ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 CONTENTS

1. COMMUNITY RESOURCE ...... 3 OBJECTIVES & STRUCTURE

2. PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE ...... 4 OFFICER REPORT

3. 2018 – 2019 FUNDING OVERVIEW ...... 6

4. PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS ...... 8

4.1 MOBILE MINDERS PROJECT ...... 8

4.2 EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES ...... 10

4.3 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ...... 11

4.4 ABORIGINAL CHILDREN & ...... 14 FAMILIES PROGRAMS

4.5 DEADLY BEGINNINGS, DEADLY FUTURES ...... 16

4.6 CHILDREN’S SERVICES COMMUNITY ...... 17 DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

4.7 BCRG CHESTER HILL PRESCHOOL ...... 20

5. TREASURER’S REPORT ...... 21

6. AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...... 22

BANKSTOWN COMMUNITY RESOURCE GROUP INC WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DARUG PEOPLE WHO ARE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND ON WHICH OUR PREMISES STAND. BCRG OBJECTIVES 1 & STRUCTURE

OUR VISION MANAGEMENT Strong individuals connected COMMITTEE communities. Ali Mojtahedi PRESIDENT

Harry Allie VICE PRESIDENT OUR MISSION Tim Carroll TREASURER To strengthen individuals and families Alison Purcell SECRETARY through responsive children’s services, early intervention and community Fran Glozier MEMBER development programs. Janice Brooker MEMBER

Vinh Trang MEMBER OUR VALUES The values that underpin the quality of our services and responsiveness to service users and other stakeholders are;

RESPECT: We value diversity

RESPONSIVENESS: We listen

COLLABORATIVE: We work with you

ETHICAL: We are professional and protect your rights

REFLECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE: We are flexible and creative

EVIDENCED BASED: We are committed to quality

BCRG is driven by family-centred and evidence based practice. We promote a holistic, integrated and strengths-based approach to service provision. It is also our goal to build and sustain the capacity of BCRG and the community services sector through collaborative and sustainable partnerships as well as to deliver responsive services through sector development, policy and advocacy.

3 PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE 2 OFFICER REPORT

2018 - 2019 in September last year and attracted and supports that promote choice, It is with pleasure that I present BCRG’s professionals from health, allied health control and dignity. In order to remain a 32nd Annual Report 2018 – 2019. community workers, early childhood & registered NDIS service provider with the BCRG is committed to strengthening primary school educators across the NDIS Commission BCRG will undertake individuals and families through responsive Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. The one- certification early next year through children’s services, early intervention day conference explored children’s rights an approved quality auditor, Quality and community development programs. as active contributors and what it means Innovation Performance (QIP). Although BCRG has faced significant for children to influence decisions and challenges with funding uncertainty, NDIS express their opinions on matters that The main principle that underpins BCRG market forces and premises, there have concern them. service practice is the importance of been great achievements and highlights relationships with the children, families throughout the year. Mobile Minders continues to provide and the community with whom we work. an important and unique service to BCRG adopts a strength based and BCRG continues to run a range of community and government agencies in person centred approach to working with Aboriginal programs including our long- Bankstown. This year 333 families and children and families. standing Guring Gang Playgroup funded 444 individual children accessed the by Communities and Justice Department service, 97% of these children were from Each program co-ordinator has written which has seen families grow and thrive a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse a detailed account of the year and I over the years. This year saw an average Background and 61% of children do not encourage you to read each report to of 14 families a week actively involved in attend any form of childcare including see what great work our staff initiate and playgroup. Many of these families attend playgroups. These figures highlight the carry out within our community. multiple BCRG Aboriginal programs important role mobile educators have including the school-based program in providing positive interactions with NEW PREMISES ‘Connect to Culture’ and ‘Homework children and assisting families into One of the more significant challenges Club’. The Black Santa Community pathways of quality early childhood BCRG has faced in the last few years has event held last December drew over 125 services. been finding local affordable premises children and their families along with for the organisation. In late October 2018 local Elders and community members. BCRG continue to provide Speech BCRG applied for a local Government The ongoing success of these programs Pathology and Occupational Therapy tender for the provision of Family & is not only due to the wonderful staff services for children 0-12 years with Child related services at 24-26 Jacob who facilitate these, but the wrap around existing NDIS packages, where the child Street Bankstown. To our delight we approach to service delivery. may have a diagnosis of autism spectrum were successful, and we moved from disorder, developmental delay and other Kitchener Parade to the new Jacobs In partnership with The Corner Youth developmental disabilities. BCRG also Street premises on 23 January this year. Health Service and funding from provide therapy for private fee-paying This has been a critical outcome for Canterbury Bankstown Council the clients using Medicare and Private Health BCRG and will allow us time to rebuild Inclusive Communities Network has Cover, however our capacity has been our financial position and continue to continued to build the capacity of local limited this year due to the reduced grow the organisation. We wish to thank services to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ numbers of experienced staff applying for the Canterbury Bankstown City Council community members. In August last early intervention positions. for the premises that will enable BCRG to year the Inclusive Communities Network continue to serve the community. hosted an annual awareness day, ‘Wear This year BCRG transitioned to the NDIS it Purple Day’, an annual awareness Commission, a new independent agency PRESCHOOL initiative where the network engaged with established to improve the quality and In June this year the BCRG preschool’s over 75 community members. safety of NDIS supports and services. enrollments grew to full capacity with The NDIS Commission will work with 40 children per day. This has been The Children’s Week Bi-annual NDIS participants, service providers, such an exciting time for the staff Conference IV: Little Voices, Big workers and the community to introduce and management of BCRG who have Ideas, Better Outcomes funded by a new nationally consistent approach been involved in the planning, building Canterbury Bankstown Council was held so participants can access services and operation of the preschool. The

