2010/11annual report Our Vision Vision Australia is a partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.
Our Mission Vision Australia will achieve this through creating a community partnership of knowledge, skills and expertise to enrich the participation in life of people who are blind or have low vision and their families. We will ensure that the community recognises their capabilities and contributions. Contents
4 About us
6 At a glance
8 Message from Chair and CEO
10 Our services
22 Advocacy and equality
ision 28 Partnerships Australia Deputy Chair 36 Stewardship ProfessorV Ron McCallum was named 40 The executive Senior Australian of the Year 2011 in January. 42 Financial summary Ron was the first person who is blind to be appointed to a full 44 The board professorship at an Australian university and has had a distinguished career.
Top 10 Finalist 2010
Making this report accessible This spiral-bound format can be spread flat, assisting people using magnifiers. This report is also available in large print, braille and audio formats. It can be downloaded at www.visionaustralia.org to read using speech output software. Future focus While documenting the achievements of the past year, this report also highlights P our strategic direction tohoto prepare for the increasing challenges ahead.
Cover image: Isabella : N Stanfield, aged three and a half, with her mother Rachel Layt at Vision Australia in Coorparoo, Brisbane. Isabella, who was born very ew p ix prematurely, is blind and also has lower limb cerebral palsy. ourtney Harbeck was born Jinx makes it easier for me “ with rod monochromatism, to visit my local shops and which means she has the gym independently, reduced depth perception, Ccannot see colours and is very “ sensitive to glare. Recently Courtney, says Courtney, who is seeking who is 22, teamed up with Seeing Eye work after completing a diploma Dog Jinx to help her increase her level in remedial massage. of independence and confidence.
Photo: North West News About us
We are the largest and only national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia
ision Australia works heritage organisations which in partnership with now form Vision Australia – Australians who are Royal Blind Society, Royal blind or have low Victorian Institute for the Blind, visionV to help them achieve the Vision Australia Foundation, possibilities they choose in life. National Information Library We are a not-for-profit organisation Services, Royal Blind Foundation with client numbers of 50,000. Queensland, Hear a Book and We are also a major innovator Seeing Eye Dogs Australia. and partner in the international blindness community. We are pleased to announce that the Federal Government We offer 15 core services through recognises the importance of 28 Vision Australia centres in our history and has approved New South Wales, the Australian funding towards touring costs Capital Territory, Queensland of Vision Australia’s heritage and Victoria. While most of exhibition, Living in a Sensory our services are delivered in World: Stories from People with metropolitan areas, satellite Blindness or Low Vision (see clinics are also held in 29 other historic badge below). This locations and there are outreach exhibition, which appeared at the services to the Northern Territory Powerhouse in 2008, will open in and Tasmania. Newcastle in October this year and then tour regionally over the Most of our services are offered next three years. The exhibition free of charge and that requires is important in showcasing the us to raise nearly $100 million history and striving towards each year to deliver our services. equality of opportunity for the We assist clients of every age, as blindness community in Australia. blindness or low vision can occur at any time from birth through to old age.
Vision Australia has a proud history of 145 years of consecutive service through the seven
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 5 njoying the atmosphere while promoting Seeing Eye Dogs Eat Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight® at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne last Christmas Eve are volunteer puppy carers, from left, Elin McPadden with her charge, Ember, and Kylie Morris, with Tawny. At a glance
An overview of key figures across Vision Australia’s services and organisation
2011 2010 2009 Clients (active) 49,046 47,011 46,200 Client satisfaction (annual %) 86% 88% 90% Submissions to government 35 25 34 New employment services clients 243 257 289 Workplace modifications 274 216 193 Tele-Groups 43 42 25 Orientation and mobility services 12,230 7,200 1,681 Free canes 1,000* 2,000* 2,057 Feelix titles available for loan 431 367 300* Total loan items 759,274 801,346 759,700 Total downloads: i-access® online 62,187 48,069 † 45,348 † Seeing Eye Dog clients 204 192 163 Graduate dogs 30 42 30 Total working dogs 172 163 133 Bursary recipients 28 24 22 National Contact Centre calls 214,975 150,000* 108,000* Total employees (FTE) 744.75 721 743 Staff turnover rate per month 1.1% 0.93% 1.68% Staff with blindness or low vision 19% 22% 18% Lost time injury frequency rate 10.4 9.8 5.4 Lost time injury severity rate 393 416 411 Total revenue 101,610,000 95,919,000 79,523,000 Total expenses 89,706,000 82,295,000 106,786,000 Total government grants 30,584,000 37,817,000 29,786,000 Total fundraising 29,819,000 30,544,000 32,564,000 Total investment income 16,577,000 8,289,000 8,920,000 * = approximate numbers † = correction
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 7 Message from Chair & CEO
Proactive measures and forward planning position Vision Australia for continued growth in services
his year has been a Due to economic circumstances challenging one for many we have not met goal two (to organisations, with a increase income to better meet series of natural disasters the growing need), nor made Tand continuing global financial enough progress with goal three insecurity. Vision Australia has (finding more efficient ways to responded proactively with use our resources), to offset these changes to ensure we continue compounding difficulties. to operate within our means while meeting the needs of our Our commitment to the needs increasing number of clients. and views of our clients continues through the Client Consultative This year’s strong involvement Framework which advises on the international stage is Vision Australia through Local particularly important to our Client Groups, Regional Client clients. Information is now a global Committees and the Client resource and cross-boundary Representative Council. accessibility is vital for those who are blind or have low vision to Following staff and client surveys achieve equality of access. and discussion with overseas organisations we are planning new This year we met goals one, four ways to deliver services to our and five of our strategic plan. adult clients to cope with increased The increase in clients – in some demand while reducing costs and services by up to 10% – meets ensuring a greater consistency of goal one, to provide services services. Benefits to clients should to more people who are blind include reduced waiting times, or have low vision. Goal four – increased peer support and a new that nine out of 10 clients are follow-up service. satisfied with our services – was achieved in the last quarter and Because of a worldwide shortage goal five (to improve awareness of of qualified dog guide instructors Vision Australia by becoming an which has reduced our Seeing authoritative voice) is much closer Eye Dog graduation numbers this as a result of our national and year, we have invested in instructor international advocacy work. training and expect record numbers of Seeing Eye Dogs in named Senior Australian of the 2011/2012 and the years ahead. Year on 25 January, 2011.
