Annual Report 2005

Annual Report 2005 - 2006 Feros Care Business Centre Location: 15 Elizabeth Street, Pottsville Beach Postal Address: PO Box 99, Pottsville Beach, NSW 2489 Phone: (02) 6670-0000 Fax: (02) 6676-2273

Feros Community Care Location: 15 Elizabeth Street, Pottsville Beach Postal Address: PO Box 99, Pottsville Beach, NSW 2489 Phone: (02) 6676-2400 Fax: (02) 6676-1775 Assistance Line: 1300 763 583

Feros Village Byron Bay Location: Cnr Marvel and Cowper Streets, Byron Bay Postal Address: PO Box 585, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 Phone: (02) 6685-7676 Fax: (02) 6685-5176

Feros Village Bangalow Location: Cnr Ballina and Byron Bay Roads, Bangalow Postal Address: PO Box 329, Bangalow, NSW 2479 Phone: (02) 6687-2379 Fax: (02) 6687-2286

Email Inquiries:[email protected]

Website: www.feroscare.com.au

Annual Report: Designed & produced by Websmiths

2 3 About Feros Care

Who Are We? Feros Care is a community owned, non-profit company with over 16 Our Vision years experience in the provision of aged and community care services. To be the preferred Feros Care has a proven track record in providing appropriate, reliable, flexible services and is committed to promoting the status of older provider of high people and people with disabilities by actively supporting their right to quality aged and lifestyle choices, advocacy and independence. community care services. Our Core Values

Service Excellence Professionalism that makes the first impression positive and lasting. Innovation Constantly searching for new and improved ways of providing care. Passion/Joy in Service Commitment to positive thinking, team-work and enthusiasm. Integrity Maintenance of a reputation for safety, honesty and ethical dealings. Teamwork Common goals and objectives that work to make a difference. Our Mission Statement To deliver innovative and responsive quality care services through a focus on individuals’ needs and aspirations; the continual development of our staff and volunteers; continuous quality improvement; organisational development and strategic planning; and economic, social and environmental sustainability. Annual General Meeting This report has been prepared for Feros Care members, care-recipients, staff, volunteers and interested members of the community. It will be presented at the Annual General Meeting to be held at Feros Village Byron Bay on Wednesday 25th October at 10:00am.

2 3 Organisational Snapshot

Australian Company Number: 104 452 271

Australian Business Number: 50 104 452 271

Registered Fundraising Charity Number: CFN10742

Number of Care-Recipients: approx. 300

Number of Employees: 128

Active Volunteers: 50

Income: $6+ million (71% Government Funding)

Net Assets: +$15 million

Geographic Coverage: Gold Coast, QLD to Grafton, NSW

Business Centre: 15 Elizabeth Street, Pottsville Beach, NSW

Registered Offi ce: Cnr Marvel and Cowper Streets, Byron Bay NSW

Auditors: Thomas Noble & Russell, Chartered Accountants, Lismore

Bankers: National Australia Bank, Ballina

Solicitors: Stone & Partners, Byron Bay and Australegal, Surry Hills

4 5 Table of Contents

Our History ...... 6 Service Programs ...... 7 Our Care-Recipients and Carers ...... 10 Organisational Profi le...... 12 2005 - 2006 Achievements ...... 16 2006 - 2007 Commitments...... 18 Chairman’s Report...... 19 Chief Executive Offi cer’s Report...... 21 Financial Statements...... 23 Friends of Feros Presidents Report...... 61 Friends of Feros Statement of Receipts and Payments...... 62 Feros Care Supporters...... 63

4 5 Our History What makes us different?

