Supporting Families Throughout Victoria

Shepparton Annual Report 2010 – 11 Supporting families throughout Victoria

Ballarat Brunswick Malvern Traralgon Torquay Rosebud Purpose, Vision and Values Contents Our Services House Volunteer Team Award 9 Improving the quality of life for families Family Services 11 of children with life-threatening illnesses Family Support Team 12 A Very Special Birthday 14 Very Special Kids House 16

Who We Are? Welcome to Very Special Kids 3 Supporting Regional Families – The Holmes Family 4

Overview Chairman and CEO’s Report 6

Supporting A Snapshot 2002–2011 18 Our Services Piggy Bank Appeal 20 External Events 24 Our Corporate Partners 25 Very Special Supporters and Donors 26 Fundraising Team 27 ‘Friends’ of Very Special Kids 29 OAM Award 29 Very Special Kids Board 30 Corporate Governance 32 Our Staff 34 Our Volunteers 35 Our Donors 36 Report of Directors 39 Concise Financial Report 41 Future Directions – Our Strategic Plan 47 Our purpose: Very Special Kids supports Our vision: All families of children with You Can Help 48 families throughout their experience of caring life-threatening illnesses are able to access for children with life-threatening illnesses, quality services that meet their needs. Where You Can Find Us 49 from diagnosis through to recovery or bereavement. Our values: The Board, staff and volunteers of Very Special Kids value: Very Special Kids provides a range of physical, emotional, social and spiritual support, which • Respect: by recognising the individual, is offered: welcoming diversity and nurturing choice • Collaboration: by building connections, • holistically strengthening relationships and partnering • centred on the family • Community: by creating supportive Very Special Kids is a not-for-proit company limited • to all Victorian families of children relationships and a sense of belonging by guarantee and is accredited by The Australian with life-threatening illnesses • Compassion: by being welcoming and showing Council on Healthcare Standards. • across a range of settings, including warmth, hope and empathy the hospital, hospice and home Very Special Kids is endorsed as a deductible gift • Learning: by enhancing and sharing recipient under Subdivision 30-BA of the Income • by specialist staff and trained volunteers our skills, experiences, knowledge Tax Assessment Act 1997 (all donations of $2 or more • with the engagement of the community and wisdom are tax deductible) and is endorsed as an income tax exempt charitable entity under Subdivision 50-B of • Integrity: by acting ethically, honestly, the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. fairly and with accountability Welcome to Very Special Kids 2011 is the 15th birthday of Very Special Kids House, Victoria’s only children’s hospice. A place where families caring for a child with a life-threatening condition can access out-of-home respite and end-of-life care.

Very Special Kids was established in 1985 At the time Margaret said ... by two families who met while their children were in hospital and dying from leukaemia. Today, Very Special Kids supports more “The building as such, is only bricks than 800 families across Victoria. and mortar but Very Special Kids

With more than 50 staff and nearly 400 House is more, much more. volunteers, Very Special Kids supports families It is a home in the true sense of from the time their child is diagnosed through the word. It has a soul, a heart, to recovery or bereavement. Families can access a range of unique services, including a spirit. It emanates love and counselling and emotional support, trained care and if one listens with the family support volunteers, a sibling support heart, lots of laughter and some program, a bereavement program, family tears will be heard bubbling and parent activities and planned and emergency respite and end-of-life care under the surface.” at Very Special Kids House. How true those words have been for the staff and volunteers who have worked at the House Services are available to families free-of- and for the many families who have been able charge from our ofices in Malvern, Brunswick, to access the House for out-of-home respite Rosebud, Ballarat, Shepparton, Torquay and end-of-life care for their children over and Traralgon. the past 15 years. This year has given us the opportunity to On relection, none of what Very Special relect on the extraordinary vision and effort Kids has been able to achieve would have of Sr. Margaret Noone, who was Director of been possible without our highly qualiied Very Special Kids and the driving force behind and dedicated staff and the commitment of bringing the House into being, as Australia’s our wonderful volunteers. Nor would it have irst hospice for children. been possible without the generosity of the community in which we live and the support of the Victorian Government which provided a signiicant one-off grant in 2010-11 and has committed to providing additional recurrent funding for the House going forward.

Patron, Sister Margaret Noone with Kirneisha

Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 3 “ All the trips to Melbourne and The Holmes Family extended stays with Henry Supporting the needs of regional families have been hard especially being separated from my family.” Jess Holmes, mother of Henry

Shepparton family Jess, Paul, Gretel (7), I remember holding him in my arms and looking Jenni has been involved with the family Billy (6) and Henry (4) Holmes understand down at him and thinking he’s vision impaired since June 2009, “The family has courageously the particular stresses and strains experienced and now he won’t be able to walk or talk.” faced many challenges throughout Henry’s by regional families who have a child with life and are always positive and engaging. Jess and Paul felt devastated when Henry was a life-threatening illness and the impact of It is a privilege and a joy to support the irst diagnosed, “We were shattered. When frequent visits to hospital in Melbourne on family and reminds me of why I love you go from that ‘perfectly healthy child world’ the whole family. Four year old Henry has working with families at Very Special Kids.” we had with Gretel and Billy, where it just all cerebral palsy, epilepsy, severe respiratory unfolds in front of you and then when that Thirty ive families are currently supported issues, is fed through a tube in his stomach doesn’t happen it’s really hard. Especially in the Hume region and just as the families’ and is visually impaired. Henry has been the fact that I’ve never had eye contact needs are diverse, so are the services offered. critically ill on numerous occasions throughout with Henry,” Jess said. Many families are geographically isolated and his young life, resulting in him needing to be really value support provided to them locally. lown from Goulburn Valley Health to The Royal Two years ago a friend of the Holmes family Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne on six suggested they get in contact with Very Special The family also have a trained family support separate occasions for a stay of at least three Kids. Jess explains, “When Jenni our Family volunteer from Very Special Kids who looks weeks. These extended stays place a great Support Worker irst came around we couldn’t after Henry for a couple of hours every week, deal of pressure on both Jess and Paul. believe it when she told us all the services that giving Jess the opportunity to take Gretel and With Jess away from the rest of her family, were available. There was a level of excitement Billy to their swimming lesson. Henry also Paul has to take on the role of ‘Mr Mum’ that there was actually a service out there that had his irst stay at Very Special Kids House and at the same time maintain the family was for the whole family.” 12 months ago, while the rest of the family business. The last time Henry needed to be stayed in the Parent Accommodation. Paul The family says Jenni has been fantastic. airlifted to Melbourne, which was May 2011, said, “We couldn’t get over how wonderful “She’ll often call just to see how we are he wasn’t expected to survive. the facility is. It’s great to know that facility and they’re always running really great events is there because of Henry’s high care needs, The family irst discovered Henry’s condition that we can get involved in to have a day out. his local carer or the House are our only when he was 13 weeks old. Jess recalls when There have been a few that we’ve missed due options for a break.” they learnt the full extent of his condition. to Henry being unwell but it’s just wonderful “When they did the general check up on to know that these events are being thought Paul and Jess both agree the support discharge from hospital when Henry was of and offered to families,” Jess said. from Very Special Kids has made a big eight days old they found out about his difference to their family. cataracts. We took him to the RCH in “ He charms all the nurses Melbourne and were told he had severe “ They’re angels. We’re always telling cataracts and that they would remove his at the hospital. Anyone who people about Very Special Kids. lenses and he would be permanently vision meets him gains so much.” They don’t just look after Henry aided. We thought him having issues with his Jess Holmes, mother of Henry vision was enough to deal with but then over they cater for the whole family.” time I noticed the soft spot on top of his head Paul and Jess Holmes, Henry’s parents was bulging. At 13 weeks Henry had an MRI at the RCH and they told us he had suffered The Holmes family are just one of 203 families a stroke in utero, probably about the living in regional and rural Victoria who are middle trimester. supported by Very Special Kids.

4 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 5 Chairman and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer’s Report Building a sustainable future

Our vision This new funding brings the level of across Victoria; slightly less than in 2009- 10. We aim to ensure families are provided with Strengthening organisational capacity The Foundation, including Chairman, Paul “All families of children with life-threatening recurrent government funding to just During the year, 109 new families were the most appropriate service mix for their Board performance and governance - again Rizzo, continues to play an important role illnesses are able to access quality services over 30% of total income. registered with us (110 in 2009-10) and needs, utilising the best available resources. this year we conducted the annual Board in supporting our fundraising activities. 139 families discharged (102 in 2009-10). that meet their needs.” While we are delighted with this outcome it You will read more about these projects performance assessment and updated the Finally our sincere thanks go to our Patron, does leave the organisation reliant on the We admitted 360 children to the House, throughout this report. risk assessment plan. There is a clear action Sr Margaret Noone, for her vision and ongoing Our future direction success of our fundraising and other activities and they stayed for 1,778 ‘bed days’ in total. plan in place to address the strategic and support and to the management, staff and The three-year strategic plan 2011–2013 for more than $3 million in income each year. Accreditation by ACHS operational issues identiied in the risk volunteers, whose passion and commitment While we recognise that for many families assessment plan. The plan is reviewed on endorsed by the Board and management Accreditation by The Australian Council on always provides inspiration. The growing demand for our services coupled caring for a child with a life-threatening a regular basis. Succession planning for both conirms the strategic direction for Very Healthcare Standards (ACHS), the principal with an uncertain and tight economic and illness there is ‘nowhere else to turn’ it is the Board and senior management of the Special Kids (see page 47). independent authority on the measurement investment environment and a highly unfortunately necessary for us to have a organisation is part of the Board’s annual and implementation of quality improvement Our key areas of focus remain: competitive market for fundraising all waiting list of families seeking support. work plan. add to the challenges of meeting the cost As at 30 June 2011, there were 29 families systems for Australian health care • Ensuring inancial sustainability of providing services. on the waiting list, which continues to organisations, continues to be an important Management and staff - in late 2010 we • Delivering high quality grow (up from 26 families at 30 June 2010). driver of our commitment to achieving completed another staff survey by Best Excluding the one-off grant from the and responsive services Families whose needs are assessed as urgent our strategic goal of ‘high quality and Practice Australia. This is the ifth survey since Department of Health management and staff are provided with immediate support. responsive services’. 2003 and they continue to provide the Board • Inluencing policy and practice in all areas of the organisation worked hard to and management with a clear indication of how One of our objectives for 2011-12 is to reduce Families using Very Special Kids’ services can achieve an increase of 10.7% in total operating staff see the organisation. It was gratifying • Strengthening organisational capacity the number of families on the waiting list. have conidence that those services are safe income with only a 0.06% increase in expenses to receive improved ratings in many of the 54 and will provide consistent, high quality care. • Building a inancially sustainable future for the year to 30 June 2011. We believe our reputation for delivering high key performance attributes measured. When quality family and sibling support programs Regular evaluation, assessment and review Financially 2010-11 was a much better year Generating suficient income to cover costs benchmarked against other not-for-proit and bereavement services, the provision of are critical to achieving this objective. Very for Very Special Kids with the result being a is a critical issue. We acknowledge and healthcare sector participants across Australia trained family support volunteers and the Special Kids will undergo an organisation-wide inancial surplus of $425,329 (2009-10 deicit thank our valued donors, supporters, staff and New Zealand, Very Special Kids was specialist respite and end-of-life care provided survey in 2011 which will be a good indicator $495,072). It has been a year in which we have and volunteers for their generosity and ranked by staff as being in the top 25% for 13 at the House are evidence of why we continue of the extent to which continuous quality been able to continue supporting more than extraordinary efforts throughout the year. attributes and the top 10% for 31 attributes. to have so many families being referred to improvement has become part of the culture 800 families across Victoria and increase the 1. Chairman, Andrew Penn Very Special Kids each year. at Very Special Kids. occupancy at Very Special Kids House. Delivering high quality Board and Foundation 2. Chief Executive Oficer, David Agnew and responsive services To fulil our vision we also need to raise We would both like to thank our dedicated The Department of Health accepted our Inluencing policy and practice awareness of our services. One of our aims Board colleagues who give their time and business case for increased funding. Like all parents, the dreams and aspirations This is one of our four strategic goals set by is to continue to introduce new families to expertise voluntarily: Gary Anderson (Chair In September 2010 Health Minister the Hon. of families supported by Very Special Kids the Board and management, with the aim of the House and over the past year 36 families of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee), Daniel Andrews announced a one-off grant is for each of their children to have the improving the services available to families accessed this service for the irst time. Dr Annie Moulden OAM (Chair of the Quality of $500,000 for the 2010-11 inancial year to opportunity for a fulilling childhood and caring for a child with a life-threatening illness. of Care Committee), Joanna Birdseye, Dr Doug assist Very Special Kids in delivering out-of- future. Parents who have a child with a Sadly, 50 children from families supported There are a number of ways this can be Bryan, Dr Sharon Goldfeld, David King and home bed-based respite and palliative care. life-threatening condition want their child by Very Special Kids died in the last year. achieved. A key example, Andrea Murphy, to have a childhood, full of fun, love and joy, All the families we support continue to John Nairn. In addition we are delighted Then, in the state budget announcements in our Executive Manager, Family Services no matter how short that life might be. Very amaze us with their astonishing resilience. Wendy Thorpe and Heidi Roberts have joined May 2011 the Premier the Hon. Ted Baillieu Special Kids aims to improve the quality of represents Very Special Kids on the the Board, as alternate directors, in 2011. and the Minister for Health the Hon. David In addition to the demands of their day-to-day implementation committee for The life for those families. In this report we would like to particularly Davis announced on behalf of the Coalition duties the family support team and hospice Department of Human Services’ policy recognise the contribution of David King, 1 Government a signiicant increase in As we strive to reach our vision, the Board and team have done a lot of work over the last ‘Strengthening care for children with a life- a director, who has indicated he will not be investment in palliative care from 2011-12. management continue to focus on allocating year on the bedding down of GoldCare, the threatening condition: a policy for health, standing for re-election at the 2011 Annual As part of this increased investment Very our limited resources in the most effective new Client Information Management System, palliative care, disability, children’s services General Meeting. David was a member of the Special Kids will receive additional funding way, striking a balance between being cost- and a range of new processes. and community care providers 2008-2015’. Foundation Committee from 1995 to 2003 and of $500,000 per annum towards out-of-home conscious and delivering the highest quality We maintain our commitment to the ongoing In addition the organisation is also represented a member of the management board from 2003 respite care provided at Very Special Kids of service to the broadest number of families. review of internal service coordination on a number of other committees and the to 2004. He has been a director since 2004 House (the House). The House is Victoria’s Each member of the management team processes, in order to provide a high quality National Reference Group for Paediatric when Very Special Kids became a company only children’s hospice and had previously is committed to achieving set targets for service experience to families; to improve our Palliative Care. limited by guarantee. With his extensive received no recurrent funding. their area of responsibility to support the capacity to meet the support needs of families experience as a commercial and intellectual organisation’s overall achievement of caring for children with life-threatening property lawyer he has made a signiicant these goals. illnesses in a timely way; and to supporting contribution to the Board as a director and At the end of the 2010-11 year we were the development of resilience in families as a member of the Finance Audit and Risk 2 providing support services to 831 families accessing our services. Committee, for which we are very grateful.

