BIGDOG
AN UPDATE FROM PETER
As June approaches, I want to thank everyone for their hard work in supporting our clients and participants. Winter may be cooling us down, but our operations are heating up!
LOOKING BACK:
Recapping on the past month, audit preparations have been a major focus, but some of the highlights outside of this have been:
Participating in the risk management training provided by Soteria Blue
Visiting the team in Rockhampton and Scottvale.
Attending the Day Service Mother’s Day crafts day and meeting more of the team and participants. Turn’s out my mum still likes a handmade gift as well!
LOOKING AHEAD:
You may also notice invitations are being scheduled for our Bi-Annual performance appraisals. These are a great opportunity to sit-down and discuss how work is going at BigDog and if there are any areas for support and improvement. If this is your first one, do not be daunted –it’s a great time to share and reflect!
We also have a new addition to announce, with a new Physiotherapist (Rina) joining the Scottvale team in June. If you happen to cross paths, please make sure to provide a warm welcome.
Building on that, make sure to keep an eye out for worker news items in your CareMaster app I look forward to meeting many more of you this June!
In this newsletter you will find:
Latest projects, outings, free resources, and more. Keep Reading!
Crash Course in Responsibility: Our Vehicles
Aren’t Disposable, is your income?
WHAT MAKES YOU LIABLE?
In the event of an accident or damage to a company vehicle:
Check for injuries – Call 000 if emergency assistance is needed Call the BigDog office immediately – Report what has occurred and seek guidance.
Stay calm and safe – Move the vehicle if it's blocking traffic and safe to do so
Do not admit fault on the scene – Stick to the facts when speaking to the other party.
Always follow the incident reporting procedure as outlined in your induction It protects you and the business
Crash Happens? Collect These Details First!
If you are involved in an accident while driving a company vehicle, you must collect the following information before leaving the scene:
Full name and contact number of the other driver
Their driver’s licence number and expiry
Vehicle make, model, colour, and registration plate
Insurance provider and policy number
Photos of damage to both vehicles and the scene
Names and contacts of any witnesses
Failing to gather these can delay repairs, insurance, and create serious issues for the business and for you
You Are Liable – Read That Again In an Accident? Here's What To Do
If you fail to report damage, fail to collect the right details, or breach the Driver Agreement you are liable
This includes:
Vehicle excess of $3,500 for at-fault damage
Speeding and parking fines, which are automatically redirected to the driver
Possible disciplinary action for serious breaches or non-reporting
You signed the Driver Agreement and that means accountability Drive responsibly Report honestly Protect yourself and the business
Toowoomba
Staff Shout Out - Karla Cassidy
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
Our Latest Stand-outs Rockhampton
A big thank you to Karla for her dedicated work with handling challenging cleaning situations Your attention to detail and commitment do not go unnoticed We especially appreciate the extra effort you put into organizing and sorting the cleaning items afterwards. You've settled in quickly and seamlessly, and it's been a pleasure having you on the team.
Staff Shout Out - Michael Backman
A sincere thank you to Michael for being a consistently reliable and valued member of the day service team Your willingness to step in and cover shifts at the last minute is truly appreciated, and your calm, easygoing nature and politeness do not go unnoticed You regularly work with some of our more challenging clients with patience and professionalism Your dedication and positive attitude make a real difference to the team and the people we support
Staff Shout Out - Ella Armstrong
A big thank you to Ella for being incredibly reliable and dedicated You consistently show up for your clients and go above and beyond even cancelling personal plans to help cover shifts. Your commitment is truly appreciated.
Staff Shout Out – Kaylah Frazer
Thank you Kaylah, for your incredible support and dedication From picking up extra shifts to managing appointments, case notes, and a high-behaviour clients your efforts have been outstanding Your help with admin and day-today challenges has made a big difference You're truly appreciated!
