How you can help Every year we rely on the support of caring, generous individuals, families, businesses, community organisations, trusts and foundations. Every dollar, every gift in kind, every hour of your time makes a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families that we help. You can help by: • Making a donation • Donating your time or talents • Becoming a volunteer mentor or tutor • Joining a fundraising committee • Becoming a corporate sponsor • Donating through a workplace giving program • Supporting one of our two annual appeals • Running a fundraising event • Joining our regular giving program • Leaving us a bequest • Attending a fundraising event • Giving a gift in kind or pro bono
Head Office 48 Webb Street Narre Warren VIC 3805 Phone (03) 9705 3200 Facsimile (03) 9796 7650 Email info@windermere.org.au Website www.windermere.org.au
Windermere Annual Report 2009/2010
Introduction Windermere has a heritage of caring for the disadvantaged and vulnerable For over 150 years, Windermere has been making a positive difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and families. When Melbourne was a tent city, the wife of the Bishop of Melbourne was concerned about the growing number of abandoned children. As a result, she opened the orphanage that eventually resided in Windermere Crescent, Brighton – hence our name. Today we are the largest and fastest-growing independent welfare agency in Melbourne’s South-East. We provide services from 20 locations, with major centres at Narre Warren, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Berwick.
Who we assist We work with children, families and individuals who are dealing with issues such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, family violence, lack of housing, being the victim of a violent crime, living with a disability or caring for a child with a developmental delay. We provide emotional and practical support, counselling, advice, education, advocacy and other therapeutic interventions. We also provide quality childcare in the home and in-home care for families with high needs.
Hanover Healthy Canteen Advisory Housing Support for the Age Program Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service Infoxchange Kooweerup Regional Health Service Lord Mayors Charitable Fund Lyndhurst Secondary College
South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre South Eastern Skills Store South Sudan Equatori Southern Health
Victorian Multicultural Commission Westernport Accommodation and Youth Support Services Wellsprings for Women Womens Health in the South-East Spanish Window
Spanish Window
Workforce Victoria
Specialist Children’s Services Dandenong
YMCA Dandenong Oasis
Springvale Community Aid Advice Bureau
As always, we’d like to provide a very special and sincere thank you to all of our volunteers and in-kind supporters, and the other agencies that have supported Windermere.
Mind Australia
New Hope Foundation New Hope Migrant and Refugee Centre Office of Children Officer Primary School Outlook
PAGE 2
Victoria Police
Victims Support Agency
Melbourne University
Multicultural Project Quilt Australia
Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues
Governance & management
4
Chairman’s report
5
Pakenham Police
CEO’s report
7
Service overview
8
PANDA Post & Ante Natal Depression Association
Locations of operation
9
Ozchild Family Services
Springvale Indochinese Multicultural Association Inc SLAC Springvale Learning and Activities Centre Springvale Toy Library State Holder Relations Suburban Community Vineyard Church Taskforce The Office for the Community Sector Vic Health
Women’s Health in the South-East
Please note that donations of less than $1,000 are not acknowledged in this Annual Report due to space restrictions only. We appreciate and individually thank all donors, and while every effort has been made to thank our supporters, we apologise for any oversight or omission in this document.
Parenting Plus Parkinson’s Victoria
Counselling
10
Biala Early Childhood Development Services
13
Peninsula Community Legal Centre
Communities for Children Cranbourne
14
Peninsula Youth and Family Services
Disability Services
17
Planning Institute of Australia
Family Day Care and In-Home Care
18
Playgroup Victoria
Integrated Family Services
21
Policy Unit at Centre for Multicultural Youth
Housing Support
22
Relationships Australia Victoria
Victim’s Assistance and Counselling Program
25
RMIT University
Culturally and Linquistically Diverse Communities
26
Royal District Nursing Service
Business Development / Special Projects
27
SEAAC Multicultural Youth Services
Community Partnerships and Marketing
28
Financials
30
Sources of income and expenditure
33
Special thanks
34 back cover
South Eastern Dementia Action Group
Southern Housing and Support Services Network
Monash University
How you can help and contact details
Vic Urban
McCaughey Centre
Mission Australia
Contents
South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault
Pathways
Sheriff’s Office Sector Connector Shire of Cardinia Sikh Welfare SICMAA Vietnamese Group Skills Plus
PAGE 35
Our mission
Special thanks To all our generous supporters Ambassador Matthew Richardson Lead Donors ($10K & over) Berwick Nissan Carl Strachan Commonwealth Bank Parklea Developments Peter White The Good Guys Zagame Automotive Major Donors ($5K to $9999) Elizabeth Mildwater Garry White Foundation Grossi & Cardomane Jayco Corporation Kevin Thomson Michael Muaramov & Associates Sharp Australia The Russell Foundation Principal Donors ($1,000 to $4,999) AFL Automotive Holding Group Limited Bardie & Margaret Russell Brents Prestige World Caledonia Chris Canavan Chris & Tim O’Connor Clontarf Properties Facey Industrial Commercial Frank Facey Gembrook Uniting Church Geoff Bainbridge Geoff Turner Glen Boss Geoff Brown Kelli Benjamin Lepat Macpherson & Kelley Malcolm Wells Max & Cheryl Warwick Mike Sharp Morgan & Griffin
PAGE 34
Mulnot Pty Ltd Multi Foam National Australia Bank Neil Neilson O’Connors Australia Peter & Marion Schonfelder Portbury Constructions Prestige Hino Steelfinne Fabrications Tarmac The Digestive Health Centre Wantirna Village W.F. Montague Pty Ltd Government, Trusts & Foundations and Partner Organisations ANZ Trustees - William Buckland Foundation Afghani Women’s Group Afghan Australian Centre of Vic Inc African Holistic Social Services Victoria and EACACV Australian Migration and Education Solutions Anglicare Vic Asylum Seekers Centre Australian Croatian Community Services Australian Turkish Association AV Jennings Berwick Family Relationship Centre Berwick TEC Chisholm Bunurong Health Service Campbell Page Cancer Council of Victoria Cardinia Casey Community Health Service Cardinia Shire Council Cardinia-Casey CHS Doveton Site Cardinia Casey Library Corporation Casey Family Violence Unit Casey Multi Faith Casey North Information and Support Service Casey North Community Information and Support Services CAV Southern Metropolitan Region
Centacare Catholic Family Services
To improve wellbeing in children, families and communities by helping to realise their potential, building resilience and connecting people to the community.
Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues Centrelink Chinese Pensioners Club Child Support Agency City of Casey City of Casey Children Services
Our vision
City of Casey Youth Services City of Greater Dandenong City of Greater Dandenong Community Health Commonwealth Respite Centre Connections Youth Child and Family Services Consumer Affairs Victoria Cranbourne Community Health Centre Cranbourne Information and Support Service Inc
Windermere is a leading community-based agency, which makes a significant difference to the life of every child, family and individual with whom it works. Our innovative services provide clients, staff and the community with opportunities to learn, grow and achieve their life goals.
Cranbourne Salvation Army Cranbourne West Primary School Dandenong Community Health Centre Dandenong Police Dandenong Specialist Children’s Services Dandenong TEC Chisholm Dandenong Turkish Islamic Cultural Society DEECD - Dept of Education & Early Childhood Development Department of Human Services (Office of Housing) Department of Justice (Victim Support Agency) Endeavour Hills YMCA ERMHA Eastern Regional Mental Health Association FaCSHIA Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Foundation House Fountain Gate Centrelink Frankston City Council Gambler’s Help Southern Good Shephard Youth and Family Services Growth Area Authority Hampton Park Turkish Seniors Group
PAGE 3
Governance and management Our Board: 1st July 2009 – 30th June 2010 Our Board
Risk and Compliance
Finance and Audit
Carl Strachan | CHAIRMAN
Elizabeth Mildwater - Chair
Ricki Ryan - Chair
Ian Forsyth | VICE CHAIRMAN
Dr Kevin McKenzie
Paul Velten
Dr Kevin McKenzie
Robyn Rourke
Malcolm Wells
Ricki Ryan – Treasurer
Harley Brown
Cheryl De Zilwa
Alison Tate
Malcolm Brown
Brad Sadler
Dr Elise Davis
Cheryl De Zilwa
Lil Banks
Professor Raelene Frances
Lil Banks
Jenny Brooks
Dr Tricia Szirom
Brad Sadler
Elizabeth Mildwater
Sue Beattie-Johnson
Sources of income and expenditure Source of income 2009/10
Source of income 2008/09
Source of Income 2009/10
Source of Income 2008/09
Alison Tate - resigned 13th October 2009 Professor Raelene Frances - resigned 1st April 2010 Dr Elise Davis - resigned 25th June 2010
Windermere’s Organisational Structure Board of Governance
Finance & Audit Committee
Executive Committee
Risk Management & Compliance Committee
Federal Government $4,952,495 39% State Government $6,152,404 48% Local Government $21,225 0% Contracted Government Partnerships $112,125 1% Interest $190,971 2% Client Fees $407,568 3% Corporate Contributions $225,425 2% Commercial Contracts $278,854 2% Donations & Fundraisers (net of expenses) $210,580 2% Other $108,325 1% $12,659,972 100% Expenditure 2009/10
Cheryl De Zilwa CEO
Expenditure 2009/10 Brad Sadler General Manager Client Services
Guy Robbins Counselling Services
Jan Donaldson Housing & Victims of Crime Program
Bronwyn Owen Communities For Children
Lisa Gort Integrated Family Services
Lynda Turbiak Early Childhood Development Services
Lisa Smyth Family Day Care /In-Home Care
Julie Knowles/ Georgia Kakkos Disability Services PAGE 4
Lil Banks General Manager Corporate Services
Federal Government $4,820,988 37% State Government $6,795,911 51% Local Government $20,000 0% Contracted Government Partnerships $109,747 1% Interest $225,808 2% Client Fees $231,106 2% Corporate Contributions $263,822 2% Commercial Contracts $294,701 2% Donations & Fundraising (net of expenses) $305,229 2% Other $97,172 1% $13,164,484 100% Expenditure 2007/08
Expenditure 2008/09
Sue BeattieJohnson Quality Improvement
Daniel Grant Human Resources
Brian Eckersley Property & Administration
Serap Ozdemir Business Development/ Special Projects
Brendan McCreesh Information Technology
Jenny Brooks Finance/ Accounts & Payroll
Carina Venturi Community Partnerships & Marketing
Salaries, Contractors and Oncosts $5,771,972 Family Day Care/In-Home Care Carer pays $3,386,387 Accomodation Costs $201,245 Client Assistance $1,660,679 Depreciation $275,630 Brokered Contracts $531,374 Other Operating Costs $753,017
46% 27% 2% 13% 2% 4% 6%
$12,580,304 100%
Salaries, Contractors & Oncosts $5,943,925 45% Family Day Care/In-Home Care Carer pays $3,220,528 24% Accommodation Costs $403,758 3% Client Assistance $2,038,394 16% Depreciation $293,252 2% Brokered Contracts $635,200 5% Other Operating Costs $600,393 5% $13,135,450 100%
PAGE 33
Chairman’s report I’m very pleased to report that Windermere has now met most of the objectives set out in our 2007-2010 Strategic Plan. The outstanding work achieved during this period will now be further built upon, with a new set of even more ambitious goals set for the 2010-2013 period. A key focus in the next couple of years will be to grow our earlyintervention services, and broaden our geographical reach. The future Under our new Strategic Plan, by the end of 2013, we aim to ensure that: • We are an ‘employer of choice’ within the human services sector. • Research and evaluation is a significant component of our service – influencing government policy, providing evidence for additional funding, and driving quality improvement.
In working on our new plan, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) was confirmed as the key principle underpinning our organisational development and growth. An even greater commitment has been made to further embed a culture of AI through our people, systems, policies and practice.
What is Appreciative Inquiry? Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a different way of thinking. By focusing on the strengths and attributes of systems and people, the application of AI leads to new ideas, and it leads people to take new actions. It is the search for the best in people and the organisation. It enables us to make decisions and take actions that weren’t available or didn’t occur to us before. It helps us think more creatively about the possibilities for the future, rather than the things that hold us back.
• We have significantly increased our annual turnover (and net result), diversity of funding and income sources, and we have extended our geographic spread across Victoria. • We have achieved a high profile in defined regional areas, allowing us to attract significant corporate and community partners to fund a greater service to vulnerable families.
