WHA NEWS - Westhaven

T h e We s t h ave n A s s o c i a t i o n
WHA NEWS
“WHA news is good news”
Volume 2, Issue 1
March 2012
Welcome Back
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Calendar
2
HR
3
IT update
4
Business Services
News
5
Thumbs Up
6
Disco Report
7
A Mitchell House
Christmas
7
WBS Christmas
8
WBS Christmas Pics
9
Temora Aviation Show
10
Temora Aviation Show
Pics
11
Standards
12
Welcome back to another year of fun, excitement and
challenges for the clients, supported employees and staff of
The Westhaven Association. After a very rewarding and
successful 2011, the year 2012 is sure to brings it’s own
demands for us all, as per usual though we shall try and meet
these head-on, with a smile and in the knowledge that all our
efforts are going to benefit one of our fellow clients or
workmates in the long run.
This year, technology is going to play an ever increasing
part in all of our lives as Westhaven gradually rolls out it’s new
IT system. Hopefully these changes will benefit everyone in
some way, not only throughout the coming days and months,
but for the years ahead as technology itself changes.
This year you may also see some changes to our
Newsletter as well, as we are always looking to refine it to suit
our needs as an Association and to present as much
information and enjoyment as possible.
(Any suggestions or feedback are more than welcome)
WHO VISITED THE TEMORA
AIRSHOW LATE LAST YEAR:
T U R N T O PAG E S 1 0 & 1 1
F O R T H E S T O RY
WHERE CAN YOU FIND
THIS NEW SIGN AROUND
DUBBO?
Turn to page 6 to find out.
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Human Resources
Page 3
If anyone has any
Information,
events or
suggestions for
our bi-monthly
newsletter, contact your Team
Leader or Lynda at
lynda.h@westhavendubbo.com.au
or Greg on
greg.g@westhavendubbo.com.au
Any feedback or input is more than
welcome.
A big thank you to those that
contributed to this
edition of the
newsletter.
V o l um e 2 , I s s ue 1
Human Resources
Recruitment:
This year is already speeding along. We have welcomed to our new staff to Westhaven
since November 2011. They are:
Brad Baker
Curbie Carroll
Teagan Schatz
Tim Walsh
Thomas Daley
Kylie Lehman
Toni Emery
Aron Brydon
Sue Wilson
Sue Gibbs
Jason Hyde
Graham McDonnell
Bernadette Waterford
Marcia Gillett
Jess Smith
Diane Smith
Jacob Pearce
Lauren Poole
Vanessa Kinsey
Gabrielle Pyne
Jamie-Lee Mundy
Brook Kellehear-Smith
Unfortunately some staff have left us over the last couple of months namely; Patricia Cruzado,
Stacey Woodhouse, Mark Austin and Tracie Hartley. We wish them all the best in their future
endeavours.
Training:
Training and forums has been a major focus early this year and we have been able to secure some
great training opportunities. i.e.:
Mental Health First Aid, ICABS, Relationships, Private Stuff. P4P Training, IR Workshops,
NDS Conference, Board/CEO Forums, Auslan Training, Restrictive Practice.
The Westhaven Association would
like to express their appreciation
to Rodney Sparrow of The Good
Guys Dubbo for his continued
support. Rodney and The Good
Guys have been supporting the
Westhaven Association for almost
2 years and in this time they have
raised money for various areas of
our Association
“The Good Guys launched their
Local Giving Program in
November 2006 and since then
have raised over $3 million for
over 150 charitable organisations
around Australia.
On July 1 2011, The Good Guys
proudly launched their own
charitable Foundation, called The
Good Guys Foundation. This
Foundation is responsible for each
store's local giving program, which
sees a percentage from each
transaction donated back to the
local community.
Since then, The Good Guys have
proudly raised over $226,000 for
community groups in support of a
range of grassroots projects
including education, medical
research studies, disability services
and youth support programs.
Next time you purchase an item at
The Good Guys, make sure you
take a heart shaped token and vote
for your preferred local charity.
―Cause that's what Good Guys do‖.
We have been able to secure ELMO training for all support staff, this is ADHC training that NGOS are
able to access. This is an intranet based training supplied by ADHC, all support staff will do this
training and will be an ongoing requirement of your position. This training will also be able to
offered in a classroom environment as required for new staff. You will be given login details and you
can then do these at your own pace. More information will be provided to you soon.
