Communication the key for senior’s legal and support team

Collaboration, communication and supportive peers are the key for TASC’s talented and dedicated solicitors and social workers from our Seniors Legal and Support Service (affectionately known as SLASS internally because we all love an acronym)… Cake helps too 😊 .

Earlier this year the service was expanded to include access for seniors living in the Ipswich hinterland who may be facing, or at risk of elder abuse, which can take many forms including emotional, psychological, financial, physical abuse and neglect.  

Our Seniors Legal and Support Service team work with older people to address instances of elder abuse and can provide strategies to help avoid it. 

The service is free of charge for people aged over 60 (or over 50 for Frist Nations people) and is available to people living in Toowoomba, Ipswich and the Ipswich hinterland.  To find out more please visit www.tascnational.org.au/seniors

TASC Legal Support

TASC is a long-standing provider of community legal, social justice and advocacy services across a large geographic area in Queensland.

Our solicitors, social workers and advocates can help you to understand and take action about common legal problems or other matters that relate to your human rights, such as abuse and discrimination, but are currently working to capacity, please understand our high appointment demand if you have difficulty or a delay in booking an appointment.

If you or somebody you know are looking for legal or advocacy support but doesn’t have the resources to pay for it call TASC on 07 4616 9700 or visit www.tascnational.org.au to see how we can help you.

*Eligibility criteria apply.

Community impact the focus for TASC

TASC’s Social Justice team had the chance to discuss the impact their programs are having in Southern Queensland communities earlier this week when senior members of QLD’s Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships visited our Toowoomba office.

Deputy Director General, Max Wise and Director of Specialist Programs Lauren McFarlane were given an overview of our services, with an emphasis on TASC’s disability advocacy and Seniors Legal and Support Services (SLASS).

TASC’s SLASS service exists to help older people who are at risk of or experiencing elder abuse – which it’s estimated affects almost 1 in 6 Australians aged over 65.

Each year our disability advocacy services help hundreds of people living with a disability to enforce and maintain their human rights.

Pictured are Max Wise and Kym Allen with (seated) Lauren McFarlane, Frances Klaassen and Gail Reardon.

TASC receives funding from the QLD Government to provide legal services and disability advocacy to communities in parts of Queensland.   Please visit tascnational.org.au for more information about our advocacy and legal services.

NDIS CALD summit informs stratgey

TASC CEO Frances Klaassen OAM caught up with Chair and Managing Director at Cultural Perspectives Group, Pino Migliorino AM GAICD FPRIA in Melbourne today.

Pino was today’s facilitator at the NDIS Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy Summit being held in Melbourne today.

At the summit they discussed, reflected on and refined objectives and actions with attendees from across Australia.  It was also a chance to identify and gaps or areas which need refining.

The summit was a fantastic opportunity for organizations across the sector to come together and give feedback and insights to inform the 2023-27 NDIS CALD strategy.

Widebay a focus for TASC advocacy

Last week saw TASC CEO, Frances Klaassen OAM and Social Justice Services Manager Gail Reardon travel to the Wide Bay region to catch up with our advocates and network with other organisations in the sector.

While in Gympie they also inspected possible office spaces for TASC’s Social Justice advocate for the area, Alicia Hawkins.

Stopping by TASC’s Bundaberg office also gave them the opportunity for an in person catch up with Nakayla Murnane who joined the TASC team in December.

Frances and Gail also stopped in at Hervey Bay to connect with other people in the community sector.

The Wide Bay region is an important and growing part of TASC’s Social Justice Advocacy network.

TASC’s disability advocacy and social justice service is free and helps people in parts of regional southern Queensland stand up for their human rights.  If you need advocacy help, contact TASC on 07 4616 9700 or visit tascnational.org.au.

TASC Advocate attends the QLD Independent Disability Advocacy Network (QIDAN)

David Boden, TASC Social Justice Advocate, participated at the last Queensland Independent Disability Advocacy Network (QIDAN) two-day meeting to discuss future plans and goals for disability advocacy in our State.

TASC Legal and Social Justice Services is proud to be part of QIDAN, a network of non-for-profit organisations that provides state funded disability advocacy in Queensland.

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.

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.

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