4 continued support we have received from FUTURE I would like to acknowledge and thank the staff and Principal of Chester Hill BCRG will enter a new three-year Tim Carroll a long-standing Executive Public School Mr Brent Kunkler has been strategic planning phase early next year Management Committee Member, who central to the establishment and success and it is essential we invest time and for many years has been central to the of the service. Working collaboratively expertise in consolidating and exploring ongoing improvements and success of to achieve a common goal has been new opportunities for growth. We are BCRG. After 28 years Tim has resigned an extremely rewarding process. The excited about future opportunities a from his position as Director of Outloud partnership with the school allows new three-year organisational strategic (formerly BYDS). Those of you who benefits for all stakeholders involved. The plan will bring. We intend to revive our are lucky enough to know Tim, know preschool children have an opportunity preschool with an improved outdoor how passionate and committed he is in to get to know ‘big school’, regularly learning space, expand the early his work with community and making participating in school activities such intervention team and look at potential a difference in people’s lives. Tim has as library visits, school assemblies and social enterprise opportunities. BCRG instigated hundreds of creative art-based transition to school visits. The preschool will continue to focus on governance projects and has a far reaching legacy. and school partnership directly support and quality improvement in all areas of We can’t thank him enough for his and strengthen the transition for children service delivery. contribution to Canterbury Bankstown to big school. and beyond, his unwavering support and ACKNOWLEDGMENT & continued professional contribution and PBI & DGR APPLICATION THANKS we wish him every success in the future. This year BCRG applied to be endorsed I extend our sincere thanks to the I would also like to thank the generosity as a deductible gift recipient and public government funding bodies that support of The Rotary Club of Padstow and Ray benevolent institution through the us. A special thank you to Canterbury White Bankstown for including BCRG Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Bankstown City Council for their in the ‘Little Ray of Giving’ program last Commission (ACNC). In November continued partnership and support of year and to The GPT Group who kindly last year BCRG held a Special General BCRG. Thank you also to the members of donated stationary to our children’s Meeting to vote on amendments to our local community Bankstown Sports programs. the current rules and objectives in the and Revesby Workers Club. Constitution. We have been fortunate to A special thank you and expression of have the knowledge and expertise of pro Thank you to our volunteers Bradley gratitude to the community and families bono Lawyers from Gilbert + Tobin to Eather and Paul Henry who make an who use our services and we look assist in this comprehensive process. important contribution to the day to forward to continuing to work with you. day operations and administration NOW N THEN tasks of BCRG. Sadly, after much deliberation Now N _____ Then Occasional Care Centre at Revesby A big thank you to the staff who often Ali Mojtahedi centre closed its doors in December go above and beyond to make things PRESIDENT last year. The service was established work. It is a has been a privilege to _____ by BCRG CSCDO Maria Marmarinos work with such a dedicated and skilled Louise Scarcella and auspiced by BCRG until the service team at BCRG. became incorporated in 2000. Now N EXECUTIVE OFFICER Then has always been well supported by On behalf of the staff we would like to Revesby Workers Club and Management sincerely thank the BCRG Management Committee President members John Committee, Ali Mojtahedi, (President), Rodwell, who is also the Vice President Tim Carroll (Treasurer), Fran Glozier of RWC, and Christine Butters, RWC (Vice President and Secretary), Harry Director. The late Rebecca Galea and Allie (Member), Alison Purcell (Member), I also served on the Management Janice Brooker (Member) and Vinh Committee and saw first-hand the Trang (Member) who give their valuable contribution this service made to the time and expertise to guide and manage community. our organisation.

5 2018 – 2019 3 FUNDING OVERVIEW

THE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS OF BCRG ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR FUNDING BODIES AS FOLLOWS

