BigDog January 2019 Newsletter

2018 in Review 1

Steven I trust that everyone had a great Christmas, one that was spent with family and friends in an environment of mutual respect and love. I wish all our magazine readers a safe and successful 2019.

Speaking of 2019, this is our 10th year as a registered company and I thought that it was time to upgrade our logo to move away from the triangle shaped dogs to a more identifiable Great Dane and Dachshund. Our story of the little dog with a big heart is an important reminder of who we are.

Staff will receive new work shirts (Ann needs your colour choices and size, like right now!), our signage and marketing will be replaced, our web site upgraded, and our vehicles will be rebranded as shown on our new wheelchair bus.

In This Issue } New Year Reflections

} 2018 in Review } NDIS Updates } In the world of DisAbility } Community NEWS } Community Partners } Carnival of Flowers } Day Service } Rockhampton

} Safety Matters We will also be making available for purchase a range of other clothing items including t-shirts, shorts, vests and coats. Stay tuned.

} Admin Updates } October Events

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2018 in Review

By David Paull It was a year that served up stories of shock and suspense. We learnt a lot. But also not much at all. Mostly we just sat back and judged.

If we’ve learnt anything from 2018, it’s that obnoxious weddings turn people against you. It happened to some TV host we used to know, and it also happened to Meghan Markle.

We loved her but months after she threw an OTT wedding, her staff and the public decided they were no longer fans. “Duchess Difficult” is what she’s reportedly being called. On the bright side, at least she now has a cool rap name in case she ever wants to ditch this whole royal thing and go down the hip hop route.

Meghan Markle has gone from blushing bride to ‘Duchess Difficult’.

This year saw us become obsessed with every single detail of stories around the world.

That Thai soccer team got stuck in a cave and all of sudden we all became engineers, talking with unqualified expertise about how the rescue would unfold in the flooded caverns of the underground labyrinth.

The story had everything. Tragedy, hope, suspense, a happy ending plus a globally humiliated billionaire entrepreneur.

Elon Musk rocked on up to the cave with a homemade mini-submarine under his arm and none of us wanted to play with him.

I’ve never seen the mini-submarine but in my

mind it’s a Milo tin attached to a really long piece of string. I wouldn’t want to be locked in there either.

Still, we shouldn’t have dismissed it. The man invented the car. That doesn’t sound correct and I could be wrong, but he seems smart and we probably shouldn’t have laughed at him.

He even told us he tested the mini-submarine in his swimming pool. Why were we questioning it? In 2019, we should be a little bit more trusting of eccentric billionaires who want to save people with inventions they’ve tested in their swimming pool.

This year, we became fed up with mediocrity and accepted no excuses for careless missteps.

Shock jock Johanna Griggs was at it again when she pulled on her welding mask and applied a blowtorch to the botched Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. When it comes to searing editorials, Griggs and national treasure Liz Ellis have both delivered among the most surprising and spectacularly articulated take-downs of the year.

An unimpressed Joanna Griggs and Basil Zempilas after the Commonwealth Games closer debacle.

If Nine’s scrambling executives are indeed considering two female hosts to front the troubled Today show, Ellis and Griggs in the morning would be sensational.

To say Barnaby Joyce was left red faced by 3

his cheating scandal is an understatement, and not just because his complexion is naturally that tone.

Among the many other disasters at Parliament House, Julie Bishop still came out on top in the public eye and proved she’s a genius who can walk through the minefield in a terrific pair of shoes. She was one of many people who were robbed.

One of the year’s other shock heists was pulled off by Grant Denyer, who pilfered the Gold Logie from Tracy Grimshaw. It was a true upset — one this country should still be railing against.

Thief! Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer.

We also lost a lot of icons this year — the grey plastic grocery bag among the most highprofile of the deceased. Its demise was a win for Waleed and a loss for cynical people everywhere who just wanted free and convenient bathroom bin liners. Australia will never be the same.

This year saw some of the biggest stories of our time break on social media. Lindsay Lohan showed us how you throw a party in Mykonos, bitch. White girls everywhere fell out of moving Hyundais while attempting the viral Keke dance challenge. And Big Dick Energy (BDE) swung across the globe. We can still

feel it.

