Northern Support Services. Annual Report

Transcription

1 1 Northern Support Services Annual Report

2 2 Contents Vision, Mission and Values 3 NSS Then and now 4 Governance 5 A message from our Chair 6 A message from our CEO 8 Financial overview 10 Our highlights of the year 12 Our people 18 Our staff 19 Our clients 20 Thank you 22 Jillian Richards Northern Support Services for people with disabilities Inc. acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government. Cover artwork by Jennifer Dixon

3 Greg Krolikowski 3 Our Vision An inclusive and connected community for all Our Mission Empowering people in their life choices Our Values Responsive and agile Actively listening to participants, their families and other stakeholders Be innovative and forward thinking to deliver quality outcomes Have an individualised and flexible approach Recognising and respecting human rights Demonstrate a clear understanding of human rights Delivering with equality, respect and fairness Continuously apply reflective practices Driven by people and their aspirations Deliver aspirational outcomes Always adopt a person-centred approach Recognise and celebrate strengths and abilities Working together as a team Delivering with integrity Being ethical and transparent in everything we do Always do what we say we will do Consultative and constructive communication

4 4 Northern Support Services Then and now Northern Support Services (NSS) first opened its doors as Northcote Preston Helping Hand Association in We have a long and proud history of providing innovative and supportive programs for people with disabilities, including autism, their families and carers. Today, we deliver extensive services by using community resources and designing programs to increase and enhance each person s abilities. This allows people to actively take part in their local community. Our services include: community education personalised support services work education and training Aboriginal programs accommodation support programs for older people that focus on independence and wellbeing extensive art programs network housing support. Tyler Gibson NSS is a vibrant and stimulating place of work where we harness our clients energy and enthusiasm to provide them with enrichment, life skills and opportunities. We celebrate the qualities of each individual and create plans that reflect their abilities, goals and choices.

5 Governance We acknowledge the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future. We also acknowledge the cultural advice and support we receive from the Aboriginal community through the Balit Narrum network. 5 The role of the NSS Board of Management is to provide strong executive oversight and governance. The Board ensures our strategic goals are achieved. The Board is currently made up of seven voluntary members. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports to the Board and leads a team of professional staff and volunteers committed to delivering innovative and person-centred services for people with disabilities, their families and carers. There are three Board committees that undertake Board work: Audit and Risk; Governance; and Strategy. Each committee has formal Terms of Reference which are reviewed on an annual basis. Our Board is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and reviews the policies that govern NSS regularly. Operations team Community Education, Options for Older People, Accommodation, Registered Training and Work Education, Personalised Services, KeyRing Services team CEO Geoff Manton Finance, Human Resources, Quality and Risk, Administration, Occupational Health and Safety Board of Management Chair Debora Jackson Deputy Chair Suzanne Hall Treasurer Andrew Steggall General Board Members John Brown, Ged Kearney, Jeanette Kinahan, Simon Bailey (to September 2016), Ailsa Wilson (to April 2016) Members of Association

6 6 A message from our Chair It is with great pleasure that I present the 2016 Annual Report for NSS. NSS has a proud and strong history of providing innovative services and programs within our community. We continued to build on this as we prepared for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) from 1 July This past year has been one of significant change at NSS and we should all be proud that our clients, families, carers, and staff have met these challenges with resilience, professionalism and a commitment to quality outcomes. Earlier in the year Gail Younie, our CEO for the past 20 years, resigned to pursue new interests. At that time I stepped into the role of Acting CEO, Board member Suzanne Hall took up the role of Acting Chair of the Board and John Brown stepped up to the role of Acting Deputy Chair. This enabled our managers and staff to continue to focus on their important work of servicing our clients and preparing for our transition to the NDIS. We also farewelled Operations Director Jennifer Williams after 30 years service. Jennifer has been a valued advocate for NSS and her knowledge, skill and dedication highly recognised by all. I am particularly pleased that in June 2016 the Board announced the appointment of Geoff Manton as our new CEO. Geoff has 26 years experience working within the social welfare sector, with a strong background working in disability. He brings with him a desire to develop our community to ensure equality, mitigate social inequity and build better lives. I am certain that we are in experienced and capable hands that will steer us forward. Anthony Romagnano

