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Hands-on experience for trainees helps improve boardwalk access

Last updated:
28/07/2022

The team at Bundaberg Now captured the partnership between IMPACT Community Services' Green Gang and the Bundaberg Regional Council in a recent story on the boardwalk at Sharon Gorge.

See the article below and head to their website to watch the video!

IMPACT Community Services’ Green Gang trainees and Council’s natural areas team are extending the boardwalk at Sharon Gorge to improve access.

IMPACT employees working on the boardwalk are currently studying their Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, with the program employing up to 10 trainees.

Council’s Parks and Gardens spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said the project had been a great opportunity to improve the facilities at Sharon Gorge while making the walk more accessible to the public.

“During the recent rain events there has been damage to the Sharon Gorge walking track, and these works provide us the opportunity to improve the track and raise the height of the boardwalk, so it lasts longer,” Cr Honor said.

“Trainees from IMPACT Community Services have lent a helping hand to build the boardwalk in partnership with our Natural Areas team which is a fantastic opportunity for them to gain hands on experience.

“Upgrading the path by extending the boardwalk provides a safer and easily accessible path for our visitors.”

IMPACT Community Services is assisting in the project through their Work Skills Traineeships – Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.

Supervisor Rob Alder said the project provided the opportunity for their trainees to gain hands on experience to assist in building up their self-confidence.

IMPACT Community Services' Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management trainees working with Bundaberg Regional Council at Sharon Gorge. Photo: Bundaberg Regional Council.
IMPACT Community Services' Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management trainees working with Bundaberg Regional Council at Sharon Gorge. Photo: Bundaberg Regional Council.

“We have got ten trainees in conservation and ecosystem management who are employed by IMPACT Community Services with the help of SQW funding from the Queensland Government,” Rob said.

“This group of trainees are into their fourteenth week and have been doing other tasks but are really enjoying being out here doing the boardwalk.

“Projects like these give them the opportunity to upskill which is really important as some of these people may have lost their self-esteem.”

Rob said the trainees had come from a range of different backgrounds and the projects were a chance for them to make a difference within the community.

“The trainees might be youths straight out of school who have found it tough to get into the workforce or sometimes it is mothers who are re-entering the workforce after bringing up their kids or it could be people who want to change career,” he said.

“They might have started off being a concreter or a brick layer or something like that, but as they get on a little bit their body is not up to what they used to do so they need a bit of guidance as they may be down in the dumps because they have tried so many jobs and they cannot seem to get a job.

“Some of them were a little bit hesitant at first because they had never used any carpentry tools or anything like that, they also had to work out how to go around an arc in a boardwalk and work out the boards.

“Now they have been doing it for a week now they feel right at home, and they can sit back and look and think ‘wow what a difference we have made’.”

IMPACT is a Registered Training Organisation, RTO Code: 0115.

For more information about our traineeship Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, click here.

IMPACT Community Services is proud to have hosted the 2022 Bundaberg NAIDOC Committee annual Yarnin with Elders Luncheon in Bundaberg.

It was a fantastic afternoon with Indigenous Elders attending the event, alongside Legends of League Reggie Cressbrook and Leo Dynevor.

A performance by Warrior Descendants opened the luncheon and was followed by a Welcome to Country by Auntie Linda.

IMPACT Community Services acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live, work and meet. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, traditions, the culture, hopes and values not only of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but for all Australians.

See the photos from the event below!

More than 200kg of laundry just became light work at NEW iMAGE Laundry.

The commercial laundry is an initiative of IMPACT Community Services’ which serves Bundaberg and the surrounding areas.

IMPACT’s Laundry manager Daniel Leary said they recently installed two Jensen Washer Extractor 110kg machines.

These Front Loader single pocket machines will essentially double the capacity of the laundry.

“The current wash capacity at the Laundry was 180kg at any given time, with the average cycle being around 45 minutes,” he said.

“The current machines are 40kg, 60kg and 80kg. Meaning that it would take three machines to produce 180kg every 45 minutes.

“These 2 new machines are each 110kg which allows us to process an additional 220kg every 45 minutes.”

Daniel said this equated to a new capacity of 400kgs every 45 minutes.

He said without the new machines the laundry was operating at close to its maximum capacity and this made it difficult to pursue other contracts to drive production and sustainability further.

The new equipment allows the laundry to fine tune its operation, reduce overheads. It now also allows us to drop existing machine out of production for essential maintenance at given times while still maintaining good production levels.

