CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVING TERRITORIANS 1965-2015

ANNUALANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2014/15 2014/15

SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU i 50 years of serving Territorians. . . . Highlights of the year

Somerville Community Services Annual Report for Contents 2014/15 reports on our activities during the year Highlights of the year...... 1 including our financial performance, key achievements Our organisation...... 3 and challenges. Somerville is committed to listening, learning and From the President...... 4 responding to the needs of our community in a bid From the CEO...... 6 We celebrated to improve the quality of people’s lives. Our Intended readers include: Key challenges 2014/15...... 8 The Year at a Glance • Our clients, Service Users and their families who utilise Key challenges 2015/16...... 9 our services Five year snapshot...... 10 During 2014/15: • Government regulatory and funding bodies, both • We achieved Award and Certificate level Accreditation from the Reporting against our strategic plan...... 12 Federal and Territory Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES). • The communities in which we operate 2014-15 Financial summary...... 22 • Provided family and financial support and counselling services to 4,093 new and existing clients • Our community partners who provide additional Our governance...... 28

services to our clients from ExecutiveReport Chief the Officer • Provided assistance to 1303 homeless Territorians Board of Directors...... 30 At its very beginning in 1965, Somerville reality is the absence of the NDIS would see the Gratitude • Managed eleven (11) supported accommodation houses that provided 24 was committed to improving the lives of taxpayer losing out to failed policies and dollars • Somerville Community Services staff and volunteers Territorians. In 2014 our organisation has would continue to be absorbed by crises. Somerville continues to be grateful for the •The Our Northern corporate Synod of theand Uniting community Church in supporters and donors Organisation chart...... 35 hour care to 47 people with developmental disabilities support we receive from our many individual, Australia and UnitingCare have again led our continued to fulfil our Mission delivering on • Employed 264 hard-working staff the key strengths and core responsibilities Palmerston Community Centre - family and business donors and sponsors. We thinking and decision making in an admirable Management team...... 36 which underpin our work as a local community continue to work closely with the Northern fashion. • We were supported by 240 generous volunteers Stage 2 Territory and Commonwealth Governments in service. This year has been impressive, the opportunity Somerville’s programs...... a bid to realise our Mission through dynamic This major capital works project is complete, Forto reflect the mostupon our part achievements a report is of this nature cannot extend • Recorded a total operating revenue of $14,061,857 In Disability, Financial and Family Services our Official Opening was held on the 12th of service provision. Family Services...... 40 we have worked tirelessly to ensure best tooverwhelming. recognising The Somervilleindividual team staffof 227 staff achievements for which May. Staff are now located in the Palmerston Thank you to our generous and committed are to be congratulated and may I be so bold to practice service delivery is our focus. We have Community Centre providing a range of there are many, so I acknowledge here the valuable Financial Servces...... 50 commenced the review of our service programs Patrons – the Hon. Austin Asche AC, QC and say, are simply the best! of serving Territorians complimentary services to Territorians. These Dr Valerie Asche AM. contributions of our Somerville staff in working towards to achieve solid quality assurance results. Our services include Family Services – counselling our goals and providing a high quality of service delivery. Disability Services...... 56 external assessment is scheduled for August and support, Supported Accommodation, Thank you to our President, Chris Tudor and 2014. Our internal undertaking to go from Targeted Family and Support Services, “My Board members who continually lead Somerville Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance.... 66 strength to strength in all of our programs Time” Education Program, the Child & Family with real commitment and the understanding of is assisted by the high levels of commitment Contact Centre, Financial Counselling and good governance in a changing and challenging Human Resources, Information consistently displayed by staff in their day to day Support, Money Management, 1800 007 007 world. We held our 50 year work. Technology and Administration ...... 70 Helpline Service, Emergency Relief and the No Elaine Castles is to be commended for being celebration at Government Interest Loans Scheme. Vicki O’Halloran AM Our new Family Services Program – Somerville consistently positive and a driving force in Events...... 76 House hosted by the Child and Family Contact Centre will see us Chief Executive Officer Finances keeping up with the numerous demands in an Vicki O’Halloran AM trial a 12 month service to work with families to often frantic and challenging workplace. Chief Executive Officer Corporate support...... 82 Administrator of the Northern improve their relationship with their children, Somerville is working toward ending the Our managers and staff are a unique group of Somerville Community Services Inc. Territory, The Honourable improve the parent’s capacity to interact with financial year with a smaller than expected people committed to delivering the best quality Our supporters...... 83 their children, and improve the skills of parents deficit. All actions undertaken over the past 12 John Hardy OAM, where we so they are able to ensure their children are safe of service – thank you one and all. CONTACT US months have been consistent with our Strategic Our volunteers...... 85 recognised our achievements and well. Directions. Report from the Chief Executive Officer the ChiefReport Executive from General and our longest serving staff. NDIS NT Government funded programs continue Our staff...... 86 to be the principal source of income. We have Over the last few months the National Disability increased our overall income by 7.9%. The Email: [email protected] Accounting and Financial Management...... 88 Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has attracted a fair Commonwealth Government continues to Web: www.somerville.org.au degree of media attention with numerous fund our Financial Counselling and Money Financial report...... 89 Also in celebration, we concerns raised about planning, assessments, Management programs. Financial Counselling Helpline costings and future sustainability and more Glossary...... 101 launched our latest book recently the capability review and the timetable Without indexation and despite the increased cost of living in the Northern Territory, our Phone: 1800 007 007 titled ‘Crossing the Divide.’ for implementation. Acronym list...... 103 careful purchasing plan has reigned in our The book is a story of The National Disability Insurance Agency expenditure for another year Social media is welcoming scrutiny and listening to the Index ...... 104 compassion and commitment feedback about the refinement of processes. We Celebrations LIKE US must remind ourselves we are just months into ‘Somerville.Community.Services’ Our logo...... IB through 50 years of an 8 year marathon which involves trial sites Some of the key events and celebrations over the community service in the NT. to streamline and review processes and also last 12 months include: TWEET US requires tolerance during a time of significant • Margaret Somerville’s 101st birthday. ‘SomervilleCS’ transitioning. • Accreditation with the Australian There have in the last month been several Childhood Foundation “Safeguarding commentators reflecting on the long-term Children Program”. cost of the NDIS. The general tenor of this • Major construction works and Official commentary has been to position the scheme as Opening of the Palmerston Community an expensive new social program. Centre. ii ANNUAL REPORT 2015 1 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 1 The focus on the NDIS as purely a social policy • Launch of a new Somerville Cookbook. reform which sits on the expense side of the • Somerville Community Services Strategic government ledger entirely misses the point that Plan reviewed and updated. this scheme is also a key significant economic We have commenced planning for our 50th reform designed to deliver substantial economic birthday celebrations in 2015 which is a benefits in terms of productivity, workforce significant milestone for our organisation. participation and long term sustainability. The

10 Annual Report 2013/14 - The Courage To Be . . . . Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2013/14 11 Our organisation

Somerville Community Services Somerville Homes came into Somerville Community Services’ Incorporated is a non-government, existence in 1965. The homes were Constitution provides the legal basis Not for Profit, youth, family and named in honour of Margaret for our service activities. Somerville MBE who helped community welfare organisation. It aims to promote the interests and evacuate 95 children from Croker improve the status and wellbeing We provide essential services to the Island to Sydney in 1942. She then of disadvantaged, marginalised or community, including: returned to Croker Island with the vulnerable children, young people, children after the war and continued • Disability Services: We deliver families and communities through as a house mother and caregiver supported accommodation for a variety of services, activities and until 1965. people with severe to profound projects. disabilities. The book They Crossed a Continent, • Family Services: We deliver free tells the story of Margaret counselling and family support Somerville’s epic journey in services, community programs more detail. Somerville is an association and supported accommodation. incorporated under the Northern To obtain a copy call our office We assist anyone experiencing a Territory Association’s Incorporation crisis or problem in their life. on (08) 8920 4100 or email Act 1990. [email protected]. • Financial Services: Our Financial ABN 62 302 702 903 Counsellors and Financial Scan the QR Capability Workers work with code for more couples, individuals and groups information to assist them to successfully about the book. navigate financial crisis. The AGM will be held on Wednesday 16 September 2015. We maintain strong constitutional links with the Uniting Church in Australia as an agency of UnitingCare In 1980, Somerville Homes changed Australia. its name to Somerville Community These links are strengthened Services Incorporated to reflect its through Somerville’s independent expanded offering of a range of and professional Board of Directors, community services. who ensure we have the capacity to Today Somerville remains a major respond to people’s needs whatever local provider of community services their circumstances. in the Top End of the Northern Photo: This year Somerville celebrated 50 years of service. Our Namesake, We give priority to advocacy and Territory. Margaret Somerville (1912-2014), continues to be an inspiration to both improving knowledge of and management and staff. access to resources that will help the disadvantaged to improve their circumstances. “People are able to gain “To impact positively on the dignity • Recognition of the intrinsic worth Somerville is financed by public improvement in their quality of life and quality of life of people who of every human being donations, government grants, by achieving the highest attainable are affected by social and economic • Generosity from the heart business support,church and service standard of social and economic disadvantage.” club grants, sponsorship and its own • Service to the community outcomes”. fundraising activities. • Justice within our society

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 3 Report fromReport President the I am very happy to report that despite an confirmed that we are in a sound position increasingly challenging environment over regarding diversity of knowledge required to From the the last 12 months Somerville is thriving and lead Somerville Community Services. growing our services in response to community In 2013-14 we introduced two new Governance demands. Policies, namely Somerville Board Skills Matrix President During the year the NT Minister for the Office and Duty of Care, Loyalty and Obedience, of the Commissioner of Public Employment, the these reflect our focus upon ongoing quality Hon John Elferink launched the EmployAbility improvement. Strategy at Somerville, the overall goals of Our commitment to high quality service this strategy are to increase the attraction and delivery has been affirmed through achieving: achieve our vision and deliver upon A tribute to our namesake retention rates for people with disability in our mission. employment, improve career opportunities, • A Silver Award in the 2013 Australasian It is a great honour for me to pay raise awareness of the value that people with Reporting Award, for the fourth year running Throughout the year we regularly tribute to Margaret Somerville, a disabilities bring to the workplace and very importantly create a workforce that better • Australian Childhood Foundation reviewed our focus upon influencing determined lady with energetic and reflects the diversity of the community it serves. Safeguarding Children Accreditation communities and decision- artistic talents. We were also delighted to have the Hon John • Successful compliance with the Workplace makers to recognise our strengths, Elferink in his role as Minister for Children and Gender Equality Agency understanding of and affinity with Many things have changed since Families officially open our new premises in Palmerston. The Palmerston Community Centre Not-For-Profit Reforms all people. Somerville continued Margaret embarked on her journey to Croker Island in 1941. hosts many programs, offers a modern training A bill to repeal the Australian Charities and to play an integral role in the facility and is intent on sending a message to Not-for-Profit Commission is before Parliament. Territorians that we are there to serve you and As there are conflicting views within the sector community which continued to From her subsequent trip across the assist you with support, counselling, advocacy about the ACNC we continue to support the struggle with and overcome hurdles continent in 1942 with 95 children and financial matters. We are pleased to advise importance of there being a structure in place including homelessness, relationship in her care when World War II was our Financial Counselling, No Interest Loan that is independent of the ATO and measures Scheme and Money Management program are to be introduced to reduce red tape. If our breakdowns and the high cost of imminent, to the years spent as a consistently reaching out to community and current Government determines to introduce What a year it has been! The living. house parent on Croker Island until bringing about positive and very real changes in a Centre for Excellence it must be informed people’s lives. by information coming from the regulator 1965, the fundamental commitment combined with experience of the sector. Somerville team have been All governance policies were Our staffing numbers in 2013-14 have remained to Margaret Somerville’s ideals has tireless in their work, displaying a reviewed and we introduced steady, however the new Child and Family The Future remarkable commitment to humbly never varied. Contact Centre will result in additional staff one new policy, External Board joining the Somerville team. Our Board will continue our strategic oversight serving our community. Evaluation. of Somerville providing ongoing support to Reports from the President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Executive the President Reports from Fifty years on, Somerville Community We continue to review and redevelop all of our our CEO. This Annual Report highlights to you facilities in a coordinated manner. Taking into The 2014/15 Annual Report Our commitment to high quality Services still proudly acknowledges the complex and diverse nature of our work as consideration the importance of quality of life, that Margaret’s life and her work well as our commitment to our Mission. We highlights the complex and diverse service delivery has been affirmed overall wellbeing of our people, the necessity of seek to provide services that are responsive to were the creative impulses that lead a professional image and our commitment to a nature of that work, as well as our through achieving: the people we serve. I would like to thank my high standard of health and safety. commitment to our mission. I hope the way and remain our inspiration fellow directors for their ongoing support and you enjoy reading about all that we • Award and Certificate level today. It is our pledge to continue Governance dedication to Somerville Community Services. qualifications within the Australian It is with great pride that we congratulate our have achieved. her work well into the future. The Board of Directors have taken part in two CEO on being made a Member of the Order of Photo: Somerville Community Services Service Excellence Standards. Finalstrategic thoughts planning days focussing upon the The Board are also grateful for Australia. Vicki is an outstanding person and introduction of the National Disability Insurance the loyalty and dedication of the President Chris Tudor AM and CEO • A Silver Award in the 2014 member of the community and is very deserving Governance matters A new Minister It Schemehas been (NDIS) a and pleasure our preparedness, to work as well with Vicki O’Halloran AM at Government of thisstaff award. who support our CEO Vicki Australasian Reporting Awards for CEOas putting Vicki in O’Halloran place clear strategic AM intentions - one of with The Board of Directors are committed In 2014/15 Somerville welcomed O’Halloran AM in honouring our House on 13 May 2015, celebrating the fifth year running; themeasurable most respectedgoals for our organisation leaders overin the the to their roles and responsibilities. next 3 years. We are pleased to affirm our Vision vision and delivering on our mission. Somerville’s 50 year anniversary. the appointment of the Hon. John Territory. Her capacity, positive Ongoing professional development • Australian Childhood Foundation and Mission for the next 3 years. Elferink as the Minister for Disability profile and excellent leadership have through the Australian Institute Safeguarding Children Our Sector leadership is evidenced by a desire Services and Health. Mr Elferink provided a wonderful foundation of Company Directors has been Accreditation; for continuous improvement. The CEO and has consistently demonstrated his formanagement Somerville team areover currently the pastpreparing year for undertaken to remain alert to best • Compliance with the Workplace our external quality assurance assessment. commitment to our sector through and will enable the organisation to Chris Tudor AM practice models of governance in the Gender Equality Agency; and regular meetings and site visits, and The Board membership remains unchanged over President move forward with enthusiasm and Chris Tudor AM not-for-profit sector. we look forward to continuing our the past financial year. Our Skills Matrix review Somerville Community Services Inc. Thank you to my courageous, purpose in the year to come. Our President We continued to make sound hardworking fellow directors for their relationship with him. Board will continue our strategic Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2013/14 progress with our Strategic Plan, 8 ongoingAnnual Report support 2013/14 -and The dedicationCourage To Be . . to. . oversight of Somerville and our 9 which has been designed to help us Somerville. ongoing support of our CEO.

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 5 From the CEO

Through our free Tax Help Program, Celebrating our 50th Our representation and our Financial Services team assisted birthday communication activities over 240 people to complete their tax returns. Our No Interest Loans As many Territorians know, 50 years In 2014-15 Somerville continued to continued at a steady pace whilst our ago our organisation was formed represent itself and the sector on Financial Counsellors and Financial and named in honour of Margaret key advisory groups, peak bodies, Capability Workers strived to meet Somerville - a remarkable woman councils and reference groups. These demand for their support and who came to the Northern Territory included Ministerial appointments to counselling. We remain hopeful the to live and work with children on the NT Disability Minister’s Advisory Department of Social Services (DSS) Croker Island at an undeveloped Council on Disability Reform and funding will remain intact for the mission station in 1941. the Business Events Ambassador program. longer term as the demand for our Margaret passed away peacefully on Financial Services increases daily. 30 July 2014 in New South Wales at We produced 11 newsletters and Photo L-R: Somerville President Chris Tudor, Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran and 101 years of age. We will be forever wrote 20 submissions. We have Minister John Elferink with our new book “Crossing the Divide”. This past year I have continued Our response to the NDIS grateful to have known and loved embarked upon a new journey to be inspired by the loyalty and Margaret. Every day our work at engaging Community Business The advent of the National We continue to rely upon the Our resilient Managers, Coordinators ingenuity of our staff. The energy Somerville has been inspired by her Bureau Inc. (CBB) as our virtual Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Northern Territory Government and teams are acknowledged as in the air has been palpable as we integrity, humility and commitment marketing team, charged with has brought about fundamental for more than 81% of our funding. the driving force behind achieving have planned for and celebrated to improving the quality of peoples’ reviewing and enhancing our overall changes to our disability services in With careful expenditure and the our goals in an often frantic our 50 years as a community lives. marketing, including our newsletter, from ExecutiveReport Chief the Officer Australia. The trial site in the Barkly opportunity to renegotiate our environment. service. This lively (sometimes over- At its very beginning in 1965, Somerville reality is the absence ofannual the NDIS wouldreports, see the website, social Gratitude Region of the Northern Territory To coincide with our 50th birthday service agreements in the near committed) approach has remained was committed to improving the lives of taxpayer losing out to failedmedia policies and and other dollars printed materials. My heartfelt thanks goes to my is said to be challenging on many this yearTerritorians. we launched In 2014 our organisation the book has would continue to be absorbed by crises. future,Somerville we continues remain to resilientbe grateful for and the The Northern Synod of the Uniting Church in one of our key strengths and it continued to fulfil our Mission delivering on Importantly, this work has been support we receive from our many individual, AustraliaExecutive and UnitingCare Assistant, have Elaineagain led Castles,our fronts. Mainstream structures and Crossing the Divide at a Reception hopeful.family and business donors and sponsors. We thinking and decision making in an admirable has underpinned our successful the key strengths and core responsibilities Palmerston Communityunderpinned Centre by - a Brand Discovery who for 18 years has kept the process are not aligning with the held whichat Parliament underpin our workHouse. as a local The community book continue to work closely with the Northern fashion. Stage 2 Territory and Commonwealth Governments in Somerville ship afloat and managed delivery of our core responsibilities service. Workshop which was the first step in This year has been impressive, the opportunity cultural landscape in the Anangu charts our organisation’s wonderful Oura bid gratitudeto realise our Mission through dynamic “business” like no other. throughout the year. This major capital worksestablishing project is complete, a project plan to set our to reflect upon our achievements is Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, historyIn Disability, and serves Financial as and a foundationFamily Services our Official Opening was held on the 12th of service provision. we have worked tirelessly to ensure best marketing direction for the coming Somerville appreciates the support overwhelming.The Northern The Somerville Synod team of the of 227 Uniting staff which highlights the need to do for our future. May. Staff are now located in the Palmerston Thank you to our generous and committed are to be congratulated and may I be so bold to practice service delivery is our focus. We have Community Centre providingyear. a range of it receives from the Australian Church in Australia and UnitingCare Our services more work to achieve the best commenced the review of our service programs Patrons – the Hon. Austin Asche AC, QC and say, are simply the best! Other ways in which we have paid complimentary services to Territorians. These Government,Dr Valerie Asche NorthernAM. Territory have again provided outstanding Each of our services delivered outcomes for people with disability to achieve solid quality assurance results. Our services include FamilyThe Services introduction – counselling of our inaugural homageexternal to assessment Somerville’s is scheduled half for century August Government,Thank you to our corporations, President, Chris Tudor local and guidance, leadership and support. focused programs with ongoing and in remote regions of the Northern and support, SupportedWorkforce Accommodation, Development Plan has have2014. included: Our internal undertaking to go from Targeted Family and Support Services, “My businesses,Board members families who continually and individuals.lead Somerville obviously high levels of commitment Territory. strength to strength in all of our programs Time” Education Program,brought the Child about & Family a renewed focus on with real commitment and the understanding of to our mission. That commitment • Margaretis assisted bySomerville’s the high levels of Memorial commitment Contact Centre, Financialthe Counselling recruitment, and retention and career Thegood tireless governance efforts in a changing of the and challenging260-strong As an organisation we continue to consistently displayed by staff in their day to day Support, Money Management, 1800 007 007 world. was reflected in the successful Servicework. on 19 August 2015, and progression of our employees. The Somerville team cannot be support the NDIS imperatives which Helpline Service, Emergency Relief and the No Elaine Castles is to be commended for being achievement of Award level are to improve the provision of • GovernmentOur new Family House Services Program Reception – Somerville Interest Loans Scheme.Plan will assist us to measure our underestimated.consistently positive and The a driving consolidated force in certification in the Australian Service Child and Family Contact Centre will see us keeping up with the numerous demands in an services to people with disabilities; on 13 May 2015 to celebrate Finances workforce capability and capacity. teamwork and shared expertise is a VickiVicki O’Halloran O’Halloran AM AM Excellence Standards accreditation trial a 12 month service to work with families to blessing.often frantic and challenging workplace. Chief Executive Officer this must remain our focus whilst we Somerville’simprove their relationship 50th birthday. with their children, Somerville is working toward ending the Chief Executive Officer Our managers and staff are a unique group of Somerville Community Services Inc. process. improve the parent’s capacity to interact with financial year with a smallerOur than finances expected tackle the inevitable funding and Our enhanced sponsorships have Firstpeople class committed Patrons, to delivering the Hon. the best Austin quality their children, and improve the skills of parents deficit. All actions undertaken over the past 12 of service – thank you one and all. Our piloted Family Services program, pricing developments, the planning enabledso they us are to able successfully to ensure their children deliver are safe months have been consistentSomerville with our Strategic ended the year in a Asche AC QC and Dr Valerie Asche the Somerville Child and Family process and overall complex theseand and well. many other important Directions.

