2019 - 2020
A NNUAL REPORT
CONTENTS Vision, Mission and Values
Page 4
Presidents Report
Page 5
CEO Report
Page 7
Management Team
Page 12
Niki's Story
Page 13
Rhonda's Story
Page 15
Terry's Story
Page 17
Brent's Story
Page 18
Kellie's Story
Page 19
Lorrain's Story
Page 20
Rhys' Story
Page 21
Ashley's Story
Page 23
Kelly's Story
Page 25
Michael's Story
Page 27
Paula's Story
Page 29
Alix's Story
Page 31
Adult Education
Page 33
CFO / Finance Report
Page 35
In Memory Of
Page 37
Donations and Thank You
Page 38
How you can help
Page 39
Locations
Page 40
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Acknow ledgement s In t he spirit of reconciliat ion MiLife-Vict oria acknowledges t he Tradit ional Cust odians of count ry t hroughout Aust ralia and t heir connect ions t o t he land, sea and com m unit y. We pay our respect t o t heir elders past , present and em erging, and ext end t hat respect t o all Aboriginal and Torres St rait Islander peoples t oday. We'd also like t o acknowledge and t hank t he client s, fam ilies, st aff and board m em bers who have shared t heir st ories wit h us, and t hank t hose who have m ade cont ribut ions t hroughout t his Annual Report .
Our Vision To live in a world where all people are valued and respect ed for t heir individualit y.
Our Mission MiLife-Vict oria exist s t o: -
Support people t o reach t heir goals Prot ect , uphold and advocat e all people's hum an right s Provide high qualit y services t o t he right person at t he right t im e, every t im e.
Values -
Diversit y Respect Choice Inclusivit y Collaborat ion Part nerships
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PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2020, a year that won?t be forgotten for many of us for some time. We couldn?t have dreamed or thought of all the events that have occurred this year. These times have proven to be challenging to say the least but has also forced us to be agile, think on our feet and be clear of our purpose and service offering. As a Board we have focused on a few key areas to ensure we are protecting our team and clients during the pandemic. 1. Healt h an d Saf et y: Setting a tone from top down through communications and policies designed to protect employee and client well-being and act responsibly to slow the spread of COVID-19. 2. Oper at ion al an d Risk Over sigh t : Monitor the teams?efforts to identify, prioritise and manage potentially significant risks to business operations, including through more regular updates from the leadership team between regularly scheduled online board meetings 3. Bu sin ess Con t in u it y: Review and ensure that business continuity plans are in place and appropriate to the potential risks of disruption identified and continually reassess the adequacy of the plans in light of the COVID-19 developments within the state. 4. Com plian ce w it h Tr adin g Rest r ict ion s: Closely monitor and consider further restricting trading policies to ensure that the organisation is adhering to the state conditions. 5. St r at egic Oppor t u n it ies: Consider with the management team whether and if so where opportunities are likely to emerge that are aligned with the organisation?s strategy
"Our online learning modules have been a great hit with clients, delivering quality content in a contactless way." The outcome of the above is that we have been able to clearly define our future strategy and have changed our ways of working to better suit clients during these uncertain times. A good example of this is the launch of our online learning modules that have been a great hit with clients delivering quality content in a contactless way. 5 | ANNUAL REPORT
PRESIDENT'S REPORT We continue to maintain strong financial stability and strive to deliver clients with best practice services that are in line with their life choices. We have some exciting opportunities in the next year that will only strengthen the service we offer existing and new clients that is in line with the overall organisation strategy. The Boards focus will continue to be giving the organisation guidance and direction whilst looking at new opportunities that we can offer clients.
"I am extremely proud of the quick decisions we have been able to make to ensure the safety of the team and clients and secure the future of Milife.-Victoria." I am extremely proud of the quick decisions we have been able to make to ensure the safety of the team and clients and secure the future of MiLife-Victoria. The Board has adapted to the new ways of working with frequent (weekly) online meetings with ease and has worked efficiently and at speed during these trying times. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board, especially the new members who have done well to take on more responsibility to create a better outcome for the organisation. As a Board we remain committed to giving sound and balanced strategic direction to the organisation whilst keeping clients and our core purpose at the centre of all decisions. Your goal, our mission! M ar k Pack iyan at h an . Pr esiden t .