Ignoring the chaos and drama in our own lives, we found security in reality television. Watching a bunch of loons make stupid choices and judging them for it provided the perfect distraction from our own terrible decisions.

“Married at First Sight” cheaters Davina and Dean became national villains. In hindsight, we probably got a bit too swept up in the mayhem and should’ve showed a bit more restraint in derailing the lives of these strangers. But that’s what hindsight’s for.

You live and you learn and then you make the same mistake a few more times and then maybe you eventually change your destructive ways.

Editor notes: 1.

David is my cousin, an ex-school teacher, and has never been backward in expressing his views about everything.

2.

Favourite saying and person in history:

“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans” ...John Lennon 3.

BDE is something you either have, or you don’t. It’s a quiet assurance that in some starts from birth and in others develops over time. But the crucial factor is it’s lowkey. Look it up!

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Enhancements to pricing for complex needs Very Complex Needs The NDIA will implement a range of new pricing arrangements that will assist providers deliver high quality, innovative supports to NDIS participants.

These changes demonstrate the NDIA’s commitment to developing a sustainable and vibrant disability services market, where participants have choice and control over their supports, and providers flourish in a competitive market.

The NDIS, with the support of providers, is creating new and exciting opportunities to provide personalised supports to people with disability, as part of a world-leading Scheme.

The NDIA has been assisted by the newlyestablished Pricing Reference Group which has provided advice on the appropriateness of prices as the market undergoes significant change.

Participants with more complex support needs require higher skilled staff to deliver some supports which incur higher costs for providers.

Recognising this, the current system - with two levels of price controls for assistance with selfcare, social and recreational activities - will be replaced with three price levels linked to the skill level of the worker delivering the support.

These new arrangements for complex support provision take effect on 1st February 2019.

The three levels of price controls incorporate: 

Level 1 – standard needs (as per

2018/19 price guide) 

Level 2 – complex needs (a 5.6% loading in alignment with current approach)



Level 3 – very complex needs (new loading of 10.3%)

In addition, a loading of Temporary Support for Overheads of 2.5 per cent will be applied to Levels 2 and 3.

This is consistent with the application of a Temporary Support Overhead for Level 1 for attendant care which occurred on 1 July 2018.

The Temporary Support Overhead will remain in place at 1.25 per cent in 2019/20 and be removed in the following year.

The new three-level system reflects the findings of the NDIA led pilot program on pricing for complexity that engaged providers from states and territories to identify the best approach to implementing change.

Provider Portal Updates It's now even easier to find services and provi ders using Provider Finder in the myplace port al.

New interactive Google mapping functionality has been added to the Provider Finder. This allows users to find directions from a location—such as a home address—to a registered provider's address.

The service will also display the provider location and estimated travel time by car, public transport or other modes of transport.

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My Health Record Local Ipswich community member, Peter Tully, believes having a My Health Record is an important tool where he can keep all of his key health information in one place.

My Health Record is an online summary of a person’s key health information such as allergies, current conditions and treatments, medicine details, as well as pathology and diagnostic imaging reports. It allows your nominated healthcare providers access to a summary of your health record when they need to.

By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will be created for every person with a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card, unless they choose not to have one.

Peter first moved to Ipswich in October 1997 where he eventually met his now wife Linda in 2007.

Both Peter and Linda are passionate and active advocates within the Ipswich disability community, having been involved in the Every Australian Counts (EAC) campaign since its inception and having both being named Queensland EAC Champions for the 2018-19 year.

In April 2010, both Peter and Linda became the volunteer regional facilitators for Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) with work leading Peter to take on an additional position as the Disability Development Officer for Able Australia.

Having a My Health Record gives Peter peace of mind knowing that health care professionals can access his key health information without him, or his wife, having to remember all of his medications and medical history.

“To give you an example, what do you think happens when I become unwell and get admitted to hospital? My wife, who also has a disability, gets overwhelmed and is obviously worried about me and can’t tell the doctors my critical health information, like medications and my medical history.”

