Annual report 2017 report Annual Limited Tasmania) and (Victoria Uniting The Annual future is report bright. 2017-2018 – 2018

When we respect our history, unite toward achieving a common purpose and share common values, a collective spirit is born. This gives us the foundation to dare to reach further than ever before and be informed by the voice of our consumers and communities to drive real, positive social change. Empowered by the contributions of our people, supporters, stakeholders and the communities we work alongside, we will continue to innovative our services and live our vision for the future.

Learn more vt.uniting.org

Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited ABN 81 098 317 125 Cover photo: Cooper, with Level 6, 250 Victoria Parade early learning educator Angela at St Andrews East Melbourne Vic 3002 Kindergarten. Uniting is the community services organisation of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania. Contents

Year in review Chair report 04 CEO report 05 Our purpose 06 Director of Mission report 07 Our shared history 08 Who we are 10 Operational plan 12 Highlights 13 Strategic plan 14

Our work What we do 16 Engaging our supporters 36 Our people 38 Reconciliation 46 Diversity 47 I’m turning up Accreditation 48 Financial report “ to a place where Overview 49 Director’s declaration 50 I know I belong, Director’s report 51 Auditor’s declaration 56 where people say Statement of income 60 hello to me, and Financial statement 61 Your support I feel welcome.” Thank you 62 Get involved 63 — Paul, accessing 101 St Kilda Hub

2 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 3 Chair report CEO report

Uniting is an organisation in its formative years– only one year This year we commenced a new chapter in the history of into the integration of twenty-four Uniting Church entities, but Uniting Church community services. The establishment with over 130 years of experience and expertise in supporting of Uniting in Victoria and Tasmania presents us with the people living life at the margins. We are the recipients, stewards, opportunity to re-imagine our future and consider and continuity of the Uniting Church supporting people in need. how we can best bring about positive social change.

In July 2017 we became one organisation to Together, we learn from our challenges and The challenge of integrating twenty-four During the year I was fortunate to connect ensure our important work is sustainable in the successes to enhance our service models. We entities into a single organisation has been with many of our skilled and passionate face of major changes across the social services use our collective resources, connection to significant. Our first year has been a process employees and volunteers across the sector. Today we are over 7000 skilled, passionate community, and insights to confront and address of building and learning. organisation. I am grateful to the many and imaginative people providing over 770 poor public policy and the structural injustices people who enable and deliver our services programs and services across Victoria inherent in our society. Minimising disruption to our consumers and and Tasmania. across Victoria and Tasmania. On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like ensuring service and relationship continuity We have a grassroots understanding of the to thank our employees, volunteers, partners, in the communities we work in have been our UnitingCare Australia has been an important issues people face – our work makes a difference. congregations, donors and supporters. Our highest priorities. While navigating changes, forum to ensure consistent engagement with We partner with communities, government, collective efforts realise our potential to achieve we also shared and leveraged our collective the Australian government. Our collaboration congregations and many social sector our purpose – we have the tools, resources and strengths to respond to wider sector reforms with UnitingCare Queensland, Uniting organisations, and commit to maintaining and expertise of a united team, equipped to make – enabling us to secure funding for a range of NSW.ACT and Uniting AgeWell is becoming evolving a range of services that offer specialist meaningful change and create positive impact. new services. more focused and we appreciate the sharing expertise and local knowledge. We combine of knowledge and resources. Similarly the With a strong commitment to involve our strengths to have greater impact for our Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania communities and the individuals we support – consumers in shaping our direction and Moderator, General Secretary and Synod broadening our services in new ways to create an services, we established a Consumer Co-Design team have guided us and offered real support inclusive, connected and just world. Advisory Group. We now have a Consumer along the way. I am excited to share how we have come together Partnership Framework to guide consumer Bronwyn Pike in our first year, where significant structural participation practice across our organisation. Board Chair changes have further connected our vision with We have introduced common systems, our purpose and paved the way forward to inspire processes and ways of working, in areas such people, enliven communities and confront injustice. as finance, payroll and human resources. They are the necessary foundations for a more Paul Linossier This year we launched our inaugural strategic efficient, and responsive organisation, which Chief Executive plan; a formative process which defines our means going forward we are better positioned Officer ongoing role in the communities we serve, to support our work in communities. focusing our efforts to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable and marginalised. Our new To draw upon the diverse voices in our strategic plan outlines the changes we want to organisation we have commenced employee effect by 2025, as well as more specific steps we working groups across a number of areas will take over the next three years to be agile, including Cultural and Linguistically Diverse innovative and responsive in light of major reform (CALD); Gender and/or Sexuality Diverse; and social advancements and expectations. Sustainability; and the development of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). These successes demonstrate that as a diverse organisation we share the breadth of expertise, commitment and geographic reach to address significant community issues and stand with the most vulnerable and marginalised in communities.

4 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 5 Our purpose Working to Director of inspire people, Mission report

Churches don’t unite, people do. That is, our work enliven “ depends on people who will build relationships.” — Rev Nigel Hanscamp, Director Priorities, Focus and Advocacy, Equipping communities Leadership for Mission unit of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Our partnerships with over 70 congregations The role of the Mission and Ethos team, Rev and the support we receive from hundreds Gavin Blakemore and Rev Lisa Stewart, is to of others depends upon our mutuality of lead our engagement with presbyteries and and confront heart and spirit and a shared vision – an congregations. Our focus is to continually inclusive, connected and just world. strengthen and grow relationships; including initiatives that introduce education In November the Synod Standing Committee sessions and contributing to new induction endorsed our model of mutual engagement resources for employees and volunteers. injustice. across the Uniting Church. This model acknowledges the important role of local Rev Hanscamp reiterates, “Churches don’t congregations in providing for the needs unite, people do. Agencies don’t unite, people in their local community. As part of this do. But as we work together as corporate in model, local engagement groups are the best sense, agencies and churches offer Our values formed with the help of presbyteries and us the ability to do it better – to give the in consultation with the new Leadership best of community, advocacy and services.” Imaginative Respectful for the Mission unit of the Synod. Together, we led the Synod’s advocacy We challenge We act with honesty position and adoption of a sound and convention, explore and integrity, and progressive policy for a Medically Supervised new possibilities and open our hearts to Injecting Centre in Richmond in collaboration dare to dream for all people without Rev John Clarke with the Justice and International Mission a better future. exception. Director of Mission Unit of the Synod, theological partners Rev Randall Prior and Rev Dr Sally Douglas and with advice from Uniting NSW.ACT. Compassionate Bold Spirituality is an essential part of humanity – We are nurturing, We face injustice it is what drives our thoughts and actions as generous and head on and stand up an organisation. We have adopted a Spiritual thoughtful in our for what is right and and Pastoral Care policy— a commitment words and deeds. true with confidence to meeting the spiritual and pastoral and strength. needs of our workforce and consumers. We continue to deepen our collaborations with Uniting Housing Vic and equally, Our foundation our work with Uniting AgeWell—to broaden services for people experiencing Christ invites us to serve humanity by creating an housing crisis and older people. inclusive, connected and just world.

6 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 7 Our shared history This new church emphasised the importance of work for justice, Faith in action. poverty alleviation and human rights that so many congregations For over two centuries we have responded to the and their agencies had been —some of our earliest needs of many Australians doing for almost a century. work dates to the mid-1800s where individuals and congregations of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches responded to the need they saw in their communities.

All around people were left behind as Church in Victoria and Tasmania the Gold Rush and pastoral expansion recommended that all UnitingCare generated unfathomable wealth. agencies come together to Spurred on by their belief that faith strengthen their efforts to create an must be expressed through action, inclusive, connected and just world. In congregations helped the poor, 2016, Wesley Mission Victoria elected the homeless and the vulnerable, to come together with UnitingCare particularly children. organisations, and soon after Share the fundraising arm of the Synod of As the years went by the story Victoria and Tasmania was also repeated itself in a different context, to join. but the need remained. Working together, local congregations And so, in July 2017, 21 UnitingCare responded, and these church-birthed agencies, Wesley Mission Victoria and agencies grew in size, capability and two Uniting Church business units expertise. In 1977, the Uniting Church became a single organisation, Uniting was formed, bringing together the in Victoria and Tasmania, with a Congregational Union in Australia, the common purpose, values and identity. Methodist Church of Australasia and It is our commitment to integrate the Presbyterian Church of Australia. services across agencies and With a united church came the programs, partnering with key opportunity to combine experience stakeholders and working towards and resources. Agencies and missions co-creating solutions for whole started to join forces for greater communities. We continue our impact, and the name UnitingCare founding agencies’ long history emerged. of life-changing work, providing essential services that people rely on The world around us continued to every day. change, affecting both the Church and its community services agencies. In 2015, Synod’s strategic review of the life and work of the Uniting

8 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 9 Who we are

We are the carers, thinkers, doers, darers who strive to make a difference, in everyday trials and triumphs, for everyone— just as they are.

We act with impact. We draw upon the voice deep within us and raise a collective cry that cannot be ignored. For us, enough is not enough. We want safer, fairer, brighter, better, for the people we work alongside— for all humanity.

As an organisation, we celebrate our diversity and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, faith, age, disability, culture, language, gender identity or sexual orientation. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as Australia’s First Peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land on which we work. We welcome lesbian, gay, trans, gender diverse and intersex (LGBTIQ) people at our services. We pledge to provide inclusive and non-discriminatory services. We base our work on human rights that are recognised and articulated in international declarations, treaties and covenants that aim to ensure peace and equality among people.

Photo: Karyn who volunteers to help with community outreach at the Sunbury Drop-In Centre.

