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Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
Darling Downs Regional Newsletter Together we are making life better │August & September 2018
Delivering Improved Services to Carers
Welcome to the first edition of our new Regional Newsletter, where you will find all our latest news and events. You will also be hearing from us more regularly with our Regional Newsletter now being released every two months. We hope you love our new look as much as we do!
Carers Queensland has undergone some significant changes over the past few months, with our Newsletter being just one of them. You will now find a new Darling Downs regional page on the Carers Queensland website, listing all carer support groups and other carer related activities across the region https://carersqld.com.au/locations/darling-downs/.
Carers Queensland is also working hard to ensure more people live fulfilling and connected lives. We are increasing our partnership with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to deliver Local Area Coordinator Partners in the Community Program in the Brisbane North & South, Beenleigh, Robina, Caboolture/Strathpine and Maroochydore service areas. Locally we hosted Autism Queensland "Early Days" workshop; Disability Law Queensland delivered a workshop around planning for the future; we attended NAIDOC events in Warwick and Stanthorpe, and next month we welcome the Continence Foundation of Australia to deliver information sessions to carer support groups around the region.
Carers Week 2018 is just around the corner (14-20 October) and the committee have been meeting regularly to determine and start planning events and activities across the region. Nominations for Carer -Friendly Business Awards are open and this year we’re running a "Why Do I Care" writing competition. A great chance to recognise and celebrate your achievements, while also creating awareness of the important role carers play in the community. Peter Proctor Team Leader – Darling Downs
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
Carers Week 14 – 20 October 2018 National Carers Week, which runs from 14-20 October 2018 is a time to celebrate and recognize the 2.7 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend.
As part of National Carers Week, we will be holding a number of events across the Darling Downs region.
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more information and details about what is happening in your local area.
Visit the Carers Queensland National Carers Week event page for more details https://carersqld.com.au/event/national-carers-week/.
Carer-Friendly Business Awards 2018 Are you a carer who has experienced amazing customer service this year? Are you working for a business that demonstrates an understanding of your role as a family carer?
The Carers Queensland’s Carer-Friendly Business Awards is your opportunity to say ‘’thank you’’ to a business or person for making a positive difference to your life.
To nominate, collect a nomination form from the Darling Downs Toowoomba office or visit https://carersqld.com.au/news-and-events/carer-friendly-business-awards/
Winners will be announced during Carers Week 14 – 20 October.
Why do I Care? Writing Competition There are many reasons why one in eight Australians are caring for a family member or friend. For our Carers Week Competition this year, we want to know why are you a carer – why do you care. This is your chance to recognise and celebrate your achievements, while also creating awareness of the important role carers play in the community.
Write up to 150 words starting with "Why do I care? I care because..." and submit a photo of yourself or with the person you care for.
For full terms and conditions and details on how to enter, visit https://carersqld.com.au/news-and-events/why-do-i-care-writing-competition/
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
ASD Carer Support Group
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - Carers Queensland has started an ASD carer support group to help parents / carers gain insight and improve their understanding of ASD.
Once a month we facilitate an evening Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) carer support group. Parents and family carers are welcome to attend, and each month we invite a special guest speaker.
In May, Autism Queensland delivered an “Early Days” workshop in our training room to new parents/carers of children aged 0-6 years who have an ASD diagnosis or are going through the assessment and diagnosis process. The workshop aimed to build a better
understanding of ASD, including behavioural issues, identifying the purpose of the child’s behaviour, develop strategies to cope and plan for success. The hosting of this workshop arose from our conversations with Autism QLD and the creation of our new ASD carer support group.
Requests for information and support from parents/carers of a child/adult with ASD have increased over the past year. We created our ASD Carer Support Group to meet those needs. The guest speakers for our monthly group come with knowledge and experience in the sector, and each session offers a chance to meet other parents/carers and ask questions of the experts.
This year we have welcomed the NDIS Early Childhood Partners and the NDIS Local Area Coordinators Partners in the Community program, as well as the manager of AEIOU and Rahul Ganguly PhD from the University of Southern Queensland.
Future guest speakers will include Anna Moore, Autism Coach from Education Queensland, ASPECT Australia (Autism Spectrum Australia), and we will hear from a young adult living on the spectrum.
Rahul Gangly PhD entertained the group and delivered some key information about autism when he visited us in July. He spoke of the early research and more recently the changes with the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (2013) and the classification of ASD Level 1, ASD Level 2 and ASD Level 3. The DSM-5 is the handbook used by health care professionals to guide the diagnosis of mental disorders, including ASD.