6 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 7 1. House Volunteer, Joan Harvey with Joel Chairman and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer’s Report House Volunteer Team Award 2. House Volunteer, Sue Woodcock with Antonia Building a sustainable future Outstanding achievement recognised

Trained Family Support Volunteers at Very Joan Harvey has been volunteering at the Special Kids can choose to work directly with House for almost 13 years. Joan says it is the children and families in the home, hospital, whole atmosphere, the people you meet and Income and Expenses 2002 - 2011 at Very Special Kids House or they can assist the children you work with that have kept her with program activities. motivated. “It’s my home away from home.” Income 5.0 2011 is the tenth anniversary of the The wonderful contribution the 20 strong Expenses 4.5 International Year of Volunteers. First House Volunteer Team makes was publicly 4.0 celebrated in 2001, it offers a wonderful recognised when they won an award for 3.5 opportunity to recognise the amazing outstanding team achievement in the 2011 and tireless work of our Very Special Minister for Health Volunteer Awards in the 3.0 Kids Volunteers. category of primary health services. 1 2.5 We are proud of the hundreds of individuals Now in its third year, the 2011 Minister for 2.0

Millions ($) Millions who give so generously of their time to help Health Volunteer Awards received a record 105 1.5 us achieve our purpose of supporting families. nominations from 68 metropolitan, regional, rural and primary care organisations. Awards Family Support Volunteers complete a 27 hour 1.0 were presented by the Hon. David Davis, MP training course to equip them with the skills 0.5 Minister for Health at a function at the MCG and knowledge needed to support families on 11 May 2011. 0.0 who have a child with a life-threatening illness. 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 Mr Davis said the commitment made by The role of Trained Volunteers at Very Special volunteers to the health and wellbeing of Kids House is to support the children, their the Victorian community was readily seen families and the staff at the House. in the extraordinary work being undertaken The Volunteers form part of the ‘House team’ by those nominated in the Awards. 2 and spend time with children, taking them Congratulations to the House Volunteer Team. for walks, reading books, drawing pictures, giving them cuddles, assisting at mealtimes Sources of Income Allocation of Financial Resources and with general ‘house duties’. “ We don’t volunteer for the recognition but it is nice Activities Depreciation Business Partners 2% 4% “ The whole team were very to receive it.” Events 5% Other 8% Travel deserving of the award, they House Volunteer, Sue Woodcock 2% 1% Promotional put in so many hours of their 4% Donations Family Support own time and love what they do.” salaries 21% 13% House Volunteer, Joan Harvey Investments Property 3% 10% 2011 Minister for Health Trusts and Volunteer Award Winners Foundations Very Special 11% Administration Kids House 5% Salaries Consultants 28% 1%

Government Corporate 34% Salaries 9%

Piggy Bank Appeal Fundraising and 26% Communications Salaries 13%

8 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 9 Family Services ADD QUOTE HERE Working in partnership with families

Very Special Kids is committed to working • A review of the Clothing List sent to families on the existing strengths of the organisation together with families to provide care that is prior to their child’s admission and develop a model of care that was of a high quality and responsive to their • The development of an extended respite effective, evidence-based and sustainable. changing needs. One of the ways we achieve stay program at the House to be piloted Six years on we have implemented the eight family-centred care is through encouraging and from 1 July 2011 key recommendations from the review, the valuing feedback from families. In addition to last of which was completed this year with feedback we receive from staff and in program Our sincere thanks to Sue Blinman, Sandra the introduction of a new client information evaluations, a complaints process is in place Ferguson, Kelly Lloyd, Shirley Lloyd, Shirley management system: which has resulted in the identiication of areas McKernan, Ursula Nesci, Julie Trigg and 1. Develop a measurement tool to prioritise for improvement. In 2010 – 11 as a result of Martina Turner for their participation on the the needs of new and existing families feedback received from parents we reviewed Family Advisory Group. 2. Develop a separate intake and assessment and made improvements in a number of areas function within Very Special Kids including our communication with families Quality of Care Committee when their child is to have their inal stay at The quality and safety of the care we provide to 3. Determine current eligibility and the Very Special Kids House and providing more families is a very important part of the culture level of need of existing families information about weekend programs of Very Special Kids. Having robust systems in 4. All Very Special Kids families to have at Very Special Kids House. place to monitor performance, highlight what formal reviews is working well and where there is opportunity 5. Further develop service guidelines and Another way in which we gain invaluable family for improvement continues to be critical to procedures in line with strength-based, input is from the parent/carer representatives delivering safe care. To this end Very Special family-centred practice for both bereaved on the Family Advisory Group. This group Kids has maintained accreditation with The and non-bereaved families meets four times a year with the Chief Australian Council of Healthcare Standards 6. Eliminate duplicated or low-value services Executive Oficer and senior management (ACHS) since 2001. A key aspect of our quality and provides advice and input ensuring that 7. Better coordination with other services framework is the work of the Quality of Care families’ perspective is taken into account 8. Develop a new client information Committee which meets six times per year. when we are reviewing or developing services. management system This committee is chaired by Dr Annie In the past year members of the Family Moulden, a Board Member with extensive We believe it is imperative that we continue Advisory Group have assisted with a number experience in quality and safety in health to build on these initiatives as part of our of new initiatives in relation to Very Special care. Other members of the Committee are commitment to ongoing service evaluation Kids House including: Dr Elizabeth Carew-Reid, one of the four and improvement. In October 2011 we will • The development and introduction of an medical oficers providing support to children be undergoing an organisation-wide survey information brochure for families about the staying at Very Special Kids House, the as part of the four year ACHS accreditation provision of end-of-life care at the House Chief Executive Oficer and the three senior cycle. Accreditation will be awarded based • The development and introduction of clinical services managers. At each meeting on achievement of quality standards and A ‘Record of Stay’ providing a summary the Committee reviews clinical incidents and independent external survey by peers of of a child’s stay near misses that have occurred since the Very Special Kids to measure the level of last meeting and also evaluations completed performance in relation to the standards. after all programs. Improvements identiied As part of our broader commitment to the Executive Manager Family Services, Andrea Murphy by the Committee in the past 12 months development of paediatric palliative care both have included strategies to reduce the risk here in Victoria and throughout Australia we of misinterpretation of medication orders for will continue to raise awareness and advocate children staying at Very Special Kids House, for families of children with a life-threatening the introduction of correspondence to doctors illness on a local, state and national level. when an error has been made on a medication We will also look for opportunities to share order and the introduction of induction policy the knowledge and learnings Very Special folders for House staff. Kids has gained over the past 26 years. Model of Care review In closing I would like to acknowledge the wonderful contribution Trained Volunteers A comprehensive review of the services we make and thank the highly skilled and provide and how we deliver them commenced professional staff on both the Family Support in 2006 in response to the challenge of and House teams for their commitment managing increasing demand with limited to Very Special Kids and improving the resources. The aim of the review was to build quality of life for the families we support.

Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 11 1. The Family Support Team Family Support Team 2. Sister Margaret Noone and Joan Hamilton-Roberts 3. Superheros Sibling Day 4. 2010 Family Christmas Party

The Family Support Team respond to families Key support programs Sibling Program Sixteen parents attended our annual Bereaved Family days needs throughout the course of a child’s The team facilitates four programs, the Siblings who have a brother or sister with Parent Weekend in August, which was held at Thirty-eight families shared a spit roast at the illness, acknowledging challenges, witnessing Trained Volunteer, Sibling, Adolescent and a life-threatening illness can miss out on Deans Marsh, inland from Lorne. Comments combined Barwon and Ballarat Adventure Park milestones and celebrating achievements. Bereavement Programs. In addition to these experiences which others take for granted. such as ‘relective, challenging but rewarding, Family Day; 20 families met for a relaxing day calming, relaxing, fun and inspiring’ were The team comprises 16 professionals from key programs they organise a number of Our Sibling Days are designed to offer a chance at the annual North and West Metro Family used to describe different aspects of parents’ diverse backgrounds such as social work, family activities. There are also two family for siblings to make new friends, be treated Day at Bundoora Park Children’s Farm and experience of this retreat-style weekend. psychology, family therapy and counselling. newsletters which are published quarterly, as special, build self esteem and have fun. 24 families attended Family Days in Ballarat, Team members work from ofices in Malvern, ‘Links’ which is sent to all families registered This year, a total of 224 primary school age Our annual Remembrance Day was held at the Torquay, Wangaratta and Wodonga. with Very Special Kids and ‘Continuing Links’ children, including 57 who were bereaved, Ballarat, Brunswick, Rosebud, Shepparton, Malvern Town Hall in October 2010 and was In November, 21 families enjoyed motor bike which is exclusively for bereaved families. attended our ‘Journey Through the Land of Oz’, Torquay and Traralgon. attended by a record number of 220 people. rides at Ulysses Day at Cardinia Reservoir while ‘Pyjama Planet’ and ‘Superheros’ events. 68 families braved steady rain to attend the 1 Counselling and emotional support “ To see his name in print and to hear “ Thank you for allowing this time annual Family Christmas Party held in Malvern. Team members are usually the irst people his name mentioned at the services “ I had a really great day and I really and place for remembrance of our Christmas parties, coordinated in partnership families engage with. Each family is allocated loved it. I nearly was going to cry with other agencies, were also offered in a Family Support Team worker who will make gave us the important sense that very special kids. You can only guess Shepparton and Ballarat. 2011 commenced an initial home visit to learn more about the he is remembered.” but I didn’t. I made new friends at knowing how very important with 14 families meeting in The Basin for the family and together identify which programs A parent and I liked lighting the candle with it is, even after many years.” MG Car Club Family Day. Eleven family days may help to meet their needs. were held across regional Victoria attended Superman and loved to see all the A parent by a total of 378 family members. Nineteen They provide emotional support, counselling, Volunteer Program photos of the brothers and sisters. families attended each of the October and external referral and advocacy to family Volunteering at Very Special Kids requires I really want to go again it was February camps coordinated by Lord Somers members, one-to-one or as a group. Home Metro and regional empathy, sound listening skills, compassion, Camp and Powerhouse. and hospital visits are offered, as well as so fun!” family activities tolerance and the capacity to sit with the range supportive phone calls in response to A sibling Complementing these four key programs, of emotions families may express as they care 2 changing family circumstances and needs. the team coordinated a number of family Saying goodbye after 19 years for a child with a life-threatening illness. activities across Victoria. These provided In early July 2011 we said goodbye to Joan Adolescent Sibling Program As we relect on the past year of volunteering families with the opportunity to get to know Hamilton-Roberts, Manager of the Family “ I appreciate contact from my Family at Very Special Kids we would like to take Adolescence can be a challenging time and each other, share information and strategies Support Team. Joan had been with Very Special Support Worker as a chance to this opportunity to thank the 213 Trained is all the more so if your sibling has a life- in a welcoming environment. Kids since 1991 when she was employed as debrief and partake in telephone Volunteers who so willingly gave their time and threatening condition or has died. Twenty- a Counsellor and Volunteer Coordinator. themselves to work individually with families eight adolescent siblings attended the Coffee mornings In 1994 she became the Bereavement counselling if required… It’s a way ‘Adolescent Weekend Escape’ this March at home; visit children at The Royal Children’s Monthly coffee mornings held at alternate café Coordinator when Very Special Kids had only in Emerald and were offered a chance to be to promote good mental health that Hospital; enhance the daily running of Very venues in Jells Park and Lower Templestowe ive staff. Joan was appointed the Manager important in their own right, expand their is proactive rather than reactive.” Special Kids House and assist the Family attracted 64 parents. Noting the success of of the Family Support Team in March 2007. friendship networks informally over a campire A parent Support Team with group and family activities. the Metro Coffee Mornings, we also ran nine and develop their sense of identity in a group A registered psychologist with extensive local coffee mornings, two of which were Thirty-eight Volunteers completed training this setting. Adolescents said they enjoyed meeting experience in loss and grief, over the years for bereaved parents, for families living on year. Two Volunteer Training Programs were others facing similar challenges. Joan has made an invaluable contribution 3 Family Support Team Manager, held in Malvern, one in Brunswick and two and near the Mornington Peninsula. Coffee to Very Special Kids. She has also had a very Joan Hamilton-Roberts mornings in the regional areas were also Volunteers were trained in our Torquay ofice. Bereavement Program signiicant impact on the lives of many very popular. There were a total of 26 parent of the families we have supported over that Of the 831 families registered with us at the networking activities held in the Barwon South time. Joan always demonstrated a passion end of June 2011, 352 were bereaved. Over West, Hume, Gippsland and Central Victorian and sensitivity for families, her staff and the the year, 50 children from the families we regions. In response to feedback, the Family work of the Family Support Team. support died. The team continued to offer Support Worker has commenced a second support, counselling and group activities to coffee morning group for parents whose Families have also had an impact on Joan. bereaved families. Bereaved mother, Katy De children have cancer in the Barwon South In her own words - “As I gaze at the star chain Valle, handwrote 381 cards which were sent to West region. from my ofice, I smile to think of the children families at the time of their child’s anniversary. whose names are written on these stars. Each star represents a young life full and rich Very Special Kids again partnered with SIDS “ It was hard to get out of the with meaning, much loved by their family and Kids Victoria to provide Creative Memories 4 and friends. They are our inspiration and our sessions, attended by 22 parents overall. house and I was very nervous, but now I wouldn’t miss it.” guiding resolve, here on the Family Support Team. So many names and faces come to A parent mind ... Thank you kids and your families, for all you have taught me.”