10 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 11 Operational Plan Highlights

increase in 20% donations Our first year as Uniting has been a process of building Over 200,000 Share Winter Appeal “and learning as we have worked to integrate twenty- service four entities into a single organisation while committing to minimise disruption for our consumers.” interactions — Paul Linossier, CEO Service expansion Supporting those July 2017 marked a milestone in establishing the legal, funding and people with alcohol employment frameworks for us as a single organisation. In our first year of placed in and other drug integration our operational plan focused on ensuring our consumers’ needs meaningful challenges. are reflected in everything we do. 908 work • Family Reunification Program rolls out in the Wimmera, Gippsland, Employment Services Ballarat and Melbourne • Overdose Prevention Program to reduce the risks and Four priority pillars Consulted on our strategy impacts of opioid overdose. During phased integration our activities were mapped and measured in four key areas. Employees & volunteers contributed to our strategic 1in5 priorities by survey. Service continuity We prioritised minimising disruption to our consumers and clients to ensure service and Workshops with employees 3,015 relationship continuity in our communities. & volunteers shaped our 30 vision for the future. volunteers contributed Connecting our people Consumer focus 1.3m hours We built on strong foundations as an organisation groups highlighted valued at $48.4m by supporting and joining up our people. 12 what people need.

Building blocks for integration We shared and leveraged our collective strengths to build common systems, new 3,500 processes and ways of working. Trialling new ways to keep confident and siblings connected creative learners Strategy while in out-of- nurtured in 71 We worked together to imagine and envision our home care. early learning future in order to live out our purpose and values. services

12 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 13 Strategic Plan Changing lives and communities. Changing how we work. For the better.

We have and will continue to truly listen and respond to the voices and experiences of the people we stand beside. Our strategic framework articulates those voices by recognising their differing requirements, so we — can adapt our service response and facilitate stronger engagement with governance and decision making. April says the Breezeway Meals program gives her a chance This inaugural strategic plan paves the way forward to have a break from caring for her son and be part of a for our organisation; ensuring we are innovative, community where people look out for each other and feel safe. agile and responsive to effectively deliver on our purpose and create positive social change. April knows firsthand what it April and her adult son spent and connect her to social means to be homeless, and time in hotels and short- supports. Framed through ‘Changing lives and communities’ and the impact it has on personal term crisis accommodation. April regularly attends our ‘Changing how we work’ to enable us to inspire people, wellbeing and family life. They were often fearful and BreezeWay Meals program to enliven communities and confront injustice, with particular vulnerable. The persistent For 10 years, April shared a access hot nutritional meals commitment to vulnerable individuals and communities. instability took its toll. secure rental home with her and connect with people and The strategic framework is the collective voice of our son, daughter, her daughter’s April experienced anxiety and community. organisation. It drives our vision over the next three years partner and her grandson, all other mental health impacts, April attended the 2018 and creates momentum to achieve our goals beyond of whom live with a disability. and her son’s challenging National Homelessness today to 2025. Bringing together our views, ambitions behaviours escalated. and connecting our collective actions, our strategic In 2010, the family were Conference in Melbourne plan will align all our efforts to change peoples lives. asked to leave their home. April visited our services with our support. She now The move prompted eight in Ballarat, desperate for plans to get more involved in We build on our history and our culture; one years of instability, and support and understanding. her community and share that is known for being welcoming, inclusive ultimately they were forced We worked alongside her and her experiences. and supporting diversity in all its forms. to live separately. her family to secure housing

14 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 15 What we do

We work in partnership with consumers to provide support that builds their capability and confidence, so they can journey towards a brighter, healthier and happier future. It’s about giving people the support they need to thrive.

The right support empowers people with the Aged and Carer information, tools, resources and skills they Services need— when they need it most. People experiencing disadvantage, social isolation or marginalisation need Alcohol and reassurance and tangible support. Other Drugs Where are there for people: • Experiencing homelessness, who are Business and looking for understanding and Social Enterprises practical support • Experiencing mental health issues, who Child, Youth want to connect with people and feel and Families part of the community • Recovering from the effects of drug and alcohol use Disability • With disability, who want to engage with their community and make their own choices in employment and in the Early Learning support they receive at home • Growing older and want to stay active, maintain their independence and Employment enjoy life Services • Caring for someone and need expert advice and additional supports to better Mental Health care for themselves • Looking for meaningful employment, by providing to access to training and Resilient — support and connecting them with Communities opportunities Our services are delivered in • Newly arrived in our community and who Tasmania, Melbourne, and need a warm welcome and safe support across Victoria, from Albury- • Ready to take the next step in their child’s early education in a safe and Wodonga in the north, nurturing environment Mallacoota in East Gippsland, • Needing tailored support to keep their to the Wimmera in the west. family safe, together and thriving.

16 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 17 Aged and Carer Services We play an active role in empowering older people to live enriching lives, while supporting carers to take better care of themselves.

Aged Care Carer Services • Home Care Packages: support for older Support is available to a wide range of people people, assessed as having low-high level including carers of people who are ageing, care needs to remain living in their home carers of people with disability, carers of • Homeshare: older people or people with people with a mental illness, and young a disability with secure tenure looking carers. Our services include: for help and companionship are matched • Access to respite care with companions in return for affordable • Information, links to other services, accommodation help to navigate the system • Self-funded services: flexible, affordable in- • Peer support and networking opportunities home support tailored to the needs of the • Social connectedness and capacity building individual, their family and carers • Education and workshops to • Quick Response Service: in-home support help in the caring role. after a ‘trigger event’ such as flu, fall or accident resulting in a stay in a private We launched a Carer Hub in Forest Hill to hospital or rehabilitation provide people and their families with the • Hospital Admission Risk Program: for people information and suppor they needed for a with defined chronic diseases and complex smooth transition to the National Disability needs to reduce avoidable hospital stays. Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In the eastern region we have established additional Carer In addition to in-home care we: Hubs in the council areas of Dandenong and • Enable older people to maintain social Springvale due to the increase in demand. — networks and friendships through positive living groups and engaging day programs Living with a century of wisdom • Short-term care management and support for people aged 55+ at immediate risk of being homeless. “There’s so much she can teach me. I always tell my friends that I am living with a century of wisdom,” — Chelsea

— Chelsea Yu, 31, knows “I discovered how difficult the Homeshare program just how rewarding the it is to find a place to live because she didn’t want “We’ve been very happy with Homeshare program can and saw the Homeshare to move to a retirement Uniting, the support we’ve be. She is an international program. Diana and I are apartment. student studying a Masters from different cultures, received has been absolutely “Although I’ve got many of Social Work at Monash different backgrounds, numbers – in other words wonderful, especially from our University. different traditions, different I’m pretty old – I’m still very religions.” said Chelsea. caseworker. She really knows Before arriving in Australia interested in everything. us personally. It’s the workers in 2017, Chelsea grew up in Diana Kahn, 95, left Poland I love young people, I’ve at Uniting who make it great.” a rural area in south east with her parents in 1938 for worked with young people China, where most of her Australia when she was just most of my life... Chelsea family still live. 14. She joined the rest of her is a very warm, lovable For Wangaratta couple Marian and family in Melbourne, some person. I am interested in Tony, relying on help from a community “I wanted to study something of whom had come from her background and in her organisation was a new experience. Diagnosed I could use to help people. Palestine in the 1920s. politics. She is a beautiful with Alzheimer’s disease, Tony became Monash gave me an offer and young woman.” Diana said. eligible for a Home Care Package last year. a scholarship,” Chelsea said. Diana’s children suggested

18 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 19 Alcohol and Other Drugs We work alongside people experiencing the effects of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use, on their path to wellness and recovery.

Wellness and recovery services 2. The Overdose Prevention Program provides • Residential, community and justice system services tailored for people already withdrawal programs engaged in an existing treatment service with a high risk of opioid overdose. Our • Confidential counselling and guidance services see us working with individuals • Services for people with current or previous and families during this transition to help contact with the justice system build their knowledge and increase their • Long-term treatment plans capacity to respond to opioid overdose. • Group support and therapeutic programs Overdose Awareness is delivered across • Hepatitis C Outreach Clinic. the Wimmera, Ballarat, and the north west regions of Melbourne. Professional services, education and training We provide information and advice to other We welcomed funding for two family violence health and welfare agencies who work with advisors in our specialist AOD service in the clients experiencing AOD issues. north eastern and Hume Moreland areas. Also, we are a leading provider of education These specialists develop the capacity of AOD and training services for the AOD, mental clinicians to work more effectively with those health, allied health and community services who have experienced family violence and sectors, as a Registered Training Organisation. their perpetrators.

New programs We launched two new AOD services this year to save lives and create safer homes for — families across Victoria after securing $1.9 million in funding from the Victorian State Government in April. Pathways to change for Stefan 1. Family Reunification Services enable Four years ago, Stefan was in the grip of addiction. With focused parents who are required to undergo AOD treatment as part of their children’s family determination, he took steps to recovery and wellness and is reunification order to access treatment as now on track to a brighter future. soon as possible. This can be challenging, as alcohol and other After completing withdrawal start rehabilitation and says “It’s been hard. You have drug use is often only one in a complex and rehabilitation programs, the mental health training to stay focused to do the range of factors affecting parents’ ability in 2017 Stefan decided to get has been an invaluable tool work, to take in all the new to provide a safe and loving home for their involved in our Consumer in his ongoing wellness and information, and put it into children. Many deal with social isolation, Pathways Training. wellbeing. practice. homelessness, mental health issues, family This includes competency- “The training helped me “Change is difficult, but it’s and domestic violence, childhood abuse based training in AOD and understand that side of worth it. I help out with some and neglect, and complex trauma. first aid, assertive and things more than I ever did of the programs, helping The Family Reunification program is appropriate communication, through my own experience. others and myself. public speaking, resume and It’s also helped me speak up delivered across the Wimmera, Ballarat, “I have a completely different cover letter writing, interview as a consumer when I see Gippsland and the North West regions of insight, compared to where I skills and child safety. something that concerns me, Melbourne. was four years ago.” or when I can help out with Stefan now runs information advice.” said Stefan. sessions for people who

20 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 21 Business and Looking back to Social Enterprise “ the days we used to sell oranges to We have a range of Australian Disability raise money for our Enterprises, social enterprises and opportunity shops that provide a variety of goods and services. Lifeline services to where we are Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) The shops provide opportunities for people to now, it’s terrific!” provide employment opportunities for give back to their local communities and gain people with disability. They offer similar work experience through volunteering, as well working conditions as other employers and as raise funds for vital programs and services. an opportunity for people with a disability Volunteers make up 93% of the op shop to contribute and connect to their local workforce and we are grateful for the ongoing community. contribution. Fire & Clay is one examples, where 30 people Our social enterprises are commercial with disability are employed at a workshop businesses with social purpose, designed in Lilydale to produce unique, functional and to generate income for our unfunded or decorative ceramics. They exhibited at the underfunded crisis services. They range 2018 Melbourne International Flower and from the Mission Caters to Fresh Start which Garden Show. provides asset and cleaning services. We also provide corporate consultancy to the We have opportunity shops in Bendigo, business sector and government on how to Ballarat, the Barwon area, Sale and in suburbs respectfully and empathetically engage with across Melbourne. The Glenroy opportunity people who are experiencing hardship. shop dates back to the creation of the Uniting Church of Australia in 1977.