Rahul also pointed out that the models of support and diagnostic criteria come from the deficit approach/medical model, and it is very important to remember that each person on the spectrum has skills, strengths and abilities. A great reminder to see the positives and celebrate the joy of caring for someone on the spectrum.
Carer support groups run throughout the state and are a great opportunity to connect with others, to find social support, share information, gain knowledge and even get some time for yourself.
Peter Proctor Team Leader – Darling Downs
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
New Warwick Carer Support Group Spread the word: A new Carers Queensland support group will be commencing in Warwick as of Wednesday 5 September.
The group will meet at the St Vincent de Paul Society office located at 44 Grafton Street, from 10.00 to 11.30am, during which morning tea will be shared.
Please RSVP to the Darling Downs office on 07 4646 2899 or [email protected].
NAIDOC Week 8-15 July 2018 National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme was “Because of her, we can”, which celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made and continue to make within their communities and families. During NAIDOC week, Carers Queensland staff attended various activities across the Darling Downs.
I had the opportunity to attend the Stanthorpe activity hosted by DDHHS Community Health. We enjoyed the NAIDOC awards presentations, guest speakers, BBQ lunch and celebratory cake. The ‘Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers’ invited attendees to participate in a ‘Smoking Ceremony’, a method of cleansing used by Indigenous Ancestors to cleanse the spirit of a place or person. The dancers treated us to a traditional dance and didgeridoo performance complete with an engaging narrative.
Jenni Frizzell - Family Carer Support Officer
Bunnings Community BBQ Success Thank you to those that came down to help support our Bunnings Community BBQ on the 26 May. The day was a great success, and we raised just over $1,000, which will go towards our Carers Week activities in October.
A big thank you to our volunteers, Kara McCollom, Jesse Olde-Byvank, Glenda Underwood, Lana James, Debra Saxby and Lynnette Pidgeon. We greatly appreciated your gift of time, energy and enthusiastic support. We could not have done it without you. We look forward to the next one!
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
Events Calendar Carers Queensland understands the importance of local knowledge and building close relationships with our community. We run a range of events each month, so stay connected and get involved! Check out our Events Calendar below or on our Facebook events page at: https://www.facebook.com/CarersQueenslandDarlingDowns/events/
Continence Foundation will visit our Carer Support Groups
Did you know that over 5 million Australians over the age of 15 are incontinent and 80% of cases are women? The Continence Foundation of Australia is the national peak body promoting bladder and bowel health, and their vision is to have a community free of the stigma of incontinence.
During 14-16 August, Rae Plush from The Continence Foundation of Australia is visiting our carer support groups in Toowoomba, Crows Nest and Oakey to deliver information sessions. Refer to our events calendar for specific group dates.
For further information on incontinence and advice, call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66, Mon - Fri, 8am - 8pm.
Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival
The Toowoomba Languages and Cultural (TLC) Festival is coming up on Sunday 12 August, from 10.00am – 4.00pm at Queens Park.
This TLC Festival theme is “One World Many Faces”, and is an annual celebration of the diversity of languages and cultures that exist within the Toowoomba region, and a fun day out for families. The TLC festival brings together over a hundred community groups, service organisations, businesses and partners within the Toowoomba region to support and encourage community harmony and a sense of belonging in our area.
The festival features entertainment, food and market stalls, rides and more. Carers Queensland is proud to be a part of this event, holding an information stall as part of the Health and Wellness Expo. So come down, say hello and enjoy the festivities.
For more information, visit the event website www.TLCFestival.com.au
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
Events Calendar – August 2018
WHAT WHEN WHERE DETAILS Happy Carers Stanthorpe Support Group
12.30pm-2.30pm Wed 1 August
Youth Development Centre, 15 Hilton St, Stanthorpe
Carers Queensland hosts a support group in Stanthorpe on the first Wednesday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected].
Alzheimer’s QLD Carers Support Group (External Group)
9.30am-11.30am Monday 6 August
Park Motel 88 Margaret Street, Toowoomba
Hosted by Alzheimer’s Queensland on the first Monday of each month, this group provides information and support for those caring for a friend or family member with dementia. To RSVP phone 1800 639 331.
Floresco Carers Support Group (External Group)
9.30am-11.30am Monday 6 August Monday 20 August
Floresco, 143-145 Margaret Street, Toowoomba
6 August: Medications and compliance presentation Hosted by Floresco every second Monday, this group provides information and support for those that care for someone with mental health concerns.
Forms Clinic 10.00am-2.00pm Monday 6 August Monday 13 August Monday 20 August Monday 27 August
Carers Queensland Level 2, 632 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Carers Queensland’s CALD Program assists with filing in forms for all carers and members from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. To book an appointment, contact Sally Hewes 4646 2899 or [email protected].
