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BIGDOG NEWS

BIGDOG OPERATIONS

A MESSAGE FROM PETER

Looking forward, training will be a key focus as we enter August We’ll be delivering sessions to refresh and focus on medication management and restrictive practices, ensuring we continue to uphold safe, best-practice support Keep an eye out for important training dates being released in the coming weeks

Lastly, we’re excited to officially welcome Shay to the Scottvale Health Club and the wider BigDog team! Shay joins us as Scottvale’s new Exercise Physiologist and has already made a strong impression We’re confident Shay will become a firm favourite with our clients, and we look forward to the positive impact she’ll bring to the allied health team

I’d also like to welcome Haylee, our new service co-ordinator to the Rockhampton team. She has hit the ground running, bringing valuable rostering experience we’re excited to have her on board If you see either in the facility please give them a warm BigDog welcome.

It’s been encouraging to see the teams and two regions learning from one another, exchanging knowledge, lessons and continuously improving let’s keep the momentum going.

Here’s to a successful start to the 2025/26 financial year!

STAFF REMINDER:

Remember that the cleanliness of our fleet and property is every workers responsibility

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 – Bethany Esmond��

A big thank you to Beth for all your hard work lately it definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed You’ve been doing an amazing job, especially with training Wade and supporting the team. We really appreciate the time and effort you put in every day. Your dedication and support make a big difference!

�� Staff Shout Out – Chisato Cotterell��

Big thank you to Chisato for the great work in Day Service Your care, consistency, and can do attitude make a real difference for participants and the team We appreciate everything you do, every day Thank you, Chisato

RockhamptonNominated by Courtney C

�� Staff Shout Out – Taylah Cox ��

A big thank you to Taylah for all your effort in keeping the Rocky Centre running smoothly. Your hard work behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed we appreciate everything you do to keep things ticking along and supporting the team

�� Staff Shout Out – Ella Armstrong ��

Huge shout out to Ella for her quick thinking, bravery, and calmness under pressure while managing a challenging situation involving complex behaviours You handled it with so much professionalism and care – keeping everyone safe, supported, and steady in the moment Your ability to think on your feet and act with confidence truly made a difference

COMMUNITY TOOWOOMBA

Commitment Counts

In support work, consistency is key. At BigDog, we see how steady, reliable efforts from our team build trust and create lasting impact

One support worker, for example, has been helping the same participant with their morning routine and community access. What began as a quiet, reserved relationship has grown into one built on trust, laughter, and connection all because she showed up with patience every week

These moments, grocery trips, café visits, or simply listening, offer stability, which fosters progress. Support work isn’t always about big breakthroughs Often, it’s the routine and reliability that matter most We’re proud of our team for showing up, week after week, and making a difference

Let’s keep recognising these everyday wins. They count.

An Office Update - Billy

As we wrap up another month, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the ongoing dedication and hard work of all our staff

Your commitment to providing consistent, quality care does not go unnoticed, and we thank each of you for the care, compassion, and professionalism you bring to your roles every day.

This month has also brought some change, including the sad passing of Robert Fisher, a valued participant Our thoughts are with those who supported Robert and who have been impacted by this loss. As a result, there will be some changes to SIL arrangements across our services to ensure supports remain sustainable and aligned with participant needs. We kindly ask that all team members remain attentive to their rosters during this time Please work closely and patiently with Beth, who is doing her best to manage and accommodate the necessary changes. Your flexibility and cooperation are greatly appreciated

Thank you again for all that you do – let’s continue to support one another as we move forward

This month we’re supporting two important causes – Jeans for Genes Day and Red Nose Day!

Jeans for Genes Day is on Thursday, 7 August 2025, and raises vital funds for genetic research to help find treatments and cures for childhood genetic conditions. By wearing jeans, we help raise awareness and support for the 1 in 20 kids facing genetic disorders

Red Nose Day falls on Thursday, 28 August 2025, and helps fund lifesaving research and support services to reduce sudden and unexpected deaths in babies and children, while also providing counselling for grieving families. Join us by wearing your jeans or something red on these days and bringing a gold coin donation to show your support for these incredible causes!

