Quality of of life life ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2008/09 2008/09
Somerville the courage to be.... Quality of life
For more than four decades to achieving social justice and Somerville has been supporting a civil society. Territorians to enhance the dignity and quality of their lives. As the world changes, Somerville will remain determined to right We continue to seek the the wrongs. improvement of the human condition in a complex We believe our quality of life is and changing world. fundamental to our wellbeing. As a not for profit charitable organisation we are committed
Acknowledgement Our Organisation Somerville Community Services Somerville Community Services Inc. Somerville is financed by public Annual Report for 2008/2009 is a non-government, not for profit, donations, service club grants, describes the achievements of our youth, family and community government grants, business organisation as a whole and the welfare organisation employing support, sponsorship and agency individual activities of each service. 177 Territorians. fundraising activities. For the most part a report of this Our programs assist those people Organisationally, Somerville is nature cannot extend to recognising most disadvantaged in our society. structured to provide - individual staff achievements for We maintain strong constitutional which there are many, so I • Family Services: Consisting of links with the Uniting Church in acknowledge here the valuable counselling services, community Australia but we are governed by contributions of our Somerville programs, family support services an independent and professional staff in working towards our goals and assisted accommodation Board of Directors, ensuring that the and providing a high quality of • Disability Services: Providing Agency has the capacity to respond service delivery. supported accommodation for to the needs of people whatever people with severe to profound their circumstances. Vicki O’Halloran disabilities requiring 24 hour care. Chief Executive Officer
FRONT COVER: Somerville employee Vince Yuen transplanting a Paw Paw tree seedling.
THIS PAGE: Each year Somerville Community Services sponsor the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards. Former N.T. Administrator and Somerville patron, the Hon Austin Asche seen here presenting the award and trophy to the 2009 N.T. Young Achiever of the Year Award winner, Simone Liddy. Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Contents History Of Somerville 2 Our Mission Key Achievements 3 “To enhance the dignity and quality of Key Challenges and Key Results 4 life of people most disadvantaged in and Our Growth - Year in Review 5 - 9 damaged by our society”. President’s Report 10 Our Vision Chief Executive Officer’s Report 11 - 12 Finance Manager’s Report 13 - 15 Somerville Community Services Inc. seeks the improvement of the human Corporate Governance 16 condition in a complex and changing Organisational Structure 17 world in which many people are victims, vulnerable or otherwise adversely affected. Board of Directors 18 - 20 Family Services 21 -27 Our Aims Disability Services 28 - 31 To promote the interests and improve the Maintenance 32 - 33 status and well-being of disadvantaged, Human Resource & Administration 34 - 37 marginalised or vulnerable children, young people, adults, families and communities Somerville Staff of 2008/09 38 - 39 through a variety of services, activities Volunteers and Supporters 40 and projects. Finance 41 • provide care and opportunities that allow children and young people to Financial Report 42 - 55 develop and effectively participate in Index 56 - 57 family and community life. Glossary of Terms 58 • strengthen and enhance family and community life. Vision IBC • raise community awareness of the SCS Contact Details and Locations BC needs and issues related to the most vulnerable and/or disadvantaged children, young people and families. • benefit, children, young people and families irrespective of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, disability or birth status. • benefit vulnerable, marginalised and SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INC. disadvantaged children, young people, PO Box 42644 Casuarina NT 0811 families and communities in the Telephone: (08) 8920 4100 Northern Territory and where there Facsimile: (08) 8920 4101 are opportunities in other parts of Email: [email protected] Australia and overseas. www.somerville. org.au
ABN 62 302 702 903
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 1 History
Somerville Homes came into existence in 1965. The homes were named in honour of Margaret Somerville MBE who helped evacuate 95 children from Croker Island to Sydney in 1942 and who returned to Croker Island with the children after the war and continued as a house mother and caregiver until 1965. A book entitled “They Crossed A Continent”, the story of Margaret Somerville’s epic journey, will tell you how it all began and is available from our office or through our web site. In 1980, with expanded community services, Somerville Homes became Somerville Community Services Incorporated.
Today Today Somerville employs 177 staff and remains a major local provider of community services in the Top End. Somerville currently has operations in Darwin, Palmerston, Howard Springs and Katherine, as well as providing services and support to surrounding regions.
2 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Key Achievements of 2008 - 2009
Opening of high Consolidation and Significant medical support advancement of our advancement achieved R needs, supported R commitment to R in development and accommodation, creating and/or implementation of in Katherine. supporting socially Person Centred Opening of this valued roles for Active Support service provided people in our society program (PCAS) to a home and support (page 31) improve the quality of for three people life for people living in (page 31) a group home setting (page 31)
Roll out of IT Completion of ‘MyTime’ networking services across upgrade and fit-out group expanded to R Disability Services R of former Family R schools (pages 26, 27) houses completed Services building at (page 31) 3 Bonson Terrace, Upgrade of IT Palmerston, to create systems, databases a dedicated Financial and remote server Counselling Centre access completed (page 33) (page 35)
All of Somerville’s Funding support Upgrade of supported Community Services obtained to employ accommodation at R Policies and R additional Financial S 46 Chapman Road, Procedures reviewed Counsellors enabling Rapid Creek delayed on ‘best practice’ expansion of Financial to next financial year principles (page 37). Literacy Programs to (page 33) schools and the launch of monthly budgeting workshops (page 26)
Energy Audit Recruitment of conducted on all qualified and skilled R houses and office R staff (pages 12, 35) buildings. Implementation of specific energy saving recommendations commenced (page 33)
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 3 Key Challenges in 2009 - 2010
Addressing the Meeting the needs of Advancing erosion of award the increasing information q wages for community q number of clients q technology across sector employees. requiring counselling all areas of our and support in a organisation climate where individual counselling sessions continue to become more complex.
Publish and launch a Commencement Develop and publish book detailing the of Stage 2 extensions our Disability Services q history of Somerville. q to Palmerston q Policy and Procedure Community Centre book
Key Results for 2008 - 2009
Family Services 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 Counselling - total number of clients 9,955 8,378 9,746 Counselling - total number of contacts 22,716 20,702 22,448
Disability Services 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 Supported accommodation - total number of clients 49 46 45
Employees 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 Total number of employees (full financial year) 177 163 149
Finance 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 Total Net Surplus* $(304,203) $123,244 $(69,980)
* Refer financial statement, Director’s Report and Declaration (page 44)
4 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 The Year in Review
REPORTING AGAINST OUR STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS The key initiatives for 2008-2009 were established from Somerville’s 2007- 2010 Strategic Directions. Each initiative is detailed below, together with a summary of our achievements and future directions in respect to each initiative.
Initiative Self-rated Progress Issues Arising and Performance Future Directions
Build on our strengths P ] Somerville continued to maintain Increase our representation on by promoting the strong external links, relationships local and interstate Boards, services we deliver and and membership on key Committees and Councils. In continue to develop Committees, Councils and Boards addition, build on our relationships in the as a platform to promote the relationship and ‘Memorandum community to enhance services we deliver and advocate of Understanding’ with East knowledge of for our clients and their needs Timor humanitarian organisation, Somerville’s work. (pages 11, 31). Fundacao Lafaek Diak.
Underpin the P ] Somerville’s “Staff Incentive Continue to position Somerville promotion of our Program” continued to be very as an employer of choice. services by active and successful. This Continue to develop positive investing in our program was further enhanced strategies to develop and retain staff (skills and by following through on staff. resource levels), our recommendations raised in staff systems and our surveys and a National Research Continue our investment in our structure (to support Project (page 35). systems and structure. service promotion). P ] Computer systems continued to be upgraded along with training and development of staff. New Website developed (page 35). P New T.V. advertising campaign complete (page 11).
Expand our services P Dedicated Financial Counselling Further funding sought through in an appropriate and Centre opened in Palmerston submissions to government to achievable manner. and funding obtained to enable enable continued expansion of additional financial counsellors Family Services programs to to be employed with resultant address demand for services. expansion of programs (page 33).
P Additional high medical needs supported accommodation provided for Katherine (page 31). ] Relationship maintained and consolidated with East Timor community organisation, Fundacao Lafaek Diak (page 11).
P Initiative completed. O Initiative not achieved/not completed ] Initiative ongoing
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/9 5 The Year in Review (cont).
Initiative Self-rated Progress Issues Arising and Performance Future Directions
Expand our services P Protocols for expanding services Future planning of achievable in an appropriate and provided by Somerville were expansion to continue (as achievable manner followed and adhered to. The appropriate and within financial (cont). result for the year was an resources and organisational expansion of both Family and capacity). Disability services (CEO’s Report, page 13).
P Somerville has increased its Funding support continues to be Financial Counselling Program sought with the Commonwealth delivery by 500% (pages 13, 26). and Territory Governments to enable full use of Community Financial Literacy Program has P ] Centre and Financial Counselling consolidated and is being delivered Centre at Palmerston. to more schools (page 23). Achieved gradual expansion of P ] youth and family service and financial counselling programs in Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine (pages 22,23).
P ] Established broader links with community through delivery of “MyTime”, “Financial Literacy Program” and service outlet in Humpty Doo (pages 26, 27). P Social literacy training packages developed and delivered in Katherine schools. Number of major youth events organised in Katherine (page 25). ] Somerville remained actively Involvement with NDS involved and informed at a committee to continue on a national level through the NDS Territory and National basis. Committee on Ageing and Disability and Accommodation (page 31).
P Negotiations with Public Trustees Further options and avenues will resulted in a release of additional be explored in the coming year. funds for individuals with disabilities to improve community access hours and other quantitative life experiences (page 31).
P Initiative completed. O Initiative not achieved/not completed ] Initiative ongoing 6 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 The Year in Review (cont.)
Initiative Self-rated Progress Issues Arising and Performance Future Directions
Expand our services ] Somerville continues its long Somerville to continue to in an appropriate and association as Board and collaborate with small achievable manner Committee members on various non-government organisations (cont). bodies, including - in the community sector. • Northern Territory Council of Manager Disability Services, Social Services (NTCOSS) Cherry Cameron is the incoming • National Disability Services Chair/President of Autism NT. • Disability Advisory Council • UnitingCare Australia National Board • National Council for Homeless Persons Australia • NT Families and Children’s Advisory Council • NT Shelter • Quota • Territory Housing Appeals Board • Review Committee - Health Complaints Commission. • Autism NT • Territory 2030 • St. Philips College • NT Water Safety Advisory Assessments commenced to Council review current buildings at Lee
P Increased the number of Point Road. houses that provide supported accommodation for people with Complete renovations to main severe to profound disabilities office at 147 Lee Point Road. (page 31). Upgrade Finance Area.
Strive to achieve P Increase in major fundraising event Focus to continue upon attracting financial independence - Christmas Gift Wrapping through additional non-government generosity of AMP (pages 11, 39). funding. P Expansion of “Cashed Up” program through financial support from Australian Central (page 26). ] Number of Grants received from Various funding initiatives to be NT Community Benefit Fund investigated and pursued in including Amelioration funding for coming year. an additional Financial Counsellor and gifted vehicle (page 26).
P Initiative completed. O Initiative not achieved/not completed ] Initiative ongoing
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 7 The Year in Review (cont.)
Initiative Self-rated Progress Issues Arising and Performance Future Directions
Strive to achieve ] Additional funding support Continuation of strategy to reduce financial independence received for NILS program operating costs and maintain the (cont). (page 26). asset base of the organisation including developing Stage 2 of Business plan and feasibility study P Somerville Community Centre at for Stage 2 and 3 extensions of Palmerston. Somerville Community Centre Palmerston completed (page 33). ] 19 funding submissions pending including a submission lodged with the Commonwealth Government as part of stimulus funding for $2M extensions to Somerville Community Centre Palmerston (pages 11, 12). Special Projects and Operations ] Development of a bequest Manager to progress this program not yet commenced. initiative. Detailed strategies for the implementation of this initiative are being established (page 11). P ] Progress made on development of Special Projects and Operations an appropriate income generation Manager to progress this model. Executive meetings held initiative. with substantial progress achieved (page 12).
Increase and improve Ongoing involvement with two Somerville to continue to our research capacity, research projects - maintain and improve our particularly in the research capacity. P ] • Human Services Advisory gathering and use of Training Council. Research statistical data. into career guidance associated with the long term unemployed (page 35). P • National Disability Workforce Continue to collaborate with Strategy. Research project educational institutions, the completed involving analysis of community sector and our staff retention and incentive government agencies. scheme (pages 31, 37). P Consultants engaged to upgrade New database will enable Databases and Web Site (page 35). statistical data to be maintained and enhanced.
P Initiative completed. O Initiative not achieved/not completed ] Initiative ongoing
8 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/9 The Year in Review (cont.)
