Directors update
Monthly Newsletter for BigDog Support Services
A MESSAGE FROM HR
by Monique
Shift notes are more than a formality, they ensure clear communication, continuity of care, and accurate records of the support you provide. Recently, we’ve seen shift notes submitted with little or no detail, so this is a friendly reminder to use the templates as they are intended. This means answering the template’s prompts with as much information as possible and not just submitting the template as is.
The prompts are there to help you capture key information such as activities, mood, goal progress, and any incidents. Taking a few extra minutes to complete notes properly protects you professionally and helps deliver the best outcomes for clients
Key points to remember:
Complete notes at the end of every shift. Use the prompts to guide meaningful detail. Avoid submitting blank or minimal templates.
Thanks to everyone who consistently provides thorough notes as your effort makes a real difference. If you need a refresher on what to include, the “BigDog Goals, Shift Notes and Incidents Training Module” is accessible in CareMaster.
Cheryl Adsett
TOOWOOMBA
Tim Lloyd
ROCKY ROCKY
onsistent, reliable, and s participants first. Her k ethic, dedication, and -centred approach make valued member of the team. bove and beyond every day, er colleagues, and helps eam stronger. Thank
Kaden Muscat
Shout out to Kaden for stepping outside his comfort zone and doing an amazing job! He’s easy to talk to, polite, and builds great relationships with participants. His positive attitude and willingness to grow make him a valued member of the team. Thanks Kaden!
TOOWOOMBA
Tiarn Evans
Shout out to Tiarn. She is consistent, dependable, and always connects with participants in a meaningful way. Her dedication, care, and positive attitude make a real difference every day. Thanks Tiarn!
A huge shoutout to Tim for the amazing job he’s doing supporting participants with complex behaviours. His calm nature, patience, and ability to handle tough situations really stand out. We also greatly appreciate his open communicatio. Tim keeps everyone in the loop and is always ready to speak up and work together to achieve the best outcomes.
Rockhamton Community
As we move into March, I want to take a moment to recognise the fantastic dedication our BigDog team brings to supporting our participants every day. Your hard work, compassion, and commitment make a real difference in people’s lives and for that, I am truly grateful
Promoting High Standards of Cleanliness Clean, comfortable environments contribute greatly to wellbeing This month, we will be encouraging consistency in cleaning practices across our SIL homes and service spaces to maintain welcoming places for participants and staff alike
These goals are not criticism, they are commitments to continuous improvement and professional excellence By working together on these measures, we strengthen the support we provide and build an even better workplace culture I want to encourage every team member to know that my door is always open If you need support, guidance, or just want to talk through ideas or challenges, please reach out I’m here to listen and help however I can
What’s Happening in Our Community?
Fishing can be a fantastic recreational activity that promotes relaxation, skill development, confidence building, and time outdoors. For participants who enjoy fishing, this could be a great supported activity along local waterways such as the Fitzroy River. As always, please ensure activities are planned according to individual abilities and current fishing regulations.
Toowoomba Community
Providing quality support goes beyond following a care plan
It starts with truly understanding the participant as a person
Each individual brings their own strengths, preferences, communication style, and lived experience of disability
Taking the time to learn these details makes a significant difference in the support we provide
No two people experience disability the same way For example, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may have very different sensory needs or communication styles
Likewise, someone living with Schizophrenia may experience symptoms that fluctuate depending on stress, environment, or routine. Understanding the diagnosis is important, but understanding how it presents for that specific participant is essential.
When we know a participant’s triggers, early warning signs, daily routines, and goals, we can provide proactive rather than reactive support Behaviours that may seem challenging are often a form of communication By approaching situations with curiosity and empathy, we can better identify unmet needs and respond in a way that promotes safety and dignity
Consistency across teams, clear communication, and ongoing learning all contribute to stronger outcomes
When we invest time in understanding our participants and their disabilities, we build trust, reduce incidents, and create more meaningful support.
Person-centred care begins with understanding, and that understanding starts with us.
staff, and answer any questions you may have. Moving forward, I will be spending one week part of an ongoing arrangement to support stronger alignment and consistency in service delivery.
