QV Women's Centre Annual Report 2005-2006 by Jett Barker

210 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Telephone 03 8668 8100 Facsimile 03 8668 8111 Email info@qvwc.org.au www.qvwc.org.au

Design www.kinart.com.au

ANNUAL REPORT 2005 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2006

connections unity support partnerships collaboration identity information goals future opportunities assist networks inspire inclusion resources diversity choice worth commu nity values potential services achieve celebrate positive equality focus identity hope aspire

assist potential hope celebrate worth equality diversity focus unity inclusion access achieve

OUR PURPOSE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

For women, by women For the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust (QVWCT) to provide a physical and virtual space for the women of Victoria to reach their full potential, bring about social change and provide opportunities for women to be inspired for the future.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE The focus of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust’s capacity building programs is to assist the women of Victoria to achieve their full potential through strategic collaboration which maximises the capacity of women’s organisations – and other organisations that support women. QVWC’s programs focus on the following: • affecting social change • assisting women’s organisations – and organisations that support women – especially those women facing social disadvantage • assisting individual women.

Queen Victoria Women’s Centre wishes to acknowledge and thank the following individuals and organisations for their tremendous support via donations and in-kind assistance: Supporters Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service AFL Hall of Fame and Sensation Ann Southin ANZ Bank (Swanston Street, Melbourne) Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres Australian Women’s Archive Project Beci Orpin Bellacize Belly Dancers BHP Billiton BreaCan CASA House Cathy Freeman Choice Stories Christine Black CiCi Edwards City of Melbourne Community Support Fund Dairy Produce Hall, Queen Victoria Market Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier Denice Hudson Elements on Lonsdale EMILY’S List Expresso Bagels Fiona Sharkie Holding Redlich Hudsons Coffee Industrial Relations Victoria International Women’s Development Agency Joan Kirner Joy Wandin Murphy Judy Crowe Judy Rigby Karen Lauf Karen Martin Kathy Townsend Marg D’Arcy Meshiya Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Delahunty Monash Medical Centre Mrs Fields

Nesrene Asmar Ofﬁce of the Minister for Women’s Affairs Ofﬁce of Women’s Policy Oishi Bento Patricia Nilvor QV Property Management QV Newsagency Regina Pizzeria Royal Women’s Hospital Rural Women’s Network Sally-Anne Upton Sharelle McMahon Sheila O’Sullivan – SOCOM Simply Indian Southern Health Sumo Salad Tamara DiMattina Tania Reid Tara Moore The Chicken Pantry, Queen Victoria Market The Pluckin’ Beauties The Twins Ukii URCOT Victorian College of the Arts Vita Natural Health WIRE – Women’s Information WR King Food Services, Queen Victoria Market YWCA Victoria

Shilling Fund Donors 2004-2006 Anna Nichola Barb Jennings Bronwyn Jacobs Chris Lourey Douglas Jongsma Dr Merrilyn Murnane Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria Holding Redlich Joan Kirner Julie Anne Woodside Karen Denby Kathy Townsend

Malory & Christopher Weston Marg D’Arcy Mary Allinson Maureen Gie Megan Rayner Monica Zahra Nola Frawley Sunshine International Women’s Committee Vicki Psaropoulos Wendy Weeks

WHAT’S COMING UP 110th Anniversary Celebration in October 2006: Celebrating the 110th Anniversary of QVH’s founding women doctors and generating interest in the QVWC through the Open Day and a series of womencentred events during the week of 9th-13th October. International Women’s Day 2007: QVWC will be hosting the annual International Women’s Day – a global event recognising the achievements and gains of women. ‘Managing Money’ Project: A new initiative to enable women to make better-informed ﬁnancial decisions. Shilling Tribute Wall/Walk Project: A design brief for the landscaping and commemorative object within the Shilling Wall/Walk and Tribute Garden has been ﬁnalised with the assistance of the Trust expert reference group. QVWC will continue to develop the Shilling Tribute concept and bring this project to fruition.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 41

CONTENTS A Message From Our Chair

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About the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre: Who We Are and What We Do

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History of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre

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Connecting Through Collaboration: Programs and Partnerships

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Raising Women’s Voices: BreaCan Chorus of Women

Building Women’s Capacity: InfoHub and Capacity Building Project

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Celebrating Sisterhood: International Women’s Day Sharing Hopes and Dreams: Trees of Aspirations Public Art Project

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Promoting Our History: QVWC Information and Heritage Banners Learning and Informing: WIRE – Women’s Information Seminars

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Getting the Balance Right: Work Family Balance for Women Working in Small Non Government-Organisations Project

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Supporting Advocacy for Women’s Health: 10-Point Plan for Victorian Women’s Health 2006-2010 Exhibitions and Room Hire

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Government Connections

New QVWC Logo and Branding Staff

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Capacity Building Through the Arts

Trust Proﬁles

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Weathering Tough Times: Drought Toolkit

Governance

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Shilling Fund and Tribute Wall Centre Organisations

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Government Compliance Financials

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Acknowledgments

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QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 1

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR

The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust (QVWCT) is pleased to present its 2005-06 Annual Report. During the past year the Trust has achieved significant progress with the implementation of its long-term strategic plans to develop a vibrant women’s centre. The building, now fully tenanted with organisations that support women, together with the establishment of the InfoHub (our online information resource that delivers a fundamental component of QVWCT’s purpose to women unable to physically access the Centre during operating hours) provides a sound platform for the operation of a sustainable women’s centre. Over recent months there has been a heightened sense of enthusiasm following the success of the International Women’s Day event. These outcomes have been possible through the involvement of our partners and demonstrate the support and reach the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) is beginning to have with a wide network of women and organisations that support women. The QVWC is already receiving significant numbers of visitors: women attending activities and programs as well as accessing services offered through the Centre, in addition to members of the public curious about ‘the little heritage building’ that is the centre-piece to a modern shopping, residential and business precinct. QVWC is becoming more widely known as a function centre with an increase in the demand for its meeting and conference facilities and ground floor venue for exhibitions of women’s artwork. The Trust thanks the Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Delahunty for sharing our vision and for her continuous support of the objectives of the Trust. This year the Trust achieved a continuing commitment of financial support from the State government and expresses its appreciation for the allocation of funds as outlined in the 2006-07 State Budget.

2 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

This support reinforces the determination of the Trust to deliver a sustainable, vibrant women’s centre through fostering new partnerships to generate more programs and extend the reach of existing programs and services. It will enable the Trust to discharge its duties as custodian of the heritage-listed building and complete the integration of the building with its surrounding environment, improving access and upgrading existing facilities. The warm ambience that welcomes visitors to the Centre will increase on completion of the capital works. An increasing interest from the community in the heritage of the building and its symbolic link to the past, will form a strong connection to the 110th Anniversary celebration of the Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) founding women doctors in October 2006. I thank my fellow Trustees, staff, the Ofﬁce of Women’s Policy, tenants and the many organisations and individuals who have supported our goals during the past twelve months. The Trust’s three-year Strategic Plan and annual Business Plan will articulate our strategies and the delivery framework for the future. The Trust looks forward to working with the growing number of women’s organisations as project partners, and continuing development of collaborative and productive relationships with its many stakeholders to realise mutual opportunities and beneﬁts that project beyond the physical reality of the heritage-listed building. Helen Hewett Chair

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 3

ABOUT THE QUEEN VICTORIA WOMEN’S CENTRE: WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO The Trust is committed to building connections that honour the symbolic value of past accomplishments and establish future directions in partnership with organisations supporting women. The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust (QVWCT) is a non-proﬁt organisation established under the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Act 1994 to: • provide for the management, operation and use of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre • provide for the ownership of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre land. The Trust consists of twelve members, who contribute as individuals, and are guided by the Trust’s statement of purpose. The Trust is committed to building connections that honour the symbolic value of past accomplishments and establish future directions in partnership with organisations supporting women.

