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Directors update

Monthly Newsletter for BigDog Support Services

A MESSAGE FROM HR

by Monique

If you’ve ever worked a sleepover shift and then looked at your payslip thinking “ what?”, you’re not alone

Currently, a sleepover is treated as one continuous shift This means:

• 8 active hours paid at an afternoon rate

• 8 inactive hours covered by a sleepover allowance

Because it’s considered one shift, afternoon penalties apply across the entire wake period, even for the 6am–9am portion.

But this may be changing.

A 2025 Federal Court decision found that sleepovers are separate from ordinary shifts, rather than one continuous shift This decision was appealed, but the appeal was dismissed in March 2026

While the decision is now final, how it will be implemented in practice is still unclear

Based on current discussions, this could mean:

• Work before and after a sleepover may be treated as separate periods

• Different pay rates may apply to each period (for example, afternoon rates before you sleep and ordinary rates after), rather than applying afternoon penalties to the entire shift

Nothing has officially changed yet, but we’re keeping a close eye on this and will update you as things become clearer.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

ROCKY

nech t out to Sami for his g handling of an emergency ith one of our participants. ned calm, managed with ease, and handled the ompletely stress free. His alism, quick thinking, and e made a real difference. work, Sami!

ROCKY

TOOWOOMBA

Rockhamton Community

After a BIG and busy March, we are now heading into April with fantastic progress across our services. Last month, our main focus was documentation, particularly accurate incident reporting and detailed shift notes. I am very pleased to say that the improvement has been noticeable across the team The increased quality of documentation is already helping us better understand and respond to our participants’ individual needs, ensuring we continue to deliver safe, person-centred supports

Communication – Our Ongoing Focus

This month, we will continue striving for consistency with incident reports, shift notes, and most importantly, communication

Communication is one of the most important foundations within the disability support industry Clear and respectful communication ensures:

Participants feel heard, supported, and understood in their daily lives

Support Workers can provide consistent care and accurately hand over important information between shifts Service Coordinators and NDIS teams receive the correct updates to advocate for participants and ensure supports remain appropriate and effective

Strong communication allows us all to work together as one team, promoting participant wellbeing, safety, and positive outcomes. Every conversation, note, and update plays an important role in delivering high-quality support.

Toowoomba Community

Staying Safe Online:

Building Healthy Connections and Protecting Yourself

The internet is a great way to stay connected, make new friends, and access services and supports For many NDIS participants, online spaces can support independence and social connection. While there are many positives, it is important to understand how to stay safe and protect yourself when interacting with others online.

Understanding Appropriate Online Relationships

Healthy online relationships should feel safe, respectful, and comfortable. It is important to take your time getting to know people and to be mindful that not everyone online is who they say they are.

Be cautious if someone:

Asks for personal information too quickly

Encourages you to keep secrets

Pressures you to move conversations to private platforms

Makes you feel uncomfortable or unsure

If something does not feel right, trust your instincts. You have the right to stop communication at any time.

Never Send Money to Someone You Do Not Know

Some people online may try to build trust and then ask for money, gift cards, or financial help These situations can seem genuine, but they are often scams

To stay safe:

Do not send money or share banking details with people you have not met in person

Be cautious of urgent requests or emotional stories asking for help

Always check with someone you trust before making any financial decisions

Protecting Your Personal Information

Keeping your personal information secure is an important part of staying safe online.

Helpful tips include:

Use strong passwords and keep them private

Be careful about what you share on social media

Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources

Keep your accounts set to private where possible

Final Thoughts

The online world can be a positive and empowering place when used safely

By staying aware, protecting your information, and having open conversations with your support network, you can enjoy safe and meaningful online connections Remember, you do not have to manage this alone. Asking questions and seeking support is always a strong and positive step.

toowoomba day service

At Toowoomba Day Service, we’re all about connection, inclusion, and having a great time together. Supporting people of all abilities creates a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and part of something special. Every outing, every laugh, and every shared moment helps build the strong community we’re proud of Creativity has been flowing in our arts and crafts sessions From painting and DIY projects to personalised gifts, everyone has been getting involved and showing off their artistic side