12 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 13 1. Aiko and her daughter Jessie A Very Special Birthday 2. Music Therapy 3. Inside the House Very Special Kids House - 15 years 4. The Hanssen family

On 12 November 1996 the doors of Very Special “When Geoff and I were commissioned as Staff “ If we didn’t have the House, The Cabrini Health Social Outreach Kids House, Australia’s irst and Victoria’s only Architects for the new Hospice in Malvern The House is staffed by registered nurses, Program supports Very Special Kids children’s hospice, oficially opened. Building we both felt very privileged to be involved there is nowhere else for Darcy carers, visiting doctors and trained volunteers. Through its Social Outreach Program, Cabrini a children’s hospice to extend and complement with such a worthwhile project. We actually to go. Nobody else could help us.” Health supports a variety of charitable projects the services Very Special Kids offered families didn’t realise at the time that it would be a Penny, Darcy’s mum – both within Australia and overseas. caring for a child with a life-threatening illness life changing experience. There is no one that “ Seeing the smiles of delight from had been a dream of Sister Margaret Noone, could not be affected by the dedication of the children when they take part Music therapy, a school holiday program and Very Special Kids has received support from this program since the House irst opened in the irst employee of Very Special Kids, since Margaret Noone and her staff and the children in recreational activities would have other multi-sensory activities enhance the she irst visited children’s hospices in the that are “Very Special Kids.” experience for children staying at the House. 1996 and we are very grateful for Cabrini’s United Kingdom in 1988. to be one of the most rewarding assistance. In the last year Cabrini has About the House provided even more assistance by allowing Margaret recalls, “Somebody told me that aspects of my job.” End-of-life care the House to access its linen service. 1 England had two children’s hospices, I went For families caring for children with complex Gail Hessell, Hospice Manager One of the unique services offered to families medical and care needs, Very Special Kids and saw them both and I was very impressed is end-of-life care for their child at the House. The costs with the work they were doing and I could House is the only overnight respite facility Dr Elizabeth Carew-Reid has provided It is designed to provide families with an certainly see the beneit to families.” in Victoria that provides 24-hour nursing care. exceptional medical support to children optional place of care when their child is The cost of operating Very Special Kids Caring for these children can be exhausting staying at Very Special Kids House and the nearing the last few weeks or days of their life. in 2010-11 was $4.5 million. Very Special Architects Terry Oaten and Geoff Stanistreet for parents, both physically and emotionally staff since the doors irst opened in 1996. Our experienced staff can provide practical Kids House alone costs $1.5 million per made a major contribution in designing this and can put enormous strain on family In 2008, three additional doctors joined and emotional support for the child and their annum to operate. purpose-built children’s hospice. relationships. Parents can leave their child at Dr Carew-Reid as visiting medical oficers. family during this very dificult time. There is We received a one-off funding grant the House, knowing they will receive specialist Dr Carew-Reid said, “It is an honour and a also family accommodation located a few of $500,000 for respite care at the House nursing care while they recharge their own privilege and an enormous pleasure to be steps away from the House where family in 2010-11. We also received a commitment batteries and spend time with their other involved with Very Special Kids House, the members are able to stay close by and of ongoing funding from 2011-12 of $500,000 children. The House is also a place where staff, the parents and especially the children.” friends and extended family can visit. per annum from the Ballieu Government. children can receive end-of-life care in 2 peaceful surroundings in a ‘home away Aiko Luo’s daughter Catherine died at from home’ setting. “ Very Special Kids House provides vital the House in 2008 from a brain tumour, “ The House is a tremendous facility she was just seven years old. Up to eight children can be accommodated support to the families of children that plays a very important role at the House at any one time. If parents want with life-limiting conditions. Many in the care given to the families “ I don’t know how the moment to stay close by, they can do so in the parent of these children are sick for months we support. My involvement as accommodation provided onsite. Most children would have been for me without or even years and they require 24 Chairman since 2004 is a humbling come for respite care and the average length of the Very Special Kids House stay is four to ive days. Children requiring end- hour care. Allowing parents an experience that adds a valued staff supporting me.” of-life care are able to stay for longer periods. opportunity to rest is critical. perspective to my day-to-day life.” There is no charge to families for the use of Aiko, Catherine’s mum Very Special Kids House also provides Andrew Penn, Chairman, Very Special Kids Very Special Kids’ services. an alternative place of care when children reach the end of their 3 ” Families associated with Very Special lives; more homely than a hospital Kids who have accessed the House but with professional nursing and over the years, whether for respite medical care close at hand.” or end-of-life care, are full of praise Dr Jenny Hynson, Consultant Paediatrician for the love and professional care Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, shown by staff at the House to their The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne children, the sense of warmth you feel as you walk in the door and the difference the House has made for

their families.” 4 David Agnew, CEO, Very Special Kids

14 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 15 1. Very Special Kids House Team Very Special Kids House 2. Multi-Sensory Room 3. School Holiday Program 15 years in review 4. Premier Ted Baillieu visits the House

2011 marks an amazing 15 year milestone for Quality care Making music Equipment Premier’s visit Very Special Kids House. It is an opportunity Very Special Kids has maintained a strong The Music Therapy Program has evolved Generous donations of equipment including A highlight for both the children and staff to look to the future with conidence whilst and integrated quality system and met all over a number of years and relects the ceiling hoists, hospital beds, pressure at the House was a visit from the Victorian relecting on the hundreds of children we applicable standards of The Australian Council holistic care approach of Very Special Kids. mattresses medical equipment and furniture Premier the Hon. Ted Baillieu on 12 May 2011. have cared for and their families, helping to of Healthcare Standards (ACHS). This has Our music therapist runs individual and have made a signiicant difference to the During his visit the Premier announced make a difference to their lives. At the core ensured the continual review of performance group sessions for children staying at the care we are able to provide. Very Special Kids is to receive an additional of our achievements are the children and and assessment, and has increased our House on Wednesdays and Saturdays. $500,000 per annum of recurrent funding Just as those irst steps were taken over 15 their families who teach us every day that credibility and reputation with a focus on the The program is designed to meet the individual towards the provision of out-of-home respite years ago with energy, drive and purpose, anything can be accomplished with great minimisation of risk and a strong commitment needs of children and provides a safe space care at the House. we are conident that we are moving forward love and determination. to quality improvement. We have seen in which children can express themselves. on the right path with equal determination. It costs more than $1.5 million each year The House is designed to be an extension operational and clinical policies assist the It’s extremely beneicial for children who We also acknowledge the commitment of our to operate Very Special Kids House. of the family home – a place that is warm House Staff to provide safe and eficient cannot communicate verbally, have dificulties 1 staff and volunteers. It takes dedicated and We received a one-off grant of $500,000 and welcoming for children and parents alike. care and quality service. Care is planned and hearing, seeing, moving or responding. gifted people to start each day with the goal in 2010-11 from the Department of Health During 2010-11, the House has provided respite delivered with the involvement of parents A single instrument can possess qualities to make it the brightest day possible for the and the decision to make this recurrent for 162 children, many of whom have complex and carers with the individual care plan for of sound and tone which can reach a child children staying at the House. funding from 2011-12 is welcomed. medical and nursing care needs. Dedicated each child unique, detailed and speciic in a direct, uncomplicated manner. staff provide a lot more than expert medical covering a wide range of issues. It also takes tremendous courage from the It is without a doubt a very special place and nursing care. They make sure the children children and their families to live each day providing much needed and valued support enjoy a variety of activities to relect their “ I saw children interact more, show to the fullest, embracing life through special and it is a time to recognise how far we have needs and interests, as well as the age, more pleasurable expressions, and it moments. We are inspired by them every come and to say ‘thank you’ to the many and gender of each young person coming felt like some ‘special time’ for them day. Very Special Kids House is indeed a very people who have helped us achieve our goals. into our setting of care. – a type of ‘gift’ of music.” special place and with the help of our amazing We want to sincerely thank our community supporters, we are succeeding in bringing partners who have shown us such unwavering A Volunteer our unique model of caring and comfort in support. Your belief in us inspires us to 2 School holiday program a hospice setting to children and families provide the highest level of accountability A comprehensive formal holiday program has Volunteers across Victoria. and transparency in putting our donors’ been in place since 2006. This has provided an Volunteers are an important part of the gifts into action. opportunity for the staff to enhance the quality House Team and add so much to the quality of the children’s stay by offering a range of of the service we provide. They contribute activities that enable them to enjoy resources more than time – they are a valuable resource other children in the community enjoy during helping to enhance the friendly relaxed typical school holidays. The activities in place atmosphere we strive to create and are an are planned to suit the interests and energy integral part of the success of our multi- levels of the children and over the past years disciplinary team. have included: outings, shows, cooking, music, art and craft activities. Facilities 360 children were admitted The playground is designed to provide easy to Very Special Kids House 3 Hospice Manager, Gail Hessell access for children with disabilities and the ‘wheelchair swing’ continues to be popular. 1,778 bed days were provided with The Multi-Sensory Room is a special an average length of stay of 5 days environment designed to create a stimulating yet calming atmosphere for children with 36 children visited Very Special Kids a variety of disabilities. It has recently House for the ﬁrst time undergone a total refurbishment with themed artwork on the walls and new equipment funded by donations enhancing the overall 82 children participated in planned sensory experience for children staying at the school holiday programs House. The work was done by a talented group of ‘Friends’ Volunteers who have introduced 1,254 volunteer hours were recorded 4 a “jungle” theme.

16 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 17 A Snapshot 2002–2011 A Snapshot at 30 June 2011

Total Families Referrals and Waiting List at 30 June 2011 855 826 861 831 Total number of referrals 120 769 773 713 750 Children who met eligibility criteria 94 645 584 Medically ineligible referrals 8 Discontinued referrals 3 Children requiring end-of-life care 53

Referrals by Source 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 for year ended 30 June 2011

Bereaved Families Other Family Member/Friend 358 352 Other Hospital 327 12% 2% 308 274 260 254 MMC Health 243 Professionals 7% 193 168 Parent 23% Victorian 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 Paediatric Palliative Care Program 17% Number of Children Who Have Died 53 53 Health Professionals 50 50 46 within Community 14% 39 41 RCH Health Professional 25% 25 25 18

Trained Family Support 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 Volunteers by Role at 30 June 2011

Trained Volunteers 85

213 203 207 204 190 188 37 175 33 165 161 161 24 20 14

01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11

18 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 19 About the Appeal Media Highlights

