Annual Report 2005-2006 NO WORK OF CHARITY IS FOREIGN TO THE SOCIETY
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
SERVICES AND LOCATIONS
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a global organisation that operates in 130 countries and has over 950,000 members worldwide. Established by Frederic Ozanam in France 1833, the St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Australia by Fr Gerald Ward at St Francis’ Church in Melbourne on 5 March 1854. The St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria has over 7,000 members and volunteers providing assistance to more than 660,000 people through its two arms: St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services. Victoria
Metropolitan
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services
Conferences The Society’s members, known as Vincentians, and volunteers form local groups called conferences. Our conferences respond to calls from people in need within their local communities and provide assistance with food, material aid, budget and utility bill advice, advocacy issues as well as a hand of friendship. They also provide a range of initiatives that address specific needs of the people they assist. Young adult conferences and college conferences involve younger members and provide a range of volunteer work in the community, including tutoring and organising Kids Camps for disadvantaged children. Vinnies Centres Vinnies Centres provide quality furniture, clothing and household items to people in need. Stocks are available free of charge to people being supported by conference members, as well as to the general public at a low-cost. Profits from the sale of stock in the shops goes towards providing resources and support to people in need. Soup Vans The Society’s four soup van services are based in Collingwood, Fitzroy, Footscray and Moe. Staffed by volunteers, the vans travel the streets of metropolitan Melbourne and Moe each year bringing food and friendship to thousands of people in need.
Aged Care Services Elderly citizens are provided with care and accommodation through our aged care facilities located in Box Hill, Geelong North, Geelong West, Mont Albert North, North Melbourne, Traralgon, Terang and Westmeadows. These facilities include a nursing home for residents with high-care needs, hostels for residents with low-care needs, a day therapy centre and independent living units located in Ballarat, Bendigo, Maryborough and Mildura. Community Services A range of accommodation and support initiatives are provided to people experiencing homelessness or requiring help with issues such as general health concerns, drug and alcohol abuse, employment education and training options, and social exclusion and isolation. A family violence service provides support and temporary accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence. Disability Employment Service A supported employment service for people with disabilities is located in Mornington.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY VICTORIA INC.
Contents
Mission
Services and Locations
2
The mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia is to deepen the Catholic faith of its members and to go out into our nation to heighten awareness of Jesus Christ.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. Beginnings
4
State Councillors/Organisation Chart
5
State President’s Report
6
State Council Initiatives
7
Social Justice
8
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
9
Conference Highlights
10
Membership and Development
11
Eastern Central Council
12
Northern Central Council
13
Southern Central Council
14
Western Central Council
15
Gippsland Central Council
16
North Eastern Central Council
17
North Western Central Council
18
Vinnies Youth
19
Soup Vans
20
Compeer
21
Vinnies Centres
22
Migrant and Refugee
24
Overseas Development
25
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services About Us
26
Board of Directors
27
Joint Chair & Chief Executive Officer’s Report
28
Aged Care Services
30
Community Services
32
Disability Employment Service
35
Financial Statements
36
Thank you
38
How you can help
39
We do this by sharing ourselves – who we are, and what we have – with people in need on a person-to-person basis. We seek to co-operate in shaping a more just and compassionate Australian community, and to share our resources with our twinned countries. Our preferred option in this mission of service is to work with people in development by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.
St Vincent de Paul Society logo This logo represents the hand of Christ that blesses the cup, the hand of love that offers the cup, and the hand of suffering that receives the cup. Victorian Patron The Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser, AC Acknowledgements Design: Ramesh Weereratne Catholic Communications Melbourne Photography: Peter Casamento Printing: Doran Printing Editor: Dianne Ballestrin St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
03 9926 5759 0419 104 244 03 9587 4333
03 9895 5800
BEGINNINGS
The inspiration and foresight of three people have been instrumental to the establishment and work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. In Victoria, the Society is over 150 years old and provides assistance to more than 660,000 people through the work of over 7,000 members and volunteers. We pay tribute to our patron and founders and continue to be inspired by their teachings and the example of their lives. St Vincent de Paul Patron
Bl Frederic Ozanam Founder
Fr Gerald Ward Australian Founder
Vincent de Paul was born in the small southern French town of Pouy (later renamed St Vincent de Paul in his honour) on 24 April 1581 and ordained as a priest in 1600 at the age of 19.
Frederic Ozanam was born in French occupied Milan on 23 April 1813. He was the fifth of fourteen children.
Gerald Ward was born in London 1806 and arrived in Australia on 7 September 1850 after being recruited to work in the Melbourne mission by the pioneer priest Fr Patrick Geoghegan.
As a young man he ministered to the wealthy and powerful. However an appointment as chaplain to a poor parish, and to galley prisoners, inspired him to a vocation of working with those most marginalised and powerless. Vincent urged his followers to bring God’s justice and love to people who were unable to live a full human life: “Deal with the most urgent needs. Organise charity so that it is more efficient…teach reading and writing, educate with the aim of giving each the means of self-support. Intervene with authorities to obtain reforms in structure… there is no charity without justice.” Vincent de Paul died in Paris on 27 September 1660 at the age of 79. He was canonised on 16 June 1737 and in 1883, the Church designated him as the special patron of all charitable associations. The Society was named after St Vincent de Paul and follows his teachings and compassion for people in need. St Vincent de Paul is the international patron of the Society.
In Paris 1833 at the age of just 20, Frederic established the St Vincent de Paul Society. At this time, the people of France were experiencing tremendous political and social upheaval: changes of government, the Industrial Revolution and unjust employment practices. Ozanam gathered some colleagues and began to respond in practical ways to the poverty and hardship he saw in the lives of people around him. They visited people in their homes and offered friendship and support. This practice, known today as ‘home visitation’, remains a core activity for St Vincent de Paul Society members and volunteers. The group formed by Ozanam and his friends later became known as the first ‘conference’ of the St Vincent de Paul Society. They met together regularly as a group for prayer and mutual support, to learn and to share ideas about how they could best assist others. Frederic Ozanam died on 8 September 1853 at the age of 40. He was beatified in Paris by Pope John Paul II on 22 August 1997.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
The first conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia met in Melbourne at St Francis’ Church on 5 March 1854. The first president was Fr Gerald Ward. Fr Ward was later to suggest that the main reason why the conference was founded was for “the protection of male and female orphans.” With the discovery of gold in 1851 and the rush to the goldfields of central Victoria, the population doubled and homeless, deserted children roamed the streets. Fr Ward and the new St Vincent de Paul conference responded to this acute problem by establishing the St Vincent de Paul orphanage in South Melbourne. The foundation stone was laid in 1855 and the first children were accepted in 1857. In 1855, in a submission to the government of the day, Fr Ward stated that the new conference aimed at “the relief of the destitute, in a manner as much as possible permanently beneficial and the visitation of poor families.” Gerald Ward died on 14 January 1858 aged 52. A newspaper noted that “he was one in whom many a widow and orphan had found a good friend.” His enduring legacy is founded in such friendship.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY VICTORIA INC.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation made up of over 7,000 members and volunteers as well as a small number of professional staff. In Victoria, the Society is governed by State Council consisting of 14 members, representing the members and volunteers, and overseeing the strategic direction of the Society’s two arms: St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services.
State Councillors
Jim Grealish
Tony Tome
Sandra Walker
Dennis Griffin
Teresa Wilson
Peter Jackson
Kevin Crosato
John Stevens
State President
Deputy State President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Treasurer & Corporate Secretary
Eastern Central Council President
North Central Council President
Kevin Owens
John McCarthy
Ann Sara
Brian Lenten
Tony Keaney
Penny Badwal
Brian Dalton
Southern Central Council President
Western Central Council President
Gippsland Central Council President
North Eastern Central Council President
North Western Central Council President
Youth Representative
Chief Executive Officer
Organisation Chart
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
STATE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A job to be done To all members, staff, supporters, friends and clients of the Society, I have pleasure in submitting my first report to you, the stakeholders of the St Vincent de Paul Society. My first comment is to acknowledge the great contribution to the Society made by my predecessor in office. Syd Tutton has been a member of the Society for many years, culminating in his term as State President between 2001 and 2006. His enthusiasm and dedication to that role has set a standard which will be hard to emulate.
When we moved to Box Hill in 2004, one of our objectives was to merge the administrative functions for the St Vincent de Paul Society and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services. This has involved an extensive exercise over nearly 12 months and is now virtually complete. We expect considerable savings in administrative costs to follow from this re-organisation. I pay a tribute to the management and staff of both bodies for the high level of maturity and patience they exhibited during this major change in our administration function.
One of the statements that has become part of the folklore of the Society is that no work of charity is foreign to the Society. If there is a need, a job to be done, and the resources to accomplish it can be garnered, then it is appropriate for Vincentians to do it.
None of the work we do would be possible were it not for the dedicated service of our members and volunteers. On behalf of State Council I thank them sincerely for the service to the poor and disadvantaged in our community. In a similar vein I also thank our donors, supporters and friends of the Society.
In this report we hope to illustrate the validity of that statement by describing many of the activities we undertake. We are probably best known for providing aid to those who are in straitened circumstances, and who seek our help. But we do much more besides.
I invite you to enjoy reading this Annual Report and I hope that you capture some of the enthusiasm and pride which our members, volunteers and staff bring to our work. I hope the report also shows that we do indeed embrace a wide variety of works and activities.
Through the generosity of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, we have land at Meadow Heights on which we will develop living units for people with mental illnesses. We also own two blocks of land at Highett and more units will be constructed there.
