Staff matters April 28, 2017 - Issue 100 Week 42 Staff Matters
Staff Matters
April 24, 2015 - Issue 1
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May 1, 2015 - Issue 2
Congratulations to the graduates!
In this Issue
AFFORD remembers ANZAC Day
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Staff Matters
May 29, 2015 - Issue 6 Week 48
Prince Harry meets AFFORD
In this Issue
L to R - Jack Lee & Coreena Fantella
Page 4 • TTR for Lesley L to R - Sofia Hadarin, Joseph Cabrera, Brooke Taylor, Steve Herald, new CEO AFFORD, Dean Simpson and Julie Larney
Five employees from the Ingleburn factory have received their Statement of Attainment in Employee Work Skills after graduating from a NSW first Employment Work Skills Program. AFFORD, in conjunction with South Western Sydney Institute (SWSi) TAFE NSW, developed the Employment Work Skills Program to increase the skills of supported employees with disability. The Program is the first of its kind in NSW to provide a fully recognised qualification within the NSW TAFE system. The three module Employment Work Skills Program is studied over eight weeks and covers subjects such as communication skills in the workplace; managing workplace information; and active participation in the Workplace Health and Safety process. The graduation of five employees was held Tuesday, 31 March 2015 at the Ingleburn site in front of an audience of parents, carers and fellow employees.
• AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
Welcome to the first edition of Staff Matters. This newsletter is a means for all staff to share and contribute information. You will receive Staff Matters weekly via your AFFORD email address, and hard copies will also be circulated. As the title states, the contribution of staff to AFFORD is vital to the continued success of AFFORD and the clients that we provide services to.
Last Friday the 24th April customers from Day Programs at Guildford and Lakemba, joined with customers from Ashfield Day Program to visit the war memorial cenotaph at Ashfield Park to remember our fallen soldiers on the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. During the week each site had Arts and Craft sessions to design and make their own floral wreaths to lay in commemoration of ANZAC Day. One of the Ashfield Disability Support Workers, Heidi Suhle, who had previously served in Australian Armed Forces, read out the “Ode to the Fallen” as the wreaths were laid by the customers. Coreena Fantella, the Ashfield Team Leader also gave a talk on the meaning of ANZAC Day. After the wreath laying ceremony, everyone headed back to the Ashfield Day Program site for a BBQ lunch and a joint music program in the afternoon.
I encourage everyone to take ownership of this publication and forward any suggestions as to what you would like to read about in future editions to Fiona and Deb in the Communications team.
Introducing new staff member Tristan Owen who is assisting Chris Pike in IT he can be contacted on 8805 3733 or 0429774139
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
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On his recent visit to Sydney, Prince Harry was lucky enough to have the opportunity of meeting some wonderful AFFORD customers on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
• Laura loves her job • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
• Ashfield Morning Tea • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
Customers and staff from the Mt Druitt Day Program travelled into the city hoping that they might get to see the Prince on his last official “walkabout” in Australia. On arrival at the Opera House, DSW Ursula Todd, approached a security guard and asked him if there was anywhere that they could stand with some people in wheelchairs where they might have the opportunity to see the Prince. The warm hearted security guard made a special roped off area where the Mt Druitt customers could all be accommodated on their own. Front row seats!
Inside: Results of Staff Survey 2015
AFFORD Fact In 1960, AFFORD opened its first Australian Disability Enterprise at Gow Street, Bankstown.
Tristan Bell had a chat with the Prince and even appeared on Channel 9 news. Ursula, who is from the UK, even got a cuddle. I am sure that this picture was sent to many phones and emails back in England.
New Style Guide coming next week!
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
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July 17, 2015 - Issue 13 Week 3
AFFORD Board Member opens NDIS shopfront In this Issue
HMAS Choules On Board with AFFORD
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Staff Matters
August 14, 2015 - Issue 17 Week 7
In this Issue
In this Issue
Customer Service Awards!
Page 1
Page 1
• Board Member opens NDIS
• Customer Service Awards
• HMAS Choules on Board
shopfront
Left: Michelle Jeffery receiving her award from Steve Herald
Page 2
Page 2
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• Staff Profile
• Staff Profile
• Staff Profile
• Condell Park Harvest
• AFFORD Conference
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• AFFORD Conference
Page 4 Pictured above: Rhiannon O’Brien and David Bell in front of HMAS Choules
AFFORD recently entered into an exciting 3 year partnership with HMAS Choules. The partnership means the vessel and crew will fundraise and allow us to work with them promoting the AFFORD brand and activities. Future AFFORD events are likely to include a cocktail party on board the HMAS Choules, client and family tours of the vessel and we will also have navy volunteers who will attend AFFORD events. The HMAS Choules (L100) is a Bay-class landing ship that served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary from 2006 to 2011, before being transferred to the Royal Australian Navy. The vessel was built as RFA Largs Bay by Swan Hunter in Wallsend. Rhiannon O’ Brien and David Bell are pictured on a recent visit to the ship. AFFORD previously had a partnership with HMAS Kanimbla however the boat was decommissioned in 2012.
AFFORD Fact In 1971, the Cherrywood Cup, a fundraising activity which was a Ladies’ Golfing Competition that had been running since 1953, achieved its greatest result yet. Records note that over $2,000 had been raised in 1971.