Sebastian and Charlie Coxy’s Big Break The Piggy Bank Appeal continues to be the “We found out Sebastian’s diagnosis just The family has already made quite a few The Appeal received substantial media Coxy’s Big Break Classic Rock most successful fundraising activity conducted before his second birthday. The disease changes to cope with their boys’ condition. coverage, with over 200 media references, The Piggy Bank Appeal was highlighted in This two month campaign ran from 2 August by Very Special Kids and makes up one third of only affects one in 1.4 million kids. So to They say irst and foremost, it’s about sacriice. in print, radio and on TV throughout August the Saturday 4 September episode of Coxy’s to 25 September. Included were 193 client our annual fundraising budget. The success of say that we were shocked beyond belief is Sebastian, who is a year and a half older than and September which lifted the proile of both Big Break. name and positioner credits and eight weeks the Appeal is therefore integral to ensuring an understatement.” Charlie, has been the most affected by the Very Special Kids and our Appeal Partners. of exposure on www.classicrockfm.com.au. we can continue to deliver our support services condition and now needs full-time care 24 Supporting partner, WTFN produce the show “On the day Sebastian was diagnosed we Promos and on air announcer mentions were to families throughout Victoria caring for a hours a day as he’s lost his ability to walk, Herald Sun and once again supported the Appeal through were also told that there was a 25 percent also included in support for the Appeal. child with a life-threatening illness or whose eat and sit and is on a range of medications an interview with host of the show, Geoff Cox, chance Charlie would also have the disease The Patron of Very Special Kids, Sister child has died from such an illness. to prevent muscle spasms, reduce pain and Very Special Kids PR Manager, Inga Norgrove and unfortunately he does,” Richard said. Margaret Noone appeared in the “Saturday Piggy Bank Appeal website to help him sleep. and Appeal Mascot, Snout (although he didn’t The 2010 Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Insert” called “The Day I…”. This full page Danielle relects, “Before we were told of actually say much!). The segment aired on the This year saw a new, state of the art, Appeal was held from Friday 3 September to “As parents with terminally ill kids whose article was published on Saturday Sebastian’s and then Charlie’s diagnosis, Seven Network as well as Prime Albury, Prime highly functional website www.vsk.org.au/ Sunday 26 September. Appeal Partners, their condition continues to deteriorate, nothing 11 September. we had very few cares in the world, like Ballarat, Prime Bendigo, Prime Gippsland piggybankappeal/ created by new Appeal staff, networks and the Victorian community ever stays the same in their lives so it’s really most other people. Then all of a sudden A front page story and double page spread (Sale), Prime Mildura, Prime Shepparton, Supporting Partner, Oxygen Interactive strongly supported the Appeal by holding hard to constantly adapt to their needs as you’re hit with this bombshell and it changes featuring the ‘Family Face’ of the 2010 Appeal, Prime Swan Hill and Prime Warrnambool. Marketing. This visually exciting site includes events, selling merchandise and even dressing they get worse. I still can’t believe how rapidly your perspective on everything.” Richard, Danielle and their boys Sebastian information about the Appeal, interactive up in piggy suits to help us reach a inal target Sebastian is deteriorating. You think you’ve got and Charlie Burnet was published on Saturday Seven Network Piggy Trails, events and activities. Users were of $1,281,000. The “piggy spirit” of the Appeal “I’ve found Virginia our Very Special Kids a grip on his life and then something shifts and able to make donations, purchase the new 28 August . The story had a huge impact on We received great coverage via a live cross was as strong as ever and a great deal of fun Family Support Worker wonderful. When I he loses another ability,” Danielle explains. lines of merchandise which included a raising public awareness as well as resulting on Seven News, ilmed at Docklands with was had by all those involved. speak to her she understands because she’s ‘stress footy’, a stylish notebook and an eco For Danielle and Richard, coping means just in a marked increase in donations. weatherman David Brown on Monday 13 surrounded by families going through similar shopping bag at the online store, register as getting through each day and trying not to September. “Penelope”, the Seven Network The 2010 Family Face situations that we’re going through. We also an Appeal fundraiser and gain information think too far ahead. giant piggy featured in the background of know we’re going to need Very Special Kids about locations and events being held at the The Burnet family, Richard, Danielle, Sebastian the segment and David Brown made mention more and more in the future especially when “We can’t bear to think what life will be without various Piggy Trails throughout Melbourne (4) and Charlie (2) generously agreed to be the of the Appeal during his weather cross. ‘Family Face’ of the 2010 Piggy Bank Appeal. it comes to end-of-life care and support,” them but you just have to live in the moment and country Victoria. Danielle said. and try to create memories every single day,” The Burnet family is facing a parent’s worst Richard said. Radio 3AW The ‘piggy tally thermometer’, images and nightmare. Both their children, Sebastian Nightly interviews were conducted by news about the Appeal were regularly updated, and Charlie have an extremely rare genetic “ While we are very protective of Appeal Ambassadors Very Special Kids PR & Communications so people could keep a constant track of what condition called Multiple Sulphatase was happening throughout the Appeal. the boys, we feel very comfortable Very Special Kids is proud to be associated Manager, Inga Norgrove, with Bruce Mansield Deiciency, a form of Leukodystrophy, which leaving them at Very Special Kids with Seven News Presenter, Peter Mitchell and Phillip Brady on 3AW. Inga promoted ultimately means it is unlikely that the boys will Facebook and Australia’s Leading Lady of Theatre, Piggy Trails throughout Melbourne and live beyond the age of ive. Symptoms of the House. The opportunity to have Marina Prior who are dedicated to making country Victoria as well as the numerous Information and events relating to the Appeal condition can be noticed with developmental a short respite break is very a difference in the community. events held throughout the Appeal. were also included on Very Special Kids’ social delays at around 18 months, this then extends important to us. You can help networking Facebook site page on an almost to muscle wasting, progressive loss of vision Leader Newspaper daily basis. leading to blindness, paralysis and dementia. ensure Very Special Kids is there for other families too by donating The Leader Community Newspaper’s The page currently has over 2,600 members. support of the Appeal provided some Updates about the progress of the Appeal as to the Piggy Bank Appeal.” very important media coverage through The Burnet family well as reminders about Appeal events were Richard and Danielle Burnet stories that appeared in many of their posted regularly on the Facebook page. publications. Articles were spread across In turn, ‘Facebook Friends’ then distributed a broad range of suburbs which helped the information to their networks. to capture many different audiences throughout Melbourne. Speciic activities conducted by Appeal Partners were also highlighted in many of these articles.

20 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 21 Pictured below: Footy Fever Debate Panellists 2010 and Footy Fever Debate 2010

Our Appeal Partners

Our Piggy Bank Appeal Partners are central The 2010 Appeal saw a resurgence of support to this fundraising campaign. They provided with many more events and activities than corporate donations and sponsorship funds, in previous years, including corporate golf access to their network of retail or branch days, major balls and themed dinners, comedy outlets and some of the important pro bono nights, bike rides, trivia nights, marathons services needed to deliver the Appeal and a ‘treadmill challenge’. Big or small, activities and their inancial outcomes. corporate or community, these activities were at the heart of what made the Appeal These services included media advertising such an outstanding success. and exposure, graphic and website design, printing, support vehicles and ilm Footy Fever Debate production services. The 2010 Footy Fever Debate, held in the Without the support of our partners and their Members Dining Room of the MCG on Friday staff and business networks, we would not 3 September, has become the signature event achieve the level of public awareness needed of the Appeal. Sponsored by AXA Asia Paciic to ensure donations are made to the Appeal. and Goldman Sachs the event “kicked off” Hundreds of individual ‘Appeal Champions’ the Appeal in sensational style by raising help us ‘bring home the bacon’ by conducting over $200,000! events and activities within their business, their community or amongst family and The Footy Fever Debate in its 6th year friends. These all feed into the overall total showcased a star line up of panellists and spread the message about our work including; Molly Meldrum, Mick Molloy, to thousands of Victorians. Gillon McLachlan, Daniel Jackson, Hamish McLachlan and Caroline Wilson debating Community events ‘Is Twenty20 football the future of the AFL?’ The personal address made by the Appeal The Piggy Trails featured over 150 Trail Stops Family Face dad, Richard Burnet, was very across Melbourne and regional Victoria. moving and brought home our important Our wonderful Volunteer Trail Crews and message to the 500 corporate guests ive giant piggy banks traversed over 9,000 who attended. kilometres throughout September visiting our partner network outlets and major fundraising and community events. This highly visible ‘road show’ continued to bring strong recognition and a ‘smile to the faces’ of young and old alike.

print & communication solutions

22 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 1. Elaine and Reg Smith 1. Merchandise packing External Events 2. Earimil Gardens Our Corporate Partners 2. 2010 Corporate Golf Day 3. Darren Birch, competing 3. Enthusiastic corporate supporters in the 4 Deserts – Atacama Crossing, Chile 4. Colonial First State present a big cheque

It is a testament to the support for Very This support is often ongoing. For example, Very Special Kids has a strong network Through events such as our annual Piggy Special Kids in the wider community that we Elaine and Reg Smith from Earimil Gardens, of corporate supporters representing a Bank Appeal, Very Special Kids Corporate received over $180,000 per annum in income have over a decade raised more than $300,000 wide range of industry sectors including: Golf Day and the Footy Fever Debate we from individuals, schools, sports clubs, in support of Very Special Kids. hospitality, health, building, inancial services, provide corporate networking opportunities community and service groups, who conducted manufacturing and retail. These businesses that can build business relationships between We hope that they, along with the many fundraising events and activities on our behalf. range in size from major global companies like minded companies who support Very hundreds of others who choose to help to small family businesses. Special Kids. These events are very diverse and include by running an event, continue to do so special dinners, gala balls, corporate golf days, thus ensuring this funding source grows Our corporate partners share our purpose We have a very active Corporate Volunteering open garden days, fun runs and marathons, in the future. and values and have made a commitment to Program that provides a variety of staff craft stalls, themed luncheons and casual- help us raise the funds needed to support engagement opportunities. These range These events also enhance our proile within for-a-cause days. families. This support ranges from commercial from pro bono professional services and the community and help to enlist the support 1 1 sponsorships, gift-in-kind goods and services, advice, ofice administration support, We are inspired by the motivation of others of new donors and we are very grateful for corporate donations, staff fundraising logistical event support and Piggy Bank to raise money for Very Special Kids. We are this support. activities to corporate volunteering programs. Appeal fundraising. also aware of what it takes to run even a small event, so imagine managing a charity golf day, We are committed to developing long Staff participating in the program are given or hosting a gala dinner, often with very term, mutually beneicial and best practice a meaningful experience that not only helps few resources. partnerships and seek to be lexible and us achieve our objectives but provides team innovative in the delivery of meaningful and building opportunities and a ‘community Our leading fundraisers in 2010-11 included affective outcomes both for our supporters giving’ experience. Earimil Gardens Open Days, Toby McCredie and the families we in turn support. Golf Day, Australian Chinese New Year’s Eve Many of our corporate partners encourage Ball, Rotary Club of Altona Golf Day, The Dolls An alignment with Very Special Kids can deliver the support of their staff in conducting Association Show, Ironmen challengers: tangible commercial beneits through event speciic fundraising activities both internally

Darren Birch and Brian Rabinowitz along 2 and campaign sponsorships that enhance a at their workplace and externally through 2 with many others. company’s branding and proile as a good their business and community networks. corporate citizen. We remain lexible in ensuring a company’s unique objectives are 2011 Very Special Kids Cup met, whether they be: forming a strategic – Corporate Golf Day marketing alignment, philanthropic corporate Staged at the prestigious Victoria Golf Club giving, participation in their Corporate Social on 2 March 2011 the ield of 86 keen golfers Responsibility Programs or workplace giving “teed off for the kids”, for this annual and matching gift programs. corporate event and helped raise $30,000 This year we were again supported by for Very Special Kids. Guests were treated many longstanding corporate partners to a wonderful luncheon hosted by including our generous Piggy Bank Appeal Collingwood legend and keen golfer Partners (see page 22), AXA Australia, Tony Shaw, who showed his skills were 3 3 Accor, Bennison Mackinnon, Harry the Hirer, not conined to AFL Football. The Toby McCredie Golf Day Interlease, Transurban, Ernst & Young and Goldman Sachs. We welcomed the support of Whitebread Insurance Brokers, The Shell Company of Australia, Westpac and Colonial First State Global Asset Management and look forward to further engagement in the year ahead.

24 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 25 1. The Fundraising Team Very Special Supporters and Donors Fun draisin g Team 2. Various media articles from 2010-11

Very Special Kids greatly appreciates the Gift in lieu A very special thank you to all our loyal donors The Fundraising Team at Very Special Media and communications support it receives from the loyal group of Many people are now choosing to ask their and those new donors who chose to support Kids is responsible for raising over The support of the media is essential individuals who make regular contributions family and friends to make a donation to the 2011 Very Special Kids House Appeal. $3 million per annum from the business because it creates awareness about the through our Very Special Supporter Pledge their preferred charity in lieu of a gift for and philanthropic community. important work of Very Special Kids as Program. This program provides a reliable Direct Marketing Program their birthday, anniversary, wedding or other Members of this dedicated team have well as the numerous fundraising events income stream which is directed to Very celebrations. In the past inancial year, Thank you to everyone who gave generously specialist skills in Fundraising, Event that are held throughout the year. Special Kids House and the ‘Life is for Very Special Kids received $33,006 from in response to our direct mail and email Management, Business Administration, The organisation enjoys strong support Living’ Program. the friends and relatives of 293 supporters campaigns. Your support resulted in donations Marketing and Sales. Given the increasingly from all forms of media which helps to who chose to forgo birthday, Bar Mitzvah, totalling $233,455.92. The four campaigns It costs over $900 to provide one night of competitive nature of the charity sector, ensure we maintain a presence in both Christmas and wedding presents and instead sent to supporters were the Piggy Bank respite care for a child at Very Special Kids they must be innovative and demonstrate the metro and regional areas of Victoria. House. In the year to 30 June 2011 Very Special marked their celebration by supporting Appeal, Christmas Appeal, Autumn Appeal expertise in relationship building 1 Kids House was able to provide 1,778 nights Very Special Kids. and the Very Special Kids House Appeal. and communications. We would like to say a special thank you of planned and emergency respite and end- to the families and volunteers who make Our primary sources of fundraising income of-life care. As this service is offered free-of- In memory donations Bequests themselves available and share their very include the Piggy Bank Appeal, Corporate charge we rely on the generous support of Very Special Kids wishes to acknowledge personal stories in the media. Without them, Making a donation in memory of a loved one and Community events and activities, the community and our pledge donors. the following bequests received in 2010-11: we wouldn’t be able to achieve the ongoing is a way to leave a special tribute. In 2010-11, Sponsorships, Trusts and Foundations, Very Special Kids received 106 gifts totalling support from the media. Very Special Kids is grateful to have 133 Estate of Paul Raymond Burgess Major Donors and Direct Mail Campaigns. $11,430 in memory of loved ones. Very Special Supporters who contributed Estate of Guiseppe Ruello Our Fundraising Team works closely $52,381 in 2010-11. To our Very Special Estate of Robert John Thallon with our ‘Friends’ volunteers, who provide Supporters we say thank you for your ongoing Very Special Kids House Appeal Estate of Natalie Mary O’Sullevan a range of administrative support and commitment to our ‘Life is for Living’ Program. As at 30 June 2011, the total for the “Very manpower to service various areas of Special Kids House Appeal” (the major appeal We thank each and every person who informs us of their intention to leave a bequest to our fundraising activities. 1. The Williams family in our annual direct marketing program) had Very Special Kids. 2. The Hanssen family reached $88,148 with additional funds still lowing in through the new inancial year. This Appeal celebrated the House turning 15. Trusts and Foundations Through our ‘Special Lives’ newsletter, our Very Special Kids gratefully acknowledges

donors were very moved to hear about the the generous support of 27 Trusts and Region : Vic Metropolitan Hanssen family and the challenges they have Foundations who gave a total of