Boar d M em ber s 2019-2020
Darlene Neu Vice President
Kelly Johnson
Genevieve Irving
Matthew Ziedin
Alix Holston ANNUAL REPORT | 6
CEO' S REPORT A Year in Review It is with great pleasure that I present my 28th Annual CEO report for the 2019/2020 year for MiLife-Victoria and what an extraordinary year it has been too! For the last six months our lives have been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic making it difficult to remember what life was like before it landed on Australian shores (in Victoria actually) on the 25th January 2020. There have been so many challenges and changes to our lives since then, that life as we knew it is no longer and highly likely to be changed forever. This last six months has felt like six years and for those of us living and working in Metropolitan Melbourne, it feels even longer. So, what did happen at MiLife-Victoria pre-COVID? As my memory serves me, or should I really say; as I refer to my diary, in July 2019 we moved Head Office to Hastings and set up Culburra as a new Learning Centre. Whilst this seems like an eternity ago, I do have vague memories of it being an exciting and busy time for everyone. Hastings was given a face lift and within a couple of weeks the big move began. Head Office went to Hastings, the Hastings group moved to Culburra and the ACFE group took over what was Head Office in Frankston. The new NDIA Price Guide was also announced around the same time as the move and again we were left in a state of despair. The Agency announced changes to the pricing that jeapoardised the future of group service providers like MiLife-Victoria. After a great deal of lobbying, changes were made and new iterations published. Pricing continues to be an ongoing issue with the Agency and it is likely to be as much a part of our future as COVID-19 is now. The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation held its first public sitting on the 16th September, a ceremonial opening sitting. There has been numerous hearings since this date on topics such as inclusive education, experiences of people living in group homes and health care services for people with cognitive disability. Later in the year there will be hearings on the experiences of people with disability during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; psychotropic medication, behavior support and behaviours of concern as well as 7 | ANNUAL REPORT
CEO' S REPORT a hearing into barriers to accessing a safe, quality and inclusive school education and life impacts. We have followed closely the hearings and wherever possible have identified learnings and opportunities where we can make improvements in our own services. An internal review was conducted of all our incidents and complaints dating back to 2012. The review was a terrific opportunity to identify any risk areas but, more importantly the opportunity to reflect on our systems and processes for reporting and our handling of complaints. It was very pleasing that our rigor in these areas over the years hold firm for today?s compliance and expectations. And of course, we cannot forget the terrible fires that started unusually early last season, around late October if I can remember correctly. They were so fierce and widespread, ravaging much of our beautiful State. Many lives were lost, homes destroyed and people dislocated from their communities. It was during this time that the team at Culburra agreed to move their program base to Langwarrin to make free the property in the event that it was needed to house people with disability and their family or accommodation providers forced to evacuate.This sacrifice by the team at this time was extraordinary and I could not have been prouder of the way both clients and staff took to moving to Langwarrin in their stride.
Advocacy m eet ing wit h t he Shadow Minist er for t he NDIS, Bill Short en. ANNUAL REPORT | 8
CEO' S REPORT CON TI N UED... The lead up to and return after the Christmas break was quiet and uneventful. Everyone was exited to get back into their activities and we began strategically planning for the next few years ahead. I was fortunate enough to get a break in early February and headed off on a cruise to New Zealand. Whilst on the trip I clearly remember watching the events of COVID-19 unfold in Wuhan, China. At that time, there was little news that the deadly disease had already spread across the world and to Australia let alone into Victoria.
"COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on the 11th of March and it was on this day that our lives changed in ways we never could have imagined" COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on the 11th March and it was on this day that our lives changed in ways we never could have imagined. Jobs and livelihoods across the country were under threat and MiLife-Victoria was under threat too. In a matter of weeks our services were reduced by over 50% with more and more people not attending as the pandemic took hold. Those early months are a blur now, but what I do remember is that we had very little time to think, we had to be nimble and decisions had to be made quickly. We were forced to completely change the way we operated and manage differently because the future of the organisation depended on it. Our language changed too. It became pre-COVID, post COVID, lockdown, Stage 3, Stage 4, zoom this, teams that, and take yourself off mute! Online activities were also borne and working from home became the norm. Selling Culburra and the introduction of the Federal Governments Job Keeper program were two key initiatives that have gone long way to helping MiLife-Victoria to remain and maintain its viability and consequently, a positive outlook for the future. These initiatives alone have not been the sole reason though, as if it was not for the staffs support and commitment throughout this last six months, we would not be here regardless of the financial position. Staff have had their contracts adjusted (temporarily), they have had to be flexible and adaptable to the changes with online activities and work in areas and with people they have never worked before. 9 | ANNUAL REPORT
CEO' S REPORT There has been so much in the news about our frontline workers and how amazing they have been in their work to support and keep people safe during the pandemic, all well-deserved I must add too. I would like to add that the staff of MiLife-Victoria are frontline workers too and they also are deserving of the same accolades. Every day staff have fronted up to work despite their own fears and personal circumstances. They have continued to provide a safe environment under what can only be described as very difficult and trying circumstances. With every new change and protocol introduced, they have adopted and worked to them without question.Every year I report on being proud of the team we have at MiLife-Victoria but, this year I am beyond proud. I would sincerely like to thank each and every one of them for their resilience, support and teamwork in not only keeping people safe but, helping to keep MiLife-Victoria stay in business. THANK YOU ALL. The Management Team cannot be forgotten in sharing the accolades either. It has been really tough managing for the most part with only a skeleton team. In the early months of the pandemic, a joint initiative with focus, saw a number of the Managers seconded to them. Financially, this was a saving grace however, it did require those who were left, to share the workload around and take on tasks that they would not normally be responsible for as well as manage their day to day roles. I cannot thank everyone enough for the countless hours they have put in, their flexibility and leadership, care and compassion shown to clients, families and staff and their unwavering support to me as the CEO. I have never once felt alone in this and always had them there beside me, helping to make decisions along the way. Thank you all for making us a great team and keeping MiLife-Victoria alive. It has been a marathon effort from everyone and whilst the pandemic is not over, we have settled into a new normal. We continue to operate through the constant change whilst now plan for a post COVID future. We have been forced to look at everything and have been shown how we can operate differently. We will come out of this with a new look MiLife-Victoria and at the end of the year we will launch our blue print for the future. We definitely still have a lot of life in us and some very exciting times ahead.