COMMUNITY ROCKHAMPTON

�� Welcome Hayley – New Service Coordinator

We’re pleased to introduce Hayley, who has recently joined the team as a Service Coordinator Hayley will be working closely alongside Lauren to support the rostering, coordination, and service delivery for participants across the region. Please be patient as both Lauren and Hayley continue to settle into their roles and processes. You may occasionally still hear from me while I assist with oversight and streamlining, but Lauren and Hayley are your primary points of contact moving forward

�� Leave Requests, Sick Calls & Shift Attendance

We understand that from time to time, circumstances arise that prevent you from attending a scheduled shift. However, we must reinforce that sick calls, non-attendance, or unapproved leave requests have a significant impact on participants and team operations

Please note:

Under the SCHADS Award, workers are required to provide reasonable notice for planned leave and must contact the service as early as possible for unplanned absences

Sick calls must be made directly to the rostering phone line – not via text or email – unless otherwise directed. If you are not attending a shift, you must inform us prior to the shift start time.

Repeated no-shows or late notifications will be recorded and may lead to performance management discussions

We are committed to fair and supportive workplace practices and ask that the same respect be shown in return by maintaining professional standards around availability and attendance

�� Incident Reporting & QR Code Compliance

There has been a concerning decline in incident reporting and proper use of the QR code system This has a direct and serious impact on the quality of service delivery and the funding available to support participants When incidents are not recorded: We are left without accurate records for participant behaviours, risks, or changes in care needs

This affects our ability to advocate for appropriate funding in NDIS plans, meaning participants may be left without enough supports to meet their needs. It also leaves support workers vulnerable, as incidents are not formally acknowledged or followed up Please ensure that:

All incidents, no matter how minor, are reported on the same day using the appropriate form. QR codes are scanned at the start and end of every shift, and logs are filled in accurately.

If you're having issues accessing or using the QR code system, reach out for assistance – we’re here to help.

TOOWOOMBA JESS

DAYSERVICE

�� Wrapping Up June – Welcoming July with Excitement! Welcome to August at the Day Service!

School holidays are over and we’re jumping straight back into our normal routine but don’t worry, the fun never stops here! Wrapping Up a Wonderful July… We ended July with full bellies and big smiles thanks to a fabulous lunch outing at Grumpy Dinna and no, he wasn’t that grumpy! NAIDOC Week brought a beautiful surprise with dot painting activities that now proudly decorate our walls The centre is looking so colourful and full of meaning come take a look! We also had an awesome day out at mini golf plenty of laughs, a few hole-in-ones (maybe!), and definitely some creative swings

Jeans for Genes Day

Pull on your jeans and bring a gold coin donation to support children’s medical research We’ll be hosting a special morning tea too yum!

Daffodil Day BBQ Thursday is BACK!

On Friday 23rd August, wear something yellow and shine bright We’ll have a lovely morning tea and reflect on hope, strength, and support.

That’s right fire up those taste buds because our sizzling BBQ Thursdays are returning Nothing beats a good snag in bread with your mates!

We got cozy and quirky for Ugly Jumper Day the louder the jumper, the better the laughs! Thanks to everyone who got into the spirit What’s Coming Up in August? Let’s Gooooo! This month, we’re focusing on building independence with everyday tasks from setting tables to packing lunch bags, we’re encouraging everyone to have a go and build those daily living skills with confidence. You’ve got this!

World Kindness Day (yes, it’s in August for us!)

To celebrate kindness, we’ll be making and sharing handmade cards with friends because a little kindness goes a long way August is shaping up to be an absolute cracker filled with connection, creativity, and community spirit. Let’s make it a month to remember!

Stay bright, stay kind, and keep showing up with your awesome selves!

With those big blue eyes and a smile that stretched from ear to ear, you brought light into every room. You will be deeply missed. This isn’t goodbye — it’s just a ‘ see you later’, Mr Fisher.

ROCKHAMPTON

The Monthly Rockhampton Recap!!

We’ve had a fun and active month here at the day service, managing to keep up with all our regular weekly activities, including our visits to the library, cooking classes, 10-pin bowling, horse feeding, and of course, our always-popular pub lunches. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the routine they know and love while also being open to new experiences throughout the month.

