108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
If you've ever dreamt of embarking on epic quests, battling dragons, and weaving tales of heroism, this is your call to adventure.
In the enchanting world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), where imagination takes flight and fantasy worlds come to life, a new and exciting adventure is about to unfold. Introducing IMPACT Community Services’ new D&D group tailored specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum, and led by our newly crowned Dungeon Master, Trent.
Trent began his D&D journey at the age of just 13 years, when his dad dragged him along to his role-playing group.
“He wanted me to be able to develop my social skills, get out there, express myself a bit more, and just have some fun.”
“My first character was basically a centaur ranger, which is basically a person who has a bow and arrow to do combat. Working out the mathematics to jump from rock hill to rock hill, covering my teammates while they’re trying to cast spells or getaway is my jam.”
Now, as Dungeon Master, Trent is responsible for crafting and narrating the game world, controlling non-player characters, setting challenges, and facilitating the overall gaming experience for the players. In essence, he is both a storyteller and a referee, responsible for weaving a compelling narrative while ensuring a fair and engaging gaming experience.
What truly sets this group, and the Dungeon Master himself, apart however, is the unwavering commitment to ensuring that every player feels supported, heard, valued, and empowered to embark on their epic quests.
“Ideally you want to sit with your group and discuss what they want to see in the game. I will then approach each player independently to discuss their character arc. Some like their character to be on a journey of self-growth, while others just like to wing it and see what happens.”
For more information, or to become a part of IMPACT’s D&D Group and immerse yourself in the magic, contact the NDIS team at IMPACT on 07 4326 3607. Alternatively, visit the IMPACT Community Services NDIS page.
The group's size will be limited to four players, allowing space for the inclusion of two support workers. This arrangement ensures that each participant receives the necessary level of support and assistance. Players must have an NDIS plan to join.
D&D will be held at IMPACT’s newly opened TechHaven, at IMPACT Community Services. A specific day and time is yet to be decided, and will be flexible depending on the availability of the Dungeon Master and players.
Your adventure awaits. Embrace the journey. Forge connections. Unleash your potential.
In a groundbreaking endeavour to support individuals with disabilities, IMPACT Community Services has launched the TechHaven, a new initiative, aimed at providing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants in the Bundaberg region with a diverse range of tech-based resources and activities.
This innovative program seeks to empower individuals with disabilities, particularly those on the autism spectrum, by fostering their interests, enhancing social skills, and nurturing technical talents within a supportive learning environment.
The TechHaven offers an impressive array of technological resources and experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences and abilities, including:
The TechHaven addresses the critical need for accessible and engaging services for individuals with disabilities, especially those on the autism spectrum who are often socially isolated.
Recent analysis of NDIS data for the region has revealed a significant number of people with autism have not utilised the supports that can improve their lives. Furthermore, the lack of technologically focused services in the area has left a gap in engaging opportunities for this specific demographic. TechHaven aims to bridge this gap by providing tailored resources and experiences that resonate with the interests and abilities of participants.
TechHaven is poised to revolutionise the way individuals with disabilities interact with technology, learn valuable skills, and engage socially. This initiative not only offers access to cutting-edge technology but also creates a nurturing community where participants can explore, grow, and connect.
Funding for this space was kindly provided by St John’s Grace Fund.
For more information about the TechHaven or NDIS Community Access or Activities, go to National Disability Insurance Scheme - Impact Community Services or follow IMPACT Community Services on Facebook.
The Outback Mind Foundation, together with IMPACT Community Services, is hosting a free Mental Health Workshop.
The Foundation exists to empower men throughout regional Australia to live healthier, happier, and more connected lives. With the climbing rates of mental health issues and male suicide, the Foundation works to proactively get ahead of the problem, providing men with the tools and solutions to find self-awareness and reach their full potential.
Learn more: The Outback Mind Foundation | Where Men's Mental Health Matters
Complimentary light snacks and refreshments available.
The mental health workshop and documentary will touch on sensitive topics and lived experiences of suicide. We acknowledge that this may be triggering for some individuals. There will be support and guidance available throughout the workshop from people with lived experiences to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved.
Register now to secure your place. Please note: places are limited. In the event that we reach full capacity, you will be notified if an additional session will be scheduled.
Bundaberg man Bruce Gossner will travel to Berlin next month to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Summer Games as part of the country’s athletics team.
