Images of Life

2013 Annual Report 2014 Community Calendar

images of life

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vision Seeking Solutions, Shaping Success. mission Promote excellence in the delivery of services, research and advocacy that enrich lives and increase opportunities for individuals, families and communities. values Communities are enriched by: Passion: A passion for excellence in service delivery and good governance. Participation: Community ownership, local relevance and volunteering. Partnerships: Government, business and community groups working to build social capacity.

Registered Office 122 Ninth Street Mildura Vic 3500 | ABN 32 085 588 656 ISO 9001:2000 www.chancesforchildren.com.au | www.port2portcycling.com | www.allstaraccess.com.au

Full copies of the Strategic Plan can be obtained from the offices of Mallee Family Care Inc.

Full Financial Report can be viewed online: www.malleefamilycare.com.au or scan this QR Code to view the report on your smart phone or tablet. I’d like to introduce myself.

My name is Raymond Lyons and I am the eldest of 7 children. In company of my siblings we were the first family to grow up in the group home that was established by Mallee Family Care back in 1978.

From this experience I have a continued gratitude towards our carer and the organisation that kept my family together. I believe it was through the single minded dedication to our wellbeing that has allowed ourselves to come out of the home better and more prepared individuals for life’s challenges.

Because of this I am honoured to contribute to Mallee Family Care’s Annual Report for 2012 - 2013.

I hope you enjoy my “Images of Life”.

I have a great empathy for those children who have had similar experiences and hardships as my family has, and through the great work of organisations like Mallee Family Care I know in my heart that there is a greater good being achieved for these families/individuals that require the guidance and care similar to what my siblings and I received. I view my own experiences in care as one of the most positive and rewarding factors to me enjoying my adult life.

I work as a construction professional in the Mining and Natural Gas industries, which has taken me to some of the remotest and harshest places in Australia. The lessons learnt whilst in care have given me the tools to be able to work in these demanding conditions because of the positive attitudes, and self-worth instilled whilst in care with Mallee Family Care. As I am away for extended periods of time I always look forward to the time I get to spend with my family.

My home comings give me a chance to share my passion for photography with family and friends, thus I am grateful to have the opportunity to share a part of me with the organisation that has been an integral part of who I am today.

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Mallee Family Care Patrons Life Members Hon. Tim Fischer AC Andrew Mentiplay Professor Tony Vinson AM Anne Mansell Richard Haselgrove AM Bernie Currow Bill Brown Bruce Penny Officers Colin McLeod President - Ross Lake OAM Don (Dec) & Doris Littrell Vice-President - Marie Schlemme Don (Dec) & Maureen Skelton (Dec) Treasurer - Roger Cornell Eddie Warhurst Executive Director - Vernon Knight AM Elizabeth Maffei Gerald Purchase Board Graeme Sutton (Rev) Chris Riordan Jill Pattenden Jenny Hilton John Taylor (Rev) John Cooke (Dr) Keith OAM & Jan Richards Keith Richards OAM Luke Rumbold (Dr) Margaret Thomson Margery Fenton Max Noyce Max Noyce Michael Hopkins (Archdeacon) Milton Whiting OAM (Dec) O’Connor, Larry Neil (Dusty) Rhodes (Dec) Peter Greed Nell Flight Rudolph Kirby Ollie Godena (Dec) Selfet Kuzu Peter Mills (Dec) Richard Haselgrove AM Roger Cornell Audit Committee Ross Lake OAM Alan Fisher Rotary Club of Mildura Graeme Martin Somebody’s Daughter John Cooke (Chair) Roger Cornell Ross Lake OAM Auditors Crowe Horwath Medical Advisor Dr John Dyson-Berry

Chances for Patrons Life Members James Fitzpatrick (Dr) Brian Dodson Children Sev Ozdowski OAM (Dr) Eddie Warhurst Lady Marigold Southey AC Fiona Devilee Myf Warhurst Keith Richards OAM The Hon. Justice Nahum Mushin Ken Carr (Dec) The Hon. Tim Fischer AC Lloyd Thomson The Rt. Hon. Ian Sinclair AC Stefano de Pieri Board Chances Champions Anne Mansell Matt Gaffney Evette Turlan Vicki Krake Fiona Devilee (Chair) Paul and Janet Lock Fiona Mertz Keith Richards OAM Lara McCarron Mike Mooney Ross Lake OAM our board PRESIDENT Ross Lake OAM Qualifications in Law, Economics and Teaching have equipped Ross for business success and community leadership. His support of Mallee Family Care spans the last three decades.

VICE PRESIDENT Marie Schlemme Years of service as the Electorate Officer for the Federal seat of the Mallee have given Marie the political acumen and the community understanding needed to guide our development in the Southern Mallee.

HON TREASURER Roger Cornell Roger’s service to the financial oversight of Mallee Family Care is legend. His years as a local accountant have been instrumental in guiding the Association to financial sustainability and its reputation for sound management.

BOARD MEMBER Dr John Cooke While new to membership of the Board, Dr Cooke brings important insights into the workings of government and a lifetime’s understanding of the needs of small rural communities.

BOARD MEMBER Peter Greed Another with an in-grained appreciation of the needs of Mallee communities, Peter has a lifetime of rural understanding wrought from his management of the Patchewollock Pub through to the development of the Country Education Project.

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BOARD MEMBER Jenny Hilton Jenny’s move to Swan Hill with a young family and her career as a pharmacist have left Mrs Hilton with a deep-seated appreciation of the benefits of living in a growing regional city.

BOARD MEMBER Archdeacon Michael Hopkins As a former General Manager of Anglicare Victoria, Michael was quickly attracted to the work of Mallee Family Care. As a past Senior Executive Manager of the Central Land Council in the NT he is well equipped to guide our work with Indigenous communities.

BOARD MEMBER Rudolph Kirby The youngest of a large Indigenous family, Rudolph has already evidenced his wish to demonstrate leadership of his people. A Law degree and his devotion to management in Victorian Justice is a compelling record.

BOARD MEMBER Selfet Kuzu While born in Australia, Selfet is a strong advocate for his family’s native Turkey and the many cultures that enrich our region. His involvement in numerous projects is evidence of his belief that “volunteering keeps individuals and communities connected. It’s a great way to meet people that share common interests and goals.”

BOARD MEMBER Max Noyce A background in I.T. communication and manufacturing has been invaluable to Mallee Family Care.

Another family inextricably linked to the region, the Noyces continue to evidence their commitment to the development of North-West Victoria. and South-West New South Wales. our board BOARD MEMBER Larry O’Connor Larry is a lecturer in the La Trobe School of Law and Management. He has been instrumental in detailed reviews of several issues of significance to our region including the social costs of problem gambling. He is driven by his commitment to the welfare of the community in which he lives.

BOARD MEMBER Keith Richards OAM A prominent lawyer, a leader in horticulture and a passionate advocate for community involvement, Keith has been a force to be reckoned with at Mallee Family Care and Chances for Children. His intellect and energy inspire and scare his colleagues.

“I feel privileged to be part of an agency which not only provides myriad services and supports to the disadvantaged in the Mallee community, but advocates and promotes the betterment of the whole community, especially through the Community Development Unit”.

BOARD MEMBER Chris Riordan For Chris, cerebral palsy has only resulted in a steely determination to succeed in work and sport. He runs his own communications business and holds several national titles in sailing. But he also brings a profound concern for those with disabilities to the considerations of the Board.

BOARD MEMBER Margaret Thomson Margaret is a very passionate representative of South-West New South Wales.

“As the former Mayor of the Shire of Wentworth I am very aware of the need for the work undertaken by Mallee Family Care within the Shire”.

“The long-term opportunities are there for Mallee Family Care to make a difference.”

