108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
For 20 years IMPACT has offered disability services to the Bundaberg community, and we are thrilled to see the return of our Community Choir after it was put on hold due to COVID restrictions.
On March 17 we will hold our first choir group since February last year.
It’s sad to think it’s been 12 months since we’ve heard the joy of our choir, but to know it’s coming back better than ever warms my heart.
This year marks the 10th year of operation for the IMPACT Choir and our staff and participants could not be more eager to hit the stage once again.
Our Choir members are people with a disability or psychosocial barrier, support workers, volunteers and IMPACT staff who meet each Wednesday to rehearse and learn new songs.
Other community organisations are also welcome to attend and bring their clients along.
Previously members from Community Lifestyle Support, Endeavour, Carinbundi and YMCA have regularly been involved in rehearsals and performances to provide further social interaction for participants.
The Choir is supported by support staff who bring their own music accompaniment, expertise and love of music to assist each week.
Learn more about our IMPACT Community Choir
Research has found singing reduces stress, improves breathing and posture, and provides cognitive stimulation to help memory function.
While our choir members have formerly excelled in more traditional genres, this new chapter is looking to introduce modern hits from artists we all know and love.
The choir used to perform on alternate Wednesdays at venues such as aged care facilities, community groups and events, which we hope to begin again soon.
The smiles and delight our choir bring are such a pleasure for everyone involved.
If you haven’t treated yourself to an IMPACT choir performance yet, I urge you to keep your eyes peeled for the next public announcement; you’re sure to be overcome with a happiness only our choir can foster.
If you love to sing and would like to join in, or if you would like to volunteer your expertise, get in touch by phoning 4153 4233.
We need you! Join the choir today.
Tiffany Kelly began her training course at IMPACT Community Services with hopes of finding a career in disability support, but had no idea how quickly her dreams would become reality.
Tiffany is about to complete her CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at IMPACT and has managed to secure a job in the industry with a provider of community support services to people living with a disability.
Tiffany said she was excited at the prospect of working with such a great organisation.
“Our trainer Elise said they were hiring three people,” she said, “so I went down there and they signed me up. It's casual to begin with but after three months (there is) the option of continuing on a more permanent and regular basis.”
Like many others, Tiffany became interested in disability support through personal experience. She has extended family members with a disability, one on the autism spectrum and one with cerebral palsy which has provided her with a unique insight into the challenges they face.
She would watch how their mother cared for them with great interest and would help when she could.
Tiffany is enjoying her training, making several good friends among the 19 other students and has one close friend who has maintained contact outside the course.
“The staff are really good and very helpful, very approachable about any difficulties you're having and how to find the right info,” she said.
Tiffany, a young mother of two, said she benefited from being able to study in the classroom with face-to-face interaction with Elise as well as the e-learning supports provided. She said having sessions recorded and available for review was beneficial.
“I just find it easier,” Tiffany said.
She's looking forward to her new career and helping her clients find their place in the world.
“I get to help them lead fulfilling lives and see they can be doing the things that everybody else does,” she said.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
At IMPACT we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture.
Our ethos is based around helping people realise their potential and providing avenues to assist them in reaching their goals.
Our services range from family support, training, employment, mental health and disability support, just to name a few.
But one area of our organisation I am deeply proud of are the opportunities we have created for assisted employees.
The Material Recycling Facility (MRF) employs 23 NDIS participants, and our New Image Laundry is another avenue for supported staff.
Many of our supported employees have not held jobs prior to working at IMPACT and found it difficult to become employed.
See IMPACT's NDIS services here
Yesterday, December 3, was the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD), with this year’s theme being “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.
Everyone has been affected by Coronavirus in one way or another, and now as we focus on returning back to “normal”, I would urge people to consider what “normal” should look like.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018 almost 50% of employed people with a disability reported experiencing unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their employer.
Two in five reported that they experienced unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their work colleagues.
This data shows Queenslanders have a long way to go when it comes to acceptance and inclusion of all people not only in the workforce, but in everyday life.
