As we commence the new financial year, we would like to advise all employees that updated pay rates and allowances under the SCHADS Awardhavecomeintoeffect.
These changes are part of the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review and will result in increases to minimum award pay rates, penalty rates and applicable allowances acrossthesector.
Therolloutofthe2026–27PricingArrangementscontinuesto be a hot topic, with providers across Australia adapting to changesinfunding,pricinglimits,andincreasedcompliance requirements. The NDIS is also continuing its focus on sustainability,ensuringparticipantsreceivequalitysupports whilestrengtheningoversightacrossthesector.
Workersmaynoticechangesto:
Ordinaryhourlypayrates
Weekend and public holiday penaltyrates
Sleepover, travel and broken shift allowances
Other applicable SCHADS Award entitlements
These updates will automatically be applied through payroll where applicable
As payroll systems are updated to reflect the new SCHADS Award rates, you may have noticed slight differences in your payslips this month compared to previous pay periods
We encourage all employees to review their payslips carefully If you have any questions regarding these changes, please don't hesitate to reachout.
We appreciate everyone’s patience while these updates are implemented and thank you for your continueddedicationandhardwork.
ForproviderslikeBigDog,thismeanscontinuingtoembrace change,investinoursystems,andensureweremainleaders in delivering safe, high-quality supports. While the regulatory environment continues to evolve, our commitmenttoourparticipantsremainsexactlythesame.
We're also seeing increased attention in the sector around provideraccountability,recordkeeping,andservicedelivery standards. These changes are a reminder that every interactionmattersandthatprofessionalismremainsatthe heartofwhatwedo.
Finally,aquickreminderthathonestyandintegrityarenonnegotiable at BigDog. Recent instances of staff being dishonestabouttheirwhereaboutswhileonshifthavebeen addressedandthisbehaviourwillnotbetolerated.
Here's to a fantastic August and an exciting few months aheadaswecontinuetogrow,adapt,andmakeadifference inthelivesofthepeoplewesupport!
AbigshoutouttoEllaforherdedicationandflexibility!
Ella has been doing an amazing job in both Day Services and during 1:1 supports with participants who havehighbehaviouralsupportneeds Sheconsistently approaches her shifts with patience, professionalism, and a positive attitude A special thank you also goes toEllaforchangingherplansonStateofOriginnightto coverasleepovershiftatshortnotice Yourwillingness to step up when needed and support both the team and our participants is truly appreciated Thank you, Ella, for your commitment and the fantastic work you continuetodo!
A huge shout out to Preston for the fantastic work he continues to do across both SIL homes. He has been instrumentalinhelpingimprovetheculturewithinoneof our SIL homes and is always willing to step up wherever needed. Preston genuinely cares about his participants andtakesgreatprideinhiswork Hehasbuiltincredible rapport with those he supports, and it's clear how much theyvaluehavinghimaspartoftheirteam Hisreliability and consistency make him someone the team can alwayscounton Thankyou,Preston,foryourdedication, leadership,andthepositiveimpactyouhaveeveryday Yourhardworkdoesnotgounnoticed!
AbigshoutouttoAngelineforalwaysbeingwillingto step up when the team needs her most She consistently takes on last-minute shifts without hesitation, demonstrating her reliability, flexibility, and commitment to supporting both our participants and the team Angeline has built a fantastic rapport with both participants and her fellow staff members. Her friendly, caring nature and positive attitude make her a pleasure to work with, and she always goes above and beyond to ensure participants receive the best possiblesupport.ThankyouAngeline!
AhugeshoutouttoAmandaforthepositiveimpactshe has made across both SIL homes She is always looking for ways to improve supports and consistently brings new ideas to help participants achieve the best outcomes. Amanda's dedication has made a real difference, with participants showing increased independenceindailylivingskillssuchascleaningtheir rooms, showering, and managing personal care. Her encouragement and commitment have also contributed to noticeable improvements in participants' overall wellbeing Thank you, Amanda, for your initiative, compassion,andthegenuinecareyoushoweveryday.
Thecoolerweatherhasdefinitelyarrivedin Rockhampton,evenifit'sstillkeepingusguessing fromonedaytothenext!Aswecontinuesupporting ourparticipants,we'dalsoliketoremindeveryoneto takecareofthemselves.