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Adamson, Michael Clarke, Timothy 2012-2013 staff Adolph, Hailey Clifford, Shannon Aholahi, Venessa Coburn, Sharon Aitken, Helen Cockfield, Brendan Alabaster, Ray Collins, Jane Alderson, Kane Conner, Joanne Alderton, Terry Connolly, May Amy, Sallie Cordoma, Lesley Anderson, Narelle Corrie, Kelsey Andrew, Lyn Curr, Sandra Annand, Carly Currow, Adelle Argall, Faye Curtis, Kelli Argus, Sue Dale, Janet Arney, Wendy Dane, Vicki Arnold, Anisha Davidson, Florence Bailey, Lisa Davies, Nathan Baird, Gayley Davis, Andrew Barnes, David Davis, James Barnfield, Stephanie Davis, Noeline Bastick, Janine Dean, Ken Baulch, Marnie Dean, Mark Bearman, Katrina Dehne, Gordon Beauchamp, Travis Dellar, Janine Beckett, Eden Dichiera, Verity Behsmann, Jeanette Digby, David Bell, Moya Dimichiel, Joanne Bennett, Thora Doe, Alana Biggs, Julie Downie, John Bolton, Tiffany Dreyer, James Bolton, Toni Dunn, Cathy Bonython, Janet Dutton Ashcroft, Kerry Boulton, Christianna Edmanson, Bernadette Boyd, Garth Edwards, Julia Brastrup, Noel Egberts, Nathan Brookes, Tania Elahi, Abida Brown, David Elliot, April Brown, Shane Ellis, Lenard Bruton, Alicia Emmett, Marilyn Bruton, Catherine Faraci, Gina Burge, Shaun Fillery, Kiri Burgess, Catherine Fisher, Aroha Burgess, Sharon Fletcher, Stephen Burrell, Vicki Fletcher, Vanna Burrows, Leonie Fonda, Spiros Carroll, Nick Forbes, Chris Carruthers, Tracey Ford, Sherrin Carter, Daniel Fox Rajei, Samia Chadwick, Lynn Frahm, Cheryl Chambers, Noel Frankel, Dianne Chaproniere, Lyndon Franklin, Margaret Chaston, Helen Fullgrabe, Maree Christian, Peter Fulton, Mark Clark, Shaun Fush, Lisa Gale, Elizabeth Knight, Paul George, Charnae Knight, Vernon Gilby, Carmen Koronis, Sarah Glare, Michael Lamos, Cassie Glasson, Erin Lapenta, Lea Gray, Kahlia Lauder, John Grayling, Jesse Lawn, Llywela Gregory, Adam Lawson, Ricky Griffiths, Nicole Leamon, Christine Hadfield, Katherine Lincoln, Helen Halton, Angela Lloyd, Kylie Harford, Kevin Lo Iacono, Ilma Harley, Fiona Locke, Chantelle Hart, Nikita Lockett, Paul Hart, Sophie Lowe, Amanda Harvey, Mandy MacGregor, Alison Hawtin, Julie Mackay, Lorraine Heaysman, Alan Macri, Sally Hickmott, Jan Male, Jan Hillas, Diana Malycha, Nadine Hobart, Chris Mangano, Hazel Hogan, Bronwyn Martin, Jacinta Hogan, Rozanne Mason, Russ Hogarth, Paul Masterson, Tony Holland, Bettina Mazurek, Janety Hornsby, Glen Mazza, Danielle Hosking, Robyn Mazza, Nick Hubbard, Kim McCoy, Ben Hudson, Jasmin McCullagh, Paul Huggins, Wendy McKerrow, Greg Hunt, Sharn McPhail, Madison Ilsley, Michell Meek, Alison Janssen, Kaitlyn Mensforth, Natalie Jayet, Teresa Menzies, Rhonda Johnson, Christina Merrett, Jess Johnson, Donna Mertz, Fiona Johnson, Rachel Middleton, Karen Johnson, Robyn Middleton, Sharon Johnson, Shona Miller, Joshua Johnson, William Mitchell, Bernadette Johnston, Shane Mitchell, Kate Johnstone, Susanne Mitchell, Kylie Jolley, Anthony Mitchell, Lynne Jory, Naomi Morello, Anita Katrak, Meaghan Morrell, Sharon Keating, Donna Morrison, Amanda Kelly, Peter Moser, Win Kerr, Carol Munro, Cherene Kerr, John Murphy, Catherine Klarich, Sarah Murphy, Debbie Knight, Christine Murphy, Simmone Knight, Kerry

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Musgrove, Peter Schmidt, Kate 2012-2013 staff Mutch, Sheila Schmidt, Raymond Myles, Kathy Schmidt, Sandra Nalder, Gary Schmitz, Jason Napoli, Sarra Selby, Judy Nau, Maralea Shaun, Shaun Nethercote, Bev Shea, Alisa Nevill, Stuart Sheldrick, Josie Newson, Sonya Slade, Douglas Neyland, Renae Slager, Lorraine Nosatti, Peta-Lyn Slorach, Jason Nugent, Margaret Sluiter, Rodney O’Bree, Mandi Smith, Grace Anne O’Callaghan, Lois Smith, Liam O’Connor, Nathan Smith, Maureen O’Rielly, Arran Smith, Rex Osborne, Christian Smith, Rhonda Parente, Laura Sparkes, Chenae Parker, Cheryl Spratt, Jason Pasquale, Jacqui Stevens, Joanne Patrick, Colleen Stevens, Lisa-Maree Pearson, Robert Stevens, Paula Phelan, David Stone, Lynette Pitrone, Marlena Strong, Paula Pitt, Melissa Sturge, Michael Plunkett, Ian Summers, Brian Power, Lou Sutcliffe, Michelle Quayle, Cleonie Sykes, Aroha Quayle, Sabana Symes, Mary Quin, Jessica Symes, Shaun Radcliffe, Meaghan Tankard, Jess Radford, Steven Tanner, Michael Ransome, Bonnie Tavo, Perin Reid, Peta Taylor, Aaron Retallick, Kerri Taylor, Lois Richardson, Kristy Taylor, Russell Riley, Sharen Thomas, Jancy Roberts, Kurt Thomson, Annita Robinson, Shaun Thornton, Tenille Rodgers, Sharon Timmons, Ann Rogers, Elle Treen, Diane Rollins, Julian Treffene, Nicole Romeo, Natalee Trinci, Cheryl Rorke, Claire Tsoukatos, Metaxia Rowles, Maurice Tuitupou, Tafeuni Rowles, Stacey Tuppin, Helen Ruane-St.Clair, Mary Turner, Meredith Rule, Brooke Tyers, Melissa Rundell, Robyne Uebergang, Makaylla Saluvale, Salu Undy, Annette Sanders, Darlene Van Bergan, David Saville, Stacey Van Dorenmalen, Suzi Sawczak, Kristy Van Steenis, Cornelis Walmsley, Jake Winn, Bryon Waters, Richard Winslade, Maree Watson, Natahlia Winslow, Christine Wattata-Drummond, Raeleen Wood, Dianne Whitchurch, Allison Wood, Sarah White, Ian Wright, Elizabeth Whiting, Joelle Yari, Chaman Wilkie, Dion Zanker, Joel Wilson, Nikki

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January president’s report

WED 1 NEW YEARS DAY As I pen these words of tribute to the 35th year of Mallee Family Care, I can’t help but be moved by the significance of this anniversary. THU 2 While every birthday is a milestone, some are clearly more important than others . . . becoming a teenager, turning 18 and the chance to drive, and FRI 3 21 . . . . the keys to the door!

Turning 35 will have an intriguing significance for Mallee Family Care. SAT 4 This Annual Report features the words and the works SUN 5 of a man who can rightly claim to be our very first ‘customer’. M ON 6 Ray was the eldest of seven kids who clearly needed to be cared for as TUE 7 members of one family. This triggered the establishment of a family group home in Swan Hill in December 1978.

WED 8 Thirty five years later he now shares his outlook on life in pictures, given his passion for photography and his continuing regard for Mallee Family Care. THU 9 It is a passion which he cultivated through studies at RMIT and one which he can readily pursue given his work in rural Australia as a construction FRI 10 professional in the mining industry.