faced in raising their 11 year old son Darcy. $376,890.99 in 2010-11. BC@<7<5 >=7 PRMMLOQ MBOPLK QL QEB PF?IFKD support services such as counselling, trained focuses on Very Special Kids House, the the 24-year-old is helping LC > PF@H @EFIA TLRIA ?B MBOCB@Q another sibling in need ÁSB ?BBK ALFKD FQ CLO JLOB QE>K Sibling Support Program, Music Therapy, ;g g]c\US` aWabS` :Oc`S\ eOa > VB>O KLT CLO > ¦VB>O¦LIA DFOI family support volunteers, sibling programs, SWUVb eVS\ aVS eOa RWOU\]aSR @>IIBA FV>K> BO VLRKDBO PFPQBO eWbV O [OZWU\O\b PÒW\ bc[]c` T>P ?LOK TFQE > O>OB DBKBQF@ family activities and respite care at Very Regional Support Programs and others. EB @LJMI>FKBA LC KB@H M>FK KBROLILDF@>I AFPLOABO >KA KBBAP @LKPQ>KQIV RJ T>P >IT>VP @LKPQ>KQ @>OB PL FV>K> ALBPKÁQ Q>HFKD EBO QL AL@QLOP SBKQR>IIV >IT>VP DBQ QEB >QQBKQFLK PEBÁA IFHB 7 TSZb QZ]aS b] VS` T`][ bVS Special Kids House. >K P@>K PELTBA > QRJLRO [Sb B E>KD LRQ >Q QEB QLM LC EBO PMFKB [][S\b eS BVS \Sfb be] gSOà eS`S RWT¿QcZb >KA PEBÁP QLIA JB QEFKDP PEB JFDEQ Recognising our donors RJ >KA >A TBOBKÁQ QLDBQEBO KLQ ?B >?IB QL QBII LQEBO MBLMIB 1 >ROBK >KA TBOB >Q P@ELLI >KA /WgO\O¸a bV PW`bVROg bV`Se [S RJ E>A > CRII¦QFJB GL? Q T>P E>OA >ROBK T>P TEBK PEB M>PPBA In 2010-11 Very Special Kids held two functions CLO EBO QL HBBM BSBOVQEFKD QLDBQEBO >T>V BBFKD QEB HFAP ORKKFKD “ When we walked through the doors 0cb :Oc`S\ eOa a] Q][^]aSR >OLRKA T>P QLRDE ALKÁQ OBJBJ?BO EBO @LJMI>FKFKD 7 bVW\Y OP]cb [g aWabS` SdS`g ROg to recognise and thank our donors. We were EB E>A T>FPQ¦IBKDQE E>FO >KA TEBK BO AB>QE J>AB JB >MMOB@F>QB IFCB PEB OB>IFPBA PEB T>P DLFKD QL ILPB JLOB RQ ILLHFKD ?>@H E>SFKD of the House for the very first time FQ PEB @RQ FQ EBK TEBK EBO E>FO PLJBLKB QEBOB CLO JB TLRIA E>SB thrilled to welcome back existing donors as CBII LRQ PEBÁA IB>SB FQ FK QEB D>OABK ?BBK EBIMCRI LIRKQBBOFKD J>HBP CLO QEB ?FOAP QL Q>HB CLO QEBFO KBPQP JB CBBI DLLA QÁP KLQ E>OA QL AL . Picture: MARK SMITH PLJB DLLA CLO LQEBO MBLMIB we were blown away. The staff well as having an opportunity to introduce 7 eOa & Ob bVS bW[S O\R U]W\U D/<3AA/ ;C@@/G Shane Warne and Sam Newman bV`]cUV [g ¿\OZ gSO` ]T VWUV Same wavelength: PQRAV ?>OBIV aQV]]Z @LRIAKÁQ new people to our organisation. The feedback M>PPBA JV BU>JP V QB>@EBOP LO FKCLOJ>QFLK LK BOV MB@F>I FAP SFPFQ TTTSPHLOD>R were so friendly and welcoming. The Crown’s Palladium HKBT TE>Q T>P E>MMBKFKD ?RQ Very specialRebeccaday Baker for Warnieluncheon will be hosted by QEBV KBSBO >PHBA ELT QEFKDP TBOB was very positive for both events. comedians Hamish Blake and SHANE Warne and Sam Newman Andy Lee, who will entertain 7 Oaac[SR QO\QS` eOa a][SbVW\U ÁA KBSBO will join forces at the cricket foundations this year, including throughout the afternoon. g]c RWR\¸b bOZY OP]cb We’ve lost count of how many times the Starlight Foundation, legend’s annual charity lunch. ‘‘Also, I will be giving everyone HKLTK >KVLKB TEL E>A FQ C AFA Newman and other football Very Special Kids and Camp Breakaway. a preview of my new Channel 9 identities and comedy stars PMB>H >?LRQ FQ CBIQ >P QELRDE Very Special Kids wishes to thank all our ‘‘It is going to be a great event show when I interview my good will get together on Sunday week friend Michael Clarke and quiz T>P >PHFKD CLO PVJM>QEV with so many people graciously OeOg W\ Darcy has stayed at the House over to support sick and under- him about the Australian cricket /TbS` :Oc`S\ ÔaaSR donating their time,’’ Warne said. privileged children at the team and their Ashes build up,’’ Those people include Garry " 7 YS^b Sf^SQbW\U VS` b] donors for their generous support in 2010-11. Shane Warne Foundation Footy Warne said. ÁA T>HB RM >CQBO Finals Luncheon. Lyon, Glenn Robbins, Fifi Box Q][S POQY the 11 years we have been a Very The foundation will distribute and Jason Akermanis. AOB>JFKD >?LRQ EBO >KA ?B more than $530,000 to children’s CORPQO>QBA PEB T>PKÁQ QEBOB AFAKÁQ The support we receive from donors, Trusts Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licensed copy or Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth) s 48A copy DOFBSB MOLMBOIV RKQFI > VB>O I>QBO KPQB>A TBKQ LRQ > ILQ >KA AO>KH Special Kids family.” QLL JR@E KA T>P >IT>VP >KDOV and Foundations and the community is vital 7b b]]Y [S ¿dS gSOà b] TSSZ `SORg b] VSZ^ ]bVSà U]W\U bV`]cUV bVS Penny and Henry Hanssen aO[S bVW\U OBJBJ?BOBA QE>Q >K to our ability to continue supporting families LOD>KFP>QFLK @>IIBA BOV MB@F>I FAP E>A >OO>KDBA CLO PLJBLKB QL EBIM RJ TEBK >ROBK T>P PF@H and providing our services free-of-charge. EBVÁA @LJB >KA AL QEFKDP IFHB PFQ >KA OB>A TFQE >ROBK PL RJ

2 Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licensed copy or Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth) s 48A copy

26 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 27 ‘Friends’ of Very Special Kids

The ‘Friends’ of Very Special Kids is a vibrant Our ‘Friends’ volunteers also act as • Friends Gallery Christmas Art Exhibition group of dedicated volunteers who ensure that ambassadors for Very Special Kids, spreading • Flinders Challenge Golf Day we are able to resource our many fundraising awareness in the wider community, initiating • June Clothing Sale activities, gardening and maintenance needs fundraising events and introducing new of our beautiful Malvern premises. donors. We have over 260 ‘Friends’ volunteers Our ‘Friends’ Committee is chaired by Emily who raised over $150,000 in 2010-11. Ryan and supported by Dawn McKenzie as The diversity of life experiences and skills They successfully managed a number Deputy Chair, Kylie McLennan as Treasurer that volunteers bring ensures we can continue of ‘Friends’ events including: and Heather Bell as Secretary. All ‘Friends’ to develop and implement new fundraising volunteers are encouraged to attend monthly opportunities by harnessing their energy, • A Fair to Remember Friends meetings to discuss event plans and enthusiasm and passion for our cause. • Dawn McKenzie’s Beach Themed Dinner initiate new activities.

OAM Award Board member recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Dr Annie Moulden, who has been a director run organisation that is well respected by of Very Special Kids since 2003 and is the corporate and government in terms of the chairperson of the Quality of Care Committee recent funding as well as being a recognised at Very Special Kids, received a Medal of the part of palliative care services in Victoria. Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2011 Queen’s “What a story Very Special Kids is...and Birthday Honours list for her contribution mostly it is a story about generosity-of to medicine as a pediatrician and to medical time, enthusiasm, energy and dollars. administration. Conceptualised by parents of children with While she was thrilled to receive the award, life-threatening illnesses and a visionary and Annie says she did ind it pretty overwhelming. tenacious nun...it is a reminder of what can “I think my irst reaction when I got the letter be achieved with the right ingredients. I love was that many people do so much more, being involved with Very Special Kids, it’s I suppose that’s always the discomfort from an extraordinary organisation. It attracts individual awards, you think, why me? It’s amazing people, both the people who work very humbling and really lovely that somebody, here and also the people who volunteer. “ It has been fascinating to watch somewhere, decided to make the nomination It’s an enormously rewarding place to come Very Special Kids transform from and that other people have supported that. to. It’s warm and friendly and the people who a parent support group to a That’s a wonderful feeling.” are here, want to be here, to really help support kids and their families who are in ‘cottage industry’ on the periphery Annie is the Deputy Clinical Director of a really tricky situation,” Annie said. of the healthcare system to a Quality & Safety at Southern Health and a paediatrician in private practice in Parkville. “Our congratulations go to Annie for the professional, formally accredited She is also a member of the Victorian Quality well-deserved recognition of her contribution organisation fully integrated Council and an Ambassador for the Women to medicine, medical administration and within the healthcare system. of Carlton. Her irst involvement with Very quality of care. In particular, we recognise Special Kids was in the late 90’s when she for us at Very Special Kids Annie’s in-depth Like the many others involved, was asked if she’d be interested in getting understanding of the issues around clinical I feel privileged to be a part of involved in the family intake process. risk management and continuous quality such a special team.” improvement programs has been invaluable. Annie says it has been fascinating to watch Dr Annie Moulden, OAM We would never have achieved the recognition Very Special Kids is very grateful to Very Special Kids change from being a we have with our key stakeholders without her all its ‘Friends’ volunteers for their volunteer run organisation that started with guidance and support,” David Agnew, CEO said. continued dedication an idea to being a highly professional, well

Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 29 Very Special Kids Board

Andrew Penn, AMP (Harvard), MBA, FCCA, BEC Dr Sharon Goldfeld MBBS, FAFPHM, FRACP, PhD Dr Doug Bryan, MBBS, FRACP, FAFRM Joanna Birdseye GAICD Dr Annie Moulden, OAM, MBBS, FRACP John Nairn, B. Bus (Accounting), CPA Andrew Penn was Chief Executive Oficer and Sharon is a community paediatrician, Consultant Physician in Paediatric and Joanna has a Bachelor of Social Work from Annie is the Deputy Clinical Director of Executive Consultant Invesco Inc a Director of AXA Asia Paciic Holdings until specialising in developmental and behavioural Rehabilitation Medicine, Director Royal the University of Melbourne. She commenced Quality & Safety at Southern Health and Director The James Macready-Bryan March 2011 when the company was acquired by paediatrics, and senior research fellow Children’s Hospital (RCH) Home and her career in the early 1980s as a social worker a Paediatrician in private practice in Parkville. Foundation AMP and AXA SA. In his role as Chief Executive in health services research at the Centre Community Care Program, Executive with the Children’s Protection Society, before She is also chair of the Quality of Care Oficer Andrew was responsible for more than for Community Health, a key centre of the Sponsor Specialist Programs. moving to London where she worked as a Committee at Very Special Kids, a member John has for more than 20 years held senior 6,000 employees and 60,000 sales people in Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, at social worker in the London Borough of Sutton of the Victorian Quality Council, a Director roles in the funds management and life Dr Doug Bryan has an extensive background Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, The Royal Children’s Hospital. Until recently from 1986-90. Since returning to Australia of Very Special Kids and an Ambassador insurance industries, both in Australia as a paediatrician, with a particular focus on Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, she was also Principal Medical Advisor in in 1990, Joanna has undertaken a range of for the Women of Carlton. and overseas. acute health and the interface between acute Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore and was a the Victorian Department of Education and project management and policy roles in the and community health. He has more than 35 Annie’s professional passions are shared He was appointed as an Executive Consultant member of the Executive Committee of AXA SA Early Childhood Development. Sharon is Departments of Human Services and Health. years experience at the RCH, Melbourne and between her enjoyment of clinical practice Invesco Inc in August 2008 after being Chief which is the second largest insurance group a passionate advocate for children and She is currently working as a Senior Manager Great Ormond St. and the privilege of working with children and Operating Oficer of Invesco Australia since in the world. Andrew joined the company in is a member of several national and state in the Policy Coordination and Projects Branch, their families, and the challenge of improving July 2003. 1990 in the UK moving to Australia in 1992. committees that focus on children’s issues. From 1976 to 1996 Doug was Physician and Department of Health. the safety and quality of healthcare across Prior to his appointment as CEO in 2006 he Deputy Director Child Development and Prior to joining Invesco, John was Senior Sharon joined the Board in 2004. Joanna joined the Board in 2007. the whole system, with a particular focus held a variety of senior positions including Rehabilitation, in charge of the Spina Biida Adviser, Corporate Strategy and Investments on reducing harm. Chief Executive Oficer Australia & New clinic establishing outreach clinics with local at National Australia Bank where he was Zealand, Group Chief Financial Oficer, and paediatricians in Frankston and Geelong. Annie joined the Board in 2003. responsible for conducting strategic reviews Chief Executive International. Andrew is a In 1992 he was a founder of RCH Home and of the bank’s portfolio, and managing graduate from Harvard Business School’s Community Care (HaCC) and incorporated a portfolio of mergers and acquisitions. Advanced Management Program, a Fellow the children with complex care into a Before National Australia Bank, John spent of The Chartered Association of Certiied multidisciplinary program. In 2001 he was over 18 years with the National Mutual/ Accountants and has an MBA from London’s a founder of the Victorian Paediatric Palliative AXA Australia group. At National Mutual/ Kingston University. As well being Chairman Care Program and incorporated it into HaCC. AXA, John held a range of roles including of Very Special Kids, Andrew is an Ambassador Wendy Thorpe, AMP (Harvard) GradDipAppFin, Gary Anderson, ACA, IIA, AICD Dr Doug Bryan was also a founder of The Royal Chief Investment Oficer, Australia and New for the Amy Gillett Foundation and is a member B.Bus (Accounting), BA (French) & FSIA Gary is the Managing Director of Protiviti Children’s Hospital Education Institute and is Zealand; General Manager, Corporate Affairs; of the Advisory Board of the Juvenile Diabetes Wendy is Director Operations for AMP in Australia, an independent global internal current Chair of its Board. and Director Marketing and Finance in the UK Research Foundation. Financial Services and is responsible for all David King, B.Bus (Accounting), LLB where he spent four years. John was a Director audit, business and technology risk consulting Doug joined the Board in 2008. product administration operations, including David is a director of EKM Legal, Commercial of a number of AXA companies including Andrew joined the Board in 2003 and has company. He is also Chairman of The Institute underwriting, claims, customer and adviser and Intellectual Property Lawyers. He has Chairman of an ASX listed property trust. been Chairman since 2004. of Internal Auditors in Australia and a past support services. She was previously Chief practised for over 30 years in intellectual President of the Information Systems and Operations Oficer of AXA Australia having John joined the Board in 2007. property and trade practices law, undertaking Control Association. Gary contributes direct rejoined AXA in January 2008 after a period both commercial and litigious matters. He has experience and understanding of the key as General Manager, Institutional Technology extensive experience in the commercialisation drivers and risks around inance and at ANZ Bank in 2007 and 2008. business matters. and licensing of technology and intellectual Prior to her time at ANZ Bank, Wendy held property rights. David also specialises in Gary joined the Board in 2003. a number of senior roles at National Mutual sports sponsorship and advertising law and AXA in the business services and information is a qualiied accountant. systems areas, including the role of Chief David joined the Board in 2003. Information Oficer from 2003 to 2007. Before joining National Mutual Wendy was Manager, Information Systems at Australian Unity.

