Hi all, Well after a long wait NDIS is finally here in Gladstone. I had the privilege to sit in an NDIA planning meeting today and I was very encouraged that the core purpose of the scheme was restated to the family, that supports will be funded so Mums of adults who have a disability can be Mums again and not the Support Worker. I did get goose bumps and a few tears. What an exciting time! We are nearing the point that all people who have a disability will have their daily needs met, as an entitlement! The same level of choice and control is being implemented in the aged care sector and GCLA is honoured to be able to provide in home support to the ageing to assist them to stay In their family home and remain connected to their communities in the Gladstone region. Word of mouth is the most powerful way to share the successes of our customers, so please share your story with others. GCLA is honoured to be part of people's life and support you to achieve your daily goals. There is heaps of updates in this GCLA Gazette and some great good news stories of personal achievements, so please take five minutes to read and do not hesitate to contact anyone at the office if you need any further information. There are some major changes happening with Mainstay respite house, this means under NDIS there is no limit to the number of customers that can access respite. If you don't currently access Mainstay and would like to check out the house, please ring Jordan to organise a tour. The other exciting news is the only limit on the number of nights that you can access Mainstay is dependent only by your NDIS funding amount. Our second respite house has commenced renovations and we expect Getaway to be open for business in early 2018. Last but not least, Christmas is nearly here, and GCLA has decided to have one big Christmas celebration for all GCLA customers this year instead of the smaller celebrations. We are also extending an invitation to your immediate family that you live with. Look out for further information and an invitation coming your way soon! Regards, Tracey

GCLA offers a range of

services for people who

have a disability and the

ageing in the Gladstone

region.

We provide individual

personalised support,

where the customer

makes the choice and

we make it happen.

GCLA believes that

everyone should have

the opportunity to lead

a fully inclusive life.

We promote and de-

fend the rights of people

who have a disability

and the ageing, and

empower individuals to

be respected, valued

and integral members of

the Gladstone communi-

ty.

Inside this issue:

GCLA Staff 2-3

Aquafit 4

Port Curts RnR 5

Services 6-7

Social Enterprises 7

BEYOND Ordinary 8-10

NDIS 11

My Aged Care 12

Corporate Partners 13

Upcoming Events 14

Contact Details 15

From the CEO

GLADSTONE COMMUNITY LINKING AGENCY

The GCLA Gazette September 2017

GCLA Office Not closing over Christmas Due to our customers needs, GCLA will no longer shut the office for the Christmas, New Year period (except for Public Holidays). Customers will choose what supports are required during this week the same as every other week.

New Staff

Congratulations to all our new staff and welcome to the BEYOND ordinary team!

Staff updates

Page 2

GCLA Staff

Alice P

Support Worker

Elizabeth C

Support Worker

Brigitte S

My Aged Care Coordinator

Amanda G

Support Worker

Amanda R

Support Worker

Tegan B

Support Worker

Vanessa S

Kitchen Hand / Cleaner

Julie B

Admin Assistant Gary A

Support Worker Jamie F

Support Worker

Farrah Y

Support Worker

Jessie L

Support Worker

Collette GC Catering Supervisor/

Support Worker

Julie E

Human Resource Officer

Thelma J

Support Worker Susan H

Assistant Coordinator

Melissa McC

Support Worker

Gary W Market Garden

Supervisor

Prue McC Operations

Administrator

Shannon N

Catering Assistant

Gabby S

Catering Assistant

Linda V

Support Worker

Kerrod H

Gardener William W

Gardener

Sherryn M

Support Worker

Charmaine M

Catering Assistant

Vacation Care

Page 3

Services

As we approach our September School holidays Vacation Care Program - here are some shots of the fun we had over the June/July Program Be sure to book in early for all the fun of our December/January Vacation Care Program - give the office a call and

It is with great pleasure to recognise and celebrate Vicki D on 10 years of GCLA Service.

Together our GCLA Team, customers and families wish to say a very loud and proud - THANK YOU. We truly value the reliability, dedication and customer excellence that Vicki has and continues

to provide. The smiles of our customers and positive feedback from families as well as our GCLA employees, is testament to Vicki’s BEYOND

ordinary effort. Vicki’s extensive experience and professionalism is back by her own initiative to continue to learn and develop as a leader and

expert in Disability Services - attaining Certificate IV in Disability, Certificate IV Leadership & Management, Certificate IV Training

and Assessment. Sometimes words are not enough to express our gratitude and appreciation, but Vicki we think you are truly BEYOND ordinary!

