ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 1 9/11/17 11:39 am VISION Equity for deaf people
PURPOSE ‘Deaf life: Your way, your language’. We work with deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people. We work to break down barriers, create choice and support you to reach your goals.
CONTENTS
Highlights of the Year ...... 3 Message from the Chair ...... 4 Overview from the Chief Executive Officer ...... 5 In memory of Vice Patron Nola Colefax OAM ...... 6 Our People ...... 7 Our Strategy – how we performed ...... 8 Chair, Finance and Audit Committee’s Report ...... 13 Financial Report...... 14 Membership & Acknowledgements ...... 19
PATRON
PATRON His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of NSW
THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 2 9/11/17 11:39 am HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
2016 Deaf Festival
The annual Deaf Festival was a wonderful success with community members young and old joining in activities such as the Auslan Spelling Bee and the family classic, traffic light game.
Resilient Australia Award
In October 2016, The Deaf Society and emergency service partners won the NSW Resilient Australia Award in the community category. The award recognised the Get Ready program which has empowered the Deaf Community to prepare for natural disasters like fire, flood and storms.
My Interpreting App
In 2016, we designed and launched a new website which makes it easier for deaf people to book an interpreter using their mobile, tablet or iPad. Now to book an interpreter with NDIS funds, it is 4 simple steps plus a once-off registration.
Auslan at NRL Grand Final
The 2016 NRL Grand Final was the first time an Auslan performance of the Australian National Anthem was included at a major sporting event. An audience of over 80,000 people witnessed this historic and proud moment for the Deaf Community.
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Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 3 9/11/17 11:39 am MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
The 2017 financial year (FY2017) was This is my first year as Chairperson of the another successful year for the Deaf Deaf Society, and there are so many people Society. Not only did we grow our to thank. To the staff of the Deaf Society, operating profit to $475,080 compared you are the face of the organisation. For to the previous year’s trading loss of your determination, devotion and drive to $146,619. The Board, along with the senior deliver the many programs and projects, management has developed a strategy a big thank you. to build the capacity and services that It would be remiss of me, not to we deliver to the community. This plan acknowledge the two Directors who is aimed to drive revenue to $20 million, have left the organisation over the past by 2021, and significantly increase the year, both made enormous contributions services we provide. to the Deaf Society during their tenure • Increase in the surplus from FY2016 to with the organisation. FY2017 of $621,699. Vivek Prabhu, sat on the Finance & • The rollout of the National Disability Audit Committee for several years Insurance Scheme. and oversaw the financial audits and management of the investment portfolios. • Increase in interpreter services the Deaf Vivek’s skills in understanding financial Society provides. markets and his ability to work with the • Increase in sign language course investment advisers to build long-term enrolments by 36%. investment portfolios for the Deaf These are very pleasing results, considering Society will benefit the organisation for the changing business environment many years to come. the Deaf Society works within and Ken Deacon, sat on the Board for more the constant challenges including; the than ten years and held the position of complete rollout of the NDIS, changing Chair for many years. Ken has made many government policy, reduced funding significant contributions to the Deaf opportunities, and aligning our services to Society during this time. He has guided customers’ needs. the organisation in the employment of a However, the challenges we face are only new CEO and understood the changing opportunities for the organisation to grow environment including the implications of and prosper, provide better services to our the NDIS. All should appreciate his desire customers and improve our engagement for the organisation to strive and improve with the broader community. the services it provides to the deaf community. If the Deaf Society is going to continue to grow and flourish, we must build a business To my fellow Board members, who have model that is substantial, resilient, and devoted energy and time to assist and delivers quality services to our customers. guide the organisation over the past year, We must continue to listen to our thank you. customers and develop strategies that will promote and assist, those people in the deaf community that require support. Brian Halse Chairperson
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Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 4 9/11/17 11:39 am OVERVIEW FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
This year, we have seen many new support to me and the Executive Team challenges and exciting opportunities to during this dynamic time. improve the quality of our services and I would like to especially thank Vivek support for our deaf, hard of hearing and Prahbu and Kenneth Deacon for their deafblind customers. years of dedicated service and loyalty to As we prepared for the full roll-out of the the Society. Michael Boneham, Kashveera National Disability Insurance Scheme Chanderjith and Vince Lam have joined (NDIS) in NSW, the Deaf Society team the board in February 2017 and brought in have been listening to our customers and continuity of financial knowledge as well implementing changes or introducing new as their individual perspectives to drive the services to make their journey easier. This Society forward. would have not been possible without a Secondly, I would like to thank the team who are very focused and passionate Executive Managers; Ivana Krunes, David about their customers ensuring that we McQuiggin, Sharon Nann and John O’Neill. give 100% to all of you. Each one of them are strongly committed The Board and leadership team have also to making the Deaf Society stand out as been working strategically so that we may a thought leader in the deafness sector, continue to provide high quality customer- one that provides high quality service focused support and proactively respond and support to deaf, hard of hearing and to the significant changes in the sector deafblind people as well as their families, including NDIS and My Aged Care. friends and employers.
