CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVING TERRITORIANS 1965-2015

ANNUALANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2014/15 2014/15

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU i 50 years of serving Territorians. . . .

Somerville Community Services Annual Report for Contents 2014/15 reports on our activities during the year Highlights of the year...... 1 including our financial performance, key achievements Our organisation...... 3 and challenges. Somerville is committed to listening, learning and From the President...... 4 responding to the needs of our community in a bid From the CEO...... 6 to improve the quality of people’s lives. Our Intended readers include: Key challenges 2014/15...... 8 • Our clients, Service Users and their families who utilise Key challenges 2015/16...... 9 our services Five year snapshot...... 10 • Government regulatory and funding bodies, both Reporting against our strategic plan...... 12 Federal and Territory • The communities in which we operate 2014-15 Financial summary...... 22 • Our community partners who provide additional Our governance...... 28

services to our clients from ExecutiveReport Chief the Officer At its very beginning in 1965, Somerville reality is the absence of the NDIS would see the Gratitude Board of Directors...... 30 was committed to improving the lives of taxpayer losing out to failed policies and dollars • Somerville Community Services staff and volunteers Territorians. In 2014 our organisation has would continue to be absorbed by crises. Somerville continues to be grateful for the •The O urNorthern corporate Synod of theand Uniting community Church in supporters and donors Organisation chart...... 35 continued to fulfil our Mission delivering on support we receive from our many individual, Australia and UnitingCare have again led our the key strengths and core responsibilities Palmerston Community Centre - family and business donors and sponsors. We thinking and decision making in an admirable Management team...... 36 which underpin our work as a local community continue to work closely with the Northern fashion. Stage 2 Territory and Commonwealth Governments in service. This year has been impressive, the opportunity Somerville’s programs...... a bid to realise our Mission through dynamic This major capital works project is complete, Forto reflect the mostupon our part achievements a report is of this nature cannot extend In Disability, Financial and Family Services our Official Opening was held on the 12th of service provision. Family Services...... 40 we have worked tirelessly to ensure best tooverwhelming. recognising The Somervilleindividual team staffof 227 staff achievements for which May. Staff are now located in the Palmerston Thank you to our generous and committed are to be congratulated and may I be so bold to practice service delivery is our focus. We have Community Centre providing a range of there are many, so I acknowledge here the valuable Financial Servces...... 50 commenced the review of our service programs Patrons – the Hon. Austin Asche AC, QC and say, are simply the best! complimentary services to Territorians. These Dr Valerie Asche AM. contributions of our Somerville staff in working towards to achieve solid quality assurance results. Our services include Family Services – counselling our goals and providing a high quality of service delivery. Disability Services...... 56 external assessment is scheduled for August and support, Supported Accommodation, Thank you to our President, Chris Tudor and 2014. Our internal undertaking to go from Targeted Family and Support Services, “My Board members who continually lead Somerville Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance.... 66 strength to strength in all of our programs Time” Education Program, the Child & Family with real commitment and the understanding of is assisted by the high levels of commitment Contact Centre, Financial Counselling and good governance in a changing and challenging Human Resources, Information consistently displayed by staff in their day to day Support, Money Management, 1800 007 007 world. work. Technology and Administration ...... 70 Helpline Service, Emergency Relief and the No Elaine Castles is to be commended for being Interest Loans Scheme. Vicki O’Halloran AM Our new Family Services Program – Somerville consistently positive and a driving force in Events...... 76 Child and Family Contact Centre will see us Chief Executive Officer Finances keeping up with the numerous demands in an Vicki O’Halloran AM trial a 12 month service to work with families to often frantic and challenging workplace. Chief Executive Officer Corporate support...... 82 improve their relationship with their children, Somerville is working toward ending the Our managers and staff are a unique group of Somerville Community Services Inc. improve the parent’s capacity to interact with financial year with a smaller than expected people committed to delivering the best quality Our supporters...... 83 their children, and improve the skills of parents deficit. All actions undertaken over the past 12 so they are able to ensure their children are safe of service – thank you one and all. months have been consistent with our Strategic CONTACT US Our volunteers...... 85 and well. Directions. Report from the Chief Executive Officer the ChiefReport Executive from General NDIS NT Government funded programs continue Our staff...... 86 to be the principal source of income. We have Over the last few months the National Disability increased our overall income by 7.9%. The Email: [email protected] Accounting and Financial Management...... 88 Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has attracted a fair Commonwealth Government continues to Web: www.somerville.org.au degree of media attention with numerous fund our Financial Counselling and Money Financial report...... 89 concerns raised about planning, assessments, Management programs. Financial Counselling Helpline costings and future sustainability and more Glossary...... 101 recently the capability review and the timetable Without indexation and despite the increased cost of living in the Northern Territory, our Phone: 1800 007 007 for implementation...... careful purchasing plan has reigned in our Acronym list 103 The National Disability Insurance Agency expenditure for another year Social media is welcoming scrutiny and listening to the Index ...... 104 feedback about the refinement of processes. We Celebrations LIKE US must remind ourselves we are just months into ‘Somerville.Community.Services’ Our logo...... IB an 8 year marathon which involves trial sites Some of the key events and celebrations over the to streamline and review processes and also last 12 months include: TWEET US requires tolerance during a time of significant • Margaret Somerville’s 101st birthday. ‘SomervilleCS’ transitioning. • Accreditation with the Australian There have in the last month been several Childhood Foundation “Safeguarding commentators reflecting on the long-term Children Program”. cost of the NDIS. The general tenor of this • Major construction works and Official commentary has been to position the scheme as Opening of the Palmerston Community an expensive new social program. Centre. ii ANNUAL REPORT 2015 The focus on the NDIS as purely a social policy • Launch of a new Somerville Cookbook. reform which sits on the expense side of the • Somerville Community Services Strategic government ledger entirely misses the point that Plan reviewed and updated. this scheme is also a key significant economic We have commenced planning for our 50th reform designed to deliver substantial economic birthday celebrations in 2015 which is a benefits in terms of productivity, workforce significant milestone for our organisation. participation and long term sustainability. The

10 Annual Report 2013/14 - The Courage To Be . . . . Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2013/14 11 Highlights of the year

We celebrated The Year at a Glance During 2014/15: • We achieved Award and Certificate level Accreditation from the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES). • Provided family and financial support and counselling services to 4,093 new and existing clients • Provided assistance to 1303 homeless Territorians • Managed eleven (11) supported accommodation houses that provided 24 hour care to 47 people with developmental disabilities • Employed 264 hard-working staff • We were supported by 240 generous volunteers • Recorded a total operating revenue of $14,061,857

of serving Territorians

We held our 50 year celebration at Government House hosted by the Administrator of the Northern Territory, The Honourable John Hardy OAM, where we recognised our achievements and our longest serving staff.

Also in celebration, we launched our latest book titled ‘Crossing the Divide.’ The book is a story of compassion and commitment through 50 years of community service in the NT.

1 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 1 Photo: This year Somerville celebrated 50 years of service. Our Namesake, Margaret Somerville (2012-2014), continues to be an inspiration to both management and staff.

“People are able to gain “To impact positively on the dignity • Recognition of the intrinsic worth improvement in their quality of life and quality of life of people who of every human being by achieving the highest attainable are affected by social and economic • Generosity from the heart standard of social and economic disadvantage.” outcomes”. • Service to the community • Justice within our society

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Our organisation

Somerville Community Services Somerville Homes came into Somerville Community Services’ Incorporated is a non-government, existence in 1965. The homes were Constitution provides the legal basis Not for Profit, youth, family and named in honour of Margaret for our service activities. Somerville MBE who helped community welfare organisation. It aims to promote the interests and evacuate 95 children from Croker improve the status and wellbeing We provide essential services to the Island to Sydney in 1942. She then of disadvantaged, marginalised or community, including: returned to Croker Island with the vulnerable children, young people, children after the war and continued • Disability Services: We deliver families and communities through as a house mother and caregiver supported accommodation for a variety of services, activities and until 1965. people with severe to profound projects. disabilities. The book They Crossed a Continent, • Family Services: We deliver free tells the story of Margaret counselling and family support Somerville’s epic journey in services, community programs more detail. Somerville is an association and supported accommodation. incorporated under the Northern To obtain a copy call our office We assist anyone experiencing a Territory Association’s Incorporation crisis or problem in their life. on (08) 8920 4100 or email Act 1990. [email protected]. • Financial Services: Our Financial ABN 62 302 702 903 Counsellors and Financial Scan the QR Capability Workers work with code for more couples, individuals and groups information to assist them to successfully about the book. navigate financial crisis. The AGM will be held on Wednesday 16 September 2015. We maintain strong constitutional links with the Uniting Church in Australia as an agency of UnitingCare In 1980, Somerville Homes changed Australia. its name to Somerville Community These links are strengthened Services Incorporated to reflect its through Somerville’s independent expanded offering of a range of and professional Board of Directors, community services. who ensure we have the capacity to Today Somerville remains a major respond to people’s needs whatever local provider of community services their circumstances. in the Top End of the Northern We give priority to advocacy and Territory. improving knowledge of and access to resources that will help the disadvantaged to improve their circumstances. Somerville is financed by public donations, government grants, business support,church and service club grants, sponsorship and its own fundraising activities.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 3 From the President

achieve our vision and deliver upon A tribute to our namesake our mission. It is a great honour for me to pay Throughout the year we regularly tribute to Margaret Somerville, a reviewed our focus upon influencing determined lady with energetic and communities and decision- artistic talents. makers to recognise our strengths, understanding of and affinity with Many things have changed since all people. Somerville continued Margaret embarked on her journey to play an integral role in the to Croker Island in 1941. community which continued to From her subsequent trip across the struggle with and overcome hurdles continent in 1942 with 95 children including homelessness, relationship in her care when World War II was breakdowns and the high cost of imminent, to the years spent as a What a year it has been! The living. house parent on Croker Island until Somerville team have been All governance policies were 1965, the fundamental commitment tireless in their work, displaying a reviewed and we introduced to Margaret Somerville’s ideals has remarkable commitment to humbly one new policy, External Board never varied. serving our community. Evaluation. Fifty years on, Somerville Community The 2014/15 Annual Report Our commitment to high quality Services still proudly acknowledges highlights the complex and diverse service delivery has been affirmed that Margaret’s life and her work nature of that work, as well as our through achieving: were the creative impulses that lead commitment to our mission. I hope the way and remain our inspiration you enjoy reading about all that we • Award and Certificate level today. It is our pledge to continue have achieved. qualifications within the Australian her work well into the future. Service Excellence Standards. Governance matters • A Silver Award in the 2014 A new Minister Australasian Reporting Awards for The Board of Directors are committed In 2014/15 Somerville welcomed the fifth year running; to their roles and responsibilities. the appointment of the Hon. John Ongoing professional development • Australian Childhood Foundation Elferink as the Minister for Disability through the Australian Institute Safeguarding Children Services and Health. Mr Elferink of Company Directors has been Accreditation; has consistently demonstrated his undertaken to remain alert to best • Compliance with the Workplace commitment to our sector through practice models of governance in the Gender Equality Agency; and regular meetings and site visits, and not-for-profit sector. Thank you to my courageous, we look forward to continuing our We continued to make sound hardworking fellow directors for their relationship with him. progress with our Strategic Plan, ongoing support and dedication to which has been designed to help us Somerville.

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Report fromReport President the I am very happy to report that despite an confirmed that we are in a sound position increasingly challenging environment over regarding diversity of knowledge required to the last 12 months Somerville is thriving and lead Somerville Community Services. growing our services in response to community In 2013-14 we introduced two new Governance demands. Policies, namely Somerville Board Skills Matrix During the year the NT Minister for the Office and Duty of Care, Loyalty and Obedience, of the Commissioner of Public Employment, the these reflect our focus upon ongoing quality Hon John Elferink launched the EmployAbility improvement. Strategy at Somerville, the overall goals of Our commitment to high quality service this strategy are to increase the attraction and delivery has been affirmed through achieving: retention rates for people with disability in employment, improve career opportunities, • A Silver Award in the 2013 Australasian raise awareness of the value that people with Reporting Award, for the fourth year disabilities bring to the workplace and very running importantly create a workforce that better • Australian Childhood Foundation reflects the diversity of the community it serves. Safeguarding Children Accreditation We were also delighted to have the Hon John • Successful compliance with the Workplace Elferink in his role as Minister for Children and Gender Equality Agency Families officially open our new premises in Palmerston. The Palmerston Community Centre Not-For-Profit Reforms hosts many programs, offers a modern training A bill to repeal the Australian Charities and facility and is intent on sending a message to Not-for-Profit Commission is before Parliament. Territorians that we are there to serve you and As there are conflicting views within the sector assist you with support, counselling, advocacy about the ACNC we continue to support the and financial matters. We are pleased to advise importance of there being a structure in place our Financial Counselling, No Interest Loan that is independent of the ATO and measures Scheme and Money Management program are to be introduced to reduce red tape. If our consistently reaching out to community and current Government determines to introduce bringing about positive and very real changes in a Centre for Excellence it must be informed people’s lives. by information coming from the regulator combined with experience of the sector. Our staffing numbers in 2013-14 have remained steady, however the new Child and Family The Future Contact Centre will result in additional staff joining the Somerville team. Our Board will continue our strategic oversight of Somerville providing ongoing support to Reports from the President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Executive the President Reports from We continue to review and redevelop all of our our CEO. This Annual Report highlights to you facilities in a coordinated manner. Taking into the complex and diverse nature of our work as consideration the importance of quality of life, well as our commitment to our Mission. We overall wellbeing of our people, the necessity of seek to provide services that are responsive to a professional image and our commitment to a the people we serve. I would like to thank my high standard of health and safety. fellow directors for their ongoing support and Governance dedication to Somerville Community Services. It is with great pride that we congratulate our The Board of Directors have taken part in two CEO on being made a Member of the Order of Photo: Somerville Community Services Finalstrategic thoughts planning days focussing upon the The Board are also grateful for Australia. Vicki is an outstanding person and introduction of the National Disability Insurance the loyalty and dedication of the President Chris Tudor AM and CEO member of the community and is very deserving It Schemehas been (NDIS) a and pleasure our preparedness, to work as well with Vicki O’Halloran AM at Government of thisstaff award. who support our CEO Vicki CEOas putting Vicki in O’Halloran place clear strategic AM intentions - one of with O’Halloran AM in honouring our House on 13 May 2015, celebrating themeasurable most respectedgoals for our organisation leaders overin the the next 3 years. We are pleased to affirm our Vision vision and delivering on our mission. Somerville’s 50 year anniversary. Territory.and Mission Her for the capacity, next 3 years. positive profile and excellent leadership have Our Sector leadership is evidenced by a desire providedfor continuous a wonderful improvement. Thefoundation CEO and formanagement Somerville team areover currently the pastpreparing year for our external quality assurance assessment. and will enable the organisation to Chris Tudor AM moveThe Board forward membership with remains enthusiasm unchanged andover President the past financial year. Our Skills Matrix review SomervilleChris TudorCommunity AM Services Inc. purpose in the year to come. Our President Board will continue our strategic 8 Annual Report 2013/14 - The Courage To Be . . . . oversight of Somerville and our Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2013/14 9 ongoing support of our CEO.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 5 From the CEO

Through our free Tax Help Program, Celebrating our 50th our Financial Services team assisted birthday over 240 people to complete their tax returns. Our No Interest Loans As many Territorians know, 50 years continued at a steady pace whilst our ago our organisation was formed Financial Counsellors and Financial and named in honour of Margaret Capability Workers strived to meet Somerville - a remarkable woman demand for their support and who came to the Northern Territory counselling. We remain hopeful the to live and work with children on Department of Social Services (DSS) Croker Island at an undeveloped funding will remain intact for the mission station in 1941. longer term as the demand for our Margaret passed away peacefully on Financial Services increases daily. 30 July 2014 in New South Wales at 101 years of age. We will be forever This past year I have continued Our response to the NDIS grateful to have known and loved to be inspired by the loyalty and The advent of the National Margaret. Every day our work at ingenuity of our staff. The energy Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Somerville has been inspired by her in the air has been palpable as we has brought about fundamental integrity, humility and commitment have planned for and celebrated changes to our disability services in to improving the quality of peoples’ our 50 years as a community Australia. The trial site in the Barkly lives. service. This lively (sometimes over- Region of the Northern Territory To coincide with our 50th birthday committed) approach has remained is said to be challenging on many this year we launched the book one of our key strengths and it fronts. Mainstream structures and Crossing the Divide at a Reception has underpinned our successful process are not aligning with the held at Parliament House. The book delivery of our core responsibilities cultural landscape in the Anangu charts our organisation’s wonderful throughout the year. Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, history and serves as a foundation which highlights the need to do for our future. Our services more work to achieve the best Other ways in which we have paid outcomes for people with disability Each of our services delivered homage to Somerville’s half century in remote regions of the Northern focused programs with ongoing and have included: obviously high levels of commitment Territory. • Margaret Somerville’s Memorial to our mission. That commitment As an organisation we continue to Service on 19 August 2015, and was reflected in the successful support the NDIS imperatives which achievement of Award level are to improve the provision of • Government House Reception certification in the Australian Service services to people with disabilities; on 13 May 2015 to celebrate Excellence Standards accreditation this must remain our focus whilst we Somerville’s 50th birthday. process. tackle the inevitable funding and Our enhanced sponsorships have Our piloted Family Services program, pricing developments, the planning enabled us to successfully deliver the Somerville Child and Family process and overall complex these and many other important Contact Centre, achieved ongoing changes. I am pleased to report that events throughout the year. We funding. This program has identified our Disability Services program has thank the Northern Territory that one cannot underestimate the gone from strength to strength as Government and other sponsors for value of good relationships between we have been preparing for the new their support. parents and their children. NDIS world.

6 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Our representation and communication activities In 2014-15 Somerville continued to represent itself and the sector on key advisory groups, peak bodies, councils and reference groups. These included Ministerial appointments to the NT Disability Minister’s Advisory Council on Disability Reform and the Business Events Ambassador program. We produced 11 newsletters and Photo L-R: Somerville President Chris Tudor, Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran and wrote 20 submissions. We have Minister John Elferink with our new book “Crossing the Divide”. embarked upon a new journey engaging Community Business We continue to rely upon the Our resilient Managers, Coordinators Bureau Inc. (CBB) as our virtual Northern Territory Government and teams are acknowledged as marketing team, charged with for more than 81% of our funding. the driving force behind achieving reviewing and enhancing our overall With careful expenditure and the our goals in an often frantic marketing, including our newsletter, from ExecutiveReport Chief the Officer opportunity to renegotiate our environment. At its very beginning in 1965, Somerville reality is the absence ofannual the NDIS wouldreports, see the website, social Gratitude service agreements in the near was committed to improving the lives of taxpayer losing out to failedmedia policies and and other dollars printed materials. My heartfelt thanks goes to my Territorians. In 2014 our organisation has would continue to be absorbed by crises. future,Somerville we continues remain to resilientbe grateful for and the The Northern Synod of the Uniting Church in continued to fulfil our Mission delivering on Importantly, this work has been support we receive from our many individual, AustraliaExecutive and UnitingCare Assistant, have Elaineagain led Castles,our hopeful.family and business donors and sponsors. We thinking and decision making in an admirable the key strengths and core responsibilities Palmerston Communityunderpinned Centre by - a Brand Discovery who for 18 years has kept the which underpin our work as a local community continue to work closely with the Northern fashion. Stage 2 Territory and Commonwealth Governments in Somerville ship afloat and managed service. Workshop which was the first step in This year has been impressive, the opportunity Oura bid gratitudeto realise our Mission through dynamic “business” like no other. This major capital worksestablishing project is complete, a project plan to set our to reflect upon our achievements is In Disability, Financial and Family Services our Official Opening was held on the 12th of service provision. we have worked tirelessly to ensure best marketing direction for the coming Somerville appreciates the support overwhelming.The Northern The Somerville Synod team of the of 227 Uniting staff May. Staff are now located in the Palmerston Thank you to our generous and committed are to be congratulated and may I be so bold to practice service delivery is our focus. We have Community Centre providingyear. a range of it receives from the Australian Church in Australia and UnitingCare commenced the review of our service programs Patrons – the Hon. Austin Asche AC, QC and say, are simply the best! complimentary services to Territorians. These Government,Dr Valerie Asche NorthernAM. Territory have again provided outstanding to achieve solid quality assurance results. Our services include FamilyThe Services introduction – counselling of our inaugural external assessment is scheduled for August Government,Thank you to our corporations, President, Chris Tudor local and guidance, leadership and support. and support, SupportedWorkforce Accommodation, Development Plan has 2014. Our internal undertaking to go from Targeted Family and Support Services, “My businesses,Board members families who continually and individuals.lead Somerville strength to strength in all of our programs Time” Education Program,brought the Child about & Family a renewed focus on with real commitment and the understanding of is assisted by the high levels of commitment Contact Centre, Financialthe Counselling recruitment, and retention and career Thegood tireless governance efforts in a changing of the and challenging260-strong consistently displayed by staff in their day to day Support, Money Management, 1800 007 007 world. work. progression of our employees. The Somerville team cannot be Helpline Service, Emergency Relief and the No Elaine Castles is to be commended for being Our new Family Services Program – Somerville Interest Loans Scheme.Plan will assist us to measure our underestimated.consistently positive and The a driving consolidated force in Child and Family Contact Centre will see us Finances workforce capability and capacity. teamworkkeeping up with and the shared numerous expertise demands in an is a VickiVicki O’Halloran O’Halloran AM AM trial a 12 month service to work with families to blessing.often frantic and challenging workplace. Chief Executive Officer improve their relationship with their children, Somerville is working toward ending the Chief Executive Officer Our managers and staff are a unique group of Somerville Community Services Inc. improve the parent’s capacity to interact with financial year with a smallerOur than finances expected Firstpeople class committed Patrons, to delivering the Hon. the best Austin quality their children, and improve the skills of parents deficit. All actions undertaken over the past 12 of service – thank you one and all. so they are able to ensure their children are safe months have been consistentSomerville with our Strategic ended the year in a Asche AC QC and Dr Valerie Asche and well. Directions.

Report from the Chief Executive Officer the ChiefReport Executive from healthier financial position than the AM and the Board of Directors NDIS NT Government fundedprevious programs continue year, recording a reasonable headed by our President, Chris to be the principal source of income. We have Over the last few months the National Disability increased our overall incomesurplus by 7.9%. despite The significant cost of Tudor AM lead our organisation in Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has attracted a fair Commonwealth Governmentliving continues increases. to (see Financial report an organised, strategic and people- degree of media attention with numerous fund our Financial Counsellingpage 89) and. Money focused manner. concerns raised about planning, assessments, Management programs. costings and future sustainability and more recently the capability review and the timetable Without indexation and despite the increased for implementation. cost of living in the Northern Territory, our careful purchasing plan has reigned in our The National Disability Insurance Agency expenditure for another year is welcoming scrutiny and listening to the feedback about the refinement of processes. We Celebrations must remind ourselves we are just months into Some of the key events and celebrations over the an 8 year marathon which involves trial sites SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 7 to streamline and review processes and also last 12 months include: requires tolerance during a time of significant • Margaret Somerville’s 101st birthday. transitioning. • Accreditation with the Australian There have in the last month been several Childhood Foundation “Safeguarding commentators reflecting on the long-term Children Program”. cost of the NDIS. The general tenor of this • Major construction works and Official commentary has been to position the scheme as Opening of the Palmerston Community an expensive new social program. Centre. The focus on the NDIS as purely a social policy • Launch of a new Somerville Cookbook. reform which sits on the expense side of the • Somerville Community Services Strategic government ledger entirely misses the point that Plan reviewed and updated. this scheme is also a key significant economic We have commenced planning for our 50th reform designed to deliver substantial economic birthday celebrations in 2015 which is a benefits in terms of productivity, workforce significant milestone for our organisation. participation and long term sustainability. The

10 Annual Report 2013/14 - The Courage To Be . . . . Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2013/14 11 Key challenges 2014/15

KEY CHALLENGES ANTICIPATED FOR HOW WE ADDRESSED THOSE OUTCOMES 2014/15 CHALLENGES Facilitating family visits with the We worked with individuals, families Achieved/Ongoing. Success with people we support in Disability business, government and guardians to business partnerships resulted in Services (assisting those who require achieve improved family visits for the donations of two vehicles that in wheelchair access to their home people we support. turn enabled us to plan and work communities continues to be a with families and guardians to challenge). achieve improved family visits for the people we support (p68, p82). Meeting the growing demand for our We obtained funding for additional Achieved/Ongoing. Obtained services and managing the complex financial counsellors through approaches additional Financial Counsellor nature of presenting cases. to all levels of government. through approaches to NT Government Department (p54). Meeting the growing need to assist We have recognised that the demand Not Achieved/Ongoing. Although homeless and disadvantaged families. to assist these individuals and families we were able to assist homeless and continues to grow, so ongoing disadvantaged families, demand approaches to all levels of government continued to outstrip the supply of will be required in 2015/16. affordable accommodation (p41, p46, p48). Aiming for Australian Service Regular action planning meetings were Achieved. ASES certificate and award Excellence Standards (ASES) held by the CEO and Management Team levels accreditation (p4, p6, p74). accreditation in 2015. until accreditation was achieved. Publishing and launching a book Local Historians were engaged to Achieved. Crossing the Divide detailing the history of Somerville. produce the book, which was launched in launched as part of Somerville’s 50th 2015 as part of Somerville’s 50th birthday birthday celebrations (p6, p81). celebrations.