Page 3 • Blacktown Disco Divas
All the nominations presented were worthy of winning the award. They were all discussed by the voting panel and it was definitely a tough decision for the panel.
• Kings Park Turns 10 • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
Third prize winner, Sarah Vandermeer, Accounts Payable Officer was nominated because of her bubbly and positive attitude - she is always happy to help, nothing is too much trouble and she is outstanding at her job. We congratulate all the following nominees: Julie Shaw, Lifestyle Assistant, Lakemba Day Program, Boris Zdralic, Business Development Specialist, DES Layla Naji, Team Leader, Bankstown DES, Peter Tindall, Supervisor, Prestons, Indra Krothapalli, Lifestyle Assistant, Green Valley Day Program, Maryam Montagami, Lifestyle Assistant, Green Valley Day Program, Kym Mafi, Lifestyle Assistant, Kings Park Day Program Joseph Munoz, Lifestyle Assistant, Penrith Day Program, Neville Bergofher, Leading Hand, Minto, Fred Etuk, Lifestyle Assistant, Campbelltown Day Program, Carol El-Achi, Lifestyle Assistant, Guildford Day Program.
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
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October 2, 2015 - Issue 24 Week 13
In this Issue
Looking for Talented Lifestyle Assistants
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Staff Matters
October 30, 2015 - Issue 28 Week 17
AFFORD Your Employer Of Choice Providing A Brighter Future!
In this Issue Page 1
• The Launch of KBP Products
AFFORD Fact In May, 1980 in an endeavour to run its own business and reduce dependency on sub contract work, AFFORD purchased a company known as Feeney Electronics. The business made electronic light dimmers under the brand names of “Computalite” and “Moonglo.” These units were found in many of the large hardware and department stores throughout NSW.
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
September 25, 2015 - Issue 23 Week 12
Page 4 • Kings Park Meet Celebs • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
Second prize winner, Helen Berridge, Coordinator, Windsor and Mount Druitt Day Programs once again showed her innovation and understanding of our customers in organising a large event for AFFORD customers. This time it was AFFORDs Got Talent which was an amazing success and a few months ago it was the immensely successful Harmony Day.
AFFORD Fact In 1970, AFFORD announced plans to double the size of the workshop at Cherrywood at an estimated cost of $21,000. The program was to be a community effort organised by the Penrith Apex Club, which hoped to raise $7,000.
Please keep your nominations coming through!
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
• Cover Girl Renee
First prize winner was Michelle Jeffery, Coordinator, Accommodation Services. Over the past month, Michelle has shown her willingness to go over and above for our customers on numerous occasions. This included an emergency medication/staffing matter where she attended on the weekend to manage the situation and made herself available throughout the night when we had a long power outage at Cherrywood. Michelle constantly makes herself available to help out the team by taking shifts or doing duties without fuss and was a key member of the team of people who assisted through the life changing hospitalisation/ surgery of one of our clients and the changes to his ongoing care requirements.
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• Minchinbury Welcome Staff • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
• EID Celebration Condell Park
We are proud to announce there was an overwhelming response from staff for the first ever Customer Service Awards within AFFORD. HR received 15 nominations from across various divisions within the organisation. All nominations provided great insight into the fantastic work of staff who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to please their customers, whether ‘external’ and/or ‘internal’.
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• TTW at Dulwich Hill • Henny Penny Program
The Launch of KBP Products
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Page 3 Pictured:Tristan and the Mt Druitt Day Program team meet Prince Harry and right Mt Druitt DSW Ursula Todd gets a hug from the Prince
Staff Matters
July 9, 2015 - Issue 12 Week 2
Pictured L to R: David Bowen (rear), Ross Fowler, Fiona Scott, John Ajaka, Erin Kester
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• Staff Profile
• Minchinbury Graduates
• Staff Survey
Steven Herald
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
On the 1st July, 2015, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), opened the country’s very first shop front - the Nepean Blue Mountains NDIS shop front and the event was attended by one of our AFFORD board members, Ross Fowler. The launch of the opening was attended by NSW Minister for Disability Services, John Ajaka and Member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott, who cut the ribbon along with the Mayor of Penrith Cr Ross Fowler OAM, NDIA CEO David Bowen and local Western Sydney mother, Erin Kester and her family. In addition to being the Mayor of Penrith, Ross Fowler is also one of our long serving AFFORD board members. The Nepean Blue Mountains shop front will offer important information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for people with disability and their families.
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• Luke’s View
Page 3 L to R - Paul Jonoski Bilal Ghamrawi, Gregory Collins with staff member Katarzyna Ross
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Page 2 • Staff Profile • Staff Survey
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• Prince Harry Meets AFFORD
• New Staff Member
Page 2 • Staff Profile • Success for Shalaa
• Harmony Day • Camden Show Winners
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• ANZAC Day
• Ingleburn Graduation
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In this Issue Page 1
• AFFORD is Looking for Talent
• AFFORD Your Employer Of Choice Providing A Brighter Future!