Feros Care Ltd had its genesis in the simple Seven Star Service aspiration of the late George Feros. George Our continual focus and attention to developing wanted to build a nursing home in Byron and enhancing our service delivery. Bay, initially for his ageing parents, and spent twenty years personally raising funds to make Integrated Services his wish come true. In 1976, Sequentially researching, planning, tendering George inspired for and winning tenders or developing services a small group that give us breathe and depth in our aged and of local people community care services. who established a committee that Beyond Accreditation has over the years The understanding and application of our evolved into the continuous quality improvement processes Feros Care Board by the Board, Management, Staff and of Directors. Volunteers. Thanks to the Leadership and Management tireless dedication The defining leadership style, skills and George Feros of this committee, knowledge of our leadership group (Board, the generous support of the local community Senior Management and Chief Executive and the Commonwealth Government, Feros Officer). Care now operates residential aged care facilities in Byron Bay and Bangalow along Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a range of community care services. Feros Care strives to be the region’s preferred Our Board’s, Management’s and Staff’s provider of quality aged and community care ability to innovate and take an entrepreneurial services through a commitment to caring for approach that balances opportunities, risk and the community. rewards. Geographic Spread Establishing ourselves and operating in targeted areas of New South Wales and Queensland. Technology Savvy The use of savvy technology that assists our Board, Management and Staff in working efficiently and effectively. Defining Culture Putting our values and service expectation at the forefront of staff recruitment and 25th Anniversary Dinner development.

6 7 Service Programs

��

Residential Aged Care Villages �� Feros provides residential care to those seniors who are not able to remain living in �� their own homes either due to the need for �� 24 hour nursing support (high care) or greater �� assistance with daily living (low care). The aim �� of residential care is to provide a safe, secure and supportive environment that promotes lifestyle choices, independence and dignity. ��

�� Feros Village Byron Bay is a 40-bed low �� care facility and Feros Village Bangalow �� provides 45 high care beds. Feros residential �� services are provided by a dedicated team �� of professionally trained registered nurses, �� personal carers, lifestyle and hospitality staff.

Our residential facilities are fully accredited �� by the residential Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency. ��

Feros Village Byron Bay Feros Village Bangalow

6 7 Community Care

Community Care seeks to assist older, frail Respite Care and disabled people to remain independent and living in their home for as long as possible. Feros provides a number of respite options Individually tailored care plans are designed to designed to give carers a break from their delay or prevent the need for residential care caring responsibilities and recharge in a way admission. Community Care helps people that enables them to maintain their important with a lot of different needs and lifestyle caring role. Services are provided on a aspirations. Services can include personal, planned or adhoc basis and include residential domestic, nursing and health and wellbeing overnight, day centre and fl exible in-home programming. Feros offers a diverse range respite. of community care services from which care-recipients and carers can choose one Feros Care ‘At Home’ or more that best suits their situation and circumstance. This is a ‘Feros-fi rst’ initiative to provide high quality private in-home care and support In 2005-2006, Feros provided: service providing an alternative for those in need of care and who cannot obtain immediate Community Aged Care care from current Government programs. Packages Transitional Care Feros Care delivered 45 packages in the Far North Coast, NSW and 50 in Lower Transitional Care assists clients following Gold Coast, QLD. This service provides hospital discharge by providing short-term care a community alternative for people whose to prevent inappropriate extended hospital dependency and complex care needs would stay and premature admission to residential normally qualify them for entry into a low care care. In 2005-2006, Feros had transitional residential facility. care agreements with Northern Rivers Area Health Service and Health Management Australia. Brokerage Services Feros Care provides a full range of care planning, personal, domestic and nursing care to a number of providers including Clarence Valley Council Community Support Services, Community Options, Lismore Challenge, Tweed Valley Respite Services and Care Connect. The particulars and duration of each service vary according to the care plan and care-recipients circumstance.

8 9 Wellness and Lifestyle Program Both community and residential care- recipients are encouraged to attend social, Exciting New Service Ventures healthy and active ageing activities that assist in promoting self-esteem, personal dignity and Many of the following ventures to be launched feelings of self-worth. in 2006 and 2007 financial year were the product of hard work carried out during 2005- Two experienced Activity Officers and an 2006: Exercise Physiologist work together to coordinate the integration of service programs • Department of Veterans’ Affairs Home to maximise the range of activities available Nursing Program for recipients. These include: (Launch September 2006). • Social get-togethers, lunches, morning • Community Palliative Care Program teas, dances, readings and reminiscing (Launch September 2006). discussions. • Home Host Day Respite Innovation Project • Supervised outings that take advantage of for Employed Carers community arts and cultural events. (Launch November 2006). • Alternative therapies including reflexology, • Home and Community Care Personal and aromatherapy and hand/foot pampering Domestic Services sessions. (Launch September 2006). • Companionship facilitation through linking • Residential Extra Services at Feros Village recipients and volunteers together and Bangalow (launch January 2007). using pet therapy. • Additional residential beds at Feros Village • Appropriate physical exercise and falls Bangalow (Opening October 2007). prevention programs including chair- aerobics, hydrotherapy, tai chi and health • Organising intergenerational activities. talks. Feros staff tailor programming for those recipients with dementia that prefer one-on- one unhurried activities.