Carl Strachan | CHAIRMAN
• We excel in areas of governance, management and leadership, ensuring we deliver the safest and most sustainable community service.
PAGE 32
PAGE 5
Independent Audit Report to the Members of Windermere Child & Family Services Inc. We have audited the summarised financial report of Windermere Child & Family Services Inc. for the year ended 30 June 2010 comprising the Summary Statement of Comprehensive Income and the Summary Balance Sheet in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. In our opinion, the information reported in the summarised financial report is consistent with the annual financial report from which it is derived and upon which we expressed an unqualified audit opinion in our report to the members dated 22 September 2010. For a better understanding of the scope of our audit, this report should be read in conjunction with our audit report on the annual financial report.
MDHC Audit Assurance Pty Ltd
Kevin P Adams
Hawthorn
Director
22 September 2010
Summary of Government Income Government Income by Program 2009/10
Counselling $568,092 Biala - Early Childhood Dev Serv $1,087,933 Disability $2,235,822 Integrated Family Services $1,443,338 Victims Assistance & Counselling $886,468 Family Day Care & In Home Care $3,876,125 Housing $185,115 Communities for Children $823,960 Other $19,271 $11,126,124 PAGE 6
Gov income by program 2008/09 Gov income by program 2009/10 Government Income by Program
5% 10% 20% 13% 8% 35% 2% 7% 0% 100%
2008/09
Counselling $525,983 Biala - Early Childhood Dev Serv $943,726 Disability $2,688,177 Integrated Family Services $1,507,624 Victims Assistance & Counselling $942,723 Family Day Care & In Home Care $3,922,763 Housing $145,278 Communities for Children $960,625 $11,636,899
5% 8% 23% 13% 8% 34% 1% 8% 100% PAGE 31
Opposite page: Premier John Brumby presented Cheryl De Zilwa with an award for Excellence in Service Delivery to Multicultural Victoria at a ceremony held at Government House in November 2009.
Financials Summary Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended 30 June 2010 2010
2009
REVENUE Government Funding Donations and Fundraising (Net) Other Income
$ 11,126,124 210,580 1,323,268
$ 11,636,899 305,229 1,222,356
Total Revenue
12,659,972
13,164,484
EXPENSES Employment Family Day Care - Contractor Payments Accommodation Direct Client Assistance Brokered Contracts Other Operating Costs
5,771,972 3,386,387 201,245 1,660,679 531,374 991,409
5,943,925 3,220,528 403,758 2,038,394 635,200 889,015
12,543,066
13,130,820
Operating Surplus
116,906
33,664
Loss on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment Specific Purpose Donations and Memorial Fund Revenue Specific Purpose Donations and Memorial Fund Expenses
(25,283) 1,500 (6,828)
(24,771) 24,880 (4,739)
86,295
29,034
Total Expenses
Net Surplus Other Comprehensive Income Revaluation decrement of land and buildings
(6,627)
-
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year
79,668
29,034
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2010
2010
2009
$
$
6,420,199 5,473,776
4,863,112 5,672,856
11,893,975
10,535,968
Current Liabilities Non-Current Liabilities
4,599,829 168,993
3,331,329 159,154
TOTAL LIABILITIES
4,768,822
3,490,483
NET ASSETS
7,125,153
7,045,485
Current Assets Non-Current Assets TOTAL ASSETS
Please note: As required by the Association Incorporation Act 1981 (Victoria), members of Windermere Child and Family Services Inc. have been provided with a complete copy of the Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2010. Persons seeking information are invited to direct enquiries to the Chief Executive Officer.
PAGE 30
CEO’s report In the past 12 months we have focussed on improving our opportunities for early intervention in – and even prevention of – family crises.
We believe a greater investment is required in earlier intervention, and will continue advocating for funds to be directed to this important work.
In the process, we’ve been able to develop and start a number of new programs. Tackling homelessness
Many families need practical help before things get too difficult, and support at this time can make the difference between becoming a long-term client and receiving shortterm assistance.
During 2009/2010, we were successful in winning a homelessness-prevention tender for the outer south region.
New counselling and childhood development programs
The subsequent funding enables us to work with families at an early stage, establishing a platform of practical support to prevent them losing their rental property or assist them to find suitable, alternate accommodation. Homelessness is increasing significantly in our region, which has one of the fastest growing populations in Australia. With rental and purchase prices escalating due to demand, many families are unable to find a home. This is simply not acceptable to any of us, especially given that more than 60 per cent of homeless people are children. Specialist support Windermere was also successful in winning a tender to deliver specialist autism-spectrum support for practitioners across the entire southern region of Victoria. This program aims to educate workers and families, disseminate information, and connect services in order to maximise and coordinate support for families dealing with the whole range of autism spectrum disorders.
During 2009/2010, we introduced a new program to deliver physiotherapy, occupational therapy and general support to children with developmental disorders. This program was made possible for us – and other selected providers – by funding from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Our Early Childhood Development service has now been running this program for more than 12 months, with great success. In addition, new counselling services have been provided under the Federal Government’s program to address the growing demand for mental health services. This enables clients and families to see Windermere via referral by their general practitioner with a rebate from Medicare. Sincere thanks In closing, I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated and outstanding staff, volunteers and the Board. Windermere continues to succeed because of you.
Assessing future needs Over the past 18 months, we’ve been working with Monash University and Cardinia Shire to assess the future needs of our rapidly growing region. We found that even though services are already stretched, most community-based organisations are not really planning for growth until more funding becomes available.