Workinginthedisabilitysectorisincredibly rewarding,butitcanalsobedemanding.Takesome timethismonthtocheckinwithyourself,lookafter yourphysicalandmentalwellbeing,anddon't hesitatetoreachoutifyouneedsupport AtBigDog SupportServices,we'rehereforourteamjustas muchaswe'rehereforourparticipants NDISUpdates
TheNDIScontinuestointroducechangesacrossthe sector,soit'simportanttostayinformed Ifyou'reever unsureaboutanyupdatesorhowtheymayaffect yourrole,pleasecontacttheoffice,we'realways happytohelp
Thankyouforthecare compassionanddedication you our
As another busy month comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank every member of our teamfortheworkyoucontinuetodoeachday
Overthecomingweekswe'llcontinueworking closelywithfamilies,BehaviourSupport Practitioners,SupportCoordinatorsandtheNDIS toadvocatefortherightsupportsforour participants.Ourgoalisalwaystoprovide supportsthataresafe,sustainableandtruly improvequalityoflife.
Asalways,pleaseremember: Completeyourshiftnotesbeforefinishingyour shift.
Over the past month we ' ve supported participants through some incredibly challenging behaviours, celebrated some fantastic community outings and milestones, welcomed new opportunities across bothToowoombaandRockhampton,andcontinued working hard to ensure every participant receives safe,person-centredsupport.
One thing has become very clear –ourdocumentationmatters.
Every shift note, behaviour report and incident reporthelpspaintapictureofaparticipant'sneeds. These records don't just satisfy compliance requirements; they provide the evidence needed to advocate for increased funding, additional staffing, specialist supports and safer living arrangements. Many of the funding conversations and stakeholder meetings we ' ve had this month have relied heavily on the information our support workers have documented
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to recorddetailed,factualandobjectivenotes
We've also seen a number of incidents this month involving:
Communitysafetyrisks
Physical aggression towards staff and other participants
Self-injuriousbehaviours
Participants absconding or entering unsafe environments.
Yourcalmresponses,teamworkandabilitytofollow Behaviour Support Plans have prevented many situations from becoming far more serious. Please continue to prioritise your own safety, the safety of others and never hesitate to request assistance whenneeded.
Reportincidentsassoonaspractical. Escalateconcernsearlyratherthanwaiting. CommunicatewithyourCoordinatorsifyou're unsureaboutanything.
Everyconversation,everynoteandeveryactof supportmakesadifference.
Thankyouallfortheprofessionalism,compassion andresilienceyou'veshownthroughoutanother busymonth Weappreciateeverythingyoudo
COMMUNITYEVENTS!!
Toowoomba Eisteddfod (late July – early August) at The Empire and surrounding venues Great for participants who enjoy music, dance andperformances
Murphys Creek Challenge – Sunday 16 August Participants can watch or take part in the community atmosphere if they're interested in fitnessandoutdoorevents.
Clifford the Bee Community Day – Saturday 22 August at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre, featuringfamilyentertainmentandactivities.
Grand Central shopping and budgeting activities
FarmersMarkets
Cafébreakfastorlunch
Opshoppingchallenge
Libraryvisit
Bowling
Minigolf
Swimming
What a fantastic July we ' ve had at BigDog! It has been a month full of laughter, learning, and making wonderfulmemoriestogether.OurCrazyHairDayfor the Biggest Morning Tea was a huge success, with everyone showing off colourful hairstyles, fun wigs, and plenty of smiles It was wonderful to see everyone getting involved while enjoying a great morningtogether
We've also made a few exciting changes, with our cooking classes now moving to Fridays. Participants will continue learning valuable kitchen skills, preparing delicious meals, building confidence, and becomingmoreindependentinthekitchen.
OurMondaysaregettingashake-uptoo!Eachweek we'll have something different planned, from community outings and games to creative activities and new adventures. It's a great way to keep everyone engaged, trying new things, and making everyMondaysomethingtolookforwardto
A big welcome to all of our new participants who have recently joined the BigDog family. We are so excited to have you with us and look forward to sharing lots of fun experiences and making many happymemoriestogether.
