The 13th of February 2008 will go down in the history books as the day this nation apologised to its indigenous people for the wrong doings of successive governments through the 20th century. QLS as an organisation has since inception acknowledged and rejected the indignities of those laws that discriminated and abused. We as an organisation still to this day strive to ensure the worth and equality of all people indigenous and those who have migrated or are of migrant descent, as is reflected in our policies. As a nation it is important we move forward recognising our failings in the past, remembering the harm that has been, acknowledging and helping the wounded. In our own small part of the nation we all need to embrace the ideals of equality and the value of all within our community. The word sorry is hard for many of us to say especially if we feel we are apologising for something that has been out of our control. To you who feel this way, imagine if you were taken from your loved ones without recourse or appeal. Imagine the impact upon your's and your families lives. For those of us that are old enough to remember these dark times, we can remember the indifference extended to indigenous people. Personally, I remember two young children fostered to my family in 1967. They were taken from their father and their traditional lands in northern South. Australia. They only spoke pindjinjinjara and Adelaide and our family must have seemed so alien to their lives. I often ponder what happened to them after they were placed elsewhere. If they were ever reunited with their family. I wonder if they were able to find happiness and security in their lives. Today I sincerely hope that our nations apology allows them to gain a feeling of true belonging and of the extended remorse for the wrong doing . Although this apology was directed purely to indigenous Australians these same governments imposed similar regulations upon individuals with disabilities. Not to lesson what has been said above or its importance, I believe, however, our nation needs to go further in acknowledging the discriminatory laws and policies that so harmed many others. The children with disabilities institutionalised via medical models. The children adopted out because their mothers were not married or very young. These policies also damaged the fabric of this nation and these scars also need treatment via acknowledgement and apology. So in closing in our own small way QLS does say sorry to all of you that have been harmed by these laws and policies. I can assure you that the enshrined beliefs of this organisation will always stand against any moves by government or society in allowing a return to those dark days. John Hart Director QLS

Behaviour Support and Protective Practices. This is essential training for all staff. Elements include: Behaviour, Time Intensity Model, ABC Recording Chart, Needs Model, Aggressive Behaviour, Continuous Improvement Model, Communication, Duty of Care and Physical Protective Practices Sessions are run on a regular basis

As you should now be aware, our previous staff representative has resigned the post. We are now seeking nominations for this position. I believe there needs to be more than one nomination to give voters a choice. I feel very strongly that there needs to be a number of representatives who will need excellent communication skills in order to carry out the duties of this role successfully. The Win-Win concept requires that all parties take a highly constructive approach to all interaction with support workers as well as managers. Nomination forms are attached to the latest Newsletter and should be returned to the office immediately. I give you my thoughts on this because that is the way I try to do the work of the Information Officer and have seen this to be working well. Geoff Chapman

Group Emails and Staff Documents are at: qualitylifestylesupport@googlegroups.com Use the link, request login permission and wait for the information email link to allow you to access the site. Current forms and information as well as Group Emailing is available from the site.

Most Staff are aware that the EA is now due for renewal and to ensure that this is conducted according to the amendments to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 we are required to undertake the following: "Approval of Collective Agreement" How & When By Ballot Sheet, included with this Newsletter with an "Information Statement for Employees" booklet, or on the Group Email Site or available at the front reception area. Voting will be conducted at a Staff meeting at 11:00am on Thursday 8th February 2007 at 108 Mort Street and will include any Ballot sheets returned by mail and received by the close of the Staff meeting on that date. If a majority of employees who cast a valid vote decide that they want to approve the collective agreement the agreement will be approved. Copies of the Agreement will be available at each of the houses as well as in the front reception area. Enquiries may be directed to the Staff Representative - Charles Dayet or directly to Steven Paull in the office. The Staff Meeting will be followed with a Sausage Sizzle & all staff & Clients are invited to attend.