At the moment we have 12 staff who have obtained 4 modules of their Certificate IV in Disability
work with another 13 Staff completing their Certificate III in Disability work and also 1 staff member
completing Cert IV in Administration.
Aboriginal Jobs Together. We will be starting 5 new employees under the AJT program which has
been sponsored by NDS.
Standard 8
Uniforms
WOW – How good do they look. Feedback is that we are presenting ourselves very professionally in
the community. Also staff are very grateful that they don’t need to search for something to wear to
work everyday.
PLEASE NOTE: Orders can be taken at anytime for new uniforms. Please see your administration
department for a form and send this directly to HR.
We are currently looking for jackets/jumpers to co-ordinate for the cooler months.
Anniversaries
We have been able to celebrate some pretty big achievements for long serving staff:
David Ryan – Supported Employee 45 years
Ray Petts – Supported Employee 35 years
Jenny Northey – Supported Employee 25 years
Cilla Collins— Staff Member 15 years
Mason Anderson – Supported Employee 10 years
Until next time remember::::
―if everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself‖
– Henry Ford
Standard 5 & 6
Page 4
Westhaven Information Technology Update
It might not look like much in the pictures, but Westhaven has just made the
most significant investment in computer technology in its history. Reliance
Technology has installed a new Small Business server, SQL server and
Terminal server which enables every service outlet and both main offices to be
connected, operating the same system, same database and using
the same software.
Reliance Technology has been busy bringing everything together
and our own Leela Michael has meticulously combined the data
from 14 copies of our internal WHADIS client database into one,
while keeping it up and running almost the entire time!
Staff and managers can now send and receive documents
instantly across the network to each other wherever they are, even when out of the
office through smart-phone technology and internet-accessible laptops. Time spent
waiting for appointments will no longer be “dead” time,
enabling staff to document discussions with clients in
real time and update medical information as soon as a
doctor makes a diagnosis or writes up a prescription.
The systems between WBS and WASS will also be able to share information,
eliminating duplicate data entry and reducing the likelihood of human error and
information updated is now accessible by all who need it, reducing the risk of using out
-of-date information.
The time-lag between posting a note in the internal mail and having it delivered to the
correct staff will be vastly shortened. As well as admin savings, there is considerable
benefit for the clients of Westhaven, ensuring that data is more timely and accurate
and freeing more support staff time for the clients. The staff photo roster is now
available in every house, meaning that clients can see who is on next, this gets updated
immediately there is any change in the roster.
We will also be trialling voice to text software to see if that can work in this
environment – that will make the job of note-making less onerous and perhaps more
comprehensive. Emails can be sent to one or more staff or everyone as required so that
staff are consistent in their approach and feedback is almost immediate. General
information and breaking news will also be available at the top of the intranet website.
It will take a while for all staff to learn their piece of the new system, but we now have a platform to bring in
many more benefits.
An IT Guidance Group has been formed to gather feedback from staff, particularly at WASS, and make
recommendations to improve the system. E-mails can be sent to _ITRefGroup@westhavendubbo.com.au
(note the underscore _at the beginning of the name).
There is already a set of IT training packages on the Westhaven internal website, with plans to extend this to a
fully searchable set of training documents on many topics; also to add a searchable “how to” procedure manual for
staff use. On-line forms which automatically get entered into the relevant system will become common. We are also
close to installing a new HR system, where staff will be able to update their own details.
Laptops are available for occasional use, such as when a group goes on a holiday. Photos can be uploaded immediately
and a permanent record created while the holiday is still in progress. Things we would only have dreamed about a few
years ago can now be investigated seriously. Face-to-face phone calls, more immediate peer support, spoken
note-making, individualised security in houses, replacement of keys with touch-pads, emergency calls from any client
24/7 – the list is endless.
In setting Westhaven up to embrace the technological developments of the future, the Board and
management are ensuring that the service and support to clients and their families will only improve, in
spite of the extraordinary challenges the environment will throw at disability services of all kinds.
Jim
Standard 8
B u s i ness Se rv i c es N ew s
Bill’s Say Feb 2012
Here we are into March 2012 already where does the time go! Westhaven Business Services
supported employees have been kept busy for the start of 2012, with mid February seeing the
completion of Water Cells for refurbishment of Apex Oval, a job in which we made over $7000
during past months. Thanks to Terrazzo Dubbo for giving us this work.
