MS Queensland 2014-15 Annual Report

2014-15 annual report

OUR AUDIENCE This report was written for people living with multiple sclerosis; their carers and family members, our donors, government, our corporate supporters, our staff and the wider MS community.

THEMING THIS YEAR’S REPORT This report focuses on collaboration and how we’re helping facilitate access to services, housing, community, mobility and leisure for our clients. The MS stories shared in this report tell the journeys of six people living with MS, raising awareness of the above mentioned key services and how they help people live positively and get the best out of life. You can read their inspirational stories on pages 18, 30, 46, 62, 74 and 86 of this report.

OUR AGM The 2015 Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 27 November 2015 at the Southbank Institute of Technology.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

EDITING, DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Our 2014-15 Special Purpose Financial Report is available in full from our website: www.msqld.org.au

Written and edited by Kristy Thornton, Marketing and Communications Manager, MS Queensland with contributors from across MS Queensland, MS Research Australia and the Governor of Queensland. Designed by Skye Dutson, Senior Graphic Designer, Skyelark Designs.

MS Story photography taken

by Josh Kelly, Photographer, Jack Harlem.

PRINT AND PAPER Kindly printed by Printcraft, Eagle Farm, Queensland.

Grange is FSC certified, sourcing pulp from responsibly managed forests and is made in a facility that is ISO 14001 EMS accredited.

Made with elemental chlorine free pulps. For more information see www.kwdoggett.com.au

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this 2014–15 Annual Report.

OUR JOURNEY

Contents MS STORIES Veva Pocock

18

Glenn Miller

30

Glenda Tonkin

OUR STRATEGY

17

OUR PEOPLE

61

Our strategic plan

20

How we operate

64

Our staff

66

Where we’re at

20

Strategic Goal 1

22

46

Strategic Goal 2

24

Our volunteers

70

Angela O’Connell

62

Strategic Goal 3

26

Our achievements

72

John Pesch

74

Carmel Cock

86

OUR IMPACT

29

OUR GOVERNANCE

73

Our reach

32

Governance

76

Communicating our work

38

Our committees

78

Our Board

80

Safety in the workplace

82

Compliance

84

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

85

Our five year performance

88

Our financial summary

92

Our financial position

95

Our investment policy

96

Independent auditor’s assertion statement

96

OUR JOURNEY

3

Who we are

4

MS prevalance in Australia

5

Chair and CEO message

6

Our operating environment

9

Patron’s message

12

Our contribution to MS research

14

Our Queensland researchers

16

Advocacy

40

Ambassadors and advocates

41

MS Queensland advocacy collaboration

42

Sustainability and our social impact

44

OUR FUNDING

45

How we raise funds

48

Who we work with

52

Our strategic alliances

58

Government funding

60

OUR VISION IS

a world free From MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) and its devastating impact

OUR JOURNEY

OUR JOURNEY 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

WHO WE ARE MS Queensland is a leading non-profit organisation, founded in 1958.

Our vision is a world free from multiple sclerosis and its devastating impact.

RESPECT

We exist to help people living with MS to get the best out of life, to advocate for change and to search for a cure.

HOPE

Our mission is to be the first choice for MS information, education, treatment, care and support across Queensland.

We live by the values of respect, hope, commitment and collaboration. These values guide all that we do.

The image to the right depicts the protective myelin sheaths that surround the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord being attacked (a process called demyelination). This results in damaged areas that are unable to transmit nerve impulses.

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OUR VALUES

COMMITMENT COLLABORATION

EXPLAINING MS: THE INVISIBLE DISEASE By definition, multiple sclerosis means ‘many scars’. MS is best described as a progressive neurological condition where the immune system of a person with MS appears to attack myelin, a protective coating around nerves which allows them to transmit signals through the central nervous system. These attacks in the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord cause scarring that disrupts these signals and can even damage the nerves themselves.

The symptoms of MS are varied for each individual and can include loss of balance, fatigue, vision impairment, cognitive issues, abnormal speech and muscle weakness.

No two cases of the condition are the same and there is no known cure for MS. The good news is that much is being done in MS research, especially in Australia, into the causes of the disease in a global effort to ultimately find a cure.

OUR JOURNEY

MS prevalence in Australia Approximately one person in every 1,000 people living in Australia has multiple sclerosis – four more Australians are diagnosed every working day. The impacts of MS are much broader, with a persons’ family and friends impacted by the daily challenges of living with such an unpredictable disease.

2.5M

23K

More than 2.5M people live with MS globally

More than 23,000 Australians live with MS

MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40

20-40

3.7K

4%

More than 3,700 reside in Queensland

The total cost of MS to individuals and the Australian community is more than $1 billion annually

The number of people living with MS in Australia is climbing by approximately 4% each year

MS affects almost three times more women than men

$1B

3:1 Source: MS Research Australia, 2012.

Top 5 concerns for people living with MS in Queensland

Maintaining independence in order to live a full and happy life for as long as possible

Staying in employment due to MS symptoms or lack of understanding from employers

Accessing appropriate local services, particularly for regional and rural people with MS

Managing the impacts of MS at home on family and loved ones

Lack of financial means to cope with MSrelated needs for equipment and aids if their condition deteriorates

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CHAIR & CEO MESSAGE This last 12-months saw MS Queensland deliver solid results and reach important milestones on the journey toward our vision of a world free from MS and its devastating impact.” Lincoln Hopper, CEO, MS Queensland PROGRESS ON THE JOURNEY At the end of another busy and challenging year, the team at MS Queensland made good progress in our efforts to help people living with MS to get the best out of life, advocate for change and search for a cure. Highlights include: xpanding our service offerings and • e locations, and in particular the opening of our first office in Central Queensland • d elivering on our commitment of increased funding support for MS research • breaking records with our fundraising results • c ontinuing our collaboration with eight not for profit agencies (the NeuroCare Network) Roger Burrell CHAIR Lincoln Hopper CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

• growing our understanding of the NDIS

CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY Operating challenges came in the form of significant disruption from unexpected storm damage, unrelenting competitive fundraising pressures, delays to our planned construction of housing initiatives, a new State Government and a constrained government budget

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environment and the ongoing lack of an NDIS launch site in Queensland.

STAFF AND SUPPORTERS The outstanding team of staff and volunteers at MS Queensland are the reason we overcame such obstacles and we sincerely thank them for their excellent performance and dedication to living our organisational values of respect, hope, commitment and collaboration. Our annual staff engagement survey once again reflected the commitment of our staff and their belief that MS Queensland is a truly great place to work.

We are equally appreciative of the generous and ongoing financial support from our members, donors, sponsors, community fundraisers, lottery and event participants, bequests and philanthropic grant makers. Thank you.

We also extend our appreciation to His Excellency Governor of Queensland and incoming Patron of MS Queensland the Honorable Paul De Jersey AC for his valued support.

OUR JOURNEY MS RESEARCH The pathway to actually eradicating MS, and not just dealing with the devastating impact of the disease, will come from high quality MS research. During the year $480,979 was raised to support the commencement of a Phase 1 Trial of autologous Epstein-Barr virus-specific T cell therapy as treatment of progressive MS (total funds raised for this trial $545,587). We were also proud to deliver an overall 4% increase in our financial contribution to MS research, including the second instalment of a three year funding commitment to a Vitamin D Clinical Trial (see page 15).

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS IN A TOUGH ENVIRONMENT Our award-winning Enerflex MS Brissie to the Bay team once again broke all records with a best ever $1.56M net surplus result this year.

Our Art Union Lotteries also out performed budget expectations as did our expanded MS Swimathon program. Our refreshed

Appeal and Regular Giving activities alongside our new Major Gifts program ensured we delivered on our strategic goal of diversifying our fundraising revenue mix.

ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) again used management KPI’s to track and measure the day to day divisional performance of the organisation. Some highlights include: • on budget financial results • i ncreasing our expenditure budget for client services • b etter than target media mentions and website hits and being on target for new members and • continued strong staff engagement

The third year of our Strategic Plan was once again ambitious, with the ELT setting 63 action plans for the year and achieving the following results:

81% 51 action plans fully or substantially achieved

11 (17%) partially achieved, seven of which will be carried forward into next year for completion one (2%) action was put on hold during the year no actions were not achieved

HOUSING INITIATIVES Delays in State Government decisions for acquisition of surplus government-owned land frustrated our plans to start building new

You can read a detailed progress update on our Strategic Plan on page 20

7

1.56M

$

RECORD BREAKING

net surplus for ENERFLEX brissIE to the bay

residential housing solutions for people living with MS during the year. We were, however, able to further our partnership exploration with Youngcare (11 units), Brisbane Housing Company (four units) and Springfield Land Corporation (18 units) and we anticipate these projects being completed in 2017, but hopefully delivering some earlier than that.

NDIS We now know that the early transition for people with significant disability in Queensland will commence in January 2016 in Townsville and Charters Towers for people zero to 18 years and Palm Island for all people under 65.

Looking ahead, the next year will again bring both opportunity and challenge, especially as we continue to undertake major projects and drive organisational change in line with our updated 2025 strategy.

The most significant initiatives will be: 1. undertaking the complex and expensive property development process required to

8

deliver new housing solutions for people living with MS 2. commencing plans for maximising the value of our Dutton Park site 3. furthering our readiness for the introduction of the NDIS into Queensland in July 2016 4. securing record fundraising results in relatively flat economic conditions and increasingly competitive markets and 5. formalising the NeuroCare Network

STRONG GOVERNANCE We thank Board members who voluntarily gave their time, talents and treasure to the MS cause over the year and specifically acknowledge the service of Jonathan Loraine (2002-2014), Simon McNeilage (2011-2014) and John Dempsey (2011-2014). The existing robust governance culture within the Board was supported by a rigorous independent review conducted in December 2014, resulting in a comprehensive skills and composition matrix and new role descriptions to further advance our philosophy of a skills-based Board, incorporating a range of key skills

required to guide our organisation into the future.

In closing, we again acknowledge everyone involved with MS Queensland and our work over the past year – clients, board members, staff, members, volunteers and supporters.

We are so very grateful for your continued support on the journey towards a world free from MS and its devastating impact.

To everyone living with MS – you are the reason we exist. Thank you for your inspiration and the hope you give through the daily choice you make to live positively with MS.

Roger Burrell Lincoln Hopper Chair Chief Executive Officer

OUR JOURNEY

OUR OPERATING ENVIRONMENT MS CAUSES, TREATMENT AND CURE MS continues to be the subject of intense, worldwide research, yet a cure for MS remains elusive. As new information, research findings and new treatments are released, people living with MS need real-time access to accurate and validated information, education, treatment, care and support to best manage their situation and decisions they make. The encouraging increase in the number, type and benefits of MS pharmaceutical treatments (such as new oral therapies) also means we need to quickly adapt in innovative, flexible and timely ways in response to people’s changing needs.

The immediate nature and influence of social media in the worldwide coverage of MS and autoimmune treatments (such as stem cell and novel Epstein-Barr Virus adoptive immunotherapies) presents both opportunities and challenges for us to convey accurate and validated information.

SECTOR REFORM Significant government reform is taking place across the disability, aged care, community and health sectors towards ‘person centred care’ models where consumers can exercise greater choice and control over what, and how, funded supports are provided to them.

Outcomes for people living with MS stand to be significantly improved, but ironically, the not-for-profit sector is significantly ill prepared to adapt to these reforms .

The single biggest transformational reform affecting us will be the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland from July 2016.

To prepare our clients and ourselves for the NDIS in Queensland without a launch site to observe and learn from is an added challenge, however, we are working proactively with our interstate and worldwide MS organisations and other partners to grow our knowledge and share whatever we can with our community. We have embarked upon a comprehensive scope of work to ensure our organisation is as prepared as we can be for the NDIS when it commences.

PROGRESSIVE NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE (PND) – THE NEUROCARE NETWORK At least 135,000 people are living with Progressive Neurological Disease (PND) in Queensland e.g. MS, Huntington’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Motor Neurone Disease, Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease. Interestingly, across these unique conditions there is significant shared and unmet needs for information, neurological physiotherapy, symptom management, counselling, financial support, aids and equipment and high care support. We are leading a collaborative approach to meeting these common needs through the establishment of the NeuroCare Network. In a rapidly changing operating environment we believe the NeuroCare Network offers excellent opportunities for securing the unique and specialist knowledge of specific PND organisations while also offering large scale and efficient ‘common’ services back to the wider PND group of clients.

9

Annerley Apartments

APPROPRIATE HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS Evidence tells us that adequate income, stable health and wellbeing and access to the right supports (e.g. in-home care) can help people living with MS to maintain independent housing. We also know that simple home modifications that adapt to a person’s changing needs over time would allow them to remain at home for longer.

Sadly, age-appropriate high-care housing solutions, when needed, are extremely limited and many people access agedcare accommodation as a last resort option. In Queensland this means an estimated 370 people living with MS or other neurological conditions who are under the age of 65 currently live permanently in residential aged care.

We have a long term strategy for addressing the unmet housing needs of people living with MS. We want to ensure they can live at home for as long as their condition allows and can access age-appropriate, high quality and affordable residential care and respite when and where they need it.

As such, over the next 10 years we will be doing much more to support people to stay in their homes as well as overseeing the construction of a total of 120 new housing units.

10

people with MS in queensland

UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF QUEENSLAND GEOGRAPHY

THE CHANGING NATURE OF PHILANTHROPY AND FUNDRAISING

With an MS prevalence rate of 71 per 100,000 people, Queensland has the third highest number of people with MS (3,700) spread over the largest geographic distance in Australia.

We have always relied on fundraising to complement our government funded services. The changing ‘face’ and nature of giving towards non-traditional vehicles such as Private Ancillary Funds (PAF’s) and investment orientated approaches (e.g. Social Benefit Bonds) means we will need to position ourselves for this change. We are diversifying our existing strong mix of fundraising products by expanding into new areas such as corporate partnerships and major gifts fundraising.

Responding to the needs of people living with MS across these vast distances continues to be an enormous challenge. Thankfully, mainstream access to technology is not the barrier it once was and we are able to deliver information on a 24/7 basis, particularly when a person has just been diagnosed.

REGULATION Locally we comply with State and Federal government regulations in carrying out our business activities including the Australian Privacy Principles under the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, the Queensland Human Services Quality Framework and the Australian Accounting Standards. In 2014 we were again provided with unqualified 100% Jas-ANZ Recertification for Human Services Quality Standards to conduct our residential care activities at Dutton Park and Annerley. This will be re-certified again in late 2015.

The Storey Bridge was lit up for MS Moonlight Walk

11

OUR JOURNEY

3,700

PATRON’S MESSAGE Message from the Governor of Queensland It is a great pleasure and honour to provide this foreword to the 2014-2015 Annual Report of MS Queensland.

In a year when the World MS Day theme was ‘access’, it is particularly pleasing to see MS Queensland’s report focussing on collaboration – it is only through active collaboration with those living with MS and with the broader community that access to education, employment, transport, leisure activities and appropriate accommodation can be improved. It is also only through advocacy for change and through providing the most up-to-date and accurate information that the ultimate goal of a world free from MS can be reached. And, in this regard, I am particularly pleased to see MS Queensland continuing its research emphasis.

Earlier this year, I had the great pleasure of presenting the 2015 MS Heroes Awards at Government House.

This annual award ceremony has been hosted by my predecessors as Governor and Patron for many years, and I was very pleased to continue the tradition as an important way of according public recognition to the organisations and individuals who give so generously and selflessly to those living with MS. Importantly, that ceremony also acknowledges the value and importance of MS Queensland itself and the wonderful work it does to enrich and improve the lives of those living with Multiple Sclerosis.

I am very pleased, as Patron, to congratulate this exceptional Queensland organisation on yet another solid year of achievement. I also thank the Board, staff and volunteers for their ongoing support for Queenslanders living with MS and wish them well for an equally successful result in 2015-2016.

