Annual Report 2007 – 2008
Vision for a brighter future
State Council of South Australia
The members of the Council of the Society in office at the date of this report are:
State President John D’Souza Vice President Barry Burvill Treasurer Des Hancock Executive Member Keith Colyer Council Members Frances Camilleri Doreen Heslop Brian Spencer Dominic Lagana Babs Snook Greg Ward Minutes Secretary Helen Neall Ex Officio John Haren
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Contents
Letter from the Archbishop
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State President’s Report
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CEO Report
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Conferences
10
Frederic Ozanam Housing Association
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Homeless Persons Accommodation Service
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Migrants and Refugees
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Volunteer Development
16
Fred’s Van
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Compeer
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School Resources
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Social Justice Committee
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Overseas Partnership and Development Committee
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PR, Fundraising and Business Development
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Vinnies Centres
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Independent Audit Report
31
Financial Statements
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St Vincent de Paul Locations
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... friendship and connections...
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State President’s Report
We live in times of uncertainty at every level in our world. However, one of the certainties that we have is that an organization like St Vincent de Paul Society is required to play an ongoing and pivotal role. Social needs continue to grow even in affluent societies like Australia. St Vincent de Paul Society continues to respond in a variety of ways to the social, material and spiritual needs of so many in our community. In making a difference in South Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society responds in new ways. I am delighted that the Compeer programme was launched this year and that it is already establishing itself as a critical work of the Society. This programme has international recognition and I am proud that in South Australia we have created the opportunity for many, who are socially isolated through mental illness, to experience new friendships. 6
It is exciting that the Frederic Ozanam Housing Association (FOHA) is investigating opportunities to house people. The signing of an agreement between the Archdiocese of Adelaide and the Association for FOHA to be the preferred housing provider for the Archdiocese is a very important development. At the national level the Society continues to be a significant voice for the voiceless. Having input to issues such as housing, taxation review, income support, refugees, unemployment and mental health is a reflection of the stories of the lives of the people that our volunteers encounter each day. If we are truly to make a difference then it is important that the plight of those we encounter is translated into action that brings about change in our world.
Society. When there are so many needs to be addressed it is important to know that the members of State Council are adept at discerning the best allocation of our resources with the spirit of justice and compassion. To all our volunteers – whether you are in a Conference, Family Centre, Fred’s Van, Advisory committee, Special Work or Youth programme – your endeavours do result in a better life for the people you assist and a better world for all of us. Keep the spirit of the Society alive by your enthusiasm and compassion. The staff, under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer, John Haren, show a dedication to the ideals of the Society that enables the Society to live out its vision in practical ways.
At the international level, the nomination of the Society to be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize was a wonderful acknowledgement of the Society’s activities across 145 countries.
All people who contribute to the work of St Vincent de Paul Society through gifts and donations are to be congratulated for their commitment to improving the lives of the people that we serve.
As I begin the last months of my presidency I am particularly grateful to the State Council for the role that they play in developing directions for the
Thank you one and all!
John D’Souza State President
...we have created the opportunity for many... 7
Report from the Chief Executive Officer
Our community is challenged more than ever to find ways of including those on the fringe. The stories of people’s lives are always fascinating. However, if the experience of people’s lives doesn’t bring them into connection with others in life giving ways, then their stories can become stories of despair. It might be a refugee fleeing a war-torn country, someone suffering mental illness, a homeless person, a jobless family struggling to make ends meet, a young person who is unemployed - all have their story to tell. And yet if our way of dealing with them is to detain the refugee, shun the person with mental illness, provide a park bench for the homeless or blame the unemployed for their plight, then we are failing as a community.
St Vincent de Paul Society’s core principles are justice, compassion, simplicity and solidarity with the poor. These principles inform every aspect of our activities, whether we are visiting a person in their home, or in hospital, or in prison; talking with a group of students; hearing the story of a family who have left their homeland; or seeking accommodation for someone. In this last year we have heard thousands of stories. Our initial challenge is to listen as we strive to understand the meaning of these stories for the people that are telling them. This is ultimately a call to solidarity with that person.
Being in solidarity with people who are struggling is at the heart of the Vincentian response. Fred’s Vans, the conference home visitation programme, the youth camps, the Vincentian Centre, the Frederic Ozanam Housing programme, the family centres, the Compeer programme, the migrant and refugee service, the activities in schools across the state – these are all examples of where the Society is in solidarity with thousands of people, and where we make a difference. We celebrate the fact that each of these works of the Society is engaged with some of the most challenging stories that can be told in our community. Next year we celebrate 125 years of the St Vincent de Paul Society in South Australia. It will be a celebration of those core principles that the Society seeks to make central to our community’s way of being. And it will be another opportunity to hear the stories that challenge us to create a better world.