4 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

The Centre • Is tenanted by a diversity of womenfocused organisations • Encourages partnerships with organisations, working both within and external to the Centre, to deliver programs and projects • Provides accessible and reliable information through InfoHub— Victorian women’s online pathway to reliable and reputable information, resources and support • Holds signiﬁcant events to celebrate the accomplishments of women • Provides meeting facilities for groups and organisations • Encourages the display of art, especially that of budding women artists.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 5

HISTORY OF THE QUEEN VICTORIA WOMEN’S CENTRE campaigning resolutely to retain the Central tower of the QVH. Underlying the campaign was the determination to continue to provide an inclusive and sensitive space for the women of Victoria, run for women, by women. After much struggle, the campaign gained bipartisan support. The future of the Central tower was guaranteed under an Act of Parliament in 1994 and the Centre was ofﬁcially delivered to the women of Victoria in December 1996. The 1994 Act also established the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust (QVWCT), charged with governing the Centre and preserving it for the use of Victorian women.

Connecting Past and Present: Pro Feminis A Feminis— For Women, By Women The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre (QVWC) retains a strong physical and spiritual connection to both the site and concept of the Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH). In 1896, a group of eleven courageous and determined women doctors and one social worker formulated the vision to provide a medical facility delivered for women by women. Through the perseverance of these women and with enormous support from the general public, this vision became reality in the establishment of the QVH. In 1946, QVH relocated into the buildings of the old Melbourne Hospital on Lonsdale Street, after ﬁrst having operated from the CBD locations of St David’s Welsh Church and Mint Place. The QVH closed in 1986 and in 1987, combined with other facilities to form the new Monash Medical Centre. The legacy of these dynamic and determined women was preserved and continued by an enthusiastic group

6 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

Over the past decade, the Heritagelisted building has been refurbished and currently houses a number of women-focused organisations. QVWCT continues to work collaboratively to develop its purpose of providing ‘a physical and virtual space that will enable the women of Victoria to reach their full potential, bring about social change and provide opportunities for women to be inspired for the future’ future’. In 2006, the Centre became fully tenanted and the QVWC began its next phase in continuing to provide an accessible and dynamic facility run for women, by women. Through these organisations, the Centre offers women a diverse range of programs and services at a centralised site. QVWC also runs a range of projects, through partnerships. By working collaboratively with organisations QVWC seeks to build the capacity of Victorian women both within and beyond the physical walls of the Centre.

site through historical markers and the use of historically signiﬁcant names for its many laneways, including Shilling Lane and Constance Stone Lane. Over the coming year, QVWCT will continue to work with QV Property Management to further integrate the Centre and QV retail precinct. This integration is expected to include the building of the Shilling Fund Tribute Wall and Shilling Walk, as well as the placement of further historical markers throughout the precinct. The integration will provide mutual opportunities for both parties and will work to commemorate the legacy begun 110 years ago when twelve women met with the vision to provide a facility run for women, by women.

SHILLING FUND AND TRIBUTE WALL The Shilling Fund is a gift from the women of today, to the women of tomorrow. The idea of the Shilling Fund comes from the early pioneers of the Queen Victoria Hospital, when nineteenth century women donated one shilling to build the ﬁrst womenonly hospital. Numerous donations have already been made into the present Shilling Fund and the capital fund established under this fundraising campaign will go towards developing a range of programs and projects for women’s empowerment, as well as the construction of a Shilling Tribute Wall/Walk.

The remaining portion of the former hospital site was developed into the QV retail precinct. Consisting of a series of inter-connecting pedestrian laneways, the precinct reﬂects the history of the

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 7

CENTRE ORGANISATIONS

The QVWC building achieved full tenancy in April 2006. Each Centre organisation brings to the building its unique area of expertise and specialisation, making the QVWC a hub for a variety of women’s services. We are proud to support the valuable work of these organisations, through the provision of a centralised location, which offers opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention & Legal Service (AFVPLS) AFVPLS provides free legal, counselling, support, information and referral services to victim/survivors of family violence and sexual assault.

BreaCan – Breast Cancer Support BreaCan is a free and conﬁdential information, support and referral service for people with breast cancer, their families and friends.

CASA House CASA House (Centre Against Sexual Assault) is a service of the Royal Women’s Hospital. It is a State Government funded organisation which provides free and conﬁdential services to victim/survivors of sexual assault on a 24 hour basis.

Domestic Violence Victoria (DV Vic) Domestic Violence Victoria Inc. (DV Vic) is a peak advocacy organisation committed to the rights of women and children to live free of violence.

URCOT URCOT is a not-for-proﬁt applied research and development centre. URCOT provides a wide range of workplace change and development projects in the public sector, nongovernment and labour movement organisations, including research into issues surrounding women in the workplace.

Victorian Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Coalition (VIRWC) “VIRWC chose to operate out of QVWC because we wanted to represent immigrant and refugee women in the Centre. As the peak immigrant and refugee women’s body, we want to be at the centre of women’s activities in the state. Our women’s coalition works with women of diverse backgrounds as reﬂected in our Constitution – we are inclusive of all women. The issues and concerns we advocate are wide-ranging; this is why we have to work in tandem with mainstream women’s groups as well as with special issues groups.”

Nurcihan Ozturk

VIRWC is an independent, statewide advocate for immigrant and refugee women committed to the goals of achieving cultural, social, economic, political, educational and sexual equality. VIRWC also monitors government policy to ensure that the needs of immigrant and refugee women are reﬂected.

NURCIHAN OZTURK

EMILY’s List

Executive Ofﬁcer

EMILY’s List Australia is a political, ﬁnancial and personal support network for progressive Labor women candidates who are committed to choice, diversity, equity, equal pay and accessible and affordable childcare.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 9

YWCA Victoria

Vita Natural Health WIRE has already beneﬁted enormously from the formal and informal relationships we have created with our fellow tenants in the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. There is a real mood of solidarity emerging as we bustle along the wide hallways of this lovely old building together.

“Vita Natural Health was established in 2001 as a naturopathic/ massage health service. I chose to operate out of the QVWC because of its beauty, its historic signiﬁcance and central location. It seemed like an ideal position that would open the door to many opportunities.

The facilities at the Centre have enabled us to run a very successful ongoing series of free women’s information sessions on a range of topics, while our Women’s Information Centre, located on the ground ﬂoor, has enjoyed steadily increasing visitor numbers since the move.

Operating from the QVWC has provided our business with a sense of differentiation from the many other health care services in Melbourne. We are a group of experienced and dedicated female health professionals and are passionate about our work.” JOSIE CENITI Naturopath and Vita owner/operator

Josie Ceniti

Vita Natural Health offers a suite of natural health services and natural medicine expertise including naturopathy, massage, osteopathy, counselling and pilates under one location.

WIRE – Women’s Information

JOAN MEREDITH Manager Community Programs

The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre is an ideal location for WIRE and we are excited to be playing a key partnership role in developing this newly emerging women’s hub.”

YWCA Victoria provides a range of programs, including Girlstorey, a community arts program; Job Placement, Employment and Training (JPET); as well as Asista, YWCA’s mentoring program for young women.

JO ARGENT Communications Coordinator

“WIRE – Women’s Information is Victoria’s only statewide generalist information and referral service run for women by women. We support women through our phone service, Women’s Information Centre, via email and through our website and publications. We research the issues that concern our callers so that we can provide them with information tailored to their needs. As a Registered Training Organisation we train our own volunteers as well as external organisations in how to work with women within a feminist framework.

10 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

“YWCA Victoria is part of a global women’s network which delivers community services and advocacy for women, and in particular, young women. YWCA Victoria’s Young Women’s Services is part of an important range of integrated services within the QVWC. This location has created opportunities for the further development of strong alliances with key women’s organisations. Already, we have seen positive results for the community from these partnerships and collaborations.”