His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC Governor of Queensland

12

OUR JOURNEY We provided immunotherapy training & support to

We provided

2,352

1,942

counselling sessions to clients & family members

people with MS across Queensland of these were one-to-one

214 6,708

1,727

hours were given by our

amazing volunteers

via phone

We provided

18,180

MS information kits

7.5

46 we held

educational & information events

on MS symptoms, symptom management, current drug therapies & latest research

10

people living with high-care MS needs benefited from

24hr care

at Annerley Apartments

equating to occupied bed days

6.4M

$

We contributed

352,171

$

in free media was secured

to MS research IN QUEENSLAND THE RATE OF

81 71 100K %

MS PREVALENCE

IS

of our Strategic Plan actions were achieved

people

by the end of the year

%

increase in the number of services’ clients welcomed (216)

Welcome

2,872

123k

$

worth of in-kind support was provided over the year

2.5

M

are living with MS worldwidE

OUR CONTRIBUTION TO MS RESEARCH The MS research strategy MS Research Australia has a scientifically robust competitive model to fund the best research in Australia. Research is funded within four main streams including the biology and triggers of MS, developing better treatments and ways of managing the symptoms of MS, repairing or reversing existing damage and also issues of practical importance to people with MS such as social impact and employment. MS Research Australia aims to accelerate research advances that will prevent, better treat and ultimately find a cure for MS. MS Research Australia funds individual projects and researchers throughout Australia as well as collaborative platforms in areas of importance such as genetics and stem cell therapies. MS Research Australia is also involved in the global agenda of MS research through the International Progressive MS Alliance and other international initiatives such as those related to paediatric MS.

Prof Michael Pender & Gary Allen

Research projects in Australia Each year MS Research Australia funds high quality MS research in universities and medical research institutes across Australia through project grants, scholarships and fellowships. In January 2015 $1.896M in funding was awarded to 22 exciting new grants.

In the first round of incubator grants to be awarded in July 2015, Queensland researcher Associate Professor Judith Greer has applied for funding in new areas of research with the aim of generating preliminary data for future grant applications.

14

Mini-me mice: making a better laboratory model for MS – Associate Professor Judith Greer, University of Queensland Total funding to be awarded: $25,000 Duration: One year

The Australian MS Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Register The Australian HSCT Register is collecting clinical data on the effect and outcomes of this treatment and long term prognosis in people with MS who have undergone this type of therapy. The register will contribute to the global amassing of data to determine the safety and appropriate protocols and target population for this experimental treatment option.

A new treatment option for MS Professor Michael Pender (see more details over page) has been working on the effect of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) on the immune system for many years. This work, supported

by MS Research Australia, has resulted in an experimental therapy that was trialled in a single patient with good results. Professor Pender is now undertaking a clinical trial with a small number of participants to determine safety and efficacy of this novel treatment with funding from MS Research Australia and MS Queensland.

Research platforms in Australia Funding from MS Queensland has been used to support a number of the national collaborative platforms currently underway, outlined below.

The PrevANZ vitamin D ms prevention trial The PrevANZ Vitamin D MS Prevention Trial is investigating whether supplementation with vitamin D can prevent a diagnosis of MS in those people who have only had a single demyelinating event. The trial will cover a range of doses of vitamin D to determine the best dosage level and the safety of vitamin D as an option for future treatment. The trial is currently enrolling patients at two sites in Queensland, Wesley Research Institute and the Gold Coast Hospital and results are expected in 2017.

OUR JOURNEY

MS Research Australia is the largest national not-forprofit funder of MS research in Australia. We receive some funding from MS Queensland, and the other state MS Societies, to support research. Along with our research projects underway in Queensland, the MS Queensland funding is also being used to support major collaborative platforms such as the PrevANZ Vitamin D clinical trial and the Australian HSCT stem cell treatment registry.� Dr Matthew Miles, Chief Executive Officer, MS Research Australia

We work closely and collaboratively with our national research arm, MS Research Australia, and provide funding towards MS Research Australia’s research efforts. During 2014-15 we contributed a total of $352,171 to MS research: 43% to the MS clinic in Brisbane and 57% to MS Research Australia.

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OUR QUEENSLAND RESEARCHERS PROFESSOR SIMON BROADLEY

DR ANNA HATTON

DR MARGARET JORDAN

Prof Broadley undertook his undergraduate medical degree at University of Manchester, United Kingdom after completing a BSc in experimental immunology and oncology. Simon then completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge. Simon is a staff specialist with the Gold Coast Hospital and provides specialist services in Neurology. Simon is the Chair of the MS Research Australia Research Management Council which determines the funding allocations each year. He is involved in a number of MS Research Australia platforms including ANZgene and the PrevANZ clinical trial and has recently completed a major collaborative study with researchers and clinicians around Australia on the prevalence and characteristics of the MSsister disease Neuromyelitis Optica in Australia.

Dr Hatton and colleagues at the University of Queensland were awarded a project grant from MS Research Australia to conduct a clinical trial to test whether wearing textured shoe insoles may increase sensory feedback from the feet to improve gait in people with MS. Many people with MS experience problems with walking which affect day to day activities and often leads to falls.

Walking problems in MS are often caused by a combination of symptoms, such as altered function of muscles, nerves, and senses. This trial aims to address part of this picture to improve walking and reduce falls.

Dr Jordan was awarded the MS Research Australia - National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Betty Cuthbert Fellowship in 2013. Dr Jordan completed her PhD at James Cook University in 2011 under the supervision of Prof Alan Baxter. Dr Jordan’s research focuses on the genetics of the immune system and the functional role of genes that have been linked to susceptibility to MS. As well as her ongoing research projects, Margaret supervises a number of university students and lectures on laboratory techniques.

NANCY MOXEY

PROFESSOR MICHAEL PENDER

MS KATHERINE SANDERS

Nancy Moxey is a PhD student at the University of Queensland. She is researching the role of rare mutations in myelin proteins in MS. Nancy was awarded a ‘Young Investigator Award’ for her poster at the Progress in MS Research Conference held in Melbourne late last year. Nancy receives an annual bursary from MS Queensland to pursue her studies.

Prof Pender is the Director of the Neuroimmunology Research Centre at the University of Queensland. Prof Pender has a strong research interest in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infections and his current research investigates the role of impaired immunity to EBV in the development of MS. This research will lay the foundation for possible prevention of MS by controlling EBV infection.

Ms Sanders has been awarded an MS Research Australia postgraduate scholarship to investigate the mechanisms and molecules that control gene activity in MS. MicroRNAs are a large group of small genetic molecules that regulate the switching on and off of specific genes. Ms Sanders will work with Dr Lotti Tajouri at Bond University, in collaboration with Associate Professor Jeannette Lechner-Scott at the Hunter Medical Research Institute in NSW to profile the microRNAs that are specifically found in the blood and brain tissue of people with MS.

16

OUR STRATEGY

OUR STRATEGY 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

Veva Pocock Veva was diagnosed with MS 16 years ago after thinking she’d suffered a stroke whilst walking home one day. She lost the use of her legs entirely that day which scared her.

For some time prior to that, Veva had noticed tightness in her legs but after seeing five different doctors and no diagnosis, assumed it was due to the amount of walking she had been doing.

“After being diagnosed with MS, I went home and googled it as I knew nothing about it. I saw images of people in wheelchairs, so I switched off the computer and thought, MS isn’t going to stop me, and I got on with my life.”

Prior to diagnosis, Veva and her husband enjoyed beach walks every morning. With MS and the loss of leg strength, those beloved walks were no more. Determined not to let MS impact her, Veva found other ways to continue an active lifestyle. “Swimming has been a great way to maintain mobility and is a shared interest with my husband that we do every morning in the warmer months.”

For a long time, Veva had not wanted to attend any meetings about MS. That changed when her full time work at Cribb Street Childcare Centre started to take its toll and common work tasks like sitting down on the ground, to be at the children’s level, and walking up and down the stairs became increasingly challenging. Her Director, Bernadette, noticed these signs and reached out to MS Queensland for some guidance to best support Veva in the workplace. Bernadette asked Veva to attend an MS Queensland workshop with her and Veva credits it as “the best thing she ever did for me. I had a greater understanding of MS in general and learnt that MS is something that people have, not something you need to continue to fight, and you can live with it positively.”

18

OUR STRATEGY After attending an MS Queensland workshop I had a greater understanding of MS in general and learnt that MS is something that people have... and you can live with it positively.�

With help from MS Queensland and other care providers, an adjustable chair was organised in the workplace which allowed Veva to lower to floor level and stair rails were installed. These changes made daily working life more manageable.

With the impact of fatigue taking its toll, Veva reduced work to three half days per week which allows her a more manageable and enjoyable work-life balance. She now has the energy to be a more engaged Nanna to her adored five Grandchildren and spends afternoons cooking or being with her husband and grandkids out in the yard while they kick the football around. “Having such a supportive family and employer has been a God-send.

Although I can be a bit stubborn at times, I know that they are all there for me and having the support from Bernadette (Director) inside and outside of work means that I get to continue working and seeing these beautiful little faces.�

Veva is grateful for attending the MS workshop and said it really transformed her thinking about MS.

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OUR STRATEGIC PLAN WHERE WE’RE AT Our 2020 Strategic Plan was publicly launched in June 2012 after an extensive Board and CEO-led process of research and review. We have just completed year three of this plan (2012–2015). To ensure we achieved our 16 long term strategies, at a day-to-day operating level we work to 35 overarching objectives. Within these objectives, we set out to achieve 63 individual action plans during 2014–15.

AT THE END OF YEAR three we had achieved

YEAR three At the end of year three (30 June 2015) 100% of our 63 action plans had commenced and 51 (81%) of these actions were fully or substantially achieved. A total of eleven actions (17%) were partially achieved or incomplete and seven of these actions will be carried forward into next year for completion. During the year, work was put on hold for one action (2%).

GOAL 1

GOAL 2

1 1

2

64% Achieved overall

7

20

GOAL 3

2 1

3

85% Achieved overall

15

of our actions against the plan

4 1

7

81

%

84% Achieved overall

19

Achieved Substantially Achieved Partially Achieved Incomplete – Carried Forward Not Achieved On Hold

OUR STRATEGY

measuring our success

Step change initiatives

We know our success cannot just be measured in 2020 at the end of our strategic cycle. This is why we take regular ‘health checks’ of key performance indicators to make sure we’re achieving our long term objectives. Please see the following pages of this section for our 2014-15 organisational health check.

In the 2020 Strategic Plan, not all of our planned activities have the same weight or impact. Some initiatives that encourage incremental, continuous improvement do ‘polish’ an already acceptable level of performance. Some other initiatives however, offer our organisation the opportunity for significant improvements.

By 2020 we want to be able to measure our success through the positive impact we have made as an organisation in the lives of people living with MS in Queensland. For us, success is measured through improvements in:

Alongside our ‘business as usual’ activities, the following significant initiatives have been written into the Strategic Plan:

1. t he proportion of people living with MS/PND in Queensland that can access quality, timely and convenient service solutions 2. t he quality of life of people living with MS/PND in society and the level of general community awareness of disability issues and 3. the strength of our balance sheet, profitability, diversified revenue and having safe, skilled and engaged staff and volunteers

1. determining our role as a provider, a partner and/or a facilitator under the new NDIS arrangements 2. delivering greatly expanded MS-specific housing and in-home support across Queensland 3. renewing our entire IT systems and platforms 4. leading the establishment of an alliance partner network made up of Queensland-based PND organisations 5. investigating redevelopment options for our Dutton Park site and 6. fundraising for service innovation and for MS research

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STRATEGIC GOAL 1 High quality solutions for people living with MS/ Progressive Neurological Disease (PND) in Queensland, by raising the access, quality and geographic spread of service solutions.

Our long term strategies are to: 1.1 Become the first choice in Queensland across the MS/PND lifecycle

1.2 Service Queensland equitably and

1.3 Invest in e-health client technology

OBJECTIVES FOR THE THREE YEARS (2012–15) Accurately understand the met and unmet needs of people living with MS/PND in Queensland Clearly articulate and update our service offerings and capabilities for people living with MS/PND in Queensland Develop a unique value proposition for our areas of work with people living with MS/PND in Queensland Ensure MS Queensland clinical services are delivered to world’s best practice standards Raise awareness of available clinical service offerings in key areas of the state Establish permanent physical service hubs in Gold Coast, Brisbane South and Brisbane North, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Townsville Develop specific outreach and facilitation servicing models Have a client information management system that directly supports our work, drives service excellence and enables strong advocacy

Annerley Apartment residents with some MS Queensland staff

22

PROGRESS

OUR STRATEGY 1 on hold 1 incomplete/ carried fwd

64% Achieved overall

2 partially achieved

7 achieved

KEY ACTIVITIES FOR THIS YEAR (2014–15)

CURRENT STATUS

Utilise client survey information to map service requirements to local need

Achieved

Develop transitional plan for Granston Lodge residents, regularly communicate progress of new accommodation models to clients, staff and families Implement and report on validity and reliability of the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL-8D) outcomes for all new client registrations under the ‘Regional Service Coordinator Program’ Complete the excellence framework for physio and nursing services, including standard operating procedures Build a sustainable model of service delivery for clinical services not likely to be funded by the NDIS Build and strengthen strategic working relationships with external partners Identify suitable Central Queensland office location, secure tenancy and recruit a Regional Service Coordinator Publish list of accessible holiday accommodation options on MS Queensland website and begin offering subsidised holiday respite stays for assessed clients Continue to devolve services from the Dutton Park site by further building the concept of satellite community-based clinics in Logan Realise benefits from implementing the ‘The Care Manger’ (TCM) base solution Roll-out the TCM mobile solution

Achieved Partially Achieved Achieved Incomplete (Carry Fwd) Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved Partially Achieved On Hold

Complete In Progress

23

STRATEGIC GOAL 2

Our long term strategies are to: 2.1 Support and promote cutting-edge MS research

Societal, policy and sector reform that directly benefits our clients through highly regarded and influential advocacy.

2 incomplete/ carried fwd

OBJECTIVES FOR THE THREE YEARS (2012–15)

1 partially achieved

Continually increase our financial contribution to MS Research Australia (MSRA)

85% 3 substantially achieved

2.2 Become the lead advocate for people living with PND in Queensland by shaping government policy, public opinion and influencing change

Establish and build relationships with key Queensland influencers Add value to local and national development of NDIS Encourage, support and harness grass-roots advocacy (e.g. pwMS support and volunteer groups)

Achieved overall

Deliver audience-specific communication to government, the general public, corporates, supporters, MS Queensland members and people living with MS/PND

15 achieved

Develop our business intelligence capability

Significantly increase our brand presence Deepen our relationship with government Build strategic partnerships with other organisations and the wider business community Measure and improve our partnering record based on regular external feedback

24

Complete In Progress

Get a Queensland Progressive Neurological Disease (PND) Alliance partner network off-the-ground

PROGRESS

OUR STRATEGY 2.3 Credibly report the impact of our work

2.4 Have a dominant brand presence in Queensland

2.5 Be the preferred partner of clients, state and local government and a top three partner for donors and the business community and

2.6 Successfully operate a Queensland PND alliance partner network

KEY ACTIVITIES FOR THIS YEAR (2014–15) Use Professor Pender’s clinical trial as a campaign to raise Major Gifts funds Increase funds for the MS Queensland Foundation through merging Community Fundraising into a year round Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign Use social media (blogs, Facebook, Twitter) to promote MS Queensland advocacy position statements

CURRENT STATUS Achieved Achieved Achieved

MS Queensland is involved in Queensland NDIS planning committees and processes

Achieved

Develop suite of NDIS readiness information tools, deliver information workshops for clients and staff

Incomplete (Carry Fwd)

Further enhance the existing comprehensive ‘Case for Support’ document, with a focus on service innovation Conduct wealth scanning to determine a prospect list of high net worth individuals or relationships to high net worth individuals Develop a ‘Donor Care Strategy’ Increase circulation of MS Life by 5% and develop a quality electronic version of the magazine Develop a strategy to utilise geographic income data in fundraising planning, including determining best use of existing maps, project and swims planning Utilise TCM client data in service planning Test MS Queensland services unit costing against NDIS fee schedules/service clusters Utilise TCM client data and services unit costing to establish service utilisation targets for the 2015-16 budget Prioritise brand presence within the strategy for transitioning Community Fundraising into the Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign Increase media mentions of MS Queensland by 10%. Increase traffic, unique visitors, page downloads to the website by 10% Utilise the Queensland Progressive Neurological Disease Alliance (QPNDA) to seek support from government for cross-organisational activities

Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved

Complete MS Queensland ‘Corporate Partnership Strategy’

Substantially Achieved

Seek feedback from suppliers and partners on their experience with MS Queensland Develop and implement a ‘Mystery Shopping’ feedback tool Get a formal agreement in place with QPNDA members Deliver at least one of the six proposed QPNDA projects

Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved

Achieved Partially Achieved Incomplete (Carry Fwd) Substantially Achieved Achieved Substantially Achieved Achieved

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STRATEGIC GOAL 3

OBJECTIVES FOR THE THREE YEARS (2012–15) PROGRESS Develop a strategy for disposing, retaining and acquiring MS Queensland property Resolve the Dutton Park site use

A strong, developing and sustainable organisation by having excellent people, strong finances, efficient processes and clever systems.