Bruce's impressive journey to the World Games has been underway for some time, qualifying for the Australian team last October at the National Championships in Launceston. He will be one of 64 athletes with an intellectual disability to wear the green and gold and represent Australia at the games.
Ann Gossner, Bruce's proud mother, expressed her heartfelt pride and gratitude.
"I couldn't be prouder of Bruce and his remarkable achievements. He has worked tirelessly to reach this point, and his dedication is truly inspiring. The whole community has been incredibly supportive, and we are grateful for their unwavering encouragement. We know that Bruce will give it his all at the Special Olympics World Games, and we will be cheering him on every step of the way.”
Bruce has been involved in athletics for just four years and has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. Having been involved with Special Olympics for 12 years, he has also represented Queensland in Basketball at a previous Special Olympics National Championships.
An NDIS participant with IMPACT Community Services, Bruce has been working hard to fund his participation in the Games through a range of fundraising activities including collecting cans and drink bottles, which he plans to cash in at IMPACT’s Containers For Change Container Refund Point, converting recyclables into much needed funds.
Bruce's vibrant and active lifestyle reflects his ongoing pursuit of excellence. Alongside his athletic endeavours, he participates in 10-pin bowling, weekly beep tests, one to two long runs per week, regular training sessions at the athletics track, gym workouts, and basketball training.
Chatting to Bruce, it’s clear to see that he loves what he does. “I like meeting new friends from all over Australia,” he said.
“[On Tuesday] I was very happy to meet the Queensland Governor, Dr Jeannette Young, who presented the uniforms to Queensland athletes in the Australian team.”
Tanya O'Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, expressed her immense pride and admiration for Bruce's accomplishments, stating, "We are incredibly proud of Bruce and his outstanding achievements. His journey to qualify for the Special Olympics World Games is truly inspiring, and he serves as a shining example of determination and perseverance.”
“Bruce's dedication to his athletic pursuits and his unwavering spirit have touched the hearts of our entire organization. We are standing firmly behind him, cheering him on as he represents Australia on the global stage.”
“Bruce's success embodies the transformative power of sports and the indomitable spirit of our participants. We are honoured to be a part of his journey and remain committed to empowering individuals like Bruce to overcome barriers and achieve greatness."
Bruce’s fundraising efforts continue both online and offline, with the final tally yet to be determined. You can donate to help Bruce get to the Special Olympics World Games by making a tax-deductible donation here: https://include.specialolympics.com.au/fundraisers/BruceGossner
IMPACT Community Services is supporting people with disabilities who want to be part of the local workforce through jobs at the city’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF), owned by Bundaberg Regional Council and managed by IMPACT Community Services.
IMPACT provides around 27 jobs at the facility for employees with disabilities under the Australian Government’s Australian Disability Enterprise. All of the waste from Council’s yellow-top kerbside recycling bins is processed at the MRF, which is located on University Drive in Bundaberg.
IMPACT’s manager of Australian Disability Enterprises Tim Van Kooten said the MRF provides a supportive work environment that allows workers to reach their full potential in this field of work.
“The Material Recovery Facility has a happy and motivated workforce, and some of our employees have been with IMPACT for more than 30 years,” he said.
Mr Van Kooten said each week the Material Recovery Facility processes around 38 council kerbside trucks of recycling – equal to around 114 tonnes of recyclable waste.
“The content is hand sorted, baled and sold to be made into new products,” Mr Van Kooten said.
“We also process commercial recycling, which is about 40 tonnes per week.”
The MRF is also the home of IMPACT’s first Container Refund Point, opened in 2018 as part of the Containers For Change scheme, which encourages Queenslanders to recycle drink containers by offering a 10 cent refund for every eligible container returned.
A second Container Refund Point, located at Green Solutions on Windermere Road, Qunaba, opened opened last year to keep up with the demand from Bundaberg residents and offer another convenient location for collecting container refunds.
Since IMPACT Launched their first Container Refund Point at University Drive in 2018, they’ve recycled more than 14,200,000 containers and put around $1.5 million back into the pockets of Bundaberg residents.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on making changes in your life and the NDIS Support Services at IMPACT.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
Making small decisions can lead to some of the biggest changes to your life, health, creativity, and overall wellbeing.
Whether it be to try something new or meet people, making small decisions for yourself is important.
It’s empowering and can provide you with a sense of purpose; a sense of joy; a sense of self.
And with the right amount of support, opportunity, and motivation, it can be transformative.
It’s part of the reason why IMPACT Community Services is committed to improving lives.