With spring just around the corner, we ' re looking forward to getting out and about even more August is all about building new skills, growing confidence, and becoming more independent Whether we ' re shopping, cooking, exploring the community, learning new hobbies, or simply working together as a team, every activity helps buildimportantlifeskillsthatmakeeverydayliving justthatlittlebiteasier
We also have some exciting events planned for August!Joinuson**Wednesday,19thAugust**,for our **Jeans for Genes Day Morning Tea**. Wear your favourite pair of jeans and come along for a fun morning supporting a great cause. We'll also be enjoying an amazing lunch together before heading off on a group trip to the **Pittsworth
waittoseewhatexcitingadventuresAugusthasin store!
The Rockhampton Day Service group has had a busy few weeks filled with community participation, celebrations, and new experiences Participants have enjoyed strengthening friendships, trying new activities, and making the most of what our local communityhastooffer
A highlight of the month was participating in the Rockhampton NAIDOC Week March. Day Service and School Holiday Program participants came together to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, history, and traditions. Our Indigenous support workers, DJ and Ashton, also ledmeaningfulactivitiesthroughouttheweek sharing t
F h participantsexploringlocaltracksincludingKempHill, Mt Archer, and the Emu Park ANZAC Walk These outings support physical health, fitness, balance, wellbeing, and social connection while allowing everyonetoenjoytheoutdoorstogether.
ce group also welcomed our School m participants, celebrating State of eam colours and some friendly The group enjoyed spending time reatingnewmemories
Looking ahead to August, we are excited to introduce new activities alongside our regular programs A highlight will be Pickleball on Tuesday afternoons, providing participants with an opportunity to stay active, build confidence, developnewskills,andenjoyafun,inclusivesport
We look forward to another month of connection, learning, and new adventures with the RockhamptonDayServicegroup
Here at BigDog, it’s important to balance your professional responsibilities with your wellbeing and capacity to meet the goal of providing the best possible support. However, we recognise that at times, the dynamic between a support worker and participantmaynotbetherightfit
While there are times when requesting not to work with a participant is appropriate, there are also situationswhereotherstrategiesoradjustmentsare more effective Below are a few examples of situations where it may be more appropriate to continuesupportwiththeparticipant,potentiallywith additionalguidanceoradjustmentsinapproach:
TemporaryDifficulties:Iftheclientisgoing through a rough patch (eg mental health/addiction episode, family crisis, or behaviour changes due to medication),itisnotappropriatetostopworking with them These situations may resolve with time, andtheygenerallyrequirethatextrasupport.
Talk to a Service Coordinator around how you can betteradjustyourapproachduringthesesupportsto supportthisparticipantinanappropriatewayfor themcurrently Suggestoraskfortraining
CommunicationBarriersorMisunderstandings:
Participants may have communication difficulties (e.g. non-verbal, neurodivergent etc). If challenges arise due to misunderstanding or misinterpretation, it'snotareasontostopworkingwiththem Try different communication methods, use support tools (like visuals or assistive tech if they have one) Askifaspeechtherapistisinvolved
Personal Discomfort with Disability-Related Behaviours: Some behaviours (eg stimming, echolalia, repetitive questions) might feel challenging if you ' re unfamiliar with certain disabilities, but these are not problematic behaviours in themselves Learn more about the disability and adapt your support strategies Ask yourteamfortrainingifneeded.
Minor Personality Clashes: You may not "click" with every client on a personal level, but that alone doesn’tjustifyendingsupportswiththisparticipantespecially if the client is benefiting from your support. Try focusing on professionalism and keep interactionsrespectfuland goal-orientedtothem
Low Motivation or Resistance towards Support: Someparticipantsmayshowlittleinterestingoalsor participationwithinsupports.Thiscanbefrustrating, butitdoesn’tnecessarilymeanendingsupportswith this participant is a valid option. Work with their Service Coordinator to find motivating strategies. Sometimes a different support style (or more time) helps build trust and rapport. If there is a Behaviour Prac or therapist engaged, your consistent shift notes and shared communication with them is the vitalsteptohelpencouragechangearoundthis.
Your duty of care does not mean enduring harm or distress. We support both participant choice and worker wellbeing If you ' re unsure whether your situation warrants ceasing support, talk with a Service Coordinator for guidance, and this can be flagged with higher management Remember, correct procedures is to lodge an incident report under the category ‘Request to Not Work with Participant’ ThisgoestoCourtneytobereviewed
WearecurrentlyseekingteammembersforregularnightshiftsacrossourSILhouses.Ifthisinterestsyouor someoneyouknow,pleasereachouttoyourappropriaterosterersowecanexploreoptions. Thiswillnotbeatemporaryfill.We'relookingforteammemberswhocancommittoaconsistentrosterthat includes these sleepovers. Taking on these shifts may offer more predictable hours, a different work-life balanceandcontinuityforthepeoplewesupport.