Cheryl De Zilwa | CEO
PAGE 7
Service overview We work with children, families and individuals who are dealing with issues such as physical,
ner Themed Din remov Charity Michael Mua
Corporate vo lunteers he lping with th Annual Chr istmas Gift e Winderm Appeal ere
emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, family violence, lack of housing, being the victim of a violent crime, living with a disability or caring for a child with a developmental delay. We provide emotional and practical support, counselling, advice, education, advocacy, and other therapeutic interventions. We also provide quality childcare in the home, and in-home care for families with high needs. Services and programs we offer: Allied Health offers the broader community better access to a diverse range of services including those provided by psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, exercise physiologists, social workers and physiotherapists. Biala Early Childhood Development Services improves the lives of children with developmental delays and disabilities, by providing innovative, educational and therapeutic services. Counselling Services for individuals, families, adolescents and children to identify and use their strengths to resolve difficulties they may be experiencing. Cranbourne Communities for Children is a Federally funded program providing support and focus on
m lunteer Progra indermere Vo W e th h ug ro Mentoring th
the health, development, learning and wellbeing of children aged 0 to 5 years living in Cranbourne.
team of Frank Romano, Glen Boss, Matthew Richardson and the winning ermere Chairman - Carl Strachan Wind Lewis Romano & Ian Walker with
Disability Services provides children, young people and adults aged 0 to 64 years – who have a disability – and their carers, with improved life opportunities. Family Day Care & In-Home Care offers a ‘home away from home’, with care being provided by a warm supportive registered care provider in an environment that allows children to be children. In-Home Care offers the same supportive caring person to provide childcare support in the family’s own home. Integrated Family Services assists and supports families to function better, by focusing on strengths and developing parenting skills through an outreach, in-home and family centred approach.
One of the most enjoyable volunteer experiences was
Our volunteers are a valuable part of Windermere, and very much appreciated by our staff and clients.
helping out, just prior to Christmas 2009, with the
In the past year, around 35 volunteers – supported our professional staff – provided us with their valuable skills, time and expertise in a variety of short-term and long-term assignments, including:
More than 1,200 gifts were donated to Windermere from
accommodation, information and support to successfully secure long-term accommodation.
• Transporting clients to important appointments, group events and activities.
Victims Assistance and Counselling Program provides a range of support and counselling services for
• Tutoring children who had fallen behind in their studies.
individuals, families or groups who have been affected by violent crimes such as family violence,
• Assisting Windermere staff with group activities, special projects, forums, data entry, marketing activities, finance and administration, and fundraising.
Housing Support offers families who are homeless, facing homelessness or who are in emergency
sexual assault, physical assault and murder. CALD supports our Cultural and Linguistically Diverse communities by establishing a strong and integrated approach to those residing in the Southern region.
PAGE 8
Volunteers create a bright future
• Helping staff with special programs such as Dry Nights, Achievers, and Mother Goose.
collection of donated gifts.
across the region and collected by our Corporate Volunteer team from the Commonwealth Bank and other long-term supporters. The team enjoyed sorting and arranging the gifts in preparation for collection by Windermere caseworkers, who subsequently delivered the gifts to Windermere clients in time for Christmas. These volunteers and donors were invaluable in helping us to achieve our goal of providing a Christmas gift to every child in our care.
PAGE 29
Community Partnerships and Marketing In recent years, Windermere has worked very hard to re-brand itself.
followed by a delicious gourmet dinner that was much enjoyed by all players.
This year the focus has been on protecting this great asset and ensuring its value is recognised and applied throughout the organisation.
It was with great disappointment that the highly anticipated annual Windermere Futures Gala was abruptly cancelled due to the re-scheduling of the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne. Security concerns, access to the venue and contractual conflicts with our entertainment were amongst the reasons for the decision. We are very grateful to our sponsors, Commonwealth Bank, Berwick Nissan and Jayco, who generously donated their sponsorship, as well as to the many ticket holders who donated their ticket value.
As guardians of the brand, the marketing function within Windermere now has a more significant role, ensuring the proper use of the logotype, monitoring its use, and teaching staff how to continue to build brand value. Proper brand implementation will ensure we project a consistent and professional message to our supporters and clients. Another important highlight within Windermere has been the recognition of the organisation’s gathered intelligence. This has resulted in the implementation of a sophisticated customer relationship management (CRM) system. Fully integrated with our existing financial system, the CRM system has improved efficiencies in data processing, capture and management, while making information more accessible and secure across the organisation. The new system will also allow us to keep in contact with our supporters via digital means, significantly reducing our communication costs and our impact on the environment.
Streamlined fundraising To ensure efficient use of our limited financial resources, fundraising activities were streamlined during 2009/2010, and only those that provided tangible results were continued. The Windermere Golf Day, which has always proven successful, was held again in April. Sponsored by Zagame Automotive, the day proved to be an excellent fundraiser, netting $80,000 for Windermere’s vital community services. All golfers thoroughly enjoyed the exclusive access to the now refurbished Kingston Heath Golf Club. A great day of golf, in fine conditions, was
PAGE 28
Locations of operation With headquarters at Narre Warren in Melbourne’s South-East, Windermere assists thousands of kids and families.
Main areas of service delivery:
We work in arguably Australia’s fastest growing urban growth corridor, where demand for our services is growing at an alarming rate. With over 100 full and part time staff, over 100 contractors and our community partners, we provide services from many locations. Enriching our organisation, we provide services to and work with the diverse and rich mix of cultures that make up the South-East, including emerging and refugee communities. The area in which we work encompasses 10 municipalities and a population of around 1.2 million people.
Communication Tools Adding to our promotional library, a new DVD was fully produced and edited by the marketing team at Windermere. The DVD focusses on the issue of homelessness – to assist us to address this increasing problem in our community. This year, our ongoing newsletters have increased in frequency and content, keeping our supporters up-to-date with all things Windermere. With the implementation of the new CRM system, electronic versions of the newsletters will now be available, reducing our printing and mailing costs.
Fundraising by our supporters
City of Casey City of Greater Dandenong Shire of Cardinia
Other councils and shires in which we provide services: City of Kingston City of Glen Eira City of Port Philip City of Bayside City of Frankston City of Stonnington Shire of Mornington Peninsula
Stonnington
Port Phillip
Glen Eira Bayside Kingston
Frankston
Greater Dandenong Casey
Cardinia
Windermere is fortunate to be supported by many wonderful people within our local community.
Hume Region
Michael Muaremov and his firm organised a Gala fundraising event for the second consecutive year. Featuring a full brass band and gangster theme, the fun evening raised over $6,000. We also received generous in-kind donations of lovingly made quilts and scarves, which were donated to families in need. From payroll giving, to transaction giving, Windermere has been touched once again by the kindness of our local community.
