Tomorrow Conferences at Work 2008-2009 Annual Report can be different St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.

Source of referral of people assisted

Previous caller 70.70% Self-referral/friend 21.47% Government department 3.19% Church or similar 3.01% Non-government agencies 1.63%

Analysis of the material assistance given by conferences Food vouchers/gift cards 45.76% Donated food 14.93% Food purchases 14.64% Utilities bills 5.30% Education 4.27% Accommodation 3.93% Transport 3.72% Other 3.61% Whitegoods 1.79% Prescriptions/medicine 1.19% Cash 0.86%

Source of income of people assisted

Sickness/disability 32.64% Sole parent payment 26.69% Newstart/unemployment benefits 22.71% Aged pension 5.30% Other government 3.16% Salary & wages 3.00% Other/not determined 2.54% No income 1.90% Youth/study allowance 1.52% WorkCover 0.54%

Conference Statistics for 2008-2009

Cases Adults Children Conference Households $ value of Visits Conferences Members Auxiliary where assisted assisted bread assisted assistance not members material runs by bread provided involving assistance (or food runs material given runs) assistance

Eastern Central Council 25,008 31,743 19,448 2,283 8,429 $ 1,671,428 1,411 65 814 219 Northern Central Council 6,736 9,797 8,121 128 164 $ 543,943 289 32 331 58 Southern Central Council 22,420 32,778 29,755 760 3,554 $ 1,784,112 1,824 49 789 243 Western Central Council 20,488 28,968 24,476 3,087 2,039 $ 1,130,279 885 55 620 218 Gippsland Central Council 10,899 15,005 11,430 369 4,767 $ 907,543 1,805 20 291 100 North Eastern Central Council 25,825 32,680 28,188 4,035 2,657 $ 1,889,126 6,294 38 487 133 North Western Central Council 14,673 18,814 16,813 3,933 20,106 $ 1,009,898 9,892 42 468 123 126,049 169,785 138,231 14,595 41,716 $ 8,936,329 22,400 301 3,800 1,094 The Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society is an international organisation that operates in 143 countries All programs, services and facilities for both arms of the Society operate within the seven and has over 700,000 members and 50,000 conferences worldwide. Established by Frederic Central Council areas. Ozanam in France 1833, the St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Australia by Fr Gerald Ward at St Francis’ Church in Melbourne on 5 March 1854.

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria has over 7,000 members and volunteers providing assistance to more than 660,000 people through its two arms: St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services. St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services The St Vincent de Paul Society’s members and volunteers provide practical support, advocacy and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services friendship to the most vulnerable in our community manages professional welfare services focusing on through local groups, known as conferences, as well aged care, homelessness and supported employment as our Vinnies Centres and Soup Vans. The Society for people with a disability. The services are largely also provides assistance to migrants and refugees government-funded but also raise funds through seeking to rebuild their lives in a new country, as donations from individuals and philanthropic trusts well as supporting individuals and communities in in order to provide additional support over and above developing countries. The St Vincent de Paul Society the government-funded level. With approximately 550 provides assistance to approximately 540,000 people employees and supported by volunteers, St Vincent North Western Central Council in need each year within their local communities. de Paul Aged Care & Community Services assists over North Eastern Central Council Conferences 120,000 people each year. Western Central Council Conferences respond to calls from people in need Aged Care Services within their local communities and provide assistance Northern Central Council Elderly citizens are provided with care and accommodation with food, material aid, budget and utility bill advice, through our aged care facilities located in Box Hill, Hamlyn Eastern Central Council advocacy issues as well as a hand of friendship. Heights, Mont Albert North, North Melbourne, Traralgon, They also provide a range of initiatives that address Southern Central Council Terang and Westmeadows. These facilities include a specifi c needs of the people they assist. Young adult nursing home for residents with high-care needs, hostels Gippsland Central Council conferences and college conferences involve younger for residents with low-care needs and a day therapy centre. members and provide a range of volunteer work in the community, including tutoring and organising Kids Community Services Camps for disadvantaged children. A range of accommodation and support initiatives Vinnies Centres are provided to people experiencing homelessness or requiring help with issues such as general health Vinnies Centres provide quality clothing, furniture and concerns, drug and alcohol abuse, employment St Vincent de Paul Society St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services household items to people in need. Stocks are available education and training options as well as social Victoria Inc. free of charge to people being supported by conference exclusion and isolation. Support services and temporary Aged Care Services Community Services members, as well as to the general public at a low cost. accommodation are also available for women and Profi ts from the sale of stock in the centres assists in children escaping family violence. Central Councils 7 Hostels Adult Support Services providing resources and support to people in need. Regions 34 Nursing Home Housing Services Disability Service Soup Vans Conferences 301 Day Therapy Centre Independent Living Units Located in Mornington, Ozanam Enterprises is a supported The Society’s four soup van services are based in Members 3,800 Marian Community employment service providing employment and training Collingwood, Fitzroy, Footscray and Moe. Staffed by Auxiliary members 1,094 Olive’s Place opportunities for people with a disability through volunteers, the vans travel the streets of metropolitan Disability Service meaningful work and vocational skill development. College conferences 48 Ozanam Community Centre Melbourne and Moe bringing food and friendship Ozanam Enterprises is a commercial operation offering Vinnies Centres 101 Ozanam Enterprises Ozanam House to thousands of people living in boarding houses, a range of packaging solutions, contract labour hire and low-rise/high-rise fl ats, refuges and on the streets. Quin House timber product manufacturing to businesses. Youth Support Services St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 3

Our Mission The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Contents Catholic organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ The Society • 1 in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. • 4 a more just and compassionate society. State Council • 4 Advisory Committees • 5 Our Vision State President’s Report • 6 Chief Executive Offi cer’s Report • 7 The St Vincent de Paul Society aspires to be recognised as a caring Catholic Organisational Chart • 8 charity offering ‘a hand up’ to people Strategic Vision • 9 in need. We do this by respecting Executive Group • 10 their dignity, sharing our hope and Human Resources • 11 encouraging them to take control of their own destiny. Risk Management • 12 Fundraising & Public Relations • 13 Our Values Policy & Research • 14 Social Justice • 15 Respect Empathy Membership & Development • 16 Commitment Integrity Vinnies Youth • 17 Courage Honesty Eastern Central Council • 18 Professionalism Northern Central Council • 18 Southern Central Council • 19 Our Logo Western Central Council • 19 Gippsland Central Council • 20 North Eastern Central Council • 20 North Western Central Council • 21 The St Vincent de Paul Society logo Soup Vans • 22 incorporates the symbol of three Compeer • 23 hands which represents: Vinnies Centres • 24 • The hand of Christ that blesses Our Volunteers • 25 the cup, Migrant & Refugee • 26 • The hand of love that offers the cup, and Overseas Development • 27 • The hand of suffering that St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services • 28 receives the cup. Board of Directors • 28 When reproducing the St Vincent Our Mission & Services • 29 de Paul Society logo, all three components must be incorporated. Chairman’s Report • 30 Chief Executive Offi cer’s Report • 31 Patron Aged Care Services • 32 The Governor of Victoria Community Services • 34 Professor David de Kretser AC Disability Service • 38 Editor Dianne Ballestrin Financial Statements • 40 St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. Thank you • 42 Images Beginnings • 43 Some photographs appearing in this Annual Report have been selected from iStock.com to protect the identity of our clients. 4 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

State Council

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation made up of over 7,000 members and volunteers as well as a small number of staff. In Victoria, the Society is governed by State Council consisting of 14 members, representing the members and volunteers, and overseeing the strategic direction of the Society. The 14 members are made up of eight elected members and the six remaining members are appointed by the State President. The term of offi ce for elected members is for up to four years with retirements occurring at any time during the year. This year retirements from State Council were: Ann Sara (September 2008), Teresa Wilson (September 2008), Brian Lenten (November 2008), Kevin Owens (February 2009), Penny Badwal (June 2009), Kevin Crosato (June 2009) and John Stevens (June 2009). We sincerely thank these members for their work on State Council during their terms. In addition State Council relies on external expertise for specifi c roles. Advisors are appointed and attend State Council as required to assist our work in legal, spiritual, risk management and other special areas.

Jim Grealish Tony Tome Sandra Walker Dennis Griffi n State President Deputy State Vice President Vice President President

Susan Dornom Peter Jackson Michael Liddy John Bohan Vice President Treasurer & Eastern Central Northern Central Corporation Secretary Council President Council President

Paul McCarthy Tony Proctor Dick Pepper Bernie Trevaskis Southern Central Western Central Gippsland Central North Eastern Council President Council President Council President Central Council President

Allen Moloney Brendan Lindsay Brian Dalton North Western Youth Chief Executive Central Council Representative Offi cer President St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 5

Advisory Committees

The St Vincent de Paul Society has established various Advisory Committees to oversee specifi c areas of service within both arms of the Society: St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services. In many instances, the Advisory Committees and Boards provide advice and recommendations to both St Vincent de Paul Society’s State Council and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services’ Board of Directors so informed decisions can be made.

Audit, Risk & Compliance Membership & Development an effective part of the Society’s national Committee Committee promotion of social justice in Australia. This committee provides assistance to This committee ensures that the St Vincent the St Vincent de Paul Society’s State de Paul Society remains an effective force State Youth Team Council and the St Vincent de Paul Aged in its service to the poor and marginalised This committee provides strategic Care & Community Services’ Board in our community. The committee oversees planning for Vinnies Youth initiatives as of Directors in fulfi lling their corporate the recruitment, induction and ongoing well as reporting on activities and governance and oversight responsibilities training of new and existing members in all discussing issues relevant to youth in relation to: fi nancial reporting, internal Victorian conferences and councils. It is members within the Society. The team control structure, risk management also responsible for preserving the ethos, is chaired by State Council’s Youth systems, and the external and internal mission and spirituality of the Society and Representative and youth representatives audit function. The membership of its members. from all Central Councils. All initiatives this committee consists of a member developed by the State Youth Team are from each Board and three externally Refugee, Asylum Seeker & actioned by the youth staff within the appointed members. Migrant Committee Membership & Development team. This committee seeks to promote a Finance Committee sense of compassion and dignity towards Vinnies Budget Groceries The primary role of this committee is to new settlers while also providing a range Steering Committee monitor and review the effectiveness of of support services, advocacy and This committee oversees the operation of controls in the areas of operational and material assistance as people rebuild the low-cost food outlets, known as Vinnies balance sheet risk, legal/regulatory their lives in a new country. Budget Groceries and advises State Council compliance and fi nancial reporting. The on the responsibilities and functions of this overriding objective is to provide a review of Overseas Development service including: compliance with Society budgeting, fi nancial and other information Committee policies, development of store policies/ provided by management. The committee This committee provides and takes operational handbooks, fi nancial control and provides advice on any specifi c fi nancial advice from State Council on all matters security procedures. proposals which occur, is responsible for relating to our responsibilities in providing overseeing the development of treasury support and assistance to our fellow Vinnies Centres Board policy and monitoring its operation to Vincentians in the developing countries of Management enure that an effective policy of delegated of Asia Pacifi c. The committee is charged This committee oversees the operation authorities is in place and that it is with the responsibility of ensuring that the of Vinnies Centres throughout Victoria, effectively monitored. The committee also three major support programs: Twinning, recommending, implementing and advises on business risk management. Assist a Student and Projects continue to monitoring appropriate strategies, grow and develop. policies and directions for the develop- Fundraising, Marketing & Public ment of centres to State Council. Relations Committee Social Justice Committee The committee also evaluates the This committee reviews, assesses and The purpose of this committee is to administrative and management makes recommendations on strategies and engender in Society members the performance of all centres. policies as well as directing the conduct recognition, understanding and appreciation of capital appeals, major gift appeals and of social justice issues as they arise in major gift programs on behalf of the St the day-to-day work of the Society, and Vincent de Paul Society’s State Council and to assist State Council to develop the St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria, Services’ Board of Directors to ensure that so that it becomes, in keeping with the these activities are appropriate for both arms spirit of Frederic Ozanam, an effective of the Society and that they will enhance the force at all levels, for the promotion of Society’s image as well as deliver outcomes social justice in the State of Victoria, and that support the Society’s ethos. 6 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

State President’s Report Dear Fellow Vincentians, Friends Homelessness and Supporters Society members are rightly indignant The year we now review has been a about the appalling conditions in which momentous one, not only for the St many of the people we serve are living, Vincent de Paul Society but also for the and the unconscionable rents they are community as a whole. required to pay. The present situation refl ects the fundamental imbalance Bushfi res between supply and demand. The extent of the February bushfi re The Society itself has several parcels of disaster has been well-chronicled land which are capable of development elsewhere. The effects on the Society for low-cost housing. However, we were many and profound. We had an continue to be kept out of developments overwhelming response to our appeals by the Victorian Government’s position for funds and for goods. Our gratitude that they could require the Society to goes out to all who supported the Society, sacrifi ce some property assets to the whether by providing funds, providing State Government. Victoria is the only • Discussions are taking place with two goods, or by volunteering their time. State that applies this condition and banks involved to make good the we are working to overcome this unfair losses which have been incurred. Shortly after the fi res occurred we said impost. that the Society would be involved for Conclusion the long recovery phase that lay ahead. Investments Happenings throughout this year have At the time of writing this report we have placed a great demand on all parts of expended just over $1 million of the $3.6 Society’s Accounts the Society. I thank the members of million we have received. The balance There has been a substantial write- State Council, who have dealt resolutely will be spent as people return to their down in the value of investments in the with the many policy and strategic communities and life begins to become accounts of St Vincent de Paul Aged matters which have come to its attention. more normal. There are strong signs that Care & Community Services. This write- Our management and staff have handled this is starting to occur, but it is likely that down also impacts on the consolidated their tasks with skill and dedication. the entire fund will not be fully expended accounts. I wish to make a number of until 2010. comments on this matter: Our members have, as always, responded to the calls made on their time and Vinnies Centres • St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & talents. Many are still working long hours Community Services is a subsidiary There is a more detailed report on Vinnies in the bushfi re-affected communities. company of the Society. The Society In some cases they are still dealing with Centres elsewhere in this document, but itself did not have any of these it is worth noting that we now have more up to 16 families a day. Our thanks and investments. Consequently the support go out to them. than 100 centres in Victoria. Centres Society’s direct service of the poor and provide a substantial part of the funds the needy has not been affected by this I thank all our volunteers, whether they Society needs for its welfare purposes. write-down. be in Vinnies Centres, Soup Vans, We thank all those who work in this vital • The investments concerned were Compeer, or other works. part of our organisation. made in 2006-2007. As a result of Finally, thanks to all our donors who Membership the Global Financial Crisis the value support us fi nancially or in other ways. of those investments has declined It is pleasing to be able to report that signifi cantly. Many other charities The Society could not function if any of the over the past year our membership base and local bodies have found above elements were missing. Its success has increased steadily. It is even more themselves in a similar situation. is due to all of them working together. pleasing to relate that a good part of • The Society has taken measures to this increase comes through younger ensure that similar occurrences do Jim Grealish members. We have also experienced not happen again. Notwithstanding State President strong interest from younger people who the Global Financial Crisis, this loss wish to join such services as our Soup has caused the Society to review Vans or Compeer. and strengthen the governance arrangements. St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 7

