APRIL 2015 Newsletter
Mackay
1st April 2015
“It is not the strongest of the species that
survive or the most intelligent, but the one
who is most adaptable to change.”
Points of interest in this issue:
Charles Darwin
DATE CLAIMER:
Hello to carers in our region.
“FullScheme Ahead”
You may be aware of the many changes
that are taking place. The aged care reform, NDIS and the uncertainly of funding
for our services and the movement of staff.
Date:
As soon as I know any clarity I shall let
everyone know.
Time:
Volume 17, Issue 27
NDIS Workshop
Thursday 6th August 2015—for
Carers— Contact office to register.
4944 0544
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Easter Break Office Closure
Thursday Afternoon 2nd April
Reopening Tuesday 7th April 2015.
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Easter Egg Hunt
Wednesday 1st April
9.30—11.30am
Bring a plate to share. See over for
details
I would like to bring your attention to the
monthly activity calendar.
We have activities, workshop and support
groups with guest speakers for this
quarter.
So please feel welcome to come along and
connect with Carers Quensland Mackay
staff and other carers.
Writing Group
What are carers support groups and why
are they important?
Thursday 9th & 23rd April

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Anger Management Workshop
Thursday 30th April 2015
4/19 Palmer Street, Nth Mackay

9.30am—2pm
See enclosed flyer for details.
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Your Contribution:
Share your knowledge:
We would like you to share your
stories, photos, poems, recipes and
inspirations with other carers.
Please send them through to:
[email protected]