While we are finishing the year with We are also pleased to announce a $12m surplus, Vision Australia that Vision Australia has strong will report an operating deficit of representation on the National $11m which is $6.3m worse than Roundtable of Nonprofit expected, predominantly a result of Organisations (NRNO), the peak income shortfalls in fundraising and body representing over 30,000 bequest income rather than cost not-for-profit organisations through overruns. The budget for 2011/2012 Vision Australia’s CEO Gerard will recover much of the ground lost Menses’ recent election as Chair. in FY11 with a budget operating The NRNO is working closely with deficit of $4.5m, $2.4m behind our the Federal Government in the target of $2.1m forecast for FY12 in establishment of a single regulator the strategic plan. We now project for the charitable sector. that breakeven will be achieved in FY15, two years behind schedule. To everyone in the Vision Australia family, a sincere thank you for your To continue to operate within our passion and contribution. means and preserve our reserves, we have made significant decisions to improve efficiency and rein in costs. We have ended two leases in Victoria to concentrate on delivering Kevin Murfitt services from buildings we own and Chair through outreach centres; saving more than $500,000 each year. Gerard Menses Approximately $480,000 per year Chief Executive Officer will be saved through closing Audio Publishing (running at a significant loss in the past two years) and From left: Gerard Menses, Chief Executive relocating the library’s Burn on Officer; Kevin Murfitt, Chair. Demand services.
The Federal Government’s planned National Disability Insurance Scheme will also require continuing advocacy as many of our clients would be exempt due to age.
It is with pleasure that we congratulate our Deputy Chair, Professor Ron McCallum, who was
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 9 lthough another service provider had told ABrett O’Neil he was ‘unemployable’, Vision Australia proved otherwise and after many applications Brett was successful in obtaining work at a retirement home. Vision Australia’s Employment Services assisted with providing vision aides
and equipment such as
handheld magnifiers and a closed circuit television. It makes such a “ huge difference to be able to help support “your family, says Brett, who has low vision.
Photo courtesy Rob Shaw/Woman’s Day. Our services
Most Vision Australia services are offered free of charge to clients of all ages
ur services offer Telephone services assistance and support to clients Telelink’s regular telephone to enable them to groups offer social and peer Oachieve the possibilities they support, special interest groups choose in life. Blindness or low and recreational activities to vision can occur at any stage of people who are socially isolated life and our services are designed or live some distance from a to provide individual support Vision Australia centre. Our and assistance, whether it be for expanded Telelink program a young child and their family, covers Victoria, New South a teenager seeking to continue Wales, Queensland, the Northern their education, an adult needing Territory, ACT and Tasmania. support to find or continue to work It is facilitated by trained or an older person wishing to volunteers who are skilled to keep their independence. meet the needs of clients from We have 15 core services which culturally and linguistically diverse enable life change by enhancing backgrounds. access to information, making the most of technology and creating National Texpo community inclusion through Vision Australia’s inaugural mobility and independence. national Texpo, which showcased Vision Australia has 28 offices the latest technologies and which include clinics in New services available to assist people South Wales, ACT, Victoria and who are blind or have low vision, Queensland and 29 satellite was held across Melbourne, clinics in New South Wales, Brisbane and Sydney in late Victoria and Queensland. August and early September. Close to 2,500 visitors attended Highlights and developments while over 100 staff and 50 in our service areas over the volunteers contributed to past year are outlined over the Texpo’s success. Feedback following pages. was very positive.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 11 eeing Eye Dogs need to be Earlier this year Brisbane volunteer trained from an early age carers met at the Roma Street fire not to react to loud noises station to do group training with and other distractions, so their puppies. Svolunteer carers take their charges One of the puppies is pictured getting out to a variety of different places, to know firefighter Ellie Sponza. including fire stations.
Photo courtesy City News, Brisbane. Seeing Eye Dogs 30 Seeing Eye Dogs graduated, Orientation and Mobility with 21 provided to new clients and nine replacing retired dogs. (There Vision Australia’s recent merger is a chronic worldwide shortage of with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia International Guide Dog Federation has provided an opportunity to instructors so our graduations enhance the way we provide were down from 42 last year due Orientation and Mobility services in to a staff shortage.) Vision Australia order to continue to efficiently and was successful in filling vacancies effectively meet the needs of our towards the end of the financial client groups. year and has invested in recruiting and training its own students for Five Orientation and Mobility the four-year instructor qualification graduates completed their in- and is now well placed to produce house nationally accredited record numbers of Seeing Eye Graduate Certificate in Vision Dogs in the 2011-2012 year and Impairment (Orientation and the years ahead. There are 204 Mobility). Three graduates Seeing Eye Dog clients with a commenced employment at our working dog population of 172. facility in Coorparoo, Brisbane, and two in our offices in Canberra. Accessible Information Solutions (AIS)
This Vision Australia service allows people who are blind, have low vision or are otherwise print- disabled to have access to any information, anytime, anywhere. The Orientation and Mobility team provided Information Library Service (ILS) offered 33,000 titles for 19,979 12,230 individual members mainly delivered via our services to clients automated CD-burning process. around Australia, up The i-access® online statistics show 60,000 titles downloaded, from 7,200 last year. reflecting the growing popularity “ of the service. Over the past year 759,274 titles were borrowed. Vision Australia issued approximately 1000 canes and 650 The online collection now includes cane tips free of charge to assist braille music, Vision Australia with mobility for people who are Radio podcasts and 124 regional blind and have low vision. newspapers from around Australia.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 13 am loves to read and his birth and these had to be operated parents purchased a pocket on when he was only eight weeks old. viewer magnifier from Vision Australia to enlarge small Vision Australia has worked with the Sprint, otherwise too difficult to see. family to develop Sam’s vision and to assist him to achieve childhood Sam’s parents were devastated when milestones. Sam now attends a he developed cataracts shortly after mainstream school. As more newspapers become to complete. This has expanded available from Fairfax Media this the digital collection for members. number will increase. Selection and production Negotiations with the Ulverscroft processes were developed, trialled Group in the UK have enabled and implemented to allow for a us to supply our library members rapid text-to-DAISY conversion with DAISY versions of unabridged service to be introduced for the audio books published by library. These conversions added Ulverscroft. approximately 1,500 synthetic voice books into the library in FY11. A social engagement strategy was undertaken to seek greater feedback and engagement with the community. This was implemented through a blog, Twitter, user-group email lists, the library’s weekly VA Radio show, Hear This, and through client Incremental efficiences newsletters and the Library News. increased the number of Further feedback was sought from print pages translated by the i-access Advisory Committee, which facilitates communication the production unit into between Vision Australia accessable format by information access services 33% to 43,347,685 pages, and the service recipients and creating more titles for provides advice to management “ on AIS and radio broadcasting service users. services.
