August, 2025 No 9
From the Director's Desk
Spring is so close! August breezes, buds popping out, change in the air.
We look forward to warmer days and blossoms so we welcome a new season (even though we will miss sitting around the roaring fire) but sometimes we don’t feel so excited about change.
Because it is unknown, new, a little bit scary . . .
Look at my 4 little chicks. They don’t want to leave the comfort of the nest where they have lived for 2 days.
Mama hen is encouraging them to step out, but they are unsure. What adventures lie ahead? They won’t know until they have a go.
Now they are out and about having a great time – scratching and pecking in dirt, exploring and eating their leafy greens!
Sometimes we need a little ‘push’ to get us out of our comfort zone. To try a new activity, make a new friend, or learn a new language. There is so much joy in experiencing more that life has to offer. Come on, give it a go!
Beatrice, Director
Participant Focus
Joshua Finds Pride and Purpose in His Job Through NDIS Support
Joshua, an 18-year-old with Level 3 autism, an intellectual disability, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, has discovered a profound sense of pride and purpose through his job. With the dedicated support of Feros Care and NDIS funding, Joshua embarked on a journey to find meaningful employment. Emily, his local area coordinator, played a pivotal role in identifying Joshua’;s strengths and interests, eventually guiding him towards a catalogue delivery position that perfectly aligned with his skills. Initially starting with one day a week, Joshua’s commitment and growing confidence have seen his role expand to 20 hours over three days. His job not only allows him to contribute actively but also promotes his independence and improves his health, as he walks 26 kilometers weekly. Supported by a custom-built trolley from his father, Joshua navigates his responsibilities with ease, showcasing his determination and strong work ethic. Joshua’s parents are incredibly proud of how far he’s come, and the positive difference the right support has made.
If you’d like to explore new opportunities or try something different, speak with your Support Co-ordinator or contact Geoff, our Community Access Co-ordinator, to see what’s possible!
WHS tip: “Safe Lifting — Protect Your Back”
When helping participants or moving items, always:
- Plan the lift first — clear space and check your path.
- Bend your knees, not your back.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Ask for help or use equipment when needed.
Lifting the wrong way can cause serious injuries. Safe lifting keeps you and participants safe.
Lifting, pushing and pulling (manual tasks) | Safe Work Australia
Chatting with Rhonda
Staff Spotlight: Rhonda Fagan – Support Coordinator
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to Proactive Support?
My name is Rhonda Fagan, and I’m a Support Coordinator at Proactive Support. I worked in Aged Care for over 10 years, and during that time, I supported many people with disabilities who couldn’t access the care they truly needed. I wanted to change that—so I transitioned into the disability sector, where I felt I could make more of a difference.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love getting to know participants—listening to their needs and goals, then researching ways to support them in achieving those goals. Building trust and genuine rapport is incredibly important to me. At the end of the day, knowing someone’s goal has been reached is the best reward.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time as a Support Coordinator?
One participant needed oxygen therapy at home, so I arranged funding for a monthly oxygen concentrator. Later, I helped her access a portable unit so she could enjoy social outings again. She also required an electric bed to help with breathing, so I worked with an OT to get the right equipment funded. Seeing her quality of life improve so much was a highlight.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day usually starts with checking my planner and prioritising tasks. I follow up with participants, send referrals, liaise with providers, and keep detailed case notes. I also monitor budgets and flag any concerns with our Business Manager. I rely on calendar reminders to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
What’s the most important part of your role?
Listening—then taking action.
How do you build strong relationships with participants and their families?
Trust takes time, but consistency and open communication go a long way. I always aim to follow through on what we’ve discussed. That’s when people start to feel they can rely on me.
Any advice for someone starting out in Support Coordination?
Be open to learning—every day is different and brings something new. And always remember, everyone deserves to be heard and supported.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love mowing the lawn and keeping things tidy—especially the windows! I ride motorbikes with my brother on weekends and enjoy family time with our pet goose, Gus. I also love sewing, playing piano, and writing songs.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Although I’ve travelled a lot, there’s no place I’d rather be than on our little farm in Woodford, Queensland, surrounded by the beautiful Australian bush.
NDIS Focus
The NDIS has issued a warning about a fraudulent email circulating that imitates an NDIS provider
newsletter and targets NDIS participants. The scam email asks recipients to sign in to the NDIS portal to
update their bank account details, directing them to a fake website designed to steal login information. It’s
important to remember that the NDIS will never ask you to update your bank details via email, text
message, or social media message.
If you clicked the link in the scam email, you should immediately log in to the NDIS participant portal via
myGov or the myNDIS app, change your NDIS and myGov login details, and check that your personal
details are correct. For help, contact the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110. To report a scam, call
the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline on 1800 650 717.
Always be cautious of unexpected messages requesting your personal or NDIS details.
Scam alert beware emails asking you update bank details | NDIS
This is what the scam email looks like.
Tab’s Talking
Must be time for my second newsletter!
I’m sitting down with a hot cup of Rooibos tea—I've hit my coffee limit for the day after having some lovely ladies over for a jewellery repair workshop. We chatted about life, health, God, and the things that help us cope when life gets a bit much. Some of us recharge with quiet time in nature, others book a massage or a magnesium float. Personally, I like to garden barefoot and move heavy pots around!
It reminded me how important it is—especially as support workers—to stay grounded ourselves. It’s hard to pass on calmness and positivity if we’re running on empty.
One of the young people I support has her own way of grounding: calm music and cuddles with Snowy, our fluffy Guinea pig who comes inside for snacks and pats. She doesn’t cope well with changes, especially last-minute ones like a new doctor or a change in school plans. Her week is carefully mapped out—Art on Monday, bottle returns and lunch on Tuesday, formal day and pasta on Wednesday, and Thursday means cooking, history, and the best part… TUCKSHOP!
But recently, disaster struck: the school tuckshop ran out of chicken kebabs! You wouldn’t think it’d be a big deal, but it really rocked her. She asked why so many times that her mum and I set a new rule: we’ll answer the same question three times—then stop. It helped (mostly!). Her mum even joked she’d sign her up for ChatGPT because “it’ll answer you 100,000 times!”
While we’re talking food… have you ever done batch cooking with a client? It’s a great way to build life skills—planning, shopping on a budget, prepping meals, and helping with clean-up. Not every client can be involved in each step, but those who can often walk away with a huge sense of pride. And bonus—tasty meals ready to go!
Until next time,
Love, Tabs
Joke
Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
Because he was stuffed!
Joke
Why did the strawberry cry?
He found himself in a jam!
Proactive Adventures
Fishing trip from Sandstone Point
Darling Downs Zoo is a great place to visit with a lot of animals for a private zoo. Very highly recommended.
Rain, thunder and lightening didn't dampen the fun of the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience at Sirromet Winery in Mt Cotton. The crowds were busy and the food was expensive, but it was a great night out.
Google Review
We would appreciate your positive Google review of Proactive Support! It’s quick and easy, just log in to your Google or Gmail account and Click Here
Marketing
Hello, Proactive Participants and Staff! If you have an anniversary, birthday, story, or accomplishment you would like to share, please contact us,
Paula Ward
communications@proactive-support.com.au
Text: 0406940123
We are improving our marketing strategy!
We want reels on Facebook because they are fun and eye-catching.
If you don’t mind being on social media send us your short videos from Community Access on Whatsapp.
0406940123.
Thank you!