Chief Executive Offi cer’s Report

As you will fi nd throughout this Annual Ongoing training for staff, members and Report, the enormity of the bushfi res’ volunteers is a signifi cant task of the devastation has had a huge impact on organisation and such areas of training are the community, as well as every level of highlighted in other sections of this report. involvement by the Society’s members, Vinnies Centres, Membership & volunteers and staff. From the initial Development, Compeer, Human response by the Emergency Recovery Resources and Fundraising & Public Liaison Committee to involvement by Relations reports are highlighted members of fi re-affected areas, to separately in this Annual Report and all engagement by our Vinnies Centres involved are to be congratulated for their Administration, to the functioning of a achievements during the year. temporary warehouse, to the involvement of new volunteers, who gave of their The unique strength of the St Vincent time to assist with this crisis and the de Paul Society is to be found in our tremendous support of staff, in all areas, spirituality, cultural roots, history and who provided administrative assistance ethos which are based on our patron to meet any requirements. St Vincent de Paul and our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam. In 2009 our A signifi cant amount of work has been whole organisation will together revisit undertaken by the combined efforts of and celebrate our Vincentian story, the Finance, Facilities and Vinnies Centres paying respect to the work of our past teams on our insurance coverage. All and current members and volunteers to deepen and strengthen our commitment owned properties were revalued and to our mission into the future. our insurance coverage refl ects today’s values. Business interruption insurance Again the demand for the Society’s has also been reviewed. services, which has increased, is highlighted in the statistical area but The Facilities team has completed an overall (excluding bushfi re activity) the Essential Safety Measures Review and number of cases is 2.1% higher than the a help-desk facility for all property previous year and the monetary value of maintenance requests will be put in place assistance has also increased by 8.4%. in the near future. The administration expense as a ratio of net The information technology and funds available is an area which is closely communications roll-out of the Wide Area monitored. The result for the year highlights Network is continuing and it is anticipated a satisfactory outcome with administration to have all Vinnies Centres in the State expenses (fundraising/public relations and connected. administration costs) being 8.8% of net A review of the organisation’s operation funds available for client activities. of soup vans has been carried out with To our members, volunteers, staff and Br Doug Walsh and the soup van teams. donors who have all played a vital part We thank them for their participation in the progress of the mission of the St and, as a result of the review, State Vincent de Paul Society, I thank you. Council has appointed Br Doug Walsh as President of the four Victorian soup van services. In addition, extensive focus Brian Dalton will be on the training and induction of Chief Executive Offi cer volunteers, as well as emphasising food handling and occupational health and safety issues. 8 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Organisational Chart

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. State Council

St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services Board of Directors

Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer St Vincent de Paul Society St Vincent de Paul Aged Care Victoria Inc. & Community Services

• Vinnies Centres Shared Services • Aged Care Services Administration • Facilities, Assets, • Community Services • Membership & IT & Procurement Development • Disability Service • Finance • Policy & Research • Fundraising, Marketing • Compeer & Development

• Human Resources

• Internal Audit and Risk Management St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 9

Strategic Vision

In planning for the future development of the St Vincent de Paul Society, State Council has developed a Strategic Vision highlighting fi ve key areas.

Goal 1 Spiritual Development Ensure every member, employee and Without a Christ-centred ethos the Society is just another community group. volunteer of the Society has an Initiatives: understanding of and respect for the • Refounding project goals implemented across all of the Society commenced spiritual values as expressed by Frederic • Review employee recruitment/induction program Ozanam. These values need to permeate • Spirituality resources for all of the Society all our actions as an organisation.

Goal 2 Space for All Develop an organisation structure that Attract a wide range of participants now. is inclusive of members, employees and Initiatives: volunteers by 2012, to achieve a mutual • All Society works documented in central register respect and understanding between • Conduct survey of all people involved with Society works all people involved in the work of the • Develop membership position paper for consideration by State Council Society. • Base annual recruitment campaign on the basis of positive membership net growth each year.

Goal 3 Sustainability Maintain administration expenditure To ensure the sustainability of funds to support and develop our members and those ratio at no more than 10% of revenue. we assist. Initiatives: • Review annual budgets to ensure alignment with the goal • Build reporting on expenditure ratios into monthly reporting to fi nance committee and analyse when not on goal

Goal 4 Storytelling and Communication Audit and review current communication To be proud and promote effectively what we do internally and externally. with the goal to implement an effective Initiatives: internal and external communications • Audit of communications • New technology platforms investigated program by 2011. • Review all communications • New communications program implemented

Goal 5 Support and Development To implement a strategy that ensures To support and develop the Society’s people – both volunteers and paid staff. suffi cient Society coverage across Initiatives: the State to meet the needs of the • Review of home visitation for gaps in State services community. Ensure all Society programs • Develop strategies to overcome gaps are reviewed on a regular basis.

Goal 6 Awareness Ensure the Society is aware of needs To provide active and in depth research into the requirements and issues of the poor of the people we serve and actively and disadvantaged. To promote awareness of these requirements and issues in the address the issues. general community and canvass ways to improve them. To provide members with quality training and information to assist them to meet the goals of the Society. Initiatives: • Review existing programs in addition to home visitation • Develop strategies of advocacy in regard to promoting attention to the wider communities • Align member training to meet specifi c needs 10 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Executive Group

Brian Dalton To be advised Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer St Vincent de Paul Society & St Vincent de Paul Aged Care St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services & Community Services (acting)

Patricia McCourt Gaye Wealthy Debra Ward Claire Schmierer Manager General Manager General Manager General Manager Membership Human Resources & Finance Aged Care Services & Development Chief Executive Offi cer (acting) St Vincent de Paul Society

Tony Thornton Carol Taylor Ray Kelleher Netty Horton Manager General Manager General Manager General Manager Vinnies Centres Fundraising, Marketing Facilities, Assets & Community Services & Development Procurement

Gavin Dufty Ann Tan Garry Webb Glenn Hodgkin Manager Manager Manger General Manager Policy & Research Compeer Internal Audit & Risk Disability Service St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 11

Human Resources

Our work is guided by the Society’s • Introduction of a pre-accreditation and one in which merit is the basis of mission and the strategic goals identifi ed review process for Community decision making on all matters relating to in the Strategic Plan together with a focus Services facilities employment. A new Civil Workplaces on people, culture, risk management • Training of Vinnies Centre Managers training program was conducted at most and compliance. Service is provided in a one day OH&S course specially worksites. The Society’s commitment to across both arms of the Society. These designed towards retail operations. ‘zero tolerance’ to unlawful behaviour, in diverse services can be grouped as the addition to operating in a manner which is provision of consultative support, training These initiatives have seen a proactive consistent with, and is committed to and leadership to management in the change in our culture across both arms of observing the principles of Equal areas listed below in addition to Payroll, the organisation. Our OH&S Committees Employment Opportunity, is further Recruitment, Communication and will continue to focus on the continual supported by this training initiative. Workforce Planning. In delivering these improvement in prevention strategies. services, the staff in Human Resources Training & Development is expected to demonstrate high quality Workers Compensation The Human Resources Business Plan, work practices, consistency and an The Society works in partnership with which is aligned to the Society’s Strategic accurate perception of the needs of QBE Australia (Insurer) and Willis Plan, sets out a framework for identifying managers. Australasia (Willis Workplace Risk both individual and organisational priorities As at 30 June 2009 the Society, which Practice) to strategically manage workers for training and development in support incorporates both arms, has 713 compensation. Through this successful of key operational priorities and activities. employees working from 121 worksites/ business partnership underpinned by Training expenditure across the organisation facilities across Victoria. In terms of a strong focus on strategic fi nancial for 2008-2009 totalled $419,000. management of claims, early intervention, strategic commitments, key activities The ultimate vision for the Society is a and achievements have included: rehabilitation initiatives, staff awareness and monitoring, the Society has achieved workforce that has the skills and knowledge to undertake the tasks Policy Development signifi cant operational and fi nancial benefi ts including a year on year average necessary to pursue compliance and The Society has a large number of premium rate reduction of 8%. The robust achieve outcomes, and that is eager to Human Resources policies that have system in place now provides a solid learn new skills to ensure we meet future been developed and revised over the last foundation for sustained performance challenges. In other words, the Society year, in particular, to ensure compliance improvement translating into further aims to become a learning organisation. to the new Fair Work Australia Act 2009 premium rate reductions in 2009-2010. and the OH&S Act. Staff and Organisational A new Code of Ethics and Conduct Industrial & Employee Relations Development Policy was developed as a sign of the Discussions and negotiations To support the Society’s mission and Society’s growth as an increasingly commenced with unions regarding the spirit, a new Staff Induction Program professional organisation, and to ensure renewal of the St Vincent de Paul Aged has been developed, with the aim to that staff, volunteers and members gain Care & Community Services, ANF & HSU raise awareness of new employees a greater understanding of what we do, Workplace Agreement 2005-2008. It is to the history, complexity and global and why, our ethical principles, values anticipated that this Agreement will be perspective of the organisation. and behaviours expected. fi nalised in the fi rst half of 2009. A new Staff Service Acknowledgement & Recognition Program was launched, Occupational Health & Safety An information package has been devised and delivered to senior recognising employees and volunteers We continue to implement new workplace managers, providing an analysis and who have provided 5-20+ years of service. systems and processes for the ongoing overview of signifi cant changes to improvement in OH&S within all our Commonwealth legislation and Summary workplaces. 2008-2009 has been a standards. These changes refl ect the Across the organisation this year has been very productive year with a variety of key policy commitments of the current characterised by a noticeable trend away initiatives introduced at various locations Commonwealth Government and include from ‘hands on’ assistance to line managers and facilities, which include: the Fair Work Act, National Employment towards a more strategic emphasis. This • The introduction of the Vinnies Standards and Modern Awards. requires a more considered, and at times Safety Development Team, with more complex series of services from representation from all seven zones, Equal Employment Opportunity Human Resources staff. across all 101 Vinnies Centres The Society is committed to fostering Gaye Wealthy • Emergency Response Training for a working environment that enables all General Manager, Human Resources aged care facilities employees and volunteers to work in an atmosphere free from discrimination 12 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Vinnies Budget Groceries Risk Management The St Vincent de Paul Society now has two Vinnies Budget Groceries The St Vincent de Paul Society and Development of Risk Registers located in Wendouree and Mildura to St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & assist disadvantaged communities In line with National Council’s Strategic Community Services are committed to Plan, in 2006 State Council and the struggling with the ever increasing the development and implementation of grocery costs. Board appointed Deloitte to facilitate a an effective risk management framework. series of workshops which resulted in Vinnies Budget Groceries is a mini- The key benefi ts of implementing an the development and approval of Risk market staffed by specially trained effective framework include: Registers for both arms of the Society. volunteers and offers a range of • Better corporate governance low-cost groceries at competitive Risk Management System prices. Volunteers are also provided • More confi dent and rigorous basis with the opportunity to develop their for decision making and planning The Society’s State Council, the St retail skills which can enhance their (strategic and operational planning Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community employment options in the future. perspectives) Services’ Board and senior management • Greater transparency in decision making had identifi ed the need for a formal The communities in both Wendouree risk management system to report on and Mildura have rallied behind these • Improved program performance strategic and operational risk and to ventures with a signifi cant number including improved allocation and use capture and manage incidents/hazards/ of people volunteering their time. of resources complaints at a local facility level. Vinnies Budget Groceries aims • Better identifi cation of opportunities to achieve a break-even fi nancial and threats A number of risk management systems were identifi ed, reviewed and position. • Increased knowledge and under- evaluated. Riskman was the chosen risk standing of exposure to risk management system. Riskman is used Vinnies Budget Groceries – • Systematic and thorough methods Wendouree extensively within the public and private of decision making hospital system. A number of Riskman Opened in March 2007, this grocery • Proactive rather than reactive outlet is a joint partnership between clients were contacted to verify their use the Society, UnitingCare Ballarat management of the system and to identify learnings and Wendouree West Community • Improved stakeholder confi dence from their implementation. In August 2009, Renewal. and trust Riskman was selected by the Department of Health as the risk management system • Improved compliance with relevant Staffed by local specially trained to be deployed across the department. volunteers, Vinnies Budget Groceries legislation is open Monday-Wednesday, • Improved reporting and management The Chief Executive Offi cers, State 9.00am-3.00pm and Thursday-Friday, control of incidents/hazards/complaints Council and the Board have approved the 9.00am-5.00pm. and fraud management which will lead implementation of Riskman progressively to improvements in fi nancial costs across both organisations. Detailed Vinnies Budget Groceries – including insurance premiums. implementation planning commenced Mildura in late June 2009 and Riskman will be Opened in June 2009, this grocery Audit, Risk & Compliance progressively installed across all work outlet is a joint partnership between Committee sites during the coming 2009-2010 fi nancial year. the Society and the local Sunraysia In 2003 the Society resolved to form Community, with fi nancial an Audit Committee, a consultative Garry Webb contributions and ongoing support committee reporting to State Council from the Mildura Rural City Council; Manager, Internal Audit & Risk and the St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & The Department of Justice; Mallee Community Services’ Board. Refl ecting Family Care and other welfare agencies and other Church the oversight role on risk management, communities. in 2007 the title and terms of reference of the Audit Committee was changed to Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. Staffed by local specially trained volunteers, Vinnies Budget Groceries is open Monday-Friday, 9.00am- 5.30pm. St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 13