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Key challenges 2015/16

KEY CHALLENGES ANTICIPATED FOR 2015/16 HOW WE PLAN TO ADDRESS THOSE CHALLENGES

Ageing of the people we support is bringing We need to ensure that the people we support continue to receive about numerous challenges, particularly for high care support regardless of their age. A rethink and possible those whose health may be compromised. reshape of our service will need to be considered. Working with the NT Department of Health to ensure people in our service have been appropriately assessed for current and foreseeable future needs (p63). Offset the cost of increasing vehicle insurance We need to consider new strategies to reduce the cost of insurance premiums. premiums and the number of insurance claims (p69). Assisting homeless and disadvantaged families Demand assisting these individuals and families continues to grow. continues to be a major challenge. There is an Ongoing approaches to all levels of government will be required (p41, ongoing need for increased medium to long- p46, p48). term public accommodation as well as private rentals for low income earners. Delivering financial counselling in an uncertain Seek out alternative funding sources whilst continuing service funding environment. delivery as usual (p54). To recruit suitable candidates with the right skills, This is an industry-wide problem and highlights the need to monitor qualifications and experience to replace both our succession planning. We need to continue to progress our specialised and key positions. workforce development plan (p70, 75). To be able to assist the growing number of This year Somerville was unable to assist all student applications. students requesting student placements or work We intend to review our work experience and student placement experience. programs as well as liaising with other educational institutions to better manage this area (p75). To secure ongoing funding for a Disability We will work collaboratively with the NT Government to individually Services Program during the transition to the reassess each service user and also negotiate a future platform of National Disability Insurance Scheme. funding that will enable the delivery of the highest standard of support at all times in our Disability Services Program (p63).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 9 Five year snapshot

Over the past five years, the Staff training and development was Northern Territory’s economy has a priority to ensure the best possible undergone a period of high growth outcomes for our clients and to build “Staff training and a well-skilled workforce. development was based on a buoyant resource based economy. In particular this has Managing our budgets continued to a priority to ensure occurred in Darwin, Palmerston and be a priority and we have realised a the best possible surrounding rural areas. more positive end-of-year financial outcomes for our A large construction project during result. We continue to seek support the last three years has resulted through government funding and clients and to build a in a period where unemployment ongoing fundraising activities. well-skilled workforce.” rates have been significantly lower The number of volunteers we than other parts of Australia. The utilised this year increased due opportunities for employment and to the support of a number of lifestyle changes have attracted Corporate volunteers. Historically large numbers of people from other our volunteers have assisted with Australian states and from overseas. our annual Christmas Gift Wrapping However, this growth has also and in our Administration. Our resulted in increased demand for Corporate volunteers gave up their the services provided by Somerville. time to assist with a number of With housing and rental costs “working bees” at our supported well above the national average, accommodation houses. This a shortage in affordable housing, assisted greatly in reducing our costs and a relatively high cost of living in our Assets, Infrastructure and often sees people with employment Maintenance division. struggle to cope financially. For the past five years, Somerville has Whilst the number of clients who we helped thousands of Territorians, and assisted in our counselling services we will continue to provide our much decreased from last year, we found needed services to those in crisis in that people were presenting with our community, working towards far more complex cases resulting in improving their quality of life. longer session times. Our Family and Financial Services continue to work closely together to provide a wrap around service to our clients. Clients continue to present with multiple issues both financial and personal. The number of Service Users in our Disability Services Supported Accommodation Program reduced slightly over the past 5 years from 50 to 47. As a result we closed one of our supported accommodation houses during 2014/15 which in turn enabled us to reduce our total expenditure for the program.

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Five year snapshot

2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11

FAMILY SERVICES* Counselling: total number of clients 1497 1492 2,098 5,170 4,960 Counselling: total number of contacts 6494 6334 8,951 15,641 14,566 Short term accommodation to assist 18 22 33 27 19 homeless people/families FINANCIAL SERVICES* Counselling - total number of clients 2596 3207 3,508 Counselling - total number of contacts 7268 5858 6,728 DISABILITY SERVICES Supported accommodation: 47 49 49 50 50 (total number of clients)

Total number of employees 264 227 224 215 186 (full financial year) Number of volunteers who worked for 240 220 200 Somerville throughout the year ** Number of staff who obtained formal qualifications with the support of Somerville throughout the year ** Family Services 3 2 1 Financial Services 4 5 3 Disability Services 5 4 27 Number of students who undertook placements in Somerville throughout the year ** Family Services 1 2 3 Financial Services 2 1 2 Disability Services 3 1 3

Total net surplus (deficit) $708,570 ($251,053) ($168,417) ($153,208) $236,921

* In 2012/13 Family Services was divided into Family Services and Financial Services. ** Reported for the first time in 2012/13

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 11 Reporting against our strategic plan

“To survive, or indeed The Somerville Board recognises that strategic planning is an important thrive, well-developed part of our core business. strategic and Community services is facing a demanding future; there is a rising tide of business planning is regulations, intensifying competition, increased accountability and reporting requirements. Financial pressure also regularly places programs at risk. imperative.” Somerville attends regular meetings with funding bodies to ensure compliance with service agreements. The gathering of statistical data is continually reviewed to ensure this meets our funding obligations. To survive, or indeed thrive, well-developed strategic and business planning is imperative. Astute judgements, optimal structure, vision and an agreed succession plan in place for key roles within Somerville Community Services are all important components of a sound organisation. Somerville commits to a major review of its strategic directions every three years. Throughout this period quarterly reporting and regular review of our organisation’s progress of the Strategic Plan is monitored. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for meeting the strategic directions within Somerville’s Strategic Plan.

As a strategically focused organisation, every year we report upon our key achievements in relation to each of the goals in our Strategic Plan. The key initiatives for 2014-2015 were established from Somerville’s 2014- 2017 Strategic Plan. Each initiative is detailed below, together with a summary of our achievements and future direction.

Goal Number 1: To strive to deliver programs of the highest quality meeting the needs of individuals, families and communities.

Key Achievements ◊ We introduced a supported accommodation training program to equip people with social, financial and interpersonal skills to enable them to cope with the challenging and increasing demands of everyday life (p44- p46). ◊ We saw success with a pilot program that supported children and young people in the care of the NT Department of Children and Families. It has now developed into a full-scale program, the Somerville Child and Family Contact Centre Service (p43 -p44). ◊ A review of the role of our Disability Support Workers has led to higher levels of engagement and improved quality of life for people with disability (p60).

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE In our Disability Achieved. Disability Services Services Program we • We maintained external accreditation of service [Australian Service continued to deliver Excellence Standards] (p74). high quality supported accommodation to • We developed services and programs aimed at individual needs, wants, best meet our Service desires and aspirations (p57-59) Users’ needs. • We continued to measure service appeal and expectations through annual surveys of guardians; we modified the survey to enable public guardians an opportunity to review the service from an external service provider perspective (p57). • We carried out an annual review of policies, procedures and operational statements with input sought from guardians, family members and frontline staff (p60-61). • We reviewed and modified recruitment practices to ensure safety and wellbeing of Service Users and staff alike. We also undertook staff skills matching with service user needs and wants. (p60).

Achieved. Assets, Infrastructure & Maintenance • A house at Rapid Creek was upgraded to improve the standards and functional layout to better suit the needs of people in wheelchairs who require the use of specialised equipment (p67). • AIM staff assisted with the relocation of a Service User to Katherine to be closer to family - improved well-being (p67). • Another Service User was relocated to a house close to the beach to enable them to enjoy walks along the beach front with their parents (p67).

We ensured continuous Achieved. Family Services improvement • We continued with ongoing professional development to ensure our staff through training and are providing an informed professional counselling service (p43). development. Achieved. Financial Services • We continued with ongoing professional development to ensure our staff remain abreast of financial issues, which enables them to provide an informed, professional financial counselling service (p51). • All Financial Counsellors have now completed their Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling) (p51). • Our Financial Capability Workers have successfully completed their Cert III in Community Services (p51).

Achieved. Disability Services • We continued with external formal qualifications in Certificate IV and Diploma in Disability with the aim of all frontline workers having a minimum of Certificate IV qualification by the end of 2016 (p60). • We provided opportunities for coordinators to undertake formal qualifications in management, e.g. Certificate IV Frontline Management (p60). • We modified our training schedule to take into account the requirements of our frontline workers (p60). • We provided specialised training for frontline workers in high-care medical and challenging behaviour units (p63).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 13 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE We supported the Achieved. Disability Services development of • We undertook biennial Person Centred Action Plan (PCAP) meetings with a the Service Users’ number of Service Users (p63). abilities to the highest attainable standard. • We implemented individualised program checklists for higher functioning Service Users with program goals focused on skills acquisition (p59). • We developed individualised goal-oriented Brokerage Program Plans that aligned with their PCAPs (p59). We continued to Achieved. Financial Services deliver effective • We developed new relationships with a number of Indigenous community financial counselling organisations, as well as new programs to deliver our financial literacy and information workshops (p53). services. • We continued to promote all of our Financial Services to the broader community via radio and television advertising, letterbox drops and the use of Somerville noticeboards (p53). We enhanced our Achieved. Financial Services programs to address • We continued to develop relationships with gambling venues in both gambling related Darwin and Palmerston, with regular visits to talk to venue staff (Community issues and to reduce Liaison Officers) and to replenish our brochures which are displayed in all the impact on families. venues (p53). • We continued to strengthen our relationship with Amity Community Services, co-hosting regular information sharing sessions to ensure staff respond to “Red Flag” behaviours of problem gamblers (p53). Continued to develop Achieved. Financial Services our Tax Help program • Somerville was again involved in the Tax Help program during 2014/15 (p50). and improve delivery of our No Interest Loan • For 2014/15 all Financial Services staff completed an ATO face-to-face Scheme (NILS). accreditation course (p53). • We successfully achieved National NILS Accreditation (p53). Delivered practical Achieved. Family Services family support and • Statistics prove that our service was able to assist our clients. Total number counselling services of formal and informal referrals increased during 2014/15 (p11). and continued to offer supported • Case studies and client surveys were all positive in both the support that our accommodation clients received and progress made (p45, p48. options to individuals • The accommodation program joined the Support Link referral system and families. database for clients experiencing domestic violence in conjunction with the domestic and family violence reduction strategy which includes the Family Safety Framework. Staff have since attended to referrals received in the required 48-hour time frame (43-46). Continued to provide Achieved. Family Services an effective Katherine • Total number of formal and informal referrals increased by 7% during Youth and Family 2014/15. (p47). Services Program. • Successful events organised by Somerville provided avenues for staff to engage with young people and provide mentoring and peer support (p48). • Case studies and client surveys were all positive in both the support that our clients received and progress made (p47-48). Continued to work Achieved. Family Services collaboratively in • We continued to participate in joint casework, community meetings and community to address reference groups, community initiatives and events. The Child and Family the needs of the Contact Centre program is operating at full capacity (p43 - p44). youth sector and their families. • Financial Services staff continued to work closely with Family Services team, attending community events together and actively promoting one another’s programs to the general public (p44, p46, p53).

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Goal Number 2: Realign the Somerville business model to ensure that it is positioned for the future funding models in a more competitive funding market.

Key Achievement ◊ We reviewed and aligned all policies and procedures so that we are positioned for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which will bring about a significant new way of doing business in a more competitive funding market (p60 - p61)

SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Continued to Achieved / Disability Services implement a well Ongoing. • We continued to utilise external funding options through submissions and designed and government funding streams. However, with increasing costs associated properly funded with doing business, including increases in wages in line with legislative Disability Service that requirements, it will result in challenges ahead for 2015/16 (p63). ensured sustainable programs enabled by a diversified financial base. Continued with full Achieved. Disability Services commitment to ageing • We established a frail and aged unit (p63). in place. • We adapted our service to the changing needs of the Service Users [i.e. training of staff in care of frail and aged] (p63). Pursued opportunities Ongoing. Disability Services arising from the • We are working towards registering Somerville as a provider with NDIA (p60 National Disability - p61). Insurance Scheme (NDIS). • Reviewing service delivery models (p60 - p61).

Continued to Achieved. Disability Services demonstrate to • Achieved successful negotiation with the NT Government for additional funding bodies the real one-off funding to assist with the projected deficit and a program reduction costs of services. within Disability Services to offset prior year’s shortfalls (p22). Carried out an Achieved. Disability Services organisation-wide • Modified our PCAP planning tool to reflect requirements of the 10 domain assessment against the areas of the NDIS (p 60 - p61). NDIS and reviewed the sustainability of our • We referred all of SCS Disability Service Users to the Department of Health programs. Disability Coordination team for assessment and where appropriate, reclassification (p61). • We individualised program checklists for higher functioning individuals where skills development and acquisition is a priority (p61).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 15 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Remain committed Achieved. Disability Services to implement our • We ensured policies, procedures and practices were in line with the Disability Services principles of the CRPWD and NDS (p56). program in keeping with the principles and practices as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability (CRPWD) and the National Disability Strategy (NDS). Commenced turning Ongoing. Disability Services policies, procedures • Commenced the development of a Disability Services practical policies and and manuals into a procedures manual (p63). marketable resource kit. Continued to monitor Achieved. Disability Services current performance • We measured service appeal and expectations through an annual survey and reviewed of guardians. We modified the survey to enable public guardians an community needs opportunity to review the service from an external service provider through surveys with perspective (p 57). existing clients. Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management • We monitored current performance at team meetings regarding improved procedures for dealing with queries, issues and concerns (p88). • We reviewed all of our service agreements with our stakeholders (p88).

Conducted a range Achieved/ Family Services of community and Ongoing. • We met as frequently as possible to assess future needs and demands. We stakeholder meetings participated in community meetings and reference groups and community to assess future needs initiatives and events - the outcomes have shaped the service delivery (p43). and demands. Achieved/ Financial Services Ongoing. • We regularly participated in community meetings, reference groups, community initiatives and events to assess future needs and demands. The outcomes have shaped service delivery (p53). Reviewed Ongoing. Family Services opportunities for • Reviewed opportunities for philanthropic and grant exploration - the enterprise and social enterprise. outcomes of which will shape service delivery (p43). Ongoing. Disability Services • We are assessing the viability of establishing a marketable garden nursery at Girraween/Howard Springs (p65).

Identified strategic Ongoing. Financial Services partnerships that • We submitted a proposal to the NT Minister of Corrections to consider provided access to funding a program that would introduce financial support, literacy and new programs/market money management to working prisoners (p54). segments.

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Reviewed Achieved. Family Services opportunities for • We continue to be in the forefront of sharing skills and knowledge across training other the sector (p43). organisations in management, Achieved / Disability Services administration and Ongoing. financial procedures. • All internal training sessions were publicised on the NTCOSS skills training website and disseminated through the various disability services and community services networks, which was well received (p60). • Investigated partnership with RTO to subcontract training in relevant areas where Somerville has proven skills and track record (p60). • Continued partnerships with Charles Darwin University to provide training to health practitioners (p60).

Goal Number 3: To continue strong financial management to ensure good governance and management of Somerville as a leader in the community services sector.

Key Achievement ◊ Attained improved financial management of resources, improved understanding of customer needs and improved accountability and reporting through successfully achieving Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) accreditation (p74).

SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Maintained strong Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management management policies • We maintained continuous review of policies and procedures including and procedures. annual external audit of all grants and accounts. Completed a survey on financial governance using the ATTACHE Business Scorecard that gave a report outlining the business system scores. We achieved an average score of 70% which is considered a good score (p88). Reporting that meets Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management good governance • Continue to ensure all financial acquittals were submitted on time (p88). principles and statutory obligations. • Daily management of the NILS database and loan repayments to ensure clients’ loan balances are up-to-date (p88). Evaluated all of our Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management programs against our • Provided quarterly assessment reports to our Board (p88). business model. Implemented our Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management Strategic Plan through • Ensured cohesion between managers regarding strategic directions and the Business Plan timely progress reports (p88). and monitored and reported progress. • Action list discussed at each monthly management meeting (p88).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 17 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Ensured that Achieved. Family Services operational procedures • The new Department of Social Services (DSS) Data Exchange Framework met with statutory and will be a new approach for streamlined program performance reporting and quality compliance will provide enhanced reporting on Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) utilised to requirements. support families in crisis, as well as record client outcomes (p43). Achieved / Accounting & Financial Management Ongoing. • Reviewed all accounting and financial management policies and procedures to ensure that all processes were up-to-date and in compliance with legislation (p88). • Upgraded Attaché Accounting package to the latest version (p88). • Initiated upgrade on the current NILS/community database to include emergency relief funding module and enquiries module necessary to comply with DSS reporting changes (p88).

Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & Administrative Services • Policies and procedures were reviewed regularly to ensure they remained relevant to the services we deliver (p72). • Management acted promptly in response to any matters which highlighted the need to review our policies and procedures outside of our regular review program (p72). • Achieved Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) Certificate and Award Levels (p74). • Completed Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reporting requirements (p75).

Goal Number 4: To develop and extend the reputation and influence of Somerville across the community services sector.

Key Achievements ◊ The awareness, reputation and influence of Somerville Community Services was improved through the launch and publication of a book detailing Somerville’s 50-year history (p81). ◊ Somerville Community Services was recognised for promoting community awareness through the Disability Services Awards (p59-p60).

SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Strengthened Achieved. Disability Services relationships with • We further developed middle manager’s skills through involvement in stakeholders through representative roles. For example, coordinators are now part of groups such meetings, seminars as Carers NT, DADS, Skills Expos and Career Days (p57). and networking.

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Strengthened Achieved. Family Services relationships with • We continue to participate in community meetings and reference groups stakeholders through and community initiatives and events, the outcomes of which shape the meetings, seminars service delivery (p43). and networking and continue • We maintained relationships with four key Government organisations representation on high including the Department of Children and Families, Department of Housing, level policy networks. Department of Social Services and Centrelink. We also attended meetings and advocated client action with many other relevant partners (too numerous to list) (p43). • Somerville’s CEO and managers met regularly with our funding bodies and reported on a six-monthly basis (p43). Prepared and Ongoing. Human Resources, Information Technology & implemented a Administrative Services practical social media strategy to improve • Engaged the services of Community Business Bureau (CBB) to provide a awareness of services. range of marketing services to Somerville including the production of the quarterly newsletters and the annual report (p72). • Created a 12-month marketing plan including activities, timelines and responsibilities for nominated Somerville staff. This plan has a strong focus on the use of digital media (e.g. crowd funding, website, social media and video) to support fundraising through the Somerville Foundation, brand awareness, attracting staff, and staff and client engagement (p72). • Our expectation is that this expert support will improve the quality of both these publications with a view to continual improvement (p72). Develop a Ongoing. Human Resources, Information Technology & communications Administrative Services strategy. • There is ongoing review at monthly manager’s meetings to develop a practical communication strategy (p72). Established new Achieved. Assets, Infrastructure & Maintenance alliances and • We have actively sought corporate support through the use of corporate partnerships with corporations and volunteers (p67, p68, p85). businesses to • Cost saving in this activity is complemented by the building of strong access employment relationships in the corporate sphere. National Australia Bank (NAB) have opportunities. partnered with us to provide staff to volunteer at “working bees”, negating the need to employ seasonal labour (p67, p68, p85).. Continued Achieved. Disability Services with Territory • We were represented on the Department of Business’s review of NT representation on Employment and Training Act (p57). policy forums and implementation • Together with NTCOSS we made a submission to the NT Government programs. Commercial Passenger Review (p57). • Maintained representation on City of Darwin Disability Advisory Committee (p62). Advocated for the Achieved. Disability Services rights of individuals • Maintained executive management representation on boards and forums with disabilities across of influence, including NDS (nationally and in the NT), City of Darwin and all sectors. Integrated disAbility Action (p62).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 19 Goal Number 5: Develop Somerville employees consistent with the organisation’s values and policies.

Key Achievement ◊ We continued to progress the professional development of our staff by improving access to both internal and external training programs (p43, p51-p53, p56-p60, p69, p70-p72, p88).

SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Ensured that Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & Somerville continued Administrative Services to be an ‘employer of choice’ by providing • Maintained workforce diversity group, performance management program; a supportive staff incentive program, health and well being program and social and environment that engagement program (p72- p73). values the diverse skills • Maintained a commitment to learning and professional development (p71). and backgrounds of • Continuous flexibility in the workplace. This has improved productivity and our people. helped to maintain a work/life balance (p71 - p72). • Employee Opinion Survey for 2014/15 completed and assessed (p72). • Formed a Somerville singing group consisting of a diverse group of staff to continue sharing its message, “the courage to be ...” (p72).

Monitored recruitment Achieved. Financial Services and retention across • All Financial Services staff have an individual development plan. These were the organisation reviewed every three months with progress reported and plans amended as including succession necessary (p51 - p53). plans for key employees. Disability Services Achieved. • Established a Team Leader position in Disability Services to help develop succession planning (p57). Human Resources, Information Technology & Achieved. Administrative Services • Workforce Development Plan completed February 2015 (p70). • Completed Gender Equality Reporting (p75). • Provided quarterly report to the Board on vacancies and terminations (p72).

Develop employment Ongoing. Human Resources, Information Technology & opportunities through Administrative Services strategic alliances and partnerships. • This will be addressed through student and work placement (P75).

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Ensured that all Achieved. Family Services staff participated • Staff received ongoing supervision focused on enhancing their professional in performance skills and competencies which in turn strengthened their capacities to management and achieve positive outcomes for their clients (p43). review. • Supervision also included administrative case management in line with the practice standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) 2013 and Somerville policies and procedures (p43). Achieved. Financial Services • Financial Services staff met with their manager on a monthly basis for two way discussion/feedback and in addition all staff participated in an annual review process (p53). Achieved. Disability Services • Implemented monthly supervision sessions with Coordinators (p57). • Reviewed performance evaluation framework and processes for all staff (p57). • Developed/implemented a formal performance management process (p57). Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & Administrative Services • Ensured all staff undertook probationary/annual performance reviews (p71). Identified professional Achieved. Family Services development • Suitable training was identified and undertaken (p43). opportunities for all employees. • A training calendar was developed to support the professional development of each staff member and various training courses were undertaken by staff throughout 2014/15 (p43). Achieved. Financial Services • Staff were encouraged to explore ongoing professional development opportunities through attendance at training and forums (p51). • Management actively sought opportunities for further professional development for staff including attendance at national conferences (p51). Achieved. Disability Services • Continued to work collaboratively with Jobs Australia to provide training opportunities to Disability Service Coordinators. Undertook successful two- day course for Coordinators that covered performance management and organisational culture (p57). • Establishment and utilisation of the Disability Services Team Leader position enabled up-and-coming frontline staff to experience and practise skills necessary to transition to the next level (p57). • Implemented an in-house training program for all DS staff (p57).

Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & Administrative Services • Maintained a comprehensive training calendar (p71). • Arranged external training seminars, conferences, mentoring and on-the- job training (p71). • Maintained membership of professional affiliations (p71). Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management • Accounting and Financial Management staff undertook various training courses throughout 2014/15 (p88).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 21 2014-15 Financial summary

Somerville Community Services receives grants and funding from various sources to deliver programs to the community. These programs are carried out by three specialist services managed by Somerville: Disability Services, Family Services and Financial Services. Our accounts are grouped into four key areas: one account for each of the three services directly responsible for the programs (i.e. Disability Services, Family Services and Financial Services) and the remaining account for the operational support of these programs (i.e. Administrative Services). Together these accounts are combined to form the Somerville Financial Statements referred to in this report.

Somerville has produced improved year-on-year results as identified in the table below.

2014/2015 RESULTS OVERVIEW 2014/15 2013/14 % change Total revenue $14,061,857 $12,931,725 8.7%

Total expenditure $13,353,287 $13,182,778 1.3%

Operating result before depreciation $865,316 ($79,964) >1000% Net operating results $708,570 ($251,053) >300% Total assets $4,623,582 $3,964,524 16.6% Total liabilities $3,596,278 $3,645,790 -1.4% Net assets $1,027,304 $318,734 >200%

Of note: ◊ The increase in net assets reflects recovery from prior years’ deficits, thus increasing our asset base.

FIVE-YEAR COMPARISONS The following tables compare Somerville’s financial results over a five-year period. Financial performance About this table: Somerville’s operating results for each of its four accounts are outlined below.

NET OPERATING RESULT 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Administrative Services $263,777 $78,884 $28,139 ($46,681) $137,596 Disability Services $443,708 ($321,281) ($141,000) ($69,488) $42,892

Family Services $1,186 $464 ($1,831) ($80,575) $14,986 Financial Services ($101) ($9,120) ($53,725) $43,536 $41,447 Total $708,570 ($251,053) ($168,417) ($153,208) $236,921

Of note: ◊ The Disability Services surplus was in part made possible by the successful negotiation with the NT Government for additional one-off funding to assist with the projected deficit and a program reduction within Disability Services to offset prior year’s shortfalls. ◊ The Administrative Services surplus was achieved by reducing expenditure.

22 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Total income (revenue) About this table: Total income was primarily derived from two government grants. Other income came from service user fees, rent from the transitional supported income and donations.

INCOME SOURCE 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Northern Territory Government grant $11,278,286 $10,240,093 $9,794,480 $9,011,845 $8,609,670 Commonwealth Government grant $1,125,690 $1,139,671 $1,100,601 $1,122,474 $768,781 Somerville Foundation Inc. $117,744 $114,112 $91,600 $67,184 $59,748 Service user contributions and fees $1,069,037 $1,103,012 $1,081,241 $871,559 $820,459 Other grants, donations and sundry $471,100 $334,837 $337,846 $378,078 $207,240 income

Total income $14,061,857 $12,931,725 $12,405,768 $11,451,140 $10,465,898

Total operating income $13,990,642 $12,909,403 $12.395.768 $11,386,141 $10,377,200

Of note: ◊ Total income increased by $1,130,132 (or 8.7%) from 2013/14. ◊ The NT Government Department of Housing provided a 1.2% increase for all funded programs and the Department of Children and Families provided an average 4% increase. In contrast, the Commonwealth Government reduced its funding by 1.2% - an indication that future funding will be less.

NT Government 80% Commonwealth Government 8% SOURCES OF INCOME Service Users contributions 7% 2014-2015 Other grants and donations 4% Grants Somerville Foundation Inc. 1%

◊ The NT Government continued to fund the majority of the programs, with Disability Services as the primary source of income. All grants received from the NT Government (state and local) increased by an average of 10%. ◊ Income from Somerville Foundation Inc. had an average increase of 3%. The funds support Somerville’s Administrative Services, which charged a fee to the Foundation for managing its operations. ◊ Disability Service Users contributed 80% of their Disability Services Pension (DSP) as a requirement of the funding agreement. In 2014/15 two Service Users passed away, thus reducing the fees received. A new grant agreement has reduced the funded Somerville places by two. ◊ Other income varied from year to year depending upon the availability of donor funds. ◊ No capital grants were received during the year. The difference between ‘total income’ and ‘total operating income’ is due to one-off grants for some special activities.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 23 Total expenses About this table: Somerville expenses are broken down into ‘employee expenses’ (salaries and wages) and ‘other operational expenses’, (consumables, emergency relief, staff development and travel, repairs and maintenance, supplies and utilities, telecommunication, information technology and all other overheads).

EXPENSE 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Employee expenses $10,694,083 $10,901,156 $10,308,047 $9,231,000 $8,291,964 Other operational expenses $2,659,204 $2,281,622 $2,266,138 $2,373,349 $1,937,013 Total expenditure $13,353,287 $13,182,778. $12,574,185 $11,604,349 $10,228,977 Employee expenses as a % of total expenditure 80% 83% 82% 80% 81%

Of note: ◊◊ Overall, operational expenses increased by 1.3% from 2013/14. Other operational costs increased by 16.5% from the previous year due to an additional program within Family Services. ◊◊ Salaries and wages increased as a result of the National Wage Increase handed down in July 2014 and the Equal Remuneration Order instalment which was payable in December 2014. The annual increase in wages across the organisation averaged at 4.5%. ◊◊ Despite the above, there was a 2% reduction in salaries and wages and employee expenses represented a lower percentage of total expenses compared with 2013/14. This was due to the closure of one facility early in the financial year, which gave us the opportunity to reduce expenses, including staffing. We were able to transfer the affected employees to other facilities to replace staff who had resigned.

•

Disability services 65% Administrative services 12% EXPENDITURE BY SERVICES Family services 12% 2014-2015 Financial services 11%

◊◊ Disability Services employed 76% of total Somerville staff, who together deliver an around-the-clock service. Therefore this service represents 65% of total expenditure for Somerville. ◊◊ Family Services and Financial Services shared the total costs at 12% and 11% respectively. ◊◊ Administrative Services retained all support staff assigned to administration, finance, information technology, payroll and human resources, with 12% of total expenses.

24 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Actual performance against budget About this table: Somerville’s budget is presented to the Board at its May meeting for analysis and approval. A deficit budget is approved only when mitigating circumstances are known and where strategies are in place to reduce the impending deficit. Profit and Loss Statements are provided to the Management Team on a monthly basis and a quarterly comparative analysis is submitted to the Board.

TOTAL INCOME 2014/15 2014/15 Variance % Variance Actual Budget Northern Territory Government grant $11,278,286 $9,990,295 $1,287,991 12.9% Commonwealth Government grant $1,125,690 $1,172,498 ($46,808) -4.0% Somerville Foundation Inc. $117,744 $117,744 - - Service user contributions and fees $1,069,037 $1,077,504 ($8,467) -0.8% Other grants, donations and sundry income $471,100 $342,449 $128,651 37.6% Total $14,061,857 $12,700,490 $1,361,367 10.7%

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2014/15 2014/15 Variance % Variance Actual Budget Employee expenses $10,694,083 $11,259,697 ($565,614) -5.0% Depreciation $156,748 $141,010 $15,738 11.2% Other overheads $2,502,456 $2,481,620 $20,836 0.8% Total $13,353,287 $13,882,327 ($529,040) -3.8% Net operating results $708,570 ($1,181,838) $1,890,408 160.0%

Of note: ◊◊ Increase in NT Government grants was due to additional one-off grants and indexation. ◊◊ The Federal Government’s streamlining of its funding resulted in a reduction in its operational grants. ◊◊ Service Users reduced by two early in the financial year, thus resulting in decreased total contributions. ◊◊ Sundry income increased due to one-off grants for special activities. ◊◊ The closure of a Disability Services house reduced overall expenditure. ◊◊ Increase in depreciation was due to replacement items purchased and capitalised. There were no capital grants received and the replacement costs were principally paid out of operating reserves. ◊◊ Purchasing of items has always been carefully planned and monitored, thus resulting in budget savings. Financial position Assets About this table: Current assets are cash and cash equivalents (i.e. cash available and short-term deposits maturing within less than six months) and receivables (i.e. No Interest Loans outstanding as at 30 June 2015). Non-current assets are property, plant and equipment (i.e. furniture and fittings, office equipment and household equipment).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 25 ASSETS 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Cash and cash equivalents $4,242,311 $3,513,815 $2,895,723 $2,334,574 $1,822,280 Receivables $59,619 $86,039 $263,620 $565,822 $739,388 Property, plant and equipment $321,652 $364,670 $426,653 $491,355 $505,130 Total $4,623,582 $3,964,524 $3,585,996 $3,391,751 $3,066,798

Of note: ◊◊ Cash has increased as a result of increased funding and budget savings. ◊◊ Many of the prior years’ No Interest Loans have been repaid. ◊◊ From July 2014 only items with an individual amount of $1,100 GST inclusive have been capitalised. Reduction in property, plant and equipment is due to asset items being fully depreciated. Liabilities About this table: Current liabilities include creditors (i.e. trade invoices outstanding as at 30 June 2015, prepaid income, advance grants received, accrued expenses and GST payable), borrowings and current employee benefits. Non-current liabilities include non-current employee benefits (e.g. long service leave entitlements).

LIABILITIES 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Creditors and borrowings $1,370,116 $1,384,693 $1,039,024 $978,123 $850,791 Employee benefits - current $1,510,906 $1,568,167 $1,209,355 $1,144,077 $821,774 Employee benefits - non-current $715,256 $692,930 $767,530 $531,347 $502,821 Total $3,596,278 $3,645,790 $3,015,909. $2,653,547. $2,175,386

Of note: ◊◊ The increase in employee non-current benefits was as a result of more staff continuing employment with Somerville, thus increasing long service leave provisions. ◊◊ The increase in salary rates due to National Wage Increase (NWI) has influenced the total cost at year end.

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES $5,000,000 5 YEAR COMPARISON $4,500,000 $4,000,000 $3,500,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Assets $4,623,581 $3,964,524 $3,585,696 $3,391,752 $3,066,798 Liabilities $3,596,277 $3,645,790 $3,015,909 $2,653,548 $2,175,386 Equity $1,027,304 $318,734 $569,787 $738,204 $891,412

26 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Equity About this table: Total equity increased by $708,570 (our surplus) at year-end making it possible for Somerville to recover and increase the asset base.

EQUITY 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Total equity $1,027,304 $316,734 $569,787 $738,204 $891,412

Of note: • The rise in equity from 2014-15 has significantly improved our liquidity position. Key performance indicators: How we’re tracking Operating surplus This indicator provides information as to the results of Somerville’s ordinary activities and does not include capitalised expenses. It determines the level of income required to carry out the organisation’s regular operations.

OPERATING SURPLUS 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 TARGET Operating surplus (deficit) $708,570 ($251,053) ($168,417) ($153,208) Break-even

Working capital (liquidity) This indicator measures Somerville’s ability to pay its debts as they fall due, and is expressed as a factor of one. Over the past five years, our target of >1:1 has been achieved consistently, meaning that Somerville is able to meet its current liabilities.

WORKING CAPITAL (LIQUIDITY RATIO) 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 TARGET Indicator 1.2:1 1:1 1.05:1 1.1:1 >1:1

Our recovery from prior years’ deficits We are confident that this approach reinforced our determination to will ensure sustainability of our Somerville commenced preparations strengthen our asset base. We have programs into the future. for the roll out of the National already commenced reviewing and Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), renegotiating grant agreements, with staff being trained accordingly. some of which are due to expire in As most of the Service Users within December 2015. Disability Services are eligible for Despite the uncertainty of long- the scheme, the next step will be to term funding for some programs, identify the level of support each we remain committed to delivering current service user requires as per those programs whilst new Josie Bacus the NDIS guidelines. Somerville will agreements are negotiated. Manager Accounting and then register with NDIA as a service Financial Management provider. Guided by our strategic plan, Somerville’s Board and Management We will use our learnings from the team are realigning our business challenges encountered at the trial model to ensure a competitive site, Barkly Region, to make a smooth position for future funding transition into the full scheme. opportunities.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 27 Our governance

Somerville is governed by a skills- Practices and processes are based Board of Directors who are continually reviewed to ensure Somerville’s governance model is responsible for our strategy and risk alignment with the strategic plan and logical, integrated and importantly, management. Somerville’s policy funding requirements. uncompromising and strategic. includes guidelines to ensure that the During 2014/15 all of Somerville’s Executing the strategic direction, Board’s composition appropriately Policies and Procedures were whilst adhering to our overarching represents the interests of the various reviewed and the following new policies and procedures, requires a operational groups contained within procedures were introduced: disciplined approach. The Board’s the organisation. role is to apply that discipline to Information and Communication See pages 30-34 for Board member ensuring Somerville achieves its Policy: profiles. strategic goals. They do this by: • ICT Procurement and Disposal • governing with an emphasis on Governance Policies and Procedures: outward vision rather than inward concern; Directors are expected to observe • External Board Evaluation the highest standards of ethical • ensuring receptiveness to diverse behaviour. Directors are also opinions and views; expected to avoid any action, Somerville maintained strong • focusing on strategic leadership position or interest that conflicts external links and relationships during rather than administrative detail; with the best interests of Somerville, or gives the appearance of a conflict. 2014/15. • making collective decisions; The Board has adopted a Code of The President and CEO’s membership • remaining future-focused; and Conduct and a Conflict of Interests on key Committees, Councils and Boards continued to help promote • maintaining and respecting a clear Policy to provide further guidance to Somerville as a leading provider of distinction between Board and Directors on their obligations. community services in the Territory. Chief Executive roles. The powers of Somerville Board are President- Chris Tudor AM set out in the 2007 Constitution, The Board is responsible for the • Board member, St. Philip’s College copies of which are available from overall risk management and • Board member, Northern Territory our main office. internal control framework of the Block Grant Authority (BGA) organisation. • Board member, Independent The Board is committed to Schools Council of Australia (ISCA) Members of Somerville Community embedding risk management • Board member, Australian Services Incorporated nominate practices to support the achievement Independent Schools NT and elect individuals to form the of organisational objectives and Honorary Board of Directors, which to fulfil corporate governance CEO- Vicki O’Halloran AM is made up of between five and 15 obligations. • President, National Disability members including the President and Services Vice President, and two additional • Chairperson, National Disability Honorary Patrons. Directors are Our policies and procedures Services NT elected for a three-year term. ensure that operational needs, • Board Member, The Essington With the exception of the Chief risk management, continuous School Darwin Executive Officer, all Board members improvement and compliance • Board Member, St Philip’s College, are non-executive Directors and act in issues are identified, actioned and Alice Springs a voluntary capacity. performed in a consistent manner.

28 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 • Chair, Finance Committee of the The President and Chief Executive Board of St Philip’s College Officer establish meeting agendas which assess Somerville’s coverage • Board Member, Northern Territory Board meetings are held in February, Council of Social Services (NTCOSS) of financial, strategic and major risk May, September and November and areas throughout the year. • Committee Member, Australian the Annual General Meeting is held in Institute of Company Directors NT September. The Board has the opportunity to review meeting materials in advance • Ambassador, Northern Territory An Executive Committee with Business Events Program and Directors are encouraged to bring responsibilities for Governance, independent judgements to bear • Member, Northern Territory Water Special Projects, Audit and Risk, on the issues and decisions at hand. Safety Advisory Council Properties, Assets and Finance meet Formal minutes of all meetings are • Chairperson, Northern Territory prior to each Board meeting and as recorded and decisions of the Board Government Ministerial Advisory and when required. are maintained. Council on Disability Reform

Board member meeting attendance

NAME SEPTEMBER 2014 NOVEMBER 2014 FEBRUARY 2015 MAY 2015 Vicki O’Halloran P P P P Daphne Read P P O P Chris Tudor P P O P Bruce March P O P P Kevin Kennedy P P P P Phil Johnson O O P O John Edwards P P P P Margaret Black P P O O Meredith Day P P P P Andrew Caddy O P O P Ben Gill O O O P Clare Martin P P O O John Duguid P P P P Patron – Austin Asche P P P P Patron – Valerie Asche P P P P

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 29 Board of Directors

President Vice President Chief Executive Officer BEc, Dip Ed, Grad Dip Ed Admin, M.Ed, FACE, GAICD BoCS, FAICD, FACE, MACEL, M.A.I.C.D Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace

Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Directors since 1989. Directors since 1967. Life Member. Directors since 1998.

Chris has been the Headmaster of St. Daphne has been involved with A resident of the Territory for 26 Philip’s College for almost 30 years. community organisations for over years, Vicki has lead Somerville He is an experienced Chairperson 40 years. She has served as the Community Services Inc. since 1998, having chaired a number of Boards National Executive Director of growing the organisations services including the Independent Schools Royal Life Saving Society Australia during this time. As CEO, Vicki Council of Australia (ISCA). from 1991- 1996 and was awarded provides the strategic focus for the a Meritorious Service Medal. An organisations direction. Chris has significant experience existing Life member of the Royal in education, leadership Vicki has a broad experience Life Saving NT, Daphne also obtained and management, planning, sitting on numerous boards and Life Membership of Royal Life Saving development and building, human committees at both a Territory and Australia in May 2015. resource management, public national level. She is particularly relations and master planning. keen to motivate employers Daphne is the Chair of the Northern about workplace relations and the As an experienced economist, he Territory Water Safety Advisory mutual benefits of healthy working has a practical approach to finance Council and a Board Member of relationships. and a strong understanding of Uniting Care Australia. She has been Government operation. He has the Chairperson of the Northern Although Vicki has many other travelled widely and has an informed Territory Disability Advisory positions in community she is world view. Council and also served on the passionate about contributing to Northern Territory Housing Appeals the overall social inclusion agenda Awards: Committee. believing that inclusive societies ◊◊ Principal of the Year (2009) are where diversity is valued and ◊◊ Member of the Order of Australia Now retired, Daphne has had a long all citizens have the opportunity to (2004) and successful career as an Educator prosper. and in 1974 was the first appointed ◊◊ Fellow of the Australian College of Awards: Education (2001) female school principal in the Northern Territory. ◊◊ Member in the General Division ◊◊ Territorian of the Year (1997) Alice of the Order of Australia (2014) Springs region Awards: ◊◊ Fellow of the Australian Institute ◊◊ Citizen of the Year for the of Company Directors Northern Territory (1998) ◊◊ Telstra Northern Territory Businesswoman of the Year 1998

30 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Board Member Board Member Board Member BEd, Dip.BKTC, Dip.Remedial BA(Hons), BSocAdmin Massage, Dip.Bahasa Indonesia

Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Directors since 1978. Life Member. Directors since 1985. Directors since 1988.

Margaret is a long-time Territorian, Throughout his extensive career Phil has worked in the engineering educator and business owner. Bruce has worked in a range of and machinery industry for over 30 policy development and advisory years in both Darwin and Katherine In the early 1970s Margaret roles in the areas of community and is currently workshop operations established a preschool at the Royal development, social security, health, manager at Flame Control Industries. Darwin Hospital in conjunction community services, child protection with the Education Department and and family support in both South Phil’s son, Damian was one of the paediatrician Dr Alan Walker. Australia and Northern Territory. first Service Users in Somerville’s In the 1980s Margaret was appointed supported accommodation in 1986. Since retiring Bruce has continued a consultant to the Government Through this relationship, Phil involvement in a number of of Malaysia where she shared has maintained an active interest community organisations such knowledge with Sabah on the and involvement in our Disability as membership of the East establishment of preschools in their Services Program. Timor Sunrise Centre and as an country. Ambassador for Opportunity Margaret has managed a dance and International Australia, a non- function centre business for the past government organisation delivering 20 years microfinance services to poor entrepreneurs to help alleviate poverty in developing countries.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 31 Board Member Board Member Board Member Certificate in Architectural Drafting BSW(Hons), MSW, DCYW BA, LLB, LLM, GDLP Certificate IV Building & Construction

Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Directors since 1992. Directors since 1993. Directors since 2000.

Kevin is a leading player in the John is currently the Acting Director Meridth Day has worked with the Territory construction Industry Allied Health Royal Darwin Hospital Solicitor for the Northern Territory spanning over 40 years. and Manager of Social Work at the (SFNT) since 2005 and was appointed Royal Darwin Hospital. Director of the Litigation Division in For the past 10 years Kevin 2013. has worked as a Design and John managed the recovery activities Construct Project Manager for following the Queen Street and Prior to joining the SFNT Meredith several large building and civil Hoddle Street shootings and the worked as a solicitor in private construction companies and prior Katherine flood. Previously John practice, including seven years as to this as a Director of private sector established and managed disaster a partner of a local firm, and as a architectural and building design recovery planning and response lecturer in law at Charles Darwin consultancies in Darwin for over 20 arrangements in Victoria as well as University. years. Commonwealth national training for Meredith has represented clients in disaster recovery. For the past 40 years Kevin has a wide variety of litigious matters lived in the Territory and has been John also established the National over the years including workers’ active in both private enterprise and Children’s Bureau of Australia— compensation, catastrophic injury community activities. an independent policy, research claims, medical negligence and and advocacy organisation with family and child welfare law.

250 member agencies and a $1M Her current focus areas are independent budget. employment and industrial relations, building and construction dispute resolution and administrative law. Meredith also has an interest in legal services management and has served in various management roles during her time at SFNT.

32 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Board Member Board Member Board Member BBus (Accounting) CA BA BBus, MBA, CPA

Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Directors since 2005. Directors since 2008. Directors since 2008.

Andrew is a Chartered Accountant Clare is a long-term resident of the Located in Victoria, Ben Gill is the with more than 25 years professional NT, with a strong background in Director of Highpoint, Australia’s experience in accounting, tax, audit politics, media, trade and Indigenous third largest shopping centre. Prior and commercial roles. policy. to this Ben was the General Manager with The GPT Group, Casuarina He has worked in the oil and gas Clare is currently a Professional Square, Northern Territory’s largest industry for the past 17 years and in Fellow at The Northern Institute, shopping centre. a variety of roles with Ernst & Young, Charles Darwin University and Chair the Timor Sea Designated Authority, of the Territory Natural Resource Having lived in Darwin for over 30 Chevron Australia, and North West Management. Clare is also Chair of years he has strong ties to the local Shelf Gas. the Darwin Festival. and Deputy community. Ben is a licensed Real Chair, Menzies School of Health Estate Agent, a CPA, and has an MBA Research. from Curtin University and a Bachelor of Business from CDU. Before this, Clare was CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (2008-10) and was the first female Chief Minister of the Northern Territory (2001-2007). Prior to her entry into politics, Clare was an ABC broadcaster and journalist from 1980 to 1995.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 33 Board Member Patron Patron BA, DipEd, LLB DSsj, MMc, PhD, FASM, BA, LLM, Hon. LittD (Deakin), Hon. CUniv Hon. LLD (NT), FACE

Member of the Somerville Board of Patron of Somerville Community Patron of Somerville Community Directors since 2013. Services since March 1993. Services since March 1993.

John has lived in the NT for over 30 Dr Valerie Asche worked in the field Austin is an adjunct Professor of Law years and has worked as a teacher at of microbiology for over 40 years. at the Northern Territory University secondary and tertiary levels. He has Her work was recognised by the and was appointed Freeman of the also worked as a lawyer in both the Australian Society for Microbiology City of Darwin in 2007. private and public sectors and with in 1991 with a Distinguished Service Austin was Administrator of the Aboriginal Legal Aid. Award, and in 2001 was appointed Northern Territory 1993-1997 and Member of the Order of Australia Recently John worked as a mediator Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of (AM). with the Community Justice Centre the NT 1987-1993. and volunteered with Darwin Prior to this he was Chairman of the Community Legal Service and the NT Parole Board from 1987-1993 and Reconciliation Council (NT). Chancellor of the Northern Territory University from 1989-1993 and Honorary Colonel in NORFORCE and Chief Scout of the Northern Territory (1993-1997). Austin received a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1994 and a Knight of the Most Venerable Order Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in 1993.

