BigDog November 2018 Newsletter

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Editors Note This edition features red poppies on throughout to honour the memory of the 1918 Armistice.

Stories include the State Minister for Disabilities Coralee O’Rourke MP visiting Toowoomba to discuss issues that we have experienced with the transition to the NDIS, Mental Health Week with the Breaking Free Concert organised by Michael Burge with Bronwyn Herbertson as MC, our trip to Movie World, Seven Sunrise Sam Mac visits to Toowoomba to present Mick Jackson with the Suburban Superstar award and a cheque for $7,000, the QCOSS, QDN, NDIS, ADCQ and Toowoomba Regional Council “Changing Lives, Changing Communities 2 day conference at the City Golf Club and (time to take a breath)…

The Queensland review of the Disability Services Act 2006 around items such as strengthening the focus on rights of people with disability, strengthening Government and Community partnerships, Community Visitor Program, Restrictive Practices and positive behaviour support, background screening for support workers and the scope of that screening.

In This Issue } Front Page - Live to Ride

} Sunrise Suburban Superstar } IDPwD } NDIS Updates } In the world of DisAbility } Community NEWS } Community Partners

I wish to send my deep condolences to our families, participants and staff that were effected by some sad loses in October.

} Day Service

I would also like to extend my wishes to the Minister Coralee O’Rourke who revealed just after her visit to Toowoomba that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer for a speedy recovery.

} 100 years WWI Armistice

Steven

} Rockhampton } Administration Updates } November Events

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Sunrise Suburban Superstar Sam Mac from the Channel 7 Sunrise program visited Toowoomba on Wednesday 24th October to present the weather and to report on Mick Jackson’s dream of creating an innovative new disability friendly sidecar outfit that will allow unassisted access for a passenger that uses a wheelchair or will allow a disabled passenger to travel with their carer if required.

But in a surprise turn of events Sam Mac acknowledged Mick as a Suburban Superstar and presented him with a cheque for $7,000.00 to assist in getting his dream closer to being a reality.

Mick Jackson, who has worked as a disability support worker for BigDog a few years ago, is in his 50's and has been a motorcycle riding enthusiast for over 35 years and is passionate

about sharing the thrill and exhilaration of the motorcycle ride experience with other people.

During the time he was working as a motorcycle tour operator he conducted passenger rides for a lot of people but by far the best experiences were conducting group rides at events for the “Make a Wish Foundation” Christmas Party, “Cancer Council” events where he took some very sick kids for rides and during “Disability Action Week” events where he took people of all ages with a range of disabilities and special needs for a ride.

His passengers with a disability found the experience very exciting and personally rewarding and it was a much needed diversion from their daily troubles.

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Brisbane five times to raise money for charity. He represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in the team sport of Goalball. Gerrard returned to his former sporting love – distance running and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon (42.2 kilometres).

He has gone on to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic games, six Athletics World Championships, and 2012 Marathon World Cup. He is currently training for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Gerrard also has a head for heights!

He has co-piloted an ultra-light motor glider around Queensland three times, and climbed to the summit of Mount Everest.

and at 16 he was the youngest ever recipient of a guide dog in Australia. Gerrard has gone on to become an adventurer, three-time Paralympian, Ironman, chocolatier, motivational speaker and former Dancing with the Stars contestant.

Gerrard was honoured with an Order of Australia (OAM) award in 2012, for his outstanding service to sport and to people who are blind or have low vision.

He has also been awarded the Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal, which has been recognised by the international media as “The Nobel of Life”.

Gerrard was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship for humanitarian service, and in 2003 received a Centenary of Federation Medal for service to sport.

Gerrard has run the 2,000 kilometres from Cairns to

His many achievements, strength and determination to succeed at whatever he sets his mind to, saw him named Young Queenslander of the Year, and a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year.

Gerrard is also a Project Manager for MAX Employment, where he assists people with disability to find work.

In addition to his full-time job, business venture as a chocolatier, sporting and adventure pursuits, Gerrard is writing a book called “My Eyes had a Wet Nose”, which provides an insight into the many unique and entertaining experiences that he has encountered with his guide dogs, Joey, Anchor, Summit, Chief, and now Boss.

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IDPwD International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for International Day of People with Disability. The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability.

This has been occurring since 1992 when the General Assembly proclaimed 3rd December as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

The theme for International Day of People with Disability for 2018 is ‘Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality’.

According to the United Nations, 2018’s theme focuses on empowering people with disabilities for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

BigDog Staff President’s Room City Golf Club 253 South Street Toowoomba Monday 3rd December 2018 6:00pm—9:30pm Celebrating the 26th International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a collaborative effort between schools, workplaces, businesses community groups and individuals to help break down disability barriers and celebrate abilities.

