February, 2026 No 14
From the Director’s Desk
Hi everyone!
It’s Feb already?
Where did the year go? As you can see we are having a shuffle around with Geoff and I taking a bit more of a back seat, and other Proactive Support Team members stepping up. We have always said that we really appreciate great staff and great participants, and we are still a small enough business to answer the phone!
We are glad that with staff taking on team leader roles we can continue to deal with queries and provide supports in a timely manner. We will hear from Toni next month, but right now I want to introduce Beck who everyone already knows, and who is stepping up into the role of Operational Director.
Over to you Beck!
Introducing the New Operations Director
I’m pleased to be stepping into the role of Operational Director at Proactive Support and am truly grateful for the path that has brought me here.
I’ve been with Proactive Support for just under three years, starting in an administration role before moving into the position of Business Manager. During this time, I’ve come to know the organisation very well and have valued working alongside participants, families, staff,and management. Before joining Proactive Support, my background was in health and education. I was a Registered Nurse and have also worked as a Nursing Team Manager, Home Educator, and Medical Receptionist. These experiences have shaped the way I work today — with care, clear communication, and a strong focus on people.
I’m looking forward to bringing this approach into my new role and continuing to support our participants, families, and staff in positive ways.
What's On February 2026
A few ideas for community outings and activities
Brisbane
- Outdoor movies in parks – Fitzgibbon and Cannon Hill Brisbane event search | Brisbane City Council
- Local markets Brisbane City Markets - Reddacliff Place |Brisbane City Council
- Free museum and gallery visits (QAGOMA, Museum of Brisbane)
Ipswich
- Ipswich Art Gallery exhibitions What’s on - Ipswich Art Gallery
- River Heart Parklands events Riverheart Parklands
- Community libraries and workshops What’s On - Ipswich Libraries
Moreton Bay Region
- Redcliffe foreshore activities Events from July 4, 2024 – July 19, 2024 – Redcliffe Guide
- Markets and community festivals Redcliffe Markets - Goodwill Projects
- Beach walks and picnics
South Burnett
- Local community markets Markets | South Burnett Regional Council
- Kingaroy Observatory events Home - Kingaroy Observatory
- Community shows and local attractions southburnett.com.au | South Burnett Major Annual Events Calendar
Out And About On Community Access
Tab's Talking
It’s been a few weeks since we last talked, and I’m sure many things have happened your end as well!
I had one tricky situation last week. I was asked to pass on my availability during the school holidays to the mum of three clients I support. I did that, but didn’t hear back. A little later, I was contacted by another mum who had found my profile online. She has an autistic child and asked if I would be open to a meet and greet. I agreed, the meeting went well, and we booked in dates and times for support.
And… you guessed it… later that same day the first mum finally replied and asked for support on the very days I had now booked. Support work can be a balancing act!
During some days off, I set myself a goal: to make my desk visible again. I create jewellery as a side business, so my desk is usually covered in new beads, repair jobs, trays of mixed beads waiting to be sorted, letters needing replies, invoices to be paid, and receipts to be filed. “Less is more” has been on my mind for a few months now, but when collecting (sounds better than hoarding!) runs in your family, it can be a challenge. I was inspired by a friend who moved into a tiny house — and guess what? It somehow works. You really can downsize and let go of stuff!
Back to support work… have a look at this photo. The setup on the left wasn’t appreciated by my 10-year-old autistic client. It made him vocal, and now I know why! Two of the cars were not upside down. All his cars need to be upside down because they have eyes and need to sleep until we sort them out by colour.
He has trouble communicating, so it took a little while to work that one out. I’m so glad I had my PODD book with me — a book with simple, varied pictures used to help get a message across. Carrying it also seems to help people in public recognise that I’m supporting a child with additional needs. They often show more patience, which is a win-win.
Next month, I’d love to share a few lines from a book I’m currently reading. I won’t give the title away just yet. The author talks about Plan A, Plan B… and are you ready? Yes — Plan C.
