SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU i ii ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Awarded the Australasian Reporting Award (Gold)

Awarded the NT Human Rights Fitzgerald Diversity Award Highlights of the year

2015/16 was a successful year for Somerville Community Services with several awards affirming that we are on the right track with our strong strategic focus and investment in our people.

A year at a glance: ‹‹We provided assistance to 1471 homeless Territorians ‹‹We managed 11 supported accommodation houses that provided 24 hour support to 45 people with developmental disabilities ‹‹We provided family and financial support and counselling services to 1935 new and existing clients ‹‹We recorded a total operating revenue of $13,870,000 ‹‹We employed 260 exceptional staff and were supported by 220 generous volunteers We were awarded: ‹‹a Gold Australasian Reporting Award ‹‹the NT Human Rights Fitzgerald Diversity Award In areas of re-accreditation: ‹‹we achieved re-accreditation for the Australian Childhood Foundation’s Safeguarding Children Accreditation ‹‹we actively maintained standards against our Australian Services Excellence Standards accreditation across the organisation Our organisation

About us Our history Somerville Community Services Somerville Homes came into Incorporated is a non-government, existence in 1965. The homes were not-for-profit, youth, family and named in honour of Margaret community welfare organisation. Somerville MBE (1913–2014) who We provide essential services to the helped evacuate 95 children from community, including: Croker Island to Sydney in 1942. Staff She then returned to Croker Island • Disability Services: We deliver with the children after the war and profile supported accommodation continued as a house mother and and outreach for people with caregiver until 1965. The book They disabilities. Crossed a Continent, tells the story of • Family Services: We deliver free Margaret Somerville’s epic journey in counselling and family support more detail. services, community programs In 1980, Somerville Homes changed Noreen Record and supported accommodation. its name to Somerville Community We assist anyone experiencing a Services Incorporated to reflect its Disability Support Worker crisis or problem in their life. expanded offering of community “Somerville’s strength is in its • Financial Services: Our financial services. people, in their commitment. counsellors and financial In 2015, as part of Somerville’s Noreen Record is one of those capability workers work with 50th Anniversary celebrations, committed people, a person individuals, couples and groups the book Crossing the Divide was who has been connected with to assist them to successfully produced: a story of compassion and Somerville for so long and in so navigate financial crisis. commitment through 50 years of many ways that she completes We maintain strong constitutional community service in the Northern the full circle of the organisation’s links with the Uniting Church in Territory. For more information or to history.” Australia as an agency of UnitingCare obtain a copy of these books, visit: – Crossing the Divide, 2015, Australia. somerville.org.au/publications. Forrest, P & S, Shady Tree These links are strengthened Today, Somerville remains a major Publications, Darwin, pages through Somerville’s independent local provider of community services 118–121 and professional Board of Directors, in the top end of the Northern As a child, Noreen had a very who ensure we have the capacity to Territory. special relationship with respond to people’s needs, whatever Margaret Somerville and is now a their circumstances. Our constitution Disability Support Worker at our We give priority to advocacy and supported accomodation home Somerville Community Services’ improving knowledge of and in Howard Springs. Read more Constitution provides the legal access to, resources that will help about Noreen’s story in Crossing framework for our service activities. disadvantaged Territorians improve the Divide. their circumstances. It aims to promote the interests and improve the status and wellbeing Somerville is financed by public of disadvantaged, marginalised or donations, government grants, vulnerable children, young people, business support, church and service families and communities through club grants, sponsorship and its own a variety of services, activities and fundraising activities. projects. Our structure Our Annual General Somerville is an association Meeting (AGM) incorporated under the Northern Territory Association’s Incorporation The AGM will be held on Tuesday 25 Act 1990. October 2016. ABN 62 302 702 903

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Our mission, vision and values

Our mission Our vision Our values

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

Photo: Margaret Somerville with Somerville’s Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance Services’ Manager, Skye Lee, at the launch of Margaret’s book, They Crossed a Continent in 2011.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 3 From the President

it is pleasing to note that the AICD rights of diverse communities in is being increasingly viewed as a the Northern Territory relevant professional body for the • Australian Childhood Foundation not-for-profit sector. I successfully Safeguarding Children Re- completed the AICD Company Directors Course during 2015/16 and Accreditation highly recommend it to all leaders. • compliance with the Workplace This year’s annual report highlights Gender Equality Agency, and our robust progress with our Strategic • a first time Gold Award in the 2016 Plan, which has been designed to Australasian Reporting Awards. help us achieve our vision and deliver upon our mission. Acknowledgements and The realignment of Somerville’s awards business model to ensure that it In September 2015, Somerville is positioned for future funding introduced our new Ambassador The Somerville Team has once models in a more competitive Program to recognise long term again been tireless in their funding market has been elevated supporters, donors and volunteers. In to urgent status as we move toward work, displaying a remarkable November, 2015 I had the honour of the introduction of the National commitment to serving our recognising Robyne and Ron Burridge Disability Insurance Scheme to our community, which continued as our inaugural Ambassadors. to struggle with, and overcome, supported accommodation services in Darwin from January 1, 2017 and Both Robyne and Ron have made hurdles in the areas of significant contributions to the homelessness, domestic violence in Katherine from 1 July, 2017. One of our key challenges associated with work of Somerville and the broader and gambling associated financial this objective is to ensure that people community over a period of many difficulties. with disability within our services years.

“Somerville’s strength as a cohesive organisation has enabled us to be strategic and progressive in our preparedness for the NDIS.”

During the year Somerville staff The 2015/2016 Annual Report pays are able to ‘age in place.’ We will be tribute to those individuals that working with the National Disability proudly accepted a number of collectively make up the Somerville Insurance Agency in the foreseeable Awards including: Team and effectively translate future to highlight this commitment • the NT Disability Services Somerville’s vision, mission and and ensure all people in our service Outstanding Disability Service values into everyday practice. receive high care support, regardless Employee Award – Mavis White of their age and abilities. Governance • the 2015 Australian Institute of We welcome new Board member, All governance policies were Management Excellence Awards reviewed, and a new Somerville Amin Islam, who comes to us with a – NT Winner of the Not for Profit wealth of business and accounting Ambassador Procedure was developed and endorsed by the Manager of the Year Category – experience, and will join the group Liza Metcalfe, and of like-minded, knowledgeable and Board. skilled people who make up the Our commitment to high quality • the 2015 Northern Territory Somerville Board. service delivery has been affirmed Telstra Business Woman of the Year Award – NT Winner of the The Board’s commitment to ongoing through achieving: For Purpose and Social Enterprise professional development through • the Fitzgerald Diversity Award the Australian Institute of Company for taking action in promoting, Category – Deborah Bampton. Directors (AICD) has continued, and protecting and fulfilling the human

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Planning who remains our inspiration in all As we embark on our second 50 that Somerville does and achieves years I am certain that Somerville Somerville’s strength as a cohesive in the community. Margaret’s legacy will continue to go forward with ever organisation has enabled us to be lives on through the annual Margaret increasing strength, honouring our strategic and progressive in our vision, delivering on our mission and preparedness for the NDIS. Its arrival Somerville Award for Somerville always having “the courage to be…” looms large in thinking and activity employees. across our organisation. We remain Many worthy nominations were committed to the scheme and the received from our team for this potential increased benefits for year’s award. The Board hosted a people with disability. function to meet with staff and, very We are grateful to the NT importantly, announce the Margaret Daphne Read AO Government for funding the final Somerville Award recipient for 2016. President stage of our Palmerston Community The winner was Vicki Borzi who is Centre. This project has been a an outstanding employee in every part of our strategic planning for sense. She is a professional and many years and we look forward caring financial counsellor who is to growing our services with this truly inspirational. assistance. Final thoughts I am also pleased to report that our Targeted Family Support Service I am honoured to once again take and Child and Family Contact Centre on the role of President of the Board programs went from strength to of Somerville Community Services strength. and I especially congratulate and thank our CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM While the Department of Children for her outstanding leadership and and Families (DCF) funded Target positive profile, which contributes to Family Support Service ceased at the success of our organisation. Her the end of June 2016, Somerville dedication allows her to handle an was successful in securing a tender enormous workload with skill and through the DCF to provide an diplomacy. Intensive Family Preservation Service. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I Photo: Somerville President Daphne Honouring the life of wish to sincerely thank our dedicated Read AO with Margaret Somerville Margaret Somerville management team and all staff Award winner Vicki Borzi, Somerville I am truly proud to acknowledge the members for their commitment, CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM and Manager life and work of Margaret Somerville loyalty and professionalism. Allison O’Connor.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 5 From the CEO

meeting the needs of individuals, in remote parts of the Northern families and communities - each Territory. A community development of our service areas have again approach has built a level of capacity successfully achieved this goal. and improved networks. However, Family Services and Financial Services progress has been slow with limited staff have never been in more providers and workforce capacity demand to the extent that from time challenges. to time we have had waiting times of Somerville welcomed the signing over three weeks for an appointment. of the Bilateral Agreement between The issues surrounding the alarming the Commonwealth and the rate of homelessness are complex Northern Territory Government for and often at the heart of the other transition to the NDIS across the support services. We are seeing an Territory from 1 July 2016. Supported increasing number of Territorians accommodation services in the with serious gambling problems Darwin region will commence transition from 1 January, 2017 The past 12 months have been which impacts on their lives and the lives of their families and friends. and in the Katherine region from 1 notable as we have navigated July, 2017. Somerville has already numerous new systems, undertaken Somerville’s ability to offer collective undertaken a considerable amount a further accreditation process, supports, counselling, advocacy and of work in the development of new negotiated complex funding overall assistance as a one-stop-shop structures in readiness for what will agreements and, importantly, has resulted in a more efficient and be a major change to the way we do continued to strengthen the quality streamlined experience for our business. This work will continue as of our interactions with our most clients. we move toward the transition dates. valuable asset: our staff.

“Somerville’s ability to offer collective supports, counselling, advocacy and overall assistance as a one-stop-shop has resulted in a more efficient and streamlined experience for our clients.”

Ensuring that Somerville remains an It is pleasing to note an increase We remain hopeful the financial employer of choice has occupied our in demand for No Interest Loans, investment will deliver services to thinking, planning and actions each particularly in the Katherine region. many people who are missing out day over the last year. We continue to These loans are for household items on the supports they need, and review how we express appreciation and provide a safe, fair and affordable ultimately ensure all Territorians with and recognition of the work our staff option for people on low incomes. a disability have increased choice do. Employee recognition is part of Having new, essential household and control in their lives. However, our culture. We have long recognised items acquired through a service the introduction of the NDIS is the quality of our service delivery is like Somerville helps people to feel recognised as a priority challenge for determined by the level of employee valued, accepted and empowered, all of us at Somerville. satisfaction. and certainly in control of their own Government service finances without the burden of Our services interest payments. agreements and compliance Somerville is committed to During the year we worked tirelessly The National Disability embedding integrity, quality and to be able to continue the same sustainability into everything Insurance Scheme (NDIS) level of quality service delivery with we do as part of our strategy to The Northern Territory NDIS trial less funding. Our Commonwealth provide ongoing, robust services to commenced in the Barkly Region grant funding from the Department Territorians. In line with Goal 1 of our on 1 July 2014. Since then, many of Social Services was significantly Strategic Plan - to strive to deliver lessons have been learned about reduced in December 2015 and it programs of the highest quality, the mechanics of service delivery was necessary to refer Territorians

6 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 presenting for financial counselling financial position, which is First class patrons, the Hon Austin to other organisations when the encouraging considering a significant Asche, ACQC and Dr Valerie Asche waiting list became unmanageable. part of the year was taken up with AM and the Board of Directors This was a ‘first’ for Somerville. renegotiating service agreements. headed by our President, Daphne Read AO, continue to strategically Northern Territory Government Special thanks funding agreements continued lead Somerville with a high level Somerville appreciates the support without any reductions to the ledger, of attention placed on good we receive from our major funder, but without adequate increases to governance. The Northern Synod of the Northern Territory Government. meet the day-to-day increases in the Uniting Church and UnitingCare We also acknowledge the support of expenditure. The constant challenge Australia has again provided the Commonwealth, corporations, of negotiating for the real cost of guidance, leadership and support. local businesses, families and service delivery this year has been all Finally, I would like to particularly individuals who are duly recognised encompassing. acknowledge the tireless efforts of on page 81 of this report. We take my Executive Assistant, Elaine Castles, Compliance schedules and reporting seriously Strategic Plan Goal 4 ‘to whose support in the achievement are more rigorous, complex, develop and extend the reputation of Somerville’s vision, mission and repetitive and unrealistic than ever of Somerville’. To that end we have values is much appreciated. before, and the burden of red tape increased our sponsorship and sits heavily on our shoulders. I am significantly strengthened our social hopeful the Australian Charities & Not media presence with Facebook for Profit Commission (ACNC) Charity and Twitter, and overall online and Passport which adopts a ‘report once live communication channels. We - use often’ reporting framework, will are grateful to our new band of provide the necessary information friends who provide positive and Vicki O’Halloran AM and interface to reduce unnecessary constructive feedback. CEO regulatory obligations and focus The incredible team of 260 upon outcomes as opposed to ‘Somervilleans’ have again worked creating layers of unnecessary tirelessly to ensure our organisation documentation. We look forward is performing with integrity and at to an era of reduced red tape and the highest level across all of our longer term service agreements programs. Somerville appreciates that will underpin our stability as we the professional, cohesive approach transition our Disability Services into to the work undertaken by the NDIS. managers, coordinators and teams Financial performance in each program. Your efforts are Photo: Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM and Somerville Managers Graham Despite the challenges experienced commendable as we work towards Franklin and Allison O’Connor this year, I am pleased to report improving the lives of fellow receiving the Gold Award for the we ended the year in a reasonable Territorians. Somerville 2014/15 Annual Report.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 7 Strategic Plan 2014–2017

Our strategic plan The Somerville Board recognises that strategic planning is an essential element of our business. Somerville undertakes a major review of its strategic directions every three years. The organisation’s progress against the strategic plan is monitored through regular reviews and quarterly reporting. Somerville’s Strategic Plan 2014–17 continues to serve us well as we move into unchartered waters in the form of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and significant changes to government funded programs and services. However, it is very timely that a major review of the current strategic plan be undertaken during the next financial year to ensure that the organisation is well placed as we move forward beyond the 2016/17 financial year. 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 the requirements of our funding bodies, as well as the needs of our organisation. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for meeting the strategic directions within Somerville’s Strategic Plan. Reporting against our strategic plan As a strategically focused organisation, every year we report upon our progress in relation to each of the goals in our Strategic Plan. This year we have aligned our reporting process to directly address progress against all strategies related to individual sub-goals to more accurately reflect progress across the whole of the organisation.

Photo: The 2014–2017 Somerville Community Services Strategic Plan.

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Goal To strive to deliver programs of the highest quality, meeting 1 the needs of individuals, families and communities.

Key achievements: Key • 12 additional Disability Services staff members achieved qualifications in relevant fields „„ Achieved bringing the percentage rate of qualified staff to 80%. „„ Ongoing • Despite staff redundancies due to funding cuts, Financial Services continued to deliver and grow our NILS program in both Katherine and Darwin. „„ Not achieved • An additional 109 clients accessed Family Services counselling and support, representing a 59% increase in demand.

Strategies: Self rated performance against our strategies

Sub-goal Disability Services to offer support to individuals and families to explore accommodation options across the Darwin region. • Continue to deliver high quality „„ We identified a Palmerston property for the establishment of a new supported accommodation to Disability Services’ supported accommodation home (page 44). best meet client needs. „„ We provided regular internal training and information sessions for all staff • Ensure continuous improvement and specific person-centred training for key staff members (pages 38–39). and training of people and „„ 12 additional staff members achieved qualifications in relevant fields, facility development. bringing the percentage rate of qualified staff to 80% (page 39). • Support the development of „„ We supported service users to achieve personal goals and aspirations service users abilities to the through innovative service models (pages 38–45). highest attainable standard. „„ We engaged with the Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance (AIM) Team to provide opportunities for service users to undertake regular, meaningful work around their homes (page 65).

Sub-goal Financial Services to deliver effective financial counselling and information services. • Provide Financial Counselling „„ We continued to deliver our Financial Counselling service through and Money Management the 1800 007 007 Helpline and our Financial Counselling for Problem programs. Gamblers program (page 54). • Enhance programs to address „„ Our Money Management (financial capability) funding ceased in gambling related issues and December 2015 due to the loss of Federal Government funding. We reduce the impact on families. continue to seek other funding sources (pages 56–57). • Innovative programs and „„ We continued our visits to gambling venues to strengthen relationships support on Tax Help and access with venue staff and to provide accessible information to patrons on our to No Interest Loans. services. The team attended ongoing professional development forums to strengthen partnerships with all stakeholders across the gambling environment (pages 54–55). „„ We again delivered the Tax Help Program in 2015 (page 54). „„ Despite staff redundancies due to funding cuts, we continued to deliver and grow our NILS program in both Katherine and Darwin (pages 55–56).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 9 Goal To strive to deliver programs of the highest quality, meeting 1 the needs of individuals, families and communities.

Strategies: Self rated performance against our strategies

Sub-goal To deliver practical family support services. • Offer Supported Accomodation „„ 14 families successfully transitioned through the Medium-Term options to individuals and Supported Accomodation Program (page 47). families across the Darwin „„ An additional 109 clients accessed our counselling and family support Region. services, representing a 59% increase in demand (page 46). • Support the ongoing provision „„ Preparation for stage 3 development of Somerville’s offices at Victoria of a Family Support Counselling Drive, Gray commenced (page 5). Service.

Sub-goal To provide effective youth and family services. • Enhance the Katherine Youth „„ In collaboration with other community organisations, the Katherine and Family Services Program. Youth and Family Service Program assisted in the hosting of events • Work collaboratively in the which were attended by potential clients and families and facilitated community to address the connections to the wider Katherine community and services (pages needs of the youth sector and 51–52). their families. „„ Family Services utilised a strengths-based program to support Katherine youth to re-engage with schools (pages 51–52). „„ Katherine Youth and Family Services assisted 441 clients during 2015/16 (pages 51–52).

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Goal Realign the Somerville business model to ensure that it is positioned for 2 the future funding models in a more competitive funding market.

Key achievements: Key • We secured a funding grant which enabled the expansion of the Boot Camp Program and „„ Achieved broadened our footprint in the community with recreational/lifestyle programs. „„ Ongoing • We worked with the Department of Health (DoH) to undertake thorough assessments to assess reasonable and necessary supports for our service users in readiness for transition „„ Not achieved to the NDIS.

Strategies: Self rated performance against our strategies

Sub-goal To implement a well-designed and properly funded Disability Service that ensures sustainable programs, providing person-centred support through NDIS. • Diversify the financial base „„ We commenced the development of business cases for alternative through leadership and new services under the NDIS (pages 43–44). funding sources. „„ We secured a funding grant which enabled the expansion of the Boot • Full commitment to ageing in Camp Program and broadened our footprint in the community with place. recreational/lifestyle programs (page 39). • Pursue opportunities from the „„ We coordinated regular meetings with DoH. These meetings included NDIS. discussions on Somerville’s strong commitment to support its service • Continue to demonstrate to users to ‘age in place’ (page 43). funding bodies the real costs of „„ We worked with the DoH to undertake thorough assessments to assess services. reasonable and necessary supports for our service users in readiness for • Carry out an organisation-wide transition to the NDIS (page 43). assessment against the NDIS „„ We undertook a review of service costs under current funding and review the sustainability of arrangements and NDIA pricing schedules (pages 44, 59–60). programs. „„ We identified the movement to the NDIS as a high priority and assessed • Commitment to implement a control measures and risks levels associated with the transition across program in keeping with the our organisation (pages 4–5). principles and practices as „„ We reviewed our current systems and processes against requirements of outlined in the United Nations the NDIS (pages 59, 60, 70). Convention on the Rights of „„ We undertook all work required in order to register with the NDIA on the People with Disability and the 1 July, 2016 (pages 39–44, 59, 60). National Disability Strategy. „„ We ensured regular attendance at, and presentations to, key forums on the work Somerville is undertaking (pages 26–27, 36, 41–43). „„ Our policies are underpinned by the principles and practices of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability and the National Disability Strategy, and we ensure that all of our services are delivered within those principles (page 43).

Sub-goal To ensure flexible and responsive program delivery options to respond to individual and community needs. • Continue to monitor current „„ Family Services conducted monthly meetings and attended sector performance and review network meetings and community events to explore fluctuating client community needs through trends and needs (pages 50–52). surveys with existing clients. „„ Our Disability Services Team consulted widely with key stakeholders and • Conduct a range of community networks to determine opportunities under the NDIS (page 43). and stakeholder meetings „„ The Board and Management Team were pro-active in building and to assess future needs and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders, including demands. government ministers and agencies, community based services and private businesses (pages 4–7, 20–21, 32–39).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 11 Goal Realign the Somerville business model to ensure that it is positioned for 2 the future funding models in a more competitive funding market.