For the past 8 years BigDog has celebrated this day by holding an event in our community.

It creates an opportunity for us to think, talk about and acknowledge people with disability positively.

The night includes a 2 course meal, continuous coffee and tea as well as inspirational stories and great entertainment.

Tickets at $25 are all inclusive will go on sale in November so don’t miss out on a great afternoon.

BigDog will cover the cost of our staff and one guest. If a staff member is wanting to bring anyone else then you or they will need to cover the cost of $25/head.

Please let Ann know by Friday16th November if you are attending and if you and a partner and or other family or friends are attending.

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2017 - 2018 NDIA Annual Report now available It is the NDIA's fifth Annual Report and reflects the NDIA's continuing commitment to listen to and engage with participants, providers and sector stakeholders.

The report highlights the achievements and challenges of the year, as well as the growth opportunities ahead to improve the experience of the NDIS for participants and providers.

Chairman’s Report 2018 has been a critical and significant year for the NDIS. It has been a year of achievement, and a year of change. It has been a year of addressing ongoing issues from the past, as well as confronting emerging challenges. It has been a year of solid attainments, of which the NDIA should be justifiably proud, while in no way denying the enormity of the task ahead. But above all else, it has been a year of unequivocal affirmation that the NDIA Board and Management are committed to getting it right for participants.

So let me talk first about our commitment.

What we as a Board and Management are doing is working to deliver the promise that every Australian with a significant and permanent disability, along with their families and carers, can get the reasonable and necessary support they need to participate to their maximum social and economic potential in their communities.

We are demonstrating that commitment, as well as addressing challenges and achieving success, in five key areas.

First, we are demonstrating it through our

commitment to the beliefs and principles that underpin the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Second, we are committed to getting it right for participants.

That means we are committed to delivering a Scheme that is person-focused, that is outcomes-oriented, and that delivers a quality planning experience.

Third, we are committed to building a market of innovative providers.

Fourth, we are committed to engaging with stakeholders, who are the lifeblood of the sector.

Fifth, we are committed to ensuring the Scheme’s financial sustainability.

We know that the Scheme has to be financially sustainable, both in the short and longer term, if it is to be there for future generations of Australians. We know that we must deliver it within the funding envelope that has been provided by governments. And indeed, every year to date we have delivered the Scheme under budget, including this year. And we are committed to ensuring that continues. This is essential.

Dr Helen Nugent AO, Chairman

A copy of the annual report is available to download from: https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/informationpublications-and-reports/annual-reports.html

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Disability Minister visits Toowoomba Coralee O’Rourke MP conducted a forum to seek feedback on the transition to the NDIS in Toowoomba and heard a number of issues.

Anna (parent of 21yo with a disability) “We had more assistance with Disability QLD than with NDIS. Her self harming has meant no one wanted to support her. Not even ASRS did the right thing by her. Despite NDIS reviews we have not had a good resolution. NDIS reviewer was not helpful, he did not want to approve her goals as he couldn't understand them. She has less community supports on this new funding scheme.”

even available in many country towns and even in the cities. Not enough allied health willing to come in as a provider for the NDIS. We desperately need qualified professional services that can be accessed. What is being done to manage the vulnerability and exploitation that occurs.

Why state that no one would be worse off on the new scheme when so many are?

There is a real problem with obtaining permission for restrictive practices. This is limited organisations abilities to provide the level of care needed for behaviorally unstable clients.

“One of my Support Coordinators actually gave me the advice to dump her at the hospital or she'd never get better funding for care.”

No one knows what evidentiary documentation she needs to get adequate support. Complex needs are not being funded sufficiently in this new model. Society and service providers do not want to deal with it. How are families supposed to separate the complexities of health and disability services when in many cases it all goes hand in hand.

David from TASC said it is difficult for the support people in these participants lives to keep going with less funding on this new scheme.

The Queensland Government needs to speak to these participants directly to work through the high level interfaces as we transition to a NDIS model that acknowledges COAG and allied healthcare services.

DSQ gave you OTs, physios, social workers, support workers as a given. Now with the NDIS these services aren't easily accessed or

Coralie O’Rourke with Sharon Boyce and Leanne 7

Changing Lives, Changing Communities Changing Lives, Changing Communities are 13, two-day events across Queensland, creating new ways for people – citizens, community organisations, private sector and government representatives – to come together, envision and ask, “What will it take to create communities where everyone contributes, matters and belongs?”

Changing Lives, Changing Communities is about bringing together all parts of the community to co-create solutions to ensure everyone is included in their community, and can access what they need; like a place to call home, good health, transport, education, and meaningful employment.