Mornington Peninsula
Grampians Region
North & West Region CBD
Eastern Region
Southern Region
Barwon South Region
Gippsland Region PORT PHILLIP BAY
PAGE 9
Business Development/ Special Projects
Counselling For a number of years, Windermere’s counselling services were called ‘family counselling’, because historically we only worked with families or children. While we still work with families and children, we now also provide services for individual adults (males and females) through the Medicare-funded ‘Better Access’ program. To accurately reflect the changing nature of our client group, Windermere’s counselling support service is now known simply as ‘counselling’.
A new income stream The past year saw the introduction of a new fee-for-service income stream to supplement the funding we receive from various government departments (Human Services, Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) and the City of Casey.
Counselling is demanding work that requires: • A willingness to learn • Resilience, and • An ability to ‘think outside the square, while working within it’. However, it is also very rewarding to help a client sort through their issues and discover meaningful, lasting solutions; which is what our dedicated, highly skilled and qualified counsellors do on a regular basis. As you might imagine, the range of issues faced by our clients is incredibly wide, from ‘stressful’ through to ‘traumatic and complex’. Consequently, the interventions required are equally diverse. The Windermere counselling team has a thirst for knowledge, and the passion to impart it to our clients.
Under the government-funding model – which supports the majority of our work – we agree to meet certain targets, and the funds are paid to Windermere on a quarterly, halfyearly or annual basis.
Put simply, our counsellors do fantastic work!
In addition, we receive some generous in-kind support from local government. For example, the City of Casey assists the Windermere counselling program by providing subsidised property rental at various locations, in addition to its annual funding contribution of around $13,000.
During 2009/2010, Windermere’s counselling program provided significant community support in a number of key areas, including:
To generate fee-for-service income, we are required to: 1. provide the service, and 2. receive the payment afterwards. To this end, we have further developed our Medicarefunded ‘Better Access’ work, and also started providing counselling services to the employees of local businesses via our new Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Under the EAP, the employer covers the cost, giving employees access to fully funded, confidential, work-related and/or personal counselling as required. The EAP is a valuable tool for human resource management, and beneficial to all employees. We see this as a growth area over the coming year.
PAGE 10
Meaningful, lasting solutions
Providing valuable community support
General counselling The introduction of counselling under the Medicare ‘Better Access’ banner has been hugely successful, with many more people making use of our services, thereby guaranteeing financial affordability for our clients, and financial viability for Windermere.
People and sessions During 2009/10, we assisted more than 600 individuals and/or families with the provision of more than 2,500 counselling sessions. Our clients reside in the City of Casey, Shire of Cardinia and City of Dandenong, accessing services from our Narre Warren, Cranbourne or Pakenham offices.
During 2009/2010, our energies were devoted to exploring opportunities to build supportive structures in new communities moving into the rapidly growing region of Melbourne’s South-East, known as the ‘growth corridor’. As a leading provider of support services for children, families and disadvantaged communities in the Southern region, the year saw Windermere continue its critical provision of practical services to address the current and future needs of growth corridor communities.
Partnership development As the Southern region’s population growth continued to rise, we were successful in further developing partnerships to deliver a broad range of innovative programs focusing on prevention, early intervention, community development models, research and advocacy. During 2009/2010, Windermere proactively sought out and formed key partnerships with a range of government, notfor-profit, philanthropic and community-based agencies – enabling us to combine resources, and work together effectively to build the wellbeing of local communities.
Support and advocacy Many families are still experiencing ongoing pressure from the 2008/2009 economic downturn, and they continue to rely on our support and advocacy for a range of issues that affect their wellbeing, including: • Risk of homelessness. • Family violence. • Victims of crime.
• Kids on Track Program (youth crime prevention). • Consumer Credit Education (information on contracts, credit, scams, budgeting and debt). • Preventing Family Violence (education on the new Family Violence Act).
Researching community needs This year, we saw the successful completion of a two-year research project called Building Family and Community Resilience in the Cardinia Growth Corridor (A Case Study of Officer). Completed in partnership with the Shire of Cardinia, Monash University and a range of partners – employing a whole-of-government approach – the aim of the research was to investigate the needs, issues and service gaps encountered by communities living in the rapidly growing urban region of Officer. Preliminary findings of the research include identifying an important need to: • Develop programs to build responsive and accessible community services. • Establish improved community-support structures in the expanding growth corridor regions. • Adopt an inclusive approach of building stronger and connected communities. A key focus during 2009/2010 was to identity and build partnerships with tertiary institutions, aimed at exploring further research opportunities in the growth corridor.
• Family support. • Child health and wellbeing.
Supporting diverse communities
• Financial distress.
To combat a considerably stretched service system, we devoted significant effort to ensuring that all communities – including those with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds – have access to a range of flexible support options.
• Youth issues.
New special projects During the year, Windermere continued working to identify new and innovative ways to support the many and varied needs of an ever-growing population. Some of these groundbreaking, evidence-based programs, funded by philanthropy, include:
We sincerely thank the trusts/foundations and areas of government that have enabled Windermere to not only build on its existing services, but to generate innovative community development and research models to support the increased demands of our region.
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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD) The ‘everyone is someone in our community’ element of the Windermere logo reflects our core philosophy. These words display our dedication to adopting a culturally sensitive practice for diverse communities. It is also these underlying words – and our commitment to this practice – that has seen Windermere awarded a Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence for its delivery of services to multicultural Victorian communities. Windermere proudly commits to promoting the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities alongside its own Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, all of which support everyone’s basic right to enjoy freedom, respect, equality and dignity.
Activities and projects During 2009/2010, Windermere implemented a range of CALD-specific activities and projects, including: • Providing professional development opportunities to staff, to further enhance their cultural competence. • Reviewing client intake to better capture accurate information on CALD access to Windermere’s services. • Organising events to promote the social, cultural and economic benefits gained from diversity. • Utilising language services and developing other forms of communication to enhance engagement with CALD communities. • Facilitating the Southern Integrated CALD Child and Family Services Network (SICCFS) which works to prevent family violence, support at-risk youth, and help people experiencing financial distress and at risk of homelessness. Since 2006, the Network has continued to expand in its membership and geographical focus. • Running forums, including the ‘At Risk of Homelessness CALD Communities Forum – Everyone’s Responsibility’. • Conducting community consultations to identify service gaps that might affect the wellbeing of children and families in CALD communities. • Conducting conference presentations, forums and seminars promoting Windermere’s best-practice CALD community-support programs.
