St George Family Support Services Inc.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - 2016
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ...... 2
Vision, Mission, Values & History ...... 3
Principles ...... 4
Organisational Structure ...... 5
Our Management Committee ...... 6
Agenda ...... 7
Minutes from 2014-2015 AGM ...... 8
President’s Report ...... 10
Treasurer’s Report ...... 11
Manager’s Report ...... 12
Group Reports ...... 15
Client Stories ...... 17
Financial Report ...... 20
Page 1 St George Family Support Services Inc. Annual Report 2015 - 2016 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to the NSW Department of Family & Community Services for providing us with our ongoing funding.
Thank you to local councils Georges River and Rockdale, and the following organisations for the support provided throughout the year.
Activus St George Domestic Violence Arncliffe Public School Service Barnardos, Family Referral Service St George Hospital Beverly Hills Public School St George Police/Hurstville BRIC Project St George Youth Services Centrelink St John’s Anglican Church, Dandelion Support Group Rockdale Department of Education & St Vincent de Paul Society, Training Hurstville Georges River Life Care Southern Sydney Women’s Helping Hand Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Housing NSW Service Hurstville Public School Sustaining NSW Families Kingsgrove Public School Sydney Basket Brigade Kogarah Diagnostic Centre Sydney In Home Childcare Services Learning Links Sydney Women’s Counselling Mary Kay Cosmetics Centre Penshurst Public School TAFE St George PHN Central & Eastern Sydney The Salvation Army, Hurstville Relationships Australia The Salvation Army, Kogarah Rockdale Community Health Centre Moneycare Rockdale Public School Uniting Church, Kogarah SDN Brighter Futures – Sutherland Volunteer Link SGS News Worldwide Printing Solutions St George Child & Adolescent YouthZone Mental Health Services 3Bridges Community St George Community Housing
St George Community Services Centre
Importantly, the services listed are just a few agencies within the St George area that have provided such invaluable support and we look forward to working in partnership with all our various stakeholders in the coming year.
Again a huge thank you to: our amazing volunteer Les and the Management Committee and guest speakers whose support over the year has been vital and appreciated.
A special thank you to the Staff for their commitment to providing support to the families referred to St George Family Support Services Inc.
Page 2 St George Family Support Services Inc. Annual Report 2015 - 2016 VISION Healthy, Happy, Safe Children
This holds true for all children within the community regardless of ability, health, religion, ethnicity or family structure.
MISSION SGFSS will work with children and families to help them build their knowledge, skills and resilience, whilst affirming their social, racial and linguistic identities. We will support local families to provide safe environments for children, strong relationships and a healthy, harmonious community through the provision of strength based services. This comes from the belief that: a community where children and families are supported and empowered to reach their full potential because of a nurturing environment that values the richness of diversity, enables a sense of belonging for all its members.
VALUES Social Justice: Participation Equality Access Equity Empowerment Respect
HISTORY
St George Family Support Services Inc. was established in 1987 in response to the needs of families and children. The needs were identified by a sub-committee for St George Children’s Interagency who prepared a submission to the then NSW Department of Family and Community Services. St George Family Support Services Inc. was initially located at the rear of Rockdale City Council premises in Bryant Street Rockdale and shared premises with Rockdale Early Childhood Health Centre. The name, used to incorporate “Backstop” emerged as a result of the services location at the back of the building. In 2008 the service officially became St George Family Support Services Inc. removing the name Backstop. In 1996, as a result of a collaborative partnership between St George Family Support Services and Sutherland Shire Family Support Services, the Southern Sydney Domestic Violence Court Support Scheme was established. St George Family Support Services continues to participate in a roster to provide this service.