34 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Organisation chart

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CEO Executive Assistant

Human Services Financial Resources, Development Assets, Accounting Services & Family Disability Information Program Manager/ Infrastructure & Financial Special Services Services Technology & Manager Administrator & Maintenance Management Projects Manager Manager Administrative Disability Manager Manager Manager Services Services Manager

Coordinator Education Family Financial Officers Administration Services Maintenance Finance Counselling Coordinators Coordinators Officers Assistant Senior Officers Officers Coordinator Manager Support IT Officers Officer Graphic Designer

Pastoral Care Worker

Family Disability Financial Services Disability Disability Support Counsellors Coordinator Support Support Workers Workers Workers Financial Family Support Casual Capability Workers/ Workers Counsellors

NILS Youth/Family Coordinator Services Workers

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 35 Management team

Somerville is managed by a senior management team. CEO BoCS, FAICD, JP This team includes the Chief Executive Officer and nine Managers who are responsible for: Board member, 1998-current

• Accounting & Finances A resident of the Territory for 26 • Assets, Infrastructure & Maintenance years, Vicki has lead Somerville • Disability Services Community Services Inc. since 1998, • Family Services growing the organisations services during this time. As CEO, Vicki • Financial Services & Special Projects provides the strategic focus for the • Human Resources, Information Technology & organisations direction. Administrative Services Vicki has a broad experience sitting on numerous boards and committees at both a Territory and national level. She is particularly keen to motivate employers about workplace relations and the mutual benefits of healthy working relationships. Although Vicki has many other positions in community she is passionate about contributing to the overall social inclusion agenda believing that inclusive societies are where diversity is valued and all citizens have the opportunity to prosper. Awards: ◊◊ Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (2014) ◊◊ Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors ◊◊ Telstra Northern Territory Businesswoman of the Year 1998

36 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Manager Accounting and Manager Assets, Infrastructure Manager Disability Services Financial Management and Maintenance Program BSCommerce (Accounting), Dip Management, Cert IV OHS, Cert Dip Disability, Dip Aged Care, BSMedical Technology (OS Bus Admin PART trainer qualification) Responsible for the management of Joint responsibility for the Responsible for the management staff and the performance of Assets management of staff and of staff and the performance Infrastructure and Maintenance. performance of Disability Services. of Accounting and Financial Skye joined the Management Team Bonnie commenced with Somerville Management. in 2007 as the Maintenance Manager, in 1998 as a frontline support worker Josie joined Somerville in 1987 responsible for maintaining all progressing to Manager in 2000. buildings, grounds, gardens and fleet as Finance Officer and has been Bonnie is primarily responsible for vehicles. the Manager of Accounting and the Disability Services program in Financial Management Services In 2011 as the organisation Katherine. since 1988. She is responsible for expanded, Skye’s role evolved Bonnie has over 35 years experience Somerville’s accounting and financial to include project management working in the community services information, policies and procedures of upgrades and renovations of sector particularly disability services including the efficient maintenance newly acquired properties. Skye and mental health. of the accounting systems, asset responsibilities also included asset register and payroll. replacement and completing She has extensive experience in Josie has 30 years experience submissions for Government behaviour management, grief and in general accounting, taxation funding to assist in maintaining loss and people management. and upgrading Government and finance both in Australia and Bonnie has helped shape the service owned properties. To reflect these overseas. to be a leader in the disability sector additional responsibilities, Skye’s in the NT. Prior to migrating to Australia she title was changed from Maintenance had 10 years experience working in Manager to Assets, Infrastructure and a hospital laboratory as a medical Maintenance Manager. technologist and as a part time clinical chemistry lecturer in the In 2014 the Work Health & Safety same hospital. The position gave her (WHS) role was added to Skye’s the familiarity and understanding portfolio. Her most recent vision, is of individuals’ plights when stricken to find more practical ways of being with an illness or disability. This environmentally friendly and self knowledge has been instrumental sustainable. in her effective management at Somerville.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 37 Manager Service Development Manager Family Services Assistant Manager Family and Administration Disability BSocSc (Social Welfare), Dip. Couns Services Services (ASM): Grief and Loss, Child Dev BA Health and Social Sciences, BA BEd, BTeach (Primary), AdDBusM, and Effective Parenting), Cert IV HONS Psychology (TAE40110), Cert IV (EN) Cert4 Disability and WHS, GAICD Responsible for the management Joint responsibility for the Responsible for the management of Family Services staff, supervision management of staff and of staff and performance of Family practices and counselling. Services programs. performance of Disability Services. Kerry joined Somerville in October Debbie was appointed Manager Ruth has a diverse 40 year career 2014 as Assistant Manager. Service Development and working with vulnerable people in areas such as health and community Prior to immigrating to Australia Administration Disability Services from South Africa in 2014, Kerry ran in 2009. services. Her experience includes working in hospitals, social housing, her own family counselling practice Responsible for the training and optometrics, generalist counselling Healing Heartz Therapy. The practice social participation program in (children and adults) and training provided mobile play therapy at pre- Disability Services. staff in palliative care, boundaries schools and general counselling to children, families and individuals. Debbie has 29 years experience in the workplace and writing case in the human services sector in notes. Ruth has also run her own Prior to this, Kerry spent four years childcare, education, health, aged business. as a counsellor at The Teddy Bear care and disability services. Prior to working for Somerville, Clinic for Abused Children and was Ruth coordinated the development responsible for assessing claims of Prior to joining Somerville Debbie child abuse, providing play therapy held senior management positions of a new medical accommodation program in Darwin which entailed to young children and counselling to in NSW government in the disability adolescents and their families. She sector. She has worked in a range of close alliance with the funding body, medical workers, tradespeople and also engaged in outreach safe talks senior positions including delivery at schools of various levels. of primary health care services and training many new staff members for solutions throughout Australia a variety of roles. via state and regionally based Ruth’s areas of expertise include networks. Debbie has had extensive management, supervision, social experience in establishing and advocacy, counselling and training. implementing quality assurance She is a member of the Australian and risk management systems, and Association of Social Workers (AASW) in the development and delivery and is currently studying for her of accredited vocational training Master of Social Work. programs. Debbie is passionate about issues of social justice.

38 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Manager Financial Services and Manager Programs Manager Human Resources, Special Projects BAppSc Building Technology Information Technology and Administrative Services ADip Community Sector Assists the Manager Financial Management, ADFS (Financial Services and Special Projects. Bachelor in Accountancy (OS Planning), Dip Community Services Qualification), Cert IV OHS (Financial Counselling) Prior to joining Somerville as Special Projects and Operations Responsible for the management of Responsible for the management of Manager in 2008, Graham had staff and the performance of Human staff and performance of Financial amassed 40 years of experience Resources, Information Technology, Services and Special Projects. with the Commonwealth and NT Administrative Services (HRITAS). Governments in construction project Allison joined Somerville in 2012 Liza is an Accountant with management, Indigenous housing as Manager Financial Services and considerable human resources, IT program management and various was appointed Manager Financial and event management expertise. community service programs Services and Special Projects in 2013. She has worked for Somerville since including animal welfare and 1985 holding the positions of Senior Allison has over 30 years experience swimming pool safety. in financial services. Allison’s career Finance Officer, Network Systems Graham retired from Somerville in has taken her around the country Manager and Administration 2013 but returned in a part time in retail and business banking, Manager. management position to assist with recruitment, training and financial Liza was appointed HRITAS Manager special projects, communications, planning. in 1997 to lead the administration publicity and operations. Allison is the Northern Territory team and to improve operational Graham is currently Chairperson – No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) management through technology NT Swimming Pool Safety Review Coordinator and is a member of both and effective strategies. Committee. the Australian Institute of Company Liza has been instrumental in Directors and the Australian Institute achieving a citation as an Employer of Management. of Choice for Women and for In 2014 Allison was a finalist in the winning the Australian Chamber of NT AIM not-for-profit Manager of the Commerce and Industry Work and year. Family Friendly State Award. Liza has extensive experience in quality assurance and work health and safety. Liza has a flair for creativity and has a keen interest in workplace diversity.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 39 Family services

The role of Family Services is to assist people to participate in society at a level to which they aspire and are capable of Somerville operates from a diverse achieving. base of social workers, welfare Family Services staff work with people of all ages – workers, counsellors and support workers. These experienced and children, adolescents and adults. We assist anyone who is qualified staff members work as an experiencing a crisis or problem in their life by providing: integrated team, with often two or counselling and support work; practical, emotional and three assisting the same family with educative support; advocacy; liaison with and referral to a broad range of issues. other agencies and professionals; and short- to medium- This approach provides a network term accommodation. which strengthens the services provided to our clients. Access to transitional accommodation is also a focus, and assistance is provided to families who are seeking This year Family Services provided appropriate long-term accommodation. While the services services in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Humpty Doo and we offer vary greatly, they each have a common theme: to surrounding areas. empower people to exert control over their own lives.

Services provided by Family Services staff during 2014/2015 included: • Core family support and KEY ACHIEVEMENTS counselling services. • Establishment of a Child and Family Contact Centre Service • Targeted family services and Child • Strong Partnership with the Department of Children and and Family Contact Centre Service. Families staff • Youth and family services in the • Introduced a supported accommodation training program Katherine region. • Bringing Community Partners together (Katherine) • A family focused outreach • Mentoring and Supporting Youth (Katherine) program (including the “MyTime” networking program). KEY CHALLENGES • Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) • Assisting Homeless and Disadvantaged Families: Extended Stays (including the Step Forward program). • Bringing Community Partners together (Katherine) • Emergency relief and bond • Shortage of accommodation and lengthy waiting lists assistance programs. Below we give a summary of the activities of a number of these services, namely Family Support and Counselling, Community Accommodation, Palmerston Family Counselling, “MyTime” Network Program and Katherine Youth and Family Services.

40 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Family support and counselling clients DCF case worker or another Photo: Family Services Team with Somerville support worker depending Manager Ruth Rogerson (back left) and Family Services firmly supports on the program. Assistant Manager Kerry Boswell (back Somerville’s mission to assist people right). to reach their full potential and enjoy The family support and counselling their unique place in society. program provides a family and child fathers presented with minimal family centred approach that is strongly support and were further challenged Our family support workers and supported by strength based practices. counsellors assisted 168 families in by little to no services in the Darwin 2014/15 with an average support Importantly, the assessment process and Palmerston communities. empowers those who are vulnerable, period of 33.2 weeks. Many families seeking medium-term providing them with opportunities accommodation were successfully Families assisted included referrals to identify their best potential, and referred to ‘Towards Independence’ from Department of Children and thus creating hopeful futures for all and ‘Ted Collins Village’, however, Families whose children were at risk concerned. or in the care of Child Protection the challenge of waiting periods still Services and therefore, required Moreover, workers are mindful and existed with an increasing seasonal varying levels of commitment from respectful of cultural practices in demand across many of the family Somerville’s support workers. Indigenous peoples and respond support programs. appropriately. The Darwin and Palmerston targeted Our support workers were able to counselling service focus in this To this end we made certain that assist clients referred by Territory 2014/2015 period included family there was ongoing staff training and Housing and Centrelink with therapy; relationship counselling professional development to ensure Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) utilised (either reconciliation or couples all our staff are providing an informed to support families in crisis for rental proceeding with court cases for professional counselling service. bond, enabling them to secure divorce); parents and children SAAP longer-term accommodation. impacted by domestic violence; Several families accessed rent poverty issues; parental skill building; This year saw 387 clients assisted by the Supported Accommodation assistance, which prevented trauma issues; and life skills. Assistance Program (SAAP). eviction from their rented homes. Somerville workers often conduct Somerville counsellors have These clients were referred on to house visits to assist with client observed emerging trends of single Somerville’s financial counsellors to engagement. An assisted visit for the men with children experiencing provide further financial and money initial contact is organised to assess domestic violence with some seeking management support to enhance risk and safety factors, either with the supported accommodation. These sustainable living.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 41 Our accommodation clients primarily came from three key groups: 1. Single parents (58.4%). The majority of single parents were mothers with 3 to 4 children, who were “couch-surfing” with either extended family members or friends in extremely overcrowded environments. Financial hardship, relationship breakdown, unaffordable housing and lack of education about/awareness of alternative accommodation options were the key factors leading to these single mothers’ near homelessness. 2. Couples with at least one child (21.4%). 3. Individuals (13.9%). Near-even numbers of men and women aged 18 to 30, many of whom were seeking crisis accommodation. Somerville counsellor’s/support workers linked these clients to employment agencies and tertiary education institutions that offered free studies. These studies are offered to empower clients to achieve their goals of improving their living arrangement, general well-being and future. “MyTime” network group “MyTime” was established in 2008 after it was realised that many rural clients were not accessing counselling services. “MyTime” brings people together from the community who may be isolated and/or need easy and practical coping Photo: As part of professional development, Supported Accommodation Case strategies for daily living. Worker, Sheree Smellin attended the 4th National Homelessness Summit. (The largest single cause of homelessness in Australia is domestic and family violence). “MyTime” enables participants to share their wealth of knowledge and experiences on the topic of the day someone living with domestic Palmerston family counselling with the other participants and the violence and self care. During 2014/15 our family counsellors facilitator. An essential element of While the program facilitators offer these outreach supports involves engaged in 104 supports with “MyTime” services within Somerville early intervention and preventative disadvantaged individuals, couples, work in conjunction with government facilities there remains flexibility to children and families residing in and community organisations. Family meet at organisations that support Palmerston and adjacent rural areas, counsellors facilitate group work on a vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. at risk of homelessness or domestic weekly and fortnightly basis. In 2014/15 these groups included: violence. The average support period Topics covered include human Darwin Aboriginal and Islander lasted up to 14 weeks. Our services relationships, emotional regulation, Women’s Shelter (DAIWS), Berrimah include supportive counselling, stress management, grief and loss; Safe House, HPA, FORWAARD and information, referral, mediation, skills anxiety, depression, how to help Darwin Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre. development and education.

42 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 The Palmerston Family Counselling Therapeutic processes may be short- Community Initiative and Service also offers complementary term or long-term, depending on the Connectedness support to individuals and families nature of the difficulties, and may presenting at Somerville with involve working with individuals, Somerville Family Services continued homelessness related as well as couples, families or groups. to maintain strong relationships with general wellbeing needs. other organisations with workers Workers are mindful and respectful attending meetings or advocating Homelessness has a serious of cultural practices in Indigenous client action with relevant partners impact on young people and peoples and respond appropriately such as; Partners Engaging Gray families. Experiencing the effects according to client circumstances School, The Smith Family, Anglicare, of homelessness or the anxiety and unique needs. Catholic Care, Save the Children, and uncertainty when at risk of By supporting the emotional Good Beginnings, Mission Australia, homelessness makes it much harder St Vincent De Pauls, Lifeline, and mental wellbeing of clients, for clients to achieve their goals and Carpentaria Community Services, the program aims to maintain ensure their own and family’s well- Palmerston and Darwin City Council or improve connections with being. along with the various government their families and communities, departments. Homelessness damages individuals and maintains or improves their and families’ capabilities through education, training or employment Somerville is active in shared loss of skills, an inability to focus on participation with improved access community events and maintains employment whilst worrying about to sustainable housing. a consistent presence at a variety housing, and through their emotional of community networks to remain This in turn encourages clients to and mental wellbeing becoming updated and actively involved in build independence and reach compromised whilst homeless. community initiatives. We are also sustainable living. Homelessness also damages active in addressing community people’s resilience, self-esteem and Professional Development issues through participation at self-confidence. policy and strategy consultations Somerville supports its workers with and reviews within the government Family counsellors support these supervision, training and wellbeing departments and external agencies. clients within a family centred activities, and is very mindful of safe approach that is strongly supported practice in the workplace. Somerville further maintains strong by strength based practices and links and interconnects with other utilize an interpersonal relationship Professional Development is a focus service providers through its bi- to enable clients to develop self- at Somerville, and all staff are given monthly Support Workers Forum. understanding and enable desired the opportunity to participate in The Forum has been organised changes in their lives. This in turn professional development activities. by Somerville for several years contributes towards independent This facilitates further growth of and provides a platform for all and sustainable tenure. their professional knowledge, community agencies and service competence, skill, effectiveness providers to share information. The assessment process is a collective whilst remaining up to date with approach used in a multidimensional community trends, which in turn manner and enables families to feel results in quality services. This year ownership of the process. three staff enrolled in further tertiary Establishment of Somerville We believe that this practice provides studies. Child and Family Contact vulnerable families opportunities Staff are regularly provided Centre Service (CFCCS) to identify their best potential and with evidence based articles or therefore, creates hopeful futures for CFCCS is a joint program run by the all concerned. reports and these are reviewed Department of Children and Families at case discussions. Constant (DCF) and Somerville Community This work with client processes is based supervisory practices ensure that services. The program aims to support on an ethos of respect for clients, their workers operational duties are in children and young people in the care values, their beliefs, their uniqueness accordance with professional and of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and their right to self-determination legal standards. Such supervisory of the DCF by improving attachment and may involve intervening with practices along with maintaining and relationships with their parent(s) current problems, immediate crises, or training records identifies training and families and by increasing the long-term difficulties. requirements that further improve capacity of families to meet the child workers qualities. or young person’s needs.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 43 A collaborative approach was Family Services staff attended a number of events during 2014/15. These events adopted by Somerville and DCF enabled our staff to provide information about Somerville’s services whilst workers that allowed not only sharing providing activities to children and families present. They also provided a great of expertise, but focused on what opportunity to maintain links with other service providers. was best for the families and their Photo: Kerry Boswell with a group of children enjoying the craft activities at a children. National Families Week event held at Gray School, Palmerston. After a successful pilot (which commenced in April 2014), DCF management, accommodation and The purpose of the program is to deemed the program a success. emergency relief funds - eliminated facilitate the recognition of existing CFCCS, along with the Targeted the stress that clients would have strengths, build self-confidence, Family Support program has otherwise felt if they had to access encourage critical thinking, foster continued. The programs are due for services from multiple organisations. independence and help people to renewal in December 2015. effectively communicate and meet Collaboration and inter-agency their needs. networking was a feature of Somerville’s commitment to operate as The program also has a particular Strengthening partnerships with a consumer-centred organisation and emphasis on the development of the Department of Children and occurred frequently in daily operations skills for obtaining and sustaining Families (DCF) with other community services and successful future tenancy as well as mainstream organisations. financial stability. Client referrals from DCF increased Clients accessing Somerville due to the strengthening of ties Supported Accommodation between DCF and Somerville. Staff Assistance Program (SAAP) were regularly communicated with each Introduced a supported accommodation training encouraged to complete the program other to ensure that families and comprising of eight modules children were offered appropriate program (Step Forward) delivered over a four month stay. supports through the Targeted Family The ‘Step Forward’ program is a life On completion they received two Support program and the Child and skills and strength-based program certificates promoting them as Family Contact Centre Service. that aims to equip people with social, preferred tenants. DCF workers commented that the financial and interpersonal skills The program was also open to all other services provided by Somerville that enable them to cope with the other clients accessing Somerville - including counselling, advocacy, challenging and increasing demands services. financial counselling, money of everyday life. (continued page 45)

44 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Case study

FAMILY SERVICES

The following case study provides conducted an interview and it was The client graduated the program an example of how Family Services agreed that housing the family for and was housed in a permanent TH staff help people. This particular four months with Somerville would property with her children. She has account is just one of the many be beneficial for the family unit. been empowered through parenting cases in which our counsellors and The worker had been advised that programs and counselling sessions family support workers assisted the client was approximately three and is now displaying positive signs during 2014/15. to four months away from being of moving forward in her ‘new life’ with her children. She said she felt free from her past trauma and substance use. “She has been empowered through parenting and Furthermore, the family support worker has supported the client in counselling sessions and is now moving forward in her commencing a community services new life. She has a happy outlook on life, and is excited course and will still engage with the family offering counselling support. about her family’s future.” The family support worker has linked the client into NA (narcotics anonymous) meetings and a Somerville accommodation workers sponsor for ongoing drug relapse housed by TH; however, she required use a crisis centred/solution focused prevention support. The Somerville a tenancy reference to be eligible approach that includes a solid Accommodation Service includes the for the TH property. Completion provision of referrals to Somerville’s strength base when working in a of the Step Forward Program is Step Forward Program, during and crisis intervention situation with highly regarded by TH workers following the exit of families. This families who are experiencing the program aims to connect community threat of homeless. This strategy and therefore this opportunity members with each other and involves the worker and the client with Somerville’s accommodation therefore, assists in building social, working together to identify the program improved her chances of human and cultural capital. The problems and solutions. success for tenancy. client now has a happy outlook on A young mother was referred from The family seemed to settle well life and is excited about her and her the Department of Children and into the accommodation unit and family’s future. Families to the accommodation the support worker initiated weekly program due to homelessness face-to-face counselling sessions and and overcrowding. This client is a parenting programs. Throughout mother of five young children who the counselling process the client had been temporarily residing with felt enabled to express her fears her grandfather in a two-bedroom and insecurities and demonstrated Territory Housing (TH) property, as willingness to work collaboratively well as with other friends and family with the family support worker and members. The family support worker other services.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 45 Photo: Somerville staff attended a Health & Wellbeing Expo at the Palmerston High School. Staff seen here providing information and resources to students about eating well, being active, and being involved in a safe and vibrant community.

The program has seven key 4. Studies and employment. The outcomes: program provides a platform for participants to explore Assisted homeless and 1. Financial management. their existing academic and disadvantaged families with Promotes money management employment skills in the context extended stays skills. Participants learn the of learning tools, techniques and Clients typically exit the transitional importance of, and receive the the importance of resumes, job tools to, simplify budgeting and supported accommodation provided interviews and finding and applying by Somerville due to; being housed savings; maintaining positive credit for studies and employment. histories; and education on credit by Territory Housing; success in and loan interest, managing debts 5. Parenting skills. Participants finding affordable accommodation in and understanding contracts. develop a greater understanding the private market; moving interstate; of the different developmental and securing alternative long-term 2. Household management. stages of childhood and the transitional housing while waiting for Promotes skills that foster time impact these stages have on their Territory Housing. management and safety within the child’s physical, emotional, social home, by providing participants and cognitive abilities. Delays in any process of securing our with the opportunity to learn new clients accommodation that they may tools and techniques to maintain 6. Sustainable tenancy. This is the be exiting into occasional resulted in a healthy, safe and “easy to keep overarching theme that runs extended delays. throughout the entire program with clean” home. During these extended stay clients the aim of empowering participants were provided with support in 3. Consumer awareness. to engage in critical thinking and education, employment opportunities Participants are empowered to informed decision-making that will and information about alternative make informed decisions when prevent possible homelessness. purchasing consumer services and pathways into housing options such products through the provision of 7. Self-care. Participants increase as Venture Housing. This empowered information and budget illustration. their understanding of why self- families to make positive decisions They are able to identify needs care is important by exploring skills that promoted healthy living and versus wants and thereby make that enhance personal hygiene, sustainable tenancies. shopping decisions that better suit social and emotional well being. their family’s needs and budget.

