Director’s Update
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge some important updates and welcome several team members across our Rockhampton services.
Firstly, a warm welcome to Peta, who has joined us as the new Rocky Service Coordinator. Peta brings valuable experience and a practical, people-focused approach to the role. We’re pleased to have her on board and supporting both our participants and staff. Please make sure you introduce yourself and offer your support as she settles in.
We’re also very happy to welcome Kirby back from maternity leave. It’s great to have you back, Kirby, and we hope your return to work is a smooth and supported one. I’d also like to welcome Julia as our new Day Service Coordinator for Rockhampton. Julia has stepped into the role with enthusiasm and professionalism, and we’re confident she will be a strong asset to our Day Services team. At the same time, I want to sincerely thank Logan for his contribution as the previous coordinator. His work and commitment have been appreciated, and we wish him all the best moving forward.
Finally, a reminder regarding communication and reporting processes. All incidents, concerns, and any damage to property must be reported to the office via an incident report. This allows matters to be properly tracked, addressed, and closed, and ensures we continue to meet our compliance and duty of care obligations. Thank you all for your continued professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to the people we support.
HR and Payroll - Monique
Shout Outs
SETH JAMES
A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO SETH JAMES FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING TEAM MEMBER! SETH NEVER SAYS NO TO A SHIFT AND ALWAYS STEPS UP TO HELP OUT WHENEVER NEEDED. HE’S RELIABLE, FLEXIBLE, AND A TRUE TEAM PLAYER WHO MAKES EVERYTHING RUN SMOOTHER JUST BY BEING DEPENDABLE.
TOOWOOMBA
MAKENNAH DIMMICK
A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO MAKENNAH FOR BEING SUCH AN AWESOME TEAM PLAYER! SHE’S ALWAYS HAPPY TO COVER SHIFTS AND GIVES EVERYTHING A RED HOT CRACK WITH HEAPS OF ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM MAKENNAH IS RELIABLE, POSITIVE, AND ALWAYS LIFTS THE TEAM WITH HER ATTITUDE HER DEDICATION AND EFFORT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO THE TEAM AND THE PEOPLE WE SUPPORT THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!
ROCKY
AWAN TERKOC
A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO AWAN FOR BEING SUCH A TOP-NOTCH TEAM MEMBER! AWAN ALWAYS DOES THOROUGH INCIDENT REPORTS, LOOKS OUT FOR OTHER STAFF, AND IS HAPPY TO COVER SHIFTS WHENEVER NEEDED. HE’S RELIABLE, PROFESSIONAL, AND REALLY CARES ABOUT WHAT HE DOES. AWAN’S EFFORT AND DEDICATION MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO THE TEAM AND THE PEOPLE WE SUPPORT. WE REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU DO!
NEWSERVICECOORDINATOR ROCKHAMPTON
Hi, I’m Peta and I’ve recently joined BigDog as a Service Coordinator I bring over three years of experience working within the NDIS sector and a strong passion for providing quality, personcentered support. I’m known for being compassionate and proactive, and I genuinely enjoy supporting participants to achieve positive outcomes
Outside of work, I love camping by the beach, taking my 4WD out on the sand, and spending time drawing and painting I’m excited to continue my NDIS journey with BigDog
Not all changes are as good as a holiday!
We would like to take a moment to reinforce the importance of identifying, documenting, and reporting any behaviours or changes that fall outside of a participant’s established baseline
As many of you are aware, there are increasing pressures being applied by the NDIA to reduce funding levels, including SIL ratios and supports. While funding decisions are not made by providers or frontline staff, the evidence we collectively provide plays a critical role in ensuring participants receive the level of care and support they genuinely require
Unreported or underreported changes in presentation even those that may appear minor can unintentionally give the impression that support needs have reduced or stabilised Over time, this can contribute to funding reductions that may place participants at risk and limit our ability to support them safely and effectively.
What we are asking of all staff:
Actively observe and report any behaviours, incidents, or changes that are outside of a participant’s usual baseline
This includes increases in frequency, intensity, duration, or new behaviours, as well as changes in mood, engagement, independence, or daily functioning
Ensure all incident reports, progress notes, and behaviour records are completed accurately and in a timely manner
Use clear, factual language that reflects what was observed, what supports were required, and how the situation was managed
Why this matters:
Accurate reporting keeps us compliant with organisational and NDIS requirements
It provides the evidence and justification needed for plan reviews, reassessments, and advocacy
Most importantly, it helps us protect participants’ access to appropriate supports, staffing ratios, and safe care environments
This is not about over-reporting or labelling behaviour it is about capturing an honest and accurate picture of each participant’s needs so their care is not compromised If you are ever unsure whether something should be reported, please err on the side of caution and speak with your Team Leader or Coordinator.
