BIGDOG NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2024
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Courtney
BigDog Updates
We appreciate MG Rockhampton for their seamless delivery of three new MG 3 vehicles, enhancing our fleet. Keep an eye out for them in Rockhampton and ensure their upkeep. Thank you for your continued support in adapting to our changing needs and fostering company growth.
Toowoomba:
DAVID -
Hi Everyone, I am excited to join the team. My background is 12 years running a local Toowoomba Business focused on hospitality and hiring people with disabilities. Toowoomba born and bred, I love where we live and I am looking forward to getting to know Rockhampton as well. Before working at BigDog, I heard all about the amazing things you guys do and I am excited to help you guys to continue hitting goals. At home, I live with my beautiful wife Brook, our dog Indy, our cat Honey plus 6 chickens yet to receive names.
Tahj Amone - for always assisting where needed and making a huge difference in the Toowoomba Day Service
Rockhampton:
Julia Morely - for being so resilient, building capacity and confidence with our complex young people.
Jatalia Gesah - for being an absolute legend picking up shifts that require covering and always willing to do whatever required, no questions asked.
Liam Barnes - For always being willing to help out, no questions asked, even stays back in his own time and wants to help, great communicator
“Staff
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Here at BigDog we are always on a journey of growth and connection. If you or someone you know are looking for a supportive and enriching environment to learn skills such as cooking and self-care, and partake in community activities with a group of peers, our Day Service program may be the perfect fit. Our program offers a wide range of engaging activities and fun community outings such as cooking skills classes, pub lunches, bowling, swimming and much much more.
Our Clean Team are also looking for some new homes to work their cleaning magic on. Our Clean Team come with everything needed to keep your home sparkling. Please reach out if you are looking for an in-home cleaning service on a regular basis.
Courtney/ Abby Rockhampton
Embrace your weekend escape with NDIS-approved activities in Rockhampton!
�� Comfortable Accommodations:
Step into our welcoming space designed to accommodate individuals with diverse needs. Our accessible rooms ensure comfort and convenience for all guests, providing a home away from home where everyone feels valued and cared for.
�� Accessible Exploration:
Discover the beauty of Rockhampton with our NDIS-friendly activities tailored to suit varying abilities. Whether it's a stroll through wheelchair-accessible parks or sensory-friendly visits to local attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
�� Inclusive Dining Experiences:
Rockhampton offers more than just great food – it's also a place where everyone can enjoy inclusive dining experiences that foster a sense of community and belonging. Whether you're dining with family, friends, or fellow travelers, you'll find restaurants that prioritize hospitality and make everyone feel welcome.
�� Book Your Inclusive Getaway:
Embark on a weekend retreat filled with inclusivity, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Reserve your NDIS-friendly stay now and let us provide you with a weekend escape that celebrates diversity and accessibility.
C O M M U N I T Y
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BE BRAVE Shareyourstories
If you are out and about supporting and you think a story is worth telling, please, send this toservicecoordination@bigdogsupport .com.au to have it shown in the next newsletter.
Check out our website to download our monthly calendar.
We're thrilled to share the latest community engagement highlights from Toowoomba, Our SIL clients recently enjoyed the thrilling BigDog Cup, where the local Clydesdale team took on the Capras. With the Capras taking the trophy for a second year running.
Throughout the month, we've been active in various community activities, fostering connections and inclusivity. Looking ahead to April, we're gearing up for Easterthemed festivities.
Stay tuned for more updates on how we're spreading joy and positivity in Toowoomba! For all community Support, please, if you are engaging in activities share some photos with the office for next months highlights.
Billy&Marcus Toowoomba
How time flies.
It only seems like yesterday I made the transition from support to the office.
I think it’s a bit like when someone gets their license, they need to spend a week driving in Brisbane and a week on the Gold Coast before they are let loose on the streets. Being in the office has given me a whole new appreciation of what it takes to make the BigDog ship sail. The amount of knowledge and expertise retained within the walls of all the BigDog entities has to be seen to be believed. The constant tapping of keyboards is like listening to an orchestra that has an eight-hour music sheet backed by the ringing of phones.