John Haren Chief Executive Officer
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...hear the stories that challenge us to create a better world. 9
Conferences From Around the Regions
The St Vincent de Paul Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 64 Conferences continue their excellent, dedicated service to the many South Australians affected by poverty. It is these 2500 members and volunteers who make a difference by living the ethos of the Society. Northern Region held five Regional and four Cluster meetings during the year. The Cluster meetings involved 3-4 adjacent Conferences and the local Vinnies Centre. Its aim was to: â&#x20AC;˘ Give opportunity for a more direct involvement of Conference members in regional matters â&#x20AC;˘ Deliver a reduced meetings workload for Conference presidents.
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One Conference activity provided food for a local primary school, enabling teachers to feed needy children who arrive at school without breakfast. In 2007/08 Fleurieu Region saw the election of a new Regional President, along with 4 new Conference Presidents. The drive for recruitment of new volunteers continues with mixed success. Over the year, regional meetings have been hosted by a number of Conferences, allowing Conference members to gain an understanding of Regional matters. Vinnies Centre managers have been invited to Regional meetings to promote a greater understanding and communication between Centres and Conferences. The improvements made to two Vinnies Centres were greatly appreciated by all.
Over the year Fleurieu Region noticed a decrease in the number of calls for poverty assistance. The Port Pirie Diocese had a very significant involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society Novena Pilgrimage that began from Port Lincoln in August and was enthusiastically supported by people from across South Australia. A new Vinnies Centre in Port Lincoln and a Vinnies Centre and Conference facility in Pt Pirie were opened. This region has seen a steady increase in calls for assistance, particularly from people arriving from the city or interstate. Eastern Region has begun collecting personal hygiene packs for people coming from the remote country and Northern Territory to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment. Its Conferences are generally in a position to provide material and other assistance to more stressed St Vincent de Paul Society regions.
Central region has been grateful for the valuable assistance from other regions during 2007/08. An example was student grants for a woman from the Central Region provided by the Ozanam Foundation; her two children were included in the youth OZO Camp. There has been a very noticeable change in this woman’s attitude, enabling her to better cope with life’s issues. Reformed in November 2006, the Hills Murray Region took several months to get its members and volunteers in place. Christmas 2007 looked pretty grim until a gift of $700 for food vouchers abled the purchase of enough goods to make up the necessary Christmas hampers.
Tailem Bend, one of the more distant Conferences, established a Vinnies Centre that provides a few extra services. For example, clients row have access to a washing machine because there is no launderette in the town. Mount Barker Conference is the largest in this region and is very busy with calls to many family homes included in their weekly activities. A Community Benefits Grant has been provided to establish a larger shed for furniture and to store and pack food parcels. The Western Region Conferences have focused on sharing the workload:
• Elizabeth Baines is successfully moulding the new Conference and is well supported by the experienced and energetic members The region will be working to develop closer ties with other special works such as Fred’s Van, Migrant & Refugee committee, Vinnies Centres and the sewing ladies team. In summary, Conference Members, with the support of their Conference and Regional leadership, continue to deliver their assistance and support in the image of Frederic Ozanam to the wider South Australian community.
• Henley Beach and Lockleys were successful in finding new Presidents • Taperoo and Semaphore Conference amalgamation is progressing with benefits realized from sharing of resources and leadership roles
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Frederic Ozanam Housing Association Inc.
As I write this report it is timely and prudent to remind ourselves of the purpose and mission of the Frederic Ozanam Housing Association. The Association was established to provide affordable housing for people in need those without the means to purchase their own home or participate in the private rental market, to live with dignity in secure, affordable and properly maintained housing. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate this need continues to grow for many people as the affordability of housing and rental properties continue to be excessively expensive and basically out of reach.