Report from the Chief Executive Officer the ChiefReport Executive from healthier financial position than the AM and the Board of Directors Contact Centre, achieved ongoing changes. I am pleased to report that eventsNDIS throughout the year. We NT Government fundedprevious programs continue year, recording a reasonable headed by our President, Chris funding. This program has identified our Disability Services program has thank the Northern Territory to be the principal source of income. We have Over the last few months the National Disability increased our overall incomesurplus by 7.9%. despite The significant cost of Tudor AM lead our organisation in that one cannot underestimate the gone from strength to strength as GovernmentInsurance Scheme and (NDIS)other has sponsors attracted a fairfor Commonwealth Governmentliving continues increases. to (see Financial report an organised, strategic and people- value of good relationships between we have been preparing for the new their degreesupport. of media attention with numerous fund our Financial Counsellingpage 89) and. Money focused manner. parents and their children. concerns raised about planning, assessments, Management programs. NDIS world. costings and future sustainability and more recently the capability review and the timetable Without indexation and despite the increased for implementation. cost of living in the Northern Territory, our careful purchasing plan has reigned in our The National Disability Insurance Agency expenditure for another year is welcoming scrutiny and listening to the feedback about the refinement of processes. We Celebrations must remind ourselves we are just months into Some of the key events and celebrations over the 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 an 8 year marathon which involves trial sites SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 7 to streamline and review processes and also last 12 months include: requires tolerance during a time of significant • Margaret Somerville’s 101st birthday. transitioning. • Accreditation with the Australian There have in the last month been several Childhood Foundation “Safeguarding commentators reflecting on the long-term Children Program”. cost of the NDIS. The general tenor of this • Major construction works and Official commentary has been to position the scheme as Opening of the Palmerston Community an expensive new social program. Centre. The focus on the NDIS as purely a social policy • Launch of a new Somerville Cookbook. reform which sits on the expense side of the • Somerville Community Services Strategic government ledger entirely misses the point that Plan reviewed and updated. this scheme is also a key significant economic We have commenced planning for our 50th reform designed to deliver substantial economic birthday celebrations in 2015 which is a benefits in terms of productivity, workforce significant milestone for our organisation. participation and long term sustainability. The

10 Annual Report 2013/14 - The Courage To Be . . . . Somerville Community Services Annual Report 2013/14 11 Key challenges Key challenges 2014/15 2015/16

KEY CHALLENGES ANTICIPATED FOR HOW WE ADDRESSED THOSE OUTCOMES KEY CHALLENGES ANTICIPATED FOR 2015/16 HOW WE PLAN TO ADDRESS THOSE CHALLENGES 2014/15 CHALLENGES Facilitating family visits with the We worked with individuals, families Achieved/Ongoing. Success with Ageing of the people we support is bringing We need to ensure that the people we support continue to receive people we support in Disability business, government and guardians to business partnerships resulted in about numerous challenges, particularly for high care support regardless of their age. A rethink and possible Services (assisting those who require achieve improved family visits for the donations of two vehicles that in those whose health may be compromised. reshape of our service will need to be considered. Working with the wheelchair access to their home people we support. turn enabled us to plan and work NT Department of Health to ensure people in our service have been communities continues to be a with families and guardians to appropriately assessed for current and foreseeable future needs (p63). challenge). achieve improved family visits for Offset the cost of increasing vehicle insurance We need to consider new strategies to reduce the cost of insurance the people we support (p68, p82). premiums. premiums and the number of insurance claims (p69). Meeting the growing demand for our We obtained funding for additional Achieved/Ongoing. Obtained Assisting homeless and disadvantaged families Demand assisting these individuals and families continues to grow. services and managing the complex financial counsellors through approaches additional Financial Counsellor continues to be a major challenge. There is an Ongoing approaches to all levels of government will be required (p41, nature of presenting cases. to all levels of government. through approaches to NT ongoing need for increased medium to long- p46, p48). Government Department (p54). term public accommodation as well as private Meeting the growing need to assist We have recognised that the demand Not Achieved/Ongoing. Although rentals for low income earners. homeless and disadvantaged families. to assist these individuals and families we were able to assist homeless and Delivering financial counselling in an uncertain Seek out alternative funding sources whilst continuing service continues to grow, so ongoing disadvantaged families, demand funding environment. delivery as usual (p54). approaches to all levels of government continued to outstrip the supply of To recruit suitable candidates with the right skills, This is an industry-wide problem and highlights the need to monitor will be required in 2015/16. affordable accommodation (p41, qualifications and experience to replace both our succession planning. We need to continue to progress our p46, p48). specialised and key positions. workforce development plan (p70, 75). Aiming for Australian Service Regular action planning meetings were Achieved. ASES certificate and award To be able to assist the growing number of This year Somerville was unable to assist all student applications. Excellence Standards (ASES) held by the CEO and Management Team levels accreditation (p4, p6, p74). students requesting student placements or work We intend to review our work experience and student placement accreditation in 2015. until accreditation was achieved. experience. programs as well as liaising with other educational institutions to Publishing and launching a book Local Historians were engaged to Achieved. Crossing the Divide better manage this area (p75). detailing the history of Somerville. produce the book, which was launched in launched as part of Somerville’s 50th To secure ongoing funding for a Disability We will work collaboratively with the NT Government to individually 2015 as part of Somerville’s 50th birthday birthday celebrations (p6, p81). Services Program during the transition to the reassess each service user and also negotiate a future platform of celebrations. National Disability Insurance Scheme. funding that will enable the delivery of the highest standard of support at all times in our Disability Services Program (p63).

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 9 Five year Five year snapshot snapshot

Over the past five years, the Staff training and development was Northern Territory’s economy has a priority to ensure the best possible 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 undergone a period of high growth outcomes for our clients and to build “Staff training and a well-skilled workforce. development was based on a buoyant resource based economy. In particular this has Managing our budgets continued to FAMILY SERVICES* a priority to ensure occurred in Darwin, Palmerston and be a priority and we have realised a the best possible surrounding rural areas. more positive end-of-year financial Counselling: total number of clients 1497 1492 2,098 5,170 4,960 outcomes for our A large construction project during result. We continue to seek support Counselling: total number of contacts 6494 6334 8,951 15,641 14,566 the last three years has resulted through government funding and clients and to build a ongoing fundraising activities. Short term accommodation to assist 18 22 33 27 19 in a period where unemployment homeless people/families rates have been significantly lower The number of volunteers we well-skilled workforce.” FINANCIAL SERVICES* than other parts of Australia. The utilised this year increased due opportunities for employment and to the support of a number of Counselling - total number of clients 2596 3207 3,508 lifestyle changes have attracted Corporate volunteers. Historically Counselling - total number of contacts 7268 5858 6,728 large numbers of people from other our volunteers have assisted with Australian states and from overseas. our annual Christmas Gift Wrapping DISABILITY SERVICES However, this growth has also and in our Administration. Our Supported accommodation: 47 49 49 50 50 resulted in increased demand for Corporate volunteers gave up their (total number of clients) the services provided by Somerville. time to assist with a number of With housing and rental costs “working bees” at our supported well above the national average, accommodation houses. This assisted greatly in reducing our costs Total number of employees 264 227 224 215 186 a shortage in affordable housing, (full financial year) and a relatively high cost of living in our Assets, Infrastructure and often sees people with employment Maintenance division. Number of volunteers who worked for 240 220 200 Somerville throughout the year ** struggle to cope financially. For the past five years, Somerville has Number of staff who obtained formal Whilst the number of clients who we helped thousands of Territorians, and qualifications with the support of assisted in our counselling services we will continue to provide our much Somerville throughout the year ** decreased from last year, we found needed services to those in crisis in that people were presenting with our community, working towards Family Services 3 2 1 improving their quality of life. far more complex cases resulting in Financial Services 4 5 3 longer session times. Disability Services 5 4 27 Our Family and Financial Services continue to work closely together to Number of students who undertook provide a wrap around service to our placements in Somerville throughout clients. Clients continue to present the year ** with multiple issues both financial Family Services 1 2 3 and personal. Financial Services 2 1 2 The number of Service Users in Disability Services 3 1 3 our Disability Services Supported Accommodation Program reduced slightly over the past 5 years from 50 to 47. As a result we closed one Total net surplus (deficit) $708,570 ($251,053) ($168,417) ($153,208) $236,921 of our supported accommodation houses during 2014/15 which in * In 2012/13 Family Services was divided into Family Services and Financial Services. turn enabled us to reduce our total ** Reported for the first time in 2012/13 expenditure for the program.

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 11 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS Reporting against our PERFORMANCE In our Disability Achieved. Disability Services Services Program we strategic plan • We maintained external accreditation of service [Australian Service continued to deliver Excellence Standards] (p74). high quality supported accommodation to • We developed services and programs aimed at individual needs, wants, best meet our Service desires and aspirations (p57-59) “To survive, or indeed Users’ needs. • We continued to measure service appeal and expectations through annual The Somerville Board recognises that strategic planning is an important surveys of guardians; we modified the survey to enable public guardians thrive, well-developed part of our core business. an opportunity to review the service from an external service provider strategic and Community services is facing a demanding future; there is a rising tide of perspective (p57). business planning is regulations, intensifying competition, increased accountability and reporting • We carried out an annual review of policies, procedures and operational requirements. Financial pressure also regularly places programs at risk. statements with input sought from guardians, family members and frontline imperative.” staff (p60-61). Somerville attends regular meetings with funding bodies to ensure • We reviewed and modified recruitment practices to ensure safety and compliance with service agreements. The gathering of statistical data is wellbeing of Service Users and staff alike. We also undertook staff skills continually reviewed to ensure this meets our funding obligations. matching with service user needs and wants. (p60). To survive, or indeed thrive, well-developed strategic and business planning is imperative. Astute judgements, optimal structure, vision and an agreed Achieved. Assets, Infrastructure & Maintenance succession plan in place for key roles within Somerville Community Services • A house at Rapid Creek was upgraded to improve the standards and are all important components of a sound organisation. functional layout to better suit the needs of people in wheelchairs who Somerville commits to a major review of its strategic directions every three require the use of specialised equipment (p67). years. Throughout this period quarterly reporting and regular review of our • AIM staff assisted with the relocation of a Service User to Katherine to be organisation’s progress of the Strategic Plan is monitored. closer to family - improved well-being (p67). • Another Service User was relocated to a house close to the beach to enable The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for meeting the strategic directions them to enjoy walks along the beach front with their parents (p67). within Somerville’s Strategic Plan. We ensured continuous Achieved. Family Services improvement • We continued with ongoing professional development to ensure our staff As a strategically focused organisation, every year we report upon our key through training and are providing an informed professional counselling service (p43). achievements in relation to each of the goals in our Strategic Plan. development. The key initiatives for 2014-2015 were established from Somerville’s 2014- Achieved. Financial Services 2017 Strategic Plan. • We continued with ongoing professional development to ensure our Each initiative is detailed below, together with a summary of our staff remain abreast of financial issues, which enables them to provide an achievements and future direction. informed, professional financial counselling service (p51). • All Financial Counsellors have now completed their Diploma in Community Goal Number 1: Services (Financial Counselling) (p51). To strive to deliver programs of the highest quality meeting the • Our Financial Capability Workers have successfully completed their Cert III in needs of individuals, families and communities. Community Services (p51). Achieved. Disability Services Key Achievements • We continued with external formal qualifications in Certificate IV and ◊ We introduced a supported accommodation training program to equip Diploma in Disability with the aim of all frontline workers having a minimum people with social, financial and interpersonal skills to enable them to cope of Certificate IV qualification by the end of 2016 (p60). with the challenging and increasing demands of everyday life (p44- p46). • We provided opportunities for coordinators to undertake formal ◊ We saw success with a pilot program that supported children and young qualifications in management, e.g. Certificate IV Frontline Management people in the care of the NT Department of Children and Families. It has (p60). now developed into a full-scale program, the Somerville Child and Family • We modified our training schedule to take into account the requirements of Contact Centre Service (p43 -p44). our frontline workers (p60). ◊ A review of the role of our Disability Support Workers has led to higher • We provided specialised training for frontline workers in high-care medical levels of engagement and improved quality of life for people with and challenging behaviour units (p63). disability (p60).

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 13 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE We supported the Achieved. Disability Services development of • We undertook biennial Person Centred Action Plan (PCAP) meetings with a the Service Users’ number of Service Users (p63). abilities to the highest attainable standard. • We implemented individualised program checklists for higher functioning Service Users with program goals focused on skills acquisition (p59). • We developed individualised goal-oriented Brokerage Program Plans that Goal Number 2: aligned with their PCAPs (p59). Realign the Somerville business model to ensure that it is We continued to Achieved. Financial Services positioned for the future funding models in a more competitive deliver effective • We developed new relationships with a number of Indigenous community funding market. financial counselling organisations, as well as new programs to deliver our financial literacy and information workshops (p53). Key Achievement services. • We continued to promote all of our Financial Services to the broader ◊ We reviewed and aligned all policies and procedures so that we are community via radio and television advertising, letterbox drops and the use positioned for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance of Somerville noticeboards (p53). Scheme (NDIS), which will bring about a significant new way of doing We enhanced our Achieved. Financial Services business in a more competitive funding market (p60 - p61) programs to address • We continued to develop relationships with gambling venues in both gambling related Darwin and Palmerston, with regular visits to talk to venue staff (Community issues and to reduce Liaison Officers) and to replenish our brochures which are displayed in all the impact on families. SELF-RATED venues (p53). INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE • We continued to strengthen our relationship with Amity Community Services, co-hosting regular information sharing sessions to ensure staff Continued to Achieved / Disability Services implement a well Ongoing. respond to “Red Flag” behaviours of problem gamblers (p53). • We continued to utilise external funding options through submissions and designed and Continued to develop Achieved. government funding streams. However, with increasing costs associated Financial Services properly funded our Tax Help program with doing business, including increases in wages in line with legislative • Somerville was again involved in the Tax Help program during 2014/15 (p50). Disability Service that and improve delivery requirements, it will result in challenges ahead for 2015/16 (p63). ensured sustainable of our No Interest Loan • For 2014/15 all Financial Services staff completed an ATO face-to-face programs enabled by Scheme (NILS). accreditation course (p53). • We successfully achieved National NILS Accreditation (p53). a diversified financial base. Delivered practical Achieved. Family Services family support and Continued with full Achieved. Disability Services • Statistics prove that our service was able to assist our clients. Total number counselling services commitment to ageing of formal and informal referrals increased during 2014/15 (p11). • We established a frail and aged unit (p63). and continued to in place. • We adapted our service to the changing needs of the Service Users [i.e. offer supported • Case studies and client surveys were all positive in both the support that our training of staff in care of frail and aged] (p63). accommodation clients received and progress made (p45, p48. options to individuals • The accommodation program joined the Support Link referral system Pursued opportunities Ongoing. Disability Services database for clients experiencing domestic violence in conjunction with the arising from the and families. • We are working towards registering Somerville as a provider with NDIA (p60 domestic and family violence reduction strategy which includes the Family National Disability - p61). Safety Framework. Staff have since attended to referrals received in the Insurance Scheme required 48-hour time frame (43-46). (NDIS). • Reviewing service delivery models (p60 - p61). Continued to provide Achieved. Family Services an effective Katherine • Total number of formal and informal referrals increased by 7% during Continued to Achieved. Disability Services Youth and Family demonstrate to 2014/15. (p47). • Achieved successful negotiation with the NT Government for additional Services Program. funding bodies the real • Successful events organised by Somerville provided avenues for staff to one-off funding to assist with the projected deficit and a program reduction costs of services. engage with young people and provide mentoring and peer support (p48). within Disability Services to offset prior year’s shortfalls (p22). • Case studies and client surveys were all positive in both the support that our Carried out an Achieved. Disability Services clients received and progress made (p47-48). organisation-wide • Modified our PCAP planning tool to reflect requirements of the 10 domain Continued to work Achieved. Family Services assessment against the areas of the NDIS (p 60 - p61). collaboratively in NDIS and reviewed the • We continued to participate in joint casework, community meetings and community to address sustainability of our • We referred all of SCS Disability Service Users to the Department of Health reference groups, community initiatives and events. The Child and Family the needs of the programs. Disability Coordination team for assessment and where appropriate, Contact Centre program is operating at full capacity (p43 - p44). youth sector and their reclassification (p61). families. • Financial Services staff continued to work closely with Family Services • We individualised program checklists for higher functioning individuals team, attending community events together and actively promoting one where skills development and acquisition is a priority (p61). another’s programs to the general public (p44, p46, p53).

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 15 SELF-RATED SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE Remain committed Achieved. Disability Services Reviewed Achieved. Family Services to implement our opportunities for • We ensured policies, procedures and practices were in line with the • We continue to be in the forefront of sharing skills and knowledge across Disability Services training other principles of the CRPWD and NDS (p56). the sector (p43). program in keeping organisations in with the principles and management, Achieved / Disability Services practices as outlined administration and Ongoing. in the United Nations financial procedures. • All internal training sessions were publicised on the NTCOSS skills training Convention on the website and disseminated through the various disability services and Rights of People with community services networks, which was well received (p60). Disability (CRPWD) and • Investigated partnership with RTO to subcontract training in relevant areas the National Disability where Somerville has proven skills and track record (p60). Strategy (NDS). • Continued partnerships with Charles Darwin University to provide training to health practitioners (p60). Commenced turning Ongoing. Disability Services policies, procedures • Commenced the development of a Disability Services practical policies and and manuals into a procedures manual (p63). marketable resource kit. Continued to monitor Achieved. Disability Services current performance Goal Number 3: • We measured service appeal and expectations through an annual survey and reviewed of guardians. We modified the survey to enable public guardians an To continue strong financial management to ensure good community needs opportunity to review the service from an external service provider governance and management of Somerville as a leader in the through surveys with perspective (p 57). community services sector. existing clients. Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management Key Achievement • We monitored current performance at team meetings regarding improved ◊ Attained improved financial management of resources, improved procedures for dealing with queries, issues and concerns (p88). understanding of customer needs and improved accountability • We reviewed all of our service agreements with our stakeholders (p88). and reporting through successfully achieving Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) accreditation (p74).

Conducted a range Achieved/ Family Services SELF-RATED of community and Ongoing. INITIATIVE PROGRESS • We met as frequently as possible to assess future needs and demands. We PERFORMANCE stakeholder meetings participated in community meetings and reference groups and community Maintained strong Achieved. to assess future needs Accounting & Financial Management initiatives and events - the outcomes have shaped the service delivery (p43). management policies and demands. • We maintained continuous review of policies and procedures including and procedures. Achieved/ Financial Services annual external audit of all grants and accounts. Completed a survey on Ongoing. • We regularly participated in community meetings, reference groups, financial governance using the ATTACHE Business Scorecard that gave a community initiatives and events to assess future needs and demands. The report outlining the business system scores. We achieved an average score outcomes have shaped service delivery (p53). of 70% which is considered a good score (p88). Reporting that meets Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management Reviewed Ongoing. Family Services good governance opportunities for • Continue to ensure all financial acquittals were submitted on time (p88). • Reviewed opportunities for philanthropic and grant exploration - the principles and enterprise and social statutory obligations. • Daily management of the NILS database and loan repayments to ensure enterprise. outcomes of which will shape service delivery (p43). clients’ loan balances are up-to-date (p88). Ongoing. Disability Services Evaluated all of our Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management programs against our • We are assessing the viability of establishing a marketable garden nursery at • Provided quarterly assessment reports to our Board (p88). business model. Girraween/Howard Springs (p65). Implemented our Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management Strategic Plan through Identified strategic Ongoing. • Ensured cohesion between managers regarding strategic directions and Financial Services the Business Plan partnerships that timely progress reports (p88). • We submitted a proposal to the NT Minister of Corrections to consider and monitored and provided access to funding a program that would introduce financial support, literacy and reported progress. • Action list discussed at each monthly management meeting (p88). new programs/market money management to working prisoners (p54). segments.

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 17 SELF-RATED SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE Ensured that Achieved. Family Services Strengthened Achieved. Family Services operational procedures relationships with • The new Department of Social Services (DSS) Data Exchange Framework • We continue to participate in community meetings and reference groups met with statutory and stakeholders through will be a new approach for streamlined program performance reporting and and community initiatives and events, the outcomes of which shape the quality compliance meetings, seminars will provide enhanced reporting on Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) utilised to service delivery (p43). requirements. and networking support families in crisis, as well as record client outcomes (p43). and continue • We maintained relationships with four key Government organisations including the Department of Children and Families, Department of Housing, Achieved / Accounting & Financial Management representation on high Ongoing. level policy networks. Department of Social Services and Centrelink. We also attended meetings • Reviewed all accounting and financial management policies and procedures and advocated client action with many other relevant partners (too to ensure that all processes were up-to-date and in compliance with numerous to list) (p43). legislation (p88). • Somerville’s CEO and managers met regularly with our funding bodies and • Upgraded Attaché Accounting package to the latest version (p88). reported on a six-monthly basis (p43). • Initiated upgrade on the current NILS/community database to include Prepared and Ongoing. Human Resources, Information Technology & emergency relief funding module and enquiries module necessary to implemented a Administrative Services comply with DSS reporting changes (p88). practical social media strategy to improve • Engaged the services of Community Business Bureau (CBB) to provide a Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & awareness of services. range of marketing services to Somerville including the production of the Administrative Services quarterly newsletters and the annual report (p72). • Policies and procedures were reviewed regularly to ensure they remained • Created a 12-month marketing plan including activities, timelines and relevant to the services we deliver (p72). responsibilities for nominated Somerville staff. This plan has a strong focus on the use of digital media (e.g. crowd funding, website, social media and • Management acted promptly in response to any matters which highlighted video) to support fundraising through the Somerville Foundation, brand the need to review our policies and procedures outside of our regular awareness, attracting staff, and staff and client engagement (p72). review program (p72). • Our expectation is that this expert support will improve the quality of both • Achieved Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) Certificate and these publications with a view to continual improvement (p72). Award Levels (p74). • Completed Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reporting Develop a Ongoing. Human Resources, Information Technology & requirements (p75). communications Administrative Services strategy. • There is ongoing review at monthly manager’s meetings to develop a practical communication strategy (p72). Established new Achieved. Assets, Infrastructure & Maintenance Goal Number 4: alliances and • We have actively sought corporate support through the use of corporate To develop and extend the reputation and influence of Somerville partnerships with across the community services sector. corporations and volunteers (p67, p68, p85). businesses to • Cost saving in this activity is complemented by the building of strong Key Achievements access employment relationships in the corporate sphere. National Australia Bank (NAB) have opportunities. partnered with us to provide staff to volunteer at “working bees”, negating ◊ The awareness, reputation and influence of Somerville Community Services the need to employ seasonal labour (p67, p68, p85).. was improved through the launch and publication of a book detailing Somerville’s 50-year history (p81). Continued Achieved. Disability Services with Territory • We were represented on the Department of Business’s review of NT ◊ Somerville Community Services was recognised for promoting community representation on Employment and Training Act (p57). awareness through the Disability Services Awards (p59-p60). policy forums and implementation • Together with NTCOSS we made a submission to the NT Government programs. Commercial Passenger Review (p57). • Maintained representation on City of Darwin Disability Advisory Committee SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS (p62). PERFORMANCE Advocated for the Achieved. Strengthened Achieved. Disability Services Disability Services rights of individuals relationships with • Maintained executive management representation on boards and forums • We further developed middle manager’s skills through involvement in with disabilities across stakeholders through of influence, including NDS (nationally and in the NT), City of Darwin and representative roles. For example, coordinators are now part of groups such all sectors. meetings, seminars Integrated disAbility Action (p62). as Carers NT, DADS, Skills Expos and Career Days (p57). and networking.

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 19 SELF-RATED INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE Ensured that all Achieved. Family Services staff participated • Staff received ongoing supervision focused on enhancing their professional in performance skills and competencies which in turn strengthened their capacities to management and achieve positive outcomes for their clients (p43). review. • Supervision also included administrative case management in line with the practice standards of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) 2013 and Somerville policies and procedures (p43). Goal Number 5: Achieved. Financial Services Develop Somerville employees consistent with the organisation’s • Financial Services staff met with their manager on a monthly basis for two values and policies. way discussion/feedback and in addition all staff participated in an annual review process (p53). Key Achievement ◊ We continued to progress the professional development of our staff by Achieved. Disability Services improving access to both internal and external training programs (p43, • Implemented monthly supervision sessions with Coordinators (p57). p51-p53, p56-p60, p69, p70-p72, p88). • Reviewed performance evaluation framework and processes for all staff (p57). • Developed/implemented a formal performance management process (p57). Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & SELF-RATED Administrative Services INITIATIVE PROGRESS PERFORMANCE • Ensured all staff undertook probationary/annual performance reviews (p71). Ensured that Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & Identified professional Achieved. Family Services Somerville continued Administrative Services development • Suitable training was identified and undertaken (p43). to be an ‘employer of opportunities for all choice’ by providing • Maintained workforce diversity group, performance management program; employees. • A training calendar was developed to support the professional development a supportive staff incentive program, health and well being program and social and of each staff member and various training courses were undertaken by staff environment that engagement program (p72- p73). throughout 2014/15 (p43). values the diverse skills • Maintained a commitment to learning and professional development (p71). Achieved. Financial Services and backgrounds of • Continuous flexibility in the workplace. This has improved productivity and our people. helped to maintain a work/life balance (p71 - p72). • Staff were encouraged to explore ongoing professional development • Employee Opinion Survey for 2014/15 completed and assessed (p72). opportunities through attendance at training and forums (p51). • Formed a Somerville singing group consisting of a diverse group of staff to • Management actively sought opportunities for further professional continue sharing its message, “the courage to be ...” (p72). development for staff including attendance at national conferences (p51). Achieved. Disability Services Monitored recruitment Achieved. Financial Services and retention across • Continued to work collaboratively with Jobs Australia to provide training • All Financial Services staff have an individual development plan. These were the organisation opportunities to Disability Service Coordinators. Undertook successful two- reviewed every three months with progress reported and plans amended as including succession day course for Coordinators that covered performance management and necessary (p51 - p53). plans for key organisational culture (p57). employees. Disability Services • Establishment and utilisation of the Disability Services Team Leader position Achieved. enabled up-and-coming frontline staff to experience and practise skills • Established a Team Leader position in Disability Services to help develop necessary to transition to the next level (p57). succession planning (p57). • Implemented an in-house training program for all DS staff (p57).