Jim Grealish State President
Unfortunately our first Vinnies Budget Grocery store at Heidelberg West had to close because of structural defects to the building which the landlord was unwilling to rectify. We hope to open another store at Wendouree in the next few months, with the support of the Uniting Church and the local authorities at Ballarat. In March of this year the Society’s archives were transferred from Footscray to more appropriate facilities in the city. Over our lifetime of more than 150 years we have accumulated a rich vein of history. I would urge members and others who have an interest in history to visit our new facility.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
STATE COUNCIL INITIATIVES
Ozanam Lecture The 2006 Ozanam Lecture was delivered by Fr Gerald A. Arbuckle, SM, Co-director of the Refounding & Pastoral Development Unit, New South Wales. Respondent for the evening was Julie Morgan, Promoter of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation for the Franciscan Friars. We thank both speakers for their excellent contributions. The Record Now encompassing Victoria’s Viewpoint magazine, The Record, aims to provide interesting and impartial articles regarding social justice and the Catholic faith for members and supporters of the Society in Australia. This new national magazine, published four times per year, has been well received. Membership and Development New induction and recruitment training programs have been written. A DVD entitled ‘What We’re Doing’, was produced and outlines the diverse variety of work undertaken by our conferences. A snapshot of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria entitled ‘40 Conferences: 40 Stories’, was produced during the year. Vinnies Centres Demands of current legislation, particularly in the areas of Occupational Health & Safety, required that State Council clearly takes responsibility for the conduct of Vinnies Centres. As a result a Board of Management has been appointed to take responsibility for this area. A review of administrative responsibilities was undertaken, and a review of transport requirements has been initiated. Friday Night Schools A school assisting young people from deprived backgrounds has been operating successfully in Richmond for several years. State Council has taken the decision to extend this concept into other areas of Victoria. Vinnies Budget Groceries State Council has decided to open a new low-cost food outlet, Vinnies Budget Groceries, in Wendouree (Ballarat). The store will provide real and practical assistance to people on pensions or health benefit cards and will stock all types of groceries, produce (both frozen and fresh), meat, bread, milk and cleaning products. Customers will benefit from the stock’s lower pricing in this not-for-profit store.
Compeer The Compeer volunteer program successfully operating in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne will be extended into the area of the North Eastern Central Council. St Vincent de Paul Victoria Endowment Fund All bequests received by the Society will be directed to a new foundation called the ‘St Vincent de Paul Victoria Endowment Fund’. The amounts received will be retained permanently and the income from the fund will be assigned to the work of the Society and to its other associated works. These bequests will be transferred to the fund incrementally over the next five years.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Throughout 2005-2006, the Victorian Social Justice Committee continued to focus on advocacy on behalf of people who the Society serves, and on the adoption of social justice principles in the work of conferences throughout the State.
Raising the issues We see...we hear...we help... In 2005, The Victorian Relief Committee (a State Government body) merged with Food Bank Victoria. Following the merger, the new identity instituted food handling fees to agencies, such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, using the former Victorian Relief Service. These fees generated considerable dismay generally across the broader emergency relief sector. In response to the concerns expressed by conferences, the Social Justice Committee began working directly with other community services, lobbying government to scrap the fees for food handling. Co-signed letters (including the Society) were sent to all parliamentarians by country-based emergency relief providers, and joint delegations called on the Premier’s office. In response to this campaign, the government has announced an additional $550,000 funding for the merged agency. The food handling fees have been scrapped, and concerned agencies are now able to provide equivalent additional assistance to those in need.
Highlights & Initiatives • The Victorian Social Justice Committee held 11 regular meetings during the past year, and conducted a general forum for members in October, with approximately 80 participants attending. • Over 90 conferences have now appointed Social Justice Officers. • The Social Justice Officer Training Manual was published and five training programs conducted throughout the State. • Eight Social Justice bulletins were issued to conferences on a variety of topics.
• Inter-agency work has been conducted with the Victorian Tenants’ Union, Catholic Social Services, Victorian Council of Social Services and The Smith Family. • Liaison with National Social Justice Committee. • Major issues covered during the year have been cost pressures on low income families, mentoring for children, welfare to work, low interest loans and affordable housing. • Input to State and Federal regulatory bodies, and essential service providers from the committee has been a continuous process.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
The St Vincent de Paul Society’s work is highlighted by the reports from each of the seven Central Council presidents and the key services provided by Vinnies Youth, Soup Vans, Compeer, Vinnies Centres and the Migrant and Refugee and Overseas Development committees.
Outstanding work Strategic Planning The 2006 Strategic Planning Process identified and commented on the following key areas: • Spirituality • Conferences/Members • Centres/Volunteers • Finance and Corporate Governance • Projects • Social Justice • Communications • Clients • Staff • Public Relations • Fundraising • Recruitment, Training and Development of Members and Volunteers • Mental Illness and Homelessness • Research Many of these key areas have been included in the previous plan, but the latter two – mental illness and homelessness and research – have been added and highlight the organisation’s commitment in these critical areas. Specifically the Strategic Plan highlights that: • State Council is dedicated to improving the assistance provided by the Society to people with mental health and homelessness issues. • State Council acknowledges the need for research by the Society, so that the Society’s public statements and client support are based on factual and demonstrative evidence. The 2006 Strategic Plan is the foundation of all works undertaken by the Society and is referred to in various reports contained elsewhere in the Annual Report. Management Restructure During the year restructures occurred in the Vinnies Centres Administration and also in common administrative functions shared between the Society and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services.
The Centres Administration structure will be commented on in the Vinnies Centres report. Reception duties and internal audit services are functions existing across both services of the organisations. A detailed and elaborate review of the common administrative services was carried out and covered: Finance, Human Resources, Facilities Management and Information Technology. New administrative structures commenced from 1 July 2006. A separate review of the Society’s Public Relations and Fundraising was carried out and restructure of the department was set up also commencing from July 2006. Members, volunteers and staff are to be commended for their co-operative spirit in ensuring a positive and cost-effective outcome for services provided by the Society. Adherence to Occupational Health & Safety legislation remains as a critical obligation of the organisation. Training has been a priority in Vinnies Centres and other special works of the Society and will continue throughout 2006 and beyond. The Annual Report highlights on pages 36 and 37 the financial results of the aggregation of activity for the year ending 30 June 2006. The administration and fundraising costs represent 9.8% of the total net incomes. The conference statistical highlights, as presented on page 10, indicate the number of cases where assistance provided was comparable to the previous year and the value of assistance was 6% higher than the previous year. The total number of members and auxiliary members has increased by 15% over the previous year. This is a most pleasing indicator of the success of one of the key goals of State Council – recruitment of new members to assist in the works of the Society. I would like to congratulate all Society staff at Vinnies Centres and Central Administration for their continued loyal and devoted service to the people who are marginalised and in need of support. Finally, my thanks to donors and supporters of the Society and also to the many members and volunteers for their outstanding work. Brian Dalton Chief Executive Officer
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The Society’s members and volunteers form local groups known as conferences and respond to calls from people in need. The information below illustrates the support provided by conferences during 2005-2006.
Conference statistics for the financial year Conferences No. of Monetary that operated cases where Conference No. of value of Visits not in 2005-2006 material No. of No. of bread runs households assistance involving (even if for No. of assistance adults children (or food assisted by provided by material only part of No. of auxiliary given assisted assisted runs) bread runs conferences assistance the year) members members Eastern Central Council
26,292
31,836
20,382
2,488
12,132
$ 1,187,153
Northern Central Council
6,445
8,755
8,048
207
1,467
$
Southern Central Council
19,146
25,410
23,090
547
3,032
Western Central Council
19,283
25,823
24,585
938
6,546
Gippsland Central Council
10,151
12,933
11,568
428
North Eastern Central Council
18,177
22,818
18,910
1,388
North Western Central Council
11,583
15,526
13,731
2,943 8,939
Victorian Totals
111,077
143,101 120,314
3,346
67
785
352
397
33
289
56
$ 1,151,098
2,657
51
725
217
$
831,274
1,576
60
638
216
3,102
$
630,234
3,835
17
278
77
10,901
$
758,148
7,913
38
458
103
15,628
$
598,035
8,471
45
502
136
52,808
$5,493,568
28,195
311*
3,675
1,157
337,626
* In addition to these 311 conferences, this figure includes the work of eight non-conference entities (ie four visitation teams and four assistance centres)
SOURCE OF REFERRAL OF PEOPLE ASSISTED
SOURCE OF INCOME OF PEOPLE ASSISTED
Previous Caller – 68.37%
Salary & Wages – 2.47%
Government Department – 3.52%
WorkCover – 0.45%
Non Government Agencies – 2.42%
Aged Pension – 4.80%
Church or Similar – 4.65%
Sole Parent Payment – 31.50%
Self-Referral/Friend – 21.04%
Newstart/Unemployment Benefits – 23.98% Sickness/Disability – 29.48% Other Government – 1.81% No income – 1.16% Youth/Study Allowance – 1.54% Other/not determined – 2.81%
ANALYSIS OF THE MATERIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY CONFERENCES
Accommodation – 2.85% Cash – 0.55% Food Vouchers – 46.35% Food Purchases – 14.61% Transport – 2.92% Whitegoods – 1.52% Utilities Bills – 5.74% Education – 2.91% Other – 3.20% Donated Food – 18.48% Prescriptions/Medicine – 0.87%
10
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
The Membership and Development team supports members in conferences, regions and Central Councils to do their work, particularly in the areas of training, recruitment and provision of resources.
Supporting the providers We see...we hear...we help... St Agatha’s Conference in Cranbourne, located in a designated growth corridor which has seen a population increase, is now visiting 28-33 people every week. Some are two parent families with mortgages who suddenly find themselves without work or hit by family illness while others are single parents. Members note that most of the people they see are not close to their families. The conference combines traditional forms of assistance, such as provision of food and food vouchers, with more innovative forms of assistance such as a back-to-school program providing new uniforms and textbooks, holidays for families, and a team which helps people with budgeting skills and the intensive work of negotiating with utility companies. The conference has been heavily involved in fundraising for its work, including running a ‘Tinnies for St Vinnies’ campaign through a local supermarket, sausage sizzles at the local hardware store, a well stocked piety stall, and an inaugural golf day. To ensure good communication with their many auxiliary members, the conference fosters good communication by publishing a quarterly newsletter and by undertaking an annual survey whereby everyone involved in the work, in whatever capacity, can provide input on matters which affect them.
Highlights & Initiatives • 21 information sessions were conducted for prospective members. • 50 training sessions were conducted for members across the State. • Three new training programs were developed: The New Members Program, The Basics of Home Visiting and Working Effectively with Mental Illness. • New resources were developed to assist conferences/regions with recruiting, including a recruitment tips book, a recruitment kit, and new material for information evenings. • Our Box Hill Call Centre volunteers received 34,608 calls during the year.