Fundraising & Public Relations

During a year of economic instability and and Victorian businesses in support of catastrophic natural events the community our appeals, particularly the media who rallied behind the Society and contributed provided free advertising space. We are a record $11.5 million to support our good very grateful for this ongoing support. works, up from $8.4 million the previous year, an increase of 37%. Trusts and foundations Of this, $3.6 million was donated from across We continue to increase our work with Australia to the Vinnies Victorian Disaster the philanthropic sector and income from Appeal, set up in response to the bushfi res trusts and foundations during the year which ravaged large tracts of the State in totalled $514,263. The majority of this early February and decimated communities income was for Vincentian Village, a new in parts of rural and regional Victoria. 91-bed state-of-the-art aged care facility in Geelong. Other successes were for Expenditure for the year was on budget Community Services’ Fund-a-Future, despite the increased demand on the a program that assists young homeless department as a result of the bushfi res. people to complete their education. The unscheduled Vinnies Victorian Disaster Ozanam Enterprises also benefi ted with Appeal, stakeholder management, grants for a new training room. We are communications and media response also grateful for the ongoing sponsorship required as a result of the bushfi res provided through the Xavier Social stretched department resources to the limit. Justice Network for the soup van Despite this increased workload fundraising services and to the Tzu Chi Foundation and marketing projects continued, with for a grant to aged care. Other services the only variation being the cancellation that have benefi ted from philanthropic of the Autumn Newsletter appeal because gifts include the North Melbourne meals of the Vinnies Victorian Disaster Appeal. service and the Tertiary Education Marketing campaigns for Vinnies Centres Scholarship Program in Gippsland. and work with trusts and foundations and corporate supporters continued. Marketing Vinnies Centres marketing campaigns have Appeals shown positive results and throughout the Winter Appeal – This Time it’s year new marketing and advertising efforts Personal proved successful with a total were trialled including outdoor signage of $813,580. This appeal documented in the CBD, bus shelter signage in and through photographs the daily lives around suburban centres and advertising and struggles of the people we help. for new or relocated centres. The appeal has also received several During the year two targeted campaigns advertising industry awards including were conducted during October/November silver at the John Caples International and March/April. Both of these proved to Awards in New York. be successful and will be expanded in Christmas Appeal – Help Change Their coming years. Story continued on with the theme of Carol Taylor allowing the people we serve to tell their General Manager, Fundraising, Marketing own story through a series of journal & Development entries. This appeal raised $633,503.

Corporate supporters During the year we received a $100,000 sponsorship from Metricon to support our work in drought-affected areas in rural Victoria. Storm Design & Brand DNA held a successful art auction and raised $27,000 for the Matthew Talbot Soup Van. We also received a vast amount of in-kind support from many Australian 14 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Working Groups Policy & Research • The National Smart Meters Pilots and Trials working group The Policy & Research Unit’s objective implications for homeless services. A • AGL National Consumer Council, is to undertake research on issues of number of formal submissions were also Citipower and Powercor customer poverty and inequality within the Australian made to the ministerial council on energy. council context, with particular regard to the These submissions discussed the cost perspectives and experiences of the St and associated impacts of the roll out • The Responsible Gambling Vincent de Paul Society. The unit also of ‘smart meters’ for vulnerable and Ministerial Advisory Council industry liaises with and supports the activities of disadvantaged Australians. best practice working group the Society’s Social Justice Committee • Yarra Valley Water Customer in Victoria and the St Vincent de Paul Papers and presentations Consultative Committee Society’s national offi ce in Canberra. As manager of Policy & Research for the • Consumer Affairs Victoria working Many issues impacting upon the people Society, I have been actively involved as together forums of Victoria have been addressed during keynote speaker and presenter to various 2008-2009, including representation to forums, conferences and seminars. This • The Australian Energy Market government ministers, participation in a information is disseminated to government Commission National Reliability panel number of working groups and numerous and private industry committees to bring more equality and justice to people who • Centrelink Community Engagement reports and submissions to key enquiries. are struggling during these hard times. Forum Major achievements and outcomes for • The Commonwealth Government the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Policy & Grants Research Unit have been: Emergency Relief State Advisory The Social Justice Committee were Committee and The Consumer Representation to government successful in a grant application to the Utility Advocacy Centre domestic National Advocacy Panel for $97,000 issues working group A number of meetings were held with to be funded by the Australian Energy Commonwealth and State Government Market Commission. This project seeks Presentations ministers and their advisors, including to identify the key consumer protections The Hon Penny Wong, The Hon Peter • United Nations Global Cities Forum required as a result of the implementation Bachelor, The Hon Peter Garrett and of energy ‘smart meters’. held in Sydney The Hon Lisa Neville. Issues covered • Economic Regulatory Authority included: the fi nancial impact of the Education in Perth on energy hardship Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, A number of lectures were delivered and regulation the broad energy consumer protection in Victoria including the phasing out including one at Victorian University of • Energy and Water Industry of price regulation and the roll out of Technology regarding the changes in Ombudsman Utility Hardship interval meters, the delivery of the living costs. A presentation to Social Work Seminar Commonwealth Government’s Insulation students at Monash University regarding Scheme and the need for the State to an overview of welfare reform through the • Queensland Council of Social Society’s eyes was also made. Service Consumer Congress develop a concession for low income covering energy protections people to assist with funeral costs. Much of the written work undertaken by lessons learnt from Victoria the Policy & Research Unit is available on Participation in working groups the St Vincent de Paul Society’s website, • Society for Australian Industry and www.vinnies.org.au. Employment annual conference There have also been a number of govern- ment and private industry committees • Energy and Water Industry which we have been actively participating Gavin Dufty Ombudsman Scheme Victoria in, highlighting the impacts on low income Manager, Policy & Research regarding cost pressure on and disadvantaged households covering a households and the impact of broad range of areas. utilities Reports and submissions Papers During the year we updated the relative price index twice. This index documents • Monash University’s Social the changes in living costs for Melbourne Work students and is widely used by many community • International Smart Meter advocates. Conference held at Crown A journal article was accepted by Plaza Melbourne. Australian Catholic University regarding the rising costs of private rental and the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 15

Social Justice

The Social Justice Committee continues continue to derive great benefi t from to support State Council in its efforts to the case studies presented, share make the Society an effective force at all conference experiences and access levels for the promotion of social justice useful information, to help them better in Victoria. serve the people assisted by the Society. Issues currently under review include: Programs to instil good social justice succession planning on drought-affl icted practices into the everyday work of properties, problems for country youth conferences continued, with information with new Youth Allowance legislation, and training sessions held in many areas concessions for funeral expenses and of Victoria. standards of accommodation in rooming Reports from the fi eld indicate that houses. Under new National Council the St Vincent de Paul Society is very structures this committee’s role has advanced in the provision of benefi cial reverted to support of national projects personal advocacy for individuals and on a needs basis. families who come to us experiencing Social Justice Forums continue to be disadvantage arising from structural popular venues for conference and failures in the community. council members. Following the success The Social Justice Committee of the Mooroopna forum in May 2008, acknowledges with thanks the strong two further regional forums were held support throughout the year from the at Traralgon in August 2008, and in the Policy & Research Unit, and from the Wimmera (Dadswell’s Bridge) in May Membership & Development team. 2009. These forums enabled many Without their help, the effectiveness of the locally signifi cant issues to be identifi ed. committee would be severely curtailed. The annual Social Justice Forum was conducted in October 2008 in Tony Dalton Melbourne. All forums have been well Chair, Social Justice Committee attended and stimulating, while attendees

From the caravan park A call from another welfare agency was received seeking assistance for an elderly lady living alone in a caravan park who was in need of food. The local conference visited the lady and found a person severely disabled, who was nevertheless expected to get in and out of the caravan by herself, and somehow make her way to the park’s toilet facilities which were some distance away. The conference assisted immediately with food and several other items which she needed, and then set about gaining more appropriate permanent housing. By liaising with State Trustees and her allocated disability worker, the conference succeeded in fi nding more suitable housing, supplying her with furniture, cooking utensils and curtains. Then they also arranged for a ramp to be built to make accessibility even easier for her. The conference was also able to reconnect her with family members with whom she had lost contact over the years. While happy with what they were able to achieve for this particular lady, conference members do fi nd it diffi cult to understand a welfare system that falls so short in caring for people with real needs.

Photo courtesy of iStock.com 16 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Membership & Development The St Vincent de Paul Society’s members Sharing our mission seek to follow the teachings of Christ by Recruitment and new members ensure serving people in need regardless of creed, constant springtime in the work of the ethnicity, gender or social background. Society as they bring fresh insights, Conferences are at the heart of this work. renewed energy and new approaches to As groups of members, they gather together our work. Vibrant conferences are ensured in prayer and friendship to respond on a through the participation of enthusiastic person-to-person basis to calls for help from members and recruitment ensures we people in need in their local areas. have enough members to share the work. This year the Society enjoyed a healthy Bushfi res 2009 recruitment of new members. In addition, The Society’s members and volunteers we started fi ve new conferences and responded with compassion when re-established one conference which faced with those who were affected by had gone into a period of recess. These the devastating State-wide bushfi res conferences attracted 40 new members in February 2009. Our members did and 11 new volunteers who are now what they always do; they responded providing assistance in areas where quickly and will continue to respond to previously the St Vincent de Paul Society the welfare needs of those who require did not have a presence. The Society assistance in these communities. also farewelled members who retired or passed away. Membership & Development team The role of the Membership & Develop- Experience and skills ment team is to support and provide Our experienced members continually assistance and advice to our members, share their knowledge and skills with conferences and councils. newer members. The Membership & Development team also assist Regional Two Vinnies Youth assistants were Presidents to provide members with the appointed to the team as a response to practical skills required for the work of a the growing interest in the work of the Vincentian, including family visitation and Society amongst young people. They advocacy. have assisted the State Youth Team with recruitment and provided ongoing support During the year: to college and young adult conferences. • 71 training sessions were provided for approximately 600 new and existing Box Hill Welfare Call Centre members The Box Hill Welfare Call Centre is the St • A new training program, Member Vincent de Paul Society’s main call centre Skills Workshop, was launched this for assistance in Victoria and is a very year. The workshop is aimed at both busy and dynamic environment, regularly new and experienced members, receiving over 300 calls for welfare reaffi rming their current skills and assistance daily. The call centre services providing them with further two-thirds of the Melbourne metropolitan information on how conferences can conferences and is staffed by volunteers assist people who need our help. who are supported by two part-time Call The workshop focuses on the basic Centre Coordinators. skills needed for good visitation and Calls for assistance are forwarded to interviewing, with an emphasis on the relevant conference. Members then Society guidelines of privacy and arrange to make home visits where they good practice. The workshop has a provide emergency welfare assistance mixture of both practical hands-on in the form of food vouchers, utility relief, assistance and general information education costs, furniture, clothing and that has been very well attended advocacy. During 2008-2009, 7,574 new and is useful to our members in their callers requested assistance. service to those in need To meet the increasing demand on our • Updated food handling guidelines and services, the call centre was upgraded, training were developed to assist our creating workstations for two extra members in their provision of food to volunteers and an improved service people in need. Photo courtesy of iStock.com to those we serve. Patricia McCourt Manager, Membership & Development St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 17

Vinnies Youth

The St Vincent de Paul Society’s Youth Gift wrapping stalls in the lead up to Conferences aim to involve young adults Christmas and Mother’s Day at a and secondary students in Society works local shopping centre were organised in ways they can utilise their specifi c skills successfully by the Outer East and engage their interests. Conference, raising many thousands of dollars. Other successful initiatives In Victoria, there are currently 18 young included trivia nights, social evenings adult conferences and 48 college and tin rattling at the Wiggles concerts, conferences in Catholic secondary enabling youth members to signifi cantly schools around Victoria. Following World contribute to the funding of various Youth Day, there has been a steady Society works. increase in young people interested in the Society, which has led to new members Family days make a difference joining and young adult conferences forming. Last year Brunswick Young Vincentians ran two bowling days as well as a visit Young adult conferences run regular to the zoo. These family days were held, activity days for children and families, with an average of eight volunteers, eight providing access to recreational activities children and seven parents. for families assisted by the Society. Last year around 700 children attended All of these were great successes, with a total of 60 activity days. Five Kids the young adults providing an afternoon Camps were held, giving 150 children of fun for the kids. an opportunity to spend some time away One of the children, Jason, said to a engaging with the young adults in a fun conference member on the way to a family atmosphere and benefi ting from the day out, “I have never been this far from positive role modelling that is provided home before”, even though the outing was through the interactions. only a 20 minute drive from the child’s Home visitation is also a core work for home. Later we found out that his father many young adults, either in partnership has terminal cancer and, for that reason, with their local senior conference or on rarely leaves the house. The family also Saturday mornings around inner does not have a car and they rely on Melbourne. public transport. Both college and young adult conferences Some of the children involved with these are heavily involved in fundraising efforts, family days don’t have many other activities with many schools raising signifi cant outside of school. They have become a amounts for the Vinnies Victorian Disaster real highlight for children, parents and Appeal that has assisted people affected volunteers alike, with everyone involved by February’s bushfi res. Many college looking forward to each new family day. conferences also work in partnership with Brendan Lindsay their local senior conference through the Youth Representative, State Council donation of collected goods and non- perishable foods.