Initiative Self-rated Progress Issues Arising and Performance Future Directions
Increase and improve ] Statistical data gathered and Review of records and statistics our research capacity, reported quarterly by respective to maintain continuous particularly in the Managers to the Somerville improvement in the gathering gathering and use of Community Services Board. and use of statistical data. statistical data (cont). Quarterly, half yearly or annual reporting to funding agencies. Upgraded baseline information for Disability services now available (page 31).
Maintain our P ] Regular meetings held with other Ongoing education, meetings, position as a provider Service Organisations. Support presentations and assistance to of a quality services provided as and when required support the consolidation and including sharing of policies and strengthening of community procedures, as appropriate service sector. (page 31). P ] All internal policies and Ongoing procedures reviewed to achieve and maintain continuous improvement across all areas of the organisation (page 37). P ] Issues relating to advantages/ Continue to take a key role with disadvantages of achieving regard to issues relating to future quality accreditation reviewed Northern Territory accreditation on a regular basis (page 37). requirements.
P ] Quality of services delivered by This strategic direction is part of Somerville articulated to the a regular ongoing review process public, community groups and that will be undertaken as a part government agencies (page 22). of specific management meetings throughout the coming year. Ongoing promotion of Somerville P ] This will include ongoing profile through multi-media programs to maintain the upkeep, outlets including continuous presentation and OH&S improvements to Somerville standards of buildings, vehicles, publications [annual report, and equipment as well as new newsletters, pamphlets, brochures] uniforms for staff, new (pages 11, 12). computer presentations, visual presentations, and the like.
P Initiative completed. O Initiative not achieved/not completed ] Initiative ongoing
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 9 President’s strategic overview
”The Board of Somerville has provided the very necessary, robust discussions and thinking to generate policy and direction for the agency”.
Somerville in the year 2009 is a Somerville has an undisputed Somerville is appreciated greatly vibrant beacon, shining ever reputation as being an agency of by the Board and the community it intensely on the community service excellence within both the Territory serves. landscape of the Northern Territory. and Australian environment. Its The Board of Somerville has Through the Somerville Strategic well honed structures, modern and provided the very necessary, robust Plan this dynamic organisation determined adherence to best discussions and thinking to generate continues to seek the improvement practice means that it is now a policy and direction for the agency. of the human condition in a complex model for others in both the It is one of the most effective Boards and changing world. community welfare sector and I have had the privilege to serve on beyond to achieve. The Board is proud of the significant and its wide ranging collection of accomplishments over the course of Such excellence is not possible skills and experience makes it a the past year where Somerville has without the visionary leadership powerful force in the life of the continued to expound its services in of a very popular CEO. Vicki’s Northern Territory community an appropriate and achievable reputation, which of course casts services sector. manner. vivid light over Somerville, is Finally, the new reception, a product enormous and I know of nobody The exciting new Palmerston Centres of vision, goodwill and generous else in the Northern Territory whose are now well established, providing contribution will provide a new talents are admired as much or Financial Counselling Services and professional entrance, projecting sought after more. Her energy seems a full range of Family Services, the excellence in service that is endless and her personal, visionary counselling and support. Somerville. but detailed and directional Our Disability Services goes from leadership is so impressive. strength to strength, regularly Vicki has gathered a hard working, analysing its operation and ensuring professional team around her and that it is fully recognised as a leader their dedication to the work of in its field.
Chris Tudor AM President
10 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Chief Executive Officer’s report on action
”Another demographic who are accessing our organisation are senior Territorians over 70 years of age. They are facing eviction due to rental increases, ...... ”.
I am pleased to present the by our society, has been at the many invaluable relationships in the Somerville Annual Report for the forefront of our thinking and Northern Territory and throughout 2008/2009 year. planning with our current the nation. As a local service submissions to both the NT and provider we recognise the importance This report provides the ideal Commonwealth Governments of respectful partnerships and the opportunity to reflect upon our to create a “hub” in Palmerston significant positive impacts they have collective achievements over the which will be strengths focused upon our day to day operations and course of the past 12 months. and provide support and skills to the people we serve. GROWTH assist clients access and sustain It is impossible to acknowledge all appropriate accommodation. of our supporters but I would like • This year we helped more to specifically thank AMP for their Territorians than in any previous We have made significant progress continued generosity supporting our year in our history, we in upgrading our information Disability Services Program and experienced over 21% growth technology. Our website has been Australian Central for assisting in our Disability and Family reviewed and we have created Somerville to deliver our Financial Services. numerous databases which will streamline our documentation and Literacy Program. Your funding • Our consolidated revenue grew create enormous efficiencies in our support, practical assistance and by 6.4% and reached $8 million. mode of operation. knowledge keeps us afloat. Jape • Our staffing increased by 8.6%. Furnishings have had a long term Our policies and procedures have partnership with Somerville, • Our new projects increased from undergone a complete review and developing and producing our three to nine. We have made new policies have been introduced. television advertising campaign. tremendous inroads in growing Our new Disability Service in The consistent support from donors and consolidating our Financial Katherine which provides supported is greatly appreciated. Counselling Program. Our accommodation for people with innovation and long term Together with the management high medical support needs has team we continue to represent our commitment to this dream gone from strength to strength. during a difficult economic organisation and the sector on The dedication of the Manager and various committees and boards with climate sees us with 5 full time staff has brought about numerous Financial Counsellors in place. a view to sharing our expertise, positive changes for clients. influencing the agenda, advocating This energetic and committed Education and training continues team are providing individual on behalf of our clients and keeping to ensure high quality, consistent involved in the broader community. counselling, group counselling service delivery. Somerville, the and financial literacy programs government and the broader HOMELESSNESS in an effort to educate people community continue to forge There has been a high need in about managing their finances relationships that support our clients the Northern Territory for and assist people to turn the and provide them where possible accommodation but now we are corner when there are financial with every opportunity to participate really up against it. Rents are difficulties. fully in community. $400.00 plus a week for a 3 bedroom MOVING FORWARD PARTNERSHIPS dwelling, even with the rental subsidy, this is completely outside Somerville’s Mission to enhance the After 44 years of providing dignity and quality of life of people community services, Somerville most disadvantaged in and damaged continues to develop and nurture (continued page 12)
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 11 Chief Executive Officer’s report on action (cont)
the capacity of people on Centrelink ASSETS AND BUILDINGS Our Katherine and Palmerston payments. The general wait list at accommodation services have As with every year we continue Territory Housing is between 3 - 5 continued to cope with the flow on on a program of renovations and years and the Priority Housing wait effect to youth and families in these building upgrades to ensure the list is now 18 months. All caravans tough economic times, working highest standard of workability, and cabins are booked out, especially closely with Territory Housing, other occupational health and safety now it is the tourist season. government departments and the and presentation. broader community with a positive, ”We are ashamed We are building a new reception can do attitude. area at our main office. We have We have achieved a tremendous of offering sheds, completed renovations to establish amount in the twelve months with the our Financial Counselling Centre warehouses and limited funding allocated, by having in Palmerston. demountables committed staff who are passionate Landscaping is now complete at about their work...... It is completely 9 Stutterd Street, Katherine, Our return on investments was 44 Koolpinyah Crescent, Tiwi and unacceptable but poor in comparison to other years 30 Carpentier Crescent, Wagaman. so is living in cars and fundraising opportunities and All 23 properties have undergone returns were limited. Day to day or in parks or upgrades at some level throughout cost increases for consumables was undercover areas”. the year. also damaging. Food, drink, fuel and We make a concerted effort to electricity are all major outlays for The lack of rental properties ensure all of our facilities and their our organisation. We were unable to available, let alone affordable has surrounds present to a high standard. finish the year without realising brought a whole new group of clients deficit budgets in a number of areas. to Somerville seeking assistance for Territory Housing continue to I remain optimistic we will be able to accommodation. These are people provide Somerville with great address this situation with an upturn with regular incomes unable to find support which is vitally important in our economy, good management affordable accommodation. and allows us to meet the needs of our clients and their families and and successful funding negotiations. Another demographic who are assists us to fulfill the objectives of I would like to thank everyone at accessing our organisation are senior our organisation. Somerville for their unique and Territorians over 70 years of age. tireless contributions throughout a They are facing eviction due to rental SUSTAINABILITY tumultuous year. I also recognise increases, many feel compelled to The global financial crisis has far the outstanding contribution of our take in borders who are strangers in reaching effects and a year on we President and Board Members. their homes. are realising those. The poor are Somerville staff are a hard working, Even our emergency funding which always the hardest hit. Somerville talented group of people who ensure is used to broker accommodation is staff have worked tirelessly to protect we are one of the most well run, useless when there isn’t any available the most vulnerable from immediate community service organisations in housing. and long term harm. General and the Territory. We are ashamed of offering sheds, specialist support services have been warehouses and demountables at the constant, unfortunately often with moment, some of these clients have wait periods. Outreach support has newborn babies recently out of been continuous and our increased hospital. It is completely financial counselling service is doing unacceptable but so is living in cars excellent work but is barely meeting or in parks or undercover areas. the demand.
Vicki O’Halloran Chief Executive Officer
12 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Finance Manager’s report on finance
”...... an operating deficit will be difficult to avoid while services to clients such as counselling services, remain underfunded by government”.
It became clear when preparing a Family Counsellor in Palmerston In addition there was an unexpected “budget plans” for the 2008/09 over a two year period until 0.8% increase in Work Health financial year, that for the first time December 2009 to help address the premium handed down in June 2009. in a number of years, Somerville demand for counselling and support The significant shortfall in Community Services would be services. Although progress has been Disability Services budgets was unable to achieve a balanced budget made over the past year to improve therefore justifiable but depleting and were facing a projected deficit in the cost effectiveness of overall reserves will need to be addressed. excess of $680,000. services, an operating deficit will be Despite a significant reduction in difficult to avoid while services to Our challenge was how to manage accumulated funds, Somerville will clients such as counselling services, our revenue efficiently in the face of continue to scrutinise day to day remain underfunded by government. major expenditure increases in areas expenditure to achieve the best result such as food, energy, fuel and wages. To be competitive in the workforce possible. and acknowledge Disability Services Despite these challenges Somerville I would like to thank my colleagues staff’s work commitment and managed to reduce our expected for their efforts during the year and responsibilities, it was necessary to deficit to just over $300,000. This look forward to another exciting and provide additional incentives in the was a credit to the managers and challenging year ahead. form of incremental pay levels with staff who maintained a focus on their corresponding salary adjustments. budgets while continuing to provide Consequently salaries and on-costs improved service to our clients. increased after all leave entitlements Of this $300,000 deficit, $77,283 was were re-calculated and provisions an approved expenditure to provide complete.
Josie Bacus Finance Manager
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 13 Overview of Financial Position 2008-09
Financial Performance - Income and Expenditure
Somerville Community Services Inc. commenced the financial year with a surplus of $123,244 and finished with a deficit of $304,203. The following chart highlights the gradual increase in expenses in comparison to revenue. Expenses increased by 47% over the 5-year period compared to an increase in revenue of 37%. This trend will need to be addressed in 2009/10.
$10,000,000 Income Expenditure Surplus
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
$4,000,000
$2,000,000
$0
-$2,000,000 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05
Revenue - Where Our Money Came From Commonwealth Total revenue in 2008/09 $311,700 (4%) was $8,095,336. This was an increase of $489,893 from 2007/08, primarily as a result of additional NT Government funding across all revenue $6,872,844 (84.7%) streams. As in previous years, Somerville receives Donations the majority of its revenue $82,000 (1%) from the Northern Territory Government, Department of Health and Families; and Department of Justice (Community Benefit Fund). Contribution (Disabilty The adjacent chart shows Services Clients) Sponsorship $808,792 (10%) $20,000 (0.3%) the breakdown of revenue from all major sources for 2008/09.
14 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2007-2008 Overview of Financial Position 2008-09 (cont)
Expenses - Where Our Money Was Spent Administration $1,157,706 (13%) The services provided by Somerville are split into three outputs for financial reporting. Maintenance is included in each output Disability and Finance costs are Services $5,835,694 (70%) included in the Administration Program. The adjacent chart provides a breakdown of total gross expenditure by Program for 2008/09. Total operating expenses were $8,399,539 - an increase of $915,288 or 12% on 2007/08. As with previous years, the primary expense related Family Services to Disability Services $1,406,139 (17%) Program.
Financial performance - assets and liabilities The following chart highlights the gradual increase in Liabilities and reduction in Assets over the last 5 years. This change reflects the direction of Somerville Community Services towards the renting of buildings and leasing of motor vehicles to establish the true cost of service delivery.