Strategies: Self rated performance against our strategies

Sub-goal To identify new programs and opportunities to broaden the range of options. • Review opportunities for „„ Family Services participated in the development of a single and more enterprise and social enterprise. collaborative referral process with the Department of Children and • Identify strategic partnerships Families (page 46). that provide access to new „„ Disability Services continued its partnership arrangement with Total programs or market segments. Recreation to provide an extended recreation and lifestyle program (pages 39–41, 45). „„ Disability Services will open a new supported accommodation house in late September, 2016, with a focus on skill development and increased independence, with a future goal of less intensive supports (page 44). „„ We are currently working with other stakeholders in the establishment of a regional outreach program for people with disability (page 44).

Sub-goal To be at the forefront of sharing skills and knowledge across the sector. • Review opportunity for „„ We have identified policies for the development of training and training other organisations in information resources, with an emphasis on the policies being relevant management, administration under the NDIS and other changes to government programs and and financial procedures. initiatives. Work will continue regarding the feasibility of marketing our • Develop the policies, procedures resources in 2016/17 (page 43). and manuals into marketable resource kits.

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Goal To continue strong financial management to ensure good governance and 3 management of Somerville as a leader in the community services sector.

Key achievements: Key • We were re-assessed against the Safeguarding Children Accreditation in our Family Services „„ Achieved and achieved full accreditation. „„ Ongoing • We recruited a new member to the Board of Directors with a broad range of skills in business „ and accounting. „ Not achieved • We achieved a Gold Award in the 2015 Australasian Reporting Awards. • We maintain robust systems to ensure statutory compliance through our Accounting and Financial Management Team. All reporting was completed within required timeframes and we achieved a successful transition to ATO Superstream.

Strategies: Self rated performance against our strategies

Sub-goal To ensure Somerville has timely and accurate financial reports and governance. • Maintain strong management „„ We reviewed governance policies and procedures and introduced a policies and procedures new procedure: Somerville’s Ambassador Program, as per our Board and providing accountability. Management schedules (pages 4, 26, 81). • Maintain diversity and a „„ We established a Disability Services leadership policy review group to broad range of skills in Board review all policies, procedures and forms to ensure alignment with the representation. NDIS and statutory and quality compliance requirements (page 43). • Reporting that meets good „„ Family Services were re-assessed against the Safeguarding Children governance principles and Accreditation and achieved full accreditation (pages 49–50). statutory obligations. „„ We maintained our efforts under our accreditation against the Australian • Evaluate all potential programs Service Excellence Standards across the organisation (page 66). against the Somerville business „„ We recruited a new member to the Board of Directors with a broad range model. of skills in business and accounting (pages 4, 32). „„ We ensured that requirements associated with government funding agreements were met within contractual timeframes (page 58). „„ The Accounting and Financial Management Team participated in a number of surveys from government and academic institutions (page 58). „„ We prepared to move to General Purpose Financial Reporting in 2016/17 (pages 59–60). „„ Our business model was realigned to ensure that we are positioned for future funding models in a more competitive market (pages 4–5).

Sub-goal To develop clear strategic plans. • Implement strategic directions „„ Our Strategic Plan was regularly reviewed in 2015/16 and has been through the operational plan, reported against in this report. and monitor and report progress. „„ We achieved a Gold Award in the 2016 Australasian Reporting Awards • Ensure the publishing of quality (page 80). annual and program reports.

Sub-goal Maintain systems and reports that continue to ensure statutory compliance. • Ensure operational procedures „„ An external audit of our WHS policies and procedures was undertaken meet statutory and quality and recommendations enacted (pages 62–63). compliance requirements. „„ Policies and practices were regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with statutory and compliance requirements (pages 4, 43, 66–70).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 13 Goal To develop and extend the reputation and influence of Somerville across 4 the community services sector.

Key achievements: Key • We maintained high level representation on a number of local and national „„ Achieved committees and boards through our CEO and our Management Team. „„ Ongoing • We increased our social media presence and achieved good results. „„ Not achieved

Strategies: Self rated performance against our strategies

Sub-goal Continue to develop alliances, partnerships, networks and increase stakeholder awareness of Somerville and its programs. • Strengthen relationships with „„ Participation in relevant meetings, seminars and networking is an stakeholders through meetings, ongoing committment for our Board members, CEO and Management seminars and networking. Team (pages 4-7, 26–27­). • Continue representation on high „„ Corporate sponsorship continued to assist Somerville to deliver high level policy networks. quality services to Territorians (pages 76–77). • Develop a Corporate „„ The development of a Corporate Development Plan has not been Development Strategy to undertaken in this period as sponsorship and assistance remains high encourage greater involvement due to current strategies employed by Board members and the CEO. of corporate organisations and individuals. • Increase corporate sponsorship and expansion of corporate networks.

Sub-goal To develop a communication and social media strategy to improve awareness and access to programs. • To prepare and implement a „„ We engaged Community Business Bureau (CBB) to provide a virtual practical social media strategy to marketing team to assist in the production of the annual report and improve awareness of services. quarterly newsletters (pages 67–69). • Develop a communications „„ We increased our social media presence and achieved good results, strategy. which was supported by positive feedback. (pages 67–69). • Establish new alliances and „„ Our Communication Strategy guides all of our ICT investment and partnerships with corporations associated work (pages 67–69). and businesses to improve „„ We continued to work with CareCareers and advise businesses, recruitment opportunities. Defence and academic institutions on employment opportunities at Somerville. The transient nature of the NT workforce continues to pose huge challenges (page 51).

Sub-goal Influence policy at a Territory and national level. • Continue Territory „„ Our President and CEO hold membership on several high level policy representation on policy forums groups, including national NDIS working groups (pages 20–21). and implementation programs. „„ We maintained high level representation on a number of local and national committee and boards through our CEO and our Management Team (pages 26–27).

Sub-goal Voice of people with disabilities advocacy role. • To advocate for the rights of „„ Disability Services maintained executive management representation on individuals with disabilities boards and forums including National Disability Services (nationally and across all sectors. in the NT), the City of Darwin and Integrated Disability Action (page 36).

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Goal Develop Somerville employees consistent with the organisation’s values 5 and policies.

Key achievements: Key • We were awarded the Human Rights Fitzgerald Award for Diversity for our work in providing „„ Achieved high quality diversity programs through the Somerville Workplace Diversity Group. „„ Ongoing • We enacted our workforce development strategy in regard to succession planning, resulting „„ Not achieved in two promotions within our Family Services.

Strategies: Self rated performance against our strategies

Sub-goal To remain an employer of choice. • To ensure Somerville continues „„ We continuously strive to provide a stimulating and supportive work to be an ‘employer of choice’ environment through staff engagement, a rewards and recognition by providing a supportive program, health and wellness program, performance management and employment environment. continuous learning (pages 67–69). • Provide a work environment „„ Our Social Engagement, Health and Wellbeing, Rewards and that values the diverse skills and Recognition Program has been recognised through staff surveys and backgrounds of our people. feedback as assisting in the attraction and retention of employees • Promote equity and fairness (page 67). throughout the organisation. „„ Regular social events provided high levels of interaction between staff members and the broader community (pages 66–75). „„ 76% of our workforce is from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (page 68). „„ We were awarded the Human Rights Fitzgerald Award for Diversity for our work in providing high quality diversity programs through the Somerville Workplace Diversity Group (page 69). „„ We achieved compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (pages 69–70).

Sub-goal To develop a Workforce Development Plan to ensure continuity of high quality employees. • To monitor recruitment and „„ Somerville has developed a Workforce Development Plan that is retention across the organisation, regularly reviewed (pages 66–67). including succession plans for key „„ We enacted our workforce development strategy in regard to employees. succession planning, resulting in two promotions within our Family • Develop recruitment strategies Services (page 51). through strategic alliances and „„ Our Workforce Development Plan recognises the value of strategic partnerships. alliances and partnerships e.g. CareCareers, Defence and CDU (pages 66–67).

Sub-goal To pursue a professional development strategy for all employees. • Ensure all staff participate in „„ Staff participated in performance management and review across the performance management and year. Refer to service reports (pages 38–70). review. „„ Staff participated in a range of professional development opportunities • Identify professional, appropriate that were relevant to their areas of work. Refer to service reports (pages development opportunities for all 38–70). employees.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 15 Key challenges 2015/16

Key challenges we How we addressed anticipated for 2015/16 those challenges Outcomes Ageing of the people we support All of Somerville’s Disability Services Ongoing: Somerville continues to is bringing about numerous users have been reviewed by the liaise closely with the Department of challenges, particularly for Department of Health to ensure all Health, as people’s needs change. those whose health may be needs are identified and are being compromised. addressed. Referrals have been made where appropriate and resources such as equipment provided.

Offset the cost of increasing We investigated the option of finding Achieved/Ongoing: we have vehicle insurance premiums. an alternate insurance provider sourced a new vehicle insurance offering reduced premiums. We are provider which resulted in a developing a Driver Training Program reduction in premiums. We will which will be undertaken by all staff monitor the outcome of our Driver who drive Somerville vehicles. Education Program.

Assisting homeless and We promoted awareness of Ongoing: whilst there is still a disadvantaged families continues homelessness through annual events shortage of affordable housing, to be a major challenge. There is and were involved in discussions with the flattening of the economy has an ongoing need for increased the Government, however there is still resulted in a reduction in the cost medium to long-term public a shortage of affordable housing. of rentals and we have been able to accommodation as well as private assist more clients to secure private rentals for low income earners. rentals.

Delivering financial counselling We submitted a funding application to Achieved: we were successful in in an uncertain funding the NT Government for an additional securing additional funding through environment. financial counsellor to be part of our the NT Government to expand our Financial Counselling for Problem Financial Counselling for Problem Gamblers program. Gamblers program.

To recruit suitable candidates We have a Workforce Development Ongoing: over time we will measure with the right skills, qualifications Plan to assist us in attracting the right the success of our workforce plan by and experience to replace both people, growing the right people and monitoring key measures, such as specialised and key positions. keeping the right people. the age profile of our staff, turnover rates, numbers of applicants for positions, and views of our staff about working for Somerville.

To be able to assist the growing We have implemented a student Ongoing: we will continue to number of students requesting register to monitor the number of monitor and refine. student placements or work requests for student placement, and experience. administer and manage their journey within the organisation.

To secure ongoing funding for As a result of the service user Ongoing: ongoing negotiations a Disability Services Program assessment by the Department of are continuing with both levels of during the transition to the Health the true cost of individual Government. National Disability Insurance service delivery has been realised Scheme. to provide a baseline for ensuring that the transition to the NDIS is fully funded.

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Key challenges 2016/17

Key challenges we anticipate for 2016/17 How we plan to address those challenges Transitioning to the NDIS: Service Somerville has been working closely with the NT Department of Health for users necessary and reasonable over twelve months to ensure all existing service users have been reviewed supports in terms of necessary and reasonable supports. Whilst the review process has not been finalised for all existing service users, we believe we are well positioned for the transition date of 1 January 2017. This process is, and always will be ongoing, to ensure Somerville is able to respond appropriately as people’s needs change. This is particularly relevant to those people who have multiple and complex health needs.

Transitioning to the NDIS: NDIA Somerville believes that the cost of doing business in rural and remote pricing arrangements regions across Australia is at odds with the prices set by the NDIA. Somerville continues to work tirelessly to build a case to ensure an appropriate pricing mechanism is developed that takes into consideration the real cost of doing business in rural and remote regions.

Increased demand for the Child & The ongoing success of the Child and Family Contact Centre Service and Family Contact Service the recent restructuring of DCF resulted in an increase in demand for the program’s services. Increased caseloads experienced by DCF workers has resulted in the implementation of a waiting list for this program. Ongoing negotiations with DCF will continue with regard to expanding the service.

Limited funding and budget Limited funding for upgrades and renovations will continue to be an issue restraints to upgrade/maintain in 2016/17 and careful consideration and planning will be required in order our supported Accommodation to manage our budgets without incurring any impact on direct service Houses delivery.

Changing to meet the needs of Choosing the most appropriate client management application to the NDIS significantly realign our current organisational structures and policies and procedures to remain viable and grow the organisation under NDIS.

Source funding to continue to Continue to explore other funding opportunities. Continue our discussions provide our financial literacy with the NT Department of Correctional Services to fund a position to programs deliver financial literacy to working prisoners.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 17 Five year snapshot

We continue to tailor our services interstate and the lag time in Managing our budgets continued to to meet the ever changing needs recruiting suitably qualified staff. be a priority and we have realised a of those in crisis in our community, The total number of contacts in both positive end-of-year financial result. working towards improving their services remained high. This is due As a result of the NDIS we are quality of life. to the continuing complex nature of currently transitioning from block Following a period of high growth, presenting cases, resulting in both funding in advance to payments in based on a buoyant resource-based longer session times and increased arrears which will be a substantial economy, the Northern Territory sessions before a case is finalised. change for us. economy has slowed due to the Our Family Services and Financial We continue to seek support through downturn in mining in both Western Services continue to work closely government funding and ongoing Australia and the Northern Territory. together to provide a wraparound fundraising activities. Whilst this has resulted in a flattening service to our clients. Clients Our volunteers continued to of the housing and rental markets continue to present with multiple contribute to the success of our where home prices and rentals have issues both financial and personal. annual Christmas Gift Wrapping reduced, these prices continue to The number of service users in which is one of our major fundraising be out of reach for many in our our Disability Services Supported events. Our corporate volunteers community.

“The cost of living remains relatively high and even those in employment often struggle to cope financially.”

As a result of the downturn in the Accommodation Program reduced from NAB returned this year to assist economy, the rate of unemployment slightly over the past year from 47 with a number of ‘working bees’ has increased. The business to 45. This was due to a service user at our supported accommodation community has also been affected relocating interstate to be closer houses. with a number of national offices to family. Sadly one of our service This not only assisted greatly in closing their Territory based offices. users who had been supported by reducing our costs in our Assets, The cost of living remains relatively Somerville for over 30 years passed Infrastructure and Maintenance high and even those in employment away in January 2016. division, but also ensured the often struggle to cope financially. Staff training and development ongoing high standard of our Client numbers in both our Family continued to be a priority, facilities. Services and Financial Services particularly in our Disability Somerville continues to support decreased over the past year. In Services where 12 Support those most vulnerable in our Financial Services this was a result Workers successfully completed community and has helped of four staff redundancies due to their Certificate IV in Disability. thousands of Territorians over the the loss of ongoing Commonwealth Ensuring a well skilled workforce, past 50 years. We will continue to Government Funding. In our Family and positioning Somerville well, is tailor our services to meet the ever- Services the reduction was due to the essential as we transition into the changing needs of those in crisis in transient nature of the population National Disability Insurance Scheme our community, working towards in Darwin with staff relocating to ensure the best possible outcomes improving their quality of life. for our clients.

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Five year snapshot

OUR SERVICES 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 FAMILY SERVICES* Counselling: total number of clients 1198 1497 1492 2,098 5,170 Counselling: total number of contacts 6651 6494 6334 8,951 15,641 Short term accommodation to assist 14 18 22 33 27 homeless people/families FINANCIAL SERVICES* Counselling - total number of clients 737 2596 3207 3,508 Counselling - total number of contacts 3316 7268 5858 6,728 DISABILITY SERVICES Supported accommodation: 45 47 49 49 50 (total number of clients) OUR EMPLOYEES Total number of employees 260 264 227 224 215 (full financial year) Number of volunteers who worked for 220 240 220 200 Somerville throughout the year ** Number of staff who obtained formal qualifications with the support of Somerville throughout the year ** Family Services 3 3 2 1 Financial Services 1 4 5 3 Disability Services 12 5 4 27 Number of students who undertook placements in Somerville throughout the year ** Family Services 1 1 2 3 Financial Services 1 2 1 2 Disability Services 4 3 1 3 FINANCE Total net surplus (deficit) $9,000 $708,570 ($251,053) ($168,417) ($153,208)

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

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 19 Key financial summary

HOW WE REPORT 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. OPERATING RESULTS SNAPSHOT Somerville has produced reduced revenue as identified in the table below but managed to end the financial year with a minimal surplus.

2014/2015 RESULTS OVERVIEW 2015/16 2014/15 % change $’000 $’000 Total revenue 13,880 14,061 -1.3% Total expenditure 13,871 13,353 3.9% Operating result before depreciation 138 865 -84.0% Net operating results 9 708 -98.7% Total assets 4,186 4,623 -9.4% Total liabilities 3,150 3,596 -12.4% Net assets 1,036 1,027 0.9%

Of note: • The reduction in revenue reflects the Federal Government’s decision to reduce its operational grants. As a result two programs ceased operation as of 31 December 2015. • Total revenue, however, is inclusive of non-recurrent grants which were higher in 2014/15. Consequently the 2015/16 % change is altered.

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 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 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Administrative Services 65 264 79 28 (47) Disability Services (57) 444 (321) (141) (69) Family Services 1 1 0 (2) (81) Financial Services 0 0 (9) (53) 44 Total 9 709 (251) (168) (153)

Of note: • 2014/15 surplus was expected to offset prior years’ shortfalls and therefore incomparable with the 2015/16 end results. • 2015/16 minimal surplus was achieved with close monitoring of all budgets. The Disability Services deficit is considered low when compared to previous years. 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 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 NT Government 11,610 11,278 10,240 9,794 9,012 Commonwealth Government 660 1,126 1,140 1,100 1,122 Somerville Foundation Inc. 169 118 114 93 67 Service user contributions and fees 963 1,069 1,103 1,081 872 Other grants, donations and sundry 478 471 335 338 378 income Total income 13,880 14,062 12,932 12,406 11,451 Total operating income 13,870 13,991 12,909 12,396 11,386

Of note: • Total income is less by $181,500 (1.3%) from 2014/15. This amount is based on total revenue inclusive of non-recurrent funds. Income without the non-recurrent grants increased by $285,817 (2.2%) from 2014/15. • The NT Government Department of Housing provided a 1.9% increase for all funded programs and the Department of Children and Families provided an average 4% increase. The NT Department of Health increased funding by 1.1% after a new service agreement was approved and accepted by both parties. • The Federal Government reduced its funding by 40% with the remaining program agreements to expire on 30 June 2017. Renewal of the service agreements is uncertain. • 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 3%.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 21 • Income from Somerville Foundation Inc. increased by $51,748 (44%) to support Somerville’s Administrative Services.

NT Government 84% Service users contributions 7% SOURCES OF INCOME Commonwealth Government 5% 2015–2016 Other grants and donations 3% Grants Somerville Foundation Inc. 1%

• From January to June 2016 there were two vacant places in Disability Services resulting in a reduction in fees from service users. Minimal increase in service users’ fees was 0.9%. • Low interest rate impacted on the term deposits thus reducing the year’s interest income by 17%. • Although donations and other income increased during the 2015/16, increase may not occur annually as amounts vary from year to year. • 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. 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 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Employee expenses 11,332 10,694 10,901 10,308 9,231 Other operational expenses 2,539 2,659 2,282 2,266 2,373 Total expenditure 13,871 13,353 13,183 12,574 11,604 Employee expenses as a % of total expenditure 82% 80% 83% 82% 80%

Of note: • Overall, total expenses increased by 3.9% from 2014/15. Other operational costs were less 4.5% due to less special projects compared to the previous year. • Salaries and wages increased by 6.0% from 2014/15. There were two increases handed down during the year - the National Wage Increase in July 2015 and the Equal Remuneration Order instalment in December 2015. There were redundancy payments made for programs that ceased operations in December 2015.

Disability Services 66% Administrative Services 15% EXPENDITURE BY SERVICES Family Services 12% 2015–2016 Financial Services 7%

22 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 • Disability Services employed 80% of total Somerville staff, who together deliver an around-the-clock service. This service represents 66% of total expenditure for Somerville. • Family Services and Financial Services shared the total costs at 12% and 7% respectively. • Administrative Services retained all support staff assigned to administration, finance, information technology, payroll and human resources, with 15% of total expenses. 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 2016). Non-current assets are property, plant and equipment (i.e. furniture and fittings, office equipment and household equipment).

ASSETS 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Cash and cash equivalents 3,902 4,242 3,514 2,896 2,335 Receivables 93 60 86 263 566 Property, plant and equipment 192 322 365 427 491 Total 4,187 4,624 3,965 3,586 3,392

Of note: • Payment of prior year’s creditors and borrowings reduced the cash in 2015/16. • The No Interest Loan Scheme approved 114 loans compared to 75 loans in 2014/15. • From July 2015 only items with an individual amount of $5,000 GST inclusive are to be capitalised. The change ensures that Somerville is in line with service agreements by funding bodies. • In 2015/16 there were no recorded asset items with an individual amount $5000 and over. Reduction in property, plant and equipment was due to asset items being fully depreciated, no longer in use and removed from the Asset Register. Liabilities About this table: Current liabilities include creditors (i.e. trade invoices outstanding as at 30 June 2016, 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 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Creditors and borrowings 644 1,370 1,385 1,039 978 Employee benefits - current 2,087 1,511 1,568 1,209 1,144 Employee benefits - non-current 418 715 693 768 531 Total 3,149 3,596 3,646 3,016 2,653

Of note: • All prior year’s creditors and most of the 2015/16 invoices were paid except for the late invoices that did not meet the payment cut-off time. • The increase in employee non-current benefits was as a result of more staff continuing employment with Somerville, thus increasing long service leave provisions. Salary

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 23 increases throughout the year has influenced the total cost at year end. Staff are encouraged to take their annual leave entitlements as a measure to reduce the liability. • Reduction in the non-current employee benefits was due to long service leave taken by staff.