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CEO' S REPORT Before closing I would like to take some time to thank the Board too. I have been incredibly fortunate to have a Board that have been so supportive during what would have to be my toughest year ever at MiLife-Victoria. I have weathered some mighty storms but none like the one we have had and continue to face with COVID-19. I cannot be more appreciative of the daily calls from Mark, the chair of the Board to check in and see how I and the team were going. Then there were the weekly zoom meetings with the full Board, an effort so great given they all work and have their own lives and families to think about too. I heard many stories where Boards were not supportive or there for their CEO?s, not ours. The MiLife-Victoria Board have been there in the background every step of the way. Their governance and leadership throughout have been nothing short of commendable and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their support both personal and professionally. THANK YOU. As we head towards a more hopeful and positive 2021, I would like to finish this report with a quote from the Dalai Lama XIV that I think is appropriate at this time. Ter r i Car r oll. Ch ief Execu t ive Of f icer . ?There is a saying in Tibetan, ?Tragedy should be utilised as a source of strength?. No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that?s our real disaster?
Su ppor t Coor din at or s
Rhonda Pagonis Support Coordinaor 11 | ANNUAL REPORT
Melissa Piper Support Coordinaor
Heather van der Sluys Support Coordinaor
M AN AGEM EN T TEAM M an agem en t Team
Kath Moodie Area Manager
Kate Clipsham Area Manager
Katie Basterfield Area Manager
Nisha Chand Rostering Manager
Karen Prosser Finance Manager
Kerrie Kendall Former Area Manager
Michelle Salembier Administration Officer
Amanda Polinelli Area Manager
Popi Goulas NDIS Client Administration Officer
Nicola Oldridge Marketing Manager
Ros Tindal Assets Manager
Alison Lord Quality and NDIS Administration ANNUAL REPORT | 12
M ILIFE- VICTORIA STORIES In t he next sect ion of t his report we hear from people across MiLifeVict oria, who t hey are, what t hey do and what t hey have done in t his last 12 m ont hs. I would like t o t hank each and every one of t hem for sharing t heir st ory and hope you, t he reader, enjoy reading t hem as m uch as I have. - Terri Carroll.
Nik i's St or y Niki is a very busy young man. His normal week sees him working two days with Connecting Skills Australia, coming to MiLife-Victoria and participating in community activities such as bowling, swimming, basketball and others. Niki loves going on camps, enjoys fishing with his Dad once a week and visiting the library on weekends where he likes to browse for a while and borrow books and CD?s.
Niki is an avid collector and has an impressive Walt Disney collection including original posters and DVD?s.He also loves playing computer games and board games such as UNO and Monopoly.
?This year has been different for all of us,? tells Niki?s Dad, Kevin. ?Niki is a creature of habit, he gets up early and is ready to go to MiLife-Victoria each day. He is really missing his mates and missing his programs and routine.?
?Niki has adapted well to the online activities MiLife-Victoria has been providing. He loves Comedy Hour and Name that Tune with Paul on Thursday?s. He really enjoyed cooking online and his gentle exercises each morning.?
Niki also has staff who come to his home to provide individual support. ?It?s been good that Niki has maintained his connection with staff and his friends throughout the year. He always comes home from MiLife-Victoria with a smile on his face and always wants to go back. You can?t ask for much more than that.? 13 | ANNUAL REPORT
NIKI'S STORY
Nik i w it h a f ish h e cau gh t ANNUAL REPORT | 14
STAFF STORIES RHONDA'S STORY Rhonda has been working with MiLife-Victoria for 12 years and throughout that time she has worked in various roles within the organisation. Her latest role, and one she thoroughly enjoys, is working as a Support Coordinator. For the last two years, Rhonda has been supporting clients to try and get the best outcomes from their goals. One area that Rhonda has been concentrating on, and has taken pride in, is helping some of her clients to find supported accommodation and move out of home. Not only is this exciting for the client, it also gives the families much needed respite. ?I love that I get to form great working relationships with clients and their families as well as Allied Health Professionals and team leaders who work in supported accommodation. It?s about building trust with the clients and their families. You can?t be a good Support Coordinator without trust.? ?I always try to understand the disability of the client and the barriers they face and try to work out how to get around those barriers so the disability turns into ability. I really focus on the client as I don?t believe that they should miss out on any experiences life has to offer because of their disability.? Rhonda has a number of clients who are aged between 18 and 30. She always tries to get these clients engaged in age appropriate activities with people their own age. ?You?ve got to think outside the box to find the right supports and activities for each individual.? Rhonda has a lot of passion, and as a girl her Mum would say she was fascinated by people with disabilities. When Rhonda became a Mum, she knew that all she wanted to do was support people with disability and become a strong advocate for these people. ?My passion draws me to give them the best life that I can. I try to do as much as I can for these people. As a Support Coordinator I think you also need to have the ability to be creative, have great organisation and time management skills, and be able to follow up regularly with clients and families.?