Vision Australia continued to The Information Technology Review expand the partnership program team is creating a strategy to with more public libraries across transition our information services Australia so that material, DAISY online and the first initiative will players and support can be see the creation of a new online provided through public libraries. catalogue to Vision Australia’s content that is an exemplar of The technical and conversion accessibility and ease of use for staff of the production unit people who are blind or have low achieved the transfer of 3,000 vision. The team is also looking titles into DAISY format in just six at how we can then deliver this months by achieving efficiencies content to people online using a through automation which would variety of mainstream and otherwise have required 15 years specialist devices.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 15 Vision Australia Radio Two studios at Kooyong have been upgraded with digital on-air Vision Australia Radio operates panels, improved sound-proofing eight Victorian community- and new reading desks. The new licensed radio stations for the digital radio service, IRIS, was information needs of people with launched in April, providing a a print disability. Programming more youthful approach with more is predominantly readings from entertainment while retaining core newspapers, magazines and elements of Vision Australia Radio. books and relevant information from government, disability and Highlights include the live other community organisations coverage of the 2010 Federal not available through alternate election vote count and the launch electronic outlets. of Facebook and Twitter services.
Vision Australia Radio’s audience A new sponsorship sales team is is growing with 150,000 listeners gradually building sponsorship, in Melbourne plus another enhancing the stations’ revenue 50,000 listeners regionally. The base. An intensive program of majority are male in the 25- maintenance and upgrades has 54 age demographic; 70% of improved reliability and output for the audience has a university regional stations and allows better education, 44% earns more than share programming between $60,000 per annum and 16% Vision Australia stations. have a print disability.
EO Gerard Menses on Services, Maggie Beer. Their Vision Australia Radio with monthly program, For the Love of Vision Australia Ambassador Food, focuses on the cooking with C for Independent Living fresh, seasonal produce. P hoto
courtesy
Employment Services
As people who are blind or have of low vision are four and a half times N as likely to be unable to obtain orthsi d e work when they wish to, Vision Australia’s Employment Services are vital for assisting clients who C wish to find or retain work. hro n icle
From April 2011, all our
Employment Services’ sites . currently eligible for a star rating are now at or above three stars, considered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations as satisfactory performance. Two of our sites are now at five stars, the highest possible rating (40% above the national average).
In late 2010, 10 Vision Australia clients completed their Certificate II in Customer Contact. Academy Training provided the course free of charge. A highlight was the workplace training placements with IAG Group, 3M, ATEL Employment, and Australian Gas and Power. The program aims to create pathways to open employment for our clients, Homer gives me the especially through the work- ability to get around in the experience component. community,” says financial Vision Australia has been working planner Robert Klauke. collaboratively with the ANZ Bank for over five years. In addition to employing a number of people who are blind or have low vision, ANZ also played a key role in the “ development and production of Vision Australia’s Employment
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 17 tephanie Bradury, 20, who has albinism, Sreceived support from Vision Australia with assistive technology to help her with a traineeship at a swimming complex. She is also studying at university. Services website and the the Gold Coast included a 10- marketing brochures that link to week in-house training program the site and also hosted the comprising units towards formal launch in 2011. the Certificate II in Business Administration as well as non- ANZ has also worked with Vision accredited training in work Australia’s Accessibility Team preparation skills. They then to make product disclosure undertook a work placement of 18 information accessible in all weeks duration with government alternate formats and to bring and not-for-profit agencies. anz.com into line with accessibility standards. Vision Australia’s Social Enterprise Strategy secures work The Newcastle office of Vision opportunities to provide training Australia maintained its ongoing and work experience for staff partnership with Port Waratah who are blind or vision-impaired Coal Services with two clients to enable them to move into involved in Vision Australia and mainstream employment. The Port Waratah Coal Services’ first Pathways to Employment Strategy work experience program. has been implemented in both Victoria and Queensland and In August 2010, Port Waratah Coal currently has 10 interns across Services provided the Newcastle both sites. Interns are guided centre with a cheque for $38,000 through a training program to support local programs in the which leads to a Certificate III Hunter for children who are blind qualification in a variety of areas or have low vision. and two successful graduates In 2010 a new Stepping Forward have already moved to open program for six participants on employment.
clients employed more than 26 weeks
FY 11 FY 11 FY 11 FY 11 Quarter 1 7 4 +3 +75% Quarter 2 8 16 -8 -50% Quarter 3 20 9 +11 +122.2% Quarter 4 14 11 +3 +27% Year to date 49 39 +9 +23%
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 19 Photo courtesy of Newcastle Herald.