We have recently purchased two more shredding machines to bring it to a total of four machines now
buzzing away in the shredding room. These machines added with last years purchase of 100 wheelie
bins for secure document disposal will keep a number of our workers busy.
Returned again in February are the Bung plugs for assembly for Fletchers International, these are made
under contract to Bestaxx to be assembled and delivered to Fletchers.
Our Enclaves Mowing crews have been flat out keeping up with the large quantity of lawns under
contract to Homecare, this has been made more difficult with interruptions due to weather conditions.
The staff and supported employees in this area must be commended on their efforts here.
“Well done Fellas”.
The Ugg Boot Shop door has not been buzzing too often of late, but, this has given workers time to
build up stock levels for winter hoping to beat excellent takings over last winter.
Another purchase this year thanks to a FaHCSIA grant obtained by Westhaven Business Services was a
new Kubota Mini tractor / Front end loader / Mower that will be used to prepare compost and garden
mix as well as mowing large areas under our care (e.g.. Large WASS lawns).
Pictured here with the new Kubota are Left:
Aubrey and
Right: Mark, Matthew, Kerry, Malcolm Sam and Warren
Now with the completion of the Terrazzo job, and the Bung plugs not being available for assembly all
the time, the search continues for extra work for our supported employees. So please keep me informed
if you hear of any potential work for our supported employees.
Thanks Bill Dewar
Business Services Coordinator
Standard 8
Page 6
Thumbs
Up #1
Near the serving window at PK’s Drive through
Bakery in Dubbo. What do you think?
Doris reports
that just before Christmas she
received a phone call from a
gentleman praising Tracey
Jarrett for her help and
assistance in the UGG Boot
Shop.
Well Done Tracey!
Thumbs Up #2
Thumbs up to
George Hawkins and
Tracey Jarrett for
giving up their
weekend to sit with a
client at the hospital.
Not only did they sit
with him for hours on
end they both gave
the hospital their personal mobile numbers
in case and informed
the staff to ring them
if they became unsettled and they would
come back to the hospital to sit with them
again. Jim Edwards
also spent his Saturday morning at the
hospital to see this
client through the
surgery.
Another thumbs up to
Haylee Rees who
stepped up and
started signing when a
deaf client was having
trouble getting a
message through. The
client came to the
office looking for
assistance to catch a
taxi, this made the
client feel much more
at ease and his
request was met, he
apparently left a happy man.
Mark M
Awakening Health & Chiropractic
Bowen Therapy – What Is It?
Bowen therapy is a gentle form of bodywork in which very subtle moves are performed
over the muscles and connective tissue sending messages deep into the body.
Bowen therapy can be used to target a specific problem or address the body as a
whole. The therapy does not use forceful manipulation. It addresses not only the
musculoskeletal framework, but also the fascia, nerves and internal organs. Bowen
therapy improves circulation and lymphatic drainage and aids in the assimilation of
nutrients and elimination of toxins.
How safe is it?
Bowen uses such a gentle level of touch that it is considered to be one of the
safest of therapies. Everyone from newborns to the very elderly and frail, highly trained
athletes and pregnant women benefit equally, each according to need.
How many sessions are needed?
A session lasts for 45 minutes and ideally take place approximately 5 to 10 days apart.
Although people notice significant benefits after just one session, further treatments may
be required to consolidate the first. Some chronic conditions may require ongoing,
long-term sessions.
Practitioner
Melinda Vizintin is a qualified Bowen Therapist who is fully insured, Health fund approved
and a full member of the B.A.A (Bowen Association of Australia)
Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-3:30pm
Please phone Mel at Awakening Health and Chiropractic for prices as a
group discount may apply.
Page 7
Final ILF Disco for 2011
Aussie Santa Visits Mitchell House
Mitchell House was filled with excitement. Everyone was heading to
the dining room when the man in red turned up. Kevin rushed over to
Santa saying “I’ve been good, really I have”.
After all the excitement and commotion had
ceased all the men settled down, as Santa was about
to give out some presents. Everyone seemed thrilled
with what they had received, Malcolm with his Derby
hat, Kevin H. with his guitar and Chris D with his Peter Brock cap and
chair. Santa had done a wonderful job choosing all the presents as
everyone received what they had wished for.