YWCA Victoria

WIRE – Women’s Information provides free, conﬁdential information, support and referrals to the women of Victoria. These include a state-wide telephone service, with interpreter service available. As well, the Women’s Information Centre provides free computer and internet access and training. WIRE also has a community services database, and offers accredited training in women-sensitive practice.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 11

CONNECTING THROUGH COLLABORATION: PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS Programs represent the connection between QVWC’s values and practice. Our programs support QVWC’s core identity as an organisation for women, by women. Collaborative partnerships link our Centre to the greater community of women’s organisations and allow QVWC to enable and support a range of services for women. In 2006-07, QVWC will undertake programs in four key areas: • Information Provision • Policy and Advocacy • Leadership and Development • Events and Celebrations.

Raising Women’s Voices: BreaCan Chorus of Women “I would like to tell you how much the ladies of BreaCan’s Chorus of Women has appreciated being able to use the 5th floor room for our First Anniversary get together. It was so special as this was where we first met and developed a wonderful, trusting relationship, which enabled us all to share so much of our breast cancer journeys with each other. It allowed us not only to sing our songs but to talk with each other about what emotional changes being part of Chorus had brought to us, both individually and as a group. We feel that through BreaCan’s wonderful generosity, we were able to have this experience in the first place. And to be now part of QVWC, through BreaCan, is an absolute bonus. Thank you once again on behalf of all the Chorus Girls” SANDRA TOPP BreaCan Volunteer

QVWC was proud to provide the venue for BreaCan’s Chorus of Women music therapy program in 2005. This 10-week program offered women a creative and therapeutic outlet, as well as an opportunity to display their many talents. Drawing on their personal experiences with breast cancer, 10 women came together under the auspices of BreaCan to create an empowering and inspirational performance piece. The program culminated in two moving and inspiring performances at Grant Street Theatre, which were attended by over 300 people. June 2006 saw the 1st anniversary celebrations of the Chorus’ formation. The Chorus also gave an encore performance for the opening of BreaCan’s ofﬁces at the Centre.

Weathering Tough Times: Drought Toolkit The devastating drought of the past several years has had immense impact on the livelihoods of rural Victorian women. QVWC, in partnership with WIRE – Women’s Information, created the ‘Weathering Tough Times’ toolkit to direct drought-affected women to relevant services and aid agencies. The toolkit featured prominently in the Rural Women’s Network newsletter, Issue 4, 2005.

Building Women’s Capacity: InfoHub and Capacity Building Project QVWC’s ﬂagship InfoHub project, encompassing the online InfoHub resources and capacity building

12 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

programs, completed its establishment phase in March 2006. Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Delahunty publicly launched the InfoHub—Victorian women’s online pathway to reliable and reputable information, resources and support—as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at QVWC. Over three years, QVWC and project partners WIRE – Women’s Information and Women’s Health Victoria worked to: • establish a capacity building hub for women • develop a trusted online service to assist women in making better informed decisions • create networks that will help enable women to work together for social change and to reach their full potential. Each of the aims above shaped the development of InfoHub. InfoHub offers a centralised online point for women to access trusted information. Women can access InfoHub from an internetconnected computer anywhere, making it a convenient and valuable resource. InfoHub currently covers three topic areas: Health and Wellbeing, Work Family Balance and Violence Against Women. Each topic area has been produced by a ‘Cluster’— networks of women experts who recommend, verify and monitor the information available on InfoHub. InfoHub is scheduled to expand into two new topic areas in 2006-07. QVWC would like to thank the Victorian Government for supporting the InfoHub project through the Community Support Fund.

Celebrating Sisterhood: International Women’s Day Since 1911, women have celebrated their economic, social, political and cultural achievements on International Women’s Day (IWD). Recognised by the United Nations, IWD provides an important opportunity for diverse women to come together in sisterhood, to recognise their struggles and commemorate their achievements. IWD is a central day in the calendar of the women’s organisations housed at QVWC, due to both its global and symbolic importance.

“I brought my two month baby boy to the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre for IWD. We went on the pram walk from the children’s museum with my partner, my mother-in-law and my aunty who was down from the country to volunteer for the Commonwealth Games. It was very special to celebrate International Women’s Day with my family.” SUSAN BRENNAN QVWC Trustee

Susan Brennan with Joan Kirner and aunt.

Over 1,000 women made their way to the Centre—some pushing prams in the ‘Mums’ City Pram Stroll’, others via a pre-dawn bus ride from Nhill in rural Victoria—to celebrate the day. A range of events, entertainment and activities were on offer, including: • Laughter therapy • Women’s nutrition and massage • Musical entertainment, emceed by Sally Anne Upton and including performers such as Deborah Conway with Willy Zygier and the Pluckin’ Beauties • Work family balance seminar presented by Industrial Relations Victoria • International Women’s Development Agency lunchtime talk by IWDA Ambassador and human rights advocate K’nyaw Paw • An interactive Maori poi demonstration • Kids’ games, dancing and playtime with AFL mascots • Trees of Aspirations public art project and much more! The International Women’s Day 2006 celebrations were a great success! Our survey of the public in attendance showed, amongst other positive ﬁndings – • 97% of respondents reported they would return to QVWC for another event, based on their experience of International Women’s Day. • 88% indicated that International Women’s Day had enhanced their understanding of women’s affairs. International Women’s Day 2006 was a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of women’s issues in general, as well as to connect participants to other programs and services based at the Centre.

International Women’s Day 0

Did you know about the QVWC before today? Have you attended an event at the QVWC before?

77.14 %

32.86 %

Will you attend another event at the QVWC based on your experience today?

Cathy Freeman showing her support for International Women’s Day at QVWC.

The day’s events were made possible through the collaboration of a number of organisations housed at QVWC, including: • QVWCT • WIRE – Women’s Information • YWCA Victoria • EMILY’s List • Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service • CASA House • BreaCan • Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition • Domestic Violence Victoria • URCOT • Vita Natural Health.

97.1%

Have you enjoyed International Women’s Day?

100 %

Do you plan to attend future QVWC International Women’s Day celebrations?

93.85%

Have today’s celebrations enhanced your understanding of women’s affairs?

87.69 %

Do you use the internet on a fairly regular basis? Do you search for women-specific information on a regular basis? Do you think you will make use of the QVWC InfoHub website?

100%

75%

33.82%

The Trees of Aspirations public art project provided an inspiring focus for the IWD 2006 celebrations. The project encouraged women to name their aspirations, afﬁrm their potential and claim the hopes of women everywhere. Throughout the day, women wrote their aspirations on specially designed cards. The cards were then placed on one of ten trees, displayed in QV Square, behind the Centre. By day’s end, the square was alive with the ﬂutter of women’s aspirations and renewed hopes. Just under 1,000 women shared their hopes and aspirations through the project, including hundreds of women who participated by creating their own tree of aspirations at their local neighbourhood house. Here are just a few of the aspirations women shared with us on the day:

• ‘That my grandson will grow up 75.81%

Other organisations involved in making the day a success included: • International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) • Rural Women’s Network • Royal Women’s Hospital • Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres • City of Melbourne • Ofﬁce of Women’s Policy • QV Property Management.

Young women from Nhill College, sponsored by Country Women’s Association, travelled to Melbourne from country Victoria to participate in IWD 2006.