7 7 The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join in the dance. Alan W. Watts Throughout this changing and, at times, challenging environment, our management team and staff have continued to plan and innovate for the future. Earlier in the year we began working on a number of projects to: establish a Client Management System; upgrade our IT servers; develop a strong communication and marketing strategy; and strengthen our governance procedures. These projects are key to making sure our infrastructure provides us with the platform we need for the future. You ll read about these, and other strategic achievements, later in this report. Congratulations to all involved. Looking to the future, we will continue to be a client responsive, quality focussed and sustainable organisation. We will continue to strengthen our relationships and partnerships within and outside our local community they are a vital part of our service delivery, especially under the NDIS. We ve also had some changes to our Board. Simon Bailey has been an integral member of the Board since 2008 and formerly stepped down as Chair last year, with our July 2016 meeting being his last. Simon provided support and advice to his colleagues, management and staff over that time and on behalf of the Board and staff, I thank him for his dedicated service to NSS. Ailsa Wilson, Board member since 2013, resigned earlier this year. I thank Ailsa for the contributions she made to NSS during her tenure. This past year has been challenging but very rewarding for me personally. It was a privilege to step into the role of Acting CEO and I sincerely thank all our clients and their families, our staff and my Board colleagues for their wonderful support as we transitioned to our new CEO. Having worked on the inside for the last six months, I know firsthand what a caring, resilient and hard-working organisation NSS is. I am very proud of our achievements and confident that Geoff will continue to strengthen and grow NSS into the future. Debora Jackson Chair Board of Management

8 8 A message from our CEO It is a privilege to provide the CEO s Report for the 2016 Annual Report for NSS. It has been a pleasure getting to know, and learn more about our vibrant community since my recent appointment. To those clients, staff, families, friends and supporters who I ve already met thank you for your warm welcome. To those I m yet to meet I am looking forward to getting to know you and learning about your stories and life journeys. In her report our Chair, Debora Jackson, highlighted the challenges NSS has experienced during the year. On behalf of the organisation, and its members, I d like to take this opportunity to thank Debora for her work as Acting CEO. The support and leadership she provided the organisation through this tough six months has been pivotal in laying strong foundations for our NDIS preparation. Building on those foundations, the leadership team and I have continued to work closely with the Board to ensure the organisation maximises its potential for future growth and opportunity in the new world of the NDIS. Described by some as the greatest social reform since the introduction of Medicare, the NDIS has arrived in the North Eastern Metropolitan Area (NEMA). We will continue to build on our strong reputation as a service provider of excellence and innovation in the community and promote better lives and more choice for our clients, their families and carers. Change can be both an exciting and challenging experience. The social reforms brought about by the introduction of the NDIS will provide flexibility and funding opportunities for many clients and families. The NDIS places funding in the individual s hands and clients are now are able to directly purchase the support they want. This is known as choice and control and is exactly what many people have been asking for. The challenge for clients and support organisations is to adapt our thinking and establish new structures to work within this new system. Paul Campbell

9 9 Never believe that a few caring people can t change the world. For, indeed, that s all who ever have. Margaret Mead The affordability and flexibility of some services may be different, while the control of funding and its level of flexibility will be up to individual clients. To help our clients and prospective clients navigate their way through the NDIS, we will provide: planning tools for clients; staff appointments to help clients prepare information for their NDIS plan; advocacy support at NDIS planning sessions; client plan and support coordination as an NDIS funded service; regular information and newsletters with advice and support on the NDIS to our members; a fresh new look and a new website; and upgrades to our ageing infrastructure, including significant repairs to the Ethel Street premises and our accommodation facilities. The NDIS has also brought with it new service opportunities for us. We are now busy working on developing and growing our Registered Training Organisation services and future vocational and employment programs. Our KeyRing, after-school and recreation programs also have plans for expansion. We are well known for our innovation and we will continue to look for strong partnerships with like-minded organisations. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all staff, volunteers and the Board for their wonderful support during my first weeks here. We have an exciting year ahead of us and having already witnessed the incredible hard work, care and loyalty of so many staff, I am assured that our organisation will continue to grow and have a lasting impact on our community. Geoff Manton Chief Executive Officer

