. 2014
ANNUAL REPORT
Productively working together Serving the community Striving for excellence Leading by example Peppercorn Services Inc. Annual Report 2013-2014 Page 1
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Peppercorn Services Inc. Annual Report 2013-2014 Page 2
Contents
Introduction ...... 4 Our Mission and Values ...... 5 Chairperson and Executive Officer’s Report ...... 6 Organisational Structure ...... 9 Board of Management at June 2014 ...... 9 Organisational Structure and Communication Chart ...... 9 Summary of Services ...... 10 Service Highlights 13/14 ...... 12 Peppercorn Community Transport ...... 12 Home and Garden Maintenance...... 15 Multi Service Outlet ...... 17 Family, Community and Youth ...... 18 Hawkesbury Family Day Care ...... 21 The Forgotten Valley Preschools ...... 22 Our People ...... 23 Our Funders ...... 24 Treasurer’s Report ...... 25 Annexure One: Audited Financial Report ...... 26
Acknowledgement of Country
Peppercorn Services Inc. acknowledges the Dharug nation as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which our organisation operates, and pays respect to Elders past and present. As an organisation we also acknowledge the spiritual, physical, emotional, mental and economic connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the Land and Seas. We acknowledge that dispossession of Country, and the disruption to family connections has resulted in a breakdown of social networks and we will continue to strive to provide services that support social justice for all Australians.
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Introduction
Peppercorn Services Inc. was founded in 2001 to auspice the Hawkesbury Community Transport service. The organisation has since evolved into an innovative, dynamic, multi service organisation which strives to adapt to and improve on best practice at all times.
Our core services include centre based meals and social support programs for seniors, early intervention and prevention family and parenting programs; youth programs; community capacity building; transport for our aged, disabled or isolated residents; early childhood education and family day care services.
The organisation is unique in the community for a number of reasons. In particular, the relationship we have with the Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) in delivering human services on their behalf under a Memorandum of Terms of Delegation in addition to a number of directly funded services.
Since 2001 Peppercorn Services Inc. has grown and consolidated to become the medium sized organisation it is today. The organisation has 41 employees and 18 volunteers helping to deliver 19 programs across the communities we serve.
We see our role as contributing to the development of healthy, inclusive, sustainable and enterprising communities by supporting disadvantaged individuals and isolated communities.
We have built a high level community profile and good reputation through quality service delivery, partnerships with other organisations, collaborative ventures and by participating in the wider and isolated communities.
We are a values based organisation committed to ensuring equity and access to care and services to the people we serve.
Peppercorn Services Inc. is an incorporated, non-government, not for profit, community services organisation. We are registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient and Public Benevolent Institution and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).
Grants are received from all three tiers of government, local, state and federal, with additional support received through corporate sponsorships, grants and vehicle donations.
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Our Mission and Values
Peppercorn Services Our services and We care for families, Inc. cares about programs improve the our youth, people people. We believe in lives of families and who are aged and working with individuals by creating those who experience individuals, groups and supporting a disadvantage, and communities to sense of belonging vulnerability, isolation enhance the wellbeing within the local and disability. of all. community.
Our Mission
Connecting people to family and community.
Our Values
. serve the community . be responsive, open and accountable in all our dealings with people . provide innovation, flexibility and continued improvement in our organisation . improve and inform our practice in response to identified need and evidence . seek to create and strengthen relationships to work collaboratively . utilise our network of services to maximise positive client outcomes . create opportunities for cultural, social and economic participation
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Chairperson and Executive Officer’s Report
We are delighted to report that Peppercorn Services Inc. has had a year of outstanding achievement. In the past year we have provided support services to a wide range of people from six sites to the local government areas of Hawkesbury, Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hornsby, Gosford and The Hills.
We have increased our service delivery capacity, invested in our Board, Staff and Volunteers, reviewed our practices across all services and programs and further deepened our relationship with our clients and partner organisations in our communities. Our achievements are in response to the defined strategic goals and outcomes for the organisation. To accomplish all this within our financial mandate as a not for profit organisation is commendable. This progress sets us up very well to continue to deliver on our strategy of becoming an organisation committed to delivering support services that offer choice to our service users in fulfilling their individual goals and aspirations and further enhancing their wellness and wellbeing.