P hoto : B ra d H u n ter /D aily T elegra p h .
wins Matthew and Annabelle Earlier this year Matthew and Zhou, aged eight, love his sister asked guests to their playing on the beach. But birthday party to donate money to Matthew, who was born with Vision Australia instead of bringing Talbinism and is legally blind, cannot presents as Vision Australia has stay in the sun for more than a few been part of their lives since they minutes at a time and must take great were born. care with glare. Assistive Technology Heads, has been refitted to provide inexpensive holiday New IT environments have been accommodation to people who put in place to allow assistive are blind or have low vision and technology consultants to their families and friends. Demand demonstrate products and has been strong and the house is services to clients and to conduct supported by the Barwon Heads evaluation of new technologies. Friends of Vision Australia.
The rate of change in computer Vision Australia has an agreement and adaptive technology has with the Mount Baw Baw Alpine resulted in the need to completely Resort and people who are blind rewrite our computer/adaptive or have low vision and up to three technology training material – of their family or friends, can during FY11, 10 new computer access free accommodation, training courses were developed gate entry and lift tickets for up for face-to-face and self-paced to four nights per year. training including distance learning; and are available in a Queensland floods range of formats. Thankfully, no Queensland office Due to international exposure of was damaged by the devastating Vision Australia’s podcasts on floods, although there were long assistive technology, Apple invited power cuts. Acting Regional us to promote our services on Manager, Garry Darmanin, kept iTunes U Beyond Campus, an staff updated and provided information portal traditionally support to staff and clients. used by education institutions. During FY12, Vision Australia will upload contents including our podcasts, factsheets on eye conditions and informative promotional videos. We will explore using the site to offer training to other service providers to the blindness community. This Key learnings were the opportunity places Vision Australia importance of up-to- firmly on the international stage. date contact details for Special recreational staff and the value of a and holiday opportunities disaster recovery plan
Vision Australia’s Lorna Lodge, a regarding rebooking of small beach property at Barwon “client services.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 21 P hoto : N ewcastle H eral d
ibby Dickeson, a volunteer with Vision Australia, has been Linstrumental in bringing audio description services to the theatre in Newcastle. Volunteers describe the action on stage to a person who is vision- impaired via an earpiece.
Vision Australia works with theatre companies in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong and Canberra to make audio-description available to people who are blind or have low vision. Libby is pictured in a Newcastle theatre. Advocacy & equality A proactive, policy-based approach drives our work towards equality of opportunity
ver the past 12 months National advocacy Vision Australia has taken a focussed and Vision Australia has been actively proactive approach engaged in the Productivity Oin its relationships with the Commission process on the government sector in advocating proposed National Disability for equality of opportunity. Through Insurance Scheme. Its direct our robust public policies, we impact on our sector and have participated in more national organisation will be a transition and local debates and boosted from block funding from our authoritative position and government to individualised recognition factor, particularly packaging that doesn’t address within the not-for-profit sector and the episodic nature of client service among politicians. need. The age of eligibility cut-off is potentially problematic given the Our rights and evidence-based age profile of our clients but these policy approach underpins all our challenges are not insurmountable. services, showing need, rationale and consistency to government Our involvement in the Federal, and the wider community. Victorian and New South Wales election campaigns all had a Access to information is a policy focus, laying the ground fundamental right which links for continued lobbying and directly to how people who are campaigning on rights and blind, have low vision or a print strategic policy, particularly on disability live their lives. This policy issues such as access theme also underpins education to information. and employment policies. • Political parties, including Our access to information policy government, involved in the applies to all our efforts at an three elections, all supported international, national and state policy reforms articulated by level, with a consistency of Vision Australia message becoming synonymous with Vision Australia’s activities • Over 300 clients were provided and campaigns. with individual advocacy support
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 23 • Client advocacy forums • Vision Australia was registered were conducted in Victoria, as a Community Road Safety New South Wales, ACT and Partner with VicRoads, securing Queensland funding from multiple road safety agencies to conduct • Accessible voting in the research on the safety issues of Victorian and New South Wales pedestrians who are blind elections was promoted or have low vision
• The Department of Broadband • Media outlets, commentators project to enrol Vision Australia and advisors were engaged in clients to trial talking set top relation to government policy boxes was undertaken, with a and initiatives that affect Vision report to government Australia, resulting in television, print and online stories • A self-advocacy training course for clients was piloted • Various premiers, ministers, parliamentary secretaries and • The National Library Initiative local Members of Parliament was influenced to support attended Vision Australia events a successful proposal to and radio interviews supply playback devices to participating libraries nationally
dvocacy for greater international accessibility Ato information for people who are blind or have low vision is critical to education and social inclusion for the blindness community worldwide. P hoto
courtesy • New public policy for voting, currency, shared paths and
education was developed of
• 35 responses to government N i n e were submitted N
• Appeared before four public etwork hearings related to government inquiries .
• Developed policy asks for the New South Wales and Victorian election campaigns
• Represented Vision Australia on government bodies including the Digital TV Switchover Customer Expert Group and the Australian Electoral Commission Accessible Voting Reference Group
International advocacy
Maryanne Diamond, General Manager International and Stakeholder Relations, is also the president of the World Blind Union. SEDA Ambassador Will Key areas of her advocacy work Davison with Wilbo have included:
• Employment strategy developed • Vision Australia hosted the World Blind Union Executive • Work with the World Intellectual Committee Meeting in Property Organisation (WIPO) November 2010 with around • Development of the tool kit for 100“ participants World Blind Union members on Maryanne, Graeme Innes and the Convention on the Rights of Ron McCallum gained the support Persons with Disabilities of the Federal Government for • Planning for the Braille21 the WIPO treaty on cross-border Conference sharing of alternate-format works which will greatly increase • Launch of the new World Blind publications available to the Union website blindness community worldwide.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 25 Community engagement in a feature article in the June Australian Women’s Weekly Vision Australia Ambassadors help promote our work in the • Dr Jessica Gallagher, the only community. Ambassador activities Australian athlete to have this year have included: won medals at a Summer and Winter Paralympics and • SEDA Ambassador, Will World Championships, has Davison’s first pup, Davo, been appointed Recreation graduated in 2010 and is now Ambassador supporting his second, Wilbo Communications • Maggie Beer, Ambassador for Independent Living Services, The team handles major internal together with CEO Gerard and external communications and Menses, launched a new manages fundraising events such monthly Vision Australia radio as Vision Australia’s Carols by program, For the Love of Food Candlelight® which promote our which focuses on the delights services to the community. of fresh seasonal produce in response to requests for more Last year’s Carols by Candlelight information on cooking raised $1,127,000, an increase of 9% on the previous year. A peak • Sigrid Thornton continues viewing audience of 1.88 million her longtime support of the viewer watched the telecast and Vision Australia Feelix Library, live audience surveys revealed that media hits each month
Month hits 2007 hits 2008 hits 2009 hits 2010 hits 2011 January 65 62 67 165 190 February 80 87 122 91 87 March 129 102 137 248 149 April 132 163 102 195 140 May 143 137 243 256 179 June 103 90 135 161 194 July 100 96 156 137 August 129 85 154 177 September 109 129 181 109 October 114 238 137 149 November 139 166 156 161 December 160 222 250 360 TOTAL 1403 1577 1840 2209 P hoto
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of N i n e N etwork .