6

7 .1 PROJECTS & PROGRAMS: 4 MOBILE MINDERS

FUNDING BODY Care, Vietnamese Australian Welfare Department of Education Association (VAWA), Mission , St Brendan’s PS Hub, Yagoona PS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Hub, Villawood East PS Hub as well BCRG has operated the Mobile Minders as BCRG Community Development program in the Canterbury Bankstown and Children’s Services Community Local Government Area (LGA) since Development projects. 1996. The program provides on-site mobile childcare services to community Organisations run an array of important and government services working with programs such as: English classes;, parents/carers of children 0-5 years. Computer classes, Triple P, 123 Magic, The Mobile Minders service enables Bringing Up Great Kids, Circle of these organisations to offer childcare Security, Tuning into Kids, Parents whilst parents/carers are engaged in Next Platform, Vietnamese Citizenship, community development and capacity International Women’s Day, Nutrition building programs. Mobile Minders works Programs, First Aid as well TAFE courses: in partnership with the service to achieve Floristry, Education Support and Make enhanced outcomes for children and up Artistry. For some sessions, Mobile families. Minders has had to provide 4-5 hour long childcare sessions to accommodate the The Mobile Minder are proficient at organisations needs instead of the typical settling children and making them feel 2-3 hour sessions. safe and secure in a short period of time. The programming is based on the age, MOBILE MINDERS - needs and interests of the child. Staff aim OUTSIDE OF LGA to provide a stimulating, flexible learning Mobile Minders continues to provide environment that provides meaningful mobile childcare outside of the experiences that enhance a child’s Canterbury Bankstown LGA, at a growth and development. different fee for service in order to cover the extra travel costs, etc. Throughout BANKSTOWN SERVICE 2018 – 2019 mobile minders undertook PROVISION JULY 2018 - a total of 45 sessions, providing services JUNE 2019 to 64 families, 73 children. Most of the out of area sessions have been During July 2018 and June 2019 Mobile through Tresillian, SSI Liverpool, CECAL Minders undertook 237 sessions within and South Western - Health the Canterbury Bankstown LGA. Our Promotion. staff provided child care services to 333 families and 444 individual children. Our statistics reveal that 61% of children do TASKS UNDERTAKEN: not attend any form of childcare including - As part of the NSW Department of playgroups and 97% of children who Education review of Early Childhood attended mobile minders during this time Education Funding Grants, in January were from a Culturally and Linguistically 2019 the service underwent a Funding Diverse Background. Compliance Review with Deloitte as well as an online survey.

Mobile Minders worked closely with: The - In May 2019 BCRG – MM signed off Multicultural Network (TMN), Creating and accepted the service specs 2018- Links, Greenacre Area Community 2019 from the Department of Centre, SSI, Nuwara PS, Revesby Uniting Education. Mobile Minders also

8 submitted relevant client group data MOBILE MINDERS VISION and service capacity information for the FOR 2019 / 2020 representation week 4/6/18 – 10/6/18. Continue to implement an overall quality - In November 2018 all MM staff improvement plan for mobile minders renewed their First Aid certificate for 3 with an emphasis on education and years. learning, utilising the principles of the National Quality Framework and Early - We continue to collect data/statistics Years Learning Framework. about service provision and the clients as well as endeavouring to collect Continue to seek funding opportunities qualitative data about the benefits and look at expansive opportunities for of such a service to the children and mobile minders. families who attend. At the completion of a term booking each attendee PROGRAM STAFF receives a parent/carer survey that _____ allows us to collect information Jeannette Eskaff about any significant changes to a MOBILE MINDERS CO-ORDINATOR child’s behaviour. This process assists _____ in the development of an evidenced Team of Casual Childcare Staff based practice model, highlighting how important a mobile service is to TESTIMONIALS children and families, particularly in “Thank you so much. My son gets regards to early identification, school excited when I tell him we’re going to readiness and separation anxiety. see the MM ladies. Also during the time PROFESSIONAL that we’ve been dropping him off he’s become much calmer about being left.” NETWORKS Parent Survey 2018 The BCRG Mobile Minders continued its involvement with the Mobile Children’s “Without the childcare service I could Services Association of NSW (MCSA) and not come to the English classes and in has over the years maintained a close time I need to find work. I feel very lucky working relationship with similar mobile to have this support. Thank you to the service providers. wonderful staff.” Parent Survey 2019 STAFF CHANGES Mobile Minders is fortunate to have “It would be extremely difficult to a team of reliable long term staff still impossible to run groups with parents with us after a number of years. The without Mobile Minders. The service establishment of our Community based provides quality interactions with parents Preschool in Chester Hill in 2017 has and positive learning outcomes for the meant increased opportunities for the children.. Mobile Minder staff to also work casually Service User Evaluation 2019 in the Preschool. We also welcomed Ngoc to our team this year. I would like to thank all team staff for their hard work and dedication through the years.

9 .2 EARLY INTERVENTION 4 SERVICES

FUNDING BODY PROGRAM OVERVIEW The National Disability Insurance Scheme BCRG early intervention team, in Commission partnership with families continued to provide ongoing therapy services using a PROGRAM DESCRIPTION strengths based family centred approach. BCRG provide Speech Pathology Each child and family was recognised for and Occupational Therapy services their unique strengths, and goals were for children 0-12 years with existing focused on building on these existing NDIS packages, where the child may strengths. Services were provided flexibly have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum to support each family’s situation, with Disorder, Developmental Delay and other therapists travelling to homes, schools developmental disabilities. and childcare centres, as well as being able to utilise the fantastic outdoor This year BCRG transitioned to the NDIS play area at the new BCRG office. This Commission, a new independent agency has improved access barriers for many established to improve the quality and families and has supported children to safety of NDIS supports and services. engage and participate in settings that The NDIS Commission will work with are meaningful to them. NDIS participants, service providers, A focus has been placed on continuing workers and the community to introduce to maintain partnerships with Early a new nationally consistent approach Childhood Early Intervention partners, so participants can access services and Local Area Coordinators and other key supports that promote choice, control partners such as schools, local therapy and dignity. services to ensure each family is able to access appropriate services and BCRG has engaged with Quality activities. Innovation Performance (QIP) as an approved quality auditor and will _____ undertake a certification/verification Yae In Kim and Loren Apokourastos process early next year in order to remain SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS a registered NDIS service provider. _____ Fiona Morgan and Lizzy Pye OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