Financial results
Federal and State Governments have provided funding to Peppercorn Services Inc. and other human service organisations to help in meeting newly introduced accreditation standards across the Aged and Disability sectors in direct response to the introduction of the Home Care Standards (Aged) and Third Party Verification (National Disability Insurance Scheme - NDIS).
Our financial modelling is centred on a strong sustainable revenue base, with designated reserve funds capable of funding our growth and maintaining and replacing our assets.
Risk mitigation and corporate governance
This year the Board and management have particularly focussed on risk mitigation in response to the newly introduced government reforms across the Aged, Disability and Early Childhood Education sectors by applying new corporate governance processes. The formulation of a Risk Management Plan, Risk Register, Risk Action Plan and numerous new and revised Policies, Procedures and related documents has placed the organisation well to meet the challenges of the changing environment in the Human Services sector.
In addition, the Board has developed and ratified a comprehensive Orientation Pack for new and existing Board members ensuring a more streamlined, educated and informed introduction to the Board of Management of Peppercorn Services Inc.
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The new and reviewed suite of documents ensures we meet our legislative and legal requirements and Standards, and aligns with the Board’s good governance principles.
Board Members
This year we welcomed Wayne Cornish from Merana Aboriginal Community Association to the Board. At the AGM we say good bye to Gary London who has served on our Board for five years and Meredith Christie, who are both moving on to new endeavours. Anne, Gary and Meredith your contribution, commitment and professionalism to the organisation has been greatly appreciated and on behalf of the Board we thank you.
Board Member Meetings Eligible Meetings Attended Attendance Rate
Shirley McDonald (Chairperson) 11 10 91% Geoff Hatch (Vice Chair) 11 7 64% Joseph Litwin (Treasurer) 11 9 82% Meagan Ang (Secretary) 9 6 67% Anne Bouboulas 10 4 40% Meredith Christie 6 5 83% Clr Kim Ford 9 8 89% Deborah Hilton 2 2 100% Kaylene Kelland 11 10 91% Gary London 11 6 55% Maree McDermott 11 10 91% Bronwyn Reed 11 11 100% Kerry Spindler 6 3 50%
Our People
Our people are our greatest asset, their dedication and commitment is second to none. They work with people in a number of communities providing the best possible solutions and services to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Peppercorn Services Inc. is committed to supporting our staff and volunteers reach their full potential. In doing so, we continue to drive a high performance culture across our organisation, with a range of initiatives implemented during the year. In this past year significant investment has been made in the ongoing training and education of our Board, staff and volunteers.
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Our training budget was increased from previous years to provide additional opportunity for professional development at all levels and across all service areas of the organisation. External facilitators were engaged to deliver in house Cultural Awareness training and Communication & Leadership training.
In recognition of the investment in our staff and volunteers we are proud to say the 2014 Staff & Volunteer Satisfaction Survey received a 90% plus response rate in the positive across all indicators measured - management, satisfaction, communication, environment, financial, WHS and volunteers – with many individual question responses higher at 94% or more.
Our goals for 2015
On July 24, 2014 the Board gathered to formulate an in-depth Strategic Plan to guide us into the future.
The new Strategic Plan initiatives are designed to deliver a sustainable organisation over the long- term. The current environment is challenging with the introduction of the NDS and individualised funding, the Aged Care Reforms, the withdrawal of Community Home Support Funding and the introduction of contestable funding across all funding streams the organisation receives. However, with Peppercorn’s strategic focus on partnership and collaboration with other community based organisations and the active pursuit of growth opportunities, the future will find us well positioned to manage and thrive in this new world of change.
We are proud of the organisation's commitment to the community and congratulate our Board, staff and volunteers for their continuing support in the development and implementation of quality services - thank you is never enough.
