BIGDOG OPERATIONS
Child Safe Organisations Training
All workers should now be enrolled in the “Child Safe Organisations” training on NGO. Please complete this course as soon as possible. This training is an important part of ensuring our organisation remains safe, compliant, and aligned with Queensland’s new Child Safe Standards.
Friendly Reminder: Submit Your Timesheets Daily!
To ensure everyone gets paid accurately and on time, please remember to submit your timesheets at the end of each workday. Even if you only worked a short shift, submitting your timesheet daily helps us:
Keep records up to date for NDIS and WorkCover requirements
Reduce payroll errors and delays
Make payroll and accounts processing smoother for everyone
Important: Starting in November, the office will be keeping a closer eye on timesheet submissions. Timely submissions are essential to stay compliant and make payroll easier for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!
Our Latest Stand-Outs
Each month the office staff from Toowoomba and Rockhampton pick one standout employees from each location for their incredible contributions to the team and standout behaviours and dedication.
�� Staff Shout Out – Preston Mcilrick �� Big shout out to Preston! He is proactive in reaching out regarding participants, consistently references goals, provides regular updates, and actively seeks input from the team Your dedication and communication makes a real difference,
�� Staff Shout Out – Joshua Horne �� Joshua, you absolutely deserve recognition! Every morning, without question, you send updates, photos of the house, and the necessary paperwork, consistently completing all required forms You’ve gone above and beyond, from giving magazines to Nic while supporting boundaries, to helping Lochi celebrate his birthday (Jo, Lochi’s mum, said you’re incredible!). Your positive impact is clear in every house you work in. Thank you for your dedication, consistency, and heart
TOOWOOMBA
ManagingParticipantFunds
I encourage everyone, including participants, families, and support staff, to embrace new experiences whenever possible. Whether it’s trying an activity you’ve never done before, joining a creative workshop, or simply connecting with others in your community, each step, no matter how small, can help build confidence, spark curiosity, and foster meaningful friendships.
Using a participant’s card or funds for personal use is a serious breach of trust, professional ethics, and NDIS compliance requirements. Any instance, no matter how small or temporary, constitutes financial misconduct and may be classified as financial abuse under the NDIS Code of Conduct. This type of behaviour undermines the integrity of service provision and can lead to significant consequences, including disciplinary action, termination of employment, criminal investigation for theft or fraud, and mandatory reporting to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
I have also been reading We Have Prescribed You a Cat, a wonderfully heart-warming story about the comfort, companionship, and joy that pets can bring. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a laugh, a little adventure, and the warmth of a furry friend. It’s a gentle reminder of the small joys that can brighten our days and support wellbeing.
On a personal note, I want to give a big shoutout to my husband, William. Happy Birthday! Your love and support make every day brighter, and I am so grateful for you.
I look forward to continuing to explore, learn, and celebrate all the little successes and moments of growth that make life so rewarding for participants, staff, and the community alike.
It is also important to note that even if a participant appears to give permission, staff must never use participant funds for personal reasons. Due to the inherent power imbalance within a support relationship, such consent cannot be considered valid or informed. All staff have a legal and ethical obligation to immediately report any suspected or confirmed misuse of participant funds to their Team Leader or Manager. Prompt reporting ensures transparency, protects the participant’s rights and wellbeing, and upholds the integrity and trust of our organisation and the broader NDIS sector.
What’s Happening in Toowoomba This November! ����
International Street Fiesta – Sat 1 Nov, Queens Park: Celebrate 35 cultures with live music, dance, yummy food & a magical lantern parade!
Red Hot Summer Tour – Sat 15 Nov, Queens Park: Catch Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone, The Church & more in an epic outdoor concert.
Toowoomba’s Endless Edit – Sun 23 Nov, Indoor Bowls Hall: Swap, shop & discover pre-loved treasures at this fun sustainable fashion market.
COMMUNITY ROCKHAMPTON
DutyofCare:Everyone’s Responsibility
Every staff member has a legal and ethical responsibility to act in the best interests of the participant
Communication is the foundation of quality support It’s not only about what we say, but how we listen, respond, and document
Clear and respectful communication helps build trust, ensures everyone is informed, and reduces the risk of misunderstandings
Remember:
Always confirm understanding when sharing important information about a participant’s health or medication
Communicate changes promptly to your Coordinator or Team Leader, no matter how small they may seem
Use active listening and observe body language, especially with participants who are non-verbal or have limited communication
This means always taking reasonable steps to prevent harm, physically, emotionally, or medically. When supporting participants with medication or health concerns, the duty of care includes:
Administering medication correctly and according to the care plan or Medication Administration Record (MAR)
Reporting any refusal or change in health immediately, never assume someone else will do it
Documenting everything accurately, time, dose, and observations matter
Escalating concerns quickly if a participant appears unwell, confused, or distressed
Failure to communicate or act appropriately can result in serious health risks for the participant and potential breaches of compliance for the organisation Please let the office know if medication is running low ahead of time
A calm tone, patience, and consistency go a long way in helping participants feel heard, valued, and safe
Your shift notes are one of the most important tools for effective communication They form part of the participant’s record and may be reviewed by multiple people, including supervisors, allied health professionals, or NDIS auditors.
When writing shift notes:
Be clear, factual, and professional describe what you saw, did, and heard, not opinions or assumptions. Include relevant details such as medication given or refused, health observations, and changes in behaviour or mood
Avoid slang, emojis, or emotional language keep it objective and concise
If something went wrong or didn’t go as planned, record what actions you took and who you reported it to
Good documentation protects both the participant and the staff, showing that correct processes were followed and duty of care was maintained
SPLISH,SPLASH–SWIMMINGISBACK!