Page 3 St George Family Support Services Inc. Annual Report 2015 - 2016 PRINCIPLES
. All children have a right to be healthy, happy and safe. . All families have a right to prompt and easy access to services to meet their individual needs. . Service delivery should be child and family focused. . Families have the right to participate in the planning of services that affect them. . Service responses should be built upon foundations of trust, accountability and transparency. . Children and families have knowledge about their lives and individual experiences, together with much strength which should be respected and used to support self-determination. . Children and families have a right to be listened to and encouraged in a non-judgemental environment. . Services need to be culturally appropriate and responsive to the diverse needs of the community. . Families should be empowered to develop skills that will enable them to build their independence. . Children and families have the right to confidentiality (within the limits of the law). . Children and families have the right to complain about services they are receiving without prejudice.
Additionally we support the NSW Family Services Principles:-
. Staff and families work together in relationships based on trust and respect . Enhance families’ capacity to support the growth and development of all family members . Affirm and strengthen families’ social, cultural, racial and linguistic identities and enhance their ability to function in a pluralist society . To be embedded in their communities and contribute to the community building process . Flexible and continually responsive to emerging family and community issues . Members of a family should be safe from violence . Children should be provided with safe, quality alternatives if it is deemed they can never live with their birth family
Page 4 St George Family Support Services Inc. Annual Report 2015 - 2016 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 2015-2016
Volunteers throughout 2015 – 2016 Cindy Zhou Wei Zhang
Student throughout 2015-2016 Tegan Kannard
Page 5 St George Family Support Services Inc. Annual Report 2015 - 2016 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE PRESIDENT
John Hallam has a professional background in law, change management, strategic planning, sales, marketing and business development. John has held several senior legal and business roles in a number of global organisations, having worked mainly in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. He is passionate about ensuring organisations have robust processes, allowing people to fulfil their goals - personally and from a business perspective. In his spare time, his time is focused on his teenage boys, cycling and bagpipes.
SECRETARY
Debbie Hunter is currently a local primary school principal with over thirty years’ experience in education. She has worked in many diverse community settings in her career and believes in equitable access to community services and initiatives. She maintains a strong ethos in the integration of services in which the wellbeing and education of families is paramount to building a strong sense of belonging to a community. She is very excited about assisting St George Family Support Services to
help provide these opportunities to all families and values the commitment of these services.
TREASURER Lee Payne is a graduate of both the University of Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney and is a director of Auswild & Co Chartered Accountants. She has over 15 years’ experience in public practice, providing accounting, taxation and advisory services to a large range of clients, including motor dealerships, building and construction entities, as well as a number of international clients. Lee is an advocate for social justice and is keen to promote equality and engender a greater sense of community. To this end she is willing to devote her time and efforts to organisations that look to provide positive outcomes for all families. COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Rodger Robertson is retired after 30 years with Qantas in management and 15 years at The University of NSW lecturing in airline management. He is currently active in voluntary work with the management of Oatley Heritage and Historical Society, Kogarah Historical Society, Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society, Oatley Public School, Bankstown Golf Club, and in golf matters for seniors. He is keen to work with organisations that assist people in need and ensuring that St George Family Support Services can provide service to those in the target group. He wants to encourage a sense of community and family involvement amongst young people and to provide access to historical material for all. Ruth Campbell is an experienced executive manager with wide experience in all aspects of human resource management including with Qantas, National Foods and AGL. Five years ago she changed direction and took up alcohol and drug counselling and an appointment as Official Visitor to NSW Prisons. She is also a director of Smart Recovery, a not-for-profit organisation working with people with addictions. Ruth is committed to working with people from a wide range of backgrounds both as an advocate for diversity and through field work with young people and others from disadvantaged lifestyles. Brought up and educated in the St George district she is keen to contribute her skills and experience again to this area.