In December 2016, the Deaf Society Thirdly I would like to thank the whole experienced great sadness with the passing Deaf Society team across NSW and of our beloved Vice-Patron, the late the ACT for showing me every day, the Nola Colefax, OAM. Nola‘s funeral was difference they make for our customers well attended with many people in the and importantly our community. The team community paying tribute to a remarkable has been phenomenal as they worked and loyal woman who has inspired many towards equity for deaf people. people. Her legacy and contribution to the Lastly I would like to thank our members, Deaf Society and the community will never donors and supporters. Without you, we be forgotten. cannot achieve equity for deaf people. I I would like to thank the many people look forward to continuing to work toward who have tirelessly supported the Society the Deaf Society’s vision and ensuring that during the past 12 months. together, we achieve equity for everyone.
Firstly, I would like to thank past Chair, Todd Wright for his guidance and hard work. Brian Halse accepted the Chair position when Todd stepped down in Leonie Jackson February 2017 and has been a wonderful Chief Executive Officer
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Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 5 9/11/17 11:39 am IN MEMORY OF VICE PATRON NOLA COLEFAX OAM
In 2016, we farewelled a dearly loved Whilst working full time on a factory 1989 publication of the Auslan Dictionary member of the Deaf Community, our assembly line, Nola dedicated most of her of which he was the editor. Vice Patron Nola Colefax OAM. Nola died spare time to the theatre company. In 1978, In 1981 Nola Colefax was awarded an peacefully on 15 December 2016, a few six months before she was due to retire Order of Australia for her services to months after celebrating her 95th birthday. from factory work, Nola accepted a full the Theatre of the Deaf. She continued We would like to pay tribute to Nola’s time position in the Theatre of the Deaf as it trailblazing her way towards the astonishing determination, deep generosity was launched as a professional company. formation of the Concerned Deaf Group, and the lasting impression she made on the She had a full life in the theatre - the publication of an autobiography Deaf Community by recognising some of participating in the American National Signs of Change, ongoing involvement her greatest achievements. Theatre of the Deaf’s summer programme, in Deaf Society Committees, the Deaf In 1973, at the instigation of Kenneth Tribe, performing Brecht and Shakespeare, Senior Citizens group and Deaf Christian the Deaf Society attempted to establish working in theatre-in-education, and Fellowship. In 2010, she was appointed Vice a drama group. When few people showed representing Australia at international Patron of the Deaf Society, the first deaf interest, they asked Nola to round up a seminars such as UNESCO’s visual theatre person to be given this honour. group of 20 who were to become the future event in Paris. Nola has impacted and inspired hundreds NSW Theatre of the Deaf. It was at this It was in Paris that Nola met with the of people in her lifetime and will always be time that Nola discovered a deep passion budding linguist Trevor Johnston, an remembered for her graciousness, tenacity for theatre and the visual arts. encounter that served as the catalyst for the and zest for life.
6 THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 6 9/11/17 11:39 am OUR PEOPLE
We aim to lead by example, our workplace is bi-lingual and bi-cultural where both Auslan and English are used and valued. We value our diverse employees including those engaged on a casual basis and appreciate the skills they bring as we work toward equity for deaf people.
Our team works in partnership with not-for-profit, corporate and government organisations to achieve greater impact. Most importantly, our team empowers our customers to access all areas of life on an equal basis with others.