14 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

Sharing Hopes and Dreams: Trees of Aspirations Public Art Project

in a community that respects women’s rights’. • ‘That young women will see and understand their inherent worth’. • ‘ I want all women to feel safe and happy and do whatever they choose to’. • ‘To make the most of each day and appreciate the age I’m at’. • ‘To be an all ‘round’ woman! Lover, mother, worker and player’. • ‘That women and girls are able to live without fear of violence from the men in their lives’. • ‘To be okay with who I am no matter what anyone thinks’. • ‘That all women have equal access to education across the world’. • ‘True equality for women to the point where they can truly inﬂuence world affairs in a positive way’.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 15

from September 2006, in the Work Family Balance section of the InfoHub: www.qvwc.org.au/infohub.

“A greater representation of women in Parliament, on government and corporate boards, and in senior management. The elimination of violence against women and children.”

This project was supported by the Victorian Government, through Industrial Relations Victoria, and the Victorian Women’s Trust.

MARY DELAHUNTY The Minister for Women’s Affairs shares her aspiration

QVWC Information and Heritage Banners

Learning and Informing: WIRE – Women’s Information Seminars In 2005-06, QVWC again partnered with WIRE – Women’s Information to host 28 information seminars. The seminars, coordinated and presented by WIRE, drew a total audience of 380 women to the Centre, and covered a diverse range of women’s issues, including: ‘Make friends with your money’ ‘Coping with loss and grief’ ‘Police code of practice for family violence’ ‘Managing depression at work’ and many more. Mary Delahunty

Promoting Our History: QVWC Information and Heritage Banners Launched on International Women’s Day by Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Delahunty, the set of ﬁve QVWC Information and Heritage Banners display key information about the history of the Queen Victoria Hospital, QVWC’s founding, and the Centre. Each banner bears information on ﬁve aspects of the QVWC – ‘Founding women’, ‘The story so far’, ‘The Shilling Fund’, ‘QVWC organisations’ and ‘Royal Women’s Hospital’. The QVWC Banners are a travelling exhibition for loan to individuals and organisations, for public education and the promotion of the QVWC. 16 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

The fortnightly seminars were held in the Victoria room and have greatly increased trafﬁc through the Centre.

Supporting Advocacy for Women’s Health: 10-Point Plan for Victorian Women’s Health 2006-2010 In 2006, QVWC endorsed the Women’s Health Across Victoria (WHAV) 10-Point Plan for Victorian Women’s Health 20062010. By endorsing the plan, QVWC supports WHAV’s vision for women’s health over the next ﬁve years and its efforts to have the plan adopted as Victorian Government policy. The plan recognises the impact of gender on health and health inequalities, and seeks to address those inequalities. It argues strongly that ‘an investment in women’s health is an investment in the health of all the community’. It also advocates the importance of women-speciﬁc services and collaborative frameworks, both representing values and initiatives which QVWC supports.

Getting the Balance Right: Work Family Balance for Women Working in Small NonGovernment-Organisations Project QVWC supported project partners WIRE – Women’s Information and URCOT to undertake a 12-month research and mentoring program to document workable and practical family friendly options for women working in small organisations. The program will result in an informational booklet, created by QVWC, WIRE and URCOT. An interactive version of the booklet will also be available online

Australian Commonwealth Games netball team captain Sharelle McMahon shared her aspiration with the crowd, saying she hoped that her team would ‘Be intimidating and united, while producing our best performance’.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 17

EXHIBITIONS AND ROOM HIRE

“I walked into the Women’s Centre not fully aware of all the wonderful and meaningful work that takes place within. I am now a member of WIRE as well as a part of the community centre at the Royal Women’s Hospital. It is a sad but true reality of how some women are forced into, or feel, that they have no choice or voice. My art is focused on brightening peoples’ days, and I received many comments on how lively and full of life my paintings are. I hope to be part of more events at the QVWC. Through visiting my art exhibition, my friends and family have become more aware of the Centre. I thank you for the opportunity to display my art and for enriching the lives of many other women.” ANGE BENINATI Artist

The Centre coordinates an exhibition space, located on the Ground Floor. QVWC promotes the use of our building as a hub for activities, programs and events. The Centre offers two function spaces for hire: • The Victoria Room: Fully accessible conference room, offering seating for up to 150, tearoom to support catering. • The Atrium: Surrounded by a rooftop terrace, the Atrium seats up to 25 and offers an excellent boardroom setting, with kitchenette and ensuite and 360 degree views of the city. Our facilities have been hired for corporate functions, and social events, seminars and weekend training as well as workshops and lifestyle classes. We have had a steady and increasing income stream from the hire of these facilities. The rooms are also available as a meeting space for tenants.

Capacity Building Through the Arts QVWC is proud to have presented the following artists’ works in our exhibition space: Angelina Beninati, Explosion of Life, Acrylic on Canvas Kristin Diemer, One Becomes Two – Pregnancy Portraits, Photography Tara Moore, Life Contrasts, Photography Daffodil Day Arts Awards, Curated by Angela Nagel Carmel O’Connor, Life and HECS, Painting Miriam Webb, Free to be, Paper and Canvas Through an emphasis on enabling ﬁrst time exhibitors, QVWC aims to extend its capacity building efforts to individual women artists and art organisations. We are excited to be directly involved in helping these artists to develop their careers. We are focused on building sustained relationships with the exhibitors, in addition to encouraging women’s use of the Centre.

Room Hire in Dollars for July 2005 – April 2006 12000 10000 8000

From exhibiting her works at the Centre, photographic artist Tara Moore has become closely involved as a supporter of QVWC and documented the 2006 International Women’s Day.

6000

4000

“In February 2006 I was delighted to hold my ﬁrst CBD exhibition in the QVWC. Throughout my exhibition, I received a great amount of support from the staff at the QVWC. I found their enthusiasm and encouragement towards my work most inspirational. I highly recommend the gallery space as it offers natural light, professional hanging equipment and public access from Lonsdale Street and the QV shopping precinct. After my exhibition, I worked with the QVWC during International Women’s Day. The day was a rewarding experience and I particularly enjoyed taking images of the Trees of Aspirations, The Pram Walk, and the Laughter Class. I am looking forward to working again with the women of the QVWC.”

2000

TARA MOORE

0 July

Via our arts exhibitions program and room hire, QVWC promotes and attracts trafﬁc to the building and expands the pool of women interested in using the Centre. Our room hire and exhibitions connect back to the community and help make the Centre inclusive and welcoming.

September

18 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

November

January

March

May

Photographer, Moore Photography

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 19

GOVERNMENT CONNECTIONS

The Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Delahunty spoke as part of the vibrant International Women’s Day Celebrations, launching the InfoHub, QVWC Information and Heritage Banners and placing her aspiration for women on a Tree of Aspirations. Historically, QVWC has had unwavering support from the Minister. The success of the International Women’s Day celebrations exemplified the greater sense of dynamism permeating the Centre. Indeed, many of the exciting developments of the 2005-06 year were made possible through Ministerial support. In 2005-06, the QVWC signed its first Funding and Service agreement with the Office of Women’s Policy (OWP) and Department for Victorian Communities. OWP worked closely with QVWC with regards to strategic business planning, government liaison, and marketing development. The State Government affirmed its support of QVWC by announcing the allocation of close to $2 million over four years, in capital and recurrent funding.

GOVERNANCE The Trust is a public statutory authority within the meaning of paragraph (a) of the deﬁnition of a “public body” in section 3 of the Financial Management Act 1994.

Criteria for Appointment Government guidelines for The Appointment and Remuneration of Part-time and Non-executive Directors of State Government Boards and Members of Statutory Bodies and Advisory Committees are applied in selecting members of the Trust. The guidelines stipulate that boards should comprise people with an appropriate mix of skills.

20 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

Appointments should be made on the basis of candidates’ proven experience, skills and expertise; their understanding of the roles, duties and accountabilities required by the relevant legislation; and candidates’ strategic ability, leadership skills, experience in decision making and networks in business and the community. Collectively, it is highly desirable that Trust members have skills and expertise in ﬁnancial management, the law, marketing, the arts and design, humanities, ethnic and cultural affairs and community and business sectors.