Human Resources, Information Technology & Achieved. Human Resources, Information Technology & Achieved. Administrative Services Administrative Services • Workforce Development Plan completed February 2015 (p70). • Maintained a comprehensive training calendar (p71). • Completed Gender Equality Reporting (p75). • Arranged external training seminars, conferences, mentoring and on-the- • Provided quarterly report to the Board on vacancies and terminations (p72). job training (p71). • Maintained membership of professional affiliations (p71). Develop employment Ongoing. Human Resources, Information Technology & Achieved. Accounting & Financial Management opportunities through Administrative Services strategic alliances and • Accounting and Financial Management staff undertook various training partnerships. • This will be addressed through student and work placement (P75). courses throughout 2014/15 (p88).

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 21 2014-15 Financial summary Total income (revenue) Somerville Community Services receives grants and funding from various About this table: sources to deliver programs to the community. These programs are carried Total income was primarily derived from two government grants. Other income out by three specialist services managed by Somerville: Disability Services, came from service user fees, rent from the transitional supported income and Family Services and Financial Services. donations. Our accounts are grouped into four key areas: one account for each of the three services directly responsible for the programs (i.e. Disability Services, INCOME SOURCE 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Family Services and Financial Services) and the remaining account for the operational support of these programs (i.e. Administrative Services). Together Northern Territory Government grant $11,278,286 $10,240,093 $9,794,480 $9,011,845 $8,609,670 these accounts are combined to form the Somerville Financial Statements Commonwealth Government grant $1,125,690 $1,139,671 $1,100,601 $1,122,474 $768,781 referred to in this report. Somerville Foundation Inc. $117,744 $114,112 $91,600 $67,184 $59,748 Service user contributions and fees $1,069,037 $1,103,012 $1,081,241 $871,559 $820,459 Other grants, donations and sundry $471,100 $334,837 $337,846 $378,078 $207,240 Somerville has produced improved year-on-year results as identified in the income table below. Total income $14,061,857 $12,931,725 $12,405,768 $11,451,140 $10,465,898

Total operating income $13,990,642 $12,909,403 $12.395.768 $11,386,141 $10,377,200 2014/2015 RESULTS OVERVIEW 2014/15 2013/14 % change

Total revenue $14,061,857 $12,931,725 8.7% Of note: Total expenditure $13,353,287 $13,182,778 1.3% ◊ Total income increased by $1,130,132 (or 8.7%) from 2013/14. Operating result before depreciation $865,316 ($79,964) >1000% Net operating results $708,570 ($251,053) >300% ◊ The NT Government Department of Housing provided a 1.2% increase for all funded programs and the Department of Children and Families provided an Total assets $4,623,582 $3,964,524 16.6% average 4% increase. In contrast, the Commonwealth Government reduced Total liabilities $3,596,278 $3,645,790 -1.4% its funding by 1.2% - an indication that future funding will be less.

Net assets $1,027,304 $318,734 >200%

Of note: NT Government 80% ◊ The increase in net assets reflects recovery from prior years’ deficits, thus Commonwealth Government 8% increasing our asset base. SOURCES OF INCOME Service Users contributions 7% 2014-2015 FIVE-YEAR COMPARISONS Other grants and donations 4% The following tables compare Somerville’s financial results over a five-year Grants Somerville Foundation Inc. 1% period.

Financial performance ◊ The NT Government continued to fund the majority of the programs, with About this table: Disability Services as the primary source of income. All grants received from the NT Government (state and local) increased by an average of 10%. Somerville’s operating results for each of its four accounts are outlined below. ◊ Income from Somerville Foundation Inc. had an average increase of 3%. The

funds support Somerville’s Administrative Services, which charged a fee to NET OPERATING RESULT 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 the Foundation for managing its operations. Administrative Services $263,777 $78,884 $28,139 ($46,681) $137,596 Disability Services $443,708 ($321,281) ($141,000) ($69,488) $42,892 ◊ Disability Service Users contributed 80% of their Disability Services Pension (DSP) as a requirement of the funding agreement. In 2014/15 two Service Family Services $1,186 $464 ($1,831) ($80,575) $14,986 Users passed away, thus reducing the fees received. A new grant agreement Financial Services ($101) ($9,120) ($53,725) $43,536 $41,447 has reduced the funded Somerville places by two. Total $708,570 ($251,053) ($168,417) ($153,208) $236,921 ◊ Other income varied from year to year depending upon the availability of donor funds. Of note: ◊ No capital grants were received during the year. The difference between ◊ The Disability Services surplus was in part made possible by the successful ‘total income’ and ‘total operating income’ is due to one-off grants for some negotiation with the NT Government for additional one-off funding to special activities. assist with the projected deficit and a program reduction within Disability Services to offset prior year’s shortfalls. ◊ The Administrative Services surplus was achieved by reducing expenditure.

22 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 23 Total expenses Actual performance against budget About this table: About this table: Somerville expenses are broken down into ‘employee expenses’ (salaries and Somerville’s budget is presented to the Board at its May meeting for analysis wages) and ‘other operational expenses’, (consumables, emergency relief, and approval. A deficit budget is approved only when mitigating circumstances staff development and travel, repairs and maintenance, supplies and utilities, are known and where strategies are in place to reduce the impending deficit. telecommunication, information technology and all other overheads). Profit and Loss Statements are provided to the Management Team on a monthly basis and a quarterly comparative analysis is submitted to the Board. EXPENSE 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Employee expenses $10,694,083 $10,901,156 $10,308,047 $9,231,000 $8,291,964 TOTAL INCOME 2014/15 2014/15 Variance % Variance Actual Budget Other operational expenses $2,659,204 $2,281,622 $2,266,138 $2,373,349 $1,937,013 Northern Territory Government grant $11,278,286 $9,990,295 $1,287,991 12.9% Total expenditure $13,353,287 $13,182,778. $12,574,185 $11,604,349 $10,228,977 Commonwealth Government grant $1,125,690 $1,172,498 ($46,808) -4.0% Employee expenses as a % of total expenditure 80% 83% 82% 80% 81% Somerville Foundation Inc. $117,744 $117,744 - - Service user contributions and fees $1,069,037 $1,077,504 ($8,467) -0.8% Of note: Other grants, donations and sundry income $471,100 $342,449 $128,651 37.6% ◊◊ Overall, operational expenses increased by 1.3% from 2013/14. Other Total $14,061,857 $12,700,490 $1,361,367 10.7% operational costs increased by 16.5% from the previous year due to an additional program within Family Services. ◊◊ Salaries and wages increased as a result of the National Wage Increase TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2014/15 2014/15 Variance % Variance handed down in July 2014 and the Equal Remuneration Order instalment Actual Budget which was payable in December 2014. The annual increase in wages Employee expenses $10,694,083 $11,259,697 ($565,614) -5.0% across the organisation averaged at 4.5%. Depreciation $156,748 $141,010 $15,738 11.2% ◊◊ Despite the above, there was a 2% reduction in salaries and wages and Other overheads $2,502,456 $2,481,620 $20,836 0.8% employee expenses represented a lower percentage of total expenses compared with 2013/14. This was due to the closure of one facility early Total $13,353,287 $13,882,327 ($529,040) -3.8% in the financial year, which gave us the opportunity to reduce expenses, Net operating results $708,570 ($1,181,838) $1,890,408 160.0% including staffing. We were able to transfer the affected employees to other facilities to replace staff who had resigned. Of note:

• ◊◊ Increase in NT Government grants was due to additional one-off grants and indexation. Disability services 65% ◊◊ The Federal Government’s streamlining of its funding resulted in a reduction EXPENDITURE Administrative services 12% in its operational grants. BY SERVICES Family services 12% 2014-2015 ◊◊ Service Users reduced by two early in the financial year, thus resulting in Financial services 11% decreased total contributions. ◊◊ Sundry income increased due to one-off grants for special activities. ◊◊ The closure of a Disability Services house reduced overall expenditure. ◊◊ Disability Services employed 76% of total Somerville staff, who together ◊◊ Increase in depreciation was due to replacement items purchased and deliver an around-the-clock service. Therefore this service represents 65% capitalised. There were no capital grants received and the replacement costs of total expenditure for Somerville. were principally paid out of operating reserves. ◊◊ Family Services and Financial Services shared the total costs at 12% and ◊◊ Purchasing of items has always been carefully planned and monitored, thus 11% respectively. resulting in budget savings. ◊◊ Administrative Services retained all support staff assigned to administration, finance, information technology, payroll and human Financial position resources, with 12% of total expenses. Assets About this table: Current assets are cash and cash equivalents (i.e. cash available and short-term deposits maturing within less than six months) and receivables (i.e. No Interest Loans outstanding as at 30 June 2015). Non-current assets are property, plant and equipment (i.e. furniture and fittings, office equipment and household equipment).

24 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 25 Equity ASSETS 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 About this table: Cash and cash equivalents $4,242,311 $3,513,815 $2,895,723 $2,334,574 $1,822,280 Total equity increased by $708,570 (our surplus) at year-end making it possible Receivables $59,619 $86,039 $263,620 $565,822 $739,388 for Somerville to recover and increase the asset base. Property, plant and equipment $321,652 $364,670 $426,653 $491,355 $505,130

Total $4,623,582 $3,964,524 $3,585,996 $3,391,751 $3,066,798 EQUITY 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 Total equity $1,027,304 $316,734 $569,787 $738,204 $891,412 Of note: ◊◊ Cash has increased as a result of increased funding and budget savings. Of note: ◊◊ Many of the prior years’ No Interest Loans have been repaid. • The rise in equity from 2014-15 has significantly improved our liquidity ◊◊ From July 2014 only items with an individual amount of $1,100 GST position. inclusive have been capitalised. Reduction in property, plant and Key performance indicators: How we’re tracking equipment is due to asset items being fully depreciated. Operating surplus Liabilities This indicator provides information as to the results of Somerville’s ordinary About this table: activities and does not include capitalised expenses. It determines the level of Current liabilities include creditors (i.e. trade invoices outstanding as at 30 income required to carry out the organisation’s regular operations. June 2015, prepaid income, advance grants received, accrued expenses and GST payable), borrowings and current employee benefits. OPERATING SURPLUS 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 TARGET Non-current liabilities include non-current employee benefits (e.g. long Operating surplus (deficit) $708,570 ($251,053) ($168,417) ($153,208) Break-even service leave entitlements). Working capital (liquidity) LIABILITIES 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 This indicator measures Somerville’s ability to pay its debts as they fall due, and Creditors and borrowings $1,370,116 $1,384,693 $1,039,024 $978,123 $850,791 is expressed as a factor of one. Employee benefits - current $1,510,906 $1,568,167 $1,209,355 $1,144,077 $821,774 Over the past five years, our target of >1:1 has been achieved consistently, Employee benefits - non-current $715,256 $692,930 $767,530 $531,347 $502,821 meaning that Somerville is able to meet its current liabilities. Total $3,596,278 $3,645,790 $3,015,909. $2,653,547. $2,175,386 WORKING CAPITAL (LIQUIDITY RATIO) 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 TARGET Of note: Indicator 1.2:1 1:1 1.05:1 1.1:1 >1:1 ◊◊ The increase in employee non-current benefits was as a result of more staff continuing employment with Somerville, thus increasing long service leave provisions. ◊◊ The increase in salary rates due to National Wage Increase (NWI) has Our recovery from prior years’ deficits We are confident that this approach influenced the total cost at year end. reinforced our determination to will ensure sustainability of our Somerville commenced preparations strengthen our asset base. We have programs into the future. for the roll out of the National ASSETS AND LIABILITIES $5,000,000 already commenced reviewing and Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), 5 YEAR COMPARISON $4,500,000 renegotiating grant agreements, with staff being trained accordingly. $4,000,000 some of which are due to expire in As most of the Service Users within December 2015. $3,500,000 Disability Services are eligible for Despite the uncertainty of long- $3,000,000 the scheme, the next step will be to term funding for some programs, $2,500,000 identify the level of support each we remain committed to delivering $2,000,000 current service user requires as per those programs whilst new Josie Bacus the NDIS guidelines. Somerville will $1,500,000 agreements are negotiated. Manager Accounting and $1,000,000 then register with NDIA as a service Financial Management provider. Guided by our strategic plan, $500,000 Somerville’s Board and Management We will use our learnings from the $0 team are realigning our business 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 challenges encountered at the trial model to ensure a competitive site, Barkly Region, to make a smooth Assets $4,623,581 $3,964,524 $3,585,696 $3,391,752 $3,066,798 position for future funding transition into the full scheme. Liabilities $3,596,277 $3,645,790 $3,015,909 $2,653,548 $2,175,386 opportunities. Equity $1,027,304 $318,734 $569,787 $738,204 $891,412

26 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 27 Our governance

Somerville is governed by a skills- Practices and processes are • Chair, Finance Committee of the The President and Chief Executive based Board of Directors who are continually reviewed to ensure Board of St Philip’s College Officer establish meeting agendas Somerville’s governance model is responsible for our strategy and risk alignment with the strategic plan and which assess Somerville’s coverage logical, integrated and importantly, • Board Member, Northern Territory management. Somerville’s policy funding requirements. Board meetings are held in February, of financial, strategic and major risk uncompromising and strategic. Council of Social Services (NTCOSS) includes guidelines to ensure that the May, September and November and areas throughout the year. During 2014/15 all of Somerville’s • Committee Member, Australian Executing the strategic direction, Board’s composition appropriately the Annual General Meeting is held in Policies and Procedures were Institute of Company Directors NT The Board has the opportunity to whilst adhering to our overarching represents the interests of the various September. reviewed and the following new review meeting materials in advance policies and procedures, requires a operational groups contained within • Ambassador, Northern Territory procedures were introduced: An Executive Committee with and Directors are encouraged to bring disciplined approach. The Board’s the organisation. Business Events Program responsibilities for Governance, independent judgements to bear role is to apply that discipline to Information and Communication • Member, Northern Territory Water See pages 30-34 for Board member Special Projects, Audit and Risk, on the issues and decisions at hand. ensuring Somerville achieves its Policy: Safety Advisory Council profiles. Properties, Assets and Finance meet Formal minutes of all meetings are strategic goals. They do this by: • ICT Procurement and Disposal • Chairperson, Northern Territory prior to each Board meeting and as recorded and decisions of the Board • governing with an emphasis on Government Ministerial Advisory and when required. are maintained. Governance Policies and Procedures: outward vision rather than inward Council on Disability Reform concern; Directors are expected to observe • External Board Evaluation the highest standards of ethical • ensuring receptiveness to diverse behaviour. Directors are also opinions and views; expected to avoid any action, Somerville maintained strong • focusing on strategic leadership position or interest that conflicts external links and relationships during rather than administrative detail; with the best interests of Somerville, or gives the appearance of a conflict. 2014/15. Board member • making collective decisions; The Board has adopted a Code of The President and CEO’s membership • remaining future-focused; and Conduct and a Conflict of Interests on key Committees, Councils and meeting attendance Boards continued to help promote • maintaining and respecting a clear Policy to provide further guidance to Somerville as a leading provider of distinction between Board and Directors on their obligations. community services in the Territory. Chief Executive roles. President- Chris Tudor AM The powers of Somerville Board are NAME SEPTEMBER 2014 NOVEMBER 2014 FEBRUARY 2015 MAY 2015 set out in the 2007 Constitution, The Board is responsible for the • Board member, St. Philip’s College Vicki O’Halloran P P P P copies of which are available from overall risk management and • Board member, Northern Territory Daphne Read P P O P our main office. internal control framework of the Block Grant Authority (BGA) organisation. Chris Tudor P P O P • Board member, Independent Bruce March P O P P The Board is committed to Schools Council of Australia (ISCA) Kevin Kennedy P P P P Members of Somerville Community embedding risk management • Board member, Australian Services Incorporated nominate practices to support the achievement Independent Schools NT Phil Johnson O O P O and elect individuals to form the of organisational objectives and John Edwards P P P P to fulfil corporate governance CEO- Vicki O’Halloran AM Honorary Board of Directors, which Margaret Black P P O O is made up of between five and 15 obligations. • President, National Disability Meredith Day P P P P members including the President and Services Andrew Caddy O P O P Vice President, and two additional • Chairperson, National Disability Honorary Patrons. Directors are Ben Gill Our policies and procedures Services NT O O O P elected for a three-year term. ensure that operational needs, • Board Member, The Essington Clare Martin P P O O With the exception of the Chief risk management, continuous School Darwin John Duguid P P P P Executive Officer, all Board members improvement and compliance • Board Member, St Philip’s College, Patron – Austin Asche P P P P are non-executive Directors and act in issues are identified, actioned and Alice Springs Patron – Valerie Asche P P P P a voluntary capacity. performed in a consistent manner.

28 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 29 Board of Directors

President Vice President Chief Executive Officer Board Member Board Member Board Member BEc, Dip Ed, Grad Dip Ed Admin, M.Ed, FACE, GAICD BoCS, FAICD, BEd, Dip.BKTC, Dip.Remedial BA(Hons), BSocAdmin FACE, MACEL, M.A.I.C.D Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace Massage, Dip.Bahasa Indonesia

Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Directors since 1989. Directors since 1967. Life Member. Directors since 1998. Directors since 1978. Life Member. Directors since 1985. Directors since 1988.

Chris has been the Headmaster of St. Daphne has been involved with A resident of the Territory for 26 Margaret is a long-time Territorian, Throughout his extensive career Phil has worked in the engineering Philip’s College for almost 30 years. community organisations for over years, Vicki has lead Somerville educator and business owner. Bruce has worked in a range of and machinery industry for over 30 He is an experienced Chairperson 40 years. She has served as the Community Services Inc. since 1998, policy development and advisory years in both Darwin and Katherine In the early 1970s Margaret having chaired a number of Boards National Executive Director of growing the organisations services roles in the areas of community and is currently workshop operations established a preschool at the Royal including the Independent Schools Royal Life Saving Society Australia during this time. As CEO, Vicki development, social security, health, manager at Flame Control Industries. Darwin Hospital in conjunction Council of Australia (ISCA). from 1991- 1996 and was awarded provides the strategic focus for the community services, child protection with the Education Department and a Meritorious Service Medal. An organisations direction. and family support in both South Phil’s son, Damian was one of the Chris has significant experience paediatrician Dr Alan Walker. existing Life member of the Royal Australia and Northern Territory. first Service Users in Somerville’s in education, leadership Vicki has a broad experience Life Saving NT, Daphne also obtained In the 1980s Margaret was appointed supported accommodation in 1986. and management, planning, sitting on numerous boards and Since retiring Bruce has continued Life Membership of Royal Life Saving a consultant to the Government Through this relationship, Phil development and building, human committees at both a Territory and involvement in a number of Australia in May 2015. of Malaysia where she shared has maintained an active interest resource management, public national level. She is particularly community organisations such knowledge with Sabah on the and involvement in our Disability relations and master planning. keen to motivate employers as membership of the East Daphne is the Chair of the Northern establishment of preschools in their Services Program. about workplace relations and the Timor Sunrise Centre and as an As an experienced economist, he Territory Water Safety Advisory country. mutual benefits of healthy working Ambassador for Opportunity has a practical approach to finance Council and a Board Member of relationships. Margaret has managed a dance and International Australia, a non- and a strong understanding of Uniting Care Australia. She has been function centre business for the past government organisation delivering Government operation. He has the Chairperson of the Northern Although Vicki has many other 20 years microfinance services to poor travelled widely and has an informed Territory Disability Advisory positions in community she is entrepreneurs to help alleviate world view. Council and also served on the passionate about contributing to poverty in developing countries. Northern Territory Housing Appeals the overall social inclusion agenda Awards: Committee. believing that inclusive societies ◊◊ Principal of the Year (2009) are where diversity is valued and ◊◊ Member of the Order of Australia Now retired, Daphne has had a long all citizens have the opportunity to (2004) and successful career as an Educator prosper. and in 1974 was the first appointed ◊◊ Fellow of the Australian College of Awards: Education (2001) female school principal in the Northern Territory. ◊◊ Member in the General Division ◊◊ Territorian of the Year (1997) Alice of the Order of Australia (2014) Springs region Awards: ◊◊ Fellow of the Australian Institute ◊◊ Citizen of the Year for the of Company Directors Northern Territory (1998) ◊◊ Telstra Northern Territory Businesswoman of the Year 1998

30 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 31 Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Certificate in Architectural Drafting BSW(Hons), MSW, DCYW BA, LLB, LLM, GDLP BBus (Accounting) CA BA BBus, MBA, CPA Certificate IV Building & Construction

Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Member of the Somerville Board of Directors since 1992. Directors since 1993. Directors since 2000. Directors since 2005. Directors since 2008. Directors since 2008.

Kevin is a leading player in the John is currently the Acting Director Meridth Day has worked with the Andrew is a Chartered Accountant Clare is a long-term resident of the Located in Victoria, Ben Gill is the Territory construction Industry Allied Health Royal Darwin Hospital Solicitor for the Northern Territory with more than 25 years professional NT, with a strong background in Director of Highpoint, Australia’s spanning over 40 years. and Manager of Social Work at the (SFNT) since 2005 and was appointed experience in accounting, tax, audit politics, media, trade and Indigenous third largest shopping centre. Prior Royal Darwin Hospital. Director of the Litigation Division in policy. to this Ben was the General Manager For the past 10 years Kevin and commercial roles. 2013. with The GPT Group, Casuarina has worked as a Design and John managed the recovery activities He has worked in the oil and gas Clare is currently a Professional Square, Northern Territory’s largest Construct Project Manager for following the Queen Street and Prior to joining the SFNT Meredith industry for the past 17 years and in Fellow at The Northern Institute, shopping centre. several large building and civil Hoddle Street shootings and the worked as a solicitor in private a variety of roles with Ernst & Young, Charles Darwin University and Chair construction companies and prior Katherine flood. Previously John practice, including seven years as the Timor Sea Designated Authority, of the Territory Natural Resource Having lived in Darwin for over 30 to this as a Director of private sector established and managed disaster a partner of a local firm, and as a Chevron Australia, and North West Management. Clare is also Chair of years he has strong ties to the local architectural and building design recovery planning and response lecturer in law at Charles Darwin Shelf Gas. the Darwin Festival. and Deputy community. Ben is a licensed Real consultancies in Darwin for over 20 arrangements in Victoria as well as University. Chair, Menzies School of Health Estate Agent, a CPA, and has an MBA years. Commonwealth national training for Research. from Curtin University and a Bachelor Meredith has represented clients in disaster recovery. of Business from CDU. For the past 40 years Kevin has a wide variety of litigious matters Before this, Clare was CEO of the lived in the Territory and has been John also established the National over the years including workers’ Australian Council of Social Service active in both private enterprise and Children’s Bureau of Australia— compensation, catastrophic injury (2008-10) and was the first female community activities. an independent policy, research claims, medical negligence and Chief Minister of the Northern and advocacy organisation with family and child welfare law. Territory (2001-2007).

250 member agencies and a $1M Her current focus areas are Prior to her entry into politics, independent budget. employment and industrial relations, Clare was an ABC broadcaster and building and construction dispute journalist from 1980 to 1995. resolution and administrative law. Meredith also has an interest in legal services management and has served in various management roles during her time at SFNT.

32 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 33 Organisation chart

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CEO Executive Assistant

Board Member Patron Patron Human Services Financial Resources, Development Assets, Accounting BA, DipEd, LLB DSsj, MMc, PhD, FASM, BA, LLM, Hon. LittD (Deakin), Services & Family Disability Information Program Manager/ Infrastructure & Financial Hon. CUniv Hon. LLD (NT), FACE Special Services Services Technology & Manager Administrator & Maintenance Management Projects Manager Manager Administrative Disability Manager Manager Manager Services Services Member of the Somerville Board of Patron of Somerville Community Patron of Somerville Community Manager Directors since 2013. Services since March 1993. Services since March 1993.

