Diocese of

Annual Report 2007-2008 Contents 1 Bishop’s report 6 Family Services 1 Chairman’s report 8 Aged Services 2 Director’s report 9 Disability Services 3 Identity, Vision, 10 Corporate Services Purpose and Values 11 Financial Highlights 4 Children and 12 Snapshots Youth Services

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Centacare reaches out to those in need reflecting on ways to bring greater by bringing Christ to the people and hope to our world and finding deeper the pages of the Annual Report will meeting in the Christian message of show how this important mission is love. I would like to acknowledge the accomplished. This Annual Report gives contribution made by Centacare to this witness to the work of Centacare in its momentous occasion in the life of our service to the most vulnerable, whether Church. My visit to Keelong Juvenile who made these services possible. Kath reaching out to the needy in our Justice Centre with the Cross and Icon McCormack and the leadership team and schools, parishes, homes and many was a highlight for me. Even though staff, volunteers, sponsors, donors and all places of outreach in our Diocese. these young men have lived such of those who support our work by sharing disadvantaged lives, this strong Centacare’s programs and services are their time, talents and treasure reminder of Christ’s love gave the some throughout the year. rooted in the fundamental teachings of hope for the future and I felt privileged the Gospel and unite us by faith and to share this time with them. It is important we maintain our commitment to help those less fortunate charitable organisations with integrity within our community. Centacare offers Some important structural changes and accountability. The Centacare empowerment and dignity to poor and have occurred in the Diocese this year. Advisory Council (CAC), staff and vulnerable individuals and families, and Notably, the Diocesan Committees for volunteers work to ensure the highest by doing so, becomes a witness to the the Aged and People with a Disability standard of stewardship for our presence of God. and their Families are now permanent programs. Centacare’s staff brings Standing Committees of the Centacare With compassion and hope, Centacare energy, commitment and Christian love Advisory Council (CAC). This will ensure to their work and the CAC and has grown throughout the year and streamlined reporting, facilitate thousands of individuals and families volunteers graciously share their collaboration and reduce duplication in resources and talents. across our Diocese have been helped these important areas of the Church’s in many different ways. I am pleased to mission. These Committees work I commend to you this Annual Report report that there has been closely with the Diocesan Aged Care as a true reflection of the work of enhancements to Centacare’s programs and Disability Advocates, who Centacare and offer my personal and services and the development of continued to be jointly funded by the gratitude to all staff and supporters for new initiatives. Diocese and Centacare to undertake their ongoing commitment to furthering Of course, the lead up to, and vital work in our parishes. the presence of Christ in the Diocese of Wollongong. celebration of World Youth Day was a In reviewing the service highlights and remarkable time in our Diocese. It was the large numbers of people served, I am Thank you and may God bless you. a time of building community links, pleased to be able to thank all of those Bishop Peter Ingham Chairman’s Report

This year, the Centacare Advisory deliver high quality programs and Council has worked closely with the services, particularly to those who are Director and the Centacare Leadership most marginalised and devalued. Team in supporting the agency and its Centacare is increasingly regarded as important work and Centacare an agency of choice for government continues to develop and enhance the contracts, due to its strong leadership programs and services it offers to and successful multi-service program people in need. delivery. We are grateful for such levels of support. The Strategic Plan implementation is on track, ensuring that Centacare builds on I would like to sincerely thank Bishop the achievements of the past 29 years. Peter for his strong support of The Leadership Team has developed Centacare and Kath McCormack for her to which Centacare is able to respond goals and targets, providing a clear leadership and wisdom. I also extend to community needs. framework for future growth and will my thanks to the Leadership Team for John Driscoll enhance the operating systems their hard work and commitment and throughout the organisation. my fellow Advisory Council members, Centacare Advisory whose skills reflect a broad range of As Centacare continues to grow, the knowledge and professional disciplines. Council Members need for more efficient and integrated Mark O’Donoghue systems, producing meaningful financial On behalf of the the Advisory Council, I (Diocesan Financial Administrator) and personnel data becomes more extend my heartfelt thanks to the many John Driscoll (Chair) apparent. The imminent implementation individuals, parishes and organisations Kieran Biddle of the Greentree system, an integrated that support the vital work of Centacare (Finance Committee Chair) finance and accounting package, in this Diocese. Greg Doyle is a welcome enhancement to This Annual Report celebrates a great Franca Facci Centacare’s operations. team effort. The programs described Joanne Pollard Centacare’s work is well supported by throughout this report are a testament Bob Mullaney many state and federal government to the dedication of Centacare’s staff Fr David O’Brien departments on whom we rely to help and volunteers and reveals the extent Matt Waugh Fr Vince Whiteman