— Delacombe Op Shop From humble beginnings near the Ballarat Central Uniting Church, our new Op Shop in Delacombe is now bigger and better in a purpose-built, fully accessible site. — The store stocks a variety of provide for the local both served as chair of the Established in 1965, Tadpac Print is an ADE located in Tasmania, products, including clothes, community. The opening Ballarat Lifeline board. specialising in commercial printing, mail-house services and toys, books and furniture. of the new store inspired Mr Pratt also served as chair them to reflect on their own of UnitingCare Ballarat board The official ribbon cutting handmade paper manufacture. journey – one that spans from 2008 to 2010. ceremony was a poignant more than half a century. Bruce, 53, was born with spina bifida and has been working for Tadpac Print for over 30 years. moment for Ballarat Central The newest op shop will “Tadpac is a unique workplace, where all employees are treated equally and given the same Uniting Church members “The new op shop and the continue the tradition of opportunities. Watching a person with a disability come in with little to no skills or confidence David Pratt and Albert Peart. services it helps support serving the local community, are just as important and with proceeds going back and seeing how Tadpac helps them [develop] is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Both were members of valuable in the community into programs including the original Parish Mission “My own journey through Tadpac Print has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve gone from a today as they were when we BreezeWay Meals, Meals committee that first 20-year-old, unskilled person, to a confident, skilled and happy employee representative and started.” Mr Peart said. for Change and Lifeline in discussed the outreach sales manager. When I look back at what I have achieved in my career, it even surprises Ballarat. me.” said Bruce. work the church could Mr Pratt and Mr Peart have

22 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 23 Child, Youth and Families We provide services that support vulnerable children, young people and families with case management, advice and counselling.

Empowering families to provide safe and In a national first, the Victorian State nurturing environments means working Government announced in April that we alongside people strengthen their would will lead the introduction of a new trial relationships, build their confidence and service for foster children with siblings – the support to develop their parenting skills, to Keeping Connected Program. Many children raise children with love and resilience. enter care separated from their siblings. As a result, they miss out on the important Services for young people experiencing interactions that help build connection, a personal or family challenges are designed sense of identity, family and belonging. to support them to feel safe through counselling, mentoring and life skills The service runs alongside the support of development, while working towards the Alfred Health Children and Youth Mental their goals for the future. Health Service to ensure brothers and sisters are kept together where possible. The Out-of-home care, which is considered a last Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency will resort intervention for children who require also play a key role, working with Aboriginal a more protective temporary or permanent children to ensure self-determination is a core environment, includes home-based foster and pillar of the program’s considerations. kinship care, adoption and permanent care, and residential care for young people. — Heritage Service — The Heritage Service has been established for past residents Foster Love, Foster Care and their families who received out-of-home care provided “The kids give you just as much as you give them.” — Maureen by the Presbyterian, Methodist and Uniting Churches. Residing in the small rural time and planned to do it More foster carers We help people access information about From July 2017 to June 2018, we received town of Rupanyup, near for a couple of years. But 20 are needed to help themselves or their family member’s time 201 requests for records, and supported four Horsham, Maureen and years on, we’re still going, and vulnerable children. in care and support them in the journey to reunions. Some highlights include: Peter Hellmuth signed up we enjoy it more than ever. In 2018 we called for people better understand their past. to be foster carers nearly • Starting the Methodist Babies Home “All children are different, to open their hearts and 21 years ago after seeing a For past residents and their families, we offer: Mothercraft Nurses Photographic but if you provide them with homes to a child or young television advertisement. Project. We organised small gatherings a welcoming and loving person who can’t live with • Assistance in applying for records and They’ve welcomed 130 where former nurses brought in named environment, most will their family. information held by other agencies children into their lives and photographs of babies and toddlers to add blossom. The kids give you • Supported release of records and home ever since. Our foster carers come to our collection just as much as you give documents created in their childhood from all walks of life. “It was just the two of us them.” said Maureen. – help with reading, contextualising • Helping a past resident learn about his They can be of diverse living in a big house and we and understanding their contents, and mother’s passing, which reunited him with a Our caseworkers provide cultural and religious love kids, so we knew we had explaining any redactions sister he had never known existed comprehensive support and backgrounds, be of any the space and love to offer,” • Reconnecting people who had not seen training to carers to ensure sexual orientation, partnered • Counselling support Maureen said. each other for over 50 years by hosting a both they, and the children or married, employed • Family searching gathering for past residents of Kilmany Park “We were in our 50s at the they care for can truly thrive. or full-time at home. • Reunions for past residents. Farm Home for Boys.

24 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 25 I couldn’t cope with Disability “ the scale of the NDIS on my own, Accessing the right supports is about being empowered through choice. We work alongside people so the guidance to be independent and achieve their goals. of my mental health worker is We are a registered provider of disability • Support Coordination helps build people’s services under the National Disability ability to act independently. This can invaluable.” Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and take a person- include empowering people to access — Mark centred approach to all our services. and co-ordinate the right supports, and Our focus is to help people be independent, providing assistance to help participate get involved with their local community, and more in their community. achieve their goals. Ballarat was the trial site for the new National This year we committed to provide NDIS- Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Customer funded Capacity Building services in the key Relationship Management system, which areas of Support Coordination, Live-Work- commenced in April 2018 and increased Recreation and Supported Independent Living. efficiencies. • Our Supported Independent Living Growing from strength to strength, NDIS programs assist people with disability Support Coordination developed its with tasks of daily living in a shared living capacity, supporting more than 100 clients environment. Some of our services include in the Central Highlands Area. Participants the Neurological Support Service which is a accessing the NDIS with us have enjoyed the residential support service providing holistic option of exploring the additional range of care for people with Huntington’s disease, services provided, including: multiple sclerosis, spinal or acquired brain • Housing injuries • Alcohol and other drug rehabilitation • Live-Work-Recreation programs are • Mental health clinical treatment — group-based services designed to increase independence in daily life, develop skills • Aged care community programs. to prepare for employment and develop Mark’s story relationships and have fun Mark Leishman is always happiest with a guitar in hand but living with disability and mental illness has made it hard for him to — continue to pursue his passion. With the support of services helps me manage my mental in Ballarat nearly 25 years We were honoured to in Ballarat, Mark was able to health issues.” ago, when he sought housing access the National Disability assistance in 1994. be recognised at the Through his NDIS plan, Mark Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in has been able to employ He has now lived in the 2017 Victorian September 2017, allowing an occupational therapist, same rooming house for 24 him to fully focus on his Disability Awards. undertake additional years, where he enjoys the music. psychology sessions, balance of having his own Long-standing volunteer Laprini “I’ve always loved playing the participate in a ten-week privacy and the chance to Dimitrakpolous was celebrated as a guitar. It’s my creative outlet group therapy program, and interact with others. and my opportunity to have connect with a song writing finalist for her incredible contribution Mark has started recording a voice… a musical voice,” program to reignite his to the Kids Under Kanvas program, his music for family and Mark said. passion for music. which has been offering young people friends and hopes to share his with disabilities adventure outings “Setting goals and having Mark started his long passion with his community. and camps for nearly 20 years. something to work towards association with our services

26 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 27 Early Learning We nurture children to create, learn and grow through high-quality education and care services.