Conﬂict of Interest

Role of the Trust

It is envisaged that, on appointment to the Trust, each Trustee will be required to complete a statement of interest and the Trust will keep a ’register of interest’ that will be made available at the beginning of each Trust meeting. Trustees can amend if required and will be aware of any possible conﬂict of interest when making decisions.

The functions of the Trust are: • To manage the QVWCT land and to use it for the purposes of a facility to be known as the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre • To provide on the QVWCT land services and facilities for women including health information services, rest and meeting rooms and other services and facilities • To provide information in relation to the services and facilities provided by the Centre • To provide for the management, operation, use and promotion of the Centre • To provide for the efﬁcient ﬁnancial management of the QVWCT land and Centre • To seek funding for the Centre and • Any other functions that are conferred on the Trust by the Act. The Trust will continue to develop and build on strategic relationships and alliances.

All Trustees are aware of their obligations under section 13 of the QVWCT Act 1994 in relation to declaration of pecuniary interest. In addition, the Trust is reviewing and developing its policies on the following: • Notification about any conflict of interest of a professional or organisational nature • Use of information • Disclosure of any financial interest in any contract or arrangement into which the Trust may enter.

Responsibility as an individual member of the Trust Each member of the Trust has a responsibility to ensure they represent the Trust outside of the formal processes of the Trust in a manner that is consistent with the stated directions and the philosophy of the Trust.

The Audit Process The Audit is undertaken by the Ofﬁce of the Victorian Auditor General.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 21

TRUST PROFILES

Exemplifying the spirit of for women, by women, the QVWCT is a cohesive blend of expertise, with each member bringing her own specialist skills and networks to drive the direction and enable the work of QVWC, and ultimately, to serve the women of Victoria. Women of the Trust present a multiplicity of professional and personal backgrounds, creating a Trust equipped with perspectives from various sectors of the wider community.

Helen Hewett

Carol Andrades

Jenny Beacha m

Joan Bennett

Chair Helen Hewett Helen Hewett has had extensive experience in senior ﬁnancial and property management positions across the private, union and community sectors. She is the Executive Ofﬁcer of the Industry Funds Forum, Deputy Chair of VicUrban and Chair of the Building Commission Audit Committee.

Members

Susan Brennan

Lee Ward

Barbara Jennings

Karen Batt

Rachel Kwei

Antoinette Braybrook

Kay Setches

Carol Andrades Carol Andrades practises in discrimination, employment and industrial law. In addition, she lectures in discrimination law at the University of Melbourne and has worked on projects in Vietnam with the International Labour Organisation. Carol also sits on the Industrial Law Committee of the Law Council of Australia and the Australian Executive of the International Centre for Trade Union Rights. Jenny Beacham Jenny Beacham started life in the Mallee at Birchip, went to the University of Melbourne when Secondary Studentships were introduced, and completed a B.A. and B.Ed. During the 1970s, Jenny worked for the Disadvantaged Schools Program. Jenny continues to work as a mentor for women wanting to enter parliament and in her local community. Joan Bennett Joan Bennett has been involved in community service at regional, state and Federal levels including the ABC State

Advisory Committee and the Education and Conservation sectors. Currently, she is a local government Councillor in the Hindmarsh Shire. Susan Brennan Susan Brennan is a barrister practising in town planning, local government and environmental law, as well as a member of the Heritage Council of Victoria. She serves on the board of good company, the International Women’s Development Agency, and the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service. Barbara Jennings Barbara Jennings is the Women’s Ofﬁcer for the Australian Education Union and has served as Project Coordinator with the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. Barbara has a strong background in teaching and in community-based management roles for various industrial and women’s organisations. Rachel Kwei Rachel Kwei is Chair of the Participation Committee and has been a Trust member since mid 2004. She is a marketing practitioner with extensive experience in program and project management gained in the private sector. Her areas of specialisation are in online information delivery and community building, brand strategy and services marketing. Kay Setches Kay Setches was born in Collingwood and attended state schools. She was the coordinator of a women’s refuge prior to being elected to the Victorian Parliament, where she served for over 10 years. As the MP for Ringwood, Kay headed the

‘Why Women’s Health?’ consultation which led to the setting up of a network of women’s health services in Victoria. Kay was a Cabinet Minister from 1988 to 1992, and has served on a number of Boards. She was the ﬁrst woman elected to The Victorian Women’s Trust. Kay has worked steadily to get more women elected to Parliament. Lee Ward Lee Ward is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in senior ﬁnancial management positions in industry and risk management advisory services. She has worked with both the government and private sectors, including corporate governance and compliance with the Financial Management Act. Antoinette Braybrook Antoinette Braybrook is a lawyer and currently the CEO of the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service. Antoinette has held a number of key positions in the Aboriginal community sector and has a particular interest in Aboriginal women’s issues and the Royal Commission into Deaths in Custody recommendations. Karen Batt Karen Batt is currently the Secretary of the CPSU/SPSF Victorian Branch. Karen also holds these positions: Joint National President CPSU; Federal President CPSU/ SPSF Group; Member of the Health and Safety Working Group; and Member of the advisory body to the VWA.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 23

STAFF

The persons who held the positions Responsible Persons in the Trust are as follows: Chair Helen Hewett

July 05 – July 06

Members Carol Andrades

July 05 – July 06

Karen Batt

July 05 – Mar 06

Jennifer Beacham

July 05 – July 06

Joan Bennett

July 05 – July 06

Susan Brennan

July 05 – July 06

Barbara Jennings

July 05 – July 06

Antoinette Braybrook July 05 – May 06 Rachel Kwei

July 05 – July 06

24 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

Trust Committees The QVWCT restructured its governance and management operations to better reflect its vision, priorities and work practices in November 2005. Trust subcommittees and staff are organised around four key themes: Participation, Funding, Finance and Governance, and Building (Property Management). Together, the Trust committees worked together: • To establish women-centred programs and to diversify QVWC’s reach through work with project partners, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to assisting Victorian women achieve their full potential. QVWC programs address social issues and provide opportunities for women’s empowerment. • To oversee the custodianship of the Heritage-listed building and support QVWC’s relationships with tenants. • To celebrate the history of both the physical centre as well as the continued mission of services for women by women, with events such as the 2006’s International Women’s Day and the upcoming 110th Anniversary celebrations. • To raise funds to support the Centre and its programmes. In this financial year, the Trust succeeded in securing ongoing government funding. • To monitor QVWC’s financial performance and ensure sound governance practices.

NEW QVWC LOGO AND BRANDING In line with QVWCT’s broader organisational changes, the QVWC logo was redesigned in late 2005. Incorporating the traditional women’s movement colours, purple and gold, the new logo maintains QVWC’s historical links while presenting a contemporary, fresh look for the organisation. The ﬁve ‘women’ represented by the logo, present an image of unity, inclusion and collaboration, reﬂecting QVWC’s feminist principles. The new visual representation moved away from a focus on the physical building and forwards into an era of broadened engagement with women and groups from diverse backgrounds.

A small, vibrant and cohesive team work collectively to implement the Strategic and Business Plans within a determined budget as endorsed by the Trust. An organisational restructure in November 2005 provided an opportunity to introduce new positions that focus on capacity building, a core purpose of the Trust. The recent dismantling of internal ofﬁce walls provides an open and inclusive environment that fosters discussion and participation in a range of operational matters.

GOVERNMENT COMPLIANCE

The following staff have joined the QVWC management team since November 2005.

This section of the report contains information that is required to be published annually under section 104 of the Whistleblowers Act 2001.

