BIGDOG NEWS NEWS • UPDATES • STORIES • COMMUNITY
HELLO 2026: NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS, NEW ADVENTURES January 2026
JANUARY 2026
COURTNEY
ISSUE 1
Director’s Update I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped me over the holiday period while I was managing the on-call phone. It makes such a difference when team members keep their availability up to date and are quick to respond to requests for extra shifts — your support really doesn’t go unnoticed. A special shout-out to Rhett, Liam N, Maycee, Sele, Mitch, Michelle, Marcus, Cheryl, Genai, Cameron H, Dion, Haylee, Ettore, and Jess G for jumping in and helping to fill shifts. I truly appreciate your flexibility and teamwork — you were legends! Just a friendly reminder: if you call the on-call service and it’s not answered straight away, please make sure you leave a message so we can get back to you as soon as possible. Also, please remember that on-call should never be used for medical emergencies — in these situations, always call 000, or 13HEALTH if you’re unsure what to do.
HR and Payroll - Monique
Welcome on board
Business structure changes
It’s been a busy month on the recruiting and payroll front, with some new faces joining the organisation. Welcome to everyone who’s recently started! Thank you to those who’ve helped with onboarding and referrals along the way.
On the payroll side, I really appreciate everyone who continues to submit timesheets accurately and on time. It makes a big difference in keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring everyone is paid correctly. You may have noticed the new kilometre tracking feature, which has been introduced to help accurately calculate travel allowances and support compliance. Tracking only occurs while clocked in and helps reduce discrepancies and delays in payroll processing. As always, if you have any questions about recruitment, onboarding, timesheets, or pay, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help.
In this newsletter you will find:
Latest projects, outings, free resources, and more. Keep Reading!
BIGDOG Shout Outs TOOWOOMBA
ROCKY RHETT A S H O U T- O U T TO R H E T T A FO R B E I N G A SHINING EXAMPLE OF RELIABILITY AND T E A M S P I R I T. YO U R W I L L I N G N E S S TO COV E R S H I F T S OV E R C H R I ST M A S, CO U P L E D W I T H YO U R E XC E L L E N T CO M M U N I C AT I O N , K E P T E V E RY T H I N G R U N N I N G S M O OT H LY A N D H E L P E D P R OV I D E O U T STA N D I N G S U P P O RT TO O U R C L I E N T S. T H A N K YO U FO R YO U R D E D I C AT I O N A N D F L E X I B I L I T Y ! — N O M I N AT E D BY CO U RT N E Y
TOOWOOMBA MICHELLE S A H U G E T H A N K YO U TO M I C H E L L E S FO R YO U R E XC E P T I O N A L CO M M I T M E N T D U R I N G T H E B U SY C H R I ST M A S P E R I O D. YO U R C L E A R CO M M U N I C AT I O N , D E P E N DA B I L I T Y, A N D R E A D I N E S S TO ST E P I N TO S H I F T S AT S H O RT N OT I C E W E R E I N VA LUA B L E TO T H E T E A M A N D O U R C L I E N T S. W E T R U LY A P P R EC I AT E YO U R H A R D WO R K A N D D E D I C AT I O N . — N O M I N AT E D BY CO U RT N E Y
CAMERON H SHOUT-OUT TO CAMERON H FOR CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATING OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATION, RELIABILITY, AND DEDICATION OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD. YOUR WILLINGNESS TO TAKE ON EXTRA SHIFTS ENSURED THAT OUR CLIENTS RECEIVED UNINTERRUPTED SUPPORT, AND YOUR POSITIVE ATTITUDE MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE. THANK YOU FOR GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND! — NOMINATED BY COURTNEY
ROCKY SELEMAIA T A SPECIAL THANK-YOU TO SELEMAIA T FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD. YOUR PROACTIVE COMMUNICATION, RELIABILITY, AND READINESS TO TAKE ON ADDITIONAL SHIFTS MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON BOTH THE TEAM AND THE PARTICIPANTS. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND POSITIVE APPROACH! — NOMINATED BY COURTNEY
4632 9559 | T_services@bigdog.au
bigdogsupport.com.au
03
JANUARY 2026
ISSUE 1
BILLY
COMMUNITY
ROCKHAMPTON Australia Day Holiday MONDAY, 26 JANUARY 2026.
Thanks to Wade
The year of Growth
Before we move into the year ahead, we would like to sincerely acknowledge Wade for stepping up and taking on the Rockhampton rostering role during a challenging period. Wade entered a demanding position and approached it head-on, quickly taking ownership of the role while building strong connections with our Rockhampton staff. We thank Wade immensely for his contribution and wish him all the best in his next venture.