SAT 11 By co-incidence, 2013 has been decreed by the United Nations as the International Year of Water Co-operation. I can’t help but recognise an interesting connection. SUN 12 Back when we laid the foundations for Chances for Children, in collaboration M ON 13 with Sunraysia’s Water Authorities, we embraced the belief that children and water were our region’s most important resources. president’s report cont

TUE 14 Water is of course a precious commodity as we were well reminded during a decade of drought. But what price do we put on the care and education of children and their intrinsic value to the future of the communities in WED 15 which we all live?

THU 16 So here in 2013 we have the ‘chance’ to acknowledge both children and water and the importance of our duty of care.

FRI 17 As Chances for Children celebrates its teenage years, I delight in reporting another milestone with the news that we have now provided life SAT 18 changing opportunities to 1500 local kids. That remarkable achievement is detailed in the ‘Chances’ Annual Report and I encourage you to revisit this outstanding story. SUN 19 * * * * M ON 20 Our early annual reports were relatively simple given a small staff group, few services and a limited presence in North West Victoria. TUE 21 Our need now to report on the work of an organisation with nearly WED 22 300 staff, 500 volunteers, 60 odd services and 17 locations in both Victoria and New South Wales is daunting.

THU 23 That said, I will endeavour to focus on those highlights which evidence the diversity of our work and a few initiatives FRI 24 which showcase our creativity. My apologies go to those very worthy activities and SAT 25 events that have not been included. They may have been overlooked but their contribution must not be ignored! SUN 26 AUSTRALIA DAY

AUSTRALIA DAY M ON 27 HOLIDAY OPENING DOORS SCHOOL TERM 1 TUE 28 From the very outset, Mallee Family Care established a BEGINS (VIC/NSW) commitment to be as accessible as possible to families throughout the Mallee. It was of course an impossible WED 29 assignment given the area to be served but I’m proud to report that we have continued to grow our network THU 30 of care. This assignment obviously increased when we took FRI 31 CHINESE NEW YEAR on services in South West New South Wales and our commitment to accessibility was evidenced with the

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FEBRuary president’s report

SAT 1 opening of a new, purpose built office in Dareton in August 2012 and our decision to establish a presence in the Besley Murray Community Centre in Balranald. Both developments are in accordance with the well SUN 2 established principle of locating within “pram pushing distance” of the nearest supermarket. M ON 3 We were honoured to have our patron the Honorable Tim Fisher AC for the opening of our Dareton office and its official naming …. “The Anne TUE 4 Mansell Centre”.

WED 5 Anne has been a wonderful supporter of Mallee Family Care having served as our President from 2004 to 2009.

THU 6 It was certainly fitting to have the building named in her honour and in the community where she grew up. FRI 7 Our co-location with the Mildura Aboriginal Corporation, as it was then known, in Balranald presented another strategic opportunity. The shared SAT 8 accommodation of the two organisations has effectively created an important “one stop shop” for the whole community in the Balranald SUN 9 township. It was a move that was strongly supported by the Balranald Council and M ON 10 we are pleased to acknowledge their support.

TUE 11 Another important principle in developing our network has been our commitment to the policy that there is “no wrong door”.

WED 12 Navigating health and welfare services can be a challenge for many in our community and I’m pleased to report on our agency’s adoption of THU 13 VADCAS, the Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Client Access Strategy. FRI 14 VALENTINES DAY This is a strategy which seeks to ensure that disability, disadvantage and ethnicity do not become barriers to those seeking help in their first point of contact. SAT 15 Our trial in Mildura has evidenced the way in which SUN 16 these barriers can be overcome and we look forward to extending our practice throughout the region. M ON 17

TUE 18 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT A high priority for Mallee Family Care has been its long commitment to WED 19 professional development. The early years were extremely challenging in terms of our ability to recruit THU 20 qualified staff and the absence of access to higher education was clearly one of our major challenges. FRI 21 It’s now almost twenty years since Vernon Knight and then President, Milton Whiting, looked to North America for solutions to this problem. SAT 22 In the space of a month they visited some sixty organisations but the discovery of a model for distance education in the Provinces of Canada SUN 23 was undoubtedly their most important discovery.

M ON 24 It not only led to the establishment of a “fly in, fly out” Social Work Degree course in Mildura, it laid the foundation for a university campus. BUSINESS CLEAN TUE 25 UP DAY That connection to LaTrobe has had many spin-offs and I have to say that my other involvements require me to acknowledge its significance to the WED 26 Arts in our region.

But I would be remiss if I did not record the fact that this past year has seen THU 27 the graduation of the one hundredth social worker to have been trained through face to face teaching in Mildura. SCHOOLS CLEAN FRI 28 UP DAY It was a great delight to me personally when the Board resolved to fund two yearly scholarships for local students and it was gratifying to see the first of those scholarships awarded in 2013.

It’s not only a fitting tribute to Milton as our founding President but an appropriate recognition of his contribution to La Trobe University as a member of the La Trobe Council and a former Deputy Chancellor.

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MARCH president’s report

MILDURA WENTWORTH SAT 1 ARTS FESTIVAL (1-17) But it’s not all about social work and I delight in the number of staff who have accessed our study leave provisions to pursue other degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of courses. SUN 2 CLEAN UP AUST DAY Sustainability is a high priority for Mallee Family Care and those measures M ON 3 SHROVE TUESDAY which work to grow the pool of talent needed to deliver quality programs is central to that goal.

TUE ASH WEDNESDAY 4 Equally pleasing has been the introduction of E-learning courses which staff can access on-line. WED 5 SPEAKING OUT THU 6 Another priority for Mallee Family Care has been its commitment to social justice and advocacy and our organisation can be justly proud of its efforts FRI 7 over many years.

INTERNATIONAL SAT 8 I suppose the standout in terms of the past twelve months was the work of WOMEN’S DAY our Financial Counsellors and our Legal Service in exposing the activities of ZAAM Rentals and the potential for abuse of the Centrepay program. SUN 9 While Centrepay is a valued facility in terms of families who want to ensure that rent and other essentials are paid on time, the system can M ON 10 LABOUR DAY (VIC) become a millstone when vulnerable families are enticed into agreements which not only erode their basic income but result in exorbitant prices for TUE 11 luxury goods.

WED It was not long before the story gained traction through national media 12 that the Federal Government was compelled to undertake a detailed review and a complete overhaul of the program. THU WORLD’S GREATEST 13 SHAVE (13-16) FRI 14 It doesn’t seem so long ago that Mallee Family Care exposed similar practices in the car industry, resulting in the complete shutdown of a major franchise. SAT 15 It is of course a reminder that our work is never complete and we should SUN 16 TOUR DE MURRAY remain vigilant to the ways in which the most vulnerable in our community can be subject to exploitation.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY M ON 17 The prominence of the ZAAM case should not however diminish our work on other fronts. TUE 18 Mallee Family Care was an active contributor to the Victorian Government’s efforts to reform the community sector and there is little doubt that the WED 19 work of our Patron, Professor Tony Vinson AM has helped to underline the importance of “place based” service provision. INTERNATIONAL DAY THU 20 OF HAPPINESS That notion was of course one of the keys to the establishment of Mallee Family Care and it was a great relief when during the year, the Department FRI 21 HARMONY DAY of Human Services opted to turn the clock back.

SAT 22 Mallee Family Care was of course a product of the regionalisation of Victoria’s community services in the 1970s but subsequent amalgamations saw the re-emergence of centralization. SUN 23 The recent decision to establish area management M ON 24 within the Department was an obvious recognition that the growing concerns of organisations like TUE 25 Mallee Family Care were well founded.

WED 26 The short but important story of Mallee Family Care was also the basis of our contribution to the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

THU 27 We welcome the fact that both the Commonwealth and the Victorian Governments have moved to address this blight on our society. FRI 28 For far too many, justice will be far too late but we must hope that the outcomes will work to ensure that future children will not be subject to SAT 29 EARTH HOUR such deprivations.

SUN 30 Issues which have been identified during the year have already established the agenda for the months and years ahead. A matter of great concern is the incidence of very young children with multiple disabilities M ON 31 and our inability to meet their needs.