ision Australia’s Carols by Special guest Natalija Candlelight® is broadcast Lambert, aged seven, is nationally on the Nine pictured with Lisa Wilkinson Network and is our main and Karl Stefanovic. V fund-raising event.
89% correctly identified (without Other events included Vision prompting) what Vision Australia Australia’s Braille Book of the Year, does, up from 82% in 2009. which promotes the importance of braille in developing literacy Additionally, $2,873,765 worth and has become a part of the of branded media exposure by prestigious Miles Franklin awards this event, an increase of 131% night and Vision Australia’s on 2009, was generated through Dickinson Literary Awards which our public relations activity as a highlight the creativity of people result of 2,263 media articles, an who are blind or have low vision. increase of 18.5% on 2009.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 27 eather and Nick Gleeson, with their HSeeing Eye Dogs Zeppelin and Unity. P hoto Heather and Nick, who have two sighted
courtesy teenage children, have been longterm clients and Nick has worked at Vision of Australia for 20 years. N Nick is also an athlete, ic
C accessibility advocate ubbi n and global adventurer whose public speaking / T engagements bring
he our work to the wider
A community. ustralia n W ome n ’ s W eekly / ac p sy nd icatio n . com Partnerships We are a partnership between clients, staff, donors, volunteers and the wider community
eople are at the heart ages and is affected by of everything Vision increasing levels of diabetes. Australia does. With current numbers of Because blindness rates in Pclients at 50,000 and continuing Indigenous adults are six times to rise each year, our focus is to the rate in the wider community increase our services to meet and low vision rates are twice the increasing needs each year. rate, Vision Australia is working on a Reconciliation Action Plan to But there are no clearcut better understand and meet the divisions within our partnership needs of Indigenous clients. of stakeholders. Our clients may also volunteer or work for us, our We assist our clients to participate staff may also volunteer their time in any part of life they choose in a or donate money, volunteers may number of important ways: also donate or leave bequests as • Through our services which do some clients and we all interact are mainly offered free and with the wider community. aim to assist the client to achieve the greatest possible Clients independence and mobility. Vision Australia’s clients are aged Our services also include from newborns through to old age, library and information access, with the majority past retirement employment services and age, although blindness or low Telelink for isolated clients vision can occur at any stage • Through training in any suitable of life. Blindness and low vision assistive technology – from impacts one in 16 Australians household items such as between 70 and 79 years old and talking barcode scanners to rises to more than one in seven help differentiate between a can Australians by the time they reach of beans and a can of corn to 90 years of age. specialised computer programs Australians who are blind or have to make information accessible low vision are expected to exceed and even GPS services 600,000 by 2020 as the population for mobility
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 29 six leadership development workshops for clients and fostered a further four new Local Client Groups. Your Vision Australia, a new communiqué, was implemented to inform clients about the consultative framework
• Through information provided by reviews and committees – eight reviews were conducted last year including work on general policy, low vision clinics and a peer support model
• Through research conducted in two parts by Colmar Brunton to better understand the information needs of our clients. Around 500 interviews are now being conducted with current and potential clients to help plan for future services strategies
Dorothy Riddel, 85, took • Through a high standard one year to complete of compliance with privacy this cat painting using principles, with zero complaints two magnifiers as she in the past financial year has very low vision. • Through use of Social Return on Investment as a tool to understand service efficiency • By ensuring“ we are meeting and impact – for example, our clients’ and expectations every dollar spent on Seeing through undertaking quarterly Eye Dogs services returned client research $1.33 in social value. Statistics also show that 81% of clients • Through client representation increased their independence, from Local Client Groups, 100% of clients’ families Regional Client Committees reduced their anxiety/worry and the Client Representative levels and 85% of puppy carers Council which also conducted achieved their objectives Staff and executive, the human resources team, administration Vision Australia employs over 900 staff and the communications people across Victoria, New South and fundraising teams. Wales, ACT and Queensland, with 19% being blind or having low Without both these categories vision. As part of our Reconciliation working together, we could Action Plan, we are also committed not provide the wide range of to increasing the number of services for our many clients. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Organisational Development Islander people in our employ to a leads the development and minimum of 3%. support of Vision Australia staff Vision Australia staff fall into two and volunteers to nurture an major categories, with the service empowering culture through: providers being by far the largest. • Development of a three-year Our service providers assist our Organisational Development clients with their needs, from low strategic plan to determine vision clinics to orientation and business plan priorities mobility services, accessibility technology, library and information • Through working to services, employment support, development improvements international and government in attracting and selecting relations and advocacy. appropriate staff The smaller category, the service supporters, includes the management sectors of the board ragonboat racing is a team sport where Dpeople who are blind or have low vision can compete on equal terms. Here, Vision Australia’s team of staff, clients and volunteers competes in their first race.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 31 • Building the people to enhance organisational management skills of managers development to improve engagement and retention of staff • Successfully outsourcing the provision of salary packaging • Fostering quality Human services resulting in improved Resource practises in planning expertise, increased employee and implementation of change participation (up 17%) and management processes increased average net benefit to staff (up 14%) • Streamlining and simplifying bureaucracy • Reducing annual leave liability resulting in a $480,000 reduction • Developing leadership potential through skill development and Microsoft’s ongoing partnership team building with Vision Australia has given us significant licence grants enabling • Improving our Occupational us to modernise our IT systems and Health and Safety performance Microsoft to leverage our position which will result in a moderate in the not-for-profit sector. Microsoft reduction of workers also awarded Vision Australia with compensation premiums a Microsoft Accessibility Champion acknowledging the work we • Re-engineering the structure of did in relation to accessibility the HR/Payroll/OHS team with a and training. focus on business partnerships
ongtime Vision Australia volunteer Hazel McKenzie- LKay (far left) of Cooma North, New South Wales, was selected by Sensis to appear on the cover of this year’s Cooma phone books to recognise the contribution of local residents to the community.