Recipe for inclusion 1. Belonging 2. Motivation 3. Strengths-based 4. Sharing stories 5. Innovation 6. Value diversity 7. Flexibility 8. Purpose 9. Accessibility 10. Limitless thinking BigDog was proud to have been one of the organisations chosen to play a part in organising and then participating in this great event.

My thanks to Jeremy who stepped in while I was overseas and then in Rockhampton.

Top: Project 10 team including Andrew and Josh Middle: Project 2 team and their topic presentation Bottom: Jeremy and David discussing a topic

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WhatsUp in Disability

The October/November issue is now available to purchase for only $5.50 or, for a short introductory period, available online to read or download. It is packed with in depth reports about Breaking Free and Mental Health Week,

Minister’s visit to Toowoomba, proposed changes to the Disability Services Act 2006, Changing Lives, Changing Communities Forum, NDIS Yearly Report, readers stories, upcoming events and lots more.

To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be an advertiser, please contact WhatsUp via: Office

4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba

Email

admin@whatsupindisability.org

Phone

4632 6678 9

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Breaking Free Concert Above: Ruby Slipperz Right: Michael Burge Below: Rob McGregor and Bronwyn Herbertson

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Changes to the Disability Services Act As Queensland transitions to the NDIS and works to achieve full scheme operation by 1st July 2019 it is important to consider the laws we need in place in Queensland to support the NDIS and reflect the changing landscape of how supports for people with disability are funded and delivered across Australia.

Since the Disability Services Act 2006 commenced, there has been further recognition of the rights of people with disability and the role of government in promoting and upholding these rights. This review also provides an important opportunity to ensure that our laws are contemporary.

The Queensland Government wants to consider how the Disability Services Act 2006 can best reflect the role of the Queensland Government moving forward, with a critical focus on championing accessibility and inclusion of people with disability within the community.

BigDog has attended a number of these consultation sessions and encourages your participation to ensure the legislation continues to meet the needs of Queenslanders with disability, their families and carers, well into the future.

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November Activities Monday 5th Alice’s Wonderland Cobb and Co Museum East Toowoomba Tuesday 6th

Melbourne Cup Day Wear your best colours and support your favourite horse in the event that stops the nation Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th Kryptonite Challenge at the Toowoomba Showgrounds - Probably the most fun event that you and your mates could enter.

Wednesday 14th Toowoomba Disability Support Providers Network Meeting 10am - noon Mystery Bus Tour Monday 26th White Ribbon Day Monday 3rd December 6:00pm - 9:30pm International Day of People with Disability Inspirational Stories BigDog Day Service Toowoomba

Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander Street North Toowoomba 4350 Coordinators Marrissa Moore and Sharon Price 4512 6020 dayservice@bigdogsupport.com 14

BigDog Rockhampton welcomes an additional vehicle for our participants to utilise.

The Holden Trax is a small five-door, five seat SUV crossover with six airbags, ABS, stability and traction controls, reversing camera, three top-tether anchorages and brake assist.

Comments from team include:

} fuel consumption is fantastic } the height of the Trax is perfect, no bending down or climbing up

} love the apple car play

An Overview of Local Disability Advocacy Agencies and the NDIS Appeals Program Tuesday 20th November, 2018 12.30pm (includes morning tea)

9.30am –

Frenchville Sports Club, 105 Clifton Street, North Rockhampton This event will provide information and answer questions on the disability advocacy options available in the local area. Staff and advocates from the three local disability advocacy organisations will present information on their advocacy models and how they support people with disabilities to have better lives and greater involvement in their communities.

Presenters Capricorn Citizen Advocacy – Ewan Filmer Queensland Advocacy Incorporated – Jennifer Smith ADA Australia – Joanne Jamieson Cost is $20 and tickets are available from:

BigDog Day Service Rockhampton

1/105 Denham Street, Allenstown 4701

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-local-overview -of-disability-advocacy-options-and-the-ndistickets-52040107362 Phone 4622 0299 office@capricornca.org.au

Coordinator Suzanne Smith 0438 724 306 Suzanne@bigdogsupport.com

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100 years since First World War Armistice World War I, sometimes called the 'Great War', lasted four years, from 4th August 1914 until 11th November 1918. Initially it was a war between two sets of alliances: the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary and their allies) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France and Russia) and their allies, including the member countries of the British Empire, and the USA, which entered the war in 1917.

The war began soon after the assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne by a Serbian nationalist. Austria threatened to punish Serbia, an ally of Russia. Russia threatened Austria. Austria, in turn, appealed to Germany. Germany struck first by declaring war on Russia and its ally, France.