Wendy is also a member of the Swinburne University Council and Chair of the Swinburne University Finance Committee.

Wendy joined the Board in 2011 as an Alternate Director for Andrew Penn. 30 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 31 Corporate Governance Statement of Corporate Governance Practices

The following practices, together with Life Governors Dr Sharon Goldfeld Business Services Independent professional advice Quality of Care Committee Sue Harlow the committees outlined, established Life Governorship has been conferred on the The Business Services area is responsible The Board and Management Team have access This Committee assists the Board in Sr Margaret Hine the framework for the governance of Very following members without whom Very Special for inancial reporting, investment to appropriate external professional legal ensuring appropriate clinical governance John Hope Special Kids, a company limited by guarantee. Kids would not exist in its present form: management, insurance, payroll services, and investment advice, provided by Corrs across the organisation. Its members are: Peter Jackson contract management, property services Chambers Westgarth and JBWere respectively. Rod Bennett David C Jones, AO, OBE, KSJ Dr Annie Moulden, OAM (Chair) Role of the Board and maintenance and company secretarial Prof Glenn Bowes Terence Keefe Very Special Kids is very grateful to Corrs David Agnew The role of the Board is to approve services. It has a coordination role in relation Jane Fenton, AM Connie Kimberley Chambers Westgarth lawyers for their pro Dr Elizabeth Carew-Reid, OAM the strategic direction and operational plans Paula Fox to OH&S, human resource management, Carolyn Cumper David King bono support for more than 13 years. of the organisation and monitor the progress David C Jones, AO, OBE, KSJ Bill Le Lievre compliance reporting, risk management Joan Hamilton-Roberts made to achieve approved strategic goals Connie Kimberley and incident reporting. This area is also Gail Hessell Keera Le Lievre Financial accountability through the key performance indicators Roger Nicholson, OAM Shirley Lloyd responsible for ensuring all staff and Andrea Murphy and operational plan outcomes. The Board Sr Margaret Noone, AM IBVM Dawn McKenzie volunteers have a Working with Children The Constitution of Very Special Kids requires also ensures appropriate governance of the Dr Annie Moulden, OAM Check and a police check. that proper books of account be kept, true Foundation organisation, including compliance with Life Members John Nairn and complete accounts be maintained and The Foundation is a network of supporters applicable laws and regulations. Life Membership has been conferred on Roger Nicholson, OAM Planning and control independently audited annually by a registered who raise the proile of Very Special Kids company auditor, and that inancial statements the following members who have given a Sr Margaret Noone, AM IBVM From the Strategic Plan, Very Special Kids and identify inluential contacts and potential Maureen O’Keefe-Anders and the auditor’s report are laid before Composition of the Board substantial special contribution over a period produces annual operational plans by activity supporters. Its members are: Andrew Penn members at the Annual General Meeting. Under the Constitution, the Board must have a of years and whose efforts have signiicantly with outcome measures and detailed budgets, Paul Rizzo (Chair) Heidi Roberts minimum of ive Directors. At all times the total affected the work of Very Special Kids: all of which are approved and regularly In order that annual accounts are of the David Agnew Dr John Rogers number of Directors must be less than Dr Elizabeth Carew-Reid, OAM monitored by the Board. highest standard, Very Special Kids complies Alan Beckett Wendy Swift 25% of the total number of current Members. The Hon. Peter Costello, AC with the applicable Australian accounting Richard Bowden Wendy Thorpe The Board must elect a Chairman Robert Davey standards and guidelines. The independent David Chin Julie Trigg Risk assessment at all meetings of the Board. Chris Gillman Peter Duncan Jim Wilson The Board, its subcommittees and the external auditors of Very Special Kids for 2010- John Hope 11 were KPMG who provided their services on David Gibbs The Board members currently comprise: Management Team are responsible for Bill Le Lievre Management Team a pro bono basis and have done so for the Chris Gillman Andrew Penn (Chair) Keera Le Lievre identifying, measuring and assessing Bob Glindemann (Deputy Chair) last seven years for which we are very grateful. Gary Anderson Maureen O’Keefe-Anders The Chief Executive Oficer (CEO) is responsible business, legal, inancial, environmental and David Lyall In addition, Very Special Kids thanks Ivor Joanna Birdseye Dr John Rogers for achieving the approved strategic goals other risks in the activities of Very Special Darryl Mackay Donohue for his work as honorary internal Dr Doug Bryan Wendy Swift through the day-to-today operations of Very Kids. All signiicant risks, their implications Andrew Macmillan auditor in 2010-11. Dr Sharon Goldield Jim Wilson Special Kids. The following managers meet and strategies, are considered by the Board. Clark Morgan David King on a regular basis as a Management Team to Andrew Penn Dr Annie Moulden, OAM Members develop policies and monitor strategies, issues Board Subcommittees Andrew Perry John Nairn The Constitution of Very Special Kids provides and performance: The Constitution of Very Special Kids permits Ken Ryan Heidi Roberts (alternate for David King) for up to 40 members. The members of Very David Agnew - the Board to establish subcommittees. Gavin Slater Wendy Thorpe (alternate for Andrew Penn) Special Kids are drawn from the Board, Life Chief Executive Oficer John Paul Whitbread Finance, Audit and Risk Committee Caroline Wilson Members, Life Governors, families, family Yvonne Flynn - Patron of Very Special Kids Jim Wilson volunteers and other areas of the community. Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager This committee monitors inancial performance Sr Margaret Noone, AM IBVM and ensures Very Special Kids has a strong The Members are: Joan Hamilton-Roberts - Business Services Team internal control system, complies with Gary Anderson Family Support Manager applicable laws and regulations and monitors Ross Baker Richard Hanson - risk (except clinical risks). Its members are: Rod Bennett Business Manager Joanna Birdseye Gail Hessell - Gary Anderson (Chair) Prof Glenn Bowes Hospice Manager David King Dr Doug Bryan John Nairn Andrea Murphy - Dr Elizabeth Carew-Reid, OAM Wendy Thorpe Executive Manager, Family Services Libby Clarke David Agnew The Hon. Peter Costello, AC Inga Norgrove - Richard Hanson Robert Davey PR & Communications Manager Jane Fenton, AM Michelle Rule - Paula Fox Fundraising Relationship Manager Chris Gillman

32 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 33 Our Staff Our Volunteers

Thank you to our staff for their passion Very Special Kids House Team Music Therapist Thank you to our wonderful volunteers Margaret Madge Muriel Lawrence Family Support Volunteer Friend Volunteer and enthusiasm for Very Special Kids: Gail Hessell Fiona Lee who are so generous with their time, their enthusiasm and their ongoing commitment. David Agnew Hospice Manager Jason Robinson David Lyall Very Special Kids’ Trained Family Support Family Support Volunteer Friend Volunteer and Foundation Member Chief Executive Oficer Carolyn Cumper Visiting Doctors Volunteers and ‘Friends’ Volunteers are Andrea Murphy Deputy Hospice Manager Dr Elizabeth Carew-Reid OAM Souzy Makrakis Darryl Mackay duly recognised and rewarded for their Executive Manager Family Services Dr Lisa Prichard Friend Volunteer Foundation Member Registered Nurses Dr Bronwyn Sacks commitment. Inga Norgrove Dr Annie Moulden, OAM Micheline Massenot Dr Sharon Woolf PR & Communications Manager Helen Gardner Board Member Friend Volunteer Wendy Gemmell 15 Years Fundraising Team Andy Penn Karen Montgomery Family Support Team Lauren Hallowell Jane Ansell Board and Foundation Member Family Support Volunteer Suzanne Kearney Yvonne Flynn Family Support Volunteer and Friend Volunteer Joan Hamilton-Roberts Paul Rizzo Jo Mooney Jodie Lapthorne Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager Family Support Team Manager Kathryn Barker Foundation Member Friend Volunteer Rita Moreno-Diaz Michelle Rule Family Support Volunteer Virginia Wilson Carly Stailis Sheila Taylor Carmel Moore Fundraising Relationship Manager David Gibbs Assistant Manager/Family Volunteer Manager Kim Robinson Friend Volunteer Friend Volunteer Amber Myers Foundation Member Angela Flood Ann Marie Kilpatrick Caroline Wilson Clark Morgan Fundraising Events Manager Rona Hatield Angela Gill Jill Wood Foundation Member Foundation Member Rebecca Thornton Jennifer Curcio Friend Volunteer Lisa D’Acri Fundraising Events Coordinator John Nairn David King 5 Years Board Member Mandy Gregory Carers Camille Hobbs Board Member Gary Anderson Regional Coordinator Elly Parker Josie Butta Fundraising Events Coordinator Board Member Suzie Sanderson Family Support Volunteer Amanda Greenwood Rebecca Coleman Carly Bourke Family Support Volunteer Lindy Anderson Secretary Andrew Perry Beatrice Crawford Fundraising Events Coordinator Family Support Volunteer Sally O’Byrne Foundation Member Judy Rassaby Jackie Forbes Hanh Le Family Support Volunteer Alan Beckett Adolescent Coordinator Jessica Godfree Diana Posner Fundraising Relationship Coordinator Foundation Member Wendy Harris Family Support Volunteer Belinda Wilson Amanda Georgiou 10 Years Justin Hunter Joanna Birdseye Fundraising Administration Reg Adam Amanda Springer Natalie Hyman Board Member Regional Ofices Assistant and Reception Friend Volunteer Family Support Volunteer Glenda Parker Kerrie Ceddia Heidi Barber Lynette Swan Zoe Thatcher Richard Bowden Family Support Volunteer Peninsula Ofice Business Services Foundation Member Friend Volunteer Sze Wai Wu Ivor Donohue Maria Bradford Richard Hanson Brett Theodore Polly Dufton Joe Brancatisano Volunteer Consultant Gippsland Ofice Maria Leon Business Manager Friend Volunteer Friend Volunteer Jan Earl Jenni Coldwell Megan Helper Marie Beadle Louise Wallace-Smith Jim Cresp Family Support Volunteer Hume Ofice Nicolette Meates Accounts Oficer Volunteer- Safety Training Family Support Volunteer Moira Fitzsimon Janet Cowling Kelly Thomas Mary Williams Peter Duncan Family Support Volunteer Northern Suburbs, Brunswick Ofice Personal Assistant to CEO Foundation Member Family Support Volunteer Dorothy Francis Fiona Edgar (inished May 2011) Danielle Yildar Joan Foley Family Support Volunteer Marianne Collins (started May 2011) Family Support Volunteer Management Team Friend Volunteer Central Victoria Ofice Donna Freeman Bob Glindemann Family Support Volunteer Peggy Hogan Foundation Member Barwon South Western Ofice Dr Sharon Goldield Heather Hardiman Board Member Emily McDermott Friend Volunteer Western Suburbs, Brunswick Ofice Avril Jones Monica Kenny Friend Volunteer Friend Volunteer Terena Lane Bev Kerin Family Support Volunteer Friend Volunteer

34 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 35 Our Donors We wish to thank the many individuals, businesses, organisations, clubs, schools and community groups who donate or raise funds, provide pro bono services, goods or gifts in kind to Very Special Kids.

