BIGDOG NEWS News • Updates • Stories • Community
GOOD TIMES AND SUNSHINE November 2026
Christmas Rostering
Christmas is getting closer, and rosters are being organised for the holiday period. Please make sure you have submitted your Christmas availability and any leave requests as soon as possible. Our participants still rely on us throughout Christmas and New Year. SIL and other essential supports continue as normal, so please make sure you attend your rostered shifts. We need to ensure there is no disruption to the support our participants receive over the holiday period. If your circumstances change or you are no longer available for a shift, please notify the office as early as possible. Staff Training We will be holding mandatory staff training sessions before the end of the year. These sessions will be added to your roster, and attendance is compulsory for all support workers. The training will cover important areas of our work, including restrictive practices, medication management, SIL responsibilities, mandatory reporting and other key support worker requirements. These are essential topics that everyone needs to understand and be confident in carrying out. The sessions will also provide an opportunity to refresh your knowledge, ask questions and clarify any areas you may be unsure about. Please keep an eye on your roster for your allocated training session. We expect everyone to attend as scheduled.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Upcoming Pay Changes
From 1 December 2026, Home Care - Disability Care employees will receive an interim increase of up to 15% to their minimum award pay rates. This applies to BigDog support workers.
OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR NOTES
The increase is said to apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 December. For BigDog, this will commence from 12 December, the first full pay period after 1 December. The exact increase will depend on the employee's classification and pay point. These changes form part of the Fair Work Commission's review of pay and classifications across the care sector. If you have any questions or concerns about this upcoming pay change, please contact us.
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Shout Outs
ROCKY
ROCKY
🌟 Staff Shoutout – Rie! 🌟
A huge shoutout to Rie for the dedication, warmth and kindness she brings to her role every day! Her go-getter attitude and genuine commitment to her participants have helped build strong, meaningful relationships, and it’s clear to see the excitement her participants show when they know Rie is supporting them.
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Rie, your positive attitude and genuine care make such a difference in the lives of the people you support. Keep up the amazing work. We’re so lucky to have you on our team!
🌟 Staff Shout-Out – Anthony! 🌟
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Nothing is ever a problem for Anthony! He has fully taken on the challenge of cleaning up Card Street, no matter how tough the job, and is always willing to give anything a go. His passion for his work also shines through in his efforts to organise outings and create new experiences for clients who might not usually be interested. Thanks, Anthony, for your initiative, positive attitude, and willingness to go above and beyond!
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TOOWOOMBA 🌟 Staff Shoutout – Michelle! 🌟
A huge shoutout to Michelle, who consistently puts her participants’ care, health and happiness first, no matter what challenges come her way!
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We have always received such positive feedback about Michelle and the dedication, compassion and commitment she brings to her role. This recognition is truly well-earned, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of our team!
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Thank you, Michelle, for always going above and beyond for the people you support!
TOOWOOMBA 🌟 Staff Shoutout – Greg! 🌟
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Our very own silent assassin! Greg is one of those team members you can always count on. He’s punctual, consistent and reliable, and always goes above and beyond to accommodate changing participant needs and deliver high-quality support. Greg’s commitment and willingness to step up wherever needed make him an invaluable part of our team. We appreciate everything you do, Greg Keep up the amazing work!
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November 2026
PETA
Issue 11
ROCKHAMPTON October Spotlight: Matthew’s Day at the Caulfield Races! During October, our wonderful support worker Rie supported Matthew to attend the Caulfield Races, and what a special day it was! As Matthew absolutely LOVES horses, this was a fantastic opportunity for him to enjoy his passion while working towards his social goals and getting out into the community. Matthew proudly wore his favourite colour, ORANGE, in his race-day tie, while Rie dressed up and coordinated her outfit to complement his colour theme. They both looked fantastic! During the day, Matthew watched the horses parade and head out onto the track, observed the bookmakers taking bets, and enjoyed the Fashion on the Field. Rie took the time to explain what was happening, helping Matthew understand and enjoy the experience even more. When asked about her highlights, Rie shared that she loved being able to take Matty to the races and, most importantly, seeing him smile and talk about the horses and jockeys. Rie felt that Matthew had a wonderful time, creating special memories while enjoying an experience connected to his interests. A huge well done to Rie for supporting Matthew to pursue his interests, achieve his social goals, and experience something meaningful in the community! These are the moments that make a real difference. Well done, Rie and Matthew! We can't wait to see what you get up to next!