Supportworkisarewarding,handsonjob,andrightnow,thereareopportunities.Ifyou'vegotafriend,family memberorevenaformercolleaguewhosoundsrightforthejob,encouragethemtoapplyonlineviaSEEK.
�� International Dog Day –26 August
AtBigDog,weknowthatsomeofourmostloyalcompanionshavefourlegsanda waggingtail!Whetherthey'regreetingusatthedoor,joiningusforawalk,or keepinguscompanyafterabusyday,ourdogsareanimportantpartofour families.
ScrolldowntomeetsomeofthedogsbelongingtoourBigDogteamthey'reallpart oftheBigDogfamilytoo!
HAPPYBIRTHDAY EVERYONE!WISHING AYOUENDLESSJOY NDSUCCESSTODAY ANDALWAYS!
Aswecontinuetogrow,we'dliketotakeamoment tothankeachandeveryoneofourclientsforbeing partofourcommunity.Yourtrust,commitment, andongoingsupportmeansomuchtoourteam. We'reexcitedtoremindeveryoneabouttherange ofservicesandprogramsavailableattheclinicto helpyoustayactive,connected,andfeelingyour best.
Oursocialclassescontinuetobeawonderfulway tomeetnewpeople,stayengaged,andenjoy movementinafunandsupportiveenvironment Whetheryou'relookingtoimproveyourwellbeing orsimplyenjoythecompanyofothers,we'dloveto welcomeyou.
Oursaunaisavailableforclientsseekingrelaxation, musclerecovery,andoverallwellness.Aperfect waytowarm-upthiswinter!Speakwithourteam tofindouthowyoucanincludesaunasessionsas partofyourhealthroutine.
WealsohaveplacesavailableinourPhysiFit classes,whichrunthreedaysaweek.These supervisedexercisesessionsaredesignedto promotestrength,mobility,balance,and confidenceinasafeandsupportivesetting Whetheryou'rerecoveringfromaninjury, managingachroniccondition,orsimplywanting tostayactive,PhysiFitcouldbetheperfectfitfor you.
Finally,ifyou'vehadapositiveexperiencewithour clinic,we'dbegratefulifyoucouldhelpspreadthe word.Ifyouhavefamilymembers,friends, colleagues,orneighbourswhomaybenefitfrom exercisephysiology,physiotherapy,strength exerciseprograms,orourwellnessofferings,we'd lovetheopportunitytosupportthemontheir healthjourney.
Thankyouagainforbeingavaluedpartofour clinicfamily.Welookforwardtocontinuingtohelp youachieveyourhealthandwellbeinggoals!
Attheheartofexceptionalcareisateamthat neverstopslearning Everytrainingsession,every newskill,andeverymomentofprofessional developmentreflectsoursharedcommitmentto becomingtheverybestwecanbe forourclients andforoneanother.
ByembracingContinuousProfessional Development(CPD)andongoinglearning,we're notonlykeepingupwiththelatestevidenceand bestpractices.We'rebuildingastronger,butmore confidentteamalsothat'sreadytomeetevery challengewithcompassion,knowledge,and excellence.
Together,we'recreatingaculturewheregrowthis encouraged,achievementsarecelebrated,and everyteammembercouldthrive Tothestaff, thankyouforyourdedication,yourwillingnessto learn,andtheincredibledifferenceyoumake everyday It'syourpassionandcommitmentthat continuetoraisethestandardofcareweprovide toourcommunity
ScottvaleHealthClubatthe CapricornCoast'sAnnual SeniorsExpo
ScottvaleHealthClubisexcitedtobejoiningthe CapricornCoast'sAnnualSeniorsExpo!Visitour teamtolearnmoreaboutourfitnessandwellness programs,meetourfriendlystaff,anddiscover howwecansupportyouinstayingactive,healthy, andconnected.
