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Guide Dogs NSW/ACT 2017 Annual Report PDF

28 Pages·2017·16.89 MB·English
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Preview Guide Dogs NSW/ACT 2017 Annual Report

Annual Report Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Contents Page 1 Message from our Patron Page 2 President’s report Page 5 Message from the Chief Executive Offcer Page 6 Five year fnancial comparison Page 7 Strategic Plan 2016-2021 Page 8 In grateful memory of our very special friends Page 10 Thank you to our valued partners Page 12 60 years of life-changing experiences Page 14 Board of Directors Page 17 Senior management team Page 20 Abridged fnancial statements Page 22 Corporate governance Page 24 Company information Mission Vision Values To empower Vision loss Commitment people with will not Empathy vision loss limit Integrity to actively independence. Respect. participate in their communities. Cover image: Dressed for success! Guide Dog in training, Alistair, tries on his boots for the frst time before he starts work for the day. Guide Dogs can be issued with boots to provide protection from hot pavements or rough surfaces. Alistair was one of our new recruits who graduated in October 2017. 1 Message from our Patron This year, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT celebrated population ages, an increasing number of people the important milestone of 60 years and it is an in our community will also require the services, immense tribute to the ongoing commitment provided at no charge, of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and care of its staff, Board, volunteers and the Centre for Eye Health. and supporters that it has become such a Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Guide dynamic and innovative organisation. Since its Dogs Centre and now more fully appreciate establishment in 1957, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT the impact that improved training methods, has grown to provide a full range of orientation specialist breeding programs and donor-funded and mobility services to people of all ages with renovations will have on the Centre’s goal to vision impairment. provide the highest quality Guide Dog program Every day, we see evidence in our communities, in Australia. On a personal note, the progress of streets and workplaces of the incredible job that one young pup, ‘Hurley’, will be keenly followed Guide Dogs NSW/ACT undertakes in assisting as he starts his training in the coming months! people with impaired vision to remain safe and I encourage all Australians to join the journey independent. By performing this vital work, the throughout the next 60 years, to ensure that organisation makes an enormous contribution Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is able to continue to the freedom, dignity and well-being of those to provide quality services to people with living with sight loss. sight loss throughout our State and Territory. It is estimated that there are 122,000 people in Congratulations and best wishes to the staff, NSW and the ACT who have a vision impairment donors, volunteers and public for their generous serious enough to affect their daily living. As the support. General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New South Wales October 2017 Guide Dogs NSW/ACT President’s report 2016/17 was a year of significant achievement for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, with the organisation moving from strength to strength as the first stages of the five-year strategic plan are implemented. 60th Anniversary This year, the organisation produced a book, ’60 Tails’, which is a collection of 60 short stories In 2017, we reached the milestone of 60 years about some of the remarkable achievements of providing services to the people of NSW and and invaluable contributions made by clients, ACT. While there is still so much more to be volunteers, supporters and staff. There are so done, it was important that we paused and took many people who have supported the mission time to acknowledge and thank the many people of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT over the past 60 years who have helped us deliver our life-changing and have helped make a difference to people services. Over the past 60 years, the organisation with sight loss. On behalf of the Board, I say has expanded from training Guide Dogs to thank you! include a broad range of services that give freedom and independence to people with vision Most Trusted Brand Charity impairment. Of particular note, we are continuing Also this year, the Board and staff at Guide to direct more resources to projects aimed at Dogs were humbled and very proud to receive diagnosing people with early stage eye disease to the Reader’s Digest award for ‘Most Trusted minimise further sight loss. Brand Charity’ for the 5th consecutive year. This Incredibly since 1957, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT was a great honour and we are grateful for the has trained almost 2,000 Guide Dogs with our ongoing support we receive from the community. Instructors and Puppy Raisers walking about It is vital for an organisation such as ours to be 5 million kilometres, which is the equivalent of highly regarded and for the community to have travelling six times to the moon and back, plus confdence in our operations. 