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• Partnering with the Shire of Cardinia and Monash University on a research project focused on building family and community resilience. Findings of the research demonstrated the importance of building service capacity and connecting diverse communities in the rapidly expanding South-East growth corridor.
Groups and hours
Innovative community development projects
• Change – for boys and their parents to improve anger management.
During 2009/10, Windermere assisted 220 people through the provision of 150 hours of group programs, which included:
Thanks to the generosity and support of philanthropic trusts and foundations, Windermere – in partnership with Southern Integrated CALD Child and Family Services Network – was able to implement a number of highly innovative community development projects during 2009/2010. These included:
• 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Program – helping mums and dads to improve their parenting skills.
• Reaching Out to Migrant and Refugee Families – a consumer credit education program for CALD communities in the growth corridor. In partnership with Centrelink and Consumer Affairs Victoria, Windermere initiated the CALD Consumer Credit Project, which provides diverse communities with information on credit, contracts, budgeting, Centrelink payments, and warrants for unpaid debt or fines.
• Rollercoasters – for children experiencing family separation.
• Freedom from Family Violence – a CALD community education project, funded by the Legal Services Board. The project purpose was to contribute to the prevention/ reduction of incidents of family violence within CALD communities through the provision of information on the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, peer mentorship and enhanced consumer access to legal and support services. • Building Harmony in the Growth Corridor project. Having received funding from the Melbourne Community Foundation, Windermere’s vision with this project was to build the capacity of children and young people of diverse backgrounds to live harmoniously and productively in the rapidly growing Officer region. The project facilitated partnerships between the various government and faith schools in Officer to develop strategies to further raise cross-cultural awareness and understanding in the region. Windermere implemented this project in partnership with the Cardinia Shire Council and Monash University.
• Parenting After Separation – for adults experiencing family separation. • STEPS – for step parents.
Family violence
Child protection
Counsellors conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management process with women and children who have experienced family violence.
This program is centred on the child and ‘placement prevention’. Counsellors work with the child, parents, school, and relevant state government departments to both prevent a child needing ‘out of home’ care or to minimise the time spent away from the family home.
The therapeutic work then focuses on establishing safety and security within the counselling space through the rebuilding of trust. As the trust strengthens, clients are encouraged to rebuild relationships within their family unit, and in the wider community.
Sexual assault We provide sexual-assault support services to children who are less than 18 years old, and to children displaying ‘sexualised behaviours’ at less than 11 years of age. Our primary areas of focus are: • Teaching these children appropriate boundaries, through play therapy, advising on protective behaviours, and other psychotherapeutic interventions, and • Education & guidance to parents and guardians.
This is often a very complex process that relies on co-operation from many parties for the interventions to be: • In the ‘best interests’ of the child, and • Ultimately successful in keeping (or bringing) the family unit together.
Family and group therapy Windermere plays an important role in the Federal Government’s Family Relationship Centre initiative by providing individual, family and group counselling to families experiencing separation and divorce. The distress that accompanies family breakdown is minimised through appropriate interventions for parents, children, and families as a whole.
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Victim’s Assistance and Counselling Program During 2009/2010, the Southern Victim’s Assistance and Counselling Program (VACP) team – working to new program guidelines – successfully made the transition to a more holistic model for victim recovery. While the previous approach focussed almost exclusively on counselling as the key tool in victim recovery, the new model acknowledges that the impact of crime can be long lasting and diverse – and physical, financial, emotional or psychological in nature. With this in mind, we assist victims of violent crime to manage the short and medium-term consequences of an act of violence, while providing continuing, long-term support as required. Implementing change and grasping the opportunity to develop new methods of victim support has enabled the victim assistance team to fully consider the breadth of the impact of a criminal incident on victims. This in turn has led to the development of creative solutions and systems that have enabled us to continually improve our already high standard of service, while responding to the diverse needs of clients, to achieve the healthiest possible outcomes for victims of crime.
A growing problem There has been an alarming growth in the number of serious assaults, unprovoked violence and subsequent criminal proceedings in our community in the past year, particularly: • Among young adults in social settings. • Within families, between parents and towards children. It is especially unfortunate that many people seeking our support come from the most marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors of our communities, including those with: • Significant mental health issues. • Previous experience of torture and trauma. • Physical and cognitive disabilities. • Homeless people – young and old. • Differences that have led to ostracism and social exclusion.
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Diverse needs Each victim of crime responds in their own way to their experience. The needs of victims are multiple and complex, indicating that the response must be flexible, individual appropriate and complete. These needs are often exacerbated for those victims who are from culturally and linguistically diverse or indigenous backgrounds, as well as people with disabilities, children and young people. Most victims of crime require a variety of supports, which vary from person to person, but might include: • Down-to-earth, practical assistance to meet their immediate physical needs. • Information that is relevant and appropriate to the subsequent legal processes and procedures. • Emotional support, safety and security. • Therapeutic intervention.
Positive recovery The Windermere VACP team works to identify and build on the existing strengths of victims, which helps to shift the focus away from the problem, and towards positive recovery. Our expertise and experience in the delivery of assistance to victims of crime – and the high standard of quality service for which we have become renowned over the past 12 years – have resulted in our participation in a number of relevant reviews within the broad justice parameter, including reviews of the: • Format and approach to Victim Impact Statements. • Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal. • Crimes (Family Violence) Act. • Sentencing Act. We also exchange knowledge and experience with the Victorian Victims Support Agency (VSA), and use our continual learning to improve many areas of victim support, including upgrades of VACP’s unique RESOLVE database.
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Biala Early Childhood Development Services Windermere’s Biala Early Childhood Development Services (ECDS) offer innovative, educational and therapeutic services to families and their children living in the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia. Biala ECDS aims to assist children with developmental delays and/or a disability, to grow, learn and thrive in a positive learning environment, leading to improved outcomes for children. The Biala team is comprised of 20 specialists from a diverse range of disciplines, including but not limited to: speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and kindergarten teachers.
Family-focussed During 2009/2010, Biala continued to provide innovative, family-focused services and programs – supporting some 162 children and their families.
In addition, Biala ECDS is providing a range of services to children, thanks to funds allocated under the Helping Children with Autism program, and it is continuing to offer a range of social-skills groups via a partnership with the City of Casey.