8 9 Our Care-Recipients and Carers

Feros Care is an organisation that puts care-recipients and carers at the centre of For Community Care, the above activity all decision-making and quality improvement equated to 21,310 staff hours of in-home initiatives. We understand that coming to services and 62,375 kilometres of staff travel. terms with the need for any form of aged and At the Feros Villages’ staff provided 20,761 community care and exploring the range of nights of high care accommodation, 9,222 providers and services available can be, at nights of low care accommodation and 1,380 times, an overwhelming task. Feros Staff are nights of residential respite care. commited to ensuring care-recipients make All services where delivered according to thoughtful and informed decisions about the individualised Care Plans developed in care they need. All care-recipients have priority consultation between the care-recipient, access to a growing family of Feros Care carer, loved-ones and Care Managers. community and residential care services. Feros believes in a holistic approach to care During 2005-2006, Feros Care responded to assessments where the recipient’s aspirations, the individual needs of more than 330 people preferences and social history work to requiring both community and residential provide a complete picture of the needs to be assistance. The majority of these recipients addressed. Care Plans are living documents (62%) accessed community care programs. that are continually adjusted according to The primary source of referral for recipients changing needs and circumstances. was via the Aged Care Assessment Team, General Practitioners and Hospitals.

10 11 Care Recipients by Community Clients Community Clients Service Program by Age by LGA

85-94 yrs Byron Bay Community Care 49% 51% 62% 95-100+ yrs -3% Low Care - 65 yrs - 7% Lismore Tweed 18% 75-84 yrs 7% 65-74 yrs - 7% Heads High Care 34% Ballina 26% 20% 7% Gold Coast 9%

Residential Clients Residential Clients by Age by Gender Number of Community

95-100+ yrs Clients = 137 8% Number of Residential Female Clients = 85 80%

75-84 yrs 85-94 yrs Total Clients as of 35% 52% Male 30 June 2006 = 222 20%

65-74 yrs 5%

10 11 Management Team: From front left to back: David Horner, Ned Cooper, Sarah Marciano, Robyn Schneider, Jo Cooke, Matthew Grant, Trisha Bleakley (holding Harry the dog), Paul Woodford, Jennene Buckley, Shirley Way, Belinda Seaton, and Harry Busse (Absent - Terriann Ennew) Organisational Profile Senior Management Team Board of Directors Feros Care has a dynamic ‘hands-on’ Senior Management Team designed to ensure robust Feros Care Limited is governed by a volunteer operations and quality outcomes for care- Board of Directors consisting of a Chairperson, recipients and their families. The team consists Deputy Chairperson and six Directors. of senior palliative and geriatric nurses, a The Board of Directors role is to provide counsellor/chaplain, an exercise physiologist, governance and strategic direction of the two certified practicing accountants and organisation and work effectively with senior managers with human resource and education management to ensure high quality care. The backgrounds. Feros management operates Board meets on the last Wednesday of every under an executive accountability framework month and hold information meetings for their to ensure stable corporate governance. The members quarterly. See the Chairman’s team is very passionate about the services Report for more detail on the Board. they provide and are committed to the endeavour of becoming the service provider of choice in the regions we service.