Vinnies Youth members coordinate activities such as: • Kids Days Out • Kids Camps • Teenage Camps Photo courtesy of iStock.com 18 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

3 Eastern Central Council

Bushfi re Support The Yarra Valley Regional Council has led the Eastern Central Council’s response to bushfi re survivors in the eastern Murrindindi Ranges area (Marysville, Alexandra, Buxton, Taggerty, Narbethong, Yarra Glen, Glenburn, Yea and Dixons Creek). Teams of Vincentians regularly visit a ‘hub’ in each of those towns to meet with and respond to the needs of over 200 bushfi re survivors. In addition, many conference members visit survivors who have found temporary accommodation in the eastern suburbs. Several Vinnies Centres in the outer eastern suburbs have assisted signifi cantly in providing material aid to survivors. This work will continue for an extended period. The Eastern Central Council conference members have New Social Justice Program A new Social Justice program was launched in provided assistance to the March 2009 and will be discussed with each Regional Council in late 2009 to identify issues and concerns of specifi c regional relevance. value of $1,671,428 to 25,008 families in need during the Youth Rehabilitation Waverley Regional Council and the Mount Waverley Conference last 12 months. have established a Waverley Emergency Adolescent Care Youth Rehabilitation half-way house for adolescents who have completed a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Regions 7 Collingwood Welfare Centre The Collingwood Welfare Centre has relocated to Conferences 65 new premises, close to the people most in need of the assistance that Collingwood Members 814 Conference members provide. The new facility is operating well. Auxiliary members 219 Vinnies Youth A full-time youth offi cer has been appointed by the parishes of Kew, College conferences 12 Deepdene and Hawthorn to develop the role of youth within each parish. One early Vinnies Centres 18 outcome has been the formation of a Boroondara Vinnies Youth Group. Area covered East Metro Northern Central Council Bushfi re Support The overwhelming focus of the second half of the year has been on the bushfi re recovery effort. Whittlesea and Diamond Creek, with support from neighbouring conferences, have been involved since Black Saturday. Our members have demonstrated great loyalty, commitment and fl exibility in dealing with people who have suffered greatly due to the fi res. Our members have also grown in skills and confi dence from the experience. West Heidelberg Reading Club The West Heidelberg Reading Club initiative commenced in 2008 and continues to grow. There are now 16 students involved from Grades 3 to 6. Twelve volunteers were recruited from conferences, parishes and schools The Northern Central in the Diamond Valley Region and provide assistance to school-age children to develop Council conference members their reading skills. The region has also funded resources such as work and reference have provided assistance to books so volunteers are able to place more emphasis on comprehension. the value of $543,943 to 6,736 Conferences Mernda Conference has been established in response to the growing families in need during the need due to the increasing population in the area and the recent bushfi res. The conference now has 10 very enthusiastic members who are all new to the Society. last 12 months. Preston East Conference has reformed and is now actively involved in home visitations after a recess of fi ve years. Regions 3 Membership Recruitment drives were undertaken for conferences at Fawkner, Conferences 32 Mernda, Mill Park, Moreland and Vinnies Youth – Diamond Valley. The calibre and Members 331 motivation of people attracted to the Society is most encouraging. Auxiliary members 58 World Youth Day Representatives from the Northern Central Council attended College conferences 4 World Youth Day functions in both Melbourne and Sydney. Conferences were also Vinnies Centres 5 involved in supporting activities during the Days in the Dioceses program. Area covered North Metro St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 19

Southern Central Council

Employment Support Group The Employment Support Group was established in the region to assist the unemployed, especially the recently unemployed, with support, mentoring, assistance with resumes, utilising contacts and networks to assist in fi nding employment. There are many skilled people in our conferences both retired and employed who assist this program. Tutoring Program The Tutoring Program has been running successfully in the Dandenong area for two years now and caters for migrants and refugees as well as people newly arrived to The Southern Central Council Australia. This service focuses on English and Mathematics as well as developing self confi dence conference members have for children studying Grade 5 to Year 8. In partnership with Centacare, the program has a provided assistance to the qualifi ed teacher as Program Coordinator, 18 trained volunteer tutors and over 30 students and aims to provide a positive learning environment for the children. Each child’s progress is to be value of $1,784,112 to 22,420 tracked with pre and post tests which will act as a guide for the tutors and coordinator in planning families in need during the their learning strategy. Our aim is to provide each child with 1:1 tutoring and we are hoping to be last 12 months. able to cater to more students when the program moves to a larger venue in 2010. Bullying Prevention In cooperation with the Child First agency, Vinnies Youth have Regions 5 developed initiatives to assist children who may be bullied because of their appearance, Conferences 49 clothes and personal hygiene at school. This information is relevant for Vinnies Youth Members 789 especially when taking referrals for Kids Camps and activities from conferences, so they Auxiliary members 243 can further assist each child. College conferences 9 Breakfast Program A local conference has developed a Breakfast Program for primary Vinnies Centres 15 students at a nearby school. The conference works closely with a local food provider and the Area covered South Metro school Welfare Offi cer to ensure that all students have access to a good breakfast. Western Central Council No Interest Loan Scheme The establishment and launch of Geelong’s No Interest Loan Scheme occurred in July 2009. The scheme enables families and individuals on low incomes to apply for an interest free loan in order to purchase items such as whitegoods. World Youth Day Capitalising on the momentum created by World Youth Day 2008 more opportunities now exist for young people to experience spirituality with a hands-on approach through Vinnies Youth as well as volunteering on the soup van in Footscray. Membership Recruitment drives have provided an increase in new members and The Western Central Council volunteers. Two new conferences were established at Bannockburn and Brimbank while conference members have Airport West Conference has recommenced. This increased commitment will continue provided assistance to the to support the growing number of families hit hard through losing their jobs or reduced value of $1,130,279 to 20,488 work hours. In some conference areas up to 10 new families a week are seeking support. families in need during the Training There has been a focus on training, development and support to all members last 12 months. and volunteers across the area through the Members Skills Workshop and Where did the money go? programs. Further opportunities for members and volunteers to strengthen their faith have been provided through regional festival gatherings as well as Regions 5 the annual retreat. Conferences 55 Metropolitan Remand Centre The Society recognises the often traumatic Members 620 experience of family members, including young children when visiting a correctional Auxiliary members 218 facility, especially for the fi rst time. As a result an information service at the Metropolitan College conferences 11 Remand Centre was established. The Society volunteers meet with the prisoner families Vinnies Centres 17 in the visitor information room at the Remand Centre, for a friendly chat and assist by referring people to the appropriate agency qualifi ed to assist them with their needs. Area covered West Metro 20 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Gippsland Central Council

Bushfi re Support The Latrobe Baw Baw Region was greatly affected by the three large bushfi res that burned through the area. Members from Drouin, Warragul, Pakenham and Maryknoll/Iona established a sub-committee and have been assisting over 250 families that were affected by the Black Saturday fi res. Conferences in Traralgon, Morwell and Churchill have also provided support and relief to the communities affected by the fi res in Traralgon South and Boolarra. Members have done an excellent job during a stressful time. Prison Visitation The Prison Visitation Program at Fulham involves members establishing activity sessions for children who are visiting relatives for the day. As there The Gippsland Central is little for children to do following their initial ‘hello’, the program allows them to enjoy Council conference members painting as well as arts and crafts during their visit. The program is very well received by the prisoners, prison staff and parents. have provided assistance to the value of $907,543 to Maffra’s Monster Garage Sale Once a month the Maffra Conference holds a garage sale for the St Vincent de Paul Society. People travel long distances to buy the 10,899 families in need during goods at Maffra’s Monster Garage Sale. Many of the Society’s volunteers and members the last 12 months. are involved. The conference has also held a fashion parade displaying donated clothing for sale. Needless to say, the fashion parade was a very successful night. Regions 3 Caring for the Carer This program is a Bairnsdale Conference initiative sponsored Conferences 20 by Gippsland Central Council and will be piloted in East Gippsland with the potential for Members 291 expansion throughout our three regions. This respite program aims at supporting family carers who provide full-time care to an adult dependant. Many family carers are not eligible Auxiliary members 100 for government funded respite as their dependent is over the age limit and has had little College conferences 2 community support. This program endeavours to support carers currently falling through Vinnies Centres 11 the gaps and left to struggle in caring for their loved one. Area covered South East Vic North Eastern Central Council Bushfi re Support The Bendigo, Upper Murray and Wangaratta Regional Conferences provided assistance to the many families affected by the Black Saturday bushfi res. This assistance will be ongoing for some time to come. Drought Assistance Throughout the year, conference members in our fi ve regions have been assisting many drought-affected farmers: Mid Murray (up to 180 farmers), Goulburn Valley (up to 200 farmers), Wangaratta (up to 120 farmers) and Upper Murray (up to 100 farmers). Members are either cold calling to fi nd those farmers in need or are having farmers referred to them by local government agencies. Numbers have reduced The North Eastern Central in recent times as more and more farmers are leaving their farms due to the continuing Council conference members drought and the low price being paid by the factories for their milk this coming season. Conferences are assisting in ways we have never assisted in before. This includes the have provided assistance to payment of bills for farming expenses such as feed costs, veterinarian expenses, vehicle the value of $1,889,126 to and machinery costs, farm related utility costs, mortgage costs, medical and dental 25,825 families in need during expenses. Conferences also provide food, distribute drought packs and supermarket the last 12 months. vouchers as well as any other assistance or support that the farmers may require. Breakfast Programs Research in schools showed that many children do not Regions 5 receive an adequate breakfast, which hinders their concentration at school. As a result, Conferences 38 Breakfast Programs have been established to ensure that children are given a good Members 487 nutritional breakfast before starting their school day. Benalla Conference supports Auxiliary members 133 three local schools by providing funds to conduct the Breakfast Program. Students are responsible for meal planning and, under teacher’s supervision, the purchase of College conferences 6 appropriate breakfast foods such as bread, crumpets, honey, vegemite, jam, milk and Vinnies Centres 18 Milo for drinks. The students prepare the breakfast meals under the supervision of Area covered North East Vic teachers. A Breakfast Program has now commenced in Yarrawonga. St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 21

North Western Central Council

Vinnies Budget Groceries Opened in Wendouree West in December 2006 and just over 12 months ago in Mildura. The Vinnies Budget Groceries concept continues to be a work in progress. The stores provide a range of low-cost groceries to the community and also assist skilled volunteers gain paid employment, strengthening local community networks and providing a positive image of the Society within these local communities. No Interest Loans Scheme Since its formation approximately three years ago, the No Interest Loan Scheme has grown steadily to meet the needs of many families The North Western Central requiring loans to purchase appliances and a range of goods and services, without paying Council conference members excessive interest rates. The scheme is auspiced by Good Shepherd Family Services, and funded by the North Western Central Council to the extent of $50,000. Additional funding have provided assistance to from the National Australia Bank and Department of Human Services to North Eastern the value of $1,009,898 to Central Council two years ago continues to provide a much needed service to clients in 14,673 families in need during both councils. the last 12 months. Seasons for Growth Established in late 2007, the Seasons for Growth program has enjoyed considerable success, providing yet another area where the Society is able to Regions 6 deliver assistance. The program supports young people in understanding and managing the issues they experience because of the loss of a parent or relative through death, Conferences 42 separation or divorce, educating them about the grief process and developing skills Members 468 for coping. Auxiliary members 123 Vinnies Youth The recent resurgence of interest in Vinnies Youth, possibly due to College conferences 4 World Youth Day 2008, and the accompanying involvement of many young Vincentians, Vinnies Centres 18 has seen a rekindling of interest in a number of locations, with information sessions occurring at Ballarat, Mildura and other areas, as well as re-invigoration of the ACU Area covered West Vic Conference in Ballarat. Dave’s Story Conference members visited the home The conference then asked Dave if there of Dave, a single parent with three small was anything else troubling him. He children aged seven, fi ve and three, who informed us that the electricity account had requested assistance with food. was overdue. The same procedure was On their visit, our members noticed a then followed; speaking to the supplier considerable amount of unopened mail and working out an affordable amount to and during the conversation with the be paid fortnightly. family, the seven year old informed them The conference suggested Dave visit that they were very cold at night because Centrelink the following morning and the gas heater wasn’t working and hadn’t arrange to be placed on a plan so that been working for the last week. payments could be deducted regularly It was then that Dave told us that he was from his fortnightly pension. This he did. unable to read or write and that he did Today Dave is more confi dent in himself. not know where to go for help. He is able to fi x his problems and knows We discovered that the gas had been where he can go for help. cut off and explained that, with his This is just one of many cases where, permission, we could help by ringing the what seemed a simple request for food gas company and advising them of the assistance, was really a cry for help from situation but that Dave would then need a struggling father and his children; and to speak to them personally. He agreed our conference members were truly able to do this and after a short conversation to provide a hand up, not a hand out. an affordable amount was negotiated and the gas was restored the next day. Photo courtesy of iStock.com 22 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Soup Vans

The St Vincent de Paul Society’s work practice policy and procedures for all with soup vans is a very popular one and our vans, which in turn ensures the many people are attracted to support people we assist have the best service it. Our four soup van services, located we can offer them. in Collingwood, Fitzroy, Footscray and During the year we have been able to Moe, are always well served with an upgrade two of our soup vans. This has abundance of volunteers. been done through the expertise and For the volunteers it is a wonderful way knowledge of Colin Lear, Tasty Trucks and to build relationships with the many Eric Heyburn, Camberwell Rotary. Both marginalised people we fi nd living in our men are experts in this fi eld. The new vans midst and all our volunteers are enriched will be used on the Matthew Talbot Soup by the experience. The soup vans are Van (Fitzroy) inner Melbourne street stops. also very involved with some schools and One van has been designated for food colleges and as such are able to educate transport, and picks up food from Tasty senior school students on what it means Trucks daily, Monday to Friday, and is to be a ‘Vannie’. Being a volunteer in this fi tted out with a temperature-controlled service is a practical way of living out cooling system and a heating compart- the call of the gospel to show love and ment to keep the food at the correct compassion to people less fortunate. temperatures. The second van enables us to transport our volunteers to the Following discussions with all soup street stops and is fi tted to serve soup, van presidents, administration of the tea, coffee and cordial. Both soup vans services in Victoria have amalgamated. have been equipped with state-of-the-art A recommendation was presented to facilities to ensure high quality food service State Council and subsequently Br is provided. On average we see over 700 Doug Walsh was appointed as President people on the streets in inner Melbourne of Soup Vans in Victoria and a Soup and Moe each night of operation. Van Coordinator, Caroline Stubbs was employed to administer correct policies We are extremely grateful to our volunteers, and procedures for soup van operations. donors and supporters who yearly provide us with outstanding support which ensures The new administration team being that the Society’s Soup Van Services developed will enable the Society to continue to support the poor and incorporate the latest food handling marginalised in our community. practices, the best equipped vehicles to carry out our work and to make certain Br Doug Walsh that the safety of our volunteers is President, Soup Vans Victoria ensured. We are striving to provide best During 2008-2009 our 485 soup van volunteers provided 232,284 meals to 703 people in need.