Cheryl Teng General Manager

Whistleblowers Act 2001

•

Sara Bice Program Manager

•

Larissa Staszko Program Support Coordinator

•

Along with QVWC’s new logo, the Centre’s website was redeveloped. The new site not only looks sleeker and cleaner, it offers users improved ‘browse-ability’, accessibility, information and ease of use.

Natasha Farrell (part-time) Accountant

QVWC’s new image will continue to be rolled out over the coming year, as signage is updated throughout the Centre.

The contributions of the following staff members during 2005-06 are appreciated.

•

Alison Weir (part-time) Bookkeeper

•

Celine Lim (part-time) Communications Coordinator

•

Kerri Erler Jenny McCarthy Phillipa Hodder Beverly Murphy Jodie Wilmer Michele Stack

• • •

•

The current procedures established by the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust under Part 6 of the Act are available on request from the Trust The Trust has received no disclosures during the year The Trust has not referred any disclosures to the Ombudsman for determination as to whether they are public interest disclosures during the year The Ombudsman has not referred any disclosed matters to the Trust during the year The Trust has not referred any disclosed matters to the Ombudsman to investigate during the year The Ombudsman has not taken over any investigation of disclosed matters from the Trust during the year The Trust has made no request under section 74 of the Act to the Ombudsman to investigate disclosed matters during the year The Trust has not declined to investigate a disclosed matter during the year There have been no disclosed matters that were substantiated on Investigation. There has been no action required to be taken arising from an investigation since there have been no investigations The Ombudsman has not made any recommendation under the Act that relates to the Trust.

Alternative Contact Person A disclosure about improper conduct or detrimental action by the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust or employees of the Trust may also be made to: The Ombudsman Victoria Level 22, 459 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000 (DX 210174) Tel: (03) 9613 6222 Toll Free: 1800 806 314 Internet: www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.vic.gov.au Ombudsman Dr Barry Perry Tel: (03) 9613 6202

Protected disclosure ofﬁcer The protected disclosure ofﬁcer is Larissa Staszko.

Conﬁdentiality The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust will take all reasonable steps to protect the identity of the whistleblower. Maintaining conﬁdentiality is crucial in ensuring there are no reprisals against a whistleblower.

Privacy Act The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust complies with the Privacy Act.

Freedom of Information The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre received a request for information under the Act, which was completed and returned on the 3rd August 2006.

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 25

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust ABN: 61 006 499 231

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Income Statement

.....................................................................................................................

Balance Sheet

................................................................................................................................

Statement of Recognised Income and Expenditure

...................................... ...

Cash Flow Statement

...............................................................................................................

Notes to the Financial Report

............................................................................................

Accountable Ofﬁcer’s Declaration

..................................................................................

Auditor-General’s Report

......................................................................................................

This ﬁnancial report covers the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust as a single entity. The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre was established under the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Act 1994. Its principle address is: Queen Victoria Women’s Centre 210 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Tel: 03 8668 8100 Email: ofﬁce@qvwc.org.au

26 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

INCOME STATEMENT

for the ﬁnancial year ended 30 June 2006

for the ﬁnancial year ended 30 June 2006 Note

2006

2005

Revenue

Note

Total

Accumulated Surplus

Asset Revaluation Reserve

Other Reserves

17,181,098

3,500,000

2006

Revenue from Government

335,205

459,958

Other revenue

372,765

275,046

Balance at beginning of the ﬁnancial year

19,799,409

(881,689)

707,970

735,004

Surplus (deﬁcit) for the year

(431,708)

Net asset revaluation increment (decrement)

—

Transfers to other reserves

—

Adjustment on change in accounting policy

—

Total revenue Expenditure Employee

(288,693)

(197,418)

Depreciation

(443,199)

(460,154)

Supplies and services

(395,101)

(298,900)

(1,126,993)

(956,472)

(12,684)

—

Total expenditure Net gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Surplus/(deﬁcit) for the period

(431,708)

(221,468)

19,367,701

Balance at beginning of the ﬁnancial year

17,181,098

3,500,000

20,020,877

(660,221)

17,181,098

3,500,000

(221,468)

17,181,098

3,500,000

Net asset revaluation increment (decrement)

—

Transfers to other reserves

—

Adjustment on change in accounting policy

— 19,799,409

BALANCE SHEET

(1,313,397)

2005

Surplus (deﬁcit) for the year Notes to the ﬁnancial statements are included on pages 30-36

—

(881,689)

Notes to the ﬁnancial statements are included on pages 30-36

as at 30 June 2006

Note

2006

2005

Current assets Cash and cash equivalents

294,510

406,600

Trade and other receivables

69,781

2,410

Prepayments Total current assets

9,410

8,644

373,701

417,654

CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the ﬁnancial year ended 30 June 2006 Note

2006

2005

Cash ﬂows from operating activities Non-current assets

Receipts from Government

341,226

501,772

Land and buildings

Receipts in the course of operations

380,363

258,270

(744,732)

(530,679)

Plant, equipment and furniture

9 10

18,924,178

19,282,500

Payments to suppliers and employees

146,470

142,429

Total non-current assets

19,070,647

19,424,929

Interest received

Total assets

19,444,348

19,842,583

Net cash inﬂow (outﬂow) from operating activities

50,812

27,542

20,884

4,649

4,951

10,983

Total current liabilities

76,647

43,174

Total liabilities

76,647

43,174

19,367,701

19,799,409

Trust funds and deposits Provision for employee entitlements

Payments for property, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

243,888

(103,793)

(131,970)

2,191

Net cash inﬂow (outﬂow) from investing activities

(101,602)

(131,970)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held

(112,090)

111,918

Cash at the beginning of the ﬁnancial year Net assets

Cash at the end of the ﬁnancial year

406,600

294,682

294,510

406,600

Notes to the ﬁnancial statements are included on pages 30-36

Equity Contributed equity

3,500,000

Reserves

17,181,098

Accumulated surplus (deﬁcit)

(1,313,397)

(881,689)

19,367,701

19,799,409

Total equity

14,525

(10,488)

Cash ﬂows from investing activities

Current liabilities Trade and other payables

12,655

Notes to the ﬁnancial statements are included on pages 30-36

28 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 29

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT for the year ended 30 June 2006

Note 1 Summary of accounting policies Statement of compliance This financial report is a general purpose financial report that consists of an Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement, and notes accompanying these financial statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards, and Urgent Issues Group Interpretations. Financial report complies with AIFRS Australian Accounting Standards include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Some Australian equivalents to IFRS’s contain requirements specific to not-for-profit entities that are inconsistent with IFRS requirements. Except to the extent that these special provisions require, this financial report complies with the Australian equivalents to IFRS (AIFRS). The Trust has not restated comparative information for financial instruments, as permitted on the first time adoption transitional provisions.

Basis of Accounting This financial report has been prepared on the accrual and going concern bases under the convention of historical cost accounting, with the exception referred to in note 1(e). Unless otherwise stated, all accounting policies are consistent with those applied in the prior year. Where appropriate, comparative figures have been amended to accord with current presentation, and disclosure has been made of any material changes to comparatives. Comparative information is included under AIFRS. Reconciliations of the transition from previous Australian GAAP to AIFRS have been included in Note 21 to this report. (a) Cash For purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash includes short-term deposits that are readily convertible to cash on hand and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, net of outstanding cheques yet to be presented by the Trust’s suppliers and creditors. (b) Revenue recognition Revenues are recognised at fair value of the consideration received net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST). Sale of goods Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised (net of returns, discounts and allowances) when the control of goods passes to the customer. Interest revenue Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues, taking into account the effective yield on the financial asset.

30 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the net result, except that, to the extent that a credit balance exists in the asset revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of assets, they are debited directly to the asset revaluation reserve.

Sale of non-current assets The gross proceeds of non-current asset sales are included as revenue at the date control of the asset passes to the buyer, usually when an unconditional contract of sale is signed. The gain or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset at the time of disposal and the net proceeds on disposal.

