2023 the Year of Accessible Tourism

The Queensland Government has declared 2023 the Year of Accessible Tourism to make sure our state is a destination for everyone, including people of all abilities and to change the perception of what it means to be an accessible tourism business.

One of these initiatives is a new accessible tourism online toolkit delivered by Get Skilled Access and TravAbility on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and now available on the DTIS website for tourism operators to help the industry welcome travellers of all abilities to participate in Queensland’s incredible tourism experiences.

Our TASC Team welcome this and other initiatives that allow people of all abilities to enjoy the same experiences as everyone else. Whether you are seeking more accessibility or are a tourism business embracing accessibility, find out more about what the Year of Accessible Tourism means for you – https://bit.ly/3iQvQ4w

And, if you are a person with a disability, or know somebody who is living with a disability, and are looking for advocacy support, then call TASC on 07 4616 9700 or visit www.tascnational.org.au find out more.

Image credits: Queensland Government

SCAM ALERT

If you receive a call from a number you are not familiar with do NOT provide the person on the phone with any PERSONAL INFORMATION including your social security number, bank information, etc. Sometimes the callers will make it sound like they already have all of this information or like they know you, but you still do NOT want to confirm anything with them. If you are unsure, tell them you will call them back and call a family member, friend or the police department to ask what you should do.

If you live in or around Toowoomba, Ipswich or Western Downs we may be able to help you with you with free legal advice and information or referrals or other services near you. Call 07 4616 9700.

Back to School Privacy

So long holidays, hello back to school. The academic year kicks off next week.

Posting a photo on the first day of school is a tradition for many Queensland families, but it may be putting kids at risk. Queensland Police are warning families sharing photos on social media can give away sensitive information. A single photo can enable predators to discover personal information like names and locations, putting children at risk.

They are also asking drivers to slow it down in school zones and keep an eye out for more cyclists and pedestrians.

Have a great and safe start to your school year, everyone!

Mould in Rentals – Know Your Rights

Did you know that mould may constitute loss of amenity or breach of the lessor’s obligation to provide premises fit to live in and in good repair?

If you or somebody you know is experiencing rental issues including bond and lease disputes, eviction and termination of leases, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and talking to their landlord or agent about problems, call the QSTARS hotline on 1300 744 263 and ask to speak to your local service (TASC). TASC’s office number is 07 4616 9700.

Stop Domestic Family Violence

Domestic and family violence can impact anybody, and is a pattern of abusive behaviour that is not always physical. 

If you live in Toowoomba, Ipswich or the surroundings or know someone in those areas who are experiencing domestic violence, contact TASC Legal and Social Justice Services on 07 4616 9700.

This is a FREE service subject to the eligibility criteria.

We Are Open

We’re back from our Christmas break ready to make 2023 a brighter year.

Are you struggling with legal issues related to Family Law, Domestic and Family Violence, Civil and Consumer Law, Criminal Law (minor matters), Discrimination, rights, complaints, Human rights concerns: abuse, neglect, harm, Problems with services and agencies (e.g. NDIS), or Tenancy issues (evictions, bond disputes, QCAT matters) but don’t have the financial means to pay for professional services?

Start 2023 on the right foot by contacting our team on 07 4616 9700 or visit www.tascnational.org.au to find out if you qualify for our free services.

National Disability Week

Let’s be realistic, depending on their disability, some people might need life-long care and someone to provide for all their needs. Nonetheless, there are individuals with different challenges–like autism, cerebral palsy, ADD and others–with an IQ higher than the rest of us average people. They are doing amazing things. They are doctors, teachers, scientists, great mathematicians, etc.

Disability Action Week is held annually and raises awareness of how Queenslanders can play their own role in creating an all-abilities Queensland. The 2022 Disability Action Week theme, ‘Workforce Diversity: open up to opportunity’ highlights the skills, talents, qualifications and abilities people with disability bring to Queensland’s workforce. The week also aims to empower people with disability, raise awareness of disability issues, and improve access and inclusion throughout the wider community.

You can help encourage more Queenslanders to consider what action they can take to build more inclusive and accessible workplaces, businesses and community spaces by spreading the word. And, if you are a person with a disability, or know somebody who is living with a disability, and are looking for advocacy support, then call TASC on 07 4616 9700 or visit www.tascnational.org.au find out more.

SCAM ALERT

Hundreds of desperate Queensland renters have been targeted by scammers taking advantage of the state’s housing crisis. Currently, the scammers use text, email and telephone to try to take your private details and your money.

Banks and finance companies, energy, water and telco’s will not ask for your personal information in a text, email or a cold call on the phone. If you get a contact in any of these situations, please do not engage in any communication with the contact. Instead, call the entity and alert them about the contact you have received. Emails in particular are troublesome.

Some scammers use the company they supposedly represent in part of their email address. Also, if it does not show up then it is most likely a scam. If you do not recognise the sender or the email address, then just delete it or report it. Any communication from a scammer will ask you to click on a link, call a number or reply to the correspondence. If you do not know who the sender is or recognise the sender’s details don’t contact them just delete the information.

If you or somebody you know is experiencing rental issues including bond and lease disputes, eviction and termination of leases, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and talking to their landlord or agent about problems, call the QSTARS hotline on 1300 744 263 and ask to speak to your local service (TASC). TASC’s office number is 07 4616 9700.

TASC Attends Senior’s Expo

TASC’s Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) were excited to participate once again at the Ipswich and Toowoomba Senior’s Expo this year.

Our team were able to speak to many seniors and retirees on the days, to spread the word that our Seniors Legal and Support Service provides information, advice and free legal and social worker support to people in Toowoomba and Ipswich Hinterland.

Elder abuse can manifest in many different ways – financial, emotional and neglect. If you’re worried about a family member or if you feel you may need some support, call our friendly team on (07) 4616 9700.

TASC can assist in many ways – especially if someone they trust is hurting them or taking advantage of them financially. Go here to find out more https://www.tascnational.org.au/services/seniors-advocacy/. This service is available to anyone aged over 60 years and First Nation’s people aged 50 years and over – however please call us on 07 4616 9700 to check your eligibility.

Skip to content