• A DVD entitled ‘What We’re Doing’ was produced, showcasing the range of works undertaken by conferences. • 33 adult conferences were assisted with recruitment or conference revitalisation campaigns. • Support was provided to eight Young Adult Conferences to establish or revitalise them. • A comprehensive package of policies and procedures for working with children and young people was developed and Young Adult Conference members were trained. • The Prison Visitation Program was enhanced to include new, ongoing training by the Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders for volunteers at Barwon and Fulham Prisons.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
11
EASTERN CENTRAL COUNCIL
The Eastern Central Council’s conference members have provided assistance to the value of $1,187,153 to 26,292 families in need during the past 12 months.
Lending a hand Highlights and Initiatives • Heavy demand has continued on the Inner Suburbs Support Group, which enables Vincentians and volunteers from lowerneed areas to make a difference in the higher-need areas of the inner suburbs that do not have a local St Vincent de Paul Society presence. This year the group assisted 7,180 people in need. • Strong financial support and continued growth of conferences in parishes where the Society is an integral part of parish life and fully supported by the Parish Priest. • Despite increased demand on our Vinnies Centres, the continued generosity and dedication of the volunteers and staff of our many centres provides people in need with a comfortable bed and warm clothing as well as the other necessities of life. • This year saw Chris Fitzpatrick of Kew Conference take a welldeserved rest from his many years of supervising the support of refugee families in Kew. Chris, (a bit of a legend in the area), has looked after numerous refugee families over the years with compassion, love and dedication. Despite his challenging health issues, Chris remains interested in the welfare of the refugee families and is ever willing to lend a hand as best he can. • Melbourne Regional Council became part of Eastern Central Council. The Melbourne Region boasts numerous support services for people in need in the area, including education support with the Friday Night Classes and the Collingwood Support Centre. This will enable the resources of Eastern Central Council to be used to directly support the worthy work of this very busy region. • Within Melbourne Region, the mobile conference in Fitzroy works in conjunction with the St Mary’s House of Welcome run by Sister Roseanne Murphy of the Daughters of Charity, to ensure the needs of the people in the area are met. Sister Roseanne also provides training to the Society in being better able to assist people in complex and difficult situations. • Yarra Valley Region is involved with ‘Good Tucker Days’ conducted twice a month at Millgrove where a free lunch is supplied by several church agencies for people who are homeless and in need within the community. Transport is also provided for people in need.
We see…we hear…we help… Ivan is in his early 30’s and lives in a Richmond high-rise unit. He requested help with food as he had no money after spending his last dollars on a weekend access visit with his son. Conversation with Ivan was difficult as he appeared to be depressed. He sat with his head in his hands while we spoke to him. Ivan was provided with food vouchers and asked whether there were any other problems he needed help with. He pointed to a piece of paper on the floor which was a final demand from the electricity company for an overdue account. His electricity supply would be cut off by 3.00pm the next day. Ivan was not intending to do anything about it, so we paid the bill and noted him for further visits and support. It was later obvious that Ivan had a mental illness and needed further assistance to take control of his personal and financial situation. Ivan is typical of the growing number of people we visit in the high-rise units. With further visits and support we were able to help restore Ivan’s self-esteem and self-confidence. We are encountering more people like Ivan where mental illness is as much of a challenge as the person’s poverty.
Regions
7
Conferences*
67
Members*
785
Auxiliary Members
352
Youth Conferences
12
Vinnies Centres
17
Area covered
East Metro
* These figures incorporate Youth Conferences and Youth Members
12
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
NORTHERN CENTRAL COUNCIL
The Northern Central Council’s conference members have provided assistance to the value of $337,626 to 6,445 families in need during the past 12 months.
Bridge to community Highlights & Initiatives • Reaching out to assist families through home visitation continues to be the focus of conference welfare support. • A growing movement towards new ‘hand up’ initiatives including educational support and mentoring, small interest free loans, advocacy and support of community self-help programs. • Formation of co-operative associations with other community groups and welfare organisations eg local Inter-Church welfare teams, support of breakfast and lunch programs at disadvantaged schools, nursing home visitation. • A greater awareness of social justice issues at conference and regional levels as a means to advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged. • Attention to conference renewal and succession planning as a priority. In this regard we are greatly encouraged by the development of Young Adult Conferences and College Conferences in our region. Also we are grateful for the support provided by the Society’s Membership and Development team. • The Northern Central Council is indebted to the compassionate service of members and the unstinting efforts of the staff and volunteers at our Vinnies Centres. These groups and the donors of goods and other benefactors, have made possible the Society’s welfare effort is the region. • Vinnies Centres in the Northern Central Council area have distributed goods to families valued at over $144,560. • In 2007 we hope to support and reinforce our conferences so that members will be equipped to meet the needs of those we serve, acknowledging that ‘no work of charity is foreign to the Society’. • Importantly, home visitation remains a ‘Bridge to Community’ for many people as evidenced by Anne’s story.
We see...we hear...we help... Anne is a refugee from North Africa and our conference home visitation team had been visiting her for some time, mainly just keeping in touch, helping with orientation and some material support. After a time Anne, who has a tertiary education in her home country, enquired whether the conference could assist her in acquiring a computer. Her idea was to use this communication medium to assist her North African community in Melbourne. The conference was successful in accessing a low-cost computer and printer. Anne now assists people from her home country with translations, job applications and distributes community news and emails from and to her former home country. Today, Anne is very much a key person in her community and a resource where people can go to for help. The home visitation by our members proved to be a successful ‘bridge to community’ for Anne.
Regions
3
Conferences*
33
Members*
289
Auxiliary Members
56
College Conferences
4
Vinnies Centres
6
Area covered
North Metro
* These figures incorporate Youth Conferences and Youth Members
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
13
SOUTHERN CENTRAL COUNCIL
The Southern Central Council’s conference members have provided assistance to the value of $1,151,098 to 19,146 families in need during the past 12 months.
Providing a hand up Highlights & Initiatives • Spirituality of the Society is very strong in the Southern Central Council with the holding of regular retreats and Festival Masses. • Demand for services continues to increase with calls from ‘working poor’ becoming more frequent. The ‘working poor’ are those who are on low incomes and in private rental accommodation. Increases in rents and petrol prices make it very hard for these people to make ends meet, thus they turn to Vinnies for support. • The Southern Central Council has introduced an in-depth training program over the past 12 months. Conference members receiving training on issues such as: the provision of budgeting assistance and dealing with addictions and difficult behaviours. A major focus of the training has been in helping members to deal with people with mental illnesses as we are seeing more and more people with these conditions. The training will better prepare members to meet their needs and assist in providing a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’. • Kathy Rohan from Dandenong Region and Noelene O’Brien from Mentone Region were welcomed to the Southern Central Council. Many thanks to our outgoing Presidents Eileen Semmell and Ed Riordan. • A number of recruitment drives have occurred across Southern Central Council with varying degrees of success. • The new conference at Westernport is now running with 12 very enthusiastic members undertaking home visitations and other programs to support people in need. A Young Adult Conference has also re-established itself in the Dandenong Region. Congratulations to everyone involved. • Volunteers at the Vinnies Centre in Springvale welcomed the relocation to new premises. • A new initiative has been the regular regional meetings for Centre Teams where representatives from local Vinnies Centres, Regional Council and Conference Presidents and senior staff from Centres Administration meet to discuss new policies and any problems which may be occurring. This initiative has been welcomed by all those who have been involved so far.
We see...we hear...we help... Our conference regularly visits Simone, a lady in her 30’s who has various health problems and is almost entirely housebound. A few weeks ago we visited her and asked if we could have dinner together. Being the great cook that she is, Simone agreed to cook dinner for us. Luckily on the night, Simone was feeling well enough to have us visit. The four of us arrived and were greeted by the wonderful smell of the food she had prepared. As always Simone welcomed us into her home and we helped by making a salad, setting the table and then sat down to enjoy the lasagne she had prepared. The night went extremely well with a great meal, the funniest conversation, looking through Simone’s wedding photos and completely enjoying each other’s company. We stayed for hours, laughing until our sides hurt. It was the best girls’ night and dinner party we had been to and it was so great to see Simone laugh and feeling great as well.
Regions
5
Conferences*
51
Members*
725
Auxiliary Members
217
College Conferences
9
Vinnies Centres
10
Area covered
South Metro
* These figures incorporate Youth Conferences and Youth Members
14
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
WESTERN CENTRAL COUNCIL
The Western Central Council’s conference members have provided assistance to the value of $831,274 to 19,283 families in need during the past 12 months.
Lifting our spirits Highlights & Initiatives • Several Festival Masses were held in the Western Central Council areas of Ascot Vale, Newcomb, Yarraville, Sunbury and Gladstone Park. All were well attended and long serving members were presented with a medal recognising their service. • Vinnies Centres in Sunbury and Ascot Vale were blessed to celebrate extensive renovations. The centre in Glenroy celebrated 20 years of operation while Seymour has relocated to larger premises. Centres in Ocean Grove and Queenscliff have also been refitted. • There has been one leadership change in the past 12 months with Stephen Fernades retiring as the Central Highlands Regional President and Marcia Schwegler taking that role. • Last November, a Retreat was held at St Vincent de Paul Society in Strathmore. Bishop Mark Coleridge led the prayer/reflection day which was attended by 150 people. • A Vinnies Youth information night was held last September at Maribyrnong Community Centre which was attended by 50 people and 18 new members were registered. • In February a Vinnies Youth Festival Mass was held at St Peter’s East Keilor, attended by 100 people from 10 schools and 16 Vinnies Youth Conferences. • A Social Justice Seminar was held last August and a Leadership Seminar was held last September at Brooklyn with 24 people present at each. The Membership and Development team have been conducting “Welcome & Introduction to the Society” and basic home visitation courses. • Two new conferences in Torquay and Craigieburn were established. • A planning day was held at Geelong’s Clonard College to plan activities and events for the year. • In the last financial year the Western Central Council handed up surplus funds of $95,000 to State Council. • The Geelong Regional Council provided 140 children with passes to the “World Festival of Magic” compliments of the Hamlyn Heights Lions Club. • With the assistance of Ford and Alcoa there was a Community Christmas Dinner for 203 people, 163 adults and 40 children, in Geelong. Alcoa also held a Christmas party at Timezone for 107 children.