Shirley McDonald Denise Handcock
Chairperson Executive Officer
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Organisational Structure
Board of Management at June 2014
Shirley McDonald (Chairperson) Kaylene Kelland
Geoff Hatch (Vice Chairperson) Gary London Joseph Litwin (Treasurer) Maree McDermott OAM Meagan Ang (Secretary & Public Officer) Bronwyn Reed
Meredith Christie Kerry Spindler Councillor Kim Ford
Organisational Structure and Communication Chart
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
- Governance
- Legal responsibility
- Financial responsibility
- Strategic planning
- Strategic decision making
- Accountability & reporting GOVERNANCE SUB-COMMITTEE Strategic - Policy review
- Procedural updates
- Standards compliance EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Operational management - Organisational leadership, Funding Auspice development & sustainability Hawkesbury City Council Operational - Financial management
OPERATIONAL – 5 FOCUS AREAS WITH MANAGERS & COORDINATORS
TRANSPORT & LIFE FAMILY, COMMUNITY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES CORPORATE SUPPORT PROPERTY SKILLS YOUTH - Hawkesbury Family SERVICES - South Windsor Family - Shopping / access to - Families NSW family Day Care - Corporate services & Centre services support - Forgotten Valley governance - Seniors Leisure & - Disability transport - Forgotten Valley EIPP Preschool, Wisemans - Financial services & Learning Centre - Community & medical family support Ferry accounting transport - Forgotten Valley - Forgotten Valley - Customer service - Access for isolated Community Builders Preschool, South residents - Youth & Community Maroota - Community Group capacity building - Chaplaincy & Student access hire projects Welfare at Wisemans - Centre based meals Ferry Public School - Seniors Centre - Lawn & Garden maintenance - Youth Transport
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Summary of Services
Transport Services
We support our seniors, people with disabilities and their carers and our youth with a range of transport services:
o Door to door shopping bus o Social outings o Medical and hospital appointment transfers o Subsidised bus hire to not for profit community groups within the Hawkesbury Local Government Area o Youth subsidised transport o Youth group transport o Access for residents in isolated areas o Low support disability access o High support disability access Aged Support Services
We help older people by enhancing their wellness and enabling them to stay in their homes by providing:
o Transport services o Social outings o Nutritional meal dining options o Activity Groups o Staying Alive Seniors Gym o Seniors Computer Group o Lawn and garden maintenance o Garden clean-ups o Gutter cleaning Early Childhood Services
We provide a range of early education and care services to families:
o Family Day Care – Hawkesbury & beyond o The Forgotten Valley Preschool – South Maroota o The Forgotten Valley Preschool – Wisemans Ferry
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Family, Community and Youth
We support our families, their children and young people with a range of services:
o Meet & Greet Playgroups – South Windsor, Wisemans Ferry, Hobartville & Richmond o Home and/or Centre Based Family Support o Parenting Programs o Workshops and courses ranging from practical skills to one off seminars including cooking meals on a budget, household management, child development, first aid, Mum’s & Bubs Yoga, walking & fitness groups and resume writing. o Community capacity building programs to the communities of Sackville, Wisemans Ferry, St Albans, Spencer, Ebenezer, Cattai, Lower Portland, Upper Portland, Maroota and South Maroota o Forgotten Valley Views newsletter publication o Drop-in services with free computer and internet access at the Wisemans Ferry Community Centre o Skills based workshops o Events the Wisemans Ferry Community Centre o School Based Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program at Wisemans Ferry Primary School o Family fun days – Families Week expo event o Transport Disability
We support people with physical, intellectual and/or neurological disabilities and their carers by providing flexibility and choice in the provision of:
o Transport o Social support outings o Nutritional meals o Lawn and garden maintenance o Garden clean-ups o Gutter cleaning
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Service Highlights 13/14
Peppercorn Community Transport
In the 2013/2014 financial year, Peppercorn Community Transport took delivery of two new vehicles to add to our fleet. A Mercedes Sprinter to replace the aging Toyota Hi-Ace, and a Hyundai Imax to aid in the ever expanding medical transport services.
The fleet now consists of three buses with a capacity of twenty or more seats, two with seating for twelve to fourteen, plus the Hyundai and two sedans for use with our Medical Transport programs.
The program continues to recruit for volunteer drivers to increase the availability of subsidised transport. Volunteers form the basis of our Community Transport program, which transports eligible patients from their homes to medical appointments at a variety of hospitals and specialist centres.
Social outings are continuing to be very popular, with the increased demand now requiring two buses to be scheduled to cater to the eligible clientele. The newsletter that is issued across all programs with HACC funding – Transport, Home Maintenance & the Multi Service Outlet – has proven an effective advertising tool, with record numbers attending the outings. During the year we visited Berowra Waters for a Christmas in July cruise, travelled on the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge by the Grand Pacific Drive near Wollongong, headed off to the Manly Corso with lunch at the Harbord Diggers Club and saw the past and future of Sydney’s water supply at Warragamba Dam. In April we took a trip into the city to attend the Premiers Gala Concert and enjoyed a relaxing morning tea at the old Ebenezer Church. All outings were low cost and most included a two course lunch.
