.

“And I’ve done some crazy s**t.

“And yeah, you could say that, up until the age of 15, it was because he was ‘the little Aussie battler’, but beyond that it’s because I’ve worked my a*se off, and put myself out there.

“And I wanted to show people that if this guy can do it, maybe they can follow their dreams too.”

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WhatsUp

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7 Sunrise Suburban Superstar Sam Mac from the Channel 7 Sunrise program visited Toowoomba on Wednesday 24th October to present the weather and to report on Mick Jackson’s dream of creating an innovative new disability friendly sidecar outfit that will allow unassisted access for a passenger that uses a wheelchair or will allow a disabled passenger to travel with their carer if required.

But in a surprise turn of events Sam Mac acknowledged Mick as a Suburban Superstar and pre-

sented him with a cheque for $7,000.00 to assist in getting his dream closer to being a reality.

Mick Jackson, who has worked as a disability support worker for BigDog a few years ago, is in his 50's and has been a motorcycle riding enthusiast for over 35 years and is passionate about sharing the thrill and exhilaration of the motorcycle ride experience with other people.

During the time he was working as a motorcycle tour operator he conducted passenger rides for a lot of people but by far the best experiences were conducting group rides at events for the

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

“Make a Wish Foundation” Christmas Party, “Cancer Council” events where he took some very sick kids for rides and during “Disability Action Week” events where he took people of all ages with a range of disabilities and special needs for a ride.

His passengers with a disability found the experience very exciting and personally rewarding and it was a much needed diversion from their daily troubles.

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Individual Lifestyle Support Service

07 4639 4026 Providing Disability Support and Assistance Increased Social & Community Participation Living and Lifestyle Skills and Support Accommodation Support Capacity Building

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 visit our new office at 172 Bridge Street Toowoomba Office hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm

1800 777 723 www.p2pqld.org.au

112 Russell Street, Toowoomba

Rehabilitation for people who experience mental health issues.

To find out more:

www.toowoombaclubhouse.org.au

Or Phone: (07) 4632 4688

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WhatsUp

NEWS Items

PUBLIC ALERT Queensland Government A hoax email is being sent using the Queensland Government crest and asking the public to “log in”.

If you receive this email, please delete it immediately.

The Queensland Government would never ask for logon and password information using email.

If you have any questions about the emails, please call 13QGOV

New $50 note The new $50 retains the basic design elements from the previous series. It features portraits of Aboriginal writer and inventor, David Unaipon, and Australia's first female member of parliament, Edith Cowan.

They were both campaigners for social change and their work is recognised in several design elements on the banknote. The microprint includes excerpts of Unaipon's book, Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines, and Cowan's first speech to the Western Australian Parliament.

Swimmer of the Year 2018 Cate Campbell, Emma McKeon and Jack McLoughlin claimed the top gongs at Swimming Australia’s Awards proudly presented by Hancock Prospecting, in Melbourne The Paralympic Program Swimmer of the Year went to Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matthew Levy (North Sydney); the Open Water Swimmer of the Year went to Karena Lee (Noosa) and para swimmer Ben Popham (Arena) picked up the AIS Discovery of the Year.

Levy’s coach and former Australian and Canadian Commonwealth Games swimmer Stephen Badger from North Sydney claimed Paralympic Coach of the Year.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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SLOW STARTERS TEN PIN BOWLING LEAGUE for Disabled

SUNSET SUPERBOWL 07 4634 0233

South & Greenwattle Toowoomba

10.00 am every Saturday $20 per session 3 games Sports Registration $32 (membership) Glenda (07) 4614 1136 Kathy (07) 4630 5221

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WhatsUp

Weinerstock

There was the cutest Woodstock revival yet at Queens Park where there was a fab pawty with lots of furry friends attending a pawsome market.

For lowriders, there was a morning of fun in the off-leash area including a best dressed competition, dachshund racing, professional photographer, Dachshund Ninja Warrior course and general socialisation.

The event also raised money for Storybook Farm Sacred Animal Garden, a sanctuary for disabled animals.

Toowoomba Region Do you own a dog or a cat?

Council have started an inspection program to check dog registration and microchipping of cats and dogs for all residents throughout the region.

To register your pet or for more information on responsible pet ownership, visit: http://ow.ly/ awxk50jbptm

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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Down Syndrome Support Group Inc. (Toowoomba & District)

Offers people with Down Syndrome and their families an opportunity to make contact with, and to meet other people in a friendly and inviting environment.

Contact: President Kara Wren Mobile: 0439 661 349

Quality Lifestyle Support Address: 108 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4659 5476 Fax: (07) 4659 5452 Email: qlstdisabilityservices@gmail.com

Enhancing the Lives of Individuals Respite care, Community Access and In Home Care are provided to people in innovative and flexible ways working within the principles and guidelines of the Disability Services Act. Director: John Hart ABN: 43 092 474 872

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We encourage client input and control over the service they request.