Santa looked great in his Aussie outfit,
thongs and all, but once everyone had
received their presents it was time for Santa
to leave. After getting their photos taken
with Santa it was
time to say cheerio
as he had to
continue to do what Santa does best.
A big thank you to all the staff who worked
on Christmas Day and helped to make it
such a wonderful one for the residents of
Mitchell House.
Standards 3,5 & 6
K R I T L X R Z M E F S H U M V O N R S V R D J S
T Z U T A F E E V I T R O P P U S R O K Y T A H S
I V R L V M K G O K L R W Y V P D B B V X Y S P J
C P A P E T P J R K M U U L R R E P U T A T I O N
Y H G B R P G T G E R T F S G S V W S E R V I C E
Over fifty clients and visitors joined in a
great disco, it was also great to see staff
enjoying themselves and
encouraging the clients to dance.
It was wonderful to see some of the
guys from Mitchell House there
enjoying themselves and also some
friends from Challenge.
Once again a beautiful birthday/
Christmas cake was provided by
Annette, which was really enjoyed by
all. Many thanks for the cakes over the
year were expressed to Annette by all
the clients.
Birthday wishes were extended to those
who had a birthday in November or
December (Staff and clients). All joined
in singing Happy Birthday.
David Haynes especially enjoyed the
wishes as if it were his birthday. Then
everyone joined in singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and wishing
everyone a very merry, peaceful Christmas. James made a very
impressive Santa Claus, beard and all.
And it was great to see so many in
Christmas t-shirts, etc.
Well done everyone.
Wishing you all a great Christmas, & A
Happy Year and looking forward to
seeing all your happy smiling faces in
2012, God’s blessing always.
Annette & Peter
Westhaven Strategic Plan
FIND
- A -W
ORD
H I J E R O K P A L E C P T T Z E M T A Q V F S W
X K D P S O F N N V J D N P C W L H N U U Q K L P
BESTPRACTICE,COMMUNICATION
E H M O A L I E I S B A R K I E O S M T A I L Z T
DEVELOPMENT,ETHOS,GROWTH
Q Y C U S N N T S Y E A B H S S P R A M L P L D I
INNOVATIVE,MEANINGFUL
M S X S G L A N A S C N D Y E A M S T L I K E V Q
ORGANISATION,PROFESSIONAL
Z V D F R V H K T T I N E W R V E A E H T S R S Y
QUALITY,REPUTATION,RESPECTFUL
L Y U M O C Z S I E K O R E N S N D V R Y T M J K
ROBUST,SERVICE,SKILLED
J L S N W Q X C O M M U N I C A T I O N J N I Z U
SUPPORTIVE,SYSTEM,TECHNOLOGY
J J N J T P E M N S F T G A E D W Y P Q N Y V L Q
TRANSPARENT,TRUSTWORTHY
Page 8
V o l um e 2 , I s s ue 1
WBS Christmas Party
Dancing shoes were dusted off and party clothes donned when the supported employees
from WBS attended their Annual Christmas Party which was held at The Macquarie Inn
on the 16.12.2011. The Big Red Party Bus was once again used to transport the party goers
to the most anticipated day on the yearly calendar and whilst aboard there was plenty of
singing, waving, balloons and laughter as the Bus wound it’s way through the streets of
Dubbo to finally arrive at it’s destination. The scene was set, with music playing and tables
set in readiness for the arrival of the guests.
The supported employees were treated to a beautiful hot and cold buffet with plenty
of soft drink available (with also the odd beer & wine thrown in for good measure) which
was followed by a fruit salad dessert afterwards. Some special guests also attended which
included former Trainer Sharon and past employees Max, Trevor and the recently retired
Lyn who were welcomed with open arms and hearts.
Another much awaited part of the annual Christmas party is the awarding of the
Employees awards. This year they were presented by Business Services Co-Ordinator Bill
Dewar with the major awards going to:

Doug Stewart—Employee of the Year

Wayne Judge—Outstanding Achievement

Warren Flann—Most Consistent

Mark Hudson—Most Improved
For the monthly awards, these were handed to Peter Hillam for Employee of the Month
October/November, Kylie Coffee for Most Improved and an Encouragement award for
Trudy McAnally.