GCLA Staff

Vicki D is Truly BEYOND Ordinary

Aqua Fit

Page 4

Services

What’s happening at the pool ? The water has been perfect and the warmer weather welcomed, especially if the door is opened near the kitchen. That breeze has a chill. Summer Hours have returned with an extra hour available to us from 12 noon till 1pm. We have had a few new faces at the pool recently. They are thoroughly enjoying their time with us and have commented on the friendly Aqua Fit staff and volunteers and the wonderful atmosphere and new friends made while enjoying the social aspect of morning tea under the shade sails. Please introduce yourself and make the new customers welcome. We all remember what it’s like on our “First Day”. Many have noticed improvement in their mobility and wellbeing in as little as three visits. Smiles on customers’ faces in the pool say it all. We have had a bit of variety on the group side with Gabrielle and Leanne C away and Tamara and Jill providing a variety of programs and mixing up the music. It is a joy to hear everyone singing their hearts out. A few customers have joked they need to move back to the “One on One” side after a good work out in the pool. We are also delighted to have a few “old” volunteers returning to the pool in the near future!

Are you aware we have a Client Liaison Di Travers. Di is the go to person if you wish to provide feedback or make a complaint

anonymously or just have a gripe.

Di graciously organises a Lotto Syndicate we all hope to win $$$one day. On occasion Di shall arrange a lunch time gathering at a hotel. A notice

will go up on the White Board for all to see to notify you.

I’d like to thank Di on behalf of everyone at Aqua Fit for the work she does!!!

Some of our Happy

Volunteers at the pool

- Alison, Terri and Ross

Aqua Aerobics in full swing

Port Curtis RnR

Page 5

Services

Customers have been busy at Port Curtis RnR making decorations for Father’s Day. Our theme for the month is “Under the Sea”. We now have Bunnings visit for craft days and have been enjoying visits from Rosella School children on a weekly basis. We have had Mystery Bus tours to Boyne Island and Art Gallery to name a few which everyone thoroughly enjoys. Some of the ladies have been busy making Snuggle Rugs for children affected by domestic violence. I hear these are greatly appreciated. Customers feel as if they are contributing to the community. New to PCRnR is frozen meals prepared by our Chef. Many customers are enjoying these nutritious take home meals at a very reasonable price of $5. These meals are available to anyone and can be purchased between 9am and 2pm Monday to Friday. We do have some vacancies at PC RnR and welcome inquiries 49729330.

Eric and Barry having a

cuppa and a chat.

Elsie having fun doing a jigsaw

Under the Sea Theme

Whether you are looking for respite or the opportunity to learn more about the experience of living independently,

we have the answer…

Mainstay has modern five and six bedroom houses where customers can come for a holiday where we can offer

• BEYOND ordinary staff supporting you throughout your stay • A welcoming and relaxing environment

• The opportunity to develop independent living skills • Support to maintain your daily routine

• Access to community events and much more…

If you are interested in learning more about Mainstay please give your Coordinator a call to discuss

Mainstay is Open for Business

Page 6

Services

Ginger Beer Creek Produce

Ginger Beer Creek produce had a visit from Alan Bird, Senior Project Officer with the Dept. of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Maggie from Gladstone Engineering Alliance.

Alan caught up with Isaac, our GEA apprentice, Ken and Jakob and the guys explained the different garden beds and plants. Alan said that he was so impressed that he’d like to order a garden bed or two for his own garden!

Nice work guys.

It might not look like much so far but thanks to all the work from the Market Garden team, the Gardening Guys, our friends at Opal Holdings (nice plowing guys!) and of course our hosts Suzie and Rob - things are

moving forward out at Calliope. Can't wait for next phase!

What an amazing day we had at the Wisdom Tree event hosted by customers and staff at Port Curtis RnR. Great

food, wonderful entertainment and so much learning!

With a huge thanks to Mount Larcom school, Koolyangarra Kindergarten, Gladstone Orchid and Foliage Society,

Bunnings, Calliope Community Gardens, The Paton’s, Calliope SES and everyone who donated their time. What a

wonderful community we live in.

The hands are comments that we would tell our younger self, what would you tell your younger self?