Diversify our fundraising mix and configuration

Increase our share of government funding 7 substantially achieved

1 partially achieved

4 incomplete/ carried fwd

84% Achieved overall

19 achieved

Our long term strategies are to: 3.1 Maximise the benefits of our assets, including our property holdings 3.2 Operate financially sustainable activities 3.3 Fundraise for service innovation and MS research 3.4 Be the most effective and efficient not-for-profit in Queensland 3.5 Be the best employer and volunteer placement option in our sector 3.6 Invest in systems and technology that support our work and 3.7 Reduce our impact on the environment

26

Position MS Queensland for client servicing via individualised fee-for-service, commercial and NDIS arrangements

Begin to reconfigure fundraising towards service innovation and research, particularly focusing on individual and corporate donors Raise operating efficiencies (to industry standard) of corporate overhead, fundraising and service offerings Build a leadership culture Develop and implement a strategy to upskill the MS Queensland workforce in both soft and hard skills Create market leading employee and volunteer practices including conditions, skills development, rewards and recognition Measure and improve staff and volunteer engagement

Measure and improve our Workplace Health and Safety performance

Invest in back office technologies, systems and processes that drive organisational performance Reduce MS Queensland’s environmental impact

OUR STRATEGY

SUPPORT &

SERVICES PROVIDED BY MS QUEENSLAND

Complete In Progress

KEY ACTIVITIES FOR THIS YEAR (2014–15) Implement plan for disposal of McKinnon House

CURRENT STATUS Achieved

Commence execution of the plan for the redevelopment of the Dutton Park site Target Major Gifts effort for initial stage of high care innovative accommodation strategy Grow low-risk/low-cost ‘host’ fundraising programs to 10% of event fundraising income Review Big Dinner Party and Swimathon events Investigate face to face fundraising Create and define a five year ‘Donor Engagement Strategy’ that incorporates Appeals, Bequests, Major Gifts, Regular Giving and Events Secure government funding for three additional respite beds for Granston Lodge Develop, pilot and evaluate a fee for service ‘In-Home Care Service’ Investigate the feasibility of operating a state wide Regional Service Coordinator type service for the QPNDA Develop plans and commence construction of two supported accommodation sites in the Brisbane region Undertake analysis of cashflow and payment process requirements of the NDIS Understand commercial impacts of NDIS trial sites (e.g. Barwon and Hunter) Convene a meeting with CFO’s from the MS Societies and engage Queensland disability sector representatives to consider commercial aspects of the NDIS Develop suite of NDIS readiness information tools, deliver information workshops for clients and staff Use Professor Pender’s clinical trial as a campaign to raise funds for research Further enhance the existing comprehensive ‘Case for Support’ document, with a focus on service innovation Improve Services overhead costs by 2% Improve Fundraising overall ROI to 34% (includes all management and administration allocations) Improve Operations overall costs by 2% Roll out year one of the MS Queensland Leadership Development Program Roll out selected competencies of the ‘Leadership Development Model’ to all staff Commence development of a three year workforce plan for MS Queensland through the establishment of a multi-disciplinary working party Undertake salary benchmarking for key non-award positions using specialist remuneration consultants Implement new HR structure to support organisational strategy Establish volunteering partnerships with industry and university sponsors to deliver increased supply of skilled volunteers Ensure MS Queensland participation in the ‘2015 Staff and Volunteer Engagement Survey’ remains within the top 25% of all organisations using the survey Maintain satisfaction levels from our 2014 performance in the ‘2015 Staff and Volunteer Engagement Survey’ Undertake a review of the WH&S system to ensure closer alignment with Australian quality standards and to identify areas for improvement Establish at least two multi-disciplinary project teams to work on high priority safety issues Review WH&S measurement basis to ensure that safety measures drive safety behaviour and are appropriately linked to employee performance measurement Complete the roll out of ‘IT Systems Strategy’

Achieved Achieved Substantially Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved Substantially Achieved Incomplete (Carry Fwd) Achieved Incomplete (Carry Fwd) Incomplete (Carry Fwd) Substantially Achieved Partially Achieved Incomplete (Carry Fwd) Achieved Achieved Achieved Substantially Achieved Achieved Achieved Substantially Achieved Incomplete (Carry Fwd) Achieved Achieved Achieved Achieved Substantially Achieved Substantially Achieved Achieved

Complete the delivery of ‘Mailman’. Ensure that the ‘Mailman’ system is at least 98% available

Achieved

Deliver at least two environmental initiatives using multi-disciplinary teams to drive environmental benefits to the organisation

Achieved

Achieved Achieved

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SERVICES VOLUNTEERS

1,120

We provided knowledge & support to more than

4,819 CONTRIBUTED

clients across Queensland

HOURS OF VOLUNTEERING

We achieved over

MEDIA HITS ACROSS

21

%

eVENT VOLUNTEERS provided

1,158 hours

TO SUPPLY HOT WATER TO GRANSTON LODGE

OUR SOCIAL PLATORM ENGAGEMENT INCREASED AN AVERAGE OF

22

%

Granston Lodge

print

23K

online

provided

more than australians live with

MS

GAS REDUCTION AT OUR DUTTON PARK SITE

INSTALLED ENERGY EFFICIENT GAS BOILERS

radio

Our Services team secured

52,197

$

in grants to assist five younger people with MS to remain in their own homes

television

63

% REDUCTION IN LTI’s (LOST TIME INJURIES)

19 25

clients long term accommodation

clients respite stays

OUR IMPACT

OUR IMPACT

2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

Glenn Miller Glenn always dreamed of being a Carpenter and hasn’t let MS deter him. When younger, Glenn led an active lifestyle and was in the Army Reserves. He finished a Cabinet Maker Apprenticeship after high school then he and childhood sweetheart, Nicole, went on to marry and have four children. Both were originally from the country and always desired returning to country life.

In 1987, Glenn was suffering numbness in his legs for some time and as a result, was terminated from his job of Maintenance Officer for a kitchen company as they feared liability. The numbness eventually subsided and life resumed to normal. That led to Glenn starting his own kitchen building company in Sydney.

Years later the yearning for country life became stronger and the family found a property and built the home of their dreams in Warwick. With a new job as a foreman for a kitchen and country furniture building company, it took Glenn two years to build the house with help from his father.

Numb legs and double vision struck Glenn once again and in 1997 Glenn was diagnosed with MS. “It totally flawed us. What the hell is MS?” was the reaction from the Miller’s. Glenn’s Neurologist referred him to MS Queensland who then invited him to Dutton Park for an assessment where he stayed for a week (for free). There were mobility, cognitive and physio assessments conducted and then a personal plan mapped out. Glenn is grateful that he’s been able to ask MS Queensland anything and get the answers.

He became a State Council Delegate for PwMS Queensland and has attended conferences interstate and internationally in Berlin when Nicole’s family, who live in Switzerland, flew him there so he could attend.

MS Queensland has helped Glenn with two interest free loans, the most recent one used to install a ramp to the side of the house. Glenn had fallen

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OUR IMPACT Family is everything. It makes a difference to have family around you who care about you.”

numerous times whilst using the front stairs and credits the ramp as “my saving grace”.

Up until recently, Glenn was teaching woodwork at a school part time and greatly enjoyed helping children that had challenges of their own. It was such a rewarding experience but unfortunately it was taken from him as a result of increasing MS symptoms.

Fatigue is a real problem in warmer weather and despite both of Glenn’s feet being completely numb now, he can still walk. Both hands are numb which has progressed up to his elbows and likened to the feeling of wearing a stocking.

Adversity won’t keep Glenn from doing what he loves though. After a period of depression some time ago, Glenn “got back on track and changed my attitude to not self-pity”. Promoting the MS Read-a-thon at schools and educating children on MS for seven years has been a strong passion, as has being part of the Men’s Shed Association where this wonderful group perform maintenance duties to the homes of elderly or those with financial struggles, free of charge. To fulfil his love of woodwork, Glenn works on the Silky Oak steam train carriages in Warwick once a week, makes birdhouses which sell in a shop in Aratula and is in his shed at least daily. “I know it would be very easy to curl up, sit on the veranda and do nothing, but I don’t”.

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OUR REACH As the only service provider dedicated to specifically supporting people with MS in Queensland, we are responsible for delivering a number of core services to our community. We have 2,298 registered clients dispersed across the state, so our services need to be adaptable, diverse and increasingly accessible.

We’ve focussed a great deal of energy in the past 12 months on having a local community presence wherever possible and when we are unable to have an on-going local presence, we have built the capacity of other local health and community service providers so that they are appropriately equipped to meet the needs of people with MS. We have listened to our clients’ feedback and tailored our service offerings to endeavour to meet their expectations – to be available when and where required with the information, advice and support required at that time.

SERVICES WE OFFER AND THEIR IMPACT

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Regional Service Coordination

Physiotherapy & Exercise Therapy

Counselling

Immunotherapy & Nursing Support

Information & Education

Supported Accommodation & Respite

Accountability and demand We have a service agreement with the Department of Communities to provide a range of services to people living with MS in Queensland.

To receive this funding we must provide different service streams including long-term accommodation, respite, case management, therapy and information dissemination. The spending requirements for each service stream are specified in the service agreement. We report details of the services delivered and the number of clients supported each quarter to substantiate the funding we are provided.

During the year demand for our services was stronger than ever.

We worked hard to remain relevant and responsive to people’s needs in an ever-changing disability sector environment.

OUR IMPACT

2,298

total registered ms clients in QLD*

north & far north queensland

217

REGIONAL SERVICE COORDINATION About the service Our Regional Service Coordinators (RSCs) are a team of skilled professionals who work alongside people with MS and their families to help them manage the varied impacts of the disease, articulate their life goals and objectives, build strategies with them to achieve these goals and enhance their confidence and independence to live the life they choose.

central queensland

267

199

south west queensland Brisbane WEST

319 242

south Brisbane

sunshine coast

352

Brisbane North

350 352

logan & gold coast

highlights of the year Opening a new office in Rockhampton to better support our clients in the Central Queensland region Our RSC team secured $125,000 in grants for equipment and services, including $52,197 to assist five younger people with MS to remain in their own homes. For this, we are grateful to Youngcare for their financial contribution Welcoming 216 new clients to our services (net growth of 7.5% for the year) Assisting clients to form or reenergise support groups in Atherton Tablelands, Young people with MS in Townsville, Springfield Lakes, Working & Living with MS on Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Laidley

Seven of our eight RSCs are now based in the local communities they support: 1. Dutton Park office Servicing Brisbane South and Brisbane West

5. Townsville office Servicing North and Far North Queensland

2. Lutwyche office Servicing Brisbane North

6. Varsity Lakes office Servicing Logan and the Gold Coast

3. Bokarina office Servicing Sunshine Coast 4. Toowoomba office Servicing South West Queensland

*These numbers exclude the people living with MS in Queensland who received only immunotherapy nursing and information services from MS Queensland.

7. Rockhampton office Servicing Central Queensland

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We have continued to focus on service provision within local communities – increasing the options for treatments and exercise across Queensland.

PHYSIO & EXERCISE THERAPY About the service MS Queensland is fortunate to have a team of highly skilled and passionate physiotherapists and exercise therapists with expertise in the neurologically based treatment of people with MS and other progressive neurological conditions.

Our aim is to provide treatments that enhance quality of life and encourage the on-going independence of our clients.

during the year We delivered physio and exercise therapy across the state in Dutton Park, Chermside, Robina, Meadowbrook, Beenleigh, Bethania, Victoria Point, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton and Cairns We worked closely with hundreds of clients across Queensland to develop the necessary skills to ‘self-manage’ their persistent MS symptoms We developed our service offerings for people with ‘stable’ MS symptoms from wellness based physical activities like aquatic exercise, yoga and tai chi to Heartmoves for MS

COUNSELLING

during the year

About the service

We provided 2,352 counselling sessions to clients and clients’ family members and advice provided to clients’ health practitioners

People with MS and their families often benefit from counselling to help them cope with the changes they may face in their lives. Through counselling, the wellness of a person with MS can be improved, confidence and independence can grow and strengthen and relationships and employment situations can be maintained.

We believe counselling provided at the right time is critical, which is why we offer the service of a consultant psychologist with many years’ experience working with and assisting people with MS. We have also worked hard to make counselling support more readily, and widely, available.

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We offered the Mindfulness and MS course to clients on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, North Lakes and Carseldine with 50 newly diagnosed clients learning self-coping and resilience strategies We continued our partnership with the University of Queensland (UQ) School of Psychology and created a new partnership with James Cook University to deliver a Living Well with MS program in Townsville Our consultant psychologist delivered a new program Managing Changes to Thinking and Memory which benefitted 80 clients

information kits were PROVIDED

INFORMATION & EDUCATION About the service Our goal is to minimise the stress for a person newly diagnosed with MS by providing them and their families with the right information at the right time.

We understand what a difficult time in their lives this diagnosis creates and we can help relieve a little bit of the anxiety by reducing the ‘unknowns’.

We ensure our MS InfoLine staff have the latest information regarding MS and access to current resources to share with people who call or email us for assistance.

Knowledge is key. When a person with MS has the latest and most relevant information to help them manage their symptoms, they can lead the life they choose, to the best of their capacity.

Our educational program covers a wide variety of topics, as requested by our clients, and we now offer our workshops and seminars across Queensland and via webinar.

during the year We held 46 educational and information events on MS symptoms, symptom management, current drug therapies and latest research We held seven Fatigue Self-Management workshops We held five Working with MS workshops We held four Mindfulness and MS workshops In 2014–15 we answered 1,781 InfoLine calls and responded to 394 emails We provided 18,180 Information Kits and a further 4,522 resources were downloaded directly from our website We provided one-on-one support and immunotherapy education for 214 people and assisted a further 1,727 via telephone We held four Managing Changes to Thinking & Memory workshops This broad range of topics provided knowledge and support to more than 1,120 clients in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Logan, Lutwyche, Mackay, Toowoomba, Townsville, Redcliffe, Gold Coast, Carseldine, Sunshine Coast, Helensvale, Chermside, Gladstone, North Lakes, Ashgrove, Cairns, Atherton, Ipswich, Kingaroy and Rockhampton

An exercise session at MS Queensland, Dutton Park

35

OUR IMPACT

18,180

Granston Lodge provides long term residential accommodation for 16 people with MS and has six beds for planned or crisis respite – which helps keep many Queenslanders out of nursing homes and hospitals.

ACCOMMODATION & RESPITE About the service For people developing severe MS symptoms, the idea of becoming dependent on others or feeling isolated from ‘normal’ life can be very daunting.

Often those disabled due to their MS want to remain as independent as possible and be free to participate in life as any other person would. To support these individuals we offer two high-care accommodation facilities – ‘Granston Lodge’ and ‘Annerley Apartments’ – and support the carers of those with MS still living at home by offering planned and emergency respite.

GRANSTON LODGE

ANNERLEY APARTMENTS

Our primary care facility ‘Granston Lodge’ has been operating for 40 years. Granston Lodge provides residential accommodation for 16 people with MS and has six beds for planned or crisis respite, which helps keep many Queenslanders out of nursing homes and hospitals.