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During the past two years the community housing sector has gone through a number of significant changes and it is expected that this will continue over the next few years. One of those changes includes the reduction of public housing by 8,000 dwellings by 2013. To offset these reductions the Government has created the SA Affordable Housing Trust whose purpose is to facilitate partnerships between the private, non government and State and Federal Governments in the provision of affordable housing for low to moderate
income earners and high needs people. As a result of these changes it is the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future goal to develop a number of partnerships with property developers, the Adelaide Archdiocese, Port Pirie Diocese and the State Government to provide long term accommodation for people in need. It is our plan to grow to 500 properties over the next 5 years; we currently hold 95 properties. In order to assist the Association embrace these changes a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Adelaide Archdiocese for the Association to be their preferred community housing provider. This very exciting development was a highlight for the past year and will hopefully present the Association and the Archdiocese with many opportunities to develop and grow our mission. Another highlight during the year was the achievement of Certificate Level for the internationally accredited Service Excellence Program. I offer my sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the Association over the past 12
months. I would particularly like to thank my fellow Board members, Michael Bendyk, Paul Kelly, Sr Christine Schwerdt, Kara Piltz, John Girardi and John Haren for their ongoing commitment and support. Thanks also to Kath Milne, who sadly had to resign her position on the Board and are grateful for her input and contributions. Appreciation also goes to staff members Mary Edwards and Mario Alcantara along with volunteers Judy Gay and Bob Byrne for their untiring efforts. Finally I would like to acknowledge Tony Roach who continues to make the Association a robust and successful community housing provider. I have great confidence that the Association continues to be well managed and in good hands and look forward to a very exciting future.
John Lemm Chairperson
Frederic Ozanam Housing Association
Homeless Persons Accommodation Services
The Vincentian Centre continued to provide an excellent standard of emergency accommodation for homeless men during the past year. During the financial year ended 30 June 2008, the Vincentian Centre welcomed 949 individual men who came to our doors for accommodation and other assistance. During the past year, the Vincentian Centre participated in two exciting initiatives that will lead to better outcomes for the men. Firstly, a trial project with the Royal Adelaide Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Liaison Officers meant that eligible patients from the Royal Adelaide Hospital would have guaranteed access to a dedicated room provided by the Vincentian Centre to meet their immediate accommodation needs. In addition to the immediate provision of safe accommodation, the client would be referred to the Street to Home service to benefit from a comprehensive assessment and support service. Discussions with the Commissioner for Social Inclusion, Monsignor David Cappo AO and staff from the Social Inclusion Unit, Department of Premier and Cabinet, led to a joint initiative between the Street to Home
Service and the Vincentian Centre establishing a â&#x20AC;&#x153;housing firstâ&#x20AC;? approach to collaborative client case management. With emergency accommodation provided by the Vincentian Centre and case management provided by Street to Home, clients are assured that both agencies are working for them in an integrated manner to provide managed transitional accommodation and case management support during and beyond the accommodation period at the Vincentian Centre. The Vincentian Centre provided accommodation and support services for 949 individual men, some returning to the Centre for additional support periods during the year. Two-thirds of the men who experienced homelessness required only one support period in their time of need and have not returned to the Vincentian Centre.
achievement. The Vincentian Centre provided 10,330 bed spaces for the financial year. The Vincentian Centre is ready and willing to participate in any initiative that reduces homelessness in South Australia and continues to work with the relevant agencies, be they church or government based. I thank members of the Homeless Persons Accommodation Services Committee for their guidance and support throughout the year, but I particular thank my co-workers at the Vincentian Centre and Dining Room for their outstanding commitment and effort in maintaining a safe workplace that deals with our guests in a courteous manner which affords them privacy, dignity and respect.
Mike Wockel Director
During the reporting period, the Vincentian centre provided 7,308 evening meals and 3,827 breakfasts. Our volunteers contributed 565 hours to prepare meals, meet and greet the men and provided valuable social interaction. I thank our volunteers for a magnificent
Homeless Persons Accommodation Services
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Refugee Asylum Seekers and Migrant (RASAM) Committee The past year has been a busy one for the committee serving one of the poorest groups of people living in Australian Society today - Refugees and Migrants. We thank our benefactors and donors for resources provided to enable the work to be done. Although our members are “older” Vincentians, we accept the challenge issued by our Founder, Frederick Ozanam, to talk less and do something; “Action” is at the forefront of our minds when confronted by the myriad of problems facing newcomers to our country. Last year approximately 1100 refugees arrived in South Australia to begin a new life after spending many years waiting in refugee camps. This year has seen the largest number of migrants coming to St Vincent de Paul for help with 264 being given emergency assistance.
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St Vincent’s Refugee Centre at Hindmarsh. 3428 men, women and children received emergency food aid, clothing, blankets, cooking pots (very important for African refugees) and assistance or advice. We make time to sit and listen to them. Usually we can assist them by being an advocate, explaining letters or completing forms. Many people come to the centre sad, despondent or fearful and leave far happier.
The Houses. Our four houses provide accommodation to newly arrived refugees from Burundi, Ethiopia and Bangladesh. One is vacant while undergoing major work. Members interact with tenants and give support and advice when needed. One Burundian family whose children were educated at a Jesuit school in Tanzania talked to the Parish Refugee group at the Norwood Jesuit Parish about their experiences in Africa and in settling in to life in Australia. One difficulty has been to find housing for tenants to move to, as our houses are only for short term stays, but have developed into medium term accommodation due to the housing crisis.