Parenting programs and workshops Throughout the year, Biala ECDS ran a number of parentingsupport programs and workshops for families. These included a range of sleep, toileting and Makaton workshops (Makaton is a communication technique that uses speech, facial expression, gestures, signs and symbols to convey information), a 20-week Pre Schoolers with Autism program and a weekly support group for parents.
We continued to assist paediatricians to provide autism assessments – via the Medicare system – for children who are identified as having characteristics that may be consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Other highlights
Children are accessing:
A real highlight of 2009/2010 was being able to provide – thanks to the generous support of Matthew Sheedy Good Guys – a wonderful Christmas party, including a visit from Santa, for all the Biala ECDS families and their children.
• Occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy using the Enhanced Primary Care Plan – which provides up to five therapy sessions via the Medicare system.
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• Psychology sessions, using the Mental Health Plan – which provides up to 12 sessions via the Medicare system.
We were successful in our application for additional funds to enable new staff to access improved training, supervision, resources and relevant industry memberships.
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Communities for Children Cranbourne The key role for Windermere as the facilitating partner in the Communities for Children Cranbourne (CfC) initiative is to ensure a holistic approach is employed to meet the needs of families with young children living in the Cranbourne region. This approach includes working with children, parents, Family and Children Services, business, and all levels of government, to deliver a better future for Cranbourne’s children.
Stronger recognition In recent times, we have been pleased to see stronger recognition given to the important role of early-years educators and parents in the lives of children aged five years and under. Networks and groups have formed in Cranbourne to provide a preventative, intervention-style approach to the early-years sector.
• School as a Hub • Cranbourne Info Link • Healthy Volunteering
Collaborative partnerships Each of the above projects has been managed by various community partners, and overseen by Windermere’s CfC Cranbourne project team. This Windermere initiative is an excellent example of the value and importance of truly collaborative partnerships in the lives of children, their families and their communities. In 2009/2010 CfC Cranbourne activities included more than 2,500 adult participants and more than 3,300 child participants.
Key projects
The work we are doing is reaching – and beginning to have a positive impact upon the lives of – hundreds of local parents, including many who may not have previously been able to access services that could enhance the lives of their children.
In 2009/2010, the CfC Cranbourne project managed nine key projects that enriched the lives of Cranbourne children and their families. The projects were:
From 1 July 2009, Communities for Children Cranbourne became a service strategy within the Family Support Program Community and Family Partnership stream.
• Parentwise
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• Enriched Communication
• Mother Goose for All
As a result, new CfC Cranbourne guidelines will include a focus on:
• Dads Matter
• Children from birth to 12 years
• Linking Early Years
• Vulnerable children and families, and
• The Library has Legs
• Child-centred and adult-focussed services.
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Windermere Housing Support The issues surrounding homelessness are many, complex and often appear insurmountable. In the South-East region in which Windermere operates, homelessness – and the risk of homelessness – can touch all sectors of the community. Many families that seek the support of the Windermere Housing Support team never envisaged doing so but – due to a variety of factors – find themselves facing mortgage or rental stress. For some there is a sense of denial; a feeling that “this cannot be happening to me and my family” – and seeking assistance is often left to the last moment.
and complex issues which led to the experience of homelessness. It involves linking families that have been affected by homelessness (and individuals within those families) to other resources within the community.
A time of respite Windermere assists families in the region to access shortterm accommodation in times of need. These ‘transitional properties’ provide a time of respite from the experiences of living in cars, tents or couch surfing. The support provided by our housing workers is crucial in helping families achieve permanent accommodation.
There is an argument here for: • Earlier intervention. • The promotion of housing information services. • An increase in financial counselling services. • The teaching of living skills to youth. • The promotion of these services across community and to institutions, including mortgage lenders and real estate property managers. Homelessness is everyone’s responsibility, and it requires an integrated approach with all stakeholders changing their focus from reactive (an ‘ambulance waiting at the bottom of the cliff’) to preventative and early interventionist (a ‘safety rail at the top of the cliff’).
Children and homelessness The affect of homelessness or dislocation on children and young people cannot be overstated. As their parents or carers attempt – often many times over – to find and afford permanent, stable family housing, many children lose their toys, pets, friendships and a sense of belonging. The faces of these children tell a story of passive, quiet desperation. Fortunately, the impact of homelessness on these children is being acknowledged, and funding is available to assist with the multiple needs of children whose life and education has been disrupted.
Supporting families at risk During 2009/2010, Windermere was successful in winning an Office of Housing tender to run a program called ‘Support for Families at Risk of Homelessness’. The program‘s objectives are to prevent recurring homelessness for families that: • Have experienced homelessness in the past. • May have been in crisis or transitional accommodation and are now living in permanent accommodation (public, community or private rental housing). This is a program of intensive casework to address the many
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A program of prevention In 2010, Windermere was given the opportunity to develop a program of prevention involving a number of other community service providers, thanks to the generous provision by VicUrban of a property for use as transitional accommodation for young mums facing homelessness, and their babies, toddlers or pre-schoolers. Thanks to the provision of this property – and the further contribution of a kind private donor to fund support staff – Windermere can now roll out a vital support program for people in desperate need of shelter in our community.
Facts about Cranbourne • Cranbourne is one of the largest communities in the City of Casey, which is the fastest growing municipality in Victoria, and the third-fastest growing municipality in Australia. • Cranbourne’s population is expected to increase from around 50,000 to more than 100,000 by 2020 as a result of new housing development. • In 2001, there were 5,578 children aged five years or less living in Cranbourne, representing 13.7% of the town’s population. • The Australian Government has identified communities like Cranbourne as areas where young families with children are likely to face disadvantage.
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Integrated Family Services During 2009/10, Windermere Integrated Family Services team continued to make a positive difference in the lives of families in the City of Casey, Shire of Cardinia and City of Greater Dandenong. Even though people in these areas often live in busy streets and suburbs, many are isolated and lack support from family and the community, and that’s when we make ourselves available to help. At any given time, Integrated Family Services’ case managers will be working with around 100 local families, providing support in many different and diverse ways, which might include:
Putting the needs of children first Our focus is always on the best interests of the children, with priorities being their safety, stability and developmental milestones. Families can make a self-referral for Family Services. Referrals also come from schools, maternal and child health nurses, hospitals, the Department of Human Services and other community agencies. Our committed and caring staff members often work alongside other agencies to support families through a difficult time, often via specialised group sessions.
