December NewsLetter

BIGDOG NEWS NEWS • UPDATES • STORIES • COMMUNITY

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

"No matter how different a Who may appear, he will always be welcomed with holiday cheer." — Cindy Lou Who

December 2024

BUSINESS UPDATES news edition 11

November 24

BigDog

Welcome to the crazy season!

As we get to the end of the year, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our staff in Rockhampton and Toowoomba for everything we have achieved in the past 12 months. To recap a few of the highlights for this year: We have navigated and passed our major NDIS Audit, we have purchased an Allied Health arm for our Rockhampton team, we have welcomed 32 new clients to BigDog Support Services and we have employed 5 new office staff to better manage our services both for staff and clients. What a year!

As we start looking to take time off and have a break, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

In this newsletter you will find:

Latest projects, outings, free resources, and more. Keep Reading!

02

bigdog

SHOUT OUTS! 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 Craig, you have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for your outstanding consistency and reliability! You consistently go above and beyond when supporting your regular participants

Wade, you have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for your exceptional work in overcoming workplace obstacles and maintaining a positive, clean, and organized team environment, even while short-staffed.

Rockhampton Paul, you have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for your outstanding commitment and hard work! You have gone above and beyond by taking on sleepovers and consistently putting into action feedback from Management and PBSP practices.

Baylee, you have been nominated for a staff shout out from your admin team for your exceptional work with Rocky. You have handled multiple challenging incidents with professionalism and resilience, not letting these situations affect your positive attitude or dedication. Your willingness to pick up additional shifts and work with new participants demonstrates your commitment to the team.

4632 9559 | T_services@bigdog.au

bigdogsupport.com.au

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ROCKHAMPTON Community edition 11

November 24 With the year wrapping up, we're putting in the final push to finish strong, maintaining our commitment to excellence and ensuring our participants continue to receive the best support possible.

K ir b y

As December very quickly approaches, it's all hands on deck here at BigDog. November has been filled with exciting and productive moments, particularly as we’ve focused on training our teams to ensure we provide the highest level of service for our participants.

We've worked hard to create a strong sense of routine and structure, empowering our teams to deliver a seamless experience.

November has come and gone in a flash, quickly bringing us into the festive season.

This festive period presents a wonderful opportunity for participants, families, and providers to focus on creating meaningful experiences and preparing for a brighter year ahead.

During the holiday season, we understand that your needs remain our priority. To ensure continuity of care, we encourage you to reach out to confirm your support schedules, including any changes you may need for appointments, services, or activities. Our team is dedicated to making this season as seamless and stress-free as possible for you.

Ab

Bring on a fun and memorable holiday period, for everyone celebrating any and all occasions.

by r_services@bigdog.au

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TOOWOOMBA Community edition 11

November 24

The break was wonderful, but there's something comforting about settling back into the routine.

This month, I really want to take a moment to celebrate you and all we’ve accomplished together.

This year has been full of new beginnings, with so many fresh faces joining our workforce and building strong, professional relationships.

We’ve revamped our SIL homes, watched BigDog grow larger than ever, and celebrated the exciting purchase of a new Rockhampton space, now home to on-site health professionals.

y l l i B

We also said farewell to Steven in his retirement, honoring his legacy and the solid foundations he built for BigDog. And there have been countless smaller wins that mean so much—the support staff who go above and beyond every day, the participants who landed new jobs, earned their licenses, or even stood on their own two feet once more.

I know how challenging this work can be, and I’m continually amazed by the resilience and heart each of you brings.

From me and the rest of the office team, thank you for making this year truly special. You are BigDog, and you’ve each played a part in an incredible year.

Here’s to more victories ahead!

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, we wanted to share a few reminders to help you enjoy it safely and stay well. December can be a busy time for everyone, so remember to take a moment for yourself, stay hydrated, and keep those stress levels in check. If you’re out and about, make sure to drive safely, especially with increased traffic and weather changes. And don't forget to look out for one another—this is the season to connect and share kindness.

It’s also a wonderful time to give back to our community in any way that feels right for you, whether it’s through volunteering or simply spreading holiday cheer to those around you. Together, we can make a difference!

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you for making my time here at BigDog so meaningful. Working alongside such incredible people has been a true privilege, and I’m grateful for all the laughs, memories, and challenges we’ve tackled together. Here’s to a fantastic holiday season and a bright start to the new year

Apr il please contact us at t_services@bigdog.au or visit our website www.bigdogsupport.com.au

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DAY SERVICE Rockhampton edition 11

November 24

November Highlights at Rocky Day Service!

November has been a fantastic month at Rocky Day Service, filled with fun, learning, and exciting activities that everyone has enjoyed!

We kicked off the month with a Melbourne Cup luncheon. Clients got involved in our Tuesday shopping and cooking activity, preparing an impressive spread of sweet and savoury treats to share. The highlight of the day was our ‘Horse Racing’ game, a creative take on snakes and ladders, which was a massive hit—complete with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

This month, we also commemorated Movember and Remembrance Day with engaging and educational activities. It was a meaningful time to reflect and come together as a group.

Our trips to the beach, especially to Yeppoon Lagoon, have been a standout favourite. The warm weather and serene setting created unforgettable moments for everyone. Another highlight was watching clients get active in our gym facilities. It was fantastic to see them trying out equipment and discovering what they enjoyed most!

🎄🎉

Tay

Here’s to wrapping up the year with joy and laughter!

lah

Looking ahead, December promises to be just as exciting. We have a jampacked schedule with Christmas activities, School Holiday fun, and our Day Service Christmas parties—a perfect way to celebrate the year with our amazing group.