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 5,000 5 YEAR COMPARISON 4,500 ($’000) 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0

2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 Assets $’000 4,187 4,624 3,965 3,586 3,392 Liabilities $’000 3,150 3,596 3,646 3,016 2,654 Equity $’000 1,037 1,027 319 570 738

Equity About this table: Total equity increased by $9,217 (our surplus) at year-end. The small surplus maintained our equity in a positive state. Of note:

EQUITY 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 Total equity 1,037 1,027 319 570 738

Our equity remains in an increased level not considering the decline in the fixed assets. 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. In 2015/16 we achieved a small surplus over our break-even target amount.

OPERATING SURPLUS 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 TARGET Operating surplus/(deficit) 9 708 (251) (168) (153) 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 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 TARGET (LIQUIDITY RATIO) Indicator 1.27:1 1.2:1 1:1 1.05:1 1.1:1 >1:1

24 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 OUR FINANCIAL OUTLOOK Somerville’s Disability Services will transition to the NDIS on 1 January, 2017 resulting in significant changes to all aspects of our service delivery. As a relatively new scheme, procedures and processes related to the NDIS are still evolving and uncertainties will continue to test us. Moving from ‘block funding in advance’ arrangements to a ‘payment after the event’ model will necessitate increased focus on invoicing and managing our cash flows. There will be additional costs involved in establishing a suitable ICT platform to meet the requirements of the NDIS, as well as ensuring that our staff are fully informed and competent within this environment of change. We anticipate that there will be many challenges ahead, but remain determined and committed to maintaining continuity of support to our Disability Services and service users to assist them through this process.

Josie Bacus Manager, Accounting and Financial Management

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 25 Our governance

Our approach Code of conduct During 2015/16 all of Somerville’s policies and procedures were Somerville’s governance model is Directors are expected to observe reviewed and a new procedure logical, integrated and, importantly, the highest standards of ethical – Ambassador Procedure – was uncompromising and strategic. behaviour. Directors are also approved. This new procedure was Executing the strategic direction, expected to avoid any action, part of Somerville’s 50th birthday whilst adhering to our overarching position or interest that conflicts with celebrations to recognise people who policies and procedures, requires a the best interests of Somerville, or have a longstanding commitment disciplined approach. The Board’s gives the appearance of a conflict. to Somerville and the community at large. The inaugural Somerville role is to apply that discipline to The Board has in place a Code of Ambassadors are Ron and Robyn ensuring Somerville achieves its Conduct and a Conflict of Interests Burridge. strategic goals. They do this by: Policy to provide further guidance to • governing with an emphasis on Directors regarding their obligations Representation outward vision rather than inward and accountability. Somerville maintained strong concern Risk management external links and relationships • ensuring receptiveness to diverse during 2015/16. opinions and views The Board is responsible for the The President and CEO’s membership • focusing on strategic leadership overall risk management and on key committees, councils and rather than administrative detail internal control framework of the boards continued to help promote • making collective decisions organisation. Somerville as a leading provider of • remaining future-focused, and The Board is committed to community services in the Territory. • maintaining and respecting a clear embedding risk management President – Daphne Read distinction between Board and practices to support the achievement • Chair of the Northern Territory Chief Executive roles. of organisational objectives and Water Safety Advisory Council The powers of Somerville Board are to fulfil corporate governance • Chair of the Palmerston Uniting set out in the 2007 Constitution, obligations. The Board reviews key Church Council copies of which are available from areas of risk management within the our main office. risk register on a quarterly basis. • Board Member of UnitingCare Throughout the financial year Australia Board member particular attention was directed • Life member of the Royal Life recruitment towards the control measures Saving Society Australia (NT). and risk levels associated with our CEO – Vicki O’Halloran AM Somerville is governed by a skills- reliance on Government funding, based Board of Directors who are given the changes that will be • Chair, Northern Territory responsible for our strategy and risk realised under the National Disability Government Red Tape Reduction management. Somerville’s policy Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Strategy NGO Advisory Council includes guidelines to ensure that the The Board also acknowledged the • Chair, Northern Territory Board’s composition appropriately decrease in interest rates would, over Government Ministerial Advisory represents the interests of the various time, reduce our invested income and Council on Disability Reform operational groups contained within have the potential to increase our risk • Chair, National Disability Services, the organisation. level to achieve balanced budgets. Northern Territory Members of Somerville Community • Chair, St Philips College (Alice Services Incorporated nominate Policies and procedures Springs) Finance Committee and elect individuals to form the • Board Member, National Disability Our policies and procedures Honorary Board of Directors, which Services is made up of between five and 15 ensure that operational needs, members including the President and risk management, continuous • Board Member, Northern Territory Vice President and two additional improvement and compliance Water Safety Advisory Council Honorary Patrons. Directors are issues are identified, actioned and • Board Member, Northern Territory elected for a three-year term. performed in a consistent manner. Council of Social Services With the exception of the Chief Practices and processes are • Board Member, The Essington Executive Officer, all Board members continually reviewed to ensure School Darwin are non-executive Directors and act alignment with the strategic plan and • Board Member, St Philips College, in a voluntary capacity. funding requirements. Alice Springs

26 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 • Committee Member, Australian • Editorial Board Member, Children The President and Chief Executive Institute of Company Directors, Australia Journal Officer establish meeting agendas Northern Territory • Ambassador, Northern Territory which assess Somerville’s coverage • Committee Member, Australian Business Events Program of financial, strategic and major risk Institute of Company Directors areas throughout the year. Not for Profit Chairs Forum Board meetings and The Board has the opportunity to • Committee Member, National committees review meeting materials in advance Disability Insurance Agency and Directors are encouraged to Independent Advisory Council’s Board meetings are held in February, bring independent judgements to Housing Innovations Working May, September, November and the bear on the issues and decisions at Group Annual General Meeting is held in hand. Formal minutes of all meetings October. • Committee Member, National are recorded and decisions of the Disability Insurance Scheme An Executive Committee with Board are maintained. (NDIS) Operations Committee responsibilities for Governance, • Committee Member, NDIS Pricing Special Projects, Audit and Risk, Advisory Committee Properties, Assets and Finance meet prior to each Board meeting and as • Committee Member, Northern and when required. Territory Community Benefit Fund

Board member attendance

NAME SEPTEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER 2015 FEBRUARY 2016 MAY 2016 Directors Daphne Read (President) P P O P Chris Tudor (Vice President) P (teleconference) P (teleconference) P P (teleconference) Vicki O’Halloran (CEO) P P P P Amin Islam* P Andrew Caddy P O O P Ben Gill P (teleconference) P (teleconference) P (teleconference) P Bruce March O P P (teleconference) P (teleconference) Clare Martin P P O P John Duguid P P P P John Edwards P P P O Kevin Kennedy P P O O Margaret Black P P O P Meredith Day P O P P Phil Johnson O P O P Patrons Austin Asche P P P (teleconference) P Valerie Asche P P P P

*commenced May 2016

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 27 Board of Directors

Daphne Read AO Chris Tudor AM Vicki O’Halloran AM President Vice President CEO Board member since 1967 Board member since 1989 Board member since 1998 Life member BEc, Dip Ed, Grad Dip Ed Admin, BoCS, FAICD, JP M.Ed, FACE, FAICD, JP FACE, M.A.C.E.L, M.A.I.C.D. Vicki has lead Somerville Community Daphne has been involved with Chris has been the Headmaster of St. Services Inc. since 1998, growing community organisations for over Philip’s College for almost 30 years. the organisation’s services during 40 years. She has served as the Chris has significant experience this time. As CEO, Vicki provides the National Executive Director of in education, leadership strategic focus for the organisation’s Royal Life Saving Society Australia and management, planning, direction. from 1991–1996 and was awarded development and building, human Vicki has broad experience, sitting on a Meritorious Service Medal. An resource management, public numerous boards and committees existing Life Member of Royal Life relations and master planning. at both a Territory and national Saving NT, Daphne also obtained level. She is also keen to motivate Life Membership of Royal Life Saving He is an experienced Chairperson employers around the value of Australia in May 2015. having chaired a number of Boards. positive workplace relations and the Daphne is the Chair of the Northern As an experienced economist, he has mutual benefits for both employers Territory Water Safety Advisory a practical approach to finance and a and employees. Council and a Board Member of strong understanding of Government Although Vicki has many other UnitingCare Australia. She has been operation. He has travelled widely positions in community, she is the Chairperson of the Northern and has an informed world view. passionate about contributing to Territory Disability Advisory Awards: the overall social inclusion agenda Council and also served on the Principal of the Year (2009) believing that inclusive societies Northern Territory Housing Appeals are where diversity is valued and Committee. Member of the Order of Australia all citizens have the opportunity to (2004) Now retired, Daphne has had a long prosper. and successful career as an educator, Fellow of the Australian College of Vicki was made a Member in the and in 1974 was the first appointed Education (2001) General Division of the Order of female school principal in the Territorian of the Year (1997) Alice Australia (AM) in 2014. Northern Territory. Springs region Awards: Awards: Member of the Order of Australia Citizen of the Year for the Northern (2014) Territory (1998) Fellow of the Australian Institute of Seniors of Excellence NT (2015) Company Directors Telstra Northern Territory Businesswoman of the Year (1998)

28 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Margaret Black Bruce March PSM Phil Johnson Board member since 1978 Board member since 1985 Board member since 1988 Life member BA(Hons), BSocAdmin Phil has worked in the engineering BEd, Dip.BKTC, Dip.Remedial During his career, Bruce has worked and machinery industry for over 30 Massage, Dip.Bahasa Indonesia in a range of community and policy years in both Darwin and Katherine, Margaret is a long-time Territorian, development, management, strategic and is currently Workshop Operations educator and business owner. planning, project management and Manager at Flame Control Industries. In the early 1970s Margaret advisory roles in non-government, Phil’s son, Damian, was one of the established a preschool at the Royal Commonwealth and Territory first service users in Somerville’s Darwin Hospital in conjunction with Governments in South Australia and supported accommodation in 1986. the Education Department and the Northern Territory. Through this relationship, Phil has paediatrician Dr Alan Walker. From 1985–1993, Bruce was maintained an active interest and involvement in our Disability Services In the 1980s Margaret was appointed Manager (NT) of the Commonwealth Program. a consultant to the Government Department of Community Services of Malaysia where she shared and Health, and for the next eight knowledge with Sabah on the years, Director of Child and Family establishment of preschools in their Services Policy with Northern country. Territory Health and Community Services. During his career Bruce Margaret has managed a dance and had a particular interest in the function centre business for the past development of appropriate services 20 years. in rural and remote areas. Since retiring Bruce has continued involvement with community organisations including being an Ambassador for Opportunity International Australia, a non- government organisation delivering microfinance services to poor entrepreneurs to help alleviate poverty in developing countries.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 29 Board of Directors

Kevin Kennedy John Edwards Meredith Day Board member since 1992 Board member since 1993 Board member since 2000 Certificate in Architectural Drafting BSW(Hons), MSW, DCYW BA, LLB, LLM, GDLP Certificate IV Building & Construction John is currently the Acting Director Meredith Day is the Deputy CEO at Kevin is a leading player in the of Allied Health, Royal Darwin the Department of the Attorney- Territory construction industry Hospital, and Manager of Social Work General and Justice. A lawyer in spanning over 40 years. at the Royal Darwin Hospital. the Territory since 1987, Meredith For the past 10 years Kevin has John managed the recovery activities has worked with the Northern worked as a Design and Construct following the Queen Street and Territory Government since 2005. Her Project Manager for several large Hoddle Street shootings and the previous roles include Director of the building and civil construction Katherine flood. Previously John Litigation Division at Solicitor for the companies. established and managed disaster Northern Territory. Prior to this Kevin was a Director recovery planning and response Prior to 2005, Meredith worked as a of private sector architectural and arrangements in Victoria as well as solicitor in private practice, including building design consultancies in Commonwealth national training for seven years as a partner of a local Darwin for over 20 years. disaster recovery. firm, and as a lecturer in law at John also established the National Charles Darwin University. She has For the past 40 years Kevin has represented clients in a wide variety lived in the Territory and has been Children’s Bureau of Australia— an independent policy, research of litigious matters over the years active in both private enterprise and including workers’ compensation, community activities. and advocacy organisation with 250 member agencies and a $1m catastrophic injury claims, medical independent budget. negligence, and family and child welfare law. Her current focus areas are employment and industrial relations, building and construction, dispute resolution and administrative law.

30 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Andrew Caddy Clare Martin Ben Gill Board member since 2005 Board member since 2008 Board member since 2008 BBus (Accounting) CA BA BBus, MBA, CPA 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 of NT, with a strong background in Director of Highpoint, Australia’s professional experience in politics, media, trade and Indigenous third largest shopping centre. Prior accounting, tax, audit and policy. to this Ben was the General Manager commercial roles. Clare is currently a Professional with the GPT Group, Casuarina He has worked in the oil and gas Fellow at the Northern Institute, Square, Northern Territory’s largest industry for the past 17 years and in Charles Darwin University and Chair shopping centre. a variety of roles with Ernst & Young, of the Territory Natural Resource Having lived in Darwin for over 30 the Timor Sea Designated Authority, Management. Clare is Deputy Chair, years, he has strong ties to the local Chevron Australia, and North West Menzies School of Health Research. community. Ben is a licensed Real Shelf Gas. Clare was the first female Chief Estate Agent, a CPA, and has an MBA Minister of the NT (2001–2007) and from Curtin University and a Bachelor thereafter was CEO of the Australian of Business from CDU. Council of Social Service (2008–2010). Prior to her entry into politics, Clare was an ABC broadcaster and journalist from 1980 to 1995.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 31 Board of Directors

John Duguid Amin Islam FCA Board member since 2013 Board member since 2016 BA, DipEd, LLB Commissioner for Oaths John has lived in the Northern Amin is a Fellow Chartered Territory for over 30 years and has Accountant (FCA) and a member of worked as a teacher at secondary and the Chartered Accountants Australia tertiary levels. He has also worked and New Zealand, and Institute of as a lawyer in both the private and Chartered Accountants in England public sectors and with Aboriginal and Wales. He is also a member of Legal Aid. the Australian Institute of Company John has also worked as a mediator Directors. Amin was a former partner with the Community Justice Centre of Ernst & Young and Managing and volunteered with Darwin Director of Merit Partners Pty Ltd. Community Legal Service and the He has significant experience in Reconciliation Council (NT). the field of accounting, auditing, risk management, management of organisations and probity audits. Amin has conducted audits of listed companies and small pro bono entities. He was the probity auditor for the Darwin Waterfront Project. Amin also worked in the UK, Bangladesh, East Timor in both the private and public sectors. Amin served as president of the CPA Australia, NT. He was a Board member of Heart Foundation, NT and lectured at CDU on a part time basis. He was also an authorised auditor for the Northern Territory Auditor, General and Australian National Audit Office. Amin is currently serving on a number of Boards and is involved with a number of charity organisations.

32 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Patrons

Dr Valerie Asche AM Hon Austin Asche AC, QC Patron since 1993 Patron since 1993 DSsj, MMc, PhD, FASM, BA, LLM, Hon. LittD (Deakin), Hon. CUniv Hon. LLD (NT), FACE Patron of Somerville Community Patron of Somerville Community Services since March 1993. Services since March 1993. Dr Valerie Asche worked in the field Austin is an adjunct Professor of Law of microbiology for over 40 years. at the Northern Territory University Her work was recognised by the and was appointed Freeman of the Australian Society for Microbiology City of Darwin in 2007. in 1991 with a Distinguished Service Austin was Administrator of the Award, and in 2001 was appointed Northern Territory 1993–1997 and Member of the Order of Australia Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of (AM). the NT 1987–1993. Prior to this he was Chairman of the NT Parole Board from 1987–1993 and 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.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 33 Organisation chart

Somerville is managed by a senior management team. This team includes the Chief Executive Officer and eight managers who are responsible for: • Accounting and Finances • Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance • Disability Services • Family Services Board of Directors • Financial Services and Special Projects • Human Resources, Information Technology and Administrative Services

Executive CEO Assistant

Services Accounting Assets, Development Financial HR, IT and Disability Family and Financial Infrastructure Manager/ Program Services and Administrative Services Services Management and Maintenance Administrator Manager Special Projects Services Manager Manager Manager Manager Disability Manager Manager Services

Administration Financial Finance Family Services Coordinators and Maintenance Coordinators Education Counselling Officers Coordinators Officers Officer Coordinator Administration Officers Senior Support IT Officers Officer Graphic Designer Team Disability Financial Wellbeing Support Family Support Counsellors Coordinator Workers Workers/ Counsellors Financial Youth/Family Capability Services Workers Workers Accomodation NILS Support Coordinator Workers

34 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Management team

Vicki O’Halloran AM Josie Bacus Skye Lee CEO Manager, Accounting and Manager, Assets, Infrastructure Financial Management and Maintenance BoCS, FAICD, JP Dip Management, BSCommerce Dip Management, Cert IV OHS, Cert Vicki has lead Somerville Community (Accounting), BSMedical Technology Bus Admin Services Inc. since 1998, growing (OS qualification) the organisation’s services during Responsible for the management of this time. As CEO, Vicki provides the Responsible for the management staff and the performance of Assets strategic focus for the organisation’s of staff and the performance Infrastructure and Maintenance. direction. of Accounting and Financial Skye joined the Management Team Management. Vicki has broad experience, sitting on in 2007 as the Maintenance Manager, numerous boards and committees Josie joined Somerville in 1987 as responsible for maintaining all at both a Territory and national Finance Officer and has been the buildings, grounds, gardens and fleet level. She is also keen to motivate Manager of Accounting and Financial vehicles. employers around the value of Management Services since 1988. In 2011 as the organisation positive workplace relations and the She is responsible for Somerville’s expanded, Skye’s role evolved mutual benefits for both employers accounting and financial information, to include project management and employees. policies and procedures, including of upgrades and renovations of the efficient maintenance of the Although Vicki has many other newly acquired properties. Skye’s accounting systems, asset register positions in the community, she is responsibilities also include asset and payroll. passionate about contributing to replacement and submissions the overall social inclusion agenda, Josie has over 30 years’ experience for Government funding to assist believing that inclusive societies in general accounting, taxation in maintaining and upgrading are where diversity is valued, and and finance, both in Australia and Government owned properties. In all citizens have the opportunity to overseas. 2014 the Work Health & Safety (WHS) prosper. Prior to migrating to Australia, Josie role was added to Skye’s portfolio. Vicki was made a Member in the worked as a medical technologist in To reflect these additional General Division of the Order a hospital laboratory and as a clinical accountabilities, Skye’s title was of Australia (AM) in 2014 for her chemistry lecturer. The position gave changed from Maintenance Manager significant service to people with a her the familiarity and understanding to Assets, Infrastructure and disability. of individuals’ plights when stricken Maintenance Manager. with an illness or disability. This Awards: Skye is a member of the Work Health knowledge has been instrumental and Safety Advisory Council of the • Member of the Order of Australia in her effective management at Northern Territory. (2014) Somerville. Josie is a Board Member • Fellow of the Australian Institute of Healthy Living NT, a member of Company Directors of the Community Sector Finance • Telstra Northern Territory Managers Network and an Associate Businesswoman of the Year (1998) Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 35 Bonnie Solly Deborah Bampton Kerry-Lee Boswell Manager, Disability Services Manager, Service Development Manager, Family Services Program and Administration Disability BA Health and Social Sciences, BA Services Dip Disability, Dip Aged Care, PART HONS Psychology trainer BEd, BTeach (Primary), AdDBusM, Responsible for the management Cert4 Disability and WHS, GAICD Joint responsibility for the of staff and performance of Family management of staff and Deborah was appointed in 2009 Services. performance of Disability Services. and shares responsibility for Kerry joined Somerville in 2014 as the management of staff and Bonnie commenced with Somerville Assistant Manager of Family Services performance of Disability Services. in 1998 as a frontline support worker, and was appointed Manager of She is also responsible for the progressing to Manager in 2000. Family Services in 2015. training and social participation Bonnie is primarily responsible for program in Disability Services and Prior to immigrating to Australia the Disability Services program in organisational readiness for the from South Africa in 2014, Kerry ran Katherine. National Disability Insurance Scheme. her own family counselling practice, Healing Heartz Therapy. The practice With over 35 years’ experience Prior to joining Somerville, Deborah provided mobile play therapy at pre- working in the community services held several senior management schools and general counselling to sector particularly disability services positions in the NSW Government children, families and individuals. and mental health, Bonnie has disability sector. Deborah has had extensive experience in behaviour extensive experience in establishing Prior to this, Kerry spent four years management, grief and loss, and and implementing quality assurance as a counsellor at The Teddy Bear people management. and risk management systems, and Clinic for Abused Children, and was Bonnie has helped shape the service in the development and delivery responsible for assessing claims of to be a leader in the disability sector of accredited vocational training child abuse, providing play therapy in the NT and has been a Predict, programs. to young children and counselling to adolescents and their families. She Assess and Respond To (PART) trainer Deborah was the 2015 Telstra NT For also engaged in outreach safe talks at for over 15 years at Somerville. Purpose and Social Enterprise Award schools of various levels. Winner. Kerry is a member of the Australian Deborah is a member of the Counselling Association. Australian Institute of Company Directors, Business and Professional Women, a National Disability Services committee member and a member of the CIty of Darwin’s Disability Advisory Committee.