centacare annual report 2007/2008 1 Director’s Report

This year was again a year of challenges in the future. and growth. The pages of this Annual Our strategic plan continues to be the Report include the usual statistical framework we use to ensure information regarding numbers of sustainability and growth. It continues people served, hours and units of to guide our work and keep us service and financial information. But it focussed. We look forward to the also contains the stories of individual and their Families. continual review of our plans, self- lives that have been touched by the reflection and innovation and change I would also like to thank all of Catholic Church, including those served where change is needed. As the social Centacare’s staff who work tirelessly to by the agency and parishes together. context and needs for service change, provide and administer services. The Rudd Government’s Social Centacare will continue to work with Centacare is a family friendly Inclusion agenda focuses on giving the communities we serve to develop organisation and this certainly rings true people the opportunity to experience a new programs and new capacities. if we measure the number of Centacare fulfilling life through participation in the babies born. No less than twelve (12) World Youth Day was a tremendous economic and social life of the Centacare staff members have become time in our Diocese and particularly community. Complex problems tend to parents since June 2007 and all working touching for me was the day the Cross be deeply interconnected and joined- mums have been able to enjoy flexible and the icon went to Keelong Juvenile up problems demand joined-up maternity leave during this time. Justice Centre. While we all stood with solutions. Here at Centacare our multi- the young men in detention in the I am of course grateful for all those who service approach is a way of ensuring courtyard, virtually locked away from offer supporting and cooperation to that people are not met with the world outside, one could not help Centacare. Particular gratitude to fragmented responses. Centacare but be affected by the atmosphere that Bishop Peter Ingham for his leadership strives for this goal of authentic was filled with hope. It was evident and guidance, Sr Moya Hanlen, partnerships and as a result this was a that this was special to the young men Chancellor of the Diocese, Peter Turner, year of increased community of the Centre as they rushed for Director of the Catholic Education collaboration. Through partnerships, photographs with Bishop Peter. It had Office, Mark O’Donoghue, Diocesan Centacare is able to provide valuable an obvious impact on the staff of the Financial Administrator, the Centacare programs and services to help Centre as well, with one staff member Leadership Team, volunteers, priests, empower people to become more self- visibly moved to tears and commenting parishes and colleagues in other reliant and improve their life situation. to me that she had never seen the boys Diocesan agencies. The development of closer be so touched by anything before. collaborative working relationships We are most grateful for all the support across the Diocese has also been a Our continuing partnership with both the we receive. We count on you focal point of our work. NSW and Australian Governments continuing to journey with us, as we strongly underpinned our efforts during walk with and serve those who are most Our work is about creating the best the year as did that of the Campbelltown in need. possible intervention to enable people Catholic Club. We are grateful for such a to understand that they have human Kath McCormack (AM) significant level of support. T ogether we rights and social responsibilities and Director can continue to create positive and then help them to achieve these, so lasting changes. We greatly appreciate they can live with dignity. This year we all the sponsors and donors who have have put an enormous work effort into supported us through generous ensuring our language, culture, contributions this year. structures, policies and practices reflect this. Ongoing research projects, I would like to particularly acknowledge realignment of programs, focusing on the work of the Centacare Advisory outcomes and increasing levels of Council, the Finance sub committee, compliance and accountability are all and the members who have taken on indicators that Centacare is a strong, extra responsibilities on the newly versatile and responsive organisation, revamped Diocesan Committees for relevant to the needs of the community the Aged and People with a Disability

2 centacare annual report 2007/2008 Identity, Vision, Purpose & Values

Our Identity Our Values Strategic Directions: Who We Are What Drives Us Improve Client Centacare is the Social Services agency Centacare has been formed by the of the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, Spirit of the Gospel. We are committed 1 Outcomes covering the , Shoalhaven, to building partnerships and alliances, Macarthur and Southern Highlands engaging with communities, sharing Regions. knowledge and resources and Grow Services to Our Vision supporting advocacy. 2 Meet Needs Our key values are: What We Want We want individuals and families to Compassion Realise the Full have fulfilled and connected lives in We are people who care, empathise 3 Potential of our increasingly just and supportive and carry hope. communities. Respect People and We respect the dignity, diversity, Resources Our Purpose cultures and beliefs of all people. What We Do Integrity We work together to make a difference in We are honest and accountable in Strengthen people’s lives by offering opportunities our work. 4 External for growth, healing and hope. Social Justice We value fairness, equity of access Relationships Our range of professional programs and and justice. services offer support for vulnerable, Professionalism distressed individuals and families, We work collaboratively to provide children at risk, detained juveniles, quality programs and services. persons with disabilities and their carers, couples trying to live in a spirit of love, people who have barriers to rewarding work, and elderly people concerned about their health and self-sufficiency.