46 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Photo: Our Katherine staff were kept very busy during 2014/15 supplying sleeping bags, swags and blankets to the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness in the Katherine district. A big thank you to Street Swags Sydney, The Katherine Youth and Family Homeless Action Group Darwin and Knit One Give One for their kind donations.. Services Program assists with: • individual and family counselling; education standards, employment Housing, Department of Children • family mediation; opportunities and access to services. and Families, Anglicare, Catholic • accessing accommodation; Care, Save the Children, Mission Therefore, many of the programs Australia, St Vincent De Paul, NAAJA, • health and life skills; organised by Somerville workers aim Men’s Group, Salvation Army, • advocacy and liaison; to further the wellbeing of Australia’s Katherine High, primary schools and most vulnerable people and avert • financial ounselling;c Katherine City Council. homelessness through these activities. • No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Somerville’s Katherine staff were Key clients of this service include • referral to other organisations; and active in shared community events Indigenous and Torres Strait Island • Emergency Relief Funds (ERF). such as: Baby FAST, Homeless peoples, people with a mental illness, Persons Week, Anti-Poverty Week, The total number of formal and rough sleepers, families escaping Children’s Week, Healthy Living informal referrals increased by 7% domestic violence, youth and people Expo’s, National Youth Week, Soup during 2014/15. Case studies and exiting the justice system. Kitchen and White Ribbon Day. client surveys were all positive in both the support that our clients Staff attended monthly received and progress made. outreach meetings at Katherine Bringing community partners Accommodation Action Group, Chain, Many youth from Indigenous together Men’s Network, Youth Interagency backgrounds are involved in our Task and Coordination Group, and programs. Our workers are aware Our Youth and Family Services Suicide Prevention. that historically, Indigenous Coordinator maintained relationships people have been impacted by with other organisations through These meetings helped to ensure exclusionary practices that have organising and attending meetings clients were referred to appropriate negatively affected their mental or advocating client action with service programs. and physical health, housing and relevant partners, such as Territory

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 47 Mentoring & supporting youth Shortage of accommodation Staff were constantly finding and lengthy waiting lists unique programs to empower The team had a challenging disadvantaged youth who are job during 2014/15 as lengthy vulnerable to homelessness. During waiting lists for Territory Housing 2014/15 a number of successful and private rentals were not events were organised and attended uncommon. The clients were often Case study by hundreds of young people and living with a family in overcrowded their families. housing, living on the street or KATHERINE FAMILY SERVICES by the river, staying in hostels These events enabled staff to This family has worked with engage with young people and or experiencing relationship breakdowns. a Somerville support worker provided avenues for mentoring and for some time. Initially peer support. Some of the events Somerville workers did what the family was assisted to included: The cinema event, Couch they could and assisted clients in secure accommodation at Surfing, Skate Date, Pool Party, Kiag completing application forms for the Corroboree Hostel where Cup Football Competition at Kalano Territory Housing and provided they stayed until NT Housing and open air movie nights. support letters for housing accommodation became Importantly, Somerville’s approach applications. Staff also helped available. was aimed at providing families with clients with bond assistance. protective factors to assist them 2015/16 is not expected to be any in attaining independence and better and we will need to continue “We assisted the client reducing the risk of homelessness. to work with Governments and We were well positioned to provide other Service organisations to try in securing temporary a quality service that ensured and improve the situation. vulnerable people of Katherine had accommodation until opportunities to feel safe and build NT Housing was made resilience. available.”

Emergency Relief Funds were used to pay for two nights’ accommodation until the client’s next Centrelink payment, and then regular deductions from Centrelink were organised.

Other supports for this client involved engaging her children with school, advocating and assisting her with bond and other housing matters.

The client also accessed a No Interest Loan through a Somerville financial counsellor to enable her to purchase essential items such a fridge and a washing machine.

Somerville workers still have a Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that Katherine has the highest rate of strong working relationship with homelessness per capita than anywhere else in Australia. With the assistance this family and offer support of Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) and good working relationships with when needed. accommodation facilities staff, Somerville were able to assist many homeless people during 2014/15. Photo: Katherine Youth and Family Services Coordinator David Forder with Ormonde House manager Dianne Woods. (Ormonde House provides accommodation for single men experiencing homelessness).

48 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 “Our Clients” Family services Financial services

A five year comparison of the issues our clients face

PRESENTING ISSUES 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Accommodation: 433 491 563 507 509 Including people who were homeless or trying to find somewhere affordable to live. Financial: 2596 3,207 3,508 3,127 3,456 Including credit/debt issues, gambling, bankruptcy, income issues, business failure, contract disputes, taxation and loan assistance through (NILS). Legal: 512 492 788 626 607 Including domestic violence, law breaking, custody/access, sexual abuse and child abuse. Physical health/addiction: 255 408 641 706 683 Including developmental issues, substance abuse and eating disorders. Psychological: 162 128 173 106 100 Including life threatening issues, depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, stress, changed personal circumstances and trauma. Relationship: 82 53 59 48 51 Including family breakdown and parenting. Social skills: 53 41 48 44 41 Including anger, life skills, self esteem, home management and employment issues. Total of assisted clients 4093 4,820 5,780 5,164 5,447

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 49 Financial services

Financial Services is the financial welfare arm of Somerville. Our Financial Counsellors work The role of this service is to assist people in all areas of their closely with clients to assess their financial circumstances, assist with financial wellbeing. Our Financial Counsellors and Financial establishing individual budgets Capability Workers assist people of all ages ranging from and provide options for debts. They adolescents to adults. We work with couples, individuals and also assist with the negotiation of groups and assist anyone who is experiencing a financial debts with creditors, applications crisis or problem in their life. for hardship and bankruptcy. Our Financial Counsellors are also trained Located in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and the to provide financial counselling to surrounding areas, we also assist people across the Northern problem gamblers and their families. Territory through the 1800 007 007 Financial Counselling Our Financial Capability Workers Helpline. provide a broad range of financial literacy sessions including budgeting, saving, spending patterns, goal setting, information on credit and its pitfalls and banking options. They also assist people to KEY ACHIEVEMENTS understand Centrelink programs, • Ongoing professional development Income Management, Centre Pay and the Basics Card. • Increased the reach of our Services • Achieved National NILS Accreditation Our Financial Services team also deliver the NILS to the Darwin, KEY CHALLENGES Palmerston and Katherine communities. NILS offers small no • Expand the NILS program into remote communities interest loans to people on low • Delivering services in uncertain times incomes for the purchase of essential • Effectively managing the complex nature of presenting household goods. Somerville cases employs a NILS Coordinator who administers and promotes the program. We also participate in the annual Tax Help program managed by the Australian Taxation Office. Our accredited staff assist low income earners to complete and lodge their tax returns at no charge. This service is available between 1 July and 31 October at our Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine offices. Many of our clients present with multiple issues and our Financial Services team work collaboratively with the Family Services arm of our organisation and together draw on a diverse base of social workers,

50 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 welfare workers, support workers, Photo: During 2014/15 a number of Somerville’s Financial Services Team financial counsellors and Financial successfully completed the Diploma in Community Services (Financial Services). Capability Workers. Photo: Financial counsellors pictured with CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM (Centre)

These experienced and qualified staff • Financial Capability programs; In addition, one of our Financial work as an integrated team which • several Financial Literacy Counsellors complemented her strengthens the services provided to programs (money business, Diploma by completing the Rural our clients. budgeting workshops); Financial Counselling unit. • No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) Both of our Financial Capability for low income families; Financial Services provides services Workers (previously known as • Tax Help; and in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine Money Management Workers) have and surrounding areas. Through the • Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) for completed their Certificate III in Financial Counselling Helpline, we assistance with utility bills. Community Service which is the were also able to extend this service recognised qualification for Financial into remote areas. Capability Workers. Ongoing professional To further develop their skills, both of development our Financial Capability Workers were Services provided by Somerville successful in obtaining Scholarships This year we continued to focus Financial Services during 2014/15 on the ongoing professional to complete their Diploma in included: development of our Financial Community Services (Financial • financial ounselling;c Services team. Counselling). • financial ounsellingc targeted All of our Financial Counsellors These scholarships were made at problem gamblers and their have successfully completed their available by The Jan Pentland families; Diploma in Community Services Foundation and the Commonwealth • the national 1800 007 007 financial (Financial Counselling) the nationally Bank through the Indigenous counselling helpline to assist all recognised qualification for the Consumer Assistance Network Territorians; financial counselling profession. (ICAN).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 51 52 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Somerville also hosted the annual Bankruptcy Training offered to all community service Finance Workers in the region. The training was presented by a qualified trainer from the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) Adelaide office. All staff have an individual Development Plan which was reviewed every 3 months to ensure their professional development was on track. Financial Services staff also met with their manager on a monthly basis for two way discussion/ feedback as well as participating in an annual review process. During 2015/16 we will continue to ensure that our team has access to ongoing professional development opportunities to meet the requirements of our funding agreements, to provide a professional service and to ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Increased the reach of our Services Photo (left). As part of developing Photo (above). Somerville attended a We actively promoted all of our workforce capability, each year number of community events during Financial Services to the broader Somerville organises Bankruptcy 2014/15. One such event was ASIC’s Training. Finance workers from across financial literacy “MoneySmart Week” community via radio, television the Northern Territory attended the where Financial Services staff provided advertising and the use of our 2015 workshop conducted by Australian information about the importance of Somerville notice boards. Financial Security Authority (AFSA). making sound financial decisions. Our staff manned stalls at a number of community events to ensure We also continued to strengthen our Procedures to ensure they complied information on our services was relationship with Amity Community with Good Shepherds Microfinance reaching the broader community. Services through conducting Common Principles and Standards. information sharing forums, ensuring Through the reach of our Financial This accreditation ensures we have a referral processes are in place. Capability Workers we developed robust program which we will deliver new relationships with a number of All Financial Services staff completed to the community for many years to indigenous community organisations their Australian Taxation Office (ATO) come. and now present financial literacy Tax Help accreditation and the team programs to these groups on a assisted over 240 low income clients regular basis. to lodge their Tax Returns. Expand the NILS Program into We focused our attention on Gambling Venues in Darwin, remote communities (ongoing) Palmerston and Katherine, with Achieved National NILS Background regular visits to talk to venue staff Accreditation (Customer Liaison Officer) and An ongoing challenge in 2014/15 replenish brochures displayed in all This year Somerville was successful was to expand the NILS program venues. These regular visits ensured in achieving National NILS into remote communities in the that venue staff were aware of our Accreditation. This Accreditation Northern Territory in partnership Financial Counselling program for is undertaken by the Quality with the Traditional Credit Union problem gamblers as well as raising Assurance Team at Good Shepherd (TCU), the Arnhem Land Progress awareness of all the services and Microfinance, who completed a Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) and programs Somerville provides. full audit of our NILS Policies & Outback Stores.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 53 Our plan was to pilot the program in one location initially and then expand the program across the remaining 10 communities serviced by our partners. The service delivery of the remote NILS program presented many challenges including: • sustaining continuity and communication with TCU staff; • active promotion of NILS; • the availability of goods; and • maintaining communication with clients whose loans fell into arrears. Outcome We found that our biggest challenge Knowing how to make sound financial decisions is a core skill in today’s world, was training the TCU staff in the regardless of age. Simple steps can make a big difference to ones finances. process of collating the applications, Photo: Financial Counsellor Vicki Borzi assisting a client in financial literacy. to ensure all the required client documentation was submitted for assessment of the loan. Staff found obtaining the required Delivering services in uncertain To effectively manage the documents from clients very difficult times (ongoing) complex nature of presenting as clients did not generally keep cases (ongoing) documentation, and due to the Delivering ongoing services in remoteness of some of the locations times of funding uncertainty was a The complex nature of cases general modes of communication challenge in 2014/15. continued to present a challenge to the Financial Services team this year. such as mobile phone and internet Due to the expiry of existing were not available. Commonwealth funding agreements Whilst client numbers were down on Turnover of TCU staff was also a and a change of Government, last year, presenting cases continued challenge and although we held we found ourselves in a funding to be complex in nature. As was training sessions, staff then moved environment where tendering the case last year, mortgage stress on which made continuity of a processes were abandoned and remained a common problem. existing agreements extended on a consistent message difficult. Complex cases meant less clients number of short-term contracts with could be seen each day, resulting Availability of goods was not an issue no long-term agreements in place. for this program and both ALPA and in waiting lists for our services. We Outback Stores were able to provide Our strategy has been to continue have however been successful in a range of quality goods within the service delivery as usual and to securing funding from the CBF for an $1,200 NILS loan limit. explore other funding opportunities. additional Financial Counsellor in our For example, we submitted a Financial Counselling for Problem The remote NILS was a pilot program proposal to the NT Minister of Gamblers program which we hope with funding agreements with Corrections to consider funding will enable us to see more clients and the Department of Social Services a program that would introduce in-turn reduce our waiting lists. expiring in June 2015. A decision financial support, literacy and money (See Case study: a complex case on was made federally that the remote management to working prisoners. the next page). NILS program would not be refunded However, competition is high as all and our remote program and community service organisations partnerships ceased in June 2015. We compete for funding. will continue to manage the loans Our Financial Services team remains currently outstanding, however no resilient and our reputation for good new loans will be issued. There is a service is well known. We enter the definite need in remote communities new financial year with existing for the NILS program, however funding agreements due to expire without ongoing funding this is not in six months and awaiting advice sustainable. on ongoing Federal Government (See case study: NILS - on next page). funding opportunities.

54 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Ruth had never owned a refrigerator, The NILS worker spent time with Case study and made many trips to the local Ruth going over her budget to ensure that the $20 fortnightly loan NO INTEREST LOAN SCHEME community store each day to buy food. To have her own fridge in her repayment was affordable for Ruth. house would mean the food for her Once the loan was approved Ruth children could be kept fresh and she then visited the local store to choose would not have to make daily trips to her refrigerator. the local store. Ruth, a single mother living in a Ruth felt very proud that she was Ruth was a little hesitant initially remote community, lodged an able to purchase a refrigerator for her about taking out a loan as she had application for a No Interest Loan family. through her local TCU branch to never had a loan before and was purchase a refrigerator. worried about affording the fortnightly repayment.

Laura was now suspicious, so some relief knowing that there Case study she started taking a note of bank was a way forward and this gave statements and accounts as they her the determination she needed A COMPLEX CASE came in. She then realised that her to convince her husband that he husband had multiple credit cards needed to speak to one of our which all exceeded their approved Financial Counsellors. limits. Laura also intercepted many It was some weeks later that overdue account notices in the post. Laura presented at our office Laura’s husband Colin attended seeking emergency relief to help It was at this time that Laura’s his first appointment with one with the purchase of food for her husband stopped giving her money of our Financial Counsellors and family. to manage the household which the extent of the family’s financial She explained that it had been a left Laura with no money to buy distress became clear. Our Financial very difficult month with meeting food for the family. Laura sought Counsellor negotiated with Colin’s financial commitments and that a support from family and friends creditors and payment plans were food voucher would assist her until only to learn that her husband had put in place. Over a number of next pay day. She was very distressed been borrowing money from them appointments, Colin came to realise and embarrassed about her situation regularly, supposedly to pay rent that if he was to get his finances back but indicated that she would be back or to help with car repairs, always on track, he needed to address his on track next month. promising to pay the money back, gambling addiction. Colin was ready which he never did. Laura was to take the next step and that was The following month Laura devastated and this was when she when we referred him to a counsellor presented again for the same came to Somerville for support. at Amity Community Service to support and was again feeling address his gambling addiction. very distressed and embarrassed. Our Family Counsellor referred Laura However, this time she opened up to to one of our Financial Counsellors Colin and Laura’s journey has been the counsellor and shared the reason specialising in gambling related a long one, with Colin still attending for her financial and emotional stress. issues. Whilst Laura was not aware of regular appointments with our the family’s exact financial position Financial Counsellor. Both Colin Laura explained that her husband due to her husband controlling the and Laura have also been seeing enjoyed a bet, however, until finances, our Financial Counsellor our relationship counsellor as the recently she had been unaware of the extent of his gambling problem. Laura’s husband had always handled the family finances, therefore, Laura “Laura’s husband stopped giving her money to buy food had been unaware of how bad their financial situation was until the for the family. ” landlord had phoned her threatening to evict the family if the rent arrears were not paid. Shocked, Laura discussed options with Laura two services work together to confronted her husband regarding around how we could assist with support the family. Due to this team the rent and he denied that the their finances. Laura realised it approach the future for Colin, Laura situation was that bad and said that was imperative that her husband and their family is looking positive. he would talk to the landlord to “sort saw a Financial Counsellor as the it out”. first step in the process. Laura felt

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 55 Disability services

Somerville Disability Services provides supported accommodation for people with severe to profound We recognise that including people disabilities requiring 24 hour care with disability in the normal life of Somerville believes strongly that people’s lives and the community is not just their right, but it builds a stronger society. personalities are not defined by their impairments. As such the disability services program strives to provide innovative and best practice support that meets individuals’ Services provided during 2014/15 needs and wants. included: We take great pride in our endeavours to provide a person- • high quality community based centred service that supports people to think big, aim supported accommodation; high, identify and work towards meeting their desires and • a brokered social participation program for people with severe to aspirations. profound disability; • education; and • research. Somerville is committed to our KEY ACHIEVEMENTS policies and practices that promote the inclusion of people with • Disability Services Award recognises Somerville’s excellence disability in normal social and in the industry economic life. • To strive to deliver programs of the highest quality meeting We do this within a framework that the needs of individuals, families and communities is guided by the principles and • Realign the Somerville business model to ensure that practices outlined in the: it is positioned for the future funding models in a more competitive funding market • Disability Services Act (1986); • National Disability Services KEY CHALLENGES Standards (2013); • Funding and cost of doing business • United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; • Ensuring high quality services to people with high care support needs and those with frequently changing needs • Person Centred Practices; • Social Role Valorization, and • Anti-discrimination Act. Somerville is committed to the principles which underpin the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS); principles of choice and control, improved community linkages and individualised supports for people with disability. These standards and theories give us the framework to provide the best possible support to all people within our service.

56 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 In 2014 the City of Darwin opened an accessible fishing platform at the Nightcliff foreshore. (See ‘Advocating for Inclusion’ page 61) At Somerville approximately 80% of Photo: Patrick with Fabian ready to throw in a line. the disability services staff come from non-English speaking backgrounds The Brokered Social Participation Supported Accommodation representing 28 different nationalities. Program is overseen by the Service Program This diverse group of people come to Development Manager and us with a myriad of skills, interests and Administrator and implemented Somerville finished the 2014/15 backgrounds. Our front line staff have by a Senior Support Officer with a year with 11 operational supported proven that they are committed to our Diploma of Community Welfare and a accommodation homes located in organisational values and ensuring Certificate IV in Community Services Darwin, Howard Springs and Katherine. the people we support receive quality (Lifestyle and Leisure) qualifications During the year one of the homes in care and support, all day every day. and 23 years of experience in the Darwin was temporarily closed. Somerville’s House Coordinators sector. The service currently provides Group (HCG) is made up of our The two Disability Services Managers permanent support to 47 people, with middle managers (Coordinators) core responsibilities are to identify, severe to profound disability many responsible for leading our frontline oversee and implement the with complex health care needs, on a staff. Their purpose statement programs aims and objectives, and permanent basis. highlights their commitment to their be responsible for the effective day The supported accommodation leadership responsibilities; “To build to day management of the service homes are staffed 24/7 to ensure that empowerment as a leadership team which involves 165 staff (including each person receives quality support. and to encourage and support skills approximately 60 casual positions). This level of support allows for the development and knowledge by implementation of various programs providing excellent outcomes for The positions are also responsible for of specific benefit to each person. team members, Service Users and projects which will see Somerville’s Somerville.” Disability Services leading the To ensure that we continued to industry in areas of policy, risk deliver high quality supported Somerville’s Education Officer supports management, service provision and accommodation to best meet our the program through the provision community involvement with a clear Service Users’ needs and measure of high quality in house training and focus on consistent delivery of high service appeal and expectations, we education for staff. A testament to the quality care and support. conducted a survey of guardians to quality of our training is the number enable an opportunity for them to of requests received from other The Disability Services team is review our service from an external service providers and stakeholders to supported by the organisations over- service provider perspective. participate and or have our modules arching administration, finance and adapted for use in their services. assets and maintenance teams. (continued page 59)

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 57 NMDS Disability Profile The Commonwealth State and Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) reporting requirements, being the Disability Services National Minimum Data Set (NMDS) divides disabilities into twelve categories. About this table: NMDS user profile of the people we supported as at 30 June 2015.

Intellectual - 24.7% Speech - 24.0% Physical - 18.0% Neurological - 16.8% Autism and aspergers - 4.8% Acquired brain injury - 3.0% Vision 3.0% Deafblind/dual sensory - 2.4% Psychiatric - 1.8% Hearing - 1.2%

Of note: Somerville does not have Service Users that are classified in two categories: ◊◊ Developmental delay. (Only relates to people under the age of five years). ◊◊ Specific learning disability (Other than an intellectual disability).

Disability Service Profile About this table: Demographic user profile for the people we supported throughout 2014/15:

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Male - 66% Ambulant - 55% Islander descent - 68% Female - 34% Non ambulant- 45% Other - 32%

Descent Gender Mobility

Of note: ◊◊ As at 30 June 2015 Somerville finished the year with 11 operational supported accommodation homes, supporting 47 people with severe to profound disability. ◊◊ As at 30 June 2015 the age range of service recipients was 19.2 - 66.3 years with an average age of 44 years.

58 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Brokered Social work diligently in our community Photo: Michael enjoying his trampoline Participation Program awareness efforts across the therapy with Liz and Meg. Northern Territory. We work to build Somerville’s Social Participation awareness of the needs and wants and Brokerage program has at its of people with disability; develop core a commitment to assist people capacity of people, communities and Disability Services Awards with disability to establish mutually governments; and create improved recognises Somerville’s beneficial relationships, networks, opportunities for people with excellence in the industry support systems and friendships disability to access and participate in The Northern Territory Government within their local community. community activities. Department of Health in collaboration This is achieved primarily through with National Disability Services NT recreational and leisure environments. The research is undeniable: active host the Northern Territory Disability The program aims to assist the people participation can enhance quality Services Awards. we support to have new experiences of life for people with a disability. thus opening up a range of new It can reduce social isolation, aid The Awards recognise exceptional options, choices and aspirations not in reducing the impacts of mental individuals working in the disability considered previously. health issues, empower people sector as well as government and non- to be involved in processes which government services, organisations, The Brokerage program is businesses and programs that underpinned by the values of affect them, increase knowledge and enhance exposure to networks. demonstrate outstanding inclusion, self determination, commitment to improving the lives of independence, decision-making Ensuring people with disability people with a disability. and choice. are active community participants Since its inception Somerville changes community perceptions. An Brokerage Programs are tailored to has sponsored one of the award inclusive community is a tolerant, the individual with identifiable and categories. In 2014 we are proud to respectful and compassionate measurable goals; determined by the have sponsored the Outstanding individual and their support networks. community. Disability Service Employee category. Community awareness and National Minimum Data Set The overall Award for Excellence is engagement (NMDS) Disability Profile chosen from among the winners of each of the Award categories. People Somerville plays an important role in Somerville’s population group as from all over the Northern Territory ensuring that the many connections defined by the Disability Services are nominated by colleagues, people with disability have in their NMDS is outlined in the graph on the families, Service Users and other local communities are optimal. We previous page. agencies.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 59 In 2014 three of Somerville’s Disability Services team members were nominated: • Patrick Rolletschke, Disability Services Coordinator, in the category of Emerging Leader. • Sumedha Rankot, Disability Services Coordinator, in the category of Outstanding Disability Service Employee. • Emily Farey, Disability Support Worker, in the category of Outstanding Disability Service Employee. The Somerville Disability Services Team (as a whole) was also nominated in the category of Excellence in Promoting Community Awareness. We are proud that the Somerville Disability Services Team was recognised as an outstanding contributor and Sumedha Rankot was the winner of Outstanding Disability Service Employee.