36 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Allison O’Connor Liza Metcalfe Graham Franklin Manager, Financial Services and Manager, Human Resources, Manager, Programs Special Projects Information Technology and BAppSc Building Technology Administrative Services ADip Community Sector Responsible for assisting the Management, ADFS (Financial Bachelor in Accountancy (OS Manager Financial Services and Planning), Dip Community Services Qualification), Cert IV OHS, Dip of Special Projects. (Financial Counselling), GAICD Events, AFAIM, CAHRI Prior to joining Somerville as Special Responsible for the management of Responsible for the management Projects and Operations Manager staff and performance of Financial of staff and perfomance of Human in 2008, Graham had 40 years of Services and Special Projects. Resources, Information Technology experience with the Commonwealth and Administrative Services. Allison joined Somerville in 2012 as and NT Governments in construction Manager of Financial Services and Liza joined Somerville in 1985 and project management, Indigenous was appointed Manager of Financial worked as Senior Finance Officer, housing program management and Services and Special Projects in 2013. Systems Manager and Administration various community service programs Manager before being appointed Allison has over 30 years’ experience including animal welfare and Manager HRITAS in 1997. in financial services and her career swimming pool safety. has taken her around the country Liza is an HR and event management Graham retired from Somerville in in retail and business banking, specialist with over 30 years’ 2013 but returned in a part time recruitment, training and financial experience and has extensive management position to assist with planning. experience in quality assurance and special projects, communications, work health and safety. Allison is the Northern Territory publicity and operations. No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) Liza was instrumental in Somerville Graham is currently Chairperson of Coordinator and is a member of achieving a citation as an Employer the NT Swimming Pool Safety Review the Australian Institute of Company of Choice for Women, winning the Committee. Directors, the Australian Institute Australian Chamber of Commerce of Management and the National and Industry Work and Family Friendly Association for Gambling Studies State Award, and the 2015 NT Human (NAGS). Rights Fitzgerald Diversity Award. Liza won the 2015 Australian Institute of Management (AIM) NT Not For Profit Manager of the Year and was a finalist at the National Excellence Awards. Liza is a member of AIM, the Australian Human Resources Institute, the Australian Institute of Office Professionals and Business and Professional Women.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 37 Disability Services

Disability Services provides high Achieving our vision, support have access to a range of quality, supported accommodation opportunities which facilitates truly for people with severe to profound mission and values inclusive participation. disability requiring 24-hour care. Disability Services consistently Without dedication and Somerville also provides a strives for excellence in our support commitment, support to people brokered social participation of people with disability to ensure with disability can easily become program which is accessed by they lead the best life possible: a centred on the person’s disability people from within our supported life of their choosing; a life that and their immediate health needs, accommodation service. is not primarily defined by their resulting in a life that is at odds with During the course of the year, disability. We actively engage with what constitutes a ‘good life’. Somerville introduced ‘Beach Boot our service users, their families, The Brokered Social Participation Camp,’ a new social participation friends and significant others to Program assists people with program that is open to all people enable the development of support disability to establish mutually with a disability residing within the services that meet the individual’s beneficial relationships, networks, Darwin and Palmerston regions. needs and aspirations. We believe support systems and friendships that all people, regardless of their within their local community. Goals OUR TEAM level of ‘disAbility’ have dreams, are primarily achieved through aspirations and can learn new skills recreational, leisure and social The Somerville Disability Services to achieve greater independence environments and now includes an team are highly skilled, confident, and autonomy. art and craft program. All activities committed, motivated, talented Social inclusion is a primary focus are tailored to the individual and resilient people. The cultural of the support services provided by with identifiable and measurable backgrounds and experiences of the Somerville’s Disability Services. The goals which are determined by team enhances our ability to ensure team know from experience that the individual and their support that the people we support are the participation of people with networks. offered a myriad of opportunities disability in their community has a The program is overseen by the that are underpinned by diversity two-fold impact where people with and choice. Service Development Manager and disability lead more fulfilling lives Administrator, and implemented while assisting to build a community KEY ACHIEVEMENTS by a Senior Support Officer with in which diversity is respected and a Diploma of Community Welfare, celebrated. • Established Beach Boot Camp Certificate IV in Community Services • Increased community awareness Disability Services’ Supported (Lifestyle and Leisure) qualifications and partnerships Accommodation Program and 24 years experience in the sector. • Commenced NDIS transition In 2015/16 Somerville managed arrangements for Somerville’s 11 operational supported Developing a highly skilled supported accommodation accommodation homes located workforce service users in Darwin, Howard Springs and Our coordinators and support Katherine. workers strive to provide a high level KEY CHALLENGES The service currently supports 45 of person centred support. • NDIS changing the landscape of people with severe to profound There are a range of skills required how we do business disability, many with ongoing to provide true person centred complex health care needs. • Training in preparation for the support and the team draw on these NDIS The supported accommodation skills in their day-to-day support homes are staffed 24 hours a day, of people with disability. They • NDIA pricing arrangements seven days a week to ensure that mentor, train, teach, coordinate and each person receives quality support facilitate. They also undertake those and the implementation of various duties more traditionally associated programs of specific benefit to each with disability support, such as person. personal care, therapy assistance, management of medical conditions Disability Services’ Brokered and the full range of household Social Participation Program management activities. The Disability Services team works Disability Services has an annual hard to ensure that the people we training program which incorporates

38 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 those subjects relevant to quality qualifications, and the provision of that the program needed to run for support to people with disability, regular in-house training is paying an extended period of time and have as well as training and information dividends and is evidenced in the a greater emphasis on fitness and sessions on emerging issues of quality outcomes for our service exercise. relevance. In addition we have users. Participation for people with Following a successful Northern worked consistently over the past disability in activities not previously Territory Government Community seven years to assist and support considered, combined with the Benefit Fund application, Somerville staff to gain formal qualifications. genuine pride expressed by staff was able to provide a program More than 80% of Disability Services members, is testament to what can that addressed health and social staff have completed relevant formal be achieved when staff members outcomes for participants through qualifications, with 12 disability are encouraged and supported its two distinct streams of exercise support workers completing their to engage in formal training and sessions and personal grooming Certificate IV in Disability during professional development. sessions. 2015/16. Key achievements Participants undergo a thorough Additional training and professional review prior to commencing the development for Coordinators was Established Beach Boot Camp exercise sessions, which are tailored provided through: to personal abilities and goal • a two day training course in For the past five years Somerville achievement, and conducted by a Person Centred Approaches with has partnered with Total Recreation qualified personal trainer. the support of a training grant NT to assist people with disability to prepare for the annual Total The program has five key goals for its provided by the Human Services participants: Training and Advisory Council. Recreation Gala Ball. Total Recreation NT provide programs for people with • improved general health and • training provided by Jobs a disability to participate in activities wellbeing Australia which focused on raising as other members of society do. awareness of the corporate • broadening social network In preparation for the Gala Ball groups and legislative requirements to Somerville established a ‘Ball Boot manage people and develop the Camp’ for participants. The ‘Boot • skills development necessary skills to meet those Camp’ was held weekly and included • community engagement, and requirements. information sessions for participants • fun! Disability Services’ staff also including healthy living, taking care There are currently 24 participants, participated in extensive training of yourself and personal grooming. along with a wait list of keen and in preparedness for the National Each week also included a gentle willing potential participants, and Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). exercise and fitness program. staff members and people from the The training focused on roles and Ball Boot Camp was so successful community wanting to volunteer responsibilities, organisational that Somerville was approached their time to assist. The program, and participant expectations, the by members of the community now titled ‘Beach Boot Camp’, national quality and safeguarding to extend the program to include commenced in early May 2016 and framework, and person centred people not currently supported by there have already been major results active support. Somerville and non-participants Somerville’s commitment to of the Gala Ball. An evaluation of Photo: Beach Bootcamp particpants supporting staff to obtain formal previous Ball Boot Camps suggested spell out‘feel great’ in the sand.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 39 Staff profile

Kadek Knight Disability Support Worker I was born in Negiri, Indonesia and grew up in a children’s home. I then continued to work in the home, caring for the younger children. When I married my husband in 1995, I moved to Katherine. I started working with Somerville fourteen years ago as a casual Disability Support Worker and in 2010 I took up a permanent full- time position. I enjoy helping people, which is what I do every day at Somerville. I enjoy creating situations, whether they be planned or opportunistic, where our service users can catch up with their family members.

40 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 for many of the participants. See Case Royal Darwin Show Full Fondo 120km event, a 50km Study Mel on page 45. This year there were five entries Half Fondo and the Mini Fondo Each week the enthusiasm grows, and from Somerville’s Supported (600m–1km). the personal goals are reviewed and Accommodation Program in the craft The focus of the Gran Fondo is about extended as people move closer to section of the Royal Darwin Show. participation. Somerville’s team achieving their original goals The creative flair within each rode for the satisfaction and pride in Somerville looks forward to working individual was recognised by the making it to the finish line. Callum with Total Recreation in ensuring the judges who awarded first prize to Bateman from the AIM (Assets, ongoing success of this program. Mark Jones, Gary Cassidy, Mitchell Infrastructure and Maintenance) Gurruwiwi, Ross King and Malcolm team, and five service users Increased community Yantarrnga for their Somerville 50 supported by five volunteers from awareness and partnerships year celebration inspired mosaic. Disability Services participated in the Mini-Fondo. The Disability Services team plays a Kim Walsh and Marie Collin were vital role in ensuring that the many awarded a second prize for their long Whilst the distance ridden was short, connections people with disability haired sheep exhibit. participation was high with valuable have in their local communities are experiences gained through training, optimised. Participation awards were presented wearing the official Fondo jersey to Gavan Roe for his two dimensional and being recognised by event They diligently work to build sheep painting, Chris Markwell for organisers. We will continue our awareness of the needs and his plane picture and Louis Tam for involvement in this annual event. aspirations of people with disability his rolled paper art work. and create improved opportunities Dancing with Celebrities Gala Ball for people with disability to access A number of these unique pieces were created through the art and The Total Recreation Dancing with and participate in community the Celebrities Ball is one of our activities. craft sessions which form part of the Brokered Social Participation favourite events. Somerville service users participated Program. With spirits high and The Ball showcases local celebrities in the following community events confidence growing, imaginations partnered with talented dancers, throughout 2015/16: are at work with entry ideas for the with couples vying for the coveted Human Rights Art on Show 2016 Royal Darwin Show. Grand Champion title. Somerville’s own Matthew Lucas once again In November to December, the Gran Fondo participated and was partnered by Darwin Community Legal Service In its fourth year, the Top End Natasha Fyles MLA. hosts the annual human rights art Gran Fondo invites competitive, award and exhibition, ‘Rights On amateur and recreational cyclists Somerville is proud to be a platinum Show’. of all abilities to participate in a sponsor of this event. This year service users Marie Collin, community cycling event in the Disability Awareness Festival Gavan Roe, Mitchell Gurruwiwi and Northern Territory. The City of Darwin Disability Malcolm Yantarringa all entered some The event is open to riders of all Awareness Festival aims to promote very impressive artwork for this event. levels, and this year’s event offered access to all community events for three distance events: a traditional people with disability; advocate for

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 41 Photo: Beach Boot Camp participants.

42 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 the rights of people with disability; and support the artistic, cultural and sporting aspirations of people with disability. A broader objective of the festival is to encourage the community to think more critically and creatively about what people with disability can accomplish. The annual festival also provides an opportunity for Somerville and other service providers to distribute information regarding services by the NT DoH, but we are confident alignment with the NDIS; and to and activities. This year Somerville that Somerville’s Disability Services ensure all statutory and quality organised the Fun and Fitness Event is in a much stronger position for the compliance requirements are met. NDIS rollout with the work that has at Lake Alexander which was a great Training in preparation for success involving many service users been undertaken. and support workers. the NDIS Key challenges At Somerville we are striving to Commenced of NDIS ensure our existing staff are well transition arrangements NDIS changing the landscape prepared for the NDIS. While we for Somerville’s supported and how we do business continue to provide training to our accommodation service users Many of the key challenges for staff around the principles of the In line with the NDIS rollout for the Disability Services centre on NDIS and utilise person-centred Northern Territory, Somerville’s doing business within an NDIS practice in day-to-day support, supported accommodation program environment. The NDIS will change we recognise that there will be will transition to National Disability the way services are provided to additional training required for Insurance Agency funded services people with disability and with that our frontline staff in the accurate from 1 January 2017 for Darwin brings huge changes in the way the recording of service provision. urban and 1 July 2017 for Katherine. market will operate. These changes However, we also need to ensure that additional administrative work does In preparation for what is a will impact on all stakeholders not detract from the strong focus on significant event for the organisation, including people with disability, high quality person centred services. Somerville has been working closely service providers, governments and with the NT Department of Health businesses not historically seen as NDIA pricing arrangements providers of services to people with (DoH) over the past twelve months Somerville continues to work to ensure all our current service users disability. tirelessly to ensure an appropriate have active Case Coordinators where A Disability Services Leadership pricing mechanism is developed that appropriate, and care and support policy review group was established takes into consideration the real cost needs assessments are current. with the prime purpose to review Somerville is currently waiting on all policies, procedures and forms Photo: Disability Services staff and assessment reviews for 19 people to check consistency throughout; service users out on Lake Alexander.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 43 of doing business in rural and remote services in a measured way to regions where key cost drivers ensure our current standards are incorporate the costs associated maintained. with climate and distance. Disability Services has worked closely with Diversifying accommodation Somerville’s Accounting and Financial supports – increasing Management Team to determine independence the actual unit cost and price for Somerville is working closely with the elements of services that we existing service users and their currently provide with our supported support networks, the DoH and accommodation and brokered interested future participants in the social participation programs. We development of alternative service have collectively identified that our models. Somerville is planning for research and calculations are at odds a new supported accommodation with the NDIA scheduled pricing home to open in late September Staff arrangements. 2016. The focus for service users The NDIS in rural and remote residing in the new home will be profile communities on skill development and increased independence, with a future goal of The equitable provision of services less intensive supports. in rural and remote areas constitutes We are also working with various a major challenge where the groups in the establishment of principles of choice and control a regional outreach program. are compromised by community The proposed program will offer disadvantage; lack of mainstream Victoria Large supports to people with disability, and disability services; harsh climatic and their family, living in remote conditions and the tyranny of Senior Disability Support Officer parts of the Northern Territory. The distance from major centres. I was born east of India in a place program principles are firmly aligned called Kolkata. I joined Somerville These factors will be carefully with the principles of the NDIS, in 2013, and since then I could considered as we move to expand enabling participants to choose not have been happier with my our services in the establishment of a which supports are provided, where work life. I work directly with 22 regional outreach program. and when. We envisage that this unique people in our Supported new service will support remote Accommodation Program. Future directions based community groups to build capacity and resilience within their Each day is full of different Somerville – a provider of homelands. people, different activities and choice new experiences. The program is goal and skills oriented, so I see Somerville prides itself on being a people work really hard to acheive ‘Provider of Choice’ as determined success. by governments, our current service users and potential participants It took time to gain the trust of the for the NDIS. While we have been people I work with, but now, one working actively with the DoH to of my favourite things is seeing finalise assessments in readiness their eyes light up when I come for the transition of the people that to pick them up. They know I take we currently support to the NDIS, them on outings, do fun activities we have also been approached by with them, and give them space potential participants and/or their to be who they are. The Brokerage support networks regarding services Program enables our service users that may be provided by Somerville’s to ‘have the courage to be.’ The Disability Services under the NDIS. end results are so rewarding and it gives me a sense of satisfaction at Being a ‘Provider of Choice’ the end of the day. comes with high expectations, and Somerville is committed to Somerville is an organisation that continuing to provide high quality, not only cares for the welfare gold standard, person centred of the people they support, but services under the NDIS. While also their staff. We are made we appreciate that we need to to feel worthy, valued and are develop and grow within the NDIS encouraged to take up career environment, and we are certainly development opportunities. up to the challenge, we also know I feel so honoured to be a part of that we need to be able to control Somerville and the work we do. the growth and expand and diversify

44 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Case study

Mel

Mel is 42 years-old and she has Huntington’s Disease. Mel She has travelled and worked overseas, particularly and her guardians have given us permission to tell her enjoying her time working off Broadway. story. Why? Because Mel, her guardians and support staff When Mel commenced the Beach Boot Camp program are so proud of her efforts and achievements and the in May 2016 she was unable to walk in a straight line, impact that Beach Boot Camp has had on her life. she was somewhat withdrawn, unwilling to engage with Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder that other participants (a combination of shyness, unfamiliar causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the people, and intermittent disengagement with the world brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental around her) and a bit sullen. abilities during their prime working years and has no Just four weeks into the program we could see changes cure. Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 30 in Mel. Everyone would describe her as friendly, cheerful to 50 and worsen over a 10 to 25 year period. For Mel, her and bright. She was making new friends and generally symptoms commenced when she was 38. Mel’s mum and smiling and chatting to other participants, she was grandad also had HD. walking more purposefully; all whilst staying very close to Everyone has the gene that causes HD, but only those her regular support worker Manni who attends with her that inherit the expansion of the gene will develop each week. HD and perhaps pass it on to each of their children. Eight weeks into the program Mel is a very different Every person who inherits the expanded HD gene will woman. She is confident, jovial, happy and engaging. She eventually develop the disease. Over time, HD affects the now runs with purpose and commitment; she wants to individual’s ability to reason, walk and speak. Symptoms be one of the first to ‘cross the finish line’ or in the group Include: ‘that leads the activities’. Her limbs are becoming more • Personality changes, mood swings and depression toned and flexible. She no longer needs, but still wants, • Forgetfulness and impaired judgment Manni around. She likes how he helps other participants (and so do we). • Unsteady gait and involuntary movements (chorea) • Slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing and significant Manni tells us that, “prior to boot camp we were trying to weight loss. manage the regression. We used to prompt Mel to walk heel then toe. Since boot camp we don’t need to remind Mel had each of these symptoms to varying degrees. At her.” one point her weight plummeted to a tiny size six, but “Mel is now sleeping really well after boot camp. She is she is now again at a healthy size 12. doing lots of exercise during the week. There are some Mel, by her own admission, loves to talk and is a shop-a- really great results for Mel.” holic. She has always been a caring person and one who Mel and Manni tell us that she now exhibits these loves to live life, Elvis, ABBA and reading. Mel has had an re-found qualities throughout her week, not just on a interesting and diverse life. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Thursday afternoon. When asked what her highlight in majoring in Anthropology and Sociology. She has studied the week is, she says ‘Boot Camp’. welfare, history, visual arts, method acting and massage.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 45 Family Services