‘Annerley Apartments’ is a community-based living model of four modern townhouses that cater for up to eight people with MS needing 24-hour care. Annerley Apartments encourages independence and community involvement. Each townhouse accommodates two people with MS and operates with its own individual routine and life rhythm, thereby reducing the risk of institutional practices developing. Annerley Apartments has been praised as an outstanding independent living initiative by the Department of Communities and the National Alliance of Young People in Nursing Homes.

During the year We provided 7,597 occupied bed days of long-term accommodation and respite in Granston Lodge (2012–13: 7,414). This offered 19 clients long term accommodation and 25 clients respite stays We continued to develop and implement our individualised model of care for our residents. This has allowed a greater focus on each resident’s personalised support to meet their goals and daily objectives in the way that suits them best We ensured all our staff at both Granston Lodge and Annerley Apartments were provided with the skills and resources required to be able to effectively care for our residents with compassion, dignity and respect.

36

During the year We benefited 10 people living with MS with high-care needs, providing 24-hour care at Annerley Apartments equating to 2,872 occupied bed days (2012-13: 2,835) We supported a long term resident and her family to enable her to return to living in her own home. Many months of support was provided to the family to facilitate the transition and ensure the safety of both client and primary carer as they commenced this very exciting next stage in their lives (Carmel Cock – see Carmel’s story on page 86)

OUR IMPACT

IMMUNOTHERAPY & NURSING SUPPORT About the service

MCKINNON HOUSE ‘McKinnon House’ is a specially-modified property located in Runaway Bay on the northern end of the Gold Coast. This peaceful retreat is offered to people with MS and other degenerative neurological conditions in need of respite. The waterfront home has six bedrooms and four bathrooms, accommodating up to 10 people for short stays. Whether fishing from the private jetty or watching the sun rise over the Broadwater, this is an ideal spot for families with a person living with MS to overcome the stresses of living with a disability.

During the year

Many treatments for MS are administered through injections, often daily. However, oral treatments are becoming more commonly used.

Our specialist MS Nurses provide instruction and advice to make this often difficult and daunting experience easier for people living with MS. Our nurses provide training and support for people’s prescribed immunotherapy medications and travel across Queensland to deliver this personalised service.

During the year We provided immunotherapy training and support to 1,941 people with MS across Queensland: 214 in one-on-one education and a further 1,727 by telephone The Royal Brisbane and Womens (RBWH) and Princess Alexander (PA) Hospital MS Clinics provided immunotherapy nursing advice to more than 240 people with MS The PA Hospital MS Clinic continued to operate every Monday morning for people living with MS. Like the MS Clinic at the RBWH, this clinic is an invaluable source of support and education for people with MS and supported 200 clients during the year

McKinnon House was occupied for 46 weeks of the year by 37 different clients and their families

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Communicating our work Excellence in reporting We were gratefully awarded a Silver Award at the 2015 Australasian Reporting Awards for our excellence in reporting during 2013–14.

Telling the MS story

Expanding our online presence

Sharing the story of how a person was diagnosed with MS, their journey and how their life changed as a result is often challenging. This year we focussed our efforts in sharing more about people’s different experiences with MS. Not just the positive stories, but also the trying experiences of people living with this incurable disease and the difficulties they face in their day-to-day lives. As a result, our engagement on social media increased significantly and our media coverage increased to $6.4M in free publicity. We believe the community’s awareness and understanding of MS has improved using this story telling strategy.

Our website www.msqld.org.au is recognised amongst our MS community as a first-choice option for information on MS support and resources, with our comprehensive Online Resource Centre offering the latest, reputable information on how to manage MS from across the world. This year we attracted more than 65,873 unique visitors to our website, an increase of 34% on last year. This year we have offered more online ‘MS Webinars’ which allows our MS community the freedom and comfort to participate in educational forums from a location of their choosing.

Informing the MS community To keep our clients regularly informed, we produce a monthly e-newsletter MS Insight that we have sent to over 1,840 people each month (an 18% increase on last year). The e-newsletter draws together information on the latest MS research from around the world and enables us to reach more people across Queensland with what’s occurring in their local community. For those people with vision or dexterity concerns or that prefer to read a hard copy medium, we continue to provide printed publications to read at their leisure and pace. Our quarterly magazine MS Life remains an important publication to allow us to reach people living with MS, their families and carers. During the year we increased our magazine readership by 5% and our web e-book version is increasing in popularity for people preferring a more flexible and environmentally friendly format.

MS Queensland Marketing & Communications team

38

OUR IMPACT

Top 5 MEDIA PRIORITIES

MEDIA ACHIEVED 2014-15

print

online

radio

for 2014-15

television

Publicity value $6.27M last year

The NDIS rollout for people living with MS and other progressive neurological conditions Advocacy issues including the right for people with MS to access housing and employment

Social media During the year we were successful in engaging the MS community right across Australia. Facebook interaction increased 18% compared to last year and our Twitter feed increased 25%. With 13,172 video views, our YouTube channel saw a 6.3% growth compared to last year with the release of several MS stories and research update videos.

The effects of emerging MS treatments e.g. stem cell research The impact of MS research breakthroughs

18% 25% 6.3%

Our housing strategy and the need to move young people in aged care into more age-appropriate housing

39

Advocacy 2014-15

Mayor Paul Pisasale, Jenni Saunders, State Convenor, PwMS Support Groups, Jossie Potter, living positively with MS

MS Queensland’s vision, purpose and mission lay the foundation for our Advocacy program which focusses on a lifetime approach for people living with MS. Consequently, early intervention, community connection and collaborative arrangements between programs and portfolios in health, disability, aged care, employment and housing are required to provide integrated service pathways to deliver whole of life support for people living with MS. With the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) commencing in Queensland from July 2016 and fully rolled out across Queensland to all eligible residents by 2019, MS Queensland’s advocacy focusses on issues that have a direct impact of how life is experienced for people living with MS and Progressive Neurological Disease (PND).

The NDIS Energy use for people living with MS and other heat affected medical conditions Employment retention Age appropriate residential care Universal Housing Design MS Research

40

Since the Every Australia Counts campaign began in 2011, MS Queensland has been involved in this important national campaign. We continue to share information with our community regarding the NDIS including Queensland Government’s NDIS Readiness activity that is being rolled out throughout the state to provide a greater understanding for people living with MS, sharing case studies of plans of people living with MS where the NDIS has commenced in other states in Australia and encouraging the MS community to engage with MS Queensland Services staff to talk specifically about what the NDIS will mean for each person living with MS.

Every Australian Counts tip: The NDIS was set up to give you the power to choose your own supports and service providers. You can do your own research or get help from advice and advocacy organisations. It can also be useful to talk to other people with a disability, family members or carers about what works or doesn’t work for them. Remember, your plan is not a one-off decision. If or when your needs change, so can your plan.

Ronda with MS Queensland Support Worker, Diane Troy

with MS

Ambassadors and Advocates Our Ambassadors and Advocates continue to play an integral role in raising awareness of MS by sharing their story at community fundraising events, through ‘Living Positively with MS’ – championed by MS Ambassador Mayor Paul Pisasale and through ‘MS Heroes’ with MS Young Person of the Year, MS Ambassador of the Year, MS Community Access Award, MS Volunteer of the YEAR AND MS CARER OF THE YEAR.

Self advocacy Amazing self advocacy is achieved by so many people in the MS community. Carmel’s story (on page 86) is a fantastic example of working collaboratively with local Government and local community to make real change happen. Ronda also has a fantastic story to inspire every person in the community.

Please share in Ronda’s story below.

Ronda was diagnosed with MS in 2001, and over the years has experienced a gradual loss of mobility in her limbs, as well as increased visual impairment. In mid-2013, while trying to manoeuvre her wheelchair along a busy crossing, Ronda became immediately aware of how dangerous this crossing was for her and members of the public living in her community.

Concerns surrounding her safety and of others alike, Ronda along with the support of her Vision Australia Orientation Mobility Specialist, Christa, contacted their local council to lobby for safety improvements to the busy intersection.

Fast forward 18 months and council have addressed the safety concerns; not only did they commit to making the crossing safer, but within one day had also lengthened the amount of time that lights stay red at a different intersection.

Ronda and Christa would like to showcase their message to the world through a paper entitled, “I Have Wheels, I Want To Travel” to be presented at the International mobility conference in Montreal Canada, showing how self-advocacy and determination can inspire others to achieve similar goals.

The NDIS will provide valuable lifetime support for people living with MS. During this time of transition to the NIDIS, MS Queensland is promoting and undertaking action to ensure that development of key linkages, coordination of appropriate supports and comprehensive cross sector collaboration occurs.

This will ensure that every member of the community is connected, included and integrated across all Government portfolios.

41

OUR IMPACT

XX Living Positively

MS Queensland Advocacy Collaboration Some of the key Advocacy activity, including submissions provided by MS Queensland in 2014–2015 includes: • The NDIS – providing engagement with our community to share an understanding of what the NDIS means for people living with MS and contributing to work being undertaken by the Queensland Government in preparation for the scheme including: • MS Queensland provided evidence to the Australian Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee on the NDIS • Energy use for people living with MS – impact of reforms on people living with MS and other heat affected illnesses that are being undertaken in the energy sector through submissions and consultations, including: National MS advocates outside Parliament House, Canberra

• a response to Ergon Energy’s consultation paper ‘Future Network Tariffs’ • a response to Energex’s ‘Regulatory Proposal Overview 2015-2020’ to the Australian Energy Regulator And representative of:

MS Queensland works collaboratively with: • Federal Government with the support of MS Australia • State Government • c ommunity sectors to promote policy issues that support the requirements of people living with MS and Progressive Neurological Diesease in order for them to remain active members of their community

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• Queensland Energy Ministers Consumer Industry Reference Group and • Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) Essential Services Consultative Group

OUR IMPACT • Age Appropriate residential care – • inquiry into the adequacy of existing residential care arrangements available for young people with severe physical, mental or intellectual disabilities • a joint action plan is being undertaken to support younger people to plan for and transition out of Queensland public health facilities into community accommodation wherever possible

• STATE BUDGET IMPACT – MS Queensland submission to the Queensland State Budget for 2014–15 was made with some of the policy issues outlined below: • transition to the NDIS for people living with MS and other progressive neurological conditions • young people with neurological conditions and appropriate residential care • MS Queensland accommodation strategy • needs for people with neurological disease over 65 • Queensland action for universal housing design • employment retention • energy use for people living with MS

Further engagement was made with the Queensland State Government with a three page response to the MS Queensland submission outlining information regarding: • t he whole of government approach that is being undertaken to the NDIS including work across the portfolios of health, education, transport and housing to ensure there is an integrated response to the needs of clients and a smooth transition to the NDIS • s trategies are being developed in partnership with industry and providers to plan for a sustainable housing system and to ensure social and affordable housing supply and innovative solutions for NDIS participants • d iscussions are being held for the promotion of the Queensland Government’s targets under the Livable Housing Design Guidelines • e stablishment of a Queensland Government Productivity Commission to conduct a public inquiry into electricity prices in Queensland and provide long-term interests of electricity consumers including vulnerable Queenslanders

• MS Research

MS Queensland is looking forward to continuing our important advocacy action during this significant time of change in our sector.

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SUSTAINABILITY & SOCIAL IMPACT The Sustainability Group works to encourage the delivery of sustainable services that are best practice. We benefit our clients, employees and society by including environmental measures as part of our decision making.”

We actively manage the direct and indirect impact of our operations on the environment. During the year our Sustainability Group worked on a number of initiatives to improve our environmental performance. This year the Group has continued campaigns to reduce our consumption of water and power, actively supported national environmental campaigns, expanded our recycling program, and continued to inform staff and clients of our broader social goals. Unfortunately, the Group’s regular activities in 2014–15 were significantly impacted by staff turnover and the disastrous Brisbane hail storm in November 2014. The hail storm led to a massive recovery campaign, relocation of our Fundraising team to temporary offices in the city for seven months and was a tremendous drain on organisational resources. The Group will be revitalised in 2015–16 with the addition of new members from across the organisation.

Our environmental commitment Our 2020 Strategic Plan sets the direction for our commitment to minimising our environmental footprint.

SOLAR PANELS We reduced our environmental footprint during 2014–15 by use of ENERGY EFFICIENT printers, copiers and computers

TECHNOLOGY 44

ASBESTOS

the use of SOLAR PANELS on all buildings at our Dutton Park and Annerley sites and McKinnon House respite accommodation on the Gold Coast

use of WATER TANKS

WATER TANKS

MOTOR VEHICLES

active management of ACM (Asbestos Containing Material) in accordance with our ACM management plan

continuation of the SWITCH OFF campaign to reduce energy consumption

ENERGY

RECYCLING

acceleration of our program to replace our current motor vehicle fleet with more FUEL EFFICIENT VEHICLES

reviewing established environmental metrics and analysing usage data to identify wastage or inefficient practices

WASTAGE

concerted, staff-driven efforts to RECYCLE

implementation of a battery recycling program as part of our WASTE REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT strategy

BATTERIES

OUR funding

OUR FUNDING 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

Glenda Tonkin Married for 33 years, Glenda and Dennis Tonkin have enjoyed a fulfilled life together. This duo were successful indoor bowls players, lived on a yacht, holidayed overseas and still share many laughs and much healthy banter together.

Glenda was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago after noticing impacts to her fine motor skills such as difficulties putting earrings in and not being able to clasp delicates. Other than that, life went on quite normally for the next 10 years.

MS symptoms progressed and Glenda’s agility started to decrease. During overseas trips to Malaysia and New Zealand she could walk slowly and gently but a motorised scooter was purchased soon after for ease of getting around.

Symptoms progressively worsened so railings were installed in their home.

Progression in more recent years has seen Glenda become reliant on a wheelchair and other people for care and support. Up until this stage Glenda was living at home, however, she struggled to get the level of support she needed to remain living at home safely.

Prior to going into care, Glenda utilised respite services at Granston Lodge.

Dennis was desperate for Glenda to move into supported accommodation, such as Granston Lodge, but unfortunately there was no capacity or funding available and alternative care had to be sought.

In 2010, Glenda experienced numerous falls at home and was consequently admitted to hospital for three months and was unable to return home. With no other option than to stay in hospital, Glenda reluctantly took a place at a residential aged care facility. She wasn’t comfortable or happy there though, nor did she or her family feel it was an appropriate long term solution.

Glenda and her family contacted MS Queensland and with the support of her Regional Service Coordinator, Tasman, they advocated for change and a better long term solution for Glenda’s living arrangements.

46

OUR FUNDING Tasman (Regional Service Coordinator for MS Queensland) is unbelievable, throw him any question and he is genuinely interested in helping us.”

Over three years, Tasman worked to ensure the Department of Communities Disability Services had the information they needed for Glenda to be prioritised should community-based, age appropriate accommodation become available. He worked alongside the family, the aged care facility, and other stakeholders to ensure Glenda’s needs would be met with the resources available.

Finally, in late 2013, Glenda was offered placement with a suitable supported accommodation service in North Brisbane, enabling her to leave the aged care facility. With MS Queensland’s continued support and advocacy, Glenda was later offered the opportunity to move into supported accommodation in Mooloolaba, close to her beloved husband Dennis and daughter Kelly on the Sunshine Coast. Tasman once again assisted Glenda and her family with the arrangements and equipment required in order to make the smooth transition ‘home.’

Glenda is living happily, comfortably and is grateful for the opportunity of a better life.

Today Glenda loves to play bingo and bowling on the Wii. Dennis and Kelly are close by so visit often and the close proximity of parks and beaches provide great trips out for Glenda. Dennis proudly tells us that daughter Kelly, “who is very good with her Mum”, is studying social work. This family may not be able to live together in the same home each day but love and “togetherness” are very much a part of their daily lives.

47

HOW WE RAISE FUNDS Public fundraising Historically MS Queensland’s fundraising revenue has been predominantly reliant on both Lotteries and Peer to peer Fundraising (Events). In 2014–15 a 10 year fundraising strategy was developed and approved by the Board. Our strategy is to balance out the fundraising portfolio creating greater diversity and reducing risk.

We need to continue to grow and consolidate the previous success we’ve achieved in both Lotteries and Events and invest in such areas as Individual Giving, Major Giving and Bequests.

We now have an experienced and dedicated Fundraising Leadership Team in place and the organisation is in good stead to achieve this 10 year strategy.