Whether it’s through building capacity and/or capability for individual personal or professional needs - IMPACT has numerous programs which support and enable vulnerable people to make changes and improve their life and community connection.
Within our NDIS Services these include the Focus on Fitness program and The Shed.
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, families and carers will have access to the help they need to support people with disability so they can participate in a life filled with community and employment opportunities.
The NDIS provides Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary support they need to enjoy life.
IMPACT has centre-based activities, community-based activities, individual support, and employment opportunities.
The Focus on Fitness program focuses on friendship and fitness by facilitating sporting activities and exercise.
There are currently two positions available in the program for anyone looking to participate.
IMPACT also has a plethora of opportunity for friendship, creativity and upskilling in The Shed.
Learning how to use power tools and build material objects along with confidence and new skillsets are among the opportunities supported in The Shed.
If you would like to participate in the woodworking program in The Shed, now’s your chance. There are currently two positions available.
Our support services promote choice and control and are tailored to suit one’s specific needs.
We aim to help you engage with your community and educational activities, to build independence and overall confidence. For more information about the support services click here or phone 4153 4233.
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!
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 inclusivity and opportunity for International Day of People with Disability.
To see people for who they are and the things they are capable of is an incredibly simple and yet powerful gift.
When you encourage and support people to embody their potential, the impact can be monumental and that’s what IMPACT Community Services strives for daily.
Today, December 3, the International Day of People with Disability and this year’s theme is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.
IDPwD is about increasing awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
IMPACT has spent years helping people improve their lives in line with their goals and passions by creating diverse and inclusive opportunities.
Our support services promote choice and control and are tailored to suit a person’s specific needs.
Our aim is to help people engage with your community and educational activities, to build their independence and overall confidence.
At IMPACT there are various avenues in which we are helping people with a disability engage and participate in the community.
From supported employment opportunities at the Material Recovery Facility, to developing new skills in Rob’s Shed and creating a fun and inclusive environment with the community choir; there’s something for everyone.
In Rob’s Shed, participants are taught how to use power tools and materials to construct a range of different items safely.
Time in the workshop is not only affording participants a chance to engage in a different activity, but also giving people an opportunity to learn and develop skills to move into employment.
The work done in Rob’s Shed is helping to build confidence, skills and of course woodworking projects.
Some of the past creations in the shed include bird boxes, toolboxes, pallet furniture and dog houses.
IMPACT also has Manga art sessions, craft and cooking activities designed to boost individual independence and fun!
For more information about IMPACT’s support services, call 4153 4233.
IMPACT Community Services is excited to offer three new NDIS services to assist the Bundaberg community.
To help celebrate, the not-for-profit organisation will have the Hitz 93.9 Bundaberg radio station performing a live broadcast from their Bargara Road head office on Wednesday June 30 from 9am to 12pm.
The new services include Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, Support Coordination, a Dungeons and Dragons group, and the Lights, Camera, Action film and photography group.
NDIS Manager Sorelle Mackinnon said the programs would provide a level of support not yet provided in the community.
“The Psychosocial Recovery Coaching offers a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health to eligible participants,” Ms Mackinnon said.
“We build respectful relationships and facilitate essential day-to-day assistance, coaching, support, and resilience building.
“At the moment this service is not offered through any other NDIS provider in Bundaberg even though it is so greatly required, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this for our community.”
The program will also offer support coordination.
“For over 20 years we have provided disability supports to the community, but coordinating services to fit a participant’s needs is a step in a new direction for IMPACT,” Ms Mackinnon said.
IMPACT staff will consult with participants, assess their NDIS plan and goals and connect them to varying services available within the broader community, providing comprehensive service provision.
Ms Mackinnon said it had been identified that services tailored to the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community were heavily underrepresented.
“In light of this we have created two group-based activities to facilitate a level of social interaction people with ASD might be comfortable participating in,” she said.
The new Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) support program is currently taking expressions of interest, with a very keen NDIS participant eager to begin their role as the IMPACT Dungeon Master.
D&D is a fantasy storytelling game where players can take on roles and complete mystical battles against creatures to get themselves out of trouble.
While there are many online gamer options available to D&D enthusiasts, playing the game in-person provides a unique experience and creates an opportunity for social interaction between players.
“Because it’s a game that a lot of people already play online we’re hoping many will feel a sense of comfort to participate in this in-person experience,” Ms Mackinnon said.