COMMUNITY TOOWOOMBA
February Kindness Challenge
This month is also a great opportunity to focus on kindness, toward others and ourselves Small moments of patience, encouragement, and understanding can make a big difference, whether in the workplace or the broader community Creating a culture of kindness strengthens not only teams, but the quality of support we provide.
Making a Meaningful Difference Every Day
February is a natural time to reflect on purpose, connection, and the work that brings us together
Working within the NDIS space means being part of something meaningful. Behind every plan, conversation, and coordination effort is a focus on supporting people to live the lives they choose While much of this work happens quietly, its impact is significant
As a service coordinator, I see firsthand the care, persistence, and professionalism that goes into supporting participants and their families It’s not always straightforward, but it is always worthwhile Taking a moment to appreciate the value of this work helps remind us why we do what we do
Looking Ahead to March
There’s also a sense of excitement as we head toward March, with the NRL season just around the corner. It’s something many people look forward to each year! A reminder that balance, enjoyment, and shared interests are important parts of everyday life too.
Thank you for being part of the journey and for the role you play in supporting positive outcomes within our community
JANUARY WAS FILLED WITH FUN AND LAUGHTER!
FEBRUARY IS SHAPING UP TO BE JUST AS FUN AND EXCITING!
We’re spreading the love with our Valentine’s Day celebrations, enjoying some wonderful group lunch outings, and coming together for a Wear Red morning tea With a gold coin donation on the 18th Feb , it’s a great chance to enjoy some treats, share a laugh, and support a good cause. February is all about connection, kindness, and making more happy memories together.
ROCKHAMPTON
AUSTRALIA DAY FUN! WELCOME JULIA!
We’re excited to welcome Julia to the Rocky DS family as our new Day Service Coordinator! Julia brings a wealth of experience, a friendly smile, and lots of great ideas to support our participants.
We can’t wait for everyone to get to know her and see her in action
Please join us in giving Julia a warm Rocky welcome! She is Eager to see where this road takes her and what she can achieve for our Group Participants
We want to wish Logan all the best in his new career path and hope that success finds him in all new avenues Logan did a lot for our community and we are very grateful for his previous commitment.
Our Australia Day celebrations were a blast! We headed to Northside Pool for a refreshing swim, followed by hot chips for a tasty treat. The day wrapped up with some friendly competition at mini golf, and everyone had a great time enjoying the sunshine, laughter, and community spirit.
Stay tuned for more exciting activities and updates from Rocky Day Service we’ve got a lot planned for the year ahead!
ROSTERING
Hello everyone!
So far this year has been running so smoothly, it is so wonderful. Thank you to everyone for your hard work and determination.
Some Upcoming changesI wanted to take a moment to say a big goodbye and thank you to Wade and a big warm hello to Kirby who will be returning to Rockhampton rostering very shortly! If you see or speak with Wade please share your goodbyes. In the interim, please ensure you contact the office, if you send a message to the Rockhampton rostering phone and your message is not actioned. Please also ensure your availability is correct in Caremaster to ensure a smooth transition!
SAFETY -
As support workers, safety is a shared responsibility, and we want everyone to feel safe and confident in their role. This means following all policies and procedures, being aware of your surroundings, and using safe work practices at all times.
If at any point you feel unsafe or unsure, remove yourself from the situation where possible and contact your supervisor or on-call immediately. If in immediate harm, contact 000. Speaking up about concerns is encouraged, and no one will be penalised for prioritising their safety or the safety of others.
THANK YOU! B
Next 5 Queensland Public Holidays (from today)
Toowoomba Show (Toowoomba only)Friday, 27 March 2026
Good Friday – Friday, 3 April 2026
Easter Monday – Monday, 6 April 2026
Anzac Day – Saturday, 25 April 2026
Labour Day (QLD) – Monday, 4 May 2026
BIGDOG RECEPTION
LOVE DOES NOT NEED A CALENDAR REMINDER
Can you believe it’s February already? One month down, eleven to go! As the year of the Snake winds down and the Year of the Horse kicks into gear, it’s the perfect time to embrace fresh energy, chase new opportunities, and leave anything heavy from last year behind. Whether January treated you well or left you ready to hit refresh, this month is all about small wins, a little self-care, and maybe even laughing at the chaos of Valentine’s Day because love isn’t just about chocolates and roses, it’s about enjoying the little moments that make life interesting. Here’s to making February count!