10 10 Financial overview The operating revenue for NSS for the year ending 30 June 2016 was $7.6m, an increase of 10.4 per cent on the previous year. The net surplus was $1,200, while fair value loss on investments for the year was $1,000. Income segmentation Service fees 9% Investment income 3% Other income 1% Our funding came from a variety of sources 87 per cent of revenue was provided by the state government while the remaining was from client fees, interest and other sources. Total expenses from operating activities were $7.6m, an increase of 13 per cent from the previous year. This is higher than the increase in revenue. With the rollout of the NDIS, we have responded to the changes that are driving the sector by upgrading our infrastructure and software applications. Our major costs are salaries and wages which make up 71 per cent of our total expenses ( was also 71 per cent). Government grants 87% As at 30 June 2016, we have maintained a solid balance sheet. This positive position is supported by a strong cash position. We will continue to invest in technology and infrastructure in the coming years and provide the excellent customer service we are known for to all our clients, their families and carers and our stakeholders. Jillian Richards

11 11 Expenditure segmentation Property costs 4% Motor vehicle and transport costs 4% Depreciation 3% Advertising and promotions 1% Program costs 7% Admin costs 10% Salaries, wages and oncosts 71% Financial performance Revenue 7,573,664 6,860,434 Expenditure 7,572,466 6,697,149 Net surplus 1, ,285 Financial position Total assets 8,523,260 8,953,076 Total liabilities 1,564,968 1,997,026 Equity 6,958,292 6,956,050 Cash and investments 6,352,224 6,680,014

12 12 Our highlights of the year Community Education Our Community Education staff are committed to providing stimulating, exciting and empowering programs that provide positive and valuable outcomes for our clients. Our annual Open Day in May 2015 was again a great success with over 100 people attending even with the terrible weather! Activities this year included our very own NSS café, musical and radio productions, moviemaking sessions, yoga and aerobic classes, along with art and craft activities. Our most popular events of the day were the NDIS information sessions that provided guests and families with the latest news on the NDIS, planning information and advice. During the year we held a number of NDIS information sessions designed to help our clients, their families and carers understand the NDIS and prepare for their planning meetings. We also organised planning sessions in conjunction with VALID, and all our clients attended at least one session. During the year clients also took part in: A Taste of Moonee Valley a beautiful recipe book published by the City of Moonee Valley. As part of our Personal Stories Program, our staff and clients developed recipes that were featured in the cookbook. The Annual Art Exhibition at Bundoora Homestead in October our studio artists showcased their beautiful artwork. Many of the pieces on display were featured in our 2015 Annual Report and were quickly snapped up by savvy art collectors. The VALID Conference 19 clients attended the annual VALID Conference in Geelong, which is held over three days in February. This conference is very valuable to our clients and provides opportunities for self development and engagement in peer support. Options for Older People Staff and clients from the Options for Older People program are now happily settled at Ethel Street and continue to enjoy new and interesting experiences, including: In conjunction with SPAN, six of our artists took part in an art project with Sheena Mathieson for the Level Playing Field Exhibition. This resulted in their work being exhibited at the Stephen McClaughlin Gallery in the City of Melbourne. Cabaret performers Chris and Carol have regularly entertained our clients throughout the year with their wonderful afternoon concerts. We were proud to be acknowledged by the City of Boroondara for our five years of service delivering Meals on Wheels. The Batman Park Community Gentle Exercise Group held classes at our Ethel Street premises with all members of our group joining in. Our clients are using the local Sprout garden to grow fresh produce which is then used to cook healthy lunches each week. Three new volunteers were inducted to help support staff and clients. In conjunction with Gurwidj Aboriginal Women s Neighbourhood House in Reservoir, we submitted a proposal to Keep Victoria Beautiful for a collaborative reconciliation art and garden project at Thornbury Station. Our staff have regularly attended get togethers with the Asylum Seekers Women s Group to discuss possible volunteer opportunities with NSS. Clients who attended the Wellington Knitting Club joined with the Country Women s Association to work on a yarn bombing project in Collingwood.