Revaluation increments and decrements are offset against one another within a class of non-current assets.

Rental from leased ofﬁce space

(f) Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis to write off the net cost of each item of property (excluding land) over its expected useful life to the Trust. Estimates of the remaining useful lives for all assets are reviewed at least annually. The expected useful lives for the ﬁnancial years ending 30 June 2006 and 30 June 2005 are as follows:

Tenant reimbursement for capital works

(c) Goods and services tax Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of GST except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable, in which case it is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of an asset or part of an item of expense. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is included as part of receivables or payables in the Balance Sheet. Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows. (d) Receivables All debtors are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are due for settlement in no more than 30 days from the date of recognition. Collectability of debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts that are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision for doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists. (e) Revaluations of non-current assets Subsequent to the initial recognition as assets, non-current physical assets, other than plant and equipment, are measured at fair value. Plant and equipment are measured at cost. Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying amount of each asset does not differ materially from its fair value at the reporting date. Revaluations are assessed annually and supplemented by independent assessments, at least every three years. Revaluations are conducted in accordance with the Victorian Government Policy. – Revaluation of Non-Current Physical Assets. Revaluation increments are credited directly to the assets revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that an increment reverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognized as an expense in net result, the increment is recognized immediately as revenue in the net result.

2005

Note 2 Revenue

Rental income Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, except where an alternative basis is more representative of the pattern of service rendered through the provision of the leased asset.

Grant revenue Grants are recognised as revenue when the Trust obtains control over the assets comprising these receipts.

2006

Revenue from Government Project revenue

35,205

184,000

Grant revenue from Ofﬁce of Women’s Policy

300,000

275,958

Total revenue from Government

335,205

459,958

Other revenue 278,674

236,607

Rental from room hire

35,873

21,786

Donations

34,126

1,713

Sundry income

8,000 3,437

416

12,655

14,525

Total other revenue

372,765

275,046

Total revenue

707,970

735,004

Interest

Note 3 Employee expenses 161,119

145,035

Superannuation and workcover expenses

14,596

13,760

Contractors and outplacement fees

81,026

Where items of plant and equipment have separately identiﬁable components which are subject to regular replacement, those components are assigned useful lives distinct from the item of plant and equipment to which they relate.

Sitting fees

21,260

22,243

Directors/Volunteers insurance

10,692

11,209

288,693

197,418

Major spares purchased speciﬁcally for particular plant are capitalised and depreciated on the same basis as the plant to which they relate.

Note 4 Depreciation 422,500

422,500

20,699

37,654

(g) Trade and other creditors These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Trust prior to the end of the ﬁnancial year and which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Total depreciation

443,199

460,154

Ofﬁce costs

42,617

39,590

Events and marketing cash expenses

67,774

28,338

Professional services

16,736

29,088

Building and maintenance

147,716

125,393

Project expenses

120,258

52,068

395,101

298,900

Buildings Plant and equipment

40 years 3-15 years

(h) Employee beneﬁts (i) Wages, salaries and annual leave Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary beneﬁts, annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised as current liabilities in respect of when the leave is taken and measured at the rates paid or payable.

Salaries and wages

Staff training & recruitment Total employee expenses

Buildings Plant and equipment

5,171

Note 5 Supplies and services

Bad debts Total supplies and services expenses

24,422

Note 6 Disposal of ﬁxed assets WDV of asset

(ii) Superannuation The amount charged to the Operating Statement in respect of superannuation represents the contributions made by the Trust to the superannuation fund.

Proceeds from sales of asset

(i) Contributed capital Consistent with UIG Abstract 38 Contributions by Owners Made to Wholly-Owned Public Sector Entities appropriations for additions to net assets have been designated as contributed capital. Other transfers that are in the nature of contributions or distributions have also been designated as contributed capital.

Note 7 Cash and cash equivalents

14,875 2,191

Net gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(12,684)

Total gain (loss) on disposal of ﬁxed assets

(12,684)

Cash at bank and on hand

—

8,433

(8,677)

Cash management account

286,077

415,277

Total cash and cash equivalents

294,510

406,600

(j) Income tax The income of the Trust is exempt from income tax under Subsection 50-25 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (as amended).

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 31

2006

2005

61,908

64,763

Reconciliations Reconciliations of the carrying amount of each class of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of the current and previous ﬁnancial year are set out below.

Note 8 Trade and other receivables Trade debtors Tenant reimbursement outstanding Less: Provision for doubtful debts Total trade and other receivables

7,873 —

(62,353)

69,781

2,410

Land

Carrying amount at start of year

2,800,000

Depreciation/amortisation expense

2,800,000

Carrying amount at end of year

16,905,000

Less: Accumulation depreciation

(845,000)

(422,500)

Add Improvements to buildings

64,178

Total land

2,800,000

Buildings At independent valuation 2004

Total buildings

16,124,178

16,482,500

Total land and buildings

18,924,178

19,282,500

Less: Accumulated depreciation Total plant, equipment and furniture

295,670

334,662

(149,200)

(192,233)

146,470

142,429

4,436

18,207

Note 11 Payables Trade creditors Accrued expenses

16,905 2,896

Net GST payable

8,200

2,528

PAYG withholding

9,385

6,807

Accrued salaries

4,385

Accrued contractors costs

4,605 50,812

27,542

Movements Increment – land and buildings Assets revaluation reserve – balance at end of financial year (b) Contributed Capital Contributed capital assets at establishment (c) Accumulated surplus (deficit) Accumulated surplus (deficit) at the beginning of the financial year Net result for the reporting period Accumulated surplus (deficit) at the end of financial year

Total changes in equity recognised in the statement of ﬁnancial performance Asset revaluation reserve – increment Total equity at the end of the ﬁnancial year

32 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

2,800,000

39,615

103,793

(14,875)

(422,500)

(20,699)

(443,199)

16,124,178

146,469

19,070,647

2005 Carrying amount at start of year

2,800,000

16,905,000

48,112

19,753,112

131,970

(422,500)

(37,654)

(460,154)

16,482,500

142,428

19,424,928

Disposals Depreciation/amortisation expense Asset revaluation increment 2,800,000

Note 13 Financial instruments (a) Credit risk exposure The credit risk on ﬁnancial assets of the Trust which have been recognised on the Balance Sheet, other than investments in shares, is generally the carrying amount, net of any provisions for doubtful debts. (b) Interest risk exposure The Trust’s exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rate by maturity periods is set out in the following table.

Floating Rate 2006

Interest 2005

Fixed Rate 2006

Interest 2006

$’000

295

407

Non Interest Bearing 2006 2005

Total 2006

Total 2005

$’000

295

407

(62)

—

(62)

365

410

(40)

309

367

$’000

Financial assets Cash and Deposits Provision for doubtful debts

17,181,098

17,181,098 Weighted average effective interest rate

17,181,098

3,500,000

295

407

0 – 5.0%

0 – 4.0%

—

Financial liabilities Trade Creditors Employee Beneﬁts (881,689)

(660,221)

(431,708)

(221,468)

(1,313,397)

(881,689)

19,799,409

20,020,877

(431,708)

(221,468)

(d) Nature and purpose of reserves Asset revaluation reserve The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments on the revaluation of non-current assets, as described in accounting policy note 1(e). (e) Equity Total equity at the beginning of the ﬁnancial year

$ 19,424,928

Receivables

Note 12 Equity and movements in equity (a) Reserves Assets revaluation reserve – balance at beginning of year

$ 142,428

Exposures arise predominantly from assets and liabilities bearing variable interest rates as the Trust intends to hold ﬁxed rate assets and liabilities to maturity.