Sunrise Way Rehab Family Support Group (External Group)
5.30pm-7.30pm Tuesday 7 August Tuesday 14 August Tuesday 21 August Tuesday 28 August
Sunrise Way 9 Tourist Road, Toowoomba
Hosted by Sunrise Way every Tuesday evening, this support group allows family members to gain an understanding of addiction, and how to support their loved ones with an addiction. To RSVP phone 4638 9091.
ASD Carer Support Group
5.30pm-7.30pm Wed 8 August
Carers Queensland Level 1, 632 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Guest Speaker: Anne (NDIS PITC) Carers Queensland hosts an ASD carer support group on the second Wednesday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival (External Event)
10.00am-4.00pm Sunday 12 August
Queens Park Toowoomba
An annual celebration of the diversity of languages and cultures that exist within the Toowoomba region, and a fun day out for families. For enquiries contact Cassandra on 0491 071 512 or visit the website http://tlcfestival.com.au/.
Dalby ASD Carers Group (External Group)
10.30am-12.30pm Monday 13 August
Dalby Library 107 Drayton St, Dalby
Hosted by members of the Dalby community on the second Monday of each month, unless otherwise stated. To RSVP, phone Suzanne on 0466 720 018.
Toowoomba Carer Support Group
12.30pm-2.30pm Tuesday 14 August
Carers Queensland Level 2, 632 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Guest Speaker: Rae Plush (Continence Foundation) Carers Queensland hosts a carer support group in Toowoomba on the second Tuesday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
Events Calendar – August 2018 Cont.
WHAT WHEN WHERE DETAILS Crows Nest Carer Support Group
10.00am-12.00pm Wed 15 August
Crows Nest Community & RSL Centre 28-30 William Street Crows Nest
Guest Speaker: Rae Plush (Continence Foundation) Hosted by members of the Crows Nest community on the third Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise stated. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
Oakey Carer Support Group
10.00am start Thurs 16 August
Oakey Information Centre INFO 4401
Guest Speaker: Rae Plush (Continence Foundation), followed by talk from RACQ Hosted by members of the Oakey community on the third Thursday of each month, unless otherwise stated. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
U3A Seniors Information Expo Toowoomba
8:30am-2.30pm Weds 22 August
Hume Ridge Community Church 461 Hume St, Kearneys Springs
Free Seniors Week Expo Showcasing a variety of exhibitor stalls and entertainment. For more information phone 4687 7659 or visit https://www.qldseniorsweek.org.au/event/u3a-seniors-information-expo/.
Granite Belt Leisure & Lifestyle Expo
10.00am-2.00pm Weds 22 August
Stanthorpe Civic Centre Crn Lock & Marsh St, Stanthorpe
Free Seniors Week Expo Showcasing a variety of exhibitor stalls and entertainment. For more information phone 4681 3777 or visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/our-region/events-festivals/seniors-week.
12th Annual Seniors Leisure & Lifestyle Expo Warwick
10.00am-1.00pm Thurs 23 August
Senior Citizens Buidling, 13A Albert St, Warwick
Free Seniors Week Expo Showcasing a variety of exhibitor stalls and entertainment. For more information phone 1300 697 372 or visit https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/our-region/events-festivals/seniors-week.
Chinchilla Seniors Expo & Morning Tea
9.00am-12.00pm Thurs 23 August
Chinchilla Cultural Centre 68-86 Heeney St, Chinchilla
Free Seniors Week Expo Showcasing a variety of exhibitor stalls and entertainment. For more information visit https://www.qldseniorsweek.org.au/event/expo-and-morning-tea/ or phone 1300 268 624.
Daffodil Day Friday 24 August For more information visit www.daffodilday.com.au.
Dementia Australia Free Course
9.30am-12.30pm Tuesday 28 August
To be advised upon registration.
Topic: Dementia Know the Facts Dementia Australia is hosting this free program in Toowoomba. To register, contact 1800 100 500 or [email protected].
Dementia Australia Social Support Group (External Group)
10.00-12.00pm Friday 31 August
St Albans Hall Hill Street, Newtown
Hosted by Dementia Australia on the last Friday of the month, this support group allows carers of people with dementia to form friendships and to discuss common issues. To RSVP phone 4564 8893.