Our services include kindergarten, family day needs to access and participate in all parts of care, occasional care, out-of-school care, long kindergarten programs with other children. day care, with extended hours of supervised The aim is to build the capacity of funded play beyond kindergarten or day care. kindergartens to support the access and In the 2017 2018 financial year, over 3500 participation of children with disability or children enrolled in our early learning services. complex medical needs. This was across 58 kindergartens, 20 long The Preschool Field Officer (PSFO) Program day care centres, four out-of-school care and provides support to government-funded vacation programs, and five occasional kindergarten program staff to support the care services. access and participation of children with We also provide Kindergarten Inclusion additional needs in inclusive kindergarten Support and Preschool Field Officers to programs through the provision of support children with additional needs. consultative support, resourcing and advice to kindergarten teachers. Kindergarten Inclusion Support allows children with a disability or complex medical — Our guiding principles

KIS STA Inclusion “This program ensures all children living with Each child, their family and caregivers deserve — a disability or developmental delay can make to be active participants in learning; influence the most of their kindergarten year,” said the learning environment; and feel a sense of Peggy Tan, Area Manager for North East Early belonging in their community. Kindergarten Tree Warmer Project Learning Services. Child as citizen Starting early years education with the “Our intention is to teach We recognise each child as citizen and value children how to interact with the right support is vital for children living with , observe and enjoy the combined efforts of a disability or developmental delay. their rights in our services and in the wider wider community community. community working towards a project and feel a sense of pride To help families access the support they need, we are partnering with the Victorian Equity and ownership in their kindergarten environment.” — Angela Department of Education and Training to We are active in supporting all children, The St Andrews Sunbury large donation of wool they opportunity to enhance the establish a Short-Term Assistance service as families and caregivers to access opportunities Kindergarten Tree Warmer had received. Excited to get involvement of our families.” part of our Kindergarten Inclusion Support to thrive and participate in society. project launched in April. The the community involved, program during 2018 and 2019. Jeanette, who volunteers initiative was born from a they extended the idea to Learning at the our drop-in centre, This free service assists state-funded discussion with the children the children’s families, the Learning is more than teaching, we create was a proud participant in kindergartens in Victoria to access additional about a large pine tree and Uniting Church congregation, experiences and environments for all children the project. “Seeing the support for children and to plan for their how to keep it warm during Sunbury Library’s Monday to learn about themselves, other people and squares sewn together ongoing inclusion. the winter. knitting club and our local their world. and put on the trees was drop-in centre. Support is tailored to the learning and Inspired by the ‘Street just wonderful. It was a development needs of each individual child. Quality Life’ community event, Angela Dance, Educational great visual representation This includes funding for sensory toys, social We strive for continuous improvement and the children and staff were Leader at St Andrews of what can be achieved storybooks, additional support staff, or take action to deliver consistently high quality spurred to create a colourful Sunbury Kindergarten said, when a community comes further training for existing staff. education and care. blanket for the tree using a “This is also a wonderful together.”Jeanette said.

28 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 29 Employment Services People experiencing unemployment, people with disability and people experiencing mental health issues find meaningful employment.

We work with people, partners, and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people employers of every background and industry and people of culturally and linguistically to create fair, meaningful and long-term diverse (CALD) backgrounds. employment solutions that provide an In acknowledgement of our success, we were opportunity for individuals to contribute, awarded a Disability Employment Services grow and thrive. tender to expand our services into new seven Our employment services provide new locations in partnership with PeoplePlus. employment pathways, training, vocational opportunities and community building links for people of all ages and abilities. Our services are offered in 15 locations across Melbourne. We worked with 5,425 people across our JobActive and Disability Employment Services (DES). With 615 placements achieved through JobActive and 293 in DES, we had success in placing 908 jobseekers during the course of the year. We helped people living with a disability, early school leavers, parents, — — Brad and Bella’s story Irene’s story “I have to be punctual and very organised, but “I am so grateful to have found my perfect role. I appreciate the I’ve discovered I’m really good at that!” — Bella flexibility and ongoing support from Uniting,” Irene said. “My There’s nothing quite like the “Getting the call to say I got customer experience. team at Woolies are so encouraging, I know I’m a valued team excitement of securing your the job was a very happy “I can’t remember a single member.” ­— Irene first job—and the experience feeling for me,” Brad said. day when either of them has was no less satisfying for “I told them I was going taken a day off. We always Some might relish the idea of retirement – not Irene. A true go-getter, she set her sights on Brad, 27 and Bella, 23. The to do the best I could, have to tell them to stop stepping back into the working world, knowing a casual or part-time opportunity would be the dynamic duo has been and so far, I’ve been working!” said Store Leader perfect fit for her lifestyle. bursting with enthusiasm keeping my promise.” Wendy Duff. Eager to take on a role she would enjoy, Irene also needed to factor in the kind of work that ever since they began their would be the most manageable with her multiple sclerosis and chronic back pain. careers with Telstra. Supporting the sales team Bella says she was thrilled by stocking shelves with new to be given the opportunity, For almost two years, We work with job seekers like Irene to understand their strengths and abilities, so they can deliveries and keeping the “This is the first time Brad and Bella have been be matched with employers who will nurture their talents and value their contribution to the innovative “touch tables” I’ve had to do things on dedicated and reliable workplace. Irene was partnered with one of our employment consultants and together they set spotless and ready for my own,” she said. employees at the company’s goals about the kinds of roles and opportunities Irene was suited to. interactivity, Brad and Bella flagship Melbourne store. Irene’s bubbly and outgoing personality makes her the perfect candidate for customer service. are integral to a seamless When an opportunity became available at the local Woolworths store, the team thought so too and Irene became their newest employee.

30 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 31 Mental Health To be able to walk “ alongside other We work alongside people experiencing long- voice-hearers term mental illness to develop a recovery plan, on their journey build skills and confidence and achieve their goals. has given me a Through Lifeline, we provide counselling for to transition to NDIS with tailored assistance. sense of meaning people experiencing personal crisis. Lifeline We are committed to continuing to provide centres across the country are run by not- and purpose.” NDIS-funded Capacity Building services in the for-profit community service organisations key areas of Support Coordination, Live-Work- — Janet like us. We run the largest centre in Victoria Recreation and Supported Independent Living. and Tasmania out of Melbourne, as well as a regional centre in Ballarat. We continue to provide vital community mental health support services such the This year was one of transition with the Voices Vic network support group, 101 Mental Health and Community Support St Kilda Engagement Hub and peer Services (MHCSS) program and the Personal support groups. Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program beginning to wind down as NDIS rolled out. We are supporting all our current participants

— Engagement Hub The 101 St Kilda Engagement Hub is a support he is not alone. Bradley* says he now realises network for people experiencing mental how important it is to stay connected to his — illness, social isolation or homelessness. community to help manage his mental health. Up to 90 people attend the hub each day to connect with those in a similar situation – Janet’s story and the numbers continue to grow. To meet growing demand for the service, the Hub In August 2017 Voices Vic team member Janet Karagounis received received a much-needed upgrade and reopened the Most Inspirational Person Award at the Hearing Voices to the public in the second half of 2017. World Conference from Intervoice, the Hearing Voices Network Reverend David Pargeter from the St Kilda Uniting Church attends the Hub each week to International Body. offer support and participate in activities. Voices Vic is the leading body fear and shame; getting ability to see the potential in “For many who attend the Hub, it takes away in Victoria for voice hearers. support when needed and others have inspired hundreds the isolation they are experiencing in their The state-wide specialist learning to get control. of voice-hearers, carers and lives. They feel safe here.” Reverend program seeks to improve mental health workers. Janet gained recognition for Pargeter said. the lives of people who hear her ongoing dedication to the “To be able to walk alongside voices and is led by people This is certainly the case for Bradley* who hearing voices movement, other voice-hearers on their with a lived experience. suffers from debilitating mental illness. His starting out as a group journey has given me a sense doctor recommended he visit the Hub in 2010 The Hearing Voices approach member in 2005 and going of meaning and purpose,” and since then, he has become a regular. Each is not about trying to get rid on to become a facilitator, Janet said. week he attends yoga classes and has also tried of voices. It’s about changing trainer and mentor. It’s an honour to work for his hand at singing, drama and writing classes. the relationship with them. Her tireless efforts, passion, Uniting, who have invested Through meeting people who can relate to his Photo: Paul and Dean, who attend community mental It’s about dealing with anger, health programs with Bradley* whose name has been sharing of her own story and so much in this program.” mental health experience, he is reminded that changed to protect his identity.

32 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 33 People come to Resilient Communities “ us not only for People experiencing crisis and homelessness often support, but to find need support while they focus on building brighter a place where they days ahead. belong and a sense of community.” We provide housing and emergency relief on older women. The new program will be support for people in crisis and people managed within the Crisis & Homelessness — Andi Jones, Asylum Seeker newly-arrived in our community. We support team at Mitcham in partnership with Program Manager people experiencing financial hardship and Community Housing Limited, who will build people seeking asylum by providing access the accommodation, and Mountview Uniting to food parcels, bill payment assistance and Church, who will provide social support and community meals. We also work with people connections for the women using the service. to build their financial capacity and wellbeing In April, our Komak service in Dandenong by developing their budgeting skills and was given an additional $460,000 in funding. applying for safe, no-interest loans. Komak (meaning ‘help’ or ‘support’ in Dari, We successfully secured a $2.7m grant one of the languages widely used within the from the Department of Health & Human Afghan community) offers an extensive range Services (DHHS) as part of the Victorian of health, wellbeing, community engagement, Government’s Accommodation for Homeless education and training opportunities for program, which will provide accommodation men, woman and young people in the local for some of the most vulnerable Victorians Afghan community. The program works to experiencing homelessness. empower the community to self-advocate by encouraging the group to work together to We will use the funding to build take on new opportunities. accommodation for women who have experienced family violence, with a focus — — Seeking asylum and belonging LGBTIQ Many people seeking asylum have no work rights or access to Our people got creative to support welfare. Many have nowhere to live, as they are unable to apply for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) colleagues accommodation in public housing programs. and families on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Our Asylum Seeker “Most of the time I stayed Esta is an active member of Transphobia (IDAHOBIT Day) on May 17. Program provides housing, in the house; when I think the Asylum Seeker Program emergency relief support about my children it’s Women’s Group, “We come In Shepparton we worked with other local and other services to help stressful.” Esta said. together at the Women’s community organisations to arrange a people navigate through the Group, all [from] different Esta began working in rural morning tea event, where they created challenges of living in a new countries, and we forget Victoria, living on a farm and an IDAHOBIT tree giving participants an country. about everything. We go fruit picking. When the cost opportunity to write and attach messages out, we eat, we learn about Esta sought refuge in of living became too much, of support for all to read. things. It has given me Australia after fleeing Esta was asked to leave. confidence.” she said. In the Wimmera, project manager Scott persecution in her home With nowhere to go she Robinson organised a ‘rainbow runway in Papua New Guinea. She The Asylum Seeker Program reached out to us. She realness’ fashion parade inspired by made the difficult decision relies on support from the now has a place to call RuPaul’s Drag Race with local employees to leave her three children in community. home and is working eagerly getting involved. her mother’s care. towards a brighter future.