Superannuation liability for employees

Total payables

$ 16,482,500 64,178

Carrying amount at end of year

Note 10 Plant, equipment and furniture Ofﬁce equipment and furniture at cost

Additions

Less: Accumulation depreciation

Total

2,800,000

Disposals

Land

Plant & Equipment

2006

Additions

Note 9 Land and Buildings Land at independent valuation 2004

Buildings

— Net ﬁnancial assets (liabilities)

295

407

—

(c) Net fair value of financial assets and liabilities The net fair value of cash and cash equivalents and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities of the Trust approximates their carrying amounts.

— 19,367,701

19,799,409

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 33

Note 14 Ministers and accountable ofﬁcers The aggregate of income paid or payable, or otherwise made available, in respect of the ﬁnancial year, to all directors of the company, directly or indirectly, by the company or by any related party was: Minister for Women’s Affairs

The Minister for Women’s Affairs Mary Delahunty

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Chairperson

Helen Hewett

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Members

Carol Andrades

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Karen Batt

Jul 2005

Mar 2006

Jennifer Beacham

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Joan Bennett

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Antoinette Braybrook

Jul 2005

May 2006

Susan Brennan

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Barbara Jennings

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Rachel Kwei

Jul 2005

Jun 2006

Kay Setches

Aug 2005

Jun 2006

Lee Ward

Aug 2005

Jun 2006

Kerri Erler

Jul 2005

Sep 2005

Chief Executive Ofﬁcer Acting Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

Jodie Willmer

Oct 2005

Dec 2005

General Manager

Cheryl Teng

Jan 2006

Jun 2006

Employees' Superannuation Funds Superannuation contributions for the reporting period are included as part of the salaries and associated costs in the Income statement of the Trust. The name and details of the major employee superannuation funds and contributions made by the Trust are as follows: Contributions for the year end

$0 –

$9,999

2006 No.

2005 No.

2005

2006

2005

Fund ARF Superannuation Asgard Superannuation

47 747

610

Aust Choice Care

Cbus

Hesta LISS Optimum Superannuation

8,518

4,035

—

47 47

SHAR

UniSuper

916

VicSuper

2,171

1,277 7,200

14,596

12,812

Note 17 Reconciliation of result from ordinary activities to net cash ﬂow from operating actvities 2006

2 1

$60,000 – $69,999

(221,468)

Increase/decrease in depreciation

443,199

460,154

Increase/(decrease) in doubtful debts

(62,353)

24,422

12,684

—

(5,018)

(25,936)

Change in operating assets and liabilities

$80,000 – $89,999 $90,000 – $99,999

— Number of persons

Total remuneration

121,680

115,024

(Increase)/decrease in debtors and receivables (Increase)/decrease in prepayments Increase/(decrease) in creditors and accruals Increase/(decrease) in employee beneﬁts Increase/(decrease) in other operating liabilities Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

Amounts relating to Ministers are reported in the ﬁnancial statements of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Other transactions Other related transactions and loans requiring disclosure under the Directions of the Minister for Finance have been considered and there are no matters to report 2006

2005

Note 15 Remuneration of auditors Audit fees paid or payable to the Victorian Auditor-General’s Ofﬁce for audit of the Trust’s ﬁnancial report

(431,708)

Net (gain)/loss on asset disposal

$70,000 – $79,999

Non-current Aggregate employee beneﬁt liability Employee Numbers Number of employees at end of ﬁnancial year

(767)

(3,675)

14,280

1,432

2,960

8,958

16,235

—

(10,488)

243,888

2006

2005

Note 18 Non-cash ﬁnancing and investing activities There were no non-cash ﬁnancing or investing activities in 2005 or 2006

Note 19 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets There were no contingent liabilities or contingent assets for this ﬁnancial year.

Note 20 Operating lease commitments 9,000

10,000

At balance date, the total revenue contracted by not provided for in the ﬁnancial report is as follows:

Note 16 Employee beneﬁts Provision for employee beneﬁts Current

2005

$ Net result for the period

$40,000 – $49,999

—

The above amounts were measured as at 30 June of each year, or in the case of employer contributions they relate to the years ended 30 June.

$20,000 – $29,999

$50,000 – $59,999

2,896

The bases for contributions are determined by the various schemes.

$10,000 – $19,999 $30,000 – $39,999

2,286

2,244

Public Sector Super

Total Remuneration Remuneration received or receivable by the Responsible Persons in connection with the management o fthe Trust during the reporting period was in the ranges:

Contributions outstanding at year end

2006

4,951

10,981

—

4,951

10,981

Number

Operating lease commitments receivable: No later than one year

286,095

Later than one year but no later than ﬁve years

278,857

Later than ﬁve years

—

— 564,952

—

No amount is assessed for long service leave for 2006 (no amount was assessed for 2005)

34 • QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006

QVWC Annual Report 2005–2006 • 35

ACCOUNTABLE OFFICER’S AND GENERAL MANAGER’S DECLARATION

Note 21. First time adoption of Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards Following the adoption of Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS), the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre has prepared and presented its first financial report and other accountability statements in compliance with the AIFRS framework for the financial year ended 30 June 2006. This is the first financial report prepared based on AIFRS and comparatives for the year ended 30 June 2005 have been restated accordingly. Under AIFRS, there are requirements that apply specifically to not-for-profit entities that are not consistent with IFRSrequirements. The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre has analysed its purpose, objectives, and operating philosophy and determined that it does not have profit generation as a prime objective. Consequently, where appropriate, the QueenVictoria Women’s Centre has elected to apply options and exemptions within the AIFRS that are applicable to not-for-profit entities. With certain exceptions, the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre has recorded transactions and events as though AIFRS had always applied. This practice has extended to any comparative information included within the financial report. Most accounting policy adjustments arising from the first time adoption of AIFRS apply retrospectively and have been adjusted against the accumulated surplus funds at 1 July 2004, being the opening balance sheet date for the comparative period.

We certify that the attached financial statements for the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust have been prepared in accordance with standing Direction 4.2 of the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian accounting standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements. We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the income statement, balance sheet, statement of recognised income and expenditure, cash flow statement and notes to and forming part of the financial statements, presents fairly the financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2006 and the financial position of the Trust as at 30 June 2006. We are not aware of any circumstance that would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

Reconciliations of AIFRS balance sheet and equity for 30 June 2005 to the balances reported in the 30 June 2005 ﬁnancial report are detailed in the tables below. Table 1: Reconciliation of total assets as presented under previous GAAP to that under AIFRS Note Total assets under previous Australian GAAP

30 June 2005

1 July 2004

3,555,083

3,348,659

AIFRS impact on assets Non-current land and buildings

16,287,500

16,705,000

Total AIFRS impact on assets

16,287,500

16,705,000

Total assets under AIFRS

19,842,583

20,053,659

30 June 2005

1 July 2004

3,511,910

3,315,877

16,705,000

Cheryl Teng General Manager Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust Level 1, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000 21/09/06

Table 2: Reconciliation of equity as presented under previous GAAP to that under AIFRS Note Total equity under previous Australian GAAP AIFRS impact on equity Building revaluation reserve Accumulated surplus – Depreciation of non-current land and buildings

(417,500)

—

Total AIFRS impact on equity

16,287,500

16,705,000

Total equity under AIFRS

19,799,410

20,020,877

Susan Brennan Interim Co Chairperson 21/09/06

Explanatory Notes: During 2004/05 building valuation under Australian GAAP was based on future cash inflows. Under IFRS valuation of the QVWC heritage building is based on depreciated replacement cost. The net impact of the IFRS adjustment is a $16,287,500 increase in assets and equity. Explanation of material adjustments to the cash flow statements There are no material differences between the cash flow statement presented under AIFRS’s and the cash flow statement presented under previous Australian GAAP.

Kay Setches Interim Co Chairperson 21/09/06

Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust Level 1, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000