13 Dianne Cilia 13 KeyRing Our KeyRing program provides assistance and support to our clients who want to live more independently. Over the past year our staff attended many workshops and information sessions across Melbourne. This made sure we remained informed about how to best support our clients as we prepared for the introduction of the NDIS. A highlight was the keynote address by Geraldine Fowler, our KeyRing Program Manager, at the NDIS Housing and Supports Showcase Forum in May Other highlights include: KeyRing clients attended NDIS information sessions offered by VALID to better understand the NDIS and what it can offer them. Staff reviewed Disability Support Register applications to identify the costs. The requirements for independent living were also completed. We began pre-planning sessions with individual clients to help them prepare for their NDIS planning meetings. We helped five clients purchase aids, equipment and technology through one-off funding packages from the Department of Health and Human Services. KeyRing clients enjoyed a variety of outings over the year including trips to Williamstown, Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary, lunches and dinners at local hotels and attending football matches. Personalised Services Our Personalised Services provide the families and carers of people with disabilities with an opportunity to have a break. Our staff work with families to ensure the respite we provide is a positive experience for both the carer and the person with disability. We are actively involved in our local Aboriginal community and a number of programs that help Aboriginal children with disability. Our highlights for the past year include: We provided over 23,500 hours of respite across all of our Personalised Services program areas. Social groups took place across six sessions every week. Due to our reputation for flexibility and consistency, we provided services to external organisations and their clients. We completed funding applications on behalf of nine clients. We were also engaged to help with plan and case management processes for a number of clients with high support needs. We contributed to a gym program for Aboriginal youth where Aboriginal people with disability trained alongside Aboriginal youth without disability. This fostered understanding and peer support in a truly integrated setting. We secured funding for an extra 10 Aboriginal clients. We increased our funded packages by 16 per cent. Accommodation Our Accommodation service provides support services that are individually tailored to help our residents realise their goal of independent living. This year was an exciting one for our Accommodation residents and staff with many milestones achieved, including: After 25 years, Ida Warne was reunited with her long lost sister Donna. This was a momentous occasion for Ida and her family, as well as our staff. It was also the year of big birthdays both Jackie Shiels and Julie Connors turned 50, while Janet Unkles turned 60. We celebrated in style with much singing, cake and balloons. Staff and residents came together for the Wellbeing Day of Fun. Residents were encouraged to discuss and participate in healthy eating, exercise routines and dancing activities. This project was supported by Darebin Community Health and will continue on a quarterly basis. Residents were also involved in the important Individualised Supported Living Research Project conducted by Deakin University, which sought to learn more about individual supported living arrangements.

14 14 Our highlights of the year Community Education I get to have opportunities to participate either independently or with support. Amy Taylor I am happy because I am with my friends and also support from my staff. Muna Aden I have been coming to NSS for a long time. The bond I have built with the staff has been awesome and they are great fun to be with. Pippa Swanwick Sarah Veli

15 15 KeyRing I love going out with KeyRing because we get together and I am the social secretary for the group and I organise our dinner bookings. Christine I enjoyed the trip to the zoo and also IMAX where we saw Star Wars. What I like the most about West Heidelberg KeyRing get togethers is the way everyone mixes together, enjoys themselves and has a good time. Danny Accommodation I like going to pottery and drawing in my room. I like it here. Jillian Richards

16 16 Our highlights of the year Options for Older People I love going to art class at SPAN we go out to lots of great places and I ve made good friends. Michael Keen I love shopping for food and making my own lunch. I m so happy at the Greek Club with the other ladies. They are like my mums. Marina Goudis I like everything going swimming, cooking and going out with my friends. I like it that the staff always look after me if I m in pain and want to relax and watch old time movies. Sue Brittain I love coming here every day. I get to do lots of good things and go to places I like and spend time with my girlfriend. Stephen Beddome