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AGENDA
1. Open Meeting and Welcome
2. Acknowledgement of Country
3. Apologies
4. Guest Speaker – Sergeant Alison Guthrie
5. Minutes of 2014 - 2015 Annual General Meeting
6. President’s Report
7. Treasurers Report
8. Financial Report
9. Manager’s Report
10. Appointment of Returning Officer
11. Elections & Declaration of Management Committee Members for 2016 - 2017
12. Close of Meeting
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St George Family Support Services Inc. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Wednesday, 21st October 2015 at 11am Held at the Community Hall, Jubilee Oval Carlton
Meeting Opened: 11.10am
Chairperson: Ruth Campbell
Minutes: Sharon Alamango
Present: Debbie Ashpole, Ruth Campbell, Annamaria DiFrancesco, Megan Grimson, Debbie Hunter, Dixon Li, Diane Manns, Bernadette Redford, Rodger Robertson, Nadia Saleh, Eva Spatenkova, Serena Yam, Sharon Alamango, Annie Liu, Megan Ridgeway, Jannene Hartman, Amara Amil Ibrahim, Julie Dale, Wei Zhu Guan, Jiebi Feng.
1. Welcome: Ruth Campbell welcomed all in attendance.
2. Acknowledgement to Country: Ruth acknowledged the Indigenous and traditional caretakers of this land would also like to pay respect to the elders both past and present of the Sydney Aboriginal nations and extend that respect to other Aboriginal People present today.
3. Apologies: John Hallam, Mark Coure, David Linden, Jane Hargreaves, Teresa Lemura, Jason Warne, Carol Pearson, Amy Ha.
4. Minutes of 2013-2014 Annual General Meeting: All in attendance took time to read the minutes. These are true minutes of the meeting.
Moved By: Debbie Hunter Seconded By: Dixon Li
Minutes were accepted.
5. Manager's Report: Jannene did not read her report however, wanted to draw attention to the statistics at the end of the report as she thought them quite interesting. Whilst they are quite interesting and reflect the work SGFSS does, they also show the direction of which programs SGFSS will run; This year we have two of the people, we worked with write their stories and that’s what it is all about. These stories for us as staff are humbling, moving and they are what keep us going because that’s what it is all about. Jannene then went on to thank them for being strong, independent amazing women who were prepared to share some of their darkest moments of their lives.
Ruth then asked all present if they had any questions for Jannene regarding the report or anything in general.
6. President’s Report: Ruth advised all present that the Presidents report was on page 21, in John’s absence if anyone has any questions relating to John’s report the Management Committee would be happy to answer.
Ruth then went on to explain that the Management Committee’s role is a Governance Role with Jannene running the operation.
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7. Treasurer’s Report: Before Dixon presented his report Ruth informed all present that due to the constitution Dixon will be stepping down as treasurer as he has been on the Management Committee for 5 years and thanked him for all the work he has done. Dixon did not go through the whole report, he pointed out that the income has been fairly steady and is very similar to 2014 as are the expenses. Dixon then went on to thank all the Committee members for their help for the last few years, also thanked Jannene and staff for all the work they have done and wish them all the best for the future.
Ruth then asked all present if they had any questions for Dixon.
8. Financial Report: Annamaria, the auditor, informed all present that for 2014-2015 produced an unqualified report and consistent. This year SGFSS purchased an asset the bus. As per the constitution this will be Annamaria’s last year as auditor and went on to thank Jannene and the staff for being able to answer all questions and it has been a pleasure to work with SGFSS and thanked the committee for the last 3 years. Annamaria wished everyone all the best.
Ruth then asked all present if they had any questions for Annamaria. Ruth then formally thanked Annamaria on behalf of the Management Committee.
9. The Returning Officer: Ruth introduced Nadia Saleh as the Returning Officer. Nadia declared all positions of the Management Committee vacant 2014-2015.
10. Elections & Declaration of Management Committee Members for 2015-2016 The returning officer read aloud the nominations for 2015-2016 committee:
John Hallam as President Debbie Hunter as Secretary Rodger Robertson as Treasurer Ruth Campbell as an ordinary member
John was not present, but has accepted the nomination
As nominations do not exceed the vacant positions all nominees were elected.
Nadia then congratulated all members.
The meeting was then opened for any other comments or general business.