Servicing a range of local aged care facilities, hospitals, medical practices, accommodation outlets and more, the laundry is committed to working to meet all guidelines set by the Australian Standards AS/NZS 4146.2000 for the collection, loading, storage and sorting, disinfecting, washing and delivery of linen.

Daniel said key aspects to commercial washing operations and remaining compliant to medical and aged care standards are Mechanical, Thermal and Chemical disinfection.  

The Mechanical Action is achieved by the engineering of the inner drum and the rigorous tumbling process. The Thermal action is achieved by the injection of steam continually throughout the wash cycle to maintain set temperatures. And the Chemical disinfection is maintained by the computer-controlled injection system which delivers concentrated wash, softening and neutralising chemicals.

Daniel said the washing machines operate up to 80 degrees Celsius depending on the fabrics being processed, while the ironer operates at 180 degrees Celsius and the dryers at 90 degrees Celsius. This will eliminate any pathogens or viruses that may have been in contact with the linen.

The machinery and wash cycles are calibrated each month to ensure that all the above measures are being meet. Importantly, the linen is also pH tested to confirm neutral pH linen was going back to clients. This is particularly important for use in hospitals and aged care facilities were when patients and residents will have contact with linen for prolonged periods.

The machinery was commissioned on June 8, 2022.

Some interesting facts:

Current research suggests that the covid virus cannot withstand temperatures at or above 70°C (158°F). All medical, aged care and accommodation linen at NEW iMAGE Laundry is washed at between 75 and 80 degrees Celsius.

When washing clothes for Bed Bugs or lice, wash cycles above 65 degrees for 10 minutes killed 100% of all life stages. Washing at 40 degrees killed all adults and nymphs, but only 25% of eggs. Therefore, washing clothes for bed bug dis-infestation should be done at the hottest temperatures. Most domestic washing machines will not maintain these temperatures for any period to eliminate these pests.

The extraction process of moisture or final spin cycle by our washing machines is done at 350 G-forces. In comparison, the massive G forces experienced by a space shuttle astronaut at take-off is 3 G, while fighter pilots can only manage up to about 9G for a second or two in a vertical manoeuvre.

NEW iMAGE Laundry is located at 4 Inglis Court, Svensson Heights, and is open 5 days a week from 8am to 3pm.

Want to know how our commercial laundering could benefit your business, visit webpage or call us on (07) 4152 6158.

While reducing Domestic and Family Violence is not a simple nor easy feat in the Bundaberg community, there are numerous organisations and professionals working to do just that.

And now, there is a Bundaberg-specific framework which professionals can use to streamline language, principles, tools, and strengthen their network of organisations by Working Together.

IMPACT is proud to have collaborated with Family Law Pathways and the Family Relationship Centre to create the Working Together Commitment.

Having launched the framework during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month at IMPACT, Intensive Family Support manager Staci Rae said this tool outlines the way our community aims to cooperate with each other, stay focused and communicate more effectively.

She said there were about 25-30 people from various professional background – social work, health, council, and childcare – who attended the launch. 

“Collaboration is key to combating DFV in Bundaberg,” she said.

She said this commitment would work alongside the charter for children and young people’s wellbeing.

With high domestic violence rates in the community, Ms Rae said this framework is designed to support anyone who works with people in the community sector.

The recent launch provided an encouraging sign of dedication and hopefully reassurance for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced DFV, that they are not alone and there are people who can help.

For more information about the Working Together framework and how it could be integrated into your workplace, contact the Family Relationship Centre.

If you need help you can contact IMPACT’s IFS team on 4153 4233 between 8am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-4.30pm on Fridays.

Or phone one of the hotlines below if you need help now:

Domestic Violence Services

DV Connect: 1800 811 811

Edon Place: 4153 6820

Men’s Line: 1300 78 99 78

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT).

For all other domestic violence related matters, phone Policelink on 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week .

Family and child safety

Child Safety Central Queensland Regional Intake Service (business hours): 1300 703 762

Child Safety (after hours): 1800 177 135

Family and Child Connect (FACC) 13 32 64 to share your concerns for families in your community.

Parenting/mental health support

Parentline: 1300 30 1300

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on our basic needs as humans and overcoming challenges by supporting one another.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

The warmth of a hearty meal, a shower after a long day, the shelter from the change of season and a community that cares for others, is something we should all have this winter.

Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director

But across the country and in the Bundaberg region, people are experiencing homelessness as the housing crisis continues and people are finding it increasingly difficult to put a roof over their heads.

