As the days grow longer and all that has been sleeping blooms, MTH are patiently waiting to welcome all that is spring. Let’s embrace spring as renewal, growth, fresh beginnings and reigniting our goals. Grab your favourite drink, grab a picnic rug and be sure to read this month’s newsletter in the sun! 

So, what’s been happening in August? 

• We have welcomed 2 new office staff (keep an eye out for these friendly faces below) and several new Support Workers to the team! 
• Started the process of moving two of our participants into new homes. 
• Facilitated 2 RESPITES! 
• Employed another member into our Mowing Crew! 
• Added new lawns to our mowing roster. 
• Welcomed new Participants to MTH!

Meet Jasmine

Our New Admin Assistant!

• What inspired you get into the disability sector? Because I love helping the community in all ways, this is a way to fuel my passion and meet some lovely people along the way.
• How long have you been in the disability sector and what roles you have been in? This is my first role within the disability sector, and I cannot wait to see what I can accomplish. 
• Your favourite way to spend your weekend? Having a takeaway food picnic next to the water with my partner and daughter. 
• Your favourite snack? White Bueno chocolate bars!

We cannot wait to see the amazing things Jasmine will accomplish in her new role at MTH!

Meet Navi

Our New Finance Officer!

What inspired you get into the disability sector? I was inspired to enter the disability sector because of my strong belief in equality and the need to ensure that everyone has access to the support and opportunities they deserve. 

• How long have you been in the disability sector and what roles you have been in? I’ve been working in the disability sector for past 6 years. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on various roles such as Ndis intake coordinator, SIL coordinator, rostering and system admin and accounts person. 
• Your favourite way to spend your weekend? Favourite way to spend weekend is to go to shopping. 😛 
• Your favourite snack? It’s an Indian street food which chole bhature

We cannot wait to see the amazing things Navi will accomplish in her new role at MTH!

Understanding NDIS Service Agreements

Unsure about what an NDIS Service Agreement (SA) is? An SA is a key document that states what support you will receive from a provider. 

Why a provider creates a SA: It details what supports will be delivered/ received, an estimated cost of supports and how supports will be provided. 

Key Components 

• Service details: type and frequency of supports and goals being met. 
• Costs and payments: how much the services will cost and how payments will be managed. 
• Responsibilities: duties for the participants and provider. 
• Review and changes: How to update or change the agreement/ supports if needed. 

Importance 

• Clarifies expectations allows for both parties to understand services. 
• Protects rights: documents agreed terms and provides for a reference point. 
• Facilitates communication outlines out communication channels will be carried out by both parties. 

Reviewing the agreement 

• Regular checks: go back periodically check the agreement that it is meeting your needs and services are delivered as agreed to. 
• Discuss changes: Arrange to update/ change if your needs change or issues arise. 

Handling Issues 

• Communication: the access/ ability to speak directly with the provider about issues/ concerns. 
• Seek Support: If issues cannot be resolved between provider and participant then contact your NDIS planner.

Tips and Tricks

Spring is upon us so it’s a great time to kick start your sun protection routine. It may not feel like it, but the sun’s rays are getting stronger.

Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30+) to exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours (more often if swimming or sweating). 

Wear Protective Clothing: opt for UV-protective clothing, long lighter layers, and be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection. 

Wear Sunglasses: Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses while out in the sun to protect your eyes. 

Seek Shade: Try to stay out of the sun during peak sun hours (10am-4pm). 

Monitor UV Index: This is to gauge the suns strength for the day and plan your day accordingly (this can be found on weather apps). 

Spring Clean: Check that sunscreen is still in date (yes sunscreen expires) and that protective clothing is still intact. 

Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about UV radiation and its effects to improve on your knowledge of sun safety.

Be sun SMART- SLIP, SLOP, SLAP.

Tasty Treats in the Treehouse by Adrian & Jim!

Chicken, bacon and veg bake!

Ingredients: 2-3 Chicken Breasts (diced.) 1x Cauliflower (chopped) 1 Brown Onion (chopped) 4 Silver Beet & stems (chopped) 1 Packet of Bacon Bits 250ml Cream 2-4 Cups of Grated Cheese (personal preference) TBSP of Butter Olive Oil 1x Large Pan 1x Large baking dish

You can add any extra veg or meat into this dish. Tag us and let us know what you’d add into this dish to make it your own!

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 180 Degrees. Grease an oven safe dish then set aside. 
• Place pan on stove and once hot add butter to melt then add chopped onion, cauliflower and bacon. Cook for 10-15mins. 
• Add silver beet and transfer cooked items from pan into greased oven dish. Add cream and mix well. 
• Add oil to pan then chicken and cook. 
• Add cooked chicken to baking dish and spread out evenly on top. 
• Sprinkle cheese on top into baking dish. 
• Cook for 20 mins.