The second support program called Lights, Camera, Action will teach photo and videoing digital skills to participants to help them connect better with not only themselves but with others.
Expressing individual creativity and exploring different visual mediums can be a communicative experience for an artist who may struggle voicing their thoughts, emotions, or views verbally.
Photo and video creation can also allow for others to connect to the work and feel seen or understood as well.
The Lights, Camera, Action program encourages social media to be used as a positive tool to express oneself while teaching safe use of the online platform.
“These group-based services have been adapted to include people who normally might normally avoid social situations,” Ms Mackinnon said.
“Both groups provide a foundational common interest, which provides a potential talking point and effectively removes the first barrier of communication.
“Secondly, it’s a game that a lot of people already play online and feel a sense of comfort participating in.”
If you or someone you know could be interested in the services on offer, visit IMPACT at 108 Bargara Rd, East Bundaberg or phone 4153 4233.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
Connecting with others is one of the many ways people maintain a sense of belonging.
Sharing common interests or values usually forms the basis of most friendships, but some people find it harder to open up about their hobbies or passions to others.
IMPACT Community Services understands that starting conversations can be more difficult for some, particularly those who are comfortable in their own company or people who live with a disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
To help establish these foundations IMPACT has created two new programs that are tailored to certain hobbies to provide an environment where the common interest between participants has already been identified.
The new Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) support program is currently taking expressions of interest, with a very keen NDIS participant eager to begin their role as the IMPACT Dungeon Master.
D&D is a fantasy storytelling game where players can take on roles and complete mystical battles against creatures to get themselves out of trouble.
While there are many online gamer options available to D&D enthusiasts, playing the game in-person provides a unique experience and creates an opportunity for social interaction between players.
The second support program called Lights, Camera, Action will teach photo and videoing digital skills to participants to help them connect better with not only themselves but with others.
Expressing individual creativity and exploring different visual mediums can be a communicative experience for an artist who may struggle voicing their thoughts, emotions, or views verbally.
Photo and video creation can also allow for others to connect to the work and feel seen or understood as well.
The Lights, Camera, Action program encourages social media to be used as a positive tool to express oneself while teaching safe use of the online platform.
Another fantastic service we have recently implemented is our new Psychosocial Recovery Coaching program.
This program offers a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health to eligible participants by building respectful relationships and providing essential day-to-day assistance, coaching, support, and resilience building.
Managing our mental health and wellness is so important, and having the right people to talk to can make a huge difference in our overall wellbeing.
The program also offers support coordination which connects all eligible NDIS participants to the wide range of services available within the broader community.
Our support workers consult with clients according to their plan and goals and match their needs to provide comprehensive support both at IMPACT and through external organisations.
To learn more about out suite of NDIS services, visit us on Wednesday June 30 as a local radio station performs a live broadcast from the front of our building.
You will be able to view Cooee and Manga artworks on display, and our NDIS staff will be available to speak about our various programs.
The IMPACT Community Choir will also be on deck and welcomes everyone to view their weekly rehearsal from 10am – 11am.
It’s going to be a great morning celebrating our NDIS community – don’t miss it!
Check out our NDIS services here and download our weekly calendar.
Jo took up her new role just last week and says of her first rehearsal, “It went really great.”
Jo has big plans for the choir and one of those is to get it up and running as soon as possible to entertain the citizens of Bundaberg.
Jo has lived in Bundaberg for the last 15 years after moving from Melbourne with her musician husband Peter Knight.
She became one of the area's busiest singing teachers, with students travelling from as far as Agnes Water, Childers, Gin Gin and Tiaro.
Jo was trained herself by many outstanding singing teachers including Jonathan Welch OAM who conducted The Choir of Hard Knocks.
During her halcyon days of the eighties and nineties, Jo fronted some of Melbourne’s top cover bands which supported the likes of Concrete Blonde, John Paul Young and Renee Geyer at Melbourne clubs like Billboard and The Palais at St. Kilda.
Now her stage is the community venues of Bundaberg, bringing joy to our local residents and making sure the choir has as much fun as possible.
Jo is no stranger to working with people with a disability as she has taught many in one-on-one sessions, but hadn't yet tackled the challenge of a whole choir.
“Singing brings them out of themselves,” she said, “and they can't hide their joy.”
“Most people when they sing are reserved or self-conscious, but they don't care what people think and their joy is infectious. And everyone loves a singalong.”
Jo plans to incorporate more hand movements and subtle choreography into the performance.