17 17 Personalised Services Fantastic work Northern Support Services. Other services can learn a lot from you about the respectful manner in which you engage communities and families. Leanne Brook Guiseppe Calcagno

18 18 Our people 127 staff Male 23% Health and safety performance rating: 22.24% better than the industry average Female 77% Female 46% Male 54% 298 clients Training and development: $63,269 Successfully passed Quality Audits DHHS Standards and IDS 9001:2008 Total service hours delivered: Day Services programs 104,884 KeyRing 5,054 Accommodation 45,223 Personalised Services 13,716 Staff Full time 52 Part time 37 Casual 38 Volunteers 3 Total staff hours worked 190,771 Staff turnover 14% Anthony Romagnano

19 19 Our staff To our amazing staff and volunteers thank you for your compassion, hard work and ability to go above and beyond for our clients, their families and carers. You make the work of NSS possible! Sharyn Anderson Amanda Demarchi Susan Kolaric Tess Richardson Katrina Andrea Tully Demirel Andrew Leung Damian Rigoni Lyn Andressen Beau Deurwaarder Solita Liku Jessica Rippin George Arhontogiorgis Michael Deurwaarder Alexander Livingstone Anthony Risoli Caren Aspinall Prakriti Dhir Elizabeth MacGiolla Ian Robertson Jackson Bailey Michael Dixon Lachlan Marshall Katherine Saheed Tara Barber Gemma Dodevska Iain Mason Marcela Salgado Vicki Barker Sybella Drake Kavita Matta Daryl Shears Sherylyn Barnes Julie Bartlett Carolyn Duncan Moomen Elsakawy Grace Mattielli Margaret McIntosh Vanessa Simpson Ricky Bellamy Sarah Every Leah McMahon Deepika Singh Kristy Bellis Kylie Betts Morgaine Fairall Kathleen Feain Jody Mercer Nicola Mercer Kathy Slaveski Ange Bhan Melissa Ferris Zoe Miller Robert Snarski Lauren Bibby Geraldine Fowler Monique Morter Emma Soderlund Anna Bilson Kelly Fuller Sandra Murphy Lincoln Strating Susan Boggon Anne Galbraith Olga Murray Amanda Taouk Wendy Bourke Shane Gordon Joseph Newsome Tevita Tavo Rebecca Boyack Jane Griffith Catherine O Farrell Rachel Totino Suzanne Britt Petra Hansen James O Farrell Selina Tuhua Vicki Britten Kelsey Harrington Maata Palavi-Makasini Maylen Turner Tyson Brooks Daryl Harrison Lina Panetta Yvonne Utoasega Rossella Buono Megan Hart Mere Parangi Campbell Vinson Pei Cai Enrico Hipolito Angela Parsons Julie Waddingham Sarah Candusso Jessie Hoare Cara Patterson Laurel Wieland Luisa Cappellani Jinny Hornbuckle Georgia Pattison Jennifer Williams Michele Chumley Dora Huang Theresa Paulka Tim Wilson Lita Coe Netani Coriakula Samuel Cossar Michelle Hughes Heba Hussein Salu Joseph Michele Phillips Jillian Pope Dylan Power Kathleen Wissell VOLUNTEERS Joelle Couronne Kawaljit Kaur Elene Raftopoulos Leona Pritchard Cristina Da Silva Emma Kerville Eleonora Raimondi Dorothy Wang Rhonda DeJong Preet Kiran Tina Richards Jashrin Kaur