• Helping a child reconnect with school. • Assisting a mother to find her ‘voice’ and rediscover her identity after a previous violent and abusive relationship. • Helping to re-establish relationships within the family – often requiring parents and children to commit to spending time together, rebuilding love and trust from trauma and stress. • Mentoring a parent on how to advocate for themselves, by encouraging and empowering them to follow through with appropriate discipline for their children.
Disability facts
• Assisting parents who are struggling with the many challenges of supporting and raising a family.
• One out of every five Victorian’s has a disability.
• Meeting a family’s basic needs for housing and food, or
• 70% of families that have a child with a disability will breakdown.
• Simply ‘being there’ to care and listen.
• People who have disabilities are more likely than any other group of people to live below the poverty line.
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Making a positive difference During the past year, Integrated Family Services participated in an accreditation process initiated through the Department of Human Services. This process provided an excellent opportunity to review and improve our practices, with a view to continually provide the highest quality service to families. The accreditation process has also provided us with tangible evidence to indicate that we are making a genuine and positive difference to local families. Once again this year, it has been an enormous privilege to assist families in the vital task of raising their children, our future generation.
This year we provided services to nearly 400 families. We always strive to put in place sustainable supports that will continue to assist families beyond the time that we are working with them.
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Disability Services People who live with disabilities – and their families or carers – are required to cope with a variety of challenges in order to manage everyday life. Simple tasks, such as opening the mail or making a meal, can become insurmountable if people do not have the right equipment or assistance. Our mission is to ensure that people who live with disabilities, along with their families and carers, get the support and resources they need to enjoy the lives many of us take for granted. People living with disabilities need to feel safe. They need close and loving relationships; appropriate housing and healthcare; access to education and employment; and they need to feel connected to their communities and neighbourhoods.
Helping people to help themselves The Windermere Disability Services team provides an enormous variety of services to help people help themselves, including: • Helping people identify what would make a real difference in their lives, and working with them to develop plans to achieve their goals. • Sourcing, organising and funding home modifications, aids and equipment, counselling, respite, continence aids, medical supports, transport and a wide variety of other supports. • Providing complex case management, and working with a variety of community supports, including health professionals, schools and kindergartens, psychologists, psychiatrists, respite and recreation providers, employment agencies and transport providers. • Providing advocacy and expert advice, to help people navigate the complex service system.
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• Providing emotional support through the most difficult experiences people can face, such as the loss of a child or partner, and other devastating experiences.
Providing specialist support In 2009/2010, the Disability Services team has provided support to over 600 individuals aged from birth to 64 years, who live with disabilities, and their families or carers. This support has been provided through a range of key programs, including: • The Family Choice Program – supporting children who have life-threatening medical conditions. • Futures for Young Adults – helping young people move out of special schools into adult environments. • Making a Difference, Early Choices, Individual Support Packages, Respite Packages – complex case management and facilitation with access to funding. • Continence Program – assisting children aged six to 15 to achieve continence, and/or help with the ongoing cost of continence products. • Autism Consultant – providing expert consultancy, training and support to more than 200 professional service providers and families or carers and to assist people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Overwhelming demand In response to our long waiting list, the Department of Human Services provided significant one-off funding again in 2009/2010 to supply 138 short-term support packages. Unfortunately, population growth continues to be our greatest challenge, leading to unprecedented demand for our services. With the regions of Casey and Cardinia growing at the rate of 10 new dwellings a day – and 20 per cent of the population living with a disability – our services continue to be overwhelmed.
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Family Day Care and In-Home Care Windermere’s Family Day Care and In-Home Care services play a vital role in the community by supporting families that are unable to have their childcare needs met by mainstream services. In 2009/10, we continued to assist hundreds of Cardinia and Casey families with quality home-based childcare, providing skilled childcare workers and warm, responsive childcare environments, underpinned by low child-to-carer ratios that best support the development of children.
We have continued to focus on professional development at all levels of the service, with many carers continuing to study and achieve nationally recognised qualifications in appropriate areas. This increase in the level of formal qualification has allowed the service to develop improved practices to ensure that quality child-focused planning is implemented into each care environment.
Highlights
Early childhood is a period of rapid learning and development. The quality of a child’s learning environment, experiences and opportunities has a profound impact on the child’s life opportunities and outcomes. With this in mind, care providers are currently participating in professional development focused on the introduction of the National and State Early Years Learning Frameworks.
Windermere Family Day Care and In-Home Care service highlights from 2009/10 included:
This in turn helps children to reach their full potential in all areas of development.
• Successfully supporting care providers and families through the Victorian bushfires in care areas.
Quality Assurance
We also give families the confidence to attend to work commitments or find respite, allowing them to refuel and be available to better face the challenges that life often presents.
• A restructure of the co-ordination unit, accompanied by a relocation of the co-ordination unit office, completed in July 2009. • Achieving successful Quality Assurance accreditation, with a High Quality rating. • Family Day Care being included under the Children’s Services Regulations for the first time. Windermere Family Day Care currently has a provisional children’s service licence. • Extension of the In-Home Care geographical service area into regional Victoria. • The introduction of the Early Years Learning Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
Community partnerships We’ve continued to develop our services and strengthen community partnerships to ensure we can best support the needs of families facing additional challenges, such as multiple birth, illness or disability (of parent or child). Recently our In-Home Care service has connected with the Castlemaine community with a view to further developing our service in this region. We are also exploring ways to better respond to the needs of other Victorian regional areas.
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Professional development
This year Family Day Care received the results from a full external review against our Quality Assurance standards. The process was rigorous, extensive and just a little exhausting! However, the outstanding results we received in this independent review served to reinforce the fact that we provide a high-quality service to the families and communities we serve.
International and national impact Following on from a very successful presentation at the National Family Day Care Conference in Tasmania, Lisa Smyth, Manager, Family Day Care & In-Home Care – supported and sponsored by the McCaughey Centre at Melbourne University – has recently presented at an International Conference on Family Day Care and In-Home Care in Ireland. During the year, Lisa has also performed with distinction as the Chair of the National In-Home Care Association.
Thank you We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Board, dedicated staff, care providers and the families that continue to access our services, for their ongoing support.
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