34 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 35 Winter Breakfast Pancake Day 15% of renters in Australia are spending more St Leonard’s Church Brighton Bayside has been than 60% of their income on rent. Startlingly, a long-time supporter of Pancake Day, so it is Engaging our there are people who have to choose between fitting that they now hold the record for the heating their homes or cooking their food. highest amount ever raised from a Pancake Day event in Victoria and Tasmania. That is just one outcome of inequality that was raised during our Winter Breakfast event In 2016, the congregation made a bold move. supporters in May, hosted with the support of the City of They did away with the gold coin donation for Stonnington. each pancake served. A panel of experts, including Emma King of The inspired approach paid off, VCOSS, Emma Dawson of Per Capita, Prof. Roslyn Russell of RMIT and economist Jeff raising $2600 in 2016 and $5500 Uniting is grateful for the support of many individuals, Oughton discussed economic factors driving in 2017. businesses, corporate partners, schools, community and church increased demand for emergency relief groups who help us provide essential services for the most services. During the discussion, moderated by “I was trying to think of a different approach Prof. Allan Fels AO, the audience heard that: to this fundraising event, which supports vulnerable members of our community. those finding life a struggle,” said Barry. • One-third of Australians living in poverty have a job Barry met with church Minister, Rev Kim Cain • 1 million Australians currently working and reflected on what he had seen. After their would like to have more work-hours to help own caffeine-fuelled discussion, the Coffee Mug Challenge was born. Food for Families For Colleen, Christmas was a particularly make ends meet difficult time, as they were trying to rebuild “In the lead up to International Coffee The success of our 2017 Food for Families • 40% of households earning under $40,000 their lives and had no extra money for special Day in October, we challenged over campaign demonstrates the strength of our a year have seen their income go down in food or presents. 100 people to make a commitment wider community. Over 40 tonnes of essential recent years to put $4 a week in a coffee mug until food and toiletries were donated to our “Without those food donations, Christmas The event was held at the beginning February 11, when the congregation emergency relief programs. Day would have just been another day where held their Pancake Sunday event.” I would have been struggling to put food of the Winter Breakfast program, People reach out to us 500 times a day to on the table. Instead, I could give my kids a which provides over 4000 hot The congregation was invited to come access critical services across Victoria and special Christmas.” forward and place the accumulated Tasmania. Emergency relief recieves limited breakfasts to people in Prahran funds from their coffee mugs in a bowl government funding comparative to the during the winter months. and following the service, were given a demand we experience. We rely on the complimentary cup of coffee. generosity and compassion of supporters to keep our doors open to people when the need Photo: Panellist Professor Rosyln Russell. Over $10,000 was raised from the initiative. us most. After years of enduring family violence, Colleen’s main focus was just getting through the day, least of all planning a family meal.

“I was so unwell… going through chemotherapy and trying to keep my kids together and safe in stable accommodation.

“I’d look in the cupboard and find just a couple of cans, and try to think of a meal to prepare,” Colleen said. “Having access to extra food – it just meant the world. It meant I could pull together a decent meal for my kids. Sitting down together for a family meal made a difference to what we were going through.”

36 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 37 Our People

Together, we make a difference. With 7000 people delivering over 770 programs and services—we live our mission, values and beliefs. Collectively we are the spirit of our organisation.

With dedication and resilience, we deliver on our commitment to consumer Our people are our outcomes. We are highly experienced, greatest strength qualified and innovative thinkers who in creating a brighter invest in our purpose and values; it’s the foundation for us to grow. future for all. Our priority is clear. Building on our heritage, we foster the engagement and wellbeing of our people. By developing their capability we ensure a supportive, respectful and inclusive workplace culture. On 1 July 2017, our organisation embraced a new way of working. 3,800 employees and over 3,000 volunteers transitioned to a new People and 3015 Culture operating model. Volunteers Adopting a business partnership Employees structure with human resource teams we supported continuity of service delivery. We set up specialist streams 3835 to drive the new direction with updated tools and frameworks, where we have already made strong early progress exemplified in our inaugural strategic plan. Following extensive consultation, we implemented an organisational development roadmap to attract, retain and develop our people to secure the right skills and behaviours to deliver our purpose now and in the future.

Photo: Silvia Alberti, General Manager Western Victoria and Tasmania with Board Chair Bronwyn Pike in the Wimmera.

38 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 39 Prior to her work with Uniting counsellor, Mark has Graduate Certificate in Church services, Robyn extensive leadership Quality Improvement held CEO and executive experience in large-scale for Primary Health Care, positions in health and local business turnaround, Certificate IV in Training and Meet the Board government in Victoria and change management, Assessment and a Diploma South Australia. Many of strategic planning and of Professional Counselling. those roles involved leading dealing with conflict. Linda is a member of the major organisational change. Australian Institute of Mark is a past participant of Company Directors (AICD) Robyn began her career as the Williamson Community and is currently preparing a registered nurse and holds Leadership program and was Bronwyn Pike Prior to these roles, Bronwyn with the Uniting Church to undertake the formal both Bachelor and Masters’ awarded the St James Ethics (Chair) was the State Member for in several capacities. assessment to become a Melbourne and Victorian degrees in Social Work Centre Fairfax Fellowship Bronwyn Pike is a She is an experienced Graduate of AICD. Minister for Housing, Aged and a Masters of Business and an Asialink Business Principal Consultant with company director, with Care, Community Services, Administration. She is also Leaders Scholarship. He has BizConsult, where she a proven track record in Phil Morris Health, Education, Skills and a Fellow of the Australian also lectured at Leadership provides strategic planning, applying sound business and Phil is a former Deputy Workforce Participation. Institute of Company Victoria’s Leadership Master executive mentoring governance principles to not- Chair and Board member Her 13-year parliamentary Directors (AICD). Classes and Emerging and non-government for-profit organisations. Leaders Program. of UnitingCare Tasmania. organisation support. career included 11 Currently a Director of Aged He was an inaugural Board An accountant by profession, years as a Minister. and Community Services member following the She is also currently Sue is a former Executive Linda McCrorey Before entering parliament Australia, the national peak merger of several Uniting working with the NSW. Director of UCA Funds Linda is the Principal in 1999, Bronwyn was the aged and community care Church agencies in Tasmania ACT Uniting Church Synod Management and is Consultant with Enhancing Director of Uniting Church organisation, Robyn has some years ago. and the AFL Industry credited with transforming Quality Services Consulting welfare programs in Victoria, been a Director of Barwon Education Committee. the organisation to Water and Good Shepherd and was previously a Chair He has worked in the health which provided children, and a Board member of and community health Bronwyn is the current a professional funds Youth & Family Services as youth, family and aged care UnitingCare Gippsland. services sector for over Board Chair of Western management operation, by well as a number of other services as well as social 35 years. Prior to retiring Health and Renewal SA, employing specialist staff, not-for-profits. Linda has lived and worked justice advocacy. in 2014, Phil was senior president of the Australian introducing contemporary primarily in regional Victoria. executive manager of eight College of Educators, Chair business practices and Mark Heintz Her work experience is in Sue Norman rural hospitals as well as a of the advisory committee systems, and establishing Mark is Chief Executive the health and community (Deputy Chair) number of community health for the RMIT Centre for transparent reporting. Officer of Otway Pork, a services sector, in the areas Sue was formerly a Chair centres and services across Urban Research and a Board Sue is also a past member fully owned subsidiary of of community health, and Board member of northern Tasmania. Phil has member of Uniting NSW.ACT, of the Board of Trustees privately-owned Australian disability, case management, Wesley Mission Victoria degrees in social work and and a former Board member and Director of Benefund agri-food company The women’s health, aged care, and has a long association public policy. of Wesley Mission Victoria. Limited (the Uniting Church Pastoral Pork Group. He is sexual assault services, in Australia Beneficiary Fund) Vice President of Cycling Aboriginal services and Phil is also a Board member and the University of Divinity Victoria and is a former alcohol and drug services. of the Headspace youth Chair and Board member of mental health service in Council (formerly Melbourne Her formal qualifications Lentara UnitingCare. Launceston, a member of College of Divinity). include a Bachelor of the Pilgrim Uniting Church Formerly a crisis intervention Arts (Social Science), Robyn Batten Throughout the past nine years, Robyn has held leadership positions in some of the Uniting Church’s largest community and aged care agencies. These include her roles as Executive Director of Uniting Aged Care (Vic/Tas), Executive Director of Blue Care and Executive Director of Australian Regional and Paul Linossier, Bronwyn Pike, Heather Watson and Linda McCrorey Remote Community Services Sue Norman Robyn Batten Mark Heintz (ARRCS) in Queensland.