Coordinator John has lived in the NT for over 30 Dr Valerie Asche worked in the field Austin is an adjunct Professor of Law Education years and has worked as a teacher at of microbiology for over 40 years. at the Northern Territory University Family Financial Officers Administration Services Maintenance Finance secondary and tertiary levels. He has Her work was recognised by the and was appointed Freeman of the Counselling Coordinators Coordinators Officers Assistant Senior Officers Officers also worked as a lawyer in both the Australian Society for Microbiology City of Darwin in 2007. Coordinator Support IT Officers private and public sectors and with in 1991 with a Distinguished Service Manager Austin was Administrator of the Officer Aboriginal Legal Aid. Award, and in 2001 was appointed Graphic Designer Northern Territory 1993-1997 and Member of the Order of Australia Pastoral Care Recently John worked as a mediator Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of (AM). Worker with the Community Justice Centre the NT 1987-1993. Family and volunteered with Darwin Disability Prior to this he was Chairman of the Financial Services Disability Disability Community Legal Service and the Support NT Parole Board from 1987-1993 and Counsellors Coordinator Support Support Reconciliation Council (NT). Workers Chancellor of the Northern Territory Workers Workers Financial Family Support Casual University from 1989-1993 and Capability Workers/ Honorary Colonel in NORFORCE and Workers Counsellors Chief Scout of the Northern Territory NILS Youth/Family (1993-1997). Coordinator Services Workers Austin received a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1994 and a Knight of the Most Venerable Order Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in 1993.

34 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 35 Management team

Somerville is managed by a senior management team. CEO Manager Accounting and Manager Assets, Infrastructure Manager Disability Services BoCS, FAICD, JP Financial Management and Maintenance Program This team includes the Chief Executive Officer and nine Managers who are responsible for: Board member, 1998-current BSCommerce (Accounting), Dip Management, Cert IV OHS, Cert Dip Disability, Dip Aged Care, BSMedical Technology (OS Bus Admin PART trainer • Accounting & Finances A resident of the Territory for 26 qualification) • Assets, Infrastructure & Maintenance years, Vicki has lead Somerville Responsible for the management of Joint responsibility for the • Disability Services Community Services Inc. since 1998, Responsible for the management staff and the performance of Assets management of staff and Infrastructure and Maintenance. performance of Disability Services. • Family Services growing the organisations services of staff and the performance during this time. As CEO, Vicki of Accounting and Financial • Financial Services & Special Projects Skye joined the Management Team Bonnie commenced with Somerville provides the strategic focus for the Management. in 2007 as the Maintenance Manager, in 1998 as a frontline support worker • Human Resources, Information Technology & organisations direction. Josie joined Somerville in 1987 responsible for maintaining all progressing to Manager in 2000. Administrative Services buildings, grounds, gardens and fleet Vicki has a broad experience as Finance Officer and has been Bonnie is primarily responsible for vehicles. sitting on numerous boards and the Manager of Accounting and the Disability Services program in committees at both a Territory and Financial Management Services In 2011 as the organisation Katherine. national level. She is particularly since 1988. She is responsible for expanded, Skye’s role evolved Bonnie has over 35 years experience keen to motivate employers Somerville’s accounting and financial to include project management working in the community services about workplace relations and the information, policies and procedures of upgrades and renovations of sector particularly disability services mutual benefits of healthy working including the efficient maintenance newly acquired properties. Skye and mental health. relationships. of the accounting systems, asset responsibilities also included asset Although Vicki has many other register and payroll. replacement and completing She has extensive experience in positions in community she is Josie has 30 years experience submissions for Government behaviour management, grief and passionate about contributing to in general accounting, taxation funding to assist in maintaining loss and people management. and upgrading Government the overall social inclusion agenda and finance both in Australia and Bonnie has helped shape the service owned properties. To reflect these believing that inclusive societies overseas. to be a leader in the disability sector additional responsibilities, Skye’s are where diversity is valued and in the NT. all citizens have the opportunity to Prior to migrating to Australia she title was changed from Maintenance prosper. had 10 years experience working in Manager to Assets, Infrastructure and a hospital laboratory as a medical Maintenance Manager. Awards: technologist and as a part time In 2014 the Work Health & Safety ◊◊ Member in the General Division clinical chemistry lecturer in the (WHS) role was added to Skye’s of the Order of Australia (2014) same hospital. The position gave her the familiarity and understanding portfolio. Her most recent vision, is ◊◊ Fellow of the Australian Institute to find more practical ways of being of Company Directors of individuals’ plights when stricken with an illness or disability. This environmentally friendly and self ◊◊ Telstra Northern Territory knowledge has been instrumental sustainable. Businesswoman of the Year 1998 in her effective management at Somerville.

36 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 37 Manager Service Development Manager Family Services Assistant Manager Family Manager Financial Services and Manager Programs Manager Human Resources, and Administration Disability BSocSc (Social Welfare), Dip. Couns Services Special Projects BAppSc Building Technology Information Technology and Services Administrative Services (ASM): Grief and Loss, Child Dev BA Health and Social Sciences, BA ADip Community Sector Assists the Manager Financial BEd, BTeach (Primary), AdDBusM, and Effective Parenting), Cert IV HONS Psychology Management, ADFS (Financial Services and Special Projects. Bachelor in Accountancy (OS (TAE40110), Cert IV (EN) Planning), Dip Community Services Cert4 Disability and WHS, GAICD Responsible for the management Qualification), Cert IV OHS (Financial Counselling) Prior to joining Somerville as Joint responsibility for the Responsible for the management of Family Services staff, supervision Special Projects and Operations Responsible for the management of management of staff and of staff and performance of Family practices and counselling. Responsible for the management of Manager in 2008, Graham had staff and the performance of Human Services programs. performance of Disability Services. Kerry joined Somerville in October staff and performance of Financial amassed 40 years of experience Resources, Information Technology, Services and Special Projects. with the Commonwealth and NT Administrative Services (HRITAS). Debbie was appointed Manager Ruth has a diverse 40 year career 2014 as Assistant Manager. Governments in construction project Service Development and working with vulnerable people in Allison joined Somerville in 2012 Liza is an Accountant with Prior to immigrating to Australia management, Indigenous housing Administration Disability Services areas such as health and community as Manager Financial Services and considerable human resources, IT from South Africa in 2014, Kerry ran program management and various in 2009. services. Her experience includes was appointed Manager Financial and event management expertise. her own family counselling practice community service programs working in hospitals, social housing, Services and Special Projects in 2013. She has worked for Somerville since Responsible for the training and Healing Heartz Therapy. The practice including animal welfare and optometrics, generalist counselling 1985 holding the positions of Senior social participation program in provided mobile play therapy at pre- Allison has over 30 years experience swimming pool safety. (children and adults) and training Finance Officer, Network Systems Disability Services. schools and general counselling to in financial services. Allison’s career staff in palliative care, boundaries Graham retired from Somerville in children, families and individuals. has taken her around the country Manager and Administration Debbie has 29 years experience in the workplace and writing case 2013 but returned in a part time in retail and business banking, Manager. in the human services sector in notes. Ruth has also run her own Prior to this, Kerry spent four years management position to assist with recruitment, training and financial Liza was appointed HRITAS Manager childcare, education, health, aged business. as a counsellor at The Teddy Bear special projects, communications, planning. in 1997 to lead the administration care and disability services. Prior to working for Somerville, Clinic for Abused Children and was publicity and operations. responsible for assessing claims of Allison is the Northern Territory team and to improve operational Prior to joining Somerville Debbie Ruth coordinated the development Graham is currently Chairperson – child abuse, providing play therapy No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) management through technology held senior management positions of a new medical accommodation NT Swimming Pool Safety Review to young children and counselling to Coordinator and is a member of both and effective strategies. in NSW government in the disability program in Darwin which entailed Committee. adolescents and their families. She the Australian Institute of Company Liza has been instrumental in sector. She has worked in a range of close alliance with the funding body, also engaged in outreach safe talks Directors and the Australian Institute achieving a citation as an Employer senior positions including delivery medical workers, tradespeople and at schools of various levels. of Management. of Choice for Women and for of primary health care services and training many new staff members for winning the Australian Chamber of solutions throughout Australia a variety of roles. In 2014 Allison was a finalist in the Commerce and Industry Work and via state and regionally based NT AIM not-for-profit Manager of the Ruth’s areas of expertise include Family Friendly State Award. Liza networks. Debbie has had extensive year. management, supervision, social has extensive experience in quality experience in establishing and advocacy, counselling and training. assurance and work health and implementing quality assurance She is a member of the Australian safety. Liza has a flair for creativity and risk management systems, and Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has a keen interest in workplace in the development and delivery and is currently studying for her diversity. of accredited vocational training Master of Social Work. programs. Debbie is passionate about issues of social justice.

38 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 39 Family services

The role of Family Services is to assist people to participate in society at a level to which they aspire and are capable of Somerville operates from a diverse achieving. base of social workers, welfare Family Services staff work with people of all ages – workers, counsellors and support workers. These experienced and children, adolescents and adults. We assist anyone who is qualified staff members work as an experiencing a crisis or problem in their life by providing: integrated team, with often two or counselling and support work; practical, emotional and three assisting the same family with educative support; advocacy; liaison with and referral to a broad range of issues. other agencies and professionals; and short- to medium- This approach provides a network term accommodation. which strengthens the services provided to our clients. Access to transitional accommodation is also a focus, and assistance is provided to families who are seeking This year Family Services provided services in Darwin, Palmerston, appropriate long-term accommodation. While the services Family support and counselling clients DCF case worker or another Photo: Family Services Team with Katherine, Humpty Doo and Somerville support worker depending Manager Ruth Rogerson (back left) and we offer vary greatly, they each have a common theme: to Family Services firmly supports surrounding areas. on the program. Assistant Manager Kerry Boswell (back empower people to exert control over their own lives. Somerville’s mission to assist people right). to reach their full potential and enjoy The family support and counselling their unique place in society. program provides a family and child fathers presented with minimal family Services provided by Family Services centred approach that is strongly support and were further challenged staff during 2014/2015 included: Our family support workers and supported by strength based practices. counsellors assisted 168 families in by little to no services in the Darwin • Core family support and Importantly, the assessment process and Palmerston communities. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 2014/15 with an average support counselling services. empowers those who are vulnerable, period of 33.2 weeks. Many families seeking medium-term • Establishment of a Child and Family Contact Centre Service providing them with opportunities • Targeted family services and Child accommodation were successfully Families assisted included referrals to identify their best potential, and • Strong Partnership with the Department of Children and and Family Contact Centre Service. referred to ‘Towards Independence’ from Department of Children and thus creating hopeful futures for all Families staff • Youth and family services in the and ‘Ted Collins Village’, however, Families whose children were at risk concerned. • Introduced a supported accommodation training program Katherine region. or in the care of Child Protection the challenge of waiting periods still • Bringing Community Partners together (Katherine) • A family focused outreach Services and therefore, required Moreover, workers are mindful and existed with an increasing seasonal • Mentoring and Supporting Youth (Katherine) program (including the “MyTime” varying levels of commitment from respectful of cultural practices in demand across many of the family networking program). Somerville’s support workers. Indigenous peoples and respond support programs. KEY CHALLENGES • Supported Accommodation appropriately. The Darwin and Palmerston targeted Our support workers were able to Assistance Program (SAAP) • Assisting Homeless and Disadvantaged Families: Extended counselling service focus in this To this end we made certain that assist clients referred by Territory Stays (including the Step Forward 2014/2015 period included family there was ongoing staff training and Housing and Centrelink with program). professional development to ensure • Bringing Community Partners together (Katherine) therapy; relationship counselling Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) utilised • Emergency relief and bond all our staff are providing an informed to support families in crisis for rental • Shortage of accommodation and lengthy waiting lists (either reconciliation or couples assistance programs. proceeding with court cases for professional counselling service. bond, enabling them to secure Below we give a summary of the divorce); parents and children SAAP longer-term accommodation. activities of a number of these impacted by domestic violence; Several families accessed rent services, namely Family Support poverty issues; parental skill building; This year saw 387 clients assisted by the Supported Accommodation assistance, which prevented and Counselling, Community trauma issues; and life skills. Assistance Program (SAAP). eviction from their rented homes. Accommodation, Palmerston Family Somerville workers often conduct Somerville counsellors have These clients were referred on to Counselling, “MyTime” Network house visits to assist with client observed emerging trends of single Somerville’s financial counsellors to Program and Katherine Youth and engagement. An assisted visit for the men with children experiencing provide further financial and money Family Services. initial contact is organised to assess domestic violence with some seeking management support to enhance risk and safety factors, either with the supported accommodation. These sustainable living.

40 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 41 Our accommodation clients primarily The Palmerston Family Counselling Therapeutic processes may be short- Community Initiative and came from three key groups: Service also offers complementary term or long-term, depending on the Connectedness 1. Single parents (58.4%). The support to individuals and families nature of the difficulties, and may presenting at Somerville with involve working with individuals, Somerville Family Services continued majority of single parents were to maintain strong relationships with mothers with 3 to 4 children, who homelessness related as well as couples, families or groups. general wellbeing needs. other organisations with workers were “couch-surfing” with either Workers are mindful and respectful attending meetings or advocating extended family members or Homelessness has a serious of cultural practices in Indigenous client action with relevant partners friends in extremely overcrowded impact on young people and peoples and respond appropriately such as; Partners Engaging Gray environments. Financial hardship, families. Experiencing the effects according to client circumstances School, The Smith Family, Anglicare, relationship breakdown, of homelessness or the anxiety and unique needs. Catholic Care, Save the Children, unaffordable housing and lack and uncertainty when at risk of Good Beginnings, Mission Australia, of education about/awareness By supporting the emotional homelessness makes it much harder St Vincent De Pauls, Lifeline, of alternative accommodation and mental wellbeing of clients, for clients to achieve their goals and Carpentaria Community Services, options were the key factors the program aims to maintain ensure their own and family’s well- Palmerston and Darwin City Council leading to these single mothers’ or improve connections with being. along with the various government near homelessness. their families and communities, departments. Homelessness damages individuals and maintains or improves their 2. Couples with at least one child and families’ capabilities through (21.4%). education, training or employment Somerville is active in shared loss of skills, an inability to focus on participation with improved access community events and maintains 3. Individuals (13.9%). Near-even employment whilst worrying about to sustainable housing. a consistent presence at a variety numbers of men and women aged housing, and through their emotional of community networks to remain 18 to 30, many of whom were This in turn encourages clients to and mental wellbeing becoming updated and actively involved in seeking crisis accommodation. build independence and reach compromised whilst homeless. community initiatives. We are also sustainable living. Somerville counsellor’s/support Homelessness also damages active in addressing community workers linked these clients to people’s resilience, self-esteem and Professional Development issues through participation at employment agencies and tertiary self-confidence. policy and strategy consultations education institutions that offered free Somerville supports its workers with and reviews within the government Family counsellors support these studies. These studies are offered to supervision, training and wellbeing departments and external agencies. empower clients to achieve their goals clients within a family centred activities, and is very mindful of safe Somerville further maintains strong of improving their living arrangement, approach that is strongly supported practice in the workplace. general well-being and future. by strength based practices and links and interconnects with other utilize an interpersonal relationship Professional Development is a focus service providers through its bi- “MyTime” network group to enable clients to develop self- at Somerville, and all staff are given monthly Support Workers Forum. understanding and enable desired the opportunity to participate in The Forum has been organised “MyTime” was established in 2008 after changes in their lives. This in turn professional development activities. by Somerville for several years it was realised that many rural clients contributes towards independent This facilitates further growth of and provides a platform for all were not accessing counselling services. and sustainable tenure. their professional knowledge, community agencies and service “MyTime” brings people together from competence, skill, effectiveness providers to share information. the community who may be isolated The assessment process is a collective whilst remaining up to date with and/or need easy and practical coping Photo: As part of professional development, Supported Accommodation Case approach used in a multidimensional community trends, which in turn strategies for daily living. manner and enables families to feel Worker, Sheree Smellin attended the 4th National Homelessness Summit. (The results in quality services. This year largest single cause of homelessness in Australia is domestic and family violence). ownership of the process. “MyTime” enables participants to three staff enrolled in further tertiary Establishment of Somerville share their wealth of knowledge and We believe that this practice provides studies. Child and Family Contact experiences on the topic of the day someone living with domestic Palmerston family counselling vulnerable families opportunities Staff are regularly provided Centre Service (CFCCS) with the other participants and the violence and self care. to identify their best potential and During 2014/15 our family counsellors with evidence based articles or facilitator. An essential element of therefore, creates hopeful futures for CFCCS is a joint program run by the While the program facilitators offer reports and these are reviewed these outreach supports involves engaged in 104 supports with all concerned. Department of Children and Families “MyTime” services within Somerville early intervention and preventative disadvantaged individuals, couples, at case discussions. Constant (DCF) and Somerville Community This work with client processes is based work in conjunction with government facilities there remains flexibility to children and families residing in supervisory practices ensure that services. The program aims to support on an ethos of respect for clients, their and community organisations. Family meet at organisations that support Palmerston and adjacent rural areas, workers operational duties are in children and young people in the care values, their beliefs, their uniqueness counsellors facilitate group work on a vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. at risk of homelessness or domestic accordance with professional and of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and their right to self-determination legal standards. Such supervisory of the DCF by improving attachment weekly and fortnightly basis. In 2014/15 these groups included: violence. The average support period and may involve intervening with practices along with maintaining and relationships with their parent(s) Darwin Aboriginal and Islander lasted up to 14 weeks. Our services Topics covered include human current problems, immediate crises, or training records identifies training and families and by increasing the Women’s Shelter (DAIWS), Berrimah include supportive counselling, relationships, emotional regulation, long-term difficulties. requirements that further improve capacity of families to meet the child stress management, grief and loss; Safe House, HPA, FORWAARD and information, referral, mediation, skills workers qualities. or young person’s needs. anxiety, depression, how to help Darwin Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre. development and education.

42 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 43 Case study

FAMILY SERVICES

The following case study provides conducted an interview and it was The client graduated the program an example of how Family Services agreed that housing the family for and was housed in a permanent TH staff help people. This particular four months with Somerville would property with her children. She has account is just one of the many be beneficial for the family unit. been empowered through parenting cases in which our counsellors and The worker had been advised that programs and counselling sessions family support workers assisted the client was approximately three and is now displaying positive signs during 2014/15. to four months away from being of moving forward in her ‘new life’ with her children. She said she felt free from her past trauma and substance use. “She has been empowered through parenting and Furthermore, the family support worker has supported the client in counselling sessions and is now moving forward in her commencing a community services new life. She has a happy outlook on life, and is excited course and will still engage with the family offering counselling support. A collaborative approach was Family Services staff attended a number of events during 2014/15. These events about her family’s future.” The family support worker has adopted by Somerville and DCF enabled our staff to provide information about Somerville’s services whilst linked the client into NA (narcotics workers that allowed not only sharing providing activities to children and families present. They also provided a great anonymous) meetings and a opportunity to maintain links with other service providers. of expertise, but focused on what Somerville accommodation workers sponsor for ongoing drug relapse housed by TH; however, she required was best for the families and their Photo: Kerry Boswell with a group of children enjoying the craft activities at a use a crisis centred/solution focused prevention support. The Somerville a tenancy reference to be eligible children. National Families Week event held at Gray School, Palmerston. approach that includes a solid Accommodation Service includes the for the TH property. Completion provision of referrals to Somerville’s strength base when working in a After a successful pilot (which of the Step Forward Program is Step Forward Program, during and crisis intervention situation with commenced in April 2014), DCF highly regarded by TH workers following the exit of families. This management, accommodation and The purpose of the program is to families who are experiencing the deemed the program a success. emergency relief funds - eliminated facilitate the recognition of existing program aims to connect community threat of homeless. This strategy and therefore this opportunity CFCCS, along with the Targeted the stress that clients would have strengths, build self-confidence, members with each other and involves the worker and the client with Somerville’s accommodation Family Support program has otherwise felt if they had to access encourage critical thinking, foster therefore, assists in building social, working together to identify the program improved her chances of continued. The programs are due for services from multiple organisations. independence and help people to human and cultural capital. The problems and solutions. success for tenancy. renewal in December 2015. effectively communicate and meet client now has a happy outlook on Collaboration and inter-agency their needs. A young mother was referred from The family seemed to settle well life and is excited about her and her networking was a feature of the Department of Children and into the accommodation unit and family’s future. Somerville’s commitment to operate as The program also has a particular Families to the accommodation the support worker initiated weekly a consumer-centred organisation and emphasis on the development of Strengthening partnerships with program due to homelessness face-to-face counselling sessions and occurred frequently in daily operations skills for obtaining and sustaining the Department of Children and and overcrowding. This client is a parenting programs. Throughout Families (DCF) with other community services and successful future tenancy as well as the counselling process the client mainstream organisations. financial stability. mother of five young children who felt enabled to express her fears Client referrals from DCF increased had been temporarily residing with Clients accessing Somerville and insecurities and demonstrated due to the strengthening of ties her grandfather in a two-bedroom Supported Accommodation willingness to work collaboratively between DCF and Somerville. Staff Territory Housing (TH) property, as Assistance Program (SAAP) were regularly communicated with each Introduced a supported well as with other friends and family with the family support worker and accommodation training encouraged to complete the program members. The family support worker other services. other to ensure that families and comprising of eight modules children were offered appropriate program (Step Forward) delivered over a four month stay. supports through the Targeted Family The ‘Step Forward’ program is a life On completion they received two Support program and the Child and skills and strength-based program certificates promoting them as Family Contact Centre Service. that aims to equip people with social, preferred tenants. DCF workers commented that the financial and interpersonal skills The program was also open to all other services provided by Somerville that enable them to cope with the other clients accessing Somerville - including counselling, advocacy, challenging and increasing demands services. financial counselling, money of everyday life. (continued page 45)

44 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 45 Photo: Somerville staff attended a Health & Wellbeing Expo at the Palmerston High School. Staff seen here providing information and resources to students about eating well, being active, and being involved in a safe and vibrant community.