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APRIL president’s report

TUE 1 It’s regularly quoted that every dollar invested in early intervention will produce a $12 dividend in later years. Some things are not simply important to do because we know they’re right, they also make abundant sense. WED 2 A further issue of concern is the plight of registered training and the fallout THU 3 which is resulting from the government’s plan to “rationalise” the industry.

SCHOOL TERM 1 ENDS At stake in the regions is the future of small providers who can no longer FRI 4 (VIC) fund the growing burden of compliance.

SAT 5 While accountability is clearly essential, the process runs the risk that in regions like the Mallee, we will rapidly lose access to training in hospitality, DAY LIGHT retailing, transport and the specialist training of those with disabilities. SUN 6 SAVINGS ENDS Such an outcome will have dire consequences for both individuals and communities. M ON 7 WORLD HEALTH DAY The recognition of the importance of advocacy is our TUE 8 growing commitment to research and analysis.

It’s not long ago that we established a specialist centre in Lemon Avenue WED 9 to accommodate the programs of the Community Development Unit.

THU 10 This centre has now been renamed the Vinson Centre for Applied Social Research and we look forward to the part the Centre will play in shaping SCHOOL TERM 1 ENDS policies and practice both at Mallee Family Care and beyond. FRI 11 (NSW) It is equally befitting the recognition of our great friend and mentor, SAT 12 Professor Tony Vinson.

SUN 13 PALM SUNDAY M ON 14 PREPARING FOR TOMORROW TUE 15 In June 2013, Mallee Family Care formally adopted its Strategic Plan for the ensuing three years. A summary of the plan is included on page 32 of this WED 16 year’s Annual Report.

A more complete explanation of our priorities is contained on the Mallee THU 17 Family Care website www.malleefamilycare.com.au.

FRI 18 GOOD FRIDAY The title of the report “Seeking Solutions and Shaping Success” confirms our fundamental aims. SAT 19 It seeks to alert the Board and staff and the wider community that we will be increasingly committed to research and innovation in seeking new SUN 20 EASTER SUNDAY approaches in pursuit of better outcomes.

While strategic plans can often be the source of some skepticism, I was M ON EASTER MONDAY 21 greatly encouraged by the analysis of our endeavours in the past three years and the extent to which our priorities could be evidenced in our day SCHOOL TERM 2 to day practice. TUE 22 BEGINS (VIC) Monthly reporting to the Board specifically highlights the actions which WED 23 have been undertaken in line with our strategic directions and we will continue to monitor our performance in terms of “Seeking solutions and THU 24 Shaping success”. There are already a number of actions which have been undertaken in line FRI 25 ANZAC DAY with our new priorities.

SAT 26 As I mentioned earlier, making Mallee Family Care sustainable is essential and during the year we SUN 27 completed a restructure which the Board and management believe will make our organisation SCHOOL TERM 2 M ON 28 BEGINS (NSW) more focused and more efficient.

TUE 29 I’m pleased to say that the structure will also align our organisation with the area management priorities of the Victorian Government.

WED 30 Another significant development was the rewriting of our Rules and Constitution, in line with changes to the Incorporations Act. The new Constitution will be put to members at this Annual Meeting.

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MAY president’s report

THU 1 A third significant development has been our merger with Sunrise21 or, as it is now called, Sunrise Mapping and Research. Sunrise21 was a ground breaking organisation in Geospatial Mapping and we believe that FRI 2 this specialist expertise will make a valuable contribution to the newly established, Vinson Centre for Applied Social Research. SAT 3 Adapting to new environments presents obvious challenges for Board and staff and I welcome the way both have adjusted to these changes. SUN 4 That adjustment has been aided by some proactive endeavours which M ON 5 have sought to increase the communication and understanding needed by all in fulfilling their responsibilities.

TUE 6 Last year, we reported at length on the road trip where members of the Board and the Audit Committee undertook a “beating of the bounds”. WED 7 In the course of two days, the bus visited all parts of the region and Board WORLD RED members had the chance to talk one on one with individual staff in a wide THU 8 CROSS DAY range of programs.

FRI 9 Staff also enjoyed the opportunity to share both their practice and their passion and I’m sure the Board had a much deeper appreciation of the challenges and the commitment of those at the coal face. SAT 10 We are continuing that exercise with a project which has been dubbed “In SUN 11 MOTHER’S DAY my shoes”. In this exercise, Board members have taken up the opportunity to “shadow” individual staff or individual programs and spend time in the

NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS “shoes” of various workers. M ON 12 WEEK (12-18) This too is destined to be a great learning experience and a great TUE 13 preparation for the challenges of tomorrow. WED 14 ALL STAR ACCESS INTERNATIONAL DAY THU 15 The great disappointment of the year, but potentially the endeavour which OF FAMILIES should give us the most pride, was our battle to rescue Access Mildura.

FRI 16 As our financial report will evidence, it’s a rescue that has come at enormous cost and there is still much to be done. SAT 17 The decision to attempt the rescue was actually made in 2011 and it was made as a matter of urgency. SUN 18 The point at which we were alerted to the problem came with the discovery that neither staff nor supported workers could be paid without M ON 19 an immediate take-over.

TUE 20 It not only meant meeting the immediate costs but also stumping up the funds for unpaid tax and unpaid superannuation. WED 21 The reward for our efforts was a Federal Government decision to reassign the contract for open employment and effectively strip the organisation of AUST BEGGEST the income stream which was vital to maintaining the disability enterprises. THU 22 MORNING TEA Only time will tell if the new business models will become sustainable in FRI 23 the long term.

SAT 24 That said, jobs were saved and a crisis was averted and despite the enormous cost, the Board has regularly SUN 25 made the point that “we never had a choice”.

NATIONAL M ON 26 I doubt that I could be more proud of my colleagues in terms of their SORRY DAY commitment to such a challenge. RECONCILIATION TUE 27 WEEK BEGINS MY THANKS WED 28 The past twelve months has been a remarkable year in the life of Mallee Family Care and I pay tribute to a dedicated Board, a skillful Audit Committee, a passionate staff and a tireless army of dedicated volunteers. THU 29 Collectively they represent close to a thousand individuals who live, work FRI 30 and care about the communities of the Mallee.

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JUNE president’s report

SUN 1 There would hardly be a family in the region, be they a customer, a carer or a contributor who could not identify a relationship with Mallee Family Care. Last year saw a gathering of almost 400 people at our Annual Meeting M ON 2 and we are appreciative of the willingness of Li Cunxin to help us celebrate the occasion. TUE 3 MABO DAY The lengthy commitment of staff and committee members and volunteers is testament to our place in the Mallee. We are indeed fortunate to have WED 4 the support of good and loyal friends.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT One of those is Roger Cornell who this year retired after 24 years on the THU 5 DAY Board. Roger is indeed typical of those quiet and unassuming individuals who are prepared to give a lifetime of service to the cause. FRI 6 Sadly some have departed the scene more permanently and I pay tribute SAT 7 to the late Ken Carr, a passionate volunteer for Chances for Children and the late Peter Mills who was instrumental in the development of Port to Port. SUN 8 Peter’s contribution was such that the event has now been renamed in QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY his honour. M ON 9 INTERNATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK (9-15) I conclude by congratulating Marie Schlemme, our Vice President who TUE 10 was named Swan Hill citizen of the year and the long suffering Executive Assistant, Chris Knight who was awarded an Order of Australia. WED 11

THU 12 Ross Lake OAM

FRI 13 PS. The year also saw Ross Lake’s recognition as an Adjunct Professor of LaTrobe University. SAT 14 AUDIT REPORT

SUN 15 Audit Committees have become increasingly important to the governance, compliance and risk management of corporations and not-for-profit M ON 16 organisations.

The audit Committee has provided guidance to MFC across its businesses TUE 17 and in particular the development of its Strategic Plan for the period 2013-2016 and the performance of the organisation’s new management WED 18 structure.

The responsibilities are far reaching . . . THU 19 · The review of substantive accounting and reporting matters · The consideration of reports from external auditors FRI 20 WORLD REFUGEE DAY · Analysis of the end-of-year financial reports and the Association’s compliance with relevant Australian Audit Standards SAT 21 · Targeted advice in respect of matters which could potentially challenge the reliability and the integrity of the incorporated identity.