12 13 Interesting Staff Statistics As at 30 June 2006

• Number of Staff = 118 Staff Employment Staff Distrubution Status by Primary Duties • 134,055 hours worked by staff in the year

Part Time Care 59% 56% • 92,164.86 kilometers travelled by staff Domestic Casual 21% 33% Maintenance 3% Administrators Full Time Registered 7% Co-ordinators 8% Nursing 4% 9%

Staff by Gender Staff by LGA

Byron Bay Female 58% 82%

Ballina Male 18% 18% Tweed 12%

Gold Coast Lismore 4% 8% Staff by Age Staff by Years of Experience number of staff of number number of staff of number

20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 0-2 yrs 3-6 yrs 7-10 yrs 11+yrs

12 13 approximately 50 active volunteers who work across all programming areas including Our Staff fundraising, board membership, health and wellbeing activities and social support Feros Care recruits only high quality and to clients and their carers. In 2006, Feros skilled staff who enjoy working with seniors established a Volunteer Coordinator position and see it as a privilege to do so. In 2005- responsible for active recruitment, matching 2006 there were approximately 182 staff interests and personalities, appropriate members working across a number of Feros orientation and familiarisation with standard service programs. Some work as registered or operational procedures. Anyone interested in enrolled nurses, nursing assistants, personal volunteering can contact the Coordinator on and domestic care workers or in the areas of (02) 6685-7676. hotel services, administration, maintenance, accounting, health and wellbeing programs Valued Membership and therapies. Feros has worked hard to become an employer of choice in the Far Feros Care is owned by people within the North Coast through the commitment to a high communities that we service. Membership quality and enhanced working life for all levels is important to Feros Care because it of staff. The results of the 2006 Quality of strengthens our community base and brings Worklife Survey for Community Care staff was invaluable expertise to the organisation. Feros exceptional with 100% satisfaction reported. Care currently has 34 individual members. Members assist by volunteering, contributing Generous Volunteers to planning, participating in activities and events and becoming Board Members. Volunteers play a key role in enhancing the Interested persons can apply for membership quality of life of care-recipients, their carers by completing a membership application form and families by supporting service programs found on the Feros Care website or by phoning and providing companionship. Feros Care the Operations Manager on (02) 6670-0000. has an established Volunteer Program with

15 14 Organisational Structure Organisational

15 14 2005-2006

Achievements Byron Bay’s 15th Birthday

Care-Recipient Satisfaction • Trialed the ‘FISH’ Philosophy at Feros Village Byron Bay to promote an innovative, • Implemented a Falls Prevention Strategy energised, accountable and enthusiastic supported by an Exercise Physiologist. work culture. • Commenced in-home and day centre • Expanded the Employees Benefit Scheme respite programs for employed carers. to include gym membership and boot camps. • Completed courtyard and resort room cottage refurbishments at Feros Village Continuous Quality Byron Bay. Improvement • Lodged plans for Feros Village Bangalow extensions and facility upgrade with the • Achieved three year accreditation with the Byron Shire Council. Currently awaiting Aged Care Standards and Accreditation development application approval. Agency for both Feros Village Byron Bay and Bangalow. • Lauched the new Feros Care website providing information on services, financial • Received ‘good performance’ assessments and care decision-making. from external auditors investigating industrial relations, food safety, • Explored mechanisms for implementing the occupational health and safety, building Eden Alternative Philosophy designed to certification and financial systems. combat feelings of boredom, loneliness and helplessness experienced by aged care • Implemented ‘ImproveIT’ an internet based recipients. information system that manages care quality information including the client Human Resource Investment feedback, education, incidents, ideas and meeting records. • Developed a comprehensive Staff Handbook and Orientation Manual. • Established Food Safety Plans and Master Menu enhancements. • Supported 11 staff members in commencing Certificate IV in Aged Care. • Initiated a Policy Development Project in partnership with Crowley and Clarence • Implemented a new Performance Planning Valley Council. and Review Process. • Promoted the Applauding Innovations • Extended recruitment campaigns to the Program amoung staff to encourage the internet via the Feros Care website. development of good ideas designed to improve service quality.