Take care, and try something new from your bucketlist in 2026.
Love,Tabs
Participant Focus
Finding Your Place in the Community
Community isn’t just the place you live — it’s where you feel connected, valued, and included. Being part of your community can make a big difference to your wellbeing, confidence, and happiness. At Proactive Support, we help participants find ways to get involved that feel safe, enjoyable, and meaningful. This could be joining a local group, volunteering, or simply enjoying regular outings. Everyone’s involvement looks different — what matters is that it helps you feel included.
Being connected to your community can help you make friends, build social connections, give you a sense of belonging, support your mental health, and let you try new things. We work with participants to explore activities they enjoy, build confidence to try new experiences, provide the right support for individual goals, and encourage independence at a pace that suits each person.
Participants often share how community involvement changes their lives. One participant said, “I started volunteering at the local radio station, and meeting all the new people has improved my confidence and conversation skills” Another shared, “Joining the acting group was scary at first, but I am proud of how well I did in the Christmas performance.” Even trying something new, like swimming lessons, can be rewarding: “I didn’t think I’d like swimming, but I love it now.”
Community participation also links to many NDIS goals, helping participants build social and communication skills, increase independence, explore new interests, and achieve personal goals in meaningful ways. At Proactive Support, we make sure activities align with what matters most to each participant, turning small steps into big wins.
Tips for Getting Involved:
- Start small — try one new activity or outing a week.
- Bring a support worker for extra confidence.
- Pick activities you genuinely enjoy — it makes trying new things easier.
- Celebrate small wins — each step counts!
Joke
What do you get from a pampered cow?
Spoiled Milk!
Staff Focus
Upcoming Emergency Scenarios Blitz - Being prepared is about confidence, safety, and knowing what to do when it matters most.
At Proactive Support, safety is a top priority — and being prepared for emergencies is a big part of that. In the next couple of months, we’ll be running an Emergency Scenarios Blitz to practice different situations and make sure everyone knows what to do if something unexpected happens.
You might wonder why we do this. The NDIS requires registered providers to identify risks, have clear emergency and disaster plans, and train staff to respond appropriately. Practicing scenarios is not about creating fear — it’s about building confidence, safety, and readiness so that both participants and staff are supported when it matters most.
During the blitz, we’ll be sending out emergency scenarios along with some simple questions. Staff and participants will go through each scenario, discuss how they would respond, and send back their completed answers. This approach helps everyone think through real situations, understand their roles, and practice decision-making in a safe way.
Being prepared means knowing what to do, acting quickly, and helping everyone feel safe.
By taking part in the blitz, you’re helping us maintain a workplace that is ready, resilient, and responsive.
Joke
How did the barber win the race?
He knew a shortcut!
WHS Tip
Personal Safety on Outings
Heading out for an outing can be fun and exciting, but it’s always smart to plan ahead. Let someone know where you’re going and have a way to stay in touch, so you can enjoy your activity with confidence and peace of mind.
Quick tips:
- Drink water regularly
- Stick to familiar areas or well-known routes
- Let someone know where you’re going
- Carry a phone or alert device in case of emergency
NDIS Focus
Watch Out for Misleading ‘NDIS-Approved’ Claims
Some businesses try to trick people by saying their products or services are “NDIS approved,” “100% NDIS funded,” or endorsed by the NDIA.
The NDIA does not approve or endorse any products or services, so these claims are often misleading and could break the law.
To protect yourself, always check:
- Only registered NDIS providers can use the “I/we support NDIS” logo, and it must say “Registered Provider.”
- Be cautious of businesses promising extra funding or guaranteed approval for NDIS.
- Ask questions and check your NDIS plan or the NDIS Support Lists before buying products or services.
Supports funded by the NDIS | NDIS
As Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS, says: “NDIS participants deserve clear, accurate and honest information about what they can purchase with their funding.”
Remember: if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your funding and always check before you buy.
Read the full article here Cracking down on misleading promotion of ‘NDIS-approved’ products | NDIS
Nature Corner