💬 Your Turn: Who Will Be Our Next Coffee & Conversation?
A big thank you to all our support workers for the wonderful work you do in supporting our participants to achieve their goals, explore their interests, build connections, and enjoy new experiences. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at any time so we can look at upcoming community events and organise opportunities for our participants to attend activities they would love. Whether it's attending a sporting event, visiting a local market, exploring somewhere new, or enjoying a favourite activity, we'd love to hear about it! You never know — you could be our next Coffee & Conversation feature in December's newsletter! Let's continue celebrating the fantastic work happening across our team and the meaningful experiences we help create for our participants.
Capacity across Services We currently have capacity in Rockhampton for: ILO & SIL Supports Community Access Supports (CAS) 1:3 Group Activities If you’re looking for flexible, person-centred supports in Rockhampton, we’d love to have a chat and see how we can support you or your participant. Get in touch with the BigDog team today!
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CAS and Group Activities
ILO and SIL
Upcoming Events Christmas Markets Heritage Village
at
the
Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026 Time: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm This could be a lovely opportunity for participants to explore market stalls, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and spend quality time out in the community. Please check the event details before making plans and consider which participants may enjoy attending.
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November 2026
Issue 11
BILLY & APRIL
TOOWOOMBA A month of connection, communication and community November is here, and we have plenty to look forward to across Toowoomba! With the warmer weather approaching, it's a great opportunity to get out into the community, enjoy new experiences and continue building meaningful connections with the people we support. There are some exciting local events happening this month, including the Toowoomba Twilight Markets on 7 November, the Monster Truck Mayhem show at the Toowoomba Showgrounds on 7 November, and the Queens Park Markets on 15 November. These are fantastic opportunities to enjoy the local community, explore something new and make the most of our November activity schedules.
SIL Communication – The Little Things Matter
Handovers have dropped, and the impact is becoming clear. Please ensure you are communicating with the next staff member, reflecting on what has occurred during your shift, and completing medication counts accurately. We are working with stakeholders to develop resources and schedules to streamline SIL operations and make your jobs easier. Please ensure these are followed, and communicate any concerns to management.
Growing Our Connections
Homes
and
Building
We are excited to welcome a new ILO household in Rockhampton and wish the family all the best as their supports begin. Our three new SIL participants are already developing impressive friendships, with a noticeable reduction in behaviours. It’s fantastic to see these positive connections forming!
Incident Reporting – Your Information Matters
Thank you to everyone taking the time to complete incident reports. The information being provided is invaluable to understanding participant needs and ensuring appropriate supports are in place. Please ensure reports are completed within the required timeframes, particularly within 24 hours following a serious escalation. Timely reporting is essential to the ongoing quality and longevity of participant support.
1. Queens Park Garden walks and picnics. Visit the all-abilities playground. Photography and nature spotting. 2. Japanese Gardens Explore the gardens and bridges. Bird watching and photography. Enjoy a peaceful picnic. 3. Picnic Point Enjoy the lookout views. Short rainforest walks. Outdoor morning tea. 4. Laurel Bank Park Explore the gardens. Enjoy a group picnic. Sensory exploration of plants and flowers
If you need any help feel free to contact us. t_services@bigdog.au 4632 9559
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November 2026
Jess
Issue 11
DAY SERVICE
TOOWOOMBA November is shaping up to be just as exciting and full of friendship and teamwork!
Reflecting on the spooky season
We’re looking forward to celebrating World Kindness Day with a beautiful picnic in the park, where we’ll come together for a day of kindness, laughter, and connection. Afterward, we’ll dive into some creative teamwork with an afternoon of rock painting, with everyone contributing their own flair and style. We can’t wait to see what we create together!
October has been a month full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments, with friendship and teamwork at the heart of it all!
Then it’s time for Movember, and we’re all about the moustache! On the 20th, we’ll have another Big Morning Tea, this time with a fun Movember twist. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather once again, share some laughs, and show off our team spirit with some friendly moustache-themed fun!
We kicked things off with a fantastic lunch outing to the tavern, where the food was delicious, and we couldn’t stop laughing as we enjoyed each other’s company. The best part? The way we all came together, sharing stories, making memories, and supporting each other as we watched the world go by.