(RASAM) Committee
Education Fund. The committee set up a fund to assist families with education expenses and have given small grants totalling $1500. Unfortunately demand exceeds available funds. The St. Ignatius Refugee group have provided valuable educational assistance to families referred to them. Scholarships. Our Social Justice Committee provided grants for four scholarships awarded to individuals, enabling them to further their education at University or TAFE Colleges. Loan Scheme. The Loan Scheme is available to low income earners who do not meet the criteria of other lending organisations. We lend money to one of the poorest groups and trust they will repay the loan; in most cases they do.
Committee Membership. The Committee of ten members has representation from Western, Southern and Northern Regions. Francoise Creevey resigned after almost six years of dedicated service as President. Her compassionate manner will be missed. Thanks to â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
Conclusion: We have fulfilled our Vincentian commitment in a loving and humane manner to the new settlers who come here. All who work at the Centre are dedicated to the well being of those who seek our assistance. The spirit of Frederic Ozanam is alive and well in the members of this small committee.
The Ladies (and men) at Hindmarsh Vinnies Centre Brighton and Seacombe Gardens Conferences Henley Beach Conference for hampers and toys at Christmas and blankets during winter
Pat Green President
(RASAM) Committee
Adelaide Ladies Sewing Conference for layettes, beanies, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jumpers etc., Kevin Kennedy for logistical support Telstra for the many telephone vouchers St. Ignatius Refugee Group for support with food parcels, education grants etc., Rudi Hermsen for blankets and donations.
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Volunteer Development
St Vincent de Paul Society continues to engage a diverse range of people to provide its services to the community. The Society is committed to the ongoing development of its volunteers through networking, flexible training arrangements and exposure to new opportunities. Since accepting the role of Volunteer Coordinator, I have been active in working with Regional Presidents and innovative communities like the Nazareth and Galilee Catholic Communities. In communities across the State it is this connection that is critical to improving the lives of socially disadvantaged people. We are dedicated to meeting the challenge of revisiting that which makes us creative and proactive in our work. We strive to question what will change lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disadvantages into wellbeing and flourishing lives for our sisters and brothers. This journey will lead us to a more compassionate world today and for future generations.
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Our future goals will take into account the ever changing specifics of volunteering. We will aim to engage the whole Society in order to respond to the challenge of new ways of volunteering. First and foremost, we are aiming to be a pioneering organization that provides options and choices for older and young people alike. Volunteering may become a part of an active ageing strategy in St Vincent de Paul Society, whereas younger members will benefit from new ways of engagement. Secondly, we have become a more flexible organization that aims to increase the participation of increasingly diverse groups. All these aims are inspired by the spiritual dimensions of the Society and will embrace our remarkable past achievements. During this next period, we will be further exploring the phenomenon of corporate volunteering in the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Thank you to all members and volunteers as you tirelessly carry the message of hope and solidarity to disadvantaged and excluded people. I pay tribute to all volunteer leaders whose continuing efforts strive to achieve excellence in care and services.
Barbara Gebarska Volunteer Co-ordinator
...younger members will benefit... 17
Fred’s Van
Fred’s Vans provide unique volunteering opportunities for people from all walks of life. There are many individuals willing to give their time to the cause. During the last year our volunteers dedicated more than 9000 hours in six locations across Adelaide. Those services were complemented with the enthusiastic involvement of hundreds of students cooking delicious soup along with sewing conferences making beanies and blankets.
Fred’s Vans not only continue to provide much needed help for people and families affected by poverty but also create communities. Corporate volunteering has included • staff from Savings and Loans Credit Union assisting with Fred’s Van. • An Indian group makes vegetarian curries, • Lions Clubs continue their valuable donations, • local shops get involved, • Channel 10 broadcasts their News weather report from our kitchen, All these are signs of our times creating a welcoming virtual community that strives to assist disadvantaged and homeless people and has done so for nearly 20 years. We remember and pay tribute to St Vincent de Paul’s youth volunteers, coordinated by Sister Catherine O’Connell and Peter Barry, who almost two decades ago saw a need to help hungry and homeless people in Adelaide and commenced Fred’s Van services.
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There are new and courageous goals to achieve in the future. One of them is to invite our homeless and disadvantaged friends to become involved in volunteering. That will be a worthwhile and challenging process resulting in a greater equality of opportunity, for participation, for all in the society.
Barbara Gerbarska Fred’s Van Co-ordinator
...help for people and families...