“However, with having a My Health Record, all my wife needs to do is tell the treating clinician that I have a My Health Record, and they will be able to find all of the important information they need.”

As a central repository of documents from different healthcare providers, My Health Record stores information that can be accessed at the point of care.

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New Laws in 2019 On 1st January there's a bunch of new laws coming into effect.

Tampon Tax Axed The 10% GST on sanitary products, such as tampons and menstrual pads, will be axed on January 1. The removal of this tax was celebrated as a victory by women's rights groups who have campaigned against the "sexist" tax since it was introduced in 1999. The tax on the products was long viewed as controversial as tampons and pads were taxed, while other products including incontinence pads, Viagra, sunscreen and condoms had exemptions.

Collectively, Australians owe a whopping $51.6 billion in credit card debt alone, making us one of the most highly indebted nations in the world.

Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY Boost Young adults in regional and rural Australia hoping to claim Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY will see a rise in the parental income limit from 1st January. From the first day of 2019, the combined parental income limit will increase from $150,000 to $160,000 annually, with an additional $10,000 added for each additional child.

Lifetime Cap on HELP University Debt

Electoral Funding Laws

The government will introduce a new lifetime limit of the amount of money loaned to university and Vocational and Education Training (VET) students.

The New Year will also ring in changes to the country's electoral funding laws with a cap on how much cash political parties can receive from foreign donors.

The lifetime Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) will be set at $104,440 for most students, while those studying more expensive courses like medicine and dentistry will have a $150,000 cap.

Foreign donations will be restricted to $1000 from 1st January under new laws that will also prohibit foreign governments and state-owners enterprises from making gifts worth $100 or more to political parties.

Credit Card Crackdown

China

Credit card providers will have to provide proof a card holder can afford to pay back their credit limit within three years under tough new years that aim to curb Australia's debt. Providers will also have to stop applying interest rates retrospectively and provide online avenues for credit card cancellation.

A free trade agreement with China will see tariffs cut or abolished on Australian exports.

Wine, seafood, most fruit and vegetables will no longer be hit with a tariff in China.

This heralds a great future for the Darling Downs in particular with fresh produce flying out of Wellcamp airport to China.

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WhatsUp in Disability

2018 AGM Our 2018 AGM was held at the Paul Myatt Community Centre on Friday 14th December 2017 and the incoming Executive were elected for 2019.

Welcome to Tasha Grundon as Secretary and Liz Schneidewin as Editor

President Steven Paull

Secretary Tasha Grundon

We acknowledge the great work that had been done by the retiring members of the previous Executive, Wendy Adams and Jeremy Scamp and thank them for contributing to this great magazine for people with disability.

Looking forward to a great 2019.

Steven Paull President

Treasurer Ann Paull

Editor Liz Schneidewin

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

Online

www.whatsupindisability.org

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Tony Wigan and Peter Campbell

Denise Kimber Band

Bec and Alyssa

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Noelle and Joan

Monique and Gary

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A visit to the Oakey Army Flying Museum to see some of the vast collection of aircraft and related memorabilia from WW1 to the modern day.

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Fundraising events in 2018 We regularly undertake fundraising activities and in 2018 we were able to support the following great organisations or events:

January Activities Cooking with Hesty Friday 11th January 12:30pm - 2:30pm Australia Day Morning Tea at CUA 2019 Day Service activity costs

Wednesday 23rd 10am - noon

Resource Fee

$ 6.50

BigDog Day Service Toowoomba

Swimming

$ 5.00

Paul Myatt Community Centre

Gym

$ 7.00

11-15 Alexander Street

Cook N Share

$ 5.00

North Toowoomba 4350

Cooking

$ 5.00

Coordinators

Bowling

$ 7.00

Marrissa Moore and Sharon Price

Sewing

$ 3.00

4512 6020

Payments are due the first day that you attend

dayservice@bigdogsupport.com 14

Rockhampton Disability Plan

This NDIS Strategy outlines how Council will work in partnership with key agencies and stakeholders to maximise outcomes for participants, our community and businesses. It also identifies 3 key areas of opportunity: 1.

Supporting NDIS roll out

2.

Harnessing economic opportunity

3.