10 .3 4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

FUNDING BODY On the 17 May 2019 the Paint the Town Department of Communities and Justice REaD Book Relay which started in Perth, Western Australia, came to Sydney, and PROJECT DESCRIPTION specifically to Bankstown. The relay stop The focus of the Community was at the Children and Families Hub. Development Project is to develop and The Paint the Town Founder, Rhonda implement community development Brain, and the Director, Barbie Bates, activities that address identified local both came along to meet the children needs. The community development and families from the area. project works in collaboration with other government and non-government COMMUNITY DRUG agencies in the area to advocate for ACTION TEAM activities that promote community needs In 2018-2019 the CDO has continued and interests. This is primarily achieved her role as Chairperson of the through the participation with a network Bankstown Community Drug Action of agencies. A key activity of this project Team. Bankstown CDAT meets on a is to also support and provide resources bimonthly basis. to existing community groups through social inclusion programs. CDAT partnered with Drug Health Services to host a drug and alcohol PROGRAM OVERVIEW training in Bankstown on the 12th JULY 2018 - JUNE 2019 September 2018. Approx. 32 people attended the training. This was the PAINT BANKSTOWN second training session held by Health RE(A)D and Bankstown CDAT in a 6 month period as the first session had a long This early literacy community strategy waiting list. is modelled on ‘Paint the town REaD’. The CDO works in conjunction with the On the 5th June 2019 we participated in Bankstown Child and Family Interagency, an annual community event called the Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre, My Life, My Choice conference. This Creating Links, Canterbury Bankstown conference brought together a number of Council, Greenacre Area Community local services with the aim of informing Centre and The Smith Family CFC. local young people in upper high school These agencies have continued to work about issues around mental health and together on the implementation of this drugs and alcohol. There were approx. program in the Bankstown region in the 85 young people in attendance. The 2018-2019 period. conference was held at the Bankstown Sports Club. The main activity of the working party is to co-ordinate the Paint Bankstown INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES REaD annual Community Reading Day. This event took place on the 5th NETWORK September 2018 at Nugent Park, Chester With the assistance of Canterbury Hill. There were a range of early literacy Bankstown Council funding, the Inclusive activities from various local services, an Communities Network has continued its appearance from Bongo, story telling and meetings and activities in 2018-2019. lots of books for under 5’s were given This project is in partnership with The away. Over 150 children and parents/ Corner Youth Health Service. The focus carers and teachers attended the event. of this network is to plan projects that

11 .3 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 4 CONTINUED

will build the capacity of local services to SUPPORT FOR be more inclusive of LGBTIQ community COMMUNITY GROUPS members. The ICN meetings are held bi-monthly. The chairs of the Networks ABORIGINAL WOMEN’S have been a representative of ACON HOPE GROUP (formerly Aids Council of NSW) and The CDO continues to support the then Jacob Steuart from Canterbury Aboriginal women’s Hope group. On the Bankstown City Council. last weekend of April 2019 Hope group members and Arabic clients from the On the 31st August 2018 the Inclusive Bankstown Women’s Health Centre went Communities Network hosted Wear it on a retreat to the Colo River, 14 female Purple Day. This is an annual LGBTIQA+ participants attended in total. Tammy awareness day especially for young Close and Juliette Kirkwood were the people, based in Australia. Supporters main facilitators. All the ladies reported wear purple to celebrate diversity and they had a relaxing and enjoyable young people from the LGBTIQA+ time. The participants learnt a lot from community. In 2018 the Wear it Purple one another and from the facilitators. event was held at Platform 21 Café right This retreat was funded by Canterbury at the Bankstown Train Station entry/ Bankstown City Council. exit on North Terrace. There was a core group of workers who attended In December 2018 the Bankstown Sports and we had over 75 engagements Club generously provided the Hope with community members about the group with a Christmas lunch at their club significance of the day. with approx. 25 women in attendance.

On the 17th May 2019 the Inclusive Communities Network marked IDAHOBIT MALTESE OF BANKSTOWN - International Day Against Homophobia, The Maltese of Bankstown group Transphobia, Biphobia. This day aims to continued their monthly meetings and coordinate international events that raise outings during 2018 - 2019 period and awareness of LGBTI+ rights violations the group was supported and resourced and stimulate interest in LGBTI rights by the CDO project. work worldwide. The network held a forum made up of a panel of local people The CDO provided support by organising from the LGBTI+ community who were community guest speakers, covering of diverse backgrounds. The panel was a range of topics such as Falls Injury facilitated by Lauren Foy from the Bobbie Prevention, Healthy Brain Ageing and Goldsmith Foundation. Lauren asked the Older Women’s Wellness Group. lots of questions to panel members and Group members have also recently guided the discussion so that panel joined the information sessions hosted members could share their experiences by Canterbury Bankstown, including and difficulties in being LGBTI+, while Active Ageing and Dementia Awareness. living in South Western Sydney. Over The group have also been on various 50 people attended the event including excursions through the year including the workers and community members. Blue Mountains and Windsor.

12 SUPPORT FOR OTHER PROGRAMS

The CDO has assisted with the Black Santa Xmas party held in December 2018 at Revesby Uniting Church. Over 200 people, children and family members, attended the event. This project is part of the Deadly Beginnings, Deadly Futures project, funded by Communities for Children, Smith Family.