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Page 2 • Staff Profile
• Staff Profile
• Procurement Policy • AFFORD Shopping Trip
• AFFORD Star In ‘Stay Alert Don’t Get Hurt’
Page 3 Pictured above: Customers from Blacktown and Kings Park participating in making the products
AFFORD Community Participation Programs are always searching for projects to get customers involved in learning new skills and interacting with the community. A large number of participants at Blacktown and Kings Park Day Programs are very excited about the latest AFFORD initiative with the recent launch of the KPB All Naturals product range - a Social Enterprise. Customers at these Day Programs have been eagerly learning how to make the products which include bath salts and candles. The participants are then supported by staff in filling orders, delivering orders and taking payments. It is amazing to see how keen customers are to be involved this project and AFFORD look forward to extending the product lines. $400 worth of product has already been sold and as such all participants have been kept extremely busy keeping up the supply. The products are all 100% natural, are made by the participants at Kings Park and Blacktown, look and smell amazing and would make the perfect gift so please keep this in mind when it comes to your gift giving purchases. Why not get on board the KPB train!
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• Staff Profile • Kick the Cancer Stick • Snow Peas are Ready
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• Liam Visits Chipping Norton
• Group Home Update
• AFFORD at Mini Olympics
• A Grant for Marrickville
• David Lands His Dream Job
• Condell Park Set Sail
Page 4 • Penrith Expo • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
As part of being an Employer of Choice and to utilise and build upon employee knowledge and skills, AFFORD would like to invite those Lifestyle Assistants who have some special and perhaps hidden talents among us to step forward for a new and exciting challenge. For those who have a qualification we are looking for suitably qualified people to provide services or structured programs for Community Participation Programs in the following areas:
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AFFORD Fact The highlight of 1994 was the visit to Cherrywood Village of the State Governor, Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair AC, to re-open the Cherrywood Gardens and Swimming Pool. The Governor also launched an Appeal to raise $180,000 over three years to purchase a Community House for people with high support needs.
2. Fitness
5. Cooking & Healthy Diet If you do not have a certified qualification but still feel you have the required skills in any of these areas you can put forward a case which will be reviewed by management. The rate of pay offered while undertaking the actual provision of services or structured programs will be an extra $10 per hour. So get in quickly and let the management team know of your talents!
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
•Jolly Client Christmas Party
Page 2 • Staff Profile • Jolly Client Christmas Party Continued...
Page 3 • Keep Up To Date With New Group Homes •Meet Our New Staff Members
Page 4 • Afford Taking The Fight For ADE’s With Knockout Presentation • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh On 4th December Afford staff held the Client Christmas Party, where we also celebrated International Day of People With Disability and launched the new Afford logo. Our clients enjoyed a fun-filled day with a visit from Santa and Mrs Clause, the Penrith Panthers, Cricket NSW, Head Turners and Football NSW. The day also featured fun activities including air brush tattoos, face painting and a disco! A big congratulations goes to all staff involved for their tireless work making it a day to remember for everyone.
AFFORD Fact In 2005, Transition To Work Program was adopted by Afford. Introduction of Afford Link to provide support for school students in their transition to an adult working life.
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
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Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year! In this Issue
The NDIS will be fabulous for our clients and people we support, but will require us to reinvent our internal processes and expectations. To make the added requirements of the NDIS easier we have implemented CIMSability and NAV. Under the NDIS we will need to invoice our clients for each shift in most cases and the new system will make that possible without having many manual systems to do so We have also implemented eLearning using ELMO as we will need to deliver training in a very different way under the NDIS. ELMO will make many topics easier to train across our many locations and will help us offer more training opportunities to all staff. We will still provide face to face training for First Aid, GIRT, Manual Handling & Driver Training and will increase the amount of training we provide We also rebranded to a more colourful and modern looking logo. The response to the logo has been overwhelmingly positive and we will do many new fun things with the logo to improve our brand recognition and company pride Our financial position has improved dramatically in the past six months which gives us security in our jobs as the NDIS rollout commences. There are many stories circulating across our sector, and indeed some companies will struggle to survive under the NDIS. Our financial position means we are not only secure, but that we can start to plan for new and exciting opportunities in 2016 Now that we have the foundations set for the future I will be out and about a lot more in the new year. Like our competitors we will need to focus even more on customer service and delighting our clients every day. It does not mean a huge change as I believe Afford already provides great customer service, but we always need to strive to be better and have a sense of urgency as our surroundings start to move at a faster pace In 2016 we will complete our 10 new Group Homes, continue in our fight to guarantee the future of ADEs, expand on our new Holidays and Afford Active programs, commence providing Childrens’ Services and the list goes on and on. As we do this, our mission will always remain our main focus along with continuing our rich heritage as one of the leading service providers in Australia. Presenting 40 year Service Awards today to a number of ADE employees reminded me of just how rich this legacy is and how proud we should be to be a member of the Afford team Have a Merry Christmas everyone, and roll on 2016! Take Care,
Staff Matters
January 29, 2016 - Issue 39 Week 31
AFFORD Fact In 2007, The Afford packaging site at Prestonsis opened. Day Program sites were purchased or renovated at Green Valley, Campbelltown and Windsor.
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AFFORD remembers ANZAC Day
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•Afford Walk The Extra Mile
L to R - Paul Jonoski Bilal Ghamrawi, Gregory Collins with staff member Katarzyna Ross
Introducing new staff member Tristan
Owen who is assisting Chris Pike in IT he can be contacted on 8805 3733 or 0429774139
• Afford Voice Being An Employer Of Choice
• Taylor Murray, TTW’s Comic Book Queen
•Flu Vaccinations Available Soon!