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
Events Calendar – September
WHAT WHEN WHERE DETAILS Dementia Awareness Month
1 – 30 September For more information visit www.dementia.org.au/dementia-awareness-month
Spina Bifida Awareness Week
1 – 7 September For more information visit www.spinabifida.org/
Alzheimer’s QLD Carers Support Group (External Group)
9.30am-11.30am Monday 3 Sept
Park Motel 88 Margaret Street, Toowoomba
Hosted by Alzheimer’s Queensland on the first Monday of each month, this group provides information and support for those caring for a friend or family member with dementia. To RSVP phone 1800 639 331.
Floresco Carers Support Group (External Group)
9.30am-11.30am Monday 3 Sept Monday 17 Sept
Floresco, 143-145 Margaret Street, Toowoomba
Hosted by Floresco every second Monday, this group provides information and support for those that care for someone with mental health concerns.
Forms Clinic 10.00am-2.00pm Monday 3 Sept Monday 10 Sept Monday 17 Sept Monday 24 Sept
Carers Queensland Level 2, 632 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Carers Queensland’s CALD Program assists with filing in forms for all carers and members from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. To book an appointment, contact Sally Hewes 4646 2899 or [email protected].
Stroke Awareness Week
4 – 10 September For more information visit www.strokefoundation.org.au/
Sunrise Way Rehab Family Support Group (External Group)
5.30pm-7.30pm Tuesday 4 Sept Tuesday 11 Sept Tuesday 18 Sept Tuesday 25 Sept
Sunrise Way 9 Tourist Road, Toowoomba
Hosted by Sunrise Way every Tuesday evening, this support group allows family members to gain an understanding of addiction, and how to support their loved ones with an addiction. To RSVP phone 4638 9091.
Warwick Carer Support Group
10.00am-11.30am Wed 5 Sept
St Vincent de Paul 44 Grafton St, Warwick
Carers Queensland hosts a support group in Warwick on the first Wednesday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected].
Happy Carers Stanthorpe Support Group
12.30pm-2.30pm Wed 5 Sept
Youth Development Centre, 15 Hilton St, Stanthorpe
Carers Queensland hosts a support group in Stanthorpe on the first Wednesday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected].
Disability Action Week
9 – 15 September For more information visit www.allabilities.qld.gov.au/
Toowoomba Carer Support Group
12.30pm-2.30pm Tuesday 11 Sept
Carers Queensland Level 1, 632 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Guest Speaker: TASC (The Advocacy Support Centre) Carers Queensland hosts a carer support group in Toowoomba on the second Tuesday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
ASD Carer Support Group
5.30pm-7.30pm Wed 12 Sept
Carers Queensland Level 1, 632 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Guest Speaker: Anna Moore (Regional Autism Coach - Education QLD) Carers Queensland hosts an ASD carer support group on the second Wednesday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
Darling Downs – August & September 2018 Edition
(07) 4646 2899 │[email protected]
Events Calendar – September Cont.
WHAT WHEN WHERE DETAILS R U OK? Day Thursday 13
September For more information visit www.ruok.org.au/
Dalby ASD Carers Group (External Group)
10.30am-12.30pm Monday 17 Sept
Dalby Library 107 Drayton St, Dalby
Hosted by members of the Dalby community on the second Monday of each month, unless otherwise stated. To RSVP, phone Suzanne on 0466 720 018.
Dementia Australia Free Course
9.30am-3.30pm Tuesday 18 Sept
To be advised upon registration.
Topic: Living with Memory Loss Dementia Australia is hosting this free program in Toowoomba. To register, contact 1800 100 500 or [email protected].
Crows Nest Carer Support Group
10.00am-12.00pm Wed 19 Sept
Crows Nest Community & RSL Centre 28-30 William Street Crows Nest
Guest Speaker: Yellow Bridge – Home Assist Hosted by members of the Crows Nest community on the third Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise stated. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
Oakey Carer Support Group
11.30am – 1.30pm Thursday 20 Sept
Oakey RSL 76 Campbell St, Oakey
Lunch at Oakey RSL Hosted by members of the Oakey community on the third Thursday of each month, unless otherwise stated. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
Alzheimer’s Awareness Day
Friday 21 September
For more information visit www.dementia.org.au/dementia-awareness-month
Chinchilla Carer Support Group
10.30am-12.30pm Thursday 27 Sept
Churches of Christ Building, 16 Villiers St, Chinchilla
Carers Queensland hosts a carer support group in Chinchilla on the fourth Thursday of each month. RSVP: 4646 2899 or [email protected]
Dementia Australia Social Support Group (External Group)
10.00-12.00pm Friday 28 August
St Albans Hall Hill Street, Newtown
Hosted by Dementia Australia on the last Friday of the month, this support group allows carers of people with dementia to form friendships and to discuss common issues. To RSVP phone 4564 8893.