centacare annual report 2007/2008 3 Children & Youth Services Centacare works with children of all ages, who are abused, neglected or experiencing behavioral problems, offering a safe surroundings and the protection of a secure living environment. Our programs are holistic in nature and support and motivate each young person and bring out the best in them. Children and young people are taught to treat all people with dignity and respect including themselves. In providing the following programs and services we help to develop into strong, productive and healthy adults.

OUT OF HOME CARE helps maintain positive and strong what situations the parents may have (OOHC) connections with children/young put them in. Such links help children people’s birth families. build a sense of identity, and are Supported by funding from the NSW important for rebuilding relationships In 2007-08 Centacare provided long Department of Community Services. and assisting in establishing positive term foster care for 43 children for interaction. Foster Care 14,744 nights. This program provides crisis care for In total for both Access Macarthur and Children’s Access Services children from birth to 12 years old. SWS Contact service there were 270 This program operates in the Macarthur Children in need of foster care are visits for 39 children and 48 parents. area to provide supervised access for often at risk of abuse or neglect, and Visits in the past year have required children in foster care to their biological their parents need time out to get their increased travel due to the location of parents. Often, the parents may have lives in order. placements of the children, sibling been the perpetrators of violence or groups being separated in multiple As a result of an intensive recruitment abuse against the children, but it is placements, and issues for birth parents campaign, Centacare received 82 new important for children to maintain increasing in complexity. carer enquiries for this period. After a contact with their parents, no matter rigorous selection process, four new carers were recruited, trained and approved as Authorised Foster Carers during this period—two from Campbelltown and two from “People say you must be special to Wollongong. A school holiday program was do what you do, but we’re not. developed to improve client outcomes for children and young people in We are just normal people who OOHC. The program is facilitated by Centacare caseworkers and involves want to make a difference. ” activities aimed at engaging children Ray, foster carer and young people in care. Centacare also began development on a birth Ray and Linda, who have been foster carers for the past eight parent project to encourage years, have cared for over eight children and provide regular engagement between birth parents respite for children in long term care. They are one of over and the agency. The project aims to 41 Authorised Foster Carers with Centacare, 13 from the connect birth families with the other Campbelltown program and 28 from the Wollongong program, services offered by Centacare and who commit their time, skills and experience along with their home and family life to children and young people in OOHC.

4 centacare annual report 2007/2008 CHILDREN’S CONTACT a stand-alone a service and the young offenders. Given the over- SERVICE introduction of more off site supervised representation of indigenous young sessions as part of the transition from people on Juvenile Justice, this Supported by funding from the supervised to changeover sessions program is an essential component of Australian Government Department of has proven to be of great benefit to the Centacare’s services. Families, Housing, Community Services children. and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) A variety of chaplaincy activities were During the year strong relationships undertaken this year to provide care, The service is for families who are have been developed between the support and encouragement to the experiencing conflict or difficulties contact service and the new Parenting young offenders. The chaplains have around spending time with and Orders Program as well the Federal made a difference by advocating for changeover arrangements for their Magistrates Court and key stakeholders the young people, often accompanying children. Centacare Children’s Contact across the Diocese. them to court and giving evidence, Service provides a venue for the safe follow-up post release work, facilitating transfer of children between separated visits from representatives of diverse parents, and meaningful interaction faith traditions, group prayer activities, between children and the parent in bible study classes, distribution of which they are spending time with. religious resources.