The role of Family Services is Achieving our mission, • Targeted Family Support Services to assist people to participate vision and values: • Child and Family Contact Centre in society at a level to which Service they aspire and are capable of Family Services is able to achieve • Youth and Family Services in the achieving. Family Services staff positive outcomes for our clients Katherine region work with people of all ages, through our ability to provide including children, adolescents and • A family and community focused integrated service models which adults. outreach program (including the are shaped through working with “My Time” networking program) We assist anyone who is other agencies and organisations, • Supported Community experiencing a crisis or problem in and sharing appropriate case Accommodation Service their life by providing counselling management with Somerville’s and support; practical, emotional Financial Services Team. • Step Forward life skills based and educative support; advocacy; program The collaborative team approach liaison with and referral to other that operates between Somerville’s • Emergency relief and bond agencies and professionals; Family Services and Financial assistance programs. and short-to-medium term Services is a key strength in Details of our programs are as accommodation. delivering quality services. This follows: team approach was demonstrated OUR TEAM following the redundancy of Targeted Family Support Service Program (TFSS) Our dynamic team of community financial counsellors in the services, social work, psychology Katherine office. Katherine Youth The TFFS operates as a trauma and counselling professionals are and Family Services staff, supported informed service whereby constantly exploring innovative by Financial Services staff in Darwin, counsellors support DCF referred and collaborative ways to meet demonstrated great flexibility, families, and others referred to the the increasingly complex nature of adaptability and perseverance in service, by seeking to understand people’s circumstances. their commitment to holistic service each person’s experiences, and provision by not only maintaining recognising the impact of external, KEY ACHIEVEMENTS the provision of the No Interest Loan socially-embedded causes of Scheme but also increasing the distress, trauma and disadvantage. • Successful reassessment against number of applications and positive With a prioritised focus on the Australian Childhood outcomes for clients. Refer key referrals from DCF, counsellors Foundation’s Safeguarding achievements on page 55. worked toward a commitment Children accreditation Collaborative efforts with our to safeguarding children, and • Expansion of the Step Forward external stakeholders, including the the prevention of cumulative program Department of Children and Families harm, so that children, parents, • Enhanced youth development (DCF), resulted in the development caregivers and families will be much opportunity and implementation of a single better placed to reach their full referral form. In addition to this, potential and prevent unnecessary • Partnered agency for school weekly referral intake meetings placements of children in out-of- re-engagement (Katherine) were initiated and attended by home care. KEY CHALLENGES interagency partners, and team During 2015/16 the program leaders from DCF’s Investigations experienced a 59% increase in • Managing a transient work force and Assessment, and Strengthening clients. Counsellors provided Families divisions. This process • Ongoing shortage of intensive support to an average has seen a significant increase in accommodation and lengthy weekly caseload of 20 clients, of the appropriate and consistent waiting lists which almost a third were referrals allocation of referrals made to received from DCF. In cases where • Increased demand for the Child the Department. The interagency harm had occurred, case plans and Family Contact Centre meetings continue to monitor and were implemented to address Service evaluate the process to ensure best both the cause of the harm and its practice across the sector. adverse effects on those who had Family Services offered the following experienced it within the family, services in 2015/16: with a strong emphasis on children. • Generalist support and Counsellors noted that referrals counselling services received from DCF are becoming

46 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 more complex with many families • Counselling, support and practical of Housing for emergency relief seen to be exposed to prolonged or assistance as required. funding to assist with rent and multiple adverse situations. • Outreach support. bond. There was an increase in the number of requests and amounts The service agreement for this • Assistance in developing for bond assistance, with many program expired on the 30 June independent living skills. 2016 and, following a successful clients requiring amounts averaging • Information and referrals tender process, we are now $1200 to secure more independent regarding community housing transitioning to the new DCF living, or to transfer through the resources. program titled Intensive Family Department of Housing to safer Preservation Service. There are many factors outside of housing options. This presents Supported Community people’s control that push them a great challenge for clients as into homelessness. They may be 77% presented as unemployed Accommodation Service unemployed, unable to afford with a large proportion of that (SCAS): rising rents, suffer serious physical group identifying as recipients of SCAS provides transitional or mental illness, or have fled from Centrelink payments. sexual abuse/domestic violence. supported accommodation for This year, 14 families transitioned homeless people with a focus on Without a right to housing, many through the medium-term families who are unable to access other basic rights are compromised, supported accommodation alternative accommodation. and loss of dignity can sabotage a program, with several families We aim to assist people to live person’s involvement in education, consisting of single fathers independently in the community work and local community with children presenting with and secure more permanent interaction. accommodation. circumstances where mothers were The main reasons people sought unable to care for the children The service provides: assistance from SCAS included: due to domestic violence, mental • Limited medium term supported financial difficulties, housing crisis, ill health or substance misuse. A accommodation available in housing affordability stress, and large gap in service provision has Palmerston for homeless families inadequate/inappropriate dwelling been identified in this area, with and individuals. conditions. the Salvation Army and Somerville • Assistance in locating secure and Regular referrals were received from being the only options available for more permanent accommodation. Centrelink and the Department non-Indigenous men with children.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 47 Staff profile

Anya Soares Family Services Coordinator/ Counsellor My family heritage is Timorese Portuguese. I was born in Sydney, but when I turned nine, my parents Staff also worked closely with • reduction of family isolation decided to move to Darwin, where specialist agencies to assist people while promoting community I completed my school education. from remote communities who integration I then moved to Perth on my had travelled to Darwin for medical • engagement with other own to complete my Bachelor of procedures. professionals and services, such Psychology. After completing my Palmerston Family as health, education, employment studies I moved back to Darwin. and specialist services where Counselling Service required Finding work in my field was The Palmerston Family Counselling difficult, but Somerville gave me • families to address financial and Service continued to support families the chance to work in my chosen housing difficulties, provide industry as a Family Support during 2015/16 utilising a strengths- positive role modelling and Worker/Counsellor. I have now based framework with the principle support young people in been working at Somerville for belief that, in most situations, families developing independence and over three years. Somerville has and their extended support networks life skills. have within them the key to enabling helped me develop my skills and I Child and Family Contact greatly enjoy helping families and positive and sustainable change. Centre Service individuals within the community Clients were supported and guided by assisting them in improving toward achieving their identified The Somerville Child and Family their quality of life, both socially goals and assisted to develop skills . Contact Centre Service was and economically. established as a trial program in Program interventions within the 2014 in consultation with DCF. The last year has been a significant Palmerston Family Counselling year of change; I was planning to Additional funding was secured in Service are delivered holistically 2015 in response to the identified move to Europe, but met the love with the intention of empowering of my life and decided to stay. I need for a high quality, well- individuals and families to make resourced supervised contact visit also applied for the Family Services positive, sustainable changes. Our Coordinator position, in which I program. interventions are evidence based and was successful. aim to support: The service supports the work of I would like to take this chance to DCF and is an important intervention • healthy parenting skills express the gratitude I have for strategy for parents and children, Somerville as an organisation. It is • development of routines and providing them with the opportunity a pleasure to work here and I am so boundaries to repair and develop healthier happy to be part of the Somerville • improvement of communication relationships. family. within families and between Our staff who supervise contact family members require a number of skills to manage

48 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 potentially complex situations to people who may be isolated and/ Living Expos and Child Protection ensure successful outcomes. or need easy and practical coping Week. Counsellors attend monthly Ongoing supervision and training is strategies for daily living. outreach meetings at Palmerston provided for support workers, with The program aims to assist the DCF with Good Beginnings, Catholic specific training including: most vulnerable populations in Care, AnglicareNT and Save the building resilience through the Children. • childhood development facilitation of topics such as: Human We maintain a consistent presence at • awareness of the impact of abuse Relationships; Emotional Regulation; various government and community • management of separation at the Stress Management; Grief and forums to remain updated and conclusion of visits Loss; Anxiety; Depression; Helping actively involved in community • maintaining neutrality someone living with Domestic initiatives which address issues Violence, Parenting Skills and Self such as homelessness and domestic • appropriately intervening Care. violence, and the impact that • cultural sensitivity Community initiatives and these matters have on children, • providing appropriate levels of adolescents and families. connectedness safety during the visit, and Somerville further maintains Somerville Family Services maintains • preparing accurate and detailed strong links and networks with strong relationships with other reports. other service providers through organisations through attending its bi-monthly Support Workers Due to the growth in demand and various networking meetings Forum. The forums were initiated by outcomes achieved for families, the and advocating client action with Somerville and provide a platform service has been extended to 2017. relevant partners such as NTCOSS, for all service providers in the sector Partners Engaging Gray School, The The service has also facilitated to share information. increased collaboration with DCF Smith Family, Anglicare, Catholic to further support all families with Care, Save the Children, Good Key achievements Somerville’s suite of wrap around Beginnings, Mission Australia, services. In 2015/16 the service St Vincent De Pauls, Lifeline, Successful reassessment against met and exceeded its targets by Carpentaria Community Services, the Australian Childhood supporting 14 families, with two Palmerston and Darwin City Council. Foundation’s Safeguarding successful reunifications Somerville is active in shared Children Accreditation community events such as, The With a commitment to promoting My Time network program Big Blokes Breakfast; Baby FAST; and ensuring the safety and Established in 2008, the program’s KidsFast; Homelessness Prevention objective is to bring together, within Week; Families Week; Anti-Poverty Photo: Somerville Family Services staff a facilitated group environment, Week; Children’s Week; Healthy support a community expo event.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 49 Staff profile

David Forder Coordinator Family & Financial Services Katherine I was born in England, and at the age of five migrated to Australia and lived in a small country town wellbeing of children and youth, not the program due to securing in New South Wales for 30 years. only accessing our services but also employment as part of their case within the community, Somerville management goals, which was a I worked in several roles across Family Services undertook the positive outcome for those families. WA and NT in aged care, housing reassessment of our Safeguarding The program received referrals and as a support worker, before Children Accreditation, previously moving to Katherine to work with from both government and non- obtained in 2011. The reassessment goverment organisations and Somerville as the Coordinator of process involved a full review the Katherine office. Somerville’s counsellors and of all policies and procedures; is receiving positive, ongoing This role has given me the resubmission of all governance community awareness and interest. opportunity to work with a good and operational information to the Currently two local schools are team and become a prominent new online system; and interviews interested in the program and member of the community with staff, management, the CEO, inquiries have been received from services sector in Katherine. and key stakeholders. Somerville DCF’s Long Term Care Unit for It’s great being able to work was successful in achieving full youth exiting their care to attend in closely with other organisations, accreditation. preparation for independent living. both government and non- Expansion of the Step Whilst the program was developed government, promoting the Forward Program with internal resources to support services we provide. Implemented for the first time existing clients, the increase in Each day is different, with clients in March 2015, the Step Forward demand for the program, and presenting with a wide range of Program was developed to support its proposed future direction for issues. Having the opportunity families residing in the Medium- implementation in the Katherine to work with them to achieve a Term Supported Accommodation region, will benefit from future positive outcome is by far one of Program with the objective being to funding opportunities. the most rewarding aspects of my enhance general life skills required Enhanced youth job. to maintain positive, sustainable development opportunity and independent future tenancies. I am grateful for the support and This year we participated in the Participants receive a certificate opportunities to further develop University of Sydney’s Wingara of completion to support future as a professional and person that Mura - Bunga Barrabugu Summer Somerville has provided, and I tenancy applications. Program. The program is one of look forward to where the future All families entering the SCAS during the University’s multi-layered leads me. this financial year attended the approaches to supporting the program. Only 20% of participant academic and personal preparation families were unable to complete of young Aboriginal and Torres

50 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Strait Islander people for higher The transient nature of the Northern in the identification of alternatives education. The program is free Territory workforce, especially in to local and national housing and open to indigenous students the community services sector challenges. Strong collaborative in Years 9–12 who, if successful where workers need to be suitably relationships with the Northern with their application, stay at the experienced and qualified to Territory Department of Housing, university campus and take part in support people through ongoing Venture Housing, other community lectures, hands-on tutorials, and trauma and disadvantage, is a major accommodation services and learn about pathways to higher challenge. several rental agencies resulted education and the financial and Somerville is dedicated in its in a small decrease in rental costs academic support available. approach to ensuring a professional and more options to negotiate tenancy renewals for ‘at risk’ families. The program previously had an workforce that is supported by However, an increase in public under-representation of Northern management and able to attain a housing stock is urgently required. Territory students. However, due to high level of job satisfaction. our efforts, 14 students applied to Succession planning, which Increased demand for the attend the summer program and 12 resulted in two promotions, Child and Family Contact successful students, accompanied and opportunities for student Centre Service by our support worker, made placements, complements standard The ongoing success of the Child the trip to NSW. Feedback from recruitment processes. students about their experience and Family Contact Centre Service, Service provision during was extremely positive and two and the recent restructuring of DCF recruitment was maintained due students were subsequently granted resulted in an increase in demand to the willingness and flexibility of scholarships through the program. for services. Increased caseloads other Somerville staff members. experienced by DCF workers has Somerville will continue to The funding of stage 3 of the resulted in the implementation promote the Wingara Mura – Bunga Palmerston facility will open up of a waiting list for this program. Barrabugu Program to local schools more opportunities for student Ongoing negotiations with DCF will in the top end. placements in the future. continue with regard to expanding the service. Key challenges Ongoing shortage of accommodation and lengthy Katherine Youth and Transient work force waiting lists Family Services Retaining qualified and experienced The shortage of public housing staff is crucial to providing high remains an ongoing challenge Katherine Youth and Family Services quality services that meet the needs nationally. Family Services continues support workers continued to of the community. to contribute to sector consultations offer quality services to the many

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 51 Case vulnerable people experiencing the reduction in staffing numbers study substantial issues including poor had a significant impact on the health, mental health issues and day-to-day operations of our low rates of employment. These Katherine office. Maintaining an issues are often determinates of office presence whilst continuing homelessness and poverty. to run our programs presented Working together in However, Somerville’s strength many challenges. We also had a staff in providing tailored services member move on, and recruiting to our community to individuals through our find a suitably qualified replacement combined programs, improves the significantly impacted the already Harry, a single dad, presented diminished team. to our Katherine office seeking wellbeing of individuals, families assistance to travel to Darwin and communities. Katherine During this time the Katherine to visit his son in hospital. Harry staff continue to be pro-active Family Services team have explained that his son had been in in promoting our services to continued to deliver our programs an accident and that his recovery strengthen partnerships, maintain with support from staff in Darwin and rehabilitation would be networks, develop alliances and, and Katherine-based Disability extensive. He was struggling with importantly, meet the needs of Services staff. the cost of travelling back and people who require our support. forward from Katherine to Darwin Katherine Youth and Family Services Future directions assisted 441 clients during 2015/16. to visit his son. He was also trying The year has highlighted some to juggle caring for his other Key achievements key areas of growth for the future, children when making these trips, directing us to enhance capacity and the family was feeling the to meet the need of student stress of being apart. Partnered agency for school re-engagement (Katherine) placements. As part of stage 3 After further discussion, Harry felt renovations at 3 Victoria Drive, that moving to Darwin would be a Our youth and family support Gray, Family Services will be adding better option for his family during workers maintain close working visual and audio technology to the his son’s extended recovery. Our relationships with local and facility enabling students to observe Family Support Worker advocated surrounding schools to support counselling sessions. on Harry’s behalf to arrange a Katherine’s vulnerable and disadvantaged youth. During 2015, The need for improved facilities transfer to a house in Darwin with to provide continued support to the Department of Housing. After Family Services partnered with Macfarlane Primary School to focus children will see the upskilling of a number of meetings, approval staff in play therapy alongside the was granted by the Department on youth engagement. We did this through a weekly youth mentoring development of a well-equipped of Housing, documentation play therapy room. was completed, and Harry and program for students participating his family were on their way to in the re-engagement classes. The Due to the high demand for the Darwin to live. mentoring support provided by life skills program, funding will be Family Services workers during sought to meet the community The Somerville Family Support these classes saw students develop need by expanding the outreach Worker liaised with other safe rapports within a mentoring capacity of the Step Forward organisations in the Katherine relationship, combined with program. community who were able to practical assistance of transport With the increase of work being provide support by way of bond to attend sessions. This initiative assistance and also covered some done in the sector regarding the supported and encouraged school high rates of domestic and family of the travel costs. Harry was very attendance and performance. To relieved that he would be close violence in the Northern Territory, further encourage positive school we have identified a lack of support enough to his son to visit him in engagement, workers initiated ‘Fun hospital each day, and happy that groups to complement the healing Fridays’ where students who had journey and existing supports being his family could stay together. The maintained positive attendance children were happy to be moving provided to survivors. A proposal is and efforts in the completion of currently being developed for the closer to their brother who they school tasks were selected to attend hadn’t seen for months. coordination of support groups for gaming afternoons as an incentive this purpose. Upon relocation to Darwin, for their efforts. Somerville provided Harry with a Maintaining a skilled and long-term NILS loan to purchase a fridge for Key challenges workforce is a sector challenge, and their new home. Somerville will be working with the Australian Counselling Association Harry and his family are settled Remaining operational with redundancies and to enhance job opportunities and in Darwin and nine months after pathways for counsellors, students his accident Harry’s son is still recruitment challenges and employers. undergoing rehabilitation. Harry With the loss of government funding visits his son daily and the long- and the subsequent redundancy term outlook is positive. of two Financial Services staff,

52 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Our clients: Family and Financial Services

A five year comparison of presenting issues

PRESENTING ISSUES 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 Accommodation: 461 433 491 563 507 Including people who were homeless or trying to find somewhere affordable to live. Financial: 737 2596 3,207 3,508 3,127 Including credit/debt issues, gambling, bankruptcy, income issues, business failure, contract disputes, taxation and loan assistance through (NILS). Legal: 158 512 492 788 626 Including domestic violence, law breaking, custody/access, sexual abuse and child abuse. Physical Health/Addiction: 101 255 408 641 706 Including developmental issues, substance abuse and eating disorders. Psychological: 139 162 128 173 106 Including life threatening issues, depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, stress, changed personal circumstances and trauma. Relationship: 228 82 53 59 48 Including family breakdown and parenting. Social Skills: 111 53 41 48 44 Including anger, life skills, self esteem, home management and employment issues. Total of assisted clients 1,935* 4,093 4,820 5,780 5,164

*Please refer to the five year snapshot on page 20 for commentary on these figures.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 53 Financial Services

Financial Services is the financial Achieving our mission, (money business, budgeting welfare arm of Somerville. Our workshops); (Defunded from objective is to assist people in all vision and values January 2016) areas of their financial wellbeing. Our financial counsellors work • No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) Our financial counsellors and closely with clients to assess their for low income families financial capability workers work financial circumstances, assist with • Tax Help with people of all ages ranging establishing individual budgets • Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) to from adolescents to adults, be they and provide options for debts. They assist with utility bills individuals, couples or groups, to also assist with the negotiation of *Through the 1800 007 007 Financial assist anyone who is experiencing debts with creditors, applications for Counselling Helpline, we were also a financial crisis or problem in hardship and bankruptcy. able to extend this service into their life. Our financial capability workers remote areas. Due to the loss of Financial Services provides services provide a broad range of financial Federal Government funding our in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine literacy sessions including budgeting, presence in Katherine has been and surrounding areas. saving, spending patterns, goal reduced to a weekly visit each month. setting, information on credit and its OUR TEAM pitfalls, and banking options. They Presenting issues for also assist people to understand 2015/16 Our Financial Services team work Centrelink programs, Income collaboratively with the Family Management, Centre Pay and the Many of our clients presented Services arm of our organisation Basics Card. Due to the loss of Federal with multiple issues, and cases and together draw on a diverse Government funding this program continued to be complex in nature, base of social workers, welfare ceased in December 2015. with multiple debts including workers, support workers, financial mortgages, multiple credit cards, counsellors and financial capability Our Financial Services Team also rental agreements, personal loans, workers to provide a wraparound deliver the NILS (No Interest Loan store accounts and fines. As a result, service to case manage our clients. Scheme) to the Darwin, Palmerston session times were longer and clients These experienced and qualified staff and Katherine communities. NILS attended multiple sessions before a work as an integrated team which offers small no interest loans to case was finalised. strengthens the services provided to people on low incomes for the our clients. purchase of essential household Clients delaying seeking assistance goods. Somerville employs a NILS continued to be a challenge. Delays in KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Coordinator who administers and seeking assistance often means that promotes the program. options are limited and negotiations • Ongoing skills development and We also participate in the annual with creditors become more difficult. partnership building Tax Help program managed by We see clients from all socioeconomic • Maintaining our Katherine NILS the Australian Taxation Office. Our backgrounds and, with the slowing of Program in an uncertain funding accredited staff assist low income the local economy over 2015/16, we environment earners to complete and lodge their experienced an increase in clients in • Secured additional funding to tax returns at no charge. This service the middle income bracket seeking expand our Financial Counselling is available between 1 July and 31 our assistance due to a slowing jobs for Problem Gambling Program October at our Darwin, Palmerston market. and Katherine offices. The main presenting issue continued KEY CHALLENGES Services provided in 2015/16 to be credit/debt issues with included: relationship breakdowns and mental • Delivering an accessible NILS illness significantly impacting our Program • financial counselling • financial counselling targeted clients. The increase in the availability • Delivering services in uncertain at problem gamblers and their of gaming machines in venues times families across the Northern Territory, and • Sourcing alternate funding to the increasing options for online • the national 1800 007 007 financial continue to provide our Financial gambling, saw an increase in clients counselling helpline to assist all Literacy programs presenting with gambling related Territorians* financial stress. • Financial Capability programs; (Defunded from January 2016) To strengthen our service delivery, • several financial literacy programs our staff regularly participate in ongoing professional development.