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Compeer
Compeer, a St Vincent de Paul Society initiative supporting those affected by mental illness, has experienced considerable growth since its South Australian inception in late 2007. It was first developed in the USA and has since been operating for over 14 years with distinction in NSW and Victoria. Mental illness is estimated to cost the Australian economy $13.1 billion pa with depression and anxiety now accounting for 47% of the community’s absenteeism and reduced productivity. By 2020, depression is projected to reach second place as a global contributor to diseases. Eighteen volunteers have now been matched and we have recently commenced a walking and cooking group to further develop the sense of community. All those involved in the program have a deep commitment to each other and friendships are continuing to flourish.
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Volunteers are supported throughout their involvement in this program, with initial training around mental health, ongoing training in areas such as suicide awareness and one-on-one contact with the Compeer St Vincent de Paul Society staff members. Dr Paul White heads the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Compeer Advisory Committee, with all members providing invaluable support and direction for this program. Compeer expansion has been made possible through our partnerships with the Southern Mental Health Service and the Southern Division of General Practice. Its success would not be possible without generous donations from our benefactors; it enables the development work to be supported and sustained by paid professional staff. We thank them all for their commitment of time, energy and resources to establish this important initiative.
And we look forward to the coming year with great anticipation and expect the program to continue to expand and contribute to the broader “good works” of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Sarah Taylor Compeer Co-ordinator
...a deep commitment to each other...
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School Resources
The School Resources Unit continues to work with young people and their teachers, supporting the Society’s Special Works and Conferences as well as initiating new programmes to help students find ways to ‘make a difference’. 2007-8 has seen a large increase in involvement with the non-catholic sectors of education, including many DECS schools and independent schools. All sectors are keen to develop social justice strategies and to involve their students in meaningful relationship with those they assist. For schools with a Christian heritage, the society offers opportunities to take action. Social justice action is not an optional extra, but core business of being Christian. An example of this link is the St David’s participation in the ‘Assist a Student’ programme. Student leaders worked hard with their year level cohort to sponsor nineteen students. The whole community was made aware of where the money was going and how they were making a real difference.
Through the Visitation Programme, workshops, leadership days, information sessions, presentations at assemblies, tours, induction days, placement at Centres and being part of Mini Vinnies and Young Vincentian group meetings, the stories we tell help young people to understand the issues facing all people and especially those marginalized. It helps students to be able to imagine those they are actually assisting instead of just imagining they are helping ‘Vinnies’ or ‘a charity.’ The result of bringing people into our stories is that they understand the difference they make when they support us.
The next phase is the support of young people as they develop a closer relationship with those whom they assist both through our existing programmes and those they initiate themselves. The Vinnies Social Justice Awards have been developed to provide an overall framework of formation. When fully resourced, each award level will link with activities and social justice resources, as well as being linked with various curricula. Tim Taylor School Resources Co-ordinator
Stories, experiences, local in-school work
School Experience
CHARITY - THE ORGANISATION
Clientrelationship
Creating safe situations, simulating situations and with clients
Supporting student / school Initiatives 22
Social Justice Committee
The Social Justice Committee is dedicated to the issues of affordable housing, mental health and unemployment. It continued in 2007-08 with one of its primary aims by lobbying Governments to improve affordable housing for people affected by poverty. Committee Chairman, Mark Braes resigned during the year due to work commitments. As acting chair I attended a national meeting of the Society in Canberra early in 2008 to assist in the development of the Society’s strategic position on affordable housing in advance of the Commonwealth Government’s white paper, “A New Approach to Homelessness” and attended a national meeting of the Society to assist in the preparation of our position on housing and homelessness.
In May a member of the Committee attended the 5th National Homeless Conference, held in Adelaide and a member attended the Social Policy Research Council Conference in Sydney. The Committee contacted to the Australian Bankers’ Association, in June expressing its concern of newspaper reports being circulated that financial institutions were, in some instances, lending credit to people who had little or no foreseeable capacity to repay the loan. The letter sought the assistance of financial institutions to advance funds prudently and to avoid contributing to further financial hardship In October during Anti Poverty Week the committee co-hosted a housing forum with the Frederic Ozanam Housing Association and Shelter SA. This was an awareness raising forum which was well attended.
Following the release of the Commonwealth Government’s white paper, titled “Which Way Home”, a discussion paper on options to reduce homelessness, the Committee produced a detailed response to it. The Committee believes there is a need for a substantial increase in the supply of affordable housing, to assist those in need. As well as providing a roof over the heads of the poor, the family unit will become more settled and children in particular will have a greater chance of growing up in a stable family environment if access to affordable housing is dramatically improved. The Social Justice Committee is working in collaboration with the Federic Ozanam Housing Association Inc in an endeavour to have emergency housing available for the people in desperate need of shelter.