EventDetails �� MervAndersonPark,ScenicHighway, Yeppoon �� Friday21August �� 9:00am–1:30pm
Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutbattery testing,yourCDMP,ortheupcoming event,ourfriendlyteamisheretohelp.
Checkoutwhat’savailableathttps://scottvalehealthclubcom/ PH:45734611orEmailhello@scottvalehealthclub.com
Scottvale Health Club – July Wrap-Up & What's CominginAugust
Aswewrapupanotherfantasticmonth,we'dliketo thank everyone who has been part of the Scottvale HealthClubcommunitythroughoutJuly.Ithasbeen wonderful to see so many new faces joining our centre, and we are excited to continue supporting our growing community on their health and wellnessjourneys
With our community continuing to grow, we are pleased to announce that we now have additional appointment times available for Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, and Hydrotherapy services If you ' ve been thinking about booking an appointment, or you'd simply like to learn more about how our allied health team can help you achieveyourhealthgoals,nowistheperfecttimeto getintouch
A huge congratulations also goes to our FuelersFIT participants! Week after week, you ' ve shown incredible commitment and determination in both your hydrotherapy and gym sessions. We are so proud of the effort each of you has put into improving your health and wellbeing, and we can't wait to celebrate your progress and transformationsastheprogramcomestoanend.
There are still a few places available in our FuelersFIT classes, so if you or someone you know would like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you Contact our team to secure your spot before they'regone!
August is shaping up to be another exciting month at Scottvale Health Club One event we ' re especially looking forward to is the Capricorn Coast Seniors Expo on Friday, 21 August 2026 Our team will be there throughout the day to chat about our allied health services, hydrotherapy programs, fitness classes,andeverythingScottvaleHealthClubhasto offer
If you ' re attending the expo, be sure to stop by and say hello we'd love the opportunity to meet you, answer your questions, and show you how we can supportyourhealthandwellbeing Thank you to everyone who continues to make Scottvale Health Club such a welcoming and supportive community We look forward to seeing youthroughoutAugust!
AsweheadintoAugust,it'sagreattimetoreflecton thesmallachievementsthatmakeabigdifference. OccupationalTherapyisallabouthelpingpeoplebuild theskillsandconfidencetoparticipateineverydaylife whetherthat'sbecomingmoreindependentathome, improvingcommunityaccess,developingroutines,or workingtowardspersonalgoals.
Thismonth,Iencourageeveryonetotakeadvantageof thebeautifulwinterweatherbygettingoutdoors Activitiessuchaswalking,gardening,visitinglocal parks,orjoiningcommunityeventscansupportboth physicalandmentalwellbeingwhileencouraging
TheNDIScontinuestoplaceastrongfocusonensuring supportsarereasonableandnecessaryanddirectly linkedtoaparticipant'sgoals.Regularreviewsof therapygoalsandsupportplansarebecoming increasinglyimportant,helpingensureparticipants receivetherightsupportswhilemakingthebestuseof theirfunding.
Ifyourgoalsorcircumstanceshavechanged,nowisa greattimetospeakwithyoursupportteamabout reviewingyourtherapyplantoensureitcontinuesto meetyourneeds
Everynewexperience,nomatterhowbigorsmall,isan opportunitytobuildconfidence,developnewskillsand worktowardsgreaterindependence Ilookforwardto seeingeveryonecontinuetoachievetheirgoals throughoutAugust!
AugustCommunityEvents
Augustoffersplentyofopportunitiestoget involvedinthecommunity:
JeansforGenesDay(Friday1August)–Wear yourfavouritedenimandhelpraiseawareness andfundsforchildren'sgeneticresearch.
RockhamptonRiverFestival–Afantastic communityeventfeaturingentertainment, markets,foodstallsandfamily-friendlyactivities alongtheFitzroyRiver
ToowoombaFarmersMarkets–Agreat opportunitytosupportlocalbusinesseswhile p a
R p
coolerweathermakesthisaperfecttimeto explorethegardens,enjoyapicnicorvisitthefree zoo
PicnicsandNatureWalks–August'smild temperaturesmakeitidealforexploringlocal parks,walkingtracksandoutdoorspaceswith friendsandfamily
EAPPROGRAM
Pleasebeawarethatwe haveengagedwithanew EAPProgram!
THANKSFORANOTHER SUCCESSFULMONTH, KEEPUPTHEGREAT WORK!