40 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 41 Council and a member of ministered in rural and Board’s Audit and Risk the Presbytery of Tasmania suburban congregations. He Committee and Governance Standing Committee. Every was a presbytery minister Committee periodically Monday, Phil volunteers in and associate general during her term. Maggies Cafe, an outreach secretary of the Synod, with Executive team Heather currently chairs of Pilgrim. special responsibility for the and is a Director of the Uniting Church in Tasmania. Community Services Industry In recent years, Allan has had Peter Prasser Alliance and is a Director a national role overseeing the Peter is General Manager- of the National Affordable Uniting Church’s response Group Balance Sheet and Housing Consortium. She to and engagement with Liquidity Management with is also a Board member of the Royal Commission on the National Australia Bank. Uniting NSW.ACT and chairs Institutional Responses to He has more than the Governance, Audit and Jeffrey Pearse Child Sexual Abuse. Paul Linossier 15 years’ experience Risk Committee. General Manager Allan was the Chair and Chief Executive Officer reporting to boards, She has had lifelong People and Culture Executive Director of executive management involvement with the Uniting Wimmera UnitingCare. He committees and regulators Church and was a founding was the inaugural Chair of on business strategies, Director of BoardConnect, Connections UnitingCare and funding, risk management a not-for-profit specifically UnitingCare Tasmania. He issues and policies, and focused on improving the has also served on hospital financial performance in governance capacity of non- and Uniting Church school an environment of sound profit boards. Aimee Suchard-Lowe corporate governance. boards and was a member General Manager Rev John Clarke He has a strong focus of the Tasmanian Heritage Paul Linossier Marketing and Director of Mission on ensuring businesses Council for six years. Experienced public sector Communications understand the dimensions Allan is the Chair of Uniting and community services of governance and risk within AgeWell (Vic/Tas) and professional Paul Linossier their operations. believes it is vital that the is the inaugural Chief Peter was a former Chair Uniting AgeWell Board and Executive Officer of Uniting and a Board member of the new Uniting Board work Vic.Tas. Previously the CEO Prahran Mission and is a closely together, particularly of Wesley Mission Victoria, Silvia Alberti Angela Forbes member of the Council of in the provision of services to Paul has over three decades General Manager General Manager Elders at the Toorak Uniting older people. experience in leading West Victoria and East Victoria Church. He is also a Fellow organisational change and Tasmania of the Australian Institute of Heather Watson system reform. Company Directors (AICD). Heather is a partner in national law firm McCullough Rev Allan Thompson Robertson, and a former Rev Allan Thompson, now chair and Board member of UnitingCare Queensland, semi-retired, previously Clare Jennings where she chaired the Tracey Gibson General Manager General Manager Quality and Program Transitional Services Performance

Deborah Sullivan Quinn Pawson General Manager General Manager Corporate and Financial Advocacy and Citizen Services Engagement

Phil Morris Peter Prasser Rev Allan Thompson

42 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 43 The Awards “ provide a fantastic Our People opportunity to distinguish — important outcomes across Volunteers recognised the sector.” — Adam 3,000 people generously give their time to our work with people and communities. It would be impossible for us to deliver comprehensive support and services without them.

Some of our wonderful volunteers were recognised at the 2017 Victorians Premier’s Volunteer Champion Awards. We are delighted that Todd Jolly received a service award for his long-standing volunteer work at the Kangaroo Flat Emergency Relief Centre in Bendigo. Todd started volunteering ten years ago alongside his grandfather Don. He says that being able to work with his grandfather has been one of the highlights of volunteering. As the youngest team member at the centre, Todd has become the go-to helping hand for all the heavy lifting. That is of course when — he’s not busy collecting and sorting deliveries or helping to manage the store. Exceptional efforts acknowledged His gentle and kind nature has been a blessing Other individuals and teams were highly to the centre. He always tries to put a smile on commended at the event: It was a proud moment when Adam was recognised for exceptional children’s faces. • Melinda Spencer (Uniting Life Assist/Link contribution in supporting people experiencing homelessness. “The kids can feel really Health and Community) • Anne Monk (Asylum Seeker Welcome Adam Liversage, Assertive workers within the specialist Persons. This award overwhelmed when they see Centre) Outreach Worker for homelessness service. reinforces that what we Ballarat’s Street to Home do matters and makes a their parents upset, so I try to • Vinod Prasad (Financial Inclusion) Adam was awarded for his program, accepted the difference in the community role in driving the Street make their experience at the • A Cuppa with Company (Angela Draper, Leading Practitioner award and to people facing to Home program, which Heidi Evett, Tom Patterson, Gerald at the Council to Homeless injustice,” said Mr Liversage. centre a good thing.” — Todd brings together local Willcocks, Ehlana Dodge, Jessica Stone, Persons 2017 Victorian businesses and council to The Street to Home program The welcoming and supportive environment Brenda Long and Kristin Baldwin) Homelessness Achievement lead a collaborative approach has received further funding at the Kangaroo Flat centre means Todd has We extend a heartfelt thank you to every Awards on 13 September. formed great friendships over the years. Max, single one of our volunteers, for everything to supporting people from the Department of his team leader, says “He is such a swift and you do. He was selected from six experiencing homelessness. Health and Human Services outstanding nominees for and will be used as a pilot for diligent worker, we would be lost without him.” “It’s an honour to receive the award, which recognises services across the state. this acknowledgement from Todd accepted his award at a ceremony at the exceptional efforts of Government House in February 2018 with the Council to Homeless three of his family members present.

44 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 45 Reconciliation As an

Renewed relationships and reconciliation with First Peoples. organisation, we acknowledge A key priority for our the actions of our founding churches that cooperated with governments implementing organisation is to develop racist and paternalistic policies. a clear pathway to For relationships and reconciliation to diversity. celebrate reconcile and better foster progress we must ensure we work in ways that relationships with Aboriginal foster self-determination for First Peoples and contribute to meaningful partnerships with and Torres Strait Islander communities we work alongside. peoples and communities. This begins with the our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). In 2017, we initiated the Building on strong foundations are pivotal in first RAP working group including seven making this a reality, through the: Aboriginal and 12 non-Indigenous members. • Continuing reconciliation work with Two independent Aboriginal elders offered the Uniting Church of Australia and its guidance and support. We are hopeful that Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and our inaugural RAP will be endorsed and Islander Christian Congress formally launched in the 2018-19 financial year. • Acknowledging our existing Reconciliation Action Plans and culturally relevant services Our RAP will formalise our commitment to developed by a number of our services. improve our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, Our journey begins with two important steps: Our commitment histories and achievements and to embrace • We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait new ways to strengthen relationships with Islanders as Australia’s First Peoples and as First Peoples in Victoria and Tasmania. to diversity the traditional owners and custodians of the It lays the foundations for new, culturally safe land on which we live and work partnerships between our organisation and We welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, • We acknowledge our own role in colonisation Aboriginal peoples and communities. faith, age, disability, culture, language, gender and its impacts on First Peoples. identity or sexual orientation. We are committed to listening, learning Colonisation, discrimination, racist and and acting to ensure we are a safe place for We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait oppressive practices and failure to respect First Peoples employees to work and access Islanders as Australia’s First Peoples and as the the rights and culture of First Peoples have services. We will strive to better understand traditional owners and custodians of the land caused great suffering for Aboriginal and and respond to the different needs of on which we work. Torres Strait Islander people. Regretfully, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, intergenerational trauma still impacts people women, men and youth in our services. We welcome lesbian, gay, trans, gender diverse today. We apologise for our failures, and for and intersex (LGBTIQ) people at our services. We pledge to provide inclusive and non-discriminatory services.

46 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 47 Accreditation Financial report highlights

Accreditation is a requirement to ensure we can continue to meet high standards of service delivery. Total revenue Overview Accreditation helps us to: The financial information presented in • Continue to receive government funding for many this report has been extracted from of our programs the audited financial report of Uniting State Government contributions...... 66% • Recognise our commitment (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited for to safety and quality the year ended 30 June 2018. A copy Federal Government of the full financial report and the contributions...... 14% • Provide consumers with confidence auditor’s report is available on request. Service fees...... 12% • Build a better and more efficient organisation with Philanthropic, bequests quality and performance assurance Volunteers and and donations...... 03% • Increase capability donations in kind Sale of goods...... 01% • Reduce risk Uniting had 3,015 (2017: 3,517) volunteers Rental income...... 02% • Comply with regulatory requirements. who made an invaluable contribution to Investment income...... 01% In June 2018 we underwent the accreditation audit our work. During the financial year under Other...... 01% for Health and Community Service Standards, review, it is estimated that the volunteers Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provided approximately 1,358,517 Human Service Standards, and National Standards hours of service which would equate to for Mental Health Services. approximately $48.4 million. Uniting also received donations in kind valued As part of this process we consolidated and at $3.574million (2017: $0.275 million). streamlined certificates and accreditation across our Service area founding agencies, into one standard. Results for the year expenditure We successfully gained accreditation under Uniting reported a loss for the year the Quality Improvement Council, Health and of $0.9 million. (2017: $16,000). Community Standards (7th edition); Human Services The total revenue for the year was Standards and the National Standards for Mental $280.6 million (2017: $261.6 million). Health Services. Aged and Carer Services...... 09% Some of our Aged and Carer Services underwent Review of financial condition Alcohol and Other Drugs...... 07% their 3 yearly audit under the Home Care Standards, The total equity of Uniting at while the Wimmera also received their HACCP 30 June 2018 was $289.2 million Business and Social Enterprise...... 04% certification. (2017 restated: $287.5 million). Child, Youth and Family...... 30% Disability and Mental Health...... 21% The net cash inflow from operating activities during the financial Early Learning...... 15% year was $15.4 million (2017 Employment Services...... 03% restated: inflow $6.5 million). Resilient Communities...... 11%

48 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 49 Director’s Director’s declaration report

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Uniting (Victoria and Corporate Structure Tasmania) Limited, we state that in the opinion of the Directors: Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited (Uniting) is a company limited by guarantee under the (a) the financial statements and the notes of Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and domiciled in Australia. Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2018 are in accordance with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission Act 2012, including: Nature of operations and principal activities (1) Giving a true and fair view of the company and its consolidated entities’ The principal activities during the year were to advance social welfare by providing support to financial position as at 30 June 2018 and of their performance for the people in need. year ended on that date; and Employees (2) Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and Australian Uniting employed 3,835 employees as at 30 June 2018 (2017: 3,639 employees). Charities and Not-for-profit Commission Regulation 2013; and Volunteers and donations in kind (b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited and its consolidated entities will be able to pay their debts The Agency has 3,015 (2017: 3,517) volunteers who make an invaluable contribution to the as and when they become due and payable. work of Uniting. During the financial year under review, the volunteers provided approximately 1,358,517 (2017: 1,307,469) hours of service which would equate to approximately $48.431

On behalf of the Board million (2017: $30.071 million). Uniting also received donations in kind valued at approximately $3.574m (2017: $0.275m) which have not been recognised in the financial statements.