•Afford Eat NDIS For Lunch
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• Afford Selfies • Have A Laugh
Fun Fact Iguanas have three eyes. Two normal eyes and a third eye on top of their head that only percieves brightness.
As we endeavour to be better recognised as a disability service provider in the Macarthur region, Afford pulled together a team of 28 people not including 4 unregistered children to participate in the 2016 Campbelltown City Challenge Walk event which started bright and early on Sunday morning.
Everyone who attended had a great time participating in the challenge and as you can see from the photos above were very proud to be showcasing Afford wearing designed shirts along with many Afford goodies including drink bottles and hats. A special mention goes out to our two amazing young ladies, Kristelle Lagoutaris (TTW supported employee) and Melissa Huntsman (Campbelltown CP client) for competing in the challenge walk and to all staff who attended.
In this Issue
Customers and staff from the Mt Druitt Day Program travelled into the city hoping that they might get to see the Prince on his last official “walkabout” in Australia. On arrival at the Opera House, DSW Ursula Todd, approached a security guard and asked him if there was anywhere that they could stand with some people in wheelchairs where they might have the opportunity to see the Prince. The warm hearted security guard made a special roped off area where the Mt Druitt customers could all be accommodated on their own. Front row seats!
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Page 3 • Joseph’s Journey • Fire Warden Matthew Pictured L to R: Dr Malcolm Borland and current AFFORD President Neville Barnier
Page 4 • Ashfield Morning Tea • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
AFFORD Fact In 1960, AFFORD opened its first Australian Disability Enterprise at Gow Street, Bankstown.
Tristan Bell had a chat with the Prince and even appeared on Channel 9 news. Ursula, who is from the UK, even got a cuddle. I am sure that this picture was sent to many phones and emails back in England.
On the weekend of 30 and 31 May the AFFORD Board held its annual planning weekend. This year the event was held at the Sebel Resort and Spa at Windsor and all the Board Members and the Executive Team spent the whole day on Saturday working together to develop some strategic plans which will help take AFFORD forward into the future and into the world of the NDIS. It was a great day and everyone participated enthusiastically in the planning process. Everyone got together for dinner on the Saturday night and Dr Malcom Borland, who stepped down recently after 39 years as the President of AFFORD, also attended the dinner. At the end of the evening, current AFFORD President Neville Barnier, presented Dr Borland with the gavel that he had used for all his 39 years as AFFORD president. It had been bronzed and placed in a custom made glass display case, and was given as a small token of our thanks for his 40 years of service to AFFORD. Dr Borland was delighted with the gift and even tried the gavel to make sure that it would still work even if it were bronzed. We are all very grateful for his many years of service, guiding the organisation to its current position as a leader in disability.
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Pictured above: Frank Blazi
Page 4 • Ashfield Morning Tea • AFFORD Selfies • High Tea for Carers
AFFORD Fact In 1964 AFFORD fundraising introduced the Polio Art Union. Four of these were conducted each year. Prizes valued at 20,911 pounds were offered and this included 18 cars, 10 stereograms and a large number of portable transistor radios.
Staff Matters
Staff Matters
June 19, 2015 - Issue 9 Week 51
In this Issue
In this Issue
Page 1 • Announcement from CEO
Page 2 • Staff Profile • Masterchefs at Green Valley • Pay Cycle Change
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• Big Morning Tea at Condell Park • Surprise Lunch at Minto
• Stay Healthy in Flu Season
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• Ashfield Morning Tea • AFFORD Selfies • Chalk and Talk at Penrith
• Mandy Best at Bowls • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
AFFORD Fact
AFFORD Fact
In 1964, the site at Llandilo for the building of Cherrywood was approved. Plans were developed for a state of the art rural accommodation facility for people with disability.
In 1966 AFFORD were the recipients of the largest grant ever given by the NSW Dep
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Fun Fact In the course of an average lifetime you will, while sleeping, eat 70 assorted insects and 10 spiders.
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Staff Matters
June 17, 2016- Issue 59 Week 51
‘The Crew’ Ready To Ute-ilise New Equipment In this Issue
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Page 1 •’The Crew’ Ready To Ute-ilise New Equipment
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Page 2 • Staff Profile • Customer Service Awards
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•Afford Cup
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• Have A Laugh
Fun Fact Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a Friday the 13th in them.
If you wish to order anymore shirts please send your orders to shirt.orders@afford.com.au.
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•Introducing Staff Changes
•Customer Service Awards • Afford Selfies
Brightening up the factory with all the colours of the rainbow, our clients love showing off their new shirts to everyone who walks past.
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• Staff Profile • Afford Staff Mingle At Menangle • DES Customer Service Awards
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When clients from our Minchinbury factory received their new Afford polo shirts they couldn’t contain their excitement.
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•Fairfield DES Awarded For Winning Service
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T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
A massive congratulations to the Fairfield DES team on their win in the Fairfield Local Business Awards in the category of “Outstanding Professional Services”. The Awards night at Club Marconi was a gala evening with over 700 people in attendance.
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Page 4 •Lauren’s Birthday Bash • Afford Selfies
‘The Crew’ run by our Campbelltown ADE employees is up and running with the arrival of the new Afford Mowing Crew ute and attire.