10 East St Gatton Supported Employment * In Home Support Community Access * Diversional Therapy Counselling * Accommodation Commercial and Domestic Recycling Services Secure Document Destruction We also produce a wide selection of jams, chutneys and pickles made fresh from locally sourced produce

Phone: 5462 3272 Email: admin@anuha.com.au

WhatsUp Changing Lives, Changing Communities The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) is the state-wide peak body representing the interests of individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing poverty and disadvantage, and organisations working in the social and community service sector.

Changing Lives, Changing Communities are 13, two-day events across Queensland, creating new ways for people – citizens, community organisations, private sector and government representatives – to come together, envision and ask, “What will it take to create communities where everyone contributes, matters and belongs?”

Changing Lives, Changing Communities is about bringing together all parts of the community to co-create solutions to ensure everyone is included in their community, and can access what they need; like a place to call home, good health, transport, education, and meaningful employment.

Recipe for inclusion 

Belonging



Motivation



Strengths-based



Sharing stories



Innovation



Value diversity



Flexibility



Purpose



Accessibility



Limitless thinking

The Toowoomba Panel 

Paul Ventaloro - Community Development Practitioner



Michael Burge - Mental Health Advocate



Kim Stokes - Communications



Gay Hold - Jazzy Lane Hair Studio



Mick Jackson - Live to Ride

Thanks to everyone who came along to Changing Lives, Changing Communities Toowoomba. We know you have made a difference.

Top: Project 10 team including Andrew and Josh Middle: Project 2 team and their topic presentation Bottom: Jeremy and David discussing a topic

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp mycommunity www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au

This time of year always reminds me why I love Toowoomba Region and why we are proud to call this place home. We’re very fortunate to live in such a peaceful and prosperous area of the world.

As a community, we all contribute to the culture and atmosphere that makes this region such a place to live.

Now is the prime time to get out and explore what our region has to offer.

We have a great variety of activities and events over the next few months. We can look forward to vibrant Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve activities, engaging art exhibitions, health and fitness classes and special events for seniors.

For more information on what’s happening around the region visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events While we wait for the rain to return it’s important to be waterwise wherever possible.

Cr Paul Antonio Mayor, Toowoomba Region

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WhatsUp

Reader’s Stories

The best Op Shops in Toowoomba

By Sandra Wiseman Do you know how many different op shops there are in Toowoomba? There are a lot. This is an article about my favourite op shops in Toowoomba.

My favourite op shop is Vinnies Toowoomba Ruthven Street. It’s my favourite place to get my plate’s cups and bowls which I like collecting because of my OCD. My favourite types of plates, cups and bowls are ones with different designs like flowers, animals and patterns.

I like going to Lifeline in Perth Street as they have the bags that I like to buy. They don’t look like hand bags and that’s why I like to get them. So people don’t think that I’m carrying a purse or a wallet so I don’t get robbed.

I like to get clothes at ADRA op shop as they are bright and colourful. They have some long clothes & some short clothes and some clothes of all sizes.

That’s just some of my favourite op shop in Toowoomba and what I like to buy when I am there.

Inclusion Access

By Josh Marshall A great day we had talking to the media. Channel 7, 9, and WIN as well as the Chronicle were all in attendance at George Banks in Toowoomba.

It achieved 4 out of 5 access stars.

A great venue with great inclusion.

The news provided an update of what Inclusion Access is doing in the local community.

Josh is a Toowoomba disability advocate is on a mission, to get local cafes, restaurants, and hotels, to think about accessibility.

Josh Marshall developed a rating system, encouraging businesses to make small, but significant changes. Editor

Kim Stokes, Phil Coorey, the brains behind George Banks, and myself.

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp

Page 26

in November

WhatsUp

in December

WhatsUp and BigDog in the President’s Room City Golf Club 253 South Street Toowoomba Monday 3rd December 2018 6:00pm—9:30pm Tickets $25 includes a 2 course meal

WhatsUp AGM Friday 14th December Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street Toowoomba 3:00 pm

Email: whatsupindisability@bigpond.com

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WhatsUp

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For Christmas

WhatsUp

New to disability?