The CDO provided support to the Koori Youth Project in partnership with The Corner Youth Health Service. This project involved facilitating a weekly koori specific youth program and co-ordinating excursions in the school holidays. In term 4 of 2018 the young people participated in a trial Diabetes Prevention program for Aboriginal young people.

COMMUNITY EVENTS In this reporting period the CDO Project has partnered with other community organisations/agencies to work on a range of community events. These events included:

• Harmony Games at Morris Iemma Sports Centre on 21st March 2019

• International Women’s Day at Bankstown Public School on 5th March 2019

• Resilience Project Advisory Committee Member in conjunction with ACON and Western Sydney University

• Regional Community Drug Action Team Forum at Surry Hills Community Centre on 16 April 2019

• We all Care Outreach at Urana St, Villawood Community Room, April and June 2019

• Mothers’ Day event in partnership with We All Care charity at the Child and Families Hub on the 10th May 2019

• Refugee Week at Bankstown TAFE on the 20th June

PROJECT STAFF _____ Anna Certoma COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

13 .4 ABORIGINAL CHILDREN & 4 FAMILIES PROGRAMS

GURING GANG PLAYGROUP new friends who they love to play with. ABORIGINAL PARENTS Over the year our group has had visits PLAYING A PART from various organisations to share information with parents and the children. FUNDING BODY These include Centrelink, Housing and Callengalleon - New Directions. Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Community Health and South Western Strategy Sydney Health workers attend regularly to promote healthy lifestyles. This year Department of Communities & Justice we have assisted families in a wide range of issues including food security, housing, PROGRAM DESCRIPTION educational concerns, letters of support, The Guring Gang Playgroup meets clothing, transport and concerns around during school terms every Thursday at accessing the NDIS. Our funding for the Revesby Uniting Church. The playgroup program has been extended to July 2020 provides a safe, creative and supportive environment for parents/carers to engage EXCURSIONS AND in a range of culturally embedded SPECIAL EVENTS experiences with their children and • A celebration of Aboriginal and Torres other families. There is a strong focus on Strait Islander Children’s Day with literacy, development of social skills, arts, Revesby Uniting Church Child Care crafts and music. Each week we share Centre. Aboriginal Dance Workshop lunch together. Playgroup also provides a place for parents to support each • Bankstown City YMCA Kinder Gym other, share their knowledge and skills, and luncheon to connect to the wider community and • Cultural Gathering at Warin Warin services. The program is also linked to Family Centre the South West Sydney health team who provide eight varied health sessions over • Women’s Luncheon at Moorebank the year. Sports Club organised by the BCRG Community Development Officer, Anna PROGRESS Certoma. This year we have held 40 sessions • KARI Community Day was attended by and have had 14 families participate in all families our playgroup. This includes 14 mums/ carers, 3 dads, 3 grandparents, 13 girls • Parent Sand Art Activity and 8 boys. Three families are new to our service this year and the ages of our children range from 6 months to five years.

The parents are all very engaged in our program and are keen to share their skills. Playgroup families show strong support and care for each other as witnessed both in playgroup and in day to day life. The children are keen to be involved in all aspects of the program and show strong development in their skills and in their confidence. All have made

14 GOOD NEWS STORY Our playgroup hosted a community Flu Immunisation day. The Team from Health commented on the lovely, welcoming atmosphere there was at our playgroup and appreciated the delicious scones made for morning tea by one of our mums. They were also thrilled when 16 children and adults were immunised for the flu. They stated that this was the best response they had from their playgroup visits. We are hoping to do this again next year.

Three of our playgroup children started school in 2018. All children have had a positive start to school and we have had the pleasure of being able to continue our support for them and their families as these children also attend homework club this year. One of the children, who had attended playgroup since birth, has additional needs and now attends a Special Education Unit in a mainstream public school. He has adjusted to school with ease and is making wonderful progress.

A new mum commented that she had tried other playgroups but her child had not really felt comfortable or settled. She was amazed to see her little boy playing happily with the other children and even complete his very first craft activity within the first two visits to playgroup.

PROJECT STAFF _____ Julie Bertram PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR / TEACHER