• Have A Laugh
The DES team were pitted against a strong field including : National Hearing Care, Southwest Recruitment, JB & Associates Solicitors & Barristers, Max Employment - Fairfield and Max Employment - Cabramatta.
A few months ago employees from the Campbelltown site were able to purchase environmentally friendly battery operated lawn mower & whipper snipper along with many other maintenance tools to cart around in the new ute and trailer, helping them keep the neighbourhood looking good.
Fun Fact
A professional submission, mystery shoppers and community voting were combined to determine winners in each of the award categories. Our DES team scored an upset win and were roundly applauded by the audience when announced winners.
•Hunter Valley Leadership Conference Timetable
This program develops the employees independent living skills as well as teamwork, comradery and boosting their self-esteem, also learning about time management and planning.
A ball of glass will bounce higher
They have also gained a real sense of ownership and pride from wearing the new branded attire which features our colourful logo with personalised vests while driving around in their very own branded ute.
than a ball of rubber.
It is great to see our DES team receiving the credit they deserve after participating in so many successful programs such as Refugee Week, Healthy Week, Pathways to Employment Week and the Seek A Skill Expos, keep up the great work guys!
Afford Talent Shines At Q Theatre
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the planet would float in water.
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
August 5, 2016- Issue 66 Week 58
In this Issue
Fun Fact Saturn’s density is low enough that
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
July 29, 2016- Issue 65 Week 57
•Put Your Smokes In The Trash And Save Some Cash • Afford Selfies • Have A Laugh
Contact ‘The Crew’ on 1300 233 673 for any maintenance assistance.
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
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In this Issue Page 1
• Afford Tendering For Success
• Afford Talent Shines At Q Theatre
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• Staff Profile • Introducing Staff Changes • Chipping Norton Granted An Upgrade
• Staff Profile • Introducing Staff Changes
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•Afford’s Got Talent
•Gold Coast Theme Park Adventure
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Tendering for 18 sites in a pool of over 25 different disability support services, •Currently Seeking Expressions Afford were triumphant in securing the contract for maintenance within the Macarthur region, creating the foundations for our new lawn and maintenance Of Interest program ‘The Crew’. • Afford Selfies
• Have A Laugh
Fun Fact A group of workers with varying levels of disabilities from our Campbelltown ADE, with a keen interest in improving their own individual skills were chosen to be part of the new program. The program aims to provide them with invaluable social and work experience as they look for open employment. The great deal of Blue-eyed people tend to have the pride they put in their work is evident seeing them provide a quality of service highest tolerance of alcohol. unsurpassed in the region. Stay tuned as the maintenance program continues to grow we will start commencing maintenance services to Afford sites over the summer!
Page 4 Recently Afford hosted the annual Afford’s Got Talent show at Joan Sutherland Centre’s Q Theatre in Penrith, showcasing the vast range of talent we have at Afford.
•Recognising Afford Superstars • Afford Selfies • Have A Laugh
The night started with a lovely barbeque dinner and a chance for our clients to socialise with different sites and featured 20 acts from our Lifestyle Centres and a special performance from our first ever DES client Rachel, who sung a beautiful version of ‘Part of your world’. The atmosphere was electric from everyone in the theatre and the audience were thoroughly entertained by all of the acts and even got involved dancing and singing in the crowd. A big ‘well done’ and ‘congratulations’ to all the stars who put on a wonderful show for the crowd, and to Rhiannon O’Brien for organising such a wonderful event.
Fun Fact Being a good singer isn’t a born trait. Studies show that most ‘bad’ singers can discern notes perfectly well, and have vocal ranges similar to good singers. All they really lack is training.
We look forward to seeing the great talent Afford will showcase next year!
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
Staff Matters
October 28, 2016- Issue 77 Week 17
November 4, 2016- Issue 78 Week 18
In this Issue
Party On Board With Afford
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In this Issue Page 1
• Afford Put The Fun In Funathon
• Party On Board With Afford
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• Staff Profile • Belmore Blitz Workout • Guildford Awarded Best At Bocce
• Staff Profile • Staff Have A Blast At Training • Belmore Meet The Bulldogs
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• Affords Got Your Back ... Neck And Shoulders • Campbelltown Have The Right Tools
• Join The Club!
Page 4 • Letter From Camden MP Chris Patterson • Afford Selfies • Have A Laugh
Page 4 On Saturday 29th October Afford held the long awaited HMAS Choules Cocktail party and was a resounding success. Packed with over 150 people comprising of Afford staff, sponsors, guests and Navy personnel, the evening featured a range of fun filled entertainment including Brazilian dancers, professional cocktail maker, DJ and of course the main spectacle being onboard the HMAS Choules Navy ship itself!
Clients had a fun day in the sun and particularly loved getting the chance to dunk their Afford staff in the water.
Reminder Don’t forget to send your/clients achievements and good news stories & photo’s to CELEBRATE@afford.com.au
Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed their night socializing with new faces, hearing stories about the ship and its travels from Navy personnel and having a boogie on the dancefloor. Thanks to Rhiannon O’Brien, Toni Preston, the Navy crew onboard the HMAS Choules and all staff who worked tirelessly to put together such a great night, we are very blessed to have you here at Afford and are excited for an even bigger and better cocktail party next year!