We want 2026 be a year of growth, stability, and strengthening our services. We are focused on building on the foundations already in place while continuing to improve consistency, communication, and outcomes for the people we support. We are pleased to confirm that we currently have capacity across a range of supports, including:
As we begin 2026, we acknowledge that 2025 presented challenges, particularly in maintaining continuity within the Service Coordination role. Despite ongoing efforts, we were unable to sustain this position consistently throughout the year.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Individualised Living Options (ILO) Group Supports In-Home Support Community Access Support (CAS)
We are actively recruiting to strengthen this area. In the interim, April and I will oversee all Service Coordination matters across Toowoomba and Rockhampton, ensuring continuity and oversight. Thank you for your patience and professionalism as we move forward. Our focus for 2026 is stability, improved systems, and consistent, high-quality service delivery.
As we step into the New Year, our priority remains delivering quality, person-centred support while growing our services in a sustainable and thoughtful way.
JANUARY 2026
APRIL
ISSUE 1
COMMUNITY
TOOWOOMBA 2026 is already in motion, and our team’s dedication, passion, and care continue to be the driving force behind everything we achieve. We’ve built a strong foundation based on respect, trust, and meaningful support. now it’s time to reach even higher.
Here’s a snapshot of some exciting updates and what we’re aiming for this year: We currently have one SIL house available in Toowoomba and multiple ILO and SIL options in Rockhampton, offering flexible and person-centred housing solutions for those who need them. Our team has recently upskilled with Stoma care training, bringing valuable new expertise to our day service program and expanding the support we can offer. We’ve had a great start to 2026 and remain committed to delivering the highest standard of care every day.
Our Roadmap for Growth in 2026 Our focus this year is clear and purposeful: Participants first – delivering genuinely person-centred support that reflects each individual’s goals, choices, and life. Stronger communication and teamwork – improving how we connect, share information, and support one another. Consistency and quality – ensuring high standards across all services, every shift, every time. Staff growth and development – building confidence and capability through training, feedback, and learning opportunities. Celebrating success – recognising both big achievements and the everyday wins that matter. 2026 is full of opportunity. By staying aligned with these goals, we’ll continue to enhance participant outcomes while fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Thank you for your dedication and commitment. Let’s move forward together — connected, confident, and ready to make this our best year yet.
04
JANUARY 2026
JESS
ISSUE 1
DAY SERVICE
TOOWOOMBA LOOKING AT THE YEAR AHEAD! Welcome back everyone — we hope you’ve all had a restful, safe, and enjoyable break! We’re so excited to be back together, bright, refreshed, and ready to roll into a brand-new year. What an incredible year 2025 was for our Day Service community. It was filled with laughter, adventures, personal milestones, and so many meaningful moments. From our big days out exploring the community to the quieter moments that brought smiles and confidence, every experience helped shape a year we’ll truly remember.
Now, as we step into 2026, we’re gearing up for another fantastic year ahead. We’ve got new activities, exciting outings, fresh goals, and plenty of surprises planned — all focused on connection, growth, and having fun together. Whether it’s trying something new, building skills, or simply enjoying each other’s company, there’s so much to look forward to. Thank you to our participants, families, and supporters for being such an important part of our journey. Keep an eye out — you won’t want to miss what’s coming next. Here’s to a positive, exciting, and memorable year ahead at Toowoomba Day Service!
🌈✨
JANUARY 2026
LOGAN
ISSUE 1
DAY SERVICE
ROCKHAMPTON BUSY BEE’S January is here, and with it comes another busy and exciting month at our Day Service. We will be continuing our regular activities that everyone knows and enjoys, including library visits, cooking classes, bowling, and pub lunches. These outings remain an important part of our routine and help keep everyone connected and active. With the school holidays still underway, we are also pleased to welcome kids back to join us for the rest of January. There will be all kinds of fun planned, such as bowling, fishing at the causeway, laser tag, and many more enjoyable activities.
NEW YEAR, CONSISTENT ROUTINE As summer continues, we’ll be thinking of our community as our backyard, a space full of opportunities to explore, relax, and have fun. From enjoying local pools and beaches to making the most of what’s right around us, we’ll be taking advantage of everything our surroundings have to offer. January is set to be a great month of shared experiences, fresh air, and plenty of smiles, and we look forward to enjoying it together.
JANUARY 2026
BETH & WADE
ISSUE 1
ROSTERING WELCOME BACK EVERYONE! I hope you all have a wonderful break over the season and rest and recharge ready for a wonderful 2026! I appreciate everyone who is still working during this period as we all know the industry continues 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. If you have a change of availability for the new year please update that promptly so we can ensure best delivery of services! Please if you are putting in a late leave request, please contact the office to ensure that your shift can be covered. We all have a duty of care to ensure that our participants receive support. If the message hasn't gotten through and you do not show a shift, there can be serious consequences. Same goes for calling in sick, I ask that you provide as much notice as you reasonably can. This is important to ensure accurate coverage for our clients. Please keep in mind that it is not always easy to find coverage, as support workers are people with lives and commitments, so just like you are not able to work sometimes.
HELPFUL TIPS TO MANAGE: Go for a walk (move your body) Call a friend (connect with others) Listen to a new podcast or read a new book Drink plenty of water Take a break Mindfulness activities (deep breathing, grounding, muscle relaxation, meditation) Spend time in nature Show kindness Reach out to a professional Do what’s best for you. It’s okay to not always get it right, what matters is taking the first steps to look after yourself and manage burnout before it becomes overwhelming. Wishing you all a safe, restful, and joyful Christmas season!