STAFF PROFILES
Andrew Niklaus Teresa Thomson Kate Matairavula Kathy Wright Renee Pratt Community Support Manager, Interpreter Customer Worker Coordinator and Customer Service Officer Kathy has been Parent to Parent Service Team Andrew is a passionate an interpreter and Renee is our unflappable Coordinator Community Worker Kate works tirelessly interpreter mentor and welcoming face who works tirelessly Teresa has developed to ensure the Deaf for the Deaf Society at the Deaf Society to ensure that our a great relationship Society’s customers for over 17 years. Her Parramatta reception. support for deafblind with all of her receive the best passion, dedication and She is bilingual so customers including customers. She works possible service and professionalism makes able to interact meetings and outings, closely with hard inspires her team her a role model for confidently with all are of high quality. of hearing people, to exceed customer all in the interpreting our customers. Apart He is always willing supporting them expectations. In a industry. This year from answering 50 to go the extra mile to understand and changing environment Kathy has decided to calls a day, numerous for customers and implement their NDIS and with a new reduce her workload emails and greeting works with colleagues plan. Additionally, team, she has led as she eases into customers when they at any level to ensure her experience and the establishment retirement. Thank you arrive, she also steps in the best outcomes dedication to supporting of new systems with Kathy for your long and to assist other members for our customers. parents of deaf children each service area to outstanding service. of the team during ensures that families ensure the customer peak periods. are supported on experience is easy. their journey.
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Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 7 9/11/17 11:39 am OUR STRATEGY – HOW WE PERFORMED
To work effectively towards or vision of 2. Increase workforce participation 5. Growth for sustainability equity for deaf people, we set ourselves 3. Strengthen communities impacted The following pages (8 – 12) contain five strategic directions for 2015-2018: by deafness a summary of outcomes against the 1. Improve and expand services for five strategic priorities during the 4. Continue to develop a customer-focused individuals and communities 2017 year. Deaf Society impacted by deafness
IMPROVE AND EXPAND SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY DEAFNESS
In 2017, we continued to improve and expect the demand for this service to grow Recently, we have also recognised a expand services for individuals and in the future not just among families but growing need for support services for communities across a range of service hard of hearing adults too. hard of hearing people. In 2017, the Deaf areas including interpreting, education and Society was successful in receiving an NDIA The Deaf Society is also expanding training, everyday living skills, employment Information, Linkages and Capacity Building services in the areas of assistive and support coordination. (ILC) grant to research the barriers to technology, support for hard of hearing accepting and seeking help for hearing loss. Interest in Auslan courses continues to people and services for regional areas. The research will inform the development grow exponentially. In 2017, a record For the past six years, the Deaf Society of a progressive, impartial online service 1,208 students enrolled in a beginner has delivered the Smoke Alarm Subsidy which provides individuals and families with community course while 355 enrolled in Scheme (SASS) in partnership with Fire emotional, clinical and practical support. an accredited course. The growth in Auslan and Rescue NSW and NSW Government. We look forward to realising this project in students fosters greater awareness and The scheme reduced the cost of visual/ the next 12 months in consultation with the understanding of the Deaf Community, its tactile smoke alarms to just $20, making community and stakeholders. unique language and culture. It also creates them affordable to deaf people. Of the a pathway to a career in Auslan/ English In preparation for the final NDIS rollout over 2,000 smoke alarms that were interpreting which is experiencing high- stage which includes Northern NSW, Mid distributed through the scheme, 531 demand at present. North Coast and the Illawarra Shoalhaven were distributed in 2017 alone. among other areas, the Deaf Society has It has also been wonderful to see an While the SASS program has come to a employed a Country Services, Manager increase in the number of families with close, we recognised the new opportunities to oversee regional service delivery in line deaf children requesting Auslan tutoring for deaf people to access the technology with the NDIS. The support provided by in the home. Due to National Disability they need through the NDIS and My Aged the NDIS is particularly important for our Insurance Scheme (NDIS), families are now Care. With this in mind, we have added the regional customers and we look forward able to access Auslan training at a time provision of assistive technology to our to continuing to improve and expand our and location that suits the family. In 2016, suite of services. service provision in these areas. we were proud to support 12 families and