SUN 22 In meeting the challenges of the past year, the Audit Committee has provided strategic guidance in relation to . . . M ON 23 · The integration of All Star Access and a number of Disability Enterprises · The financial reporting processes of the organisation towards the TUE 24 commonality of purpose of the Strategic Plan, the organisation’s management processes and the external responsibilities of the WED 25 Association · The recognition of the broadening and changing nature of legislative and regulative frameworks that impact on incorporated associations THU 26

SCHOOL TERM 2 FRI 27 ENDS (VIC/NSW) In appreciation . . . Mallee Family Care is indebted to the support of the Audit committee – Alan Fisher, Roger Cornell, Graeme Martin and Ross Lake. SAT 28 Roger Cornell retired from the Board of MFC and the Audit Committee in SUN 29 RAMADAN BEGINS June 2013 after many years of dedicated service to Mallee Family Care.

His position is now occupied by the Acting Treasurer, Larry O’Connor. M ON 30

Dr John Cooke

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statement of comprehensive income JULy for the year ended 30 June 2013

TUE 1 2013 2012 WED 2 Revenue Contract revenue from Government 12,203,159 12,611,970 Other program income 243,410 180,048 THU 3 Fee for service income 1,474,551 1,214,072 Donations and fund raising 677,638 766,607 FRI 4 Opportunity shops and trading income 53,029 80,414 Investment income 49,028 122,198 SAT 5 Sundry income 379,021 342,145 Profit on sale of fixed assets 45,330 63,962 SUN 6 Capital grants - 50,000 (Loss) Gain on merger (20,554) 94,460 M ON 7 NAIDOC WEEK (7-14) Total Revenue 15,104,612 15,525,876

TUE 8 Less: Expenses Employee benefits 10,894,154 10,180,338 Program delivery 1,573,360 1,519,193 WED 9 Payments to beneficiaries 286,437 419,917 Building occupancy and operating 675,740 637,032 THU 10 Motor vehicles 248,908 271,058 Administration 1,126,380 1,335,855 FRI 11 Fundraising costs 44,796 46,852 Depreciation 617,161 532,159 SAT 12 Total Expenditure 15,466,936 14,942,404

SUN 13 Net Surplus/(Deficit) For The Year (362,324) 583,472 SCHOOL TERM 3 statement of financial position M ON 14 BEGINS (VIC/NSW) for the year ended 30 June 2013

TUE 15 2013 $ 2012 $ Current Assets WED 16 Cash and cash equivalents 2,717,530 2,606,163 Cash and cash equivalents, Chances for Children 1,077,148 890,823 THU 17 Receivables 402,196 405,246 Total Current Assets 4,196,874 3,902,232 FRI 18 Non-Current Assets SAT 19 Property, plant and equipment 9,282,967 8,903,186 Total Non-Current Assets 9,282,967 8,903,186 SUN 20 Total Assets 13,479,841 12,805,418

M ON 21 Current Liabilities Payables 968,663 987,203 TUE 22 Provisions 1,321,934 1,199,675 Contract income in advance 1,631,222 1,522,711 Hire purchase liability (net) 174,277 128,360 WED 23 Mortgage loan 2,350,000 1,500,000 Total Current Liabilities 6,446,096 5,337,949 THU 24 Non-Current Liabilities FRI 25 Provisions 74,125 68,064 Hire purchase liability (net) 123,254 200,715 SAT 26 Total Non-Current Liabilities 197,379 268,779 Total Liabilities 6,643,475 5,606,728 SUN 27 Net Assets 6,836,366 7,198,690 M ON 28 NATIONAL TREE DAY Resources and Reserves Accumulated surplus 3,732,788 4,281,114 TUE 29 General reserves 2,025,579 2,025,579

INTERNATIONAL YEAR Chances for Children Fund general reserve 455,981 490,884 WED 30 OF FRIENDSHIP Chances for Children Fund bequests reserve 622,018 401,113 Total Resources and Reserves 6,836,366 7,198,690 THU 31

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AUGUST President’s Financial Note

FRI 1 HORSES BIRTHDAY The past two years have posed numerous challenges for Mallee Family Care in its endeavours to rescue Access Mildura and the jobs of fifty-one supported workers and eight supervisors. SAT 2 I am consoled by a Board of Management which regularly declares that SUN 3 despite the cost… ”we would do it all again if necessary!” This year we have recorded an operating loss of $362k and the Board is already doing its utmost to rectify this position. M ON 4 Operating shortfalls are not normal for our organization so I am using this TUE 5 report to point out that much of the deficit results from debts accrued by Access Mildura but generously paid out by Mallee Family Care at the time of the merger. WED 6 They include . . . THU 7 • The payment of unpaid tax installments totaling $71,500 and • The payment of $33,200 for superannuation contributions which had been underpaid FRI 8 These losses were compounded when the Commonwealth Government INTERNATIONAL DAY decided to reassign the contract for Open Employment resulting in a loss SAT 9 OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE of around $145,000 income.

SUN 10 Add to this our need to purchase the Eighth Street premises at a cost $1.04m to try and manage a rental arrangement which was unsustainable, M ON 11 and it’s not hard to see the measure of the challenges. Interestingly, the only other year resulting in a deficit was when the INTERNATIONAL TUE 12 YOUTH DAY Commonwealth introduced the GST without any regard for its impact on the not for profit sector. WED 13 Ross Lake OAM THU 14 A good place to work FRI 15

SAT 16

CHILDREN’S SUN 17 BOOK WEEK (17-23)

M ON 18

KEEP AUSTRALIA TUE 19 BEAUTIFUL WEEK (19-25)

WED 20

THU 21

FRI 22

SAT 23

WENTWORTH SUN 24 SHOW (24-25)

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A Family Owned Company Providing Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling Solutions to Sunraysia and beyond for over 50 years, 1961-2012. • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

15 Eighth St. PO Box 947 Mildura Vic 3502 T: (03) 5021 1210 www.devilees.com.au

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SEPTEMBER A Safe Place to Work

WATTLE DAY M ON 1 CHILD PROTECTION The Agency takes its responsibility for work health & safety very seriously WEEK (1-7) and is committed to provide workers and volunteers with the highest possible protection from work related injury or illness. The Agency has TUE 2 maintained a WorkSafe (workcover) performance rating that is more than 30% better than the average for industries in which we operate over the WED AUSTRALIAN last three years, which is testament to our commitment to work health 3 NATIONAL FLAG DAY & safety.

THU 4 During the last financial year the work health & safety program has: • Provided a further round of health checks for worker’s funded through FRI 5 WorkSafe’s WorkHealth program. • Provided workers and volunteers the opportunity to be immunized against whooping cough and the flu. SAT 6 • Rolled out our E3Learning program to all new and existing workers. This program provides workers with the necessary knowledge to enable the SUN 7 FATHER’S DAY Agency to meet its work health & safety obligations. • Reviewed our volunteer program with a view to making volunteers more inclusive in the Agency’s work health & safety program. The volunteer M ON INTERNATIONAL 8 LITERACY DAY policy has been updated and various reporting forms developed to enable volunteers to report health & safety issues. E3Learning health & safety TUE 9 courses will be rolled out to volunteer groups in the near future. • Reviewed and updated numerous work health & safety policies • The work health & safety program was involved in the drafting of the WED 10 Agency’s business continuity plan as it has links to the existing emergency management plans. THU 11 • Has signed up to the Healthy Together Mildura Achievement Program. This is a State and Australian Government funded program delivered into selected Victorian regions. The program aims to improve people’s FRI 12 health where they live, work, learn and play. It will concentrate on five key areas, physical activity, mental health & wellbeing, smoking, alcohol SAT 13 use and healthy eating. The work health & safety committee will drive this initiative. SUN 14 workplace safety M ON 15 The designated workplace health & safety representatives have provided their valuable time to the work health & safety program and we thank TUE 16 them for their input into the continuing improvement of work health & safety in the workplace. WED 17 CITIZENSHIP DAY

THU 18 300

SCHOOL TERM 3 250 FRI 19 ENDS (VIC/NSW)

SAT 20 200

INTERNATIONAL DAY 150 SUN 21 OF PEACE

M ON 22 100

TUE 23 50

0 WED 24 2005/6 2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

THU 25 % Injuries to Sta Numbers Reported Injuries Sta Numbers

FRI 26

SAT 27

SUN 28

M ON 29

TUE 30

WHK has changed its name to Crowe Horwath. While our name has changed, rest assured, our focus won’t. 133 Langtree Avenue Mildura VIC 3500 Tel 03 5023 9700 Fax 03 5021 1430 We will continue to deliver practical accounting, [email protected] audit, tax, business and financial advice to help you www.crowehorwath.com.au grow and prosper.