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RHONDA'S STORY
Rh on da - Su ppor t Coor din at or ANNUAL REPORT | 16
TERRY'S STORY Terry has been a client with MiLife-Victoria for many years. He loves getting out in the community and can?t wait to get back to swimming and bowling, and maybe get a job one day. He was really upset when things were first cancelled due to COVID-19, but as soon as the opportunity to attend online sessions started he was happy to give them a try. ?I absolutely love my online programs at MiLife-Victoria,? tells Terry. ?Cirque du Soleil online was absolutely amazing, I can?t wait to go and see it in real life.? ?I love the online music and dance sessions I attend three days a week, and I love Friday Night, party night! I?ve learned so much this year. I now know how to use zoom and use emails. I?ve also learned how to write stories.? Terry is really missing all of his friends at MiLife-Victoria and although he loves that he can see them online he can?t wait to be able to see them again in person. He is really thankful to MiLife-Victoria for the opportunities he?s had.
Ter r y m ak in g t h e m ost of lif e in lock dow n 17 | ANNUAL REPORT
BRENT'S STORY Brent is one of MiLife-Victoria?s ACFE students who is currently participating in his ACFE programs online. In his free time Brent loves gaming and playing some of the latest games. He attends class on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, participating in Work Skills, Chat Group and Personal Safety. ?We?re learning about communication skills,? tells Brent. ?We cover things like who not to talk to and how to stay safe.? Brent has enjoyed attending class online. ?It?s been good meeting new people and talking to them,? he says. Through the ACFE course, Brent would normally work with Paula and some other students at Bunnings in Hastings one day a week. ?I look forward to going back to Bunnings one day soon hopefully,? tells Brent. ?I love being part of the group and learning new skills with Paula and Sandra.?
Br en t en joy h is on lin e cou r ses ANNUAL REPORT | 18
CLIENTS STORIES KELLIE'S STORY Throughout the year Kellie has been busy running a number of weekly online activities as well as providing individual support to a client. Kellie loves seeing clients achieving their goals. ?I have a client who I support one on one who has learned to bring a cup to his mouth and drink from the cup independently. He has also learned to pour water from a jug, which has amazed his parents. It?s such a good feeling to help others and see them achieve.? Kellie loves what she learns from her clients and having an insight into their world. ?They teach me new things all the time and they have such a level of compassion. I?ve loved seeing our clients connect with each other online and sometimes bursting into tears because they?re seeing their friends for the first time in ages.? Kellie has been the Friday Night Live online host for months and there are a lot of clients who love joining in for these fun and energetic zoom sessions. ?I?ve been really fortunate to maintain a balance between working with clients in person and running online sessions. It?s been great that we?ve been able to offer the online programs making our services more inclusive and accessible for people who may otherwise not attend to be involved.?