With Easter just around the corner, we’ve been busy creating fun decorations, colourful eggs, and festive crafts to celebrate the season It’s been great to see everyone getting creative and enjoying the process together Easter at Day Service is always a highlight, and this year is no different We’ve got a range of fun games and activities planned, including Easter egg hunts, group games, and plenty of chocolate surprises It’s all about bringing everyone together for some light-hearted fun, laughter, and great memories

We’ve been making the most of the great outdoors with a fantastic fishing trip to Cooby Dam. It’s been a relaxing and enjoyable experience, with fresh air, good company, and a few great catches along the way. Whether it’s casting a line or just enjoying the peaceful surroundings, these outings are a favourite for many of our clients. What a Month at Day Service!

Important Dates and Closures

Easter Long Weekend

Closure: April 3rd to April 6th, 2026

ANZAC Day Closure: April 25th, 2026

Movie Day is coming this April We’re gearing up for a relaxing and enjoyable day with a great movie, snacks, and good company Keep an eye out for the movie announcement We would like to give a warm welcome to all our new clients who have recently joined the Toowoomba Day Service

It has been great getting to know you, and we are excited to have you as part of the BigDog community. We look forward to sharing many experiences and activities together.

We hope everyone enjoys this time with family and friends.

Rockhampton day service MACKA

March has been a refreshing and energising month for our Day Service crew, filled with movement, connection, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. With beautiful weather on our side, we embraced every opportunity to get out into nature and explore all that our local surroundings have to offer. The group has continued to enjoy swimming and regular weekly activities, including ten-pin bowling, cooking classes, pub lunches, and library visits. Building confidence, routine, and independence along the way. Whether in the water, out on a walk, or simply spending time together, there has been a strong sense of belonging and positivity throughout the month

This month highlights included our trip to the Capricornia Caves As we made our way through the cave system, the group showed fantastic teamwork, encouraging one another, helping navigate the paths, and celebrating together as we explored the depths of the caves It was a wonderful opportunity to build confidence, support each other, and share a truly unique experience

In between our adventures, we continued to focus on building daily living skills, strengthening friendships, and creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved The laughter shared, the encouragement given, and the connections built are what truly make our days so meaningful

As we look ahead to April, we’re excited for the Easter holidays and all the joy they bring We’re especially looking forward to the BigDog and Scottvale Car Show on the 16th of April, where we’ll be hosting an exciting day filled with hot rods, a sausage sizzle, and the opportunity for everyone to come and explore the centre It’s set to be a fantastic event, and we can’t wait to share it with our community

Rostering

Hopping into April!!

I'd like to say quickly that it's been lovely returning from my maternity leave meeting all the new faces, and catching up with the familiar ones. You have all welcomed me back with open arms, and I look forward to working alongside everyone again.

Let's take some time to review some casual 'need to knows' regarding rosters and phone calls:

As mentioned in training with Billy, when submitting a leave request, please ensure you're allowing a sufficient amount of time for staff (both admin and SW's) to be notified and for your shifts to be covered. If you require coverage for any shifts the following day, you must be calling the office to ensure the appropriate person is informed; texting is unacceptable. Please note that office hours are 7 am to 4 pm. Outside of these hours, ensure you call OnCall within a reasonable time (no, not 3am). Thank you to everyone who has adopted this since training, we have seen some gradual improvement.

A gentle reminder that OnCall is for emergencies only. Calling OnCall is necessary to fill a shift outside of office hours, however, different procedures are in place for other instances. If someone sends you home early, this only requires a high priority shift note.

Did a participant miss medication? Call 13HEALTH and submit an incident report

Please ensure you are referring to the resources you have, such as the "When to Call OnCall" procedures located in each BigDog SIL house.

If you would like a copy of these procedures, kindly ask Reception to print these for you. You can reach us anytime at 0447 452 995 or t rostering@bigdog.au

Reception

Reception Update

Holy Week

Palm Sunday - Jesus enters Jerusalem

Holy Monday - Cleanses the Temple

Holy Tuesday - Teaches in the Temple

Holy Wednesday - Judas plots betrayal

Maundy Thursday - Last Supper & arrest

Fun Easter Facts

1.Eggs have symbolised new life for centuries, long before chocolate versions existed.