In addition to our focus on the ‘five pillars of fundraising’, the Fundraising Team were also delivering the initial planning stages of a Capital Campaign and successfully secured pledges of $682,785 for Adoptive Immunotherapy for Progressive MS Phase 1 Clinical Trial.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING & how fundraising fills the gap

2014-15

2013-14

2012-13

2011-12

2010-11 0

1,000

2,000

3,000

Government Funding Client Services Expenditure Disability Services Qld Award Wage Supplementation

48

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

Gap covered by fundraising

9,000

49

OUR FUNDING

We don’t realise what people with MS and their carers have to endure, until our families are also touched by the disease.

Anything we can collectively do to ensure a financially strong MS Queensland, in their provision of effective research and care support, is a great reason to contribute.” Graham Clelland, MS Queensland Donor

Kiss Goodbye to MS is a signature fundraising campaign to help people living with MS

Event fundraising FUNDRAISING EVENTS The Fundraising Events Team have had another successful year, with a record number of participants raising more money than ever before. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Brissie to the Bay bike ride was launched with a one off $25 entry fee which resulted in 9,275 riders and gave Brissie to the Bay the title of Queensland’s largest charity bike ride. An amazing $1,560,285 was raised, making a fantastic impact in the fight against MS. In October 2014, 3391 walkers carried their lanterns around the Brisbane River, taking part in the Moonlight Walk. This is another record number of participants, who raised $478,507. Thankfully the rain stopped just as our walkers began their 5km or 10km walks.

This year’s MS Swimathon campaign was our most successful yet with a record $223,090 raised over eight swims. An additional event was run in conjunction with Griffith University, and due to popular demand the Cairns swim was run as an overnight swim.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

DONATIONS AND APPEALS

2014-15 was another stellar year for our Community Fundraising campaign with 136 amazing supporters raising $175,869 for people living with MS. We saw runners and climbers, bakers and barbequers, dancers, golfers and wheelbarrow pushers all doing their best to raise as much money as possible. From July 2015 our wonderful community fundraisers will benefit from being able to use the highly popular “Kiss Goodbye to MS” brand to help boost their fundraising potential and make a massive difference in the efforts to find a cause and cure for MS.

Throughout the 2014-15 year we conducted four appeals, two large appeals at Tax and Christmas time and two smaller targeted campaigns at Easter and the beginning of Spring. These were focussed on telling the story of a client living with MS. In 2015-16 the focus will be on creating a greater emotional connection with our donors. In addition, a donor acquisition campaign will be rolled out in February 2016.

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OUR FUNDING

2014–15 Event donations at a glance LOTTERIES (ART UNIONS)

MS Brissie to the Bay

The MS Limited Edition Art Union has been running for 27 years and remains one of our major sources of income. We run eight draws a year with prizes including Mercedes-Benz vehicles, luxurious holidays and other money-can’t-buy experiences. With only 8,000 tickets in each draw, we offer one of the best odds lotteries in Australia. For loyal supporters we also have two invitation-only draws a year called the MS 300 Club.

This year was challenging. The main factor expressed by customers was a decline in disposable incomes. Despite this, we managed to reach overall budget for the year by focusing on reducing costs and starting new acquisition programs.

$1,560,285 $478,507 $223,090 $25,719 $25,033 MS Moonlight Walk

MS Swimathons

Big Dinner Party

lotteries net income ACTUAL

MS Men’s Lunch

income

$4,038,850

EXPENSES

$2,680,334

SURPLUS

$1,358,516

NOTE: Lotteries expenses include direct program expenses and staff costs, and exclude administrative overheads.

Community Fundraising (kiss goodbye to ms)

$175,869 51

WHO WE WORK WITH Our top supporters Sponsors/Partners

Supporters

The following organisations have provided sponsorship/support to MS Queensland during the year.

We thank the following top supporters* who contributed more than $2,000 to MS Queensland during the 2014–15 year.

97.3fm Australian Bananas Avant Card Bounce Elevate Fundraising Enerflex Griffith Sport (Griffith University) James Cook University JLL Magic882 Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

McCullough Robertson Perpetual Trustees Planet Cycles Pure Sports Hydration Quest Community Newspapers Scody She Bangs Coffee Specialized Spinal Injuries Assoc Qld UQ School of Psychology

Suppliers Who’ve provided discounts in excess of $2,000.

Conversion Kings DesignByLook Frankly Digital Grant Broadcasters (Zinc) Isuzu McDonalds Annerley/Big Red Van Master Engravers

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Maverikstudio Mercedes-Benz Toowong Pureau Water Queensland T-Shirt Company SmartComm Stand & Deliver Val Morgan

Mike Abrahams David Abramson ADCO Constructions Advisian P/L Airbag Man All Inn Brewing Co. Gary Allen Greg Allen Manoj Amin Damien Andarakis Estate Of Kenneth G & Edith Anderson John Anger Anglo Coal P/L Di Arthur Tina Atkinson Australian Radio Network Ashley Bachmann Sunghoon Baik Peter Barrett Daniel Bartlett Baxter Charitable Foundation Simon Beitz Charlie Bennett

Louis Bentley Dylys Bertelsen BHP Billiton Matched Giving Peter Bickel Big Tooks Sports The Biniris Group P/L Petricia Bird John Blackley Geoffrey Boon BOQ Julenne Borsboom Gary Bradshaw Melanie Brady Jeff Brandstater David Brett Mark Brian Simon Broadley Brookfield Multiplex Constructions P/L Peter Brown Jackie Buchanan The Vinia Buchanan Memorial Trust Glenice Burford Guy Burgess

*Our supporters include donors, lottery customers and event participants/donors.

OUR FUNDING Sian Burrows Peter Butt CAF Australia Jessie Cantwell Cecilia Kilkeary Foundation Ltd Cement Australia Graham Clelland Louis Codemo Helen Collins Alan Comer Megan Conlon Jessica Connell Mark Cotton Count Charitable Foundation Louise Cousens Bruce Dalton Ashlee Davis John Davis Thomas Davis Robert Dawson Mark De Corti Darren De Courcy Sarah De Luca Department of Justice and Attorney-General Dialogue Financial Management Jeff Dillon

Discount Drug Stores DLA Partners (QLD) P/L Downlands College Ashleigh Do Rozario Craig Do Rozario DP World Brisbane Amalia Drakos John Duff Frank Dumay Damian Dunne Sherriff Dury Matt Eastman Richard Egelstaff Judith Eleanor J Ellwood Nathan & Mark Elvery Enerflex Paul English Eugene Esmonde Eureka Whittaker MacNaught Evans Family Trust Nicole Fairweather Carla Fairweather CW & JA Farmer Anne Farrell Liza Farrer-Smith Christine Finch Paul Flanders

Flannery Foundation P/L Lloyd Fleming Albert Flick Mark Foley Christopher Ford John Franta Luke Fraser Meghan Frawley Philip French Vernon Gagliardi Nicole Gallagher Genesis CancerCare Queensland GJI GLNG Santos Go Gecko Property Sales Selina Gerner Adrian Goode Lesley Goodwin Robert Gordon Philip Gough Carolyn Graham Geoffrey Green Geraldine Green Jan Grice Catherine Griffin Nathan Grima Belinda Groenendyk

Leanne Grogan Groundwork Plus Simon Halliday Peter Hancox Catherine Hanley The Edgar B C Harding Trust Todd Harris Merawyn Harrison William Hartman Prue Harvey Mark Harvey Norman Haugh Kay Hawley Troy Hawthorn Margaret Hegarty Anne-Louise Heim William Henderson Bethany Henry Matthew Herring Mark Hocking Jayne Hodgson David Hodgson Hog’s Breath CafÊ (Australia) P/L Graham Holmes HomeFresh Organics Teresa Hooper Brett Hoppen

Josiah Hopper Lincoln Hopper Maria Hosking Todd Howard Peter Howes Hutchinson Builders Kathleen Hyde IntelliDesign P/L Graham Irving Peter Isles Joshua Jackson Steven Jackson Mark James Phillip Jarratt JDS Australia Aaron Jewell J J Richards & Sons P/L JLL Douglas Johnston Frank Johnston Amy Jolly-Perrett Courtney Jones A Jones Peter Josefski Emmanouele Karpathakis Arvis Katins Steve Kavanagh

*Our supporters include donors, lottery customers and event participants/donors.

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Supporters Rachel Kerr Jillian Kingsford Smith Kingston Trio Lynne Kopp Sascha Kurz John Kypreos Jeffrey La Roche Ramon Lambert Danni Lebsanft Zara Lee Darren Lee Peter & Dianne Lehninger Lend Lease Shane Lewis LifePath Financial Solutions Josephine Lloyd Jonathan Loraine Jean Lorentsen Boon Low Lori Lowther Ronald George Lucock William Lynch John Lyons Robby Mac John Mack Kathryn Madigan John Madigan Philip Maguire

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Ibraheem Malik Mancorp Quality Homes P/L Manlec Electrical & Data Danielle Manix Heath Manix Scott Manix John Martin Peter Mason Peter Matruglio Lindsay Matthews Paul McCafferty Doug McCamley McCaul Family Hayden McDonald Ian McFarlane Colin McLaughlin Ken McNeill Medland Dental Centre John Menzies Dennis Miall Michael Hill Group Services Nicki MIlios Disco Miller Nick Milner Miguel Mina Mipela GeoSolutions Brian Mitchell Monadelphous Engineering

Simon Moncrieff Brad Monk David Moody Yusuf Moollan Lawrence Morandin Dennis Morgan Graeme Morgan Nick Moutzouris John Moy Dave Moyce Dion Muir John Mullen David Murray Gregor & Robin Murray Elliot Nicholas Steve Nielsen Jenny Norrish Greg Nunn Chris O’Brien Michael O’Flynn David Ogg Tim O’Maley Terence O’Neill Origin Foundation Anthony Otton Peter Oversluizen Eric Pace Michael Paris

Ross Parish Parmalat Sandra Parmenter Regan Passlow Bobbie-Jo Patterson Laura Peachey Burgess Jenny Pearson Madonna Perkins Perpetual Debra Pickering Place Plantation Homes Point8 P/L Chris Pollard Leigh Porter Josie Potter Karl Pydde Redback Garrison - 501st Legion Tom Reynolds Rice Naughton Peter Ritchie Robins Accountants Brad Robinson Letitia Robinson Johanna Roche Rockpress Robert Ruben

Craig Russell Trevor Russell R T C Rymill QGC Jason Salecich SAP Tom Sartor Rachaell Saunders Tony Savino Glen Scott Scott Flynn Properties Sentinel Property SES Queensland Shamrock Civil Sharpe Financial Solutions P/L Geoff Sharpe Philip Singh Kevin Smith Richard Smith Wayne Smith Maeve Smyth Southport Rotary Club Greg Spencer Andrew Spriggs Stack Family Foundation Louise Steele Anthony Stevens

*Our supporters include donors, lottery customers and event participants/donors.

OUR FUNDING

Corporate snapshot:

Mark Strambi Suncorp Sunnybank Rugby Union Club Inc Rosemary Symonds Glenn Talbot Aidan Tallon Brad Taylor Russell Taylor Technology One Scott Textor Richard Thomas Desiree Thomson Jonathan Thorburn Karen Thorburn Tony Tiftis Ben Tilley Today’s Dentistry TTL Holdings P/L Transcity JV Brett Trappett Regan Trask Glenn Truscott Jeremy Turnbull Peter & E P Turner Graeme & Kay Twaddell UHY Haines Norton Colleen Unger

University of Queensland John Urban Samantha Vidler Virgin Australia Volvo Group Australia Sean Voss Paul Walker Bruce Wallis Maureen Wallis The Walter & Eliza Hall Trust Michael Walton Debra Wardle Christopher Watt John Watt Kelli & Donna Wells Maria Whealey Constance White Aaron White Noel Whittaker Jason Wicks Trent Williams Richard Williamson Owen Wilson Garry & Mary Wilson Morgan Wishney Jason Wright Xcelerate

Graham Yerbury Angus Young Youngcare Felice Zaccari Angela Zappala Nicole Zentveld

*Our supporters include donors, lottery customers and event participants/donors.

Enerflex and our Brissie to the Bay Enerflex were back on board again this year as naming rights sponsor to help us celebrate the 25th MS Brissie to the Bay bike ride. Once again, Enerflex staff and clients got behind the event with 46 team members raising over $19,112, with their fundraising including a “wigging out” day and a bake sale. In the six years Enerflex have been involved in the ride, they have now contributed over $200,000 enabling MS Queensland to continue providing services to our clients and the wider MS community.

9,275:667,800 RIDERS : RODE (KLMS)

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The lasting impact of bequests The generous people listed have left an enduring legacy helping our ability to serve people living with MS. Bequest gifts are often above and beyond budgeted service delivery allowing us to investigate innovative solutions to areas of the greatest need. New doors can be opened in the fight against MS. Donations received through gifts in Wills could help a newly diagnosed Dad improve his mobility and balance to the point where he can attend his son’s soccer games on Saturday mornings. It might fund a week’s worth of respite care for a family caring for a daughter with high-care needs in their home – and thereby extend the family’s ability to stay together.

Bequests – the gift of enduring hope MS Queensland appreciates and acknowledges the significant contribution provided by supporters who have left a gift in their Will. In particular we would like to acknowledge the 13 generous individuals who contributed over $332,000 this past year.

Importantly, a gift from a Bequest could be that extra funding required to complete a research project which ultimately leads to finding the cure for multiple sclerosis.

Estate of Kenneth G and Edith Anderson

For people living with MS, it can sometimes be a struggle to embrace hope and look to the future with happiness. No matter what the size, a gift to MS Queensland in your Will helps ensure longevity of services and the ability to adapt to changing needs over time. In short, a gift in your Will is the gift of enduring hope.

Estate of A and P.E.M. Coulsen

For more information or to arrange a confidential meeting to discuss including MS Queensland in your Will, please contact Alana Kenny, Donor Development Manager, on 07 3840 0874 or email alana.kenny@msqld.org.au

Estate of Catherine Ellen Carter Estate of William Trevor Cassidy Estate of Cyril Arthur Davison Estate of Daphne M Dowdle Estate of Mervyn Owen Drury Estate of Edward James Kelly Estate of Josephine May Loughran Estate of Graham Isaac Robinson Estate of William Robert Taylor Estate of Florence Agnes Todd Estate of Fay Howard Usher

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OUR FUNDING

in the Moonlight Walk MS Swimathon

3,391 : 478,507K $

McKinnon House was

46 37 Occupied

WEEKS of the year

walkers

BY

CLIENTS & their families

InfoLine

answered

Hello 1,781 394 calls

4,522

resources were downloaded directly from our website

341

hours were contributed by

Board members

responded to

emails

3,128 sessions of

physio & exercise therapy were delivered

7,597

occupied bed days of long term accommodation & respite in

Granston Lodge

223K

$

raised

A record breaking

Community Fundraising

143

amazing supporters raised more than $175K for people living with MS

raised more than

Enerflex Brissie to the Bay

9,275 riders

$

&667,800

125K

$

RODE

TOTAL in grants

during

The big dinner party

36: 26K $

hosts

raised

1.56M

our services team secured

raised

KLMS

OUR STRATEGIC ALLIANCES In addition to our important stakeholders, we have built strong strategic alliances to help us achieve our organisational vision of a world free from MS and its devastating impact. Some of our notable alliances include:

BHC (BRISBANE HOUSING COMPANY) BHC is an industry leader and innovator in the field of affordable housing. A not-for-profit organisation with a portfolio in excess of 1,500 homes Brisbane wide, BHC are experts in their field, capable of managing every stage of the development process from concept through to completion.

They also provide specialist property and tenancy management services through their dedicated operations team. As part of our MS housing strategy, MS Queensland is collaborating with BHC to develop appropriate housing for people living with MS and other progressive neurological diseases in Queensland.

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITIES, CHILD SAFETY & DISABILITY SERVICES The Department provides subsidy funding in order for us to provide essential services to people with MS including long-term accommodation, respite, case management, therapy and information services.

