BIGDOG MAY THE 4TH BE WITH
BIGDOG OPERATIONS
A WORD FROM PETER
RT STAFF
MERON SHALICE
EG LUKES
BORAH KERR
SCOTTVALE
JAMES
CLIO
CRUZ
It’s officially been a month since starting with BigDog Support Services and looking back what a month it has been. I’ve had the opportunity to get out on the ground and see the teams in both Toowoomba and Rockhampton, as well as our vital day service teams and see the important work that you all do.
Reflecting over April and leading into May, what I have seen is day-to-day examples on display of the BigDog values that form our philosophy. Whilst I haven’t met you all, some of these are my observations and experiences so far:
FLEXIBILITY: in seeing how our operations team in both Toowoomba and Rockhampton at times wear many hats and have been solving problems to keep the engine moving INNOVATION: that the Scottsvale Health Club are embracing and driving to support our valued clients and participants. RESPONSIVE: in how our Day Service staff were able to quickly react and adapt in challenging situations. CULTURAL: in the inclusiveness and respect I hear in which BigDog staff interact with participants.
One of the priorities over the next month will be focusing on BigDog processes in preparation for our audits. It is important to note that Everyone plays a part in this, no matter how big or small it may feel at times – from the detail provided in support worker notes to assessments made by coordinators in our operations teams, every member has a role to play.
BigDog Staff also have a great opportunity to register and attend upcoming training on the 7th May by Soteria Blue at the Toowoomba Day Centre. I’d highly recommend attending if you have the capacity, as the training will provide attendees with valuable hands-on techniques and tools in identifying and dealing with risks in the workplace.
Keep up the great work everyone, stay warm, and looking forward to a great month ahead.
and more.
Our Latest Stand-outs
Each month the office staff from Toowoomba and Rockhampton pick two standout employees from each location for their incredible contributions to the team and stand-out behaviours and dedication
Toowoomba
Staff Shout Out -Billy Mills
After nominating himself for the monthly shout outs every month for the past 2 years, Billy is finally getting a staff shout for his hard work and dedication Billy is constantly advocating for all his participants to ensure that they get the support that the deserve as well ensuring that all support staff are supported in their roles and kept safe Awesome work Billy
Staff Shout Out - Laughlan Coe
A massive congratulations and shout out to Laughlan for stepping up in a big way! After completing his Certificate III in Disability Support, Laughlan has made an incredible transition from the yard team into his new support role He’s taken on his new responsibilities with confidence, care, and professionalism – a true reflection of his dedication to making a difference
Rockhampton
Staff Shout Out - Kristian Saunders
A big shout out to Kristian for always being willing to put his hand up and take on extra shifts, helping the team immensely when it’s needed most. Your reliability, integrity, and genuine compassion in the way you support your clients truly stands out
Thank you for consistently going above and beyond
Staff Shout Out – Jackson Warde
A massive shout out to Jackson for being a huge team player and consistently contributing to a positive and supportive team dynamic Your willingness to jump in wherever needed and your uplifting attitude make a real difference to both staff and clients alike. Thanks for being such a valuable part of the team
COMMUNITY
ROCKHAMPTON
WARM WELCOMES TO LAUREN
BigDog is excited to announce new service opportunities available within our organisation.
We currently have:
A 1:3 SIL vacancy
A full SIL vacancy
Capacity in our Yard Maintenance and Cleaning Services
Capacity for in home supports and community access
Rocky River Run ��
�� Date: Sunday, 18 May 2025
�� Location: Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, Quay Street
�� Details: Join Central Queensland's largest charity running event Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun day out, this event offers various race categories and a vibrant community atmosphere
Hi, I'm Lauren! I have a background in mental health, pathology, and aged care. Outside of work, I’m an animal lover, I currently have 2 dogs and am also a proud mum to an 8-year-old son, and I love spending quality time with my family. I’ve recently joined BigDog as a Service Coordinator alongside Abby. I’m excited to meet everyone and work together to provide high-quality support to all our participants!