54 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 This includes not only formal Darwin Casino. The purpose of the of our NILS Program was at risk. qualifications, but also attendance forum was to raise awareness and Previously our financial counsellors at stakeholder meetings, seminars build the capacity of stakeholders in Katherine were responsible for the and networking opportunities. in reducing gambling related harm delivery of our NILS program in the Somerville held quarterly Finance in the Northern Territory. The forum region. Workers Forums with presentations brought together representatives To maintain this valuable community given by a variety of presenters from from the community service sector, program, our Family Services staff in across the sector. We also facilitated government, the hotel industry and our Katherine office incoorporated annual bankruptcy training with academics from both the University delivery of the NILS program into presenters from the Australian of Sydney and the Australian their daily duties. As a result, not Financial Services Authority. National University. The forum only has the program continued, but provided an opportunity for all the reach of the program has grown Key achievements stakeholders to strengthen networks, with a 200% increase in loans issued and for Somerville to promote our in the last six months. Ongoing skills development Financial Counselling Program & partnership building targeted at problem gamblers and Key challenges As a result of the Northern Territory encourage all stakeholders to work Government lifting the cap on the collaboratively in the gambling Deliver an accessible NILS number of gaming machines in both environment. Program clubs and hotels in the Northern Our financial counsellors have Somerville is one of 229 accredited Territory, we continued to focus on also continued to visit gaming agencies who provide the No ongoing professional development venues in the Darwin, Palmerston Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) to low and partnership building in our and Katherine areas to build income earners across Australia. NILS Financial Counselling for Problem relationships with venue staff, and to is designed to offer people on low Gamblers program. provide information on our services. incomes the opportunity to access Our financial counsellors attended a These regular visits resulted in the credit for essential household items two day Problem Gambling Forum establishment of a referral pathway without any fees, charges or interest where presenters, both local and for problem gamblers to obtain payments. interstate, covered a variety of access to our programs. Our competitors in this demographic gambling related topics. Maintaining our Katherine are the payday lenders who provide This was followed by a Responsible NILS Program in an uncertain short term loans to those in the community who are excluded from Gambling Forum run by the Skycity funding environment accessing finance from the major Photo: Financial counsellors and As a result of the loss of Federal credit providers. Whilst these loans financial capability workers from across Government funding and the are relatively easy to obtain, the the NT attended a problem gambling subsequent redundancy of two fees and charges for these loans are forum with both local and interstate Financial Services staff in our very high. Many recipients of a NILS presenters. Katherine office the ongoing delivery loan have often had dealings with

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 55 Case Case study study payday lenders. These dealings have ended up worsening their, already precarious, financial situations by recurrent loans and spiralling debt No interest loan scheme Online gambling cycles. Our challenge has been to promote Lucy, a young, single mother Sam, a young apprentice, contacted our NILS to the broader community was seeking a No Interest Loan us as he had an overdue electricity to ensure that low income earners to purchase a washing machine. bill and the utility company was are aware that they have an A NILS worker went through the threatening disconnection. Sam was alternative to these high cost loans. application with her to ensure that also behind in his rent and was very As well as regular advertising she would be able to afford the stressed, with nowhere else to turn. via print media, flyers and our repayments. He explained that it was a one message billboards at our offices, Lucy advised that she currently had off and with some assistance he we have focused on refining our two payday loans and was finding would be back on track. One of application process to ensure a faster our financial counsellors worked it hard to make the repayments, turnaround time for clients to be through his finances with him to and that the orignal reason she had advised of the outcome of their NILS understand his overall position. sought assistance from Somerville applications. To achieve this we now Looking at his income and expenses, was to request a food voucher to hold two NILS Committee meetings purchase formula for her baby. it was not initially apparent where Sam was spending his income, as it each week. Our NILS worker created a budget was sufficient to meet his expenses. As a result of our efforts in 2015/16 with Lucy and due to the payday After further discussion, Sam advised we have increased the amount of loan agreements, it was in deficit. that for entertainment, he had NILS Loans issued by 50% compared Given this, Lucy would not be able started gambling online. He said to 2014/15. to afford the NILS repayments and that initially he would gamble once her application was paused. The Delivering services in or twice a week, but he was now NILS worker further explored the gambling daily. uncertain times reason for the two loans. Lucy had Delivering services in times of taken out one loan to pay for car He admitted that he was unaware registration and the second was for of how much he was spending that funding uncertainty was an ongoing a second hand washing machine, he could easily gamble a hundred challenge in 2015/16. which no longer worked. As Lucy dollars without realising. He also said In the last six months of 2015, we was unsure of how much she had he had tried to chase his losses in the were in a funding environment left to repay on the loans, with the hope that he could pay his bills. Sam where previous tendering processes said that his mum had helped him assistance of the NILS worker, she had been abandoned and existing out with his rent in the past, but she contacted the lender to obtain the Federal Government funding had just lost her job and was unable details. Fortunately, Lucy had just agreements extended on a number to assist him this time. made the final payment on the loan of short-term contracts with no for the registration, and the loan for The Financial Counsellor told long-term agreements in place. the washing machine only had three Sam that we could assist him Somerville had retendered for payments remaining. with negotiations with the utility company and with his landlord, ongoing Federal Government The NILS worker took the but that unless he managed his funding for both our Financial opportunity to explain the costs gambling, the situation would only Counselling and Financial Capability involved in a payday loan, and Lucy occur again. programs. was shocked when she realised how much she had paid in fees. With Sam said he realised that he needed Unfortunately we were advised in the help of her support worker and to stop, but that he enjoyed it, November 2015 that Somerville had her NILS worker, Lucy worked out a and didn’t know what to do or been unsuccessful with our tender who could help him. Many of his budget for the coming weeks, and for ongoing funding. mates gambled too. Our Financial with the registration loan paid out, With existing short term agreements Counsellor referred Sam to a she would have money for food. The counsellor at Amity Community expiring on 31 December 2015 NILS worker suggested Lucy return Service to address his gambling and no alternative funding source once the payday loan had been paid addiction. available, our two Financial out. In the meantime, Lucy had a Counsellors in Katherine and our A repayment plan was put in place friend next door who had offered two Financial Capability workers in with Sam’s landlord and the utility the use of her washing machine. Darwin were made redundant. company, and Sam was committed 6 weeks later, Lucy returned to see to improving his situation. He As a result of this, our Financial the NILs worker to apply for the returned some months later to Literacy program in Darwin and loan, which was approved. Lucy was say that he had decided to move Palmerston has ceased until we excited and very thankful to the NILS back home with his family and can source alternative funding. worker who took time to explain the we understand that Sam is still See ‘Source alternate funding to cost involved in a payday loan, and seeing his counsellor from Amity continue to provide our Financial said she had learnt a difficult lesson. Community Services. Literacy programs’ on page 59.

56 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Staff profile

The loss of our two Financial Earlier this year we resubmitted our Vicki Borzi Counsellors in Katherine also put the proposal and, whilst we have not delivery of our NILS program in this secured any funding for this program Financial Counsellor at this stage, we are in ongoing region at risk as it was our Financial Originally from New Zealand, discussions and we remain positive. Counsellors who had been delivering I moved to Brisbane in my We will continue to explore alternate this program. To ensure this valuable twenties. I worked really hard funding opportunities. community program continued, at two jobs so I could afford to we trained the Family Services staff live well and further explore in our Katherine office to continue Future directions Australia. to deliver the NILS program. See ‘Maintaining our NILS Program in an This year has been a challenging Twenty eight years ago, I moved uncertain funding environment’ on time for the Financial Services team. to Darwin with my husband. We page 57. As a result of the loss of funding experienced a really rough patch and the redundancy of four team and thought relocating might We were also successful in securing members, the staff remaining had give us a new beginning, which additional funding from the NT to manage the ongoing demand it did. Government to expand our Financial for our services which, during this Counselling for problem gamblers time, did not diminish. However, I began at Somerville three years program. with the assistance of Family Services ago. The position of Financial Counsellor was advertised on the Source alternate funding staff, this allowed for a period of consolidation and planning to large noticeboard at Somerville to continue to provide our explore funding opportunities in and I thought it sounded Financial Literacy programs the coming year to re-establish our interesting and challenging. During 2014/15 when ongoing team and continue to provide much I was absolutely thrilled when funding for our Financial Capability needed programs in our community. I got the job and was given program was uncertain, our strategy the opportunity to change was to explore other funding direction. Somerville has opportunities. We submitted a given me the opportunity to proposal to the NT Minister of obtain my Diploma in Financial Corrections to consider funding Counselling and other units of a program that would introduce study to enhance my skills. I love financial support, literacy and money my job and I thoroughly enjoy management to working prisoners. passing on my skills to clients. I Whilst we received very positive love empowering my clients by feedback on our proposed program, giving them information and our submission was unsuccessful options to enable them to make due to NT Government budget better choices for themselves constraints. and their families in the future. I hope to keep developing my skills, and continue working for Photo: Kelly Gulliver, NILS Somerville. Coordinator, assiting a client.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 57 Accounting and Financial Management

The Accounting and Financial Achieving our mission, survey regarding their research Management Team is responsible program for Australia’s disability for the management and vision and values: services resulting to a financial monitoring of the financial affairs of benchmarking report for The Accounting and Financial Somerville Community Services. Somerville Management team consists of six staff members. Each staff member • focussed on professional OUR TEAM undertakes a range of tasks development through various external training courses and Team members consistently maintain that require in-depth planning, webinars to ensure the ongoing their focus on providing efficient organising, monitoring and checking upskilling of the team, and and professional services to all of to ensure the effective management our stakeholders, both internal of Somerville’s financial resources. • conducted annual performance and external. The performance In addition to accounting and reviews with all staff. of our staff is of a high quality, management of financial resources, demonstrating due diligence, the team provides payroll services to Key achievements patience and competence. 260 employees on a fortnightly basis and monitors salary packages and Successful transition to ATO KEY ACHIEVEMENTS entitlements. superstream ATO Superstream compliance • Successful transition to ATO During the 2015/16 financial year for employers with 20 or more Superstream the team undertook the following activities: employees commenced on 1 July 2014, with all employers required to KEY CHALLENGES • completed the annual external achieve compliance by 1 July 2015. audit of all grants and accounts • Successful transition to the Superstream is a government reform National Disability Insurance • met compliance requirements wherein employers submit their Scheme (NDIS) in relation to superannuation employees’ superannuation data electronic payment and reporting • Moving to General Purpose and make payments electronically Financial Reporting • met all timeframes associated with on behalf of their employees. The external reporting requirements process will benefit employers • Changes to funding arrangements including reports and acquittals to by reducing time and costs in funding bodies, the ATO and the processing contributions and ACNC payments through submitting • commenced annual self- reports via a single channel and governance checklist using ATO’s meeting superannuation obligations recommended form to check that in a timely manner. the organisation understands and Accounting and financial manages tax and superannuation management staff received specific obligations training, and a successful trial was • upgraded the accounting and undertaken for the June 2015 payroll software to the latest transfer. As with many IT applications, version to ensure that we are glitches were encountered that took abreast of new technology and time to rectify, but once resolved the processes transfer of data has progressed very • reviewed all policies and smoothly. procedures to ensure all processes were compliant with current Key challenges legislation Successful transition to the • continued review of the processes National Disability Insurance involved in responding to internal enquiries efficiently and Scheme (NDIS) effectively From 1 January 2017, Somerville’s • completed a survey to assist NDIA Disability Services will operate within in planning future transition of a consumer driven competitive supported accommodation to marketplace, very similar to a NDIS commercial business but without • completed Curtin University’s the ability to set a price for individual

58 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 services based on the true cost of less than the calculations we have Movement to General Purpose service. undertaken for those same units Financial Reporting in 2016/17 of service currently provided by Significant financial and system A review of Somerville’s current Somerville Community Services. impacts for our organisation has financial characteristics, based on the This matter is a major concern as we been identified as: Australian Statement of Accounting transition from our current block Effectively managing our cash Concepts (SAC 1) and the Australian funded arrangements. flows Charities Not for Profit Commission’s Accounting and Financial Currently Somerville’s Disability (ACNC) indicative factors, identified Management workloads Services receive block funding that Somerville falls under the quarterly in advance from the The team will be required to set up category of not-profit organisations/ Northern Territory Government. a system to accommodate reporting charities that should be presenting a Under the NDIS, funding is claimable and invoicing requirements. As general purpose financial report due in arrears and on an individual invoicing and monitoring will occur to its size, number of employees and level. This means that Somerville more regularly on an individual economic influence. will need to have sufficient cash level, workloads will be increased The key challenge in moving to the to pay staff and other overheads, considerably. new reporting in 2016/17 is the time and retrospectively claim expenses System changes required to prepare the reports, the from the National Disability Services amount of disclosures required for Agency (NDIA) or from whoever the Under the NDIS it is expected that the report and the costs involved. It service user chooses to manage their data collections will be required to is Somerville’s intention to adopt the funds. map out details of support required Reduced Disclosure Regime (RDR) Recognising and managing the and provided for each service user to lessen the requirements in the true cost of service which will require a new IT platform. Photo: Somerville Accouting and NDIA scheduled prices for individual For more information on the NDIS, Financial Management Team, with units of service are significantly see ‘Disability Services’ pages 43–44. Manager Josie Bacus (centre).

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 59 notes to the Financial Statement and hopefully reduce the costs involved. Our current auditors will be engaged to assist in the set up and the preparation of the General Purpose Financial Report. Changes to funding arrangements It is becoming apparent that the new financial year’s grants for some of the existing Family Services programs are not being confirmed until a few months prior to the end of the current financial year. Staff This poses uncertainty regarding Staff the program’s future operations profile and budgets. In this financial year profile Somerville has had to seek verbal approval of funding so planning could proceed. In addition, quarterly funding distribution for some grants has changed from quarterly in advance Shiju Varughese to 50% in advance, and the balance Lin Mu of 30% and 20% is distributed Senior Finance Officer Accounts Officer two months after submission of I was born in Kerala, a tiny state I was born in East Timor. My the quarterly narrative reports situated at the southern tip of family and I migrated to Australia due at the end of October and India, where I completed my in 1985 and I spent most of my April respectively. This has meant school, graduation and a Higher adult life in Darwin. that the final grant distribution is Diploma in Software Engineering. not received until the end of the Prior to my employment at I then moved to Bangalore, the financial year. Although assurance Somerville Community Services, Garden City of India, and worked is provided that the funding will I owned a small, but busy, family for two large Multi-National be provided, this change has had a supermarket in a northern suburb Companies IGATE and Deutsche significant impact on our cash flows. of Darwin. As a supermarket Bank. owner, my responsibilities in Future directions In 2008 I migrated to Australia and the business were varied from in March 2009 I started working being the manager, book-keeper, As we enter a new way of doing with Somerville as a Finance accountant, customer service business under the NDIS, our team Officer. provider and logistics supervisor. is ensuring that we are all prepared I have been greatly appreciated After 15 years of being self- for the changes. for my efforts in delivering employed, I decided to make a We remain very optimistic that our sustained performance and career change and work for a proven skills and knowledge will exceptional service quality. company. assist with the transition and that Within two years of being with I sold my business in 2011 our existing operations will provide Somerville, I was promoted to and in the same year I joined a solid foundation from which we the position of Senior Accounts Somerville’s Finance Team as an can grow and expand our services Officer. Accounts Payable Officer. Due to within the NDIS environment. I love my job and Somerville is a the nature of the job, my position great place to work as well as a in Somerville is quite busy, but great location to balance family whilst I am always busy working life. Beyond work, I am a husband towards deadline, I enjoy being to Binta and dad to Ethan and part of Somerville’s team because Evan, and a cricket and soccer as a team we are all responsible fanatic. and contribute to the good work and service.

60 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Photo: Louis Tan working alongside volunteers and staff at one of Somerville’s working bees.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 61 Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance

The Assets, Infrastructure and Achieving our vision, within our team to attend training Maintenance (AIM) Team is and professional development responsible for the maintenance, mission and values: sessions. This is an area that is safety and ongoing upgrades and requiring consistent monitoring and Somerville takes great pride in renovations of all Somerville owned management to enable staff to learn being able to provide exceptional and managed assets, including new skills and remain current with living and working spaces for both houses, offices, a warehouse and best practice processes. the people that the organisation fleet vehicles. supports and its staff. The AIM All staff participated in annual team is a critical component to performance reviews as well as OUR TEAM providing high quality services that regular performance management For AIM to successfully maintain the are underpinned by modern, safe discussions. many properties it is responsible for, and healthy environments in our and complete the work requests to supported accommodation facilities, Implementing Somerville’s notable high standards, our offices and external spaces. work health and it is important to provide a flexible The work undertaken by the team safety across our and supportive environment for the is diverse, with responsibility for team to work within. the coordination of all grounds, organisation: garden and building maintenance WHS is fundamental to good KEY ACHIEVEMENTS and upgrades; management of business management and employee the Somerville fleet; procurement relations, and we continue to build • Improved living and working of household furnishings and on strengthening our operational environments whitegoods; maintaining security processes to ensure a safe workplace • Strengthened community across all sites; and assisting with for all. WHS is front and centre of partnerships events and activities undertaken by everything that we do. • Engaged in an external audit Disability Services, Family Services of Somerville’s WHS policies, and Financial Services. During 2015/16 we implemented the following new WHS initiatives: procedures and practices In addition, AIM has responsibility • Provided opportunities for people for the management of Somerville’s • an audit of our WHS policy and supported by Disability Services Work Health and Safety regime, procedures by an external body to participate in weekly gardening including the development and resulted in a review with notable tasks review of relevant policies and amendments made including new additions to our WHS manual • Implemented initiatives to assist procedures. in the completion of maintenance This year workloads were • an incident/accident register work within required timeframes. coordinated to take into was created forming part of the consideration individual team reporting process KEY CHALLENGES members’ skills, expertise and • additional security measures abilities to ensure tasks were including, CCTV, security sensor • Limited funding and budget allocated to the most appropriate lighting, security mechanisms restraints to upgrade/ person. This initiative has resulted in were installed renovation work in supported a team of productive and committed accommodation houses • WHS boards were installed at individuals that achieve a great deal each facility displaying important • Ongoing vehicle insurance claims. of work together as a cohesive team. safety, emergency and contact Somerville’s commitment to staff information training and development is ongoing • defibrillators were installed in and evident, with many employees our Wagaman, Palmerston and including the AIM team participating Katherine offices in internal and external training. In • a WHS Q&A morning tea was 2016, AIM staff attended in-house facilitated as part of National training, external workshops and Safe Work Month and will occur training courses, in addition to annually participating in short online WHS courses accessed through our insurer, • emergency coordinator roles were CGU. reviewed with those responsible consulted and the changes However, high workloads can often implemented compromise the ability of individuals

62 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 • sit-stand desks were introduced • regular testing and tagging of all The Somerville WHS Committee for office workers as necessary portable electrical equipment met quarterly during 2015/16 with • a new tipper truck was purchased • six monthly emergency lighting representatives attending monthly to assist AIM staff with weekly tests team meetings to raise WHS items rubbish runs and collection of with regard to their individual • regular maintenance of pools/ garden supplies, reducing manual workplaces. spas labour and delivery costs The professional and constructive • pest control/termite inspections • AIM team work schedules and relationship with our insurance projects were reviewed and • air conditioner cleaning/servicing company, CGU, maximised the ability changes implemented to provide • carpet and furniture cleaning of injured staff to return to work as team members support, reduce soon as possible. We are pleased to fuel consumption, unnecessary • 24-hour monitored security for all sites report that there were no serious travel and take advantage of workplace injuries during the year cooler weather conditions for • pressure cleaning to all external and that there was only one new outside projects. concrete and paved surfaces WHS claim referred to our insurer, WHS measures that were introduced • monthly and bi-monthly compared with two the previous or maintained within our offices, maintenance checks year. houses and fleet vehicles to help • maintenance and general There were four unlawful entries at protect the health and safety of upgrades to offices and buildings separate locations, two resulting in all employees, clients, visitors and damage to buildings and property, contractors included: • biannual workplace checklists completed one incident of theft of property • fleet vehicle tests for new staff • scheduled servicing of vehicles and one incident of vandalism to • procurement of functional a fleet vehicle. An insurance claim vehicles with high safety ratings • ongoing emergency and fire was lodged for the vehicle as training provided to all staff • review and modification of this received significant damage. wheelchair restraints in vehicles to • ongoing training covering various Added security measures were maintain compliance topics relevant to individual implemented including CCTV, • monthly ‘safety tips’ emailed out program areas. additional security lighting and security mechanisms to eliminate, to all staff In 2016 the AIM Manager accepted where possible, these incidents from • visitor sign-in books to account for membership to the Work Health occurring. all people at all sites in case of an and Safety Advisory Council of the emergency Northern Territory, thereby ensuring Photo: Somerville Manager Skye Lee • ongoing fire equipment and first that we keep abreast of current best with the Assets, Infrastructure and aid kit checks practice and any legislative changes. Maintenance Team.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 63 Staff profile