As a support worker, it was easy to assume we just logged on to CareMaster grabbed the keys for the car and headed out. It’s simply not that easy at this end, the amount of work involved just to get to that point of picking up the keys is mind-boggling. I’m pretty sure the staff here could give NASA a run for its money.
It’s time for the 3-month check-ins and with over 100 clients getting to this is a job in itself. In saying this it has been a great chance to catch up with our clients and gather their feedback, it’s also a chance just to spend some time to assure them they are part of the BigDog family and their opinion is valued, it’s also a chance just to have a casual one on one with them, everybody has a story but not everyone has someone to tell it too.
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Toowoomba Centre
Worlds Greatest Shave Morning Tea was a great success we had some old friends join us at the centre.
Easter break the centre will be closed from the 29th of March till the 1st of April. Have a Happy Easter!
"Move forward. Good things are up ahead."
Shopping/ budgeting- Shopping and understanding how all this works with budgeting has been a little hill but we have successfully climbed it. Azad used to struggle with it all from communication down to money.
Planning for the day- We now have some set task sheets at the centre. We are now working on how to start our day, some of the guys have set their task sheets and some guys needed a little help.
Luke has worked very hard to achieve a goal of getting into the lift at the gym it has taken a few weeks and many hugs but we did it, Luke will now walk to the lift and hold the door open for me and we will both travel to the second floor. This is a great goal that Luke has achieved.
Jess
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ROCKHAMPTO DAY SERVICE
What a month it’s been! March has been a whirlwind of excitement and exploration for us at Rockhampton Day Service. From thrilling excursions to captivating in-centre activities, we’ve been keeping busy and having an absolute blast!
One of the highlights of this month was our trip to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Stepping back in time, we immersed ourselves in the charm of the past, experiencing life before electricity. We toured through many homesteads and admired many vintage cars, tractors, and even horse-drawn wagons. And let’s not forget the highlight of the day - cruising around in an old tram carriage! But the adventures didn't end there. On the 15th of March, we embarked on a journey to Gladstone, indulging in a sausage sizzle at Auckland Point and delving into the fascinating world of marine life at the Marine Museum. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. T a y l a h
Back at the centre, the fun didn’t stop! We’ve been cooking up a storm, dabbling in science experiments, competing in Wii sports to see who ends up with the winning crown, getting creative with tie-dye, and crafting up for Easter.
As we bid farewell to March, we’re already gearing up for more excitement in April! Get ready for a thrilling trip to Mt. Morgan and mark your calendars for a special morning tea on the 19th of April as we show our support for Autism Week.
Just a friendly reminder that Rockhampton Day Service will be closed for Good Friday 29th March and Easter Monday 1st April 2024. Thank you to everyone who made March such a phenomenal month. Day service will start back on Tuesday 2nd of April 2024. We hope everyone has a fantastic Easter Break!
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What's up Everyone, it's TNT
Buckle up for adventure with our trusty car checklist! From checking the fuel gage to ensuring the car is damage free, this checklist is your roadmap to smooth travels and trouble-free rides.
Don't just be a hero, be a lifesaver! Book in your first aid and CPR training on time to ensure you're always prepared to handle any unexpected situations with confidence and skill. (Plus it’s a job requirement!!)
Let's keep our wheels and windows sparkling! Remember, a clean car isn't just about looks – it's about creating a welcoming and enjoyable ride for all our passengers.
For any car maintenance or troubles, please phone the office during office hours to let reception know to book it in and get it sorted. If you are having troubles out side office hours please do an incident report or let us know the next business day
Keep it fresh, keep it funky, Tahnee and Tyla (TNT)
Abigail Budden
Jacob Moore
Lisa O’dea
FRONTOFHOUSE
NewStaff WELCOME TO BIGDOG
Tahnee & Tyla
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Daniel Seipel Joshua Horne Kaydee Wesley
Whats on at BigDog
On-call Number
Just a reminder this is for this is for EMERGENCIES. Please refer to the procedure in CareMaster and SIL houses for what to do and when to call. Please do not call the on-call if you can avoid doing so.
Rostering
Due to the rosters being locked over the Easter Holidays, any Emergency Leave requests will need to be directed to Pamela in Rockhampton and Maree in Toowoomba.
Daniel S
Ashton D
Chisato C
Wyarnna R Carly R
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