Mike Abbott Chairperson
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Overseas Partnership and Development Committee
“Conferences and Councils help others in need, both at the national and international level. This is one of the activities most cherished by the Society” The Rule, 4.1 Twinning
This statement is the basis of this committee’s activities. We value the relationships developed with fellow Vincentians in other countries, especially in our Asia Pacific region. We support one another spiritually and financially, which promotes worldwide solidarity and mutual understanding. We must never lose sight of the challenges our twins face in doing their “good works”. Emergency Disaster Relief The Society has responded to requests of assistance following these disasters: Bangladesh floods Cyclone Nargis in Burma Typhoon Frank affected area of Panay Island in the Philippines
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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Port Pirie Diocesan Festival Meeting Bill McMenemy and Richard Hoskings visited Barmera in March to provide insight into this committee’s role and to learn more of the region’s activities. Extension/Formation Representatives from our twinned countries and in some cases from the twinned conferences, attended World Youth Day - a strong demonstration of strengthening Vincentian solidarity and fostering the development of youth in the Society.
THANK YOU We wish to thank all Vincentians, conferences, personal twinners and other generous benefactors for your support of these worthwhile programs. We look forward to your continued support and to personally meeting you over the coming year. A special “thank you” to the Schools Resources Coordinator, Tim Taylor, for working closely with the Committee and spreading our message to the younger members of our community.
OUR PROGRAMS Twinning We have 140 twins in India, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia whom we support financially and through regular prayer and correspondence. Self Help Projects These arise from the needs of the twinned community and promote self-sufficiency. 7 projects from India and 1 from Thailand have been supported this year. These were for cow and goat banks, rabbit farming, mushroom farming, establishing funds to operate St Vincent de Paul Society community loans (micro credit to start up small businesses, usually stalls) and a hiring service. The average value was $1230. Thank you to all Conferences, individuals and St Mary’s College students for your generous support.
Assist-A-Student Program This program continues to be highly regarded by our overseas partners as an effective way of breaking the poverty cycle. By supporting primary, secondary or tertiary education through $70 scholarships, it helps struggling students to gain an education, widen their career options and attain selfsufficiency for their families. 2007 continued to be highly successful with 363 scholarships of $70 donated to support students in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, a Fijian school project is supporting a group of children. Funding sources were: personal, conferences, parishes, other groups and schools.
Richard Hoskings President
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PR, Fundraising...
Public Relations and Fundraising goals are very dependent on our generous donors and supporters. As partners in the St Vincent de Paul Society it is they who, with our wonderful members and volunteers, make the Society’s “good works” possible. 2007-08 has been both rewarding and challenging given the beginning of a USA economic crisis that threatens to impact on every country across the world. It will continue to affect both the internal and external environments of the St Vincent de Paul Society in a sustained and tangible manner – increased costs for food and petrol, issues surrounding home affordability and mortgage rates, significantly reduced superannuation assets for the elderly, increased members of society needing assistance from St Vincent de Paul Society and perhaps an impact on donations.
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National Appeals Christmas appeal donations results were disappointing given increased innovation and input. It was thought the impact on Vinnies of the global economic crisis was being seen in advance.
Volunteers Pillars of Society corporate lunch, Badge Day, the Australian Central Credit Union Lottery, Toy Run, and other events have been largely possible because we have dedicated volunteers, young and not-so-young.
However, the Winter appeal recovered spectacularly even though by now the wider community was experiencing a significant force from the economic world.
These events not only raised much needed income for the Society, but provided good fun and friendship along the way.
Our loyal supporters appreciate the Society’s “good works” and continue to be a partner in our endeavors. For this we are grateful. We thank the St Vincent de Paul Society in NSW and Victoria for their enormous effort in taking a lead in co-ordinating our National Appeals.
We thank everyone for your continuous and selfless support. Public Relations Our Saint magazine continues to provide news for our stakeholders and in particular, our generous donors. In addition, it is a valuable source of financial input in its own right. SA Great, Fundraising Institute of Australia, National Philanthropy & Promotions Committee Members, Motor Cycle Riders Association, the media amongst others provide us with excellent networking and learnings.
...our wonderful members and volunteers...
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...and Business Development
Business Development The information technology business management system has been approved and will be implemented in January 2009.
Thanks The Society received a number of grants from Community Benefit SA. We thank them for their ongoing support.
This replaces an existing obsolete system and will enable improved donor management as well as the capacity to manage our volunteer database.
Australian Central Credit Union has continued their support of Vinnies through their lottery; other initiatives are to be revealed.
Brand The value of the St Vincent de Paul Society brand has been fully appreciated both at state and national levels. As such, a positive future engagement with the corporate world can now become our focus.