$6,000,000 Assets Liabilities Equity
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$0 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 15 Corporate Governance
Directors are elected for a three-year term. With the exception of the Chief Executive Officer, all Board members are non-executive Directors and act in a voluntary capacity.
Meetings of the board Board meetings are held quarterly in February, May, September and November. Formal minutes of all meetings are recorded and decisions of the Board are maintained. The President and Chief Executive Officer establish meeting agendas for assessing Somerville Community Services coverage of financial, strategic and major risk areas throughout the year. The Board have the opportunity to review meeting materials in advance. The Board are always encouraged to participate with a robust exchange of views and to bring their independent judgements to bear on the issues and decisions at hand. Policies and procedures relating to the appointment and retirement of Directors are detailed in the Constitution and Somerville Policy and Procedure Manual.
Board members Kevin Kennedy (left), Chris Tudor (President) and John Board Committees Edwards in discussion prior to a quarterly Board Meeting. The members bring The Board has an Executive their independent judgements to bear on issues and decisions at hand and help to ensure that Somerville’s governance structure reflects our commitment to Committee, convened by the our strategic plan. President with membership of the President, two Vice Presidents, the Chief Executive Officer and other Ethical Standards Accountability Board members from time to time. The Board conforms to the highest Somerville Community Services The Board may convene additional ethical standards and recognises the is accountable to its members, sub-committees at any time to need for Directors and employees employees, service users, families discuss any issues with membership to observe the highest standards of of service users, donors, sponsors drawn from the Executive Committee service provider and business ethics and supporters. Somerville is also and other Board members or invited when engaged in activities on behalf accountable to any private or professionals. of Somerville Community Services. government body with whom we enter into service agreements or Organisation Policies Under the Constitution the Directors sponsorship arrangements. Our and Quality Management have developed Aims, Objectives and programs conform to the various Standards. The Board through the Somerville has policies and Acts, Regulations and Standards Chief Executive Officer have access procedures for each program, the in operation at this time. to membership of the Australian administrative operation and the Institute of Company Directors and Board of Directors Board. Somerville review all policies therefore attendance at AICD forums and procedures annually. The Chief and seminars on relevant topics and The Honorary Board of Directors Executive Officer is responsible for industry conferences. is made up of 15 members meeting the Strategic Directions including the President and two within the Organisation’s Strategic Vice Presidents. In addition their Plan. g are two Honorary Patrons. The
16 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Organisational Structure
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Chief Executive Officer Vicki O’Halloran Responsible for the overall performance and management of Somerville Community Services.
Manager Finance Josie Bacus Responsible for the financial operations of Somerville Community Services.
Manager Family Services Marilyn Roberts Responsible for the management of Family Services programs and staff.
Manager Human Resources and Administration Liza Metcalfe Organisation wide responsible for management of human resources, information technology and administration.
Manager Maintenance Skye Lee Responsible for maintenance staff and all properties and vehicles owned or leased by Somerville.
Special Projects and Operations Manager Graham Franklin - Direct support to CEO and Managers including special projects, communications, publicity, and operations.
Manager Disability Services Cherry Cameron Joint Responsibility for the management of staff and performance of Disability Services.
Manager Disability Services Bonnie Solly Joint Responsibility for the management of staff and performance of Disability Services.
Administrator/Manager Disability Services Jenny Upton Responsible for administration and reporting requirements for Disability Services.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 17 Board of Directors
Chris Tudor AM Daphne Read AO Stuart McMillan President Vice President Vice President Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Directors since 1989. Directors since 1967. Directors since 1992.
• Chris is Headmaster of St. Philip’s LIFE MEMBER • Stuart is a Pastor at Living Water College, Alice Springs. • In 1974 Daphne became the first Uniting Church (2005) and School • In 1997 Chris was named Territorian female school Principal in the Chaplain (2004). of the year for the Alice Springs Northern Territory. • Prior to his current position Region for his contribution to • In 1988 Daphne was awarded Citizen Stuart worked with the Indigenous education infrastructure and of the Year and also in that year was people of North-East Arnhem land in opportunities in the NT. awarded “Fellow” of the Australian business and community • In 2001 Chris was made a Fellow of College of Educators (FACE) and development for over 22 years. the Australian College of Education Life Member. • Stuart has been on the Board of for his significant contribution to • In 1991 Daphne was appointed Somerville Community Services for the development of independent National Exec. Director of RLSSA, more than 15 years. education in the Northern Territory. a position she held until 1996 when • Chris’s Contribution to education as she returned to Darwin to “retire”. recognised on Australia Day 2004, • Daphne’s contribution to the when he became a Member of the community was recognised when she Order of Australia. received the Order of Australia in 2002.
Ron Brandt Kevin Kennedy Barry Prior Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Directors since 1980. Directors since 1992. Directors since 1980.
• Ron is a retired Minister (2006) • Kevin has worked in the construction • Barry has been Minister of the of Uniting Church in Australia. industries for more than 30 years. Uniting Church in Australia for over Last appointed Minister in • Kevin was responsible for the 30 years and only recently retired. Community/Agency Chaplain, construction of the Somerville • Senior Lecturer at the Royal Institute Somerville Community Services. Community Centre at Palmerston, of Technology in Melbourne for 16 • Ron has Tertiary qualifications opened in May 2008. years. in Criminology and Theology with • Kevin is a leader in the building and • Tertiary Education: B.A., Dip. Ed. post grad. studies in Family therapy/ business industry in the Northern (Monash University), M.S.Sc., Counselling and Pastoral Care. Territory. Dip. I R., Institute of Social Studies. • A Past Moderator of the Uniting (The Hague, Holland). Church in Australia Northern Synod • Barry was author of the book “Focus (twice) took place during the years on the Family”, and several papers with Somerville. reflecting social forces, community development and other social matters.
18 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Board of Directors (cont)
Margaret Black Bruce March John Edwards BSW (Hons), MSW LIFE MEMBER Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Directors since 1978. Directors since 1985. Directors since 1993.
• Margaret is a long time Territorian • In 1981 Bruce moved to Darwin with • John is the Executive Officer of the with a teaching background. the Commonwealth Government, National Association for Loss and Dept. of Social Security, where he Grief. • Margaret has managed a Dance and was responsible for the professional Function Centre business for 19 years. • John managed the recovery activities training and support of welfare staff following the ‘Queen Street’ and • Margaret is a Life Member of the for the Department’s NT office. ‘Hoddle Street’ Shootings and, at the Somerville Board. • In 1985 Bruce was appointed invitation of the N.T. Government, Director, Commonwealth Dept. of was responsible for recovery activities Community Services, Northern following the ‘Katherine Flood’. Territory and in 1994 Bruce was • John has held a variety of senior seconded to Territory Health Services positions including Chief Executive in 1997, as Director, Family and Officer of the National Children’s Community Services Branch, Bureau of Australia. He holds honours • From 2001 Bruce undertook and masters degrees in social work, various positions and tasks with is currently completing his PhD the NT Department of Health and (Doctorate) in social work and has Community Services until his significant experience in public policy “retirement” in 2006. and organisational development.
Andrew Caddy Phil Johnson Ben Gill Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Directors since 2005. Directors since 1998. Directors since January 2008.
• Andrew is Financial Services • Phil has a long and experienced • Ben is the Centre Manager with Manager for Chevron Australia. history in the automotive and trucking The GPT Group, Casuarina Square. industry and in the late 70’s moved to • Andrew is a member of the Institute • Ben is responsible for the the NT where he worked in Katherine of Chartered Accountants, performance of Casuarina Square, and has remained there since. Australia, and has tutored at the the Northern Territory’s largest School of Business at the Northern • In 1984 Phil purchased BC Machinery shopping centre. Territory University. in Katherine. • Ben is a generalist having held roles • Phil’s son, Damian was one of in accounting, marketing, retail Somerville’s first residential clients management and centre management. when the organisation began offering • Ben also holds a full real estate supported accommodation for persons license and sits on the NT Division with disabilities in 1986. Council of the Property Council of Australia.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 19 Board of Directors (cont) Meredith Day Clare Martin Vicki O’Halloran
Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Member Somerville Board of Directors since 2000. Directors since 2008. Directors since 1998.
• Meredith is the Director of Legal • Clare is the CEO of the Australian • Vicki commenced working for Services for the Department of Health Council of Social Service (ACOSS). Somerville in 1993 and was awarded the Telstra 1998/99 NT Business and Families, Northern Territory • Clare made a significant contribution Woman of the Year. Government. in Australian politics, in particular the • Before commencing in government Northern Territory when she led the • Vicki was also awarded the Private legal practice, Meredith was a Australian Labour Party into Sector Award for companies solicitor in private practice in Darwin, government in the Northern Territory employing more than 100 employees. including 7 years as a partner of a for the first time. • Vicki has an Early Childhood local firm. She has extensive • Clare was also the first female Chief Education Degree and Diploma in Business. She has worked in many experience in personal injuries claims, Minister of the Northern Territory. including medical negligence and positions, primarily in the welfare • Clare is an experienced journalist and workers’ compensation. sector at Management and CEO level. was a television presenter of the ABC • Vicki is the co-chair of Territory 2030 • Meredith spent 5 years teaching the 7.30 Report in the Northern Territory - the Northern Territory Government’s law of torts, statutory scheme from 1986 until 1988. compensation and professional Strategic Planning Steering practice subjects at Charles Darwin Committee. University. • Vicki is also a Justice of the Peace. Patrons
Dr Valerie Asche AM Hon Austin Asche AC QC Patron since March 1993 Patron since March 1993 • His Honour was Chancellor of the Northern Territory University from 1989 to 1993 and was an Honorary Colonel in NORFORCE and Chief Scout of the Northern Territory from 1993 to 1997. • His Honour was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1994 and a Knight of the Most Venerable Order Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in 1993. He was appointed Freeman of the City of Darwin in 2007. • Dr Valerie Asche worked in the field • The Hon Austin Asche served as a • His Honour is an Adjunct Professor of microbiology for over forty years. Justice of the Supreme Court of the of Law at the Northern Territory Her work was recognised by the N.T. from 1986 to 1987 and was Chief University. Australian Society for Microbiology Justice from 1987 to 1993. in 1991 with a Distinguished Service • Justice Asche served as Chairman Award. of the N.T. Parole Board from 1987 • In 2001 she was appointed Member of to 1993. Upon retirement from the the Order of Australia (AM). Supreme Court bench in 1993 was appointed Administrator of the Northern Territory until 1997.
20 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Family Services
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Opening of Financial Counselling Centre at Palmerston. • Employment of additional Financial Counsellors. • Expansion of Financial Literacy Programs to schools. • Launch of monthly budgeting workshops. • ‘MyTime’ networking group expanded to schools.
Family Services Manager, Marilyn Roberts, saw the 2008/09 financial year bring with it unprecedented housing rental costs, adding another dimension to families and individuals already suffering financial difficulties.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 21 Family Services (cont)
What We Do Our Services for 2008/09 • An outreach service based in Palmerston and funded jointly by The role of Family Services is to • Core family support and the Commonwealth and Territory assist people to participate in society counselling service, funded by the Governments. at a level to which they aspire and Northern Territory Department of are capable of achieving. Family Health and Family Services. • Several Emergency Relief Services staff work with people of Programs funded variously by • A Supported Accommodation all ages – children, adolescents and FaHCSIA, SAAP and Northern Assistance Program based in adults. We assist anyone who is Territory Power and Water. Palmerston and jointly funded experiencing a crisis or problem in by the Commonwealth and their life. We also provide Family Support and Territory Governments. counselling and psychotherapy, Counselling. practical, emotional and educative • A Financial Counselling Service Our Family Counsellors continued support, financial counselling and in the Casuarina, Palmerston and to support families to achieve their short to medium term supported Katherine areas funded by the potential. Somerville worked with accommodation. Commonwealth Government. people on a wide range of issues Access to transitional • Youth and Family Services including, but not limited to: accommodation is also a focus, Accommodation Service in • relationship breakdown and assistance to help people find Katherine jointly funded by the • mediation appropriate long term Commonwealth and Northern • anxiety and depression accommodation can be provided. Territory Governments. • grief and loss Family Services offer advocacy, • A Territory funded No Interest • parenting liaison and referral to other agencies Loans Scheme (NILS) for and professionals. While the services Katherine, Palmerston and • domestic violence that are offered vary greatly, they Darwin residents. Family Services firmly support each have a common theme, namely • Financial Counselling Service for Somerville’s Mission Statement to to empower people to exert control Gambling related issues funded strive and assist people to reach their over their own lives. by the Department of Justice. full potential and enjoy their unique Family Services also operate a place in society. • A Financial Literacy Program service in the Katherine region. funded by private sponsorship. (continued next page) This service offers counselling and support for young people aged between twelve and twenty-four Below: Psychologist Sandra Meakins and her colleagues were faced with an increase in clients who were suicidal or depressed during 2008/09. As a years of age and their families. consequence, counselling sessions were often more complex requiring two or How we help more different counsellors assisting the same individual or family Somerville operates from a diverse base of psychologists, social workers, welfare workers, counsellors, support workers and financial counsellors. These experienced and qualified counsellors work as an integrated team with often two or three assisting the same family with a broad range of issues. This “tag team” approach exponentially strengthens the services provided to our clients.