The program has seven key 4. Studies and employment. The Photo: Our Katherine staff were kept very busy during 2014/15 supplying sleeping outcomes: program provides a platform bags, swags and blankets to the increasing number of people experiencing for participants to explore Assisted homeless and homelessness in the Katherine district. A big thank you to Street Swags Sydney, 1. Financial management. their existing academic and disadvantaged families with The Katherine Youth and Family Homeless Action Group Darwin and Knit One Give One for their kind donations.. Promotes money management employment skills in the context extended stays Services Program assists with: skills. Participants learn the of learning tools, techniques and • individual and family counselling; importance of, and receive the Clients typically exit the transitional education standards, employment Housing, Department of Children the importance of resumes, job • family mediation; tools to, simplify budgeting and supported accommodation provided opportunities and access to services. and Families, Anglicare, Catholic interviews and finding and applying • accessing accommodation; Care, Save the Children, Mission savings; maintaining positive credit by Somerville due to; being housed Therefore, many of the programs for studies and employment. by Territory Housing; success in Australia, St Vincent De Paul, NAAJA, histories; and education on credit • health and life skills; organised by Somerville workers aim 5. Parenting skills. Participants finding affordable accommodation in Men’s Group, Salvation Army, and loan interest, managing debts • advocacy and liaison; to further the wellbeing of Australia’s develop a greater understanding the private market; moving interstate; Katherine High, primary schools and and understanding contracts. most vulnerable people and avert of the different developmental and securing alternative long-term • financial counselling; Katherine City Council. homelessness through these activities. 2. Household management. stages of childhood and the • No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) transitional housing while waiting for Somerville’s Katherine staff were Promotes skills that foster time impact these stages have on their Key clients of this service include Territory Housing. • referral to other organisations; and active in shared community events management and safety within the child’s physical, emotional, social Indigenous and Torres Strait Island Delays in any process of securing our • Emergency Relief Funds (ERF). such as: Baby FAST, Homeless home, by providing participants and cognitive abilities. peoples, people with a mental illness, clients accommodation that they may Persons Week, Anti-Poverty Week, with the opportunity to learn new The total number of formal and rough sleepers, families escaping 6. Sustainable tenancy. This is the be exiting into occasional resulted in Children’s Week, Healthy Living tools and techniques to maintain informal referrals increased by 7% domestic violence, youth and people overarching theme that runs extended delays. Expo’s, National Youth Week, Soup a healthy, safe and “easy to keep during 2014/15. Case studies and exiting the justice system. throughout the entire program with Kitchen and White Ribbon Day. clean” home. During these extended stay clients client surveys were all positive in the aim of empowering participants were provided with support in both the support that our clients Staff attended monthly 3. Consumer awareness. to engage in critical thinking and education, employment opportunities outreach meetings at Katherine Participants are empowered to informed decision-making that will received and progress made. and information about alternative Bringing community partners Accommodation Action Group, Chain, make informed decisions when prevent possible homelessness. Many youth from Indigenous pathways into housing options such together Men’s Network, Youth Interagency purchasing consumer services and backgrounds are involved in our 7. Self-care. Participants increase as Venture Housing. This empowered Task and Coordination Group, and products through the provision of programs. Our workers are aware Our Youth and Family Services their understanding of why self- families to make positive decisions Suicide Prevention. information and budget illustration. that historically, Indigenous Coordinator maintained relationships care is important by exploring skills that promoted healthy living and They are able to identify needs people have been impacted by with other organisations through These meetings helped to ensure that enhance personal hygiene, sustainable tenancies. versus wants and thereby make organising and attending meetings clients were referred to appropriate social and emotional well being. exclusionary practices that have shopping decisions that better suit negatively affected their mental or advocating client action with service programs. their family’s needs and budget. and physical health, housing and relevant partners, such as Territory

46 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 47 Mentoring & supporting youth Shortage of accommodation Staff were constantly finding and lengthy waiting lists unique programs to empower The team had a challenging disadvantaged youth who are job during 2014/15 as lengthy vulnerable to homelessness. During waiting lists for Territory Housing 2014/15 a number of successful and private rentals were not events were organised and attended uncommon. The clients were often Case study “Our Clients” by hundreds of young people and living with a family in overcrowded their families. housing, living on the street or KATHERINE FAMILY SERVICES by the river, staying in hostels These events enabled staff to This family has worked with engage with young people and or experiencing relationship Family services breakdowns. a Somerville support worker provided avenues for mentoring and for some time. Initially peer support. Some of the events Somerville workers did what the family was assisted to included: The cinema event, Couch they could and assisted clients in secure accommodation at Financial services Surfing, Skate Date, Pool Party, Kiag completing application forms for the Corroboree Hostel where Cup Football Competition at Kalano Territory Housing and provided they stayed until NT Housing and open air movie nights. support letters for housing accommodation became Importantly, Somerville’s approach applications. Staff also helped available. was aimed at providing families with clients with bond assistance. protective factors to assist them 2015/16 is not expected to be any A five year comparison of the issues our clients face in attaining independence and better and we will need to continue “We assisted the client reducing the risk of homelessness. to work with Governments and We were well positioned to provide other Service organisations to try in securing temporary PRESENTING ISSUES 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 a quality service that ensured and improve the situation. accommodation until vulnerable people of Katherine had Accommodation: 433 491 563 507 509 opportunities to feel safe and build NT Housing was made Including people who were homeless or resilience. available.” trying to find somewhere affordable to live. Financial: 2596 3,207 3,508 3,127 3,456 Emergency Relief Funds were Including credit/debt issues, gambling, used to pay for two nights’ bankruptcy, income issues, business accommodation until the client’s failure, contract disputes, taxation and next Centrelink payment, and loan assistance through (NILS). then regular deductions from Legal: 512 492 788 626 607 Centrelink were organised. Including domestic violence, law breaking, custody/access, sexual abuse Other supports for this client and child abuse. involved engaging her children Physical health/addiction: 255 408 641 706 683 with school, advocating and Including developmental issues, assisting her with bond and substance abuse and eating disorders. other housing matters. Psychological: 162 128 173 106 100 The client also accessed a Including life threatening issues, No Interest Loan through a depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment, Somerville financial counsellor stress, changed personal circumstances to enable her to purchase and trauma. essential items such a fridge and Relationship: 82 53 59 48 51 a washing machine. Including family breakdown and parenting. Somerville workers still have a Social skills: 53 41 48 44 41 Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that Katherine has the highest rate of strong working relationship with Including anger, life skills, self esteem, homelessness per capita than anywhere else in Australia. With the assistance this family and offer support home management and employment of Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) and good working relationships with when needed. accommodation facilities staff, Somerville were able to assist many homeless issues. people during 2014/15. Total of assisted clients 4093 4,820 5,780 5,164 5,447 Photo: Katherine Youth and Family Services Coordinator David Forder with Ormonde House manager Dianne Woods. (Ormonde House provides accommodation for single men experiencing homelessness).

48 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 49 Financial services

Financial Services is the financial welfare arm of Somerville. Our Financial Counsellors work The role of this service is to assist people in all areas of their closely with clients to assess their financial circumstances, assist with financial wellbeing. Our Financial Counsellors and Financial establishing individual budgets Capability Workers assist people of all ages ranging from and provide options for debts. They adolescents to adults. We work with couples, individuals and also assist with the negotiation of groups and assist anyone who is experiencing a financial debts with creditors, applications crisis or problem in their life. for hardship and bankruptcy. Our Financial Counsellors are also trained Located in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine and the to provide financial counselling to surrounding areas, we also assist people across the Northern problem gamblers and their families. Territory through the 1800 007 007 Financial Counselling Our Financial Capability Workers Helpline. provide a broad range of financial literacy sessions including budgeting, saving, spending patterns, goal setting, information on credit and its pitfalls and banking options. They also assist people to KEY ACHIEVEMENTS understand Centrelink programs, welfare workers, support workers, Photo: During 2014/15 a number of Somerville’s Financial Services Team successfully completed the Diploma in Community Services (Financial Services). • Ongoing professional development Income Management, Centre Pay financial counsellors and Financial and the Basics Card. Capability Workers. Photo: Financial counsellors pictured with CEO Vicki O’Halloran AM (Centre) • Increased the reach of our Services • Achieved National NILS Accreditation Our Financial Services team also These experienced and qualified staff • Financial Capability programs; In addition, one of our Financial deliver the NILS to the Darwin, work as an integrated team which • several Financial Literacy Counsellors complemented her Palmerston and Katherine strengthens the services provided to KEY CHALLENGES programs (money business, Diploma by completing the Rural communities. NILS offers small no our clients. Financial Counselling unit. • Expand the NILS program into remote communities interest loans to people on low budgeting workshops); • Delivering services in uncertain times incomes for the purchase of essential • No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) Both of our Financial Capability household goods. Somerville for low income families; • Effectively managing the complex nature of presenting Financial Services provides services Workers (previously known as employs a NILS Coordinator who • Tax Help; and cases in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine Money Management Workers) have administers and promotes the and surrounding areas. Through the • Emergency Relief Funds (ERF) for completed their Certificate III in program. Financial Counselling Helpline, we assistance with utility bills. Community Service which is the We also participate in the annual were also able to extend this service recognised qualification for Financial Tax Help program managed by into remote areas. Capability Workers. the Australian Taxation Office. Our Ongoing professional To further develop their skills, both of accredited staff assist low income development our Financial Capability Workers were earners to complete and lodge their Services provided by Somerville successful in obtaining Scholarships tax returns at no charge. This service This year we continued to focus Financial Services during 2014/15 to complete their Diploma in is available between 1 July and 31 on the ongoing professional included: October at our Darwin, Palmerston development of our Financial Community Services (Financial and Katherine offices. • financial counselling; Services team. Counselling). Many of our clients present with • financial counselling targeted All of our Financial Counsellors These scholarships were made multiple issues and our Financial at problem gamblers and their have successfully completed their available by The Jan Pentland Services team work collaboratively families; Diploma in Community Services Foundation and the Commonwealth with the Family Services arm of our • the national 1800 007 007 financial (Financial Counselling) the nationally Bank through the Indigenous organisation and together draw counselling helpline to assist all recognised qualification for the Consumer Assistance Network on a diverse base of social workers, Territorians; financial counselling profession. (ICAN).

50 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 51 Somerville also hosted the annual Bankruptcy Training offered to all community service Finance Workers in the region. The training was presented by a qualified trainer from the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) Adelaide office. All staff have an individual Development Plan which was reviewed every 3 months to ensure their professional development was on track. Financial Services staff also met with their manager on a monthly basis for two way discussion/ feedback as well as participating in an annual review process. During 2015/16 we will continue to ensure that our team has access to ongoing professional development opportunities to meet the requirements of our funding agreements, to provide a professional service and to ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Increased the reach of our Services Photo (left). As part of developing Photo (above). Somerville attended a We actively promoted all of our workforce capability, each year number of community events during Financial Services to the broader Somerville organises Bankruptcy 2014/15. One such event was ASIC’s Training. Finance workers from across financial literacy “MoneySmart Week” community via radio, television the Northern Territory attended the where Financial Services staff provided advertising and the use of our 2015 workshop conducted by Australian information about the importance of Somerville notice boards. Financial Security Authority (AFSA). making sound financial decisions. Our staff manned stalls at a number of community events to ensure We also continued to strengthen our Procedures to ensure they complied information on our services was relationship with Amity Community with Good Shepherds Microfinance reaching the broader community. Services through conducting Common Principles and Standards. information sharing forums, ensuring Through the reach of our Financial This accreditation ensures we have a referral processes are in place. Capability Workers we developed robust program which we will deliver new relationships with a number of All Financial Services staff completed to the community for many years to indigenous community organisations their Australian Taxation Office (ATO) come. and now present financial literacy Tax Help accreditation and the team programs to these groups on a assisted over 240 low income clients regular basis. to lodge their Tax Returns. Expand the NILS Program into We focused our attention on Gambling Venues in Darwin, remote communities (ongoing) Palmerston and Katherine, with Achieved National NILS Background regular visits to talk to venue staff Accreditation (Customer Liaison Officer) and An ongoing challenge in 2014/15 replenish brochures displayed in all This year Somerville was successful was to expand the NILS program venues. These regular visits ensured in achieving National NILS into remote communities in the that venue staff were aware of our Accreditation. This Accreditation Northern Territory in partnership Financial Counselling program for is undertaken by the Quality with the Traditional Credit Union problem gamblers as well as raising Assurance Team at Good Shepherd (TCU), the Arnhem Land Progress awareness of all the services and Microfinance, who completed a Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) and programs Somerville provides. full audit of our NILS Policies & Outback Stores.

52 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 53 Our plan was to pilot the program Ruth had never owned a refrigerator, The NILS worker spent time with in one location initially and then Case study and made many trips to the local Ruth going over her budget to ensure that the $20 fortnightly loan expand the program across the NO INTEREST LOAN SCHEME community store each day to buy remaining 10 communities serviced food. To have her own fridge in her repayment was affordable for Ruth. by our partners. house would mean the food for her Once the loan was approved Ruth children could be kept fresh and she The service delivery of the remote then visited the local store to choose would not have to make daily trips to NILS program presented many her refrigerator. the local store. challenges including: Ruth, a single mother living in a Ruth felt very proud that she was Ruth was a little hesitant initially • sustaining continuity and remote community, lodged an able to purchase a refrigerator for her about taking out a loan as she had communication with TCU staff; application for a No Interest Loan family. never had a loan before and was • active promotion of NILS; through her local TCU branch to purchase a refrigerator. worried about affording • the availability of goods; and the fortnightly repayment. • maintaining communication with clients whose loans fell into arrears. Outcome Laura was now suspicious, so some relief knowing that there Case study she started taking a note of bank was a way forward and this gave We found that our biggest challenge Knowing how to make sound financial decisions is a core skill in today’s world, statements and accounts as they her the determination she needed was training the TCU staff in the regardless of age. Simple steps can make a big difference to ones finances. A COMPLEX CASE came in. She then realised that her to convince her husband that he process of collating the applications, Photo: Financial Counsellor Vicki Borzi assisting a client in financial literacy. husband had multiple credit cards needed to speak to one of our to ensure all the required client which all exceeded their approved Financial Counsellors. documentation was submitted limits. Laura also intercepted many for assessment of the loan. Staff It was some weeks later that Laura presented at our office overdue account notices in the post. found obtaining the required Laura’s husband Colin attended Delivering services in uncertain To effectively manage the seeking emergency relief to help documents from clients very difficult It was at this time that Laura’s his first appointment with one times (ongoing) complex nature of presenting with the purchase of food for her as clients did not generally keep husband stopped giving her money of our Financial Counsellors and cases (ongoing) family. documentation, and due to the Delivering ongoing services in to manage the household which the extent of the family’s financial remoteness of some of the locations times of funding uncertainty was a The complex nature of cases She explained that it had been a left Laura with no money to buy distress became clear. Our Financial general modes of communication challenge in 2014/15. continued to present a challenge to very difficult month with meeting food for the family. Laura sought Counsellor negotiated with Colin’s the Financial Services team this year. support from family and friends creditors and payment plans were such as mobile phone and internet Due to the expiry of existing financial commitments and that a only to learn that her husband had put in place. Over a number of were not available. Commonwealth funding agreements food voucher would assist her until Whilst client numbers were down on been borrowing money from them appointments, Colin came to realise and a change of Government, next pay day. She was very distressed Turnover of TCU staff was also a last year, presenting cases continued regularly, supposedly to pay rent that if he was to get his finances back we found ourselves in a funding and embarrassed about her situation challenge and although we held to be complex in nature. As was or to help with car repairs, always on track, he needed to address his environment where tendering but indicated that she would be back training sessions, staff then moved the case last year, mortgage stress promising to pay the money back, gambling addiction. Colin was ready processes were abandoned and on track next month. on which made continuity of a remained a common problem. which he never did. Laura was to take the next step and that was existing agreements extended on a consistent message difficult. Complex cases meant less clients The following month Laura devastated and this was when she when we referred him to a counsellor number of short-term contracts with presented again for the same Availability of goods was not an issue could be seen each day, resulting came to Somerville for support. at Amity Community Service to no long-term agreements in place. support and was again feeling address his gambling addiction. for this program and both ALPA and in waiting lists for our services. We Our Family Counsellor referred Laura Our strategy has been to continue have however been successful in very distressed and embarrassed. Outback Stores were able to provide However, this time she opened up to to one of our Financial Counsellors Colin and Laura’s journey has been a range of quality goods within the service delivery as usual and to securing funding from the CBF for an specialising in gambling related a long one, with Colin still attending explore other funding opportunities. additional Financial Counsellor in our the counsellor and shared the reason $1,200 NILS loan limit. for her financial and emotional stress. issues. Whilst Laura was not aware of regular appointments with our For example, we submitted a Financial Counselling for Problem the family’s exact financial position Financial Counsellor. Both Colin The remote NILS was a pilot program proposal to the NT Minister of Gamblers program which we hope Laura explained that her husband with funding agreements with due to her husband controlling the and Laura have also been seeing Corrections to consider funding will enable us to see more clients and enjoyed a bet, however, until finances, our Financial Counsellor our relationship counsellor as the the Department of Social Services a program that would introduce in-turn reduce our waiting lists. recently she had been unaware of expiring in June 2015. A decision financial support, literacy and money (See Case study: a complex case on the extent of his gambling problem. was made federally that the remote management to working prisoners. the next page). Laura’s husband had always handled NILS program would not be refunded However, competition is high as all the family finances, therefore, Laura “Laura’s husband stopped giving her money to buy food and our remote program and community service organisations had been unaware of how bad their partnerships ceased in June 2015. We compete for funding. financial situation was until the for the family. ” will continue to manage the loans Our Financial Services team remains landlord had phoned her threatening currently outstanding, however no resilient and our reputation for good to evict the family if the rent arrears new loans will be issued. There is a service is well known. We enter the were not paid. Shocked, Laura discussed options with Laura two services work together to definite need in remote communities new financial year with existing confronted her husband regarding around how we could assist with support the family. Due to this team for the NILS program, however funding agreements due to expire the rent and he denied that the their finances. Laura realised it approach the future for Colin, Laura without ongoing funding this is not in six months and awaiting advice situation was that bad and said that was imperative that her husband and their family is looking positive. sustainable. on ongoing Federal Government he would talk to the landlord to “sort saw a Financial Counsellor as the (See case study: NILS - on next page). funding opportunities. it out”. first step in the process. Laura felt

54 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 55 Disability services

Somerville Disability Services provides supported accommodation for people with severe to profound We recognise that including people disabilities requiring 24 hour care with disability in the normal life of Somerville believes strongly that people’s lives and the community is not just their right, but it builds a stronger society. personalities are not defined by their impairments. As such the disability services program strives to provide innovative and best practice support that meets individuals’ Services provided during 2014/15 needs and wants. included: We take great pride in our endeavours to provide a person- • high quality community based centred service that supports people to think big, aim supported accommodation; • a brokered social participation In 2014 the City of Darwin opened an accessible fishing platform at the Nightcliff high, identify and work towards meeting their desires and foreshore. (See ‘Advocating for Inclusion’ page 61) program for people with severe to At Somerville approximately 80% of aspirations. Photo: Patrick with Fabian ready to throw in a line. profound disability; the disability services staff come from • education; and non-English speaking backgrounds The Brokered Social Participation Supported Accommodation • research. representing 28 different nationalities. Program is overseen by the Service Program Somerville is committed to our This diverse group of people come to Development Manager and us with a myriad of skills, interests and Somerville finished the 2014/15 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS policies and practices that promote Administrator and implemented the inclusion of people with backgrounds. Our front line staff have by a Senior Support Officer with a year with 11 operational supported • Disability Services Award recognises Somerville’s excellence disability in normal social and proven that they are committed to our Diploma of Community Welfare and a accommodation homes located in in the industry economic life. organisational values and ensuring Certificate IV in Community Services Darwin, Howard Springs and Katherine. • To strive to deliver programs of the highest quality meeting the people we support receive quality During the year one of the homes in We do this within a framework that (Lifestyle and Leisure) qualifications the needs of individuals, families and communities care and support, all day every day. Darwin was temporarily closed. is guided by the principles and and 23 years of experience in the • Realign the Somerville business model to ensure that practices outlined in the: Somerville’s House Coordinators sector. The service currently provides it is positioned for the future funding models in a more Group (HCG) is made up of our permanent support to 47 people, with competitive funding market • Disability Services Act (1986); The two Disability Services Managers middle managers (Coordinators) core responsibilities are to identify, severe to profound disability many • National Disability Services responsible for leading our frontline with complex health care needs, on a KEY CHALLENGES Standards (2013); oversee and implement the staff. Their purpose statement programs aims and objectives, and permanent basis. • United Nations Convention on the highlights their commitment to their • Funding and cost of doing business be responsible for the effective day The supported accommodation rights of persons with disabilities; leadership responsibilities; “To build • Ensuring high quality services to people with high care to day management of the service homes are staffed 24/7 to ensure that • Person Centred Practices; empowerment as a leadership team support needs and those with frequently changing needs which involves 165 staff (including each person receives quality support. and to encourage and support skills • Social Role Valorization, and approximately 60 casual positions). This level of support allows for the development and knowledge by • Anti-discrimination Act. implementation of various programs providing excellent outcomes for The positions are also responsible for of specific benefit to each person. Somerville is committed to the team members, Service Users and projects which will see Somerville’s principles which underpin the Somerville.” Disability Services leading the To ensure that we continued to National Disability Insurance industry in areas of policy, risk deliver high quality supported Somerville’s Education Officer supports Scheme (NDIS); principles of choice management, service provision and accommodation to best meet our the program through the provision and control, improved community community involvement with a clear Service Users’ needs and measure of high quality in house training and linkages and individualised supports focus on consistent delivery of high service appeal and expectations, we for people with disability. education for staff. A testament to the quality care and support. conducted a survey of guardians to quality of our training is the number These standards and theories give us enable an opportunity for them to of requests received from other The Disability Services team is the framework to provide the best review our service from an external service providers and stakeholders to supported by the organisations over- possible support to all people within service provider perspective. participate and or have our modules arching administration, finance and our service. adapted for use in their services. assets and maintenance teams. (continued page 59)

56 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 57 NMDS Disability Profile The Commonwealth State and Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) reporting requirements, being the Disability Services National Minimum Data Set (NMDS) divides disabilities into twelve categories. About this table: NMDS user profile of the people we supported as at 30 June 2015.

Intellectual - 24.7% Speech - 24.0% Physical - 18.0% Neurological - 16.8% Autism and aspergers - 4.8% Acquired brain injury - 3.0% Vision 3.0% Deafblind/dual sensory - 2.4% Psychiatric - 1.8% Hearing - 1.2%

Of note: Somerville does not have Service Users that are classified in two categories: Brokered Social work diligently in our community Photo: Michael enjoying his trampoline therapy with Liz and Meg. ◊◊ Developmental delay. (Only relates to people under the age of five years). Participation Program awareness efforts across the Northern Territory. We work to build ◊◊ Specific learning disability (Other than an intellectual disability). Somerville’s Social Participation awareness of the needs and wants and Brokerage program has at its of people with disability; develop core a commitment to assist people capacity of people, communities and Disability Services Awards Disability Service Profile with disability to establish mutually governments; and create improved recognises Somerville’s beneficial relationships, networks, About this table: opportunities for people with excellence in the industry support systems and friendships disability to access and participate in The Northern Territory Government Demographic user profile for the people we supported throughout 2014/15: within their local community. community activities. Department of Health in collaboration This is achieved primarily through with National Disability Services NT recreational and leisure environments. The research is undeniable: active host the Northern Territory Disability The program aims to assist the people participation can enhance quality Services Awards. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Male - 66% Ambulant - 55% we support to have new experiences of life for people with a disability. The Awards recognise exceptional Islander descent - 68% Female - 34% Non ambulant- 45% thus opening up a range of new It can reduce social isolation, aid individuals working in the disability Other - 32% options, choices and aspirations not in reducing the impacts of mental considered previously. health issues, empower people sector as well as government and non- to be involved in processes which government services, organisations, The Brokerage program is businesses and programs that underpinned by the values of affect them, increase knowledge and enhance exposure to networks. demonstrate outstanding inclusion, self determination, commitment to improving the lives of independence, decision-making Ensuring people with disability people with a disability. Descent Gender Mobility and choice. are active community participants Since its inception Somerville changes community perceptions. An Brokerage Programs are tailored to has sponsored one of the award inclusive community is a tolerant, the individual with identifiable and categories. In 2014 we are proud to respectful and compassionate measurable goals; determined by the have sponsored the Outstanding individual and their support networks. community. Disability Service Employee category. Community awareness and National Minimum Data Set The overall Award for Excellence is engagement (NMDS) Disability Profile chosen from among the winners of Of note: each of the Award categories. People ◊◊ As at 30 June 2015 Somerville finished the year with 11 operational supported Somerville plays an important role in Somerville’s population group as from all over the Northern Territory accommodation homes, supporting 47 people with severe to profound disability. ensuring that the many connections defined by the Disability Services are nominated by colleagues, ◊◊ As at 30 June 2015 the age range of service recipients was 19.2 - 66.3 years with an people with disability have in their NMDS is outlined in the graph on the families, Service Users and other average age of 44 years. local communities are optimal. We previous page. agencies.