Ensuring quality outcomes for people with disability through workforce training and development. The annual NT Disability Services Awards recognise exceptional individuals Over the past two years we have working in the disability sector. Somerville’s Disability Services Coordinator, challenged the mindset of our Sumedha Rankot, won “Outstanding Disability Service Employee”. support workers. A review of the Photo: Sumedha seen here with Somerville Disability Services Managers Debbie position descriptions and intensive Bampton (left) and Bonnie Solly. training has changed their thinking from personal care, as the most This focus on training has had Services must adapt in order to important role to the realisation that significant impact withindisability remain relevant. Somerville is it is only one of their many essential services. The people we support preparing for these changes; we are roles. Other roles include creator of lead far more fulfilling lives and taking a leading role in reform in the life experiences, teacher, mentor and are participating in activities not therapist aid. NT and contributing nationally. previously dreamed of and our staff We also reviewed and modified have a greater sense of purpose and Somerville is ensuring our own recruitment practices to ensure value, resulting in a more positive, systems, processes and people are safety and wellbeing of Service Users skilled and motivated workforce. preparing for the new challenges and undertook staff skills matching and way of doing business. with service user needs and wants. We have reviewed and aligned all policies and procedures with the During 2014/15, we encouraged Preparing for a brave new world Coordinators to undertake formal National Standards for Disability qualifications in management and are With the introduction of the NDIS Services. Planning documentation aiming at having all frontline workers the disability sector is going through utilises the 10 domain areas having a minimum of Certificate IV the initial stages of the greatest identified by the National Disability qualification by the end of 2016. reform agenda seen in this country.

60 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Insurance Agency (NDIA) in the planning and assessment tool. Improved quality and safeguarding strategies have also been introduced. Somerville is working closely with the NT Department of Health to ensure all our current and future Service Users have active Case Coordinators where appropriate, and care and support needs assessments are current.

Taking our art to the community Each year Service Users are encouraged to enter their craft masterpieces into the Royal Darwin Show. The Show has a special needs section and is judged along with all other entries in this division. This year we saw some amazing creative entries including a mounted stag, a log cabin, a didgeridoo, hot air balloon and paintings. Somerville Service Users were successful again this year winning both first and second prizes. First prize was awarded to Malcolm Yantarrnga for his log cabin with second prize going to Mark Jones for his mounted stag. Congratulations not only to the prize winners but to all who entered their work. A lot of talent and hard work Photo: Ross receiving his participation certificate for his Royal Darwin Show art entry - “Didgeridoo” from CEO Vicki O’Halloran. went into the pieces of art and craft. Congratulations to: Because it is a road race it has been • Malcolm Yantarrnga – Wooden challenging to locate appropriate Cabin (first prize) Cycling for inclusion stretches of road where it is safe for • Mark Jones – Mounted Stag Over the past four years Somerville our Service Users to participate. (second prize) has been involved in the Top End We have discussed this issue with • Mitchell Gurruwiwi – Outdoor Gran Fondo, a long distance, timed event organisers and as a result a Canvas cycling event that invites competitive, short mini Fondo will be included • Ross King – Didgeridoo amateur and recreational cyclists for the August 2015 event. This will enable junior riders and our Service • Gary Cassidy – Flicking of all abilities to participate in a Users to participate. It will also • Marie Collin – Hot Air Balloon community cycling event. Each year incorporate the start and finish line • Gavan Roe – Flower Wall Hanging a number of staff and Service Users so participants can join in the fun, • Christopher Markwell – Truckin’ from our Disability Services Program festivities and excitement as cyclists Prints have participated in the event. come in to finish the race.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 61 Dancing for inclusion Total Recreation is a not-for-profit organisation in Darwin providing opportunities for people with a disability to be active in the community through sport and recreation. For the past eight years Total Recreation has held their major fundraising event, the Dancing with Celebrities Gala Ball. Held in October, the event showcases local celebrities partnering with talented people with disability. Each couple is vying for the coveted Grand Champion title. For the past four years Somerville staff have been proud to partner with Total Recreation. To this end three Somerville staff members volunteered their time hosting Ball Boot Camp. This is not your conventional boot camp – more of a health, glamour and nutrition camp. For the seven weeks prior to the Ball, the participants came to Somerville on Thursday afternoons and participated in information sessions and discussions covering numerous topics including healthy living, taking care of you, and personal grooming. Each week also included a gentle exercise and fitness Dancing with Celebrities showcases local celebrities partnering with talented program. people with disability. Somerville and Total Recreation staff believe the sessions help build confidence and self-esteem. Service User, Matthew Lucas has Photo: Matthew Lucas and his partner Caroline Jape won the Cerbis Gypsy Tap been a participant in the ball for the Champion Award. past four years. We were so delighted when Matt and his partner Caroline Jape won the Cerbis Gypsy Tap With a Somerville manager on the Champion Award. Also Somerville City of Darwin’s Disability Advisory Preparing the next generation employee Callum Bateman and his Committee, we have been able to through strategic partnerships partner Jeanette Anictomatis won the advocate for improved access and and a commitment to learning Somerville Foxtrot Champion Award. inclusion for people with disability in the Territory’s capital. The introduction of the NDIS means there are going to be significant In 2014 the City of Darwin chose changes to our workforce and our Advocating for inclusion International Day for People with workforce will need to double. The Ensuring Somerville staff have Disability to open an accessible sector needs to act now to ensure a representative roles on local, territory fishing platform at the Nightcliff workforce for the future. Somerville and national panels and committees, foreshore and purchased portable has established informal agreements etc is essential to gathering the best flooring available for free hire to with training organisations including quality information and promoting enable safer and easier mobility for CDU and local high schools what we do. outdoor events in Darwin. guaranteeing student placements

62 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 for work experience and practical observations. During 2014/15 Somerville staff were present at every career expo, school career information session and university open day to promote the opportunities and diversity of positions available through the community and disability services sectors.

Funding and cost of doing business Somerville is adept at making the funds go further. We have commenced the development of a Disability Services practical policies One of our Service Users Seb, is visually impaired. For the past twelve months and procedures manual which the staff at Seb’s home have been committed to strategies aimed at reducing life we hope to put into a marketable limiting constraints. resource kit. Photo: Seb learning to use his white tipped walking cane in public. However, with increasing costs associated with doing business it Should an alternative model of We will work to implement the will result in challenges ahead for service provision be required that charting program across the service 2015/16. We will therefore need to is more reflective of the increased throughout 2015/16. continue to work diligently to recoup medical needs of the people we deficits with focused fundraising and support, the Board is open to sponsorship and spend our funds discussion. wisely to ensure value for money – all Diversifying accommodation at no cost to our commitment to a supports - increasing high quality service. independence Person Centred Active Support (PCAS) charting for individuals Traditionally Somerville has provided supported accommodation on a 24/7 Ensuring high quality services to We reported in 2013/14 that we had model with multiple staff on each people with high care support commenced formalised charting of shift and an active night duty. person centred active support (PCAS) needs Whilst this is the preferred model opportunities for a number of people and essential for the majority of Somerville is committed to ensuring in our service. that the people we support are able our existing Service Users, there are to remain in our service regardless of We believe by recording this data we some people who could benefit from their age. Equally we are committed are better able to gauge our progress an alternative model. as a service provider in ensuring to ensuring high quality services A thorough planning process and PCAS is embedded in the service for people with complex and often focus on skill development identified offered. It also provides us with the compounding health needs. increased independence as a new evidence for people we support to goal for a number of existing Service Although Somerville provides see the advances they have made in Users. specialised training for frontline skill acquisition. workers in high-care medical units, With the introduction of the NDIS, We had hoped that we would be able we do not employ medical or allied Somerville will be open and willing to implement the charting across health staff. The Board is aware that to examine alternative supported the program in the past 12 months. with complex client groups comes accommodation options and models Whilst we haven’t achieved this goal, increased challenges and risks that for new and existing Service Users. need to be addressed and wherever we have continued to measure the possible mitigated. progress for the initial 10 people involved in the program.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 63 It aims to encourage the community and Wellbeing Markets” and cooking Introducing to think more broadly and creatively up a storm for dinner prior to the about what people with a disability launch of the Deckchair Cinema can accomplish and how they can presentation of the inspirational Angela contribute to the diversity and fabric movie ‘The Crash Reel’. of our community. Angela took great pride in attending Angela is a vibrant and enthusiastic The role of the Ambassador varies these events and enjoyed being in person who approaches everything from person to person depending and with the community. Somerville she does with gusto. upon their interests and expertise. staff and Board are extremely proud Angela is also very much a social Somerville was delighted that in of her contributions to the events person, loves being the centre 2014 one of our Service Users, during Disability Awareness Week of attention, has a huge and Angela Budulngulil, was invited to be 2014. She was not only a wonderful compassionate heart and loves to an Ambassador. Ambassador for the City of Darwin help others. but also for Somerville. Angela took her role seriously with Each year the City of Darwin her usual joviality. She attended Staff believe the experience has celebrates the contributions of many official functions including the helped Angela build confidence and people with disability to our city launch at Parliament House, hosting self-esteem. ithrough Disability Awareness Week. an information table at the “Health

Photo: Disability Awareness Week Ambassador Angela Budulngulil (centre) with Somerville Education Officers Diana Smith and David Sheasby, promoting Somerville’s services to the public at the “Happiness and Wellbeing Market”.

64 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Introducing Mark At Somerville we work with the belief that we can and do change peoples’ lives. As a team we believe that all people, regardless of their level of disability, have dreams, aspirations and can learn new skills It is well documented that animal-assisted therapy improves individuals social, to achieve greater independence and emotional and cognitive functioning as well as reducing anxiety levels. Animals autonomy. also provide an opportunity for fun and relaxation. Mark is a placid and quiet man, Photo: Mark with his new found friend - “Pepper the Pig”. unassuming but watchful; he wasn’t always like this. Over the years he has had many challenges which stifled Sometime later a new recruit to the Community outings now occur his development and prevented him existing menagerie was introduced. multiple times a week. A visit to the from being the man he wanted to be. She’s a sweet girl with a fun and local shopping centre no longer Mark lives at one of our supported mischievous attitude. She loves to be instils trepidation and refusal to get accommodation houses in a rural around everyone and made herself out of the car. Rather Mark bounds Darwin with four other gentlemen well and truly at home. Her name out of the car, it’s an enjoyable and a small menagerie of rural is “Pepper the Pig”. Her favourite experience that generally results in animals. There was a time in his life activities include gardening, a snack or a meal or a new personal when Mark was unable to do the swimming, having cuddles, showers, item. Mark is an avid swimmer who most basic of personal care or daily sleeping on the couch and bean bag visits public pools around Darwin living activities for himself. He was and loves a good scratch. Pepper had and is a frequent visitor to the wave unable to tolerate noise, bright found a new best friend in Mark. pool, which he really enjoys. lights, crowds and feared new places Mark is now participating in We are currently assessing the and therefore didn’t participate activities of daily living. He will viability of establishing a marketable in community based activities. He wash all the dishes on the sink, garden nursery at the property didn’t appear to be a social person assist with the household grocery and intend Mark to be part of this and chose to isolate himself within shopping, participate in household process. his home, generally in his bedroom. chores and is an avid assistant in Mark has embraced all these When agitated or frustrated by being the garden. Personal care tasks are new experiences and now has a asked to perform any one of the completed independently or with willingness and eagerness to do above tasks or activities he would minimal prompting and Mark is things for himself and appears display significantly challenging and displaying a penchant for trendy happier and more content. We aggressive behaviours. and well coordinated clothes. Mark look forward to working with Mark is spending more time interacting A turning point for Mark occurred and assisting and enabling him to with his housemates and staff, and some 18 months ago when one of participate more fully in life. our staff brought her tiny puppy into will often initiate the interaction work. Mark appeared to really bond himself. He now eats with great table with the little puppy. manners at the dining table with his housemates.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 65 Assets, infrastructure and maintenance

The Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance (AIM) team is responsible for the maintenance, safety We continued our strong and ongoing upgrades and renovations of all commitment to providing a safe Somerville owned and managed assets including workplace for our employees and we houses, offices, a warehouse and fleet vehicles. are pleased to report that there were no serious workplace injuries during Somerville continually strives to provide the highest quality 2014/15. of living through our supported accommodation programs Two new health and safety claims in achieving functionality, a safe and healthy environment were referred to our insurer for individuals and families and one which portrays a positive compared with three the previous image to the wider community. year. The constructive relationship with our insurance company Studies have also shown that well-presented offices and continued to maximise the ability a good working environment have a positive impact on of injured staff to return to work as employees. In line with this, the AIM team ensured that soon as possible. all assets were well-presented throughout 2014/15 with We implemented the following new regular maintenance, scheduled painting, ongoing upgrades, health and safety initiatives: renovations and upkeep of all grounds and gardens. • The WHS Committee introduced Our fleet vehicles were maintained in a similar condition with simple ‘safety tips’ that were emailed out monthly to all regular servicing carried out and presentation of all vehicles employees. kept to a high standard to reflect our positive image. • New procedures were added to the WHS manual and as a result, our emergency training modules were reviewed and updated to reflect these changes. • New safety products and KEY ACHIEVEMENTS equipment were purchased to reduce risk where hazards could • Ongoing commitment to improve the living and working not be eliminated, including environment for the people we support, our clients and our staff driveway exit mirrors and • Attainment of vehicles through community partnerships additional fire safety equipment. • Provided opportunities for Service Users to participate in weekly A number of work health and gardening tasks safety measures were introduced or maintained within our offices, houses KEY CHALLENGES and fleet vehicles to help protect the • Limited funding and budget restraints to undertake upgrade/ health and safety of all employees, renovation work clients, visitors and contractors. • Ongoing vehicle insurance claims These included: • Completing maintenance work within required timeframes • visitor sign-in books to account for people in case of an emergency; • Training and professional Development • ongoing fire equipment and first aid kit checks; • regular testing and tagging of all portable electrical equipment;

66 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 • regular maintenance of pools/spas; Photo: Somerville’s Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance team ensured that • updates to our asbestos register; all assets were well-maintained throughout 2014/15 with regular maintenance, scheduled painting, renovations and upkeep of all grounds and gardens. • pest control/termite inspections; • airconditioner cleaning/servicing; Works included a successful working bee by Somerville staff and National • carpet and furniture cleaning; Ongoing commitment to • 24-hour monitored security; Australia Bank volunteers giving improve the living and the overall property a complete • pressure cleaning to all external working environment makeover. concrete and paved surfaces; Through planned property • fortnightly and bi-monthly A service user was relocated to inspections, responsive cyclical Katherine to be closer to family - maintenance checks; maintenance and upgrade improved well-being. • maintenance and general works to offices and supported upgrades to offices and buildings; accommodation, the AIM team Another service user was relocated to a house close to the beach to • biannual workplace checklists continued to improve the living and enable them to enjoy walks along completed; working environment for the people we support, our clients and our staff. the beach front with their parents. • scheduled servicing of vehicles; An office building was upgraded to • ongoing emergency and fire Throughout 2014/15 several improve the working environment training provided to all staff; and properties within Disability Services, Family and Financial Services and with consideration given to eco- • ongoing training covering various Administration received upgrades, friendly products and materials and topics relevant to individual repairs, painting and landscaping. decisions made to suit our climate program areas. in the tropics. All five buildings A key achievement was realised The Work Health and Safety that make up our administration with one of our supported Committee met quarterly during accommodation properties for complex received external repainting 2014/15 with representatives people with disabilities transformed as part of our ongoing scheduled attending monthly team meetings through a major renovation. This maintenance plan to ensure all to raise WHS items in their was accomplished from funding buildings remain well maintained individual workplace. allocated by Territory Housing to and presented. WHS is an area that is evolving renovate the property making it a In addition to the works above, for within the organisation as we safe and healthy environment, and the first time this year a number of continue to build on strengthening improving functionality for people in “working bees” were scheduled with our processes to ensure a safe wheelchairs requiring the assistance an invitation extended to National workplace for all. of specialised equipment. Australia Bank employees.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 67 Again this not only strengthened our partnership with the NAB, but also provided their employees with an opportunity to give back to the community through volunteering while keeping our costs down.

Photo: Somerville staff and volunteers at one of the many ““working bees”” held Attainment of vehicles during 2014/15. through community partnerships Suncorp were another significant Somerville continued to strengthen donor of a modified vehicle assisting its partnerships with key businesses to transport Service Users in Provided opportunities for wanting to give back to the wheelchairs to remote communities Service Users to participate community and support the work for family visits and interaction in weekly gardening tasks. we do for local Territorians. with their community. With their It was discovered that Service Users We were fortunate to once again generous support we were able attending and participating in our receive a donation from Santos of a to stretch our services further and scheduled “working bees” were in retired mining vehicle that assisted provide opportunities for the people fact enjoying the experience and us to carry out our work within we support to visit and spend time were looking forward to attending the local and remote communities with their families in remote areas of the next scheduled working bee. across the Northern Territory. the Northern Territory. To enhance these positive experiences and opportunities for services users, a trial was put in place for Service Users to undertake regular scheduled fortnightly mowing at their own home and another supported accommodation home in addition to participating in “working bees”. This in turn has enabled the AIM team to undertake additional projects and the trial is likely to be extended during 2015/16.

Limited funding and budget restraints to undertake upgrade/renovation work In the 2014/15 period, we submitted applications with the Northern Territory Government for necessary renovation and upgrade Service Users joined in Somerville’s ““working bees”” and weekly gardening tasks. works to the houses in which we Photo: Louis hard at work with the support of Tiri Mapendere. accommodate our Service Users.

68 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Funding programs that were once available were no longer in existence and with little alternative offered. As a consequence upgrades that were earmarked for the period were delayed to the next financial year. In some cases where it would have been detrimental to the people Photo: Somerville’s Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance team member Callum we support, delaying projects was Bateman. Callum’s responsibilities included maintenance of lawns and gardens at not possible. As a result Somerville Somerville’s Wagaman complex. incurred costs for unforeseen repairs and maintenance. busy with work and limited time to spare to attend training, however it is This will continue to be an issue in Completing maintenance 2015/16 and careful consideration an important target to set. work within the required and planning will be required in order to manage our budgets time-frames without incurring any impact on As a small team of six operating to For the AIM team to continue to service delivery. support our Disability, Family and provide a high level of support to Financial Services programs, the AIM the programs and other central team is kept busy year round. management teams, the current Ongoing vehicle insurance Demand for the team’s assistance level of staffing and workloads will need to be monitored to ensure the claims continues to grow as the organisation evolves to meet the expectations of the organisation are With insurance premiums growing needs of the community. being met without compromising continuing to rise and turnaround the health and wellbeing of the Advanced planning of events for periods taking longer, we changed AIM team members, as a small team the year ahead will be required, insurance providers offering a achieving an ever increasing amount including pre-empting staff leave of work each year. faster turnaround period and lower and precise scheduling with an insurance excess premiums. organised approach to all work. Six claims were made in 2014/15. Of those claims four were driver related accidents and the other two were damage sustained by other parties. Training and professional Development Where possible larger vehicles were replaced with smaller more Somerville’s commitment to staff manoeuvrable automatic vehicles training and development is to accommodate more drivers and ongoing and evident with many a new vehicle training package was employees including the AIM team developed in an effort to reduce the participating in internal training. number of accidents and insurance Further opportunities for training claims within the organisation. and development will be explored for This is an ongoing challenge that will members of the AIM team to further require continuous monitoring and develop new skills. improvement to keep accidents and This will be a challenge to organise insurance claims to a minimum. with a small team who is consistently

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 69 Human resources, information technology and administration services

Human Resources, Information Technology and Administrative Services (HRITAS) is responsible for managing people within the organisation with Somerville Community Services a focus on making the employment relationship 2014-2017 Workforce Development fulfilling for both the management and employees. Plan aims to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce to meet the This includes all employee-related matters such as recruitment needs of Somerville. It aligns with and retention, industrial relations, learning, development and the Somerville Strategic Plan 2014- performance, workplace diversity, employment conditions and 2017 Goal to develop Somerville the health and wellness program. employees consistent with the organisation’s values and policies. In addition HRITAS is responsible for, but not limited to: It contains a range of priority • general administration and support; actions which were identified by the Board and Management to address • information and communications technology; workforce development challenges. • procurement; • quality assurance/service excellence; The plan was developed in consultation with stakeholders • policy development; to support Somerville’s strategic • risk management; directions over the same period. • insurance; This plan documents strategies to • events management; and maximise our existing strengths and to respond to the challenges ahead. • fundraising, marketing and public relations. Over the period of the plan, we anticipate increasing demand for Disability Support Workers across Australia due to the introduction KEY ACHIEVEMENTS of the National Disability Insurance • A Successful Workplace Diversity Program Scheme (NDIS), an ageing population and expected retirement of key • Accreditation with Australian Service Excellence Standards personnel in Disability Services. • Achieved Compliance with Workplace Gender Equality Act External factors that will impact on KEY CHALLENGES our operations include a challenging funding and regulatory environment, • Recruiting a sustainable workforce the high cost of living in the NT, major • Assisting students with work placements reforms to the sector, including those outlined in the NDIS. A number of critical issues emerged from consideration of our existing workforce including: • Almost 67% of our management and almost 64% of middle management (Disability Services) workforce is 50 years or older; we want to work to retain the experience and wisdom of this cohort.