Individuals who Mr Stephen & Mrs Amanda Minns Australian Hellenic Education Commonwealth Bank - Croydon Greensborough RSL McMahons Mr John & Mrs Margot Rogers Waverley Golf Club donated $1,000+ Mr George Moir Progressive Association Commonwealth Bank - Eaglehawk Grocon Ms Linda McMillan Rosebud RSL Welcome Stranger Automobilty Pty Ltd Mr David Agnew Dr Timothy Morgan Commonwealth Bank - Malvern Guest Group Medicare Australia Rotary Club of Malvern Wendouree Old Time Dance Club Inc. Autumn Care Pty Ltd Ms Roseanne Amarant Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, AC DBE Commonwealth Bank - Mornington Hacer Group Eastland Shopping Centre Rotary Club of Rosebud Westend Market Hotel AXA - Hearts in Action The Bainbridge Family Mrs Susan Nelson Commonwealth Bank - Sale Haileybury College Medicare Australia - Northcote Royal Taverner Westmeadows Tavern Ballan Lioness Club Mr Darren Barbary Mr Mark Nicholson Commonwealth Bank - Shepparton Harley Davidson Australia Pty Ltd Melbourne City Toyota Ms Rachel Russell Whitbread Insurance Brokers Barkly’s Hotel Ms Deanne Bevan & Mr Guy Russo Mr K O’Connor Commonwealth Bank - Staff Social Mr Doug Harrower Mercure Melbourne Spring Street Rye Hotel Windermere Hotel Barwon Heads Hotel Mr Bill Black Mr Fred Ohlsson & Charity Club (Vic) Inc Hastings Cricket & Football Club Metricon Homes Pty Ltd S & S Tyquin Bulk Haulage WT Partnerships Bayswater Hotel Mr Ron & Mrs Polly Bowen & Family Mr Peter Papadimitriou Commonwealth Bank - Sunbury HBA Health Insurance Metropole Property Sands Taverner WTFN Entertainment Bella The Cut & Colour Salon Investment Strategists Ms Beverley & Mr John Cameron Mr Andrew Penn Commonwealth Bank of Australia /BUPA Australia Mr Nicholas Elliott & Ms Felicity Savage York on Lilydale Taverner Resort Bennison Mackinnon Commonwealth Bank Western Healesville RSL Midweek Eastern Metropolitan Mr Rohan Carlisle Mr David & Mrs Christine Pullan Ladies Tennis Association Shildtech Pty Ltd Miss Sara Zelinger Berwick Inn Taverner Suburbs Area Golf Day Heenalu Pty Ltd Sir Roderick Carnegie, AC Ms Gaye Qurk Milano’s Brighton Beach Hotel Shoppingtown Hotel Zoomcopter P/L Beston Group Coolaroo Taverner Herbert Green & Rundle Mrs Maureen Cawley Mr Robert Reed Mitcham Hotel Terrence Simon - Head Shave Mr Darren Birch Dandenong Club Highett RSL Individuals and businesses Mrs Sandra Chan Ms Judith Roach MKH Industries Skyways Taverner Blackburn Hotel Graham Dent - Ironman Triathlon Hoppers Crossing Sports Club who have provided pro bono Mr Tony Cipa Mr Gavin & Mrs Kate Rogers Challenge Mortlake Newsagency St Albans Hotel BMD HostPlus services, goods or gifts in Mr Malcolm & Mrs Ros Clowes Mr Richard & Mrs Ros Rogers Dezign Electrics Morwell Bowling Club St Andrew’s Opportunity Shop Bosari Group HSV Owners Club of Victoria kind $500+ Ms Margaret Coles Mrs Judith Sear Dolls Association Of Victoria (Inc) Morwell Hotel Motel St Kevin’s College (Kenny House) Boss Waterprooing Interlease 3AW Radio Mr Christopher Conboy Mr Tony Sophoulis Dr & Mrs Gary & Freda Lubransky Muller Partnership Stamford Hotel Bowens Timber and Building ACCOR Hospitality Mr Tim Coyne Mr Ian Sowerby Intrax Consulting Engineers Start To Finish Events Supplies Eagle Lighting Australia Pty Ltd Murray to Moyne 24 Hour All Ready Safe Mr Simon & Ms Beatrice Crawford Mrs Beth Stott Inverloch Lotto Cycle Challenge Sunbury Bowling Club BP Australia Earimil Gardens Charity Inc Annie’s Cottage Mr Ross & Mrs Katy De Valle Mrs Lynette Swan Italian Aust Sports Club Morwell Navy Health Supanews Bayside BP Prahran East End Slabs Pty Ltd Arthritis South Australia - Kidslix Mr Uwe Dombrowski Ms Wendy Thorpe Ivanhoe Hotel NCI Packaging Swan Hill RSL Mrs Amanda Braun Eastern Oak Structures Australian Community of Child Mrs Jan Egan Mrs Sally Torney Karma Currency NEM Consultants Swinburne University Events Team Brighton Grammar School Echuca Workers & Services Club Photographers Mr David Van Ryn Keilor East RSL Tankerville Arms Hotel The Goldsmith Family Junior School E-Lounge Newland Developers Australian Hellenic Education Kelly Racing Mr Peter Fitzgerald Mr Chris Vanderkley Buchan Group Elsternwick Hotel Noble Park F/Ball Social Club Target Australia Pty Ltd Progressive Association Kirstina Ms Yvonne Flynn Mr John & Mrs Marie Warnock Bundoora Centre Newsagency Energy Consult Pty Ltd Tony Noonan Racing Tatts Group Australian Pure Waters Knox Club Mr Alan & Mrs Narda Fossett Mr Michael Waters Bunnings Altona Essendon F/B & Community North Suburban Sports Club Taylors Lakes Family Hotel Australian Two-Way Radio Rentals Korumburra Authorised Newsagency Mr Lindsay & Mrs Paula Fox Mr Nick West Burra Foods Sport Club Nu fruit The Beach Badgelink Krueger Shopitters Mr Stuart Giles & Ms Cathy Reid Ms Rosemary Wilkinson Burvale Hotel Express Promotions Australia Pty Ltd Oakleigh Junction Hotel The Brook on Sneydes Bank of Queensland Kyneton Uniting Church Mr Bob Glindemann, OAM Mr Alan S Williams Fastad Shipping Oficers and Crew RTM Wakmatha The Carbine Club Inc Bennison Mackinnon Byaduk & Community Spring Show Opportunity Shop Mr Andrew Gordon Mr Peter Wilson Ferntree Gully Kia Old England Hotel The Doncaster Betts Group Cardno Grogan Richards Lara Hotel Mr Adrian Goudie Dr Sharon Woolf Fitness Energy Oliver Hume The Feelings Club Big Consulting Casa D’Abruzzo Club Latin Paciic Holdings Mrs Beryl Hall Mr Joe Zelinger Caulield Grammar School Flinders Five Golf Day Orix Australia Corporation The Geelong Times Bodyworks Organic Spa & Ms Haviva Lederman Lee Brothers Fencing Pty Ltd Mr Christopher Hart Wheelers Hill Campus Flinders Golf Club Pascoe Vale RSL The International Boscastle Handmade Pastries Lifestyle National Mr Bernard & Mrs Janet Hawkins Caulield RSL Fox Classic Car Collection Ms Patricia Perkins The Shell Company & Foods Individuals, businesses, Lions Club of Phillip Island Ms Judith Hedstrom Charter Keck Cramer Frankston RSL PGR Furniture & Marketing Pty Ltd of Australia Limited Cadbury Australia & New Zealand organisations, clubs, schools Long Gully Lotto Mrs Margaret Henderson Checkpoint Building Surveyors Gateway Hotel Geelong Players on Lygon Ms Rose Thomas Camp Australia and community groups who Lord of the Isles Tavern Ms Helen Jackson Chelsea Heights Hotel Geelong Grammar School PricewaterhouseCoopers Ticketmaster Australasia Cane Design donated or raised $1,000+ Loreto Sisters Province Centre Mr Lindsay & Mrs Annette Jackson Chelsea RSL Toorak Campus Prince Mark Hotel Traralgon RSL Channel Seven ACCOR Hospitality Lynbrook Hotel Mrs Joy Johnstone Chirnside Park Country Club GEON Group Probuild Tudor Inn Chefs Pantry ALH Group Mr Gary Lubransky Mr Ged Keeghan Mr Joe & Mrs Nancy Cincotta Mr Trent & Mrs Tanya Gilmour PSG Elecraft Twilight Auto Tint Chelmanbe Pty Ltd All Souls Opportunity Shop Magistrates’ Court of Victoria Mr P T Kempen City of Stonnington Gisborne Golf Club Pulse Pharmacy Management Universal Concrete Contractors Chiller Trailers Allbeau Pty Ltd - Melbourne Pty Ltd Mr Adrian Lasky Claremont Terrace Glenvale School Services City of Stonnington Allens Arthur Robinson Malvern Corner Pharmacy Urbis Ms Judith Lawrence Clayton Bowls Club Goldman Sachs & Partners Australia Qudos Recruitment Ckaos Altona Sports Club Manhattan Hotel Vic Super Mr Rob Lebrasse Clifton Hill Lotto Goldman Sachs JBWere Christmas Quiet Man Hotel Classic Rock 91.5FM Amcal Pharmacy Vermont South Toy Fund Maryborough News & Lotto Pty Ltd Victoria Gardens Lotto Ms Seyma Lederman Colonial First State Global Asset Mr Julius Rath Clubs Victoria Inc. Aquaworks Plumbing Pty Ltd Goulburn Valley Hotel Matthew Flinders Taverner Villa Mang E.C.I.S Mr Glenn & Mrs Julie Markovic Management Red Lion Hotel Coastcom Group Pty Ltd Arndale Lotto Grampians Golf Club Mr Tim & Mrs Penny McCredie Walton Construction Pty Ltd Mr Donald Martin Commonwealth Bank - Castlemaine Required Financial Services Coca-Cola Amatil Pty Ltd Stephanie Ashford - Trivia Night Grand Terminus Hotel McKenzie Group Consulting Warragul Lotto & Gifts Mr Stephen & Mrs Karen McGowan Commonwealth Bank - Clayton and MGAC Rising Sun Hotel Bendigo Colorpak Limited ASP Ship Management Green Acres Golf Club Warriors Victoria Inc. Mr Brian & Mrs Jeanette Milnes Commonwealth Bank - Cobram McMahon Services Australia Pty Ltd Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd Combined Bulk Bins Australian Chinese Events Committee Watsonia RSL

36 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 37 Report of Directors

Commonwealth Bank - Staff Social Mercure Sydney - Parramatta Wangaratta City Speedway Tom & Ziliah Diamond Family Trust The directors present their report together with 2. Directors’ meetings 4. Results & Charity Club (Vic) Inc Metropolitan Golf Club Warners Nursery United Way Goulburn Valley the concise inancial report of Very Special Kids The number of directors’ meetings and The net result from operations was a Confederation of Australian Community Fund MG Car Club Ladies Register Warriors Victoria Inc. (“the Company”) for the inancial year ended Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meetings surplus of $425,329 (2010: deicit of $495,072) Motor Sport Ltd VCF - Ruth Fagg Foundation Mr Peter Mitchell Wilderness Wear Australia Pty Ltd 30 June 2011 and the auditor’s report thereon. and number of meetings attended by each for the inancial year. Corrs Chambers Westgarth Lawyers - ANZ Trustees Moose Enterprise WTFN Entertainment of the directors of the Company during the Costa Group of Companies 1. Directors Mr Chris & Mrs Christine Mullen Bequests and Estates inancial year are: 5. Directors’ remuneration Cricket Wiz Pty Ltd Workplace Giving, Staff of Muirield Financial Services Estate of Natalie Mary O’Sullevan The directors of the Company at any No remuneration was paid to directors Mr Ivor Donohue the following organisations time during or since the end of the Board Finance, National Sports Museum Estate of Paul Raymond Burgess of the Company for the inancial year Epicure Aviva Investors Australia Ltd inancial year are: Meetings Audit News Magazines - News, Sport Estate of the Late Robert John and Risk ended 30 June 2011. Mr John & Mrs Jenny Fast & Specialist Division AXA - Hearts in Action Thallon Mr Andrew Penn, AMP (Harvard), Committee Mr Denis & Ms Moira Fitzsimon Bytecan Pty Ltd Novotel on Collins MBA, FCCA, BEC (Chairman) Meetings 6. Dividends Fleming’s Nurseries Pty Ltd Department of Human Services 2010 Piggy Bank Appeal Our Lady of Lourdes ABAB No dividend has been paid or declared Fun Flight - Victoria Mr Gary Anderson, Outdoor Sports Publishing Major Partners in respect of the inancial year. Freehills B.Comm (Hons), ACA, IIA, AICD Mr Andrew Penn 6 8 - - GAIA Skin Naturals Oxygen Interactive Marketing Channel Seven Goldman Sachs & Partners Foundation Ms Joan Gaughwyn Mr Norm Parker Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ms Joanna Birdseye, Mr Gary Anderson 7 8 4 7 7. State of affairs Gavin Blue Photography HBA Health Insurance /BUPA Australia B. Social Work Peter Jackson Design Pty Ltd HBA Health Insurance/Bupa Ms Joanna 7 8 - - In the opinion of the directors there were no GEON Group JBWere Pty Ltd Australia Birdseye Placesettings For Hire Dr Doug Bryan, MBBS, FRACP, FAFRM signiicant changes in the state of affairs of Mr Norm Gibbs, OAM National Australia Bank Limited Metricon Primo Smallgoods Dr Doug Bryan 6 8 - - the Company that occurred during the inancial (Zodo the Clown) Pitcher Partners Ms Wendy Thorpe, AMP (Harvard), Mr David & Mrs Christine Pullan Tatts Group Ltd year under review not otherwise disclosed in Goodman Fielder SP AusNet GradDipAppFin, B.Bus (Accounting), BA, Ms Wendy Thorpe 2 2 1 1 Raw Materials Supporting Partners this report or the inancial statements. Hands on Communication Transurban FSIA (appointed alternate director 1 May 2011) Dr Sharon 6 8 - - Realestate.com.au Clubs Victoria Inc Happy Android Company Very Special Kids Goldield Richgro Ckaos Dr Sharon Goldfeld, 8. Events subsequent to reporting date Harry the Hirer Mr David King 5 8 2 7 Richmond Football Club Geon print MBBS, FRACP, PhD There has not arisen in the interval between Heartfelt Trusts and Foundations & communication solutions Dr Annie Moulden 7 8 - - Rotary Club of Malvern A G Johnston & I D Johnston Mr David King, the end of the inancial year and the date of Herald Sun Oxygen Interactive Marketing Sails on the Bay Perpetual Trust -ANZ Trustees B.Bus (Accounting), LLB Mr John Nairn 7 8 6 7 this report any item, transaction or event Image Online Toyota Scotsburn Nurseries AXA Asia Paciic Charitable of a material and unusual nature likely, Imagenation Virtutising Pty Ltd Dr Annie Moulden, Ms Heidi Roberts ---- Scouts Victoria Foundation Trust WTFN Entertainment in the opinion of the directors of the Company, Interlease MBBS, FRACP to affect signiicantly the operations of the Mr Tony Shaw Bell Charitable Trust Media Partners A- Number of meetings attended Jemark Imports Company, the results of those operations, Simply Energy Collier Charitable Fund Herald Sun Mr John Nairn, B- Number of meetings held during the time Ms Joan Gaughwyn or the state of affairs of the Company in Soitel Melbourne on Collins George & Edith Ramsay Charitable Leader Community Newspapers B.Bus (Accounting), ACPA the director held ofice during the year Kelly Racing Trust - Perpetual Trustees future inancial years. Sparkey Clarkey 3AW Kidsup Gill Family Foundation Ms Heidi Roberts, Spicers Paper Classic Rock 91.5fm LLB, Grad Dip HRM (appointed alternate 3. Principal activities Mr Mark Knight Henry Berry Estate & Trust 9. Lead auditor’s independence St Georges Parish Footy Fever Debate Partners director 13 August 2011) The principal activities of the Company KPMG Ivor Ronald Evans Foundation declaration St John Church Toorak AXA Australia during the course of the inancial year were Mr Dan Le Equity Trustees The lead auditor’s independence declaration St Peters Goldman Sachs JBWere to provide support to families throughout Mr Vu Le Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation is set out on page 40 and forms part of the StreetsAhead Cleaning Services their experience of caring for children with Le Mans Toyota Marshall Roth Charity Trust directors’ report for the inancial year ended Sussan Corp (Australia) life threatening illnesses, from diagnosis Leader Community Newspapers Melbourne Community Foundation 30 June 2011. Swisse Vitamins through to recovery or bereavement. Len’s Quality Meats Minyaka Trust The Just Group There were no signiicant changes in the Linfox Miss M K A Bell Memorial Fund The Marquee People nature of the activities of the Company Lions Club of Boronia The Trust Company The Shell Company Of Australia during the year. Lodge Bros Stonemasons Pty Ltd Norman, Mavis & Graeme Waters The Victoria Golf Club - Perpetual Trustees Lord Somers Camp & Power House Mrs Sally Torney Priestley Family Trust Loreto Mandeville Hall Toyota Motor Corporation Springwaters Foundation Magic Moments Foundation Australia Ltd - Basket Brigade S.T.A.F. - Norma Foster Perpetual Gift Tree Planters Ms Lorraine Mailer The Marian & E H Flack Trust True Alliance Malvern Fire Station 24 - Southern Zone The Miller Foundation Mr Jonathan Turner Maranello Motorsport International The Peter Isaacson Foundation Ulysses Club - Melbourne Branch Melbourne High School The Shane Warne Foundation Variety Club Victoria Melbourne Racing Club The William Angliss (Victoria) Charitable Fund