You can reach us anytime at 123-456-7890 or hello@reallygreatsite.com
Thank You!
JANUARY 2026
MACKA
ISSUE 1
SCOTTVALE OPERATIONS
ROCKHAMPTON
CHECK OUT WHAT’S AVAILABLE AT HTTPS://SCOTTVALEHEALTHCLUB.COM/ PH: 4573 4611 OR EMAIL HELLO@SCOTTVALEHEALTHCLUB.COM
SERVICE UPDATES Welcome back to Scottvale Health Club, and Happy New Year! We hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable holiday period, spending quality time with family and friends and taking a well-deserved break. As the New Year begins, it’s great to see our community coming back together with renewed energy and motivation. We’re proud to be starting the year strong at Scottvale. Our team has been busy planning an exciting year ahead, with a focus on supporting your health, fitness, and overall wellbeing. Over the coming months, you can look forward to a range of new programs, refreshed classes, and expanded offerings designed to suit all fitness levels and interests. Whether you’re returning to your routine, setting new goals, or simply looking to stay active and feel good, there will be something for everyone.
CONSISTENCY COMMUNITY PROGRESS This year is all about consistency, community, and progress. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where members feel motivated, challenged, and encouraged every step of the way. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements, timetable updates, and special programs as we continue to roll out new opportunities throughout the year.
SHOUT OUT TO ALL OF OUR STAFF FROM 2025 WHO WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND. LETS CONTINUE THE MOMENTUM FOR 2026
09
JANUARY 2026
RINA, SHAY & TAYLAH
ISSUE 1
SCOTTVALE HEALTH
ROCKHAMPTON
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Happy New Year to all our amazing clients! We hope you’ve had a wonderful start to the year. We wanted to share a few quick updates as we head into the new year. Our class timetables remain the same, with all class times continuing as normal. We’re also taking expressions of interest for afternoon Hydrotherapy classes. To get a weekly class up and running, we’ll need a minimum of five participants, so if this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please let us know! We currently have availability for Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology: Rina, our Physiotherapist, supports chronic pain, injury rehabilitation, balance and falls prevention, Pilates-based rehab, and more. Shay, our Exercise Physiologist, works with diabetes management, heart and lung conditions, strength and mobility, mental health, disability support, and overall healthy living.
If you’d like some professional support with your health, give us a call on 07 4573 4611 — we’d love to help! We offer Hydrotherapy, gym sessions, 1:1 and group classes, and we have a sauna available for public use (bookings required). We look forward to supporting you throughout the year ahead!
JANUARY 2026
MEGAN
ISSUE 1
SCOTTVALE HEALTH
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Make 2026 your year of Development! In October 2025, the BigDog Toowoomba office welcomed Occupational Therapist Megan Batts to the Scottvale Health Club team. Megan works to support people with Psychosocial Disability, Intellectual Impairment, and Neurodiverse Abilities to work towards their NDIS goals. In Mental Health Occupational Therapy (OT), the focus is on helping people function and participate in daily life despite mental health and cognitive challenges.
Core Focus Areas of Mental Health OT
Daily Living Skills Self-care (hygiene, routines, sleep) Managing home tasks (cleaning, cooking, time management) Building structure and healthy routines Emotional Regulation & Coping Identifying emotions Developing healthy coping strategies Stress and anxiety management skills Social Participation Communication and social skills Building and maintaining relationships Managing social anxiety and boundaries Work, School, and Productivity Study and work skills Attention, motivation, and organisation Returning to or maintaining study/work roles Identity, Meaning & Purpose Exploring interests and values Building confidence and self-esteem Supporting roles (student, friend, family member) Cognitive Skills Memory, concentration, problem-solving Planning and decision-making Executive functioning Environment & Context Adapting environments to support mental health. Reducing sensory overload Creating supportive routines and spaces
Happy Birthd ay everyo ne! W ishing you en dless j oy and su ccess t oday and al ways!
JANUARY 2026
CAITY & TAYLAH
ISSUE 1
BIGDOG
RECEPTION A NEW YEAR IS A NEW CHAPTER WAITING TO BE WRITTEN Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a wonderful festive season and had the chance to relax and recharge. From all of us at reception, we are excited to welcome you back and start the year fresh. January is always a busy time as we settle back into routines and prepare for the year ahead. We appreciate your patience over the holiday period as we managed adjusted schedules and limited availability. If you have any questions, need to update your services, or want to discuss your supports for the year ahead, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help and make sure everything runs smoothly. Thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to another positive year working with you and your families and wish you a happy, healthy and successful 2026!
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson OUR RECEPTION TEAM IS HERE TO GREET YOU WITH A SMILE, ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, AND MAKE YOUR VISIT A GREAT ONE!
That’s a wrap! EAP Program Assist
Please be aware that we have engaged with a new EAP Program!
Thanks for another successful Month, Keep up the GREAT work!
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.