We see...we hear...we help... Within one of our parishes there is a family whose mother/wife, Claire, is dying of cancer. Concern was expressed that Claire would have to go into care when the hot water service broke down and the family were unable to pay for a new one. After 10 days the father, Jack, contacted the St Vincent de Paul Society detailing the problem and requesting assistance. The local conference assessed the situation and a decision was made to purchase a new hot water service for the family. Within two days the new service was installed with little inconvenience but a wonderful result as Claire was able to stay at home with the family. During the year, our conferences have contact with so many people in need, that it really lifts our spirits to be able to do something so worthwhile.
Regions
5
Conferences*
60
Members*
638
Auxiliary Members
216
College Conferences
11
Vinnies Centres
15
Area covered
West Metro
* These figures incorporate Youth Conferences and Youth Members
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
15
GIPPSLAND CENTRAL COUNCIL
The Gippsland Central Council’s conference members have provided assistance to the value of $630,234 to 10,151 families in need during the past 12 months.
Helping people through Highlights and Initiatives • Tertiary Education Support has been given to 11 students this year to assist them with the set up expenses involved with having to leave home to further their education. • Prison visitations to Fulham are carried out on a roster system. A children’s activity program is provided by volunteers to ensure that their visit to the prison is a positive one. • Bairnsdale Conference has commenced homework sessions on a Thursday afternoon. They are working with The Smith Family, teachers and senior secondary students to help junior secondary students. • Our conferences work hard to give a ‘hand up’ by supporting people through financial and personal issues and assisting them back on their feet. • Two No Interest Loan Schemes are now working in Gippsland with another one almost ready to start. • Greater awareness of social justice issues at conference and regional levels as a means to advocate for the rights of people who are disadvantaged. • Home visitation to assist families in need continue to be our focus. • The conferences work with other agencies to get the best services for our clients. Some examples are The Smith Family, The Salvation Army, Anglicare, Gippscare and Centrelink. • The Vinnies Maffra Sale continues to provide bargain hunters, disadvantaged families and community members with the opportunity to purchase a range of good and assist the local conference members to raise funds in support of their work in the community.
We see...we hear...we help... When Patricia was first visited by the conference she had been in prison for 15 years. Her life had been traumatic: sexually abused by her father and then turning to alcohol and drugs. By the time of her arrest, she had two daughters. On her release, Patricia had not seen her daughters for 15 years and they would not speak to her. She was confused with the outside world and managed to get into financial difficulties, with large electricity and phone bills as well as being behind with her rent. Two conference members decided to visit Patricia regularly and help. Fortnightly payments for the phone and electricity bills were arranged and the members spoke to her landlady. Patricia was provided with food vouchers, budgeting advice and assistance in getting her a casual cleaning job. All the income earned went into paying the rent in arrears. Seven months later Patricia had her rent paid, other bills were under control and her daughters had been in touch. That was almost a year ago and now the conference sees Patricia only when she is down the street or shopping at the Vinnies Centre. They have not had to call on her and offer help since.
Regions
3
Conferences*
17
Members*
278
Auxiliary Members
77
College Conferences
2
Vinnies Centres
11
Area covered
South East Victoria
* These figures incorporate Youth Conferences and Youth Members
16
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
NORTH EASTERN CENTRAL COUNCIL
The North Eastern Central Council’s conference members have provided assistance to the value of $758,148 to 18,177 families in need during the past 12 months.
Community at heart Highlights & Initiatives • Bendigo Region has worked with Bendigo Uniting Care, The Salvation Army, Centrelink representatives, Australia Help and other St Vincent de Paul Society presidents to improve welfare in the region. • The Upper Murray Region has held successful Festival Meetings during the year. • Goulburn Valley Region provided 200 McDonalds, KFC and Village Cinema vouchers to conferences. • 2005 saw the largest Christmas Drive in the Goulburn Valley Region. • Goulburn Valley Region has assisted three Congolese families to settle in the area. • Wangaratta Region identified a major community problem for parents in the lower socio-economic areas in keeping children at school. The region has donated almost $10,000 to assist the parents and children. • Wangaratta Region celebrated St Vincent de Paul’s Feast Day with a special Mass and lunch was held at the Vinnies Centre. • Mid-Murray Region held a special Pampering Day for women affected by the drought. This involved hairdressers and beauticians who provided services and sample cosmetic bags for the women in the area. • To help understand the needs of people with mental illness and provide appropriate assistance, the Wangaratta Region has joined with Anglicare to arrange three seminars with the Psychiatric Hospital and Community Psychiatry covering such subjects as: knowing and recognising mental illness, handling aggression and walking with the mentally disadvantaged. • A joint Anglicare/St Vincent de Paul Society venture to share the same building, resources, ideas and initiatives while keeping our own identities is working well in the Wangaratta Region and outcomes are much better. • SPC Ardmona has donated pallets of canned goods to assist families in the Mildura and Bairnsdale areas. • Vinnies Youth run weekly tutoring classes for school children and, during school holidays, also run activity days. • Goulburn Valley Region has worked with Foodbank, Legacy and RSL, Social Workers and Financial Advisers. • Mid-Murray Region has worked with St Luke’s Housing and Finance, Neighbourhood House, Aboriginal Health & Family Services, Rural Counselling Services, the Shire Drought Coordinator, Parish Councils, School Chaplains and Mallee Family Care during the year.
We see...we hear...we help... Michelle was eight months pregnant when her husband suddenly died, leaving her with six children and a property unable to house the family. The local conference heard about the family’s difficulties and organised a planning meeting to determine the necessities and how they could help Michelle and the children. Plans were drawn for a new extension and over one weekend 34 men, including 17 tradesmen, arrived and set to work renovating the back of the house. The renovation included creating a new bedroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom with separate toilet, shower and vanity. The community also assisted with the purchase and installation of a new hot water service, to replace the barely working one at the home. Michelle and her family are truly thankful to the Society and all in the local community who assisted her during this time. “We just wouldn’t have been able to do it without them,” she said.
Regions
5
Conferences*
38
Members*
458
Auxiliary Members
103
College Conferences
6
Vinnies Centres
18
Area covered
North East Victoria
* These figures incorporate Youth Conferences and Youth Members
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
17
NORTH WESTERN CENTRAL COUNCIL
The North Western Central Council’s conference members have provided assistance to the value of $598,035 to 11,583 families in need during the past 12 months.
Widening horizons Highlights & Initiatives • Introduction of No Interest Loan Schemes into five regions. • Initial meetings to establish a low-cost food outlet, known as Vinnies Budget Groceries at Wendouree (Ballarat). • Continuation of the Widening Horizons Skill Enhancement Program at Wendouree West. • Purchase of a property in Mildura to provide a holiday home for people in need. • Working towards establishing a number of independent living units at Red Cliffs. • As part of the Strategic Plan we will review our activities into the Mallee and Wimmera areas, create new conferences and region where appropriate, and help existing conferences to meet the needs of people affected by the drought. • The Widening Horizons Skill Enhancement Program works in partnership with the following agencies in Ballarat and Sebastopol: Centacare, Australian Catholic University, St Patrick’s College, The Salvation Army and St James’ Parish School. • Our No Interest Loan Scheme is accredited with the Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services who assist us with obtaining Government Grants for set up costs as well as general support and networking. • With the extensive bushfires in the Grampians during January 2006, the Stawell and Ararat Conferences worked closely with their respective inter-Church Councils and the lead agencies, the Red Cross and The Salvation Army, to co-ordinate relief in those areas. • Increased awareness of social justice in the area so we can advocate for the rights of people in need. • Home visitation continues to be the core work of North Western Central Council.
We see...we hear...we help Mark called into the local Vinnies Centre looking for help, as things had not been going well due to marital problems. Mark had no choice but to find somewhere to live so he set himself up in a tent close by but the severe frosts made the living conditions unbearable. He also had no food, money, blankets and very little petrol. He drove to the outskirts of town and walked into the Vinnies Centre where he asked for help. Mark was provided with a substantial food parcel, two new blankets and a $50 voucher for petrol, as he needed to report to Centrelink in Bendigo. As Mark left the centre, he expressed his sincere thanks for the items given to him. We have not seen Mark since, which is not unusual, but we hope that the practical assistance provided helped him through a rough day.
Regions
5
Conferences*
45
Members*
502
Auxiliary Members
136
College Conferences
4
Vinnies Centres
17
Area covered
North West Victoria
* These figures incorporate Youth Conferences and Youth Members
18
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
VINNIES YOUTH
Young adult members seek to provide children with a positive, safe, environment where they can interact with their peers. They interact with children on a person-to-person basis, aiming to act as role models for all children they work with.
It’s about the kids We see...we hear...we help... A few weeks before a Kids Camp was run, Sue warned us that her son, Jake, who was to attend the camp, had anger management issues. When he and his siblings arrived, we expected a somewhat rowdy kid. He looked like a tough little thing and didn’t speak much at first. However, during the week we found a child who had endless energy but was also sweet and thrived on camp. Jake loved camp, and while not the best behaved child, he seemed to try his hardest to behave. By the end of the week, Jake won Camp Champ for his efforts. It was a joy to see his face light up when he received his prize, a football. The positive encouragement and attention Jake received from the leaders had a positive effect on him. At the end of camp Sue was an hour late in picking up Jake and his siblings. When she arrived, Jake excitedly shared all the fun he had experienced in the past week with his Mum and soon after said goodbye to all of us. A short time later, we saw their van coming back up the camp driveway. Thinking they must have left something behind, we approached the car and found Jake crying in the backseat. Highlights & Initiatives • Over the past year more than 50 young adults volunteered their time to run two Kids Camps, assisting 71 children. • Children participated in a wide range of activities during Kids Camps such as giant sports, swimming, craft and mini Olympics. • Continually improving the services we offer to those we serve is always at the forefront of our minds. • Developed a new Child and Youth Policy providing guidance and support to young adult members and volunteers in all the work they undertake with children and young people. • Young adult members help people in need in their local communities in a variety of ways, such as running programs like Kids Camps, Roadshow and Kids Days Out which give children a fun-filled experience they otherwise would not be able to have.