COMMUNITY ROCKHAMPTON
Let’s talk Shift Notes! Happy Pride Month
June is Pride Month a time to honour the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusion It’s a chance to recognise the history, struggles, and achievements of those who have fought for equality, while continuing to support a future where everyone feels safe, seen, and respected At BigDog, we’re proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ participants, staff, and community members. Let’s keep creating spaces where everyone can be their authentic selves
Shift notes are a key part of delivering consistent, safe, and high-quality support
Here’s why they’re essential:
Continuity of Care: They keep all staff updated on a participant’s needs, ensuring smooth and informed support
Compliance & Accountability: Notes meet NDIS requirements and can serve as professional records in audits or disputes
Safety & Wellbeing: By recording incidents or changes, they help flag risks early and guide additional support
Team Communication: Notes keep everyone in the loop, improving teamwork and care quality.
Goal Tracking: They show daily progress towards NDIS goals, helping adjust supports when needed.
Well-written shift notes lead to better outcomes for participants Let’s look at some strong examples in action:
Add it to your calendar
�� Celtic Vibes – Symphony Concert (June 14)
The Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra brings the spirit of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to life in a magical night of Celtic music at the Pilbeam Theatre
�� Rockhampton Show (June 12–13)
A two-day celebration of country life with animals, rides, local produce, and live entertainment. A classic favourite for all ages!
�� Bull Ride Series – Great Western Hotel (June 21)
High-energy bull riding, great food, and an electric atmosphere don't miss this iconic Rockhampton rodeo experience!
COMMUNITY TOO MBA
Did you know?
Peter, Logan, Mackenzie, and Billy have joined the elite 0 5% of the population who’ve completed a Half Marathon 21 1km in one go! A huge congratulations to them.
Logan is now training a small Rockhampton team, showing how running boosts both body and mind More races are ahead who’ll clock the fastest time next?
Current Leader Board:
1 Logan - 2h 22s
2 Billy - 2h 5m
3 Macka - 2h 10m
4 Peter - 2h 21m
An Office Update
Looking after your mental health is just as important as the work you do each day As a disability support worker, you give so much of yourself to others, and while that’s incredibly meaningful, it can also be mentally and emotionally draining It is important to take time to check in with yourself, talk to someone you trust, and find small ways to recharge.
Whether it is taking a walk, doing something you enjoy, or simply taking a few deep breaths, every little bit helps Remember, you do not have to carry everything on your own BigDog offers a free and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all staff, so if you ever need to talk or need extra support, it is there for you Your wellbeing matters because when you take care of yourself, you are better able to care for others.
Black Dog Institute
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and we’re shining a light on the Black Dog Institute, a leader in mental health research and support. They offer free, evidencebased tools and programs for anxiety, depression, and wellbeing helping individuals, workplaces, and communities break the stigma.
As part of their advocacy, the Black Dog Marathon (June 14–16) encourages movement for mental health highlighting the benefits of exercise in boosting mood, reducing stress, and improving overall wellbeing
Visit blackdoginstitute org au for more info or support Let’s keep the conversation going.
ROCKHAMPTON
The Monthly Rockhampton Recap!!
Can you believe May’s already over? This month absolutely flew by but not without packing in a ton of fun at Day Service! We’ve been out and about, soaking up the sunshine, trying new things, and just enjoying each other’s company.
Chill Time
We kept our usual favs going strong library visits were super chill and gave us a chance to grab some new reads Cooking classes were a hit too (we might be getting a little too confident in our chef skills).
Community Outings
One of the best days this month was our trip to Emu Park to check out the Singing Ship. The views were absolutely stunning and yep we definitely treated ourselves to hot chips by the water (because how could you not?).
Pro Golfers
Golf was a bit of a theme this month too! We hit up the driving range to practice our swings, and then took our skills to Cooberrie Park Mini Golf It was full of laughs (and a few missed shots), but we had a blast.
May was packed to the brim with activities, Lilo and Stitch, a classic was well received. Zoo trips and feeding horses bought out the wild side of us all with beachside chill outs needed after. Bowling saw the competitiveness in us all overflow as did filling our belly’s with good a Pub Grub
June will be nothing short of the same we have an exciting lineup of activities planned! We'll kick things off with a trip to Mount Morgan, where we’ll explore the historic town and enjoy its scenic views. Next, we’ll head to the Rocky Show for a fun-filled day of entertainment, rides, and local exhibits To wrap things up, we'll take a relaxing day trip to Gladstone, perfect for soaking up some coastal vibes and enjoying a change of scenery
DAYSERVICE
TOOWOOMBA
The Monthly Toowoomba Throwback!!