Ruth then thanked all for coming and asked Jannene to make some closing remarks.
Jannene thanked all her team with all sincerity from the bottom of her heart. She went on to say how committed, hardworking, phenomenal the staff are and added a big thank you. Jannene then thanked the Management Committee for giving up their time. She then thanked and presented a small gift to Nadia, Annamaria, the Management Committee and Dixon.
Ruth encouraged everyone to read the clients stories in the Annual Report and we are only here because of these stories. These should be at the forefront, they highlight difficult situations but with a positive outcome and are extremely stimulating for those who work at SGFSS and those who are involved with SGFSS and thanked the clients for sharing their stories with the community.
Ruth then formally closed the meeting and invited all to stay for a light lunch and to mingle.
Meeting Closed at 11.30am
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
This year has been about continuing to build on the successful foundation that has been laid since the organisation’s inception in 1987. Since our last AGM, St George Family Services has helped over 500 families through Casework, Parenting Groups and key programs such as Outreach and Parenting in Australia for our Chinese Community. The First Aid programs and Relationship workshop for Dads were integrated with the local schools, which is a positive step in the development with the St George Community.
St George Family Support Services and its wonderful programs are able to exist through the continued outstanding leadership and passion of our Manager Jannene Hartman, supported by the equal passion and expertise of Megan, Sharon, Annie, Teresa, Sandra and Jessica.
I would also like to thank my fellow members of the Management Committee, Ruth, Debbie, Roger and Lee. These people volunteer their time and we are fortunate to have such breadth of experience.
A special thanks needs to go to Ruth, who has decided to retire from the Management Committee to pursue other activities. Ruth brought to the Management Committee a great deal of experience, both professionally and personally. Her contribution will be missed and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
No year can be complete, without a very sincere and personal thankyou to each and everyone of the St George Family Support Services team and extended community for their individual contributions throughout the year. Each and everyone have played an important role in building a healthy, harmonious community through respectful relationships in 2016 and building on the successful tradition of others.
2017 will see St George Family Support Services complete 30 years of providing services to the community. This is a wonderful milestone and I am confident, it will be another successful year.
Thank you.
John Hallam President
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TREASURER’S REPORT
I am pleased to present to you the financial statements (comprising of the balance sheet, income and expenditure statement and notes) of the St George Family Support Services Inc. for the financial year ended 30 June, 2016. The financial statements have been audited by Ms Anna Maria Di Francesco. The financial statements and a copy of the auditor’s report thereon are included in this Annual Report.
Both current year income (being $411,899) and expenses (being $411,044) have increased slightly over that for last year. The major source of funding continues to be NSW Department of Family & Community Services, whilst the major item of expense remains staff-related costs (which is expected as our organisation is a service provider and these services are provided by our staff). There have been no fund raising activities during the year.
There is a small operating surplus of $855 for the year, compared with a surplus of $952 for last year.
The amount of net assets as at 30 June, 2016 is $840,006, an increase of $350,855. This is due, in most part, to the revaluation of land and buildings by $350,000, based on the current valuation.
I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Teresa for maintaining the accounting records in such good order.
I would also like to thank my fellow committee members for their continued support and assistance during the year.