Kalyca Cubillo Key achievements • new improved furniture and white goods were purchased AIM Administration Officer Improved living and working • ‘non-slip’ seamless flooring was I am a sixth generation Larrakia environments: applied to bathrooms in Katherine Aboriginal born in Darwin, and The AIM team continued to improve • airconditioning units were am part of one of the largest the living and working environment replaced at numerous properties Aboriginal family groups here. for both the people we support, and • a number of maintenance items I have lived here all my life our staff through scheduled and were logged and attended to with and have strong ties to the responsive cyclical maintenance and the assistance of the Department community. During my teenage upgrade works to our facilities. of Housing, thereby guaranteeing years, I was a St John’s volunteer The following projects were a safe and healthy living and was part of the Duke of completed at our office buildings: environment was maintained at Edinburgh’s awards programme. • a new roof and solar hot water all times. Growing up in Darwin’s system was installed to ensure Work undertaken at Family Services multicultural society has enabled the newly refurbished interior supported accommodation houses me to experience the differences remained in prime condition included: and sensitivities of various • a kitchen and outdoor cultures. As a result, I have gained • replacement of white goods and entertaining area had the dated the ability to respect and interact furniture and damaged flooring removed effectively with people from • upgrades to flooring and new tiles were laid to diverse backgrounds. upgrade the area • numerous maintenance works Since joining the team at were attended to with the • a new electric carport screen was Somerville in 2012, I have gained assistance of the Department fitted to the main building at a vast amount of knowledge of Housing to ensure a safe and Wagaman providing additional and skills, which have also had a healthy environment for the security to the building and to positive impact on my personal families that we support. staff working after hours circumstances. My role here at Somerville sees me providing • our office in Katherine was Strengthening community a comprehensive range of refurbished with a new functional partnerships: kitchen, reception desk and administrative and office support Somerville continued to strengthen bathroom vanity units duties, including hands-on its partnerships with key businesses tasks to assist the AIM team and • pools were re-coated with a wanting to give back to the manager. durable epoxy paint community and support the work No matter what day-to-day tasks • an extension to an existing we do for local Territorians. driveway was created to provide and challenges I’m faced with, Following the success of a number additional parking onsite for staff. it is rewarding knowing that of ‘working bees’ held in 2015, through my role I am assisting Within Disability Services the another 18 working bees were disadvantaged people in the following work was undertaken scheduled for 2016 with an invitation community. in respect to the supported once again extended to National accommodation houses: Australia Bank employees. With our

64 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 In addition, service users accommodation houses. We are participated in scheduled fortnightly pleased to report that as a result of mowing at their own homes and our applications, and subsequent other supported accommodation discussions, several urgent matters houses. This initiative has had a were resolved. two-fold impact in that service In cases where it would have been users are now engaged in regular detrimental to the people we garden activities which they very support if work was not completed, much enjoy and the AIM team now Somerville incurred costs for has greater capacity to undertake unforeseen repairs and maintenance, additional projects. including replacement of 17 air Initiatives to assist in the conditioners at Disability Services’ completion of maintenance supported accommodation houses. work within required Limited funding for upgrades and timeframes: renovations will continue to be an issue in 2016/17 and careful While the completion of consideration and planning will maintenance work within required be required in order to manage timeframes continues to be a our budgets without incurring any challenge for our small team impact on direct service delivery. of seven, two new initiatives introduced this year have gone some Ongoing vehicle insurance way to alleviating this issue. claims: strengthened partnership with NAB, In 2016, a new vehicle was There were five vehicle insurance their employees remain very keen to purchased to assist the claims lodged during 2015/16, none volunteer their time to assist us and organisation’s purchasing officers of which were due to driver error. give back to their local community. with procurement and immediate Where possible, larger vehicles This assistance has helped to keep delivery of items direct to facilities, were replaced with smaller more our maintenance costs down. as well as for use at community manoeuvrable automatic vehicles External audit of Somerville’s events. This has made the process to accommodate more drivers, and WHS policies, procedures and more efficient and the overall vehicles with higher safety ratings outcome has been positive. were procured in the fleet. practices: We also employed a part-time This is an ongoing challenge that During 2015/16 Somerville engaged maintenance officer in Katherine requires continuous monitoring to an external agency to undertake an who now maintains all of our keep accidents and insurance claims audit of its WHS policies, procedures Katherine properties to a high to a minimum. and practices. As a result of the standard and attends to work audit, the Somerville WHS manual requests promptly. This has removed Future directions was amended where necessary to the requirement for AIM staff based comply with current WHS legislation. in Darwin to undertake regular The continued building of strong In addition, an incident/accident trips to Katherine, thereby reducing professional relationships and register was developed to better their workloads with respect to collaborative efforts between the inform us, through the collection Katherine properties and reducing AIM team and the organisation’s of data, of any trends that can the costs associated with travel and service delivery areas is critical be resolved through changes accommodation. to ensuring successful outcomes to organisational systems and in regard to responding to WHS, processes. Key challenges maintenance/upgrade and Provided opportunities procurement matters, as well as Limited funding and budget enabling successful outcomes for for people supported planned organisational events. by Disability Services restraints to undertake The matter of adequate funding to participate in weekly upgrade/renovation work in supported accommodation to maintain our high standards in gardening tasks: the area of assets, infrastructure houses: Service users made valuable and maintenance will be at the contributions at our scheduled During the 2015/16 period, AIM forefront of our minds as we move ‘working bees’ under the guidance remained vigilant in the submission forward into the next financial year. of support staff. This initiative will of applications and discussions with A high priority will be placed on be an ongoing commitment each the Northern Territory Government’s ensuring that we are aware of any year for AIM to enable service users Department of Housing, regarding opportunities that may arise in this to participate in beautifying our necessary renovation and upgrade area whilst maintaining our focus on properties, alongside staff and works to the Disability Services improved efficiencies. volunteers. and Family Services supported

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 65 Human Resources, Information Technology and Administrative Services

Human Resources, Information Achieving our mission, Somerville’s workforce Technology and Administrative Services (HRITAS) is responsible vision and values: development plan for managing people within Our work includes all employee We see workforce planning as the the organisation with a focus related matters, such as recruitment process of forecasting our staffing on making the employment and retention, industrial relations, needs and working out the extensive relationship fulfilling for both learning, development and range of opportunities to enhance management and employees. performance, workplace diversity, and maintain our workforce in line OUR TEAM employment conditions, and the with our organisational goals. health and wellness program. It is about getting the right people, Somerville is committed to In addition HRITAS is responsible for, growing the right people and establishing a culture that values but not limited to: keeping the right people. diversity and inclusion, encourages • general administration and Our workforce plan contributes to: mutual respect and open support communication, respect for the • ensuring that we have the skills • information and communications individual, and a healthy balance to provide high quality services technology between work, personal and family in light of changing needs and life; and a work environment which • procurement expectations of our clients ensures that employees have a sense • quality assurance/service • ensuring that the best people are of accomplishment, contribution excellence (including ASES) placed in positions with a focus on our current and future strategic and pride from their association with • policy development Somerville. directions and goals • risk management and insurance • developing our organisational KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • events management, and capability and capacity • fundraising, marketing and public • attracting, retaining and • Awarded the NT Human Rights relations. developing high quality staff, and Fitzgerald Diversity Award The Somerville Board and senior • building a positive organisational • Compliance with the Workplace management has for many culture in which performance, Gender Equality Act years placed a high value on its learning and wellbeing are valued and supported. KEY CHALLENGES commitment to establishing a great workplace culture. Over time we will measure the • Changing to meet the This sustained effort has been success of our workforce plan by requirements of the National rewarded over the past years in monitoring key measures, such as the Disability Insurance Scheme quality service provision and high age profile of our staff, turnover rates, (NDIS) retention rates of staff. numbers of applicants for positions, 2015/16 was a year for community and staff opinion surveys. acknowledgement for Somerville One of our key challenges in 2015/16 employees, with three employees was to assist students with work being recognised for their placements. achievements and contributions. To date, we have implemented • Disability Services Coordinator, a student register to capture the Mavis White won the 2015 number of requests for student Disability Services Awards placement, administer and manage Outstanding Disability Service their journey within the organisation Employee to monitor outcomes. • Disability Services Manager/ We continue to liaise with key Administrator, Deborah Bampton service providers to ensure current won the 2015 NT Telstra Business trends are being met in training our Women For Purpose and Special employees for the future. Enterprise Winner HRITAS provides reports to the Board, • HR, IT and Administrative Services with an analysis of recruitment and Manager, Liza Metcalfe won cessation and we participate in job the 2015 Australian Institute of surveys conducted by the Australian Management NT Not For Profit Bureau of Statistics. Manager of the Year

66 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Human Resources, Information Technology and Administrative Services

Social engagement, employees to maintain and adopt to achieving all goals associated a healthy lifestyle, we arranged with our strategic plan. This year health and wellbeing, numerous events throughout we focused on planning, research rewards and the year, including the inaugural and development, ongoing training Somerville Walk and Feel Good Day. and professional development, recognition program streamlining systems and processes, We have a well-balanced and well- and providing enablers for people to The value of recruiting and retaining managed staff incentive scheme and perform their duties efficiently and good staff is a high priority. At we continue to inject a sense of fun productively. Somerville we seek to increase into the workplace. the efficiency and productivity of Some of the work undertaken Our Employee Assistance Program our service through a culture that included: values, supports and improves the includes easy access to confidential • planning for stage 3 extension to health and wellbeing of employees. services provided by Somerville’s Family Services and Financial 3 Victoria Drive, Gray This objective is being met by our Services or an external provider. • developing online database and Social Engagement, Health and data for the Department of Social Wellbeing, Rewards and Recognition Information and Services reporting requirements Program which acknowledges communication for Family Services and Financial and rewards outstanding Services accomplishments, performance and technology (ICT): behaviours of individuals or teams • coordinating National Broadband that support the vision, mission ICT is used by our organisation Network installations at various sites and values of the organisation. Staff for communication, inventory surveys and feedback validate the management, data storage and • implementing an online web effectiveness of this program in management, management service terms of assisting in the attraction information systems and customer • undertaking research and and retention of people to our relationship management. planning for NDIS organisation. The maintenance of an advanced • development of a new ID card As part of our commitment to infrastructure that facilitates system, and encouraging and supporting collaboration, coordination and • undertaking general Photo: Somerville Manager Liza interaction, both internally and troubleshooting, repairs, Metcalfe with the HRITAS team. with external organisations, is vital maintenance and upgrades.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 67 Job Role/ Group

Employment Status

Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance - 3% Disability Services- 79% Full time - 45% Financial Services - 5% Part time - 16% Family Services - 5% Casual - 39% Accounting and Financial Management - 3% HR, IT and Administrative Services - 4% Executive Unit - 1%

Gender 20-29 years - 24% 30-39 years - 34% 40-49 years - 19% Age 50-59 years - 13% 60-69 years - 9% Female - 64% 70+ years - 1% Male - 36%

<1 year - 22% 1-3 years - 28% CALD 3-5 years - 17% 5-10 years - 15% Length of service 10-15 years - 8% 15-20 years - 5% 20-25 years - 1% CALD - 76% 25+ years - 3% Non-CALD- 24%

68 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 The IT Team has also been environment that respects all implement work practices and instrumental in many of the employees, and acknowledges innovative strategies through events and activities organised by their diverse strengths and unique dialogue, and by learning and Somerville by providing technical contributions. understanding different cultures. and communications assistance, for In December 2015, Somerville’s We continually celebrate the example storytelling by video and Workplace Diversity Group and many diverse cultures within our musical recordings. Football Without Borders were workplace when we share good During the previous year, Somerville announced as joint winners of food, the methods of cooking and had invested in improving its social the NT Human Rights Fitzgerald their cultural significance, and network presence. We are pleased Diversity Award. The Diversity stories of people’s origins. to report that our social networking Award is presented to individuals Another initiative of the presence grew steadily during this or organisations whose activities Workplace Diversity Group was year, with positive indication that it focus on promoting, protecting celebrating the achievements and will continue to grow into the future. and fulfilling the human rights contributions of women as part of of diverse communities in the 2016 International Women’s Day Key achievements Northern Territory. Pledge for Parity. Refer to events on The Workplace Diversity Group page 79 for more information. Awarded the NT Human was recognised for its work in Rights Fitzgerald Diversity celebrating diversity through their Compliance with Workplace Award: ‘Somerthis, Somerthat’ Diversity Gender Equality Act: 76% of Somerville’s employees Cookbook; International Diversity Under the Workplace Gender originate from culturally and and Harmony Day celebrations; Equality (WGE) Act 2012, all non- linguistically diverse backgrounds. the Somerville workplace diversity public sector employers with 100 These people bring a wide range of training module; and a song or more employees are required cultural, professional and personal written especially for Somerville to report annually. The Act seeks experience to our workplace and focusing on diversity in the to promote and improve gender we are committed to ensuring workplace. equality for both women and that we achieve a supportive, The Somerville Workplace Diversity inclusive and harmonious work Group continues to develop and Photo: Somerville Staff participating in the annual Feel Good Day.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 69 Staff profile

men in the workplace. This also We have attended webinars and covers areas such as pay equity and have been in discussion with many Adelaide Dos Santos flexible working arrangements for software providers and we have employees, including those with come to the conclusion that no Purchasing Officer family and caring responsibilities. matter which software we decide I was born in Dili, and at the age Somerville received a notification of to implement, the cost to the of 11, my family fled East Timor compliance following assessment organisation will be very significant. during the civil unrest in 1975. of our annual WGE report for the In addition to the challenges We settled in Portugal and in period 1 April 2015 to 31 March associated with our business 1983 I migrated with my family 2016. systems, the workforce under the to Darwin. Darwin has been my NDIS will need to change and evolve home ever since. Key challenges as the Scheme rolls out. The work I have been working at Somerville that has been, and continues to Changing to meet the for 30 years and have worked be, undertaken in readiness for the in a variety of roles including requirements of the NDIS: NDIS, combined with Somerville’s Reception, Finance and a variety With the introduction of the approach to service delivery for of clerical duties. I now work as a National Disability Insurance people with disability, puts the Purchasing Officer as a part of the Scheme (NDIS), we will need to organisation in a good position to Administration team and I am also significantly realign our current move forward with a competent and responsible for events and any organisational structures and willing workforce. other duties as required. policies and procedures to remain I have seen Somerville grow viable and grow the organisation Future directions over the years and I find my role under this Scheme. Where clients at Somerville interesting and can now choose the organisation Under the NDIS, the need for cost effective systems and processes rewarding. I feel it is imperative they prefer to use, it is imperative to maintain a good rapport with that we provide a service that is fundamental to our operations. We will work collaboratively with our suppliers and I always try to meets their needs. We are finding get value for money and the best it necessary to think and operate the Management Team to develop a robust workforce and client outcomes for all our programs more like a for-profit organisation and service users. due to the competitive nature of management systems. NDIS. This year we have focussed To maximise our existing strengths Meeting Margaret Somerville was on exploring options in regard to and to respond to the challenges a highlight and a privilege that I choosing the most appropriate ahead, we will continue to review will cherish forever. client management application. and implement strategies identified I am very passionate about my This has proven to be a lengthy in our Workforce Development Plan role within the organisation, process, particularly with regard to 2014–2017. meeting and delivering selecting suitable software products Somerville’s mission and vision due to the uncertainty of the type statement is important to me. of services we will be providing.

Photo: Somerville staff at one of our Diversity Days.

70 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Photo: Somerville staff participating in our annual Feel Good Day.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 71 Events

High Tea As part of Somerville’s 50th Birthday celebration, a High Tea was held in the grounds of Somerville for 50 local women. This fundraising event was an opportunity to thank individuals who support Somerville and also provided us with an opportunity for our guests to learn more about Somerville’s programs, share information, and strengthen our network of supporters. Former Administrator of the Northern Territory and Somerville patron, The Hon Austin Asche (AC QC) was guest speaker for the event, Somerville Vice- President Daphne Read (AO) recited a poem which epitomised Somerville’s ethos, giving all those who attended a chance to reflect on Somerville’s work and history of helping fellow Territorians. A highlight of the morning was a fashion parade of designs from award winning local label ‘Raw Cloth’ which were modelled by Somerville staff.

72 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Katherine Garden Party For a number of years, Katherine staff have organised an annual morning tea. It has become an iconic event for Katherine community service providers to meet each year. In 2015, it was also an opportunity to celebrate Somerville’s 50th birthday. Recognition of many years of dedicated service by some of Somerville’s Katherine staff was also celebrated. The Katherine Garden Party was well attended by many local businesses, Government representatives and staff from other community service organisations. This event has become a great opportunity for all who attend to learn more about Somerville’s programs, share information and build a network of supporters.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 73 Events

Christmas Carols Somerville’s Christmas Carols have been a part of Darwin’s culture for more than 30 years. In 2015 we celebrated this wonderful tradition at Parliament House and it was our final event in recognising our 50th year. The event provided an opportunity for Somerville staff and service users in our Disability Services Program to thank all of the people and organisations who support and encourage us throughout the year. Our service users were involved in the production of the decorations, the welcoming of guests and distribution of booklets and candles. It was also a great opportunity for all Somerville staff to participate, with the Somerville Choir performing a number of carols. 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 continue to be the primary draw card to this annual event. Somerville wishes to thank Madam Speaker, the Honourable Kezia Purick, for her patronage of the event.

74 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women past, present and future. Somerville Community Services organised a fundraising event attended by over 150 women. The morning included songs by the Somerville Choir, international dances by Somerville staff, traditional dancing and costumes, and a fashion parade. There were also raffles, a silent auction and a keynote address by Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM. The event was an initiative of Somerville’s Workplace Diversity Group to celebrate womanhood, women’s achievements and their contribution to our communities, and the progress towards equality for women. They also shared the message that as women, they can do anything.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 75 Corporate support

Somerville acknowledges the support of the many individuals, families, organisations and businesses who continually sponsor and make donations to Somerville. This year, we were overwhelmed by the support of our Christmas Appeal. This generous spirit allowed us to distribute food hampers and gifts to hundreds of families in need just before Christmas. Donations were received from businesses, construction workers, individuals, and other groups in the Territory. These included: • JKC Australia’s 6,500 NT employees • East Arm Civil • Monadelphous Darwin employees • The Essington School Community • Natasha Fyles MLA, and • the hundreds of supporters listed on the following page.

76 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Our supporters

8KTR Katherine Community Radio Hardy OAM Ms Nancy Fuchs Alderman Allan Mitchell Hon. Austin & Dr Valerie Asche Ms Nicole Manison MLA Alllora Gardens Nursery Hon. Kezia Purick Ms Rose Rhodes Aussie Signs Hon. Sally Thomas Ms Una Clarke Best Western Darwin Gateway Human Services training Advisory National Australia Bank (NAB) Betta Home Living Katherine Council (HSTAC) Natasha Fyles MLA Birch Carroll & Coyle Humpty Doo Pharmacy North West Constructions Bob Jane T-Marts Indo Pacific Marine NTCOSS Bridge Autos Toyota Inge Beller Real Estate Oasis Betta Electrical Brumby’s Nightcliff J & I Electrical (Mr Jose Jong) OPS Business Centre (Ricoh) CAM Interiors Jape Homemaker Village Palmerston Shopping Centre Carpet Choice Jess del Rosario Palmerston Uniting Opportunity Casuarina All Sports Club JKC Australia Shop Cazalys Palmerston Club JKC Australia Staff Parap Fine Foods Chief Minister’s Office Kiwanis Club of Darwin Paspaley Pearling Company Choices Darwin KOGO – Knit one, Give one People’s Choice Credit Union City of Darwin Le Cornu PTTEP Australasia CMAX Lions Club of Darwin Q Framing Community Benefit Fund Lions Club of Katherine Quality Hotel Darwin Airport Community Business Bureau Lions Club of Litchfield RAW Cloth Country Classics Parap Loot Rod & Rifle Tackleworld Katherine Crocodylus Park Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim Rotary Club of Darwin Curtains on Cavenagh (Ms Hiroti Majestic Orchids RSL Katherine Margaret) Margaret & P Visentin Santos CWA of the NT (Ms Brenda Maria Koko Headwear Designs Savvas Footwear Blackadder) Miss Anne-Maree Berrill Shamrock Chemicals Darwin Airport Gateway Motel Miss Gwen Davies Sandra Szondi Darwin Airport Resort Mitchell Centre (Mr P Randazzo) Sky City Darwin Darwin Chorale Monadelphous Darwin Staff Stomp Shoes Darwin International Airport Mr & Mrs Bruce March Street Fleet Darwin Memorial Opportunity Centre Mr & Mrs Jenny Webster Stuart Park Pharmacy (Ms Szeyee Lin) Darwin Youth & Children’s Choir Mr & Mrs P&H Jackson Suncorp Di Croco Mr & Mrs Ron & Robyne Burridge The Book Shop Dolly O’Reilly’s Mr David Cannon The Cricket & Football Shop East Arm Civil Pty Ltd Staff Mr David Reed The GPT Group Easy Glass Service (Ms Mary Linnelle) Mr Geoff Rowston The House of Pearls Essington School Community Mr Gerry Wood (MLA) The Northern Territory Government Fannie Bay Investments Pty Ltd (Mr Mr Iain Summers Trevor Tschirpig Conveyancing Philip Grice) Mr Joe Randazzo (North West Triton Rolling Fund Finlay’s Stonemasonry Constructions) UCA Property Trust Fitness Works Nightcliff Mr John Miley (Shamrock Chemicals) Uniting Church Northern Synod Flowers from the Heart Mr Nathan Barrett Wesley Mission Forty Winks Mr Nathan Burnett Whitehouse Furnishers Katherine Friends Hair & Beauty Salon Mr Peter Chandler MLA Woolworths Friglec Enterprises (Mr Damian Mr Peter Derrington Zip Print Butler) Mr Stuart Somerville Fuji Xerox Mr Tony Rauseo Gardens Park Golf Links Mrs Elaine Castles Girl Guides Australia Mrs Justine Glover Hanuman Restaurant Ms Doris Lawrence Harvey Distributors Ms Jan Grice Harvey Norman Ms Julie Gallagher Healthy Habits Ms Julie Keating His Honour the Honourable John Ms Lynne Walker MLA

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 77 Our volunteers

Thank you to our volunteers This year, over 220 volunteers gave their time to support Somerville’s fundraising efforts. Although the majority of our volunteers were involved in our annual Christmas Gift Wrapping service, which is a major fundraising event for Somerville, we once again had the support of volunteers from National Australia Bank Business Banking team. NAB employees made an ongoing commitment to provide volunteers for the many ‘working bees’ we had at our supported accommodation houses. This valuable support allowed Somerville to maintain our properties at a high standard whilst also considerably reducing our costs in this area.