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
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• Staff Profile • Haynes Family Win Golf Day
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AFFORD Fact
In this Issue • Dr Malcolm Borland
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• Minchinbury Graduates Pictured:Tristan and the Mt Druitt Day Program team meet Prince Harry and right Mt Druitt DSW Ursula Todd gets a hug from the Prince
On his recent visit to Sydney, Prince Harry was lucky enough to have the opportunity of meeting some wonderful AFFORD customers on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
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In 1954, AFFORD established eight branches in regional NSW at Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Wellington, Dubbo, Mudgee, Boorowa and Wollongong.
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Peter and Frank Support the Eels
Fairfield DES Awarded For Winning Service In this Issue
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A huge thank you to Rhiannon O’Brien and all the staff involved in making this wonderful day possible for our clients, who all can’t wait for an even bigger and better Funathon next year!
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Staff Matters
June 5, 2015 - Issue 7 Week 49
Thank you Dr Malcolm Borland
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• Staff Profile • Luke’s View
Page 3 • Cherrywood Residents Graduate • Fuel Update
• LINK Team at Mater Dei • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
•Sea Of Colour Floods Minchinbury Factory
As the day was drawing to a close clients and staff geared up for the traditional flug tug race which consisted of two finals, a variety of creative floats and some very competitive clients. Congratulations to Campbelltown ADE and Mt Druitt who were the winners.
We have developed an IT Issue tracking section on the Intranet. This is under the Information Technology tab and then on the left is ‘IT Issue Tracking’. There is also a document that gives a brief instruction on how to use the tracking. For all non-urgent issues, please log these through the Intranet. For all other matters please either contact Tristan on 0429774139 or send an email to it@afford.com.au.
In this Issue • Prince Harry Meets AFFORD
Page 2 • Staff Profile • Purchasing Policy
Thanks to a grant received through the Community Building Partnership Program the Lakemba Day Program received a new 12 seat bus to make it easier for the customers to access community activities and art and cultural events. The Lakemba Day Program customers participate in a wide range of activities within the Canterbury community area including Meals on Wheels, a Garden Care Program for the Aged and they also deliver the local newspaper in the Belmore area. The bus takes Lakemba customers to health and fitness classes, work experience, shopping excursions and local cultural events. The customers say that they love the view from the bus and they are getting to know all the landmarks of the area.
IT Update
• Afford Selfies • Have A Laugh
May 20, 2016- Issue 55 Week 47
• Staff Profile • Important Update: Name Change • Condell Park Get Creative
The day featured a number of fun activities including soccer, netball, rugby league, jumping castle, disco, rock climbing, obstacle course, henna tattoos, face painting, bowling, a guest appearance from Wheelie Warriors, a dunking station and of course the traditional flug tug race!
IT Support
0429774139
• Afford Getaways Embark On A Zoofari Adventure
The 6 kilometre walk aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and in doing so brings the community together.
Staff Matters
May 13, 2016- Issue 54 Week 46
On 21 October 2016 Afford held the long awaited Afford Funathon at Blacktown Olympic Park which proved to be a huge success!
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Don’t forget Tristan’s mobile
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12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Afford Put The Fun In Funathon
Prince Harry meets AFFORD
• Bus for Lakemba Day Program • IT Update
Page 3 • Ashfield Wheelie Warriors • Eliza at Les Miserable
• Morning Tea • TTR Overseas Visitor • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
AFFORD Fact The first AFFORD office in 1951 was in Milsons Point and in 1953 the office moved to the Pacific Highway at Turramurra when AFFORD received the gift of a significant home called Cherrywood (pictured right). Cherrywood is where AFFORD first began to provide services to people with disability.
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• Now Seeking Expressions Of Interest For Carer Support Role
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Under the contract for Department of Housing awarded to us, 5% of jobs need to be allocated to us and be completed by workers with disability throughout the Macarthur region.
Staff Matters
May 29, 2015 - Issue 6 Week 48
Page 1 Pictured: L-R Hiba Naaman, Joshi Hasan, Jennifer Phan, Ho Harry Tran, Dianna Ayoub, Elisha Singh
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Grant Smith has been a part of the AFFORD Minchinbury factory team as a supported employee for the last 9 years. During this time Grant has always worked on building his skills up within the workplace. Grant has also taken a keen interest in studying, completing TAFE courses in Horticulture and Agriculture. Grant has been keen to try new things and get involved in projects. An opportunity arose a few months ago with the AFFORD Guildford Day Program who were looking for assistance within their Woodwork program. Grant was eager for the chance to help and for the past 2 months Grant has worked with the Guildford team in their specially developed wood workshop. Grant has learnt many new skills using machinery including how to use electric jig saws, drills and other tools. Grant works with AFFORD Day Program customers from across Sydney and helps them to build all sorts of projects including jewellery boxes, name plaques, letter boxes and bird feeders. Grant is having a great time helping out and supporting other people with disability.
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Staff Matters
Afford Tendering For Success
Staff Matters
Lakemba Day Program celebrate their new bus In this Issue
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• Staff Profile • DES Liverpool
Pictured: Left - Grant out the front of the workshop and right - Grant hard at work on a project
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
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Clients are all smiles walking around the factory in their new shirts creating an even brighter, positive working environment for all our employees.