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OCTOBER our network

LABOUR DAY WED 1 (NSW/ACT/SA) Victoria Tony Vinson Community Haselgrove House Development Centre 122 Ninth St, Mildura Vic 3500 94 Lemon Ave, Mildura Vic 3500 THU 2 Phone: 03 5023 5966 Phone: 03 5021 7480 Fax: 03 5022 1065 Fax: 03 5021 4455 FRI 3 Milton Whiting Family Centre Mental Health Family/Carer 109 Lemon Ave, Mildura Vic 3500 Resource Centre SAT 4 Phone: 03 5021 7400 122 Ninth St, Mildura Vic 3500 SWAN HILL SHOW Fax: 03 5023 6510 Phone: 03 5023 5966 SUN 5 DAY LIGHT Fax: 03 5021 7697 SAVINGS STARTS Murray Mallee Community Mental Health Service Mildura Early Childhood M ON 6 SCHOOL TERM 4 BEGINS (VIC) 1 Vidovic Ave, Mildura Vic 3500 84 Lemon Ave, Mildura Vic 3500 Phone: 03 5021 2885 Phone: 03 5022 9038 TUE 7 SCHOOL TERM 4 Fax: 03 5023 2612 BEGINS (NSW) Robinvale Centre All Star Access 33 Herbert St, Robinvale Vic 3549 WED 8 53 Eighth St, Mildura VIC 3500 Phone: 03 5026 1401 Phone: 03 5051 0900 Fax: 03 5026 1042 THU 9 Fax: 03 5021 4845 Marie Schlemme Centre Elizabeth Maffei 229 Beveridge St, Swan Hill Vic 3585 FRI 10 Family Relationship Centre Phone: 03 5032 4479 105 Lemon Ave, Mildura Vic 3500 Fax: 03 5032 4946 SAT 11 Phone: 1300 667 382 | 03 5021 7400 Fax: 03 5023 6510

SUN 12

M ON 13 TUE 14 H & L Hecht Mental Health Service Balranald Family Centre 63 McCrae St, Swan Hill Vic 3585 95 Court St, Balranald NSW 2715 Phone: 03 5032 4145 Phone: 03 5020 2700 WED 15 Fax: 03 5032 4175 Fax: 03 5020 0318

THU 16 D & M Fenton Family Cantre Wentworth Office 3 Scoresby St, Kerang Vic 3579 59 Darling St, Wentworth NSW 2648 MILDURA Phone: 03 5452 2863 Phone: 03 5027 3578 FRI 17 SHOW (17-19) Fax: 03 5452 2857 Fax: 03 5027 2003

SAT 18 New South Wales Opportunity Shops Anne Mansell Centre Opportunity Knocks CHILDREN’S 3 Devenport St, Dareton NSW 2717 133 Ninth St, Mildura Vic 3500 SUN 19 WEEK (19-27) Phone: 03 5027 7600 Phone: 03 5022 2838 Fax: 03 5027 7697 M ON 20 The Carousel 208 Beveridge St, Swan Hill Vic 3585 Phone: 03 5032 2057 TUE 21

WED 22 Designed by Saunders Design Group THU 23 proud partner of Mallee Family Care

FRI 24 UNITED NATIONS DAY

SAT 25

SUN 26

M ON 27

TUE 28

WED 29

THU 30

FRI 31

SUNNYLAND

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NOVEMBER strategic plan SAT 1 To build on a record of good governance SUN 2 Objective Indicator of Success • Maintaining our accreditations • Maintaining our accreditations • Aligning our structure with our • Aligning our structure with our M ON 3 strategic plan strategic plan • Comprehensive reporting to the • Comprehensive reporting to the MELBOURNE CUP TUE 4 satisfaction of the Board satisfaction of the Board ISLAMIC NEW YEAR • Active pursuit of strategic • Active pursuit of strategic partnerships partnerships WED 5 • Diversified funding • Diversified funding • Development of an asset • Development of an asset THU 6 management strategy management strategy • An annually reviewed • An annually reviewed development plan development plan FRI 7 • A well considered succession plan • A well considered succession plan

PORT TO PORT SAT 8 CYCLING TOUR (8-9) To pursue excellence in SUN 9 the provision of services Objective Indicator of Success M ON 10 • To initiate research • Evidence of client satisfaction • To create and pilot new approaches • Evidence of innovation in program to meeting community needs development TUE 11 REMEMBERANCE DAY • To be informed by practice • Active social action • To work in partnership • A program of action research WED 12 • To advocate as needed • Development of research • To develop an integrated data base partnerships THU • An integrated client data system 13 • Targeted research and staff engagement FRI 14 To reaffirm our place in the SAT 15 leadership of Mallee communities Objectives Indicator of Success SUN 16 • To build our knowledge • Active research and publication and understanding of the • Evidence of membership in M ON 17 Mallee Region community networks • To broaden stakeholder • Links to local media and an involvement in social policy active role in public commentary TUE 18 • To advocate as needed • Representation of the Mallee in • To become more actively state and national networks involved in community and • A reputation for responsible WED 19 regional planning leadership • To widen our partnership network • A program of strategic action THU 20

FRI 21 To build capacity and performance Objective Indicator of Success SAT 22 • To build a strong, motivated • An enviable program and professional work-force of skills development • To build work-place practices • Positive staff climate surveys SUN 23 that encourage participation • Transparent and responsive and initiative management • To build flexible working conditions • Staff participation in M ON 24 • To encourage professional professional development INT’L ELIMINATION development and opportunities • Staff involvement on service TUE 25 OF VIOLENCE for promotion planning, research and innovation AGAINST WOMEN • To build strong volunteer support WED 26 To evidence our points of difference THU 27 Objective Indicator of Success • Development of a comprehensive • Development of a comprehensive FRI 28 media strategy media strategy • Media training for relevant staff • Media training for relevant staff • Community expo’s and media • Community expo’s and media SAT 29 VICTORIAN ELECTION briefings briefings • Community business partnerships • Community business partnerships SUN 30 • Website development and use of • Website development and use of social media social media • Effective measurement of success • Effective measurement of success • Regional recognition • Regional recognition GSD

