Quarterly Update: 1 March 2025

We are excited to share the progress and accomplishments of our Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC), which continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of care we provide. As part of our ongoing commitment to listening to the voices of those we support, the CAC helps us understand the needs and preferences of our community, ensuring that we offer the best possible care.

Our CAC officially kicked off its first meeting for 2025, with renewed membership for all 2024 committee members, who bring invaluable insights and lived experience to our discussions.

Head of Care Services, Aynsley Johnson has been re-appointed as Chair for 2025 and we have updated our Terms of Reference to better guide the committee’s work and initiatives.

Looking back on 2024, the committee achieved a number of significant milestones that have had a direct positive impact on our services:

• Improved collaboration with the Café on menu preferences: One of the standout achievements from 2024 was the committee’s work to improve the dining experience for our community. Through regular discussions we were able to gather feedback on menu preferences, resulting in a more personalised and enjoyable menu offering that caters to diverse tastes and health considerations.
• Review of furniture within the Café: In addition to menu preferences, the committee worked to enhance the physical environment by reviewing the café’s furniture to ensure it promotes comfort, accessibility, and a welcoming atmosphere for all members.
• Implementation of Suggestion Boxes across the Members Centre and Healthy Connections: To encourage more direct feedback from clients and members, suggestion boxes were placed throughout the Members Centre and Healthy Connections, enabling individuals to share their thoughts and ideas on a range of topics in an anonymous and convenient way in person.
• Review and re-design of the Fee Reduction Form, eligibility, and process: The committee also played an integral role in reviewing and streamlining the Fee Reduction Form, ensuring the eligibility criteria and application process are clear, accessible, and user-friendly for CHSP funded clients.
• Implementation of Transport Client Survey and review of findings: The committee reviewed the Transport Client Survey, gathering valuable feedback on our transport services. After reviewing the findings, the committee contributed to recommended enhancements to improve service delivery and better meet the needs of clients. Watch this space for more!
• Review of emergency procedure communication within Healthy Connections gym: The safety and well-being of clients and members are top priorities. The committee reviewed the communication of emergency procedures within the gym, with the aim of ensuring that all members are aware of safety protocols and feel confident in the event of an emergency.
• Recommendation for improved feedback and continuous improvement: Building on client and member feedback, the committee recommended strategies for improving feedback mechanisms and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation. This will help us remain responsive and proactive in meeting the evolving needs of our community.
• Recommendation for an engagement framework for the Members Centre: Looking to the future, the committee has recommended the development of a framework to ensure ongoing consultation with members before any significant changes or re-designs of our services or facilities. This will help us create an environment that truly reflects the needs and preferences of those we support and welcome in to 60 Kuran Street Chermside.

The CAC’s dedication to enhancing the overall experience of members and clients is invaluable, and their input continues to shape how we deliver services on a day-to-day basis. The ongoing collaboration between the committee, staff, the Burnie Brae board and the broader community is a key driver in helping us meet and exceed the expectations of those in our care.

We look forward to another year of progress and innovation with the CAC, as we continue to work together to improve and enhance the services we offer.

2025 continuing Consumer Advisory Committee Members:

• Denise Martin
• Di Beard
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Jill Hawkins
• Myra Gilbert
• [Chair] Aynsley Johnson
• [Secretary] Cassie Day

Thank you to everyone involved for their ongoing commitment and support in making our community a better place for all. We are excited to see what 2025 holds as we work hand-in-hand with our committee to continue improving the lives of those we support

If you are interested in joining the committee please do not hesitate to speak with one of our committee members above, pick up a CAC Info Pack from Members Reception or reach out to Aynsley at [email protected]. The committee meets once a quarter with the next meeting tentatively scheduled for April.