A t ou ch of Har r y Pot t er m agic as Kellie visit s M yer w it h Jason 15 | ANNUAL 19 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT
LORRAIN'S STORY Lorrain started working with MiLife-Victoria around five years ago after a career in Aged Care. Starting at Langwarrin as a student placement while she studied, Lorrain was soon offered casual employment which soon turned to permanent and she enjoyed working there ever since. ?I love seeing the clients excel. You give them a task and they want to learn and do more. They always do their best and are excited when they produce the end result. It?s great to see them learning new skills every day. What they don?t realise is in return they?re teaching us.? This year has been quite challenging with everything that has been going on in the world. Lorrain has seen clients and staff adapting well to the changes with the staff who are onsite with limited clients all working well as a team and helping each other out. ?The clients have done so well. I?m currently supporting Corey one on one at Langwarrin. It?s been so pleasing to see him excel in the smaller group. He?s been much more vocal and seems to be enjoying the time he spends with us.? ?It?s lovely that a lot of clients have been able to catch up and maintain friendships online. It was great that MiLife-Victoria was able to so quickly adapt to provide that service to our clients.? When things can go back to normal Lorrain is really looking forward to having all the clients back and seeing the fun and the friendships that is generally seen on a regular Lor r ain , Cor ey an d Glen ou t f or a w alk day at Langwarrin. ANNUAL REPORT | 20
RHYS' STORY Rhys started with MiLife-Victoria earlier this year and had just started some of the new programs with golf and bike riding when COVID hit and MiLife-Victoria was forced to stop its community and centre-based programs. Rhys?Mum, Karen, has found the transition to online programs has really helped Rhys to stay connected and make new friends online. ?We?ve seen his social skills improving and he seems to assert himself more online and is becoming more confident.? Rhys has been participating in online activities with MiLife-Victoria such as Cardboard and Recycled Art, Talent Show/ Music Jam and is engaging in the Social Chat Groups. He?s also now doing one on one online guitar lessons with Paul. His highlight is the Friday Night Live activities. ?Rhys enjoys the remoteness of the online programs. The smaller online groups work well, but it?s not always about the content, it?s about the personality of the online facilitator.? Once things go back to ?normal?Karen would hope that some of the online programs will continue. ?A mix of online and centre based activities would be good for Rhys.? Throughout the year, Rhys has continued to have individual support in the home. He has a support worker who comes in daily and helps Rhys, supporting him to live independently. ?Rhys is a busy person, he would normally work two days a week for Ozanam in Carrum Downs where he assembles headphones for QANTAS. It?s been fortunate that I?ve been able to find online programs and other activities to keep him busy this year.? Karen is hoping to find Rhys a place of his own where he can live with some friends, and be supported with cooking, cleaning and other life skills so he can live independently. 21 | ANNUAL REPORT
RHYS' STORY
Rh ys loves r idin g on h is exer cise bik e ANNUAL REPORT | 22
ASHLEY'S STORY Ashley started with MiLife-Victoria 18 years ago. ?We?ve found his journey really satisfying. Whenever we?ve had a concern or needed to discuss anything they?ve always listened and worked through what we?ve needed to work through,? tells his Mum, Jean. Ashley was 18 when he started at Hastings, and now he attends Cranbourne and really enjoys being part of it. He sees MiLife-Victoria as his second home. ?We feel really comfortable with MiLife-Victoria, we have a great relationship with the staff.?
Ash ley en joyin g r idin g h is m ot or bik e u p an d dow n t h e dr ivew ay 23 | ANNUAL REPORT
ASHLEY'S STORY Ashley loves bowling and basketball, he?s really good at shooting goals. He enjoys going to the library, playing games and going for walks. This year Ashley has adapted well to changing to the online environment. ?He really loves seeing all the people he knows online. It?s been comforting to him knowing that his friends are home too and it?s not just him who isn?t attending the centre at the moment.? Ashley?s parents, Jean and Ron have noticed some positive changes in Ashley throughout the year. ?Ashley has become more confident and is capable of turning his iPad on and knows which buttons to press. He is saying people?s names online and they?re interacting with him and responding to him more. I think they see him in a different light since he?s been online.? ?Ashley has really enjoyed writing stories and participating in colour by numbers and the Friday Night Live activities. He?s so much better with his numbers now. I asked him to write 1 to 10 on a piece of paper recently and he was able to do it straight away,? tells Jean. Jean has had the opportunity to sit with Ashely during the online programs and is able to give him prompts so he can have his say. ?He?s getting more confident and has been able to have his voice heard. He?ll have a carer support him one on one when he goes back to the Learning Centre, so we hope his confidence will grow even more.? Ron and Jean have seen other positive changes in Ashley since he?s been home more. ?He?s been riding his bike every day, and his motorbike in the driveway. He?s even helping more in the kitchen.? ?Through Zoom we?ve been able to see the respect and care the staff have for Ashley and the other clients. We are content with Ashley?s care and we thank MiLife-Victoria for everything they do for him.? ANNUAL REPORT | 24
