The Collective - September 2026
Keeping you connected, informed and supported
Welcome to the September Collective
As Tribe continues to grow across both Disability Support and Aged Care, The Tribe Collective is our way of keeping everyone connected, sharing important updates, celebrating our people and providing practical information to support you in your role.
Whether you're supporting an NDIS participant to achieve their goals, assisting an Aged Care client to remain independent at home, or helping someone get out and about in their community, the way we show up matters.
September focus
Professionalism in Every Shift. Professionalism isn’t about being perfect, it’s about the small things we do every day that make a big difference.
As Support Workers, we’re welcomed into people’s homes, routines and lives, and over time, we can become a familiar and trusted part of their week. Every shift is an opportunity to build trust, promote dignity and independence, and represent Tribe with pride. From how we present ourselves and communicate, to respecting someone’s home, choices and preferences, maintaining our vehicles and showing care in everything we do, our actions shape the experience of the people we support. Let’s continue to make thoughtful choices that help every participant, client and family feel comfortable, respected, valued and safe.
Presentation & Dress Standards
First impressions matter. Wearing clean, appropriate clothing and presenting yourself professionally helps build trust and confidence with participants, clients and their families. Your appearance reflects not only you, but Tribe too. A professional presentation shows respect, pride and care in the support you provide every day.
Personal Hygiene & Grooming
Good personal hygiene helps create a comfortable support environment for everyone. Strong odours, excessive fragrances and poor hygiene can have a significant impact, particularly for people with sensory sensitivities, respiratory conditions or other health needs. Being mindful of personal hygiene is a simple but important part of providing respectful support.
Smoking & Vaping While Representing Tribe
We recognise that smoking and vaping are personal choices. However, while representing Tribe, it's important that participants and clients aren't exposed to smoking, vaping or lingering smoke and vape odours. Simple steps such as washing your hands, freshening up, changing outer clothing where needed and avoiding smoking immediately before a shift can make a significant difference.
Your Vehicle Represents Tribe Too
For many of the people we support, your vehicle is an extension of their support environment. Whether you’re heading to an appointment, shopping or enjoying a coffee, participants and clients should feel safe and comfortable. Please keep your vehicle clean, roadworthy and free from rubbish, smoke and strong odours. Always follow road rules, ensure everyone wears a seatbelt and never use your mobile phone while driving. Professionalism is about consistently getting the little things right.
New in the staff knowledge hub
Our Staff Knowledge Hub continues to grow, with practical resources designed to answer everyday questions and provide clear guidance when you need it. Our latest resources include the information shared above, along with helpful tips, clear expectations and guidance for situations you may encounter during your shifts across both Disability Support and Aged Care.
Simplified for You
Employment Hero: Our New Staff Hub
A huge thank you to everyone who has jumped onto Employment Hero and completed their setup! We really appreciate your patience while we’ve worked through a few minor hiccups as we get the new platform up and running across Tribe.
Going forward, Employment Hero will become your one-stop shop for everything employment-related at Tribe, including:
📚 Training and learning modules
📋 Policies and important updates
✅ Compliance requirements and acknowledgements
📢 Staff announcements and communications
💰 Pay and employment information
📄 Important documents and resources
You’ll start to see new training, policies, acknowledgements and updates added regularly, so please make a habit of checking Employment Hero and completing any tasks assigned to you. As we continue to develop the platform, our aim is to make it much easier for everyone to know what needs to be completed and where to find important employment information.
Employment Hero vs ShiftCare
What's the difference?
Employment Hero: Pay, employment, training, policies, compliance and staff announcements.
ShiftCare: Your roster, shifts, participant/client information, shift notes, forms and day-to-day service delivery.
Thank you again for your patience while we get everything up and running. We appreciate everyone getting on board and embracing the new system! 💙
Staff Recognition Spotlight
Outstanding Feedback Received
Ellie - WOLLONGONG
Ellie is someone we can always count on, consistently going above and beyond with positivity, professionalism and genuine care. She builds meaningful relationships, encourages independence and provides person-centred support. We recently received lovely feedback from a parent after Ellie suggested a reward and goal system to help motivate a participant:
“I love this, and I love it even more that it has come from Ellie. I’m so happy that Ellie has thought of this. It’s a really positive idea and hopefully something she can work towards and feel proud of.”
Ellie consistently thinks beyond the shift, finding practical ways to help participants achieve their goals. Her flexibility, reliability and willingness to help wherever needed make a real difference to both our participants and the Wollongong team.
Thank you, Ellie, for your initiative, dedication and genuine care for the people you support. We're incredibly grateful to have you as part of the Tribe Wollongong family. 💙
Mable - CENTRAL COAST
We're also delighted to recognise one of our amazing Central Coast team members, Mable. We recently received some beautiful feedback about the positive impact Mable has had while supporting Patrice, message received by her mum:
“Patrice never stops talking about how happy she is with you guys. I have never met Mable, but she has had such a positive impact on Patrice. Every time Patrice has Mable, she is full of smiles and admiration for her.”
Feedback like this is exactly what we love to hear. The connection Mable has built with Patrice and the happiness she brings to her supports is a wonderful reflection of the care, warmth and genuine connection she brings to her role.
Thank you, Mable, for being such a valued member of the Tribe team and for making such a positive difference. 💙👏
Tribe QUICK Tip
Your Shift Starts Before You Arrive
Take a moment before every support to ask yourself:
Am I dressed and presented professionally?
Is my vehicle clean, safe and ready if we'll be using it?
Have I put my phone away?
Have I checked the information I need for today's support?
Am I ready to give this person my full attention?
Sometimes the smallest habits make the biggest difference.
LIVING OUR VALUES
Respect is shown in the little things.
It's arriving on time.
It's presenting yourself professionally.
It's listening without judgement.
It's respecting someone's home and belongings.
It's respecting their choices, culture and routines.
It's encouraging independence
And it's remembering that when we enter someone's home, we are entering their space.
Every respectful interaction helps build trust and meaningful relationships. Respect should be at the heart of every shift.
COMING UP
Our Staff Knowledge Hub is growing, with more practical resources to come.
Upcoming guides include:
Community Access & Goal-Based Supports
Professional Boundaries
Gifts & Money
Mobile Phone & Technology Use
Transporting Participants & Clients
These guides are designed to make it easier to find clear, practical answers to everyday questions while you're out supporting our participants and aged care clients. Stay tuned!
REMEMBER...
Every interaction matters. Every shift is an opportunity to make a difference.
Whether you're supporting someone to work towards an NDIS goal, helping an older person remain independent at home, supporting someone in their community or simply taking the time to listen and have a conversation, what you do matters.
Thank you for the compassion, professionalism and dedication you bring to the people we support and for being part of the Tribe family.
If you're ever unsure, don't guess. Contact the Tribe office on 0466 222 033.