16 17 Shirley Way, Paul Woodford, Robyn Schneider and Jennene Buckley at the ‘At Home’ Launch Sustainability and Growth Community Engagement • Awarded 50 Community Aged Care • Celebrated 25 years of Feros Care and 15 Packages on the Gold Coast and 5 years of Feros Village Byron Bay. additional in Byron Shire. • Conducted a comprehensive stakeholder • Launched Feros Care ‘At-Home’ and survey with care-recipients and families, commenced service delivery. staff, health and community providers to identify service gaps, what Feros does • Established brokerage partnerships with well and areas that need to be improved Tweed Hospital Transitional Care, Lismore or addressed. This information was used Challenge and Community Options. to assist forming the 2006-2009 Strategic • Successfully responded to tenders for Plan. Home and Community Care, Department • Maintained committee participation with the of Veteran’s Affairs Nursing, Palliative Ageing and Disability Pilot; Regional Area Care Planning and Respite Innovations for Assistance Scheme; Local Government Employed Carers. All of these services will Level Social Planning, Affordable Housing commence in late 2006. and Disability Access Committees. Aged • Prepared a submission to the Byron Bay and Community Care Association, Regional Sandhills Strategy Planning Project to build Industry and Economic Planning Forum, an assisted living village and wellness Chambers of Commerce (Byron, Ballina centre on the estate. and Gold Coast) and various local service provider and inter-agency forums. • Participated in the Commonwealth Residential Aged Care Funding Tool Pilot. • Increased Feros Care exposure at numerous recruitment information • Established a regional community call sessions, seniors expos, shopping centre centre and Feros Care Business Centre at displays, inter/ and intra State conferences Pottsville Beach, NSW. and workshops.

16 17 2006-2007 Commitments Human Resource Investment Care-Recipient Satisfaction • Establish a dedicated Education Coordinator to strengthen training and • Development of a lifestyle team who will education opportunities for staff and co-ordinate the implementation of the Eden volunteers. Alternative Philosophy across all program • Develop and implement a Workforce areas. Planning Strategy to ensure the availability • Construction of an additional 19 beds at skilled staff for service expansion and Feros Village Bangalow. growth. • Establishment of an Extra Services Wing at • Implement the FISH Philosophy across all Feros Village Bangalow. service program areas. • Construct an improved parking lot for • Establish a Seven Star Staff Development the front of Feros Village Byron Bay and Program to build staff capacity in care continue progressive room refurbishments. delivery, dementia care, hospitality service, teamwork, communications and innovative Sustainability and Growth practice. • Roll out new programs awarded in Continuous Quality 2005-2006 including Home and Community Care, Department of Veteran’s Affairs Improvement Nursing, Palliative Care Planning and • Establishment of a three-year Information Home Host Day Respite. Technology Plan focused on technologies • Establishment of Community Care Office in to assist in care delivery. Grafton to support community programs in • Develop enabling Operational Plans to the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. support the 2006-2009 Strategic Plan. • Explore opportunities for coastal service • Conduct an external Governance Review. expansion between Hervey Bay, QLD and Port Macquarie, NSW. • Review Reporting and Performance Monitoring Systems. Community Engagement • Implement Waste Management Strategy • Promote Feros Care events and activities focussing on water and energy efficiency, through local community calendars. waste disposal, recycling and eco-friendly purchasing and construction. • Develop Membership and Volunteer Growth Strategies. • Participate in the Quality Reporting Review of Feros community services through the • Explore opportunities for developing a Department of Health and Ageing. regional Healthy Active Ageing Program.

18 19 Chairman’s Report

It is my pleasure to submit this Chairman’s Report for the financial year ending 30 June 2006. This is the third annual report of the company, following the thirteen annual reports of the previously Incorporated Association: George Feros Memorial Hostel Committee Incorporated.

Governance of Feros Care by the Board of Directors is conducted in accordance with legislative requirements and our own Governance Manual. This manual is a living document and regularly reviewed and amended as necessary to bring it in to line with industry changes and advances.

Another important document is our Corporate Strategic Plan 2003-2006. I am happy to report that the objectives of this Plan were either achieved or achieved in part and ongoing. All staff and Board Directors are to be congratulated on this outcome. This year marked the conclusion of our third plan and the genesis of number four. The 2006-2009 Corporate Strategic Plan was formulated at a 2-day workshop in February involving Directors, Senior and Middle Management.

In order to assist Directors in successfully governing the Company, Members of the Board were appointed to a number of committees and taskforces:

Audit Risk and Compliance Committee: This Committee, chaired by Chris Sheveller, continues to play an important role in monitoring our Risk Management and Control Assessment Plan. During 2005-2006 regular reviews were carried out on major risk areas in line with industry trends.