YOUNGCARE Established in 2005, Youngcare works to provide choice in care and accommodation options for more than 7,000 young Australians with 24/7 care needs currently living in aged care and the further 700,000 who are being cared for at home by family and friends, often with limited support. As part of our MS Queensland housing strategy, we are collaborating with Youngcare to develop appropriate housing for people living with MS and other progressive neurological diseases in Queensland.

MS AUSTRALIA MS Australia is the national body for MS in Australia, consisting of each state-based MS Society together with its subsidiary MS Research Australia. We work closely with MS Australia to enhance the quality of life of people with MS and support their national activities and media campaigns at a local level. In addition, our Chair acts as a Director of the MS Australia Board.

OUR FUNDING

Collaboration with BHC at Lutwyche: The Hon Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Rebecca Oelkers of BHC, Lincoln Hopper of MS Queensland & Carl Nancarrow of BADGE MS Research in progress

MS RESEARCH AUSTRALIA

MS INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION

THE NEUROCARE NETWORK

MS Research Australia aims to accelerate progress towards finding a cause and cure for MS. Established by the state MS Societies, the organisation funds and coordinates Australian MS research on our behalf, with several promising studies in Queensland currently underway. We contribute annually to MS Research Australia’s Kiss Goodbye to MS campaign and support national activities at a local level.

The MS International Federation (MSIF) was established in 1967 as an international body linking the activities of national MS Societies around the world. Their mission is to lead the global MS movement and to improve the quality of life of people affected by MS. MSIF manages World MS Day activities internationally and we support them by sharing and promoting international research, exchanging information and providing advocacy support for people living with MS stemming from the annual World MS Day themes.

The network currently represents eight Queensland based not-forprofit organisations working in the progressive neurological disease sector and offers opportunities to network, share ideas and resources. This year, the network began actively investigating the possibility and commercial business case for offering a centralised information and referral gateway and a statewide community care response for all people living with progressive neurological diseases in Queensland. Its members include: Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld), Epilepsy Queensland, Huntington’s Queensland, MND Queensland, MND and Me Foundation, MS Queensland, Parkinson’s Queensland and Youngcare.

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GOVERNMENT FUNDING

23K more than

We are contracted to the Queensland Government Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability to deliver a range of services to people with MS in Queensland, in return for a level of funding which subsidises the cost of these services. These services include residential care at our Granston Lodge and Annerley Apartments facilities, respite care at Granston Lodge, physiotherapy interventions, client case management and resources. Our current ‘service agreement’ term ends on 30 June 2016.

Government funding is critical to the ongoing viability of our organisation and to retain funding under this agreement, we report quarterly to the Department on the outcomes we achieve against our funded area. Many of our other services only receive limited government support however, for example, education, counselling and InfoLine support. For this reason, these services and many others are funded solely through the generosity of our donors and through funds raised through our community events and car lotteries. Without them, these services would be unable to continue.

MS

australians live with

Moving towards NDIS As we head towards the July 2016 launch of the NDIS in Queensland, the way in which we interact with our clients will change. The NDIS will provide clients with full choice of service providers for all their identified needs through individualised funding support packages, where required. The NDIS will therefore alter the way we are funded to deliver services. At this stage, it is unknown just how much Queensland Government funding we may retain, but there will be a significant reduction in the current “block” funding we receive as part of our service agreement. We would hope and continue to advocate for state and federal governments to recognise the need to continue to centrally fund universal services such as information, advocacy, and education as we see these as vital services supporting people with MS and PND who may not be eligible for individual funding support.

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OUR PEOPLE

OUR PEOPLE

2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

Angela O’Connell From many years of misdiagnosis, immobility to wheelchair bound, unable to talk and stripped of her independence, this young woman once rarely smiled. Transformed, today Angela lives an independent life in an inner city apartment where she displays a motivational dream board in her kitchen, her mobility continues to improve and she practices yoga weekly. Angela’s smile now radiates and she certainly has a lot to smile about in life today. This is a story of determination, strength, courage and resilience.

In 1992 as a 19 year old university student, some of Angela’s class mates noticed her difficulty in walking. At the same time, she began to experience dizziness, intense fatigue and vision problems. As time progressed, so did symptoms including loss of mobility in her legs and right hand. Angela felt her world crumbling around her. Years of misdiagnosis and treatment for conditions she didn’t have, particularly Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, left Angela feeling depressed and isolated. Her parents were there for support and continued to plead with medical professionals to help their daughter by doing further tests.

Doctors assured them that all necessary tests had been done and Angela had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. After much time and seeing the rapid decline in their daughter, it seemed like a losing battle. Angela had been hospitalised and was bed bound, couldn’t talk or use her right hand and had been told “it was all in her head” before being correctly diagnosed with MS in 2010 after an MRI. After diagnosis, Angela’s parents reached out to MS Queensland for help.

Tim (MS Nurse and Specialist Education Manager), Craig (RSC) and Aart (Consultant Psychologist) provided support and education to Angela and her parents, whilst working with practitioners on a plan for the future. MS Queensland was a huge comfort and relief to the O’Connell family. Angela accessed a full range of MS Queensland services such as physiotherapy, psychology, group programs, fatigue management, information workshops and help organising in home support services and appropriate accommodation.

In 2012, Angela was thrilled to live her dream of independence when she moved into an independent living unit where she receives help each week. After being

62

OUR PEOPLE I love staying in touch with MS Queensland – it’s how I’m starting my new life.”

told she couldn’t live alone for so many years, this was a dream come true.

There was much work, physically and emotionally, that occurred prior to Angela moving into her unit. Recalling the sequence of events, Angela explained how it started with private physiotherapy sessions at MS Queensland so she didn’t have to be around many people. Being out of the community for so long left her feeling frightened and confronted but step by step, physical and emotional improvements led to additional programs and group integration. Angela participated in a Steps Skills Program followed by the Adapted Physical Activity Program, a 10 week group session. “I was scared and apprehensive but grew to love that Friday” which she credits for giving her confidence, purpose and direction. Finally she felt part of the community again.

Providing a tour of her modern apartment, Angela stops to show us specific areas within her home where she has implemented learning’s from our Fatigue Management Course – an organised wardrobe, a daily planner, an impeccably tidy abode. These things allow her to focus on priorities and planning her day. She credits physio and yoga for ongoing mobility and strength and prides herself on keeping active.

Grateful for the help and support she has received from her doctor, carers, support workers, newly found friends and MS Queensland, Angela beams as she shares her greatest loves of life: sunshine and getting up each morning.

New dreams of gaining part time employment and finding a companion to share her life with will inevitably be realised by this determined and optimistic lady.

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How we operate Every day our committed team work collaboratively to ensure that we are the first choice for MS information, education, treatment, care and support for people living with MS across Queensland.

We operate through three core departments – Services, Fundraising and Operations – each with a Director and small management team overseeing its day-to-day operations. Our structure is designed to regularly ensure the right people are in the right roles and doing the right work to deliver high quality solutions for people living with PND. Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) is made up of the CEO and three Department Directors and meets regularly to discuss strategy, operational performance, planning, safety and people. Our Operations Team supports the important work of our Services and Fundraising teams by providing core administration, marketing and communications, HR, finance and IT services.

CEO Lincoln Hopper

Chief Executive Officer

Following a short career in the finance industry as a licensed stockbroker, Lincoln moved into the health and community services sector where he has worked for the last 25 years. His diverse experience includes frontline social work, program management, policy and advocacy, fundraising and leadership, including the last eight years at executive level. A most recent highlight was MS Queensland receiving the 2014 Westpac Community Leaders Award which recognised the establishment of the NeuroCare Network. Lincoln holds post graduate qualifications in Commerce and is a non-graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Advocacy Individual and systematic advocacy and support Government policy advice MS Queensland Executive Leadership Team (ELT)

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OUR PEOPLE

SERVICES

Operations

Fundraising

Karen Quaile

Nigel Flett

Julia Senior

Karen has more than 20 years’ experience working in the not-for-profit sector and has held positions at senior management and deputy CEO level.

Karen is dedicated to NFP work because of the added focus on community involvement and excellence in service provision. She has a Bachelor of Business in Accountancy and is a graduate member of the AICD.

Nigel has extensive financial, corporate service and general management experience within large and small teams across diverse industries and settings including community services, heavy industry and collaborative research. Nigel holds tertiary qualifications in business and professional accreditation as a Certified Practicing Accountant and is a graduate member of the AICD.

Julia’s career began in marketing then she spent ten years specialising in event management for large scale public events. Stepping into the role of Fundraising and Events Manager in 2009, Julia and her team have had some inspiring successes.

Event fundraising now accounts for 39% of our fundraising income. In five years the MS Brissie to the Bay has grown from $245,000 to $1.56M in fundraising revenue. In October 2013, Julia became Director of Fundraising.

Director of Services

Director of Operations

Director of Fundraising

Immunotherapy nursing services

Administration

Community services

Finance and governance

Counselling services

Human resources

Peer to peer fundraising

Education and information services

Volunteer coordination

Individual giving

Physiotherapy services

Information technology

Bequests

Residential services

Media and communications

Lotteries

Support volunteer services

Facilities management

Event fundraising

Support for people with MS support groups

Workplace health & safety and environment

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OUR STAFF Our industry is constantly changing and so are the needs of our customers. We recognise the need to have an appropriate organisation structure with highly engaged, committed, customer-centric and empowered staff who can fulfil our service promise and deliver an exceptional customer experience.

To remain responsive to changing customer needs and in preparation for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) being introduced to Queensland in July 2016, MS Queensland appointed an NDIS Readiness Project Manager to assess our current state of NDIS readiness and articulate a strategy and plan to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

Every dollar we spend must deliver value for money and benefit to the MS community. Our staff play a vital role in the success of our operations and impact in the disability sector. Through our induction and performance review processes, our staff gain a solid understanding of the services we deliver to people living with MS and the often volatile environment we operate in.

Success of our staff is measured by better staff retention, improved engagement, staff having greater ownership of their roles and a strong understanding of how they contribute to our organisational goals. Our four values of respect, hope, commitment and collaboration are the fabric of our working days and ring true in all that we do.

Engaging our staff During 2014-15 we held our fourth annual ‘Engaging our People’ survey using external research company, Best Practice Australia (BPA) to learn more about what our staff like and don’t like about working for us. We achieved a very high response rate with 85% of our staff completing the survey. Each year we use this data to develop new initiatives to make MS Queensland an even better place to work.

Since our first survey in 2012, each year our engagement levels have benchmarked above industry when compared with the Health & Community Non-Profit sector.

Whilst engagement levels in 2015 have dipped by 6.1% on last year, 67% of staff still rated MS Queensland as a “truly great place to work.”

OUR VALUES Respect People really matter to us and so we show respect in all our relationships and interactions with others

Hope We never give up offering real hope, no matter how long it takes or how challenging the situation

Commitment We always do our best for our clients, our organisation and for each other

Collaboration We believe the way to achieve great results is by working together

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hours were given by our amazing volunteers

Comparison of MS Queensland’s staff engagement levels against the health and community non-profit sector DISENGAGEMENT CYCLE

17%

43% ENGAGEMENT CYCLE

HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICES

51.2%

(No. = 368,900) 41

%

Following are some of the major findings from the survey

DISENGAGEMENT CYCLE

10.1%

ENGAGEMENT CYCLE

MS QUEENSLAND IN MARCH 2015 (No.= 115)

SWINGING VOTERS

We are doing significantly better than the average in the Health & Community Services Sector workforce with a 51.2% engagement level (compared to 43% for our sector)

number of employees by division

elt

4

services

115

operations

21

fundraising 38

.8%

SWINGING VOTERS

MS Queensland is typed as a Culture of Ambition. This means that employees are ambitious for new and better ways of moving ahead. An ‘anything is possible’ mentality is quite common for this culture. This is a great position to be in as our value of hope means ‘we never give up offering real hope, no matter how long it takes or how challenging the situation’

16 0

20

40

When compared with the 2014 Survey, 85 questions remained the same and five questions rated lower

60

80

100

120

All four of our values benchmarked in the ‘high’ category. This means staff agreed that MS Queensland’s values are being put into practice by the people they work with

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OUR PEOPLE

6,708

Putting staff feedback into action

Developing our Leaders

Staff feedback makes a difference to how we operate. Some of the initiatives introduced as a result of our staff surveys include, but are not limited to:

Just over 12 months ago we partnered with external specialist Trevor-Roberts to build the leadership skills of our managers. The reason for this investment was:

• t he launch of a new leadership framework to build leadership and management capability • a review of our organisation values • a new staff benefits program (RAVE) • new computer equipment and new innovative systems strong focus on workplace health and safety (WH&S) with better • a facilities and equipment

1. In response to feedback from the 2014 Staff Survey that we needed to develop our managers and 2. In the MS Queensland 2020 Strategic Plan, leadership development is a critical component in providing an engaging, safe and positive workplace for staff There was a lot of time spent in the early stages developing a Leadership Model and Framework tailored specifically to MS Queensland. The MS Queensland Leadership Program was developed as a result. It was designed to support our values, be practical, best practice and focussed on our strategic goals.

• improved staff induction process • improved internal communications strategies and • introduction of a new Sustainability Committee run by staff To ensure further action is taken from feedback to our annual surveys, all of our leaders have a ‘people’ objective in their performance plan that relates to the development and implementation of a staff survey action plan for their team.

In October 2014, the ‘G20 Leaders Group’ was formed, made up of 20 leaders and managers from across MS Queensland. The G20 Leaders attended workshops that focussed on their current strengths and potential leadership abilities, as well as management skills including leading others and leading change.

A core element of the program was that the managers participated in a business improvement project. The projects were focussed on reinvigorating our values, improving internal communication, staff attraction and retention and how to become more customer-centred.

In June 2015, the G20 Leaders presented their project findings to ELT who felt the effort and quality of the project work was simply outstanding. The G20 then came together to share the key learnings as well as to collectively build a single, unified action plan from the key recommendations of each project.

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OUR PEOPLE

“In the same way that our personal values influence everything we do as individuals, our organisational values of respect, hope, commitment and collaboration influence how our staff members work together to provide the highest level of service to the MS community.” Lincoln Hopper, CEO MS Queensland

Providing equal opportunity We aim to provide a work environment where staff and others in the workplace are treated equally, fairly and with respect. Our goal is to ensure that when employment decisions are made, they are based on merit.

We recognise that staff should work in an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. We take all reasonable steps to ensure staff and clients are not subjected to unlawful conduct.

investment in Professional development 2014-15

$187,200

2013-14

$79,000

2012-13

$125,000

2011-12

$88,000

2010-11

$42,000

Workplace profiling The Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (the Act) requires non-public sector employers with 100 or more staff to submit a report to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency between 1 April and 31 May each year for the preceding 12 month reporting period. Our 2014–15 report was circulated widely.

$’000

0

50

100

150

200

LABOUR COSTS OUR EMPLOYEES 26

%

MALE

CASUAL

32

2014-15

$8,562,700

2013-14

$7,435,00

2012-13

$6,797,900

2011-12

$6,297,900

2010-11

$5,090,000

%

FULL-TIME

20%

BY GENDER 74%

BY EMPLOYMENT STATUS FEMALE

48%

PART-TIME

$’000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

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OUR VOLUNTEERS The support from our group of dedicated volunteers continues to help achieve our strategic goals and objectives. This year, our focus on our volunteer program has been around maintaining the satisfaction level towards the program and the provision of an enriched volunteering experience to our volunteers.

Each year, we see an overwhelmingly enthusiastic level of support offered from individuals and corporate groups. This has seen our volunteers continue to donate their time generously in areas of residential care, fundraising and events support, community based service delivery, project involvement and general administrative and office support.

Additionally, we have also seen an increased number of recommendations from volunteers on more specialised programs they wish to bring to the volunteer program.

In order to measure our program’s focus, we conducted our third online ‘Volunteer Engagement Survey’ this year to ensure the program continues to offer our volunteers an enjoyable and valuable experience. This year’s survey has seen a slight increase in response rates and the findings this year have reconfirmed that our program continues to offer flexibility, the ability for our volunteers to make a difference and the variety of volunteering opportunities available. More importantly, it continues to demonstrate our volunteers’ passion towards our cause.