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Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 8 9/11/17 11:39 am INCREASING WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION
The continued rollout of the NDIS across completed the course in 2017. We look the first time, the cohort comprised of NSW has created an increased need for forward to welcoming them to the Deaf deaf and hearing students with 12 students an Auslan skilled workforce. To meet the Society team. achieving their NAATI accreditation and growing demand, the Deaf Society has joining the workforce. Working in partnership with TAFE, the Deaf provided a range of training programs Society supported 16 people to achieve the In 2017, we partnered with Uber to deliver across education, individual support Certificate III in Individualised Supports an information session in Auslan. Dozens provision and interpreting. which in turn services our increased need of community members took the With an increasing number of people for support workers under the NDIS. In opportunity to learn about; becoming enrolling in Auslan courses and families total, 20 Support Workers were added to an Uber driver, as well as the accessible requesting Auslan tutoring in the home, we our pull of casual staff and is expected to Uber app features for riders and drivers. It recognised the need to upskill more deaf grow in 2018 as service bookings increase. is wonderful to work with an organisation people with the Certificate IV in TAE10 that embraces accessibility and encourages Recognising the increasing demand for (Training and Assessment) required for the employment of deaf and hard of interpreters, the Deaf Society once again teaching. Eight people have successfully hearing people. delivered the Diploma of Interpreting. For
100+ Support Coordination customers
18,965 hours of Auslan/English Interpreting
531 tactile smoke alarms distributed
3,609 hours of independent living support provided
THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017 9
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 9 9/11/17 11:39 am STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY DEAFNESS
In terms of community engagement, we have We have also expanded on the success of was not only an opportunity for the local provided a range of events that allow for the Get Ready – Emergency Preparedness community to heal but also learn about skills and information sharing. Our specific project. With the support of NSW what steps they can take to prepare for focus has been; 1) continuing to build the Government - Women in Leadership grant, future natural disasters. capacity of deaf people around the NDIS we were able to train our existing Deaf To strengthen our community, we provided and emergency preparedness, and 2) social Liaison Officers (DLOs) in mentorship. a series of social events engaging with a activities that strengthen our community. The training enables the DLOs to mentor broad range of people including families In preparation for the final stage of the new volunteers in the areas of community with deaf children. The annual Deaf NDIS rollout, we delivered nine NDIS leadership, effective communication, conflict Festival was once again a great success with workshops across NSW with a total of 195 management and community development. community members young and old coming people attending. The workshops were Following the training, an additional nine out to enjoy the day and engage in the an opportunity for the community to deaf volunteers were recruited and are being activities such as the Auslan Spelling Bee understand the potential of the NDIS and mentored by the DLOs. and the family classic, traffic light game. learn about the application process. Following the training, the mentors and We also hosted screenings of the ground- In the new year, we will shift our mentees in partnership with emergency breaking American filmNo Ordinary focus to NDIS plan management and services have delivered 13 community Hero: The SuperDeafy Movie in Gosford, implementation, by delivering workshops emergency preparedness workshops with a Sydney and Canberra with over 300 to support customers in understanding total of 299 people in attendance. people in total attending the screenings. their NDIS plan and how to use online The family-friendly film was written and Perhaps most significantly, the DLOs portals such as My Gov and the NDIS directed by deaf people which meant the delivered a workshop in Lismore following participants portal. story strongly resonated with community the March 2017 flooding. The workshop members and families.
The Turning Point
“Both my husband & I have found being connected to Fiona deeply helpful – a really important part of the support we received as we began this journey of parenting our son with hearing loss.
Speaking to Fiona on the phone when my son was ten weeks old was a turning point for us, as she was able to provide a sense of hope and possibility by sharing her own son’s story. We felt inspired, motivated and also relieved as many of our fears were addressed. As time has gone on, further conversations and meetings with Fiona (including being generously invited over to her home to meet her family) have provided really useful information and support.“
Rosanna Pajak, participant in the Parent-to-Parent Mentor Program.