The conversation about the benefits of hiring people with a disability needs to be highlighted.
Our NDIS participants bring a mountain of life and joy to our organisation, and their happiness and willingness to learn is contagious.
NDIS participant Sarah creates impressive building blocks at Rob's Shed
Some of our staff have been working at the MRF for over 30 years and their dedication is second to none.
Just like diversity in age and culture is important, so is a range of abilities in a workforce. It exposes people to a different “normal”, encourages greater understanding and generates acceptance, which benefits our entire community.
So have the conversation, do some research and encourage others to engage with disability awareness. We all deserve to be accepted.
Sarah Sturrock is a well-known face at IMPACT Community Services’ Material Recycling Facility and knows a thing or two about skip trucks and recycling.
But lately Sarah has been working with a different kind of material – timber.
One of IMPACT’s most successful NDIS programs, Rob’s Shed, teaches participants how to safely and effectively use power tools and materials to construct a range of different items.
Find out more about our NDIS services
Sarah’s hearing aids are so impressive that they not only amplify sound to help her hear, but they also mute noise for her automatically when she is working with machinery.
Sarah knew her nephew’s birthday was coming up so set out to build him a set of timber blocks to play with.
“I had learnt from my grandfather, he was in woodwork, and would make different types of things,” Sarah said.
“I learnt (woodworking) from high school and liked it, so thought I would try again.”
Her nephew was so excited when he received the gift that he hopped in the trolley and started wheeling himself around.
Sarah began making the blocks some six months ago and is thrilled to finally have them finished.
“My family said, ‘great job Sarah, about time’,” she laughed, as her nephew’s birthday had passed some months ago.
Sarah had spent three hours every fortnight for the past six months creating the blocks for her nephew.
NDIS Support Worker Andrew Lloyd said Sarah had been incredibly dedicated to the project.
Work with us: check the Careers page
“It’s a legacy to her pop and her dad and I think that’s beautiful,” Andrew said.
“She’s always here 15 minutes early with her tools and gives 100% in the workshop, she’s got a real passion for it.
“She had pictured in her head what she wanted to make and then it was just a matter of finding the time and staff to help her.”
Sarah is never short of ideas, having constructed a bookshelf from the slats of an old timber bed she had pulled apart and brought in.
“I’m really proud of what she’s achieved,” Andrew said.
“Everything that I’ve taught her, to make her a better woodworker, comes back to her as she’s working. You can see her confidence in using the machinery has really improved.”
Next on the construction agenda is a timber toolbox, made from recycled materials, to put her drill, sanders and other equipment in. We can’t wait to see the finished product.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
As the year begins to wind up, many of us are looking forward to some well-deserved time off from our jobs and what is often referred to as the “daily grind”.
For most, the word “Christmas” conjures images of family lunches, cricket on the tv and sun-soaked beach trips that end with an ice-cream and an afternoon siesta.
But other members of the community rely on this period to gain seasonal work to help get them and their families through the financial demands associated with the holidays.
Learn more about our Transition to Work service
Fortunately, there are services available to help link people to employment opportunities that can lead to full-time jobs.
Our Transition to Work team are an important arm of the IMPACT organisation that are dedicated to assisting job seekers aged 15-24.
Over an 18-month period TtW offers free coaching, pathways to education and employment, and mentoring to help job seekers sustain employment for the long term.
Young people can also participate in a group-based workshop run by our Youth Coaches that focuses on building resilience, mindset, character, positivity and support to make finding and keeping a job attainable.
Participants have found the social aspect and connecting with others in similar situations incredibly beneficial to their wellbeing.
Bundaberg has been identified as a region with a high unemployment rate, but there are jobs out there, right now, ready for the taking. The hospitality, retail and farming sectors are calling out for workers at the moment, and our TtW team are eager to help fill those positions.
With high school students and university graduates wrapping up their studies, now is the time to gain experience before pursuing plans for 2021.