20 20 Our clients To our wonderful clients, residents, families and carers thank you for your ongoing support, feedback and commitment to NSS. We will continue to provide thoughtful, innovative and quality outcomes for you. Muna Aden Caroline Agius Maryanne Agius Alex Altis Montathar Al-Yasery Jonathan Andrianopoulos Harrison Angwin Samantha Ashdown April Austin Ben Austin Brody Austin David Austin Samantha Baddeley Graeme Barnard Giada Battagliotti Julie Baulch Stephen Beddome Peter Ben Eva Benehoutsos Nadia Bianchin Anne Marie Bizotto Tatiana Bogdanvoksa Kim Bolton Daniel Bonollo Rosemary Borg Jenny Bowden James Briggs Sue Brittain Shauna Brooks Jordon Brotto Frank Bruzzichesi Sandra Buckley Collin Bunn Archer Bunton Joshua Burns Aaron Byrne Guiseppe Calcagno Terrance Calgaret Paul Campbell Alice Carducci Tim Carolane Bernadette Carroll Brandon Cattarinussi Deanna Cecala Leslie Chalker Christopher Chan Alisa Chu Dianne Cilia Jack Clinton-Morgan Christopher Coe Mitchell Collins Julie Connors Jennifer Coomber Jennifer Corfe Michelle Coulson Sandra Coupland Damien Cullinan Julie Cuthell Carla Dare Neg Daskalakis Matthew De Fazio Helen Dermatis Damian Di Giacomo Daniel Di Stefano Jennifer Dixon Emily Dober Paul Donazzon Matthew Donnoli Janine Drape Susan Dyt Chris Erwin Michael Erwin Stephen Evans Jeremy Finn Isobel Francis Lucas Galati John Gaul Miranda Gaul Sean Gazzara Moira Geary Michael Ghazlan Barbara Gibbs Tyler Gibson Ian Gold Margaret Golding Marina Goudis Nick Goudis Julyen Green Marea Green Thomas Greenfield Lionel Grijalva Jason Guan Vincent Guerrera Max Guiney Paul Haberfield Greg Hallet Ken Hallet Mark Hamra Gaylene Hargrave James Harper Margaret Harrington Beverley Harris Meagann Harrison Taylor Harrison Janita Harrison-Porter Rebecca Harvey John Hatziathanasiou Kenneth Heath Jeanette Hermassoo Patricia Hicks Robert Hicks Melissa Hill David Hilton Lois Hirt Amanda Hooper Charles House Jessica Houston Daryl Hughes Brenda Hyatt Maria Iaconis Mauro Ieronimo Mary Ishak Elizabeth Ivanoff Katrina Jackman Christopher Jackson Alan James Wayne Keane Honora Kearney Michael Keen Serena Khan Kasaun Kirby Thara Kommalapati Conni Kourtesis Toli Kourtesis Jim Koutroulos Penny Koutroulos Greg Krolikowski Maurice Lagana Debbie Lane Paul Lanyon Juliane Lavea Kathy Le John Lee Stephen Levi Anderson Lim Leslie Lingard Paul Loft Ellen Long Fiona Longhurst Daniel Longin Nhu Lu Andrew Luong