58 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 59 In 2014 three of Somerville’s Insurance Agency (NDIA) in the Disability Services team members planning and assessment tool. were nominated: Improved quality and safeguarding • Patrick Rolletschke, Disability strategies have also been introduced. Services Coordinator, in the Somerville is working closely with category of Emerging Leader. the NT Department of Health to • Sumedha Rankot, Disability ensure all our current and future Services Coordinator, in the Service Users have active Case category of Outstanding Disability Coordinators where appropriate, and Service Employee. care and support needs assessments • Emily Farey, Disability Support are current. Worker, in the category of Outstanding Disability Service Employee. Taking our art to the community The Somerville Disability Services Team (as a whole) was Each year Service Users are also nominated in the category encouraged to enter their craft of Excellence in Promoting masterpieces into the Royal Darwin Community Awareness. Show. The Show has a special needs section and is judged along with all We are proud that the Somerville other entries in this division. Disability Services Team was recognised as an outstanding This year we saw some amazing contributor and Sumedha Rankot creative entries including a mounted was the winner of Outstanding stag, a log cabin, a didgeridoo, hot Disability Service Employee. air balloon and paintings. Somerville Service Users were successful again this year winning Ensuring quality outcomes both first and second prizes. First for people with disability prize was awarded to Malcolm through workforce training and Yantarrnga for his log cabin with second prize going to Mark Jones for development. The annual NT Disability Services Awards recognise exceptional individuals his mounted stag. Over the past two years we have working in the disability sector. Somerville’s Disability Services Coordinator, challenged the mindset of our Sumedha Rankot, won “Outstanding Disability Service Employee”. Congratulations not only to the prize support workers. A review of the Photo: Sumedha seen here with Somerville Disability Services Managers Debbie winners but to all who entered their Photo: Ross receiving his participation certificate for his Royal Darwin Show art position descriptions and intensive Bampton (left) and Bonnie Solly. work. A lot of talent and hard work entry - “Didgeridoo” from CEO Vicki O’Halloran. training has changed their thinking went into the pieces of art and craft. from personal care, as the most This focus on training has had Services must adapt in order to Congratulations to: important role to the realisation that significant impact withindisability remain relevant. Somerville is Because it is a road race it has been it is only one of their many essential • Malcolm Yantarrnga – Wooden services. The people we support preparing for these changes; we are challenging to locate appropriate roles. Other roles include creator of Cabin (first prize) Cycling for inclusion lead far more fulfilling lives and taking a leading role in reform in the stretches of road where it is safe for life experiences, teacher, mentor and are participating in activities not • Mark Jones – Mounted Stag Over the past four years Somerville our Service Users to participate. therapist aid. NT and contributing nationally. previously dreamed of and our staff (second prize) has been involved in the Top End Somerville is ensuring our own We have discussed this issue with We also reviewed and modified have a greater sense of purpose and • Mitchell Gurruwiwi – Outdoor Gran Fondo, a long distance, timed event organisers and as a result a recruitment practices to ensure value, resulting in a more positive, systems, processes and people are Canvas preparing for the new challenges cycling event that invites competitive, short mini Fondo will be included safety and wellbeing of Service Users skilled and motivated workforce. for the August 2015 event. This will and way of doing business. • Ross King – Didgeridoo amateur and recreational cyclists and undertook staff skills matching enable junior riders and our Service • Gary Cassidy – Flicking of all abilities to participate in a with service user needs and wants. We have reviewed and aligned all Users to participate. It will also • Marie Collin – Hot Air Balloon policies and procedures with the community cycling event. Each year incorporate the start and finish line During 2014/15, we encouraged Preparing for a brave new world Coordinators to undertake formal National Standards for Disability • Gavan Roe – Flower Wall Hanging a number of staff and Service Users so participants can join in the fun, qualifications in management and are With the introduction of the NDIS Services. Planning documentation • Christopher Markwell – Truckin’ from our Disability Services Program festivities and excitement as cyclists aiming at having all frontline workers the disability sector is going through utilises the 10 domain areas Prints have participated in the event. come in to finish the race. having a minimum of Certificate IV the initial stages of the greatest identified by the National Disability qualification by the end of 2016. reform agenda seen in this country.

60 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 61 for work experience and practical observations. During 2014/15 Dancing for inclusion Somerville staff were present at every Total Recreation is a not-for-profit career expo, school career information organisation in Darwin providing session and university open day opportunities for people with to promote the opportunities and a disability to be active in the diversity of positions available community through sport and through the community and disability recreation. services sectors. For the past eight years Total Recreation has held their major fundraising event, the Dancing with Funding and cost of doing Celebrities Gala Ball. Held in October, business the event showcases local celebrities partnering with talented people with Somerville is adept at making disability. Each couple is vying for the the funds go further. We have commenced the development of a coveted Grand Champion title. Disability Services practical policies One of our Service Users Seb, is visually impaired. For the past twelve months For the past four years Somerville and procedures manual which the staff at Seb’s home have been committed to strategies aimed at reducing life staff have been proud to partner with we hope to put into a marketable limiting constraints. Total Recreation. To this end three resource kit. Photo: Seb learning to use his white tipped walking cane in public. Somerville staff members volunteered However, with increasing costs their time hosting Ball Boot Camp. associated with doing business it This is not your conventional boot Should an alternative model of We will work to implement the will result in challenges ahead for camp – more of a health, glamour and service provision be required that charting program across the service 2015/16. We will therefore need to nutrition camp. For the seven weeks is more reflective of the increased throughout 2015/16. continue to work diligently to recoup prior to the Ball, the participants medical needs of the people we deficits with focused fundraising and came to Somerville on Thursday support, the Board is open to sponsorship and spend our funds afternoons and participated in discussion. wisely to ensure value for money – all Diversifying accommodation information sessions and discussions at no cost to our commitment to a supports - increasing covering numerous topics including high quality service. independence healthy living, taking care of you, and Person Centred Active Support personal grooming. Each week also (PCAS) charting for individuals Traditionally Somerville has provided included a gentle exercise and fitness Dancing with Celebrities showcases local celebrities partnering with talented supported accommodation on a 24/7 program. people with disability. Somerville and Total Recreation staff believe the sessions We reported in 2013/14 that we had model with multiple staff on each help build confidence and self-esteem. Ensuring high quality services to commenced formalised charting of shift and an active night duty. Service User, Matthew Lucas has people with high care support Photo: Matthew Lucas and his partner Caroline Jape won the Cerbis Gypsy Tap person centred active support (PCAS) been a participant in the ball for the needs Whilst this is the preferred model Champion Award. opportunities for a number of people and essential for the majority of past four years. We were so delighted Somerville is committed to ensuring in our service. when Matt and his partner Caroline that the people we support are able our existing Service Users, there are Jape won the Cerbis Gypsy Tap With a Somerville manager on the to remain in our service regardless of We believe by recording this data we some people who could benefit from Champion Award. Also Somerville City of Darwin’s Disability Advisory their age. Equally we are committed are better able to gauge our progress an alternative model. Preparing the next generation as a service provider in ensuring employee Callum Bateman and his Committee, we have been able to to ensuring high quality services A thorough planning process and through strategic partnerships PCAS is embedded in the service partner Jeanette Anictomatis won the advocate for improved access and for people with complex and often focus on skill development identified and a commitment to learning offered. It also provides us with the Somerville Foxtrot Champion Award. inclusion for people with disability in compounding health needs. increased independence as a new evidence for people we support to the Territory’s capital. The introduction of the NDIS means goal for a number of existing Service Although Somerville provides see the advances they have made in there are going to be significant specialised training for frontline Users. In 2014 the City of Darwin chose changes to our workforce and our skill acquisition. Advocating for inclusion workers in high-care medical units, With the introduction of the NDIS, International Day for People with workforce will need to double. The We had hoped that we would be able we do not employ medical or allied Somerville will be open and willing Ensuring Somerville staff have Disability to open an accessible sector needs to act now to ensure a to implement the charting across health staff. The Board is aware that to examine alternative supported representative roles on local, territory fishing platform at the Nightcliff workforce for the future. Somerville the program in the past 12 months. with complex client groups comes accommodation options and models and national panels and committees, foreshore and purchased portable has established informal agreements Whilst we haven’t achieved this goal, increased challenges and risks that for new and existing Service Users. etc is essential to gathering the best flooring available for free hire to with training organisations including need to be addressed and wherever we have continued to measure the quality information and promoting enable safer and easier mobility for CDU and local high schools possible mitigated. progress for the initial 10 people what we do. outdoor events in Darwin. guaranteeing student placements involved in the program.

62 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 63 It aims to encourage the community and Wellbeing Markets” and cooking Introducing to think more broadly and creatively up a storm for dinner prior to the Introducing about what people with a disability launch of the Deckchair Cinema can accomplish and how they can presentation of the inspirational Angela contribute to the diversity and fabric movie ‘The Crash Reel’. Mark of our community. Angela took great pride in attending Angela is a vibrant and enthusiastic At Somerville we work with the The role of the Ambassador varies these events and enjoyed being in person who approaches everything belief that we can and do change from person to person depending and with the community. Somerville she does with gusto. peoples’ lives. As a team we believe upon their interests and expertise. staff and Board are extremely proud that all people, regardless of their Angela is also very much a social Somerville was delighted that in of her contributions to the events level of disability, have dreams, person, loves being the centre 2014 one of our Service Users, during Disability Awareness Week aspirations and can learn new skills It is well documented that animal-assisted therapy improves individuals social, of attention, has a huge and Angela Budulngulil, was invited to be 2014. She was not only a wonderful to achieve greater independence and emotional and cognitive functioning as well as reducing anxiety levels. Animals compassionate heart and loves to an Ambassador. Ambassador for the City of Darwin autonomy. also provide an opportunity for fun and relaxation. help others. but also for Somerville. Angela took her role seriously with Mark is a placid and quiet man, Photo: Mark with his new found friend - “Pepper the Pig”. Each year the City of Darwin her usual joviality. She attended Staff believe the experience has unassuming but watchful; he wasn’t celebrates the contributions of many official functions including the helped Angela build confidence and always like this. Over the years he has people with disability to our city launch at Parliament House, hosting self-esteem. had many challenges which stifled Sometime later a new recruit to the Community outings now occur ithrough Disability Awareness Week. an information table at the “Health his development and prevented him existing menagerie was introduced. multiple times a week. A visit to the from being the man he wanted to be. She’s a sweet girl with a fun and local shopping centre no longer Mark lives at one of our supported mischievous attitude. She loves to be instils trepidation and refusal to get accommodation houses in a rural around everyone and made herself out of the car. Rather Mark bounds Darwin with four other gentlemen well and truly at home. Her name out of the car, it’s an enjoyable and a small menagerie of rural is “Pepper the Pig”. Her favourite experience that generally results in animals. There was a time in his life activities include gardening, a snack or a meal or a new personal when Mark was unable to do the swimming, having cuddles, showers, item. Mark is an avid swimmer who most basic of personal care or daily sleeping on the couch and bean bag visits public pools around Darwin living activities for himself. He was and loves a good scratch. Pepper had and is a frequent visitor to the wave unable to tolerate noise, bright found a new best friend in Mark. pool, which he really enjoys. lights, crowds and feared new places Mark is now participating in We are currently assessing the and therefore didn’t participate activities of daily living. He will viability of establishing a marketable in community based activities. He wash all the dishes on the sink, garden nursery at the property didn’t appear to be a social person assist with the household grocery and intend Mark to be part of this and chose to isolate himself within shopping, participate in household process. his home, generally in his bedroom. chores and is an avid assistant in Mark has embraced all these When agitated or frustrated by being the garden. Personal care tasks are new experiences and now has a asked to perform any one of the completed independently or with willingness and eagerness to do above tasks or activities he would minimal prompting and Mark is things for himself and appears display significantly challenging and displaying a penchant for trendy happier and more content. We aggressive behaviours. and well coordinated clothes. Mark look forward to working with Mark is spending more time interacting A turning point for Mark occurred and assisting and enabling him to with his housemates and staff, and some 18 months ago when one of participate more fully in life. our staff brought her tiny puppy into will often initiate the interaction work. Mark appeared to really bond himself. He now eats with great table with the little puppy. manners at the dining table with his housemates.

Photo: Disability Awareness Week Ambassador Angela Budulngulil (centre) with Somerville Education Officers Diana Smith and David Sheasby, promoting Somerville’s services to the public at the “Happiness and Wellbeing Market”.

64 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 65 Assets, infrastructure and maintenance

The Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance (AIM) team is responsible for the maintenance, safety We continued our strong and ongoing upgrades and renovations of all commitment to providing a safe Somerville owned and managed assets including workplace for our employees and we houses, offices, a warehouse and fleet vehicles. are pleased to report that there were no serious workplace injuries during Somerville continually strives to provide the highest quality 2014/15. of living through our supported accommodation programs Two new health and safety claims in achieving functionality, a safe and healthy environment were referred to our insurer for individuals and families and one which portrays a positive compared with three the previous image to the wider community. year. The constructive relationship with our insurance company Studies have also shown that well-presented offices and continued to maximise the ability a good working environment have a positive impact on of injured staff to return to work as • regular maintenance of pools/spas; Photo: Somerville’s Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance team ensured that soon as possible. employees. In line with this, the AIM team ensured that • updates to our asbestos register; all assets were well-maintained throughout 2014/15 with regular maintenance, scheduled painting, renovations and upkeep of all grounds and gardens. all assets were well-presented throughout 2014/15 with We implemented the following new • pest control/termite inspections; regular maintenance, scheduled painting, ongoing upgrades, health and safety initiatives: • airconditioner cleaning/servicing; Works included a successful working renovations and upkeep of all grounds and gardens. • The WHS Committee introduced bee by Somerville staff and National • carpet and furniture cleaning; Ongoing commitment to Our fleet vehicles were maintained in a similar condition with simple ‘safety tips’ that were Australia Bank volunteers giving emailed out monthly to all • 24-hour monitored security; improve the living and regular servicing carried out and presentation of all vehicles the overall property a complete employees. • pressure cleaning to all external working environment makeover. kept to a high standard to reflect our positive image. • New procedures were added to concrete and paved surfaces; Through planned property A service user was relocated to the WHS manual and as a result, • fortnightly and bi-monthly inspections, responsive cyclical Katherine to be closer to family - our emergency training modules maintenance checks; maintenance and upgrade improved well-being. were reviewed and updated to • maintenance and general works to offices and supported reflect these changes. upgrades to offices and buildings; accommodation, the AIM team Another service user was relocated to a house close to the beach to • New safety products and • biannual workplace checklists continued to improve the living and enable them to enjoy walks along KEY ACHIEVEMENTS equipment were purchased to completed; working environment for the people reduce risk where hazards could we support, our clients and our staff. the beach front with their parents. • scheduled servicing of vehicles; • Ongoing commitment to improve the living and working not be eliminated, including Throughout 2014/15 several An office building was upgraded to environment for the people we support, our clients and our staff driveway exit mirrors and • ongoing emergency and fire properties within Disability Services, improve the working environment • Attainment of vehicles through community partnerships additional fire safety equipment. training provided to all staff; and Family and Financial Services and with consideration given to eco- • Provided opportunities for Service Users to participate in weekly A number of work health and • ongoing training covering various Administration received upgrades, friendly products and materials and gardening tasks safety measures were introduced or topics relevant to individual repairs, painting and landscaping. decisions made to suit our climate maintained within our offices, houses program areas. in the tropics. All five buildings KEY CHALLENGES A key achievement was realised and fleet vehicles to help protect the The Work Health and Safety that make up our administration with one of our supported health and safety of all employees, Committee met quarterly during • Limited funding and budget restraints to undertake upgrade/ accommodation properties for complex received external repainting clients, visitors and contractors. 2014/15 with representatives renovation work people with disabilities transformed as part of our ongoing scheduled These included: • Ongoing vehicle insurance claims attending monthly team meetings through a major renovation. This maintenance plan to ensure all to raise WHS items in their • Completing maintenance work within required timeframes • visitor sign-in books to account for was accomplished from funding buildings remain well maintained people in case of an emergency; individual workplace. and presented. • Training and professional Development allocated by Territory Housing to • ongoing fire equipment and first WHS is an area that is evolving renovate the property making it a In addition to the works above, for aid kit checks; within the organisation as we safe and healthy environment, and the first time this year a number of • regular testing and tagging of all continue to build on strengthening improving functionality for people in “working bees” were scheduled with portable electrical equipment; our processes to ensure a safe wheelchairs requiring the assistance an invitation extended to National workplace for all. of specialised equipment. Australia Bank employees.

66 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 67 Again this not only strengthened Funding programs that were once our partnership with the NAB, but available were no longer in existence also provided their employees with and with little alternative offered. an opportunity to give back to the As a consequence upgrades that community through volunteering were earmarked for the period were while keeping our costs down. delayed to the next financial year. In some cases where it would have Photo: Somerville staff and volunteers at one of the many ““working bees”” held been detrimental to the people Photo: Somerville’s Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance team member Callum Attainment of vehicles during 2014/15. we support, delaying projects was Bateman. Callum’s responsibilities included maintenance of lawns and gardens at through community not possible. As a result Somerville Somerville’s Wagaman complex. partnerships incurred costs for unforeseen repairs Suncorp were another significant and maintenance. busy with work and limited time to Somerville continued to strengthen donor of a modified vehicle assisting This will continue to be an issue in spare to attend training, however it is its partnerships with key businesses Provided opportunities for Completing maintenance to transport Service Users in 2015/16 and careful consideration an important target to set. wanting to give back to the work within the required wheelchairs to remote communities Service Users to participate and planning will be required in community and support the work for family visits and interaction in weekly gardening tasks. order to manage our budgets time-frames we do for local Territorians. with their community. With their It was discovered that Service Users without incurring any impact on As a small team of six operating to For the AIM team to continue to We were fortunate to once again generous support we were able attending and participating in our service delivery. support our Disability, Family and provide a high level of support to receive a donation from Santos of a to stretch our services further and scheduled “working bees” were in Financial Services programs, the AIM the programs and other central retired mining vehicle that assisted provide opportunities for the people fact enjoying the experience and team is kept busy year round. management teams, the current us to carry out our work within we support to visit and spend time were looking forward to attending level of staffing and workloads will the local and remote communities with their families in remote areas of Ongoing vehicle insurance Demand for the team’s assistance the next scheduled working bee. need to be monitored to ensure the across the Northern Territory. the Northern Territory. claims continues to grow as the To enhance these positive organisation evolves to meet the expectations of the organisation are experiences and opportunities for With insurance premiums growing needs of the community. being met without compromising continuing to rise and turnaround the health and wellbeing of the services users, a trial was put in Advanced planning of events for periods taking longer, we changed AIM team members, as a small team place for Service Users to undertake the year ahead will be required, regular scheduled fortnightly insurance providers offering a achieving an ever increasing amount including pre-empting staff leave of work each year. mowing at their own home and faster turnaround period and lower and precise scheduling with an another supported accommodation insurance excess premiums. organised approach to all work. home in addition to participating Six claims were made in 2014/15. Of in “working bees”. This in turn has those claims four were driver related enabled the AIM team to undertake additional projects and the trial accidents and the other two were damage sustained by other parties. Training and professional is likely to be extended during Development 2015/16. Where possible larger vehicles were replaced with smaller more Somerville’s commitment to staff manoeuvrable automatic vehicles training and development is to accommodate more drivers and ongoing and evident with many Limited funding and budget a new vehicle training package was employees including the AIM team restraints to undertake developed in an effort to reduce the participating in internal training. upgrade/renovation work number of accidents and insurance Further opportunities for training In the 2014/15 period, we claims within the organisation. and development will be explored for submitted applications with the This is an ongoing challenge that will members of the AIM team to further Northern Territory Government for require continuous monitoring and develop new skills. necessary renovation and upgrade improvement to keep accidents and This will be a challenge to organise Service Users joined in Somerville’s ““working bees”” and weekly gardening tasks. works to the houses in which we insurance claims to a minimum. with a small team who is consistently Photo: Louis hard at work with the support of Tiri Mapendere. accommodate our Service Users.

68 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 69 Human resources, information technology and administration services

Human Resources, Information Technology and Administrative Services (HRITAS) is responsible for managing people within the organisation with Somerville Community Services a focus on making the employment relationship 2014-2017 Workforce Development fulfilling for both the management and employees. Plan aims to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce to meet the This includes all employee-related matters such as recruitment needs of Somerville. It aligns with and retention, industrial relations, learning, development and the Somerville Strategic Plan 2014- performance, workplace diversity, employment conditions and 2017 Goal to develop Somerville the health and wellness program. employees consistent with the organisation’s values and policies. In addition HRITAS is responsible for, but not limited to: It contains a range of priority • general administration and support; actions which were identified by the Board and Management to address • information and communications technology; workforce development challenges. • procurement; • Difficulty replacing specialised or Photo: Somerville Administration team. L-R: Jessica Anglesey, Administration Clerk; Jenny Dunne (seated), Administration Officer – Reception; Carolyn Cendo, • quality assurance/service excellence; The plan was developed in key positions for example Special consultation with stakeholders Projects and Marketing Specialist, Administration Coordinator; Melinda Freeman, Administration Officer. • policy development; to support Somerville’s strategic Managers, DS Coordinators and • risk management; directions over the same period. Counsellors. • retaining mature-age staff; between work, personal and family • insurance; This plan documents strategies to Consideration of our future skills • developing competency profiles life; and a work environment • events management; and maximise our existing strengths and requirements indicates that in order for each roles as a foundation for which ensures that employees to respond to the challenges ahead. have a sense of accomplishment, • fundraising, marketing and public relations. to meet changing requirements we assisting with identifying learning contribution and pride from their Over the period of the plan, we need to strengthen specialist skills, and development priorities; association with Somerville. anticipate increasing demand for further develop management and • upskilling staff to better meet the Disability Support Workers across leadership skills and encourage changing needs of older people This year, five people who Australia due to the introduction teamwork, innovation and ongoing and those with high medical completed 25+ years of service learning. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS of the National Disability Insurance support with whom we work; were recognised for their long term • A Successful Workplace Diversity Program Scheme (NDIS), an ageing population Our analysis suggested that during • strengthening management and employment at a special birthday and expected retirement of key celebration for Somerville held at • Accreditation with Australian Service Excellence Standards the period covered by the plan we leadership at all levels; and personnel in Disability Services. need to expand the skills of our the Government House. The NT • Achieved Compliance with Workplace Gender Equality Act • building a learning culture. Administrator, Hon John Hardy External factors that will impact on direct care workforce (Disability OAM, presented Carolyn Cendo, Liza our operations include a challenging Support Workers) to cater for ageing KEY CHALLENGES Metcalfe, Adelaide Dos Santos, Josie funding and regulatory environment, and high medical support need Bacus and Jill May with a certificate • Recruiting a sustainable workforce the high cost of living in the NT, major Service Users in Disability Services. Somerville is a multicultural of appreciation and a personalised • Assisting students with work placements reforms to the sector, including those organisation and is committed Traditionally we have relied on gift. Somerville’s President, Mr Chris outlined in the NDIS. our website, local newspaper and to achieving its organisational objectives through its people. Tudor AM, congratulated them for A number of critical issues emerged word of mouth to source our their commitment and dedication to labour. We believe it is now Somerville believes the quality of from consideration of our existing a community service is directly Somerville. workforce including: important to pay more attention to establishing a variety of strategies to reflected by the commitment We have also introduced the • Almost 67% of our management attract and recruit our staff such as and vision shown by employees. Margaret Somerville Staff Award to and almost 64% of middle social media. Somerville is committed to commemorate Somerville’s 50 years management (Disability Services) establishing a culture that values of community service. The Award Having considered our situation, we workforce is 50 years or older; individual diversity, encourages is to recognise an outstanding have determined that our priorities we want to work to retain the mutual respect and open staff member who displays an for this period are: experience and wisdom of this communication, respect for the empathetic approach, has a ‘can cohort. • attracting younger staff; individual, and a healthy balance do’ attitude, a positive, committed