BOARD MSTORY KELLY'S EM BERS STORIES Kelly has been a member of the MiLife-Victoria board as a parent representative for approximately a year, however her journey with MiLife-Victoria started a number of years ago now, with her daughter Cassie. ?Cassie would normally attend Langwarrin; however, this year has been really tough for all of us,? tells Kelly. ?Cassie is high support and very social. This year has been hard for her as she doesn?t understand why she can?t go places and see her friends.? ?Cassie?s movement and muscle strength has deteriorated as she?s not achieving her walking goals, she?s unable to swim and she?s sitting a lot more. Cassie has really missed swimming and socialising and is really looking forward to getting back to some sort of routine and normality.? On a positive note, Cassie has been fortunate to find supported accommodation with GenU where she started transitioning into a house in July this year. ?It?s been a big step for Cassie and for our family, but she loves it there. She is so happy and she now lives with three girls her own age. She has the support of the staff and comes home to visit two nights a week and occasionally on weekends.? From the perspective of a board member, Kelly has found this year challenging. ?There has been a lot of changes, particularly with regards to scheduling of programs, following the required safety procedures and keeping all families supported during this COVID time, while also supporting all the terrific staff. We?ve really tried hard to support Terri and the Management Team and to keep all the clients and staff safe.? ?The pandemic has had such a global effect. There will be some disability service providers who won?t get back to normal, and may not survive. Businesses have taken a severe hit to their income.? Kelly?s presence on the Board provides excellent balance and diversity, bringing a valuable perspective. ?It?s really important that we have clear communication to families. We need to keep everyone up to date with things that are going on and involve them in the process.? 25| ANNUAL REPORT
KELLY'S STORY
Kelly 's dau gh t er Cassie in t h e boat of f M t M ar t h a. ANNUAL REPORT | 26
M ICHAEL'S STORY
M ich ael w it h h is M u m M ich ele 27 | ANNUAL REPORT
M ICHAEL'S STORY Michael has been attending MiLife-Victoria?s programs at Cranbourne Learning Centre for many years and has played a big role in Michael?s and his parents life. Since the introduction of the NDIS, Michael and his family have been supported by Heather, one of MiLife-Victoria?s Support Coordinators. ?Heather has been absolutely wonderful,? tells Michael?s Mum, Michele. ?She helped us to find accommodation for Michael with Afford. It?s close to home and it?s comforting to know that he is safe and well looked after.? Michael normally attends MiLife-Victoria three days a week, however now that he?s living in supported accommodation he is hoping to get funding to attend five days a week. ?Attending MiLife-Victoria has seen Michael grow in independence. He has learned how to do the shopping and cooking,? tells Michele. ?He loves letters and numbers and enjoys adding up how much he has spent on groceries and understanding the value of money.? When Michael was younger he didn?t want to ride on the MiLife-Victoria bus and would rely on his Mum to take him to and from the programs. ?After he went on the bus for the first time, he found that he loved it. It was a big step for Michael and we love the transport that MiLife-Victoria is able to provide him.? Michael loves cooking and basketball, however due to his epilepsy he found he was much better suited to scoring for basketball rather than playing. ?He loves scoring, it gives him a job to do and he feels part of it.? ?MiLife-Victoria has changed Michael?s life completely, it?s changed our lives too. Without having these group activities available he wouldn?t have learned all of these new skills. He can communicate so much better, he has less stress and anxiety.? ?I?m so appreciative of everyone at MiLife-Victoria and the work they do,? tells Michele. ?Heather has been a Godsend. We feel so lucky to have her help with the NDIS plan and finding accommodation for Michael so we know he will always be well looked after. I just want him to be happy and have a normal life.? 19 | ANNUAL REPORT
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PAULA'S STORY
Pau la an d An dr ew w or k in g w it h h or ses, ACFE Cou r se 29 | ANNUAL REPORT
PAULA'S STORY Paula is one of MiLife-Victoria?s ACFE facilitators. She has an exciting schedule which takes her from supporting clients to work in a car yard, or at Bunnings, to working with horses on a farm. However, this year has been really different for all of us. ?The restrictions have made us think outside the box. I?ve gone from working outside in various settings to a lot more teaching in an online setting. I really like a challenge, so working online was like doing a whole new job.? Paula has found that the change in running classes online has seen a real difference in the students and how they interact. ?One of our students who is generally the last one into class is now the first one to join us on zoom. There are students who are more ?out there?in real life, who are quieter on zoom, whilst others who can be quiet in person are really shining online and showing their independence and intelligence in a different way.? Paula runs the Work Skills ACFE program on Monday's. As part of the course the students have been practicing preparing for interviews. ?It?s been a bit of fun with the participants getting dressed up in what they would wear for a job interview. We?ve had Anthony and Sue getting dressed like they were going to work, and Brent wearing his Bunnings uniform,? tells Paula. On Friday, in the Personal Safety course the group have been learning various skills around how to relax and de-stress. ?Sandra and I were participating in a First Aid course on the weekend, so we asked the group how we could go about preparing for the course so we weren?t stressed. They came up with some great ideas that really helped, such as preparing our lunch the day before and having our clothes ready to go. They were excited to see that we put their ideas into practice and were able to attend the course with minimal stress.? ?We?re so lucky to work with such great people. They give us so much and make our job so enjoyable.?
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ALIX'S STORY Alix is the newest MiLife-Victoria Board member, officially joining the Board in March this year, only weeks after giving birth to her second child and as the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact Australia. Alix has taken it all in her stride and adapted to being a Mum of two, a Board member and joining the Committee of Management at her older son?s childcare centre, all while handling life in lockdown.