Localities Served Family Services provided services in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Humpty Doo and surrounding areas during 2008/09. Telephone counselling was also provided to clients, who for whatever reason, were unable to attend our offices.
22 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Family Services (cont)
Community of mortgage stress, rental problems Apart from the severity of the cases, Accommodation and homelessness as the real impact this year also saw an increase in of the downturn took effect during demand for services. Even with Our ‘Assisted Accommodation 2008/09. two extra Financial Counsellors we Program’, located in the centre of struggled to keep up with demand. Palmerston, continued to offer ”Unfortunately it was medium term accommodation In addition to meeting and assisting to families and provide ongoing not uncommon to see clients face to face, our Financial support including access to Counsellors also helped many people financial and general counselling. families trying to in rural areas through telephone counselling during 2008/09. The demand for supported survive on $50 to $100 accommodation during 2008/09 per fortnight ....”. Financial Literacy continued to overreach supply. With Program ‘Cashed-Up’ private rentals for a 3 bedroom house During the past 12 months our ‘Cashed-Up’ is a comprehensive at $400.00 plus a week, the ever client base shifted significantly from Financial Literacy Program. increasing costs of private rentals mostly long-term unemployed to During the year the program was placed many properties completely those who are employed (or under delivered to local schools in Darwin out of the range of low income employed) but in financial stress and Palmerston. This program is families and Centrelink recipients. and struggling to pay their rent/ comprised of five units: mortgage, or worse, feed their “At $210 a week, it family. The cases were also much 1. Making It has reached the stage more difficult to manage as the 2. Stashing It clients often had massive utility bills, 3. Keeping It credit card bills and other debts. where it is too 4. Losing It Unfortunately it was not uncommon 5. The Right and Wrong Deals. expensive for families to see families trying to survive on to live in a tent on an $50 to $100 per fortnight once they (continued page 26) unpowered site in a had paid rent. caravan park”. Below: Senior Financial Counsellor Serena Staines and her colleagues did an excellent job during 2008/09 but were unable to meet the demand for their Rising house rentals also have a flow services. Serena witnessed daily the effects of the global financial crisis as on effect in that they drag up prices unfolding stories of mortgage stress, rental problems and financial hardship of other forms of accommodation. emerged as the real impact of the economic downturn took effect. Caravan sites reached $270.00 per week and $210.00 per week for an unpowered site. At $210 a week, it has reached the stage where it is too expensive for families to live in a tent on an unpowered site in a caravan park. It is no surprise that people had difficulty saving the bond for private rental accommodation in 2008/09. Even if they did manage to reach the high amounts required, they generally had little success in applying for accommodation in the aggressive rental arena. 2009/10 is not expected to be any better.
Financial Counselling On the surface the Northern Territory escaped the worst of the economic downturn. However in reality, our financial counsellors found that relatively low unemployment figures masked an unfolding story
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 23 Family Services - client profile
Family Income (5 year comparison)
Family Income Family Income 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 Even though income of clients < $10,000 6% 18% 14% 9% 16% receiving counselling has gradually increased overtime, $10,000 - $19,999 32% 20% 30% 32% 39% approximately two-thirds of $20,000 - $29,999 25% 33% 28% 33% 26% clients had an income of less $30,000 - $39,999 15% 15% 16% 14% 10% than $30,000 per annum. $40,000 - $49,999 10% 6% 5% 6% 4% $50,000 - $59,999 4% 8% 3% 3% 3% > $60,000 8% 0% 4% 3% 2% < $10,000 - $29,999 63% 71% 72% 74% 81%
Client Contacts (5 year comparison) Client contacts
A total of 22,716 individual 30,000 Number of Clients Number of Client Contacts counselling sessions were carried 22,716 22,448 25,000 out during 2008/09, involving 20,702 20,569 20,374 9,955 new and existing clients. Although an increase in the 20,000 number of clients and individual 15,000 9,955 counselling sessions when 9,746 compared to 2007/08, the overall 8,378 8,051 7,691 10,000 numbers have remained fairly
static over a 5-year period and 5,000 unlikely to change significantly unless more funding is available 0 to employ more counsellors. 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05
Presenting Issues (2008/09) Presenting Issues
The types of presenting issues 8,000 6,878 during the year fell into seven main categories (as detailed in 7,000 adjacent graph and legend). 6,000 Except for financial counselling, 4,014 5,000 the relative breakup of 3,310 4,000 presentations between each of 2,651 2,598 1,982 these categories remained 3,000 consistent with previous years. 1,283 2,000
Financial counselling accounted 1,000 for 40% of the presentations with bankruptcies and problem 0 gambling continuing to be a major issue. Because clients with gambling problems generally hide their Legend addiction, the percentage of Accommodation - included Legal - included domestic anxiety, grief, adjustment, people who were homeless or violence, law breaking, stress, changed personal clients with problem gambling is trying to find somewhere af- custody/access, sexual abuse circumstances and trauma. unknown. However our Senior fordable to live. and child abuse. Relationship - included Financial Counsellor estimated Financial - included credit/ Physical Health/Addiction - family breakdown and that more than 50% of the debt issues, gambling, included developmental parenting. clients she assisted in 2008/09 bankruptcy, income issues, issues, substance abuse Social Skills - included anger, involved some form of business failure, contract and eating disorders. life skills, self esteem, home disputes, taxation and loan gambling addiction. Psychological – included life management and employment assistance through (NILS). threatening issues, depression, issues. 24 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Family Services (cont)
Katherine Youth and Somerville also facilitated our fourth • Display and stall at the High Family Services annual SK8D8 (Skate Date). Young School Careers Expo experts were brought in to provide As well as providing ongoing • Hosting of the Gambling exhibitions and workshops. It was support to families, Katherine’s Awareness Lunch a great example of peer support and programs also focus on youth • Mentoring Awards and Peer Skills mentoring – each year the event services, and as such, the programs Programs at Katherine Schools improves. Other events included - are dynamic and energetic. The • Youth Diversionary Programs • Youth Week activities and School programs have a strong focus on with NT Police Diversionary Unit preventative work and a large Holiday Programs • Provision of Emergency Relief percentage of this is aimed at • Sponsorship of the Young Funding. activities that engage young people Achievers Awards in acquiring skills. • Katherine Christmas Share In addition to the above, staff worked collaboratively with a Important Events Appeal to make sure that disadvantaged children had number of agencies to provide Somerville organised a number of gifts at Christmas. much needed help and support to successful major events in Katherine • Community Morning Tea individuals and families living in during 2008/09. The most notable Katherine and surrounding areas. g Display at the RAAF Expo and were the Roller Blading Disco and • the Family Fun Day the Cinema Nights.
Below: Katherine Youth and Family Services Coordinator, Suzette McNeil. Suzette and her staff focused on preventative work with youth during 2008/09 with counselling and support for young people aged between twelve and twenty-four years of age and their families. One of their goals was to try and avert homelessness by means of individual and family counselling, family mediation, group-work, advocacy, referral, liaison, education, outreach and practical support.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 25 Family Services (cont)
(continued from page 23 around them negatively effected by items such as refrigerators and the problem gambler. washing machines. 2008/09 The program targets senior high continued on from previous years school students with the aim of Somerville estimates that at least a with very few Loans in default. engaging young people and teaching quarter of all people in the Northern Approximately two-thirds of clients them financial skills. The program Territory are either directly or are Indigenous with many under was developed by our Financial indirectly effected by problem Income Management. Counsellors in consultation with gambling. This equates to over teachers, parents and students. 50,000 Territorians. Palmerston Family The program is to be expanded to Gambling Awareness Week Counselling more schools during 2009/10. Gambling Awareness Week raises The Palmerston Family Counsellor provides day to day in-house Gambling awareness about problem gambling. Somerville’s Financial Counsellors family counselling as well as a were integrally involved in the responsibility for establishing links promotion of Gambling Awareness with the broader community. Week during May 2009, participating in a series of events, workshops and “ ... a young mother information sessions. may walk into our Providing information to the public is one of the most effective ways to office with her two address problem gambling. small children in a No Interest Loans (NILS) distressed state Our No Interest Loans Scheme seeking domestic (NILS) continued successfully during 2008/09 via our Darwin, violence crisis Problem Gambling is when a Palmerston and Katherine offices. accommodation”. person’s gambling causes harm to NILS provides loans to low income themselves and/or to those around households for essential household (continued next page) them such as a partner, family, friends, or others in the community. When gambling begins to consume more money and time than a person can afford it can affect many aspects of their lives, including physical and emotional health, finances, relationships, work and study. “Somerville estimates that at least a quarter of all people in the Northern Territory are either directly or indirectly effected by problem gambling”. In 2008/09, additional funding from the Northern Territory Government Community Benefit Fund, was made available to enable Somerville to Family Counsellor Liane Pligl assisted families with a wide range of issues during employ an additional Financial 2008/09. The economic crisis brought a whole new group of clients to Somerville. Counsellor to assist clients with Low income earners and unemployed were the worst affected as they tried to cope with depleted savings on one hand and unprecedented rental costs on the other . gambling problems, as well as those
26 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Family Services (cont)
The Family Counsellor sees clients The program has been so successful in a terrible state and was trying to with a broad range of issues. The that in 2009/10, the program will cope with the death of his wife and largest of these are relationship be run for the first time to Middle baby and at the same time support all difficulties and depression. A large School students in Darwin where of his children with visits to Adelaide percentage of individual clients it is planned to present a variety of and Darwin. We offered assistance in 2008/09 were young teens and topics such as Self Esteem, Bullying, and only then realised that we knew parents having problems with their Anger and Relationships. the family from before. children. CASE STUDY John moved into our short term The Family Counsellor also works supported accommodation, but with many different people in many The following case study has been unfortunately within days his different situations. In the same day included in this Annual Report daughter in Adelaide died and he the counsellor could meet someone to provide an example of how had to start making more funeral diagnosed with Clinical Depression Family Services staff help people. arrangements. John was not coping that needs assistance in coping This particular account is just very well and dealt with this as many strategies and then later in the one of the many cases that our people do, and we soon were afternoon a young mother may walk psychologists, counsellors and receiving complaints from the into our office with her two small family support workers assisted neighbours about drunken children in a distressed state during 2008/09. behaviour. Without breaching seeking domestic violence crisis [Names, places and locations in this confidentiality we were able to ask accommodation. No two days are case study have been changed]. the neighbours for extra tolerance the same. because of bereavement issues. John and Donna Our relationship with John was good This year the Family Counsellor enough for us to assist him with linked in with existing staff to John and Donna came into reducing his alcohol consumption provide a more group focused Somerville’s accommodation and resolve the complaint issues. approach. An outreach service was program several years ago. also provided by the counsellor at They had three children and were Ours is not a fairy tale job and we do ‘The Meeting Place’ in Humpty Doo. on the Territory Housing wait list. not have magic wands. We cannot They stayed in our supported make things right but we can be there ‘MyTime’ Network Group accommodation for three months to help people along the way. We and saved up for a bond and some ‘MyTime’ was established in early can help people with grief and loss basic household items, ready to 2008 after it was realised that many issues. We can help people to access move into their Housing rural clients were not accessing accommodation. We can provide Commission home. counselling services. ‘MyTime’ practical assistance and support. brings people together from the “The mother and John stayed with us until his community who may be isolated for remaining two children were some reason or who may need some youngest child had stabilised and then moved into rented easy and practical strategies to cope accommodation prior to returning to in their daily living. been killed in a car Katherine. He has extended family In ‘MyTime’ they are able to share crash and another support there and while this cannot their wealth of knowledge and relieve his pain it can mitigate the experiences on the topic of the day, child was seriously ill effects on himself and his two young g should they wish, with the other in hospital ....”. children. participants and the facilitator. Topics covered in the program We heard no more for several years include Human Relationships; Grief until we were contacted by the and Loss; Anxiety; Depression; and hospital to see if we had any how to help someone living with accommodation for a young Domestic Violence. family who had lost their mother. The family had been living interstate In 2008/09 ‘MyTime’ was further and recently returned to Katherine expanded to provide a program at and had been living with relations. the Girraween Primary School for The mother and youngest child had parents of children that attend the been killed in a car crash and various schools in the rural area. another child was seriously ill in (Girraween Primary School is hospital in Adelaide. The two older located 40 Km from Darwin). children were in hospital with minor injuries in Darwin. The father was
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 27 Disability Services
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Opening of high medical supported accommodation, in Katherine. • Significant achievement in development and implementa- tion of Person Centred Active Support program (PCAS) . • Consolidation and advancement of our commitment to creating and supporting socially valued roles for people in our society.