78 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 NAB and Somerville

At NAB we know money is an important part of people’s lives and we help our customers with it every day. But we know life is about more than money, it’s about the relationships we build and the experiences we create.

That’s why we’re passionate about our commitment to fostering meaningful and diverse partnerships in the community, like the one with Somerville – which has shown commitment and compassion across the Northern Territory for the last 50 years.

Through the NAB Volunteering program, where staff have access to 2 volunteer days annually, our staff chose to give back to the community by supporting Vicki and the Somerville team for a second year.

Our success, and that of our customers and people, is closely linked to the success of the community. That’s why, locally, we strive every day to connect with our clients and community to help build a positive environment for us to live and work in.

National Australia Bank

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 79 Awards and recognition

Awarded the Awarded the NT Human Australasian Rights Fitzgerald Reporting Award Diversity Award (Gold)

NT Human Rights Award Australasian Reporting Awards In 2015 Somerville Community Services Workplace Somerville were awarded a Gold Award for our 2014/2015 Diversity Group were joint winners, along with ‘Football Annual Report. Somerville has been participating in these without Borders’, of the NT Human Rights Fitzgerald awards for a number of years, and after receiving both Diversity Award. The award recognises individuals or Bronze and Silver Awards in previous years, were very organisations whose activities focus on promoting, happy to receive a Gold Award. protecting and fulfilling the human rights of diverse communities in the Northern Territory. Somerville continues to foster a supportive and harmonious work environment, in which all employees are respected, their diverse strengths acknowledged, and values from their own cultures are welcomed.

80 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Liza Metcalfe Mavis White Deborah Bampton Manager, Human Resources, Disability Services Coordinator Manager, Service Development Information Technology and and Administration Disability Award: Outstanding Disability Service Administrative Services Services Employee – Northern Territory Award: NT Winner of the Not for Profit Disability Services Awards. Award: NT Winner of the For Purpose Manager of the Year Category – 2015 and Social Enterprise Category This award recognises exceptional Australian Institute of Management – 2015 Northern Territory Telstra individuals working in the disability Excellence Awards. Business Woman of the Year Awards. sector who demonstrate outstanding These awards celebrate the individual commitment to improving the lives The Telstra Business Women’s Awards contributions and achievements of of people with a disability. not only recognise and reward the outstanding managers on a national courage, leadership and creativity scale. After winning this award, Liza of Australia’s most brilliant business went on to represent the Northern women, they also play a critical role Territory in the National Awards. in raising the profile of women in business.

Robyne and Ronald John Burridge Ambassadors since 2015 Robyne is highly regarded as an advocate, leader and activist in the disability sector. She is passionate about the need to empower people who have a disability and strives to ensure that like herself they have every opportunity to equality and quality of life. Ron shows a keen interest in, and Recognising dedication to, assisting others and our Ambassadors supports his wife Robyne in her Robyne and Ron various activities associated with the Burridge disability sector.

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 81 Our staff

To our dedicated 25 years and over BATEMAN, Callum employees – we BACUS, Josefina BHATTARAI, Ambika CENDO, Carolyn BOATH, Edwin salute you DICKENS, Beverley CELIS, Ginalyn DAMIAN, Maricel Loyal, dependable staff are the DOS SANTOS, Adelaide DUNNE, Jennifer backbone of Somerville. MAY, Jillian METCALFE, Liza DUREAU, Terri-Anne Those who serve for an extended FAREY, Emily period provide stability, corporate 20 years and over FERNAN, Earl knowledge, and an understanding CASTLES, Elaine FERRERAS, James of the values that drive us to provide LORENZ, Marilyn FLORES, Gloria excellence in service. MURRAY, Patrick FRANKLIN, Graham O’HALLORAN, Vicki GIRI, Dhian HALL, Gina 15 years and over HAMILTON, Carolyn BALLESTEROS, Leilani KEMPSTER, Daryl GRAINGER, Edna KHANAL, Megha HETHERINGTON, Lilian LAMA, Mingmar HODGSON, Soo Lin LEE, Skye LEAR, Marlene LOCKWOOD, Charlene LORENZ, Peter LUAN, Hai Yan MANIKALLIL, Rosa MARSHALL, Azmi POOL, Florence MATHEW VARUGHESE, Shiju SMITH, Tetty Christina MEHLOMAKULU, Cliff SOLLY, Bonnie METCALFE, Dean WHITE, Mavis MUDZINGWA, John YUEN, Vince OJHA, Hari Raj 10 years and over PANDEY, Shyam Lal PANDEY, Yashodha ANASTACIO, Danilo PINEDA, Roderick AREVALO, Hilario REYES, ROCELYN BENNETT, Corazon SETYORINI, Diana BRENNAN, Geraldine SUNDARARAJ, Moses GOODWIN, Elizabeth TAOPO, Nerlyn HADDOCK, Kevin TAPERA, Caroline HUSSIN, Sean TEBAG, Melissa KNIGHT, Kadek THANDI, Karamjit LEWIS, Sylvia VADHEL, Nishithkumar MCMILLAN, James VARGHESE, Jenu NICHOLLS, John WHIPPS, Kai ODQUIN, Estelita WHITTEN, Katherine RANKOT, Viraj Sumedha RECORD, Noreen 3 years and over STUBBS, Lee-Anne May ADHIKARI, Anju TEECE, Evelyn AREVALO, Edelwisa VICENTE, Rommel BACLAY, Dean 5 years and over BANJADE, Shyam Sundar BASKOTA, Divya BACUS, Jannie BASNET, Barsha BAMPTON, Deborah BASY, Diana BANGUN, Suasana BATAJU, Hanuman BANJADE, Niran BHANDARI, Rakshya BARROS, Sebastiana (Anna) BORZI, Vicki Maree BASKOTA, Anita BUEN, Angela BASKOTA, Hari Kumar

82 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 CABANELA, Evangeline BARAL, Kristina LAMICHHANE, Suraj CALUZA, Liezl BATEMAN, Lauren LAUREANO, Lhenon CAMPBELL, Benjamin Roger BHANDARI, Sunita LOREJAS, Rea CUBILLO, Kalyca BHATTARAI, Kamana Kandel LUKIC, Lena ELISABETH, Ni Luh Rosita BHATTARAI, Yachana MAHARJAN, Yogesh ESCOBIA, Rochelle BOHARA, Bindu MAHENDRA, Gede FLORES, Guillermo BOOYSEN, Nina MASKI, Susma FORDER, David BOSE, Swapna MEESON, Lene GARCIA, Glenda BOSWELL, Kerry MEHLOMAKULU, Clapton GRANT, Courtney BOYER, Travis MIANO, Shamirah GURUNG, Milan BREWSTER, Patricia MILLADO, John GURUNG, Seeta BROWN, Kim MILLADO, Tyrone HARVEY, Troy CAMM, Kelly MOALA, Elisiva HODGETTS, Leigh CHAIPA, Linah MOLATO, Jenelyn K C, Santosh CHALLAVAYALIL MATHEW, Santhosh MORALA, Aisa KANDEL, Krishna CHAMBERS, Lynette MORRISON, David KANDEL, Madhukar CHATTERTON, Aleasha Farrah MU, Com Fai KHADKA, Ram Hari CHILUWAL, Dipesh MUKANDI, Pellagia KOSSACK, Cameran James DAHAL, Toolsee Devi (Rema) MULLER, Rosary LARGE, Victoria DAHAL, Vijaya NEHAL, Manpreet Kaur LESTARI, Fransisca DARIAN, Jasvir OBI UTI, Daniel MACAM, Paul DANGOL CHAUDHARY, Palina PABBA, Swapna MAMMOOTTIL, Monsi DAVIDSON, Svetlana PARSONS, Beryl MAPENDERE, Tirivangani DAVIS-LONG, Josephine POUDEL KHANAL, Ashmita MARCUS, Stephen DELA CRUZ, Kimberly POUDEL, Rakshya MIRANDA, Delia DOUGLAS, Lisa PRAJAPATI, Rabina MU, Lin DUT, William PUN, Sita NAVARRO, Rosario ERLEMANN, Jason RAI, Manoj O’CONNOR, Allison ESTRADA, Raul RAPOLU, Sumalatha ONIFADE, Modesinuola FLORES, Jan Paolo ROJAH, Bibi PAPEL, Gina FLORES, Mayciel ROJAH, Said PATINDOL, CHARLES PRINCE FREEMAN, Melinda ROSAL, Dayanara ROGERSON Ruth FREIRES, Quizon ROSAS, Tamara ROLLETSCHKE, Patrick Matthias GLADSON ROBY, Lulu SANBEER, Sadi SAPO, Primrose GOEDHART, Saskia SANDOT, Kathleene SHEASBY, David GOEL, Manisha SCHARF, Janelle SMELLIN, Sheree GULLIVER, Kelly SHARMA, Priyanka SOARES, Anya GURUNG, Ashok SHELDON, Kym TAMANG, Kinjo GURUNG, Janga SHEN, Xuan TENECIO, Hazel GURUNG, Manisha SHRESTHA, Nisha TIWARI, Kamal GURUNG, Samjhana SHRESTHA, Sulochana VADHEL, Hetalben HSIEH, Min -Jing STUBBS, Bianca VALIYAVEETTIL, Sebastian JACOB ALEXIS, Bony SUBEDI, Bipana Baniya WHELAN, Lyn Marie JACOB, Biju SULIB, Rogeline Up to 3 years JOHNSON, David TEALE, Melissa JOHNSON, Giralyn THAPA, Luku ACHARYA, Harihar JOSEPH, Susan THOMAS, Sinu Behana ADHIKARI, Anita KARKI BISTA, Binita TINDALL, Peta ADHIKARI, Shalikgram KARUNACHCHARIGE, Lasith TOTAMUNA, Nalini ADU, Abayomi Abel KATTEL, Amol TURK, Jonathan ANGLESEY, Jessica KC, Om Bahadur VADAKEL, Deepu George BANIYA, Ranjita KIM, Soyoon WASARE, Kimberly BANJADE, Durga KURNIAWAN, Deny WILLIAMS, Melonie BANJADE, Nirajan LAM, Jessica

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 83 Special purpose financial report

Somerville Community Services Inc (ABN: 62 302 702 903) Special Purpose Financial Report For the financial year ended 30 June 2015

Index 87 Directors’ report and declaration 90 Auditors’ report 92 Statement of financial position 92 Statement of profit and loss and comprehensive income (all services) 95 Statement of cash flows 95 Statement of changes in equity 96 Notes to, and forming part of the financial statements

84 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 85 86 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 87 88 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 89 90 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 91 92 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 93 94 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 95 Glossary

1800 007 007 Helpline: Child and Family Contact Centre Financial Capability program: See Financial Counselling Helpline. Service: Commonwealth funded program Australian Childhood Foundation CFCCS is a joint program run by the aimed at improving financial and social Safeguarding Children Department of Children and Families function through increasing financial Accreditation: (DCF) and Somerville Community literacy and money management services. The program aims to support capacity. Nationally relevant, Safeguarding children and young people in the care Financial Capability workers: Children accreditation clearly of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of communicates to children, young the DCF by improving attachment and Trained financial literacy staff who people and their families that the relationships with their parent(s). deliver the ‘Financial Capability organisation values the safety of program’. Community Benefit Fund (CBF): children and young people. Financial Counselling Helpline: It also demonstrates to governments, The Northern Territory Community A national number providing free funding bodies and other stakeholders Benefit Fund provides funding support financial counselling assistance. an ongoing organisational for gambling-related research and commitment to best practice and amelioration programs concerned Financial Literacy Program: with problem gambling, as well as quality improvement in relation to Known as “Cashed-Up”, this program is grants that provide assistance for the protection of children and young targeted at high school students with general community development people. the aim of teaching them financial and improvement purposes. The fund skills. The program was developed by Australian Service Excellence receives money from levies imposed Somerville’s Financial Counsellors in Standards (ASES): on the operation of electronic gaming consultation with teachers, parents and The Australian Service Excellence machines operated by licensed hotels senior level students. Standards are quality standards and casinos throughout the Territory. Income Management: for the community services sector. Convention on the Rights of People ASES supports community service with Disability (CRPWD): Commonwealth legislation that sets organisations to effectively manage aside part of Centrelink payments so The CRPWD is an international human resources, gain better understanding that money provided for the welfare of rights treaty of the United Nations of customer needs and improve individuals is spent on priority needs intended to protect the rights and accountability and reporting. and expenses. (Currently operating dignity of persons with disabilities. across the whole NT). Achievement of the standards can be Parties to the Convention are required at the Certificate level (the first level) or to promote, protect and ensure the full KidsFast: the Award level. Accreditation is for a enjoyment of human rights by persons See Families And Schools Together period of three years. with disabilities and ensure they enjoy (FAST) Baby FAST: full equality under the law. MyTime: Baby FAST is the early intervention Disability Advisory Council (DAC): A program run by Somerville Family program for young mothers and fathers This NT based Council provides advice Services which provides an opportunity for children 0–3 year old. to Government on the policy, planning to connect with a group of people in Basics Card: and delivery of disability services in the a relaxed, friendly environment while Northern Territory. The BasicsCard is a reusable, Personal addressing important topics from Identification Number (PIN) protected Emergency Relief Funds: gambling to domestic violence. card. It can be used to buy food, ERF helps to support families and No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS): clothes, health and hygiene products individuals in crisis. ERF assistance NILS offer small no interest loans from approved stores and businesses. includes: for people on low incomes for the (See Income Management). • purchase vouchers of a fixed value purchase of essential household goods. Care Careers (for example – food) NILS is a registered trademark of Good Not for profit initiative whose aim is • part-payment of an outstanding Shepherd Microfinance. the attract talented staff to work in the account (for example – rent, National Disability Insurance disability, community and aged care accommodation, utility account/s). Agency (NDIA): sectors. Family and Schools Together (FAST): The NDIA is an independent statutory Centre Pay: agency whose role is to implement the A proven parent involvement and National Disability Insurance Scheme A free service for customers to pay prevention programme helping (NDIS. bills as regular deductions from their children succeed academically and Centrelink payments. socially.

96 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 National Disability Insurance communicate and make decisions on Acronym list Scheme (NDIS): how to move to outcomes and action The NDIS is a national insurance (www.helensandersonassociates.co.uk). ACNC - Australian Charities & Not for scheme for people with disability. The Safeguarding Children Program: Profit Commission scheme is aimed at providing targeted The Safeguarding Children Progam is a AGM - Annual General Meeting support and better coordination and unique voluntary Accreditation scheme access to services for people with for organisations who have a duty of AICD - Australian Institute of Company disabilities. care to children and young people, Directors National Disability Services (NDS): whilst delivering a service to them and/ AM - Member of the Order of Australia or their families. NDS is the national industry association AO - Order of Australia for disability services representing Social Participation and in excess of 990 not for profit Brokerage Program: ASES - Australian Service Excellence Standards organisations. NDS promotes the The program provides a flexible range development of quality services and of quality support options to enhance CALD - Culturally And Linguistically life opportunities for Australians with the independence, community Diverse disabilities. participation and quality of life for National Minimum Data Set adults with disabilities. The service CEO - Chief Executive Officer (NMDS): supports people in a wide range of CBB - Community Business Bureau settings including in-home and within The purpose of the NMDS collection CBF - Community Benefit Fund is to facilitate the annual collation of the community. Somerville’s program nationally comparable data about is not limited to normal working hours CDU - Charles Darwin University disability support services provided and may include activities during CRPWD - Convention on the Rights of under the National Disability evenings, overnights and weekends. People with Disability Agreement. Step Forward Program: Northern Territory Council of A supported accommodation training CFCCS - Child and Family Contact Social Services (NTCOSS): program aimed at equipping people Centre Service A peak body for the Social and with social, financial and interpersonal DoH - Department of Health Community Sector and an advocate for skills to enable them to cope with the challenging and increasing demands of DCF - Department of Children and social justice on behalf of people and Families communities in the NT who may be everyday life. affected by poverty and disadvantage. The program has a particular emphasis NAGS - National Association for Gambling Studies Person Centred Active Support on the development of skills for (PCAS): obtaining and sustaining successful NDS - National Disability Services future tenancy as well as financial PCAS is a way of helping people stability. NDIA - National Disability Insurance with learning disabilities engage in Agency meaningful activity and relationships Targeted Family Support: as active participants. Instead of doing Targeted Family Support is a joint NDIS - National Disability Insurance things for people, or to people, it program run by the Department Scheme involves working with people to enable of Children and Families (DCF) and NMDS - National Minimum Data Set them to take part in all the activities of Somerville Community services. The everyday life, no matter how profound target group is children, young people NTCOSS - Northern Territory Council of the disability. (unborn to 18 years) and their families Social Service Person Centred Planning (PCP): who find themselves in vulnerable PCAS - Person Centred Active Support situations but are not currently PCP is a set of approaches designed subject to statutory child protection PEGS - Partners Engaging Gray School to assist someone to plan their life. It intervention. is often used as a life planning model RTO - Registered Training Organisation to enable individuals with disabilities Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA): SAAP - Supported Accommodation requiring support to increase their Assistance Program personal self-determination and The Workplace Gender Equality Agency improve their own independence. (WGEA) is an Australian Government SCS - Somerville Community Services Person Centred Practices: statutory agency charged with WGE - Workplace Gender Equality promoting and improving gender Activities associated with Person equality in Australian workplaces. WGEA - Workplace Gender Equality Centred Planning, Person Centred Their vision is for women and men to Agency Thinking and Person Centred Active be equally represented, valued and WHS - Work Health and Safety Support. rewarded in the workplace. The Agency Person-Centred Thinking (PCT): is responsible for administering the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. PCT is a set of skills and tools that are used to personalise the way in which support is provided to people with disability on a day to day basis. PCT facilitates the discovery of what is important to a person and how to best support them. That way, they

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 97 Index

A H S Accounting and Financial Highlights of the year...... 1 Strategic plan...... 8 Management...... 58 History...... 2 Supporters...... 77 Acronym list...... 97 Human Resources, Information Social media...... ii Annual report objective...... ii Technology and Administrative Somerville history...... 2 Services...... 68 Ambassadors...... 33 Somerville staff...... 82 Assets, Infrastructure and I Special purpose financial report....84 Maintenance...... 62 Staff acknowledgement...... ii Auditors report...... 90 Index...... 98 Australian Service Excellence K V Standards...... 1, 13, 66 Katherine Youth and Family Services Values...... 3 B Key acheivements...... Vision...... 3 Board of Directors...... 28 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 38, 39, 46, 52, 54, 55, Volunteers...... 78, 79 57, 58, 62, 64, 66, 69 Board members meeting W attendance...... 27 Key challenges...... 4, 16, 17, 38, 43, 46, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, Work Health and Safety...... C 58, 59, 62, 65, 66, 70 ...... 35, 37, 62, 63 CEO report...... 6 Key Financial Summary...... 20 Workforce development plan...... Contents...... ii M ...... 15, 16, 66, 70 Constitution...... 26 Management team...... 35 Contact...... ii Margaret Somerville...... 2, 3, 5 Corporate support...... 76 Mission...... 3 D N Disability Services...... 38 No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)...... E 9, 25, 34, 37, 46, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 Events...... 72 O F Our logo...... 99 Our organisation...... 2 Family Services...... 46 Our staff...... 82 Financial Summary...... 20 Organisational chart...... 34 Financial Services...... 54 Five year snapshot...... 18 P From the CEO...... 6 Patrons...... 32, 33 From the President...... 4 Policies and procedures...... 13, 17, 26, 36, 58, 62, 70 G Presidents report...... 4 Glossary of terms...... 96 R Governance...... 26 Representation on boards and committees...... 26, 27

98 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 99 100 ANNUAL REPORT 2016