Manly Beach Warragamba Dam Rouse Hill House
Ebenezer Church
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Service Highlights 13/14
Operational Service Statements:
To provide a range of coordinated transport services for transport disadvantaged people living in the City of Hawkesbury, including isolated residents.
18% > 7828 CTP Target trips: 6,620 funding trips Achieved: 7,828 specs. 18% above requirements
Subsidised Bus Hires targeted: 25 34 hires 36% > provided Achieved: 34 target 36% above requirements
To provide a range of coordinated transport services to HACC clients to foster independence and increase their regular participation in community activities.
HACC Target trips per specifications: 17,324 HACC Trips achieved: 20,729 19.65% above target
Usage Trends
Transport service provided 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 Percentage change
Kilometres travelled 239,891 260,522 8.6%
Client numbers 2,959 3,222 8.8%
HACC trips 22,914 20,729 - 9.5%
Community Transport trips 3,340 7,828 134.4%
Health / Medical transport 342 594 73.7%
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Service Highlights 13/14
Kilometres travelled by service stream
Funders and donors
Peppercorn Community Transport is funded by the Federal Department of Social Services, the NSW Department of Aged Disability and Home Care, NSW Community Transport and NSW Health.
General donations have been received from Windsor Toyota, the North Richmond Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank, the Rotary Club of Windsor, Specsavers and a number of private individuals. Their support has assisted us to expand our offerings, particularly in the area of Medical Transport and is invaluable to the services we provide.
Windsor Toyota
The Rotary Club of
Windsor
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Service Highlights 13/14
Home and Garden Maintenance
In the 2013/2014 financial year, the Home and Garden Maintenance program introduced two new special offers to complement the lawn and garden maintenance services provided. Early in the year there was a pressure cleaning service for external pathways to remove slip hazards in the yard or garden. This service proved very popular with an average of 20% of clients using it. Towards the end of the financial year intensive planning was underway to launch a gutter cleaning service, subsidising the cost of contract cleaning gutters for single storey homes throughout the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Blue Mountains council areas. This will be launched in Spring in preparation for the next bushfire season, and it is anticipated that this will be another particularly popular special offer.
In August 2013 Peppercorn Services Inc. participated in the Common Care Standards Quality Review Audit conducted by the Department of Health and Aging. A combination of external review and self- assessment, the audit covered the Home and Garden Maintenance Program and the Multi Service Outlet. All Common Care Standards were assessed as met.
Operational Service Statement:
To provide a subsidised lawn mowing and garden maintenance service to frail aged people, people with a disability and their carers.
5.4% > 18,307 Target service hours: 17,358 funding hours Achieved: 18,307 specs. 5.4% above requirements
The Home and Garden Maintenance program has also continued to provide Garden Clean-ups, assisting our clients regain and maintain safe access to their properties.
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Service Highlights 13/14
Garden clean up: This client was referred to us via Tri Community Exchange. An older lady, she has very limited mobility and is reliant on a walker to assist her. She lives alone and has very little support from friends or family.
The client was very distressed and embarrassed about the state of her front and back yard and desperately wanted help to clean it up. She was frightened that her little dog could be bitten by a snake or a spider living in the severely overgrown grass and would not let him outside.
We were able to coordinate the relevant parties, organise quotes and receive permission from the client to proceed with our service. The results were fantastic and she was extremely grateful for our help. Our client can now let her little dog out to play and also feels no embarrassment or shame about the state of her property.
Pressure Cleaning Initiative Garden Clean ups
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Service Highlights 13/14
Multi Service Outlet
In 2013/2014 this service operated primarily from the Hawkesbury Seniors Leisure and Learning Centre in Richmond. Luncheons were held twice a week, with social support programs and transport facilities provided.
In August, it was once again proven that “One is never too grown-up to play” with Play, Move, Act workshops held at the centre. The theatre style workshops were free of charge and inspired an atmosphere of creativity, imagination and playfulness and brought out the performer in everyone who participated.