10 THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 10 9/11/17 11:40 am CONTINUE TO DEVELOP A CUSTOMER FOCUSED DEAF SOCIETY
With a focus on continuous improvement, website was launched in March with an The Customer Service Team also led the we have further developed systems, skills overwhelmingly positive response from implementation of a customer satisfaction and processes to improve and measure the community: “Love the new website tool across all service areas. Following the customer experience. more clear and easy to find information”. an analysis of current tools used in the organisation, the team implemented a Late in 2016, we launched the My Engagement with the website has plan to streamline the collection of Interpreting mobile web app. First of its grown significantly; customer feedback and satisfaction kind in Australia, the app is designed to • Email subscriber rate has quadrupled. ratings by transitioning the organisation make it easier to book an interpreter using to the Net Promoter Scale tool. The your mobile phone, tablet or iPad. Now to • Enquiries have increased 98% project is in its early stages and we look book an interpreter with your NDIS funds, compared to the same time last year. forward to reporting on our outcomes there are only four steps plus a simple • Page views have increased 32% next year. once-off registration. compared to the same time last year. We were also fortunate to receive the Since the launch of the app, interpreter Aside from a customer’s online experience, Stronger Communities grant from the bookings from NDIS customers has risen we have also been working on improving Australian Government to upgrade to approximately 20% of all bookings their interactions with the organisation. the Parramatta reception area. The demonstrating the growing market and In May, the Customer Service Team refurbishment has opened the space need for a simple booking tool. undertook a full day of training in and created a welcoming, deaf-friendly Additionally, the Deaf Society embarked excellence in customer service with a reception area for our customers and on a redesign of the website with the aim focus on managing and enhancing the their families. of making it easier to find information and customer’s experience. make enquiries/ book services. The new
THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017 11
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 11 9/11/17 11:40 am GROWTH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
We recognise that to grow and be relationships to support our customers • In 2017, the Break the Sound Barrier sustainable we need to implement and community; campaign celebrated its one year systems that improve our processes anniversary. We continue to be proud • Fire and Rescue NSW have been a and efficiency, and work in partnership partners and stand behind the campaign valuable and committed partner of with other organisations. which aims to put the health of deaf, the Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme by deafblind and hard of hearing people In 2017, we implemented a new finance assigning local fireman to support on the national political agenda. This system which included integration with with the installation of visual/ tactile year the campaign has made significant key operational systems in interpreting, smoke alarms. progress toward this aim by instigating education and community services. The • NSW State Emergency Services, Fire a Federal inquiry into the hearing health new system has significantly improved and Rescue NSW and Red Cross and wellbeing of Australians. finance processes and provides more continue to be enthusiastic and dedicated accurate and timely information. We also continue to be part of an partners of the Get Ready project. In interagency meeting group including In the year ahead, we look forward to particular, we look forward to working ASLIA NSW, Deaf Australia (NSW), The upgrading our case management system closely with NSW State Emergency Shepherd Centre, Royal Institute of Deaf and implementing a customer relationship Service in creating a formal volunteer and Blind Children, NSW Deaf Sports, management system. The changes will program for deaf and hard of hearing Accessible Arts, Ephpheta Centre, Hear for enhance the customer experience across people within their organisation. You and Deafness Forum. We look forward all key service areas. • Thank you to our 2016 Deaf Festival to growing our existing relationships and Over the past year, we have also continued sponsors; Uber, Google, Australian creating new partnerships in 2018. to develop partnerships and productive Hearing and Cochlear for their support.
Northern Rivers Deaf Youth Camp
The Deaf Society was successful The camp began with an empowerment The camp was led by young deaf adults, who in attaining a NSW Government workshop giving the participants the role-modelled deaf-friendly communication Communities Grant to deliver a Youth opportunity to discuss with their peers and inclusiveness. The experience of being a Camp in Northern NSW. It was the first the barriers they face living in a hearing camp leader has inspired one deaf adult to time a youth camp had been hosted in world. For many of the campers, it was further their studies enrolling in an Outdoor Northern NSW and was attended by 25 the first time they were able to share their Recreation course. young deaf and hard of hearing people. challenges with people that can empathise. “I feel more confident and have found my Over 4-days, the youth enjoyed a full They also learned about their rights passion for leadership and working with program of outdoor activities and and responsibilities in school and the deaf people. I can’t stop talking about the personal development workshops in a workplace which gave them the tools camp with my family and friends. Thank deaf-friendly environment. and confidence to meet some of the you so much for accepting me as a leader, challenges they face. I’ve learnt lots of valuable skills”.