Nominations Committee: The Nominations Committee, chaired by Peta Heeson, has the task of maintaining the guidelines for Board Directorship nomination, reviewing the Board Member capacity and seeking out new nominations according to required expertise and experience.

Remuneration and Appraisal Committee – Chief Executive Officer:Chaired by myself with representation from the Deputy Chair and one other Director, this Committee is charged with monitoring and appraising the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and determining on an annual basis the employment conditions and salary package attached to the position.

Bangalow Project Control Group: This group supervises the building of additional rooms and facility refurbishments at Feros Village Bangalow. Ian Cook is an active member of this group.

In addition to the committees mentioned above, the Board of Directors established three taskforces to research various aspects of the Company’s future:

Forward Planning Taskforce: Chaired by Nick Towers and assisted by Stuart Garrett, this taskforce researched the availability of land suitable for a future retirement and independent and/or assisted living village. Investigations were conducted in Bangalow, Pottsville and various areas within the Byron Shire, including the Sandhills Estate.

Information Sharing Taskforce:During the past year, this taskforce held discussions with the Executive of the Wommin Bay Hostel at Kingscliff on opportunities for future cooperation between both organisations. Myself, the Deputy Chair and by invitation Barry Jameson worked on this issue together.

18 19 Recognition of Service Taskforce: The year 2005 marked the 15th year of operation for Feros Care and the 25th year since the formation of the George Feros Memorial Hostel Committee Incorporated. This taskforce recommended that our organisational history be documented. The Board has subsequently commissioned a historian to write the history of Feros Care. This work is currently in process. In accordance with the Company’s Constitution, a self-appraisal of the Board’s functions and nominated Directors was conducted. This first-time appraisal proved to be a useful exercise and assisted the Board in improving its overall performance as a governing body. A number of Directors attended aged care conferences and workshops throughout the year in acknowledgement of the need to broaden our knowledge and experience. As a follow on, the Board agreed to conduct an external governance audit in 2006-2007.

The Board of Directors held quarterly Membership Meetings in an attempt to keep Company members informed about operations and create opportunities for feedback. Unfortunately, attendance at these meetings was low - a reflection of the size of Feros Care’s membership. The Board is keen to explore ways on increasing membership in the coming year.

Our Financial Report is contained in the pages following the Chief Executive Officer’s report. Once again the results are satisfactory and reveal the continued sound administration of the Company by our Management Team. This is to be applauded given the challenges facing aged care where cost increases are in excess of revenue.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to extend our appreciation to the Chief Executive Officer and all Feros Care Management and Staff for their professionalism, administrative abilities and operational know- how. Our staff live, and are well on the way to achieving, the Company vision of making Feros Care the preferred provider of high quality aged and community care services. Thank you.

No ‘not-for-profit’ organisation can survive without the generosity of Staff, Volunteers and our Friends of Feros. Thank you all for your tireless efforts, especially in providing those ‘extras’ which are so greatly appreciated by our care-recipients and their families.

We look forward with enthusiasm to 2006-2007.

R K (Keith) Castle OAM Chairman

Keith Castle Stuart Garrett Nick Towers Peta Heeson Shirley Nelson Chairman of the Vice Chairman of Board Member Board Member Board Member Board the Board

Ian Cook Chris Shevellar Morag Page Jennene Buckley Board Member Board Member Board Member Company (resigned 31 May Secretary 2006)

20 21 Chief Executive Officer’s Report

That was a fast and productive year! The achievements previously noted are to be applauded and Staff, Management, Volunteers and Board Members all congratulated.

We, at Feros, are proud of the fact that the key result areas of the 2003-2006 Strategic Plan have been actively addressed and most objectives achieved. In many areas, we excelled beyond our objectives. The 2006-2009 Strategic Plan continues to harness our organisational energy and seeks to further develop Feros Care as a preferred and significant provider of residential, community and respite care options in both New South Wales and Queensland.

While we look to the future with enthusiasm, there are some challenges facing our industry. The most significant of those are:

Changes to Residential Care Funding: A new Aged Care Funding Instrument is due to be rolled out into residential aged care facilities in July 2007. It is expected that this new tool will redistribute existing funding dollars from low care facilities toward high care. This will have a financial impact on Feros Village Byron Bay, but the exact impact will not be known until the tool is introduced. We will monitor the implementation of this tool carefully and is committed to establishing strategies to reduce financial exposure.