_____ Renee Chalmers ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY WORKER

15 .5 DEADLY BEGINNINGS, 4 DEADLY FUTURES PROJECT

FUNDING BODY followed by a delicious Christmas Federal Government - Communities For dinner. The children who presented Children and The Smith Family Bankstown were very professional and did a wonderful job. The Deadly Beginnings - Deadly Futures project • In term one this year the children is a suite of activities designed to continue participated in an end of term bowling educational, social and cultural support for night where fun was had by parents children and their families as they transition from and children alike. playgroups into primary school and then into • Some of the children who attend High School. In 2018-2019 we have worked Homework Club were involved in the with 134 children 0-12 years. Of these, we have Voice Lab Project which was organised worked with 58 children on a weekly basis. through Communities For Children Bankstown, The Smith Family. KOORI HOMEWORK CLUB Two of our teenage student’s form The Koori Family Homework Club is held homework Club also attended the each Wednesday afternoon at Revesby Voce Lab Showcase evening, they did Uniting Church. It is held for eight weeks an acknowledgement to Country and each term. The sessions start with afternoon helped emcee the event. tea and a relaxing time of indoor or outdoor This year we have been fortunate to have games. Our program then divides into three five teaching students from the University activities. Children K-6 complete homework of Western Sydney doing placements or participate in a whole group activity around with us as part of their Classrooms specific areas of need. Children self select without Borders course. The students appropriate worksheets, books, games or other attend for two and half hours a week for educational activities when finished. The pre- ten weeks and assist in all aspects of our schoolers are read a story and do a craft activity program. They are a tremendous asset and the high schoolers do an art session. Each and we look forward to continuing to be week we have dinner together to finish off our a part of this WSU program. We would evening. also like to acknowledge and thank Ms PROGRESS Danielle Malone who has volunteered at our Homework club for the past two Our homework club has continued to thrive and a half years. She has given of her throughout this year. Our numbers have time and expertise and has been a remained strong and we are thrilled that the tremendous asset to our program. We children who have attended our playgroup have thank her for commitment and her care moved into our homework club. The children for our students and we wish her well as are keen and we thank parents for their she starts her teaching career. commitment to bringing the children each week. Our teenage numbers have grown as PROJECT STAFF children continue to come with families after _____ leaving primary school. This has produced a Julie Bertram few challenges to our program but we have PROJECT MANAGER / TEACHER adapted and are thrilled to keep connections _____ with our older children. Renee Chalmers ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY / CULTURAL WORKER This year we have had 30 children attend _____ homework club and 12 parents/carers. Mark - Anthony Heath 0-4 years - 9 children 5-12 years - 14 HOMEWORK CLUB FACILITATOR _____ children teenagers – 7 Koreena Leverett BLACK SANTA COMMUNITY EVENT VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENTS _____ • An end of year presentation night Danielle Malone which was organised by the students HOMEWORK CLUB and attended by their families. This was

16 .6 CHILDREN’S SERVICES 4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

FUNDING BODY with the support of the Child & Family Department of Education Counsellor at Greenacre Area Community Centre. PROJECT DESCRIPTION / PROGRESS In late 2018 and early 2019 parents at the BCFH were surveyed to ascertain what activities and/or other supports In February 2018 the project applied to they would like offered at the hub the Department of Education for the Start during Fridays. In line with the feedback Strong Pathways funding, in which we received from parent surveys sessions at were successful in attaining $100,000 per the hub have included; annum. The Start Strong Pathways has three core objectives: • Using the Early Years Learning Framework to provide early childhood • Support educational engagement of learning experiences for children to children too young to receive a participate with their families. preschool education • Promoting to parents the importance • Support pathways to preschool. of the first 1000 days (0-2 years) • Promote the importance of early through a range of resources kits childhood education to parents and and guest speakers from various communities. health, community and early childhood education and care services. Locations of operation for this project are • Role modelling strategies to parents across the Bankstown LGA targeting the to support children’s early learning following vulnerable communities; and development through delivery of • Children with a disability, evidence based programs such • Children from an Aboriginal as Parent Mother Goose and 3a Background, Abecedarian Approach.

• Children from low income families • Delivering a range of parent information session on general and specific issues • Children from culturally and relating to accessing early educational linguistically diverse backgrounds and care services. Some of these • Children at risk from significant harm topics have including: What am I (from a child protection perspective) looking for in a quality early educational and care services? Who is going to • Children from socially isolated families help my child with additional needs at • Children from geographically isolated early educational and care services? families How do early educational and care services support my child’s school Projects undertaken by the CSCDO to readiness? achieve core objectives of funding for this • Assisting individual families in financial year are: transitioning children into early educational and care services. This BANKSTOWN CHILDREN process also supported referrals to AND FAMILIES HUB (BCFH) other health, allied heath and The CSCD project has continued to community services within the support the Canterbury-Bankstown community. Council in delivering Friday weekly activities and events at the BCFH