Currently they are working on 'Crazy little thing called love' and 'Eye of the Tiger' and with the latter she will encourage them to punch the air and make other movements that will bring the song alive.
“It's going to be fun,” she said.
“We'll work it out together, and grow together as we do. It's a great opportunity for them to shine.”
The IMPACT Community Choir has been shining since 2011 and consists of a range of different people from varied organisations and of all abilities who love to sing.
Our choir members are people with a disability or psychosocial barrier, support workers, volunteers and IMPACT staff, and has performed at local aged care facilities, community groups and events.
If you love to sing and would like to join in please phone 4153 4233 and ask to speak with our NDIS department. If you'd like to invite the choir to perform at your venue or next event, go to https://impact.org.au/support-and-wellbeing/disability-mental-health/community-choir/
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
I recently sat down with one of our Cooee participants to discuss how she was finding the group, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and fulfillment as she opened up about her experience.
Cooee is an arts and crafts group for women who are living with a mental health condition or have a NDIS plan.
The ladies meet twice a week to make everything from pot plants and dream catchers to paper lanterns and hot meals, and plenty in between.
But it became overwhelmingly clear during this conversation that it wasn’t the crafts these ladies came for; it was each other.
Each story this woman told came back to togetherness.
To friendship. To healing.
Research shows that when we use our hands on a task that doesn’t demand much cognitive capacity, it gives the mind a chance to relax.
As our hands busy themselves, the cogs in our brains get a break from everyday thinking, and this is when we start processing less demanding tasks.
“The Breakout Principle” suggests that when we engage in a repetitive task, completely taking our minds off the issues we have been struggling with, the solution will often appear.
The Cooee program provides this for our participants, because we’re in the business of improving lives.
These women have overcome various personal hurdles, and the thing they credit most is the time spent with others, sharing a coffee, and being able to voice whatever might be on their mind.
A safe space; a listening ear; an understanding nod.
I started to think how, in our own busy lives, we often overlook that cup of coffee at a friend’s place.
In a world where many strive for perfection, or the appearance of perfection, I wondered if perhaps we had forgotten how to be vulnerable, and in doing so, overlooked the importance of vulnerability.
We choose to meet out for coffee so our friends don’t see the messy lounge room or the laundry yet to be folded.
We apply filters to our photos to look a little less tired.
We don’t share that old memory to social media because we’ve certainly gained weight during those additional years living.
Our mental health starts with us, and is supported by those we hold closest.
So invite that friend into your home and forget the mess, because everyone’s got mess, and simply focus on connection.
While you’re at it, give the filter the flick, because everybody has imperfections, and share the moments that make you happy.
After all, your happiness is what really matters, and it starts with vulnerability.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary support they need to enjoy life.
Under the NDIS families and carers have access to the help they need to support people with disability so they can participate in a life filled with community and employment opportunities.
IMPACT Community Services has been providing disability support services to the Bundaberg community for 20 years.
The disability sector has evolved significantly over this time, and IMPACT prides itself on its ability to continuously adapt with the climate.
After assessing and reviewing the needs of people with a NDIS plan in the Bundaberg region, our NDIS department has put together some new programs to better meet our community’s needs.
We are eager to have our mental health recovery program begin in the next few weeks, which will offer one-on-one mental health support to NDIS participants.
STRONGER TOGETHER: Community Hub to benefit Bundaberg
Research shows many participants require mental health support however few have access to appropriate services.
Support coordination will also become available shortly at IMPACT, which will involve a dedicated staff member who will work with participants to assess their goals and find complimentary and beneficial services.
Lights, Camera, Action is another new program which will be group-based and teach participants how to shoot and edit video content to make short films.
Our fourth and final new addition to our suite of NDIS services is a Dungeons and Dragons group.
Another group-based program, the D&D service will provide a space for likeminded people to meet and play the fantasy game in a safe space, topped with a Dungeon Master (Support Worker) leading the way.
STRONGER TOGETHER: Your mindset begins with you
We are also thrilled to welcome two new NDIS support workers to our IMPACT family who will host these new programs for our participants.
These fantastic new additions join our already popular suite of services; the Cooee arts group, Manga drawing class, Fitness for Fun, Rob’s Shed, Community Access Group, and the famous IMPACT Community Choir, which will be singing once again this Wednesday, April 21.
If you or someone you know might enjoy or benefit from our inclusive and welcoming programs, please reach out by phoning 4153 4233.