All of the usual milestones were celebrated in style – Father’s Day, Christmas, Australia Day, Anzac Day and Mother’s Day among them. In April the Men’s Group was launched, with the first outing to Master’s Home Improvements followed by lunch out. The outings provide support and friendship in a Men’s Only environment and have proven to be very popular with attendance increasing rapidly each month.
Operational Service Statement: To provide a meals program from the Hawkesbury Leisure and Learning Centre and to bring ioldated senior residents together.
MSO service provided 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 Percentage change
Social Support (hours) * 1,607 4,451 176.9%
Meals 2,657 2,805 5.6%
Trips 2,448 3,453 41.0%
* This result has been made possible by the valuable support provided by our volunteers.
Seniors Week Outings
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Service Highlights 13/14
Family, Community and Youth
Peppercorn’s Family Community & Youth Services provide a range of early intervention support services including home visiting, parenting groups, child development, and practical support for families.
During the year the program staff expanded their skills extensively and we now have the capacity to deliver “Circle of Security”, “Play Power”, “Eat it to Beat it” and “Triple P” among others using internal facilitation.
Families NSW Families NSW is a universal program with prevention and intervention support for all families with children 0-8 years of age, providing parents with effective activities, information and coaching to assist them to build positive parenting skills. The program incorporates community programs which link people to society and works closely with local schools.
Over the year the service achieved and exceeded its targets in client home visits and in centre case management. Support groups held included Mums & Bubs Yoga, Twins & More, First Aid for Parents plus Meet & Greet. Our parenting programs remain popular with Circle of Security, Triple P and 123 Magic all being repeated throughout the year. Supported playgroups were held at Hobartville, Windsor South and at the South Windsor Family Centre.
South Windsor Family Centre Supported Playgroup: Our playgroup welcomes families from the local area, as well as a little further afield. Growing 100% since start-up it is attended by
Mums, Dads & grandparents alike. The children experience wonderful play opportunities, with toys, games, activities and 193 playmates. Story time is a favourite, as the children grow and their attention span increases. The variety of children’s ages also helps them to learn new ‘rules & ways to interact’. The group has Play groups over the seen parents form friendships, share stories and appreciate the school year environment, whilst gaining new ideas, information & skills. Many of the parents have begun to participate in other programs run at the South Windsor Family Centre. Supported playgroups are also held at Wisemans Ferry, Hobartville & Windsor South.
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Service Highlights 13/14
In May we participated in National Families Week culminating in the Stronger Families Stronger
Communities Expo. Supported by approximately fifty one service providers the expo
was an outstanding success with more than 700 people
attending the daylong event.
Forgotten Valley Family Services Forgotten Valley Family Services is an early intervention program providing support to all families with children 0-18 years of age.
The service operates drop in services weekly at Cattai, Pitt Town and at Wiseman’s Ferry, providing information and / or referral support. Parenting programs including 123 Magic, Circle of Security and Triple P. Skills focussed groups for youth include the Kick youth program, a first aid workshop, holiday program and sessions run in conjunction with Wisemans Ferry District Sports Inc.
Mums & Bubs Yoga: This program was presented by Anandamurti, a local community minded yoga & meditation instructor, who very generously donated his time & shared his knowledge over a 3 week period. Participants were given the opportunity to learn relaxation & stretching techniques to assist them to de-stress from their daily lives as mums (and all the other roles they fulfil), while their children were minded on site.
Participants felt rejuvenated & encouraged at the end of each session and hoped to continue practice by implementing what they had learned.
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Service Highlights 13/14
Community Builders Program This program provides a range of services to strengthen the Wisemans Ferry community and to build their own capacity. It includes mentoring schemes, provision of access to the internet, mobile library and other resources.
In May the Men’s Shed was launched with a careers taster course offered by TAFE Outreach. It was a great success with 12 people attending most sessions over a 6 week period. The first two weeks entailed landscaping and building a retaining wall which all participants enjoyed. The next few sessions consisted of an excursion to Richmond TAFE to explore the facilities and gain a library card. The course finished on a high when the group made small stools to take home and two larger chairs to sell.
Men’s Shed participants and several other community members attended Bunnings for DIY workshops using Peppercorn Community Transport. The group successfully made seven possum boxes that were donated to various wildlife retreats & also herb boxes to take home. The group now operates monthly welcoming community members of all ages.