Since joining BigDog, I’ve been reading shift notes at the start of each day and have noticed that many staff do an excellent job! However, there are some who aren't meeting the expected standards. As a general try and include the following;
Health updates
Behaviour changes
Completed activities
Incident reports
Plans for the next shift
Engagement
HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE
Continuity of Care: Shift notes provide crucial information to ensure consistent care, even when different support workers are working across shifts.
Tracking Progress: Notes help track changes in health, behaviour, and emotional well-being, allowing for adjustments to care plans.
Legal and Compliance: Shift notes are required for legal documentation, ensuring care meets regulatory standards and protecting the organisation in case of disputes.
Team Coordination: They keep everyone on the same page, minimising miscommunication.
Emergency Response: Shift notes contain vital info (like allergies or behavioural triggers) that can aid in a quick response during emergencies.
Personalised Care: They document individual preferences, routines, and needs, ensuring tailored care.
Accountability: Shift notes help hold staff accountable by tracking actions, observations, and completed tasks.
Communication with Families: They act as a bridge, keeping families informed about their loved one’s care.
awing Rockhampton ����
: Wednesday, 7 May 2025 cation: 111 East Street, Rockhampton City
s: Engage your artistic side life drawing session All skill e welcome, and it's a great tunity to meet fellow art iasts in a relaxed setting
Women's Circle - A Sacred Gathering for Like-Minded Souls �� ��
Date: Saturday, 3 May 2025
��
��
Location: 173 Campbell Street, Rockhampton
Details: Participate in a free women's circle aimed at fostering connection, reflection, and empowerment among likeminded individuals
Toowoomba F
Free Friday E
��
COMMUNITY TOOWOOMBA
Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
�� Time: 6:00 PM
�� Location: Queen's Park
Amphitheatre, Toowoomba
�� Details: Enjoy an evening of live music and entertainment under the stars at the beautiful Queen's Park Amphitheatre This free event is perfect for families and friends looking to unwind and enjoy local talent in a relaxed outdoor setting.
AFree Comic Book Day 2025 ��
�� Date: Saturday, 3 May 2025
�� Location: 345 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
WHY THE NDIS WAS MADE WHAT IS IN YOUR SCOPE OF WORK
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was introduced by the Australian Government in July 2013 in response to long-standing concerns about the inadequacy of disability support services. It was designed to provide individualised funding to people with permanent and significant disabilities, giving them greater choice, control, and access to the supports they need to live more independently and participate fully in their communities.
Wa
�� Details: Celebrate Free Comic Book Day by picking up complimentary comics and engaging with fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the comic world, this event offers a fun opportunity to explore new stories and characters
So p g
�� Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025
�� Time: 5:00 PM
�� Location: 104C Neil Street, South Toowoomba
Details: Join a heartwarming evening of community connection with soup and chanting. This free event offers a unique blend of nourishment and spiritual music, providing a cozy atmosphere to relax and connect with others.
t workers play a key role in supporting pants to live safely and independently working towards their personal goals. On upport workers may assist with tasks such ing participants make doctor’s tments, attending medical or community appointments alongside them, assisting with cooking dinner or preparing meals, and helping with light cleaning or tidying around the home.
Encouragement is also a big part of the role support workers often motivate participants to engage in their NDIS goals, whether that’s practising walking, attending hydrotherapy, or getting out into the community.
These tasks are ideally done with the participant to build independence, but if a participant does not have the capacity to carry out these tasks themselves, support workers may need to complete them for the participant capacity always guides how support is delivered.
If you’re ever unsure whether something falls within your scope, or want to chat about how to better support your participant, feel free to reach out we’re always happy to have the conversation!
SIL AVAILABILITY - TOOWOOMBA QLD
We are pleased to announce that we currently have an NDIS-supported Independent Living (SIL) home available for individuals who require a 1:3 support ratio. This spacious home features:
4 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
24/7 support with a 1:3 support ratio
The property is designed to provide a comfortable and safe living environment for participants, with dedicated support tailored to individual needs. The support team is committed to empowering residents to live as independently as possible while ensuring their safety and well-being.