Centacare’s Children’s Contact Service Wollongong 2007-2008 Campbelltown 2007-2008 Nowra 2007-2008 Often, family members need help to provides a child inclusive service in Assessments 33 46 9 cope with the crisis of having a relative which children feel safe to develop and Supervised 161 310 90 in detention. In line with Centacare’s maintain time spent with parents after contact scheduled holistic approach, the Chaplains have separation. Through quality case Changeovers also assisted with the care and support scheduled 326 469 31 management, Centacare helps assist of the families of those in residence. families in achieving self-management New Familes 32 56 10 of contact and changeover The Chapel at Reiby is a significant arrangements. asset, and aside from regular Sunday CHAPLAINCY services, the space is proving valuable This program provides ongoing training Supported by funding from the for other activities associated with the in aspects of domestic violence, sexual Department of Juvenile Justice Chaplaincy, namely the rehabilitation perpetrators grooming techniques, program ‘Check it Out’, assisting young Centacare’s Chaplaincy program child protection issues, child inclusive offenders understand their emotions provides pastoral support to youth in practice, child development stages, and express them appropriately and Wollongong’s Keelong Detention conflict resolution, and mental health memorial bereavement services. issues, and continues to work to full Centre and Macarthur’s Reiby capacity. Detention Centre. The service Visits to the Centre by the general recognises that youth in the justice community are understandably In line with the Strategic Plan, this system need to be treated with uncommon, so the World Youth Day program employs people with a diverse compassion and dignity and helped to Cross and Icon visit was a special event. range of skills and from diverse maintain links with their families. This Bishop Peter carefully explained the backgrounds to provide flexible staffing year, there has been a marked increase significance of the cross and the icon to meet families needs. of Young Offenders detained in NSW, and how many places in the world it To alleviate some of the anxiety over making this program all the more vital. had visited. He stressed to the young men that the cross represents hope and visits, every child received a booklet Three Aunties continue to attend the that it had especially come to them. providing a greater understanding of Centres regularly. This program has the The visit had a major impact on all the how the service operates and what to important task of kinship renewing and young people involved. expect when they attend with very strengthening cultural ties and is positive results. The Nowra site is now beneficial to the well-being of the

centacare annual report 2007/2008 5 Family Services Supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCIA)

Marriage and Relationship Family Relationship In 2007-2008 Centacare offered 116 Education (MRE) Education and Skills Family Relationship Education courses servicing 834 clients. Centacare helps prepare couples for Training (FREST) marriage through both group courses Supported by funding from the Through the course I discovered a and one-on-one sessions. We teach Australian Government Department of newly found ability to gain control over communication skills and other tools for Families, Housing, Community Services my emotions that were otherwise couples and individuals to help them and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) destructive to both myself and to build healthy, stable and positive others. I have now been given an relationships built on respect, self- Centacare offers a range of professional opportunity to improve my emotional esteem and realistic expectations. programs and services to assist people state of well being, and am able to try to develop and maintain healthy to get on with my life. The course also Partnership facilitated in a group setting. relationships, including specialist provided me with the opportunity to This program is designed to help courses, such as parenting after hear the life stories of other couples spend time building upon their separation, parenting toddlers, participants. With each day I feel more relationship, so they may have a richer, parenting teens, raising resilient kids comfortable in my skin and my mind is happier and more fulfilling life together. and making blended families work. becoming increasingly calm and Couples participating in this program Centacareís FREST programs promote peaceful, allowing me to start putting enjoy the experience of being with others positive parenting and non-violent my life back together, as I would like it. who are at the same stage of life problem-solving. Courses are facilitated I am now in control. Paul, More Harmony, Less Harm. considering or preparing for marriage. both at Centacare and in outside Most of the work is done as individual organisations including schools, other Family and Relationship couples however some discussion is held family support services, migrant Counselling in the large group. All large group resource centres, special-needs discussion is more general. There is childrenís parents groups, playgroups Supported by funding from the group input, but there is no expectation and childcare facilities. Australian Government Department of that couples will share anything personal. Families, Housing, Community Services New initiatives include: a specialized and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) Centacare also offers a personalised anger management course, No program called Prepare. This program Harmony, No Harm, a twelve week The Counselling Program at Centacare enables the couple to meet with a course aimed at stopping harmful provides counselling to individuals, facilitator alone over three 90 minute behaviours and increasing positive couples, children and families that sessions. ones; Keeping Kids in Mind, is a five focus on family and relationship issues. 315 people participated in Centacare session program exploring the Counselling helps people address the Marriage and Relationship Education separation process, impact of problems affecting their relationships and program in 2007-2008. separation on children and coping and Centacareís work is particularly important management strategies; and a Young in times of transition, such as family The course surpassed my expectations. Parents Group, a group for young breakdown, where Centacare aims to The presenters were open and friendly parents, where they can learn new minimise the trauma and distress while and I learnt a lot about how to look parenting skills, meet new friends and respecting and promoting the needs of after my relationship to ensure we have develop confidence. a long and happy marriage. Stuart, MRE.