In April the second annual Fun Run at the Ferry was held with great success and in June a Gala Fete was held for World Environment Day in partnership with the Sunshine Club. The Community Builders program collates, publishes and delivers 1200 copies of the now full colour 20 page Forgotten Valley Views Newsletter which is packed with local community information, advertising and community events.
Student Welfare and Chaplaincy Program The Student Welfare and Chaplaincy program provides general information to students on everyday issues, with general support and assistance. There is a focus on social skills, anti-bullying and team work.
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Service Highlights 13/14
Hawkesbury Family Day Care
Hawkesbury Family Day Care provides care for children aged 0 - 12 years. Dedicated trained, registered and supervised Educators provide preschool programs in a family environment.
The 2013/2014 financial year has proven to be a challenging one for the Family Day Care program, one that they are meeting and exceeding. In January the service faced the decrease of child to educator ratios from 5:1 to 4:1, and an associated expected loss of income. With the staff proactively increasing Educator numbers and the Educators themselves redistributing care hours, the service has achieved and surpassed expectations.
At June 2014:
Number of registered Educators 20
Number of childcare spaces on a 1:4 ratio 80
Children registered with the service 164
The team have been working to implement the “Transition to School Statement” for all children attending school for the first time in 2015. This is a new incentive to try and link early education with formal schooling. This will be the first time they will undertake these statements, which although not compulsory enhances the service and links in well with the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards.
The Hawkesbury Family Day Care team continued their community involvement with among other events, Paint the Town REaD which is an initiative to encourage the whole community to read, talk, sing and rhyme with children from birth. Puddles the Dragon was hatched with much excitement and plans are well underway for his first birthday later in 2014.
As part of the literacy and numeracy programs, children and Educators undertook a community walk where the children were encouraged to spot house numbers and identify streets using just the first letter of the name. They looked out for the different types of street signs and learned what each one meant.
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Service Highlights 13/14
The Forgotten Valley Preschools
The Forgotten Valley Mobile Preschool Resource Unit provides quality child care and learning programs for children 3-6 years of age. The preschool operates between two venues during school terms, the Wisemans Ferry Community Centre and the Old School Building South Maroota.
It was an exciting year for the Preschools, with work on the new building at South Maroota finally commencing in May. The children were fascinated to watch the demolition of the old school building and the delivery and construction of their classroom, knowing that this would soon be their new preschool. The new classroom is the perfect canvas for all of the art & crafts created especially for its walls.
While not compulsory our preschool staff participated in training in the Early Years Learning Framework. This has been implemented into the preschool in stages while continuing to operate on an “out of scope” basis. The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practices and outcomes that support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school.
Location and Day 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 South Maroota – Monday 12 12 South Maroota – Tuesday 12 9 Wisemans Ferry – Wednesday 6 11 Wisemans Ferry – Thursday 13 12 Wisemans Ferry – Friday 4 8 Total 47 52
While usage varies throughout the year the overall utilisation rate is slowly increasing and is 10.6% higher than at end of financial year 2013.
A need was identified from talking to parents about issues they were facing with their children in regards to Road Safety. Areas of concern included holding a grown-ups hand and wearing helmets and seatbelts. We embarked on a 2 week road safety campaign with great results We had lots of positive feedback from the parents!
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Our People
Peppercorn Services highly values its employees and volunteers alike and sees them as our most important asset. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to be an employer of choice. Training is provided specific to positions held, and advancement by further tertiary education is encouraged, with eligible employees receiving financial and leave assistance to complete their studies. Team building is held within each service on a regular basis and our annual organisation wide team event is a highlight of the year.
Peppercorn’s Christmas celebrations are the forum for our annual employee and volunteer awards with reward and recognition the centre point of the event. The event is widely attended from Board Members to employees and volunteers to members of the wider community.
Employee of the Year Volunteer of the Year Janell Skinner Kerrie Creer Home & Garden Corporate Maintenance Administration
Staff & Volunteer Satisfaction Survey The third annual survey was conducted in May 2014, and the results continued to show that overall, staff and volunteers were very happy with the work they perform, communication within the organisation and the level of management received.