Applying for seasonal work can sometimes be met with a “why bother” attitude for young people, considering the employment period has an expiry date. But it’s important to remember that all experience is valuable, and a short stint of seasonal work could provide an advantage over other applicants down the track, not to mention the added value of having a reference on your resume.
For those young people looking for work, there are jobs out there, and there is support available. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid of giving up a few days of summer – it could lead to sustainable employment.
Leanne Rudd has replaced David Batt as Board Chair at IMPACT Community Services.
On 19 October 2020, IMPACT held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) where former long-standing Board member and Bundaberg MP David Batt resigned from the position of Chair in accordance with constitutional legislation which limits Board members to no more than three three-year terms (9 years).
Following the departure of Mr Batt, former Treasurer and respected businesswoman Leanne Rudd, who has been on the Board for three AGMs, has moved into the position of Board Chair.
Leanne brings her passion for finance and business to the role, having specialised for many years in business advisory and financial services. Her decision to join the Board in 2018 was made with intent to give back to the community.
“When I first joined the Board, I did have knowledge around the employment services and the laundry, but I didn’t know the nitty gritty,” Leanne said about the organisation. “I didn’t know about the other great services and the help they were providing the community until I was on the Board.”
Leanne said she was surprised to learn the depth of services offered at IMPACT.
“The different aspects of the organisation is quite broad, so getting an understanding of it all, that has taken a little while,” she said.
With programs tailored to varying sectors including employment, training, family and parenting support, mental health, NDIS, health care and the running of commercial businesses such as the laundry and recycling centres, IMPACT services the region in many ways.
As Chair, Leanne hopes to bring the organisation’s strategic plan to life with the help of her fellow Board members. She believes Managing Director Tanya O’Shea and the team at IMPACT are doing amazing things and it is her goal to assist and support the great work the organisation is already doing.
“IMPACT can help anyone who needs support, whether that’s developing life skills or training to get a job, IMPACT can help anyone who is willing to come and have a chat,” she said. “There’s always someone there to talk to, to find opportunities.”
From her time sitting on other boards and finance committees, Leanne has developed a tactical approach to governance.
“One thing I am passionate about is finding different ways of doing things,” Leanne said. “I like to challenge the status quo, whether that’s finding alternative ways of problem solving or just looking at things differently through innovation or simplification.”
With Leanne moving into the role of Chair, Vanessa Fryer will now step into the Treasurers position. Neil McPhillips will remain Deputy Chair and Dr Talitha Best will continue her role as Secretary.
Managing Director Tanya O’Shea said 2020 would be remembered as “a year of possibility”, having recorded many extraordinary milestones.
During the year 2019-20 financial year IMPACT helped more than 5000 people across 25 programs, pivoted to online e-learning to deliver training courses and introduced two new programs (Community Navigator and COVID Connect).
One of the more significant achievements was IMPACT's jobactive team scoring a five-out-of-five star rating from the government. To receive five stars, a provider’s success in securing people sustained employment must be 30% above the national average. Furthermore, the team achieved this during the devastating bushfire period when compliance requirements were non-mandatory.
In a year of uncertainty, IMPACT will remember 2020 as a year of possibility. Through times of struggle, our people committed to an approach of adaptability and growth and have pioneered new ideas into exciting possibilities. We look forward to what can be achieved in 2021.
'Rob's Shed' is one of the most popular NDIS workshops at IMPACT Community Services, so much so that in order to accommodate a growing interest in woodworking IMPACT has created a new course.
The new woodworking group will be open to NDIS participants who will be able learn the basics of woodworking in a friendly, social environment.
Woodworking is known for its positive effects on mental health and function. This course, which runs on Wednesdays over an eight-week period, is also a great way to meet new people who have similar interests and learn new skills along the way.
Sign up now: Click here to register your interest
“We know woodworking is great therapy for people with anxiety and mental health issues and it's perfect for NDIS participants,” IMPACT’s NDIS Coordinator Roz Blood said.
“The course will teach beginner's skills and the basics.
“Participants will get to build three projects; a cheese board, planter box and garden bench.”