AFFORD Fact AFFORD built the first sports ground in Australia specially designed for people with disability at Cherrywood in 1979
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
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The long anticipated wait for our new Afford polo shirts is over, as they have now started being distributed across all our sites.
Page 4 • IT Update • TTW Breakfast • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
In this Issue • Grant Smith at Guildford wood workshop
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• Career Success for Ngaire • Style Manual For over 20 Years Lillian Glass has been making over 150 calls a day to sell Cherrywood Raffle Tickets to raise money for AFFORD. This in itself is a remarkable achievement. However, coupled with the fact that Lillian was told in the early 1990’s that she would never work again, makes this feat even more incredible. Originally from Northern Ireland, Lillian came to Australia in 1973, in search of a better lifestyle. In the early 1990’s, Lillian developed a chronic disease and it was then that she was told she would never work again. However, Lillian was never one to lie down or turn her back on a challenge so she decided the doctors were wrong. The Cherrywood Raffle gave her the opportunity she was seeking, when they took her on as a Telemarketer, selling Raffle Tickets to raise funds for the AFFORD. Not only did Lillian survive in this difficult role, she thrived. She is dedicated, resilient and determined to succeed. Lillian rarely misses her target and has raised millions of dollars to assist AFFORD customers. When we asked what makes her so dedicated and successful, Lillian replied “I have a great affinity for people with disability, as I have one myself. I also thrive on chasing down targets knowing that the harder I work, the more money I can raise for people who are less fortunate than I am.” Lillian is the life and soul of the Call Centre and without doubt its loudest member! In her spare time she loves English Football Club, Liverpool, and likes nothing better than spending time with her grandchildren. Recently, her grandson left Australia to become a professional footballer in England and she hopes to follow his career closely, crossing her fingers that one day he may play for her beloved Liverpool FC.
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
On Saturday the 11th April, Peter Field and Frank Blazi, AFFORD customers from the Chipping Norton Day Program, went to the football match between Parramatta and Titans at Pirtek Stadium in Parramatta. Both Peter and Frank are passionate about supporting the Eels and this trip was organised by DSW Jenny Hedges, who through her connections organised four free tickets to the game. Frank and Peter were taken to the game by Chipping Norton DSWs Kim Snell and Aman Prasad. Both Peter and Frank had a wonderful afternoon watching their favourite team play. This gave them the opportunity to interact with other Eels supporters and the atmosphere put the guys in high spirits for the whole game. Even though the weather was not the best and the Eels were beaten by the Titans, you can see by the smiles on their faces that they had a great day out smiling and cheering for their team. What a wonderful team effort by all the staff at Chipping Norton Day Program to help their customers achieve their dreams.
• Staff Profile • Green Valley Enjoy The Show • Say “Hi” To Ben
New Style Guide coming next week!
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
June 12, 2015 - Issue 8 Week 50
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• Staff Profile • NDIS Your Questions Answered
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Inside: Results of Staff Survey 2015
• Staff Profile • Ashfield love to swim
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• Staff Survey
• Laura loves her job • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
Grant works with wood at Guildford
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Page 3 L to R - Jack Lee & Coreena Fantella
Last Friday the 24th April customers from Day Programs at Guildford and Lakemba, joined with customers from Ashfield Day Program to visit the war memorial cenotaph at Ashfield Park to remember our fallen soldiers on the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. During the week each site had Arts and Craft sessions to design and make their own floral wreaths to lay in commemoration of ANZAC Day. One of the Ashfield Disability Support Workers, Heidi Suhle, who had previously served in Australian Armed Forces, read out the “Ode to the Fallen” as the wreaths were laid by the customers. Coreena Fantella, the Ashfield Team Leader also gave a talk on the meaning of ANZAC Day. After the wreath laying ceremony, everyone headed back to the Ashfield Day Program site for a BBQ lunch and a joint music program in the afternoon.
In this Issue • Lillian Glass
Left: Lillian seated at her desk ready for the next phone call
Page 2 • Staff Profile • Staff Survey
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May 22, 2015 - Issue 5 Week 47
May 15, 2015 - Issue 4 Week 46
Champion of the Cherrywood Raffle
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Page 2 • Staff Profile • Success for Shalaa
• Harmony Day • Camden Show Winners
• TTR for Lesley • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh
Welcome to the first edition of Staff Matters. This newsletter is a means for all staff to share and contribute information. You will receive Staff Matters weekly via your AFFORD email address, and hard copies will also be circulated. As the title states, the contribution of staff to AFFORD is vital to the continued success of AFFORD and the clients that we provide services to. I encourage everyone to take ownership of this publication and forward any suggestions as to what you would like to read about in future editions to Fiona and Deb in the Communications team. Steven Herald
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
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Sea Of Colour Floods Minchinbury Factory
In this Issue • ANZAC Day • New Staff Member
• Ingleburn Graduation
AFFORD, in conjunction with South Western Sydney Institute (SWSi) TAFE NSW, developed the Employment Work Skills Program to increase the skills of supported employees with disability. The Program is the first of its kind in NSW to provide a fully recognised qualification within the NSW TAFE system. The three module Employment Work Skills Program is studied over eight weeks and covers subjects such as communication skills in the workplace; managing workplace information; and active participation in the Workplace Health and Safety process. The graduation of five employees was held Tuesday, 31 March 2015 at the Ingleburn site in front of an audience of parents, carers and fellow employees.