12 THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 12 9/11/17 11:40 am CHAIR, FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE’S REPORT
This is my first report on behalf of the During the 2017 financial year the Society Finance and Audit Committee. I wish to made a change to one of its financial acknowledge the efforts of the previous advisers, moving from Duetsche Bank (who Chair, Vivek Prabhu, who retired from the no longer operate in this field) to Escala. We Board during 2016. retained our other investment adviser, JB Were. During the year, income generated Vivek worked tirelessly with the from investments totalled $644,533 (2016 Management team led by the CEO to FY $686,700). The value of investments robustly structure the Society’s financial held increased by $798,908 (2016: $487,565 processes and reporting system, ensuring decline). This gain was further supplemented that the Society was, and is, in a positive by realised gains of $722,106 (2016: financial position to meet the challenges of $244,391) on the sale of some investments. an ever changing environment, particularly with the ongoing roll out of the NDIS. The return (including franking credit) on the Thank you Vivek for your commitment and Society’s externally managed investment contribution to the Deaf Society during your portfolio for the year was approximately tenure as a Director and Chair of the Finance 9.5%, exceeding the CPI+5% (7.1%) objective and Audit Committee. set out in the Investment Policy for the financial year. We would like to thank our As a result of the implementation of these external financial advisers for this creditable processes and systems, and the hard work performance. The present extremely low of the Operating team, the Society has interest rate environment, in which the delivered a positive financial outcome for Reserve Bank has maintained the official members during financial year ending cash rate at a record low of 1.5%, and the June 30, 2017. Society’s conservative investment policy to This year the Society delivered a surplus of ensure retention of capital, will necessitate $474,080 (2016: $146,619 deficit). Total an ongoing review by the Finance & Audit comprehensive income (after including the Committee and the Board of the objective changes in market value of investments held) return in the Investment Policy. for the year was a surplus of $907,229 (2016: This year’s total comprehensive income $634,184 deficit). Pleasingly, this surplus was of $907,229 (2016: $634,184 deficit) is an delivered along with revenue growth this indication of the commitment and focus of year to $7,492,679 (2016: $6,798,631). At the Board and Management Team on running the close of the financial year, the Society the business robustly, whilst ensuring had net assets of $16,746,945 (2016: that the ongoing investments made by $15,839,716). I appreciate the support of our the Society in readying itself for the full members and recognise the efforts of our implementation of NDIS and positioning the Directors and staff that have worked hard to Society for a sustainable future. make these results possible. The support of the Commonwealth and State Governments I wish to thank the members of the Finance and the generosity of our donors is also a & Audit Committee, the Board and the critical contributor to the ongoing viability Management Team for their ongoing and success of the Society. commitment and support.
The net income from fundraising activities in 2017 was $32,121 (2016: $39,865) . The Society is indebted to those individuals and organisations that choose to support the Michael Boneham Society in this manner. Chair, Finance and Audit Committee
THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017 13
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 13 9/11/17 11:40 am ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017
CORPORATE INFORMATION Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu ABN 74 490 121 060 Eclipse Tower ABN 21 952 195 236 60 Station Street Parramatta Sydney, NSW, 2150 Australia Directors Phone: +61 2 9840 7000 www.deloitte.com.au David Atkinson Kenneth Deacon Kashveera Chanderjith
Vivek Prabhu The Board of Directors The Deaf Society Level 4 Susanne Alexandra Rae 69 Philip Street Parramatta NSW 2150
Julie Tait Todd James Wright
17 October 2017 Evan Kidd
Elizabeth Wee Dear Board Members Brian Peter Halse The Deaf Society (previously known as The Deaf Society of NSW)
Michael Boneham In accordance with Subdivision 60-C Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, I am pleased to provide the following declaration of independence to the Vince Lam directors of The Deaf Society.
As lead audit partner for the audit of the financial statements of The Deaf Society for the financial year ended 30 June 2017, I declare that to the best of my knowledge and Company Secretary belief, there have been no contraventions of:
Louise Hicks (i) the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; and (ii) any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. Registered Office and Principal Place
of Business Yours sincerely
Suite 401 Level 4
69 Phillip Street DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU
Parramatta NSW 2150
David Sartorio Bankers Partner Chartered Accountants
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
90-92 Audley Road
Petersham NSW 2049
Investment Managers
Page 8 JB Were Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited Level 42, Governor Phillip Tower
1 Farrer Place Sydney NSW 2000
Escala Partners Ltd. Level 25, Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place Sydney NSW 2000
Auditor Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Eclipse Tower Level 17 60 Station Street Parramatta NSW 2150
For the detailed financial report, visit our website www.deafsocietynsw.org.au.