70 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 71 Workplace profile person who goes the extra mile people living within our Disability a major upgrade which will allow for and a work ethic that is aligned Services program who may be improved remote administration and with our Mission. Jenny Dunne, experiencing emotional health and monitoring and will allow expansion Administration Officer is the face well-being matters, had an extremely to our other sites. Job Role/ of Somerville was named 2015 busy period providing assistance to Group “Champion” and received a trophy our Nepalese employees and their from Hon John Hardy OAM. Ms families who were unfortunately Dunne says, “The most rewarding stricken by the Nepal earthquake. A successful Workplace part of my position as Administration Diversity Program Officer is everyday when I finish Workplace diversity is one of work I can say I made a difference in Somerville’s greatest strengths, with someone’s life today and that is heart 79% of its employees originating Employment warming.” from non-English speaking In line with Somerville’s Strategic Status Assets, Infrastructure and Maintenance - 2.86% Plan Goal 4, Sub Goal: To develop a backgrounds who bring a wide range communication and social media of cultural, professional and personal Disability Services- 77.14% Staff incentive scheme and strategy to improve awareness and experience. Financial Services - 4.76% access to programs, Somerville recognition program Somerville aims to foster a supportive, Family Services - 5.71% engaged the services of Community inclusive and harmonious work Motivating and recognising Business Bureau (CBB) to perform the environment that respects all Accounting and Financial Management - 2.86% employees is vital to the Full time - 48.57% marketing, PR and communication employees, acknowledges their development of an effective Part time - 18.57% HR, IT and Administrative Services - 5.71% activities of Somerville in a virtual diverse strengths and unique and positive work environment. Executive Unit - 0.95% capacity. contributions as well as the values Casual - 32.86% At Somerville we seek to increase from their own cultures that they the efficiency and productivity This includes a marketing plan that bring to the workplace. of our service through a culture has a strong focus on the use of that values, supports and improves digital media (e.g. crowdfunding, The Workplace Diversity Group the health and wellbeing of website, social media and video) continues to develop work practices employees. to support fundraising through and innovative strategies through the Somerville Foundation, brand dialogue and by learning and 20-29 years - 23.33% The purpose of our staff incentive awareness, attracting staff, and staff understanding different cultures. 30-39 years - 35.71% scheme and recognition program and client engagement. is to acknowledge and reward We continually celebrate the Gender 40-49 years - 17.14% Age outstanding accomplishments, We have recently launched our many diverse cultures within our 50-59 years - 12.38% performance and behaviours of Facebook, Twitter and Google+ workplace when we share good food, individuals or teams that support pages and we are slowly building our the methods of cooking and their 60-69 years - 10.48% the vision, mission and values of the presence in these social networking cultural significance. 70+ years - 0.95% organisation. sites. As Somerville celebrates its 50 years Female - 64.76% Staff surveys and feedback, Somerville aims to achieve an of community service, Somerville highlighted the benefits of efficient and effective use of staff formed a singing group, with Male - 35.24% maintaining an effective staff information and communication two of the group writing a song. incentive scheme. The benefits of technology to increase productivity The song is about diversity, the above had a flow-on effect as and enhance service delivery. It opportunities, and that we all have they helped attract people to our aims to maintain an advanced a story to tell. Many of Somerville’s organisation. infrastructure that facilitates <1 year - 18.57% employees have expressed their collaboration, coordination and Somerville’s annual Feel Good Day, connection to the lyrics and sharing 1-3 years - 35.24% interaction for work both internally now in its fifth year, has proven to be the same journey. and with external organisations. 3-5 years - 14.76% a special event on our calendar. The Somerville singers consists of CALD ICT is used for communication, Length of 5-10 years - 12.38% Our Employee Assistance Program a diverse group of people and will inventory management, data storage service includes easy access to services continue sharing the message that 10-15 years - 10.00% and management, management provided by Somerville’s Family “We have the courage to be different, 15-20 years - 5.24% information systems and customer Services and Financial Services. the courage to be unique and the relationship management. During 20-25 years - 1.43% courage to be someone we never Somerville’s Pastoral Care Worker, 2014/15 a new phone system for thought we’ll ever be.” CALD - 79.05% 25+ years - 2.38% Elsha Koole, provided support to the Wagaman office was installed to Non-CALD- 20.95% Somerville employees and the replace the existing system. This was (continued on page 74)

72 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 73 • Visionary and innovative leaders, • Communication and reporting structures, Accreditation with • Advocacy and leadership in the sector, • Systems for monitoring Australian Service • Promoting a healthy workplace, compliance, Excellence Standards • Purchasing processes to ensure • Employer of choice, We are pleased to report that quality and value, • Strategic partnerships, Somerville achieved the essential • Teamwork, supporting staff and requirements for the Australian • Investment in community promoting diversity, Service Excellence Standards outcomes, • Learning culture, (ASES) accreditation at Award and • Compliance monitoring, • Recognising achievements. Certificate levels. • Client focussed and promotion of As in any case there is always ASES is a quality framework that rights. room for improvement and the is particularly relevant for small to The external assessment also management team is committed medium sized community service identified numerous strengths in to ensuring identified areas such organisations that focuses on quality relation to planning, management, as documenting a community/ improvement and continuous partnerships, communication and stakeholder engagement learning. service provision. Most notably: framework, formalising Continuous Quality Improvement and change The assessment was conducted by • Advocacy and leadership in the management processes and Quality Innovation Performance non-government sector, strengthening systems to support and they highlighted Somerville’s • Skilled and committed CEO and compliance monitoring are reviewed, strengths as follows: Board, monitored and improved. As part of our commitment to healthy employee well-being, Somerville has an annual “Feel Good Day” committed to healthy eating, exercise, games and Compliance with competitions. (See Staff Incentive Scheme and Recognition Program- page 70) Workplace Gender Photo: Staff participating in a group aerobics session during “Feel Good Day”. Equality Act Under the Workplace Gender This resulted in outsourcing our student placements or work Equality (WGE) Act 2012, all non- marketing requirements and experience and Somerville’s limited public sector employers with 100 re-classification of the Assistant resources, we were unable to assist or more employees are required to Manager – Disability Services all applications. report annually. position. We are reviewing our work The Act seeks to promote and This continues to highlight the need experience and student placement improve gender equality for both to maintain an agreed succession programs and liaising with other women and men in the workplace plan for key roles within Somerville educational institutions to better and covers areas such as equal pay Community Services during 2015/16. manage this area. between women and men and (See Workforce Development Plan flexible working arrangements for page 70). employees, including those with family and caring responsibilities. Somerville received a notification of compliance following assessment of Assisting students with our annual WGE report for the period work placements 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015. Somerville actively supports participation in providing work experience and student placement Recruiting a sustainable programs. workforce Somerville is committed to providing meaningful activities to students Competition in the workplace through practical applications and made it challenging for us to recruit work experience which match their candidates with the right skills, field of study. qualifications and experience to replace specialised and key positions We endeavour to match a student’s A key achievement for Somerville Community Services during 2014/15 was achieving accreditation with the Australian such as the Marketing Specialist expectations with our operational Service Excellence Standards (ASES) in both the Award and Certificate levels. and Assistant Manager – Disability requirements. But with the growing Photo: Somerville management team proudly displaying their ASES accreditation. Services. number of students requesting

74 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 75 Events eternally grateful for what the good MARGARET SOMERVILLE’S lord provides us.” And with that she MEMORIAL SERVICE said, “Now I will leave you to reflect on what we have just spoken about.” I sat there for some time and left without eating my breakfast. I went Margaret Somerville passed away at outside to Ms Somerville and said her Sydney home on the 30th July quite politely, “Excuse Ms Somerville, 2014, aged 101 years. I have reflected on what we talked about, but as my father would say, In August 2014, a memorial you can take a horse to water, but service was held at the Palmerston you can’t make the horse drink.” Uniting Church. This was followed by a gathering at the Somerville Although she looked at me with a Photo: Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran at Margaret Somerville’s Memorial Photo: Cyndia Henty-Roberts spoke of her memories of Margaret. Her parents Community Centre to celebrate serious face and shook her head Service. The picture in the background was one of Margaret’s favourite at me, she broke out in laughter. I were two of the 96 children who made the journey from Croker Island to Sydney. Margaret’s life. photographs taken with the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO. joined in with her and so did the Cyndia noted that “if Sister Somerville had not made that life-saving decision Everybody was encouraged to wear other children in our presence. of refusing to leave Croker Island without the children, she would not have been blue, Margaret’s favourite colour. My parents were two of the ninety six Apart from having a serious born nor had the opportunity to meet Margaret and thank her”. Thirty years ago, I made a promise children who were living on Croker exterior, Sister Somerville also had to Sister Somerville that I would one A tribute to Margaret Island at the time. If Sister Somerville great humour. I recall an incident Support Worker on 10 October 2008. with Noreen, Dianne Carroll and her day work for Somerville Community Somerville had not made that life-saving my mother told me about Sister Both Noreen Record (nee Devery) sister Helen. Services before I retired. decision of refusing to leave Croker Somerville and one of the young and I work for Somerville and we The late Margaret Somerville was a Thank you for the wonderful girls on Croker Island. The purpose for this promise was are proud to be associated with the remarkable lady. I was privileged to Island without the children, I would memories Sister Somerville, and may to give back to society what she organisation because of our history have known her during her lifetime. not have been born nor had the The girl had apparently walked up you rest in peace. had given my family and the Croker with Sister Somerville. opportunity to meet her and thank to Sister Somerville (who stood Apart from my mother, Claire Henty- Islander children she had served so Cyndia Henty-Roberts her for this many years ago. neatly dressed, wearing covered-in To this day I still have fond memories Gebert, there are only three other well for many years. Counsellor/Family Support Worker women in my life, who I have held On 7 April 1942, my parents, 95 other shoes, gloves gracing both hands, of Sister Somerville and I can still see in high esteem and admired, Sister children, three cottage mothers Sister pearl necklace around her neck and I commenced work with the myself sitting and playing on the Somerville, Mother Teresa and Ms Somerville, Jess March, Olive Peake a hat on her head) and said, “Sister organisation as a Counsellor/Family see-saw outside Somerset Cottage Rosa Parks. and other missionaries embarked on Somerville you remind me of the an extraordinary journey from Croker Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret.” Even though the three women were Sister Somerville looked at the young so very different in more ways than Island to Sydney. A journey which Ms woman and wittily replied, “Oh one, they were in my view linked Somerville spoke of in her book titled no my dear that can’t be, because by the same wonderful quality as They Crossed the Continent. Princess Margaret doesn’t smile, I do.” Ms Somerville, they had so much There are only a handful of people compassion and love for humanity, living today who made that After her comment both Sister especially for the most vulnerable in remarkable journey one of them is my Somerville, the young woman and society. mother, others included Alice Briston, others in hearing range broke out in Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how Jessie Lyons and Netta Kahl. The ladies laughter. much we give, but how much love still reminisce about their experience There were many occasions on the we put into giving” .This statement and often share this with their holidays that I had spent with Sister encapsulated Sister Somerville’s grandchildren and school children. Somerville that there would be a lot philosophy on her work at Croker I have had so many wonderful of laughter and singing in Somerset Island. memories of my association with Cottage. She was certainly a compassionate Sister Somerville. Even after my I recall one incident when I refused to and loving person. These attributes parents relocated our family from eat lambs brain that she had served for came to the fore in early April 1942, Croker Island to the mainland in breakfast. I looked at Sister Somerville when Sister Somerville and two Darwin in 1956, they allowed me to and said, “My mother would never other cottage mothers Jess March spend a couple of school holidays serve me lambs brains!” to which Sister and Olive Peake refused to evacuate with Sister Somerville and the Somerville replied, “The lesson for Croker Island without the children. children in Somerset Cottage. the day Cyndia is that we must all be Photo: Margaret Somerville at Government House, Darwin in 2011 with a number of the “children” who made the remarkable journey from Croker Island to Sydney together with a number of their children and grandchildren. Several people in this photograph attended Margaret’s Memorial Service.

76 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 77 Events Events SOMERVILLE’S CHRISTMAS MARGARET SOMERVILLE’S CAROLS “RETURNING”

Somerville’s Christmas Carols have In 2015 a ceremony for Margaret been a part of Darwin’s culture for Somerville “Returning” was held at more than 30 years. In 2014 we Somerville’s Wagaman Office. celebrated this wonderful tradition Margaret’s ashes are now placed at Parliament House. in a special location at Somerville Somerville is proud to be associated Community Services together with with and have the support of the keepsakes of Margaret, her portrait Darwin Chorale, Darwin Youth Choir painting and photographs. and the Sing Song Signers. The Executive Assistant Elaine Castles choirs and Santa Claus were the read a poem while Vice-President primary draw card. Daphne Read recited a prayer. This was an opportunity for Daphne and Elaine’s prayer and Somerville and the Service Users poem reading were both moving and of the Disability Services Program heartfelt and assured us Margaret to thank all of those people and will always be with us. organisations that support and The Somerville singers added to the encourage us throughout the year. ceremony providing the opportunity We were able to highlight the talents to reflect upon the “Courage to be...” of our Service Users who were heavily involved in the production Margaret’s legacy lives on in the of our decorations, welcoming day to day work at Somerville and guests and distributing booklets and importantly in the respectful manner candles. in which we apply ourselves to our work and remain committed to our Somerville wishes to thank Madam Mission. Speaker, the Honourable Kezia Purick, for her patronage of the Thank you Margaret for the gift of event. Somerville.

Photo- top: Darwin Sing Song Signers Photo- top: Elaine’s poem reading and have been a regular supporter of Daphne’s prayer were both moving and Somerville’s Christmas Carols for a heartfelt. number of years.

Photo- centre: Somerville staff and Photo- centre L-R: Guests at Margaret’s Service Users. Our Service Users “Returning” included her brother were involved in the production of Stuart and his daughter Lynette with decorations, welcoming guests and Somerville Patrons Austin and Valerie distributing booklets and candles. Asche.

Photo- bottom: Father Christmas Photo- bottom: Margaret’s ashes are was an obvious big hit with the now resting in a beautiful cabinet children. (Darwin Chorale Choir in the surrounded by special memorabilia background) as well as her portrait painting and photographs.

78 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 79 Events Events SOMERVILLE’S 50TH SOMERVILLE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY GOVERNMENT HOUSE BOOK LAUNCH

In May 2015, His Honour the To celebrate Somerville’s 50th Honourable John Hardy OAM, Birthday and to launch our book Administrator of the Northern Crossing the Divide the Hon John Territory and his wife, Mrs Marie Elferink MLA hosted a function Hardy, hosted a special celebration at Parliament House for over 200 at Government House to celebrate guests and dignitaries. Somerville’s 50th birthday. Crossing the Divide is the story of The event was attended by 150 Photo: Jenny Dunne presented with the Inaugural Margaret Somerville Award Somerville Community Services. A Photo: Acclaimed Territory historians and authors Peter and Sheila Forrest with guests including Board members, by the Administrator of the Northern Territory, His Honour the Honourable John story of compassion and commitment Sanderson MLA, The Hon Peter Styles and Somerville CEO Vicki O’Halloran. staff and friends of Somerville. Hardy OAM. through 50 years of community service in the Northern Territory. His Honour congratulated Somerville who need a hand, to help make the The story of Somerville Community for its good work in the community • Liza Metcalfe, HR, IT and In memory of our namesake, the The book recounts the story of Territory a better place. Services is a book for everyone who Administrative Services Manager: inaugural Margaret Somerville Award cares about their community. It is a and retold some inspiring stories of Margaret Somerville who in 1942, as Somerville helps people “cross former clients assisted by Somerville 30 years service was presented to Jenny Dunne, enemy forces approached northern generous book of 144 pages that one Administration Officer – Reception. the divide”, the divide between staff. The reception was also an • Josie Bacus, Manager Accounting Australia, led 95 children to safety will be proud to own. Jenny has worked at Somerville for disadvantage and advantage. opportunity to recognise the five and Financial Management: from Croker Island to Sydney. In 1965, To purchase a copy of Crossing the the past five years and works at the Written by acclaimed Territory longest serving Somerville staff: 28 years service Margaret’s example inspired the Divide, please call 08 8920 4100 or front line of our organisation. Jenny authors Peter and Sheila Forrest, the establishment of Somerville Homes, visit our website at • Carolyn Cendo, Administration • Jill May, Coordinator Disability is the first point of contact for the book is a comprehensive account of now Somerville Community Services. www.somerville.org.au. Coordinator: 30 years service Services: 26 years service many clients we assist and was a Somerville’s work to provide hope very worthy recipient. (See story Somerville exists to enhance the lives and support for people who need it, • Adelaide Dos Santos, Purchasing These staff were presented with a p70-p71). of all Territorians - to help people so that everyone can lead better lives. Officer: 29 years service Certificate of Service by His Honour.

Somerville’s 50th birthday celebration was also an opportunity to recognise five longest serving Somerville staff. Photo: Somerville Community Services staff were well represented amongst the 200 hundred guests and dignitaries present Photo L-R: Liza Metcalfe, Carolyn Cendo, Adelaide Dos Santos, Jill May, Josie Bacus. at the launch of Crossing the Divide.

80 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 81 Corporate support

Somerville acknowledges the Our support of many individuals, families, organisations and businesses who continually sponsor supporters and make donations to Somerville. These include: (1) Santos 40 Winks Darwin Airport Gateway Motel KH Barne (2) PTTEP Australasia A Kuhn Darwin Airport Resort KOGO – Knit one, Give one (3) Suncorp A&K (NT) Pty Ltd Darwin Chorale Kyam Electrical (4) Darwin Cycling Club (Grand Fondo) Airpower Darwin Cycling Club L Sushames (5) Community Business Bureau, Amart Darwin Electrical Pty. Ltd. L Valentine and the hundreds of supporters Arafura Catering Darwin Honda Le Cornu listed in the following pages. 1 Aussie Signs Darwin International Airport Leanyer Primary School Australian Catholic University Ltd Darwin Memorial Opportunity Centre Lions Club of Darwin Australian Customs & Border Protection Darwin Youth & Children’s Choir Lions Club of Katherine Service Social Club (DARCUS) DC Rootes Lions Club of Litchfield Australian Retail Credit Association DCSC Golf Day Loot B & A Patterson Department of Housing – staff Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim BCA Solutions Dimet Tools Majestic Orchids Bendigo Bank Dr Chris Mansfield Marsh Pty Ltd Best Western Darwin Gateway Dr Hsiong Merit Partners Bhagwan Marine Dr Richard Zweck Merran Short Birch Carroll & Coyle Drs Susan & Steve Baddeley Milennium Offshore Services Bob Jane T-Marts Easy Glass Service Miss Gwen Davies Bridge Toyota Essington School Miss Margaret Somerville Brumby’s Nightcliff Fannie Bay Investments Pty Ltd Mitchell Centre (Mr P Randazzo) C Glenn Finlays Stonemasonry Mr & Mrs Austin & Valarie Asche C Roden Fitness Works Nightcliff Mr & Mrs B & S Stephens Calvi Boutique Friends Hair & Beauty Salon Mr & Mrs B Seeleither CAM Interiors Friglec Enterprises Mr & Mrs Bruce March Carers NT Fuji Xerox Mr & Mrs D & R Pym 2 3 Carpet Choice Gardens Park Golf Links Mr & Mrs J&E Morse Casuarina All Sports Club Girl Guides Australia Mr & Mrs Jenny Webster CBB Salary Packaging H Paul Mr & Mrs Matt & Melissa Cobat Central Savings and Loans Happy Herb Shop Mr & Mrs P & N Fuchs Charles Taylor Bequest Harvey Distributors Mr & Mrs P&H Jackson Chief Justice Brian Martin Healthy Habits Mr & Mrs Patterson Chief Ministers Office Hogs Breath Mr & Mrs Ron & Robyne Burridge Choices Darwin Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin Mr & Mrs Tony & Dot Eckert City of Darwin Home Hardware Mr A Salzgeber CMAX Hon Robyn Lambley Mr Alan Mitchell Colemans Printing Hon. Austin & Dr Valerie Asche Mr Bob Eadie Colliers International Hon. Sally Thomas Mr Chris Tudor Commonwealth Government Humpty Doo Pharmacy Mr David Johnston Community Benefit Fund Inge Beller Real Estate Mr David Neill Community Business Bureau Irwin Consultants Mr David Tollner MLA Country Classics Parap J & I Electrical Mr Dean Herriman Country Women’s Association J & K Ganley Mr Geoff Rowston Crocodylus Park Jape Homemaker Village Mr Gerry Wood (MLA) Curtains on Cavenagh JGA Concreting Mr Graeme Lewis D Shugg K Byrne Mr Ian Noble 4 5 D&M Enterprises Katherine Town Council Mr Joe Randazzo

82 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 83 Our Our supporters (cont) volunteers

Mr John Miley Ms Mary Dreaper Rotary Club of Darwin THANK YOU TO OUR Mr Kenneth Barnes Ms Mary Johnson RSL Katherine VOLUNTEERS Mr Michael Gunner Ms Maryse Laliverjon Santos This year over 240 volunteers gave Mr Neil Barry Ms Meredith Robson Savvas Footwear their time to assist Somerville in Mr P Visentin Ms Nancy Fuchs Senator Nova Peris fundraising and in support of our Mr Peter Allen Ms Natalie Blair Shamrock Chemicals programs. Mr Peter Barr Ms Natasha Griggs MP Shenanigans Mr Peter Chandler MLA Ms Nicole Manison MLA Shoal Bay Waste Disposal Site Although the majority of our Mr Peter Derrington Ms Robyn Lambley MLA Sitzler Pty Ltd volunteers were involved in our Mr Peter Linton Ms Roma Hill Sky City annual Christmas Gift Wrapping Mr Richard Campbell Ms Rose Rhodes Spotlight service which is a major fundraising event for Somerville, we had a Mr Rob Rogers Ms Rosemary Lade Sprout Creative number of corporate volunteers. Mr Robert Henness Ms Roslyn M Wills Staff & Students of Bakewell School Mr Terry Mills Ms Sally Thomas Staples These volunteers gave up their Mr Tom Stodulka Ms Sharyn Winters Steadfast Foundation time to help with a number of Mr Tony Milhinhos Ms Vanessa deKoninck Stomp Shoes “working bees” at our supported Mr Tony Rauseo Ms Veronica Statham Stuart Park Pharmacy accommodation houses. These “working bees” considerably reduced Mrs Bonnie Solly Murray Oakley Suncorp Somerville’s maintenance costs. Mrs Daphne Read National Australia Bank (NAB) Swire Shipping Mrs Heather Slaven Nightcliff Community Enterprises Ltd Territory Springwater Somerville also had volunteers Mrs Justine Glover Nitmiluk Tours The Book Shop working in other areas of the Mrs Karen Niewand North West Constructions The Cricket & Football Club organisation assisting in Disability Mrs Kellie Robertson NT Airports The Good Luck Shop Services and giving their time and expertise. Mrs Rosalind Willes NT Automotive Group The GPT Group Ms Carmen King NT Government The House of Pearls Ms Carolyn Richards NTCOSS Toga Group of Companies Ms Cecil Nielson Oasis Betta Electrical Total Hydraulic Connections Photo- top: Suncorp further supported Ms Deb McMillan Oasis Irrigation Trevor Tschirpig Conveyancing Somerville with their national Ms Diana Mckenzie Officeworks Triton Rolling Fund executives attending a working bee at Ms Dianne Davies One Real Estate Trojan Fencing one of our properties. Their support was Ms Doris Lawrence OPS Business Centre (Ricoh) TWS greatly appreciated by the staff and Ms Fay Miller MLA Palmerston City Council UCA Property Trust Service Users that resided in the home. Ms Faye Cheater Palmerston Shopping Centre Uniting Church Northern Synod Ms Francois Barr Palmerston Sports Club V Longley Ms Georgene McKenzie-Hicks Palmerston Uniting Opportunity Shop Vanity Hair Parap Photo- bottom: National Australia Ms Gwen Davies Parap Fine Foods Wesley Mission Bank staff attended a number of Ms Jan Grice Paraphernalia Woolworths “working bees” during 2014/15. As Ms Jan Phillips Partners & Staff, Cridlands MB Lawyers Zip Print above, their support was greatly Ms Jenny Webster Paspaley Pearling Company appreciated by the staff and Service Ms Josephine Brine Pearl Supported Care Users that reside in the homes. Ms Joyce Deering Peoples Choice Credit Union Ms Kay Byrne Phil Kerr Service Centre Ms Kaylene Pomeroy Planet Ten Pin Bowling Ms Lynne Walker MLA PTTEP Australasia Ms Marcia Georges Q Framing Ms Margaret Visentin Reidy’s Lures