It is such a joy to see our NDIS community engage in rewarding activities that allow them to reach their goals.
IMPACT is in the game of improving lives; let’s work together to make a difference.
Jannene Thorn knows a thing or two about lending a helping hand to those in need of support.
Jannene is IMPACT Community Services' Manager of Mental Health Services and has worked at IMPACT for 10 years across at least four different programs.
Jannene loves the work she does and the reputation IMPACT has in the community.
“I work here because the mission, vision and values align with mine,” Jannene said.
“And I work here because I enjoy empowering vulnerable people so that they become independent and no longer need support.”
Jannene said that IMPACT was great because of its diversity, scope and wrap-around services.
“Someone will come as a jobseeker and wind up in parental support, or one of our other programs which is right next door,” she said.
“People are being referred across programs all the time – it's a one-stop shop here.”
Mental Health programs at IMPACT Community Services
Jannene was a chef before entering the community services field, but after 19 years she felt “burned out” and needed a change of career.
She has a brother with disability so had plenty of experience in caring; it seemed natural to work in that sector. Jannene started working eight hours a week at IMPACT as a casual disability support worker, but soon became full time.
“My lived experience with my brother made me stronger as a support worker,” she said.
“You already know what standards of care are needed to look after someone properly.”
IMPACT's Community Hub: A one-stop-shop of service providers
Jannene spent three years as disability support worker before moving to early intervention in parenting as a Team Leader.
She then worked in supported employment at our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), looking after our workers with a disability.
“I really loved it and almost didn't want to leave,” she said.
But then Jannene found her calling as Manager of Mental Health Services, looking after a vast area of the Wide Bay. She now manages nine programs and organises the collaboration with other various support services.
“We collaborate well with the community,” Jannene said.
“We partner with other services, all with the end view of a better outcome for the client.”
Jannene manages a staff of 10, all mental health experts with vast experience.
“We use a strengths-based recovery approach,” she said.
“It’s whatever works well with the client.”
Jannene's plans for the future involve co-designing mental health programs and trying to establish a wider footprint across Queensland.
And of course, helping more people to improve their lives.
IMPACT Community Services has been providing disability support to the Bundaberg community for 20 years with a mental health and goals-oriented focus.
The programs provided have changed with time and continue to grow with feedback from IMPACT’s NDIS and disability participants.
Arguably the most popular service at IMPACT, Rob’s Shed invites NDIS participants into the building and construction environment.
Here, students are guided in woodworking and craftsmanship, from creating bird boxes and toolboxes to pallet furniture and dog houses.
Woodworking is known for its positive effects on mental health and function.
This course, which runs on Monday and Thursday, is also a great way to meet new people who have similar interests and learn new skills along the way.
New participant Mannan joined Rob’s Shed a few months ago for one-on-one sessions, having an interest in sanding.
“Being sensitive to noise and finding it hard to concentrate, we are so happy to see him using different tools like the drilling machine, circular saw, nail gun and planer safely with assistance and following Rob’s instructions,” Mannan’s mother said.
“He is very excited for the small projects he works on. He looks forward for the sessions.”
IMPACT’s NDIS Coordinator Roz Blood said woodworking was great therapy for people with anxiety and mental health issues.
“And it's perfect for NDIS participants,” she said.
“Rob's Shed is more a social format and participants work on group projects… the skills you learn in this course you can replicate at home on your own.”
Check out our range of NDIS services
The service is run by experienced tradesman and namesake Rob Wallace who is big on workplace health and safety and prides himself on the fact there’s not been anyone injured during the three years his shed has been running.
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” Rob said about the role.
“There are a few of the people here who have been with me now for a couple of years.
“They really enjoy the work. We have quite a few projects going at any one time to make sure people don’t get bored.”
“It’s all about skilling people and making sure they know how to use the tools safely.”
Rob’s Shed now has two female participants who also enjoy the activities.
Other services on offer at IMPACT include the Cooee arts group, Fitness for Fun, Manga Art and the Community Access Group.
The monthly excursions and monthly Friday night outings were put on hold due to COVID but will be back and better than ever very soon.
While not exclusively run by the NDIS department, the IMPACT Choir is a big hit within the community and will also be returning next month.
The choir offers an inclusive environment for all people to sing along and perform together.
For more information on IMPACT’s NDIS and disability services phone 4153 4233.
Read about Sarah the Skip Truck Operator turned woodworking wonder
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.