Sue hopped out and explained, “He just couldn’t leave without giving his favourite leader, Marvin, a hug.” Jake jumped out of the van, still crying, and ran up to Marvin, who engulfed him in a hug. Sue then began crying herself. She said quietly, “You don’t know what a difference this camp has made to him. He doesn’t have a male role model at home, so you were it this week.” We may not see Jake or his family again. However, we know that the difference we made to Jake, in that one week of camp, will not be forgotten by him or us.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
19
SOUP VANS
The St Vincent de Paul Society’s four soup van services provide assistance to more that 540 people each night and served 176,150 meals to people in need this year.
Taking it to the streets We see...we hear...we help... Steve is 17 years old and a volunteer on the Matthew Talbot Soup Van - Footscray. Growing up with a South American background, Steve has a good understanding of what poverty is all about and wants to make a difference. Just like all the other Vannies, Steve assists in the preparation of the meals to be distributed and then heads off with the others to visit Footscray’s local flats, boarding houses and the Whitten Oval. The Vannies assist people in need, not only with the meals they provide but also with a friendly chat and catch up. Steve’s commitment to helping others has seen him also become the president of his school conference. “It’s a rewarding experience to be allowed into someone’s home and I am a firm believer that with a little bit of commitment and action, instead of words, just one person can make a difference,” he said. Soup vans rely on the generosity of donors, both financially and through gifts in kind to enable this voluntary program to exist.
Highlights & Initiatives • Margaret Oats Soup Van – Collingwood During 2005-2006, the Margaret Oats Soup Van – Collingwood provided 27,040 meals to people on the streets of Collingwood, Richmond and Kew. The soup van’s 120 volunteers provide real and practical support to people in need five nights a week. • Matthew Talbot Soup Van – Fitzroy This year, the Matthew Talbot Soup Van – Fitzroy has provided assistance to people in need located in the areas of CBD, Fitzroy, East Melbourne, North Melbourne and Southbank. The service provided 120,450 meals in 12 months and operates seven nights per week. Over 200 soup van volunteers assist the service by making a regular ongoing commitment.
20
• Matthew Talbot Soup Van – Footscray During 2005-2006, the Matthew Talbot Soup Van – Footscray provided 21,900 meals to 60 people per night in the Footscray, Maidstone, Newport and Williamstown areas. The van operates seven nights per week with, on average, 10 Vannies to assist in preparation and distribution of meals to people in need. • Frederic Ozanam Soup Van – Moe Over 12 months, the Frederic Ozanam Soup Van – Moe has provided 6,760 meals to 65 people in need. Thirtyfive volunteers provide support to people in Moe and Newborough, two nights per week.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
COMPEER
The Compeer volunteer program operates in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, matching trained volunteers with people diagnosed with a mental illness.
Focus on friendship We see...we hear...we help... Jim is in his late 30’s, unemployed with a broken relationship and a young daughter. He lives in a supported residential service with a dozen other people and has experienced poor health for many years. Jim has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and takes regular medication. Alan is in his late 30’s, employed full time, married with primary school age children. Last year he responded to a newspaper advertisement for volunteers, attended a Compeer information session and was soon interviewed, police checked and trained. A month later Jim and Alan were matched by Compeer staff and they have met every weekend for an hour to walk the dog, watch a game of local football, look at used car yards, and occasionally drink coffee. Over time a bond has been built and their conversation ranges over many topics. Jim’s case worker reports that over the past nine months his client is more regular with medication, sees his daughter occasionally, is a little more outgoing and his health has been more stable. Alan knows he is making a difference and has learned that many of the stigmas and stereotypes around mental illness are untrue and unfair.
Highlights & Initiatives • During 2005-2006 Compeer has: interviewed 74 new volunteer applicants, trained 44 new volunteers, received 54 new client referrals, started 38 new matches and 17 matches continuing. • Focus is on friendship and equality with certain boundaries. • Compeer staff provided support to volunteers. • Friendship helps people cope with mental illness. • Program leads to change in community attitudes. • Successful recruitment campaigns. • Group social activities for volunteers and companions. • Volunteer interview DVD that won international award.
• Joint conference with other Australian Compeer programs. • Research grant was received. • Development of electronic database. • Program is growing in northern Victoria. • Compeer has worked with other agencies including: mental health services in eastern metropolitan region, volunteer resource centres, the municipalities of Knox, Maroondah and Whitehorse, Richmond Fellowship Victoria, Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, Department for Victorian Communities, Department of Human Services and Leader and Fairfax newspapers.
• Professional advisory group established.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
21
VINNIES CENTRES
For the community at large, Vinnies Centres are the window to the St Vincent de Paul Society. With 94 centres across the State, these retail outlets provide a very visible presence for the Society. We are very proud of the efforts of our 3,000 plus volunteers who do a wonderful job in collecting, sorting and presenting goods for sale at these outlets. With some 619 shops Australia-wide, Vinnies is certainly a very significant retailer.
You’ll love what you find With rising fuel costs and generally increased living expenses forced upon them, people who are marginalised by lack of financial means are increasingly coming to the St Vincent de Paul Society for assistance. Whilst our shops provide access to affordable goods, it is the income generated by sales of goods from Vinnies Centres that fund the bulk of the welfare programs provided by the St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria. Once again this year, sales figures have been very strong. Total sales for 2005-2006 were more than 9% over the previous financial year, while the increase in expenses was less than 1%. Sales growth was reflected most significantly in clothing and bric-a-brac, the moderate movement in furniture sales is an area for further consideration. We are committed to providing modern retail facilities with buildings and presentation standards to meet the increasing expectations of our customers. During the year the Sale, Sebastopol, Springvale and Wonthaggi centres were relocated to improved premises and locations. These relocations have not only resulted in significantly increased patronage but our volunteers have also appreciated their improved workplaces, resulting in positive feedback from customers and clients. In keeping with our State Vinnies Centres Board of Management’s commitment to improving the aesthetics and amenity of existing locations, some 20 Vinnies Centres were given an upgrade during the year. Works have included improved retail layouts, fixtures and fittings, repainting, maintenance and facilities’ improvements. Assistance provided during 2005-2006 Value of Assistance (Clothing, household items and furniture)
$ 1,241,818
Centres Financial Overview during 2005-2006
22
Sales
$13,574,437
Expenses
$ 5,951,555
Funds available for distribution
$ 7,622,882
Centres Administration Restructure Following an exhaustive consultative process, and having regard to a number of recommendations which were accepted by State Council, Centres Administration underwent a significant restructure. Whilst largely cost neutral, nine Zone Managers (previously five Area Managers) now oversee the 94 Centre Managers and Centre Management Teams. Each of the Zone Managers also has a specialist area (eg Merchandising, Occupational Health & Safety, etc) further adding value to centres operations. The further development of Centre Management Teams means Centre Managers are more effectively supported in day-to-day operations.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
VINNIES CENTRES
Donated Product
Centre Locations
The volume of donations from generous donors has continued, but there is a growing concern regarding the amount of rubbish dumped outside our shops and the resultant costs for waste removal. An initiative with the City of Boroondara has seen Vinnies clothing donation bins located on council sites which is a win/win situation for both. Part of the proceeds from this partnership will go to Foundation Boroondara, a community organisation investing in community development programs.
Alfredton
Hastings
Ormond
Ararat
Hawthorn
Ouyen
Ascot Vale*
Heidelberg Heights
Pakenham
Ashburton*
Heyfield
Pinewood
Bairnsdale
Hoppers Crossing*
Port Melbourne*
Bayswater*
Horsham
Preston
Benalla
Kangaroo Flat
Queenscliff
Bendigo*
Kerang
Ringwood
Marketing
Briar Hill
Kew East*
Sale
This year the Society’s National Council adopted a new styleguide which provides uniform direction for the external presentation of all Vinnies Centres throughout Australia. The Vinnies branding will adorn all shops throughout Victoria by the end of 2007.
Brunswick*
Korumburra
Seaford
Camperdown
Kyabram
Sebastopol
Casterton
Kyneton
Seymour
Castlemaine
Lalor
Shepparton*
Clayton
Leongatha
Springvale*
Our Volunteers
Cobram
Lilydale
St Albans
Every day our wonderful volunteers go about their work largely unheralded but they are certainly the lifeblood of this organisation. Their efforts are critical to the Society’s ability to help people in our community who need a hand up from time to time.
Coburg*
Malvern
St Arnaud
Colac
Mansfield
Sunbury
Collingwood
Maryborough
Sunshine
Cowes
Melton
Swan Hill
Cranbourne*
Mildura
Tatura
Croydon
Mitcham*
Traralgon
Dareton
Moe
Wangaratta
Daylesford
Mont Albert
Warburton*
Eaglehawk
Mooroopna
Warragul
Echuca
Mornington
Warrnambool
Edithvale*
Morwell
Wendouree
Ferntree Gully
Mount Clear
Werribee
Frankston*
Newport
Wodonga*
Geelong
Norlane
Wonthaggi
Glenroy
Numurkah
Yarrawonga
Hamilton
Oakleigh*
Hampton
Ocean Grove
THE WIGGLES SUPPORT VINNIES CENTRES
For the third year, world renowned children’s entertainers The Wiggles have kindly gifted their support to the Society for a national campaign promoting Vinnies Centres. The Society is grateful to The Wiggles for their generous support.
* Denotes centres with INNZONE fashions. Donations of good quality clothing, furniture and household items can be made to any Vinnies Centre, call 1800 621 349.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
23
MIGRANT AND REFUGEE
The Migrant and Refugee Committee seek a fairer and more humane treatment of asylum seekers. The program provides a range of services to support and assist refugees to rebuild their lives.