To wrap up the month, we’re heading on a team adventure to Ipswich Nature Park for a day trip! There, we’ll explore and learn all about the incredible plants and animals native to Australia. It’s the perfect chance to bond, enjoy nature, and celebrate the teamwork that makes every one of our outings so special.
Our Sensory Science Day was an absolute blast! Who knew making a big, glorious mess could bring us even closer? It was a fun-filled day of teamwork as we experimented, laughed, and learned together. And when it was time to clean up, we all pitched in and made it an even more enjoyable experience— because when you work as a team, even washing up can be fun! Then came our Big Morning Tea, where we not only enjoyed exciting new foods but also bonded over shared tastes and discoveries. It was wonderful to see everyone trying new things, and the camaraderie was as warm as the tea we shared.
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MACKA
November 2026
Issue 11
DAY SERVICE
ROCKHAMPTON BigDog Beats Heat and Rain!
the Our
Even with the hot, humid weather and plenty of rain around, BigDog Rocky always finds a way to make the most of the day!
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With the weather making outdoor activities a little tricky, we decided it was time for a change of scenery and headed to Timezone to escape the heat and rainy conditions. It was the perfect opportunity to get out of the weather, enjoy some indoor fun, and share plenty of laughs together. There was never a dull moment as we made the most of our time playing games and enjoying a fun-filled outing!
adventures didn’t stop there! During our visit to the marina, we were lucky enough to encounter a sea turtle! What an exciting surprise and a wonderful opportunity to see one of these amazing marine creatures up close. It was definitely a special moment and a great reminder that you never know what you might discover when you’re out and about. At BigDog, we believe that a little rain or a bit of extra heat shouldn’t stop us from having a good time. Whether we’re heading indoors for some friendly competition at Timezone or exploring the marina and spotting incredible wildlife, there’s always an adventure waiting to happen.
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Continuing to Explore CQ We have an exciting month of activities ahead, with plenty of opportunities to get out into the community, try something new and enjoy time together. From cooking classes, grocery shopping and technology time to swimming, 10-pin bowling, science activities and visits to the library, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We’ll also be making the most of the warmer weather with beach days, BBQs, walks, fishing and a visit to the Yeppoon Lagoon. With special events including Melbourne Cup celebrations, Remembrance Day recognition and our Movember Morning Tea, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic month filled with fun, connection and new experiences!
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November 2026
Issue 11
BETH
ROSTERING
Hanover and Tyke Liceria Daycare
Newsletter 2026
Volume 02 @reallygreatsite
Hi Team, Welcome to November! As we head towards the end of the year, I wanted to share a few important rostering reminders to help keep everything running smoothly over the coming weeks. Checking Your Rosters Please make sure you are regularly checking your roster and reading all shift notes before attending your shifts. Rosters can change due to participant needs, appointments, staff availability and cancellations. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of your shift times, locations and any important information relating to your participants. If you notice any errors, double-ups or anything that doesn't look right, please contact the rostering team as soon as possible. Sick Leave and Shift Cancellations A reminder that if you are unable to attend your shift due to illness, you MUST call the office during business hours or the on-call phone after hours. Text messages are not an acceptable way to report sick leave, as they may not be seen in time to arrange replacement support. We understand that unexpected illnesses happen, but please provide as much notice as possible so we can organise suitable coverage and minimise disruptions to participants.
Leave Requests and Availability With the end of the year fast approaching, we encourage everyone to start thinking about any upcoming leave or changes to availability. If you are planning time off over the Christmas and New Year period, please submit your leave requests as early as possible. Last-minute leave requests can be difficult to accommodate, particularly during busy periods, so we appreciate everyone planning ahead where possible. If your regular availability has changed, please communicate this directly with the rostering team. Punctuality and Communication Please ensure you are arriving at your shifts on time and are ready to begin work at your scheduled start time. If you are running late, need to leave early or experience an issue during your shift that may affect the roster, please call the office rather than relying on a text message or shift note. Clear communication helps us keep participants informed and ensures their supports run as smoothly as possible. A big thank you to everyone who continues to be flexible, communicates with the rostering team and helps cover shifts when needed.