Disability Services Manager, Cherry Cameron was actively involved in the significant achievements obtained in the delivery of the Disability Services program during 2008/09. Unfortunately our wait list for people wanting to enter our service continued to grow.
28 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Disability Services (cont)
What Do We Do • liaison with Northern Territory As in previous years, we have Government and broader reviewed and evaluated our Disability Services aims to provide community management and our service high quality supported provision. This commitment has accommodation to people with All homes are staffed 24 hours a day translated into dedicated effort to severe to profound disabilities. to ensure that each person receives ensure that the people we support are There is a focus within our team to quality support. The roster has two provided with more opportunities for look beyond standard practice to staff on each shift, except for night new experiences in their homes and provide innovative support that shifts. Night shifts are active, more time in the community. targets person centred needs. meaning that staff are available to respond to any need that may arise. During the 2008/09 year we Requests And Referrals This level of support allows for the managed eleven (11) supported implementation of various programs Somerville receives many requests accommodation homes located in - of specific benefit to each person. for supported accommodation for • Darwin Inherent in operating procedures are - people with severe to profound disabilities requiring 24 hour care. • Howard Springs • Northern Territory Disability • Katherine Service Standards (1999) Referrals and requests come from a number of sources including family The People We Support • Disability Services Act (1986) and community members and health We support people who have • Social Role Valorization and community service providers. physical disabilities, intellectual • Person-Centred Active Support Unfortunately vacancies in our disabilities, Autism, developmental Together these Standards and theories supported accommodation services disabilities or acquired brain injury. provide us with a framework to are limited due to the number of Forty- nine (49) people were provide the best possible support to places available which are linked to supported across these 11 houses. all people while ensuring that the our service agreements with the • 33% were female people we support have opportunities Northern Territory Government. for engagement, choice and People who move into a home with • 67% were male experiencing the good things in life. Somerville generally remain there for • 69% were of Aboriginal the rest of their lives. descent. (continued page 31) How We Provide Each home has a Coordinator and a team of at least seven staff. The Coordinator is responsible for the day to day operation of the program. The Program Managers have individual management responsibility for the programmatic aspects of the supported accommodation. Their responsibilities include - • program development, and implementation of these programs for the individual people that we support • overall management of staff • monitoring of quality across all aspects of direct service delivery. The Administrator Manager has responsibility for all of those areas associated with the non programmatic aspects of support including - • monitoring budgets Disability Support Worker Edna and Andrew enjoy the challenge of the very • management and oversight of final stages of this amazing puzzle. the administrative functions Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 29 Disability Services (cont) Client Profile Client Profile By Gender (2008/09) There were forty-nine people in Somerville’s supported accommodation during 2008/09 - • 33% were female • 67% were male • 69% were of Aboriginal Male (16) descent. Female (33) 33% These percentages have remained 67% consistent over the past five years and in line with the profile of similar NT service providers. The first people in our supported accommodation, joined Somerville in 1981, and many of these people remain with us after more than 27 years.
Aging Client Group Client Profile - Average Age (5 year comparison) The level of care provided by Somerville staff ensures that Average Age people in our supported 38 accommodation remain healthy 37 and have a prolonged life. Not surprisingly therefore, the age 36 of the people in our supported 35 accommodation continues to 34 gradually increase each year, moving from an average age of 34 in 2004/05 to 38 in 2008/09. Although the average age has remained in the 30 to 39 year bracket for the past 5 years, the increase in average age is 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 particularly noticeable for clients aged between 40 and 49 with the number more than doubling in Breakdown of Client Numbers by Specific Age Groups the last 5 years.
Implications Number of Clients Aged 30-39 Number of Clients Aged 40-49
Hand in hand with an aging 21 client group is an increase in 19 19 hospitalisations. Records of 16 16 hospitalisations have not been 15 specifically collated until 13 recently, but based on file 11 information it is known that 7 7 the number of clients requiring hospitalisations each year is on the increase. Hospitalisation involves additional staff and this in turn will impact on future operating costs for Somerville. 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05
30 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Disability Services (cont)
(continued from page 29) functions to inform the community Information Technology about the services Somerville Somerville works very closely with The introduction of information delivers. the Northern Territory Department of technology into our supported Health and Families in the placement Community Access accommodation houses has of people within our supported strengthened our capacity in terms accommodation services. Program Managers continued to of upskilling staff, improving work with parents/guardians and communication and streamlining Support and Wellbeing Coordinators to explore processes and paperwork. opportunities for individual Prior to coming into Somerville’s Opportunities and appropriate clients and create a greater range Disability Services, Program support for people with severe to of opportunities for people. Managers arrange for a meeting profound disabilities continued to be explored with allied health with all key stakeholders. These Person Centred Active professionals. meetings are referred to as an ISAP Support (PCAS) (Individual Support Action Plan). Service Expansion ISAP’s involve a detailed Our commitment to Person Centred investigation of all aspects of a Active Support continues with staff In October 2008 we welcomed the person’s support needs. In ensuring that the people we support first person into the refurbished attendance at the ISAP meetings are engaged and participating across high medical support needs house in are those people who are all domains of their activities of daily Katherine. The model of support in significant to the wellbeing and living. this house focuses on the individual requirements of 3 young people ongoing support of the person. Relationships living within the Katherine ISAPs assist in identifying those Managers continued to work community. critical health and social wellbeing collaboratively and foster good We have developed a strong domains that need to be addressed working relationships with the working relationship with the in order for a person to achieve their Department of Health and Family Kintore Street School, which all potential. A second ISAP meeting Services’ Aged and Disability three young people attend, and the is held after the person has been Program staff, in particular, allied Department of Health and Families with us for three months, and then health professionals. biennially. provides ongoing support with Managers also worked closely specialist advice and services. g The process is supported by throughout the year with Adult monitoring agreed actions by Guardianship officers to achieve Program Managers on a three agreed outcomes for individual monthly cycle. clients. Representation - Boards and Committees To ensure that we have a sound understanding of contemporary service development, and have input into disability services issues, both locally and nationally, the management team were represented on a number of Committees and Boards during 2008/09, including - • National Disability Services N.T. and National Accommodation Committee • Disability Advisory Council • Darwin City Council Access Advisory Committee • Autism NT • Integrated Disability Action
Managers also regularly present at The Hon Malarndirri McCarthy MLA, Minister for Children and Families with other services, including schools, Dennis. The Minister is a regular visitor to Somerville. government departments and special
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 31 Maintenance
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Completion of upgrade of former Family Services building at 3 Bonson Terrace, Palmerston. • Energy Audits to office buildings and houses completed and recommendations commenced. • Opening of additional Disability Services house in Katherine.
Maintenance Manager, Skye Lee and her staff were responsible for ensuring a safe and eco-friendly workplace during 2008/09. The coming year will see further work towards reducing energy consumption to offset rising power and water costs.
32 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Maintenance
Why Do Maintenance? tasks that we can undertake to further during 2008/09. This included reduce our energy consumption. attending to OH&S and security Somerville prides itself on ensuring issues, removal of problem trees that all houses, units and buildings Major upgrades and repairs to pergolas and shade are maintained in a safe, secure and structures. Maintenance work healthy environment. Improvements • Refurbishment work in 2008/09 included spas and swimming pools as are continually carried out, not only included the upgrading and well as ongoing mowing of lawns, to maintain the quality and conversion of the former fertilising and mulching of gardens, functionality of our facilities for our Palmerston Community Centre and the removal of garden rubbish. clients, but to ensure that the to establish a dedicated Financial Counselling Centre. environment for staff and clients is Katherine modern and workable. Work included complete internal and external repairs and painting; Twelve trips were made to Katherine During 2008/09 the Maintenance plumbing and electrical upgrade; by Maintenance staff in 2008/09, Team managed - new telephone system; and new to supervise works, gain quotes on • eleven supported accommodation furniture and fittings. work required, attend to maintenance houses (owned by Territory • Design and planning for new on properties or deliver equipment to Housing) extensions and upgrading of and from Darwin. • two short–medium term reception and administration area Resources accommodation units (owned to 147 Lee Point Road completed. by Territory Housing) • Upgrade planned for supported This year a part-time position was • seven office buildings accommodation house at 46 upgraded to full-time. Considering the maintenance team comprises four • two investment buildings Chapman Road, Rapid Creek, deferred by Territory Housing permanent full time staff, the day • one warehouse/storage facility. until late 2009. to day work accomplished and the • twenty-three vehicles consisting projects undertaken and completed of cars, utilities and minibuses. Grounds & Gardens during 2008/09, were a significant achievement. g Energy audits Grounds and gardens to all properties were maintained to a high standard A series of energy audits were conducted on all our houses and Below: Commonwealth funding enabled refurbishment of the former operational buildings during 2008/09. Palmerston Community Centre to establish a new Financial Counselling Centre. By completing these audits we were Work included a prominent sign to highlight the building and to set it apart from able to identify specific items and surrounding residential housing. (By all accounts it is a success).
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 33 Human Resources & Administration
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Recruitment of qualified and skilled staff. • Staff retention rate at an all time high. • Completion of rollout of information technology across Disability Services houses. • Upgrade of IT systems, databases and remote server access completed. • All policies and procedures reviewed on ‘best practice’ principles.
Human Resource and Administration Manager, Liza Metcalfe introduced major improvements to IT systems during 2008/09 that improved reporting capabilities and overall efficiencies in day to day operations.