Strengthening community capacity, access and inclusion

Copies of the strategy are available through Advance Rockhampton 220 Quay Street Rockhampton phone 1300 22 55 77 or online advancerockhampton@rrc.qld.gov.au Welcome Matt White Matt has been appointed to assist Suz in coordinating Rockhampton operations but specifically in managing community access and home support programs.

The Rockhampton Regional Council has recognised the importance of the NDIS and the great economic opportunity for the region.

BigDog Day Service Rockhampton

1/105 Denham Street, Rockhampton 4701 Post Office address PO Box 9777 Frenchville 4701 Coordinator Suzanne Smith 0438 724 306 Suzanne@bigdogsupport.com 15

A guide to working safely in people’s homes wear and tear, caused by frequent or prolonged periods of muscular effort associated with repeated or continuous use of the same body parts, and sudden damage, caused by intense or strenuous activity or unexpected movements such as when people who are being handled move or change position suddenly.

Injuries can also arise when required equipment is obtained hastily, often due to high cost and low availability of approved equipment in regional areas. There will be no safety procedure in place for the unapproved type of equipment, which puts the worker at risk.

BigDog has a no lift policy and provides training in safe work procedures including work methods and use of mechanical aids and equipment.

While many consider the home to be a place of safety and comfort, there are a wide range of risks involved for those working in a home environment.

Support workers providing services in a home environment are often working in isolation without available assistance from a co-worker, in a space that is not designed for health or personal care, with issues like low bed heights and small bathrooms.

A copy of “A guide to working safely in people’s homes” is available on the BigDog computer network or on the Worksafe Queensland website https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/ __data/assets/pdf_file/0018/82503/community -working-safely-in-peoples-homes.pdf

More information You can find more detailed information about the topics discussed in this guide at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au and www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au or call 1300 362 128

The types of injuries that can occur from manual tasks in a home environment are gradual 16

Lachlan Smit Graduation

Birthdays

Congratulations to Lachlan for his graduation from Toowoomba SHS. Lachlan undertook a school-based traineeship in Administration at BigDog while he was studying his senior year. We wish him all the very best for his future employment and life after school.

January 7th 15th 20th 21st 22nd 25th

Suzanne S Chris K Courtney C Tyler S Shane P Kenneth H

Have a great day!

BigDog will be undertaking a number of supported respite cruises in 2019. Initially these will all be in Australian waters only so that a Passport will not be necessary. Book your place now so that you don’t miss out!

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Friday 11th January 5:00pm - 9:30pm The Toowoomba Markets 291 Ruthven Street Toowoomba Come and enjoy incredible high vibe entertainment, vendors and fashion.

Tickets $5.00 available online at www.thetoowoombamarkets.com.au

Wednesday 16th January 12:30pm - 3:00pm Autism Hub Department of Education 178 Hume Street Toowoomba Join the regional autism coach to explore evidence-based strategies that parents, educators and specialists can use to ensure that all transitions occur in a supportive and positive environment.

Wednesday 16th January 4:30pm - 7:00pm Cobb+Co Museum 27 Lindsay Street Toowoomba Cost: $10 per child* includes entry to the Live Insect Show and an activity booklet.

Twilight show commences at 5:30pm Children must be accompanied by an adult (included in this price for residents).

Wednesday 23rd January 5:30pm - 7:00pm University of Southern Queensland (USQ) West Street Toowoomba Campus Toowoomba’s premier networking event Member $25 Non-member $45 Tickets through toowoombatickets.com.au

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Join us at the CUA Community Hub for a week of fun activities and information sessions as well as an Australia Day Theme morning tea.

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

P&O

Whitsundays

12/03/2019

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P&O

Whitsundays

9/04/2019

5

Pacific Dawn

Barrier Reef

20/04/2019

5

Sea Princess

New Zealand

3/11/2019

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Explore the world with us

Group Holidays BigDog Support Services run an extensive range of group holidays catering for travellers with different interests, skills and abilities.

We keep our groups small to provide the personal service, support and individualised attention that our travellers deserve. Smaller groups mean we can also respond to special interests or changing weather by altering our daily activities to suit the group

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