Staff Matters
May 8, 2015 - Issue 3 Week 45
May 1, 2015 - Issue 2
April 24, 2015 - Issue 1
Congratulations to the graduates!
Staff Matters
Staff Matters
Staff Matters
In this Issue
• Staff Profile • New Cafe at Canley Vale
This is a great example of how the new initiative has been used to not only discuss where the business is heading and individual performance but also enjoy an afternoon out to build stronger comradeship between our staff members and have a bit of fun in the process! We look forward to hearing
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T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
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• Peter and Frank Support Eels
The winners of the day were Toni Hooper from the Hot team, Karen Cassel from the Warm Team and Patrick Rooney from the New Team. Lots of laugher, sweat and tears brought the team even closer together.
In 2011, Services provided to over 1,500 clients daily. New Day Program site opened at Guildford.
Deb Roberts gave the brief talk on the NDIS, all parents who attended were very impressed with the information given and are looking forward to working with Afford to provide the best services to suit their child’s needs. After a question and answer session everyone enjoyed a very yummy dinner banquet prepared by our resident cook Adela Cordova.
• Customer Service Awards
The call centre enjoyed a delicious platter of mixed cheese, fruits and gourmet sandwiches before hitting a round of 18 holes.
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AFFORD Fact
Following on our recent success at NDIS presentations, our Green Valley Day Program held a Carers Function to inform carers and parents about the NDIS and how our services can assist them.
Pictured above: Peter Field
The new initiative is designed so that teams have $20 a head, once a month, to collaborate together on how they are going currently and any improvements that can be made from themselves and their sector as a whole over lunch/dinner and have a bit of fun with a team building exercise.
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• Afford Sizzle At Masters BBQ • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
• AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
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Recently our Afford Raffles team held their first team Buzz meeting with a trip to Unreal Mini Golf in Penrith.
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Page 4 • Oh What A Night, Oh What An Adventure!
L to R - Sofia Hadarin, Joseph Cabrera, Brooke Taylor, Steve Herald, new CEO AFFORD, Dean Simpson and Julie Larney
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• Afford Staff Strive For Success •Daryl’s New Home Delight
Five employees from the Ingleburn factory have received their Statement of Attainment in Employee Work Skills after graduating from a NSW first Employment Work Skills Program.
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Page 2 • Staff Profile • Ingleburn Lifted By New Arrival
• Ellen Strives For Success
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•Buzz Night Afternoon
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• Cherrywood Residents Enjoy Shopping Spree
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March 18, 2016 - Issue 46 Week 38
Afford Walk The Extra Mile
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Presentation
Page 2 • Staff Profile • TTW Trainees Graduate In Style
Steve
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•Green Valley Host Successful
New Year!
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
In this Issue
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• Afford Gets Its Groove On
Staff Matters
March 11, 2016 - Issue 45 Week 37
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Green Valley Host Successful Presentation In this Issue
Page 1 •Merry Christmas And A Happy
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12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
Buzz Night Afternoon
We also want to rename the register to something more exciting and catchy! Please send through any suggestions you may have to stephanie.forsyth@afford.com.au
T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au
As 2016 draws to a close I would like to pass on my sincerest thanks to all for your efforts in the past year. It has been a year of great success and change as we prepare ourselves for the completely new world of the NDIS.
In 1999, AFFORD, an acronym of the Australian Foundation for Disabled was registered as a trading name. Highlights of 1999 included the official opening of the Business Service and AFFORD’s Head Office at Minchinbury by the Honourable Warren Truss, MP.
Please refer to the email from Stephanie Forsyth dated 29th October 2015 for the selection criteria and the EOI for both positions. If applying, please return the EOI, cover letter and resume to HR@ afford.com.au and copy your direct manager by 5pm Thursday 5th November 2015.
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
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AFFORD Fact
We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from Lifestyle Assistants (or any other AFFORD staff who are interested) to join the Team Leader relief team and Team Leaders to join the Coordinator relief team.
The hard work put in by staff and management at AFFORD in documenting procedures and carrying out internal audits finally paid off in 1996 when the first four FODI Industries Factories at Bankstown, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Marrickville achieved ISO 9002 Certification.
December 18, 2015 - Issue 35 Week 25
In this Issue
• Halloween Hits Blacktown • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
We are also committed to providing the training and development needed for our staff to succeed. As such, the Relief Team Leader and Coordinator register has been revamped. This includes a slightly updated recruitment process and a brand new training program.
AFFORD Fact
3. Massage 4. Driver Training
12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au
Staff Matters
December 11, 2015 - Issue 34 Week 24
Jolly Client Christmas Party
We are now recruiting for the new Relief Team Leader and Coordinator Register. AFFORD is recognised as the employer of choice and are committed to providing a brighter future and career progression opportunities to our staff.
• AFFORD Partner with UWS • AFFORD Selfies • Have A Laugh
1. Music
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• Sky’s The Limit For Chipping Norton • Afford Selfies • Have A Laugh
Reminder Don’t forget to send your/clients achievements and good news stories & photo’s to CELEBRATE@afford.com.au
Giving you the freedom to soar www.afford.com.au
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