Embark on a new adventure every day with Tayla and the team with the Rockhampton Day Service

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DAY SERVICE Toowoomba edition 11

November 24

Festive Fun & Farewell to 2024!

As we wrap up an incredible year, December is packed with exciting activities, festive cheer, and opportunities to connect.

Highlights of the Month: Christmas Party When: Thursday, 19th December Time: 10:30 AM Where: Toowoomba Day Service Join us for festive fun, delicious treats, joyful music, and creative Christmas outfits as we celebrate the season together!

🎄

🎨 Christmas Crafts & Games

Get hands-on with festive crafts, puzzles, and games that inspire creativity and teamwork while spreading holiday joy.

Karaoke & Storytelling Share your favourite holiday stories or sing along to beloved carols to build confidence and connect with friends.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Tuesdays: Exciting new fitness classes.

Gym Sessions: Moving to Highfields Recreation Centre for even more opportunities to stay active.

🎤

Holiday Closure: Closed: Monday, 23rd December Reopening: Monday, 6th January, 2025 For assistance before the holidays, contact us at 07 4692 9559.

Thank You for an Amazing Year!

2024 has been a year of growth, joy, and shared memories. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with love, laughter, and exciting opportunities. Here’s to an extraordinary 2025!

Come join Jess and the rest of the team for all the exciting adventures happening at the Toowoomba Day Service.

07 We can’t wait to see you there!

ROSTERING Rockhampton edition 11

Toowoomba

As we head into the busy Christmas period, thank you all for your dedication and flexibility. Your support with last-minute shift changes and ensuring participant care is greatly appreciated. Please update your 2025 availability as soon as possible. If you need help, reach out, and I’ll update it for you.

Christmas leave may impact recurring shifts. While we aim to cover as much as possible, some schedules may change to accommodate time off.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. Regular recurring shifts will resume in January. With about half the team scheduled for leave, please submit any remaining requests soon, as leave is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For 1:1 support during day service closure (21.12.24 - 5.1.25), please contact the office ASAP. Let us know if you don’t require holiday support or have questions about public holidays. Thank you again for your hard work and open communication as we navigate the holiday season together!

B e th

Pam

Reminder to Staff: Schedule Time for New Year Availability Planning & Submit Leave Requests As we approach the new year, we would like to remind all staff members to schedule a time to meet with me to confirm your availability for the upcoming year. These meetings will help ensure smooth planning and proper scheduling as we head into 2025.

Please submit all leave requests for the Christmas and New Year period by 12 noon on Friday, 30th November, to help us manage holiday staffing effectively.

Thank you for your flexibility and teamwork during this busy season. Schedule your availability meeting with me soon to ensure your leave is submitted on time. We appreciate your support and look forward to a successful year ahead!

If interested or wanting to hear more, please reach out to r_rostering@bigdog.au or call on 07 4573 4611.

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SCOTTVALE Rockhampton edition 11

November 24

As we approach the end of 2024, Scottvale Healthclub is proud to reflect on a year of remarkable growth and exciting expansion. Thanks to the continued support of our loyal members and dedicated staff, we've made significant strides in enhancing our services and reaching more communities than ever before. We’ve embraced cutting-edge technology, with smart gym equipment that elevates your workout experience and reinforces that fitness can be fun, not a chore!

This year has brought big changes, and while we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to supporting every member remains the same. Whether you’re a longtime member or just starting your fitness journey, we’re here to help you achieve your goals and provide the best possible experience.

As 2024 winds down, we’re taking time to pause, assess, and plan for the future. We’re evaluating our growth, gathering member feedback, and ensuring that we continue to deliver the high-quality service you’ve come to expect from Scottvale Healthclub.

We’re excited for what’s next! In 2025, we’re looking forward to even more exciting developments, from new locations to fresh programs that help you reach your fitness goals.

Here’s to finishing 2024 strong and kicking off the new year with even more growth and improvements. Thank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Check out what’s available at https://scottvalehealthclub.com/

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, y a d h t r i B Happy

Happies birthday to all of our December Babies Craig M, Ann P, Greg W, Taryn S, Abby H, Liam B, David B, Steven R, and Jess G

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WELCOME TO THE TEAM

Tanya Agius ROCKHAMPTON

Brenden Minkin ROCKHAMPTON

Sophie Parker

Kaylah Frazer

ROCKHAMPTON

ROCKHAMPTON

Carsen Huth TOOWOOMBA

Welcome everyone!! if you see these guys in the field make them feel welcomed.

11

AFTER

20YEARS OF DEDICATION STEVEN PAULL IS NOW RETIRING From all of us at BigDog, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the memories, the opportunities, and the incredible dedication you’ve poured into this industry. Your unwavering efforts have shaped better lives for countless individuals who might never have experienced the opportunities they’ve had without your vision and commitment. BigDog’s very existence is a testament to your determination, and we know it would not have come to fruition without you.

You have built an immense legacy, one that your proud family will undoubtedly continue to uphold with the same passion and dedication. Despite all the light-hearted jokes about being the "HR Nightmare," you’ve enriched our lives and opened doors for so many. You are a deeply compassionate and dedicated individual, and the industry has been privileged to benefit from your tireless work.

Now, as you step into this new chapter, it’s time to reap the rewards of your labour. Kick back, give those thumbs a workout with your Candy Crush adventures, and savour every moment of your well-deserved retirement. We hope the coming years bring you boundless joy, thrilling adventures, and days so relaxing they seem to stretch into extra hours.

This isn’t a goodbye but a celebration of your remarkable journey. From all of us, past and present, thank you for everything. Here’s to a retirement filled with sweetness, fulfilment, and the endless respect of everyone whose lives you’ve touched.

Billy From 1 BigDog to another, Enjoy your time and relax, you’ve earnt it