70 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 • Difficulty replacing specialised or Photo: Somerville Administration team. L-R: Jessica Anglesey, Administration key positions for example Special Clerk; Jenny Dunne (seated), Administration Officer – Reception; Carolyn Cendo, Projects and Marketing Specialist, Administration Coordinator; Melinda Freeman, Administration Officer. Managers, DS Coordinators and Counsellors. • retaining mature-age staff; between work, personal and family Consideration of our future skills • developing competency profiles life; and a work environment requirements indicates that in order for each roles as a foundation for which ensures that employees to meet changing requirements we assisting with identifying learning have a sense of accomplishment, need to strengthen specialist skills, and development priorities; contribution and pride from their association with Somerville. further develop management and • upskilling staff to better meet the leadership skills and encourage changing needs of older people This year, five people who teamwork, innovation and ongoing and those with high medical completed 25+ years of service learning. support with whom we work; were recognised for their long term Our analysis suggested that during • strengthening management and employment at a special birthday celebration for Somerville held at the period covered by the plan we leadership at all levels; and need to expand the skills of our the Government House. The NT • building a learning culture. direct care workforce (Disability Administrator, Hon John Hardy Support Workers) to cater for ageing OAM, presented Carolyn Cendo, Liza and high medical support need Metcalfe, Adelaide Dos Santos, Josie Service Users in Disability Services. Somerville is a multicultural Bacus and Jill May with a certificate of appreciation and a personalised Traditionally we have relied on organisation and is committed to achieving its organisational gift. Somerville’s President, Mr Chris our website, local newspaper and Tudor AM, congratulated them for word of mouth to source our objectives through its people. Somerville believes the quality of their commitment and dedication to labour. We believe it is now Somerville. important to pay more attention to a community service is directly establishing a variety of strategies to reflected by the commitment We have also introduced the attract and recruit our staff such as and vision shown by employees. Margaret Somerville Staff Award to social media. Somerville is committed to commemorate Somerville’s 50 years establishing a culture that values of community service. The Award Having considered our situation, we individual diversity, encourages is to recognise an outstanding have determined that our priorities mutual respect and open staff member who displays an for this period are: communication, respect for the empathetic approach, has a ‘can • attracting younger staff; individual, and a healthy balance do’ attitude, a positive, committed

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 71 person who goes the extra mile people living within our Disability a major upgrade which will allow for and a work ethic that is aligned Services program who may be improved remote administration and with our Mission. Jenny Dunne, experiencing emotional health and monitoring and will allow expansion Administration Officer is the face well-being matters, had an extremely to our other sites. of Somerville was named 2015 busy period providing assistance to “Champion” and received a trophy our Nepalese employees and their from Hon John Hardy OAM. Ms families who were unfortunately Dunne says, “The most rewarding stricken by the Nepal earthquake. A successful Workplace part of my position as Administration Diversity Program Officer is everyday when I finish Workplace diversity is one of work I can say I made a difference in Somerville’s greatest strengths, with someone’s life today and that is heart 79% of its employees originating warming.” In line with Somerville’s Strategic from non-English speaking Plan Goal 4, Sub Goal: To develop a backgrounds who bring a wide range communication and social media of cultural, professional and personal Staff incentive scheme and strategy to improve awareness and experience. recognition program access to programs, Somerville Somerville aims to foster a supportive, engaged the services of Community inclusive and harmonious work Motivating and recognising Business Bureau (CBB) to perform the environment that respects all employees is vital to the marketing, PR and communication employees, acknowledges their development of an effective activities of Somerville in a virtual diverse strengths and unique and positive work environment. capacity. contributions as well as the values At Somerville we seek to increase from their own cultures that they the efficiency and productivity This includes a marketing plan that bring to the workplace. of our service through a culture has a strong focus on the use of that values, supports and improves digital media (e.g. crowdfunding, The Workplace Diversity Group the health and wellbeing of website, social media and video) continues to develop work practices employees. to support fundraising through and innovative strategies through the Somerville Foundation, brand dialogue and by learning and The purpose of our staff incentive awareness, attracting staff, and staff understanding different cultures. scheme and recognition program and client engagement. is to acknowledge and reward We continually celebrate the outstanding accomplishments, We have recently launched our many diverse cultures within our performance and behaviours of Facebook, Twitter and Google+ workplace when we share good food, individuals or teams that support pages and we are slowly building our the methods of cooking and their the vision, mission and values of the presence in these social networking cultural significance. organisation. sites. As Somerville celebrates its 50 years Staff surveys and feedback, Somerville aims to achieve an of community service, Somerville highlighted the benefits of efficient and effective use of staff formed a singing group, with maintaining an effective staff information and communication two of the group writing a song. incentive scheme. The benefits of technology to increase productivity The song is about diversity, the above had a flow-on effect as and enhance service delivery. It opportunities, and that we all have they helped attract people to our aims to maintain an advanced a story to tell. Many of Somerville’s organisation. infrastructure that facilitates employees have expressed their collaboration, coordination and Somerville’s annual Feel Good Day, connection to the lyrics and sharing interaction for work both internally now in its fifth year, has proven to be the same journey. and with external organisations. a special event on our calendar. The Somerville singers consists of ICT is used for communication, Our Employee Assistance Program a diverse group of people and will inventory management, data storage includes easy access to services continue sharing the message that and management, management provided by Somerville’s Family “We have the courage to be different, information systems and customer Services and Financial Services. the courage to be unique and the relationship management. During courage to be someone we never Somerville’s Pastoral Care Worker, 2014/15 a new phone system for thought we’ll ever be.” Elsha Koole, provided support to the Wagaman office was installed to Somerville employees and the replace the existing system. This was (continued on page 74)

72 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Workplace profile

Job Role/ Group

Employment Status Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance - 2.86% Disability Services- 77.14% Financial Services - 4.76% Family Services - 5.71% Full time - 48.57% Accounting and Financial Management - 2.86% Part time - 18.57% HR, IT and Administrative Services - 5.71% Casual - 32.86% Executive Unit - 0.95%

20-29 years - 23.33% 30-39 years - 35.71% Gender 40-49 years - 17.14% Age 50-59 years - 12.38% 60-69 years - 10.48% 70+ years - 0.95% Female - 64.76% Male - 35.24%

<1 year - 18.57% 1-3 years - 35.24% 3-5 years - 14.76% CALD Length of 5-10 years - 12.38% service 10-15 years - 10.00% 15-20 years - 5.24% 20-25 years - 1.43% CALD - 79.05% 25+ years - 2.38% Non-CALD- 20.95%

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 73 • Visionary and innovative leaders, • Communication and reporting structures, Accreditation with • Advocacy and leadership in the sector, • Systems for monitoring Australian Service • Promoting a healthy workplace, compliance, Excellence Standards • Purchasing processes to ensure • Employer of choice, We are pleased to report that quality and value, • Strategic partnerships, Somerville achieved the essential • Teamwork, supporting staff and requirements for the Australian • Investment in community promoting diversity, Service Excellence Standards outcomes, • Learning culture, (ASES) accreditation at Award and • Compliance monitoring, • Recognising achievements. Certificate levels. • Client focussed and promotion of As in any case there is always ASES is a quality framework that rights. room for improvement and the is particularly relevant for small to The external assessment also management team is committed medium sized community service identified numerous strengths in to ensuring identified areas such organisations that focuses on quality relation to planning, management, as documenting a community/ improvement and continuous partnerships, communication and stakeholder engagement learning. service provision. Most notably: framework, formalising Continuous Quality Improvement and change The assessment was conducted by • Advocacy and leadership in the management processes and Quality Innovation Performance non-government sector, strengthening systems to support and they highlighted Somerville’s • Skilled and committed CEO and compliance monitoring are reviewed, strengths as follows: Board, monitored and improved.

A key achievement for Somerville Community Services during 2014/15 was achieving accreditation with the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) in both the Award and Certificate levels. Photo: Somerville management team proudly displaying their ASES accreditation.

74 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 As part of our commitment to healthy employee well-being, Somerville has an annual “Feel Good Day” committed to healthy eating, exercise, games and Compliance with competitions. (See Staff Incentive Scheme and Recognition Program- page 70) Workplace Gender Photo: Staff participating in a group aerobics session during “Feel Good Day”. Equality Act Under the Workplace Gender This resulted in outsourcing our student placements or work Equality (WGE) Act 2012, all non- marketing requirements and experience and Somerville’s limited public sector employers with 100 re-classification of the Assistant resources, we were unable to assist or more employees are required to Manager – Disability Services all applications. report annually. position. We are reviewing our work The Act seeks to promote and This continues to highlight the need experience and student placement improve gender equality for both to maintain an agreed succession programs and liaising with other women and men in the workplace plan for key roles within Somerville educational institutions to better and covers areas such as equal pay Community Services during 2015/16. manage this area. between women and men and (See Workforce Development Plan flexible working arrangements for page 70). employees, including those with family and caring responsibilities. Somerville received a notification of compliance following assessment of Assisting students with our annual WGE report for the period work placements 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015. Somerville actively supports participation in providing work experience and student placement Recruiting a sustainable programs. workforce Somerville is committed to providing meaningful activities to students Competition in the workplace through practical applications and made it challenging for us to recruit work experience which match their candidates with the right skills, field of study. qualifications and experience to replace specialised and key positions We endeavour to match a student’s such as the Marketing Specialist expectations with our operational and Assistant Manager – Disability requirements. But with the growing Services. number of students requesting

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 75 Events MARGARET SOMERVILLE’S MEMORIAL SERVICE

Margaret Somerville passed away at her Sydney home on the 30th July 2014, aged 101 years. In August 2014, a memorial service was held at the Palmerston Uniting Church. This was followed by a gathering at the Somerville Photo: Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran at Margaret Somerville’s Memorial Community Centre to celebrate Service. The picture in the background was one of Margaret’s favourite Margaret’s life. photographs taken with the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO. Everybody was encouraged to wear blue, Margaret’s favourite colour. My parents were two of the ninety six Apart from having a serious children who were living on Croker exterior, Sister Somerville also had A tribute to Margaret Island at the time. If Sister Somerville great humour. I recall an incident Somerville had not made that life-saving my mother told me about Sister The late Margaret Somerville was a decision of refusing to leave Croker Somerville and one of the young remarkable lady. I was privileged to Island without the children, I would girls on Croker Island. have known her during her lifetime. not have been born nor had the The girl had apparently walked up opportunity to meet her and thank to Sister Somerville (who stood Apart from my mother, Claire Henty- her for this many years ago. Gebert, there are only three other neatly dressed, wearing covered-in women in my life, who I have held On 7 April 1942, my parents, 95 other shoes, gloves gracing both hands, in high esteem and admired, Sister children, three cottage mothers Sister pearl necklace around her neck and Somerville, Mother Teresa and Ms Somerville, Jess March, Olive Peake a hat on her head) and said, “Sister Rosa Parks. and other missionaries embarked on Somerville you remind me of the an extraordinary journey from Croker Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret.” Even though the three women were Sister Somerville looked at the young so very different in more ways than Island to Sydney. A journey which Ms woman and wittily replied, “Oh one, they were in my view linked Somerville spoke of in her book titled no my dear that can’t be, because by the same wonderful quality as They Crossed the Continent. Princess Margaret doesn’t smile, I do.” Ms Somerville, they had so much There are only a handful of people compassion and love for humanity, living today who made that After her comment both Sister especially for the most vulnerable in remarkable journey one of them is my Somerville, the young woman and society. mother, others included Alice Briston, others in hearing range broke out in Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how Jessie Lyons and Netta Kahl. The ladies laughter. much we give, but how much love still reminisce about their experience There were many occasions on the we put into giving” .This statement and often share this with their holidays that I had spent with Sister encapsulated Sister Somerville’s grandchildren and school children. Somerville that there would be a lot philosophy on her work at Croker I have had so many wonderful of laughter and singing in Somerset Island. memories of my association with Cottage. She was certainly a compassionate Sister Somerville. Even after my I recall one incident when I refused to and loving person. These attributes parents relocated our family from eat lambs brain that she had served for came to the fore in early April 1942, Croker Island to the mainland in breakfast. I looked at Sister Somerville when Sister Somerville and two Darwin in 1956, they allowed me to and said, “My mother would never other cottage mothers Jess March spend a couple of school holidays serve me lambs brains!” to which Sister and Olive Peake refused to evacuate with Sister Somerville and the Somerville replied, “The lesson for Croker Island without the children. children in Somerset Cottage. the day Cyndia is that we must all be

76 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 eternally grateful for what the good lord provides us.” And with that she said, “Now I will leave you to reflect on what we have just spoken about.” I sat there for some time and left without eating my breakfast. I went outside to Ms Somerville and said quite politely, “Excuse Ms Somerville, I have reflected on what we talked about, but as my father would say, you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make the horse drink.” Although she looked at me with a serious face and shook her head Photo: Cyndia Henty-Roberts spoke of her memories of Margaret. Her parents at me, she broke out in laughter. I were two of the 96 children who made the journey from Croker Island to Sydney. joined in with her and so did the Cyndia noted that “if Sister Somerville had not made that life-saving decision other children in our presence. of refusing to leave Croker Island without the children, she would not have been born nor had the opportunity to meet Margaret and thank her”. Thirty years ago, I made a promise to Sister Somerville that I would one Support Worker on 10 October 2008. with Noreen, Dianne Carroll and her day work for Somerville Community Both Noreen Record (nee Devery) sister Helen. Services before I retired. and I work for Somerville and we Thank you for the wonderful The purpose for this promise was are proud to be associated with the memories Sister Somerville, and may to give back to society what she organisation because of our history you rest in peace. had given my family and the Croker with Sister Somerville. Cyndia Henty-Roberts Islander children she had served so To this day I still have fond memories Counsellor/Family Support Worker well for many years. of Sister Somerville and I can still see I commenced work with the myself sitting and playing on the organisation as a Counsellor/Family see-saw outside Somerset Cottage

Photo: Margaret Somerville at Government House, Darwin in 2011 with a number of the “children” who made the remarkable journey from Croker Island to Sydney together with a number of their children and grandchildren. Several people in this photograph attended Margaret’s Memorial Service.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 77 Events SOMERVILLE’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Somerville’s Christmas Carols have been a part of Darwin’s culture for more than 30 years. In 2014 we celebrated this wonderful tradition at Parliament House. Somerville is proud to be associated with and have the support of the Darwin Chorale, Darwin Youth Choir and the Sing Song Signers. The choirs and Santa Claus were the primary draw card. This was an opportunity for Somerville and the Service Users of the Disability Services Program to thank all of those people and organisations that support and encourage us throughout the year. We were able to highlight the talents of our Service Users who were heavily involved in the production of our decorations, welcoming guests and distributing booklets and candles. Somerville wishes to thank Madam Speaker, the Honourable Kezia Purick, for her patronage of the event.

Photo- top: Darwin Sing Song Signers have been a regular supporter of Somerville’s Christmas Carols for a number of years.

Photo- centre: Somerville staff and Service Users. Our Service Users were involved in the production of decorations, welcoming guests and distributing booklets and candles.

Photo- bottom: Father Christmas was an obvious big hit with the children. (Darwin Chorale Choir in the background)

78 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Events MARGARET SOMERVILLE’S “RETURNING”

In 2015 a ceremony for Margaret Somerville “Returning” was held at Somerville’s Wagaman Office. Margaret’s ashes are now placed in a special location at Somerville Community Services together with keepsakes of Margaret, her portrait painting and photographs. Executive Assistant Elaine Castles read a poem while Vice-President Daphne Read recited a prayer. Daphne and Elaine’s prayer and poem reading were both moving and heartfelt and assured us Margaret will always be with us. The Somerville singers added to the ceremony providing the opportunity to reflect upon the “Courage to be...” Margaret’s legacy lives on in the day to day work at Somerville and importantly in the respectful manner in which we apply ourselves to our work and remain committed to our Mission. Thank you Margaret for the gift of Somerville.

Photo- top: Elaine’s poem reading and Daphne’s prayer were both moving and heartfelt.

Photo- centre L-R: Guests at Margaret’s “Returning” included her brother Stuart and his daughter Lynette with Somerville Patrons Austin and Valerie Asche.

Photo- bottom: Margaret’s ashes are now resting in a beautiful cabinet surrounded by special memorabilia as well as her portrait painting and photographs.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 79 Events SOMERVILLE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARLIAMENT HOUSE

In May 2015, His Honour the Honourable John Hardy OAM, Administrator of the Northern Territory and his wife, Mrs Marie Hardy, hosted a special celebration at Government House to celebrate Somerville’s 50th birthday.

The event was attended by 150 Photo: Jenny Dunne presented with the Inaugural Margaret Somerville Award guests including Board members, by the Administrator of the Northern Territory, His Honour the Honourable John staff and friends of Somerville. Hardy OAM. His Honour congratulated Somerville for its good work in the community • Liza Metcalfe, HR, IT and In memory of our namesake, the and retold some inspiring stories of Administrative Services Manager: inaugural Margaret Somerville Award former clients assisted by Somerville 30 years service was presented to Jenny Dunne, Administration Officer – Reception. staff. The reception was also an • Josie Bacus, Manager Accounting Jenny has worked at Somerville for opportunity to recognise the five and Financial Management: the past five years and works at the longest serving Somerville staff: 28 years service front line of our organisation. Jenny • Carolyn Cendo, Administration • Jill May, Coordinator Disability is the first point of contact for the Coordinator: 30 years service Services: 26 years service many clients we assist and was a very worthy recipient. (See story • Adelaide Dos Santos, Purchasing These staff were presented with a p70-p71). Officer: 29 years service Certificate of Service by His Honour.

Somerville’s 50th birthday celebration was also an opportunity to recognise five longest serving Somerville staff. Photo L-R: Liza Metcalfe, Carolyn Cendo, Adelaide Dos Santos, Jill May, Josie Bacus.

80 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Events SOMERVILLE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK LAUNCH

To celebrate Somerville’s 50th Birthday and to launch our book Crossing the Divide the Hon John Elferink MLA hosted a function at Parliament House for over 200 guests and dignitaries. Crossing the Divide is the story of Somerville Community Services. A Photo: Acclaimed Territory historians and authors Peter and Sheila Forrest with story of compassion and commitment Sanderson MLA, The Hon Peter Styles and Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran. through 50 years of community service in the Northern Territory. who need a hand, to help make the The story of Somerville Community The book recounts the story of Territory a better place. Services is a book for everyone who cares about their community. It is a Margaret Somerville who in 1942, as Somerville helps people “cross generous book of 144 pages that one enemy forces approached northern the divide”, the divide between will be proud to own. Australia, led 95 children to safety disadvantage and advantage. from Croker Island to Sydney. In 1965, To purchase a copy of Crossing the Written by acclaimed Territory Margaret’s example inspired the Divide, please call 08 8920 4100 or authors Peter and Sheila Forrest, the establishment of Somerville Homes, visit our website at book is a comprehensive account of now Somerville Community Services. www.somerville.org.au. Somerville’s work to provide hope Somerville exists to enhance the lives and support for people who need it, of all Territorians - to help people so that everyone can lead better lives.

Photo: Somerville Community Services staff were well represented amongst the 200 hundred guests and dignitaries present at the launch of Crossing the Divide.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 81 Corporate support

Somerville acknowledges the support of many individuals, families, organisations and businesses who continually sponsor and make donations to Somerville. These include: (1) Santos (2) PTTEP Australasia (3) Suncorp (4) Darwin Cycling Club (Grand Fondo) (5) Community Business Bureau, and the hundreds of supporters listed in the following pages. 1

2 3

4 5

82 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Our supporters

40 Winks Darwin Airport Gateway Motel KH Barne A Kuhn Darwin Airport Resort KOGO – Knit one, Give one A&K (NT) Pty Ltd Darwin Chorale Kyam Electrical Airpower Darwin Cycling Club L Sushames Amart Darwin Electrical Pty. Ltd. L Valentine Arafura Catering Darwin Honda Le Cornu Aussie Signs Darwin International Airport Leanyer Primary School Australian Catholic University Ltd Darwin Memorial Opportunity Centre Lions Club of Darwin Australian Customs & Border Protection Darwin Youth & Children’s Choir Lions Club of Katherine Service Social Club (DARCUS) DC Rootes Lions Club of Litchfield Australian Retail Credit Association DCSC Golf Day Loot B & A Patterson Department of Housing – staff Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim BCA Solutions Dimet Tools Majestic Orchids Bendigo Bank Dr Chris Mansfield Marsh Pty Ltd Best Western Darwin Gateway Dr Hsiong Merit Partners Bhagwan Marine Dr Richard Zweck Merran Short Birch Carroll & Coyle Drs Susan & Steve Baddeley Milennium Offshore Services Bob Jane T-Marts Easy Glass Service Miss Gwen Davies Bridge Toyota Essington School Miss Margaret Somerville Brumby’s Nightcliff Fannie Bay Investments Pty Ltd Mitchell Centre (Mr P Randazzo) C Glenn Finlays Stonemasonry Mr & Mrs Austin & Valarie Asche C Roden Fitness Works Nightcliff Mr & Mrs B & S Stephens Calvi Boutique Friends Hair & Beauty Salon Mr & Mrs B Seeleither CAM Interiors Friglec Enterprises Mr & Mrs Bruce March Carers NT Fuji Xerox Mr & Mrs D & R Pym Carpet Choice Gardens Park Golf Links Mr & Mrs J&E Morse Casuarina All Sports Club Girl Guides Australia Mr & Mrs Jenny Webster CBB Salary Packaging H Paul Mr & Mrs Matt & Melissa Cobat Central Savings and Loans Happy Herb Shop Mr & Mrs P & N Fuchs Charles Taylor Bequest Harvey Distributors Mr & Mrs P&H Jackson Chief Justice Brian Martin Healthy Habits Mr & Mrs Patterson Chief Ministers Office Hogs Breath Mr & Mrs Ron & Robyne Burridge Choices Darwin Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin Mr & Mrs Tony & Dot Eckert City of Darwin Home Hardware Mr A Salzgeber CMAX Hon Robyn Lambley Mr Alan Mitchell Colemans Printing Hon. Austin & Dr Valerie Asche Mr Bob Eadie Colliers International Hon. Sally Thomas Mr Chris Tudor Commonwealth Government Humpty Doo Pharmacy Mr David Johnston Community Benefit Fund Inge Beller Real Estate Mr David Neill Community Business Bureau Irwin Consultants Mr David Tollner MLA Country Classics Parap J & I Electrical Mr Dean Herriman Country Women’s Association J & K Ganley Mr Geoff Rowston Crocodylus Park Jape Homemaker Village Mr Gerry Wood (MLA) Curtains on Cavenagh JGA Concreting Mr Graeme Lewis D Shugg K Byrne Mr Ian Noble D&M Enterprises Katherine Town Council Mr Joe Randazzo

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 83 Our supporters (cont)

Mr John Miley Ms Mary Dreaper Rotary Club of Darwin Mr Kenneth Barnes Ms Mary Johnson RSL Katherine Mr Michael Gunner Ms Maryse Laliverjon Santos Mr Neil Barry Ms Meredith Robson Savvas Footwear Mr P Visentin Ms Nancy Fuchs Senator Nova Peris Mr Peter Allen Ms Natalie Blair Shamrock Chemicals Mr Peter Barr Ms Natasha Griggs MP Shenanigans Mr Peter Chandler MLA Ms Nicole Manison MLA Shoal Bay Waste Disposal Site Mr Peter Derrington Ms Robyn Lambley MLA Sitzler Pty Ltd Mr Peter Linton Ms Roma Hill Sky City Mr Richard Campbell Ms Rose Rhodes Spotlight Mr Rob Rogers Ms Rosemary Lade Sprout Creative Mr Robert Henness Ms Roslyn M Wills Staff & Students of Bakewell School Mr Terry Mills Ms Sally Thomas Staples Mr Tom Stodulka Ms Sharyn Winters Steadfast Foundation Mr Tony Milhinhos Ms Vanessa deKoninck Stomp Shoes Mr Tony Rauseo Ms Veronica Statham Stuart Park Pharmacy Mrs Bonnie Solly Murray Oakley Suncorp Mrs Daphne Read National Australia Bank (NAB) Swire Shipping Mrs Heather Slaven Nightcliff Community Enterprises Ltd Territory Springwater Mrs Justine Glover Nitmiluk Tours The Book Shop Mrs Karen Niewand North West Constructions The Cricket & Football Club Mrs Kellie Robertson NT Airports The Good Luck Shop Mrs Rosalind Willes NT Automotive Group The GPT Group Ms Carmen King NT Government The House of Pearls Ms Carolyn Richards NTCOSS Toga Group of Companies Ms Cecil Nielson Oasis Betta Electrical Total Hydraulic Connections Ms Deb McMillan Oasis Irrigation Trevor Tschirpig Conveyancing Ms Diana Mckenzie Officeworks Triton Rolling Fund Ms Dianne Davies One Real Estate Trojan Fencing Ms Doris Lawrence OPS Business Centre (Ricoh) TWS Ms Fay Miller MLA Palmerston City Council UCA Property Trust Ms Faye Cheater Palmerston Shopping Centre Uniting Church Northern Synod Ms Francois Barr Palmerston Sports Club V Longley Ms Georgene McKenzie-Hicks Palmerston Uniting Opportunity Shop Vanity Hair Parap Ms Gwen Davies Parap Fine Foods Wesley Mission Ms Jan Grice Paraphernalia Woolworths Ms Jan Phillips Partners & Staff, Cridlands MB Lawyers Zip Print Ms Jenny Webster Paspaley Pearling Company Ms Josephine Brine Pearl Supported Care Ms Joyce Deering Peoples Choice Credit Union Ms Kay Byrne Phil Kerr Service Centre Ms Kaylene Pomeroy Planet Ten Pin Bowling Ms Lynne Walker MLA PTTEP Australasia Ms Marcia Georges Q Framing Ms Margaret Visentin Reidy’s Lures

84 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Our volunteers

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS This year over 240 volunteers gave their time to assist Somerville in fundraising and in support of our programs. Although the majority of our volunteers were involved in our annual Christmas Gift Wrapping service which is a major fundraising event for Somerville, we had a number of corporate volunteers. These volunteers gave up their time to help with a number of “working bees” at our supported accommodation houses. These “working bees” considerably reduced Somerville’s maintenance costs. Somerville also had volunteers working in other areas of the organisation assisting in Disability Services and giving their time and expertise.

Photo- top: Suncorp further supported Somerville with their national executives attending a working bee at one of our properties. Their support was greatly appreciated by the staff and Service Users that resided in the home.