We celebrated all the amazing mums in our lives and the wonderful dads who step up when they’re needed most Our big craft day was a huge success! Everyone got stuck in, creating heartfelt gifts and delicious treats to show just how much we care. The room was full of laughter, colour, and love.
Grumps Diner
We’re turning back the clock for a little nostalgia! A special outing to Grumps Diner will let us enjoy some retro vibes, good food, and great company. It’s our little treat this month, and we can’t wait!
Live BIG
Road Safety Day RSPCA & BBQ
We’re heading out to the bike safety park to build up our knowledge and confidence when it comes to road safety. It’ll be a hands-on, fun-filled day that helps us stay safe while out and about in the community
This month, we’ve focused on looking after our bodies and minds eating well, staying active, managing emotions, and improving sleep Everyone got involved and supported each other, making great steps toward healthier habits To wrap it all up, we had a cosy movie day (Stitch was a hit!) followed by a warm lunch at the City Golf Club. A perfect way to relax, connect, and celebrate our progress.
Get ready for furry cuddles and wagging tails! We’re off to visit the RSPCA this month to spend some quality time with the animals. After that, we’ll enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch together in Glenvale yum!
Come join Jess and the rest of the team for all the exciting adventures happening at the Toowoomba Day Service. We can’t wait to see you there!
BIGDOG ROSTERING
CHECK NOTES PUNCTUAL
COMMUNICATION
Always check your shift details and attached notes before starting –these may include vital changes such as time, location, or participant needs.
Be punctual and prepared – late arrivals or missed details negatively affect participants and place pressure on the rest of the team.
This is a friendly but important reminder to please check your support shifts and any attached notes prior to commencing each shift These notes often include essential updates such as time or location changes, participant needs, or other critical information relevant to your support session Recently, we’ve observed an increasing number of instances where shifts are being missed, delayed, or staff are arriving unprepared due to these details being overlooked. This can have a significant impact on the participant's experience, disrupt service continuity, and place additional strain on your fellow team members.
Communicate with the office if unclear – reach out ahead of time if anything is uncertain to ensure smooth support delivery
We understand the demands of your roles and the fast-paced nature of the work, and we also acknowledge that office staff are often juggling multiple priorities, including day-to-day operations and urgent problem-solving. As such, it is not always feasible for office staff to individually prompt every support worker about each shift or change.
Proactively check their shift details and notes in advance.
Manage their time to ensure punctuality. Reach out to the office in advance if anything is unclear or needs clarification.
Being prepared and punctual is not only a reflection of professionalism but also ensures we continue delivering the high standard of care and support our participants rely on and deserve
Thank you for your attention to this and for the incredible work you do every day If you have any questions or need assistance accessing shift notes, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
STAY MOVING
INTRODUCING PHYSIFIT:
Our PhysiFit classes are designed to help you build strength, improve mobility, and support recovery in a safe and supportive group environment These classes are ideal for anyone looking to enhance their physical well-being whether you're overcoming an injury, managing a condition, or simply aiming to stay active with expert guidance.
1:1 PHYSIOTHERAPY SESSIONS
In addition to group classes, our physiotherapist will also be offering individual sessions tailored to your unique needs and goals. These one-on-one appointments provide the perfect opportunity to work through injuries, manage chronic issues, or develop a personalized rehab plan
BIGDOGRECEPTION
BILITYAWARDSN I
CONGRATULATIONS STEVEN
Steven Paull was proudly celebrated at the 2025 Toowoomba Business disABILITY Awards, receiving the esteemed Judy Antonio Memorial Award �� a heartfelt recognition of his outstanding dedication to inclusion, community support, and empowering people of all abilities.
The Judy Antonio Memorial Award is reserved for someone who leads with heart ❤, uplifts others ��, and breaks down barriers and in 2025, that someone was undoubtedly Steven Paull. Congratulations, Steven! ����
Known for his quiet strength ��, kind spirit ��, and tireless efforts to create positive change, Steven has become a true local hero. His passion for building a more inclusive society continues to inspire everyone around him ��.