If you or someone you know is looking for SIL accommodation, please express your interest by contacting us via phone or email. We are happy to provide more details and answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
DAY SERVICE
ROCKHAMPTON
EXERCISE AND ADVENTURE
April has been another fantastic month for us at Rocky Day Service, filled with fun activities, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
We continued with our regular routine of library visits, grocery shopping, cooking, 10-pin bowling, and pub lunches activities that always bring joy, connection, and a sense of community.
Although we were met with quite a few rainy days throughout the month, we made the most of them by cozying up together for movie sessions, complete with popcorn and lollies. It was the perfect way to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Midway through the month, we ventured out to the driving range halfway to Yeppoon for a fun and refreshing outing. Another highlight was our sunny Friday trip to Mt Morgan, where we enjoyed delicious chicken and salad rolls while overlooking the stunning Mt Morgan Dam. The beautiful weather made the day even more special.
Later in the month, we were delighted to be joined by the amazing school holiday kids. Their holidays were packed with exciting activities, starting with a lively game of ten-pin bowling. Another memorable adventure was a day trip to Emu Park, where they walked to the iconic Singing Ship, enjoyed cheeseburgers for lunch, and had a great time playing at the playground. These outdoor adventures were a fantastic way to enjoy nature and spend quality time together. A standout event for April was when the Day Service participants and the school holiday kids came together for an epic Easter egg hunt around the centre. The excitement and joy were truly heartwarming.
To top off the school holidays, the kids spent a day at the Northside Pool, splashing around and riding the slides. They then enjoyed a delicious pizza lunch before heading back to the centre to finish off the day with a fun-filled afternoon on the VR headsets. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Overall, April was a wonderful month for both our Day Service participants and the school holiday kids filled with laughter, fun, and a beautiful sense of community. We’re already looking forward to more exciting outings and joyful moments in the months to come!
DAYSERVICE TOOWOOMBA
ECOMMUNITY CONNECTS AND SWEET ADVENTURE!
Easter Fun at the Day Service!
We had an egg-cellent time celebrating Easter, and the Day Service was bursting with creativity, laughter, and plenty of Easter spirit! The morning kicked off with colourful arts and crafts from decorating Easter eggs to making our very own bunny
testing! It was a lovely way to reflect, remember, and share a little piece of history together. Lest we forget.
Helpful Household Tasks – Building Everyday Skills! At Day Service, we believe that teaching everyday household skills is just as important as having fun.
Throughout the month, we’ve been encouraging clients to take part in helpful tasks like wiping down tables, sweeping floors, doing dishes, and tidying up common areas.
These activities aren't just chores they're valuable opportunities to build independence, responsibility, and pride in what they can achieve.
Every small task learned today becomes a big step toward greater confidence and life skills tomorrow and we are so proud of everyone's amazing efforts!
wling News – Rolling into New Adventures!
’re still loving our time at bowling, bringing the strikes, spares, and smiles! wever, due to some price changes at the wling centre, we’ll now be heading out to a w spot for morning tea after before we go to y.
me great bowling fun, just a new place to oy our combo eats beforehand! Thanks for ing with the changes we’re excited for the new adventures ahead!
Come join Jess and the rest of the team for all the exciting adventures happening at the Toowoomba Day Service. We can’t wait to see you there!
BIGDOG ROSTERING
ACTIVE
NOT ACTIVE
ACTIVE
Scenario: Your participant, who has Dysphagia, wakes you at 2:30 AM. You hear them rustling in the cupboard looking for food.
Is this Active Overnight? Yes. You must actively assist them in preparing food according to their mealtime management plan and monitor them while eating
Let’s take some time to brush up on some ‘need to knows’
regarding rosters:
Request to Not Work with a Participant – Procedure
Being a Support Worker is a meaningful role where you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of participants, helping them work toward their goals, regardless of their circumstances. However, we understand that sometimes, personal or professional boundaries may not align between a support worker and a participant.