The course will be run by Andrew Lloyd who also helps in the shed.
Andrew is an experienced tradie who made a career change into disability support and loves the work he's doing.
“Rob's Shed is more a social format and participants work on group projects like dog kennels, chairs or large benches,” Roz said.
Find out more about NDIS services at IMPACT
“The skills you learn in this course you can replicate at home on your own.”
At the moment the course can only accommodate three people with current staff-to-student ratios but if it proves popular that could change in the future.
The course starts Wednesday, October 28 and will run each Wednesday for eight weeks (ending December 16).
The sessions will run from 9am to midday.
Course requirements:
For enquiries go to www.impact.org.au/contact or call IMPACT 4153 4233.
With a background in marketing and disability services, as well as formerly being a carer, it’s safe to say Scott Torcetti is well and truly qualified for his new role as Disabilities Manager at IMPACT Community Services.
Scott grew up having a brother with spina bifida and mental deficits which allows him to connect with NDIS participants with a lived understanding of the challenges they face.
“The family shared the caring load,” Scott said, “but he was my older brother so he was closest to me. I've been doing it all my life.”
There are many IMPACT support workers who have first-hand experience of someone living with a disability or mental health issue and, like them, Scott has a special insight into their challenges and needs.
“I really look for the best client outcome that I can get because I know what it's like,” Scott said.
See what NDIS services are available at IMPACT
Scott has worked in the disability support industry for 20 years. He has engaged in various roles at companies in Bundaberg and Cairns and his former employment history has allowed him to hit the ground running at IMPACT.
“It's good to come with that front-line experience so you know what the staff are going through and what they face,” he said.
After his brother passed, Scott left the industry and became a carpenter, but he couldn't stay away from his core passion for helping people for too long. He then became a youth worker in a Youth and Combined Community Action program, and then became CEO and manager of Dalby Community Centre.
Scott has also completed a bachelor's degree in business marketing and operated his own marketing company, bringing a depth of knowledge to the strategic business aspects of enhancing IMPACT's reach in the NDIS sector.
Looking for a new career? Train with us today.
Before beginning with IMPACT Scott said he was surprised to learn of the wide reach of programs the organisation delivered.
“Everyone's been really great, so supportive,” he said.
It seems Scott has found the perfect fit. To find out more about IMPACT's NDIS services, click here.
Young children are innocent, honest and easily influenced. That’s why it’s so important to protect our future leaders from harm, abuse and neglect.
Next week, from September 6 to 12, IMPACT Community Services will light up their windows to raise awareness for Child Protection Week.
One of IMPACT’s valued programs, Cooee, started as an arts and crafts class for NDIS participants and people with mental health concerns. The groups now tend to focus on specific causes to raise public awareness.
For the past week the Cooee groups have been creating lanterns as a visual sign of support for children within our community. Wendy Lindeman is a long-time IMPACT Community Services' support worker and, with the help of the Cooee ladies, is helping to highlight the importance of child protection.
“I think it’s just wonderful that we're getting the message out there,” she said.
Wendy has worked at IMPACT for nine years as an NDIS support worker and an NPST case worker, which is the National Psycho-social Support Transitioning program for people with mental health issues. She, like countless others around the nation, knows how important it is to highlight Child Protection Week, and fully embraces the motto, 'It's everybody's business'.
“We've all got a role to play,” she said. “The ladies do enjoy this group and they participate on any community activity that's around, but especially this one that's close to their heart.”
The Child Protection Week website details key messages in the fight against child abuse, such as listening to children, hearing what they say and believing their statements instead of approaching a conversation with disbelief.
Another important suggestion was understanding why people harm children and young people.
“The majority of people who harm children are parents or care givers and do so emotionally, physically or by neglect,” the website reads. “The intent is not necessarily to harm children as often stress factors mean that person takes out their stress on children through either neglect or through verbal or physical means.
“With assistance these forms of abuse can be eradicated, parents and care providers taught new skills and children can be supported to live safely with their families or care givers.”