Alix w it h h er br ot h er Nich olas 31 | ANNUAL REPORT
ALIX'S STORY Alix is not averse to hard work and is currently on maternity leave from a busy role in Investor Relations. ?In my professional role I work with the Board. I?ve also fairly recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course. When the role with MiLife-Victoria?s Board became available, I thought it was a great opportunity to get involved in an area I?m very passionate about,? said Alix. ?I grew up with my brother, Nicholas, who has a disability and would normally attend MiLife-Victoria's Langwarrin Learning Centre five days a week. I have personal experience living with people with disabilities and know how hard the NDIS can be to navigate.? Nicholas lives at home with their parents and has not attended his regular programs since lockdown began because his health is vulnerable. ?Our parents look after Nicholas full time, with some carer support. At this stage, he may not return to his normal activities at MiLife-Victoria until there is a vaccine.? Joining the Board at the beginning of the pandemic has meant Alix is yet to see all of MiLife-Victoria?s facilities and how the programs operate. However, she has experienced first-hand how quickly the Board and the organisation have had to adapt to the challenges presented by a pandemic to ensure that clients and their families have continued to receive the support they need. ?The Board and Management Team have been very nimble, with weekly Zoom meetings, trying to wrap our heads around the impact on clients and families and keep the organisation going.? ?The main source of income effectively evaporated and the organisation has had to carefully manage costs. With the NDIS, if no service is provided, you don?t get any funding, so adapting to things like the online programs has been critical to the organisation and MiLife-Victoria's clients.? ?It has been great to be a sounding board, provide advice and support decision making,? tells Alix. ?Being on the Board has allowed me to contribute to something meaningful, despite being in lockdown. This year really has been a wild ride for everyone.? ANNUAL REPORT | 32
ADULT EDUCATION During 2020, MiLife-Victoria commenced thirteen pre-accredited courses across nine different vocations and work skill areas. These courses were developed to provide students with pathways, experiences and opportunities to prepare and learn about what is involved in working and/or undertaking study. 80% of these courses were held at a local business where students were able to undertake their learning in a work environment. They were able to work and learn alongside employees, providing invaluable experience, skills and knowledge involved in each type of industry. We commenced this work-based learning approach for our vocational courses a number of years ago so that we could give students the best possible learning environment and experience.
Pau la t each in g an ACFE Cou r se on lin e 33 | ANNUAL REPORT
ADULT EDUCATION In 2020 we created Memorandums of Understanding with eight local businesses who were passionate and keen to provide students with this experience. I would like to thank the following businesses for opening their door and being supportive to all of the students and staff and achieving the best outcome for all. ABD Gr ou p
Ben t on Rise
Bu n n in gs Hast in gs
Th e M eadow s Far m
AM R M an u f act u r in g
Fr an k st on M it su bish i
Ridin g f or t h e Disabled - M or n in gt on
M u m s Su ppor t in g Fam ilies in Need
As the year progressed we were challenged with the COVID-19 Pandemic which forced the closure of the workplaces many of the courses at the Frankston office. Like many around us though, we had to quickly adapt and become very creative, moving to offering online classes, something that will stay now as part of our future. I would like to thank Sandra, Paula and Andrew for stepping up and developing ways to continue to engage with their students via zoom classroom sessions and telephone calls. It was a huge learning curve for all but, more importantly, this support allowed the students to keep up their learning and engagement in the courses they had enrolled in. We have learned a lot as a result of COVID-19, in particular, student?s resilience and ability to adapt and support each other even from a distance. Whoever would have thought we would be holding classes around horse care on zoom or learning the road rules as part of obtaining your learners permit in this way. As the end of 2020 comes into sight and we start turning our attention to 2021, we have applied for funding of 17,580 student contact hours to be able to continue these great courses as well as introduce some new ones. We will continue to work with the local businesses that have supported us in the past as well as forge some new partnerships. Through these connections we will continue to offer students opportunities and experiences that support their pathway to employment or further study. We will also be introducing new foundation courses such as literacy in the workplace, getting a job and safety in the workplace just to name a few. "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin ANNUAL REPORT | 34
CFO'S FINANCIAL REPORT July 2019 marked the date at which the organisation transitioned fully to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).This meant that our guaranteed monthly funding from the Department of Health and Human Services finished, with all clients shifting from the old system, to the new market. Last year, the organisation earned $3.15M in NDIS fees with another $1.45M in DHHS income. This year, $4.39M was earned in NDIS Fees with only $15,263 received as residual funding from the Department. While the completed transition to the NDIS was a significant milestone for the organisation, much of the 2019-2020 financial year centered on managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected all parts of its operations. The year-end surplus of $511,300 (2019 -$156K) was a great result only achieved through very careful planning and responses to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the surplus is the profit from the sale of the property at 27 Culburra Avenue, Frankston ($314K). The proceeds from the sale were retained by the organisation to ensure its cash position could be protected during this period of uncertainty and accounts for the year end cash amount in the Balance Sheet. 2019-2020
2018-2019
Total Current Assets (cash, receivables, other)
$2,174,659
$1,178,288
Total Non-Current Assets
$7,472,877
$7,756,061
TOTAL ASSETS
$9,647,536
$8,934,349
Total Current Liabilities
$1,125,390
$867,696
$972,233
$713,924
Total Liabilities
$2,097,623
$1,581,620
NET ASSETS
$7,549,913
$7,352,729
Total Non-Current Liabilities
35 | ANNUAL REPORT
CFO'S FINANCIAL REPORT Commonwealth intervention by way of the JobKeeper wages subsidy and the Australian Tax Office?s Cash Flow Assistance both directly contributed to the year end financial result and added financial relief to workers affected by the pandemic. Overall, income increased by 13.65% to $5.91M (2019 $5.2M), with a minor increase in expenses of $37,949 to $5.4M (2019 $5.36M). As we move into the next financial year, our ongoing focus will continue to be on developing our services to remain sustainable in an NDIS and COVID-normal environment. This will include adopting the NDIS?new Pricing Model and Programs of Support, extending the hours of operation at the sites, making further capital improvements where necessary as well as investing in more practical and hands on opportunities for clients. Ross M ack ay Ch ief Fin an cial Of f icer
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IN M EM ORY OF
Those we love Don?t go away, They walk beside us Every day Unseen, unheard, But always near, so loved, so missed, So very dear.