When Germany invaded Belgium, Britain entered the war on the side of Russia and France. The war was fought on a number of fronts.

In Europe, the Western Front was in France and Belgium. The Eastern Front involved Russia and Austria-Hungary. Africa was another front because of colonial possessions on that continent, and after Turkey entered the war on 1st November 1914, the Middle East became another theatre of war.

The ANZACs In 1914, Australia's Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher, immediately promised Australian support for Britain 'to the last man and the last shilling'.

Australian involvement in World War I is synonymous with the legend of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). The name became famous with the landing of the Corps on the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey on 25 April 1915. It was the first military engagement in which significant numbers of Australians fought and died as Australian nationals.

The ANZACs were part of an Allied campaign against the Turks to control the Dardanelles and thus open the way to Constantinople and Eastern Europe. This engagement ended with the evacuation of Australian troops on 19th 20th December 1915.

The Gallipoli campaign resulted in the deaths of 7,600 Australians and 2,500 New Zealanders and the wounding of 19,000 Australians and 5,000 New Zealanders. Despite the defeat, the legend attached to the heroism, comradeship and valour of the soldiers, stretcher-bearers, medical officers and others involved remains a source of Australian pride and national identity.

The Australian population in 1914 was less than five million. A summary of the numbers of those who served and of the numbers of deaths and other casualties makes it clear that Australia made a major sacrifice for the Allied war effort .  Enlisted and served overseas 324,000  Dead 61,720  Wounded 155,000

Lest we forget 16

Australian Government

Birthdays

Disability advocates have slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to "repurpose" $3.9 billion originally set aside for the NDIS to pay for drought relief, but the plan has been cautiously welcomed by farmers.

Mr Morrison unveiled his $5 billion Drought Future Fund at a summit attended by farmers, economists, industry bodies and state and federal ministers in Canberra on Friday, promising measures to drought-proof the nation's agriculture sector.

The first $3.9 billion of the scheme, which would operate similarly to the Medical Future Fund, is to be paid for out of a pool of money originally intended for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Federal Government has also announced a new national standard for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), improving diagnostic consistency across Australia. Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, today welcomed the release of the national guideline, funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency.

November 3rd 6th 10th 14th 19th 27th 29th

Jeremy S Luke Mc Tahlia G Monique P Johnathan L Joan A Tasha G

Have a great day!

About 164,000 Australians, including 136,000 children and young people under the age of 25, have ASD. That represents a 79% increase from 2009.

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100 year Armistice Day Sunday 11th November

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month 1918 My Future My Choice Friday 16th & Saturday 17th

Melbourne Exhibition Centre Over 120 exhibitors, NDIS presentations and information Hand Made under the stars Thursday 22nd November

The ultimate twilight shopping experience with unique gifts from more than 50 selected local artisans - the perfect opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done early.

There is delicious food and drinks available to purchase and there will also be wine, cheese and chocolate tastings on offer in our gourmet tasting area.

White Ribbon Day Monday 26th November

Toowoomba Together Inc, in conjunction with White Ribbon invite you to the annual breakfast in Clewley Park, Water St Toowoomba. This event is to highlight the stance of men standing against violence against women, an opportunity for men to band together and show solidarity and respect for women and the important role they play in the world.

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Late of Toowoomba, passed away peacefully on 23rd October 2018, aged 50 years. Beloved Husband of Rosslyn. Loving Step-Dad and Grandad of Matthew, Kimberly, John, Bryana, Jerome and their respective families.

Dearly loved Son of Bob and Gloria, Son-inlaw of Nan and Lyle. Much loved Brother, Brother-in-law and Uncle. Toowoomba, Tuesday, 30th October 2018.. Attendees were invited to wear Hi-Vis workwear in honour of Blue.

Late of Toowoomba and formerly of Stanthorpe, passed away peacefully on 19th October 2018, aged 52 years. Loved Father of Tegan, Cody and Seth. Brother of Lesa and Maree and loved Son of Gwyn and Roy (dec’d).

Relatives and friends attended Andrew’s funeral, held Graveside at the Garden of Remembrance, Thursday, 25th October 2018.

Contact Us BigDog Support Services 232 Ruthven Street Toowoomba QLD 4350 PO Box 234 Harlaxton QLD 4350

(07) 4632 9559 1800 22 44 32 0427 408 698 (On Call) www.bigdogsupport.com 19

Monday 3rd December 2018 President’s Room City Golf Club Toowoomba 6:00pm to 9:30pm $25 includes a 2 course dinner and entertainment Tickets can be booked by calling

4632 9559

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