14 THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 14 9/11/17 11:40 am STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017
2017 2016 $ $ Revenue 7,492,679 6,798,631 Investment gain 722,106 244,391 Employee benefits expense (5,625,445) (4,868,683) Depreciation expense (42,241) (52,235) Administrative expenses (595,141) (450,442) Occupancy expenses (366,490) (338,378) Consulting and marketing expenses (419,219) (1,023, 937) Other expenses (691,097) (455,966) (Deficit)/surplus for the year 475,080 (146,619) Other comprehensive income: Items that may reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Fair value (loss)/gain on available-for-sale assets 432,149 (487,565) Total comprehensive (deficit)/surplus income for the year 907,229 (634,184)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
2017 2016 $ $ Current assets Cash and bank balances 512,572 327,472 Trade and other receivables 822,433 846,774 Other financial assets 316,033 532,197 Other assets 202,225 174,441 Total current assets 1,853,263 1,880,884 Non-current assets Other financial assets 16,674,308 15,875,400 Property, plant and equipment 87,164 132,681 Intangible assets 43,006 Total non-current asset 16,804,478 16,008,081 Total assets 18,657,741 17,888,965 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 1,407,299 1,546,375 Provisions 456,947 408,081 Total current liabilities 1,864,246 1,954,456 Non-current liabilities Provisions 46,550 94,793 Total non-current liabilities 46,550 94,793 Total liabilities 1,910,790 2,049,249 Net assets 16,746,945 15,839,716 Equity Reserves 7,025,499 6,593,350 Accumulated surplus 9,721,446 9,246,366
Total equity 16,746,945 15,839,716
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Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 15 9/11/17 11:40 am INCOME AND EXPENDITURE OF FUNDRAISING APPEALS FOR THE YEAR 30 JUNE 2017
2016 2016 $ $ Income Annual mail appeal - - Donations 31,481 39,965 Merchandise Sales 15 249 Total fundraising income 31,496 40,214
Expenditure Postage, printing, stationary 1,654 2,245 Total cost of fundraising 1,654 2,245 Net Surplus 29,842 37,969
The surplus for the year is used to ameliorate the deficits incurred by the society in providing vital services, in particular support for members of the Deaf Community and their families. In 2017 year, the deficit amounted to $479,362 (2016: deficit $405,586).
% % Total cost of fundraising on fundraising income 5 6 Net surplus on fundraising income 95 94
Fundraising income excludes bequests, as it is not considered to represent income from active fundraising. There were no fundraising activities conducted jointly with traders.
Declaration by the President in respect of fundraising appeals I, Brian Peter Halse, Chair of The Deaf Society (previously known as The Deaf Society of NSW) declare, that in my opinion: (a) The accounts give a true and fair view of all income and expenditure of The Deaf Society with respect to fundraising appeals; (b) The statement of financial position gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs with respect to fundraising appeals; (c) The provision of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW) and the regulations under the Act have been complied with; (d) The conditions attached to the authority have been complied with; and (e) The internal controls exercised by The Deaf Society are appropriate and effective in accounting for all income received and applied by the Society from any of its fundraising appeals.
Brian Peter Halse Chair Sydney, 17 October 2017
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017
The directors declare that: (a) in the directors’ opinion, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debt as and when they become due and payable; and (b) in the directors’ opinion, the attached financial statements and notes thereto are in accordance with the Australian Charities and Non- for-profits Commission Act 2012 and the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW) including compliance with accounting standards and giving a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the company.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors made pursuant to s.60.15 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013.
On behalf of the directors
Brian Peter Halse Kashveera Chanderjith CA(SA) Chair Director Sydney, 17 October 2017
16 THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 16 9/11/17 11:40 am Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu A.B.N. 74 490 121 060 Eclipse Tower Level 17 60 Station Street Parramatta NSW 2150 PO Box 38 Parramatta NSW 2124 Australia Tel: +61 2 9840 7000 www.deloitte.com.au
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of The Deaf Society
We have audited the accompanying financial report of The Deaf Society, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017, the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the statement of cash flows and the statement of changes in equity for the year ended on that date, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the directors’ declaration as set out on pages 9 to 33. In addition, we have audited The Deaf Society’s compliance with specific requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 for the year ended 30 June 2017.
Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Report and for Compliance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and for compliance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. The directors are also responsible for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable compliance with requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s compliance with specific requirements of theCharitable Fundraising Act 1991 and the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the entity has complied with specific requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and the financial report is free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the company’s compliance with specific requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of non-compliance with specific requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control, relevant to the company’s compliance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view, in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.
Inherent Limitations
Because of the inherent limitations of any compliance procedure, it is possible that fraud, error, or noncompliance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 may occur and not be detected. An audit is not designed to detect all weaknesses in The Deaf Society’s compliance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 as an audit is not performed continuously throughout the period and the tests are performed on a sample basis.
THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017 17
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 17 9/11/17 11:40 am Any projection of the evaluation of compliance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 to future periods is subject to the risk that the procedures, may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with them may deteriorate.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion:
(a) the financial report of The Deaf Society is in accordance with Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, including:
a. giving a true and fair view of the company’s financial position as at 30 June 2016 and of its performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date; and
b. complying with Australian Accounting Standards and with Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Regulation 2013;
(b) the financial report agrees to the underlying financial records of The Deaf Society, that have been maintained, in all material respects, in accordance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and its regulations for the year ended 30 June 2017; and
(c) monies received by The Deaf Society, as a result of fundraising appeals conducted during the year ended 30 June 2017, have been accounted for and applied, in all material respects, in accordance with the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and its regulations.