17 .6 CHILDREN’S SERVICES 4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The CSCD project provided information Over 65 workers and students from care services based on identified needs sessions regarding parenting and education, community and health, resulting in 5 confirmed joint service visits accessing quality early childhood allied health sectors attended the to a preschool setting. education and are services at playgroups/ conference in which 51.35% of Bong Roadshow II hubs in Greenacre Chester Hill, Villawood attendees were very satisfied whilst and Revesby Canterbury-Bankstown 48.65% were satisfied with the overall This project was funded funds through Children’s Week Bi-annual Conference IV: quality and relevance of the conference. the Canterbury- Bankstown Community Little Voices, Big Ideas, Better Outcomes Furthermore 100% of attendees stated Grant Scheme with the aim to promote that based on their experience of this school readiness through a tailored This one day conference was funded professional development event they literacy program using the exiting the by Canterbury-Bankstown City Council would recommend the next bi-annual resource “Bongo’s Big Day Out” in 6 and delivered in partnership with The conference to other workers. playgroups and/or hubs across the LGA. Smith Family Communities for Children Other professional development Facilitation Partner, Bankstown Child initiatives have included; Julie Bertram (BCRG’s Aboriginal and Family Interagency, and Canterbury- Educational Programs Facilitator) Bankstown Council Children’s Services MAKE AND TAKE SESSION who was employed as the project Department. This event was held at the This workshop was delivered in worker developed and delivered the Canterbury Leagues Club on Wednesday partnership with KU Inclusion Agency- Bongo Roadshow II, engaging and role 26th September 2018 for, health, Metro South Hub at the BCFH on modelling literacy activities to 65 young allied health community workers, early Tuesday 18th September 2018. This children and 52 parents/carers at; childhood & primary school educators workshop was designed to provide early • Greenacre Area Community Centre across the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA. childhood educators with practical tools Playgroup for incorporating visuals into everyday • Revesby Uniting Church Playgroup The one day conference explored what it work with children (0-6 years). In total 13 • Kidsplay Playgroup means for; educators and 4 Inclusion Professionals • Guring Gang Aboriginal Playgroup • Children to influence decisions and attended this workshop all providing very • Bankstown Children and Families Hub express their opinions on matters that positive feedback. (include 2 sessions) concern them • Professionals to recognize and honor BANKSTOWN PAINT THE A resource kit was also developed and children’s rights as active contributors TOWN READ distributed to families which included a to their community The CSCD project supported the copy of the ‘Bongo’s Big Day Out’ book initiatives of the Bankstown Paint the and bookmark, children’s craft activity The event opened with an inspiring Town REaD Working Party as follows; pack and parent information regarding welcome to country by Aunty Lyn Martin Community Reading Day at Nugent Park, stages of reading and suitable activities followed by our speakers; Chester Hill. for each age group. • Andrew Johnson (The NSW Advocate for Children and Young People-Office The CSCD project officer attended this Overall the feedback from families at of the Advocate for Children and Young event on Wednesday 5th September the playgroups/hub was very positive. People) 2018 as a stall holder, providing activities Some of the comments on the surveys • Rachel Christie (Impact Measurement for children (0-5) and parent information. included; The activities were designed to role Specialist-Mission Australia) • It was a good time. Thank you model to families play based learning • Ludmilia Kilianev (Canterbury- • She did an excellent job. Good work. experiences that they can replica at Bankstown Program Manager-Mission home. In total 45 kits were distributed • It was a nice program. The facilitator Australia). to parents/cares on the day which was a wonderful lady • Catherine Lee included information on the importance • One of my granddaughters most (Director -The Point Preschool) of accessing quality early childhood enjoyable times at playgroup. The • Dr Jack Noone (Research Fellow, education & care services. Families on children were enthralled. Centre of Social Impact, University of the day were also referred to different • The program was wonderful. Loved the ) types of early childhood education & facilitator.

18

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As part of the Bongo Roadshow II project • 55 families were empowered to TRANSITION TO SCHOOL the CSCDO delivered a series of children enhance their wellbeing through WORKING PARTY entertainment in Bankstown and Chester increased knowledge and access to On behalf of the Transition to School Hill as a soft entry approach to linking universal and culturally specific working party the CSCD project had families with early childhood education child, and family servicers/programs continued to; and care and other services to support represented at the family fun day. • Support the Bankstown Starting their children’s literacy skills and overall • 10 child and family services attended School Project Website which to date school readiness. the event as stall holders and engaged has received over 2500 views. It has with local families to identify their also establish a Stepping Stones to PAINT THE TOWN READ strengths and challenges and address School parent Facebook to provide NATIONAL BOOK RELAY them in future community development ongoing information on related events The Paint the Town REaD founder, initiatives through the exiting and programs within the community Rhonda Brain and other volunteers interagencies and hubs. • Deliver Stepping Stones to Schools travelled across Australia to celebrate • 75 children (0-5 years) were 10 week program at the BCFH in 2018 with families the importance of reading empowered to express their strengths, during term 3. This program was highly with their children right from birth. As interests and needs in the community successful in engaging parents with part of their journey they also visited the through a Magic Show and other fun aspects of the 3a Abecedarian Bankstown Children and Families Hub interactive activities. Approach evidence based program on Friday 17th May 2019. At this event members of the Bankstown Paint the STAY & PLAY CANTERBURY- Town Read Working Party attended to This is an initiative i8nvolves monthly BANKSTOWN PLAYGROUP celebrate and share a love of books with play sessions at NETWORK children and their families through story from 10.30am – 12pm. The aim of these This network aims support playgroups time, dancing and singing. sessions is to engage families in a neutral in the Canterbury –Bankstown region. A venue that they already visit. The play professional development/networking BANKSTOWN CHILD AND sessions operate similar to a playgroup in was held at Punchbowl Public School FAMILY INTERAGENCY that a range of activities are available for on Wednesday 10 July 2018 to support GROUP (BCFIG) young children to participate in with their both supported and community based This project has continued to attend the parents/careers. Workers from a range playgroups. In total there were 32 participants BCFIG bi-monthly meetings and actively of services are available to engage with at this professional development event. participated in a number of community parents/carers and children to: Overall the feedback was very positive in development initiatives which have • Discuss with parents about the which approximately 85% of participants included; importance of early learning and skills rated the quality of the event as excellent or for starting school including reading very good and would likely to attend a similar with young children every day from birth FAMILIES WEEK event in future. On behalf of the BCFIG the CSCD project • Provide information about / referral to was successful in attaining funds through local support services as needed Other networks that the CSCD project the Canterbury- Bankstown Community participated in were; The 3a Abecedarian Grant Scheme to deliver a National The CSCD project has attended each Approach Network- this network was Family Week Event at Bankstown Central month, linking families to the BCFH as established to support workers who were on Tuesday 9th May 2019. The aim of well as providing information and referrals trained by the Smith Family. this event was to celebrate vital role that to different types of early childhood families play in our culturally diverse education and care services, as well as, PROJECT STAFF community and provide a soft entry for early childhood intervention services. _____ children (0-5) years and their families to Kathy Theofilopouloum & Paco Leung link with a range of programs / servicers. (2016 - 2018)

Overall this event was highly successful in which approximately;

19 .7 BCRG CHESTER HILL 4 PRESCHOOL

FUNDING BODY to explore and learn within a nurturing Department of Education environment.

