Commonwealth Bank Treasurers' Awards 2016
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Not-for-Profit Sector Banking COMMONWEALTH BANK TREASURERS’ AWARDS 2016 WEALT ON H M BA M N O K C N s o d RECOGNISING t- r fo a r w THE UNSUNG HEROES -P A ro rs’ OF AUSTRALIAN f t Treasure COMMUNITIES A MESSAGE TO OUR FELLOW COMUNITY BUILDERS Australia’s not-for-prof it groups are the backbone of our natio n. And the vital work per formed by community treasurers is the cornerstone on which the country’s 600,000+ not-for-prof it organisations build their strength and f inancial sustainability. In our increasingly busy world it help ensure not-for-profit groups can continue to can be all too easy to overlook provide their much needed support and services to local communities and those in need. the work being carried out by our community treasurers. Judging the Awards remains a very uplifting and inspiring experience for all those involved. The fact That’s why Our Community that so many people took time to nominate their and the Commonwealth Bank treasurer shows the high esteem in which those are so pleased to support the who take on this key role are held. We read about organisations quite literally being saved from having Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Awards to shut up shop, the modernisation of systems – to recognise and show our and the treasurer’s guiding hand in delivering appreciation for the unsung heroes good governance processes and overall financial of the not-for-profit sector. viability. This is no easy task, especially in a day and age where competition for funding remains an ongoing challenge. Many of the tasks performed by treasurers go on behind the scenes, and it usually involves long hours The Awards however are about more than recognition. spent preparing reports, balancing the books, paying Perhaps more than any other sector, not-for-profit the bills and helping to stretch funds just that little organisations are characterised by a generosity of bit further. It’s a painstaking job which needs to be spirit and a willingness to share ideas and knowledge. carried out in an efficient and thorough manner to For the 2016 Awards, we asked treasurers to share 2 RECOGNISING THE UNSUNG HEROES OF AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES Australia’s not-for-prof it groups are the backbone of our natio n. And the vital work per formed by community treasurers is the cornerstone on which the country’s 600,000+ not-for-prof it organisations build their strength and f inancial sustainability. their thoughts around the recruitment and retention of community treasurers, how best to keep treasurers’ up-to-date with ever changing rules and regulations, as well as details around barriers encountered and solutions implemented to help overcome these obstacles. Vanessa Nolan-Woods A selection of the insights received are featured in this General Manager, Not-for-Profit booklet, and they certainly make for some interesting Sector Banking, reading. Commonwealth Bank and Our Community Commonwealth Bank look forward to using the combined knowledge from this year’s entrants to assist in the development of new tools and resources to better assist community treasurers in their work. Congratulations to all the treasurers who were nominated in the 2016 Awards and a huge thank Denis Moriarty you to all those who shared their wisdom, as well as Group Managing Director to the many thousands of volunteers who give so Our Community generously of their time. We thank you all for your efforts and we applaud you for the work you do which strengthens the very fabric of our nation. 3 ABOUT THE AWARDS ABOUT THE 2016 TREASURERS’ AWARDS… The response to the Commonwealth Bank Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Awards 2016 was overwhelming. We received well over 1,500 submissions, accompanied by inspiring and glowing endorsements of our community treasurers. 4 RECOGNISING THE UNSUNG HEROES OF AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES The Commonwealth Bank Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Awards 2016 are comprised of two categories to allow a celebration of all treasurers across the nation, as well as an opportunity for community treasurers to contribute their knowledge and ideas around key challenges they have handled. CATEGORY A: CATEGORY B: People from across the community, as well as those Treasurers were invited to spread their wisdom by involved with not-for-profit groups, were invited to let sharing their ideas around recruiting and retaining their treasurer know how much they are valued by treasurers, keeping treasurers up-to-date and sharing nominating them to receive an official Commonwealth changes which they had implemented to make things Bank Not-for-Profit Treasurers’ Awards 2016 easier for their organisation based on challenges Certificate of Appreciation. they had experienced. The three best entries were chosen to win one of three $5,000 donations for their not-for-profit group. CELEBRATING OUR 2016 TREASURERS Nominations