Photo courtesy of Yellow Pages and White Pages. To encourage a more agile workforce, Vision Australia is working towards having wireless internet access at all sites with a secure wireless network for staff and a guest network for clients and students.
Major achievements by Online Accessibility staff included an investigation in to the accessibility of the Portable Document Format (pdf) for people with disabilities. The study was the most comprehensive international assessment in this area to date and highlighted the current limitations. Clear, actionable recommendations were presented to the Australian Government and Australian Human Rights Commission. Chelsea Nagel, Online Accessibility also worked eight, loves to read closely with the Australian Government in the development a braille book to her and public rollout of the Website little brother Jack. Accessibility National Transition Strategy. A white paper on the accessibility of SharePoint 2010, (commonly used by government American Council of the Blind’s and commercial organisations ) Radio’s Main “Menu technology was completed and the Web program which aired on 25 Apple Accessibility team worked on over Mac-related podcasts. 60 web-based services for over 50 clients, including VicRoads, the David, who is blind, also Australian Electoral Commission conducted accessibility training and ABC websites. for educators, teachers and support staff in NSW as well Adaptive technology consultant as presenting a professional David Woodbridge, who works development session via with Equipment Solutions teleconference for assistive Specialist Support team, featured technology staff at the Royal New in a series of interviews with the Zealand Foundation of the Blind.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 33 Volunteers While there were 1606 retirements and resignations, this higher Without the support of our valued number was partially the result of volunteers, many activities would a cleanup of the database. not happen. Volunteers supported a broad range of services including Vision Australia is seeking to day programs, library, radio, audio improve the recruitment, induction description, braille production, and training of volunteers and to transport, administration, computer standardise practises across the classes and recreation programs whole organisation. such as bowling, walking, water To take advantage of emerging therapy, pottery, art, tandem bike trends within the volunteer sector, riding and dining groups and with there is a need to expand on the fundraising events. roles, including increasing short We have 4,600 volunteers and long duration assignments. registered, 664 of whom joined us Volunteers were recognised in the past year. These volunteers and thanked during the annual worked 236,725 hours and drove Mornings and Afternoons of 260,540 kilometres. This is a Celebration. Over 776 service pins decrease 6.76% or 19,154 hours and 17 Certificates of Appreciation donated on the previous year but were awarded. still equates to $5,918,125 worth of work at $25 per hour.
ongtime puppy sponsor, As each Seeing Eye Dog Cheryl Kortlang, holding costs more than $30,000 to photos of the three puppies train, sponsors help us train L she has sponsored. more dogs. Donors Trevan and Mrs Maria Rosa Trevan created this trust, from Vision Australia is very grateful to which Royal Blind Society all of our donors, without whose (now Vision Australia) receives support we could not operate. half of all profits of the trust
• Lady Proud Foundation – Received $80,000 in FY11 and $585,000 since 2002. Lady Proud was a NSW donor and the trust will make disbursements for eight to 10 We would particularly years and then be wound up, like to thank the, trusts, at which time Vision Australia funds and foundations should receive $500,000 to $1 million listed below for their generosity. • Allen and Cecilia Tye Fund (administered by Trust Company) – $60,648 in FY11 Discretionary“ grants included: and $597,200 since 1999 supporting Children’s Services • The Profield Foundation – granted $50,000 last FY11 and • David Allen Trust (administered $699,595 since 1994 by Trust Company) – received $119,283 in FY11 and • Marian and EH Flack Trust – $1,804,097 since 1990 granted $32,000 for bursaries in FY11, in total have granted us The Black and White Committee, $159,178 since 1995 which fundraises for our Children’s Services is now in its • Cecilia Kilkeary Foundation – 75th year of fundraising and will granted $61,760 in FY11 for celebrate this occasion in October two projects 2011. The Committee raised $67,548 net this financial year. Non-discretionary included: All community fundraising • The Kemvan Trust committees nationally collectively (administered by ANZ raised $180,000 towards Vision Trustees) – This is a trust set Australia’s services. up in perpetuity and in FY11 disbursed $1,237,468 to Vision Australia. Since 2006 we have received $5,506,905 in disbursements. Mr Sidney
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 35 ampbell Ball received a Vision Australia Cbursary to assist him with his studies at the Conservatorium of Music at Sydney University. Since our Further Bursary program began in 1996, 220 bursaries have been awarded and, of recipients able to be contacted, 92% have successfully completed their course (compared to 72% of general university population).