34 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Human Resources & Administration
Overview Staff Incentive Scheme staff during the year. This enabled Staff Surveys Somerville to offer fringe benefits Human Resources and for specific approved expenses such Administration has responsibility In 2008/09, Somerville continued as repayment of loans and credit for handling, dealing and assisting with, and expanded one of our card repayments. with all employee related matters, recruitment and retention strategies, including workers compensation, namely our staff incentive scheme. Information Technology industrial relations, recruitment Staff surveys carried out during Significant improvements in our and staff development. In addition, 2008/09, highlighted the benefits the Human Resources and information technology occurred of maintaining an effective staff during 2008/09. Updating and Administration Manager and her incentive scheme. team of seven dedicated and upgrading of our website professional staff are responsible for The benefits of the above also have commenced as did replacement of a multitude of activities including a flow on effect as they help attract various databases. This work will but not limited to - people to join our organisation. Some streamline our documentation and create enormous efficiencies in our general administration and staff of the incentives provided in 2008/09 • day to day operations. support. included: • recruitment • additional leave Following the installation of a new terminal server, Managers can now information technology • over-award payments • work off-site with high speed access • social activities • training and development to our network. Replacement of • employee insurance • use of the gymnasium, pool, mobile phones has also seen camping equipment, etc. • fundraising and promotions efficiencies achieved via quick • gifts and hampers access to network E-mails. • purchasing • free raffles Attraction and • healthy and not so healthy (continued page 37) Retention of Staff morning teas 2008/09 saw a number of social corporate sports sponsorships The first half of the reporting year • activities take place. These events was a challenging period for • free vaccinations, and more. help contribute to the family type recruiting suitable employees. atmosphere and enjoyable work It is always invigorating to hear The shortage of skilled labour environment that in turn reflects combined with expanding services positive feedback from staff, and in the high standard of service required a need to be more how recognition of a job well done provided to clients. innovative. To be effective, we can make such a huge impact. need to continue to focus our Below: One such event was Employee Remuneration participation in a corporate efforts on improving recruitment and Benefits dragon boat race. Seen here the and retention strategies including Somerville crew (background) take developing and motivating our Salary packaging was accessed the lead over a rival team! workforce. by 81% of all full and part-time
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 35 Human Resources & Administration (cont)
Workforce Profile Employee Profile by Gender (5 year period) Of the total 177 staff employed during 2008/09, 71 percent were Male Female Total 240 women. This proportion has remained consistent over the past 177 200 163 five years and is in line with the 148 152 145 profile of the wider community 160 126 welfare network. 116 106 106 An increase of 8.6% in total 120 98 staff numbers over the previous 51 year reflects a uniform increase 80 47 47 43 46 across all work areas and relates to a general increase in services 40 provided by Somerville over the past 12 months. 0 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05
Workforce Composition (5 year period)
Workforce Total Staff Total Staff Total Staff Total Staff Total Staff composition 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 Somerville’s workforce comprises Full-Time 84 79 68 70 67 full-time, part-time and casual Part-Time 32 28 28 31 31 staff. Workforce composition between each group has remained Casual 61 56 53 44 54 consistent over the last five years. Total 177 163 149 145 152 This composition of staff has shown to provide the best organisational structure to Equivalent Full Time (EFT) Employees by Category achieve and maintain a high quality of service delivery. EFT EFT EFT EFT EFT 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 As in previous years, Disability Services program continues to be Family Services 16.03 12.89 11.59 11.65 11.09 the largest employer, representing Administration 14.50 12.92 11.38 11.20 11.65 71 percent of total staff numbers. Disability Services 88.55 83.24 77.51 79.81 79.50 Maintenance 4.00 4.28 3.10 2.31 2.73 Total 123.08 113.33 103.58 104.97 104.97
Occupational Health & Safety Claims (5 year period) Safe Working Environment Number of New Injuries There were no serious workplace 12 9 9 injuries during 2008/09. Five new occupational health and safety 10 7 claims referred to our insurer. The constructive relationship with 8 5 5 our insurance company continued to maximise the ability of injured 6 staff to return to work as soon as possible. 4
Formally appointed staff ensured 2 that all workplace safety issues were identified and associated 0 risks satisfactorily addressed. 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05
36 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Human Resources & Administration (cont)
(continued from page 31) Guest Presenter greater recycling of materials and a responsible purchasing policy Somerville had the privilege of Training & Education including procurement of more having Australian of the Year, Hero energy efficient white-goods and Competent staff are essential to the and Award winner, Jonathon Welch electrical equipment. smooth operation of our service. visit our organisation and talk to us It is important that staff are provided about his Choir of Hard Knocks. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT with a sound ethical working The Choir of Hard Knocks raised to framework, regular training and new levels Australia’s awareness of To assist staff to be able to complete professional development homelessness, depression and their duties to achieve and maintain opportunities. addiction. continuous improvement across all areas of the organisation, all internal In the specific case of Disability Jonathan’s talk about the journey of policies and procedures were Services staff, Somerville arranges the Choir of Hard Knocks was not reviewed during 2008/09. weekly training sessions for staff on only motivational but provided staff subjects that will assist them to with great insight into the operation Issues relating to advantages or understand the complexities of of program. disadvantages of achieving quality providing support to people with accreditation were reviewed and profound disabilities. Training Commitment to the will continue to be assessed in line provided in 2008/09 included - environment with future Northern Territory accreditation requirements. g • Administration of Medication Somerville’s Environmental Policy commits to ensure its activities and • Person Centred Active Support services minimise the impact on our When Australian of the Year, Hero and Award winner, Jonathon Welch environment and maximise the • Professional Assault Response visited Somerville we were cheeky Training (PART) effective use of resources. enough to request an opportunity to • Social Role Valorization The strategies adopted in 2008/09 sing with him - and he obliged. We to achieve this included fostering were all singing “We’ll Meet Again” Disability Services’ Managers are responsible environmental behaviour for days. qualified trainers and conducted a amongst staff, volunteers and visitors Below and Far Left : Jonathon number of sessions during 2008/09. and improved communication. Welch with the ‘Somerville Choir of Other training was conducted by Uncoordinated Harmony’. trainers external to Somerville. Achievements to date have included Information about the Choir of Assistance and training was also both an awareness and reduction Hard Knocks, can be found at www. provided by other agencies. in the use of water and electricity, choirofhardknocks.com.au
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 37 Somerville Staff 2008/09
Palmerston Community Centre, Client Support worker Jenny Dunne provides the first point of contact for families and individuals requiring assistance and support. .
38 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Somerville Staff 2008/09
Dedicated 20 Years of Service LEAR, Marlene GOODWIN, Beth Employees LORENZ, Marilyn HADDOCK, Kevin BACUS, Josie MANIKALLIL, Rosa HETHERINGTON, Lilian - We Salute You CAMERON, Cherry MARQUEZ, Virgilio SNR HODGSON, Soo Lin CENDO, Carolyn Loyal, dependable staff MASON-LECHMERE, Sussen HUSSIN, Sean DOS SANTOS, Adelaide POOL, Florence JEWELL, Aida are the backbone of MAY, Jillian RAHABARISOA, Liliane KALTENBACH, Rolf Somerville and in METCALFE, Liza ROBERTS, Marilyn KNIGHT, Kadek particular those who SOLLY, Bonnie LEWIS, Sylvia serve for an extended 15 Years of Service WHITE, Mavis LORENZ, Peter YUEN, Vince MCMILLAN, James period provide stability, DICKENS, Beverley NICHOLLS, John MURRAY, Patrick corporate knowledge, 5 Years of Service ODQUIN, Estelita O’HALLORAN, Vicki RECORD, Noreen and an understanding of ABELLANOSA, Conchita the values that drive us RANASINGHE, Soma SANTOS, Gloria ANASTACIO, Danilo SEPHTON, Sheryl to provide excellence in AREVALO, Hilario 10 years of Service SMITH, Christina service. BALLESTEROS, Leilani STAINES, Serena ARTHUR, Erna BANGUN, Suasana STUBBS, Lee-Ann CASTLES, Elaine BENNETT, Corazon TEECE, Evelyn CAULFIELD, Loann BRENNAN, Geraldine VICENTE, Rommel DOWDY, Michael BRINE, Josephine YATIHALAGALA, Sumedha GAMEAU, Lorraine BROOK, Elizabeth GRAINGER, Edna GILLAMAC,Irma
Somerville Staff * FAREY, Emily LOCKWOOD, Charlene SCOTT, Patricia (Up to 5-years service) FOGARTY, Suzanne LUNDH, Christel SETYORINI, Diana FORDER, David LUNGELI, Muna SIAHAAN, Yuliana BACKHOUSE, Lanie FRANKLIN, Graham MAGAR, Rakta SIRYON, Massa BACUS, Jannie GATURU, Solomon MAGEE, Prudence SMILEY, Joan BALABEBE, Modestine GHALE, Srijana MARSHALL, Azmi SMITH, Lynn BALDWIN, Rosy GIRI, Dhian MATHEW VARUGHESE, Shiju STOCKWELL, Jayne BAMFORD, Julie GOODREM, Nicholas MATTA, Rama STRYBOSCH, Robyn BASIRA, Tendayi GREGURKE, Carolyn MAZIBUKO, Zenzelo SUNDARARAJ, Moses BASKOTA, Hari GURUNG, Aatin McNEIL, Suzette SURINGA, Genevieve BATEMAN, Callum GURUNG, Urmila MEAKINS, Sandra TAMAYO, Enrico BHANDARI, Deepak HAMILTON, Carolyn MIRANDA, Maria TAOPO, Nerlyn BHANDARI, Rakshya HARRISON, Mila MORROW, Janine TAYLOR, Margaret BONFIELD, Frank HEIGHTON, Sarah MUDZINGWA, John TAZIWA, Assumpta BROWN, Deana HENTY-ROBERTS, Cyndia MULBAH, Alice TEBAG, Melissa BROWNING, David Claire MUTAMA, Duduzile TEMBO, Elina BURT, Karen HEWLETT, Kathy MUTAMA, Fadzai THAMMA, Yuttaphum CADDY, Sheena HOWELL, Norman NGUYEN, Phong THAPA TAMANG, Meera CALUZA, Pablito IBASCO, Cheyenne NOBLE, Olwyn THAPA, Umeed CARTWRIGHT Jayne IRONSIDE, Amy NYAMERE, Pamela TORRES, Florin CASEY, Sean ITRANA, Farah OCAMPO, Joan TREWIN, Carmen CHAMBERS, Lynette ITRANA, Farah OCAMPO, Mary Ann TSHUMA, Oscar CHHETRI SAPKOTA, Shanti JOHNSON, Ginalyn OJHA, Hari TUMANDAY, Maureen CHIDA, Gaudencia KARIZAMIMBA, Rumbidzai PALOS, Patricia TUMANDAY, Rosa CHIN, Barry KAUR, Manpreet PANDEY, Shyam UKAEGBU, Ernest CHITURA, Yananai KEMPSTER, Charlene PERRY, Leticia UPTON, Jenny CLOWES, Paddy KEMPSTER, Daryl PINEDA, Miriam VANDERMEULEN, Ginalyn COBURN, Heidi KEMPSTER, Jason PINEDA, Roderick WASALTHILAKE, Wijesiri COHEN, Tamara KHADKA Pandey, Yashoda PLIGL, Liane WATTS, Maureen COUZENS, Elizabeth KHADKA, Suman POKHAREL BASKOTA, Anita WEST, Kathy DAVIS, Lutee KHANAL, Megha POULOSE, Yulija WHITTEN, Kate DE LA CRUZ, Louie KHANAL, Pampha PREWETT, Anne Marie WINKLER, Hazel DOVE, Sandra KIME, Kerry PUN, Kamala WOODWARD, Jeffery DUNCAN, Phillip KIME, Lisa RASING, Rosalina YENGBIE, Gabriel DUNNE, Jennifer KIRK, Philay REMULLA, Crispin YIANNITSAROS, Chrystalla DUREAU, Terri-Anne KIRKELS, Melissa RIGAS, Estilita YOUNG, Patricia ENGLISH, Lucia KOIRALA, Bandana SANGSTER, Irene ZHOU, Shingairai ENRIQUEZ, Vilma KOIRALA, Narayan SANGSTER, Ron ESGUERRA, Belinda LEE, Jade SAPINOSO, Christopher ESPENILI, Larilyn LEE, Skye SAUNDERS, Tracey-Lee ESTANDARTE, Garry LIMA, Victoria SCAIFE, Jacintha * The above list includes all full-time, part-time and casual staff employed during the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 39 Fundraising - Volunteers and Supporters
Our Community •• Colemans Printing •• Recovery Massage •• •• Although Somerville hold a number Colliers International Ricoh of fundraising events throughout the •• Community Benefit Fund •• Mike Foley and the Jazz Group year, our major fundraising event is •• Community Business Bureau •• Mr & Mrs Austin & Valerie Asche the Christmas gift wrapping service. •• Corporate Express •• Mr & Mrs Bruce March We are grateful for the wonderful •• CWA of the NT •• Mr & Mrs Peter & Nancy Fuchs work provided by over 200 •• Darwin Airport Resort •• Mr Gerry Wood (MLA) volunteers to this major event and •• Darwin City Council •• Mr Terry Mills (MLA) the ongoing support and commitment •• Darwin Chorale •• Mr Tony Milhinhos by different businesses such as •• Darwin Honda •• Ms Carolyn Richards Casuarina Square, Palmerston •• Darwin International Airport •• Ms Margaret Somerville Shopping Centre, Mitchell Centre, •• Darwin Memorial Services •• Nightcliff News Agency and our major sponsor, AMP •• •• Foundation. Darwin Youth & Children’s Choir Palmerston Shopping Centre •• Dave Wane Plumbing •• Planet Ten Pin Bowling We thank the many staff and •• Deloitte •• RSL Katherine individuals who contributed their •• •• time and effort throughout the year. Dot and Tony Eckert Savvas Footwear to promote our services and raise •• Dr Chris Burns (MLA) •• Shamrock Chemicals much needed funds. •• Dr Chris Mansfield •• Shenanigans •• Drs Susan & Steve Baddeley •• Sky City Thank you to Target Stores in • • Palmerston and Katherine and the • Essington School • Spotlight many people who donated to the •• Finlays Stonemasonry •• Stuart Park Pharmacy UnitingCare SHARE Christmas Gift •• Fitness Works •• The GPT Group Giving Appeal. A special thanks to •• Girl Guides Australia •• The Essington School our Treasurer, the Hon Delia Lawrie, •• Harvey Distributors •• Toga Group of Companies who made available $25,000.00 One •• Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin •• Trevor Tschirpig Conveyancing Off Funding to Somerville. This •• Inge Beller Real Estate •• Trojan Fencing (Mr Dave Trow) funding made a huge difference to •• •• the Christmas period for many Lions Club of Katherine Uniting Church Northern Synod Territorian’s feeling the pinch. •• Katherine Town Council •• Woolworths •• Jape Homemaker Village Finally we acknowledge the support •• Hogs Breath of the many individuals, families, organisations and businesses who •• Irwinconsult continually sponsor and make •• Jabiru Venture donations to Somerville. Your •• Kyam Electrical ongoing support enables us to fulfill •• Le Cornu our mission of enhancing the quality •• Majestic Orchids of life of the most disadvantaged •• Merit Partners Territorians. •• Mitchell Centre •• Aluminium and Glass Suppliers •• Mr Mike Dinnison •• AMP Foundation •• Mr Geoff Rowston •• Angus & Robertson •• Mr P Derrington •• Aussie Signs •• Mr Peter Linton •• Australian Central •• Mrs Daphne Read •• AVANT Personnel •• Mrs Rosalind Wills •• Bank SA •• Ms Gwen Davies •• Birch Carroll & Coyle •• Ms Eva Biro •• Bob Jane T-Marts •• Ms Liza Metcalfe •• Bridge Toyota •• Ms Rose Rhodes •• Brumby’s Nightcliff •• Ms Sharyn Winters •• C.A.M. Interiors The Hon Delia Lawrie MLA, Deputy Chief Minister •• Murray Oakley •• Carpet Choice and Treasurer, was one of the many people that donated •• Parap Fine Foods presents to the SHARE Christmas Giving Appeal. The •• Casuarina All Sports Club •• Paspaley Pearls Appeal was the most successful yet, assisted greatly by a •• Charles Taylor Bequest •• Q Framing $25,000.00 One Off grant from the Treasurer. •• Chief Justice Brian Martin 40 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Finance
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • During a global financial crisis, reduced a projected deficit in excess of $680,000 to just over $300,000 despite major expenditure increases, poor return on investments and limited fundraising opportunities. • Advanced policies and procedures in line with legislative changes. • Consolidated revenue grew by 6.4% and reached $8 million.