Maintaining Residential Care Occupancy Levels: Many residential facilities across Australia are reporting a fall in occupancy. Possible contributing factors include the success of the community care programs, growth in assisted living housing and emergence of transitional care services that divert potential residents away from residential care. Waiting lists for placement at both Byron Bay and Bangalow are lower than would be expected given aged demographics. We are addressing this challenge by keeping abreast of contemporary care models and philosophies such as the Eden Alternative, a focus on healthy ageing and lifestyle activities and upgrading our facilities to offer boutique accommodation and services.

Workforce Shortages: Many industries are feeling the pinch of an ageing workforce and the associated recruitment challenges. This is compounded in aged and community care by rising petrol prices and wage parity issues within health care. Feros Care is investing in targeted workforce planning to ensure the availability of skilled personnel. Part of this strategy involves building Feros Care’s industry profile as the preferred employer in the regions we service by promoting our attractive Employee Benefit Scheme, our workplace culture and focus on employee development. We undertake community information nights to discuss career opportunities within the organisation with a strong focus on people returning to the workforce.

The above issues have been targeted in our 2006-2009 Strategic Plan and have motivated our team to continue to strive for best practice in all areas of service delivery and organisational development. With the support of an engaged and appreciated Board of Directors, our talented Senior Management Team will continue to navigate Feros Care into the future. Our external contractors and suppliers play an

20 21 important role in our operations and I thank them for their support year after year.

I would like to end my report by extending my personal gratitude to each and every member of the Feros team, our Staff and Volunteers alike, who give our care-recipients the best possible care and lifestyle support. They bring joy to the lives of our residents and community care recipients and see it as a privilege to do so. It is our direct care and service staff who are responsible for the excellent reputation Feros Care enjoys.

Thank you.

Jennene Buckley

Chief Executive Officer

Feros Village Byron Bay - Sandcastle

Feros Village Byron Bay Residents and Staff

Feros Village Bangalow Residents and Staff

22 23 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 30 31 32 33 32 33 34 35 34 35 36 37 36 37 38 39 38 39 40 41 40 41 42 43 42 43 44 45 44 45 46 47 46 47 48 49 48 49 50 51 50 51 52 53 52 53 54 55 54 55 56 57 56 57 58 59 58 59 60 61 Friends of Feros

Presidents Report 18th Annual General Meeting Report August 1st, 2006

Once again, Friends of Feros have had a busy and happy year together.

Last October the generosity, cooking, and donations from Friends and other people made for a very successful Sale of Treasures event. Crowds rolled in early, before we were ready. We raised $811 in funds.

In November, the 9th Feros Charity Golf Day was held at the Ocean Shores Country Club. With our well stocked stalls and the support of the Country Club Board and the golfers over $1,700 was raised.

Our Father’s Day and Christmas raffles were also successful.

But the easiest event of the year was the ‘Cakeless Cake Stall’ held in January. Letters of appeal were sent to all residents’ families and our community care clients which raised $687 without cooking a single cake… wonderful! An event worth repeating.

In June, we held a very successful cake stall in Railway Park and raised $410. Friends had only 36 hours notice of this event and the response was amazing.

These events give Friends the opportunity to tell the people we meet about Feros Care and its services. With so many recent residents in the area, it is amazing to meet so many who have no idea at all about Feros Care.

During the year, we transferred $3,000 to Feros to assist towards furniture and furnishings of the respite room at the Byron Bay Village. It is a lovely room for people who enjoy a short stay at the Bay.

Earlier in the year, Friends were asked if we could help with fundraising for a wheel chair accessible bus for Bangalow Village. Of course we said YES. So now we have an interest bearing investment to go towards this much needed vehicle.

For the residents at both Villages, our Tender Loving Care group provides a much appreciated hand massage and nail care service. The time spent with the residents is a happy experience for all involved. We thank them for their time and contribution.

Unfortunately, our numbers are becoming fewer, and as with other groups, new members are hard to come by. This is probably an indication of the changes in our society, and the lack of awareness about Feros Care in the wider community, in spite of the greatly expanded services now provided.