Margaret Oats Soup Van – Matthew Talbot Soup Van – Collingwood Footscray Meals provided: 33,800 Meals provided: 45,500 People assisted: 108 per night People assisted: 125 per night Volunteers: 150 Volunteers: 55

Matthew Talbot Soup Van – Fitzroy Frederic Ozanam Soup Van – Moe Meals provided: 145,600 Meals provided: 7,384 People assisted: 399 per night People assisted: 71 per night Volunteers: 250 Volunteers: 30 Eric Heyburn, Camberwell Rotary Note: Margaret Oats Soup Van and Frederic Ozanam Soup Van provide assistance six nights and two nights during the week respectively. St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 23

Compeer

Compeer is now well established as a Compeer’s job is to maintain these three- friendship program for people isolated way relationships so that our volunteers through the effects of serious mental can support people most effectively. To illness. It is now into its fi fth year of this end, over the last year Compeer has operation in Melbourne’s eastern continued to: metropolitan areas and regionally • Recruit, screen, train and support in Bendigo. volunteers Our Compeer volunteers meet their • Liaise with mental health professionals companion for an hour each week for for appropriate referrals, ongoing at least a year. Several companionships communication and support for are also heading into their fi fth year. companionships Friendship is simple but profoundly • Work (especially through our regular important in the lives of people whose information sessions) to counter relationships have been disrupted the stigma associated with mental through the process of serious mental illness so that people who are faced illness. Mental health professionals with the challenges of illness are acknowledge the importance of not additionally excluded from their Compeer friendships and have even rightful place in society through fear commented that this one-to-one ongoing and ignorance social connection can be as important Total hours given by Compeer for maintaining their clients’ health and volunteers to their companions wellbeing as their medication. over 12 months = 3,609 Maintaining the ‘simple’ effectiveness of Compeer volunteer friendships fi t well friendship in the sometimes challenging with the mission of the St Vincent de context of mental illness requires a sound Paul Society through providing the gift threefold system of support involving of time, care and support for people volunteers, Compeer and referring who too often live with heavy burdens practitioners. Compeer’s training and of social isolation and stigma. Volunteers ongoing support and supervision for say that these friendships deepen their volunteers, plus the oversight of the own understanding and compassion companion’s mental health needs for people with mental illness, and that through the health services, allow they fi nd themselves better able to work volunteers to maintain their focus on towards combating the injustices of their companion as an individual, not on stigma through their own social networks. their mental illness. This gift of friendship offers something special that cannot be The value of friendship in all our lives given by even the most caring of paid can never be overestimated. staff because it is freely given. Ann Tan Manager, Compeer

80 Active matches 70 at year start New matches made 60 through year 50 Total matches served 40 through year 30 Number of current matches in service 20 10 0 Photo courtesy of iStock.com 24 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Vinnies Centres The past year has been another record Bushfi res – Our Contribution one for Vinnies Centres, with sales up by The Black Saturday tragedy in Victoria $3,120,000 (18%) on the previous year. saw a massive outpouring of generosity This result is once again testament to the and support from all corners of Australia. extent of the support Vinnies provides its Vinnies was fortunate to be provided with customers in their respective communities. a 10,000 square metre warehouse space On any measure this achievement is at Rowville where donations of goods outstanding and refl ects the commitment were received from all over Australia and of our volunteers and staff. overseas from both individuals and Our growth strategy continued during corporate donors. These donations this year with the number of centres ultimately fi lled this massive space over increasing from 97 to 101. Vinnies a four week period, providing plenty of Centres were opened at fi ve new work for the 3,000 volunteers who had locations (Boronia, Mornington-Tyabb, come to assist at the warehouse. Mentone, Rosebud and Dandenong), Donations also fl ooded in directly to our while the centre in Kyneton had to be centres, which were available to anyone closed. The Vinnies Centre in Mornington, affected by the fi res who came in which was destroyed by fi re last year, is requesting assistance. expected to re-open later this year. The centres in Brooklyn, Kangaroo Flat and Volunteers worked tirelessly processing Wodonga were relocated during the year. the extra donations, acknowledging the generosity of the public and redirecting 100th Vinnies Centre this product to those desperately in need at that time. State President, Jim Grealish, offi cially opened our 100th Vinnies Centre at 119- As always the St Vincent de Paul Society 123 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong on 31st will be there for the long haul and for March 2009. Also attending the opening those who will continue to be affected for was Gold Logie-nominated actor, Ian Smith the weeks, months and years ahead. (pictured left), who joined with local residents to participate in the opening celebrations. Warehouse relocation This was a very proud event in the history Due to the expansion of our centres and of Vinnies in Victoria, given that our very the increased product required, a larger fi rst centre commenced operations at warehouse facility was targeted and Ascot Vale some 80 years ago. subsequently found at Altona North. The warehouse operation was relocated from The profi le of the Dandenong site with the Brooklyn site with commencement at its highway location, excellent visibility the new site in October 2009. We now and presentation, is an indicator of the have some 5,000 square metres of space Society’s ability to adjust its offer in at the new site which will better enable us accordance with that expected of to process donated product. Some modern retail outlets. However we 4.7 million kilograms of product was continue to offer a range of affordable processed during 2008-2009. New quality products in our stores, which are clothing bin locations and the develop- attractive to those who shop with us. As ment of new collection initiatives, always, funds spent locally at our stores including the Docklands apartment are handed up to Regional Councils that precinct (25,000 residents), will require in turn fund the Society’s good works the additional space that this new directly in those local communities. warehouse facility provides.

Material Aid The value of product (clothing, furniture and household items) given away by Vinnies Centres for welfare purposes during 2008-2009 totalled $1,445,579. St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 25

Our Volunteers

Anyone who has ever had a bad experience Over the past few years, there has when out shopping is unlikely to return to been a focus on training and providing the shop in question; moreover, he or she opportunities for professional development is likely to have a negative impression of to volunteers in supervisory positions. the retailer as a whole. The benefi ts of training volunteers are multiple, both for Vinnies and for the The same is true of Vinnies’ customers volunteer. and that is why it is so important to us that our volunteers create a positive experience For Vinnies, the benefi ts include: for every person who comes through our • Skilled volunteers who can contribute doors. Also it is doubly important because at a higher level our Vinnies Centres are not just retail • Increased commitment and businesses; they are a vital part of local engagement from volunteers communities across Victoria and deliver assistance to hundreds of people in the • Succession planning for key community who need help and support. volunteer roles • Competent and knowledgeable The many thousands of individuals that ambassadors make up our volunteer team come from all walks of life, and bring a wealth of life Benefi ts for the volunteers include: experiences with them. Among our ranks • Acknowledgement of a volunteer’s we can count retirees, professionals status and role within the organisation looking for a ‘sea change’, young mums, young people seeking ‘on the job’ • Skills which may be transferable or experience, those who are living out their deployed outside of the voluntary role faith through action and, quite simply, • Confi dence in the volunteer’s abilities people who want to make a difference to perform the role to their community. • Knowledge of the organisation Imagine the skills that would be involved Increasingly, the training and development in organising over 6,000 paid staff to of volunteers is being regarded as an perform a variety of roles in a busy and integral part of managing our Vinnies diverse retail environment. It’s no less Centres volunteer program and a key to its complex to do that for our massive team success. As a growing number of people of over 6,500 volunteers. seek meaningful and worthwhile volunteer The process for volunteer recruitment roles, Vinnies needs to be prepared to involves interviewing, skill matching, meet the challenge of providing effective referee and police checking as well as leadership. orientation. It takes time, resources and massive organisation to make it happen Tony Thornton and to ensure that our Vinnies Centres Manager, Vinnies Centres run smoothly.

Vinnies Centres Financial Overview Sales $ 20,162,131 Expenses $ 9,171,693

Funds available for distribution $ 10,990,438 Volunteer: Jeanette 26 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Migrant & Refugee

The Refugee, Asylum Seeker & Migrant The Refugee, Asylum Seeker & Migrant Committee seeks to promote a sense Committee recommended contacting of compassion and dignity towards new the Refugee Immigration Legal Centre in settlers while also providing a range of Fitzroy and as a result, an associate from support services, advocacy and material that body proved to be an exceptional assistance as people rebuild their lives in advocate in supporting the conference. a new country. Ashwin and his family were fi nancially Each year the committee works with many supported by the local conference and refugees and asylum seekers who are the Refugee, Asylum Seeker & Migrant relocated throughout Victoria. Members Committee. and volunteers hear many stories of Three months later Ashwin and his family persecution, harassment and even torture received the news that their application to experienced by refugees in their former the Refugee Tribunal had been reviewed homeland. They work tirelessly to provide and the previous Deportation Order was specifi c assistance to each person, overturned. The family was extremely including liaising with relevant government grateful for the legal support provided by departments, so that they are able to the Refugee Immigration Legal Centre rebuild their lives and dignity. as well as the support given by the Ashwin’s Story committee, the Brigidine Asylum Service Project and members of St Mary’s In December 2007 with the hope of Conference in Myrtleford. starting a new life in a welcoming country, Ashwin arrived in Melbourne John McLean accompanied by his mother and aunt. Chair, Refugee, Asylum Seeker As Malaysian Hindus of Tamil ancestry, & Migrant Committee Ashwin and his family were fl eeing from harassment and intimidation from the local Islamic authorities. Following the misplacement of the family’s initial application, a Bridging Visa was issued which meant the family was unable to work legally or receive any government assistance. With the bulk of their meagre savings dissipating, the family approached a Community Health Centre in 2008 stating they were asylum seekers and needed help. A referral to St Mary’s Conference in Myrtleford then followed and they were provided with living support. The family suffered some setbacks with the denial of their protection visa on the grounds of religious persecution and subsequently made an application to the Refugee Tribunal for a decision review but unfortunately this did not stop a Deportation Order being issued. St Mary’s Conference then sought assistance from alternative refugee agencies with little success.

Photo courtesy of iStock.com St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 27

Overseas Development The Overseas Development Committee School Drop-outs (Catholic provides support and leadership for Youth Development Centre) Victorian conferences in establishing A third program is School Drop-outs which relationships with the programs of focuses on the needs of young men who Twinning, Assist a Student and Projects have dropped out of school for various in developing Asian Pacifi c countries. reasons such as family poverty, being In partnership with St Columban’s Mission the sole wage earner, broken families or Society, our conferences and councils, family disinterest in education. Currently 29 the committee has participated in three young men, whose average age is 17, are key projects in Pakistan during the year: enrolled. Most work as street sweepers at Nurse Training, Centre for Academic night before attending the program, while Excellence and School Drop-outs. others go to work in the afternoon, evening or night. Spread over three years, the Nurse Training program aims to assist these young men During childbirth only 28 percent of successfully through matriculation via an Pakistani women have a trained attendant accelerated learning program that covers available to assist them. primary to secondary education levels. The committee is working together to After gaining their matriculation certifi cate make a difference in the health needs of students are encouraged to move into Pakistani women by supporting 60 young technical education which will enable them women to study midwifery at St Elizabeth to obtain secure employment. School, Hyderabad. The Society in Fiji These young women receive vital nursing In Fiji there are 24 conferences, some of skills which help pregnant women and in which are isolated from the main island. turn will save lives, while also obtaining The conferences are split into three qualifi cations that ensure good professional regions: Northern (Labasa), Western employment in the future. The committee (Nadi) and Central (Suva). To support our places strong emphasis on providing Fijian partners, the Society has provided professional skills and education, thus Formation and Training assistance as allowing personal development of young part of a restructuring program for the people. Society in Fiji. This will lead to the election Centre for Academic Excellence of a new National President for their Society on 26 September 2009, which Discrimination and disadvantage towards coincides with the Feast of St Vincent young Christians in the Pakistani education de Paul. This program has proven very system are rife. successful and much has been learnt Catholic students have not been able from all parties involved. to obtain admission to universities and During 2008-2009 the Overseas receive the necessary educational Development Committee in partnership qualifi cations due to family poverty, the with members provided: inability to pay tertiary admission fees [plus huge bribes], a lack of vocational • $104,980 to Twins for Project grants guidance, the perception of ‘why study • $139,861 for both small/large Projects and get good results since I can’t go • $174,240 to their Twinned conference any further’ and a sense of personal in the Asia Pacifi c region insecurity. • $93,282 to assist 1,332 students The Centre for Academic Excellence aims through the Assist a Student program to provide 60 Catholic students with • $15,375 for Council to Council grants. educational, spiritual, moral and personal The Overseas Development Committee formation which in turn will enable them is proud to be assisting, developing to obtain university entrance on a merit partnerships and expanding the Society’s basis. work throughout the Asia Pacifi c region. John O’Brien Chair, Overseas Development Committee 28 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Board of Directors

St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services was incorporated on 1 August 2003 as a result of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s desire to ensure major government-funded works are developed and run with service expertise and managed professionally. The Board of Directors is empowered with independent responsibility for the strategic direction and development of the organisation in accordance with the mission and ethos of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Peter Johnstone Haydn Harrison Maurie Joyce Allen Pretty Chairman

Peter Rigg Catherine Collins Mark Stenhouse Mary O’Reilly

Jeremy Brasington Lois Lindsay St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services 29

St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services

Our Mission Community Services Within the Christian mission of the St Our Community Services comprise a Vincent de Paul Society, St Vincent de range of homelessness, housing and Paul Aged Care & Community Services support programs based predominantly works with and for people who are in the northern and western regions of disadvantaged to provide them with Melbourne as well as rural Victoria. These support which refl ects an understanding services meet the needs of men and of their needs, respects their rights women who may be single or in families, and dignity and encourages, wherever through a range of youth-specifi c or adult possible, a greater level of self programs. The people we assist have often dependence. experienced homelessness or live with the constant risk of becoming homeless. Our Core Business Disability Service To understand and advocate the needs of disadvantaged people and provide Our Disability Service, Ozanam Enterprises, services and opportunities that enhance provides a range of employment and training their quality of life through our services. opportunities to people with a disability. This supported employment service encourages Aged Care Services their 75 employees through meaningful work Our Aged Care Services provide care and vocational skill development. Ozanam and accommodation to elderly citizens Enterprises is a commercial operation, through a range of facilities located in offering a range of packaging solutions, metropolitan Melbourne and regional contract labour hire and timber product Victoria. In total our services have 350 manufacturing to businesses. beds available and cater for the full range of people’s needs in aged care.