The NSW State Government subsidises BCRG undertakes the Bi-annual preschool fees to lower the daily fee Preschool census and adheres to the charged by the preschool to families. Start Strong funding principals with the aim to reduce fees for children from low PROGRAM DESCRIPTION income families. The aim is to improve BCRG Chester Hill Preschool program is affordability of early childhood education based on an emergent and play based and increase the number of children curriculum which is derived from The participating in a quality early childhood Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). education program in the year before This curriculum is interest based and school. child focused and views children as being independent, competent and capable PROGRAM OVERVIEW learners who have control of their own • We opened our second classroom for learning and environment. the first time in July 2019, to be able to operate at full capacity with 40 children Our Educators are strong advocates of per day. We employed an additional children’s learning and the importance 3 educators to cater for the increase in of intentional teaching through play number of children. for the foundation of learning in early childhood. The educator’s role model • Additional programs were offered to age appropriate experiences and inform the children to extend our educational the benefits of learning through play to program. They included; children’s parents/carers. Professional development theatre performances, a two week and training for educators is an ongoing chicken egg hatching program, and process and considered an important part weekly kids Yoga classes. of our reflective practice. This is achieved through staff supervision, professional PROJECT STAFF development training opportunities and _____ regular staff meetings. Through the EYLF Eva Rojas program educators foster creativity and DIRECTOR problem solving in children and are actively _____ engaged in developing confident and Katrina Cullen involved learners. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR _____ The main principle that underpins BCRG Loan Nguyen service practice is the importance of EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR relationships with the children, families _____ and the community with whom we work. Ashlea Whiffin BCRG Preschool adopts a strength EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR based and person centred approach to _____ working with children and families. Mel Bonorchis BCRG Chester Hill Preschool emphasises EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR an inclusive environment where children _____ feel like they belong and are encouraged Linh Phan to play, discover and learn. The centre EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR has specially designed indoor and outdoor spaces and encourages children

20 TREASURERS 5 REPORT

PARENT TESTIMONIAL BCRG had another big year with some of the financial changes that we We were very lucky to meet you at began in the last few years taking hold, leading to a healthy surplus - the first Chester Hill Community showcase in Nov in some years. 2018 where we got to know Bankstown Community Resource Group, Chester As a small organisation, we experienced some challenges and uncertainty Hill Preschool. Amy had such a positive around affordable premises and were extremely gratified by Canterbury experience that we could not recommend Bankstown’s decision to award us the license for our new premises that we BCRG much more. share with Bankstown Women’s Health Service.

Coming from a non-English speaking We took a gamble seeing the pre-school come to fruition and can now background, Amy learned a lot not only report that it is a valuable asset to us that we have reached the goal of full speaking the language but also the enrollment. It also provides a first class service to the parents who have social skills such as making friends and chosen it for their children. gaining confidence in public speaking. Amy was very well looked after by the Along with these two significant outcomes and other financial management experienced staff. She enjoyed her stay strategies, BCRG has turned around from a major deficit to a moderate at BCRG and loved to share with us what surplus. Our surplus funds at the end of 2018/2019 financial year is happened during the day. As parents, we $208,504 while the previous year was $131,849. feel very safe and comfortable sending her to BCRG Chester Hill Preschool. We On behalf of BCRG I would like to acknowledge our valuable funders: The know what’s going on by the photos Commonwealth and State Governments, The Smith Family, Canterbury put on the screen every day, frequent Bankstown City Council, Local Clubs, and the NDIS. My thanks will also go communication with the friendly staff to our supporters, Mr. Brent Kunkler, the Principal of the Chester Hill Public and receiving timely newsletters. We School and Mr. Con Kostanti, BCRG’s IT consultant who is always on hand also receive formal reports and portfolios to assist and problem solve any IT crisis we may have. from teachers about Amy’s learning development. Apart from the clean and I would also like to thank the dedicated, dependable BCRG staff who serve spacious environment, one of the most the families and children of this area well beyond compliance standards. recommended parts at BCRG is the very organised learning program with There are always challenges for us to overcome such as the recruitment corresponding toys and equipment shortage of early intervention staff since the roll out of NDIS, the importance to encourage kids to explore. Amy of continued quality improvement and the need to maintain high enrollment enjoyed her news time, yoga time and numbers at the preschool as well as ongoing funding uncertainties. BCRG the performance given by multi-cultural Management and staff will continue to work together to face new challenges professionals. and look forward to grow and expand our programs and services to meet the needs of our community. Due to the travel and moving out of area, we are very sad to say bye. However, the For further financial information, our detailed audited financial statements positive experience at BCRG will stay are listed at the end of this report. with us. ______Tim Carroll Lin TREASURER PARENT OF AMY

21 AUDITED 6 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

22 23 AUDITED 6 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

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25 AUDITED 6 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

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27 ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019

NOTE OF APPRECIATION Thank you to all staff and MC members for your dedication and commitment to the children, families and communities we meet through BCRG. With gratitude we also thank all the families, schools, childcare centres and community partners and funding bodies that have worked with us this year.