Carers share information about local
services support and exchange ways
to keep caring as stress free as
possible.
Carers connect with other carers
who have common needs and
shared experiences.
Guest speakers provide information
on support services, new
development and on topics of
interest.
“Shanelle” Team Leader
………………………………………………………………….
**IMPORTANT MESSAGE: **
Health & Wellbeing Expo
Supporting seniors, people with a disability
and carers in your local community.
Tuesday 26th May 2015
Location: PCYC Bowen, Cnr Hay & Queen
Streets, Bowen
10am—1pm
FREE ADMISSION
Tea and coffee available .
Come and chat to local and visiting
providers and learn about some of the
many services and agencies that provide
service in the Bowen Region.
Supported By:
Carers Queensland
Shanelle Dumma—4944 0544
Townsville Mackay Medicare Local
Lauriann Trevy— 4842 6755
Mackay Community Visitors Association
Tracey Geaghan— 4953 4878
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Please don’t forget to RSVP
for the support groups or
functions; unless specified
the day before is fine.
From April the Mackay office hours will be.
Contact Details:
4/19 Palmer Street
North Mackay Qld 4740
PO Box 3066
North Mackay Qld 4740
Phone: 4944 0544
Fax: 4944 1488
If our office is unattended and
your need is urgent, please
call Brisbane office: 1800 242
636 Mon—Fri 9:00—5:00
After hours:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Carers Queensland Inc
ABN: 20 061 257 725
Monday—if you need to see Shanelle
please phone for an appointment, we may
be closed due to meeting or outreach.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Will operate as normal.
Friday—by appointment for Shanelle and
Susan.
Please phone 4944 0544 to make an
appointment for Mondays and Fridays.
Avoid disappointment by phoning the
office to find out if staff are available.
Walking in the
pool
9am—10.30am
Bluewater
Lagoon
2
AGED CARE REFORMS
Nationally, the Australian government is introducing
reforms that will effect the way aged care services
are delivered in the home. From July 1st 2015 all
home care packages (formerly known as EACH and
CACPS) will move to a consumer—directed model.
Packages range from Level 1 (low/care) to Level 4
(high/care)
Council of the Aged (COTA) has set up a useful website.
www.homecaretoday.org.au/consumer
CARERS SUPPORT GROUPS:
We would love to see you there for a
cuppa and a chat!
Proserpine Support Group
Not held in April due to Public Holiday.
Self/Care Mindfullness Goup
Thursday 2nd April 2015
Writing Group:
Thursday 9th and 23rd April 2015
Australian Government Aged Care Information Line
Walking in the pool
Friday 10th April 2015
1800 200 422
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“Full Scheme Ahead”
NDIS
NDIS will start in Queensland on 1st July 2016 with
the full scheme implemented by 30th June 2019.
This will bring changes to people with disability, families and carers as well as changes to service
providers and government.
Queensland Government is funding Carers
Queensland to run a series of workshops to help
prepare people for NDIS.
“Full Scheme Ahead”
Carers aged 60+ ( 45+ Aboriginal & Torres Strait
Islander) are invited to attend our FREE NDIS workshop for older family carers who care for an adult
child with disability.
Bowen Support Group
Wednesday 15th April 2015
Mackay Support Group
Thursday 16th April. Guest Speaker
Pioneer Valley Support Group
Tuesday 28th April 2015
Anger Management Workshop
Thursday 30th April 2015
** Don’t forget to let us know if you
are coming along.***
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During the workshop you will be guided through
sessions on:
- The NDIS and You
- Your future with NDIS
- Caring beyond the now.
EASTER EGG HUNT & MORNING TEA
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Please register online or call 1800242636
Email: [email protected]
WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST 2015—Service Providers
THURSDAY 6TH AUGUST 2015—Carers
Windmill Motel, 5 Highway Plaza, North Mackay
9.30am—2pm
All Welcome
Wednesday 1st April 2015
John Breen Park
Malcomson Street,
North Mackay
9.30am—11.30am
Please bring a plate of goodies to share , and a chair.
Don’t forget to RSVP—4944 0544
3
“Give a duck “ for your chance to win
Meet Quackley.
Quackley the duck is spear-heading our latest fundraising campaign – the Carers Queensland ‘Give a Duck’ for your
chance to win online duck race, proudly presented by Australian Financial Advisors.
Taking place on 28 May 2015, our online duck race will see Quackley and thousands of other ducks battle it out,
online, for the prestigious title of duck race champion, at the same time as raising vital funds for Carers
Queensland so that we can continue to deliver services to support carers.
For just $5, you can buy a duck and enter the race, where your duck will battle it out for the following FABULOUS
prizes:
First prize – Holiday for two to Phuket (includes return airfares Brisbane to Phuket; flying with Singapore Airlines; 7 nights accommodation at a 4 star resort; including breakfast daily; Phang Na Bay tour
including James Bond Island.)
Second prize - MacAir Computer Notebook
Third prize - $500 Westfield voucher
As well as these amazing prizes, we’re offering an amazing Seller’s Prize. Register as a seller and the seller who
sells the most tickets (total $ value) will win:
A seven night Island Hopper Cruise on Pacific Dawn with P & O (Visiting Noumea, Lifou & Vila. Inside
Twin Cabin Cruise departure date 6 June, 18 July, 1 August, 2015.)
So, will you give a duck to help Carers Queensland deliver services to support carers?
Here’s how it works. Firstly, relax. We’re not selling real ducks. We’re actually selling raffle tickets. Each ticket
number will be allocated to a virtual duck, which will participate in the online race. The winning ducks (or ticket
numbers) will be drawn at random. For an extra chance to win, register as a seller. If you sell the most tickets
(total $ value) you will win the seven night Island Hopper Cruise.
Tickets are on sale now, and are available online – go to www.giveaduck.com.au; over the telephone (1800 343
636) or in person at your local Carers Queensland office.
Cost:
1 ticket - $5
5 tickets - $20
20 tickets - $80
100 tickets - $300
Please share this with your friends and family – and good luck!
4
COUNSELLOR’S CORNER— Susan Murray
***IMPORTANT***
Have any of your
circumstances changed since you
completed one of our “Client
Details Forms”?
Have you changed address, contact
phone number or email address?
Please call into the Mackay office
Tues, Wed or Thurs. to update any
changes, or contact us to send out a
form by mail or email so that we
may revise your details. This allows
us to be able to invite you to access
our services, special events and
contact you when we have new
group activities, lunches,
morning teas and guest
speakers.
Keep your mind active:
SUDOKU
In March, Shanelle and I presented a workshop on self-esteem to carers in the
Bowen region. So, I am taking this opportunity to provide an overview of self-esteem
and how we can improve our self-esteem.
What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is how we value ourselves; it is how we perceive our value to the world and
how valuable we think we are to others. Self-esteem affects our trust in others, our
relationships, and our work – nearly every part of our lives.
Positive self-esteem gives us the strength and flexibility to take charge of our lives and
grow from our mistakes without the fear of rejection.
People with high self-esteem show outward signs of confidence, self-direction,
non-blaming behavior, awareness of personal strengths, ability to make mistakes and
learn from them, optimism, ability to problem solve, ability to say no, and feel
comfortable with a wide range of emotions.
Low self-esteem is a can keep people from realizing their full potential. A person with
low self-esteem feels unworthy, incapable, and incompetent. In fact, because the
person with low self-esteem feels so poorly about him or herself, these feelings may
actually cause the person’s continued low self-esteem.
People with low self-esteem may have a negative view of life, strive for perfection,
mistrust others even when they give positive feedback, blame others, fear of taking
risks, feel unloved and unlovable, let others make decisions even when they don’t agree,
and fear of being ridiculed.
How can you raise low self-esteem?
Feelings of low self-esteem often build up over a lifetime, and letting go of ingrained
feelings and behaviors is not an easy task. It may take time, hard work, and it may
require professional counselling. But there are some simple, positive thinking
techniques that can be used to help improve self-esteem. These are called affirmations.
Using affirmations to stop negative self-talk is a simple, positive way to help increase
self-esteem.
Affirmations are encouraging messages we can give ourselves every day until they
become part of our feelings and beliefs. Replace negative self-messages with positive
ones. Instead of thinking “I made a stupid mistake and I am useless”, replace it with
“Yes I made a mistake but I have learned from this and now I know how to do it better.
Affirmations to build a positive self-image:
I respect myself and others
I am lovable and likeable
I am confident, and it shows
I care about myself
Life is good, and I like being part of it.
Identify and celebrate your positive qualities and recognise new achievements.
Engage in helpful behaviors, by approaching new situations with an open mind,
engaging in life and doing pleasant activities, treating yourself kindly, and not
withdrawing.
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Carers in our region who reside outside of Mackay City can also book telephone
counselling appointments. My usual work days are Thursdays and Fridays.
If carers feel they need to access counselling outside those days can be linked with
a counsellor in another area by phone.
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WHAT IS COMING!
This month Susan will be holding an Anger Management Workshop in Mackay.
Different workshops will be held throughout the region, so keep a watch out for
these.
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There will be a special prize draw once every quarter for carers who attend any of our
act ivies throughout the year. Their name will be placed on a raffle ticket each time
they arrive on time to attend an activity