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OUR PEOPLE

Providing volunteering opportunities

During the year

With the impending launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland, we have been evaluating how we continue to offer ease of access to our services and support our clients to ensure they get the best out of their lives including the important contribution that volunteers make to these services. In line with this year’s volunteer focus, we have achieved the following:

Our services volunteers collectively performed more than 4,819 hours of volunteering work

aintained partnerships with tertiary education institutions for the intake • m of vocational placements being offered in both clinical and corporate support capacity • i ncreased the hours offered by Exercise Support Volunteers (ESVs) in the community. This continues to be an effective program whereby physiotherapy and occupational health students enjoy valuable experience and has enhanced the client discharging process for our physiotherapy department

Our Board contributed 341 hours to governance and guiding our strategic direction and development Our event volunteers performed 1,158 hours at our MS Brissie to the Bay, MS Moonlight Walk, MS Swimathons and other community events across Queensland Through our volunteers we received $123,024 of in-kind support (as per Volunteering Queensland’s standard of $18.34 per hour) but the true value of this contribution is much greater

• i mproved on our volunteer on-boarding process which resulted in the timely deployment of volunteers, in particular around overseas vocational placement and • i ncreased participation from corporate volunteers who donated hours in events, fundraising, facilities improvement and maintenance

MS Queensland volunteers

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90

we rated as a ‘culture of ambition’ with

%

of staff who completed the staff survey being engaged

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS Our strategy To be the best employer and volunteer placement option in our sector

What’s next?

During the year We developed a customised leadership model and framework and completed a training needs analysis of all leaders, which informed the program design

Continued partnerships with a number of tertiary education institutions has seen the intake of vocational placements in different disciplines maintained

We developed five core leadership capabilities, reviewed the mandatory training needs of all staff and developed a competency matrix. We commenced a review of support worker clinical needs and their induction process

Participation in our 2015 engagement survey was within the top 25% of all organisations

RAVE (Recognising and Valuing Employees) staff benefit providers visited our staff in October 2014 with a focus on learning about RAVE staff benefits We implemented a new HR structure to support the organisational strategy All HR collateral was reviewed, revamped and centralised on our intranet. We also designed a more modern and professional ‘New Starter Guide’ and new HR policies and procedures formats

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High staff survey response rate of 85% was achieved. Our volunteer survey, while a small sample size, has resulted in measurable improvements We rated as a ‘culture of ambition’, with 90% of staff who completed the survey being engaged or what’s called ‘swinging voters’ We rolled out Year One of the MS Queensland Leadership Development Program We started to review our WH&S measurement basis to ensure that safety measures are linked to employee performance measurement

To rollout selected competencies of

the Leadership Development Model to all staff To commence the development

of a workforce plan through the establishment of a multi-disciplinary NDIS working party To undertake a review of the

WH&S system to ensure closer alignment with Australian Quality Standards and to identify areas for improvement To undertake salary benchmarking

for key non-award positions using specialist remuneration consultants

OUR GOVERNANCE

OUR GOVERNANCE 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

John Pesch At the time John was diagnosed 32 years ago, he had a young family, was a career man and a fit, avid cyclist. Today John is a proud Grandfather, Father, Husband, is retired and lives positively with MS. After giving up his love of cycling, due to symptoms and safety reasons, John started swimming and has done so every day for the past 13 years. Recently, cycling on a tricycle has been added to his daily exercise regime.

John’s first MS symptoms presented as pins and needles in his feet which disappeared after eight weeks. Asked to complete a medical questionnaire at work, his honest answers about the pins and needles concerned his employer who suggested he see a Neurologist. In 1983 John was diagnosed with MS and told there was no cure, he’d likely suffer from fatigue and to live life the best he could. Having a wife and young dependent family, John put the diagnosis at the back of his mind and just got on with life.

For the next 10 years, similar symptoms resurfaced about twice a year. John thrived in a high pressure job, loved work and seemed to manage but the sudden passing of his wife saw his symptoms worsen.

Years later, John met Christina and they married. Symptoms continued to progress with numbness moving up his legs and hands when doing lots of hands on activities or if stressed. Problems with balance became more apparent and lots of falls and breaks followed. For a short period of time, John lost all mobility and Christina insisted on some intervention which is the time he met his current Neurologist. The end of each work day left John feeling like he had run a marathon so he retired in 2002. Since then, the progression of MS has continued but slowed.

John joined an MS Queensland PwMS Support Group almost 10 years ago which led to Presidency. He saw people hurting and wanted to help. A Physiotherapist from MS Queensland went to the local PCYC gym to show the support group and Personal Trainers exercises that would be beneficial. That eight week program was a success so the support group decided to continue the program which

74

OUR GOVERNANCE MS has been good for me in a lot of ways.

It has opened up a lot of doors for me that wouldn’t have been opened. I have met a lot of wonderful people.”

still exists today. An MS Queensland Physiotherapist regularly visits the gym to ensure both clients and trainers are doing the exercises correctly.

Grateful to MS Queensland, John said “they’re always willing to assist with anything and send out a representative to discuss services available”. Wanting to give back, John participated in the Brissie to the Bay Cycle Challenge and raised $720. He set a goal of riding eight hours over a 20 day period. John’s stepson also helped by raising $3000 in his workplace when the company decided MS Queensland would be their designated charity of the month.

Managing fatigue is an art form but John has it down pat now. He exercises in the mornings, uses a walker and when there’s a need for a lot of walking, a wheelchair. “My attitude towards life has always been positive. Rather than be bitter and think why did it happen to me, just get on with life. Accept the diagnosis, accept the things you can’t do anymore and look instead at the things you can do.”

Today John leads an active life between family, exercise, being a member of MS Queensland’s Services Management Advisory Committee, the University of the Third Age and a Ukulele group that meets weekly to jam.

“The most important message I want to convey is that physio and exercise is important for anyone living with MS and much more so for anyone who is physically challenged. I’ve seen huge benefits to those people who have greater mobility problems and want to help, inspire and encourage others to get involved with physio and exercise programs.”

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Governance Our governANCE structure Our Board performs a very important governance function, overseeing the organisation’s direction and ensuring the objectives outlined in our Strategic Plan are met. Members of our Board come from a variety of backgrounds, including business, legal, finance and property, each bringing valuable skills and experience to the group. We are proud to have a number of people living with MS sitting on the Board, offering unique insight into the issues faced by the wider MS community.

Board report The information that follows is an extract from the Board report. The Board report, together with the financial statements of the consolidated entity being the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland (‘the Society’) and its controlled entities (‘the Group’) for the year ended 30 June 2015 and the Independent Audit Report are available online at www.msqld.org.au During the year, the principal activities of entities within the Group were to provide direct assistance to people who have been diagnosed with MS including: the provision of services to those people, their families and carers, the removal of barriers preventing their participation in the community and to fund research into a cure for MS. There have been no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the year.

76

Short term objectives • a ccurately understand the met and unmet needs of people living with MS/PND in Queensland • c ontinually increase our financial contribution to research into MS/PND • e ncourage, support and harness grass-roots advocacy • c ontinue to develop specific outreach and facilitation servicing models • build on our brand awareness and • s trengthen our relationships with key Queensland influencers

Long term objectives • p rovide high quality solutions for people living with MS/PND in Queensland • a dvocate societal, policy and sector reform that directly benefits our clients and • m aintain a strong, developing and sustainable organisation The strategy for achieving these short and long term objectives is detailed in our Strategic Plan on page 20 of this report.

FUNDS RAISED THROUGH OUR EVENTS DONORS & LOTTERIES PROGRAMS

Board meetings Andrew Giles, National Policy Officer, MS Australia, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, CoChair, Parliamentary Friends of MS and Natalie Walsh, Advocacy Manager, MS Queensland

The number of Board meetings, including meetings of sub-committees held during the year and the number of meetings attended by each Board member, are detailed on pages 80–81. Our Board members volunteer their time, these positions are in an honorary capacity, except for the role held by our CEO Lincoln Hopper.

During the year three Board members (Chairman Jon Loraine, John Dempsey and Simon McNeilage) chose not to stand for re-election at the AGM. The contributions made by these Board members to MS Queensland and the MS Queensland Board were outstanding and their departure was felt significantly. This led the Board to undertake a detailed review of the composition and skills required by the Board to continue to deliver on our organisational strategy, the development of revised position descriptions for the Chair and Board members, and the establishment of Board Education and Training Calendar to address skills gaps. Recruitment of new Board members to fill the vacancies on the Board will commence in early 2015-16.

Executive remuneration As an organisation we undertake an annual performance review and development process for all employees, with performance assessed against annual key performance indicators (KPIs). The Remuneration and Nominations Committee approves the organisational strategy for wage adjustments across all departments. The Committee also reviews and approves the CEO’s salary recommendations in relation to his Executive Leadership Team and undertakes the performance review of the CEO. The CEO’s annual salary revision is recommended by the Committee and is subject to the approval of the Board.

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OUR GOVERNANCE

8,000,000

$

OUR COMMITTEES

The Board is assisted by six specialist sub-committees. All sub-committees were active throughout the year and the number of meetings held by each sub-committee is detailed on pages 80–81. The titles and purpose of our sub-committees are listed below:

Risk and audit committee

Services committee

• oversees our financial affairs

• m onitors the performance and compliance of our client services

• m anages risk and statutory/regulatory compliance including external audit and annual budget processes • sets internal audit priorities • e nsures the effectiveness of the internal audit function and • w orks with management to identify and mitigate risks across the business

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• p rovides counsel to the Board on services policy development and • g ives guidance on the strategic focus of client services

IT systems implementation committee • e nsures effective project governance and reporting processes are in place and operating • m onitors project progress against agreed tolerances • e nsures that appropriate delegations are applied and • u ndertakes a broad risk management role and acts in an advisory capacity to management

OUR GOVERNANCE Remuneration and nominations committee

Building and property assets committee

Philanthropic relations committee

• m akes recommendations to the Board on matters relating to remuneration of the CEO and our staff

• a ssists the Board in relation to the best use of existing and future building and property assets

• helps raise funds for specific projects

• m anages senior executive selection and performance and

• a ssists in acquiring and disposing of owned property

• a dvises on the composition, structure and operation of the Board

• a ssists with future building and property developments

• i dentifies and involves potential financial supporters and • r ecommends actions to the Board to facilitate increased fundraising revenue for the organisation

• assists in leasing property and • e nsures compliance with relevant statutory requirements pertaining to the planning and implementation of any property matter

79

OUR BOARD Roger Burrell

John Dempsey

Chairman from September 2015

Member

Acting Chairman (effective 29 November 2014) Board Member since 1996

Board Member 2011-2014

Director of MS Australia, Solicitor, Director of Burrell Stockbroking Pty Ltd and related entities, Director of Access Funds Management Limited, consultant to QM Properties and Property Solutions, former partner of Clayton Utz (1987–00) and Phillips Fox (2000–06) and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Jonathan Loraine

Secretary

80

Board Remuneration & Nominations Building & Property Assets Services Philanthropic Relations Risk & Audit

Board Risk & Audit

Johanna Roche Treasurer

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer MS Queensland

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Previous Chairman of Energex Limited (2006–12), Non-Executive Director of Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited. Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Ambassador Qld Museum.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Lincoln Hopper

He has worked in the health and community services sector for 25 years and holds post graduate qualifications in Commerce and is a non-graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Board Remuneration & Nominations Building & Property Assets

Board Member since 2010

Board Member 2002-2014

Partner in corporate advisory firm Neuchatel Partners, Chairman and founder of Core Resources Pty Ltd and Chairman of The Cooperative Research Centre for Optimising Resource Extraction based at the University of Queensland. Director of MS Australia. Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Board Risk & Audit Building & Property Assets

Extensive experience in domestic and international tax issues. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, Member of the Tax Institute of Australia and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Former partner of PwC Australia.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Board Risk & Audit

OUR GOVERNANCE

Wendy Lovelace

Simon McNeilage

John O’Dempsey

Member

Member

Member

Board Member since 2008

Board Member 2011-2014

Board Member since 2009

MS Ambassador and advocate. Architect and universal access consultant. Convenor of Queensland Action for Universal Housing Design.

Person with MS.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Board Services

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Board Services

Carmel Macmillan

Rachel Matthews

Member

Member

Board Member since 2013

Board Member since 2007

Principal and Managerial Executive of CM Strategy Consulting. Graduate member of Australian Institute of Company Directors, Director of Piovesan Nominees Pty Ltd, Member of Mater Little Miracles and Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Director of project management, facilitation and environmental firm McNeilage and Associates.

Experience in corporate management, industry associations and university advisory committees.

Board Services Philanthropic Relations

Vice Chair of Qld Disability Network. Former medical secretary, journalist and instrumental music teacher. Long-time community, arts and disability activist in Mt Isa, Townsville, Roma and Brisbane. Person with MS.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Board Services

MS Ambassador and convenor of the Gold Coast PwMSQ Support Group. Retired Business Development Manager in the automotive and industrial industries. Person with MS.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Board Services

Tracey Parker Member Board Member since 2011

Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of the Pradella Group, a large private builder and developer of residential, commercial and industrial properties in South East Queensland. Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.

MEETING ATTENDANCE

Board Risk & Audit Building & Property Assets

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Safety in the workplace We have a strong safety culture based on a risk management approach and an active Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) Committee that meets monthly.

The safety of our staff and clients is paramount and, using a collaborative approach, a safe work environment is everyone’s responsibility.

2014-15 saw a strategic improvement focus to build a Safety Management System for the future. In addition we had a significant reduction in Lost Time Injuries (LTI’s) from 10 in 2012-13, to eight in 2013-14, to three in 2014-15.

our premiUM VS INDUSTRY PREMIUM RATE

WorkCover performance The table shows how our WorkCover performance remains better than the industry average. We are continually working to improve our safety performance under the oversight of the Risk and Audit Committee. The rates reflect our commitment to training, safe systems of work and a robust rehabilitation framework focusing on early return to work.

MS Queensland accommodation staff

MS Queensland

2.28

INDUSTRY

2.947 0

All other MS Queensland staff

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

MS Queensland

2.5

3.0

.341

INDUSTRY

.45 0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

LTI FREQUENCY RATE

Lost Time Injury frequency rate (LTIFR) The LTIFR in 2014-15 is 13.8 vs 34.6 Industry Rate (Source: Safe Work Australia; Residential Care Services 2012-13). We manage staff and LTIs to ensure an early and responsible return to work and a Suitable Duties Plan is developed to address the staff member’s capacity and their return to work requirements.

report only

first aid

39.88% of industry rate

medical LTI

82

This pie chart shows the frequency rate of the various categories of Incidents reported in 2014-15.

REDUCTION IN LTI’s

RISK MANAGEMENT

Our WH&S performance Our 2015 audit focussed on hazards and all identified improvements were addressed within four months. The development and implementation of a new Safety Management System aligned with the Australian Standards, complete with a dedicated manual, supporting tools and documents is well underway. These system improvements have been led by an industry expert with the support of the WHS Committee and in particular, our Health & Safety representatives.

Hazards & WH&S incident trends All WH&S incidents and hazards are reviewed by the WHS Committee at the monthly meetings to identify trends and implement appropriate solutions. Direct Care facilities, as expected, comprise more than 50% of all incidents reported and as a result, the majority of our dedicated safety resources are focused on improving Granston Lodge & Annerley Apartments safety outcomes.

Our workplaceincidents by mechanism PEOPLE HANDLING

CONTACT WITH HEAT, WATER

2013-14 2014-15

2013-14 2014-15

11 16

MANUAL TASK 2013-14 2014-15

6 6

HIT BY MOVING OBJECT 2013-14 2014-15

9 4

HIT OBJECT WITH PART OF THE BODY 2013-14 2014-15

9 7

5

client and clinical care staff and volunteers

2013-14 2014-15

external relations

0 4

MEDICATIONS 2013-14 2014-15

OTHER

2013-14 2014-15

2013-14 2014-15

7

0

Risks are considered within the context of eight overarching themes deliberately aligned to our strategic goals:

NEEDLESTICK/ CONTACT WITH HAZ SUB

Slip/trip/fall 7

For each risk identified, there is an associated mitigation strategy and then an assessment of the effectiveness of the mitigation strategy in managing the risk.