Photo courtesy of iStock.com Photo courtesy of iStock.com 30 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Chairman’s Report

As a new member and Chair of the • Continued assistance to disadvantaged Board of St Vincent de Paul Aged Care people during the fi nancial year. More & Community Services I would like fi rst than 15,000 people contacted our to acknowledge the leadership and housing services requesting assistance contributions of former Chair Pamela to fi nd housing; we provided up to Macklin during her time as a member of 180 lunches each day for people who the Board from 2003 and as Chair from are homeless at Ozanam Community July 2005 until September 2009, Centre in North Melbourne; up to 350 including the period of this Annual Report. people were provided with residential accommodation in our aged care The 2008-2009 report records a number services; and more than 75 people of key achievements across the three core were provided with meaningful service delivery areas, namely Community employment as part of our disability Services, Aged Care Services and employment service. All of these people Disability Service, including: are welcomed by us to participate in • Successful accreditation of fi ve of our our community. seven residential aged care facilities. Victoria. We are however concerned that Each of these achievements has required The remaining facilities will undergo the Victorian Government is demanding substantial planning and resourcing that accreditation in the coming fi nancial a 25% equity contribution from charitable in some cases has extended over many year. providers such as St Vincent de Paul Aged years, and we acknowledge the Care & Community Services. • Commencement of the Community commitment of the many individuals who Services accreditation process in the have contributed to these outcomes. Looking ahead areas of homelessness according to During the year under review, we have The 2009-2010 year presents major the recently introduced Homelessness regrettably suffered a substantial write- challenges including the review of our Assistance Standards, refl ecting our down of some $5.94 million to our fi nancial strategic planning and governance to strong commitment to providing high assets due to the decline in the value of ensure continued excellence in the quality services to the most investments related to the impact of the provision of services to the vulnerable disadvantaged members of our Global Financial Crisis. This write-down, people we support. The Board will work community. even if fully realised, does not affect our with the Executive Group to ensure • For the sixth consecutive year the ability to meet our statutory obligations sustainable business models that accord Disability Service received outstanding for the preservation of accommodation with the St Vincent de Paul Society’s results through its accreditation against bonds. We are reviewing our strategic mission and values. planning and governance to ensure a the 12 Disability Standards. We will continue our commitment to strong continuing capacity for excelling in • The smooth transition of 91 residents research-based advocacy for social the provision of services to the vulnerable into Vincentian Village, our new aged change and improvements in government people we support. care facility in Geelong from their former programs. Another major impact on the Income homes in aged care facilities Rosalie To donors, volunteers and other supporters Statement included an increase in staff House and Vincentian House. who have all played a vital part in our costs, the major component of our • The establishment of a newly successful operation, the Board of St service expenditure. It is a matter of incorporated entity, St Vincent de Paul Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community concern that indexation of Commonwealth Community Housing, to strengthen Services thanks you. Our overriding priority Government subsidies continues to lag our contribution to accommodation continues to be the service of people who behind Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for disadvantaged people through are marginalised and disadvantaged. increases in the aged care sector. This participation in the government’s represents an ongoing fi nancial challenge affordable housing initiative. Our new to avoid impacts on standards of care Peter Johnstone homelessness service hub, now and is further exacerbated by a stringent Chairman based at a new location in Glenroy, regulatory regime. offers housing, counselling, health services and employment services Commonwealth Government funding for to homeless people. affordable housing offers great potential for our ability to support homeless people in St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services 31

Chief Executive Offi cer’s Report

St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & A key achievement in 2008-2009 was Community Services was presented with our success in achieving Housing a challenging year in the face of economic Provider status from the Offi ce of uncertainty, catastrophic natural disasters, Housing. This will enable Community a welcome focus by the Commonwealth Services to continue to manage Offi ce Government on social inclusion and of Housing properties and positions the homelessness, increasing regulation in organisation to expand our capacity in human services, an increase in demand this fi eld. As a Housing Provider we are for services and a substantial write-down also strategically placed to qualify for in investments of some $5.94 million. capital funding from the Offi ce of Housing for future affordable housing projects. However the dedication and extraordinary This has been a major accomplishment contributions of staff, volunteers and and one that is strategically critical for supporters has led to some major our growth in this area. achievements for all three of the core service delivery areas. Aged Care Services Community Services With the Department of Health & Ageing’s We are grateful to have a very loyal triennial accreditation process occurring A consequence of the economic down- customer base that appreciates the high in 2009, it has been a very busy year for turn was an increase in the demand standard of workmanship that is apparent our aged care facilities. for support services provided by our in our products, as we continually look to Community Services’ programs. We Five facilities out of seven have completed expand and introduce new customers that responded to an increase in the provision their accreditation, achieving a pass in all enhance our fi nancial position. of meals and support through the Ozanam 44 Standards, and consequently being We have also extended our timber Community Centre and a signifi cant accredited for the maximum three manufacturing division in order to provide a increase in requests for housing years. There are still two facilities to be range of new products and make it a more assistance. accredited in the next fi nancial year. viable department within our business. Against this backdrop, the Commonwealth This has been an outstanding achievement Government’s commitment to homelessness and refl ects the high standard of care Financial management through the White Paper holds promise. provided to our residents as well as the The company’s fi nancial statements Our programs continue to respond to an professionalism and commitment of our showed a net defi cit of $5.95 million for the ever increasing need with compassion and aged care managers and employees. year ended 30 June 2009 (2008 surplus creativity, while under constant fi nancial of $3.34 million) and at that date the At the end of the last fi nancial year we constraints, and often challenging and company’s total assets exceeded liabilities sold our two Geelong aged care facilities, confronting conditions. by $52 million (2008 $59 million). This Vincentian House and Rosalie House, year included a substantial write-down of Our family violence services, Marian and opened a new facility in Hamlyn $5.94 million in our fi nancial assets due Community and Olive’s Place, continue Heights, Vincentian Village. to the decline in value of investments as a to develop their expertise in responding Vincentian Village was offi cially opened result of the impact of the Global Financial to often complex situations. We look in September 2008 by Senator Jan Crisis. This may have an impact on future forward to the implementation of the McLucas, with the blessing of the building projects; however there is no impact on the government’s proposed reforms in this carried out by Bishop Christopher Prowse. ability to repay accommodation bonds. area, and are encouraged that they will lead to better outcomes for the women I would like to acknowledge the and children we support. Disability Service leadership shown by former Chief It has been a very challenging year for Executive Offi cer, Dr Doug Kent which The desire to better respond to clients’ Ozanam Enterprises, our Disability enabled the organisation to fulfi l many issues holistically will be greatly improved Service, due to the current economic of the strategic goals. Doug resigned as with the relocation of Housing Services climate applying additional pressure on Chief Executive Offi cer in August 2009. to a new purpose-built offi ce shared the commercial viability of the services I would also like to thank the senior with other community agencies. This we offer. Our operations have been executive team of the organisation for will enable people to access a range of reviewed and critically examined to identify their leadership throughout the year. services within the one offi ce, effectively opportunities for innovations that have providing a community hub of support ensured their commercial viability in very services relating to housing. changed economic circumstances. Brian Dalton Chief Executive Offi cer (acting) 32 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Our Aged Care Services provide care and accommodation to Aged Care Services elderly citizens through a range St Vincent de Paul Aged Care Services, children and animals. Advanced Care of facilities across Victoria. In provides care and accommodation for Planning has also been a major focus total our services have 350 beds people who have undergone an of staff education to ensure we meet available. assessment for eligibility into residential the terminal care needs and wishes care services. Care is provided to our of our residents. Bailly House elders, disabled, and those with complex The heatwave was another challenge medical and mental health care needs 68-71 Chapman Street to us during the summer months. All of through our seven aged care facilities North Melbourne Vic 3051 our sites were well prepared with extra operating across Victoria. These facilities No of beds: 41 fl uids being one of the most important include a nursing home for residents with Accredited: Three years care requirement to minimise the risk of high-care needs, hostels with ageing in July 2009-July 2012 dehydration. Residents were provided place, for residents with low-care with icy poles, ice blocks, jelly and needs and a Day Therapy Centre which May Noonan Hostel yoghurt to name just a few measures complements the services provided to to increase fl uid intake. 3 Foley Street our 350 residents. Terang Vic 3264 No of beds: 40 There have been legislation changes Accreditation Accredited: Three years over the last 12 months affecting the Five of our seven residential care sites January 2009-January 2012 residential aged care sector. have received accreditation for three From 1 January 2009 approved aged years. St Anne’s Hostel is awaiting O’Mara House care providers are required to notify offi cial notifi cation of its site audit and our 15 Hunter Road the Department of Health and Ageing seventh site, O’Mara House in Traralgon, is having its full site audit on 15-16 Traralgon Vic 3844 if there is an unexplained absence of a September. This is an outstanding level No of beds: 64 care recipient from a resident aged care service and the provider is suffi ciently of performance and the facility managers Accredited: Site Audit are to be congratulated. 15-16 September 2009 concerned that police have been notifi ed. Also aged care providers are to ensure Future St Anne’s Hostel they have administrative systems in place to ensure all employees, contractors and Although the issues facing residential 125-135 Kenny Street aged care services have not varied Westmeadows Vic 3049 volunteers, regardless of whether they have supervised or unsupervised access very much over the last 12 months, No of beds: 30 the economic downturn has had an Accredited: Awaiting notifi cation to residents, have a police check that is dated not more than three years before effect on all businesses and organisations. the day on which the person fi rst became Surviving the issues facing aged care St Vincent de Paul Nursing a staff member or volunteer. continues to be managed by adopting a Home & Day Therapy Centre forward looking management approach. 110 Albion Street The approved provider is also to ensure These issues include: the universal Box Hill Vic 3128 the police check does not record that the shortage of nurses, legislative changes, No of beds: 31 person has been convicted of murder practice requirements, funding shortages, Accredited: Three years or sexual assault or convicted of and accreditation requirements, competition sentenced to imprisonment for any other June 2009-June 2012 within the industry to fi ll vacant low-care form of assault. Approved providers are beds, baby boomer demands for their also required to take reasonable measures ageing elders, and providing high quality Vincenpaul Hostel to ensure each of their staff members care with limited resources always being 13-25 Strabene Avenue and volunteers notify them if the staff the ultimate challenge. Mont Albert North Vic 3129 member or volunteer is convicted of a No of beds: 53 precluding offence. Claire Schmierer Accredited: Three years General Manager, Aged Care Services Resident care and quality service March 2009-March 2012 provision continue to be the main focus of our service. With this in mind, we Vincentian Village are educating more staff in the Eden 12-14 Beulah Street Philosophy which ensures residents have Hamlyn Heights Vic 3215 maximum choice and decision making, No of beds: 91 to minimise loneliness and boredom and Accredited: Three years to provide close continuous contact with July 2009-July 2012 St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services 33

Aged Care Services Frank’s Story and after his initial recovery his continued alcohol dependence instigated his need Our ageing population presents many for residential care. Frank’s intoxication challenges; to the community, to the resulted in anti-social behaviours and government, but most of all to the ageing frequent falls. He had very little insight individual. Traditionally, providers of into his destructive lifestyle or how his aged care followed the medical care behaviours impacted on others. model, whereby older people would seek assistance from health care providers One day Frank approached the Facility then accept what the doctor or nurse Manager and said “I need help”. With recommended. For some individuals the support of the facility care staff, his this approach is effective, many however brother and doctor, Frank was able to feel trapped by their illness and the reduce his alcohol consumption slightly. ageing process. The doctor recommended an in-patient detoxifi cation program and Frank agreed. As choices diminish and the necessity The process was long and there were increases to seek assistance to do even a few setbacks; but encouraging Frank basic tasks, individuals can feel deprived to take ownership of his problem, of their independence and sense of providing choices and assisting him to wellbeing. By working in partnership with make decisions while equally supporting the health care provider, we can help and guiding him, Frank made it through residents regain ‘a life worth living’. We ‘detox’. He then was able to start re- involve residents in their care, enabling engaging in life and the community by them to make choices and to have these attending a local ‘Men’s Group’. choices respected. Improvements in general health and wellbeing and the self Frank continues to live his life without management of chronic diseases can be alcohol; he commenced working three seen when people regain ownership and days per week at a local supported control of their health. employment program and now works there full-time. Frank continues to reside at Frank has been a resident at Vincentian Vincentian Village where he receives the Village (previously Vincentian House) for support and encouragement he needs. the past six years. His life was thrown He now feels a valued member of the into turmoil when he suffered a stroke as community and is engaged and responsive a result of chronic alcohol dependence. to the needs of others around him. He was unable to work or care for himself

Vincentian Village resident: Frank 34 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Community Services