Learn more about IMPACT's support programs
Child Protection is everybody’s business. If you see or hear anything of concern, contact Child Safety on 1300 703 762, or if urgent phone the Queensland Police Service on 000. If this story has triggered emotional trauma for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you are a struggling parent looking for support, phone Family and Child Connect on 13 32 64.
Child Protection Week in Queensland is coordinated by the Child Protection Week Committee under the auspicing body of Act for Kids. To find out more go to https://childprotectionweek.org.au/about/
IMPACT Community Services has revitalised its NDIS services in Kingaroy with a new office and new staff.
The team have just moved into a new office in the Lady Bjelke-Petersen Hospital building and Team Leader Nicole George has a brand new support worker, Luke Arnold.
Just like IMPACT's other branches, the Kingaroy office will be operating the National Psycho-social Support program and determining eligibility for NDIS.
Read more about IMPACT's psychosocial services
The office will be managed by Mental Health Support Manager Jannene Thorn from Bundaberg, who will hook up with the team remotely, which has become the new normal for a lot of people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the team will still deliver face-to-face support.
New recruit Luke had been in his role for just a few days when he was sidelined by a sore throat, ringing alarm bells for a COVID-19 test.
With an extensive background as a registered nurse, this was a disappointing setback for Luke who was eager to get started in his new career after recently entering fatherhood.
“The RN hours were getting a bit too much now that there is a new baby in the house,” he said.
Luke will be advising clients on the various services and packages they can link to, to improve their lives. And he has a particular insight into the plight of some of his charges as he has a lived experience of a mental health issue.
“To be able to help someone along on their mental health journey is great,” he said.
“I'm still new to it but Nicole has been showing me the ropes.”
Because of his experience with mental health issues, Luke felt that the job ticked all the boxes, and really resonated with him.
“It's early days but I really like what I'm doing.”
IMPACT Community Services is putting out the call for women registered in NDIS who might like to strap on a tool belt and learn some new skills.
The NDIS Support Service team has seen a large uptake in enrolments and are keen to expand one of their most popular and successful programs.
Learn more about IMPACT's NDIS programs
NDIS Support Services Manager Jannene Thorn said Rob's Shed, which provides a safe, fun space where participants can learn and exercise woodworking skills to build structures such as cabinets, benches and birdhouses, is almost full.
While an increase in enrolments has left just one spot available in Rob’s Shed, the ladies have got another option on offer.
With men taking up the majority of enrolments in the program, Ms Thorn has vowed not to let the guys have all the fun and is very eager to replicate Rob's Shed for the sheilas.
She said the increase in enrolments is a great sign they are delivering a top-notch service.
“It's good to see people exercising their right to choice and control,” Ms Thorn said.
Many NDIS providers have similar programs but Jannene believes her team's level of professionalism is what distinguishes IMPACT's NDIS services.
“In all our programs we provide adult activities in an adult way,” she said.
IMPACT offers fitness groups, cooking classes, workshop classes, craft groups, art classes and many other engaging activities. All programs are participant-directed and only limited by imagination.
“We make sure that they all have some key value,” Ms Thorn said.
If you are interested in joining other like-minded women to expand your carpentry knowledge, or are looking to enrol in another course, give us a call and sign up now!
If you would like to read more about what is on offer at Rob's Shed, you might like this story about one of its keenest participants, Jaimi.
Andrew Lloyd is an experienced plasterer and tiler who made a big career change into disability support and hasn't looked back.
Andrew grew frustrated with his chosen trades before he went to IMPACT Community Services and signed up for the Certificate III in Individual Support – Disability (CHC33015) course.
There were a few personal challenges in such a career change, as Andrew said he had to do some self-examination but he’d come out the other side better for the experience.
Improve your job prospects with IMPACT today
“All of my years in trades work I would rarely show my softer side to anyone other than my wife and kids,” he explained.
“But now I think about people, I think about their safety and their feelings.”