People are people Highlights & Initiatives • In association with parish conferences, assistance has been provided to hundreds of newcomers from diverse ethnic backgrounds including the Sudan, Middle East, Sri Lanka and Karen (Myanmar). • The National Advisory Committee for Migrants and Refugees visited Baxter Detention Centre and met with 13 detainees, some of whom had overstayed their visitor visas. The nature of this facility with its high level of staff and security creates an atmosphere of hopelessness and can cause serious psychological damage to many detainees. • A pastoral/caseworker partially funded by the committee serves Dandenong Parish, parish school (50 Sudanese students) and the local deanery as well as referring people whose pastoral needs may have been neglected. • African refugees unfamiliar with the traffic code have received driver tuition through a professional driving school. • Print media has highlighted the targeting of unsuspecting refugee clients by unscrupulous sales people in services such as: pay TV, mobile phones, car sales and bank loans. • Sunshine Parish was assisted with the No Interest Loan Scheme to help refugees repay high levels of air travel debt. • Shepparton conference has actively assisted people from Iraq and the Congo. • The Society’s emergency accommodation units house refugees. Amelia House in Hawthorn accommodated a West Papuan family who were part of the initial intake of refugees from that area. • People allocated Bridging Visa E status for overstaying visa requirements are denied access to paid employment, Medicare and Centrelink benefits. Rental assistance has been given to 10 families. • The committee advocated for a more humane treatment of Bridging Visa E holders. • National Advisory Committee communicated with the government concerning harshness of the intended Migration Amendment (Designated Unauthorised Arrivals) Bill that would have processing of all asylum seekers directed to Nauru. • Two hundred people attended a seminar to research and develop a relevant approach in handling the pastoral needs of modern refugees (chaplains/pastoral workers etc). • Close co-operation with Catholic Migration Office and various church and secular organisations. • Current membership is 19 but we need an injection of youth to mix socially with migrant youth endeavouring to adjust to a new culture. • Ongoing need to provide homework assistance for students. • Financial assistance provided during this year is $85,000.
24
We see...we hear...we help... St Mary’s Conference in Dandenong was informed that a family from Central Africa was experiencing severe difficulties as they were not able to converse in English. Conference members visited the family and discovered dangerous health and safety issues regarding the family’s living conditions that required urgent attention. The conference provided supplementary assistance that included the provision of clothes, blankets, shopping advice, whitegoods instruction and language school enrolment. Without the commitment from the St Vincent de Paul Society, this family of refugees would needlessly have suffered, compounding the already dangerous journey from their war torn country. This family is just one amongst many who are provided with a ‘hand up’ at a critical time of need.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT
The State Overseas Development Committee has been able to maintain existing partnerships and expand its commitment to our twinned countries within the Asia Pacific area.
A little really helps There are three components of twinning: • A sharing of spirituality, by the exchange of prayer. • A sharing of culture, friendship and knowledge through letters. • A sharing of our financial resources with a basic monthly contribution. We are able to uphold these commitments through three key programs: Twinning, Assist a Student and Projects. In Victoria there are currently 530 overseas conferences twinned with local Victorian conferences. In the current financial year Victoria provided $140,240 by way of assistance to our twins. Assist a Student provides hope and education to children from impoverished families. Just $70 per year allows children from developing countries the opportunity to attend school and receive a basic education. Families experiencing severe poverty, see education as a way forward. Conferences and private donors have enabled the Society to provide funding for 1,312 students, at a cost of $91,894.75. Projects are another popular way we share our financial resources with our twinned countries. Self-help projects are extremely popular, and local conferences are very keen to continue this support. During 2005-2006, 28 projects were funded and the amount received was $34,197. Grants totalling $83,208 have also provided an additional financial boost to our twins at Christmas and Easter.
Country
Victoria also contributed $10,000 to Pakistan, to provide emergency shelters and cooking utensils following the devastating earthquake. Conferences have also given generously to recent tsunami tragedies in Indonesia.
Caroline Islands
316
694
Indonesia
16
163
In January, the Pan Asia Pacific Congress was held in Perth. State Council hosted the visit of representatives from Pakistan, Myanmar, Philippines and Fiji. Members were able to gain a firsthand insight into the structures and challenges facing the Society’s operations in the Asia Pacific region and a very valuable exchange of information took place, leading to a greater understanding of how the work of the Society in these countries is developing.
Myanmar
58
55
Pakistan
23
72
112
100
No. of Twinned Conferences 1
Fiji India
Philippines
60
Solomon Islands Thailand Total
No. of Students Assisted
41 4
127
530
1,312
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
25
ABOUT US
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services manage professional welfare services focusing on aged care, homelessness and supported employment for people with a disability.
Making a real difference The services are largely government funded but also raise funds through donations from individuals and philanthropic trusts in order to provide additional support over and above the government funded level. With approximately 550 employees and supported by volunteers, St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services assists over 120,000 people each year. Aged Care Services Our services provide care and accommodation for elderly citizens through a mix of hostels, a nursing home and independent living units. The service operates eight aged care residential facilities across Victoria: seven low-care hostels and one high-care nursing home, which 349 residents call home. Co-located with the nursing home is the day therapy centre that treats 90 people a week. Across four Victorian regional locations we also manage independent living units in Ballarat, Bendigo, Maryborough and Mildura. Residents in our independent living units enjoy a home-like environment with complete responsibility for their own care and support needs. Community Services Our programs reflect the more traditional origins of the St Vincent de Paul Society, stemming from the work of our founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and working with the most disadvantaged and marginalised citizens in our community who present with complex issues that often require long-term strategies and involvement.
Historically our services have tended to focus on the north western region of metropolitan Melbourne, growing out of locally identified needs within the community. We operate a range of accommodation and support initiatives for people who experience homelessness; providing help with issues such as general health concerns, drug and alcohol abuse, employment education and training options, and social exclusion and isolation. We also provide a family violence service based in Shepparton. Disability Employment Service Based at Mornington, Ozanam Enterprises provides supported employment for people with disabilities. Sixty people with a range of disabilities are involved in full and part time supported employment and work skills training. Ozanam Enterprises derives the majority of its income from a range of commercial contracts for the supply or assembly of a diverse product line. Our Services One of the unique aspects of our services is the collaboration between the professional and volunteer arms of the organisation. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services is fortunate to have the support of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria in advancing our services. We gratefully acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of our employees, and the commitment of our volunteers who consistently give generously of their time and energy, making a real difference to our work, and the quality of life of those we aim to assist.
The St Vincent de Paul Society has been managing government funded community programs for over 50 years. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services continues this work with society’s most needy through numerous programs funded by the Victorian State Government’s Department of Human Services through a three-year funding and service agreement. Additionally, St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services receives further assistance from the Federal Government for our pre-employment support service primarily targeted at homeless people.
26
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services was incorporated on 1 August 2003 as a result of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s desire to ensure major government funded works are developed and run with service expertise and managed professionally. The Board of Directors is empowered with independent responsibility for the strategic direction and development of the organisation in accordance with the Mission and ethos of the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Pamela Macklin
Rob Allum*
Adrian Cervetto
Maurie Joyce†
Gabrielle Levine
Anne O’Shaughnessy**
Allen Pretty
Peter Rigg
Tony Ryan***
Syd Tutton
Dr Doug Kent ††
Chair
Chief Executive Officer & Company Secretary
* ** *** † ††
Rob Allum, resigned 27 June 2006 Anne O’Shaughnessy, resigned 27 June 2006 Tony Ryan, resigned 31 December 2005 Maurie Joyce, appointed 1 January 2006 Dr Doug Kent, appointed Company Secretary 1 January 2006
Acknowledgements The Board farewelled three colleagues during the year. Firstly, after three years as a Director of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services and many more contributing to the works of the Society, Tony Ryan resigned from the Board in December 2005. Then in June 2006 Anne O’Shaughnessy and Rob Allum also resigned their Directorships, each also after three years as Directors and also with much longer involvement on a variety of management committees and other St Vincent de Paul Society works. We take this opportunity to formally thank Tony, Anne and Rob for their enduring contributions, and to congratulate them for the many achievements they are leaving us with. On the incoming side, we welcomed Maurie Joyce to the Board in January 2006 who brings with him a strong background in economics and finance from the manufacturing and mining industries.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
27
JOINT CHAIR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
The past 12 months has seen St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services consolidate service delivery models and lay the foundations for future strategic growth and development.
Laying the foundations A major restructure of management, across different levels, has been completed as we position ourselves to provide the best level of service to our clients, whilst developing a management team with the skills, experience and energy to advance the organisation into identified strategic directions. Strategic Planning During the year, a strategic planning process was undertaken drawing on a wide cross-section of our employees to ensure those who will ultimately be responsible for delivering the plan were given the opportunity to have input into it. In this way the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer endeavoured to develop a plan that represented the strategic vision of the Board, whilst also incorporating the more practical perspectives from our services, and drawing on the experience of our employees. Approved Provider During the year St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services successfully applied to the Department of Health and Ageing for Approved Provider status, thereby allowing us to directly deliver aged care services, instead of acting on behalf of the Society under its Approved Provider status. Approved Provider status was granted to St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services for both residential and home-based care, and the Community Aged Care Packages. An application was then made to transfer the bed licences from the St Vincent de Paul Society to St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services. Following an extensive consultation process with all our residents and their families, the Department accepted our transfer application effective from 1st July 2006, with the exception of two facilities (St Anne’s Hostel and the St Vincent de Paul Nursing Home) which currently hold Provisionally Allocated Bed Licences, and for which there is no provision to transfer.
28
Shared Services Incumbent on any organisation is a responsibility to allocate resources in the most efficient manner possible. With this as our guiding principle, St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services embraced a review of the corporate services functions with the St Vincent de Paul Society, with an objective to leverage off opportunities where both organisations could share these specialised services within the central office environment. The review covered Finance, Human Resources, Facilities Management and Information Technology, and has produced central office management functions that will provide improved service delivery in these areas, within a cost effective and efficient structure. Major Projects The Board’s commitment to the redevelopment of our aged care infrastructure remains steadfast, and during 2005-2006 we significantly advanced a number of projects. The following provides a summary of the projects the Board has pursued during the year: 1. O’Mara House – Traralgon On 15 December 2005, the Federal Member for Gippsland, The Honourable Peter McGauran, opened the new 15-bed extension at O’Mara House in Traralgon. Hourigan House, named after the Hourigan family who donated the original land for the facility, adds a high-care dimension that complements the existing lowcare hostel and takes the overall facility’s capacity to 64-beds. At an overall cost of $1,675,151 this project further demonstrates the Board’s commitment to developing our facilities and managing our assets to achieve both an improved financial outcome whilst providing a standard of accommodation for our residents that gives them dignity within a home-like environment. 2. Hamlyn Heights – Geelong As this report is being written, construction of a new 91-bed facility at Hamlyn Heights, a suburb of Geelong, is commencing. Designed by world-leading architects, Woodhead International, the building incorporates many environmental sustainable design concepts for energy conservation and water recycling. The building design breaks down the 91-beds into three individual ‘houses’, creating a more home-like environment whilst providing an efficient configuration for staffing and delivery of care. At an expected cost of over $11m the project is anticipated to take 12 months to complete.