Review of results of operations Entity overview Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited is the principal community services organisation of the Ms Bronwyn Pike Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania. Chairperson of the Board of Directors Social welfare activities provided Uniting delivers 834 (2017: 770) programs and services that enrich communities in Victoria and Melbourne, 3 October 2018 Tasmania. These programs support and counsel people in crises and include homelessness services, youth and children’s services, accommodation, disability services and emergency relief and deliver such services in ways which promote human dignity. The entity also promotes research into community needs and advocates attitudes and actions which aim to lessen disadvantage, poverty and exclusion in the community. Operating results for the period Uniting reported a loss for the year of $0.9 million (2017: loss $0.016 million). The total revenue of Uniting for the year was $280.6 million (2017: $261.6 million). Dividends Uniting is a not for profit charitable company operating under a constitution which prohibits the payment of dividends or distribution of profits.

50 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 51 Director’s Director’s report report

Review of Financial Condition Directors’ Meetings and Board Committees held 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2018 Capital Structure Meetings Board Agency Audit Church & Governance Finance & Quality & Meetings Reporting & Risk Community Property Clinical The total equity of Uniting at 30 June 2018 was $289.2 million (2017 restated: $287.5 million), a increase & Support Engagement Advisory of $1.7 million compared to the prior year. Meetings held: 11 1 5 4 4 11 4 Cash from operations Meetings attended: Bronwyn Pike (Chair) 11 0 0 0 3 10 0 Uniting’s net cash outflow/inflow from operating activities during the financial year was an inflow $15.4 Sue Norman million (2017 restated: inflow $6.5 million). (Deputy Chair) 11 0 0 0 0 8 0 Liquidity and funding Robyn Batten 11 1 5 0 0 0 0 Mark Heintz 10 0 0 0 0 11 0 Uniting has sufficient liquid resources to fund its operating activities with $79.0 million of cash and cash equivalents (2017 restated: $75.7 million). Linda McCrorey 10 0 0 0 0 0 4 Philip Morris 11 0 0 4 0 0 4 Non-Audit Services Provided By Ernst & Young Peter Prasser 9 0 5 0 0 0 0 During the financial year Ernst & Young provided additional accounting advisory services to Uniting Allan Thompson (1) 8 0 0 4 3 0 0 management. The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with Heather Watson 10 0 0 0 4 0 0 the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Australian Charities and Not-for- Paul Linossier 10 1 5 4 4 11 4 profit Commission Act 2012. The nature and scope of the non-audit service provided means that auditor (1) Allan Thompson’s absence from some meetings was due to an approved leave of absence. independence was not compromised.

Events After Reporting Date From 1st July 2018 Uniting has assumed control of Tadpac Print, a not for profit disability enterprise Corporate Governance Statement operating in Tasmania. Background Environmental Regulations In mid-2016 Synod Standing Committee approved the joining together of 21 existing UnitingCare There have been no significant known breaches by Uniting of the environmental regulations to which it is agencies in Victoria and Tasmania, Wesley Mission Victoria, Synod led Early Childhood Services (ECS) and subject. Share to create Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited.

Likely Developments and Expected Results Following both external and internal legal advice, the assets and liabilities of the existing 21 agencies were transferred to the corporate structure of Wesley Mission Victoria, enabling the new organisation Uniting’s future operating results are expected to be consistent with its past performance. to have a formal and legal basis in which to act in accordance with legislative requirements, related Church entities and legal frameworks, ASIC and ACNC requirements. This approach also allowed for a Indemnification and Insurance of Directors and Officers bona fide structure for government and non-government funding arrangements to be transferred to the During the financial year Uniting provided insurance cover to directors and officers. This insurance policy Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd entity. The first set of consolidated annual financial statements were provided indemnity to directors and officers against liability at law for damages or claims made against prepared for the 2016/17 financial year. them by reason of wrongful acts committed by them in their capacity as directors or officers of the entity. The policy also provides provisions to reimburse the entity for payments of legal costs and damages On 3 October 2016 the new Uniting Board was formally appointed. At the same time the Boards of the 21 incurred by directors or officers of the entity where permitted by law. The amount of annual premium UnitingCare agencies concluded their appointment and the directors of Uniting were each appointed as paid for the insurance cover was $77,690. the directors of each of the 21 unincorporated UnitingCare boards. During the 2016/17 year when the Board of Directors met, it did so as the Board of Uniting (Victoria and Directors and Other Officers Remuneration Tasmania) Ltd and as the Board of each of the 21 unincorporated entities. On 1 July 2017 the operations The Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited constitution provides for Directors to be paid reasonable and assets and liabilities of the 21 UnitingCare agencies were transferred to Uniting. remuneration for undertaking the ordinary duties of a Director. Preparations for the cancellation of the 21 unincorporated UnitingCare agency ABN’s is progressing The Board examines and assesses the remuneration of the Executive Team by referring to the relevant and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. This will coincide with dissolution of the 21 employment market. unincorporated entity Boards. During the course of the year the Board has reviewed proposals and undertaken due diligence examination of the organisation known as TADPAC (Tasmanian Association of Disabled Persons Abilities Centre). Following resolutions by both Boards, TADPAC personnel, assets and liabilities will be transferred to Uniting on 1 July 2018.

52 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 53 Director’s Director’s report report

Board Composition Audit and Risk Committee Members of the Uniting Board are appointed by the Synod Standing Committee in accordance with the The purpose of the Audit and Risk Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its statutory, fiduciary requirements of the Victorian and Tasmanian Synod, Uniting Constitution and By-Laws. The Board is and regulatory responsibilities relating to enterprise risk management and compliance, as well as fostering currently made up of ten members including the Chair, Deputy Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ethical practice and risk informed decision making. The Committee oversees the development and and carries one vacancy. maintenance of risk management systems, internal control systems, compliance with applicable laws and the appointment of the external auditor. The Committee also reviews the Annual Financial Statements The following Directors were reappointed during the reporting period following the expiry of their initial jointly with the Finance, Investment and Property Committee. term at the 2017 Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Constitution: Robyn Batten – reappointed for a further three-year term, concluding no later than the Church and Community Engagement Committee 2020 Annual General Meeting The purpose of the Church and Community Engagement Committee is to ensure that adequate policies, plans and processes are effective in maintaining constructive and mutually beneficial relationships across Mark Heintz – reappointed for a further three-year term, concluding no later than the the Church at congregational, Presbytery, Synod and Assembly levels; provide appropriate opportunities 2020 Annual General Meeting for community input to programs and fosters strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with a broad Linda McCrorey – reappointed for a further three-year term, concluding no later than the range of groups, networks and organisations. 2020 Annual General Meeting Finance, Investment and Property Committee The above re-appointments were approved by the Uniting Church of Australia Synod of Victoria and The purpose of the Finance, Investment and Property Committee is to assist the Board in ensuring that Tasmania Standing Committee in accordance with Section 7 of the Uniting Constitution. adequate policies and procedures, systems and processes are in place and that they adequately support There were no other changes to Directors during the reporting period. the organisation to i) meet its financial and accounting obligations, ii) manage and monitor the financial performance of its investments and iii) meet its obligations in relation to the development, ownership, Board Procedures and Policies maintenance and use of property. This Committee also reviews annually the Uniting Budget Policy. The Board’s Governance Charter was developed in accordance with the ACNC Governance Standards. The Charter outlines the roles, responsibilities and terms of reference of the Board and each of its Governance Committee Committees. It also includes Uniting’s Code of Conduct; which all new Board members are required to The Governance Committee assists the Board to discharge its oversight and monitoring responsibilities sign. The Charter requires that the performance of the Board and CEO be reviewed on an annual basis. under the constitution for Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd including monitoring the processes and governance of the Board, reviewing periodically the policies to be adopted by the Board on an enterprise The CEO is a voting member of the Board. Uniting maintains a register of Director’s interests and any wide basis and oversees the Board’s reporting and accountability framework. This includes facilitating the potential conflicts of interest are recorded annually and reviewed monthly as part of normal Board Boards consideration of the CEO annual performance plan and review of performance against that plan meeting procedures. and monitors the processes for setting Board and Executive remuneration. The Board receives regular reports and presentations from senior executives on strategic, financial and operational performance, enterprise risk management, key policy decisions, social justice, research Quality and Clinical Governance Committee activities and Church policy and relations. The purpose of the Quality and Clinical Governance Committee is to ensure that appropriate and effective clinical governance systems are in place across the organisation specifically in relation to clinical safety, Board Sub-Committees clinical risk, quality and scope of practice. The Committee promotes forward planning that minimises risk The Board has established committees to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities. Each committee and identifies opportunities and alternate ways to achieve better results for our community. has its own terms of reference or Charter which set out the authority delegated to it by the Board and Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd engaged independent firm, Ernst and Young, as external auditor for details the manner in which the committee is to operate. Each of the Board committees review and the two reporting periods spanning July 2016 to June 2018. monitor relevant performance data against established key performance indicators. The Board of Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd is proud to present the organisation’s second Annual During 2017/18 the Board approved committees were: Financial Statements which reflect the combined results of the founding 24 entities consolidated effective • Audit and Risk Committee 1 July 2017. • Church and Community Engagement Committee Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. • Finance, Investment and Property Committee • Governance Committee • Quality and Clinical Governance Committee

Ms Bronwyn Pike Chairperson of the Board of Directors

54 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 55 Ernst & Young Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 Ernst & Young Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 8 Exhibition Street Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 8 Exhibition Street Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia ey.com/au Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia ey.com/au GPO Box 67 Melbourne VIC 3001 GPO Box 67 Melbourne VIC 3001