21 Leslie Chalker 21 Belinda Lyons Danny Lyons Anthony Madaffari Melissa Magliolo Julia Manning Liljana Markoska Sandro Marriotti Darren Martin Stellios Mazonakis Clint McCallum John McCormack Jenna McDonall Merryn McHugh Shelley McLean Charlotte McNabb James McNamara Arthur McVeigh Stephen Meese Patricia Meli Cameron Menegas Gina Mercuri Chris Messinis Elvi Metsar Gordon Moore Neil Moulding Joan Mumford Will Murray Steve Myrodellis Alex Nguyen Chuong Nguyen Peter Nikolareas Monique Nippard Cameron Noble John Noble Robert North Chris O Brien Anna Maria Occhipinti Mark O Gorman Rita Pace Mark Palazzolo Danny Palma John Paloukas Roger Pan Callum Panjkov Matthew Pantelidis Matthew Paraham Michael Patajac Joanne Patel Maria Piacquaddio David Pierce Iolanda Pinto Helen Poutselas Damien Prasad Bernie Presnell Amber Price Sebastiano Puncello Erin Razon Jillian Richards Megan Roberts Anthony Romagnano Jacob Romano John Romano Bill Roubos Raymond Ruff Christine Rule Jade Sanderson Rileigh Sanderson Celia Sanger Dina Santoro Ella Saunders Mia Saunders Jason Saykali Susan Scerri Mark Schenk Gaetano Sciglitano Dianne Selby Fauzi Seoud Robin Shadforth Jackie Sheils Michael Shields Josh Sidnell Yun Wei Siew Vasso Simopoulos Felicity Simpson Valda Skidmore Dorothy Skinner Melissa Slater-Burns Natalie Smith Gabriel Stafford Julie Stambanis Paul Stancati Matthew Stewart Raymond Stokes Darren Street Shannon Sutton Mitchell Swannie Pippa Swanwick Karen Tabbah Ann Tacey Judith Tacey Joshua Taphouse Khouloud Taqi Kristian Tasevski Roary Tatchell Amy Taylor Bree Taylor Stuart Taylor Chloe Tennent Emily Thompson Ted Timson Uyen Ton Nu Dale Toy Kim Tran Dimitrious Triantafilopoulos Peter Tselepi Bill (Vasilios) Tsounis Adam Tully Stacey Uddin Janet Unkles Bobby Usas Maria Vacirca Sarah Veli Russel Walker Carolyn Wall Allen Walters Nerys Walters Sharon Wambeek Michael Warburton Toby Ward-Boas William Ward-Boas Ida Warne Norman Webb Henrike Weber Sam Weir Edward White Daniel Wielgooz Ben Wilde Janine Woodlock Christal Wright Sarah Yartim Olimbie Zenelovski Laura Zenuli Sage Zimmer Paul Zyka

22 22 Thank you! We would like to sincerely thank the following organisations for their time and effort in providing support and opportunities for our clients and staff: Aboriginal Advancement League All Saints Church Northcote Balit Narrum Strategic Group City of Boroondara City of Darebin Collingwood Children s Farm Croxton Special Developmental School Curtin University Centre for Research into Disability and Society Darebin City Council Aboriginal and Disability Working Group Darebin Community Healthcare Professionals Darebin Library Deakin University Greek Women s Club Jika Jika Community Centre Gurwidj Aboriginal Women s Neighbourhood House Holden St Neighbourhood House Hume City Council Ageing and Disability Department Latrobe University Leader Newspapers Lemon Mint Café Lentara Uniting Church Asylum Seekers Women s Centre Melbourne City Mission Outreach Program Melbourne Times Merri Community Health Moonee Valley Council Moonee Valley Racecourse (Morning Melodies) Neighbourhood House Holden Street Nelson Alexander Northern School of Autism Northland Youth Centre Red Cross Opportunity Shop Ruckers Hill Café Reservoir Bowls Club Salvos Stores Segafreddo Espresso Sherwood North Café SPAN Neighbourhood House SPROUT SYN FM The Long Walk The Lost Dogs Home Thornbury Women s Neighbourhood House Tulsi Yoga VALID Watsonia RSL (Morning Melodies) We also acknowledge the generosity of the Byrne Fund a charitable fund account of Lord Mayor s Charitable Foundation. Their grant will be used in our Community Education Program to purchase gardening materials for our budding horticulturists to use, plant and enjoy. Marina Goudis

23 Jillian Richards 23 And finally Thank you to the amazing artists who kindly shared their artwork for inclusion in this report: Guiseppe Calcagno Paul Campbell Leslie Chalker Dianne Cilia Jennifer Dixon Tyler Gibson Marina Goudis Greg Krolikowski Jillian Richards NSS are helpful and knowledgeable about disability matters. They have been respectful of my family and have assisted me find suitable experiences that support my daughter and I. I would recommend them to any Aboriginal family looking for support for someone with a disability. Sharon Slater, Respected Hume Elder

24 24 Northern Support Services ABN: Association Number: A B Address: 30 Union St, Northcote VIC 3070 PO Box 260, Northcote VIC 3070 P: E: nss@nss.org.au W: