ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 Diocese Of Wollongong

Centacare Catholic Family Welfare Services 2005 Club of the Year Proudly supporting the Macarthur Community for over 40 years.

4625 0000 www.cathclub.com.au For the information of members and guests

By saving into an Incentive Plus account with the CDF you can assist Centacare, while earning a top rate of interest. For further details contact the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Wollongong 86-88 Market Street Wollongong 1800 047 703 www.cdfwollongong.org.au Contents Our Mission, Our Values, Our Services, Future Directions...... 4 Director’s Report...... 5 Bishop’s Report...... 6 Chairman’s Report...... 7 Organisational Chart...... 8 Leadership...... 9 Fundraising Events...... 10 Reading the Signs of the Times...... 11 Our Programs Family Services...... 12 Counselling Marriage and Relationship Education Family Skills Training Children’s Contact Service ...... 13 Aged Services ...... 14 Community Aged Care Packages Community Visitors Scheme Volunteer Support Disability Services ...... 15 Flexible Options Program Career Counselling & Support Disability Advocate Children’s Out of Home Care Services ...... 16 Foster Care Access Services School Student and Family Program ...... 16 Personal Support Program ...... 17 Chaplaincy ...... 17 Corporate Services ...... 18 Income & Expenditure ...... 19 Our Mission On behalf of the , Centacare provides a range of human services and endeavours to be a prophetic voice in the community to alleviate injustice and disadvantage. We are committed to working together to make a difference in people’s lives through service and advocacy.

Our Values Catholic social principles will be evident in our lives and work by: • respecting the dignity of each person • protecting human dignity in the community • actively seeking conditions which enhance the common good • enabling clients and fellow workers to participate in the community • providing preferential access to the most vulnerable clients • demonstrating responsible stewardship in the quality and professionalism of our individual and collective work • acting with integrity and fairness

Future Directions Our Services Centacare is dedicated to advocating and being proactive for the people society Family Services marginalises and devalues in the Diocese of • Counselling (Family and Relationship; Grief) Wollongong. • Marriage and Relationship Education The welfare sector is growing and changing rapidly and Centacare must be well prepared • Family Skills Training Program to meet current and changing circumstances. Children’s Contact Service We are reaching the end of our Strategic Plan for 2003-2006, which has led to the Aged Services development of systems that better allow us • Community Aged Care Packages to proactively identify and respond to special needs and social issues in our community. The • Community Visitors Scheme current Strategic Plan has driven a process Office of Disability and Disability Services of continuous improvement in the delivery of all our programs and services through the School Student and Family Program implementation of a quality approach across our operations. This has been enhanced Children’s Out of Home Care Services by staff development and support, the use • Foster Care of technology as an essential tool in quality service delivery and key collaborative • Children’s Access Services partnerships. Chaplaincy within Juvenile Justice Other key objectives that have been achieved include the establishment of Outreaches in the Community Support Program Macarthur and Shoalhaven areas. Corporate Services We are now developing a Strategic Plan for 2006-2009 that will reflect how we will meet the challenges of providing welfare services in the second half of this decade.

 At a time when Australian government, business and However, I would particularly society and the Diocese of community, whilst also asking like to acknowledge that the Wollongong appear to be them to recognise the realities Diocese has provided funding going through fundamental of poverty and disadvantage. for two years for a Disability change, Centacare faces a This year saw the first Advocate to go out into the major challenge to remain true encyclical of the Holy Father, parishes and help people with to its mission and values. Pope Benedict XVI, which disabilities and their carers. Everywhere around us we see confirmed the importance of Special thanks to Diocesan evidence that Australians are the very challenges we are personnel who over the past living individualistic lives and facing. The Pope reaffirmed twelve months have worked are less inclined to reach out the centrality of the charitable with Centacare to develop our to their fellow human beings. mission of the Church and new Mandate & Constitution The most dangerous aspect his challenge is clear. We which has been approved of today’s is the shift must by nature, serve those by Bishop . We in public discourse towards a most in need. We must, by especially acknowledge Fr Director’s Report more individualistic, consumer our nature, give voice to their Peter Comensoli and Sr Moya driven society and away from concerns and we must, as a Hanlon for their commitment a shared notion of building the matter of necessity, organise and to Dr Rodger Austin for his common good for the benefit our resources wisely to achieve assistance in this matter. We must, as a of all. This trend sees the most these objectives. Centacare, the major welfare vulnerable, disadvantaged ministry of the Diocese, does matter of necessity, Leadership in difficult times members of society blamed for In the past year we have not work in isolation and, as organise our resources their own circumstances. restructured our management always, there are many people Many parts of our community team to help us meet the to thank for another successful wisely to achieve reap the benefits of a record challenges we face in year of service. these objectives. budget record surplus, low remaining true to our Mission Bishop Peter has been a unemployment and low inflation and continuing to preserve the tower of strength and pastoral - but people on benefits, and dignity of the individuals who support for us and we have other low income earners suffer need our services. also benefited greatly from the as interest rates increase and Importantly, we have renamed work of many priests and lay the cost of food and petrol it the Leadership Team to people across the Diocese. rises. reflect the importance we Our fund-raising committee Our Mission states: On place on sound and inspiring has again done another behalf of the Catholic Church, leadership to retain a sense of outstanding job, coordinating Centacare provides a range of identity and purpose among wonderful social occasions and human services and endeavours our staff and energize them successful fund-raisers. to be a prophetic voice in to meet the challenges they I am eternally gratefully to the the community to alleviate face in their demanding jobs. commitment and wisdom of injustice and disadvantage. This is essential if we are to the Centacare Board members We are committed to working achieve our goals in the face for their guidance throughout together to make a difference of seemingly ever-increasing the year. With the introduction in people’s lives through service bureaucratic demands from of the Centacare Constitution and advocacy. funding, accreditation and and Mandate, a new Advisory Clearly, it is our duty to both auditing bodies that can often Council has been formed. My provide services to needy distract out staff from their deepest thanks to outgoing people in our community core roles - providing best members, Barry Wood, John and speak out against practice services to people Logue, Dr Di Sansom, Margaret injustice and disadvantage. who need them and joining Bartley and Tony Abela for the However, we are confronted them in making changes to their generosity of their time, solid with many challenges in the lives. Our Leadership Team is commitment and unwavering provision of social and welfare introduced on page 8. support to the mission of services. Changes in the way Centacare as Board members. government services are funded Highlights for 2005-2006 They are the foundation on and managed and changes Centacare seeks to meet which Centacare will grow into in community attitudes towards the needs of people in our the future. people in need indicate that community irrespective of Thanks also to our many new solutions are required if religious affiliation, cultural sponsors and supporters, we are to continue to serve the background, ethnicity, gender notably the Campbelltown most in need. or age. Centacare’s services Catholic Club. The task for the year ahead continue to be proactive, And finally, a heart-felt thank is for us to respond to these preventative, supportive and you to our outstanding staff who challenges - to remain true to empowering with the aim of do such a wonderful job in a our mission, to maintain our strengthening families and very demanding field. independence as we seek communities. funding from government There have been many Kathleen McCormack and to rally support from the highlights over the past year. Director  It is my pleasure once again to them to live with dignity. broad membership reflecting endorse the work of Centacare, The Diocese cannot but the diversity of our Diocese, Wollongong Diocese’s Catholic support its social welfare arm, including clergy, psychologists, Welfare Agency. Centacare has Centacare, both actively and community workers and served the diocesan community financially because it is integral professionals in law and for 26 years, welcoming to the work of the Church. It is a finance, all of whom have an families, individuals, couples, response to Jesus’ identification interest in and a concern for young people and children with those who are sick, in Catholic welfare. who seek help through its many prison, in need of food and The role of the CAC is to programs and services. shelter. The Lord said that advise me in matters relating Centacare’s mission, like that whatever you do or do not to Centacare as a ministry, an of the Church at large, is to do to one of the least of my apostolic work of the Diocese. give witness to Jesus Christ’s brothers and sisters, you do or It will investigate and study love and care for people do not do, to me. (Mt 25:31 ff) matters relating to promoting, and, when necessary, to be During this year, Centacare developing and establishing Bishop’s Report a prophetic voice working to rightly participated in both the social services in the Diocese promote justice, love, peace Diocesan Vocations Congress so as to formulate practical and reconciliation by alleviating in May and the Stewardship conclusions regarding them, as injustice, disadvantage and Institute in June. The week-long well as advising and supporting ‘Along with the disharmony. Vocations Congress aimed to the Director of Centacare in Along with many other focus everyone on our basic carrying out the duties of that administration of apostolic endeavours in the vocation from our Baptism, office. It is my hope that the Diocese, Centacare also works to participate actively in the new CAC will be welcomed by sacraments and the on behalf of the Catholic mission of Jesus’ Church, all as a means of developing proclamation of the community at parish level to whether we be single, married, and improving the already high promote Jesus Christ “the way, ordained, or in religious life. I quality of Centacare’s work in Word, love for widows the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6) wish gratefully to acknowledge the community. May it ensure and orphans, prisoners, who came that “we might have the particular involvement of that the Church has a prophetic life, life to the full.” (Jn 10:10) Centacare’s staff and fundraising voice on a range of important and the sick and The Holy Father’s first committee in the Congress’ contemporary social issues. needy of every kind, Encyclical Deus Caritas Est (God Healing Liturgy, the Festival of May I sincerely thank all is Love) brought a particular joy Faith and Day of Discernment. members of the outgoing is as essential to the and hope to those who work The Stewardship Institute taught Centacare Board, the members Church as the ministry in the Church’s fields of social attendees to see themselves as of the new Centacare Advisory welfare and justice. Benedict XVI God’s stewards, sharing their Council, the staff and our of the sacraments reminds us all that these works time, talent and treasure – a precious volunteers, for their of ‘charity’ are fundamental credible way of responding, commitment to the vision of a and preaching of to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because we are disciples of collaborative church working the Gospel’. hence irreplaceable signs of the Jesus Christ through our Baptism. for a just and compassionate credibility of the Church. The Being a steward acknowledges society. I particularly thank Pope Benedict XVI, task for all the baptised is to rise God as the source of all we the outgoing members of the to the challenges of our time. have and are. So we need to Centacare Board - Mr Barry Deus Caritas Est Centacare’s competent staff be accountable and grateful Wood, Mrs Margaret Bartley, (God is Love) work on behalf of distressed for what we have received Mr John Logue, Mr Tony Abela couples or families, children and seek ways to contribute to and Dr Di Sansom. Their (December who are devalued, children in the common good by sharing contribution and perspectives, need of loving families, persons generously our gifts and talents. given openly and informatively 2005) (#21). with disabilities and their carers, As a response to this, Centacare about social welfare, legal and alienated or anxious persons, is exploring ways to work more administrative issues, has greatly married couples who are closely with parishes and to assisted the work of Centacare. endeavouring to live in a spirit share voluntarily the professional Our Director, Kath McCormack, of love, elderly persons who gifts of Centacare staff. has again given her staff sound are fearful about self-sufficiency, Centacare Advisory Council leadership throughout what has people who have obstacles After prayerful consideration been another challenging year to rewarding work. Centacare and extensive consultation, and we continue to be inspired endeavours to create the best I have established a new by her vision, energy and possible intervention to enable Centacare Advisory Council generosity. such people to understand (CAC), which combines some the human rights and social former Centacare Board Most Reverend responsibilities that they have members with new members. Peter W Ingham DD which, when realised, allow I have sought to incorporate a Bishop of Wollongong

 Leadership is the key to and Administration review such wonderful support success in any organisation to consider changes to our from our staff, volunteers - but it is even more crucial structure to ensure Centacare and the community. On in such a challenging continues to deliver high a personal note, I would field as the delivery of quality services while meeting like to acknowledge the welfare services. the challenges of an ever- extraordinary contribution Centacare has been growing and increasingly made by Marg Rowan, who fortunate to have such a complex welfare system. retired earlier this year after capable leader as Kath That review has resulted in 25 years of voluntary and McCormack, who has been the establishment of a very paid service to Centacare. with the organisation since capable Leadership Team Marg epitomizes the it was established in 1980 that I am sure will provide commitment and enthusiasm and Director since 1984. excellent support for Kath and that so many people have Kath has driven Centacare’s expert guidance for our staff. for this organisation. extraordinary growth My congratulations to Gail My special thanks to Chairman’s Report over the last 26 years. Maurice, Colleen Mandicos, Bishop of Wollongong, Peter Under Kath’s leadership Michael Mittwollen, Lesley Ingham, for his continuing Centacare has developed Gray, Peter Burgoyne, Judy outstanding support, and a reputation for not only Valic and Michael Gross. to the many people who providing a wide range of As this Annual Report give their time and energy important services to the outlines, these are in a voluntary capacity community, particularly for challenging times for to ensure that Centacare people in need – but also for participants in the welfare can fulfill its Mission. delivering those services with sector but I have no Finally, thanks to my empathy and compassion. doubt that under this team fellow Board members for The dignity of individuals Centacare will maintain true their continuing hard work, is always paramount in the to our Mission and our Values and to the Diocesan staff way Centacare delivers and continue to be wonderful who also contribute to its services, and Kath ambassadors for the Catholic Centacare in many ways. has been responsible for Church in our community. embedding that culture In an organisation such in the organisation. as Centacare, there are In 2005 Centacare always many people to John Driscoll, undertook a Management thank because we receive Chairman

Board members: Mr John Driscoll (Chair) Ms Kathleen McCormack (Director) Mr Tony Abela, Mr Kieran Biddle, Ms Margaret Bartley, Mr John Logue, Dr Di Sansom, Mr Matt Waugh, Fr Vince Whiteman, Mr Barry Wood

 Organisational Chart

Centacare Advisory BISHOP Council (CAC) (Bishop P Ingham)

Director (K McCormack) ManagerManager Resear Research & chDevelo & Devpment (M Gross) part time

Manager Manager Manager ManagerManager Manager Manager (J Valic) (L Gray) (M Mittwollen) (G( GMaurice) Maurice) (C Mandicos) (P Burgoyne) • Human Resources • School, Student & • Community Development •• FosterOut of Care Home Care • Community Aged Care • Personal Support Packages (CACP) • Administration Family Program (SSFP) • Family Skills • A(ccessOOHC) Program (PSP) • Community Visitors • Finance • Systems • Marriage/Relelationship Ed • Foster Care scheme • Chaplaincy in Juvenille Justice • Information Technology • Branch CoordCoordinator • Counselling education • Access • Disabilities Services (Macarthur) • Counselling • Children’s Contact • Branch CoordCoordinator service (Shoalhaven)

2 X Team Leaders Team Leader Counsellors Caseworkers 3 X Team Leaders Caseworkers (SSFP - & (CACP, CVS, Contact) Admin Staff Macarthur) Chaplain Educators Child Protection School Counsellors Caseworkers School Counsellors Nowra Staff Macarthur Staff Carer Counsellor

Volunteers

 Leadership Centracare has re-structured its contained in our strategic plan gaps in our community outreach management, establishing a and to meet the challenges that and succession planning, providing for the future Leadership Team charged with lie ahead for our agency in an better role clarity and giving more the responsibility of meeting the ever-changing and growing welfare attention to growth initiatives. challenges of the future. environment. As a result, we have changed During 2005, Centacare undertook Community service organisations Centacare’s management structure. a Management and Administration are increasingly required to be We have called it the Centacare Review to examine its structure and accountable and to meet certain Leadership Team (CLT) to reflect ensure that it had the right people standards. the fact that these people have a and processes in place. Our review identified a range of very real responsibility to provide Our goal with this review was to issues within our structure where we leadership and guidance to all implement a new management could improve our performance. Centacare staff”. structure that supports the These included developing better achievement of our goals as cross-program synergies, plugging

The CLT (pictured anticlockwise from top) is: Gail Maurice, who was previously Manager of the School Student and Family Program, Out of Home Care and Aged Care. Gail now concentrates her expertise and energies exclusively on the Out of Home Care programs. Colleen Mandicos has moved from Family Services and the Personal Support Program to manage Disability Services and Aged Care. Colleen continues to manage the Children’s Contact Service. Michael Mittwollen, formerly manager of Anglicare Wollongong, joined Centacare late in 2005 to take up the position of Manager, Family Services. Michael will also focus his energies on community development. Lesley Gray, who was the team leader of the School Student and Family Program has been appointed to the role of Manager of this program as well as the Coordinator of the Macarthur branch of Centacare. Peter Burgoyne has been appointed to the role of manager of the Personal Support Program and coordinator of the Shoalhaven branch. Judy Valic is now the Manager of Finance and Administration. Jacqui Forst has joined the team as the Human Resources Officer. Michael Gross continues to work as our Manager Research and Development.

 Fundraising Australian Catholic Film Office challenges it faces in the future. for staff, volunteers and supporters Director and Jesuit priest Dr The night raised more than to get together in a relaxed, social Events Richard Leonard was the guest $7,000 - reinforcing the value of atmosphere. speaker at a special 25th our three main fund-raising events. The annual race day at Kembla Anniversary dinner at Villa D’Oro The Annual Dinner Dance, Art Grange always generates a huge in Wollongong. and Craft Show and Centacare response. This year more than 350 Dr Leonard had the audience Race Day not only generate guests attended. in raptures with his insightful significant income which helps in Our sincere thanks to the members perspectives on Centacare Centacare’s work, but they also of our hard-working fund-raising over the past 25 years and the provide an invaluable opportunity committee for the work they do organising these events. Our volunteers are an integral part of the Centacare team, and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Centacare Marg Rowan retires. Over her quarter century with Marg Rown was given a fitting Centacare Marg coordinated fund- Newsbriefs farewell after 25 years at Centacare, raising events including the annual with a retirement function at the Art & Craft Exhibition, Race Day at Wollongong City Gallery in Kembla Grange and Dinner Dance, February. generating more than $1 million for Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Alex Centacare. Darling paid tribute to Marg’s Centacare Director Kath McCormack dedication to working for the summed up Marg’s contribution when community. The function was she said “Marg has given selflessly of attended by Centacare staff and her time, energy and experience in supporters, community representatives voluntary service for the betterment of and many of Marg’s friends and the quality of life of others.” family. Marg was one of the original band of volunteers who helped establish Centacare in Wollongong in 1979. She eventually joined the paid staff, while continuing to serve as a 1010 volunteer fund-raiser. Reading the Catholic Welfare Australia (now Disturbing trends in known as Catholic Social Services Australian society Signs of the Australia) released a report in January The report also identifies trends 2006 called Reading the Signs of in Australian society that suggest Times the Times - Challenges to the future of the values of human dignity Catholic Social Services in Australia. and the common good are ‘Yet the promotion The report was produced in response declining. These trends include: to the changes in Australian society • Substantial breakdown in of justice through in recent decades, and the changes family support structures in the way the Catholic Church is and community life efforts to bring able to deliver social services. • Changing social and financial about openness It pointed out that in the past, these pressures mean more parents of mind and services were largely aimed at spend longer periods in the families and supported principally workforce while also attempting will to the by funding from the diocese or to raise their children religious order. Today Catholic • The modern workforce is demands of the social services have evolved to becoming increasingly casualised, provide a very diverse range of common good is offering many workers less security services to the community, worth in something which excess of $500 million annually and • Many unskilled works are largely funded by governments. being left without a substantial concerns the role in the modern economy With this funding, the report warns, Church deeply.’ come threats to our independence • Increasing pressures on community and mission. It says the structures services - particularly public Pope Benedict that the Church uses to set priorities, hospitals and mental health XVI, to seek funding, to establish and services - leave some members maintain programs, and to promote of the community without services Deus Caritas Est improved services delivery across once considered as basic needs (God is Love) the community have not adapted to • Education, once a pathway to cope with the changed environment social mobility, is increasingly (December 2005) or funding arrangements. provided on a user pays basis (#30). - limiting opportunities for the poor.

New Identity for Peak Body an extensive service delivery Research into support for NSW Department of Ageing, Catholic Welfare Australia network. This includes over 500 ageing carers. Disability and Home Care (CWA) has undergone a name programs nationally. Centacare commissioned a discussion paper on supported and identity change to Catholic One of the challenges in the research project over the past accommodation. Social Services Australia (CSSA). name and identity change was year in conjunction with the It’s Time to Care for the Carers. CSSA is the Catholic Church’s to create an environment at the Knights of the Southern Cross In June 2005 Centacare peak national body for social national level that encourages to investigate how the Diocese launched the Carers Counselling services in Australia. It works all Catholic social welfare can support ageing carers in the and Support program in with Catholic organisations, organisations to become future. collaboration with Anglicare governments, other churches active participants in the ‘spirit The study project was undertaken and the Southern Council and all people of good will, to of solidarity’. Catholic Social by Professor Trevor Parmenter, Group through the Illawarra develop social welfare policies, Services Australia (CSSA) is well who researched a range of Carer Respite Centre. Called programs and other strategic placed to move into the future support and accommodation ‘Your Time’, it provides support, responses that work towards the under the new name of Catholic models for people with information, advocacy and economic, social and spiritual Social Services. disabilities who live with ageing counseling to carers of family well-being of the Australian parents, families or carers. members or friends who are frail community. Professor Parmenter is Director and elderly, or have a disability CSSA’s National Office in of University’s Centre – with priority to ageing carers Canberra operates a policy and for Developmental Disability with an ageing child who has a research unit that is informed by Studies. His study feeds into the disability. 1111 Family Centacare’s counsellors and educators work directly with individuals, families Services and groups to strengthen relationships and family life

Counselling Family Skills Training Future Directions The implementation of a specialist The Family Skills education • With the introduction of the Staff from family intake role to support the counselling programme delivered a Commonwealth government’s programme has lead to many comprehensive range of new family law system, the services will improvements in the service, programmes (55 in total) across the introduction of the Family including the reduction of waiting Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Macarthur Relationship Centres and Family be working to times, greater effectiveness with and Wingecarribee regions to Relationship Advice Line and a further develop case allocation and information 840 participants. The programs developing relationship between management, improved client are designed to enhance the Centacare and the Family Court partnerships attendance rate and enhanced experience and skills of parenting and the Federal Magistrates and services in expertise in managing enquiries and family life and are delivered in Court, the need for processes and referrals. a variety of community settings. which focus on children and early intervention An average of 67 assessments Each of the educators works in assist in the post separation initiatives for each month were processed collaboration with local services assessment of families will through the intake service with an or community groups to provide become a core component of families in average of 170 counselling sessions targeted programmes which our counselling service. regional areas. provided each month. genuinely meet the needs of local Staff from Family Services will Marriage and Relationship communities. be working to further develop Education partnerships and services in early Courses range from relationship intervention initiatives for families formation courses at high schools in regional areas. to preparing couples for marriage • The rise of numerous government through both group courses and funded initiatives in the Illawarra, one-to-one sessions, helping Shoalhaven and Macarthur/ couples prepare for the demands Wingecarribee and Centacare’s that having young children will role in numerous community put on their relationship, marriage development initiatives will enrichment courses for long-term see a consolidation of agency couples and recovery assistance for processes to streamline service people who have experienced grief delivery to families and develop and loss through separation, divorce a holistic approach to assessment or death. at the point of enquiry.

Parenting course First-time parent Jo Kane “It was fantastic - not really boosted my realise that what I was found Centacare’s just for what I learned confidence because experiencing was normal. magic for 123 Magic parenting about parenting, but the course presenter “After the first night I felt first-time mother program so valuable, she for the opportunity to emphasized that a lot a lot better because I immediately signed up be with other parents of the things she would realised I was doing for the follow-up course. and hear about their be teaching us would some things that were 123 Magic is aimed at experiences with their be building on what we good, and by the third parents with toddlers in children,” she said. are already doing. She night I was eager to the 1-3 year age bracket, “As a first-time parent I reinforced that I was on put what we’d learned and involves three group was having difficulty with the right track with my into practice. And I sessions. For Jo, 35, my approach to discipline, approach to parenting. signed straight up for attending the course really and lacking confidence “And hearing what another Centacare helped her approach to about my parenting skills,” other parents were course aimed at 2-12 parenting her 2½ year the Kiama mother said. going through with year olds called How to 12 old son Grady. “Doing the course their toddlers made me Raise Happier Kids.” Children’s For families who are experiencing Wollongong conflict or difficulties around contact 400 and changeover arrangements for Contact 350 their children. Service Centacare Children’s Contact Service 300 provides a venue for the safe transfer of 250 children between separated parents, 200 and meaningful interaction between children and non-residential parents 150 during contact visits. Centacare 100 Children’s Contact Service is a federally funded service. 50 During the past financial year, 0 this service developed electronic New Families Supervised Changeover Assessments communication between the Contact Contact Service and Family Court, Family Campbelltown Magistrates’ Court and local courts as well as solicitors regarding availability 450 of service. Staff in the service have 400 also reviewed the contact service case 350 management of families and developed a referral system for clients. Staff also 300 provide referrals where necessary and 250 advise on basic appropriate parenting 200 skills, when appropriate. 150 This service continues to be provided 100 in three Centacare sites (Wollongong, Campbelltown and Nowra). 50 0 New Families Supervised Changeover Assessments Contact Nowra 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 New Families Supervised Changeover Assessments Contact 2004 - 2005 2005 -2006

My work at Although I am a Marist compassion of God to When I came to Centacare their stand for justice. The Sister, I have spent most those struggling…which 18 months ago it was Gospel is proclaimed not Centacare of my working life in the enable us to journey with like “coming home”. I feel in word but in action. Sr Ruth Davis state system as a registered and take a stand for the very comfortable to be I am delighted to be a nurse and, for many years, poor, the excluded… back working within the Religious in Centacare in management. I loved where there is the possibility Catholic Church. I felt, where I can utilise fully my work in Community of working for social and still feel, so proud to my professional skills and Health so when I decided justice…enabling others be part of an organisation experiences and also enjoy to change ministries 2 years to take up their role in that espouses the strong the freedom to do, at work, ago it was important to Church and Society. Catholic principles of that which is so dear to choose a ministry in line Consequently, with the justice and compassion to me: to try to live and work with the Criteria for Ministry mission of Centacare all people. The people as Mary did and bring of my Congregation. being so in tune with our I work with at Centacare the compassionate face of Our Criteria for Mission desires for ministry, the truly try to live the Gospel Christ to all to whom we states in part: “we choose decision to be part of in the way they act, in minister. Centacare allow ministries… where we can this organisation was not their compassion to those this in its entire staff… show the tenderness and a difficult one for me. with whom they work, in indeed, it encourages it. Aged Community Aged Care Packages Aged Care restructured its office team Volunteer support This service provides practical in May 2005, to ensure the Case Combined support group meetings Services support services to the frail aged Managers have clearly defined roles. for the volunteers continue in the enabling them to remain in their The roles are roster, phone, intake Illawarra and Shoalhaven with and two positions to case manage Community Visitors from Centacare, homes and community. clients and supervise staff. After an Anglicare and the Red Cross. A Funded by the Department of Health allocated period of time the staff will video or guest speaker is organised & Ageing, this service provides cycle through the different roles and for these sessions to assist the visitors support to frail, elderly people who become proficient at all of the many deal with a variety of practical are eligible for low level residential tasks associated with these positions. issues, eg, Alzheimers, maintaining Volunteers are care but who prefer to remain in their Eleven PCA staff are currently good relationships with residents and own homes. The service is presently enrolled in TAFE traineeships and will wheelchair management. recruited, trained targeted at financially disadvantaged complete their training at Certificate Community Visitors and Residents people and people of non-English and matched Three level in Aged Care. get togethers are held in each Aged speaking background in the The Department of Health & Care Home. A staff member attends to a resident Wollongong and Shellharbour Local Ageing commenced an audit of the meeting and the Community Government areas. In this financial who they visit community care providers during Visitors are given the opportunity year, the Department funded 125 the year. Centacare performed to discuss any problems they might regularly. clients. well in the audit with very positive be experiencing. The residents are During this financial year this program feedback given by the departmental invited to join the group after this undertook two recruitment drives representatives. discussion. The Community Visitors and employed some highly qualified Community Visitors Scheme also enjoy social outings together. Personal Care Assistants (PCA’s) for This program undertakes ongoing relief work to cover the periods when A volunteer program that aims to recruitment, as volunteers are always the other staff are on annual leave lessen the isolation experienced in demand. or sick. by many residents in Aged Care During this period the need for homes. community care packages diminished Our volunteers visit elderly people due to the influx of HACC (Home in residential care who are at risk & Community Care) funding for of social isolation because of community services. This has limited contact from family and impacted on the service as it has friends, disability or linguistic and become difficult to get clients and to cultural reasons. Volunteers share run at capacity as we always have. conversations, hobbies, interests Language spoken by PCA Workers and social activities. The volunteers come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, including Italian, English Spanish Maltese, German and Filipino. Italian Bosnian Volunteers are recruited, trained and matched to a resident who they visit Croatian Serbian regularly. Polish Ukrainian Centacare is currently funded for 50 Macedonian French visitors by the Department of Health Fiji Hindi & Ageing, and has 65 visitors signed up. In some facilities (due to number Urandu Portuguese of residents) morning teas are held. German Slovenian An International Coffee morning is held monthly at the Multicultural Russian Greek Village, Warrawong.

14 Disability This service provides support to people with a disability, their Services families & carers. The Flexible Options Program Carer Counselling & Support Disability Advocate This program provides support to This service provides support and As an outcome of the Office of people with a long term disability counselling to carers who look after Disability Project, ‘Different Gifts, who are ageing and/or may have family members or friends who are the Same Spirit’, the Council for an ageing carer and who are frail aged or have a disability, with Disabilities and their families, and eligble for HACC services. a priority to ageing carers with an ongoing work through Centacare, This role will Personal care, domestic assistance, ageing child with a disability. the Diocese has allocated funding aim to enhance social support and transport is It is a collaborative effort between for a new position of Disability provided either by Centacare’s Centacare, Anglicare and Southern Advocate. the quality and Personal Care Assistants or brokered Council Group through the Illawarra This role will aim to enhance the services. The program provides Carers Respite Centre (ICRC), quality and spiritual life of people spiritual life of a social support group on a highlighting Centacare’s commitment with disabilities and their families, by people with Wednesday evening facilitated by to building and maintaining providing information and support community partnerships. disabilities and the casemanager and volunteers. to people with a disability, their Wollongong Local Government Centacare provides counselling families and carers in parishes and their families. Area (LGA) now has 29 clients. and support across Wollongong, communities. Shellharbour and Kiama LGA’s. The primary goals of the position Anglicare provides counselling and are to assist people to achieve support in Shoalhaven and ICRC spiritual fulfilment, reach an optimum provides information and advocacy level of independence and self- across the four LGA’s. Each partner sufficiency and to enhance the is funded for 80 clients per year. feeling of inclusion and involvement in the Church.

Disability services Centacare’s Office of the parishes helping to provide opportunities in 2004 for the Disability has been people with disabilities for social interaction Wollongong local perform a an important addition and their carers, and to overcome government area, focuses vital need to Centacare since it particularly helping isolation. The group on supporting people was established with them to access existing meets every Wednesday with a disability who Diocesan support services and resources night and activities are ageing and/or in 2003-4, and we within the community, include dinner and have ageing parents. are delighted that the such as respite care. dancing, lawn bowls, Flexible Options Diocese has agreed to As part of this important picnics, barbecues activities include fund a disability worker service, Centacare and ten pin bowling. personal care, domestic for another two years. hosts a social group for The Flexible Options assistance, social This program works in people with a disability Program, established support and transport. 1515 Children’s Provides care and support for children who are unable to live with their birth families due to the inability of their parents to provide a safe and caring environment Out of Foster Care Highlights for 2005-06 support and training to spacious venue. Where Home Care Centacare’s Foster Care • Significant advances caseworkers and other necessary staff provide the Program provides long were made in the staff in the agency who service in DoCS offices. Services term, short term, respite process of achieving work with children. Highlights for 2005-06 and occasionally crisis formal accreditation Access • The service operated (OOHC) care for children who from the Office for This program operates in at full capacity come into care between Children with the the Macarthur and South throughout the year the ages of 0 to 12 years. program moving West Sydney areas to • Clear protocols were The children have often from the “quality supervise access visits experienced severe abuse drafted to enhance improvement” to the between children in quality service delivery and neglect. Centacare “accreditation” stream. temporary foster care and depends on foster carers A large amount of their birth parents. Three • Regular promotional to open their homes to material was submitted part-time caseworkers activities occurred children to give them love in May 2006 with assist in developing and with Department and understanding. the aim of achieving maintaining positive of Community In 2005-06 Centacare’s accreditation by 31 interaction between the Services staff 58 carers, supported by October 2006. children and parents in a • Staff attended 4 caseworkers, provided • Re-structure of staffing safe and non-threatening on-going training the following care: was made to better environment. The especially in relation meet the increasingly service continues until to child protection Type No. of No. of final court orders are complex needs of our • Additional equipment, of Children/ Bed foster children. The made in relation to the games and materials Care Young People Nights appointment of a Child children’s long term care. were purchased to Long-term 38 13,627 Behaviour Specialist All children are referred ensure a range of enabled Centacare to by the Department of activities were available Short-term 6 498 offer a higher level of Community Services and to families especially Respite 12 230 direct service to families most visits are held in the those where access Crisis 0 0 caring for children with Child Care Room and visits are extended especially challenging outdoor play area at over a long period. After-care 1 behaviours, as well Centacare, Campbelltown as to provide greater - an appropriate and

School Student Provides counselling services and group work and Family to Catholic schools throughout the Diocese. The SSFP team has of people and for a 2005-06 Groups • Check It Out Program (SSFP) continued to ensure wide range of reasons. • Tools for Everyday - a depression Catholic Schools in the Many referrals came Peacemakers - a prevention program for Diocese have access to from parents and Year conflict resolution group Years 5 and 6 quality school counseling, Coordinators, illustrating program for K-6 Both counselling & staff consultation on that the SSFP is strongly • PALS - a social group programs play an “There is a student welfare issues, aligned with a pastoral skills program for important preventative and improved systems care model of working in continued Kindergarten - Year 1 role in helping students to and procedures for partnership with schools develop resilience, coping • Amazing Me - aims demand for pastoral care of students. and families. The most strategies & the ability to teach Years 3/4 A revised program frequent reasons for to problem solve. This groupwork in self control and body manual for SSFP staff is referral are family issues, program is funded by the language through schools.” now finalised and new behavioural issues, Catholic Education Office physical activities evaluation questionnaires anger management, and relies heavily on the are improving liaison with grief and loss, self harm • Hit The Ground ongoing support of the Principals. and anxiety. There is a Running - a transition Campbelltown Catholic Students are referred to continued demand for to high school program Club. the program by a variety groupwork in schools. for Year 6

Child carers Child Behaviour Specialist 2006. He has a provides the best possible He says it is very Peter Gormly says placing Bachelor of Social service to clients, schools, important for foster carers need care children in foster care Work and a wealth of foster parents and families. and case workers to be as well isn’t just about looking experience working with Peter works in the Foster provided with adequate after the children. For children and families, Care/Access Program support and guidance. the placement to be particularly around mental but also works across “Foster carers have very successful, the carers need health issues. the agency to provide challenging roles,” Mr 1616 to be looked after as well. Peter adds a level of assistance, advice and Gormly said. “Often Mr Gormly joined expertise to the Centacare support in child-related the children that they Centacare in February team to ensure Centacare issues. care for come from very Personal This service provides specialised support to those most in need due to the severity and multiplicity of Support their employment barriers During 2005-06, challenges, it underscores standard at each of take advantage of Program Centacare, as part of a both the clear need for its locations against public transport and national tender coordinated the services that exists in each assessment geographically place (PSP) by Catholic Social Services the community and the criteria in Department Centacare where it can Australia, successfully bid government’s recognition of Employment better service people for increased PSP work in of the professional and Workplace from Dapto, Albion 2005-06 the Shoalhaven. This tender capability of Centacare Relations (DEWR) Park and Kiama. represented a was a measured initiative and it’s frontline PSP staff audits conducted During 2005-06, PSP’s that aimed to capitalise on to deliver quality services. early in 2006. contracted capacity strong growth our successful rollover of During 2005-06, PSP PSP has relocated its was increased at all four period for PSP business achieved at all four met all its mandated key Shellharbour operation outlets. The table below PSP outlets, while ensuring performance indicators at from Warilla to Albion shows the comparison we continued our growth each of its four locations, Park Rail. The relocation in contracted capacity in a manageable way. successfully tendered for was strategically between 2004-05 Clearly, 2005-06 increased business at designed to better and 2005-06: represented a strong growth its Shoalhaven location, period for PSP with a negotiated outreach for its 2004-05 2005-06 one-third increase during Shoalhaven PSP service into the financial year. While the Bay and Basin region Macarthur 87 119 the rapid growth presented that will commence mid- Wollongong 112 137 some significant logistical, August in Sanctuary Point, Shellharbour 67 102 staffing and management and achieved a satisfactory Shoalhaven 37 48 Total 303 406 Note: These increases do not include the new places awarded at Shoalhaven in the recent tender mentioned above.

Chaplaincy Centacare is the at court, contact with Reiby is now completed at any one time in both auspicing agency for families, connections and was officially opened Centres. Considering this within Chaplaincy Services with representatives on August 2006. This is an optional activity, at two Juvenile Justice of the young persons addition to the Reiby this is encouraging. Juvenile Detention centres within religious/faith tradition, Centre is unique in that Some of the challenges the Diocese: Reiby at taking those who are it is the only specifically that lay ahead for this Justice Airds and Keelong eligible to leave a Centre designated chapel program are expanding at Unanderra. to a church, mosque or space within any Juvenile the usage of the Chapel Young people in temple, offering religious Justice facility in NSW. space, increasing the Young people in juvenile justice are often instruction, conducting The aboriginal pastoral Sunday Worship to twice juvenile justice are isolated or estranged formal Bible Study visits program continues monthly at Keelong, from their families. classes, coordinating and three Koori Aunties engaging more males visiting religious often isolated or The Chaplain and continue to visit regularly. in the Koori Pastoral representatives, providing his assistant provide Religious worship is Visits Programme and estranged from post-release support, care, support and held monthly in both ensuring Chaplains individual support and their families. encouragement to Centres. On average , have professional guidance and distributing young offenders though more than half the young inservice support. religious literature. occasional advocacy offenders would attend The multi-faith chapel at

traumatized backgrounds. may have been living in major challenges and identify different ways of They come from situations constant fear of violence, need special care. It is not managing the challenges where there may be a or sexual abuse. like looking after your own they face”. lot of drug and alcohol Children may take on children, so carers need Mr Gormly says that while abuse, or violence. a significant caring role special skills to care for foster carers do face many Some children also have including the care of the them properly. challenges, the rewards parents who suffer from parent that impacts on the To provide the best care can be considerable. mental illness, and may child’s well-being in both for the kids, the carers also 17 have experienced very the long and short term. need appropriate care. inconsistent parenting. They These children present Foster carers need help to Right: Child Behaviour Specialist Peter Gormly Corporate Includes Administration, Finance, Human Resources & Information Services Technology.