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Uniting (Victoria Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Uniting (Victoria and and Tasmania) Limited Tasmania) Limited Report on the Financial Report In relation to our audit of the financial report of niting Victoria and Tasmania Limited for the financial year ended 30 une 2018 and in accordance with the reuirements of Subdivision 60C of the Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission Act 2012 to the best of my nowledge and belief Opinion there have been no contraventions of the auditor independence reuirements of any applicable code of professional conduct. e hae audited the financial reort of niting ictoria and asmania imited the omany hich

comrises the statement of financial osition as at 0 une 01 the statement of comrehensie income statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flos for the year then ended notes to the financial statements including a summary of significant accounting olicies and the directors’ declaration

n our oinion the accomanying financial reort of the omany is in accordance ith the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012 including Ernst & Young a giing a true and fair ie of the financial osition of the omany as at 0 une 01 and of its financial erformance for the year ended on that date and

b omlying ith Australian Accounting Standards and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Regulation 2013

Paul Gower Partner Basis for Opinion 3 October 2018 e conducted our audit in accordance ith Australian Auditing Standards ur resonsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our reort e are indeendent of the omany in accordance ith the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants the ode that are releant to our audit of the financial reort in Australia e hae also fulfilled our other ethical resonsibilities in accordance ith the ode

e beliee that the audit eidence e hae obtained is sufficient and aroriate to roide a basis for our oinion

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report

he directors of the omany are resonsible for the rearation of the financial reort that gies a true and fair ie in accordance ith Australian Accounting Standards and the Australian Charities and Not- for-Profits Commission Act 2012 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the rearation of the financial reort that gies a true and fair ie and is free from material misstatement hether due to fraud or error

n rearing the financial reort the directors are resonsible for assessing the omany’s ability to continue as a going concern disclosing as alicable matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the omany or to cease oerations or hae no realistic alternatie but to do so

56 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 57

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report e communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we ur obecties are to obtain reasonable assurance about hether the financial reort as a hole is free identify during our audit. from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our oinion easonable assurance is a high leel of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance ith the Australian Auditing Standards ill alays detect a material misstatement hen it eists isstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if indiidually or in the aggregate they could reasonably be eected to influence the economic decisions of users taen on the basis of this financial reort

As art of an audit in accordance ith the Australian Auditing Standards e eercise rofessional rnst oung udgement and maintain rofessional sceticism throughout the audit e also

 dentify and assess the riss of material misstatement of the financial reort hether due to fraud or error design and erform audit rocedures resonsie to those riss and obtain audit eidence that is sufficient and aroriate to roide a basis for our oinion he ris of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error as fraud may inole collusion forgery intentional omissions misreresentations or the oerride of aul ower internal control artner elbourne  btain an understanding of internal control releant to the audit in order to design audit ctober rocedures that are aroriate in the circumstances but not for the urose of eressing an oinion on the effectieness of the omany’s internal control.

 Ealuate the aroriateness of accounting olicies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors

 Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and based on the audit eidence obtained hether a material uncertainty eists related to eents or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the omany’s ability to continue as a going concern. f e conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s reort to the related disclosures in the financial reort or if such disclosures are inadequate to modify our oinion ur conclusions are based on the audit eidence obtained u to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the omany to cease to continue as a going concern

 Ealuate the oerall resentation structure and content of the financial reort including the disclosures and hether the financial reort reresents the underlying transactions and eents in a manner that achiees fair resentation

58 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 59

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation Statement Financial of income statement

2018 2017 2018 2017 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Current assets Government contributions 224,033 208,144 Cash and cash equivalents 79,007 75,653 Fees for service 32,783 20,085 Receivables 6,958 7,887 Donations, bequests and other philanthropic 8,680 12,454 Other current assets 2,230 2,241 income Total current assets 88,195 85,781 Sale of goods 4,116 5,099 Non-current assets Other income 10,951 15,841 Property, plant and equipment 220,958 225,012 Total revenue 280,563 261,623 Intangible assets 10,968 10,968 Available for sale investments 34,932 31,613 Employee expenses 203,447 182,432 Assets held for sale 2,982 - Client expenses 29,703 33,337 Other non-current assets 10 20 Occupancy expense 18,555 15,243 Total non-current assets 269,850 267,613 Administration expense 20,040 22,094 Total assets 358,045 353,394 Depreciation and amortisation 5,608 5,558 Other expenses 4,123 2,975 Current liabilities Total expenditure 281,476 261,639 Payables 37,544 37,118 Provisions 17,337 18,334 Net surplus / (deficit) for the year from (913) (16) continuing operations Total current liabilities 54,881 55,452 Non-current liabilities

Other comprehensive income Payables 4,440 4,525 Net changes in fair value on available for sale Provisions 9,486 5,879 2,928 3,429 financial assets Total non-current liabilities 13,926 10,404 Revaluation of property, plant and equipment (315) 81,836 Total liabilities 68,807 65,856

Total comprehensive income for the year 1,700 85,249 Net assets 289,238 287,538 This Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Equity Contributed equity 12,623 12,623 Reserves 285,154 268,608 Accumulated surplus / (deficit) (8,539) 6,307 Total equity 289,238 287,538 This Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

60 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 61 Thank you to our supporters. Get involved Thank you to the thousands of donors, volunteers, businesses, community groups, schools and church congregations who donate funds, in-kind goods and their time, to support people in Even the smallest the community. We appreciate the generosity of the following acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day. donors, trusts, foundations and governments, just some of those, whose support makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Make a donation Trusts, foundations, Charitable Trust Estate of Harry Halliwell Victorian Government businesses and The Fagg Foundation Estate of Helen Judith Campbell Department of Economic Your generosity has the power to save The Flora & Frank Leith Charitable Trust Estate of Herbert Alexander Glover Development, Jobs, lives, and every little bit helps. community Transport and Resources The Harcourts Foundation Estate of Leslie Doris Meredith Bagot Gjergja foundation (DEDJTR) Horsham Donations – big or small – help us to provide The Isabel & John Gilbertson Barings Estate of Lillian Bessie Hewitt Department of Education essential services to the most vulnerable Charitable Trust and Training Bendix Family Charitable Endowment Estate of Lindsay J Baldy The John and Betty Laidlaw Legacy Department of Health and at-risk people in our community. Beverley and Elsie Family Trust Estate of Margaret Jean Sutton The Marian & EH Flack Trust and Human Services Boom Logistics Estate of James Holt A gift today or a bequest for the The Muffin Foundation Department of Justice Border Trust Community Estate of Norma Jean Ward future can help us make an immediate The Peter Isaacson Foundation and Regulation Grants Program Estate of Reginald Llewellyn Stanley difference in someone’s life. Campbell Edwards Trust The Queen’s Fund Estate of Ronald William Grylls Tasmanian Government City of Port Phillip The R E Ross Trust Estate of Rosemarie Mac Dougall Department of Education City of Stonnington The V V Marshman Charitable Trust Estate of Samuel Charles Courtnay Department of Health Volunteer with us and Human Services Collier Charitable Fund The Walter & Eliza Hall Trust Estate of William & George Sunderland There is no shortage of ways to get Edwards Foundation The William Angliss (Vic) Frank H Bateman Estate We thank all Local involved. Help us sort donated goods at Charitable Fund Governments who partner Feed Geelong George Haley Charitable Trust UCAF Stamp Fund with us and enable us to deliver our emergency relief centres or op shops. Feed Melbourne George Warman Estate meaningful services that are Bring a smile to an older person’s day Uniting Church in Australia Synod relevant in local communities. Foundation for Rural and of Victoria and Tasmania Grant Bequest Regional Renewal with a visit to their home. Put your green John Edmond Taylor Bequest Geelong Community Foundation Wellcom Group Ltd thumb to use in one of our blossoming Joseph Hill Trust Fund Give Where You Live Foundation Whitehorse Community Chest community gardens or use your creative Joseph T Tweddle Trust Godolphin passion to mentor artists with a disability. Bequests Estate of Merle Oakes Grenet Foundation A G Cowley Trust NJ Horton & Grace Horton If you have a skill to share and a vision Harold Mitchell Foundation Charitable Fund ACF - Ralph and Betty Sims Foundation to create a safer, fairer, and better Joe White Bequest STAF - Alfred John Hutton Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation Agnes Jessie Caroline Wilson future for all, volunteer with us. Charitable Trust STAF - The Francis Family Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb Alexander Miller Estate STAF - William A Shipperlee Miller Foundation Ltd Alison Margaret Clark Estate The A & D Clayton Fund Become a foster carer Mona Georgina Harris The Harry Dicker Fund Perpetual Charitable Trust Daisy Gardner Trust Fund For children and young people unable to live The John Robertson Grigor Outer Eastern Asylum Seeker DTM & Ethel Davies Memorial Fund with their birth families, a safe and supportive & Eva McKenzie Bequest Support Network Estate of Allan Keith Wah home environment can be life changing. Percy Baxter Charitable Trust Doon Lim Joon The Therapon Foundation Perpetual Estate of Arthur H Brown WF Barrow Charitable Trust We offer foster care and permanent Estate of Bertha L E Rimmington Pethard Tarax Charitable Trust Government care opportunities. You can be single or Price Family Foundation Estate of Bessie Mary Thompson married, with or without children, of any Rotary Groups Estate of Clifford George P Prowse Commonwealth Government sexual orientation and any religion. Searchlight Group Estate of Dudley Barton Adams Department of Employment Simpson Family Foundation Estate of Dulcie G Rayment Department of Health If you have a spare room and a big Sirius Foundation Ltd Estate of Ethel Mary Jones Department of Human Services heart, we’d love to hear from you. St Andrews Foundation Estate of Frances Alberta Watts Department of Immigration Estate of G E Bradshaw and Border Protection The Andrews Foundation Learn more The Danks Trust Estate of G L Godfree Department of Social Services [email protected] The Dick and Pip Smith Foundation Estate of George Leslie Henderson The Douglas & Phillip Young Estate of Gladys May Davis

62 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual report 2017–2018 63