38 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 39 Auditor’s Declaration & Directors’ Declaration Concise Financial Report Lead Auditor’s independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 Statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 30 June 2011 and Directors’ Declaration

2011 2010

$ $ Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 Operating revenue 4,886,753 3,963,624 To: the Directors of Very Special Kids

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the audit for the inancial Depreciation and amortisation (177,935) (150,636) year ended 30 June 2011 there have been: Employee expenses (3,160,991) (3,149,950) 1. no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Administration (129,371) (153,674) Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and Property and maintenance (372,238) (338,826) 2. no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. Promotions (196,686) (291,790)

KPMG Cost of Sales (70,742) (40,280) Gain/(Loss) on sale of Investment 13,303 1,219

Peter Nash Gain/(Loss) on disposal of assets (20,066) - Partner Impairment losses on investment portfolio Melbourne - (6,711) 13 September 2011 transferred from Fair value reserve Other expenses (346,698) (323,924)

Directors’ Declaration Diminution in investments - (4,124)

In the opinion of the directors of Very Special Kids (“The Company”) the concise inancial report Total Comprehensive income for the year 425,329 (495,072) and notes set out on pages 41 to 43:

a) has been derived from or is consistent with the full inancial report for the inancial year ended 30 June 2011; and

b) complies with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports. Statement of changes in equity Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Retained Fair Value Total earnings Reserve equity

Andrew Penn Opening balance as at 1 July 2010 4,261,472 109,865 4,371,337 Director Total comprehensive income for the year 425,329 8,303 433,632

Closing Balance as at 30 June 2011 4,686,801 118,168 4,804,969

Gary Anderson Director

Dated at Melbourne on the 13th day of September 2011

40 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 41 Concise Financial Report Concise Financial Report Statement of inancial position as at 30 June 2011 Statement of cash lows for the year ended 30 June 2011

30 June 2011 30 June 2010 30 June 2011 30 June 2010

Assets Cash lows from operating activities

Cash and cash equivalents 739,464 300,295 Government Grants 1,661,539 1,083,707

Cash trust 321,531 299,992 Donations 809,211 613,626

Term deposits 425,654 362,966 Piggy Bank Appeal 1,281,343 902,922

Receivables 104,527 83,009 Investment Income 145,385 120,179

Inventory 57,330 61,414 Other Income 439,130 762,343

Prepayments 39,826 2,000 Trusts and Foundations 533,991 551,320

Total current assets 1,688,332 1,109,676 Cash payments in the course of operations (4,229,153) (4,190,659)

Investments 1,980,289 1,957,226 Net cash from operating activities 641,446 (156,562)

Fixed assets 1,809,641 1,941,049

Total non-current assets 3,789,930 3,898,275 Cash Flows from investing activities

Total assets 5,478,262 5,007,951 Payments for ixed assets (77,593) (145,019)

Liabilities Purchase of investments (174,167) (150,000)

Accrued expenses 89,227 75,106 Proceeds on disposal of investments 133,710 367,973

Provision for annual leave 226,464 202,252 Net cash used in investing activities (118,050) 72,954

Income received in advance 36,863 81,500

Total current liabilities 352,554 358,858 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 523,396 (83,608)

Provision for long service leave 320,739 277,756 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July 963,253 1,046,861

Total non-current liabilities 320,739 277,756 Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 1,486,649 963,253

Total liabilities 673,293 636,614

Net assets 4,804,969 4,371,337

Reserves Notes to the concise inancial report for the year ended 30 June 2011 Retained earnings 4,261,472 4,756,544 1 Subsequent events Current year Surplus/(Deicit) 425,329 (495,072) There has not arisen in the interval between the end of the inancial year and the date of Fair value reserve 118,168 109,865 this report, any item, transaction or event of a material or unusual nature likely to affect signiicantly the operations of the Company, the results of those operations, or the state Total reserves 4,804,969 4,371,337 of affairs of the Company in future inancial years.

42 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 43 Independent auditor’s report to the members of Very Special Kids Report on the concise inancial report

We have audited the accompanying concise inancial report of Very Special Kids (the Company) which comprises the statement of inancial position as at 30 June 2011, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash lows for the year then ended and related notes derived from the audited inancial report of Very Special Kids for the year ended 30 June 2011. The concise inancial report does not contain all the disclosures required by Australian Accounting Standards and accordingly, reading the concise inancial report is not a substitute for reading the audited inancial report.

Directors’ responsibility for the concise inancial report The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the concise inancial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of the concise inancial report.

Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the concise inancial report based on our audit procedures which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Standards. We have conducted an independent audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards of the inancial report of Very Special Kids for the year ended 30 June 2011. We expressed an unmodiied audit opinion on the inancial report in our report dated 13 September 2011. The Australian Auditing Standards, require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the inancial report for the year is free of material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the concise inancial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the risk of material misstatement of the concise inancial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of the concise inancial report in order to design procedures, that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Our procedures included testing that the information in the concise inancial report is derived from, and is consistent with, the inancial report for the year, and examination on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures which were not directly derived from the inancial report for the year. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the concise inancial report complies with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is suficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Independence In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.

Auditor’s opinion In our opinion, the concise inancial report of Very Special Kids for the year ended 30 June 2011 complies with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

KPMG

Peter Nash Partner Melbourne KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member irm of the KPMG network of independent member irms afiliated with KPMG International Cooperative 13 September 2011 (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.

44 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 45 Future Directions - Our Strategic Plan ADD QUOTE HERE The Board has reviewed the Strategic Plan for the period 2010 - 2013. The plan is reviewed on an annual basis by the Board and Management Team and the key strategies updated.

Goal Goal Outcome Key Strategy

Financial Very Special Kids • Maintain strong inancial management will be a inancially Sustainability • Implementation and ongoing review of the Fundraising Strategy to deliver sustainable organisation additional fundraising income able to resource its purpose, values and • Identify further opportunities for government funding / brokerage key strategies. • Continued focus on the effective allocation of resources in service delivery (including Family Support and Hospice services)

High Quality Very Special Kids will • Further integrate service delivery across Family Support and Hospice Teams live out its purpose and and Responsive • Complete implementation of the comprehensive monitoring and evaluation values by providing Services framework with identiied outcomes and measures accessible, responsive and high quality services • Focus on governance and continuous quality improvement to ensure ongoing to families of children accreditation with The Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS) with life-threatening • Identify further opportunities for consumer feedback in service delivery (including illnesses. Family Advisory Group, family surveys and the complaints handling process)

Inluencing Very Special Kids will • Identify opportunities for publishing and presenting papers on the Very Special Kids Policy and effectively advocate for Model of Care and community based paediatric palliative care the needs of families Practice • Continue to strengthen relationships with the Commonwealth and Victorian and inluence policy and Governments, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Southern Health and other practice to improve the key stakeholders services available to families of children with • In partnership with other stakeholders determine research priorities life-threatening illnesses. • Assist in strengthening the Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program (VPPCP)

• Advocate for families of children with life-threatening illnesses through participation in workshops, committees and network groups

Strengthening Very Special Kids will • Quality Improvement Program have the organisational Organisational • Stakeholder communications Capacity and operational capability and capacity • Quality of Care – monitoring and improvement to deliver its purpose, • Risk Management Program values and key strategies. • Staff training and development • Best Practice Survey of staff

• Board and management succession planning

Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 47 You Can Help Where You Can Find Us

Very Special Kids relies on the community You can also request our tailored donation Leave a bequest Main Ofice and Peninsula Central Victoria - Ballarat to fund our vital work. There are many envelopes to send with your event invitations Not all of us are able to make a donation Very Special Kids House Heidi Barber Marianne Collins different ways you can help. or set up a fundraising page online. Contact us today. However by leaving a gift in your will 321 Glenferrie Rd 1161 Point Nepean Rd 29 Learmonth St on 03 9804 6222 for more information. to Very Special Kids, you can help to secure Malvern Rosebud Alfredton Make a donation our future. There are many forms of bequests Ph: 03 9804 6222 (at Anglicare Victoria) (at McCallum Disability Services) Online: Visit vsk.org.au and click on the Become a corporate supporter that can be left – please call our Fundraising Freecall: 1800 888 875 Ph: 03 5981 1830 Ph: 03 5337 6652 donations page. Very Special Kids works with corporate Relationship Manager on 9804 6222 if you Mail: Mail a cheque or money order payable partners to develop collaborative, long- would like to discuss further. All enquiries Brunswick Barwon South Western Hume to Very Special Kids, 321 Glenferrie Road, term relationships that are mutually are strictly conidential. (supporting northern Peggy Hogan Jenni Coldwell Malvern, Victoria, 3144. beneicial and contribute to long-term and western suburbs) 86 South Coast Hwy 105 Balaclava Rd, Phone: Please phone us on 03 9804 6222 business and community sustainability. Support our events Level 1, 233 Sydney Rd Torquay Shepparton or toll free on 1800 888 875 and make a An integrated approach, combining Very Special Kids relies on income from various Brunswick Ph: 03 5261 5544 Ph: 03 5821 6459 credit card donation over the phone. commercial professionalism and knowledge events held throughout the year. These include (at the Town Hall) with philanthropic action, underpins the our annual Footy Fever Debate (September) Janet Cowling Gippsland Become a Very Special Supporter development of any partnership. Our corporate A Fair to Remember, held each November and Ph: 03 9388 0759 (northern suburbs) Maria Bradford partnerships include a mixture of corporate By pledging a regular monthly, quarterly or our Corporate Golf Day (March). If you would Emily McDermott 34 Kay St sponsorships, promotions and donations, yearly donation to Very Special Kids you are like to be included on our invitation lists to Ph: 03 9388 0789 (western suburbs) Traralgon staff volunteering and fundraising, workplace providing an active, long-lasting contribution special events, please call us today. (at Maternal and Child Health Centre) giving and in-kind support. to families within our community. Regular Ph: 03 5174 9279 donations allow us to better plan services and Get involved in the Piggy Bank Appeal Hold a fundraising event Central Victoria programs in advance with the knowledge that The Piggy Bank Appeal is our major fundraising there is a reliable source of income. Fundraising is an important and effective way drive. You can be involved by running an event, for the public to become involved and make a Donations are debited directly from your credit hosting a Piggy Trail Stop, selling merchandise, difference to Very Special Kids. There are many card or bank account and one annual receipt collecting donations with a counter piggy bank ways to fundraise for Very Special Kids, such is produced at the end of each inancial year, at your work, school or home and lots more. as running a promotion through your business keeping administrative costs to a minimum. Visit vsk.org.au for more information. or organising a fundraising event. Fundraising You will receive regular updates through our events are only limited by your imagination quarterly newsletter, ‘Special Lives’ along Please contact us for further and can include fun runs, trivia nights, food with a Very Special Kids lapel pin on joining information: and wine functions, movie nights, concerts the program. or fashion shows. Very Special Kids 321 Glenferrie Rd Malvern 3144 Gift in lieu Volunteer Phone: 03 9804 6222 More and more people are choosing to ask Fax: 03 9822 1252 Very Special Kids’ programs and support friends and family to make a donation to Free call: 1800 888 875 services would not be possible without their preferred charity in lieu of a gift for vsk.org.au the generosity and energy of volunteers. Loddon North and West their birthday, anniversary, Christmas or Mallee Region Volunteers have been an integral part of the Metro Region East Metro Region other celebrations. 24 231 188 organisation since our beginning. At Very Very Special Kids’ Gift in Lieu program Special Kids, you can choose to volunteer provides you with an opportunity to give the directly with children and families by becoming Southern Metro gift of a donation and help support families a Trained Family Support Volunteer, or you Region caring for a child with a life-threatening illness. can assist with administrative and fundraising Grampians 189 tasks as a ‘Friend’ of Very Special Kids. Region Hume Region All guests who donate on behalf of your 32 35 special occasion will be sent a thank you letter and tailored gift card providing them with information on how they are supporting Gippsland Region Very Special Kids in your name. 33 Barwon South Western Region 79 NB: Very Special Kids also supports 20 families located interstate or overseas who access medical services in Victoria

48 Very Special Kids - Annual Report 2010 – 11 A very special thank you to Spicers Paper for donating the paper for this report.

Design by Ckaos. Printed by GEON. Many of the photos in this report are by Gavin Blue Photography.

Very Special Kids 321 Glenferrie Road Malvern Vic 3144 Phone: 03 9804 6222 Fax: 03 9822 1252 Free call: 1800 888 875 Web: vsk.org.au Email: [email protected] ABN: 86 109 832 091