6 centacare annual report 2007/2008 all family members. Grief counselling and separation, family issues, behaviour develop their own strengths and take assists those suffering loss through death, management, anxiety, emotional issues, responsibility for their own lives. and also through family breakdown. anger management, and grief and loss. The program currently employs 18 staff Partnerships are key in this area of work Groupwork remains an integral part of and has more than 600 clients across and Centacare works closely with a the School Student and Family Program. the diocese. Centacare provided more number of key organisations who also than 7000 sessions to our clients over Some of the group programs included, provide services for families, including the last year. Rock and Water, Check it Out!, Hit the Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul, Ground Running, Cool Kids Anxiety Some of the notable achievements Macquarie Fields Department of Program, Habits of the Mind ñ include the significant increase in Housing, South Coast Pathways, Cooperative Group Games, Amazing program performance at all sites. There Illawarra Pathways, Wollongong Me, Tools for Everyday Peacemakers, has been at least a 10% improvement Womenís Housing and the Family Lets Be Still, Peer Relationships and in client engagement at each site and a Relationship Centres. Social Skills programs, MindMatters significant increase in supporting clients I am very grateful to you for helping us and Smooth Steps. to maintain an employment placement to come to terms with our grief. I felt at for longer than six months. Both of The counselors are an excellent support home with everyone and admired them. these figures have been a reflection of for the students at risk in our school There was a caring concern for all. the superior client focussed approach and also provide an important role in Mary, Seasons for Growth. that PSP provides, outperforming the the development of year coordinators other PSP providers in the diocese. In 2007-2008 Centacare had 1,100 and staff in. clients in the counselling program. Principal, SSFP. Cross program utilisation of staff has increased, proving to be a successful SCHOOL STUDENT AND PERSONAL SUPPORT joint venture for the programs involved FAMILY PROGRAM (SSFP) PROGRAM (PSP) and the agency in general. Supported by funding from the Supported by the Federal Department The program conducted a roadshow, Catholic Education Office, for Education, Employment and visiting all complementing agencies Campbelltown Catholic Club and fees Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and referral sources to share knowledge paid by individual schools. The Personal Support Program (PSP) about Centacareís services to ensure This program provides Catholic schools provides advocacy, support, mentoring appropriate referrals were delivered to across the Diocese with counselling and and general counselling to the most the program. This not only groupwork services. Counsellors work disadvantaged members of the strengthened Centacareís relationship with students, their families and school community. with Centrelink and other agencies, but staff to support the well-being and also facilitated better client outcomes PSP staff help people who canít find development of students. The program through more suitable referrals. work due to the severity or multiplicity is designed to be a specialised part of of their social barriers. Rather than The personal skills that you taught me an overall pastoral care system that directly finding jobs for their clients, have helped me cope with my mental operates in each school in the Diocese. PSP staff address their non-vocational illness. I am still working, and am able In 2007-2008, SSFP provided a service barriers to employment and to tackle any problems I have a lot to all systemic schools and two significantly improve their level of better. Thank you for all your help. congregational schools (Mater Dei and functioning and quality of life. These Tamara, PSP. St Patricks College Campbelltown). A may include severe drug or alcohol *Client names have been changed to protect total of 1,126 individual students in abuse, depression or mental illness, their privacy. these schools received counselling. A gambling addiction, family breakdown total of 8,620 counseling sessions were or the difficulty of fitting back into the conducted. The most frequent reasons community after a long prison term. for referral to counseling were: divorce Staff work with clients to help them