Our Systems Our People aspects of the finance system Centacare operates from a head The future success of Centacare have been identified as having office in Wollongong, a major rests heavily on having a skilled opportunities for improvement office in Campbelltown and workforce ready and able to meet some of which were prioritised and two smaller offices in Nowra the changing needs of our work achieved this year. The remaining and Albion Park. Over the and the workplace. Centacare opportunities are included in last five years Centacare has has devoted resources to the Finance’s Business Plan to be Supporting increased its efficiency through development of internal human addressed in the coming year. and enabling the use of technology. Even with resource expertise to aid us in The recent recruitment of an this considerable investment in achieving this goal. Accountant, a Finance Officer and Centacare’s technology the CLT identified a Job Redesign was conducted in the a Payroll Officer with a combined programs and need for an independent review of Finance and Admin Areas in both experience of almost 70 years gives our IT system taking into account Wollongong and Campbelltown Centacare a wealth of financial services our history of growth and also our Offices. This resulted in significant knowledge and experience that potential future needs. A Centacare changes to roles within these will enable a systematic approach IT Strategy was developed. two areas, resulting in enhanced to process improvement and Local Illawarra IT suppliers were productivity and efficiency as well documentation. invited to tender for the supply of as improved client service provision. Through process mapping the a server net work that would be A new Induction Day Program has Payroll Process has been reviewed, based on standardised infrastructure been developed which includes a flowcharted and documented. The across the agency, would centralise greater focus on what it means to process has been streamlined to all of Centacare’s computing work for Centacare and the role include an appropriate amount of resources and data files, provide of Catholic Social Teaching in checking. Double handling has reliable access from all sites and the provision and delivery of our been eliminated resulting in an for all mobile users and provide services. improvement of almost five hours. increased levels of security. A well A Review of Occupational Health Internal Audit requirements have respected IT supplier was chosen as and Safety (OHS) Committee been tightened during the year with the successful tenderer from a pool Membership and Functioning the implementation of segregation of professional proposals. Agency Staff Growth has resulted in the reinvigoration of duties in both Payroll and Regular information sessions for Finance. 180 of the OHS Committee and all program teams have been the importance of employee A new Budgeting System has 160 conducted to keep staff up to date representatives coming together to been developed that allows for 140 with the progress of the IT network improve the employer’s systems for efficient budget preparation. project and to increase project 120 managing health and safety. The The methodology for allocating success through staff awareness and OHS Committee will continue to overheads across all programs 100 acceptance. work on identifying risks and the and services has been reviewed to 80 As part of the IT network project development of new OHS policies. more equitably spread costs such 60 it was identified that Centacare’s Centacare is systematically as occupancy, pool car usage, 40 e-filing system was in need of reviewing working conditions and telephone usage and room usage. improvement. A new e-File Structure More accurate costs increase 20 employment practices to ensure that has been developed that introduces human resources activities support Centacare’s accountability in various 0 a standardised approach to all files the strategic plan and business acquittal statements to the many across all programs with increased goals and enable staff to strive for government departments. 1999 2001 2005 2002 2003 2006 2004 2000 security for files of a confidential professional growth. A formal system of reviewing 76 in 1999 nature. Standardised e-filing tools budgets on a quarterly basis has Our Finances 162 in 2006 and naming protocols have also been introduced across the agency Centacare’s status as a ‘going been developed again to ensure rather than on an as needs basis concern’ is dependant on the a consistent approach across the by the program managers. After prudent financial management agency. each Quarterly Budget Review the of the many Federal and State A training needs analysis was CLT and the Centacare Advisory Department grants and private conducted during the year to Council (CAC) can rely on the subsidies that fund the 26 separate determine the amount and form accuracy of the overall financial programs and services that of training required in the new position of the Agency and make Centacare provides. network. Because of the range of well-informed financial decisions. staff IT skills, it is anticipated that This year has been a year full of training at various levels will be held change and improvement. With to coincide with the ‘Go Live’ date the appointment of a new Manager in September 2006. Administration and Finance many

18 Income 2005/2006

Funding Bodies 5,338,841 84% Fees 359,078 6% Campbelltown Catholic Club 160,000 3% Client Payments 157,922 2% Diocesan Funding 100,000 2% Interest 129,812 2% Fundraising 28,223 0% Donations 13,476 0% Other Income 57,630 1% Total Income 6,344,982

expenditure 2005/2006

Employee Expenses 4,648,902 77% Rent & Occupancy Costs 384,375 6% Motor Vehicle Expenses 242,349 4% Insurance 328,915 5% Depreciation 125,093 2% Program Expenses 63,249 1% Other Expenses 217,236 4% Total Expenditure 6,010,119 Net Surplus 334,863

Expenditure by Program 2005/2006

Aged Care Packages 1,626,357 27% School Student & Family Program 1,290,778 21% Foster Care 561,570 9% Marriage & Relationship Counselling 463,100 8% Personal Support Program 502,921 8% Disabilities Services 396,302 7% Family Skills Training 342,333 6% Childrens Contact Service 347,803 6% Access 181,610 3% Marriage & Relationship Education 177,832 3% Chaplaincy 59,837 1% Community Visitors Scheme 48,250 1% Other 11,426 0% Total Expenditure 6,010,119

19 A Member of Catholic Social Services Australia Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.centacare.woll.catholic.org.au Albion Park Rail, NSW 2527 Campbelltown, NSW 2560 Wollongong, NSW 2500 Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone: 68 Shoalhaven Street, 35A Cordeaux Street, Nowra, NSW 2541 25-27 Auburn Street, 4 Creamery Road, S S hellharbo M hoalhaven I llawarra (02) 4628 0044 acarth (02) 4257 8220 (02) 4421 8248 (02) 4227 1122 u u r

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Editorial Nick Hartgerink & Trish Cooney Design Sally Howe Photography Mark Newsham