You can reach us anytime at 0447 452 995 or t_rostering@bigdog.au
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HAPPY BIRTH D EVERY ONE! W AY ISHING YOU E NDLES S JOY AND S UCCES S TOD AY AND A LWAY S! 09
November 2026
Issue 11
Marvin
SCOTTVALE Connecting with Our Community Scottvale Health Club was delighted to participate in the Aged Care Trade Show hosted by Corridor to Care last week at the Rocky Sports Club. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect personally with members of our local community, build relationships, and share information about the services we offer. We always value these opportunities to come together and strengthen our connections with the community!
At Scottvale Health Club, we offer a range of clinician-led services designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and achieve your health goals.
Happy World Occupational Therapy Day! A very happy World OT Day to our wonderful Occupational Therapists, Megan and Suzy! We are so grateful for the care, dedication, and support they provide to our clients. Thank you both for the important work you do in helping our clients achieve their goals and improve their everyday lives!
Expressions of Interest Open!
A Big Thank You to Sophie!
With Suzy joining our team, we are excited to announce that we are now welcoming expressions of interest for Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs) and other Telehealth appointments.
We would also like to recognise Sophie, our Exercise Physiologist, for her ongoing dedication and tireless work in supporting our existing clients here in Rockhampton. Thank you, Sophie, for your commitment to helping our clients stay active, work towards their goals, and improve their health and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to our friendly team for more information.
Sharing Knowledge, Growing Together A big shout-out to our Allied Health Assistants (AHAs), Sam and Kye, for sharing their knowledge and expertise during our recent in-house staff training! Thank you both for taking the time to prepare and present to the team. Opportunities like these help us learn from one another, strengthen our skills, and continue providing quality care to our clients. We appreciate your contributions!
If you or someone you know is looking for Exercise Physiology services, please don't hesitate to reach out to any member of our team. We are always happy to help Thank you for being part of the Scottvale Health Club community! We look forward to continuing to support our clients, collaborate with our community, and celebrate the wonderful work of our team.
Follow Us www.scottvalehealthclub.com
If you have any questions about battery testing, your CDMP, or the upcoming event, our friendly team is here to help.
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November 2026
Issue 11
SCOTTVALE
RECEPTION
A Safe and Inspiring Environment Check out what’s available at https://scottvalehealthclub.com/ PH: 4573 4611 or Email hello@scottvalehealthclub.com
Monthly update It’s been a busy and exciting few weeks at Scottvale Health Club! Last week, I had the opportunity to represent Scottvale Health Club at Beach Day Out. It was my first time attending the event, and it was fantastic to connect with members of the Central Queensland community, as well as catch up with some familiar faces from our Scottvale community. Throughout the day, we offered participants the chance to try two of the interactive technologies we use to make exercise both engaging and enjoyable The first was our BlazePods; an interactive, lightbased training system designed to develop reaction speed, coordination and cognitive responses. They were a huge hit! It was great to see everyone getting involved, testing their reaction times and, of course, becoming a little competitive as they tried to beat their previous scores. We also introduced participants to our BoBo balance board, which connects to an iPad and uses interactive games to make balance training fun.
One of the popular activities was a snowboarding game, where participants had to maintain their balance on the board to control their character. It was a great way to demonstrate how exercise can be both purposeful and enjoyable It has also been fantastic to see the motivation and enthusiasm within our community as we head into spring. Our groupbased classes in the gym and magnesiumheated pool have been going from strength to strength, with everyone working hard towards their individual health and wellbeing goals. Our one-on-one Exercise Physiology sessions have been equally rewarding. Clients have been working hard each session and making progress towards improving their strength, balance, mobility, functional movement and overall wellbeing. We currently have immediate capacity for new one-on-one Exercise Physiology clients. If you’re interested in getting started, come in and have a chat with us about how Exercise Physiology could support your health and fitness goals. I look forward to seeing you all in the clinic!
The Difference Exercise Physiology Can Make We are continually reminded of the positive impact that Exercise Physiology can have on people's health, wellbeing and quality of life. We are especially grateful to our very own exercise physiologist, Sophie, for the difference she makes in our clients' lives. Through personalised exercise programs and ongoing support, Exercise Physiology can help people work towards their individual health and functional goals. Do you know someone who might benefit from Exercise Physiology? Why not refer them to our team today? They may benefit from having a tailored exercise program designed around their individual needs, abilities and goals.
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That’s a wrap!
EAP PROGRAM Please be aware that we have engaged with a new EAP Program!
ASSIST
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.