If you find yourself in a position where you feel it is in the best interest of all involved that you no longer work with a particular participant, there is a formal process in place. Please follow the steps below to ensure your request is reviewed appropriately:
Scenario: At 11:45 PM, your participant is talking to themselves in the mirror. You're prompting them to sleep, as you're struggling to fall asleep yourself
Is this Active Overnight? No
If the behaviour is part of their regular baseline and does not require intervention, you are not required to stay up
Disengage respectfully and return to the staff room
Open Caremaster and begin a new Incident Report.
- Under ‘Incident Category’, select the option ‘Request to not work with a Participant’ from the dropdown menu. Enter the name of the Participant involved and list yourself under Staff Involved.
- Click ‘Next’.
- In the ‘Description of Incident’ section, provide a thorough and respectful explanation detailing your reasons for this request.
- Submit the report. This request will be directed to Courtney, who will review and make a final decision regarding the outcome.
Scenario: At 3:15 AM, the participant knocks on your door saying their dermatitis has become rapidly itchy and very sore. Upon turning on the lights, you see bleeding from broken skin
Is this Active Overnight? Yes
You are providing active support by administering first aid, assisting with PRN medication (e g Panadol), changing the bedding, and ensuring their comfort etc
Sleepover Team Guidelines
For our sleepover support teams, it is essential to clearly understand what qualifies as an Active Overnight and what is considered payable during a sleepover shift (10:00 PM –6:00 AM).
An Active Overnight occurs when you are required to actively provide support or assistance to the participant during this period. It is crucial that you accurately record the time you begin and end any active support provided during your sleepover shift.
If interested or wanting to hear more, please reach out to
ROCKHAMPTON
MEMBERSHIPS
GOLD
$350 (10 WEEK TERM)
UNLIMITED FITNESS AND SQUASH COMPETITIONS
SILVER
$200 (10 WEEK TERM)
UNLIMITED FITNESS
CLASSES
CLASSES FOR ALL LEVELS!! GENTLE FLOW - BACESHRED IT!
We’re thrilled to announce that Jack, our newest Exercise Physiologist, is officially joining the team this month! With a passion for helping others achieve their health and fitness goals, Jack brings both expertise and enthusiasm to his role. He’ll be working closely with our clients to develop personalized exercise plans, provide remote support, and contribute to our mission of delivering topnotch care no matter where our clients are located.
Jack’s background includes working with a diverse range of clients aiming to improve their general wellness. His approachable style, combined with evidence-based strategies, makes him a fantastic addition to our clinical team.
But that’s not all there’s more growth on the horizon!
In the coming weeks, we’re excited to welcome several new clinicians who will be joining our team. Each of these professionals brings unique strengths and a shared commitment to patient-centered care. We’ll be introducing them soon, so stay tuned for more updates! As our team expands, so does our ability to serve our clients with excellence and compassion.
We’re looking forward to all that’s ahead and are grateful to have you along for the journey.
CHECK
Happy Birthday!
Happies birthday to all of our May babies: Michelle s, Aleisha S, Ettore S, Tim L, Jarhlym D, Caleb H, Riley F, Lauren T
BIGDOG RECEPTION
the Scenes at BigDog Support Services: It’s Pet Week!
This week, we’re turning the spotlight on the unsung heroes of our everyday lives our pets At BigDog Support Services, we know just how much our furry, feathered, and finned companions mean to us They're always there through the stress, the smiles, and everything in between Whether it's a wagging tail, a cozy purr, or an excited chirp, our pets have a way of making every day a little bit brighter.