The Adelaide Central Plaza and in particular Michael Vaughan and Rebecca Sutton have been of wonderful assistance with the Winter and Christmas â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Coin Boxâ&#x20AC;? promotions in Rundle Mall. Australian Pork, Regency TAFE and George Weston Foods continue to provide a donation of pork for the Vincentian Centre in Whitmore Square. The Adelaide City Council for their assistance with our Big Box campaign.
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In conclusion, I thank the many generous donors, stakeholders and members who continue to support our wonderful St Vincent de Paul Society in South Australia.
Wayne Broadbridge Marketing & Business Development Manager
...business management system has been approved...
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Vinnies Centres
Vinnies Centres’ purpose is to provide clothing and material goods free-of-cost to people in need via a voucher system, low cost essentials for the marginalized in our community and competitively priced premium recycled goods for the wider community. The monies generated enables the St Vincent de Paul Society and its members to perform their “good works” for those affected by poverty. In 2007-08 Vinnies Centres had a steady year financially, with income rising 8.2% however costs also increased. Net profit before sale of assets was down a little on the previous year. Sales growth has been driven by a few high performing and some newly upgraded Family Centres. Costs have been carefully controlled however property rental on new larger Family Centres, shop set-up, upgrade and maintenance costs have increased.
New Family Centres were opened in Pt Lincoln, Pt Pirie and Royal Park. Brighton moved into larger premises. Norwood, Felixstow, Para Vista, Semaphore and Hawthorn shops had “makeovers”. Peel Street Family Centres was closed, as were the Lonsdale and Elizabeth workshops. The new Dreamsafe mattress recycling business operated for the full year. Both clothing and furniture vouchers provided by Conferences continued to decline, reflecting a Vinnies national trend. Changing economic and social conditions are leading to a shift from material goods towards direct financial assistance. Pressure on recycling businesses continues to grow as commercial op-shops, street markets and e-bay have their impact. Other major charities are upgrading their premises to improve the shopping experience and aggressive commercial clothing recyclers are providing households with bags to encourage direct clothing donations.
Major charities are noting a decline in the “quality” of material donations; this growing rubbish content is occurring at a time when dumping to landfill cost is increasing. The Centres have thrived due to the dedicated efforts of a wonderful group of mature volunteers. One major problem facing our continued success is a decline in volunteer numbers, especially with the skilled and motivated leadership needed to run our Family Centres in these increasingly demanding times. With OHS&W compliance, administration, retailing and recruitment as key requirements, appropriate staffing will continue to be a challenge for most Centres. Whilst the outward Vinnies Centres’ performance has been steady, underlying challenges threaten future performance, particularly staffing issues and the supply of quality donated goods.
Richard Sullivan Centres Manager
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INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY (SA) INCORPORATED We have audited the summary financial report of St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Incorporated, which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2008 and the income statement and cash flow statement for the year then ended, in order to express an opinion on it to the members. State Council’s Responsibility for the Summary Financial Report The State Council of the Society is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the summary financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations and the Associations Incorporation Act (SA) 1985). Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. We have performed an independent audit of the full financial report of St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Incorporated for the year ended 30 June 2008. Our audit report on the full financial report was signed on October 3rd 2008, and was subject to qualification for the reasons set out in the qualification paragraph below. Our procedures in respect of the audit of the summary financial report included testing that the information in the summary financial report is consistent with the full financial report, and examination on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts, discussion and analysis, and other disclosure which were not directly derived from the full financial report. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the summary financial report is presented fairly. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Independence In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies. Basis for Qualified Auditor’s Opinion As is common for organisations of this type, it is not practicable to maintain an effective system of internal control over donations and other fund raising activities until their initial entry in the accounting records. Accordingly, our audit in relation to donations and fund raising was limited to amounts recorded. Qualified Auditor’s Opinion In our opinion, except for the effects of such adjustments, if any, as might have been determined to be necessary had the limitation discussed in the qualification paragraph not existed, the financial report presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Incorporated as of 30 June 2008 and of its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Accounting Interpretations and the Associations Incorporation Act (SA) 1985). BDO Kendalls (SA) Chartered Accountants
Shirley Schaefer Partner Dated: 8th October 2008
BDO Kendalls is a national association of separate partnerships and entities.
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St Vincent De Paul Society (SA) Inc. Balance sheet as at 30 June 2008
INSERT HEADER
2008
2007
$
$
Cash and cash equivalents
5,052,610
5,720,732
Trade and other receivables
176,126
71,518
–
–
CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories Other body currentcopy assets Insert
120,375
86,137
5,349,111
5,878,387
Property, plant and equipment
6,302,993
5,245,338
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
6,302,993
5,245,338
11,652,104
11,123,725
Trade and other payables
528,878
278,299
Provisions
295,218
263,244
750
6,172
824,846
547,715
Provisions
240,638
232,483
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
240,638
232,483
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other current liabilities TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS
1,065,484
780,198
10,586,620
10,343,527
EQUITY Reserves
32
224,675
209,348
Accumulated Funds
10,361,945
10,134,179
TOTAL EQUITY
10,586,620
10,343,527
St Vincent De Paul Society (SA) Inc. Income statement for the year ended 30 June 2008 2008
2007
$
$
Sales
4,173,904
3,687,779
Government Funding
1,151,853
1,231,082
Donations
1,399,188
1,243,466
103,732
158,106
94,000
-
REVENUE
Bequests Insert body copy Non Government Funding Client Contributions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Accommodation Interest Transfers from Conferences/Special Works Other
71,735
68,714
357,858
302,673
-
712
367,015
161,750
7,719,285
6,854,282
Administration
131,691
140,030
Assistance
709,895
681,624
28,274
32,765
Depreciation and Amortisation
334,385
324,895
Fundraising Expenses
187,220
168,248
Motor Vehicle Expenses
232,471
209,455
3,566,020
3,197,530
TOTAL
EXPENSES
Client/Resident Services
Personnel Professional Fees Property Expenses Purchases for Sales Repairs & Maintenance Telecommunications
110,345
65,743
1,253,323
1,080,068
155,152
98,802
80,845
95,517
65,177
60,661
156,685
163,940
47,585
34,640
Waste Disposal
131,815
113,480
Youth Projects
48,348
25,115
251,603
220,183
7,490,834
6,712,696
228,451
141,586
Transfers to Conferences/Special Works Travel & Accommodation
Other TOTAL OPERATING SURPLUS
33
St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Inc. Cash flow statement for year ended 30 June 2008 2008
2007
$
$
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Receipts from customers
4,116,180
3,790,109
Government funding
1,267,038
1,354,190
Donations, bequests and sundry income
1,825,806
1,618,784
(7,185,963)
(6,494,276)
Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received
357,858
302,673
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
380,919
571,480
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
396,440
83,718
Payment for property, plant and equipment
(1,445,481)
(313,983)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(1,049,041)
(230,265)
Conference transfers
-
712
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
-
712
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase (decrease) in cash
34
(668,122)
341,927
Cash at the beginning of the financial year
5,720,732
5,378,805
CASH AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
5,052,610
5,720,732
•△ Coober Pedy
St Vincent de Paul Locations
•△ Port Augusta
Whyalla •△ △
•△ Port Pirie
•△ Kadina
• Renmark
Bamera •△
• Berri
•△ Maitland
•△ Port Lincoln
• ADELAIDE • Yorketown • Willunga • Victor Harbor
• Conference Locations
•△ Murray Bridge •△ Tailem Bend
△ Vinnies Store Locations
Metropolitan Locations Aberfoyle Park • Adelaide • Albert Park • Blackwood • Brighton • △ Christies Beach △ Clearview • Colonel Light Gardens • Croydon • Dermancourt • Dulwich • Edwardstown •△ Elizabeth △ Elizabeth North • Elizabeth West • Felixstow △ Findon △ Gawler •△ Glen Osmond Parkside •
Glenelg • Goodwood • Greenacres/Walkerville • Hallett Cove • Hawthorn △ Hectorville • Henley Beach • Hindmarsh •△ Holden Hill △ Hove △ Kidman Park △ Kilburn • Kingswood • Lefevre • Lockleys • Modbury • Morphett Vale •△ Mt Barker •△ Newton •
Noarlunga • North Adelaide• Norwood •△ Ottoway • Para Hills • Para Vista △ Payneham • Port Adelaide •△ Royal Park △ Salisbury •△ Seacombe Gardens • Semaphore △ St Marys • Stirling • Taperoo △ Tea Tree Gully • Torrensville △ Tranmere •
Bordertown •
Naracoorte •△
△• Millicent
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Mount Gambier •△
Thank You.
The St Vincent de Paul Society wishes to thank the following: Federal Government State Government Local Government Community Benefit SA Adelaide Central Plaza Australian Central Credit Union Telstra All generous, loyal supporters and celebrities Our thousands of members, volunteers Our dedicated staff
St Vincent de Paul Society (SA) Inc GPO Box 1804 Adelaide SA 5001 T: (08) 8353 8600 F: (08) 8353 5500 E: svdpadmin@svdpsa.org.au www.vinnies.org.au