84 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 85 Our staff

TO OUR DEDICATED HADDOCK, Kevin PANDEY, Yashodha MCBRIDE, Joannah DIPIO, Mary PABBA, Swapna EMPLOYEES – WE SALUTE HETHERINGTON, Lilian POKHAREL BASKOTA, Anita METCALFE, Dean DOUGLAS, Lisa PAPEL, Gina YOU HODGSON, Soo Lin REYES, ROCELYN MOON, Ditma Rochelle FLORES, Mayciel PARSON, Beryl MU, Lin POLLARD, Deborah Anne The loyal, dependable staff are HUSSIN, Sean TAOPO, Nerlyn FREEMAN, Melinda the backbone of Somerville and in KNIGHT, Ni-Made-Suriasa (Kadek) TEBAG, Melissa Morales NEUPANE, Kanchan GILLAMAC, Marlon POUDEL KHANAL, Ashmita LEWIS, Sylvia ONIFADE, Modesinuola GOPINADHAN, Dipu POUDEL, Binod particular those who serve for an 3 years and over extended period provide stability, LORENZ, Peter PATINDOL, CHARLES PRINCE GURUNG, Samjhana POUDEL, Rakshya corporate knowledge, and an MCMILLAN, James Stuart ADHIKARI, Anju POKHAREL DHUNGANA, Deepa HARVEY, Troy Anthony Graham PRAJAPATI, Rabina understanding of the values that NICHOLLS, John AREVALO, Edelwisa ROGERSON, Ruth HOSSAIN, Md Bellal PUN, Sita drive us to provide excellence in ODQUIN, Estelita BACLAY, Dean SMELLIN, Sheree HSIEH, Min -Jing RAI, Jivan Kumari service. RANKOT, Viraj Sumedha BALINO, Aries TAPERA, Caroline HUSSAIN, Mujahid Sam RAI, Manoj RECORD, Noreen BASKOTA, Divya TENECIO, HAZEL JACOB, Alexis, Bony RANI, Bandna 25 years and over SMITH, Tetty Christina BASY, Diana Merlyn THANDI, Karamjit Kaur JACOB, Biju RAPOLU, Sumalatha STUBBS, Lee-Anne May BATAJU, Hanuman Das TRAPP, Carly Louise JOHNSON, Giralyn RAWAL, Harendra BACUS, Josefina TEECE, Evelyn BUEN, Angela Frances VADHEL, Nishithkumar Ranchhodbhai JOO, Youngsil ROJAH, Bibi Shahin CENDO, Carolyn VICENTE, Rommel CABANELA, Evangeline WHELAN, Lyn Marie JOSEPH, Jobins ROLLETSCHKE, Patrick Matthias DOS SANTOS, Adelaide CALUZA, Liezl WHIPPS, Kai K.C. Thapa, Babita ROSAL, Dayanara MAY, Jillian 5 years and over CAMPBELL, Benjamin Roger KABA, Fatumata Kemeh SAMEER, Mohammed Abdul METCALFE, Liza ADHIKARI, Dharma Raj CUBILLO, Kalyca Jean Up to 3 years KANDEL, Krishna Prasad SANBEER, Sadi SAPO, Primrose 20 years and over BACUS, Jannie DAHAL, Toolsee Devi (Rema) ABELLANOZA, Inez KARKI BISTA, Binita BAMPTON, Deborah ELISABETH, Ni Luh Rosita ABREA, Lois Kristin KARUNACHCHARIGE, Lasith Chinthana SCHARF, Janelle DICKENS, Beverley Janice BANJADE, Niran ESCOBIA, Rochelle ACHARYA, Hari Kanta KATTEL, Amol SHARMA, Priyanka MURRAY, Patrick Oliver BANJADE, Shyam Sundar FARRUGIA, Kathleen Margaret ACHARYA, Harihar KAUR, Manbir SHEASBY, David O’HALLORAN, Vicki Susan BARROS, Sebastiana Santos FERNAN, Angelimelle ADHIKARI, Manju KIM, Soyoon SHEN, Xuan SHRESTHA, Nisha 15 years and over BASKOTA, Hari Kumar FERNAN, Earl Milan ADHIKARI, Shalikgram KOIRALA, Bandana BATEMAN, Callum FERRERAS, JAMES LEWELYN ANGLESEY, Jessica KOOLE, Elsha SHRESTHA, Nitu BALLESTEROS, Leilani BHATTARAI, AMBIKA FLORES, Gloria AUXILIO, Aireen KURNIAWAN, Deny SIBANDA, Sibangilizwe CASTLES, Elaine Mary BOATH, Edwin FLORES, Guillermo BAKER, Phillip William LARGE, Victoria SMITH, Diana Margaret GRAINGER, Edna DAMIAN, Maricel FORDER, David BANJADE, Durga Dhakal LAUREANO, Lhenon SOARES, Anya Borges LEAR, Marlene DE VRIES, Jillian GARCIA, Glenda BANJADE, Niranjan LESTARI, Fransisca Putri STUBBS, Bianca LORENZ, Marilyn DUNNE, Jennifer GRANT, Courtney BARAL, Kristina LOREJAS, Rea Kristine TAMANG, Kinjo Wangmo MANIKALLIL, Rosa FAREY, Emily GURUNG, Milan BASNET, Barsha MAHARJAN, Yogesh THOMAS, Sinu Behana POOL, Florence FRANKLIN, Graham GURUNG, Seeta BHANDARI, Rakshya MAPENDERE, Tirivangani TIWARI, Kamal Raj SOLLY, Bonnie GURUNG, MEENU HASLER, Richelle BHATTARAI DULAL, Yachana MASKI, Susma TOMLINSON, Pranee Karen WHITE, Mavis HALL, Gina HAZELDINE, Emilia Balingway BLACK, Dushko MEESON, Lene VADAKEL, Deepu George YUEN, Vince HERRERA, Ma Jasmin F HODGETTS, Leigh-Anne BORZI, Vicki Maree MILLADO, John VADHEL, Hetalben JIN, Jiang (Jessica) BOSWELL, Kerry-Lee MOALA, Elisiva VALIYAVEETTIL SEBASTIAN, Dijo 10 years and over JONG, Virginia KEMPSTER, Daryl K C, Santosh BREWSTER, Patricia MORALA, Aisa VOHRA, Boskey Siraj ANASTACIO, Danilo LAMA, Mingmar KANDEL, Madhukar CHALLAVAYALIL MATHEW, Santhosh MOYLAN, Amanda WALDRON, Suzanne AREVALO, Hilario LEE, Skye KHADKA, Ram Hari CHATTERTON, Aleasha Farrah MU, Com WOSTI, Rajendra BANGUN, Suasana LUAN, Hai Yan KODIMALLA RAMAKRISH, Bheemeshwar CHO, Eunhyoung Jude MULBAH, Alice BENNETT, Corazon MATHEW VARUGHESE, Shiju Rao DANGOL CHAUDHARY, Palina NAVARRO, Rosario BRENNAN, Geraldine Ann MEHLOMAKULU, Cliff KOSSACK, Cameran James DARIAN, Jasvir NINGSIH, Margiatisetiyo BROOK, Elizabeth Louise MIRANDA, Maria Delia MACAM, Paul DAVIS-LONG, Josephine OBI-UTI, Daniel DYER, Leticia NEAGLE, John MAMMOOTTIL THOMAS, Monsi DE VERA, Efren O’CONNOR, Allison GOODWIN, Elizabeth OJHA, Hari Raj MARCUS, Stephen DELA CRUZ, Kimberly OSTI, Babita

86 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 87 Accounting and Financial Management Somerville Community

The Accounting and Financial Services Inc. Management team is responsible for the Financial (ABN: 62 302 702 903) Management of Somerville Community Services. The team of six manage and provide accounting services for Somerville’s three Service arms, being Disability Services, Family Services and Financial Services and also Administrative Services which provides the operational support for these programs. Each of the three • submitted all financial acquittals KEY CHALLENGE service arms receive a variety of both to funding bodies on time Government and non – Government Preparing for the rollout funding with the team responsible • self-assessed compliance with of the National Disability current governance requirements for the acquittal and management of Insurance Scheme (NDIS) these grants. using the ATTACHÉ Business Special Purpose Financial Report Scorecard In preparation for the implementation The team are focused on providing • focused on professional of the NDIS, Service Users in For the financial year ended 30 June 2015 an efficient professional service development to ensure the Somerville’s supported accommodation to both internal and external ongoing upskilling of all the team. program will be individually assessed to identify the level of support each of them requires as per the NDIS guidelines. INDEX KEY ACHIEVEMENT Somerville will then register with the National Disability Insurance Agency • Directors’ Report and Declaration...... 90 • Realising a Positive Net Operating Result (NDIA) as a service provider. Funding • Auditors’ Report...... 91 for our Disability Services Program • Statement of Financial Position...... 93 KEY CHALLENGE will then move from block funding, • Statement of Comprehensive Income (all services)...... 94 • Preparing for the roll-out of National which we have historically received in • Statement of Cash Flows...... 96 advance, to individual funding which Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) • Statement of Changes in Equity...... 96 will be received in arrears for the individual services we provide to our • Notes to, and forming part of the Financial Statements...... 97 Service Users.

KEY ACHIEVEMENT This will mean invoicing the NDIA stakeholders and during the year on a monthly basis and will result undertook the following activities: Realising a Positive Net in increased manpower hours to • the annual external audit of all Operating Result manage these accounts. This will grants and accounts impact on current staffing levels This year after 3 consecutive years in our Accounting and Financial • reviewed the process involved in of operating at a loss, Somerville Management team. responding to internal enquiries achieved a Net Operating Surplus efficiently and effectively of $708,570. We were also able to We are using the learnings from the • reviewed all policies and procedures achieve a surplus in Administrative trial site in the Barkly Region to assist to ensure all processes were Services through a reduction in us in this transition. compliant with current legislation expenditure. • upgraded the Attaché Accounting (See 2014-15 Financial summary- p22 package to the latest version for details).

88 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 89 90 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 91 92 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 93 94 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 95 SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INCORPORATED NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015

1. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Board of Directors has prepared the financial statements on the basis that the Organisation is not a reporting entity because there are unlikely to exist users who are unable to command the preparation of reports tailored so as to satisfy all of their information needs. This financial report is therefore a special purpose financial report that has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Northern Territory Associations Act and Regulations, the Organisation's Constitution and the Australian Charities and Not For Profit Commission Act and Regulations. The financial report has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements specified by the Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations applicable to non-reporting entities, being: • AASB 101 : Presentation of Financial Statements; • AASB 107 : Statement of Cash Flows; • AASB 108 : Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors; • AASB 1031 : Materiality; • AASB 1048 : Interpretation of Standards; and • AASB 1054 : Australian Additional Disclosures 1.1 Basis of Preparation The financial report has been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting and under the historical cost convention including the going concern assumption except for certain assets, which, as noted, have been written down to fair value as a result of impairment. Unless otherwise stated, the accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the prior year.

1.2 Significant policies are disclosed below: a) Principal Activities Somerville Community Services Incorporated is a community service and social welfare organisation whose main activities include the provision of free family support, free financial welfare counselling and community based supported accommodation for people with severe to profound disabilities.

b) Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) Somerville Community Services Incorporated is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for- profits Commission from 3 December 2012.

c) Charity Tax Concession Status The Organisation, a public benevolent institution, is endorsed to access the following charity tax concessions: • Income Tax exemption from 1 July 2007 under Subdivision 50-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act of 1997. • GST concessions from 1 July 2007 under Division 176 of A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. • FBT Exemption from 1July 2007 under section 123C of the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986. d) Deductible Gift Recipient status As an income tax exempt charity the Organisation is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient from 1 July 2007. It is covered by item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 .

e) Australian Business Number The Organisation is registered in the Australian Business Register with ABN: 62 302 702 903. f) National Standard Chart of Accounts

From 2013 the Organisation has implemented the National Standard Chart of Accounts (NSCOA) as recommended by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). 1.3 Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable after taking into account any discounts or rebates allowed. All revenue is stated net of the amounts of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Sale of Goods and Disposal of Assets

Revenue from the sale of goods and disposal of other assets is recognised when the Organisation has passed control of the goods or other assets to the buyer.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 96 SCS Financial Report 2015 97 FR 9 98 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 99 Glossary

1800 007 007 Helpline Service: BasicsCard: Customer Liaison Officer (CLO): See Financial Counselling Helpline. The BasicsCard is a reusable, The NT Responsible Gambling Code Personal Identification Number of Practice requires that gambling Assets Infrastructure and (PIN) protected card. It can be used venues appoint a person to perform Maintenance (AIM): to buy food, clothes, health and the role of Customer Liaison Officer The Assets Infrastructure and hygiene products from approved (CLO). A CLO performs three (3) Maintenance (AIM) team is stores and businesses. (See Income important functions- responsible for the maintenance, Management). • Provide the appropriate safety and ongoing upgrades and information to assist customers Centre Pay: renovations of all Somerville owned with gambling related problems and managed assets. A free service for customers to pay • Support staff in providing bills as regular deductions from their assistance to those customers Australian Childhood Foundation Centrelink payments. • Provide responsible gambling Safeguarding Children exclusion procedures Accreditation: Child and Family Contact Centre Service (CFCCS): Disability Services: Nationally relevant, Safeguarding Children accreditation clearly CFCCS is a joint program run by the The arm of Somerville that provides communicates to children, young Department of Children and Families community based supported accommodation for people with people and their families that the (DCF) and Somerville Community developmental disabilities or organisation values the safety of services. The program aims to support acquired brain injuries with high children and young people. children and young people in the care of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) support needs in Darwin, Howard It also demonstrates to of the DCF by improving attachment Springs and Katherine. governments, funding bodies and and relationships with their parent(s). other stakeholders an ongoing Disability Advisory Council (DAC): organisational commitment to best Community Benefit Fund (CBF): This NT based Council provides practice and quality improvement in The Northern Territory Community advice to Government on the policy, relation to the protection of children Benefit Fund provides funding planning and delivery of disability and young people. support for gambling-related services in the Northern Territory. research and amelioration programs Australian Service Excellence Emergency Relief Funds (ERF): concerned with problem gambling, as Standards (ASES): well as grants that provide assistance ERF helps to support families and The Australian Service Excellence for general community development individuals in crisis. ERF assistance Standards are quality standards and improvement purposes. The fund includes - for the community services sector. receives money from levies imposed • purchase vouchers of a fixed value ASES supports community service on the operation of electronic gaming (for example – food) organisations to effectively manage machines operated by licensed hotels • part-payment of an outstanding resources, gain better understanding and casinos throughout the Territory. account (for example - rent, accommodation, utility account/s) of customer needs and improve Convention on the Rights of accountability and reporting. People with Disability (CRPWD): Family Services: Achievement of the standards can be The CRPWD is an international human Family Services provides a range at the Certificate level (the first level) rights treaty of the United Nations of community service programs or the Award level. Accreditation is intended to protect the rights and including confidential, professional for a period of three years. dignity of persons with disabilities. counselling and support service for Baby FAST: Parties to the Convention are required families, couples, individual adults, to promote, protect, and ensure the full children, adolescents and groups of Baby FAST is the early intervention enjoyment of human rights by persons individuals in Darwin, Palmerston, program for young mothers and with disabilities and ensure that they Katherine and surrounding rural fathers for children 0-3 year old. enjoy full equality under the law. areas.

100 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 101 Glossary (cont)

Family Safety Framework: Income Management: National Minimum Data Set (NMDS): Person-Centred Thinking (PCT): Supported Accommodation The NMDS is a national collection Assistance Program (SAAP): Its purpose is to provide an action- Commonwealth legislation that sets PCT is a method used in the AGM - Annual General Meeting based integrated service response to aside part of Centrelink payments so that has: development of a person-centred Commonwealth program assisting individuals and families experiencing that money provided for the welfare • a set of nationally significant data plan. To achieve outcomes of the homeless people and women and AO - Order of Australia family or domestic violence who of individuals is spent on priority items or pieces of information PCP, those who are around the children escaping domestic violence. AM - Member of the Order of are at HIGH risk of serious injury or needs and expenses. (Currently that are collected in all Australian person, especially those who do Australia jurisdictions. Targeted Family Support death. operating across the whole NT). the day to day work need to have ASES - Australian Service Excellence • an agreed method of collection person-centred thinking skills. As The Family Safety Framework Targeted Family Support is a joint Standards ‘‘MyTime”: and transmission. an example, staff and managers is part of the Northern Territory program run by the Department A program run by Somerville The purpose of the NMDS collection separating what is important to of Children and Families (DCF) and CALD - Culturally And Linguistically Government’s ongoing commitment is to facilitate the annual collation of them, from what is important for the Diverse to tackling Family and Domestic Family Services which provides Somerville Community services. an opportunity to connect with a nationally comparable data about people they support, and finding a The target group is children, young CBB - Community Business Bureau Violence and assisting families to disability support services provided balance between them. receive immediate and holistic group of people in a relaxed, friendly people (unborn to 18 years) and CBF - Community Business Fund environment while addressing under the National Disability their families who find themselves support for both high risk victims Social Participation and Brokerage important topics from gambling to Agreement. in vulnerable situations but are not CRPWD - Convention on the Rights and perpetrators of violence. Program: domestic violence. currently subject to statutory child of People with Disability Northern Territory Council of The program provides a flexible protection intervention. CFCCS - Child and Family Contact Financial Capability program: Social Services (NTCOSS): No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS): range of quality support options Centre Service Commonwealth funded program Workplace Gender Equality NILS offer small no interest loans A peak body for the Social and to enhance the independence, aimed at improving financial and Agency (WGEA): CLO - Customer Liaison Officers for people on low incomes for the Community Sector and an advocate community participation and quality social function through increasing DCC DAC - Darwin City Council’s purchase of essential household for social justice on behalf of people of life for adults with disabilities. The Workplace Gender Equality financial literacy and money Disability Advisory Committee goods. NILS is a registered trademark and communities in the NT who The service supports people in a Agency (WGEA) is an Australian management capacity. of Good Shepherd Microfinance. may be affected by poverty and wide range of settings including Government statutory agency DCF - Department of Children and Financial Capability workers: disadvantage. in-home and within the community. charged with promoting and Families National Disability Insurance Somerville’s program is not limited improving gender equality in Person Centred Active Support ERF - Emergency Relief Funds Trained financial literacy staff who Agency (NDIA): to normal working hours and may Australian workplaces. Their vision deliver the ‘Financial Capability (PCAS): MBE - Order of the British Empire The NDIA is an independent include activities in evenings, is for women and men to be equally program’. statutory agency whose role is to PCAS is a way of helping people overnights and weekends. represented, valued and rewarded NDS - National Disability Services with learning disabilities engage in in the workplace. The Agency is Financial Counselling Helpline: implement the National Disability Social Role Valorization (SRV): NDIA - National Disability Insurance Insurance Scheme (NDIS. meaningful activity and relationships responsible for administering the Agency A national number providing free as active participants. Instead of The basic premise of SRV is that Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. financial counselling assistance. National Disability Insurance doing things for people or too people are much more likely to NDIS - National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): people, it involves working with experience the “good things in life” if Youth and Family Services Scheme Financial Services: Katherine: The NDIS is a national insurance people to enable them to take part in they hold valued social roles than if NMDS - National Minimum Data Set Financial Services is the financial scheme for people with a disability. all the activities of everyday life, no they do not. The major goal of SRV is Somerville Family Services Program NTCOSS - Northern Territory Council welfare arm of Somerville The scheme is aimed at providing matter how profound the disability. to create or support socially valued based in Katherine that focuses on of Social Service Community Services. We assist roles for people in our society. a Youth Homelessness prevention targeted support and better Person Centred Planning (PCP): PCAS - Person Centred Active anyone who is experiencing a program providing support and coordination and access to services Step Forward Program: Support financial crisis or problem in their life. for people with disabilities. PCP is a set of approaches designed counselling to young people and to assist someone to plan their life. It It is a supported accommodation their families. RTO - Registered Training Financial Literacy Programs: National Disability Services (NDS): is often used as a life planning model training program aimed at equipping Organisation Known as “Cashed-Up”, this program NDS is the national industry to enable individuals with disabilities people with social, financial and SAAP - Supported Accommodation is targeted at high school students association for disability services requiring support to increase their interpersonal skills to enable them Assistance Program personal self-determination and to cope with the challenging and with the aim of teaching them representing in excess of 600 not-for- SCS - Somerville Community Services financial skills. The program was profit organisations. NDS promotes improve their own independence. increasing demands of everyday life. WGE - Workplace Gender Equality developed by Somerville’s Financial the development of quality services Person Centred Practices: The program has a particular Counsellors in consultation with and life opportunities for Australians emphasis on the development of WGEA - Workplace Gender Equality teachers, parents and senior level with disabilities. See Person Centred Planning, Person skills for obtaining and sustaining Agency Centred Thinking, Person Centred students. successful future tenancy as well as WHS - Work Health and Safety Active Support. financial stability.

102 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 103 Index Our logo

A Governance, 28-29 N Accounting and Financial Graphs No Interest Loans Scheme,51, 53 Management, 88 Assets and liabilities, 26 O Acknowledgement, ii Disability Services profile, 58 Our clients, 49 Acronym List, 102 Equity, 27 Our Logo, 104 Annual Report Objective, ii Expenditure by services, 24 Our organisation, 3 Assets, Infrastructure and Expense, 24 Our staff, 86-87 Maintenance, 66-69 Income source, 23 Organisational chart, 35 Auditors Report, 91 Net operating result, 22 Australian Service Excellence P ... Operating results overview, 22 Standards, 74 Patrons, 34 Our logo was chosen with care, B Operating surplus, 27 Policies and Procedures, 28 mindful of our mission. Board of Directors, 30-34 Sources of Income, 23 President’s Report, 4-5 It signifies our ability to work Total income, 25 outside of the square. The circle Board members meeting attendance, R is symbolic of wholeness and 29 Total expenditure, 24-25 Reporting against our Strategic Plan, health and the circles within circles C Working capital, 27 12-21 indicate the layers and complexity of the lives we encounter each day. CEO report, 6-7 Work Place Profile, 73 Representation on Boards and Committees, 28 Overarching all is the stylised Corporate Governance, 28-29 H family embodying the nurturing Risk Management, 28 Contents, ii Highlights of the Year, 1 and embracing nature of S Somerville. Blue is pristine, the Constitution, 3 History, 3 freshness of the sky and the sea. Strategic Plan, 12-21 Contact, ii Human Resources, Information It is also the favourite colour of Margaret Somerville, our Corporate support, 82 Technology and Administrative Supporters, 82-84 inspiration. Services, 70-75 Social media, ii D During our 50th anniversary year, I Somerville History, 3 Directors declaration, 90 we have adapted a ‘50’ in our logo Index, 103 Somerville Logo, 104 to celebrate this milestone. Disability services, 56-65 K Somerville Services, 3 E Katherine Youth and Family Services, Somerville Staff, 86-87 Events, 76-81 47-48 Special Purpose Financial Report, 89- Expenditure by services, 24 Key Achievements 100 12,15,17,18, 20, 40, 50, 56, 66, 70, 88 F Staff Acknowledgement, ii, 86 Family Services, 40-49 Key Challenges, 8,9 40, 50, 56, 66, 70, 88 V Financial summary, 22-27 L Values, 2 Financial Counselling Helpline, ii Locations - Somerville offices, back Vision, 2 Financial Services, 50-55 cover Volunteers, 85 Five year snapshot, 10-11 Logo, 104 W From the President, 4-5 M Work Health and Safety, 66 From the CEO, 6-7 Management team, 36-39 Workforce development plan, 70-71 G Margaret Somerville, 2, 4, 6, 76, 77, 79 Y Glossary of Terms, 101-102 Mission, 2 Year at a Glance, 1

104 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 105 GENERAL DARWIN OFFICE PALMERSTON PALMERSTON KATHERINE OFFICE Email: [email protected] 147 Lee Point Road 3 Victoria Drive 3 Bonson Terrace 30 First Street Web: www.somerville.org.au WAGAMAN, NT 0810 GRAY, NT 0830 MOULDEN NT 0830 KATHERINE, NT 0850 Ph: (08) 8920 4100 Ph: (08) 8935 1500 Ph: (08) 8935 1500 Ph: (08) 8972 5100 Fax: (08) 8920 4101 Fax: (08) 8935 1501 Fax: (08) 8935 1501 Fax: (08) 8972 5101 FINANCIAL COUNSELLING HELPLINE PO Box 42644 Phone: 1800 007 007 CASUARINA, NT 0811 SOMERVILLE.ORG.AU 106