Finance Manager Josie Bacus and her staff did an excellent job of managing finances in a difficult year. Despite the deficit, Josie remains optimistic of a much better situation next financial year with an upturn in the economy, continued good management and successful funding negotiations with Governments.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 41 Somerville Community Services Inc. (ABN: 62 302 702 903)
Special Purpose Financial Report
For the financial year ended 30 June 2009
42 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INC (ABN: 62 302 702 903) SPECIAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL REPORT IndexFO Rto T HFinancialE FINANCIA ReportsL YEAR EN D ED 30TH JUNE 2009
CONTENTS
PAGE Directors' Report and Declaration 44
Auditors' Report 45- 46
Balance Sheet 47
Income Statement - All Services 48 - 49
Cash Flow Statement 50
Statement of Changes in Equity 51
Notes to, and forming part of, the Financial Statements 52 - 55
Detailed Income Statement - Administration 56
Consolidated Income Statement - Disability Services 57
Detailed Income Statement - 37 Trower Rd 58
- 30 Clarke Cres 59
- 8 Chapman Rd 60
- 46 Chapman Rd 61
- 103 Tiwi Gardens Rd 62
- 5 Jordan Place 63
- 155 Girraween Rd 64
- 20 Victoria Highway 65
- 24 Kurrajong Court 66
- Supplementary 67
- 44 Koolpinyah Crescent 68
- 9 Stutterd Street 69
Detailed Income Statement - Family Services - Darwin 70
Detailed Income Statement - Financial Counselling 71
Detailed Income Statement - Financial Counselling (Amelioration 1) 72
Detailed Income Statement - Financial Counselling (Amelioration 2) 73
Detailed Income Statement - NILS 74
Detailed Income Statement - Supported Accommodation - Palmerston 75
Detailed Income Statement - Family Counsellor - Palmerston 76
Detailed Income Statement - Family Services - Katherine 77
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 43 Directors’ Report and Declaration
Somerville Community Services Incorporated SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED
DIRECTORS' REPORT AND DECLARATION
The Board of Directors of Somerville Community Services Inc. submits its report in respect of the financial year ended 30th June 2009.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS The names and particulars of the Board of Directors in office during or since the end of the financial year are detailed in the Annual Report.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES The principal activities of the Organisation and other significant achievements during the financial year are detailed in the Annual Report.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Somerville Community Services operated with a projected deficit of $680,320 but managed to reduce this to $304,203. Of this deficit the amount of $77,283 was an approved expenditure to provide a Family Counsellor in Palmerston over a two year period until December 2009.
To be competitive in the workforce and acknowledge Disability Services staff's commitment it was necessary to provide additional incentive in the form of incremental pay levels with corresponding salary adjustments. Consequently Salaries + On-cost increased after all leave entitlements were re-calculated and provisions done. In addition there was an unexpected 0.8% increase in Work Health premium handed down in June 2009. The significant shortfall in Disability Services budgets was therefore justifiable but depleting reserves will be addressed.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Review of operations of the Organisation during the financial year and the results of those operations are contained in the reports by the President and the Chief Executive Officer as detailed in the Annual Report.
DECLARATION
It is of the Board of Directors' opinion that -
(i) the accompanying financial report as set out on pages 47-55, being a special purpose financial statement, is drawn up so as to present fairly the state of affairs of the Organisation as at 30th June 2009 and the results of the Organisation for the year ended on that date;
(ii) the accounts of the Organisation have been properly prepared and are in accordance with the applicable Australian Accounting Standards; and
(iii) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Organisation is able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors on 19 August 2009.
Chris Tudor AM Vicki O'Halloran President Chief Executive Officer
44 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Auditors’ Report
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 45 Auditors’ Report (cont)
46 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30TH JUNE 2009
2009 2008 CURRENT ASSETS NOTE
Cash 2 1,021,337 754,222 Receivables 3 1,243,906 1,693,083 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,265,243 2,447,305
NON -CURRENT ASSETS
Property, Plant & Equipment 4 356,429 384,606 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 356,429 384,606 TOTAL ASSETS 2,621,672 2,831,911
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors and Borrowings 5 817,658 916,123 Employee Benefits 6 719,399 554,473 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,537,056 1,470,596
NON -CURRENT LIABILITIES
Employee Benefits 7 277,034 249,529 TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,814,090 1,720,125 NET ASSETS 807,583 1,111,786
MEMBERS' FUNDS
Accumulated Funds 807,583 1,111,786 TOTAL MEMBERS' FUNDS 807,583 1,111,786
To be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 47
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
ALL SERVICES
INCOME 2009 2008
Allowances & Other Income - Disability Serv 664,643 566,403 CFCP- Operational 273,200 297,603 Australian Central - Donation 20,000 30,000 DHF - Operational 6,661,273 6,434,724 NT Housing - One Off grants 40,490 61,317 FaHCSIA - Emergency Relief 38,500 34,000 CBF - Operational 171,081 76,415 Donations 82,000 0 Interests 61,054 57,955 Profit on Disposal of Assets 0 2,230 Rental 10,270 12,100 Special Projects 13,664 21,996 Sundries 59,161 12,930 TOTAL INCOME 8,095,336 7,607,673
48 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
ALL SERVICES
EXPENSE Note 2009 2008
SALARIES + ON-COSTS Salaries 5,862,559 4,938,083 Long Service Leave 75,281 -54,720 Superannuation 566,203 467,608 Workers Compensation 198,369 115,487 OPERATIONAL Advertising 22,031 20,223 Alarm Maintenance 8,632 8,312 Audit & Bank Fees 19,843 20,507 Bad Debts 2,739 1,359 Board Costs 27,224 18,216 Depreciation 131,034 120,034 Electricity, Gas, Water, Rates 91,334 85,331 Staff Incentive Scheme 13,790 13,208 Furniture & Fittings 30,799 12,567 Household Supplies - Consumables 189,367 153,928 Household Supplies - Non-Consumables 30,352 32,493 Insurance 5,506 3,409 Legal/Consultancy/CEO's Costs 24,678 17,177 Motor Vehicle Expenses 302,437 214,938 Office Expenses 24,554 27,127 Postage 4,604 3,903 Printing, Publication, Subscription 40,703 79,094 Loss on Disposal of Assets 11,516 0 Programme Costs 110,050 92,650 Repairs, Maintenance & Cleaning 201,518 197,327 Rental 166,908 75,415 Special Projects 69,530 708,983 Staff Training/Travel 93,599 45,057 Sundries 2,199 1,996 Telephone 72,180 64,539 TOTAL EXPENSES 8,399,539 7,484,251
OPERATIONAL (DEFICIT)/ SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR -304,203 123,422
Transfers from Foundation (10) 0 988,364 -304,203 1,111,786
To be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Financial Statements.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 49
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
2009 2008 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES NOTE
Receipts from customers 1,299,878 (33,102) Payments to suppliers and employees (8,163,986) (6,004,311) Interest received 61,054 57,955 Grants received 7,184,544 6,904,059 Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activites 8(a) 381,490 924,601
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of plant and equipment (114,375) (198,372) Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment 0 27,993 Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities (114,375) (170,379)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 267,115 754,222 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 754,222 0 CLOSING CASH CARRIED FORWARD 8(b) 1,021,337 754,222
The Cash Flow Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
50 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
Retained Earning $
Balance as at 1 July 2007 0
Profit/(Loss) for the period 1,111,786
Balance as at 30 June 2008 1,111,786
(Loss)/Profit for the year (304,203)
Balance as at 30 June 2009 807,583
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 51
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Board of Directors has determined that the organisation is not a reporting entity and accordingly this financial report is a special purpose report prepared for distribution to the members to fulfill the Board of Directors' financial reporting requirements under the Organisation's constitution and must not be used for any other purpose. The Board of Directors has determined that the accounting policies adopted are appropriate to meet the needs of the members.
The financial report has been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting and under the historical cost convention including the going concern assumption except for certain assets, which, as noted, have been written down to fair value as a result of
impairment. Unless otherwise stated, the accounting policies adopted are consisted with those of the prior year.
Significant policies are disclosed below:
a) Principal Activities
Somerville Community Services Inc. is a community service and social welfare organisation whose activities are substantially funded by the government.
b) ATO Endorsements The Organisation, a public benevolent institution, is endorsed to access the following charity tax concessions:
• Income Tax exemption from 1 July 2007 under Subdivision 50-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act of 1997.
• GST concessions from 1 July 2007 under Division 176 of A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999.
• FBT Exemption from 1July 2007 under section 123C of the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986.
As an income tax exempt charity the Organisation is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient from 1 July 2007.
The Organisation is registered in the Australian Business Register with ABN: 62 302 702 903.
c) Employee Benefits
Provision is made in respect of the Organisation's liability for annual leave and long service leave. Long service leave is accrued in respect of all employees after 2 years of service but are not paid until after 10 years' service with the Organisation. All Employee Benefit liabilities are measured at the net present value.
The amounts provided for long service leave have been apportioned between current and non-current, the current provision being the portion what is expected to be paid within the next twelve (12) months.
d) Superannuation
The superannuation expense for the reporting period is the amount of statutory contribution the Organisation
makes to a defined contribution superannuation scheme which provides benefits to its employees.
52 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
e) Revenue Recognition Sale of Goods and Disposal of Assets
Revenue from the sale of goods and disposal of other assets is recognised when the Organisation has passed control of the goods or other assets to the buyer. Rendering of Services
Revenue from grants to provide services is recognised on an accrual basis in accordance with the substance of the relevant agreement. Donation of Assets
Revenue arising from donations in kind is recognised when the Organisation receives the transfer of rights to the donated items. Liabilities Forgiven
The gross amount of a liability forgiven by a credit provider is recognised as revenue.
f) Goods and Services Tax
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except: - where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority, it is recognised as part of the costs of acquisition of an asset or as part of an item or expense; or
- for receivables and payables which are recognised inclusive of GST The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables.
g) Recoverable Amount
At each reporting date, the Organisation reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset's carrying value. Any excess of the asset's carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the income statement.
2. CASH 2009 2008 Cash on Hand 2,895 2,685 Cash at Bank 517,044 751,537 Term Deposits 501,398 0 1,021,337 754,222
The Organisation maintains two (2) bank accounts in Darwin and one (1) in Katherine region.