The success of Community Services meals prepared for both Ozanam House over 40 other services are offered at programs often hinges on our capacity and Ozanam Community Centre. Ozanam Community Centre which include to fi nd clients safe, affordable housing. health-related services such as a doctor, We would like to take the opportunity to Once this occurs, we are able to put nurse, dentist, podiatrist and optometrist. acknowledge our wonderful volunteers other supports in place which enable These are all valued by the clients, many and supporters who regularly donate people to start rebuilding their lives. of whom are homeless or socially isolated. food including FareShare, St Vincent’s There are also a number of recreational This year, we successfully applied to Private Hospital, Mount Joseph College programs such as art and music as well become a Housing Provider which and Second Bite. as specifi c programs such as a women’s enables Community Services to continue For the last six months, we were fortunate group and alcohol and drug counselling to manage Offi ce of Housing owned or to have a Masters student in Arts Therapy and support. In total, the centre provided leased properties. This entailed a great deal from Latrobe University. Residents over 63,600 kinds of support to people of work as has the accreditation process embraced these sessions offered twice over the last year. across Community Services programs a week, welcoming the opportunity to to ensure all comply with government The centre runs with the assistance of alleviate boredom, explore art making, imposed accreditation standards. many clients who, as part of our volunteer form or reconnect to links and activities program, assist in the dining room and The Commonwealth Government’s White from the past, address abuse and other kitchen and with other tasks that contribute Paper on homelessness resulted in the childhood issues and confront anger and to the smooth running of the place. biggest injection of government funding addiction issues. into housing services that we are likely to The Ozanam Community Centre provides We have agreed to fund Ozanam House see in our lifetimes. This is most welcome a vital resource to the many people who to employ an extra staff member in the but will not alone address the signifi cant come during the week for any of the above evenings which has increased our ability undersupply of housing and in particular, services. Most importantly though, it is the to respond to and prevent critical incidents. affordable housing. The impact of the informal benefi ts they derive such as a Global Financial Crisis saw an increased We have also received $70,000 additional sense of belonging, having people to talk demand for our services with society’s funding from the Offi ce of Housing to to and receiving support and referrals, most vulnerable often being the unseen assist in paying for our meal service at that are possibly the most important victims whenever there is a signifi cant Ozanam House. This is the fi rst time aspects of visiting the service. economic downturn. The tragic bushfi res that Ozanam House has received any also contributed to a contraction in the fi nancial support from government to Housing Services availability of housing stock. provide meals to homeless people and This has been an action-packed year as it has been very welcome. Housing Services took on an increased Ozanam House On a Commonwealth level, Ozanam workload, becoming the offi cial This year, Ozanam House assisted 538 House has been supported through homelessness point of contact for the homeless single men with complex the Nation Building grants and received northern and western regions. To illustrate issues and challenging behaviour. Finding $156,000 to complete minor capital the increased demand on services: in appropriate, sustainable and safe exit repairs to our buildings and outdoor 2005-2006, 4.5 staff dealt with 6,000 housing options is becoming increasingly areas. The grant has enabled us to inquiries for housing. In 2008-2009, seven diffi cult, with many clients returning to complete overdue repair work and fi nally staff handled close to 15,000 inquiries. Ozanam House after housing options convert all existing double bedrooms This has meant that housing inquiries from break down. Many of our residents are into singles. Staff and residents are very clients at Community Services programs unable to afford private rental; waiting excited about the conversion of the such as Ozanam House, are now directed lists for public housing are long and many remaining four double rooms, as it will be to Housing Services in Glenroy. Housing private and community rooming houses a very positive step forward for residents Services was also affected by the impact are unsafe and unsupported. and their ability to access some personal the bushfi res had on stock being available. Despite the challenges encountered by and private space while they are with us. Further welcome news is that staff will our residents there is still a great deal shortly move into new premises in Glenroy of optimism that their futures can be Ozanam Community Centre which have been fi tted out to best meet different. Our challenge as a service is This year saw record numbers of people staffi ng levels and needs. The building to continue to advocate and demand attending the lunchtime meal with daily will also house other community agencies structural change so that clients’ numbers peaking at 180 on several to provide a community information hub optimism can be translated into a reality. occasions. Over the year, a total of which will enhance services to clients. 33,025 lunches were provided and 8,394 Demand for our meal service has breakfasts. Besides the meals programs, increased steadily with almost 90,000 St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services 35

Community Services Bob’s Story Four months after coming to Ozanam A few days before Christmas last year Bob, House Bob was offered a one bedroom a 53 year old man, was admitted to a property through the Outreach hospital bed at Ozanam House after being Transitional Housing Program while referred by St Vincent’s Hospital, where he he waited for public housing to come had stayed due to his suicidal tendencies. through. He had prepared himself to be moving to a rooming house but after In the weeks prior to his admission to only a few weeks he was offered a hospital, Bob had lost his job of three years public housing property. Bob couldn’t and couldn’t afford to pay his rent which believe his good luck and is now ready to resulted in him being evicted with nowhere reconnect with his family after fi ve years to go. Fortunately, instead of acting on his of no contact at all. suicide plans, Bob went to the hospital and asked for help. Bob successfully moved into public housing, but on a sad note discovered that a family After entering Ozanam House, Bob was member had passed away. The feelings of soon assessed by the case management grief and loss, as well as guilt consumed team where a holistic approach was Bob for weeks. Eventually he rose above utilised to address his issues. He decided this, determined that all the hard work he that he wanted to change his life and was had put in to create a better life would not going to do what was needed to regain be in vain. Bob was also very surprised to secure housing. fi nd that this family member had left him While at Ozanam House Bob worked an inheritance which he used to furnish with the Outreach Team to complete his new property. public housing applications, obtain legal Bob feels honoured to have his story appear assistance regarding getting his licence in the Annual Report and to be an example back, be linked into employment services, of success – from being homeless and pay off debts and monitor his extensive suicidal, to being stable and content in health issues. He participated in many of six months thanks to the help he received the Ozanam House activities, such as the through Community Services. He feels that art program, walking group and resident although he still has things he needs to meetings. After a few weeks, Bob felt he work on, he is confi dent that he can now could offer support and advice to other tackle anything. residents, especially the younger ones, which in turn made him feel good about himself.

Community Services Assistance provided Meals provided 97,708 People assisted to fi nd housing and accommodation 15,439 Homeless single men accommodated at Ozanam House 538 Women and children assisted to escape family violence 629 Homeless young people supported 1,037

Homelessness in Australia • Over 105,000 Australians are homeless; 20,500 are homeless in Victoria • Homeless people are much younger now than in the 1950s and 1960s when 80% were 35 years or older • In Victoria, 63% of homeless people are aged 34 or younger • 1 in 5 homeless people are aged 12-18 • Homeless people are 45% women and 55% men

Source: Counting the Homeless, 2006, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Photo courtesy of iStock.com 36 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Community Services Quin House affected by drug misuse and to address Youth Support Services Quin House aims to provide a safe, secure both their drug dependency and Youth Support Services provides short to and supportive environment for men who homelessness issues. Following the medium term support to young people, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, trial, the government agreed to provide aged 15-25, who are homeless or at who are committed to addressing their recurrent funding. risk of becoming homeless. Along with issues of problematic alcohol and other In the past 12 months, the service has accommodation support, the service also drug use. While the Quin House program worked with approximately 80 clients delivers a number of other early intervention is abstinence-based, the ultimate aim of and continues to work with an average of and support programs. These include: the service is to minimise individual and 40 clients at any one time on long term supported accommodation, outreach societal harm. strategies to move from homelessness support, intensive case management, juvenile justice support, information and This year, Quin House has had 76 clients and drug dependence to safe, secure referral, private rental access as well as through the program, 18 of whom have gone and independent living with the ability to culturally and linguistically diverse and onto the Post Quin House program. This maintain this over an extended period. special projects. Youth Support Services much-needed addition to Quin House has The success rate for clients who complete has supported a total of 391 young people greatly reduced relapse rates for residents this program is very high, although for over the past 12 months. leaving rehabilitation. For example, there is those who leave or disengage within a now only a 15% relapse rate compared with few months, it is low. The program has a The service has had some specifi c the over 80% relapse rate of last year. number of properties for clients to move achievements this year. The Private Rental Brokerage program has met all its targets We were fortunate to receive support into until an Offi ce of Housing property in its fi rst year and established itself as an through the Commonwealth Government’s becomes available. Unfortunately, this can innovative pathway for young people to Proceeds of Crime funding to establish take up to two years. In the meantime, the access private rental accommodation. Post Quin. This program provides a counsellors who are engaged with these support package to clients who are clients continue to work with them and The Fund-a-Future program has continued completing their residency at Quin House this has proven over the past seven years to develop in a positive direction. The and includes housing and counselling. to be extremely valuable to the clients’ program has developed strong relationships Twenty clients have engaged with the wellbeing and long term future. with employers who are willing to provide Homeless Drug Dependency Program Employment Programs various work experience opportunities and are receiving ongoing support. for young people to enable them to re- A number of others have reunited with Since 2002, Community Services has engage with employment and training. family and others are now fully engaged successfully delivered an employment The Youth Justice Program is working in in completing TAFE courses. Overall program, the Personal Support Program. a consortium with Jesuit Social Services to the success rate for clients engaged The program expanded signifi cantly assist young people exiting their facilities. is relatively high, due largely to the and during 2008-2009 we were funded This collaboration has increased the engagement of a number of programs to support 160 people at any one time. range of resources we can offer these provided at Quin House. Under the recent changes to Job Services Australia, we were fortunate to be involved young people. Adult Services in successful tenders with the Australian Community Support Organisation and Independent Living Units Adult Services provide support to people AMES Employment to deliver a Common- Fifty-fi ve independent living units are who reside in Ozanam House, and out- wealth funded employment program that provided to men and women aged over reach to people who are homeless or at has similar aims to the former Personal 55 in Alfredton, Bendigo, Maryborough risk of homelessness to obtain secure Support Program. and Mildura. Although managed centrally, and affordable housing as well as achieve the units are also supported by local independence in the community. The This Employment Program focuses on members of the St Vincent de Paul following are two of the key programs the most disadvantaged clients (job Society and we actively encourage offered. seekers) many of whom have issues that may have prevented them from participation in the community by these Homeless Drug Dependency Program obtaining and sustaining employment or older people. This program began as a three year trial undertaking further skills development. We are planning for an additional nine in 2001 across Ozanam House, Hanover Within Community Services we are able units in Red Cliffs and are examining the and Flagstaff which all provide services to to also offer these clients assistance Bendigo properties to see whether we homeless people. It was developed as a from many of our support services which can provide additional units on the site. way to engage homeless people provides the best possible opportunity of developing an improved quality of life. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services 37

Community Services Marian Community an enhanced focus on family violence We were sad to farewell Liz Meloury who services which hold promise for future worked for eight years at Marian Community, developments at Olive’s Place. We were providing excellent management and delighted to hear the news that our support to the service for six years. Staff buildings, owned by government, are to pulled together to keep the place running be signifi cantly redeveloped. well with Kate Coulson ably stepping into Following several child death tragedies, the role as acting manager before her the Coroner’s Court Family Violence Death pre-planned departure in July. In June, Review has been established and a review we were delighted to welcome Amanda of how child protection works with family Alexander as the new manager at Marian violence is underway. Findings will inform Community. agencies such as Olive’s Place regarding Over the year, a total of 217 women service improvements to be made. The and 261 accompanying children were service continues to forge close links with supported. There has been a decrease the family violence and homelessness in the number of clients who present with sectors, in particular another women’s children, 48% compared with 63% and refuge in our area, which augurs well for 68% for the previous two years. This has collaborative work in the future. been balanced by a comparable increase An example of a woman we have in single women accessing the service, up supported this year is Anna, who had to 51% from 35% and 30% respectively. been a long term client of the women’s Consistent with research fi ndings that refuge system before coming to us with identify intimate partner violence as the her two children. She quickly developed a leading contributor to death, disability and positive relationship with our workers and illness in young to middle aged Victorian a sense of connection at the services. women, women aged 15 to 44 represent 86% of clients seen in the last year. In Anna’s time with us, her worker has supported her in dealing with a range of Marian Community is starting to see issues including depression and anxiety, an increase in clients from emerging which are common features of women communities which include Turkish, escaping domestic violence. The service Iraqi and most recently, Sudanese and always works holistically to meet all the Congolese. To assist these women, needs of women and children assisted. Marian Community has required the Anna also came from a non-English support of an interpreter and is holding background which is a feature of the staff training to assist in working with service model at Olive’s Place. clients of African origin. Anna’s worker was able to arrange The service remains actively involved in a transitional housing and then relocation to number of regional networks and all staff public housing in an area where Anna and have received training to ensure they are her children felt a sense of belonging. The across the signifi cant changes to family worker made sure Anna established links violence legislation. with other agencies before leaving Olive’s Place and provided post-placement Olive’s Place support after they relocated. Anna has Olive’s Place has been implementing been in contact recently and life is looking a restructure to better refl ect the skills a great deal more positive now she has and expertise required of staff when safe and stable housing. working with women and children with complex needs. At a government level, Netty Horton through welcome measures such as General Manager, Community Services the Commonwealth’s Homelessness White Paper and the State’s Family Violence policy reforms, there has been

Photo courtesy of iStock.com 38 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Disability Service

The current economic climate has put This initiative has two distinct benefi ts in arduous pressure on Ozanam Enterprises supporting people with a disability and to maintain its commercial viability and providing Vinnies Centres with a range to provide support to its employees of new products for their centres. with disabilities. Ozanam Enterprises offers a Further, Ozanam Enterprises has Without compromising support to manufactured a range of items for Vinnies range of services including: our employees we have been able to Centres’ fi t-outs which include: mobile consolidate our operations and minimise display units, cutlery boxes, LP record Packaging Solutions the impact of a small reduction in income boxes and stands, picture display units, • General packaging by sourcing new customers and providing shadow boxes and purpose-built storage • Assembly new services to existing customers. cupboards that sit behind the counters. • Sortation New look for Ozanam Enterprises The manufacture of shop-fi ttings for • Sealing the centres has expanded the range of In 2008 Ozanam Enterprises unveiled its • Collating products made at Ozanam Enterprises new look logo, stationery and brochures. and has ensured additional training and • Bulk mailouts The revitalised logo embodies a more skills for our employees. • Inserting business-orientated and contemporary image. The branding has also been • Shrink wrapping Mornington Main Street Market incorporated in the development of a Following on from the Vinnies Centres • Repacking new commercially-orientated website, initiative, Ozanam Enterprises is now • Labelling www.ozanamenterprises.org.au. promoting and selling a range of • Source tagging A big thank you to Tangent Design for employee-made timber products at assisting us in designing such a great • Warehousing the Mornington Main Street Market new look for Ozanam Enterprises. every Wednesday. The stall is staffed • Pick’n’Pack Also, we thank the Como Group for by Ozanam Enterprises’ employees developing the new website. Contract Labour and provides the service with visual promotion within the local community. • Labour hire service in your New Employees own premises To better meet the goals and desires of Highlights of 2008-2009 our employees with disabilities, Ozanam Timber Products • A weekend trip to Echuca with 46 Enterprises has realigned the roles and Ozanam Enterprises employees and • Furniture responsibilities of a number of staff. This students from Padua College • Shopfi ttings has seen the creation of two new roles, Disability Support Team Leaders and • Glenn Hodgkin and Cameron McKay • Noticeboards Manufacturing Assistants, which will be speaking at the launch of the Bizability • Boxes (any shape, any size) fi lled by a number of employees. website www.bizability.com.au with • Picture frame standbacks The Hon Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities • Display cases and cabinets Timber Manufacturing • Stevenson screens Ozanam Enterprises has extended the • Securing two new major customers timber manufacturing division to provide for our packaging solutions which will a number of new business activities. provide new opportunities, more work These include: and further outcomes for the service. Vinnies Centres Glenn Hodgkin In a joint initiative Vinnies Centres and General Manager, Disability Service Ozanam Enterprises have been working A division of together and during the year have trialled the sale of timber products including jewellery boxes, toy boxes, CD/DVD stands and wine boxes at the centre in Carrum Downs. All items for sale have been made by employees at Ozanam Enterprises. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services 39

Disability Service Seyed’s Story Since commencing at Ozanam Enterprises Seyed has worked at Ozanam Enterprises Seyed has made himself a highly valued for a little over 12 months. Born in Kabul, member of the team. He has developed Afghanistan, Seyed studied Politics at new skills and is now a key member of the university before completing compulsory production area in which he works. service in the army which included fi ghting Working at Ozanam Enterprises has given against the Soviet occupation. Seyed the confi dence to increase his social Seyed was sponsored to come to roles and help put his traumatic journey to Australia by a cousin living in Melbourne Australia in the past. and following an interview at the Australian “If I wasn’t here working, I would probably Embassy in Pakistan he arrived in be sitting around at home doing nothing. Melbourne in 1990. Seyed quickly joined This is a good job for me; in the past the Afghan community in Victoria where he it was very diffi cult to fi nd a job and all was a key fi gure in setting up the Jaffaria I could get was casual work. This is Association. This association provides permanent and I am learning a lot of new support to Islamic Afghan migrants. skills. Working at Ozanam Enterprises In 2003 Seyed received treatment for has made me feel better about myself lymphoma. Following this he found it and I have made some new friends.” extremely diffi cult to fi nd and maintain a job and was referred to a psychiatrist where he was diagnosed with various forms of disability, predominantly due to his time in the war in Afghanistan.