Wisdom Tree Day

Page 7

Services

Disability Action Week Activities

We have had a number of activities to celebrate 2017 Disability Action Week including a Launch and Morning Tea, a Mosaic Workshop, ‘A field Day’ at the Hub, and a Laughter Workshop

Great fun was had by all that attended and feedback for all events has been really positive

4 GCLA customers enjoyed our Annual trip to the Gympie Muster this year - a fantastic time had by all!!

A massive congratulations goes out to our customers who have been selected to attend the Special Olympics Australia National Games next April in Adelaide

Rachel S - Basketball Adam K - Soccer

Beau W - Soccer Ruby L - Swimming

Also - to Suzie L who has been selected to be the Medical Coordinator for the Queensland team and Kasey M who has been selected as a Soccer Coach for the National Team!

Best of luck to you all!!

Page 8

BEYOND Ordinary

Having a Ball at Boccia

Thanks to Lochy and the

Gladstone Boccia crew

for teaching us the fun-

damentals!

What a great game.

Get in touch if you’d like

to find out how to get

involved.

Good time at the Gympie Muster

Olympic Star Selection

Amazing art work by local artist Carol - good luck with the competition. We're all cheering for "The Dearly

Departed"

Congratulations James!

James received aged champion overall Inc. field events at school, James then went on to Capricorn trials which he won his 100m,

200m, 400m Run & Long Jump.

James has also qualified for State Trials but unsure if he can attend at this stage.

Well Done James!

Page 9

BEYOND Ordinary

Adam hits the water

Obtaining a Boat Licence is something

many people wouldn’t be confident to

do - not Adam K - he recently earned

his boat licence and is now able to hit

the water as he likes!

Congratulations Adam!!

Congratulations to Rachel S on her recent employment

appointment with Woolworths.

Well done Rachel!

Customer Lizzy N has recently been

running a dream catcher making course

and by all reports has done an excellent

job!

Keep up the good work Lizzy!

Lizzy catching dreams

Rachel takes on a new role

Page 10

BEYOND Ordinary

Congratulations Jarrod!

Jarrod has now been chosen to attend the INAS Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes in

Mexico from the 27th November – 4th December.

Swimming his way to Mexico

It has been announced! Carers Queensland will be the Local Area Coordinators (LAC) In Gladstone. Carers Queensland will help you as you move from stage to stage on your pathway with the NDIS. BUSHkidshave been announced as the partners for NDIA to deliver the Early Childhood early intervention (ECEI) approach. The ECEI approach supports children aged 0-6 years who have a developmental delay or disability and their families/carers. The ECEI approach supports families to help children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and achieve the best possible outcomes throughout their life.

NDIS preparation To manage your NDIS plan after commencement you can access the ‘myplace’ Participant Portal which is a se-cure website for participants, their nominee or a child representative to view their NDIS plan, request payments and manage services with providers. You will need a myGov account before you can begin using the ‘myplace’ Participant Portal. If you do not have a myGov account, are not sure if you do, or have forgotten your myGov details, you can register or update your details at https://my.gov.au. In myGov you must then create a link to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (this is done through the ‘Services’ section in myGov). Once your NDIS Plan has been approved, the Activation Code will either be sent via your preferred method of correspondence or pro-vided to you by telephone. This code is needed for the first logon only and will expire after 10 days. There is room at the bottom of this letter for you to document these numbers so all your information is in a central loca-tion for easy reference.

NDIS Planning meeting If you have been deemed eligible to enter the NDIS the next step is to have a planning conversation, either in person or over the phone, with a NDIA planner or with the Local Area Coordinator (LAC). During this meeting please ensure you have a copy of your Pre-planning tool which identifies your supports and goals. You can re-quest to have an advocate with you to support you through the process. If you would like your GCLA coordinator to attend or be present during your planning conversation please discuss with them to organize a suitable time.

NDIS Plan activation When you are notified of your plan activation date it is essential that you call your GCLA coordinator. The Short-Term Service Agreement that will be developed prior to the 1st November by your GCLA coordinator and ap-proved by you will ensure you have continuity of support during this time of transition. After your Plan approval, we will meet with you and discuss increased or additional services that GCLA offers that may be funded through your NDIS plan that supports you to achieve your goals.

GCLA and NDIS GCLA is a registered Service provider for NDIS and we are excited to offer a multitude of services that will be funded. From Support Coordination to Plan Management and Individualised Personal support GCLA will continue to provide BEYONG ordinary customer excellence into the future to assist you to achieve your goals and aspira-tions. Below is an array of services we provide now and will continue to offer into 2018!