Question asked: Response Rate
How satisfied are you with your job? 96% satisfaction
How effective is communication within your team? 96% satisfaction
Overall, are you satisfied with manager/coordinator? 97% satisfaction, 3% neutral
You will not find another community organisation more committed to the Hawkesbury and the wider communities we serve in assisting people to achieve their goals. The people within Peppercorn are reflective of our stated values to serve the community and to always strive for excellence by working together and leading by example.
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Our Funders
Funder Service Coverage Location
NSW Education and Mobile Preschool Isolated communities of the South Maroota & Wiseman's Communities Forgotten Valley in the Ferry Hawkesbury, Hills, Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
Commonwealth Department of Family Day Care Hawkesbury LGA plus educators South Windsor Family Centre Education in outer areas of the Blacktown, Penrith/St Mary’s & Hornsby Family Day Care schemes
Commonwealth Department of Chaplaincy & Student Welfare Isolated communities of the Wiseman's Ferry Public Education Forgotten Valley in the School Hawkesbury, Hills, Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
NSW Family & Community Community Builders - Isolated communities of the Wiseman's Ferry Services Forgotten Valley Community & Forgotten Valley in the
Youth Hawkesbury, Hills, Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
NSW Family & Community Strengthening Communities - Residents of the Hawkesbury LGA South Windsor Family Centre Services Families NSW
NSW Family & Community EIPP - Forgotten Valley Child Isolated communities of the Wiseman's Ferry Services Youth and Family Support Forgotten Valley in the
Hawkesbury, Hills, Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
NSW Health - Nepean Blue Community Medical Transport Isolated communities of the South Windsor Mountains AHS Forgotten Valley in the Hawkesbury, Hills, Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
Commonwealth Department of Lawn & Garden Service, 65 & Residents of the Hawkesbury, Peppercorn Place Social Services over Nepean and Blue Mountains LGA’s
NSW Department of Ageing, Lawn & Garden Service, under Residents of the Hawkesbury, Peppercorn Place Disability & Home Care 65 Nepean and Blue Mountains
LGA’s
Commonwealth Department of Seniors Multi Service Outlet, 65 Residents of the wider Bus Depot, Seniors Centre Social Services & over Hawkesbury plus the isolated (various locations) communities of the Forgotten Valley incorporating the Hills, Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
NSW Department of Ageing, Seniors Multi Service Outlet, As above Bus Depot, Seniors Centre Disability & Home Care under 65 (various locations)
Transport for NSW - incorporating:
Commonwealth Department of HACC Transport Services - Residents of the wider Bus Depot, South Windsor, Social Services including High Support Hawkesbury plus the isolated Peppercorn Place Disability, Low Support communities of the Forgotten (shopping), Medical Transport Valley incorporating the Hills, & SWAHS Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
NSW Department of Ageing, HACC Transport Services - Residents of the wider Bus Depot, South Windsor, Disability & Home Care including High Support Hawkesbury plus the isolated Peppercorn Place
Disability, Low Support communities of the Forgotten (shopping), Medical Transport Valley incorporating the Hills, & SWAHS Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
NSW Transport for NSW, Community Transport Services, Residents of the wider Bus Depot, South Windsor, Community Transport including Isolated Residents Hawkesbury plus the isolated Peppercorn Place communities of the Forgotten Valley incorporating the Hills, Hornsby & Gosford LGA’s
Peppercorn Services Inc. Annual Report 2013-2014 Page 24
Treasurer’s Report
Peppercorn Services Inc. financial management systems operate in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and meet the reporting requirements of our funding bodies. Our chart of accounts is based on the Australian Government Department of Finance National Standard Chart of Accounts for reporting by not-for-profit organisations and is compliant with the guidelines set down by the ACNC.
The budget is broken down into eight different costs centres each with multiple reporting components reflecting the complexity of the organisation.
We undertake a strict financial auditing process utilising the expertise of HG Khouri & Associates, Certified Practicing Accountants. The audit is conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, which require that the auditors comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. The audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report.
Procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement and include the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. The audit also evaluates the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.
Our audited financial reports are supplied to our funders and are lodged with the ACNC.
Joseph Litwin Treasurer
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Annexure One: Audited Financial Report
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Peppercorn Services Inc.
ABN: 34 611 224 255
Peppercorn Place 320 George Street WINDSOR NSW 2756
Tel: 02 4587 0222 Fax: 02 4587 0200
Email: [email protected] www.peppercornservices.com.au
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