As always, I have an open-door policy. Please feel free to see me during my visits or reach out if there is anything you would like to raise. With Autumn now here, we can expect cooler days ahead. Please remember that seasonal yard maintenance is important, as dry foliage and blocked gutters can become potential fire hazards Keep outdoor areas tidy and free from debris where possible If you require assistance, we currently have capacity for Yard Maintenance services, particularly in Rockhampton, with Toowoomba nearing capacity
toowoomba day service
Wow – what a jam-packed, fun-filled few weeks! We’ve had a busy and productive few weeks, with strong engagement across all activities Our lunch outings have been well received These outings provide valuable opportunities to practise money handling, decision-making, social skills, and community participation Participants have demonstrated growing confidence and independence while enjoying time together in a relaxed setting
For Valentine’s Day, participants created cards and shared positive messages with one another The activities focused on friendship, appreciation, and kindness, reinforcing social connection and respectful relationships
Our arts and crafts sessions have also been highly successful Participants engaged in painting, drawing, and hands-on projects that supported creativity, fine motor skills, focus, and teamwork. The quality of work produced reflects strong effort and pride in achievement.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up: Community Garden Project – Getting our hands dirty, learning new skills and watching our hard work grow!
a Month at Day Service!
Our fishing trips were a great day out. Fresh air, calm water and a bit of excitement waiting for a bite. Catch or no catch, it was still a win. Fishing builds patience, teamwork and confidence outdoors.
Mad Science Day was big, loud and hands-on. Experiments fizzed, bubbled and surprised us all Lots of “wow” moments and plenty of fun while learning something new
If this month is anything to go by, the next one will be just as good It’s great to see everyone getting involved and having a go March is already shaping up to be a big month at Day Service, with new activities added to keep things fresh and engaging
Rockhampton day service
Community Outing Highlights
The Arcade
February was a bittersweet but beautiful month for our day service family. We said a heartfelt goodbye to our wonderful Day Service Coordinator Logan and warmly welcomed our new Coordinator Julia. We are so excited to enter this new chapter together.
February started with a special visit from Jess, the Day Service Coordinator from Toowoomba, who joined our Rockhampton program for the week. Jess brought infectious laughter, uplifting energy, and a sense of adventure that truly lit up the room There were so many memorable moments for our participants filled with smiles, jokes, and genuine connection
Throughout February we celebrated Valentine’s Day and a very special birthday for Noah!! Our regular outings to the library, grocery shops, bowling, and pub lunches continued to strengthen independence and community participation Each visit allowed our clients to practise social skills, make choices, and feel a real sense of belonging in their community
One of the biggest highlights this month was our exciting trip to the arcade! The room was buzzing with colour, lights, and laughter as participants challenged each other to games, celebrated wins, and encouraged one another with highfives and cheers. It was more than just games, it was about confidence, teamwork, and feeling proud of their achievements.
The Leichhardt Hotel
Our first trip to the Leichhardt Hotel was one to remember! We were welcomed with warm smiles, complimentary drinks, free pool hire, and even some fun cowboy hats that instantly got everyone laughing. For the guys, attending pub lunch isn’t just about enjoying a delicious meal, It’s about confidently engaging with the public in a lively, friendly environment. Moments like these help build social confidence, encourage independence, and create joyful shared memories that strengthen their connection to the community.
The Golfing Range
Our participants also loved their outing to the golfing range, where everyone had a go at swinging, cheering each other on, and soaking up the sunshine This activity supported mobility, coordination, and co friendships as everyone enjoyed being active together in the community
As February comes to a close, we are filled with excitement for what lies ahead With St Patrick’s Day around the corner, we’re ready to sprinkle in some good luck and festive fun We’re also looking forward to our day trip to Gladstone, which will provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends, explore new environments And for our up coming caves trip which will build trust and confidence for our participants. March is shaping up to be a month full of adventure, laughter and connection!
Rostering
Happy March Everyone!
Just a reminder that Toowoomba has a public holiday on Friday March 27 for the show, If you require support this day, please contact your rostering team as soon as possible Any yard and cleaning services will be rescheduled to a different day. th
To our valued support workers - please ensure your availability is up to date, if you need help - please send Kirby or I a message.