One of the highlights was attending a NAIDOC Week event, where we were joined by the school holiday kids for the day It was a special experience to celebrate culture and community together, and the energy and enthusiasm from everyone made it a memorable outing The school holiday kids had a fantastic two weeks of fun-filled activities. They joined in on 10-pin bowling, explored the dinosaur park, played basketball, and enjoyed some peaceful moments while fishing They ended their holidays with a mini golf day that had everyone smiling and laughing – a perfect way to wrap up their break.

Back at the day service, we finished the month on a sweet note with a lovely lunch and a movie afternoon at the centre The room was filled with laughter, delicious snacks, and plenty of chocolates to share To top it all off, we took a trip to Yeppoon Cinemas to watch the exciting movie Fantastic Four, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

As we turn the page to a new month, we’re feeling excited about what’s ahead One special outing we’re all looking forward to is our upcoming trip to the crocodile farm – sure to be an adventure filled with fun, learning, and a few surprises!

BIGDOG ROSTERING

Welcome Wade !!

I’d like to officially introduce Wade to the rostering family whilst Kirby takes some well-deserved time with her family Please feel free to reach out and introduce yourself to Wade, or contact him directly for any rostering requests or queries regarding the Rockhampton team

Phone: 0428 947 647

Email: r rostering@bigdog au

Important Reminder - Notifying When You’re Sick

We’ve noticed an increase in late-notice sick calls Please ensure you give us as much notice as possible if you’re unwell This is crucial to help us maintain quality support for our participants and avoid unnecessary disruptions to their care

Clarifying Vehicle Use:

In-home shifts (no Big Dog vehicle): Be at the participant’s house from start to finish unless the client asks you to leave

Community access shifts (Big Dog vehicle assigned): You collect the vehicle at your shift start time. Travel time to and from the participant’s home is included That means you can leave 5–15 minutes early to refuel and return the car

FocusonGoals

Keep interactions purposeful and centred on the participant’s needs

Ask,Don’tGuess

Clarify preferences, triggers, and support needs early (with the team if needed).

Kirby will return in the future, but in the meantime, please read your rosters carefully Understanding your roster is a key part of your role. Mistakes in reading your roster can result in participants missing out on support or having their day and routine significantly affected Here are the key things to check every time you read your roster:

1. Participant’s Name - Know who you are supporting.

2 Type of Support - Community access, in-home assistance, cleaning, mowing, etc Understand what’s expected of you.

3 Time - Arrive on time If you’re sent home early, notify the office (but not via the on-call phone on weekends unless it’s an emergency) Submit a high priority shift note or contact rostering during office hours

4. Staffing - Are you working solo or with someone else?

5. Vehicle - Check the “details” section to see if a Big Dog vehicle is assigned The day before, vehicles and their rego will be visible in your shift. Ensure the key you collect matches the assigned car.

6 Support Notes - These include vital info like appointments, tasks, or shopping. Always read your shift notes If your question is already answered there, you’ll be redirected to check them.

Thanks so much for your continued hard work and attention to detail.Any questions please reach out! .

If interested or wanting to hear more, please reach out to r _rostering@bigdog.au or call on 07

WELCOME

We’re excited to announce that Shay has officially joined the Scottvale Health Club team as our new Exercise Physiologist! With a passion for helping people move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives, Shay is here to support you with expert guidance, whether you're managing a health condition, recovering from injury, or simply looking to level up your fitness.

Shay is now available for bookings, and spots are filling quickly! Whether you need a tailored exercise plan, one-on-one support, or guidance on your rehab journey, Shay is ready to help you achieve your health goals Get in touch with reception or book online to reserve your session

SQUASH COMPETITION – AUGUST 16TH & 17TH

Get ready to bring your A-game! Our highly anticipated Squash Competition is happening on Friday, August 16th, and Saturday, August 17th. Whether you're a seasoned player or just looking for a fun challenge, this event is a fantastic way to get involved, meet other members, and enjoy some friendly competition Registrations are now open! Don’t miss your chance to compete or cheer on your fellow members. Prizes, good vibes, and plenty of action await!