All in all everyone had a fantastic time and we would like to extend our gratitude to
Kim Hocking for organizing yet another wonderful event. Thanks Kim.
Page 9
Standards 3,5&6
TEMORA AVIATION SHOW WEEKEND
2-4/12/2011
On Friday the 2nd December 2011 a small group of friends from Westhaven went on a trip to see the
Temora air show. Our group comprised of Tom and Keith Lynette, Matt White, Ron Walker, Jeff
Dawes, John Downes, Tony O’Brien, Stephen Sharp with Robyn West and Rhonda Pomfret.
We left Dubbo in one of the Westhaven buses that was large enough for us all to fit in with our
luggage, we were staying away a few nights and basing ourselves in West Wyalong. All of us were
looking forward to having our ―Boys Weekend away seeing vintage planes and cars‖.
Our first stop was at Forbes for afternoon tea which is Jeff’s home town. After that brief stop we
drove on to our accommodation at the Ardeanal Motel in West Wyalong. We had 5 twin share rooms
in the heart of West Wyalong. We settled into our motel, had showers and freshened up ready to go
out for dinner at the Tatts hotel, the meals were great and Tom, John and Jeff didn’t mind a beer or
two. The staff at the hotel and also the people of West Wyalong were very accommodating towards
our group of clients, Westhaven is well known by the town as it is Peter Fraser’s home town and he
frequently visits his family there. We retired for the night and had a comfortable sleep ready for our
day at the air show.
On Saturday we made our way to Temora air show, it was the last show for the year and fortunately it
wasn’t too crowded and the weather was perfect. We had opportunity to get up close to the planes
and watched them take off, do acrobatics and land. The commentator was very informative telling
the audience the history of all the planes and about their pilots. After lunch we were able to go and
have a closer look at the planes and personally talk to the pilots. One of the planes was painted like
the jaws of a shark, we were told that the pilots used to paint their planes as a way to make them
look more terrifying when going into combat. We were able to go inside a hangar to see a video
about the history of other planes. The gift shop that sold aircraft memorabilia was a must to visit
before we left, hats and shirts were brought by all. We took the scenic route back to our motel past
lake Centenary where there were quite a few boats and water skiers. After getting showered and
refreshed we went out for dinner at the club before going back to the motel and to bed.
On Sunday morning we got ourselves together had breakfast and said our farewell to some of the
people we had got to know. We made our way back to Forbes and went to McFeeters car Museum.
There were many old cars there ranging from many old vintage cars with no roofs, old Bentleys, Rolls
Royce sedans, 1950 cars, Utes, Mustangs, Hotted up cars and even a vintage Japanese hearse. The
museum guide was very helpful and informative and all the clients enjoyed wanted to buy some
automobile memorabilia. We then went to the RSL to have lunch before travelling on to see the radio
telescope at Parkes and travelling home.
Standards 3, 5,6
The Westhaven Association
PO Box 4695 Dubbo East
NSW 2830
The Disability Service Standards
32 Hawthorn St
Dubbo NSW, 2830
Australia
Ph: 02 6882—4111
Fax: 02 6882—4799
admin@westhavendubbo.com.au
www.westhavendubbo.com.au
www.twosheep.com.au
providing supported employment
and accommodation for adults
with intellectual disabilities
Westhaven Accommodation
Support Service
PO Box 4695 Dubbo East
NSW 2830
475 Wheelers Lane
Dubbo NSW, 2830
Australia
Ph: 02 6882-7188
Fax: 02 6884-3032
Email:
wass@westhavendubbo.com.au
Business Services
(Commonwealth)
1 - Service Access
2 - Individual Needs – IVP
3 - Decision Making & Choice
4 - Privacy, Dignity & Confidentiality
5 - Participation & Integration
6 - Valued Status
7 - Complaints & Disputes
8 - Service Management
9 - Employment Conditions
10 - Service Recipient Training & Support
11 - Staff Recruitment, Employment & Training
12 - Protection of Human Rights & Freedom from Abuse
Accommodation Support Service
(State)
1 - Service Access
2 - Individual Needs – ISP
3 - Decision Making & Choice
4 - Privacy, Dignity & Confidentiality
5 - Participation & Integration
6 - Valued Status
7 - Complaints & Disputes
8 - Service Management
9 - Family Relationships
10 - Protection of Human Rights & Freedom from Abuse