Lee Payne Treasurer
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MANAGER’S REPORT
With another year behind us, it is once families we work with, its impact on our again time to sit and review what we have service and other services in the area done, why we have done it and most cannot be overstated. Dealing with these importantly, whether or not our efforts complexities requires an experienced and have made a difference. Caught up in the professional team and I am proud to have day to day stresses of working with families that team and work with them. The work in crisis, it is not easy to take the time to they do and the outcomes they achieve are recognise the difference we have made to remarkable. Thank you Teresa, Megan, these families, nor the positive changes that Annie, Sharon, Sandra and Jessica! we have set in motion. That makes this Thank you to Les, our bus driver, whose time of the year, with the correlation and professionalism, reliability and reporting of data and the reviewing of commitment to St George Family Support programs and outcomes, an exciting and Services is valued beyond words. Thank rewarding time, in spite of the work you also to John, Debbie, Rodger, Ruth and involved. Lee, our Management Committee for the As most of you will know, Child Youth and support and vision. We are what we are Family funding has been under review for a because of your knowledge and couple of years to ensure that services are commitment. correctly funded and producing outcomes Following is the data for the year till June that would support “value for money” i.e. 30th 2016 an increase on last year. effecting positive change. It is not as much about how much we do as how well we do 511 families engaged in one of our it. As this is being done slowly and programs and comprised 755 children of thoroughly, all funding was extended for a whom 501 were aged 0-5 and 254 were further year with an expectation that 6-11. decisions will be made for the 2017-2018 Outreach is offered at 5 schools each term financial year. I guess it would be easy to go and 6 schools now run programs we into panic mode about the future but that initiated. 77% of families spoke a language would be counter-productive to the other than English at home, 3% had a families who come to us for help as our parent with a disability, 4% had a child with energies should be focussed on providing a disability and 1% or less identified as that help. We know we make a difference, aboriginal or were a parent <21. We had a we have been doing so for 29 years, and 93% retention rate across all programs. our data supports this. We continue to auspice the St George The complexity of case management and Domestic Violence Committee, work with demands for early intervention and Corrective Services and remain committed community education continues its to working with our local CSG to support increase and as such it continues to be a ROSH families through Maim. problem to the juggling of both physical and professional resources, not only here at St George Family Support Services but across the St George area. Domestic and Jannene Hartman Family Violence is on the increase and, as Manager this accounts for a large percentage of the
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HOW MUCH DID WE DO?
PERCENTAGE OF FAMILIES WHO:
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HOW WELL DID WE DO IT?
IS ANYBODY BETTER OFF?
Percentage of parents/carers who say that through the program they have learnt new things:
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GROUP REPORTS
CHINESE PARENT GROUP Some typical presentation and workshops which were of great benefit to parents and Chinese Parent’s Group is an early intervention children were: program run by SGFSS which has gained lots of positive feedback from the local Chinese Parenting in Australia community in the past years. The programs aim Literacy – Reading to & with your child is to improve the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of children (0-5) and also to support Self- Care and Caring for Children Chinese parents to understand a parent’s role Positive Parent Interaction Activities and responsibility in Australia. The program also provides great opportunity for parents to Parent First Aid skill training participate in community events and be a part 123 Magic & Emotion Coaching of society. The group meets every Thursday at Carss Park. Aproximately 12 parents and around 12 children attended the group during There has been a lot of positive feedback from the school terms. Chinese parents who have completed SGFSS parenting education. Parents have learnt Some activities have been specially created for concepts of positive parenting strategies and the increasingly younger age of new group communication skills. Most of these parents members in 2016 but all topics and activities have a good interaction with their children, cover information on child growth and such as playing, having fun and travelling development, positive behaviour management together with their children. Parents are techniques, first aid/nutrition for young understanding that all round education is more children, school readiness, parents' physical important than academic achievement. I and mental health etc. sincerely hope to be able to assist more The group environment has directly provided families in the Chinese community through our parents a platform to relieve the stress of program and allow children to have healthy, parenting and improve situations of social happy and confident childhood. isolation. Parent feedback is always very positive. Annie Liu There are increasing numbers of parents on GROUP FACILITATOR & FAMILY the group waiting list in 2016 and we always SUPPORT WORKER give priority to those families with additional needs who may be facing issues of domestic violence, homelessness, single parent situation/ separation, experiencing mental health problems and struggling with language barrier and social isolation.