Oakley is 11 years old and enjoys barking and being yelled at, licking Bensons ears and sleeping on the bed Benson is 7 and likes eating entire food pantries, baby spit up rags and dead animals Both enjoy undertaking activities that result in expensive vet bills - COURTNEY
Meet Roxy: part-time lounge queen, full-time duck hater
Roxy’s résumé includes: Barking like a lunatic at ducks (don’t ask it s personal) Hardcore devotion to her tiny human Jax Olympic-level trampoline sneak attacks on unsuspecting pedestrians Red frog lolly enthusiast by association (they re her love language) When Dad's away the lounge becomes Roxy s Royal Throne Mum says Don t tell your father but everyone knows Roxy is her favourite child anyway Sorry, Jax you had a good run 10/10 good girl Unless you're a duck Then good luck - JESS
This is Leonard also responds to Lenny Wittle Wenny Snookie, Benson, Benny Butthole, the list goes on His love language rotates between lack of personal boundaries (serious cuddler) and obsessively squeaking his toys until I start hearing phantom squeaks Little to zero fear for such a tiny being, will willingly square up with a snake or possum (more than once) The most radiant ball of life with endless energy guaranteed to bring a smile to your face - KIRBY
This is Rhaegar Thor and Albert They all really love to play tug-of-war and Rhaegar knows how to open door handles ABBY
I have two dogs, August and Mango August is a rescue who was left on a property in Millmerran He used to run from Millmerran to Toowoomba and back every day just to find food and water A lady found him, posted him on Facebook, and that's how I ended up picking him up His name used to be Boots Mango is a German Shepherd who acts like a small dog I named her after my love for mangoes She s a bit silly yelling out "Mango" to get her attention always sounds ridiculous but it fits her - APRIL
This is Rocco - Rocco is 9 years old and I’ve had him since he was a puppy! Rocco is a big couch potato that loves a nap His favourite hobbies are getting belly pats, eating snacks, doing zoomies and occasionally barking at the mailman - PETER
Lenny and Lexi - aka the twins Lenny is the black dachshund that snores so loudly and sleeps so deeply you d think he works full time at a laborious job, pays mortgage, and has three kids He wakes up likes he's earned that nap Lexi is the fawn dachshund that made a wholesome recovery after she slipped her back disc She proved nothing could slow her down, even when her back legs couldn't quite move like they use toANN/ STEVEN
MILLY also known as SHUT UP, Millicent if she's in trouble or others
Milly s favourite foods are kfc nuggies any kind of ice-cream twiggies, or any non-dog related foods that might be on your plate, not because she's RUDE but in case its yuck, she's doing YOU a favour Milly is a little champion and keeps her slender appearance by dominating 10k runs with me Milly in all of her intelligence, can sit, shake, do high fives and tens and lay down, however, just because she can do this doesn't mean she will she is full of beans and probably has ADHD but its not diagnosed - BILLY
Pepper Bailee: The Purrfect Blend of Sweet and Spicy Pepper is a delightful whirlwind of energy and affection Her favourite part of the day is venturing outside on her harness, where she can explore the world with wide-eyed wonder Pepper s love for food is only matched by her fondness for cuddles She’ll nuzzle up to you, purring contentedly as she enjoys your company But beware; if you’re not careful, this little bundle of joy might surprise you with a playful nip!BETH
This is Tank and Tiny Tank is the small tan boy and he loves cuddles and sleeping he absolutely adores his big brother (my 8 year old son) follows him everywhere as a 8 year old himself has moments of energy and loves to run and play with both his human and puppy brother Tiny is a very happy boy with lots of energy who just loves being around his humans and is completely unaware of how big he is and just constantly wants to cuddle and be in contact with someone These two have such massive personalities and will always bring joy to your day - LAUREN
Kalyn is named after the NRL player Kalyn Ponga because he s full of energy just like him He’s only 4 months old but growing super fast He loves running around the backyard like crazy and getting up to all sorts of mischief He s always on the go and keeps everyone busy! - LOGAN
BigDog day service will be hosting an upcoming training session held by two ex Australian Defence Force members and a current member of the Australian Federal Police.
This interactive and engaging session will provide valuable techniques for identifying and adapting to potential risks in the workplace and everyday situations. In addition, participants will learn basic selfdefense tactics in a practical and enjoyable environment.
This is a great opportunity to build confidence, enhance your skills, and have fun while learning essential safety strategies. BigDog will cover the $40 session fee for all BigDog staff who wish to attend, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this valuable training. Please register your interest with Caity by 2 May 2025.
Dont forget to share your successes or updates that you might like shared in the BigDog Newsletter. Please send details to Billy at t_services@bigdog.au.