Valentine’s Day Fun Facts
1. Over 145 million Valentine’s cards are sent every year. That’s a lot of love!
2. Red roses mean love, yellow roses mean friendship, and white roses mean purity.
3. Cupid’s arrows aren’t just cute, legend says they make people fall in love!
4 Don’t forget your pets! Many furry friends get treats and cuddles on Valentine’s too.
“There
is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved”.
– George Sand
ROCKHAMPTON
SERVICE UPDATES
School Is Back, Squash Season Is Underway & Rockynats Are Rolling In!
School has officially commenced, and with the new term underway we’re excited to let families know that our Schoolies Program is now running Monday to Friday. It’s a great way for kids to stay active, build skills, and enjoy their afternoons in a fun and supportive environment. If your child is already enrolled, we’re thrilled to have them back and if not, now’s the perfect time to get involved!
It’s also an exciting time for squash lovers, with the squash season now officially underway. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious to see what it’s all about, we’d love to see you down at the courts. Matches and social play take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and spectators are always welcome. Better yet, grab a racquet and join in new and returning players are encouraged!
Rockynats Parade at Scottvale
We’re also gearing up for something a little different and very exciting — Scottvale Health Club will be hosting a small parade featuring cars from Rockynats. This is a fantastic opportunity for members, families, and the local community to get up close to some incredible vehicles and soak up the Rockynats atmosphere right here at Scottvale.
More details will be shared soon, so keep an eye out and make sure you don’t miss it!
There’s plenty happening at Scottvale Health Club, and we look forward to seeing everyone enjoying everything we have on offer.
YOUR LATEST SCOTTVALE UPDATE SCOTTVALE HEALTH ROCKHAMPTON
We’d like to let our clients know that our Exercise Physiologist, Shayla, finished up in her regular role on Friday, 23 January 2026 Shayla has been offered an amazing new job opportunity, and while we’re sad to see her step back, we wish her all the very best in this next chapter
Although you may not see Shay as often, she is still part of the Scottvale team and will be working with us once a fortnight, supporting program updates and reporting behind the scenes If you’d like to have a chat with Shay, you’re more than welcome to book a time by calling our office on 4573 4611
Our Physiotherapist, Rina, has been in high demand and her calendar is filling quickly. If you’re looking to book a session, we recommend getting in touch soon. Rina currently offers group classes, 1:1 pool and gym sessions, Pilates, and massage appointments
We also have good availability with our Allied Health Assistant, Sam, who works under the guidance of Rina and Shay Sam has a strong knowledge base and plenty of availability in his calendar. If you’d like to book a session with Sam, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email.
Lastly, we have some exciting plans for our casual fitness classes. We’re working on introducing a seasonal timetable, allowing us to offer different classes throughout the year depending on the weather.
Stay tuned for more information!
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!
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Looking after ourselves is the foundation of feeling and functioning well. Getting enough sleep helps our body repair and our mind reset, while good nutrition fuels our energy, mood, and overall health. Drinking enough water keeps our body systems working properly and helps us stay focused. Regular movement, even gentle activity, supports both physical strength and mental wellbeing. Together, these simple habits help us feel more balanced, resilient, and ready for daily life.
For people with disabilities, support workers can provide assistance in ways that promote choice, dignity, and independence.
Sleep: Supporting consistent routines, creating a calm sleep environment, and assisting with bedtime tasks when needed.
Nutrition: Helping with meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and making healthy food choices that suit individual needs and preferences.
Water intake: Offering regular reminders to drink water, providing accessible drink containers, and monitoring hydration as required.
Movement: Encouraging and assisting with physical activity, exercises, or mobility supports that are safe and enjoyable.
Emotional support: Listening, motivating, and providing reassurance to build confidence in self-care routines. With respectful and person-centred support, individuals can maintain their wellbeing and feel empowered in their daily lives.
Reporting has become increasingly critical, particularly in the current NDIS climate. With growing constraints and scrutiny around funding, high-quality OT assessments and reports are often key pieces of evidence used to justify supports, demonstrate functional impact, and advocate for plans that genuinely reflect participant needs.
Clear, functional OT reporting helps: Demonstrate how mental health and cognitive challenges impact daily life
Support requests for increased or continued funding
Reduce the risk of inappropriate funding reductions
Strengthen Change of Circumstances and plan review submissions
As funding pressures continue across the scheme, proactive and well-timed OT involvement can make a meaningful difference to participant outcomes and long-term stability.
Please note that capacity is filling quickly, and availability for new assessments and ongoing therapy is becoming limited. If you have participants who would benefit from OT input or require updated reporting to support upcoming reviews, I encourage early referrals to avoid missing out.