Photo: NVISIONorth Shore AUSTRALIA Times Annual Report 2010/11 36 Stewardship Our management of resources will ensure we can continue to provide services
ith 145 years committed to transparency of its years of service, processes and a copy its strategic Vision Australia plan is available on its web site at has built a www.visionaustralia.org substantialW reputation and an equally impressive asset base Property and facilities from which to assist the blindness Vision Australia currently has community in Australia. Vision 28 offices in Australia from Australia is very cognisant of which services are provided. A the responsibilities that go with specific Board committee assists managing and safeguarding such in the planning, assessment significant assets. and utilisation of buildings. Corporate governance Currently we have $85.167m invested in owned properties and The Board of Vision Australia approximately $2m per year in is responsible for directing the leased properties to ensure an activities of Vision Australia appropriate geographical spread. and operates under a charter Highlights include: to ensure it achieves its vision, mission and objectives. The Board • Completion of building works has developed several Board and opening of the Queensland committees to assist with this Coorparoo office, which has a process (see Director’s Report in five-star environmental rating the Financial Report). • Relocation of Gosford facility into a larger premises to enable Strategic and financial the new service delivery model planning • Development approval for the Vision Australia undertakes SEDA Barrett Street premises continual reviews to deploy its in Melbourne. Redevelopment significant assets to best provide includes design and resources to the blindness construction of a new breeding community. Our strategic plan centre, kennels, rehabilitation is subject to annual review and pool and client training amendment. Vision Australia is accommodation
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 37 Investments • Maintenance of a Code of Professional Conduct policy Vision Australia has $81.9m in assets under management to • Maintenance of employee generate investment income for and workplace policies and providing services. This is an procedures important income stream but is subject to fluctuation depending • Maintenance and review of all on global financial conditions. A software licences review during the year resulted in • Review and compliance with the change of investment advisors relevant legislation from Macquarie Private Portfolio Management to Strategic Capital Sustainability and Management Ltd. Underlying environmental impact investments are predominantly managed by Hyperion Asset Vision Australia encourages and Management and DMP Asset implements environmentally Management. sustainability practices and has implemented measures to better Risk management manage and measure its impact on the environment. Vision Australia is a large and complex organisation that delivers CO2 emissions have been a wide range of services which targeted and a goal of 5% per need processes to manage the year reduction established. incumbent risk. As detailed in the 2010/11 CO2 emissions were: financial report there is a specific Board committee established to Power, heating assist with the identification and and lighting...... 7,461 tonnes management of risk. Additional safeguards are: Fleet...... 1,407 tonnes
• External audit of the financial Flights...... 761 tonnes statements and result Vision Australia’s Carols by • External audit of grant and Candlelight®, our biggest lottery income event, is powered totally by renewable energy. • Internal audit reporting to the board We recycle CDs, paper, computer equipment, have default double- • Risk register maintained, sided printing on all printers, reviewed and reported at every have reduced over-lighting and board meeting. Revisions to are replacing bulbs with energy- risk matrix part of organisation- saving fittings. wide reassessment of risk We are phasing out six-cylinder vehicles in favour of four-cylinder vehicles and increasing telephone and video conferencing to reduce the travel footprint.
Transparency awards
Vision Australia was a top 10 finalist in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Transparency awards for the third year in a row. The PricewaterhouseCoopers Transparency Awards, in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and Centre for Social Impact are designed to recognise the quality and transparency of reporting in the not-for-profit sector.
Business development
Vision Australia continues to look for new ways to develop income streams. Initiatives have Longterm client included securing distributorship and Vision Australia for Plextor products which has volunteer Jenny Abela, significantly boosted sales through two new contracts and developing 70, lives independently commercial opportunities with and enjoys gardening Australia Post which will provide and blind golf. both internal development opportunities and surplus revenue. “ of Australia in a National Health Research and Medical Research Council Partnership project focusing on Vision Australia works in combined hearing and vision partnership with other major loss in older Australians and a organisations to enhance joint research project with the knowledge around vision loss Centre for Eye Research and including a partnership with Beyond Blue using a depression University of Sydney, Macquarie screening tool developed in the University and Audiological Society United States.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 39 The executive
The Vision Australia executive bring diverse skills to management
Gerard Menses, BA (Hons), MA, Maryanne Diamond, BSc, MAICD, FAIM Grad Dip IT Chief Executive Officer General Manager International Gerard joined Vision Australia and Stakeholder Relations in 2004, having led some of Maryanne is the current president Australia’s largest not-for-profit of the World Blind Union. She organisations and served on many was the executive officer of government and industry advisory Blind Citizens Australia and bodies. He was the Australian was the inaugural CEO of the Institute of Management’s Australian Federation of Disability (Queensland) 2001 Professional Organisations. Maryanne is Manager of the Year. He currently on the boards of ACOSS, the serves on the Board of Vision Global Partnership on Disability 2020 and is Chair of their and Development and the AMD Corporate and Governance Alliance International. She is a Committee. Gerard is also the member of Australia’s National Chair of the National Roundtable People with Disability and Carer of Non-profit Organisations, an Advisory Council and a member independent organisation. of the National Compact Sector Advisory Group. Joined 2008. Glenda Alexander, BSocWk, Grad Dip Comm, Grad Dip Leigh Garwood, MA (Comm) Man, Cert IV Training and AIMM, MFIA Assessment General Manager Seeing Eye General Manager Independent Dogs, Orientation and Mobility Living Services Acting General Manager Glenda has many years of Fundraising experience working in the Leigh has run several not-for-profit disability sector with senior health organisations, including management roles in government Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, prior and the not-for-profit sector, to joining Vision Australia in presiding on tribunal panels 2008. He also has considerable and as chair of Queensland’s marketing and advertising Child Care Forum, providing experience, having been publisher strategic advice to the Minister for and general manager of a Communities. Joined 2008. newspaper group. Michael Hansen B Econ accountant he has considerable (Monash), MBA (Monash), FAIM high profile audit and finance General Manager Organisational experience and as vice president Development for a US conglomerate overseeing Michael has experience as a operations across 12 Asian human resources consultant and countries, he has extensive senior executive in a diverse range operational management of large organisations in retail, experience. manufacturing, health, tertiary Robert Middendorp BEc, education, church, charitable and CPA, GAICD not-for-profit sectors. Michael Acting General Manager focuses on organisational Accessible Solutions development to build employee Robert’s career began in finance engagement and organisation roles with companies such as effectiveness. Joined 2010. NAB, ACI, Fluor, Pirelli, Faulding David Speyer, ACA and Repco, before senior General Manager Corporate planning and line management Services roles. Since 2001, Robert has David joined Vision Australia been facilitating innovation in 2006, working on the Royal strategy development on a Blind Foundation Queensland freelance basis for small, medium and Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and top 50 Australian companies. mergers, assuming his current More recently he has been role in 2009. As a chartered working with Vision Australia.