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU
David Sartorio Partner Chartered Accountants Parramatta, 17 October 2017
18 THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 18 9/11/17 11:40 am MEMBERS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
Mr Adam Salzer Mr David Atkinson Mrs Judith Delawsky Ms Patricia Mutton Mr Alastair McEwin Mr David London Ms Judith Watson Mr Peter Hannan Mr Alex Jones Mr David McQuiggin Ms Judy Clews Mr Peter Miller Ms Alexandra Hynes Mr Dennis Johnston Ms Julie Tait Mr Ray Todd Ms Alison Toft Ms Elizabeth Wee Miss Kashveera Chanderjith Mr Ray Whitten Ms Amy Cavestany Mrs Ethel Goff Mrs Kate Matairavula Ms Robyn Stanton Mr Andrew Niklaus Ms Evelyn Christie Mr Ken Deacon Mr Roger Ashworth Mr Andrew Wiltshire Mr Frances Whiteley Mrs Kerry Priem Mr Ron Bryant Ms Anne Woods Mr Frank L Peterson Mr Kevin Mitchell Mr Ron Nicholson Ms Anne M Smith Mr George Barbouttis Ms Kristen Whiteley Ms Rosalie Kassulke Mr Anthony Gorringe OAM Mr George Krams Ms Leonie Jackson Ms Sharon Everson Mr Anthony Mackrodt Mr Glenn A Welldon Ms Louise Hicks Ms Sharon Nann Mr Barry Duggan Mr Graeme Stevenson Ms Lynette Hartmann Mrs Sharon Xabregas Mr Ben Gelin Mr Harry Roberts Ms Margaret Dale Mr Stephen Barr Ms Betty O’Brien Ms Helen Nicholson Ms Margaret Day Mr Stephen Nicholson Mr Brendan McQuiggin Ms Helen Trendos Mrs Margaret Drabsch Mr Steven Turner Mr Brian Halse Ms Inge Jahn Mrs Martha Gelin Mrs Sue Rae Mr Brian Johnston Ms Jacqueline Endicott Mr Martin Budd Mr Thomas Bennett Mr Brian Surtees Miss Jane Brewer Ms Mary Cook Mr Todd Wright Ms Bridget Carty Ms Jennifer Maclaughlan Mr Matt Dempsey Ms Toni Rose Robson Ms Bridget Nunan Mrs Jennifer Hannan Ms Megan Hannon Mr Trent McMillan Mr Bruce Drabsch Ms Jitka Navratil Miss Michelle Norberry Dr V D Bear Ms Carol Tiley Mr John Gould Mr Michael Boneham Mr Vince Lam Ms Charlene Grace Mr John Grant Mr Michael Hedley Mr Vivek Prabhu Mr Christian James Mr John Mooney Ms Natalie Kull Ms Wanda Stewart Mrs Christine Bible Mr John O'Neill Ms Norma Giuffre Ms Young-Joo Byun Mr Colin Allen Ms Jordanna Smith Mrs Olive Watson
MAJOR DONATIONS AND SPONSORS
$10,000 AND OVER $200 AND OVER N Weaver M Hertzberg JLDJS Foundation E Ash C R Wilhelm C Jacobs D Beaver Whelan Project Co Pty Limited L G Johnson $5,000 AND OVER O Bolliger J Church J Wiseman L Jones J Bonner Uber H Learoyd I H Campbell $100 AND OVER New England Sector of D Brown $1,000 AND OVER J Harland HealthShare NSW Australian Hearing C V Hood Y J Byun M R Parker Cochlear R J Howson V Caradus J Roach Google E Hunt R Earnshaw J Rockey P Hunt M MacAuthur Esty’s Southern American J Roseth Sausage Sizzle C Maher D Rouvray B W Glockemann $500 AND OVER F Muecke L Whiteman C Grace J Gould V Phillips R A Wood L Jackson P M Griffin Quota International of Quirindi C Richardson C Harris P Ryba
THE DEAF SOCIETY ANNUAL REPORT 2017 19
Brochure_AnnualReport_2017_A4.indd 19 9/11/17 11:40 am Level 4, 69 Phillip Street Parramatta NSW 2150
Phone: (02) 8833 3600 SMS: 0427 741 420 Email: [email protected] Skype: deafsocietyofnsw Website: www.deafsocietynsw.org.au
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