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow coined his ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ in his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” and it is undeniably prevalent nearly 80 years later.

Maslow’s theory breaks down five modes of needs for a person to being living their most authentic and comfortable life. Unsurprisingly, it starts with the physiological needs – what we need to survive. These foundational needs include food, water, clothing, and shelter, for without them it would be extremely challenging to priorities anything else.

The rising cost of living not only makes it difficult for people to afford shelter and food, but it can also take a toll on one’s mental health. 

The power of having a consistent and safe place to rest your head and full your stomach cannot be overstated and for those who may be struggling, it is vital to know there are services to help you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or other difficulties, there is an information flow chart on IMPACT’s Community Navigators’ webpage with a breakdown of the various situations one could be facing and the appropriate support service contact numbers and addresses to help.

If you are in a position to help fellow residents who are in need, there are various organisation which take food donations, like the Angels Community Group’s Emergency Food Hampers. Angels is also currently calling for cups of soup donations to facilitate their cup of soup bar at the support centre on 66 Targo St.

As indicative of the title of this column, as a community we are ‘stronger together’. Providing donations or sharing valuable information can be key to helping people attain their basic needs and begin improving their lives.

If you’re looking to improve your wellbeing and resilience ahead of entering or re-entering the workforce, the ADAPTABLE program might be just what you’re looking for.

ADAPTABLE is part of IMPACT Community Services’ free and voluntary WORKFit program, which delivers resilience training to people looking to identify and develop their inner strengths.

Jobseekers can now benefit from a resilience-building based program that will promote well-being and empower them to navigate the job search landscape and deal with the challenges of a new job.

ADAPTABLE Mentor Jonathan Bailey talks through some of the questions about the program, resilience and wellbeing below:

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy, and there are many factors that can contribute to increasing an individual’s wellbeing. The better our wellbeing is, the better our life experiences are.

What is resilience?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. It’s the ability to grow and thrive in the face of challenges and the ability to move forward when there’s an opportunity to do so.

How do I build resilience?

Research has shown that wellbeing and resilience are closely linked. The better our wellbeing is, the higher our levels of resilience are. And the connection goes both ways whereby, the more resilient we are, the more likely we are to have better wellbeing.

Throughout the ADAPTABLE program, clients will take part in discussions and activities which help boost wellbeing and resilience. The activities are simple to do but have powerful affects. One example is the ‘three positive thoughts for every negative thought activity’. In this exercise we write down any negative thought that we may have experienced recently. Then we must write down three positive thoughts to help counter that thought or feeling.

According to research, for us to flourish, we should have at least three or more positive emotions to outweigh the experience of a negative emotion. This activity is a simple yet powerful exercise to help us succeed in this area.

Why is wellbeing and resilience important when looking for a job?

Life can throw many positive and negative challenges our way and looking for work is no exception. By looking after our wellbeing, increasing and maintaining our levels of resilience, we can ensure we’re in the best space, both physically and mentally, when searching for a job.

Can working be good for my health?

Absolutely yes! Research has found that being engaged in good and fulfilling work leads to improved self-esteem, mental health and reduces psychological distress. The right job can be great for our wellbeing.

If you have any questions about the program we haven’t answered here, give the team a call on 0459 860 928.

The value of a safe place to learn and be supported when entering parenthood cannot be overstated.

IMPACT Community Services holds a weekly group session for young parents or soon-to-be parents to connect with one another and learn from health professionals.

IMPACT’s Positive Start Parenting Team Leader Lesley Allen said this group was aimed at providing support and education for people aged 15-19 years old.

She said information to help the young parents prepare for when the baby arrives without fear of judgement was what the group was all about.

During their first session a representative from Child Health spoke with the group about their new Pepe Pods which they can give to the parents before the baby is born.

The pods are used to enable safe, co-sleeping for parents and new-born babies.

Lesley said the session will not always be held at IMPACT, with the potential to host the group at a local park or café if it is of interest.

The young parents group meets on Wednesdays from 3.30pm-4.40pm to ensure they aren’t missing out on school.

IMPACT can also aid with transport to the sessions should you require it.

For more information about this group phone 4153 4233.

Now that borders are opening up all over the world, IMPACT Community Services has the perfect solution to help you work your way across Australia and the globe.

IMPACT's new hospitality trainer, Leigh Francis, believes that work in hospitality is the perfect way to finance travel to fascinating cultures and the world's top tourist spots.