DAYSERVICE TOOWOOMBA
October has been full of laughter, teamwork, and sunshine! Our groups have been busy getting active, trying new things, and celebrating every moment together. Here’s a look back at all the fun we had this month.
What’s Next?
As we say goodbye to October and get ready for November, we’re excited for even more adventures — with fitness, friendship, and festive fun just around the corner. Bring on another amazing month at the Day Service!
As the weather warmed up, we were excited to start swimming again! Everyone was ready to jump in, cool off, and enjoy some water fun Swimming is great for our bodies and minds it helps build strength, supports relaxation, and keeps us moving in the best way possible
We also focused on staying sun safe wearing hats, sunscreen, and shirts, and keeping hydrated so we can enjoy our outdoor fun safely It’s all about having fun while taking care of ourselves in the sunshine!
Flaming Knights Lunch Outing
We took a well-deserved break to enjoy a delicious lunch at Flaming Knights The meals were amazing, and the laughter and good company made it even better. It was the perfect chance to relax, chat, and enjoy each other’s company outside the centre
SCIENCETIME!
Another standout activity was the Science Day, Karaoke, Dancing & Singing Fun
The karaoke microphones came out and so did the stars! Everyone joined in the singing, dancing, and cheering It was an afternoon filled with music, movement, and joy, with everyone shining in their own way
Fun & Fitness at the Gym
Our gym sessions have been full of energy! From stretches and strength work to fitness games and group exercises, everyone gave it their all It’s been fantastic to see so many smiles as we built confidence, had fun, and supported one another to stay active and healthy
o ear, you brought light into every ust a ‘ see you later’, Mr Fisher.
DAYSERVICE ROCKHAMPTON
WRAPPINGUPOCTOBERATDAY SERVICE
As October comes to a close, we look back on a busy and rewarding month at Day Service, filled with fun, friendship, and opportunities to learn and grow.
Our regular activities continued to play an important role in supporting independence, social connection, and everyday skills Library visits encouraged reading, focus, and communication, while cooking classes helped build confidence in following instructions, measuring, and working safely in the kitchen
Bowling sessions strengthened coordination and teamwork, while our monthly pub lunch offered a great opportunity to practise social skills, budgeting, and community interaction in a relaxed setting
A highlight this month was our trip to Yeppoon a chance for everyone to explore a new environment, enjoy the outdoors, and build confidence in travelling and trying new things. Whether swimming at the lagoon, fishing at the Causeway, or sharing a few laughs over a surprise crab catch, everyone took part in experiences that support emotional wellbeing and community engagement
We wrapped up the month with Movie Day a relaxing social activity that encourages shared interests, discussion, and positive connection with peers
Each of these activities not only brings enjoyment but also helps participants work toward their NDIS goals developing life skills, independence, and community participation along the way Here’s to another great month of learning, laughter, and growth as we head into November!
Embark on a new adventure every day with Logan and the team with the Rockhampton Day Service
SCOTTVALE HEALTH ROCKHAMPTON MACKA
EXCITING NEWS:
We’re excited to share that Scottvale Health Club recently attended the Southside Special School Expo, and what a fantastic day it was! Our team had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful students, families, and educators who are passionate about promoting health, movement, and wellbeing in their communities.
The event was a great opportunity to showcase what makes Scottvale unique – our friendly, inclusive approach to fitness and rehabilitation. We loved connecting with visitors, sharing what we do, and demonstrating how our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists support people of all ages and abilities.
Plenty of Schoolies Positions
Still Available!
For those who couldn’t make it to the expo – don’t worry! We still have plenty of Schoolies positions available. These are a fantastic opportunity for students to get active, learn new skills, and experience the benefits of guided exercise in a fun, supportive environment. If you know someone who might be interested, please encourage them to get in touch soon!
ACCESS FOR EVERYONE – NO NDIS OR AGED CARE PLAN NEEDED
At Scottvale, we believe that quality care should be accessible to everyone. That’s why you don’t need to be on an NDIS or aged care plan to see our physiotherapists or exercise physiologists. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your fitness and mobility, our team is here to help.
We welcome private clients, families, and community members who want to feel stronger, move better, and live healthier.
If you’d like to learn more about our services or book an appointment, visit us at [insert website or contact details here] or give our friendly team a call today!
Happy Birthdayeveryone! Wishing you endless joy and success today and always!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
BILLY, MACKA, TAYLAH, LEISA, DANIEL HORNE, JATALIA, CHRIS S, HAYLEE
BIGDOG RECEPTION
�� Hello November!
It’s hard to believe we’re already in November, the year has flown by faster than ever! As we start to wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on everything we’ve achieved together. November reminds us to slow down, appreciate the little things, and look forward to the exciting festive season just around the corner.
This month, we want to say a big thank you to our amazing team and clients for their continued effort, kindness, and care. Whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a laugh, or going that extra mile, every bit of what you do makes a difference.
As the days get warmer and the decorations start appearing, let’s keep spreading positivity and gratitude. Don’t forget to take a moment for yourself too, a good coffee, a sunny walk, or a chat with a friend can go a long way.
Here’s to a bright and cheerful November, full of good energy, teamwork, and maybe even a sneaky early mince pie or two! ��
“OUR OFFICE MASCOT SAYS IT’S PAWSITIVELY THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO START SPREADING CHEER EARLY ONE WAG AT A TIME!”
Our reception team is here to greet you with a smile, answer your questions, and make your visit a great one!