In memory of those we have lost throughout the year St even Wh it e - Support Coordination Br en t New m an - Individual Support M ich ael Weym ou t h - Langwarrin Val Hor sbu r gh - MiLife-Victoria Member
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the families and their loved ones who welcomed us into their homes and who allowed us the privilege of being a part of their lives, to support and share their journey with them. They will forever live in our hearts and memories. 37 | ANNUAL REPORT
DONATIONS AND THANK YOU MiLife-Victoria welcomes sponsorships and donations, both financial and in the way of goods and services. Donations can be made at any time throughout the year either through our website, or by contacting our team at Head Office. Several one-off and many on-going donations were gratefully received from many families, staff, businesses and other friends and relatives. We?d like to thank everyone who contributed, large or small, every little bit helps. To all families, friends, staff and small businesses, we are grateful for your support. This financial year we have raised a total of: $3,123.50 Thank you especially to the following businesses and individuals who made significant donations throughout the year: Pat Scown
$300
Transport donation
Royden D'Souza
$300
Transport donation
Jennie Solis
$325
Transport donation
Lee Haycroft
$175
Transport donation
Trish Mitchell
$325
Transport donation
Bob Bree
$625
Transport donation
Terri Carroll
$162.50
Transport donation
Vicki Charles
$325
Transport donation
Les and Elaine Malseed
$30
Transport donation
CWA Frankston South
$500
General donation
Geoff Bell
$48
General donation
Mary Ukosich
$8
General donation
Don at ion s of Goods Alan Symons
Couch for Langwarrin
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HOW YOU CAN HELP As a not-for-profit organisation MiLife-Victoria is grateful for donations, sponsorships and bequests from corporates, small business, families and friends. However large or small, financial or otherwise, every little bit helps to enhance the lives of people in our community who are living with a disability. Donations and gifts will help MiLife-Victoria to: -
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Continue its specialised transport services to ensure clients can travel safely to and from Learning Centres and continue to participate in educational programs. Provide opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their potential, learn life skills, access the community and be supported in their endeavours. Advocate at all levels of government to ensure that people with disabilities are well cared for and well provided for now and into the future.
M ak e a Don at ion You can find a ?Donate? button on the MiLife-Victoria website at milifevictoria.org.au. Show your support by clicking the link and making a financial donation. Alternatively, you can send a cheque or donate over the phone. Donations of goods or services is also welcome. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
39 | ANNUAL REPORT
Becom e a Spon sor A mutually beneficial partnership can create a great opportunity for both MiLife-Victoria and another organisation. You can provide sponsorship, develop a fundraiser, or show your support through MiLifeVictoria?s Workplace Giving Program. How would you like your business to get involved?
Leave a Bequ est Leaving a gift to MiLifeVictoria is a practical and lasting way to show the value you place on the services we provide to people in our community who are living with disability. If you intend to leave a bequest gift to MiLife-Victoria, or you have included us in your Will already, please let us know. We would like to personally thank you and discuss ideas about how you would like to see your gift used.
LOCATIONS
1. HEAD OFFICE 66 Victoria Street Hastings VIC 3915 Ph: 9775 7333 Fax: 9770 6825 National Relay Service 1300 555 727 E-mail: milife@milife-victoria.org.au www.milife-victoria.org.au Reg No. A0025487A 2. Lan gw ar r in Lear n in g Cen t r e
3. Fr an k st on Lear n in g Cen t r e
100A Aqueduct Road
Suite 1, Level 1
LANGWARRIN VIC 3910
108-120 Young Street FRANKSTON VIC 3915
4. Cr an bou r n e Lear n in g Cen t r e 36 Lyall Street CRANBOURNE VIC 3977 For m ore inform at ion about m aking a donat ion, becom ing a sponsor or leaving a gift please feel free t o cont act MiLife-Vict oria by em ail m ilife@m ilife-vict oria.org.au, phone on 9775 7333, or visit us at our Head Office locat ion in Hast ings. ANNUAL REPORT | 40
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