2009 2008 3. RECEIVABLES Trade Debtors 1,239,879 1,690,020 Prepaid Wages 4,027 3,063 1,243,906 1,693,083
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 53
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 30TH JUNE 2009
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Motor Plant & Furniture & Office Vehicles Equipment Fittings Equipment TOTAL
Gross Carrying Amount:
Balance at 30 June 2008 224,925 126,044 231,539 88,360 670,868 Additions at cost 33,890 57,722 22,763 114,375 Disposals 80,021 48,097 46,410 2,760 177,288
Balance at 30 June 2009 144,904 111,837 242,851 108,363 607,955
Accumulated Depreciation:
Balance at 30 June 2008 139,396 54,964 76,378 15,524 286,262 Disposals 68,505 48,097 46,410 2,760 165,772 Depreciation 34,951 23,302 45,979 26,804 131,036
Balance at 30 June 2009 105,842 30,169 75,947 39,568 251,526
Written Down Value:
30-Jun-08 85,529 71,080 155,161 72,836 384,606
30-Jun-09 39,062 81,668 166,904 68,795 356,429
Property, Plant and Equipment are brought to account where the value is $770 or greater (GST inc). The depreciation rates applied are such that the assets are written off over their expected effective lives. The depreciation rates applied were all at 20% excluding computer hardware at 33.3%. 2009 2008 5. CREDITORS AND BORROWINGS Trade & Other Creditors 442,414 490,425 Prepaid Income 115,889 138,157 GST Payable 142,961 204,076 Accrued Expenses 116,394 83,465 817,658 916,123
2009 2008
6. EMPLOYEES BENEFITS - CURRENT
Provision for Holiday Pay 517,115 395,116 Provision for Long Service Leave 202,284 159,357 719,399 554,473
7. EMPLOYEES BENEFIT - NON CURRENT Provision for Holiday Pay 141,054 82,031 Provision for Long Service Leave 135,980 167,498 277,034 249,529
54 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09
SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2009
8. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS a) Reconciliation of the operating profit after tax to the net cash flows from operations
(Loss)/Profit after income tax (304,203) 1,111,786
Depreciation of non-current assets 131,035 120,034 Net (profit)/Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 11,516 (2,230) Transfer from Somerville Foundation Inc. 0 (332,032)
Changes in assets and liabilities (Increase)/Decrease in Trade and other receivables 450,140 (1,690,020) (Increase)/Decrease in Prepayments (964) (3,062) (Decrease)/Increase in Trade and other creditors (98,465) 1,009,294 (Decrease)/Increase in provision for employee entitlements 192,431 710,831
Net cash flow from/(used in) operating activities 381,490 924,601
b) Reconciliation of cash
Cash balance comprises: cash on hand 2,895 2,685 bank balance 1,018,442 751,537 Closing cash balance 1,021,337 754,222
9. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Organisation operates in one geographic location and two main industry segments being the provision of community welfare and supported accommodation programs to disadvantaged children, youths, adults and families in the Northern Territory of Australia.
10. SEPARATION OF ENTITIES
On 1 July 2007 Somerville Community Services Inc became a new entity under a new ABN 62 302 702 903 after its separation from the now known Somerville Foundation Inc. Assets and Liabilities of Somerville Community Services Inc were transferred out of the Somerville Foundation Inc.'s accounts at book value at 1st July 2007, the date of the separation. The net asset value on the separation were recorded in the accounts of the Services as Transfers from the Foundation.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 55 Index
Disability Services A Services Provided 29 G Gambling Abbreviations 67 Donors 40 Financial Counselling 26 Accommodation Program - Gambling Katherine 25 E Presenting Issues 24 IFC, Acknowledgement 11 Employee Agreement 35 Gambling Awareness Week 26
Aims 1 Employee Benefits 35 Glossary 77 Assisted Accommodation Program 22-23 Employee Profile 36 Grounds and Gardens 12, 32 Guardianship Auditors Report 45-46 Employee Remuneration 35 Disability Services 31
Awards & Agreements 35 Employment Statistics 36 H Environment Highs and Lows of 2007/08 B Energy Reduction Initiatives 37 (see key achievements) 3 Equivalent Full Time Balance Sheets 47 Employees (EFT) 36 History 2
Board of Directors 18-20 Expenditure by Program 15 Human Resources 34-37
Building and Maintenance 33 F I Family Income C Family Services Clients 24 Index 78-79 Family Services Individual Support Action Cash Flow Statement 50 Financial Counselling Service 23-26 Plans (ISAP’s) 31 Family Services Charitable Fundraising 40 Services Provided 22 Information Technology 31, 35 Chief Executive Officer’s Family Support and Report 11-12 Counselling 22 K Client Networking Program - Katherine Youth and “MyTime” 27 Financial Analysis - Historical 15-16 Family Service 25 Client Profile Financial Counselling Disability Services 30 Centre - Palmerston 33 Key Achievements 3 Client Profile Family Services 24 Financial Counselling Service 23-26 Key Challenges 4 Community Access Disability Services 31 Financial Literacy program 23 Key Results 4
Contents 1 Financial Overview 15-16 L
Contents - Financial Reports 43 Financial Performance 14-15 Land and Buildings 33 Counselling Services Localities Served Client Profile 24 Financial Report 13 Family Services 22 Counselling Services Presenting Issues 24 Financial Statements - Income 48-49 Locations - Somerville Offices BC Financial Statements D Changes in Equity 51 M Maintenance /Asset Directors Declaration 44 Funding Sources 14 Management 33 Disability Services Community Access 31 Fundraising 40 Major Fundraising Events 40
Disability Services - ISAP 31 Future Outlook 11-12 Mission Statement 1
56 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Index (cont)
N Salary Packaging 35
New Services 11, 12 Services Provided IFC No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) 26 Social Role Valorization 29, 80
Somerville NT Young Achiever Award IFC Family Services 22-27 Somerville O Disability Services 28-31 Occupational Health and Safety 36 Staff - 2008/09 39 IFC, Organisational Structure 17 Staff Acknowledgement 11-12
Our Organisation IFC Staff Attraction and Retention 35
Overseas Relationships 5, 11 Staff Incentive Scheme 35
P Staff Profile 36 Palmerston Family Counselling Service 26 Staff Service Acknowledgment 40 5-9, Patron 20 Strategic Directions 11-12 Performance Against Strategic Directions 5-9 Summary of Expenditure 13-15 Person Centred Active Support (PCAS) 31 Summary of Income Sources 14
Presidents Report 10 Supporters 40
Q T
Quality Improvement 37 Training & Education 37
R V
Recruitment 35 Vision 1 Relationships with Overseas Organisation 5, 11 Volunteers 40 Relationships with Government Departments 22, 31 W
Reporting 11 WorkCover 36 Reporting Against Strategic Directions 5-9 Y Representation 7, 11, Boards and Committees 31 Year in Review 5-9
Retention of Skilled Staff 35 Young Achiever Award IFC
Revenue by Funding Source 14
S
Safe Working Environment 36
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 57 Glossary of Terms
Community Benefit Fund (CBF): The Homelessness Australia: A national Northern Territory Council of Northern Territory Community Benefit peak body working to prevent and Social Services (NTCOSS): Fund provides funding support for - respond to homelessness in Australia by A peak body for the Social and • gambling-related research representing the interests of more than Community Sector and an advocate for • programs to address problem gambling 1300 homeless assistance services. The social justice on behalf of people and • general community development and body contributes to policy development communities in the NT who may be improvement purposes. and the evaluation of Australia’s affected by poverty and disadvantage. The Fund receives money from levies homelessness service system. NTCOSS membership base is made up of non government and community imposed on the operation of electronic Human Services Training organisations, Indigenous organisations, gaming machines in the N.T. Advisory Council (HSTAC): and community councils across the A Northern Territory organisation with Commonwealth Financial Territory. NTCOSS works closely with membership drawn from industry and Counselling (CFC): ACOSS to address priority social policy the community. The Council provides Grant program administered by the and sector issues. Commonwealth Government leadership and advice about vocational (FaHCSIA). CFC funds community education and training to ensure Supported Accommodation service organisations to provide free quality outcomes in the delivery of Assistance Program (SAAP): financial counselling services to people human services. Commonwealth program assisting homeless people and women and experiencing financial difficulties. Individual Support Action Plan children escaping domestic violence. (ISAP): Somerville’s Disability Services Disability Services: The arm of SAAP provides recurrent funding for recognises that each client within the Somerville that provides community salaries and other operational costs supported accommodation program is an based supported accommodation for associated with the provision of individual and should receive appropriate people with developmental disabilities housing and support for people who levels of support to achieve desired goals or acquired brain injuries with high are experiencing homelessness or are related to their individual needs. support needs in Darwin, Howard at risk of homelessness. Springs and Katherine. Development of Individual Support Action Plans ensures that each person Social Role Valorization (SRV): Disability Advisory Council (DAC): receives appropriate support. ISAPs A concept for transacting human This N.T. based Council provides advice involve a detailed investigation of all relationships and human service, to the Minister for Family and aspects of a person’s support needs. formulated in 1983 by Wolf Community Services on the policy, Wolfensberger, PhD. The basic premise “MyTime”: A program run by planning and delivery of disability of SRV is that people are much more Somerville Family Services which services in the N.T. The DAC is an likely to experience the “good things in provides an opportunity to connect important mechanism for people with life” if they hold valued social roles than with a group of people in a relaxed, disabilities, their carers, service if they do not. The major goal of SRV is friendly environment while addressing providers and key stakeholders to to create or support socially valued roles important topics from gambling to advise on policy and practice change. for people in their society. domestic violence. Family Services: The arm of Somerville Youth and Family Services Katherine: NAPCAN - National Association for that provides a range of community Somerville Family Services Program Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect: service programs including confidential, based in Katherine that focuses on a National, independent, charitable professional counselling and support Youth Homelessness prevention program organisation with a purpose to prevent service for families, couples, individual providing support and counselling to child abuse and neglect before it starts. adults, children, adolescents and groups young people and their families. of individuals in Darwin, Palmerston, No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS): Katherine and surrounding rural areas. Developed by Good Shepherd Youth Family & Community Services and family Service over 25 years ago. Advisory Council (FACSAC): NILS offer small no interest loans for This N.T. based Council advises the people on low incomes for the purchase Minister for Family and Community of essential household goods. Comprises Services on matters relating to the approximately 250 NILS program ACRONYM LIST welfare of individuals, families, and providers around Australia. NILS is a registered trademark of Good Shepherd ACOSS - Australian Council of Social communities including - child protection, Service (see NTCOSS) family wellbeing, alcohol and drug use, Youth & Family Service. CEO - Chief Executive Officer mental health needs and raising and National Disability Services (NDS): supporting young people. NDS is the national industry association EEO - Equal Employment Opportunity Financial Literacy Program: for disability services representing in EFT- Equivalent Full Time staff position excess of 600 not-for-profit organisations, Known as “Cashed-Up”, this program FBT - Fringe Benefits Tax is funded by private sponsorship and collectively operating several thousand targeted at senior high school students services for Australians with all types IT - Information Technology with the aim of teaching them financial of disability. NDS promotes the MOU - Memorandum of Understanding development of quality services and skills. The program was developed by OH&S - Occupational Health and Safety Somerville’s Financial Counsellors in life opportunities for Australians with consultation with teachers, parents and disabilities. SCS - Somerville Community Services senior level students.
58 Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 Our Vision
Somerville Community Services Inc. seeks the improvement of the human condition in a complex and changing world in which many people are victims, vulnerable or otherwise adversely affected.
To these ends, Somerville will: • Monitor the social complexities and changes, and their implications for The courage to be... communities, families and individuals. • Seek to identify and act upon negative social changes in advance of their impact. Sensible • Work in the best interests of those most adversely affected by social change. Outstanding • Be an informed voice that promotes the interests of the most vulnerable members of the community. Motivated • Actively contribute to community and professional debate in relation to social justice and community service issues. Energetic • Maintain and extend collaborative working relationships in the community Reasonable including government, non-government agencies and significant community groups. • Continue to provide and develop Vibrant appropriate high quality services that are responsive to community need. Inspiring • Draw on its existing expertise and experience and develop the necessary new organisational capacities to carry Loving out its work. • Embrace its significant local responsibilities in the north of Australia, recognise its wider Lively service and social justice responsibilities throughout Australia and in the South East Asian Region. Encouraging • Meet its wider regional responsibilities by strengthening working relationships with organisations throughout Australia and the South East Asian Region. • Maintain and develop its capacity to fulfil its missions by protecting and enhancing its resource base – financial and human. • Carry out its work, stay in touch with and be responsive to the needs of the community it serves. • Facilitate achievement of the Vision, maintain the highest standards of governance and leadership that are expected of a value based organisation.
Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2008/09 SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INC. PO Box 42644 Casuarina NT 0811 Telephone: (08) 8920 4100 Facsimile: (08) 8920 4101 Email: [email protected] Website: www.somerville.org.au
DARWIN 147 Lee Point Road WAGAMAN NT 0810 Ph: (08) 8920 4100 - Fx: (08) 8920 4101 Email: [email protected]
PALMERSTON 3 Victoria Drive, GRAY NT 0830 Ph: (08) 8935 1500 - Fx: (08) 8935 1501 Email: [email protected]
PALMERSTON (Financial Counselling Centre) 3 Bonson Terrace, MOULDEN NT 0830 Ph: (08) 8931 6200 - Fx: (08) 8931 6201 Email: [email protected]
KATHERINE 30 First Street KATHERINE NT 0850 Ph: (08) 8972 5100 - Fx: (08) 8972 5101 Email: [email protected]
The Annual Report is available on the website www.somerville. org.au
Somervillethe courage to be....