Individualised Personal Support (In home and Community access) Social groups Short term accommodation (Mainstay) Vacation care Skill based learning in small groups (Collective Enterprises) Support Coordination Plan Management Aqua Fit Domestic Assistance Yard Maintenance Supported Independent Living

GCLA have provided a local service for the past 24 years based on our customers choice and control. All services offered are provided with GCLAs value base at their heart by embracing each other’s humanity.

NDIS updates

Page 11

NDIS

This month in Aged Care we have provided support to three new Aged Care Customers under brokerage arrange-

ments which has become a wonderful avenue to provide care for those with high needs who aren’t receiving oth-

er supports at this time. The Aged Care Coordinators have been liaising with My Aged Care and working hard with

families to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate level of supports.

We look forward to meeting many new people within the local community and assist in enabling them to main-

tain their independence living in their own home longer.

Page 12

My Aged Care

We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Brigitte to GCLA’s Aged Care Team!

We are thrilled to have Brigitte on-board and she brings with

her 19 years- experience in Aged Care.

Brigitte ‘s knowledge of the local Aged Care Community will be

a distinct advantage for Home Care Packages.

Please feel free to contact Brigitte or Ange if you have queries

regarding our Aged Care Services

Do you have yard maintenance that needs doing?

GCLA is now able to offer funded yard maintenance to some

customers.

If you are over the age of 65 years and do not have a level 3/4

Homecare Package - your lawn can be done for free

Ring Brigette or Ange to discuss your options on 4972 8855.

Did you know we provide Aged Care Home Care Packages?

You can use your Home Care Package for: Personal Care Domestic Assistance Meals Yard Maintenance Continence Allied Health and Equipment Aquafit Port Curtis RnR Social Support Respite Gladstone Community Linking Agency will work in partnership with you! Providing care and services to best meet your individual needs and goals. The choice is yours, support staff, day, times of services that fit in with your life! Please call us on 49728855 to talk to either of our experienced Aged Care Coordinators, Brigitte or Ange, who offer a free service to help you navigate your way to person centred support in your own home!

What amazing teamwork from Shannon, Rachael and Ben with our friends at QAL. 900 backpacks and 500 show bags stuffed and ready for the party, go team and happy 50th Anniversary QAL!

QAL Birthday Celebration Preparations

Incredible Edibles recently partnered with QAL to cater for QAL’s 50th year celebrations on 12 Septem-

ber - what an ‘Incredible’ feat!

QAL and Incredible Edibles

Page 13

Corporate Partners

"It was important for us that we used a local caterer for this event. I had heard great reviews

about the quality of the food Incredible Edibles were providing and after trying it myself I was im-

pressed,"

Mr Mike Dunstan - QAL CEO

Page 14

Upcoming Events

Schedule of Events • Vacation Care Runs from Monday 18 September - through to Friday 29 September

• Staff Recognition Nominations Close 20 September

• Staff Recognition Evening at Yaralla from 6.00pm on Friday 6 October

• Mental Health Week 8 - 14 October

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Fair on Saturday 14 October

• GCLA Christmas Party - Date to be Advised soon

Corporate Partners

Suzie & Rob Lawler

Gingerbeer Creek Farm

Thank you to our Corporate Partners for your ongoing support

If you would like to ignite a partnership with GCLA, please email businessdevelopmentofficer@gcla.com.au.

We offer a wide range of services for people who have a disability and the ageing in Gladstone. We provide individual personalised support, where the customer

makes the choice and we make it happen.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to lead a fully inclusive life. We promote and defend the rights of people who have a disability and the ageing, and empower individuals to be respected, valued and integral members

of the Gladstone community.

It is our customers who drive us in delivering BEYOND ordinary services.

YOU make the choice, WE make it happen!

Gladstone Community Linking Agency

Phone: 07 4972 8855

Fax: 07 4972 9365

Mobile: 0439 728 855

Email:

communitylinking@gcla.com.au

PO Box 5103

1/13 Herbert Street

Gladstone Qld 4680

Meals now available for purchase from Port Curtis RnR

Call 4972 9330 to order

Main Meals $5

Apricot Chicken and Rice

Beef Stew & Dumplings

Chicken Curry & Rice

Fried Rice

Ham & Green Lentil Soup

Lamb Steak & Veggies

Liver and Bacon

Moroccan Lamb & Rice

Savoury Mince

Shepherd’s Pie

Spaghetti Bolognese

Steak & Kidney

Tandoori Chicken & Rice

Morning Tea $3

Sausage Rolls

Sultana Muffins

Dessert $3

Apple Pie

Apple Crumble & Custard

Items purchased frozen from Port Curtis RnR

*Menu subject to change