centacare annual report 2007/2008 7 Aged Services Community Aged Care This program targets financially Aged Care Advocate Packages (CACP’s) disadvantaged people and those of non-English-speaking backgrounds Supported by funding from the Supported by funding from the (NESB) living in the Wollongong and Diocese of Wollongong and Centacare Department of Health and Ageing Shellharbour local government areas. Fundraising activities. Centacare employs 39 Personal Care The Aged Care Advocate position was This program gives elderly people Assistants, who speak a variety of developed to provide support for choices about how they want to live. languages. Many elderly people want to stay in their ageing people and their carers within own homes, even when they have In the past year, this program has cared parishes and within the community in become frail. They don’t want to live in for 125 clients, providing 8,450 hours of this Diocese. This includes residential care, preferring to stay in the service. Many of these clients development and delivery of a environment and neighbourhood where experience severe physical and social framework for service delivery, liaising they feel comfortable – and which often isolation. Of these clients, 21 have no and networking with parishes and the holds many precious memories for them. family at all, making the connections broader community. Some of the with Centacare all the more important. activities undertaken by the Aged Care The program is tailored to individuals, to Advocate this year include: Parish meet their particular needs. For some, Community Visitors Visits, Lunch Club (monthly luncheons that may mean having our staff visit Scheme for elderly parishioners who attend them twice a day to provide personal Supported by funding from the weekday masses, providing social care, domestic care, social support, Department of Health and Ageing interaction and support), Pastoral Care transport and home maintenance. Training and Retreat Days. This program coordinates volunteers In a customer service survey undertaken As a member of the Diocesan who visit socially isolated elderly people this year, 95% of clients said that Committee for the Aged, the Aged living in aged care homes. Many of Centacare has made a difference to Care Advocate made a large these people have little or no contact their lives and without our service going contribution towards providing with family or friends or suffer isolation into their home they would not be able information and support to people who through disability, language or cultural to stay there. are ageing, their families and carers. reasons. The volunteers visit at least once a fortnight, sharing conversations, hobbies, interests and social activities. Two new nursing homes have been added to the list this year. Centacare has 76 volunteers for this most important work who undertook an enormous 4,600 hours worth of visits this year.

8 centacare annual report 2007/2008 Disability Services Supported by funding from the NSWDepartment of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.

Flexible Options Some of the activities undertaken in the connecting with others, or just past year include: family fun days, Sibs spending time alone. This activity was This program provides support to Saturday Club, Music and Art much appreciated by all attendees, people with a long term disability who Workshops and a Family Camp. These who commented that the respite was are ageing and/or may have an ageing activities focus on establishing a network just what they needed to recharge carer and who may be struggling of sibling/s of children and parents of their batteries. physically or feel socially isolated and children with a disability to build a basis are looking for wider networks of Centacare provides counselling & support for mutual support and friendship. friends. Personal care, domestic to 67 clients across the Wollongong, assistance, social support and transport This program works with the Catholic Shellharbour and Kiama LGA’s. is provided either Centacare. Education Office, Disability Advocate and Parish Services Team to ensure the Disability Advocate The program provides a social support program reaches Catholic schools and Supported by funding from the Diocese group facilitated by staff and parishes. of Wollongong and Centacare volunteers, providing an opportunity Fundraising activities. for participants to experience social The Coordinator also works with a group interaction with each other. The group of Young Carers (children caring for a The primary goals of the position are to is involved in regular activities include parent and or sibling due to the death of assist people to achieve spiritual dinner and dancing, lawn bowls, a parent, mental illness and/or disability) fulfilment, reach an optimum level of picnics, barbeques, beauty nights, at Holy Spirit College, Bellambi. independence & self-sufficiency and to movie nights and ten pin bowling. enhance the feeling of inclusion & Your Time – Carer involvement in the Church. This An extension of this social group is a Counselling & Support position continues to work in travel group who this year hosted a trip Supported by funding from the partnership will parishes and the to Dubbo Zoo for 35 clients. The trip NSWDepartment of Ageing, Disability community to build connections and fostered friendships and was a first and Home Care. support for those families a seeking it. holiday experience for many of the group, opening the groups’ eyes to This service support and counselling to As a member of the Diocesan new experiences and challenges. carers who look after family members Committee for People with a Disability or friends who are frail aged or have a and their Families, the Disability This service operates in the disability, with a priority to ageing Advocate made a large contribution Wollongong and Shoalhaven and carers with an ageing child with a towards promoting inclusion and provides services to 67 clients. disability. It is a collaborative effort acceptance of people with disabilities Family & Sibling Support within our parishes. Supported by funding from the Diocese of Wollongong and Centacare I would have to say that it is the Fundraising activities. Families who have a child with a happiest and most relaxing time disability are identified as being in a state of chronic stress. Research and we have had since my disabled anecdotal evidence supports the view that illness and disability affect the lives daughter was born six years ago. of all family members. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, Centacare Mandy, Family & Sibling Support camp attendee. utilises its untied income (from fundraising) to deliver this service Family & to help strengthen families of between Centacare, Anglicare and The work is undertaken through such children with a disability. Southern Council Group through the activities as Parish Connection Groups, Illawarra Carers Respite Centre, The focus of this program is to enhance Community Advocacy, Parenting highlighting Centacare’s commitment the mental health of parents and siblings Courses, Inclusive Liturgical to building and maintaining community with the long term aim of preserving Celebrations and Disability Awareness partnerships. and sustaining the family unit. The Training. This year, the Disability service aims to increase the availability A highly successful carer getaway was Advocate played an important role in of information and support services for held for clients of this service. Clients, ensuring that members of our Diocese siblings of people with special needs, who very rarely get time for themselves, who have a disability were either able through increasing awareness, were invited to attend and enjoy the to attend the Pope’s mass during World understanding, skills and capabilities. peace and tranquillity of Hartzer Park Youth Day or watch it as a group at St in the picturesque NSW Southern Mary’s College in Wollongong. Highlands, through activities such as walking, reading, group discussions,