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TUESDAY PARENT GROUP This year we welcomed more new families to “I love to bring my son to group our Tuesday Parent Group. because he always has a good time with the other kids and with Sharon The group aims to provide a safe environment and Sandra who run the group. for children, build strong relationships and The atmosphere is always very healthy harmonious communities. friendly and welcoming. It makes Throughout the year we discuss parenting me feel part of something”. Paula issues and share experiences to improve Les continues to drive our bus and pick up parent knowledge of Child Development. and drop off our families who cannot access Information is provided about services and transportation events in the local area and the group is an opportunity to form new friendships. This year we marked Child Protection Week with an excursion to Shrimps Play Centre at The children participate in developmentally Bexley and celebrated Christmas with our end appropriate play experiences with our of year Christmas party with gifts for the qualified Child Care Worker, Sandra. Parents children. and children play, sing, dance and interact in the group to help strengthen the parent / child attachment. Sharon Alamango Feedback from some of our members: GROUP FACILITATOR & FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER “I like to come to this group because you can try to mingle with other parents, sharing, playing, a place where the kids can enjoy themselves and very friendly people”. Venus
“I was referred to the group by St George Community Family Support for help for my daughter who suffers from development delay. My daughter really enjoys the group and it’s her favourite day of the week. She enjoys the environment and socialising with other children and is gradually improving. My OUTREACH daughter and I are both very happy”. Shefhali Our Family Support Workers provided Outreach at Rockdale Public School, Penshurst Public School, Arncliffe Public School, Beverly Hills Public School, Kingsgrove Public School and Hurstville Public School this year. Outreach gives families attending these schools the opportunity to meet with a Family Support Worker and discuss their family’s needs. Family Support Workers provide information, advocacy and referral. We extend our thanks to the schools for working in partnership to give access to services for vulnerable families.
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CLIENT STORIES
Penny’s Story
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Penny’s Story (Translated)
I came from China 7 years ago and have lived in Sydney. I have two children and am a fulltime housewife looking after my children at home likes most of mothers. I thought my life would continue this way, but in 2015 I experienced severe domestic violence and it changed of my life.
I have made the decision to report it to the police and my husband has been excluded from home by police. Due to the separation my ex-husband transferred all our savings and no longer support us financially, I found myself in a difficult situation.
The police informed me about St George Family Support Service so I contacted them. I have previously experienced communication problems, due to language barriers, but luckily I had the opportunity to have Annie, the Chinese speaking family support worker, to support me during this difficult period.
Annie informed me about a safety plan and about security of personal information. Annie was very patient and assisted me to arrange legal advice, counselling and complete a Housing application. I was successfully approved for the Start Safely subsidy and housing provided me and my children a safe and stable living environment.
I still struggle with financial hardships as a single parent but with the help of Annie contacting local charities food and furniture has been provided for my family. I continue attending the Chinese Parents’ Group of SGFSS and have learnt parenting skills, how to effectively engage/communicate with my children and how to become a better parent.
I am really appreciative for the assistance of St George Family Support Services. They have supported me through the most difficult time in my life so I was not falling apart with the pressure of family issues.
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Manish & Theresa’s Story
Before we share our situation we thanks God for everything that he touch the heart of people that helps and supports us that time we homeless, like Sharon, from St George Family Support Services. Sharon she total feels how hard the situation we going through last year.
We pregnant with our second child. Me, my husband and our one year old son, are extremely grateful to Sharon Alamango from St George Family Support Services. She was the only one who helped us with literally everything including for our basic survival necessities like food, clothing etcetera. She organised with other services to provide us with furniture, kitchenettes, beds, lounges, dining table with chairs, washing machine, baby high chair and all other baby requirements and even helped us out with furnishing our whole unit, which us, a poor family call home.
Sharon has been very proactive for all these that we received in no time and we cannot thank her enough nor pay anything back. Sharon is the only one who has set up a beautiful platform to be starting a family life, since prior to her generous whole-hearted help the truth that we had been in a continual homelessness moving several places, often sleeping at parks and on hospital benches for a period of one whole year (12months). Sharon Alamango and St George Family Services Inc has been and always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanking you, your knowledge being a comfort. God bless!
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