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DECEMBER organisation chart

M ON 1

TUE 2

INT’L DAY OF PEOPLE WED 3 WITH A DISABILITY

THU 4

FRI 5

SAT 6

SUN 7

M ON 8

TUE 9

WED 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Executive Director Vernon Knight AM THU 11 Director Corporate Services Gary Nalder Director Education and Research Fiona Harley Director Disability Services Cath Murphy FRI 12 Deputy Executive Director Fiona Harley SAT 13 Director Family Services Metaxia Tsoukatos Director Community Services Teresa Jayet Company Secretary Glen Hornsby SUN 14 VOLUNTEERS M ON 15 Southern Mallee Caregivers Anderson, Carolyn Northern Mallee Belton, Loretta & Allan TUE 16 Benton, Paul & Leanne Brown, Rhonda Bray, Geoff & Gwen Credlin, Viv FIRST DAY OF Burfitt, John & Helen WED 17 HANUKKAH Cullinan, Camille & Frank Burns, Melissa Dando, Marietta & John Darby, Maree & Gary Davey, Raymond& Donna THU 18 Davies, Charles & Maureen Mangano, Hazel & John Dodd, Bernice McDonald, Christine SCHOOL TERM 4 Eerden, Shaylee Parker, Elizabeth & Owen FRI 19 ENDS (VIC/NSW) Fisher, Donna & Woolfrey, Darren Pumpa, Rachel & Craig Ginman, Simone & Alastair Uebergang, Irene & Adrian SAT 20 Greenwood, Louise & Mark Warburton, David & Marlene Herrington, Julie-Anne Young, Cathy Hill, Alanna SUN 21 Hyland, Kim New South Wales Jackson, Kelli & Tim Burns, Melissa M ON 22 Jensen, Steven & Marita Blaney/Poth, Heather & William Knight, Vernon & Chris Carroll, Helena Leeder, Matt & Mel TUE 23 Connell, Jenny & Phillip McFarlane, Ross & Simone Dannatt, Pat Maddren, Sheryl & Shane Dowdy, Kay WED 24 Maldoff, Steven & Chrystal Gee, Phillip & Kendall Muller, Jeff & Ann Gust, Tania & David Neri, Lee-Anne THU 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Harvey, Bruce & Julie Orwell, Christine Hunt, Geoff & Leah Pickering, James & Katherine Lamos, Cassie FRI 26 BOXING DAY Riordan, Vicki & Danny Lanigan, Dianne & Paul Rudd, Adrian & Judith Maldoff, Steven & Crystal Rudd/Morfaw, Rebecca & Richard Munro, Marion SAT 27 Sherlock, Lynise Paull, Deborah Sherwell, Kelvin & Sherrel Peters, Gail & Peter SUN 28 Taylor, Janine & Scott Peters, Shawn Tilley, Cameron & Jacqui Sloan, Lisa & Greg (Rocky) Van Dijk, Chris & Anne Sloss, Lynda & Bryan, Nield M ON 29 Young, Heather Smith, Janet Taylor, Leanne & Russell TUE 30 Treweek, Kathy Vansteenis, Susanne & Cornelis Vanzanten, Ary & Margie WED NEW YEARS EVE 31 Warren, Wanda & Greg

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VOLUNTEERS Assessment OUT OF HOME CARE night patrol New South Wales Mitchell, Bernadette and Placement Pattern, Penny Roepcke, Geoff Northern Mallee Sloan, Chloe Smith, Grace-Anne Cavallo, Teresa Tyers, Melissa Taylor, Russell Crouch, Kathy Fox, Maree Giles, Janine quilters reception nsw Happell, Rod Axen, Lorna Aitken, Helen Muller, Ann Drayton, Helene Purchase, Gerald Fields, Fred & Amelia Pysing, Sharon Gathercole, Maxine SPORT AND RECREATION Scambler, Penny Gard, Fran New South Wales Handasyde, Betty Taylor, Leanne & Russell Southern Mallee Keir, Gwen Batten, Jenny Laurie, Lyn Bell, Charmaine McDonald, Pam early Downes, Andrew Mammone, Nancy Dunne, David Robinson, Val intervention Fox, Maree Wiffen, Dot McMillan, Val McKibben, Lyn Costa, Karen Psying, Sharon Mitting, Althea Vargas, Paulette afl respect & Morrison, Leonie Romeo, Natalee New South Wales responsibility Willcock, Karen Cooper, Sarah Carr, Naomi King, Dawn McCullagh, Hannah McIntyre, Barbara Taylor, Leanne reading Sheahan, Brendan Sloan, Greg (Rocky) discovery Taylor, Leanne Locke, Chantelle Male, Jan Royce, Darren chances for Schlemme, Marie COMMUNITIES Sherer, Andrew children Slattery, Annie FOR CHILDREN Adamson, Michael Sparkes, Kane Robinvale Armstrong, Felicity Stepnell, Robyn Handy, Shirley Atkins, Lachlan Tan, Sarah Hannah, Margaret Barrile, Carl Trollope, Jess Harradine, Ronnie Bastian, Jodi Turlan, Evette Johnson, Sherry Beliharz, Linda van Ravesteyn, Olga Kirby, Rose Boschetti, Simone White, Ellen Whighton, Elvira Broadhead, Ron Wilson, Marg Carroll, Max Swan Hill Chalmers, Felicia Alston, Trish Colman, Koden e-mentoring Carlo, Kellie Cox, Ashleigh Ahearn, Gail Charles, Stephanie Crow, Luke Ballard, Majella Dick, Rebecca Daniel, John Browne, Salli Downes, Andrew Darby, Catherine Cameron, Rebecca Elahi, Abida Davey, Danielle Castleman, April Farrow, Leah Devilee, Fiona Crouch, Rob Guerin, Leonie Doig, Peter Denner, Bernard Johnson, Lea Forbes, Chris Forbes, Chris Johnson, Michelle Fullgrabe, Kayla Kerr, Craig Kiely, Cr Jessie Hilton, Jenny Kerr, Emily Kirby, Elsa Holland, Samantha Laubscher, Anne-Maree Maple, Nicole Hollingworth, Kellie Lewis, Narie Peters, Tania Joyce, Susan Mazza, Elvira Scoberg, Graeme Lake AM, Ross Mooney, Mike Williams, Rachael Macri, Jamie Mullane, Jen Maguire, Elizabeth Neumann, Rachel Mansell, Anne Palmer, Sarah community legal McCarthy, Todd Petrie, Melanie McDonald, Marion Radisic, Rada service McKibben, Lyn Scales, Courtney Blekic, Ivana Miller, Wendy Simonetta, Marlina Edmanson, Bernadette Mooney, Mike Thompson, Zoe Farnsworth, Millicent Parseghian, Rebecca Timmis, Natalie Garsed, Robyn Patterson, Stephanie Trigg, Kim Patton, Andrea Umback, Dean Pearce, Rod Violi, Cathy KIDS STUFF Power, Jodi Waters, Naomi Bishop, Chris Prendergast, Paul Wilkie, Dion Cairns, Hannah Richards, Keith Jankowski, Bob Rowlands, Loretta Mills, Renae Wagstaffe, Kylie