centacare annual report 2007/2008 9 Corporate Services Finance & Administration assists managers to cascade the the Australian Catholic University and the objectives of the strategic plan , and is involved Every resource entrusted to Centacare throughout the workforce and improved in research projects through these has the potential to make a difference in fleet management practices that ensures educational institutions. Centacare works the lives of individuals and families. As the safety of staff on the road. closely with the Diocese to develop stewards of this multiservice agency, integrated communication strategies Centacare staff continually seeks Research & Development within the Church. Representatives government funding to complement, In line with Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan, collaborated with World Youth Day as support and enhance its existing Improve Client Outcomes, Centacare has well as specific Diocesan working parties services, distributing resources to where adopted Mark Friedman’s Results-Based such as interagency meetings and they are needed most. Programs and Accountability as the means to identify ‘Reconnect’, a campaign to encourage costs are monitored and reviewed, and measure outcomes for our services. people to come back to the Church. donations and grants are used for their Friedman focuses less on program outputs Centacare continued to build intended purposes and program (what we do) and more on program relationships with members of federal budgets are reviewed regularly with outcomes (what we achieve) at a program and state parliament through a number corrective action taken as required. level. The model is being adapted to of Ministerial visits and actively Centacare has consolidated and built on Centacare’s needs and is being used to responded to government policy the positive outcomes of past years and develop effective ways of measuring documents such as the Senate Standing maintained a focus on ensuring financial outcomes, tying program achievements to Committee on Economics on the viability and balancing efficiencies with broader societal outcomes. quality service provision. Disclosure regimes for charities and Centacare contributed to a new not-for-profit organisations and the Workforce Services research study on youth unemployment Wood Special Commission of Inquiry The newly titled Workforce Services in the Illawarra region, highlighting the into Child Protection Services in NSW. (formally HR), area of Centacare is challenges many young people face in A variety of community relations activities reflective of the philosophy that our securing meaningful work. The report were undertaken over 2007-2008. people are our most important asset. titled Youth Unemployment in the Illawarra: An Investigation into the Centacare’s Annual Race day was held This year involved designing and problems facing young jobseekers in on February 23, raising a total of implementing a new organisational our region, was prepared by the $18,000 to assist Centacare to continue structure capable of delivering the Illawarra Regional Information Service to self-fund some programs. A strategies and goals in the strategic (IRIS) in collaboration with the Disabilities Open Day was held at the plan as well as developing new position University of Wollongong, Wollongong Wollongong Office highlighting descriptions and assisting Executive City Council and Bluescope Steel. This Centacare’s work in Disabilities, Managers to develop their people report was utilised as a tool when resulting in increased awareness by strategies. advocating on clients’ behalf to state service providers about Centacare. The Work has been undertaken in relation to and federal politicians on the barriers new-look website makes it easier for human resources policies and faced by youth when they lack family clients and supporters to understand procedures, and an introduction of new support and associated networks. the work of Centacare and find out people management processes and more information. Staff attended a practices that are designed to position Community Relations number of community expos in all us as an employer of choice. These In line with the strategic plan, Centacare regions, highlighting services and include: a new incident reporting and has strong links with organisations for programs provided and Centacare risk management system, an improved both service provision and research features in a regular radio spot on a performance management system that purposes. Centacare is closely linked with local station, VOX FM.