And our next SIT30616 Certificate III in Hospitality course is just around the corner.

“I worked my way through England and Europe when I was younger, working in bars and restaurants,” Leigh said.

“It's the perfect way to fund your wanderlust.

“And let's face it, everyone's loves an Aussie behind the bar!”

Leigh believes work in hospitality is the most portable job there is, for no matter what the culture, everybody has to eat and drink.

“You can work in fabulous resorts, tropical islands, even aboard luxury yachts,” Leigh said.

She encourages everyone to travel and this is the best way to do it, but advises for people to begin close to home, as, in her opinion, “our backyard is the best”.

IMPACT's Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30616) will teach you everything you need to know about the hospitality industry and how to get the best out of the tourism industry.

The course has a cookery unit, a customer service unit, a coffee service unit and at the end you will also have RSA certification that will allow you to work anywhere in Australia.

And Leigh is eminently qualified to set you off on your journey.

Leigh spent seven years teaching hospitality and also working as front of house manager at the cafe at the Tom Quinn Centre. She has also worked at the RSL, Across the Waves, an Alice Springs casino and taught at TAFE.

Leigh believes now that all the borders are open, the hospitality industry is ready to renormalise after the disruptions of the COVID pandemic.

Venues had to close, or had to let go staff and couldn't replace them. But she believes all that is about to change.

There might even be stiff competition for hospitality jobs and those with the better training and credentials will have a leg up.

“You have great fun meeting people,” she said.

“It's the ultimate people-person job.”

So if working in hospitality floats your boat, let us help you set sail on it on a grand journey across the globe.

IMPACT is taking new students in May. For more information phone 4153 4233 or visit the Certificate III in Hospitality page.

IMPACT Community Services is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0115).

IMPACT Community Services is encouraging Bundaberg residents to recycle their containers in exchange for the opportunity to win one of two $50 WISH vouchers (valid at a wide range of shops including Woolworths & Big W).

Throughout the months of April and May, all customers who recycle their containers at our Container Refund Point located at 78 University Drive can opt to enter the competition.

Ensuring you’re in the draw is easy; simply fill out the entry form when you drop off your bottles.

Entries are only open to container refund point customers - one entry per visit.

IMPACT’s container refund point is open from 7.30am-4pm weekdays (last customer received at 3.30pm) and 8am-midday on Saturdays.

Terms & Conditions

 Anyone (except IMPACT staff & their immediate families) is eligible to win.

Prizes will be drawn on 2 May 2022 & 6 June 2022. 

Winners will be notified via the phone number provided on their entry form. 

The results will also be published on IMPACT’s Facebook page.

If the winner does not claim the prize within 4 weeks of being notified, the prize will be redrawn.  

This competition is run by IMPACT Community Service’s Marketing and Communications department.

All sections of the form must be completed in order for the entry to be valid.

Bowling over success at Bundy Bowl and Leisure Centre, IMPACT Community Services’ bowling team has celebrated their year at the alley.

At the recent award presentation, it was revealed that our team has taken out the top gong in the friendly rivalry between IMPACT Community Services and CLS.

IMPACT's Bundy Incredabowls are certainly living up to their name!

Alongside this trophy, numerous individual awards were given out, some of which were:

Bruce Gossner – Best Overall Player

Patrick Jen – The Wise One

Adam Lawson – The Quiet Achiever

Luke Henry – The Larrikin

Norman Greer – Most Consistent

The team will be back in the alley next year on January 7.

If you would like to find out more information about IMPACT's community based activities, click here.

See some of the photos from the presentation below!

You have heard the saying location is everything and that could not be truer for Zoe and Jacinta-Tait.

Having recently moved up the road from IMPACT, they were thinking about dropping in to see what supports were available to find a job.

So, when they spotted the IMPACT team at Hinkler Central last week, they thought it was fate and headed over for a chat.

Having found out about the great employment supports, they also completed a survey to enter the draw for a Christmas hamper, full of goodies from Cha Cha Chocolate.

And won!

Today when they came to pick up their prize, Zoe also got to meet her Transition to Work youth coach TJ.

Zoe has been handing out resumes looking for work but to date has not had any luck securing a job.

Zoe said her cousin and friends had gained employment after seeking help from IMPACT and now she is looking forward to seeing how the Transition to Work team can support her on her journey to employment.

Impressed by the friendly and supportive environment, Zoe is eager sign on with TJ and the TtW team.