for Category A of the Awards were as well as for going above and beyond for their received from every Australian state and territory. respective not-for-profit organisation. Both large and small organisations participated The entries show the amazing work being undertaken in this year’s Awards from across all areas of the in the community sector. The time and thought not-for-profit sector. treasurers put into their role came through in every The increased participation level following last year’s nomination and highlights the fact the work involves inaugural Awards clearly demonstrates the growing more than balancing the books. recognition of the important work carried out by the It is our not-for-profit organisations which build the nation’s community treasurers. strong fabric which holds our nation together. We all, Once again nominees were a mix of full and part-time in turn rely heavily on our community treasurers, who workers and retirees – from trained accountants tirelessly work to ensure that our not-for-profit sector through to those with very little experience working in remains well placed to provide assistance to the most a treasury role. Each individual was identified for their vulnerable members of our society. enthusiasm, teamwork, leadership skills, and their outstanding contribution in the work they performed 5 CELEBRATING OUR 2016 TREASURERS HERE’S A SMALL “Milena updated our old fashioned “Jenny has enabled our program to and inefficient systems andpolicies always report to our funding bodies SECTION OF THE and revolutionised our procedures legitimately and be transparent. COMMENTS WE making everyone’s lives a lot easier. She establishes a great rapport RECEIVED. Without her we would not be able with all our volunteers and the to operate effectively.” students involved in the program.” “Meticulous in maintaining the books and the bank relationship. “Carolyn, for your diligence to your “Danielle produces information At a time when our volunteer work, your commitment to our club, in plain English of where we are committee is short on people, your friendliness to our members, financially, what we need to do and she jumps in to support activities for always going above and beyond how much we have to spend so outside of her responsibility.” what is needed. We are extremely every committee member is aware grateful. Thank you for everything.” and clearly understands our position.” “Greg took it upon himself to ensure that our website was “For Silvia’s contribution in ensuring “Kerry has updated procedures to updated, he researched and the organisation is run efficiently save us unnecessary expenses, updated our constitution and and her interest in ensuring that made monthly reports easier to processes to ensure they comply good governance is maintained at understand for members, and with all the new changes in all times along with the support she used our bank balance smarter legislation which took time.” provides willingly to staff.” to increase profits. A massive asset for us.” “Chris, you are very much appreciated for your patience, “The paperwork for this position dedication and the countless hours “For providing is enormous. Sue keeps it under you spend ensuring the Group can control and unbeknown to us all function and improve. We all couldn’t excellent standards how much time she spends doing make it happen without you!” of accountability, it. Congratulations Sue.” providing strategic “For the past seven years Carol has and diplomatic “Rebecca is a busy mum of three worked tirelessly to successfully including twins. She takes time secure grants for many community guidance to out of her busy week to volunteer. projects, manages financial records, management and She’s a wonderful treasurer and renewals, website, newsletters, Board, and for is always one of the first to put her promotes membership and events.” hand up for any help we need.” genuine care and diplomacy which “Carmel competently completes “Lauren is one of the most committed this role. Nothing is too much has led to growth and dedicate members of our trouble; she takes time to explain and opportunity. committee. She single handedly and clarify our accounts to people keeps our club in a strong financial without a financial background.” position and always puts her hand ” up to contribute to new ideas.” “Mel has fixed up some really “Natalie has an enormous spirit of tricky “accounting glitches” from generosity. She voluntarily gives us “When considering proposals the prior committee and helped her time and shares her wisdom, for Moruya Public’s P&C, Allan get the Club into the black all while knowledge and expertise. Natalie makes sure we look at their juggling family, illnesses, injuries has been instrumental in assisting costs, potential benefits and if and full-time work. Thanks Mel!” our organisation to thrive!” they align with our organisation’s goals and commitments.” “Di has been of enormous help “Ruby gives above and beyond in maintaining the finances of our even when it means self-sacrifice.