There is an aqua background with some pictures of red and white striped presents with some greenery. In the top left it says QDN Office Hours. The main text says QDN wishes everyone a happy holiday season! Office Closes 5pm, 23 December, Office re-opens 9am, 4 January.

Holiday season greetings

Dear QDN Members and Supporters,

As we come to the end of 2021  we want to thank you our QDN members, supporters and allies for your support during what has been another challenging year. As a member driven organization is we are especially proud of QDN’s its many achievements during the year, as we are very aware none of these of which would happen without a thriving network of members with disability. From the Gulf, Far North, to North and Central Queensland, our north and south Coasts, the city and out west, QDN members have been putting into action ‘nothing about us without us.’ Whether its been about NDIS, transport, housing, health, COVID, employment, tourism or disasters, we have been actively co-designing and at the table to lead and influence. We can not thank you all enough for your support, resilience and patience.

We have many exciting things planned for 2022 to celebrate the leadership of people with disability as we move into our 20 years as an organization. We have lots of projects and work that will continue to inform, connect, lead and influence to make a difference for a more inclusive Queensland.

QDN’s office will close on Thursday 23 December at 5pm and re-open on Tuesday 4 January at 9am.

We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a happy, restful and peaceful Christmas and connecting with you in the new year in 2022.

We know that COVID-19 continues to be changing the situation daily as we go into the festive season. Being prepared is key.

Its really important that people can

  • get information about what is happening with COVID,
  • make a plan for what you will do if you have to stay or go and
  • stay connected.

Please find below information about some links to QDN resources to help make a plan for COVID and some helpful information about phone numbers you can use if you find yourself needing assistance over the Christmas period.

Best wishes,

 

Des and Paige

(Des Ryan – Chair QDN Board and Paige Armstrong – CEO QDN)

 

Get ready for COVID-19:  Get the facts, make a plan and stay connected

Remember if you are unwell and its emergency, call 000 or call COVID Hotline - 13 42 68.

Get the facts and information:

Queensland Health and Commonwealth Government are continuing to provide information and updates as the situation changes, how people will be cared for if they are confirmed to have COVID-19, and where they can get support. QDN will continue to provide updates to members as this information comes to hand. Check the Queensland Health website for updates at www.health.qld.gov.au

Queensland Health and Health Consumers Queensland have worked to put together information to keep you safe and Get COVID-Ready. With our border open and rapidly growing community cases, we do not know exactly what will unfold in each individual community. This link will provide you with ideas and information on how to keep safe. Click here.

Health Consumers Queensland has produced podcasts one of them is the Preparing Rural and Remote Communities for COVID. Click here to view.

Make a plan:

We know that people want to make sure they have information about what is happening. It is also really important that we can all have a plan in place with the changing COVID-19 situation about the supports you need and share that information with your support network. We worked with the University of Sydney to co-design the award winning COVID-19 Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness Plan to provide people with practical tools, resources, and tips for people so you can develop your own individual plan and be prepared. We encourage you to think about, talk about and write down a plan for how things will work for you and your support network during this time – if you have to stay at home for a long period of time. Find all the tools and resources here. 

Stay connected and other supports:

Community Recovery Hotline available for people in hotel or home quarantine who have no other means of support:

Assistance is available to support vulnerable Queenslanders in hotel or home quarantine who have no other means of support through calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349. The Department Communities, Housing and Digital Economy in collaboration with non-government agencies and charitable organisations continue to support the provision and non-contact delivery of practical support and assistance to persons in hotel or home quarantine such as provision of personal hygiene products and activity packs for families with children or essential groceries and medicines.

In addition to this, the Department through its Smart Services Queensland function is also providing wellbeing calls to people during their stay in quarantine. For more information click here.

Disability Gateway

The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia. They are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm on 1800 643 787.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic means that more of us are staying home and limiting our social interactions and outings. The Queensland Government has launched a great website that can help keep you healthy at home. Click here.

Another great resource is the ‘Quarantine Wellness Kit’ that has been produced by The Australian Red Cross. The kit has activities to help add some joy to your day and care for your wellbeing if you find yourself in COVID‐19 quarantine. Click here.