The end of the year is around the corner so let me take this opportunity to reflect plus introduce our new staff and update everybody on our plans for 2015.

Firstly, I am pleased to welcome the following office staff:

Rosie Lumello, Service Coordinator St George, Sutherland and Inner West;

Karren Osei, Service Coordinator, Eastern Suburbs; and

Adelle Rodregius, Communication Administrator.

I am looking forward to 2015 when we roll out a number of improvements and enhancements, namely:

• Mobility Options will be up and running across the group;
• The Training Calendar will be in place. Care Professionals can plan ahead their attendance at compulsory training topics using the calendar on the JBC Intranet;
• Assessors will commence community observations and checks;
• Dates for coming events will be posted on the JBC Intranet;
• Next group of Certificate III and IV trainees will be ready for 2015.

We will run more Certificate III and IV training in 2015. Those who plan to upgrade skills and qualifications, please contact Marina to book in for an information session. A number of staff completed these courses in 2014 and they now have an industry qualification as a result.

Work, Health & Safety (WH&S)

It goes without saying – please stay safe at work, observe and do checklists and, above all, report hazards. Please log into the JBC Intranet and see our new format that allows Care Professionals to electronically report incidents, hazards and injuries. We also regularly update information and provide alerts that all JBC Care Professionals need to be aware of.

Finally, a big thank you to all Community Care Professionals for being so patient and helpful in moving over to the new server. I trust you are all now able to access your rosters and the JBC Intranet without problems. Please ensure you log onto the system each evening after 5.30pm to see any changes made to your roster for the following day.

Think smart before you start.

Your safety is always important to us. It is easy to rush from one job to the other without stopping to think about your own safety. Before the start of every shift, take a few minutes to think about the role you are about to perform. Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure you are properly dressed for your shift. Closed in shoes MUST always be worn.