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services
JOINT CHAIR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
Financial Performance
Looking Ahead
For 2005-2006 St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services will report a net surplus of $2m. It is also important to note that the net surplus includes income of $2.5m that is considered as ‘nonoperating’ in nature relating to our aged care operations. Under Department of Health and Ageing guidelines, this income should be directed to the ongoing maintenance and development of our aged care facilities. Adjusting for this would result in a net deficit of $500,000.
Clearly one of the major tasks for 2006-2007 will be the completion of the Hamlyn Heights aged care facility, and managing the financial aspects that are inherent with this development. With our Strategic Plan now completed, individual Business Plans will establish the financial accountabilities for each of our services, and provide the framework for measuring our success in delivering to the plan.
This highlights a systemic problem faced by all aged care providers; that the current funding model fails to adequately provide for normal operational costs, forcing providers to draw on capital-based funding to meet these costs. This then leaves providers to fund capital works from their own reserves or to see facilities slowly deteriorate through inadequate maintenance. Within this context, the Board has been following the trials of the government’s proposed new Aged Care Funding Instrument with interest. However, there is growing concern that the new Aged Care Funding Instrument will only add to the financial plight of not-for-profit organisations such as St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services as our commitment to the more disadvantaged in our community means we care for a high proportion of residents who it appears will attract less funding under the new model. We will continue to monitor these developments and to advocate on behalf of those who are at further risk from these changes. Through prudent asset management our Balance Sheet remains sound and conservatively structured, and continues to provide strong returns supporting our operations. Even after investing about $3m in capital projects, our net assets have increased by $1.1m over 2005-2006.
We will be delivering home-based care for the first time through the Community Aged Care Packages program, and this will draw on the skill sets of both our Aged Care and Community Service employees, creating closer links that will ultimately mean better outcomes across our client base. An innovative aged care training initiative has recently been established that has the potential for St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services to become a leader in providing practical training for external as well as our own employees, and has already achieved significant success. Our Disability Employment Service has forged strong linkages with other business services, and is growing the income stream through partnership-based initiatives. We face many challenges on many fronts and we are greatly assisted through the generous support of a large number of volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and energies. In closing, we particularly pay tribute to our supporters, employees and volunteers alike, and thank them for their ongoing commitment to helping us improve the lives of those we serve. Pamela Macklin Chair
Dr Douglas Kent Chief Executive Officer
The coming 12 months will present many financial issues for the organisation, particularly as we introduce debt into our Balance Sheet for the first time to fund the 91-bed facility at Hamlyn Heights. Our budgets for this period have been carefully developed to ensure we continue to operate within our financial capacity, and plan for further growth across our services.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
29
AGED CARE SERVICES
It has been an exciting year for the aged care division of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services. A year that has included growth and refurbishment in our facilities, success in applying for government training funds, the introduction of a new Continuous Improvement Program and the appointment of a general manager for Aged Care.
A caring atmosphere Highlights and Initiatives • Seven of the eight St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services facilities have been successful in achieving compliance with the 44 expected outcomes of the Accreditation Standards and have received three years accreditation this year. Our eighth service O’Mara House is scheduled for their accreditation site audit at the end of August 2006. • A number of new appointees to the Aged Care Management team were welcomed, these included: Dawn Cole, Manager to St Vincent de Paul Nursing Home and Day Therapy Centre, Gayle Kase, Manager to O’Mara House, Graham Cook, Manager to Vincentian House and Rosalie House and Terri Gaylor, Manager to Vincenpaul Hostel. • Karen Lowe was appointed as the Aged Care Quality Development and Training Manager and Lorraine Lloyd as the Aged Care Administration Manager to manage all compliance requirements with the Aged Care Act. • St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services were successful in the 2005 Aged Care Approvals Round being allocated 20 Community Aged Care Packages for the western metropolitan region of Victoria. This is a new service and will enable St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services to provide care services for older people with complex care needs who wish to remain living in their homes. A Care Manager has been appointed and the first care recipients should commence on a package in September 2006. This initiative is truly a joint project between Aged Care and Community Services with the Care Manager being based at the Ozanam Community Centre. • The General Manager Aged Care and Quality Development and Training Manager presented a paper at the Aged Care Tri-State Conference in Mildura. The paper presented innovative models of care being implemented at St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services’ facilities and ‘Innovation in Training’ for our collaboration with a Registered Training Organisation to deliver compliance training to registered nurses in the industry and also in partnership with the acute sector. • A relationship established with the Registered Training Organisation ‘In Focus’ allows St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services to provide accredited training designed specifically for the organisation and also make it available to the industry.
30
The first St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services facilitated training session with external fee paying participants, was held in May 2006. Three of our aged care facilities hosted the training sessions which attracted extensive interest from other major aged care providers. Forty people attended, ‘Wound Management’ training held at Gerald Ward House by an acknowledged expert in the field. Attendees included St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services’ staff from eight facilities and employees from both not-forprofit and commercial providers on a fee for service basis.
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services
AGED CARE SERVICES
We see...we hear...we help... Late last year two residents of Bailly House, Hugh and Mary Ward enjoyed a morning tea with their family, staff, and residents to celebrate 70 years of marriage. A DVD of Hugh and Mary’s life together had been produced and was played at the special morning tea. The couple also received congratulatory letters from the Queen, the Australian Prime Minister and the Premier of Victoria. In June 2006, residents from the St Vincent de Paul Nursing Home together with their families attended ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at the Princess Theatre. The theatrical theme continued with residents at St Anne’s Hostel attending performances of ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Oliver’ and ‘Dusty’. The Golden Oldies Tap Dancers also conducted a show at St Anne’s Hostel. We believe you are never too old to kick up your heels and have fun!
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services has also been contracted by the previous Victorian peak body, the Victorian Association of Health and Extended Care to provide Medication Competency training through the Quality Development and Training Manager, who has designed, developed and implemented the training program. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services are also working in partnership with the Australian Disease Management Association to deliver courses for all disciplines of staff in Managing Chronic Diseases pro-actively. The course will be open to external participants.
In December 2005 the Department of Health and Ageing approved four low-care places for O’Mara House in Traralgon. O’Mara House’s new 15-bed high-care wing (Hourigan House) was opened on the 15 December 2005 by the Federal Member for Gippsland, The Honourable Peter McGauran and presided over by the former St Vincent de Paul Society State President, Syd Tutton and current St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services Director. O’Mara House accepted its first high-care clients in January 2006.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
31
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services continue to provide a large number of families and individuals with extensive support and accommodation.
Creating pathways During the 2005-2006 financial year almost 10,000 people were provided with help from our extensive network of services ranging from housing, financial assistance and case management to family violence, health services and employment and training initiatives. Drug and alcohol support programs were also a significant feature of our work and, in addition, approximately 104,000 meals were provided to people in crisis or in need of ongoing support. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services owes much to its committed paid staff of approximately 120 and to the 400 volunteers who contribute regularly to our work. School students, individuals and corporate groups are all represented in our volunteer workforce. Their efforts combine to deliver support and assistance as part of a unique environment evident throughout our Community Services. Ozanam House This year Ozanam House celebrated the reopening of dormitories, which were closed 10 years ago, with predominantly single rooms and individually targeted support services. Every night, Ozanam House caters for 64 homeless single men, many of whom have extremely complex needs. 656 men stayed with us for an average of 5½ weeks last year with nearly 70% of men being between 20-40 years old. 70% of men identified problematic drug and alcohol issues as a reason for seeking assistance whilst approximately 40% of residents indicated that psychiatric illness and mental health issues are a key reason for needing to find accommodation. This compares with more than 70% of residents being provided with psychiatric services following assessment by our support services and highlights our concerns about the number of people with undiagnosed mental illness who end up in the homelessness service system.
Ozanam Community Centre People visiting Ozanam Community Centre are able to eat a substantial lunch, take a shower, do their laundry and find some clean clothes and more suitable accommodation. They are able to seek assistance from one of the 20 or so services at the centre including dental, nursing or GP services, legal and optometrist experts, drug and alcohol treatment services, mental health and counselling services. There are numerous recreational activities including music groups, excursions and access to computers. The volunteer program encourages regular centre users to assist in the daily running of the programs and is an ideal platform from which to progress to education, training and employment opportunities. The generous donation from the McGrath Family Foundation has enabled us to transform the kitchen and dining area to include an ideal setting for life skills and food preparation training courses. This year the Ozanam Community Centre has provided 23,400 meals to over 100 people that use the centre every day. It is a valuable resource utilised by homeless and disadvantaged people from all over Melbourne. Adult Support Services This year Adult Support Services have provided 1,125 people with an extensive range of assistance ranging from case management, drug and alcohol treatment and mental health services to employment related programs. Our aim is to help people secure or maintain appropriate housing and pursue directions which facilitate an improved quality of life. The Homeless Drug Dependency Program is a Department of Human Services funded initiative specialising in assisting people with complex needs, many of whom present extensive challenges to the mainstream service system.
Assistance provided during 2005-2006 includes:
32
10,000
People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness were assisted
104,000
Meals were provided
7,000
People were assisted to find housing and accommodation
656
Homeless single men were accommodated at Ozanam House
261
Women were assisted to escape family violence
229
Homeless young people were supported
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Quin House
St Vincent de Paul Housing Services
Quin House provides accommodation for 11 single men who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Quin House was able to assist 71 men this financial year as part of a three month program based on a total abstinence model of support. Men who agree to be part of the program are required to contribute to the running of the household and to participate in a range of group activities. Some essential repairs and maintenance work has been carried out at the property this year and has encouraged us to outline a fundraising plan for complete refurbishment of the property over the next 12 months. Ex-residents are encouraged to participate in an ongoing support group for as long as they require, to assist in their recovery and to retain a connection with a valued community.