We remember with fondness several Friends who are no longer with us.

To all those involved in Friends of Feros, I wish to extend a very warm and sincere ‘thank you’ for your generosity, friendship and willingness to work, cook, come, help, sew, mend, recycle and do anything and everything asked of you.

You are the best cooks, best workers and best group in the Shire … and a great bunch of friends too! You always have been I thank you for 18 years of happy days.

Nola Lake President.

60 61 Friends of Feros Financial Statement

Friends of Feros Village Statement of Receipts and Payments For the year ended 30 June 2006

$ $ FUNDS IN HAND – 1 July 2005 1,393.88

ADD RECEIPTS Sales - Byron Bay - Bangalow 1,502.60 Donations 1,320.00 Meeting Trading Table 464.35 Raffles 1,685.55 Membership 200.00 Coin Boxes 360.40 Major Appeals / Events 3,537.10 Other Income 1220.78 Interest 120.19

LESS PAYMENTS Donations - Feros Village Hostel 3,000.00 Event Expenses 190.00 Petty Cash 100.00 Sundry Expenses 340.20 3,630.20

FUNDS ON HAND - 30 th June 2006 8,174.65 Reprented by: National Australia Bank 3,054.46 National Australia Bank - National I Saver Account 5,120.19 8,174.65

62 63 Feros Care Supporters Community Support plays an important role in empowering Feros Care to successfully deliver quality aged and community care services that are responsive, accessible and aligned to needs within the community. In the 2005-2006 financial year, Feros continued to benefit from the generosity and support of long standing supporters. Feros Care would like to pay tribute to and thank the following individuals and organisations for their generosity and caring spirit. Bequests and Estates Grants Estate of the Late Nellie Graham Department of Health & Ageing Estate of the Late Margaret O’Meara Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. Estate of the Late Mary McDonald Department of Transport and Regional Estate of the Late Helene Ruebens Development Estate of the Late Heather Pettifer Estate of the Late Robert Duthie Community Groups/Service Clubs Donations In Kind Byron Bay Community School Mervyn Hilton RSL of Australia - Byron Bay Sub Branch Colleen Daniels Byron Bay Masonic Centre Pty Ltd Bangalow Masonic Lodge No 250 Individual Donors Pam Boggis W Wedd David Barnsdall-Neville Bathgate John & Betty Moore Trevor King Ian Stuart Tim Tetley Lou Dingjan Salomon Rubens Mr & Mrs J Lennon-Eunice Luscombe Maria Alidenes Nola Jennings Lyn Pullens IG & HV Hayman EC & J Dann DE Ansbacher

62 63 Friends of Feros AGM 2005

Your letters of support for Nola Lake North Coast Area Health Service funding rounds: Ocean Shores Medical Centre Byron Bay Masonic Centre Pty Ltd Older Womens Network (QLD) Byron Bay Royal Arch Chapter No. 51 Pottsville Community Association Capri-Broadbeach U3A Pottsville Neighbourhood Centre Christine Smith MP Queensland Health - District Manager Colleen Hartcher Quota International of Tweed & Coolangatta Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre Robyn Dayman Connect the Coast Association Inc Southern Gold Coast 60 & Better Program Inc. Coolangatta/Tweed Heads Legacy Tweed River War Widows Association Councillor Daphne McDonald U3A Gold Coast Inc. Councillor Jan Grew War Widows’ Guild of Australia (QLD) Inc. CTC Pottsville Yabur Yulun CDEP Aboriginal Corporation D. Beard - Testimonial Yarrabee CACPS (Jali Local Aboriginal Land Daisy Dare - Testimonial Council) Di Marks - Testimonial Don Page MP Community Gratitude Freemason NSW & ACT A very special thank you to the anonymous Geoff Schwartz cash donators, the Friends of Feros and our Gold Coast Blind & Visually Impaired Assn. Inc volunteers for their loyalty and dedication and Gold Coast Committee on Ageing their ongoing commitment to Feros Care; also Jan Stuckey MP to the many individuals, businesses and clubs Justine Elliott MP who have supported the ‘Friends of Feros’ Kaye Marr - Testimonial throughout the year. Mullumbimby Ex-services Club