Zoe said the team seemed willing to do as much as possible to support her and she is excited to do the same.

She hopes to find a job as a receptionist, in administration, or retail sales.

Transition to Work is an initiative by the Australian Government designed to help and support young people who are early school leavers and those who have had difficulty entering employment after school.

TtW also aims to give young people pre-employment support so that they feel confident before they enter the workforce.

Support includes providing tailored career advice, preparing a resume, and developing job search techniques.

Zoe, 16, said she did not want to simply drop out of school, but was looking for a new pathway outside of the classroom.

She said some of her options were school, TAFE, work or signing on with an organisation like IMPACT to help on her employment journey. If you would like to learn more about TtW click here.

Thank you to everyone who completed IMPACT Community Services' Voyager Survey.

While the hampers have been won, we'd still love to hear from you!

You can take the survey here.

By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on one of IMPACT Community Services programs giving the region's youth an opportunity to better themselves - Xtreme Turnabout.

Without a little bit of guidance and the right resources, even the sturdiest of ships can stray off course.

Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director

And people are no different.

If you don’t have the support, tools, knowledge and understanding of yourself and the world, it can be difficult to see a future that isn’t run aground – particularly if you are young.

Trying to plan for the future can be difficult if you’re constantly in a state of fight or flight for survival or you’ve not felt capable of more.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs captures this theory best.

This concept structures physiological needs as a foundation, followed by safety needs, love and belonging, esteem and then self-actualisation.

Physiological needs include essentials like food, shelter, sleep and clothing; while safety needs incorporate personal security, employment, resources, health and property.

While this theory doesn’t strictly follow a linear pattern for some people, the general principals of needs remain relevant.

This concept also helps guide IMPACT Community Services to achieve the vision of Improving Lives and extend beyond the present to broadening the scope of one’s potential and their future.

The Xtreme Turnabout program at IMPACT works to actualise this vision.

This Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative supports 15-24-year-olds who are engaged with Youth Justice Services or Queensland Corrective Services, or at risk of being engaged.

Facilitated by our Youth Worker, the participants are supported through the entire 12month program which has a holistic approach to stabilising one’s situation and supporting them to get the education and help needed for a chance to prosper in society.

Aligning the program with Maslow’s hierarchy, Xtreme Turnabout prioritises elements of accommodation, safety, food, personal documentation and legal matters before encompassing training for small skills.

Once training starts, this could be via obtaining a white card, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and/or Responsible Gambling Services (RGS) prior to moving on to Certificate II and then potentially Certificate III opportunities.

For some people this was the only opportunity they were going to get to improve themselves and their education.

While the formal education side of the program is essential, Xtreme Turnabout also emphasizes the importance of being creative, being outdoors and engaging in an activity with Xtreme activity days.

This could include a trip to the beach or educational trips to venues like Snakes Downunder.

Some of the people who’ve gone through the program have reportedly stopped offending and are now employed.

Maintaining a judgement free space, this program has given some young people hope and direction for their future as contributing members of society.

For more information about Xtreme Turnabout click here.

Whether you’re looking for parenting education, building trust in relationships, finding friends or a social outing – IMPACT Community Services’ Men’s Peer Support Group is welcoming to all men.

This Positive Start Parenting program puts support and friendship for local men and fathers at the forefront of a non-judgmental event held fortnightly on a Friday morning from 9.30am-11.30am.

IMPACT employee and father Simon Peters is one of the male role models for the group and is excited to see how the program can develop.

With an understanding of the various stresses involved with the expectations of being a dad, raising children, maintaining adult relationships and finding friends, Simon said this group is definitely something he would have liked to have attended.

Simon said he was really looking forward to the Men’s Peer Support Group sessions as they were not only intended to be educational but relaxing and social too.

This is the kind of group with common ground that Simon said people could benefit from, feel seen and understood.

The group is also looking to host guest speakers to discuss matters like finance, health and other areas of interest to best benefit the attendees.

The next Men’s Peer Support Group session will be held on November 26 at Rob’s Shed based at IMPACT Community Services headquarters at 108 Bargara Rd, Bundaberg East.

Simon said there would be hands on activities in the workshop and morning tea available.

He hopes to see men from across the region attend the fortnightly sessions and help grow the program.

You don’t have to have accessed IMPACT’s Positive Start Parenting program to attend the Men’s Peer Support Group.

The venue for future session may change, so it’s best to call ahead on 0429 618 407 to get all the event details.

Please note: This website may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.

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