St Vincent de Paul Housing Services manages 170 properties aiming to provide transitional accommodation for homeless families and single men and women. Last year the service dealt with 7,000 requests for assistance in finding accommodation. Although we are not able to provide properties for the majority of people requesting assistance, the service is able to provide people with other private rental accommodation or maintain them in existing property and make appropriate connections to relevant support services. The Housing Services are also funded by the Community Connections program to work with almost 150 people on an outreach basis and by the Juvenile Justice Program which has assisted almost 500 people to secure accommodation on leaving juvenile justice detention programs.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
33
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Housing Services this year has embarked on a new role as the leading partner in establishing a central intake system for the Moreland and Hume area of the north west region and is anticipating significant developments in the area over the next 12 months. Youth Support Services During the year 229 young people who were homeless or at risk of homelessness were assisted by our Youth Support Services. Difficulties in finding secure and affordable accommodation were addressed for 50 young people by the Fund a Future project which raises funds to help subsidise rent for young people who are trying to complete their schooling or undertake a university course. This includes about 40 young people who are in need of intensive support because of a range of complex needs. In addition a research project highlighting the needs of young people who self-injure was undertaken.
34
Marian Community Based in Shepparton, the Marian Community has looked after 261 women experiencing family violence this year and is well supported in this work by the local community. The review of the family violence service system has seen Marian Community being funded to continue its work and also provide additional after hours support. Marian Community continues to be active in advocating for improved legislation and policy to protect women and children escaping domestic violence.
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
Ozanam Enterprises is a Disability Employment Service providing employment and training opportunities for people with a disability. Through meaningful work and vocational skill development the service continues to assist individuals to enhance their self-esteem, improve their sense of self-worth and reach their full potential in a workplace setting. In 2005-2006 the service has provided ongoing work opportunities for 60 people with a disability.
Life changing
Highlights and Initiatives • Business Development and Marketing Plan, ‘Defend and Extend’ was developed to ensure the future viability and sustainability of Ozanam Enterprises. • First round of pro-rata award-based wages paid to our employees with a disability from 1st July 2005. • Ozanam Enterprises accounting and financial management systems successfully integrated into the St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services Navision system from 1st July 2005. • The service remains fully compliant with the Disability Services Standards Certification and Accreditation processes. • International Day of People with a DisAbility acknowledged the contribution and achievements of Ozanam Enterprises employees. • Occupational Health & Safety Week, St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services were competition winners. • Systems and processes continue to be reviewed to enable the service to respond positively to the support needs and career aspirations of our employees with a disability as well as allowing the service to maximise recurrent government subsidies. • A seamless transition following the resignation of a number of long standing and experienced staff members over the year and the recruitment and appointment of new support staff. • Important partnerships and strategic alliances forged with other local business services providing opportunities for joint tendering and resource sharing. • The service has continued to foster and grow important links with the students of Padua College through the ‘Linked Hands’ Project and ‘Catholic Action Program’. • Ozanam Enterprises continues to leverage off its good track record with loyal and long standing customers and increase its customer base through the provision of excellent customer service, evidenced through a comprehensive customer survey conducted in August 2005.
We see...we hear...we help... Sandra is 22 years old and arrived at Ozanam Enterprises four years ago. Like anyone straight out of school, she was a bit nervous about starting her first job, but she was eager to learn and participate in life at Ozanam Enterprises. Sandra has received a high standard of training and support during her time at Ozanam Enterprises, and has changed from a shy, immature girl into a confident and capable young lady, able to fulfil the majority of the work requirements in our factory for both the production and packaging sections. Recently Sandra took up the challenge to learn Auslan Sign Language and she is now able to communicate with our nonverbal employees. Sandra is full of life and, with support and training, is capable of achieving all that she wants and more.
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
35
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income Statement for the year ended 30 June 2006 of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
2006 $
2005 $
Revenue Fundraising Government Grants Sale of Goods Other Revenue Changes in Value of Investment
6,417,317 19,057,839 16,236,499 6,658,501 5,765
5,078,852 19,389,130 14,832,134 5,987,824 1,153
Total revenue
48,375,921
45,289,093
869,275
698,582
(10,622,506) (656,462) (3,049,941)
(9,958,007) (629,066) (2,473,407)
(14,328,909)
(13,060,480)
34,916,287
32,927,195
(7,203,456) (12,953,499) (7,798,384) (2,243,462)
(8,047,229) (12,661,019) (7,707,519) (1,668,978)
(30,198,801)
(30,084,745)
(44,527,710)
(43,145,225)
4,717,486
2,842,450
OTHER INCOME Net Gain on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment OPERATING EXPENSES Cost of Sales Fundraising/Public Relations Administration
Total funds available for client activities CLIENT SERVICES EXPENSES People in Need Services Aged Care Services Homelessness & Housing Services Support Services
TOTAL EXPENSES SURPLUS FOR THE PERIOD
STATEMENT BY STATE COUNCIL In the opinion of the State Council the financial report as set out in the fully audited Financial Statements: 1. Presents a true and fair view of the financial position of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. as at 30 June 2006 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations and the Associations Incorporations Act (Vic) 1981. 2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the State Council, and is signed for and on behalf of the State Council by:
Jim Grealish State President
36
Peter Jackson Treasurer
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
Dated this 23rd day of September 2006. Fully audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2006 are available upon request.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2006 of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
2006 $
2005 $
CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Trade and Other Receivables Inventories Financial Assets Other Assets
20,161,336 2,056,680 183,060 13,026,978 414,192
22,235,338 438,246 153,737 8,159,917 489,561
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
35,842,246
31,476,799
NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment Intangibles
53,042,409 14,122,030
51,020,060 13,585,744
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
67,164,439
64,605,804
103,006,686
96,082,603
1,965,704 3,488,671 11,076,031
1,333,277 3,007,525 9,810,617
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
16,530,406
14,151,419
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Provisions
490,972
663,363
TOTAL ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and Other Payables Provisions Other Liabilities
490,972
663,363
TOTAL LIABILITIES
17,021,378
14,814,782
NET ASSETS
85,985,308
81,267,821
EQUITY Reserves Retained Earnings
31,188,770 54,796,537
32,403,596 48,864,225
TOTAL PARENT ENTITY INTEREST
85,985,307
81,267,821
TOTAL EQUITY
85,985,307
81,267,821
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
37
THANK YOU
Thank you to all the individuals, churches, schools, community groups, corporations, trusts and volunteers who support the St Vincent de Paul Society each year. Your support is invaluable and makes a significant difference to the people we assist.
Help is universal The St Vincent de Paul Society relies heavily on the generosity of the wider community to support vital programs and services for people in need. Thank you to all the thousands of individual donors who have given generously over the past 12 months. The Society recognises that people give in a variety of ways: some give their time, their skills, their prayers, gifts in kind, whilst others give financially. We are very grateful to all who support the Society. Trusts and Foundations Bell Charitable Fund J F Roche Trust Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund McGrath Family Foundation Olive Woods Trust Percy Baxter Charitable Trust Pierce Armstrong Foundation School’s Canteen Education Foundation of Australia The R E Ross Trust The William Angliss (Victoria) Charitable Fund The William Buckland Foundation Business and Government AGL Bosch Bulleen Village Pharmacy C F Comerford Cistercian Property Association Ford Motor Company of Australia and staff Infineum Australia Pty Ltd Melbourne City Council Minter Ellison and staff Powercor Australia and staff Providence Pty Ltd Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd Ryan Bros Bus Services Pty Ltd Skilled Engineering Solutions Group Tenix Defence Pty Ltd Washers & Stamped Components Australia Pty Ltd Schools and Community Groups Lions Club of Hamlyn Heights May Noonan Ladies Auxiliary (Terang) Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Rotary Club of Broadmeadows Rotary Club of Footscray St Bede’s College, Mentone Siena College
In Kind Donations AGL Ashwood Meat Supply Australian Catholics Magazine Australian College of Natural Medicines Australian Country Spinners Baker’s Delight Boscastle Hand Made Pastries Brumby’s Caulfield Racecourse Commonwealth Bank Crown Food Service Food Bank Victoria KPMG Levis Medibank Private Middletons Lawyers Minter Ellison National Storage Pacific Brands Peter Fielding Foundation Pro Angler Rossdale Golf Club St Vincent’s Private Hospital SPC Ardmona Tasty Trucks Telstra Temptation Bakery The Wiggles Tolhurst Druce & Emmerson Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders Western Bulldogs Football Club Yarra Legal Service Media Special thanks to all Victorian media outlets (newspapers, radio stations and television stations) for promoting the Society’s appeal advertisements free of charge. Bequests The St Vincent de Paul Society has been most grateful to receive a number of generous bequests in the last 12 months. This thoughtful provision for the future needs of the Society and those we serve is much appreciated.
Special thanks to the people associated with the St Vincent de Paul Society and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services whose photographs feature throughout this Annual Report. Photographs are interspersed randomly and are not necessarily associated with the accompanying text.
38
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.
How you can help You can help the St Vincent de Paul Society help others by: Volunteering your time
Call 03 9895 5800
If you are interested in becoming a member of a conference or volunteering your time to assist people in your community through any of the Society’s services. Making a Bequest
Call 03 9895 5800
Consider remembering the St Vincent de Paul Society in your Will. The Society is able to assist thousands of people because of the generosity of those who have remembered us in their Will. For an information booklet or to speak to our Bequest Officer. Making a financial donation Credit card donations can be made by visiting our website or calling the donation hotline. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Donating goods
Online www.svdp-vic.org.au Call 13 18 12
Call 1800 621 349
Donations of quality clothing, furniture and household goods can be made to any Vinnies Centres (see page 23 for centre locations).
Annual Report 2005-2006 | No work of charity is foreign to the Society
39
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. Locked Bag 4800, Box Hill Vic 3128 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill Vic 3128 Phone: 03 9895 5800 Fax: 03 9895 5850 Email: info@svdp-vic.org.au ABN: 28 911 702 061 RN: A0042727Y
St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services Locked Bag 4700, Box Hill Vic 3128 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill Vic 3128 Phone: 03 9895 5900 Fax: 03 9895 5950 Email: accs@svdp-vic.org.au ABN: 530 9480 7280 ACN: 094 807 280
www.svdp-vic.org.au