Photo- bottom: National Australia Bank staff attended a number of “working bees” during 2014/15. As above, their support was greatly appreciated by the staff and Service Users that reside in the homes.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 85 Our staff

TO OUR DEDICATED HADDOCK, Kevin PANDEY, Yashodha EMPLOYEES – WE SALUTE HETHERINGTON, Lilian POKHAREL BASKOTA, Anita YOU HODGSON, Soo Lin REYES, ROCELYN The loyal, dependable staff are HUSSIN, Sean TAOPO, Nerlyn the backbone of Somerville and in KNIGHT, Ni-Made-Suriasa (Kadek) TEBAG, Melissa Morales LEWIS, Sylvia particular those who serve for an 3 years and over extended period provide stability, LORENZ, Peter corporate knowledge, and an MCMILLAN, James Stuart ADHIKARI, Anju understanding of the values that NICHOLLS, John AREVALO, Edelwisa drive us to provide excellence in ODQUIN, Estelita BACLAY, Dean service. RANKOT, Viraj Sumedha BALINO, Aries RECORD, Noreen BASKOTA, Divya 25 years and over SMITH, Tetty Christina BASY, Diana Merlyn STUBBS, Lee-Anne May BATAJU, Hanuman Das BACUS, Josefina TEECE, Evelyn BUEN, Angela Frances CENDO, Carolyn VICENTE, Rommel CABANELA, Evangeline DOS SANTOS, Adelaide CALUZA, Liezl MAY, Jillian 5 years and over CAMPBELL, Benjamin Roger METCALFE, Liza ADHIKARI, Dharma Raj CUBILLO, Kalyca Jean 20 years and over BACUS, Jannie DAHAL, Toolsee Devi (Rema) BAMPTON, Deborah ELISABETH, Ni Luh Rosita DICKENS, Beverley Janice BANJADE, Niran ESCOBIA, Rochelle MURRAY, Patrick Oliver BANJADE, Shyam Sundar FARRUGIA, Kathleen Margaret O’HALLORAN, Vicki Susan BARROS, Sebastiana Santos FERNAN, Angelimelle 15 years and over BASKOTA, Hari Kumar FERNAN, Earl Milan BATEMAN, Callum FERRERAS, JAMES LEWELYN BALLESTEROS, Leilani BHATTARAI, AMBIKA FLORES, Gloria CASTLES, Elaine Mary BOATH, Edwin FLORES, Guillermo GRAINGER, Edna DAMIAN, Maricel FORDER, David LEAR, Marlene DE VRIES, Jillian GARCIA, Glenda LORENZ, Marilyn DUNNE, Jennifer GRANT, Courtney MANIKALLIL, Rosa FAREY, Emily GURUNG, Milan POOL, Florence FRANKLIN, Graham GURUNG, Seeta SOLLY, Bonnie GURUNG, MEENU HASLER, Richelle WHITE, Mavis HALL, Gina HAZELDINE, Emilia Balingway YUEN, Vince HERRERA, Ma Jasmin F HODGETTS, Leigh-Anne JIN, Jiang (Jessica) 10 years and over JONG, Virginia KEMPSTER, Daryl K C, Santosh ANASTACIO, Danilo LAMA, Mingmar KANDEL, Madhukar AREVALO, Hilario LEE, Skye KHADKA, Ram Hari BANGUN, Suasana LUAN, Hai Yan KODIMALLA RAMAKRISH, Bheemeshwar BENNETT, Corazon MATHEW VARUGHESE, Shiju Rao BRENNAN, Geraldine Ann MEHLOMAKULU, Cliff KOSSACK, Cameran James BROOK, Elizabeth Louise MIRANDA, Maria Delia MACAM, Paul DYER, Leticia NEAGLE, John MAMMOOTTIL THOMAS, Monsi GOODWIN, Elizabeth OJHA, Hari Raj MARCUS, Stephen

86 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 MCBRIDE, Joannah DIPIO, Mary PABBA, Swapna METCALFE, Dean DOUGLAS, Lisa PAPEL, Gina MOON, Ditma Rochelle FLORES, Mayciel PARSON, Beryl MU, Lin FREEMAN, Melinda POLLARD, Deborah Anne NEUPANE, Kanchan GILLAMAC, Marlon POUDEL KHANAL, Ashmita ONIFADE, Modesinuola GOPINADHAN, Dipu POUDEL, Binod PATINDOL, CHARLES PRINCE GURUNG, Samjhana POUDEL, Rakshya POKHAREL DHUNGANA, Deepa HARVEY, Troy Anthony Graham PRAJAPATI, Rabina ROGERSON, Ruth HOSSAIN, Md Bellal PUN, Sita SMELLIN, Sheree HSIEH, Min -Jing RAI, Jivan Kumari TAPERA, Caroline HUSSAIN, Mujahid Sam RAI, Manoj TENECIO, HAZEL JACOB, Alexis, Bony RANI, Bandna THANDI, Karamjit Kaur JACOB, Biju RAPOLU, Sumalatha TRAPP, Carly Louise JOHNSON, Giralyn RAWAL, Harendra VADHEL, Nishithkumar Ranchhodbhai JOO, Youngsil ROJAH, Bibi Shahin WHELAN, Lyn Marie JOSEPH, Jobins ROLLETSCHKE, Patrick Matthias WHIPPS, Kai K.C. Thapa, Babita ROSAL, Dayanara KABA, Fatumata Kemeh SAMEER, Mohammed Abdul Up to 3 years KANDEL, Krishna Prasad SANBEER, Sadi ABELLANOZA, Inez KARKI BISTA, Binita SAPO, Primrose ABREA, Lois Kristin KARUNACHCHARIGE, Lasith Chinthana SCHARF, Janelle ACHARYA, Hari Kanta KATTEL, Amol SHARMA, Priyanka ACHARYA, Harihar KAUR, Manbir SHEASBY, David ADHIKARI, Manju KIM, Soyoon SHEN, Xuan ADHIKARI, Shalikgram KOIRALA, Bandana SHRESTHA, Nisha ANGLESEY, Jessica KOOLE, Elsha SHRESTHA, Nitu AUXILIO, Aireen KURNIAWAN, Deny SIBANDA, Sibangilizwe BAKER, Phillip William LARGE, Victoria SMITH, Diana Margaret BANJADE, Durga Dhakal LAUREANO, Lhenon SOARES, Anya Borges BANJADE, Niranjan LESTARI, Fransisca Putri STUBBS, Bianca BARAL, Kristina LOREJAS, Rea Kristine TAMANG, Kinjo Wangmo BASNET, Barsha MAHARJAN, Yogesh THOMAS, Sinu Behana BHANDARI, Rakshya MAPENDERE, Tirivangani TIWARI, Kamal Raj BHATTARAI DULAL, Yachana MASKI, Susma TOMLINSON, Pranee Karen BLACK, Dushko MEESON, Lene VADAKEL, Deepu George BORZI, Vicki Maree MILLADO, John VADHEL, Hetalben BOSWELL, Kerry-Lee MOALA, Elisiva VALIYAVEETTIL SEBASTIAN, Dijo BREWSTER, Patricia MORALA, Aisa VOHRA, Boskey Siraj CHALLAVAYALIL MATHEW, Santhosh MOYLAN, Amanda WALDRON, Suzanne CHATTERTON, Aleasha Farrah MU, Com WOSTI, Rajendra CHO, Eunhyoung Jude MULBAH, Alice DANGOL CHAUDHARY, Palina NAVARRO, Rosario DARIAN, Jasvir NINGSIH, Margiatisetiyo DAVIS-LONG, Josephine OBI-UTI, Daniel DE VERA, Efren O’CONNOR, Allison DELA CRUZ, Kimberly OSTI, Babita

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 87 Accounting and Financial Management

The Accounting and Financial Management team is responsible for the Financial Management of Somerville Community Services. The team of six manage and provide accounting services for Somerville’s three Service arms, being Disability Services, Family Services and Financial Services and also Administrative Services which provides the operational support for these programs. Each of the three • submitted all financial acquittals KEY CHALLENGE service arms receive a variety of both to funding bodies on time Government and non – Government Preparing for the rollout funding with the team responsible • self-assessed compliance with of the National Disability current governance requirements for the acquittal and management of Insurance Scheme (NDIS) these grants. using the ATTACHÉ Business Scorecard In preparation for the implementation The team are focused on providing • focused on professional of the NDIS, Service Users in an efficient professional service development to ensure the Somerville’s supported accommodation to both internal and external ongoing upskilling of all the team. program will be individually assessed to identify the level of support each of them requires as per the NDIS guidelines.

KEY ACHIEVEMENT Somerville will then register with the National Disability Insurance Agency • Realising a Positive Net Operating Result (NDIA) as a service provider. Funding for our Disability Services Program KEY CHALLENGE will then move from block funding, • Preparing for the roll-out of National which we have historically received in Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) advance, to individual funding which will be received in arrears for the individual services we provide to our Service Users.

KEY ACHIEVEMENT This will mean invoicing the NDIA stakeholders and during the year on a monthly basis and will result undertook the following activities: Realising a Positive Net in increased manpower hours to • the annual external audit of all Operating Result manage these accounts. This will grants and accounts impact on current staffing levels This year after 3 consecutive years in our Accounting and Financial • reviewed the process involved in of operating at a loss, Somerville Management team. responding to internal enquiries achieved a Net Operating Surplus efficiently and effectively of $708,570. We were also able to We are using the learnings from the • reviewed all policies and procedures achieve a surplus in Administrative trial site in the Barkly Region to assist to ensure all processes were Services through a reduction in us in this transition. compliant with current legislation expenditure. • upgraded the Attaché Accounting (See 2014-15 Financial summary- p22 package to the latest version for details).

88 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Somerville Community Services Inc.

(ABN: 62 302 702 903)

Special Purpose Financial Report For the financial year ended 30 June 2015

INDEX

• Directors’ Report and Declaration...... 90 • Auditors’ Report...... 91 • Statement of Financial Position...... 93 • Statement of Comprehensive Income (all services)...... 94 • Statement of Cash Flows...... 96 • Statement of Changes in Equity...... 96 • Notes to, and forming part of the Financial Statements...... 97

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 89 90 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 91 92 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 93 94 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 95 96 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015

1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Board of Directors has prepared the financial statements on the basis that the Organisation is not a reporting entity because there are unlikely to exist users who are unable to command the preparation of reports tailored so as to satisfy all of their information needs. This financial report is therefore a special purpose financial report that has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Northern Territory Associations Act and Regulations, the Organisation's Constitution and the Australian Charities and Not For Profit Commission Act and Regulations. The financial report has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements specified by the Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations applicable to non-reporting entities, being: • AASB 101 : Presentation of Financial Statements; • AASB 107 : Statement of Cash Flows; • AASB 108 : Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors; • AASB 1031 : Materiality; • AASB 1048 : Interpretation of Standards; and • AASB 1054 : Australian Additional Disclosures 1.1 Basis of Preparation The financial report has been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting and under the historical cost convention including the going concern assumption except for certain assets, which, as noted, have been written down to fair value as a result of impairment. Unless otherwise stated, the accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the prior year.

1.2 Significant policies are disclosed below: a) Principal Activities Somerville Community Services Incorporated is a community service and social welfare organisation whose main activities include the provision of free family support, free financial welfare counselling and community based supported accommodation for people with severe to profound disabilities.

b) Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) Somerville Community Services Incorporated is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for- profits Commission from 3 December 2012.

c) Charity Tax Concession Status The Organisation, a public benevolent institution, is endorsed to access the following charity tax concessions: • Income Tax exemption from 1 July 2007 under Subdivision 50-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act of 1997. • GST concessions from 1 July 2007 under Division 176 of A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. • FBT Exemption from 1July 2007 under section 123C of the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986. d) Deductible Gift Recipient status As an income tax exempt charity the Organisation is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient from 1 July 2007. It is covered by item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 .

e) Australian Business Number The Organisation is registered in the Australian Business Register with ABN: 62 302 702 903. f) National Standard Chart of Accounts

From 2013 the Organisation has implemented the National Standard Chart of Accounts (NSCOA) as recommended by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). 1.3 Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable after taking into account any discounts or rebates allowed. All revenue is stated net of the amounts of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Sale of Goods and Disposal of Assets

Revenue from the sale of goods and disposal of other assets is recognised when the Organisation has passed control of the goods or other assets to the buyer.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU SCS Financial Report 2015 97 FR 9 98 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 99 100 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Glossary

1800 007 007 Helpline Service: BasicsCard: Customer Liaison Officer (CLO): See Financial Counselling Helpline. The BasicsCard is a reusable, The NT Responsible Gambling Code Personal Identification Number of Practice requires that gambling Assets Infrastructure and (PIN) protected card. It can be used venues appoint a person to perform Maintenance (AIM): to buy food, clothes, health and the role of Customer Liaison Officer The Assets Infrastructure and hygiene products from approved (CLO). A CLO performs three (3) Maintenance (AIM) team is stores and businesses. (See Income important functions- responsible for the maintenance, Management). • Provide the appropriate safety and ongoing upgrades and information to assist customers Centre Pay: renovations of all Somerville owned with gambling related problems and managed assets. A free service for customers to pay • Support staff in providing bills as regular deductions from their assistance to those customers Australian Childhood Foundation Centrelink payments. • Provide responsible gambling Safeguarding Children exclusion procedures Accreditation: Child and Family Contact Centre Service (CFCCS): Disability Services: Nationally relevant, Safeguarding Children accreditation clearly CFCCS is a joint program run by the The arm of Somerville that provides communicates to children, young Department of Children and Families community based supported accommodation for people with people and their families that the (DCF) and Somerville Community developmental disabilities or organisation values the safety of services. The program aims to support acquired brain injuries with high children and young people. children and young people in the care of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) support needs in Darwin, Howard It also demonstrates to of the DCF by improving attachment Springs and Katherine. governments, funding bodies and and relationships with their parent(s). other stakeholders an ongoing Disability Advisory Council (DAC): organisational commitment to best Community Benefit Fund (CBF): This NT based Council provides practice and quality improvement in The Northern Territory Community advice to Government on the policy, relation to the protection of children Benefit Fund provides funding planning and delivery of disability and young people. support for gambling-related services in the Northern Territory. research and amelioration programs Australian Service Excellence Emergency Relief Funds (ERF): concerned with problem gambling, as Standards (ASES): well as grants that provide assistance ERF helps to support families and The Australian Service Excellence for general community development individuals in crisis. ERF assistance Standards are quality standards and improvement purposes. The fund includes - for the community services sector. receives money from levies imposed • purchase vouchers of a fixed value ASES supports community service on the operation of electronic gaming (for example – food) organisations to effectively manage machines operated by licensed hotels • part-payment of an outstanding resources, gain better understanding and casinos throughout the Territory. account (for example - rent, accommodation, utility account/s) of customer needs and improve Convention on the Rights of accountability and reporting. People with Disability (CRPWD): Family Services: Achievement of the standards can be The CRPWD is an international human Family Services provides a range at the Certificate level (the first level) rights treaty of the United Nations of community service programs or the Award level. Accreditation is intended to protect the rights and including confidential, professional for a period of three years. dignity of persons with disabilities. counselling and support service for Baby FAST: Parties to the Convention are required families, couples, individual adults, to promote, protect, and ensure the full children, adolescents and groups of Baby FAST is the early intervention enjoyment of human rights by persons individuals in Darwin, Palmerston, program for young mothers and with disabilities and ensure that they Katherine and surrounding rural fathers for children 0-3 year old. enjoy full equality under the law. areas.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 101 Glossary (cont)

Family Safety Framework: Income Management: National Minimum Data Set (NMDS): Its purpose is to provide an action- Commonwealth legislation that sets The NMDS is a national collection based integrated service response to aside part of Centrelink payments so that has: individuals and families experiencing that money provided for the welfare • a set of nationally significant data family or domestic violence who of individuals is spent on priority items or pieces of information are at HIGH risk of serious injury or needs and expenses. (Currently that are collected in all Australian death. operating across the whole NT). jurisdictions. • an agreed method of collection The Family Safety Framework ‘‘MyTime”: and transmission. is part of the Northern Territory The purpose of the NMDS collection Government’s ongoing commitment A program run by Somerville Family Services which provides is to facilitate the annual collation of to tackling Family and Domestic nationally comparable data about Violence and assisting families to an opportunity to connect with a group of people in a relaxed, friendly disability support services provided receive immediate and holistic under the National Disability support for both high risk victims environment while addressing important topics from gambling to Agreement. and perpetrators of violence. domestic violence. Northern Territory Council of Financial Capability program: No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS): Social Services (NTCOSS): Commonwealth funded program NILS offer small no interest loans A peak body for the Social and aimed at improving financial and for people on low incomes for the Community Sector and an advocate social function through increasing purchase of essential household for social justice on behalf of people financial literacy and money goods. NILS is a registered trademark and communities in the NT who management capacity. of Good Shepherd Microfinance. may be affected by poverty and Financial Capability workers: disadvantage. National Disability Insurance Trained financial literacy staff who Agency (NDIA): Person Centred Active Support deliver the ‘Financial Capability (PCAS): The NDIA is an independent program’. statutory agency whose role is to PCAS is a way of helping people Financial Counselling Helpline: implement the National Disability with learning disabilities engage in Insurance Scheme (NDIS. meaningful activity and relationships A national number providing free as active participants. Instead of financial counselling assistance. National Disability Insurance doing things for people or too Scheme (NDIS): people, it involves working with Financial Services: The NDIS is a national insurance people to enable them to take part in Financial Services is the financial scheme for people with a disability. all the activities of everyday life, no welfare arm of Somerville The scheme is aimed at providing matter how profound the disability. Community Services. We assist targeted support and better Person Centred Planning (PCP): anyone who is experiencing a coordination and access to services financial crisis or problem in their life. for people with disabilities. PCP is a set of approaches designed to assist someone to plan their life. It Financial Literacy Programs: National Disability Services (NDS): is often used as a life planning model Known as “Cashed-Up”, this program NDS is the national industry to enable individuals with disabilities is targeted at high school students association for disability services requiring support to increase their with the aim of teaching them representing in excess of 600 not-for- personal self-determination and financial skills. The program was profit organisations. NDS promotes improve their own independence. developed by Somerville’s Financial the development of quality services Person Centred Practices: Counsellors in consultation with and life opportunities for Australians teachers, parents and senior level with disabilities. See Person Centred Planning, Person students. Centred Thinking, Person Centred Active Support.

102 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Person-Centred Thinking (PCT): Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP): PCT is a method used in the AGM - Annual General Meeting development of a person-centred Commonwealth program assisting plan. To achieve outcomes of the homeless people and women and AO - Order of Australia PCP, those who are around the children escaping domestic violence. AM - Member of the Order of person, especially those who do Australia Targeted Family Support the day to day work need to have ASES - Australian Service Excellence person-centred thinking skills. As Targeted Family Support is a joint Standards an example, staff and managers program run by the Department separating what is important to of Children and Families (DCF) and CALD - Culturally And Linguistically them, from what is important for the Somerville Community services. Diverse people they support, and finding a The target group is children, young CBB - Community Business Bureau balance between them. people (unborn to 18 years) and CBF - Community Business Fund their families who find themselves Social Participation and Brokerage in vulnerable situations but are not CRPWD - Convention on the Rights Program: currently subject to statutory child of People with Disability The program provides a flexible protection intervention. CFCCS - Child and Family Contact range of quality support options Centre Service Workplace Gender Equality to enhance the independence, CLO - Customer Liaison Officers community participation and quality Agency (WGEA): DCC DAC - Darwin City Council’s of life for adults with disabilities. The Workplace Gender Equality Disability Advisory Committee The service supports people in a Agency (WGEA) is an Australian wide range of settings including Government statutory agency DCF - Department of Children and in-home and within the community. charged with promoting and Families Somerville’s program is not limited improving gender equality in ERF - Emergency Relief Funds to normal working hours and may Australian workplaces. Their vision include activities in evenings, is for women and men to be equally MBE - Order of the British Empire overnights and weekends. represented, valued and rewarded NDS - National Disability Services in the workplace. The Agency is Social Role Valorization (SRV): NDIA - National Disability Insurance responsible for administering the Agency The basic premise of SRV is that Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. people are much more likely to NDIS - National Disability Insurance experience the “good things in life” if Youth and Family Services Scheme they hold valued social roles than if Katherine: NMDS - National Minimum Data Set they do not. The major goal of SRV is Somerville Family Services Program NTCOSS - Northern Territory Council to create or support socially valued based in Katherine that focuses on of Social Service roles for people in our society. a Youth Homelessness prevention PCAS - Person Centred Active program providing support and Step Forward Program: Support counselling to young people and It is a supported accommodation their families. RTO - Registered Training training program aimed at equipping Organisation people with social, financial and SAAP - Supported Accommodation interpersonal skills to enable them Assistance Program to cope with the challenging and increasing demands of everyday life. SCS - Somerville Community Services WGE - Workplace Gender Equality The program has a particular emphasis on the development of WGEA - Workplace Gender Equality skills for obtaining and sustaining Agency successful future tenancy as well as WHS - Work Health and Safety financial stability.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 103 Index

A Governance, 28-29 N Accounting and Financial Graphs No Interest Loans Scheme,51, 53 Management, 88 Assets and liabilities, 26 O Acknowledgement, ii Disability Services profile, 58 Our clients, 49 Acronym List, 102 Equity, 27 Our Logo, 104 Annual Report Objective, ii Expenditure by services, 24 Our organisation, 3 Assets, Infrastructure and Expense, 24 Our staff, 86-87 Maintenance, 66-69 Income source, 23 Organisational chart, 35 Auditors Report, 91 Net operating result, 22 Australian Service Excellence P Standards, 74 Operating results overview, 22 Patrons, 34 B Operating surplus, 27 Policies and Procedures, 28 Board of Directors, 30-34 Sources of Income, 23 President’s Report, 4-5 Board members meeting attendance, Total income, 25 R 29 Total expenditure, 24-25 Reporting against our Strategic Plan, C Working capital, 27 12-21 CEO report, 6-7 Work Place Profile, 73 Representation on Boards and Committees, 28 Corporate Governance, 28-29 H Risk Management, 28 Contents, ii Highlights of the Year, 1 S Constitution, 3 History, 3 Strategic Plan, 12-21 Contact, ii Human Resources, Information Corporate support, 82 Technology and Administrative Supporters, 82-84 Services, 70-75 D Social media, ii I Somerville History, 3 Directors declaration, 90 Index, 103 Somerville Logo, 104 Disability services, 56-65 K Somerville Services, 3 E Katherine Youth and Family Services, Somerville Staff, 86-87 Events, 76-81 47-48 Special Purpose Financial Report, 89- Expenditure by services, 24 Key Achievements 100 12,15,17,18, 20, 40, 50, 56, 66, 70, 88 F Staff Acknowledgement, ii, 86 Family Services, 40-49 Key Challenges, 8,9 40, 50, 56, 66, 70, 88 V Financial summary, 22-27 L Values, 2 Financial Counselling Helpline, ii Locations - Somerville offices, back Vision, 2 Financial Services, 50-55 cover Volunteers, 85 Five year snapshot, 10-11 Logo, 104 W From the President, 4-5 M Work Health and Safety, 66 From the CEO, 6-7 Management team, 36-39 Workforce development plan, 70-71 G Margaret Somerville, 2, 4, 6, 76, 77, 79 Y Glossary of Terms, 101-102 Mission, 2 Year at a Glance, 1

104 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Our logo

... Our logo was chosen with care, mindful of our mission. It signifies our ability to work outside of the square. The circle is symbolic of wholeness and health and the circles within circles indicate the layers and complexity of the lives we encounter each day. Overarching all is the stylised family embodying the nurturing and embracing nature of Somerville. Blue is pristine, the freshness of the sky and the sea. It is also the favourite colour of Margaret Somerville, our inspiration. During our 50th anniversary year, we have adapted a ‘50’ in our logo to celebrate this milestone.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 105 GENERAL DARWIN OFFICE PALMERSTON PALMERSTON KATHERINE OFFICE Email: [email protected] 147 Lee Point Road 3 Victoria Drive 3 Bonson Terrace 30 First Street Web: www.somerville.org.au WAGAMAN, NT 0810 GRAY, NT 0830 MOULDEN NT 0830 KATHERINE, NT 0850 Ph: (08) 8920 4100 Ph: (08) 8935 1500 Ph: (08) 8935 1500 Ph: (08) 8972 5100 Fax: (08) 8920 4101 Fax: (08) 8935 1501 Fax: (08) 8935 1501 Fax: (08) 8972 5101 FINANCIAL COUNSELLING HELPLINE PO Box 42644 Phone: 1800 007 007 CASUARINA, NT 0811 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 106