First Points of Contact Centrelink Payments and Services

132 468

Carers

132 717

Disability Support Pension

132 717

Health Care Card

132 490

Family Assistance

136 150

Indigenous Call Centre Emergency Crisis Payment

1800 136 380 132 850

NDIS General Enquiries

1800 800 110

NDIA Toowoomba Office

07 4592 4057

Local Area Coordinator

07 4646 2800

Medicare General Enquiries

132 011

Pharmaceutical Benefits

132 290

MyGov Help Desk

132 307

Queensland Government

Toowoomba Disability Information Office

Child Safety

07 4699 4255

Disability Services

07 4615 3900

Toowoomba Hospital

07 4616 6000

Department Housing

07 4699 4400

Community Groups Carer Advisory Service

1800 242 636

Carer Respite

1800 059 059

Open 5 days

Lifeline Darling Downs

1300 991 443

(core times 10am to 1.00pm)

Relationships Australia

1300 364 277

A question on disability or a service you require? Try us, most of our Information Officers have a disability themselves and will be glad to assist you. If we can’t help, we will refer you elsewhere.

Shop 4 / 33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba

There are a number of support groups for most disabilities available in this region.

Contact WhatsUp in Disability on: Phone: 07 46326678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

(07) 4632 6678 A volunteer disability service organisation run by people with disabilities

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp Executive Team

PUBLISHER: Disability Media Association Inc (Australia) (DMAA) TELEPHONE: (07) 4632 6678 OFFICE:

Shop 4 /33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba (Bell St Mall) (open Monday to Wednesday 10:00am-1:00 pm)

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 E-MAIL: admin@whatsupindisability.org MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven P aull (P resident) W endy Adams (Editor) Jeremy Scamp (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer) ADMINISTRATION: Alyssa Storm, Bec M cDermott, Chloe Ellevsen and Sandra Wiseman REPORTERS / WRITERS: W endy Adams, Alyse N elligan, Bronw yn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Marrissa Moore, Steven Paull and many more.

PUBLISHED: J anuary/ M arch/ M ay/ J uly/ September/ N ovember ABN: 72 821 350 911 PRINT POST APPROVED: P P 424022/ 1811

STEVEN PAULL President

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: Although we are a volunteer and non profit organisation, we are not funded in any way, and have to cover costs of this publication by charging for advertising. Please request a quote by ringing (07) 4632 6678 or by email.

All new adverts must be received 4 weeks preceding month of publication.

WENDY ADAMS Editor

WhatsUp reserves the right to adjust, resize or move advertisements when necessary to allow for editing WHATSUP IS AVAILABLE FROM: 1) SUBSCRIPTION (In advance) $33 per year (includes postage).

2) A single edition of WID can be bought at the WhatsUp 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 Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre.

JEREMY SCAMP Secretary

COPYRIGHT: Copyright Protected. All pages are subject to copyright law and may be copied only with the permission of DMAA. 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY/ COPYING

ANN PAULL Treasurer

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WhatsUp In Disability is provided as a Master Copy to individuals and organisations. 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’.

DMAA PO Box 3621, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

WhatsUp

Advertiser Index

Accommodation / Respite

Holiday / Transport

BigDog Respite House

Page

18

‘Regatta’ Noosa

Page

21

Breakaway Toowoomba

Page

15

Sunshine Coast Supported Holidays

Page

21

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre

Page

23

Information Services

Support Services

Auslan Sign Language Course

P age 22 Page 10

Anuha Services (Gatton)

Page

22

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre

BigDog Support Services

Page

12

Down Syndrome Support

Breakaway Toowoomba

Page

14

(Toowoomba and District)

Page

22

CPL (Choice Passion Life)

Page

18

Epilepsy Queensland Inc.

Page

14

Quality Lifestyle Support

Page

22

Every Australian Counts

Page

24

Salvation Army

Page

18

Parent To Parent

Page

18

Warrina Services

Page

18

TASC National

Page

10

Wellways Healthcall

Page

6

Toowoomba Disability Information

Page

29

Yellow Bridge

Page

6

Recreation Slow Starters Tenpin Bowling

Page

20

Toowoomba Sunset Superbowl

Page

14

Toowoomba Region

Page

25

BigDog Cleaning Services

Page

22

BigDog Lawn Mowing Services

Page

20

Support Coordination St Vincent de Paul

Page

22

Employment HELP Enterprises

Page

Uniting Care Community Employment

Page

Other Services 14

Mobility Equipment MedTech Mobility Equipment

Page

14

Murray’s Cleaning Services

Page

22

Reben Mobility

Page

10

ParisiAnn Patisserie

Page

10

Tony Wigan Show 4DDB

Page

29

Toowoomba Clubhouse

Page

18

Medical Scott Street Pharmacy

Page 14

Toowoomba Central Discount Drug Store

12

www.whatsupindisability.org To contribute to the next edition please send your article to

WhatsUp In Disability

admin@whatsupindisability.org

is proudly printed by the Community Development and Facilities Branch of the Toowoomba Regional Council

by the 20th February/April/June/August/October/December or reserve a space

Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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WhatsUp In Disability PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 Phone: (07) 4632 6678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org

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