2 The Easter Bunny comes from German folklore, where hares were said to lay eggs for children.

3.In Australia, the Easter Bilby replaces the bunny to raise awareness about native wildlife.

4.Hot cross buns are a traditional treat, and some say sharing one brings good luck.

5.The White House hosts an annual Easter Egg Roll, a tradition since 1878.

6.Purple is a key Easter color, symbolising penance and royalty during Holy Week.

7.Peeps, the marshmallow chicks and bunnies, became an Easter favourite in the 1950s.

Good Friday - Crucifixion & burial

Holy Saturday - Day of rest in the tomb

Easter Sunday - Resurrection

“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies.”

– Kate McGahan

Our reception team is here to greet you with a smile, answer your questions, and make your visit a great one!

SCOTTVALE OPERATIONS Rockhampton

Check out what’s available at https://scottvalehealthclub.com/ PH: 4573 4611 or Email hello@scottvalehealthclub com

WELCOME MARVIN!

While we are sad to see Rina go, we are very excited to welcome Marvin to Scottvale Health Club as our new Clinical Operations Manager.

Marvin brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge. With a background in physiotherapy and as an Area Manager leading allied health services across North Queensland, he has managed multidisciplinary teams and operations across multiple sites.

He is also the co-owner of a mobile physiotherapy practice.

Marvin has a strong background in aged care, community rehabilitation, and elite sports, along with expertise in leadership, clinical governance, and service delivery

We are incredibly excited about what Marvin will bring to our Scottvale community and are confident that the club is in great hands moving forward.

HEARTFELT FAREWELL

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our wonderful Physiotherapist, Rina.

Rina has been an incredible part of the Scottvale family, bringing dedication, passion, and a wealth of knowledge to our centre. She has made a lasting impact on so many of our clients, helping them improve their health, mobility, and overall wellbeing in such a positive and meaningful way.

Rockhampton

Final Update – Reporting & Battery Testing

On a more routine note, reporting and battery testing is nearly complete. We sincerely thank everyone for your patience during this process. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Upcoming Community Car Show – 16th April 2026

Don’t forget to mark your calendars!

On the 16th of April 2026 the day before Rockynats we’ll be hosting a fantastic car show right here at Scottvale Health Club.

We’ll have 10+ classic and hotrod cars on display at our centre. For just a $2 coin donation, you can:

Grab yourself a sausage

Get up close with these amazing vehicles and chat with their owners

Explore our facility

Have a game of squash

Try out our interactive Multiball screen

Take on our inflatable rock climbing wall

Check out our fully equipped gym and pool facilities All funds raised will go towards providing free healthcare sessions for our veteran clients.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic morning, and we can’t wait to see you there!

OR GIVE ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY STAFF A CALL

SCOTTVALE HEALTH occupational therapy

Fresh Starts, New Beginnings

As we move into the Easter period, it’s a great time to reflect on fresh starts, routine resets, and meaningful engagement all key areas we focus on in Occupational Therapy.

Easter often brings a change in routine, social gatherings, and increased sensory experiences (food, noise, activity). While this can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming for some of the people we support. This is where structure, preparation, and movement-based regulation become really important

From an OT perspective, we encourage using this time to:

Re-establish routines after busy periods –even small, consistent habits can improve wellbeing

Incorporate movement into the day – whether it’s a walk, light exercise, or engaging in one of our structured classes

Support regulation through activity –movement can help reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional balance

Encourage participation in meaningful activities – cooking, community outings, or group programs can build confidence and independence

Plan ahead for changes in routine

Watch for sensory overload (noise, crowds, food)

Let participants make choices where possible

Use simple schedules or visuals for the day

Easter is also a great opportunity to introduce functional skill-building in a natural way. Activities like preparing meals, shopping for groceries, or participating in community events all contribute to developing independence while still being enjoyable and engaging.

At Scottvale, we continue to focus on holistic supports, combining therapy with real-world application, whether that’s through our hydrotherapy sessions, group classes, or interactive equipment that builds coordination and engagement

As always, if you feel a participant would benefit from additional OT input or a Functional Capacity Assessment, our team is here to support with timely and practical solutions

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter period.