Andrew had planned to spend some time working in the disability support field before one day running his own business in the sector. But, COVID-19 put a dampener on his plans.
Though his wife was working full-time he struggled for a few months, until the offer came to work at IMPACT.
“It's a lot easier on the body,” Andrew said.
Learn a new skill: Enrol with IMPACT
“And I'm helping people with their problems.”
Andrew said he'd come across some “rough apples” in the construction industry and working on fishing boats, but at IMPACT he'd been given the chance to develop his softer, more receptive side.
“I do a lot more listening, but I also try to understand,” Andrew said. “People say one thing but they mean another, so you have to try and get behind the words and see the person, what they're going through.”
Andrew loves the work he's doing, primarily in Rob's shed, a unique initiative run by IMPACT where NDIS participants can learn carpentry and build their own creations, with help from experienced operators like Andrew.
“We've been building bird houses and block trolleys and CD racks,” Andrew said. “One client, Sarah, brings her own timber and is re-purposing wood from home.
“They're stoked when they see what they've built sitting there in front of them.
“They know what they want, I just help them with practical methods, and finishing touches.”
Andrew loves working at IMPACT and says the organisation has a wonderful work culture.
“They give you a lot of space to be your own person and to help you help your clients be their own person,” he said.
“There is a great wealth of knowledge on staff and there is no such thing as a stupid question.
“They are all very friendly and supportive.”
Andrew is a shining example of the fact that it's never too late for a career change, and to reap the personal and psychological benefits a career in helping others can bring.
IMPACT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0115).
The only constant in life is change, and the more we can develop resilience, the less bumpy life will be.
While COVID-19 is an unprecedented situation, one positive to come from it is the reminder of the importance of building resilience — so we can be even more prepared for the next set of changes or challenges we will inevitably experience.
Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. Resilience involves "bouncing back" from difficult experiences, but it also means being able to pivot and change direction when situations demand it.
To help you take your first steps towards strengthening building your resilience, we here at IMPACT have compiled our top tips.
1. Practice Meditation/Mindfulness
Becoming more resilient is all about changing our mental outlook and this is made much easier by learning to train your mind and your body.
One of the most indispensable skills in building resilience is the practice of putting some distance, even if it's only a minute or two, between you and your emotional reactions to events.
The best tool for this is meditation or mindfulness.
These practices can fend off spring-loaded responses to stress and create some space for you to recoup.
Learning to relax when the world seems to be demanding you fall apart is one of the mist valuable skills you can learn.
Go online and discover the many approaches and resources available on Meditation and Mindfulness.
2. Remember that a setback is not a disaster
Reprogram yourself to have a different first reaction to obstacles, or at least a healthier second reaction.
Reprogram yourself to remember that setbacks don't mean the end of the world.
Remember that there are many aspects of your life you can actually control and change.
Don't make everything a disaster and lose all proportion of the actual size of the problem. This 'reprogramming' will be made much easier by step 1.
3. Accept change.
Change is a part of life. We can't escape it.
Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.
Look at all the ways you've changed for the better over your life and understand that more is to come.
Change is the only constant in life, and it's better to accept that as soon as possible.
4. Nurture hope
An optimistic outlook empowers you to expect that good things will happen to you.
Not all the time, as that is unreasonable, but expecting there will be as much good as there is 'bad'.
And if you try to look at setbacks as opportunities to learn, the 'bad' will disappear as well.
5. Seek help when you need it
Don't let things overwhelm you. Reach out to others.
No one can do everything and we can build resilience by not overloading ourselves with the full weight of our problems when there are people that can help us shoulder the load.
If you or someone you know is struggling during these unprecedented times, call IMPACT on 4153 4233.
Our new COVID Connect program is perfect for helping provide the supports people need. Find out more at CLICK HERE
Everyone has lost some essential contact during the COVID-19 restrictions, but it has hit participants in IMPACT Community Services' disability programs hard. Some of their vital group meet-ups had to be cancelled to comply with lock-down regulations.