10 centacare annual report 2007/2008 2008 Financial Highlights Accountability government & other grants Revenue (in thousands) % 2008 2007 2006 client fees government and other grants 86% 7,405 5,863 5,488 diocesan contribution client fees 7% 569 505 499 interest other income diocesan contribution 3% 240 100 100 interest 3% 231 150 130 other income 2% 144 266 168 total revenue $8,589 $6,884 $6,385

Expenses (in thousands) % 2008 2007 2006 salaries & wages client & program expenses salaries and wages 76% 6,207 5,135 4,964 premises expenses client and program expenses 7% 547 88 63 motor vehicle expenses premises expenses 5% 406 309 310 depreciation other expenses motor vehicle expenses 4% 328 257 242 depreciation 2% 203 175 126 other expenses 6% 511 447 345 total expenses $8,202 $6,411 $6,050

Net Surplus (in thousands) $387 $473 $335

Revenue Trends Funding In 2008, Centacare’s revenue increased by $1,705 (thousand) Aged care or 25%. Centacare was successful in securing new government funding for disabilities services of $507,000 and School student & Family program early intervention services of $368,000. Existing government funding was substantially increased in personal support Family services services of $296,000 and family services of $272,000. Childrens services

$10 Disbility services $9 Personal support program $8 $7 Chaplaincy $6 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000 $5 $ Thousands $4 $3 $2 $2 $0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Financial Viability Minimising overheads Resources (in thousands) 2008 2007 2006 Performance Indicators 2008 2007 2006 corporate services salaries as % property, plant and equipment 1,157 866 765 13.6% 14.3% 15.2% of total salaries net working capital 1,247 1,153 768 cost of providing physical resources 9.7% 9.7% 9.9% accummulated funds 2,269 1,882 1,408 to staff as % of total income

centacare annual report 2007/2008 11 Snapshots Foster Carer Recruitment Leaving care Leadership Development To meet the increasing demand for this Four young people from Centacare’s The Leadership Team, plus other key important service, efforts were OOHC program left care during this personnel, participated in a tailor-made increased to recruit foster carers and period, one is doing a fine arts course Leadership Development Program, Centacare funded a Carer and at TAFE and is living with his foster covering an array of Leadership topics Recruitment Coordinator position, carers, another is doing her HSC and is such as: exercising informed, strategic beginning in February 2008. A variety working with Centacare around training and ethical judgment, strengthening of marketing and promotional activities new carers, another moved away to live ability to relate to others and manage have been undertaken with the primary with her sibling and the other is positive change, refining skills in aim of recruiting and training foster studying. All of these young people are analysis, flexible thinking, debate and carers and a secondary aim of in regular contact or have remained decision making, integrating new and increasing awareness within the living with their foster carers. different leadership perspectives, community. A total of 45 people reinforcing the values of the organisation attended targeted Foster Care and ensuring a consistent understanding information sessions in Wollongong and application of those values. and Campbelltown. Shared Stories Shared Lives training, a compulsory training course for applicants, attracted 16 people attended and of these 6 applications were made.

12 centacare annual report 2007/2008 World Youth Day New Nowra premises Staff Service Awards Centacare gave in-kind and professional Centacare began leasing a new Nowra A number of Staff Service Awards were support in a number of other areas for Office in Worrigee St. This came at a presented to staff in 2008, illustrating WYD08, such as Critical Incident critical time for not only due the the large number of long-standing staff support, recruitment of families for expansion of the current programs but members at Centacare. homestays, assistance with organising also to accommodate growth into new 25 year award 1 person and facilitating Frassati Friday, a day of areas of work. This new premises social justice activities, volunteer manual ensures quality delivery of multi-service 15 year award 2 people and sponsorship of the Kiribati youth programs and will allow the parish- 10 year award delegation, in conjunction with the owned property in Shoalhaven St to 7 people Catholic Education Office. become a Children’s Cottage, where 5 year award 41 people specialised childrens programs will be administered and delivered. This will provide a home-like environment and increase activities at the Contact service to include cooking, for those families who would benefit from these family- oriented activities.

centacare annual report 2007/2008 13 Locations

Illawarra: Shoalhaven: 25-27 Auburn Street, 55 Worrigee St, Wollongong NSW 2500 Nowra NSW 2541 PO Box 1174, 68 Shoalhaven St Wollongong NSW 2500 Nowra NSW 2541 Phone: (02) 4227 1122 Phone: (02) 4421 8248 Fax: (02) 4226 9736 Fax: (02) 4422 9020 Email: [email protected] Shellharbour: Macarthur: 4 Creamery Road, 35A Cordeaux Street, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527 Campbelltown NSW 2560 Phone: (02) 4257 8220 Phone: (02) 4628 0044 Fax: (02) 4257 8230 Fax: (02) 4628 4549

[email protected] www.centacare.woll.catholic.org.au