We have noticed an increase in late leave requests It is very important to ask for time off as soon as possible This is to ensure we can maintain our duty of care with providing supports. We have a really great softwareCaremaster - where you can put in your leave well in advance. We understand that things can come up last minute, but this is where you communicate and ensure coverage for your shift can be found. It can make it really difficult to find adequate coverage at short notice for late late requests Consistent late leave requests may result in a loss of shifts
School term 1 has just started up! If you have changed schools please let us know to ensure continuity of support.
Some tips for our support workers for smooth school transitions: Talk with family to see what worked last term, communication preferences and any medical, behavioural or sensory needs. Review any documentation such as behaviour or learning support plans. Create predictability and Build routines. Adjust the environment - calm down space, clear pathway for mobility divices. Focus on Relationships. Promote stregths. Monitor and adjust. Report incidents if neccessary!
Reception
Mental Health Check In
March is a gentle reminder to check in with ourselves and each other.
Supporting others is meaningful work, but it can also be tiring. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please know that you are not alone. Taking care of your mental health allows you to continue showing up with kindness and compassion.
“Self - care means giving the world the best of you instead of what is left of you” - Katie Reed
If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try: 5 4 3 2 1 method: Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste Slow breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds Placing both feet flat on the floor and focusing on steady breathing
Try simple self care strategies like taking proper breaks, getting some fresh air, staying hydrated and setting healthy boundaries. If you need extra support, speak with your Team Leader or reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 for confidential support. Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after others. Our reception team is here to greet you with a smile, answer your questions, and make your visit a great one!
Rockhampton
Check out what’s available at https://scottvalehealthclub.com/ PH: 4573 4611 or Email hello@scottvalehealthclub com
END OF TERM 1 UPDATE
As we approach the end of Term 1, we’re excited to share some important updates and upcoming events with our community.
Battery Testing Now Underway Battery testing has officially begun! These assessments are a vital part of your health and fitness journey. They allow us to:
Track your progress over the term
Measure improvements in strength, balance, and overall fitness Identify areas that may need extra focus. Ensure our programs are delivering the best possible outcomes
By completing your battery testing, you’re helping us tailor our services to better support your goals. If you haven’t booked your session yet, please contact the team to secure your spot.
Fossil Fuelers Car Showcase
On Thursday the 16th of April, we’re excited to welcome Brisbane car group “Fossil Fuelers” to our centre!
�� Location: 271 Richardson Rd, Kawana, 4701
�� Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
They’ll be bringing 10+ incredible cars for display, giving everyone the chance to get up close and personal with some truly unreal vehicles.
Come on down and enjoy:
�� A walk-through of our building
�� A sausage sizzle
�� An up-close look at some amazing cars
Bring your friends, bring your family, and enjoy a fantastic morning with the Scottvale community!
Rockhampton SCOTTVALE HEALTH
Hydrotherapy sessions��
Clinic-based physiotherapy sessions
Exercise Physiology
Mens and Ladies
Classes
Massage Sauna
Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) Reviews
Follow Us
Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) Reviews
This time of year also marks the review and renewal period for Chronic Disease Management Plans.
If you currently have a CDMP for physiotherapy, we encourage you to give us a call and book an appointment with Rina.
Following your assessment, and based on Rina’s clinical recommendations, you may be eligible for:
�� Hydrotherapy sessions�� Land-based therapy sessions
�� Clinic-based physiotherapy sessions
These options ensure you receive the most appropriate support to continue progressing safely and effectively
With Rina
SCOTTVALE HEALTH occupational therapy
We all feel overwhelmed sometimes. It is important to take time to stop, reflect, give ourselves a break.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is very common and comes when demands feel bigger than your ability to cope in the moment. Some of the most common reasons include:
Lack of sleep poor nutrition chronic illness not having enough support feeling isolated in your community feeling misunderstood financial stress relationships stress going through a life change looking after children or a family member when we feel overwhelmed by our thoughts or our busy lives it is important to slow down and take some time to reconnect to our body. Doing an activity that that feels safe, and soothing can be enough to take the edge off the intensity of the feelings attached to being overwhelmed. This is an important part of self-care and improves our ability to self-regulate. What are your favourite ways to self-sooth?
See some ideas down below
That’s a wrap!
ASSIST
EAP PROGRAM
Please be aware that we have engaged with a new EAP Program!
THANKS FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL MONTH, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!