But Roz Blood, NDIS Coordinator with IMPACT is happy to announce the resumption of several popular regular peer group activities.
From today (Monday, June 1) Rob's Shed will be re-opening for all the eager carpenters who make use of the facilities to practice their woodworking skills. The sessions will be run to comply with social distancing rules and strictly monitored for the safety of all concerned.
“It will be the same Rob's Shed, but modified and adapted to ensure everyone's safety and wellbeing,” Roz said.
And from Tuesday, the popular Fitness for Fun exercise sessions will resume, but these will be held outdoors to better comply with social distancing regulations.
“We'll be outside in the wonderful Alexandra Park, near the zoo,” Roz said.
Also restarting is the mental health peer support group Cooee, which will be held at Independence House.
All the groups are at full capacity and Roz's team will be working hard on the logistics to make sure that all the necessary social distancing and hygiene regulations are followed.
The NDIS essential services have remained in place, such as one-to-one home visits, and they've managed to keep the majority of these going except for those which had no alternative, such as Rob's Shed.
To find out more about IMPACT’s NDIS offering call 4153 4233.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is warning people with disability about online scams, as scammers take advantage of the COVID-19 outbreak to target vulnerable people.
Common scams include phishing for personal information, online shopping, and superannuation scams with scammers commonly impersonating entities such as Government organisations.
SCAMwatch, a website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) provides information about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
A spokesperson for the ACCC says that since 1 January 2020 SCAMwatch has received over 2,000 reports mentioning COVID-19, with losses of over $700,000.
Fifty-three of those reports were from people who identified as having a disability, with losses from shopping scams of $600.
“Scammers tend to capitalise on disasters and other current events to manipulate peoples’ vulnerability to steal their money or personal information. Scammers are using the spread of coronavirus to exploit and play on the fears of all consumers.
The ACCC adds that “Scammers are doing things such as falsely selling coronavirus-related products online, and using fake emails or text messages to try and obtain personal data.”
Scams targeting people with disability
According to information supplied by the NDIS, there are a number of scams that could impact people with a disability that they need to look out for.
The NDIS has already flagged invoicing scams where scammers are sending fraudulent billing emails asking people to pay an invoice into an account that is different to the one listed on the invoice.
They advise that if you receive any emails like this, you check with your provider over the phone to see if there was any change to their bank details.
There has also been an increase in charity and phishing scams relating to COVID-19.
With a phishing scam, viruses or malware are sent via links in emails, documents, or on websites.
For example, scammers claim to provide information about protecting against COVID-19 or claiming a payment. But when you click to open an attachment or click on a link, the virus or malware attached accesses and collects personal information from your computer.
Scammers sending phishing scams often pretend to be government organisations such as the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the Australian Taxation Office, or even the World Health Organisation.
According to SCAMwatch, scammers may contact you by:
Calling you or coming to your door.
Contacting you via social media, email or text message.
Setting up websites that look real.
Impersonating government organisations, businesses or friends.
You can report any NDIS related scams to the fraud reporting hotline by calling 1800 650 717 or emailing fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au.
Protecting yourself against scams
It is always important to make sure that you are protected from scammers and that you are keeping your personal information safe, but even more so in the current climate.
SCAMWatch has provided advice on how to protect yourself from scams:
Before buying something online make sure you've researched the seller for example by reading reviews to detect a fake trader or social media shopping scam.
Be wary of sellers requesting unusual payment methods such as upfront payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, preloaded card or electronic currency, like Bitcoin.
Don’t click on links in text/social media messages or emails, even if it appears to come from a trusted source.
Go directly to the website through your browser. For example, to reach the MyGov website type ‘my.gov.au’ into your browser yourself.
Never respond to unexpected messages and calls that ask for personal or financial details, even if they claim to be from a reputable organisation or government authority - just press delete or hang up.
Visit our dedicated COVID-19 information page for the latest updates on how COVID-19 is impacting the disability sector.
Article Author; https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/talking-disability/warning-of-scams-targeting-people-with-disability-during-covid-19
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