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VOLUNTEERS

Speed, Rick Pearce, Kim MENTAL HEALTH Tobin, Des Shalder, Christine White, Jordan Stevens, Brenda SERVICE Stringer, Theresa Alam-Rankin, Farjana Surmam, Jennifer Bailey, Kerryn op shops Thurlow, Nora Colling, Robert Mildura Westgarth, Bernie Gordon, Hazel Aitken, Bet Williamson, Rosemary Graf, Jill Austin, Leo Wilcroth, Sherly Gray, Peter Austin, Nina Woodfine, Shirley Hensgen, Sue Barling, Georgina Wright, Michael Hocking, Renee Bates, Margaret Mahoney, Diane Benson, Brenda Swan Hill Mona, Annette Bock, Thelma Barker, Esma Plant, Colin Boynton, Diana Bramble, Mary Williams, Wendy Byrnes, Elizabeth Brown, Denise Collins, Dennis Bulliss, Glenis Currow, Marlene Corbani, Renatta PORT TO PORT Dawes, Glad Coburn, Janet Evans, Ken & Jan Hardy, Marlene Develyn, Willis Gardner, Daryn Jahner, Ursula Dunstan, Cynthia Heald, Mark Jenner, Marlene Dunstan, Edwina Hoyle, Barry Lane, Robyn Dunstan, Yvonne Isaacs, Peter Lynch, Bette Ferguson, Leslie Knight, Nick Maffei, Elizabeth Franklin, Mary Mentiplay, Andrew Manley, Jane Hansberry, Darlene Murray, Kevin & Sue Mathewson, Annette Harrop, Joan Murray, Kira McGowan, Maree Heil, Coral Perry, Ron McKenzie, Carol Hudson, Phyllis Sauer OAM. Bill Munro, Marion Jones, Edna Simons, Peter Newy, Gladys Kilpatrick, Marg Smythe, Shane O’Meally, Lynette Livingstone, Mary VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTORS McKenzie, Jenny 97.9 SUN FM Chandler, Maren McLennan, Alice 99.5 Star FM Child, Youth & Family Network McQueen, Shirley Aaah Willandra Houseboats Clift, Nancy Minney, Norma ACE Radio Coates Hire Oliver, June Alexandru, Stephen Collins, Jane Poyner, Irene Alfred Deakin Centre Connell, Rosemary Priest, Elaine Allen Foundry Company Cook, Dr Terry Rogers, Irene Anderson, Narelle Coomealla High School Rogers, Marj Andpack Coomealla Sporting Club Scougal, Sheryl Mentiplay, Andrew Collie & Tierney Scown, Thelma Andrew Peace Wines Cordoma, Lesley Seager, Alice Antcliff, Judith Country Hearing Care Sharam, Jan ANZ Bank Swan Hill Branch Coveney, Allan & Joan Smith, Carol Argiro, Greg and Family Cross, Sam & Diana Tisdell, Carol Argus, Sue Crowe Horwath Ward, Lynette Arney, Wendy Curran, Michael & Adele Webster, Evelyn Arumpo Bentonite Pty Ltd Curwood, John & Sue Williams, Maggie Grace Australian Institute of Office CWA - Carinya Branch Wilson, Gloria Professionals - Mildura Branch CWA - Cowangie Branch Baer Family Charitable Trust D.S.Kerr Charitable Trust Barham Craft Group Danenberg, Paul & Liz Barham High School Davidson, Florence Baulch, Marnie Davison Motor Group Bennett Couriers Dawe, John & Glenys Bertalli Family Foundation Dawes, Cameron Bertalli, June Dawes, David & Liz Bicycle Superstore Deiesi, Shelby Bilionis, Mihail Devilee, Peter & Fiona Birchip P-12 School DHM Partners Booren CWA Branch Dilges, Shirley Boyd Plumbing Dimasi, Ilario Braslis, Karl Dini, Robert Bruton, Alicia Donaldson, Peter & Sue Bunting, Barb Dorman, Peter Buona Sera Restaurant Douglas, JM Burgess, Sharon Drummond, George & Lois Burr, Geoff Dunn, Rodney, Val, Paul & Brett Burrows Jewellers Ellery, K Carmichael, AC & GE Ellis, Chris & Loretta Cash Tyre Service Tyrepower Endota Spa Catholic Women’s League Ersoy, Ferit Central Mallee Co Op Parish Filippi, Tony

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CONTRIBUTORS

Fisher Family Trust Harvey World Travel MacKillop College Fishers Community Benefits Hickmott, Jan Madden, Simon & Jodie Flanagan & Poole Pharmacy Hilton, Bruce & Jenny MADEC Flowers, Casey Hinks, I & J Mallan School Bus Committee Follett, Luke & Teneille Hoare, Ralph Mallee Machining Services Ford, Sherrin Hutchison, Greg & Bev Mangan, Tony & Julie Foreman-Sheean Electrical IMG/PGA Mansell Farms & Communications Irwin, John & Liz Mansell, Anne Forrest, John & Pam Jackson, Doug Mawson’s Concrete Fort Protective Services James, Alan Mazza, Elvira Williams, Frank & Janet Jayet, Bruce & Yvonne Mazza, Nick Charitable Trust Jayet, Teresa McCarthy, Anthony Frankel, Di Johnson, Robert McClure, Jeremy Gallasch & Associates Pty Ltd Joslyn, Jill McCormick, Frank Galloway, J Kennedy, Gayle McDonalds Family Restaurant Mildura Gannawarra Shire Council Kents Amcal Pharmacy McKenzie, Mike Gardner, Brett Klarich, Sarah McLeod, Ormond Gill, Shirley Klaris, Matthew McPhee, Colin Gillett, Val & Elaine Knight, Vernon & Chris Mentiplay, GR & BM GJ Gardner Homes Mildura La Trobe University - Mildura Campus Meroiti, Julieanne Glory Box Furniture Lamshed, Kerryn & Nannette Mertz, Fiona Gol Gol Hotel Lau, Tom & Anna Mid Murray Chiropractic Gorman, Terry & Adrienne Lazzara, Joe & Frances Mildura Brewery Pub Grace, Bill & Elaine Lencia Mildura Central Backpackers Griffin, David Lo Iacono, Ilma Mildura Fruit Company Grogan, Brian & Helen Lochhead, Scott Mildura Gateway Tavern GSD Architects Lockstar Homes Mildura Golf Resort GTS Freight Management Loddon Murray Community Mildura Lawn Tennis Club Gultekin, Dr Riza Leadership Program Mildura Living Hansen, Rob & Rhonda Lowe, Amanda Mildura Print Solutions Harley, Fiona Lower Murray Water Mildura Printing Harrison, Doug LMW Staff & Ratepayers Mildura Rural City Council Mildura Senior College Ramsay, Barbara Swan Hill College Mildura Sports Centre Redpath, John & Nikki Swan Hill North Primary School Mildura Truck Centre Reichstein, Barbara Tall Poppy Wines Mildura Weekly Richards, Keith & Jan Tankard Dental Surgery Mildura Working Man’s Club Ridgwell, Rob & Jan Tankard, Henry & Pam Millis, Nancy Riordan Engineering TASCO Petroleum Milner, Mara Robbins, Judith Taylor, John Minney, Ivor Robinson Plumbing Taylor, Mick Minney, Norma Rodger, Tim Taylor, Rev. John Monaghan, Fr Frank Rotary Club Of Mildura Thomson Linen Company Mooney, Mike & Tracey Royal, Peter Thomson, Lloyd & Kate Morris, Pamela Sahin, Alper Thornton, Leigh Moulamein Public School Saunders Design Group Timmons, Ann Murphy, Anne Marie Save the Food Bowl Alliance Toms, Joanne Murphy, Cath Sexton, Richard Totally Workwear Mildura Murray Darling Trefoil Guild Sharman, Sonya Tschirpig, Raymond My Chemist Sheed, Claire Tsoukatos, Metaxia Nalder, Gary Siobhan Stagg Concert Turlan, Evette Nangiloc/Colignan Farms Smart, Wilma Turnbull, G & R Newland, Ian SMGT Turner, John North West Law Association Smith, Rhonda Turner, Meredith Noyce Kitchens & Robes Smith, Russell Tyrrell College Nyah District Lions Club Inc Sommer, Karl & Hale, Meryl Ulysses Motorcycle Club O’Connor, Anita Southern Cross Austereo United Panel Works O’Connor, Luke & Sonja Southern Cross Business Advisers Victorian Department of Education Officeworks Southey, Lady Marigold Wakefield Transport/Iron Horse Ogilvy, KD & RP Sparkes, Geoff Intermodal Pty Ltd Order of the Eastern Star Spence, Norma Warburton’s Discount Butchers Pasquale, Jacqui Spoons Riverside Warden, Bradley Peters, P & E Sportzprint Waters Excavations P/L Pippin, Tom St Joseph’s College Wentworth & District Community Pizza Café at the Grand Stefano’s Restaurant Bank Branch Plant, Jean Stephen Jones & Associates What’s New, Mildura Portland House Foundation Stockdale & Leggo Real Estate White, Jeremy & Jessica Prime 7 Sturre, Sharon WHK Thomson Prime Super Sullivan, Dr Bob Winbanks, Susan PWS Constructions P/L Sunbeam Wright, Hon Ken & Valda Qantaslink Sunraysia Daily Zanker, Leon Qualia Wine Services Pty Ltd Sunraysia Institute of TAFE ZIG INGE Foundation Quambatook Group Primary Sunraysia Resort School Swan Hill & Kerang Toyota Ramsay Health Care Swan Hill Kia

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THE YEAR THAT WAS... BOTTOM TOP

images of life

Copies of Rays photos used throughout this document, are available for purchase through Mallee Family Care.

For a full gallery of photos available, and to source image reference number, please visit our website www.malleefamilycare.com.au.

To order, simply contact our office on 03 5023 5966 with image reference number, size and quantity required.

An order form can be emailed to you or downloaded directly from our website.