3 4

EQUIPMENT FAILURE 2013-14 2014-15

We continue to utilise a risk management philosophy that focuses on those risks that would prevent us from achieving our strategic priorities.

This ensures that the risk management framework is strategic in nature and is prioritised towards those risks which would have the most significant impact on achieving our vision, mission and purpose.

0 3

0

funding

advocacy governance/compliance commercial approach and assets

4

ENVIRONMENT 2013-14 2014-15

3 2

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OUR GOVERNANCE

63

%

WE HAD A

352,171

$

contributed to ms research

Compliance We operate at a high level of efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability and hold our legal, financial requirements, ethical and other standards relevant to our organisation in strong regard.

In the sectors in which we operate, there are a diverse range of professional and compliance requirements.

These include Quality (Human Services Quality Framework), Workplace Health and Safety, Industrial Relations and Human Resources regulations, fundraising and tax legislation requirements.

Quality and continuous improvement

Fundraising principles and standards

We continually strive to be first choice for MS information, education, treatment, care and support across Queensland and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Ongoing consultation with our clients, staff and volunteers ensures that we identify and manage their expectations and achieve best practice where possible.

Our fundraising management staff are all members of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) and we are committed to maintaining the Institute’s ‘Principles and Standards of Fundraising Practice’. Further details can be found on their website www.fia.org.au

Under the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF) we participated in a maintenance assessment in relation to Standards 1, 3, 4 and 6 in November 2014.

This audit was very successful with no non-conformities identified and only four observations made across two Standards. These observations were immediately considered by the Quality Standards Committee and acted upon appropriately.

Our responsibility and activity

We proudly use the HDAA Mark – which offers assurance to our clients, staff, stakeholders, regulators, the general public and the business community of our commitment to maintaining an effective quality management system and level of care and service.

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Our Risk and Audit Committee (RAC) is responsible for ensuring compliance risks are appropriately managed as part of our overall risk management framework.

Our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) also liaises with industry bodies on a regular basis to stay abreast of changes in legislative requirements.

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT

Carmel Cock Carmel and Byron Cock have been married for 39 years. Theirs is a touching love story and although they likely wouldn’t describe it that way, it’s clearly evident being in their presence. As Carmel sips her latte from a special cup with a straw that sits on the timber trolley custom made by Byron, the Cocks’ share their story.

In 1998, life changed for the Cocks’. Carmel had been experiencing weakness in her left hand and started tripping during her daily walks. Carmel remembers a day when she realised something wasn’t quite right. She stopped at a café for a coffee and watched it drop from her left hand as she lost all strength in it. She wondered what caused it but didn’t give it much more thought.

Carmel’s symptoms increased and eventually an MRI was recommended. Byron and Carmel vividly recall hearing the words “you have Multiple Sclerosis”. They had no understanding of the meaning, nor was MS explained. They went searching for alternative help and found a Neurologist who referred them to MS Queensland. Carmel spoke with Bernie at the MS clinic and left feeling well informed about MS and her future. “I knew what was going to happen, but I thought that was in the future. Live now for what you’ve got and don’t worry about it,” said Carmel . “A new beginning for the rest of our lives” is the song that the Cock family have lived by ever since Carmel’s MS diagnosis.

In 2004, Carmel used her first wheelchair. MS Queensland Physiotherapy prescribed home exercises and Byron helped with those every day for five years. Determined Carmel swam 40 laps using one arm and one leg in their home pool every day.

The physical toll on Byron was becoming visibly evident to Carmel but he was determined to care for the wife he loved so much. One day in 2009, Carmel told Byron the time had come for her to go into permanent care and the move to Granston Lodge happened quickly. Moving away from her husband was a heartbreaking and difficult decision and while Carmel felt very welcome at Granston Lodge, she did experience some depression. With the assistance of medication and help and support from MS

86

Queensland staff, Carmel became reconnected with her strength and told herself “come on, get out of it, you’re the only person that’s going to do this. Are you going to sit here and mope, or are you going to achieve something with MS.” Carmel’s MS advocacy started to shine whilst living at Granston Lodge and Annerley Apartments where she instigated changes that increased comfort and freedom for residents. She informed the local councillor of mobility issues within the area such as unsuitable footpaths, traffic lights not providing enough time to cross the road in a wheelchair and the lack of a pedestrian crossing which prevented residents accessing the local coffee shop. Earlier this year Carmel attended the official opening of a new pedestrian regress, created due to her advocacy work.

In the meantime, Byron had been working tirelessly to build his strength so that he could move Carmel home and be her primary carer when Carmel announced she wanted to move home before Christmas, which she did.

The family home was set up for Carmel’s return with an appropriate bed, hoist and vehicle that MS Queensland helped organise. Near home, Carmel saw the mountain that she so fondly remembered but hadn’t seen since she left home seven years prior and thought “I’m home”. Reminiscing about the first time they were re-united as a family at home, Carmel explains the sense of love, relief and happiness.

Today Carmel actively participates and fundraises in events such as the Moonlight Walk and is part of the cheer club for Brissie to the Bay. Part of the PwMS Support Group on the Sunshine Coast and ongoing advocacy for improved conditions for people living with MS, Carmel is a woman determined to make a difference.

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OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Live positively, there’s a whole world out there so do something about it. Don’t regret and self-pity. Just be positive and get out there.”

Our five year performance Our financial performance over the past year has continued the excellent trend of increasing income and expenditure, attributed to the support of the Queensland community and the hard work of everyone involved with MS Queensland and its services and activities. To ensure this result, our overall performance is reviewed monthly by the Executive Leadership Team and Treasurer and at every meeting of the Risk and Audit Committee and Board.

Income analysis: Last five years

Expenditure analysis: Last five years $’000

2014-15

2014-15

2013-14

2013-14

2012-13

2012-13

2011-12

2011-12

2010-11

2010-11

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

Government Fundraising Lotteries Other Net Gain: Land Sale

88

$’000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

Client Services Fundraising Lotteries Contribution to MS Research Contribution to MSA Other

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

I commend MS Queensland’s Executive Leadership Team on the solid financial result achieved in 2014-15 in the face of considerable economic hurdles in the wider community. We are well positioned to continue to deliver great outcomes for clients through our diverse activities, and our significant ongoing investment in readying the organisation for the NDIS.” Johanna Roche, Treasurer, MS Queensland

Increasing gap between government disability funding and client services expenses

Research expenditure

$’000

$’000 800

2014-15 700 2013-14 600 2012-13

500

2011-12

400 300

2010-11

200 0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000 100

Government Funding Client Services Expenditure Disability Services Qld Award Wage Supplementation

Gap covered by fundraising 0 2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

PROJECTED 2015-16

89

Five years at a glance - consolidated entity

2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000)

Income Government funding (incl Other Grant Funding from FY2011-12) Fundraising (incl. Lotteries) Services Donations and bequests 1

Net gain on sale of land Interest and dividends Other Total Income

6,117

5,380

5,119

5,097

4,973

7,667

8,080

7,245

6,490

5,542

681 720 734 687

641

352 530 1,020 849

740

-

3,962

-

-

-

328

187

159

134

118

239 140 115 128 15,384

18,999

14,392

13,385

120 12,134

Expenditure Client Services2 Fundraising (incl. Lotteries)

6,133

5,821

5,510

5,376

Contributions to MS Research2

352 339 258 259

Contribution MSA

146

Other Total Expenditure Surplus/(deficit) 1 2

90

8,804 7,980 7,361 6,961 6,600

141

139

70

4,342 314 113

76 86 128 88 165 15,511

14,367

13,396

(127) 4,632

Donations and bequests comprise non-campaign specific Fundraising income.

Research component of MS Clinic now classified as MS Research instead of Client Services for 2011-12 and prior.

12,754

996 631

11,534 600

8M

$

total

income 2014–15

$

10

.6M 4

funds raised through our events, donors & lotteries programs

We continue to be reliant on State Government funding to provide residential care & other client services to people living with MS & their families & carers.

Government subsidies provide of our funding for client services (2013-14: 65%)

66

up

%

in the planning stages

We secured pledges of

682,785

$

3/4 of all people with MS are women

% total investment in our

15,511k

$

total

expenditure

5 2014–15

8

for

%

Total expenditure

.5 10 %

in 2014-15 increased by 8% with an increase of

increase on budgeted government & other grant funding

($824,000) on client

% services

spending

MS research

Adoptive Immunotherapy for Progressive MS Phase 1 Clinical Trial

13.2M innet

$

assets

at 30 June 2015

capacity to deliver services to clients

has continued to increase in 2014-15 with

expenditure

6

was

%

better than budget

and

125%

increase forecasted for 2015-16, inclusive of support for AN MS Clinical Trial.

on diture expen

new equipment ms is the most common disease of the central nervous system in young adults

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

15,384k

MS Queensland’s Housing Strategy for people with MS, with projects totalling

OUR FINANCIAL SUMMARY The consolidated annual financial statements of the Group for the financial year ended 30 June 2015 comprise the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Queensland ABN: 56 731 473 412 (“the Society”) and its controlled entity, the Multiple Sclerosis Development and Research Foundation of Queensland Inc. ABN: 64 468 950 298 (“the Foundation”), referred to collectively as (“the Group”).

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL 2014-15 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000)

INCOME Government funding (incl Other Grant Funding from FY2011-12)

5,796

Fundraising

4,996 3,980 4,033 4,076 3,414

Lotteries Net gain on sale of land Other Total Income

6,117

5,380

5,119

5,097

4,168 4,039 4,577 4,189 3,925 -

-

3,962

-

-

1,023 1,248 1,047 1,008 949 15,983

15,384

18,999

14,392

13,385

Client Services

9,034

8,804

7,980

7,361

6,961

Fundraising

2,898

2,916

2,205

2,350

2,154

Lotteries

3,261

3,217

3,616

3,160

3,222

Research

979

352

339

258

259

EXPENDITURE

Other Total Expenditure SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)

92

302

222

227

267

158

16,474

15,511

14,367

13,396

12,754

(491)

(127)

4,632

996

631

The Society is an incorporated entity under the Religious, Educational and Charitable Institutions Acts 1861–1967. The Foundation is an incorporated association under the Queensland Associations Incorporation Act 1981. A summary of the Group’s annual financial statements is presented in the following pages. The summary financial report included in this Annual Report is an extract from the audited annual financial report. Our auditors are Grant Thornton Audit Pty. Ltd. Our Special Purpose Financial Report for the 2014–15 financial year is available in full from our website www.msqld.org.au Our total income was 3.7% less than budget, largely due to a challenging environment across event fundraising programs. Government and other grant funding were better than budget by 5.5% due primarily to award wage supplementation funding from Disability Services Queensland.

Our total expenditure was 6% better than budget for the year. Expenditure overall increased by 8% on 2013-14, primarily due to planned increases in expenditure for regionally focussed client service activity.

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

$5.2M projected to progress housing strategy in 2015-16

Total investment in our capacity to deliver services to clients has continued to increase in 2014-15 with expenditure on new equipment. Capital expenditure in additional accommodation units was delayed in 2014-15, though planning for new housing developments continues to advance. The Queensland Government’s Land for Accommodation and Support Services (GLASS) program in relation to a proposal for a housing development in Wynnum was deferred.

OUR CAPITAL INVESTMENT SUMMARY

2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12

PROJECTED ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL

($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) ($’000) Capital Investment Funding Grant Funding* 1,000 48 298 235 89 MS Queensland Cash Reserve** 4,999 701 531 424 135 5,999 749 829 659 224 * Grant funding for 2015–16 comprises Capital Fundraising to be utilised for funding Client Services Building projects ** Proceeds from prior year property sales to help fund expansion in Client Services Capacity in 2014-15 and 2015-16

Capital Investment Client Services Capacity IT Project 100 11 190 250 Equipment 219 359 96 215 128 Building (Springfield – 18 units, Lutwyche – 4 units, Albany Creek – 11 units) 5,199 64 - 30 5,518 434 286 495 128 Organisation Capacity IT Project - 141 486 82 NDIS Readiness 240 - - - Equipment 220 145 33 33 79 Building - 8 - 28 460 294 519 143 79 Client Support 21 21 24 21 17 5,999 749 829 659 224 Artists impression of future long term housing solutions that will be offered by MS Queensland

93

15,384

$

TOTAL INCOME 2014-15

INTEREST & DIVIDENDS $328K

15,511

K $

K

TOTAL expenditure 2014-15

OTHER $239K government funding $6,117K

SERVICES $681K

Client services expenditure

LOTTERIES $4,039K

The graph below shows the breakdown of our client services expenditure for the last three financial years and projections for the 2015–16 financial year, where we are targeting a further expansion of services into regional Queensland.

TOTAL INCOME

$’000 fundraising $3,980K

RESEARCH $352K

PROJECTED 2015-16

ACTUAL 2014-15

OTHER $76K

CONTRIBUTION TO MSA $146K

CLIENT SERVICES $8,804K

LOTTERIES $3,217K

ACTUAL 2012-13

TOTAL expenDITURE fundraising $2,916K

94

ACTUAL 2013-14

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

MS Clinic In Home Care Community Education Awareness & Advocacy Therapy Regional Services Accommodation

OUR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

We are well positioned to deliver MS Queensland’s Housing Strategy for people with MS, with projects totalling $10.6M in the planning stages.” Johanna Roche, Treasurer, MS Queensland.

OUR FINANCIAL POSITION The Group’s financial position continues to be strong, with net assets as at 30 June 2015 of $13.2M (2014: $13.3M) and a current ratio (a key indicator of liquidity) of 2.7 (2014: 2.7). Our strong net assets position will assist MS Queensland to continue to deliver MS Queensland’s Housing Strategy for people with MS. Our policy on cash reserves is to maintain adequate reserves to fund at least three months’ operating expenditure. The Group’s assets are recorded at historic cost and there are no liens over the assets.

$’000 actual 2014-15

ACTUAL 2013-14

ACTUAL 2012-13

ACTUAL 2011-12

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

95



 

Our investment policy Our investment policy is set by the Board and is implemented by the Executive Leadership Team. We invest our cash reserves in short-to-medium term interest-bearing deposits with Australia’s leading banks. We actively manage our cash reserves through a robust cash flow forecasting and reporting process.

Our primary bankers are the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited.

During the year interest revenue for the Group increased by 75%.

Our Board is committed to maintaining cash reserves at a level at least equivalent to three month’s unfunded operating expenses. The Board, as part of the approval of the annual plan of activities and budget, approves an annual capital expenditure program. A summary of capital investments for 2014–15 is provided on page 93 of this report. Investment in capital projects is funded through a combination of grant funding and our reserves.

This investment strategy supports the Board’s strategic goal to develop a strong, developing and sustainable organisation.





  



            

  

           

   

       

       

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HELPING THE MS CAUSE There are many ways YOU can help Queenslanders living with MS. DONATE

MAKE A BEQUEST

Help us continue to deliver our vital services with a donation, no matter how large or small, or by becoming a regular giver.

A bequest is one of the most valued and special gifts a donor can make, which is why many donors choose to make a lasting legacy by leaving a donation to MS Queensland in their will.

p: 07 3840 0888 w: msqld.org.au/donate

p: 07 3840 0864 e: bequest@msqld.org.au

PURCHASE A LOTTERY TICKET Support us and win amazing prizes by buying a ticket in our latest MS Limited Edition car draw. p: 1800 060 210 w: mslimitededition.com.au

FUNDRAISE

VOLUNTEER

Organise and hold your own fundraising activity for the MS cause in your local community.

We could not do what we do without the amazing support of our volunteer community.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to find out how you can make a difference.

p: 07 3840 0887 e: events@msqld.org.au

p: 07 3840 0870 e: volunteer@msqld.org.au

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS Help us find a cure for the most common neurological condition in young Australian adults. As a corporate partner you can provide MS Queensland with in-kind contributions or pro bono work. p: 07 3840 0863 e: partner@msqld.org.au

Phone

07 3840 0888

InfoLine 1800 177 591 Fax

07 3840 0813

MS Queensland Locked Bag 370 Coorparoo DC QLD 4151 WEB msqld.org.au FACEBOOK facebook.com/msqld TWITTER twitter.com/msqld YOU TUBE youtube.com/user/MSAustraliaQ instagram @msqld