Back row from left: David Speyer, Robert Middendorp, Michael Hansen, Leigh Garwood. Front row: Maryanne Diamond, Gerard Menses, Glenda Alexander.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 41 Financial summary
Total revenue for the period 2010-11 was $101.610m (2009-10 $95.919m). The major sources of income were:
2010-11 2009-10 2008-09
$ % $ % $ %
Legacies, bequests and donations 29,819 29.3% 30,544 31.8% 32,564 40.9%
Government Grants 30,584 30.1% 37,817 39.4% 29,786 37.5%
Investment and other income 16,577 16.3% 8,289 8.6% 8,920 11.2%
Revenue from the sales of goods and services 9,067 8.9% 8,015 8.4% 8,253 10.4%
Gain on disposal of investments and property 15,563 15.3% 11,254 11.7% - 0.0% 101,610 100.0% 95,919 100.0% 79,523 100.0%
Total expenditure and losses for the period totalled $89.706m (2008-09 $82.295m). Expenditure was applied as follows: Client Services and Information Library Service 65,603 73.1% 60,098 73.0% 67,155 62.9%
Marketing and Fundraising 13,469 15.0% 11,185 13.6% 11,229 10.5%
Corporate Services 6,952 7.7% 9,486 11.5% 8,158 7.6%
Other expenses 3,682 4.1% 1,526 1.9% 17,798 16.7%
Loss on disposal of investments and property - 0.0% - 0.0% 2,446 2.3%
89,706 100.0% 82,295 100.0% 106,786 100.0%
Net result 11,904 13,624 (27,263) three-year financial position
2010-11 2009-10 2008-09
Assets
Cash, debtors and inventories 16,110 14,227 10,512
Investments 81,895 67,720 67,872
Property, plant and equipment 105,624 118,829 126,561
203,629 200,776 204,945
Liabilities
Payables and provisions 15,783 22,339 26,240
Interest bearing loans - - 12,310
Other (including income in advance and deposits on property sales)
842 3,269 8,875
16,625 25,608 47,425
Net Assets 187,004 175,168 157,520
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 43 The board
We are grateful for the wide-ranging experience our board shares with us
Kevin Murfitt, PhD, BA (Hons), Chair Kevin lectures at Deakin University and coordinates the Willing and Able Mentoring Program. Kevin was vice president of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and received a 2002 HREOC Human Rights Award for his work on the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) Accessable Public Transport Standards. Appointed 2004.
Professor Ron McCallum, AO, BJuris LLB (Hons), LLM Qu, 2011 Senior Australian of the Year, Deputy Chair Ron is Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and also 2011-2012 Chair of meetings of chairs of the United Nations human rights treaty bodies. Appointed 2006.
Owen van der Wall, Deputy Chair Owen worked for 37 years for Westpac Banking Corporation in senior management roles and was also a former president of the Australian Foreign Exchange Association and a director of Mastercard International. He is currently chairman of Aragon Consultants Pty Limited. Appointed 2004. Lyn Allison, BEd, AAICD Senator for Victoria 1996-08, Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Democrats 2004-08, Lyn also serves on boards of Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria, Orygen Youth Health, Women’s Health Council of Victoria, Family Planning Victoria, Berry Street, Alzheimers Australia Victoria and chairs a nursing home management committee. Appointed 2008.
(Ronald) Keith Barton, PhD, BSc, FTSE Keith retired in 1999 after a career in manufacturing in Australia and the USA, working for companies such as BHP, CSR and James Hardie. He is a non-executive director of Air Liquide (Australasia) Ltd. Appointed May 2004.
Nick Carter, FRICS, FAPI, FAICD Nick has been active in blindness organisations since 1992. In Brisbane he was chair of Royal Blind Foundation of Queensland at the time of amalgamation with Vision Australia. Nick heads his own commercial, industrial and retail property company. Appointed 2006.
Donald Fraser, PhD, BSc (Hons), Dip Ed, MBA, M Comm Law, DBA, FACS, FAICD Donald has been involved in information technology for more than 30 years and has leadership roles in an Australian multinational technology company. He joined the board of Seeing Eye Dogs Australia in 2007 and serves on several not-for-profit boards. Appointed 2004.
VISION AUSTRALIA Annual Report 2010/11 45 Paul Gleeson, BSc, LLB, LLM Paul is a solicitor practising in intellectual property, information technology and corporate and commercial law; a principal and managing director of law firm Russell Kennedy and serves on several not-for-profit boards. Appointed 2004.
Ross McColl, BEcon (Monash) FCA Ross recently retired as a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers and specialises in the areas of corporate governance, risk management, regulatory compliance and internal audit. Ross is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and lost his sight eight years ago.
Professor Jan Lovie-Kitchin, MSc (Optom) (Melb), Grad Dip (Rehab Stud) (LaTrobe), FAAO Jan is an adjunct professor at Queensland University of Technology’s School of Optometry and Chair of the University Human Research Ethics Committee. She is a regular consultant to the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand and frequent speaker at national and international optometry and low vision conferences. Appointed 2007.
Theresa Smith-Ruig, PhD, BCom (Hons) Theresa is a lecturer in the School of Business, Economics and Public Policy at the University of New England. Research interests include disability and employment. Vision-impaired since she was 10, Theresa was vice-president of Blind Citizens Australia and in 2004-05 was a delegate to the World Blind Union. Appointed 2007.
Call 1300 84 74 66 or visit www.visionaustralia.org
ACN 108 391 831 ABN 67 108 391 831
Combining the skills and resources of several blindness organisations to create one national voice, Vision Australia is committed to delivering exceptional and efficient services that open up exciting possibilities for our community.