The new Ozanam Enterprises website is now available, log on to www.ozanamenterprises.org.au Ozanam Enterprises’ employee: Seyed 40 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Consolidated Financial Statements for the St Vincent de Paul Society and its controlled entities Income Statement For the year ended 30 June 2009 2009 2008 $ $ Revenue Fundraising 11,468,229 8,414,631 Government grants 21,208,495 19,231,125 Sale of goods 23,359,047 19,861,514 Other revenue 7,8 51,170 7,717,922 Changes in fair value of fi nancial assets designated 12,320 (10,607) as at fair value through profi t or loss Total Revenue 63,899,261 55,214,585

Other Income Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 189,945 1,555,417 Operating Expenses Cost of sales (15,926,587) (12,406,749) Fundraising/Public Relations (1,167,599) (936,243) Administration (3,044,020) (2,805,824) Impairment of held-to-maturity investments carried at amortised cost (5,942,560) - Loss on sale of non-current assets classifi ed as held for sale (37,315) - Total Operating Expenses (26,118,081) (16,148,816)

Client Services Expenses People in Need Services (10,216,481) (8,964,095) Aged Care Services (16,099,392) (13,985,492) Homelessness & Housing Services (10,511,730) (8,936,212) Support Services (3,059,598) (2,712,535) Total Client Services Expenses (39,887,201) (34,598,334) Total Expenses (66,005,282) (50,747,150) (Defi cit)/Surplus for the period (1,916,076) 6,022,852

Statement by State Council In the opinion of the State Council the fi nancial report as set out in the fully audited Financial Statements: 1. Presents a true and fair view of the fi nancial position of the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. as at 30 June 2009 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations and the Associations Incorporations Act (Vic) 1981. 2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the State Council, and is signed for and on behalf of the State Council by:

Dated this 19th day of September 2009 Fully audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2009 are available upon request. Jim Grealish Peter Jackson Auditor: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu State President Treasurer Banker: Commonwealth Bank of Australia St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. 41

Consolidated Financial Statements for the St Vincent de Paul Society and its controlled entities Balance Sheet As at 30 June 2009 2009 2008 $ $ Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 23,673,171 13,514,804 Trade and other receivables 1,220,510 1,428,283 Inventories 203,433 138,684 Financial assets 3,125,462 4,027,344 Other assets 903,514 514,222 29,126,090 19,623,337 Non-current assets classifi ed as held for sale - 1,200,000 Total Current Assets 29,126,090 20,823,337

Non-Current Assets Financial assets 8,057,440 16,000,000 Investments in controlled entities - - Property, plant & equipment 62,712,975 61,139,507 Intangible assets 14,115,009 14,143,322 Total Non-Current Assets 84,885,424 91,282,829 Total Assets 114,011,514 112,106,166

Current Liabilities Trade and other payables 2,787,105 2,023,047 Provisions 4,032,320 3,888,249 Other liabilities 13,539,592 10,724,913 Total Current Liabilities 20,359,017 16,636,209

Non-Current Liabilities Provisions 564,270 465,654 Total Non-Current Liabilities 564,270 465,654 Total Liabilities 20,923,287 17,101,863 Net Assets 93,088,227 95,004,303

Equity Contributed equity 100 100 Reserves 35,944,624 33,430,326 Retained earnings 57,143,503 61,573,877 Total parent entity interest 93,088,227 95,004,303 Total Equity 93,088,227 95,004,303 42 Tomorrow can be different 2008-2009 Annual Report

Thank You

Thank you to all the individuals, churches, community groups, corporations, trusts and volunteers who support the St Vincent de Paul Society each year. Your support is invaluable and makes a signifi cant difference to the people we assist. The St Vincent de Paul Society relies heavily on the generosity of the wider community to support vital programs and services for people in need. Thank you to all the thousands of individual donors who have given generously over the past 12 months. The Society recognises that people give in a variety of ways: some give their time, their skills, their prayers, gifts in-kind, whilst others give fi nancially. We are very grateful to all who support the Society.

Trusts and Foundations Confoil Pty Ltd Our Lady of Mercy College, Heidelberg Amelia Eliza Holland Trust Connor Court Publishing Pty Ltd Padua College Bell Charitable Fund Delron Investment Pty Ltd Redemptorist Community Campbell Edwards Trust Essential Imports International Pty Ltd St John’s Regional College Carter Family Trust Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd Youth Group Campbellfi eld Collier Charitable Fund G & S Mart Pty Ltd F & J Ryan Foundation Gold World Trading Pty Ltd In-kind Donations Fielding Foundation Hydro Flow Pty Ltd A Green Australia Pty Ltd Galante Charities Trust IBM Australia Ltd Austereo Pty Ltd Ian Rollo Currie Estate Foundation Infi neum Australia Pty Ltd Australian Education Industry Centre Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund International Power (Australia) Pty Ltd Catholic Communications McGrath Family Foundation Johnpark Holdings Country Women’s Association, Panmure National Seniors Foundation Trust Keble’s Trading Pty Ltd Creatology Phillips Family Foundation Magistrates’ Court of Victoria – Diamond Valley Rotaract Club School’s Canteen Education Foundation Broadmeadows Doran Printing of Australia Magistrates’ Court of Victoria – Google Australia Pty Ltd Sisters of Charity Foundation Ltd Shepparton Green With Envy Southern Cross Family Trust Malvest Pty Ltd Jones Lang LaSalle The Dimmick Charitable Trust Metricon Homes Magistrates’ Court of Victoria – Geelong The Gandel Charitable Trust Mulnot Pty Ltd Metaxas Photography The Marian & E H Flack Trust Old England Hotel Monk Real Estate The Michael & Andrew Buxton Foundation P & M Harbig (Holdings) Pty Ltd MySpace The R E Ross Trust Pescatore Constructions News Ltd The William Angliss (Victoria) Charitable Fund Providence Pty Ltd Rochford Wines United Way Melbourne Ramon Falls Pty Ltd Rockit Advertising W & G Bradshaw Foundation Trust RedLove Bar Musicroom Rotary Australia Reece Australia Ltd Tasty Trucks Business and Government Robert Stary & Associates Telstra Corporation Ltd Ryan Bros Bus Service Yahoo!7 AED Nominees Pty Ltd Storm Design & Brand DNA AGL Energy Limited Sunday Herald Sun ANZ Media The Portsea Hotel Special thanks to all Victorian media outlets Arnold Dallas McPherson Solicitors United Way Melbourne – KPMG Australian Medical Association (Victoria) Victorian Mortgage Management Group (newspapers, radio stations and television Limited W F Panther Pty Ltd stations) for promoting the Society’s appeal Axiom Australia Pty Ltd Wardor Pty Ltd advertisements free of charge. Bexton Integrated IT Solutions BHP Billiton Schools and Community Groups Bequests Bingham Freight Systems Pty Ltd Blake Dawson Ampersand Network The St Vincent de Paul Society has been Bronwill Engineering Services Pty Ltd Emmaus College most grateful to receive a number of C K Prowse & Associates Pty Ltd John Paul College generous bequests in the last 12 months. Castle Corporate Pty Ltd Knights of the Southern Cross This thoughtful provision for the future Castricum Brothers Lions Club of Hamlyn Heights Marian College Sunshine West needs of the Society and those we serve Cistercian Monks is much appreciated. Codds Flat Bloodstock Pty Ltd Mary MacKillop College Leongatha Mount Lilydale Mercy College Acknowledgements Special thanks to the members, volunteers, clients, residents and staff associated with the St Vincent de Paul Society Design: Campbell Design Group 03 9534 1011 and St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services whose photographs feature throughout this Annual Report. While the case studies presented in the Annual Report are real stories, we have changed names and photographs to Photography: Peter Casamento 0419 104 244 protect their privacy. Georgia Metaxas 0411 047 858 Printing: Doran Printing 03 9587 4333 Beginnings

The inspiration and foresight of three people have been instrumental in the establishment and work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. In Victoria, the Society is over 150 years old and provides assistance to more than 660,000 people through the work of over 7,000 members and volunteers.

We pay tribute to our patron and founders and continue to be inspired by their teachings and the example of their lives.

St Vincent de Paul Bl Frederic Ozanam Fr Gerald Ward Patron Founder Australian Founder Vincent de Paul Frederic Ozanam Gerald Ward was was born in the was born in French born in London small southern occupied Milan 1806 and arrived French town on 23 April 1813. in Australia on of Pouy (later He was the fi fth 7 September renamed St Vincent of fourteen children. 1850 after being de Paul in his recruited to work In Paris at the age honour) on 24 April in the Melbourne of just 20, Frederic 1581 and ordained mission by the established the St Vincent de Paul as a priest in 1600 at the age of 19. pioneer priest Fr Patrick Geoghegan. Society. As a young man he ministered to the The fi rst conference of the St At this time, the people of France wealthy and powerful. However an Vincent de Paul Society in Australia were experiencing tremendous appointment as chaplain to a poor met in Melbourne at St Francis’ political and social upheaval: parish, and to galley prisoners, inspired Church on 5 March 1854. The fi rst changes of government, the him to a vocation of working with those president was Fr Gerald Ward. With Industrial Revolution and unjust most marginalised and powerless. the discovery of gold in 1851 and employment practices. the rush to the goldfi elds of central Vincent urged his followers to bring Ozanam gathered some colleagues Victoria, the population doubled and God’s justice and love to people who and began to respond in practical homeless, deserted children roamed were unable to live a full human life: ways to the poverty and hardship the streets. he saw in the lives of people around Deal with the most urgent Fr Ward and the new St Vincent de him. They visited people in their needs. Organise charity so Paul conference responded to this homes and offered friendship and acute problem by establishing the St that it is more effi cient…teach support. This practice, known today Vincent de Paul orphanage in South reading and writing, educate as ‘home visitation’, remains a Melbourne. The foundation stone with the aim of giving each the core activity for St Vincent de Paul was laid in 1855 and the fi rst children Society members and volunteers. means of self-support. Intervene were accepted in 1857. In 1855, in with authorities to obtain reforms The group formed by Ozanam and a submission to the government of in structure… there is no his friends later became known the day, Fr Ward stated that the new charity without justice. as the fi rst ‘conference’ of the St conference aimed at “the relief of the Vincent de Paul Society. They met destitute, in a manner as much as Vincent de Paul died in Paris on 27 together regularly as a group for possible permanently benefi cial and September 1660 at the age of 79. prayer and mutual support, to learn the visitation of poor families.” and to share ideas about how they He was canonised on 16 June 1737 Gerald Ward died on 14 January could best assist others. and, in 1883, the Church designated 1858 aged 52. A newspaper noted him as the special patron of all Frederic Ozanam died on 8 that “he was one in whom many charitable associations. September 1853 at the age of 40. a widow and orphan had found a The Society was named after St He was beatifi ed in Paris by Pope good friend.” His enduring legacy is Vincent de Paul and follows his John Paul II on 22 August 1997. founded in such friendship. teachings and compassion for people in need. St Vincent de Paul is the international patron of the Society. How You Can Help

You can help the St Vincent de Paul Society help others by: Making a fi nancial donation Credit card donations can be made by visiting our website or calling the donation hotline. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Online www.vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12 Making regular fi nancial donations Regular donations to assist the work of the Society can be made by credit card or direct debit from your bank account. Donating this way reduces Society expenses and can be arranged by visiting our website or calling the offi ce. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Online www.vinnies.org.au or call 03 9895 5800 Making a Bequest Consider remembering the St Vincent de Paul Society in your Will. All non-specifi ed bequests are invested in the St Vincent de Paul Victoria Endowment Fund, providing much needed funds for special projects and initiatives. The Society is able to assist thousands of people because of the generosity of those who have remembered us in their Will. For an information booklet or to speak to our Bequest Coordinator. Call 03 9898 5800

Volunteering your time If you are interested in becoming a member of a conference or volunteering your time to assist people in your community through any of the Society’s services. Call 03 9895 5800

Donating goods Donations of quality clothing, furniture and household goods can be made to any Vinnies Centre. Call 1800 621 349

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. St Vincent de Paul Aged Care & Community Services Locked Bag 4800, Box Hill Vic 3128 Locked Bag 4700, Box Hill Vic 3128 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill Vic 3128 43 Prospect Street, Box Hill Vic 3128 Phone: 03 9895 5800 Phone: 03 9895 5900 Fax: 03 9895 5850 Fax: 03 9895 5950 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

ABN: 28 911 702 061 ABN: 530 9480 7280 RN: A0042727Y ACN: 094 807 280 www.vinnies.org.au