10 laps around the earth. At the same time, our Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Instructors have Guide Dogs Centre worked with an additional 22,000 people with In line with our goal of delivering the highest sight loss who use canes and they in turn, have quality Guide Dog program in Australia, we walked a further 5 million kilometres during initiated an exciting new pilot project, in training. Over the years, our staff have proven partnership with Hawkesbury High School. The themselves very dedicated to our clients and Positive Paws Project provides early enrichment committed to reaching our organisation’s vision. and training to our pups between fvr and eight 3 weeks of age, while offering high school students that exists today, as well as delivering a more the opportunity to develop leadership and diverse service mix in a client-focused manner. curriculum-related skills. Given the success of In addition to providing existing O&M services, this program to date, we are already reviewing we are incrementally expanding our range to plans to expand it in the coming year. meet changing client needs by: Our volunteer Puppy Raisers provide critical • increasing O&M specialisations to better support for our Guide Dog training program meet the needs of children, clients with and this year, we developed and trialled an neurological vision impairment and important new web portal called ‘Puppy Central’. technology support services; This modern communication centre offers • expanding Independent Living and our volunteers an educational resource that is Low Vision services by employing more second to none, with continuous access to the Occupational Therapists and Orthoptists; latest information and training materials. A roll- out of the portal to all Puppy Raisers is planned • developing Client Advocacy and Support during the next fnancial year. Services through the employment of social workers / NDIS coordinators; and The benefts from last year’s renovations at the Guide Dogs Centre, which were funded by • providing additional services to enable rural donations, are apparent, with the Centre leading and remote communities to better work with the way in health and welfare standards for all Indigenous clients. our dogs. Our breeding program continued to To better position us to meet future growth and develop and we saw a record number of puppies the changing needs of our clients, we have born, signifcantly exceeding expectations. restructured our regions from seven to four with Our Guide Dog graduation ceremonies remain a greater mix of geographical and specialist popular and we have started broadcasting these teams having clear local and remote outreach events live on Facebook as one way to meet models. the high level of interest across the NSW/ACT Another key achievement was the successful ISO community. re-certifcation for both our Client Services and Client Services Review Guide Dogs Centre teams. Well done and thank you to all staff who contributed to this outcome. The O&M specialists deliver high quality support, training and benefcial outcomes for our clients NDIS with sight loss. In line with the strategic plan, the During the past fnancial year, we were able to Client Services team has begun its expansion assist more individuals and families with access process and is already hiring Orthoptists, to funding support through the National Disability Occupational Therapists and Social Workers to Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Currently, Guide facilitate our low vision program, independent Dogs NSW/ACT receives less than 3% of our living skills training and case management. funding from the NDIS. However, it is hoped Historically, we have been the main provider of this will change in the coming years given the high quality O&M services to people across NSW government’s ongoing work to develop a scheme and ACT, who have vision impairment. To further that is simpler, accessible and offers high quality reinforce our operation, we completed a full outcomes for participants and providers. review of our services in order to help us grow services in the more competitive environment Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Centre for Eye Health Our People The Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) continues to Thank you to my fellow Board Directors for their work to assess the eye health of thousands of enthusiastic support, counsel and assistance at-risk people. During the 2016/17 fnancial year, throughout the past year. I would also like the Centre assisted 7,440 clients at a net cost of to congratulate Mr James Bennett who was $3,063,637 compared with 6,824 clients for the awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia 2015/16 year. (OAM) for his services to the blind and low vision community. It is a well-deserved honour. CFEH remains at the forefront of leading-edge eye health service not just in NSW, but across After eight years as CEO, Dr Graeme White left Australia. CFEH recently won the Excellence Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in August 2017. The in Social Enterprise category at the Regional Board would like to thank Graeme for his years Business Awards and was a state fnalist in the of dedicated service and the energy he brought 2017 NSW Business Chamber State Business to the role. During his tenure, Graeme strived to Awards. make Guide Dogs NSW/ACT a more successful charity and importantly, always displayed Fundraising & Growth commitment to the fundamental reason our In line with our strategic plan to expand our organisation exists, namely to assist those who services to meet increasing community need have vision impairment in our community. We and deliver the highest quality Guide Dog and wish him well in his future endeavours. O&M programs in Australia, we were able to In June, the Board was delighted to announce signifcantly grow our fundraising income in the appointment of Mr Dale Cleaver as the new 2016/17. The $29 million raised this fnancial CEO for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Dale has a broad year through donations and bequests will enable range of experiences, most recently as CEO of us to provide valuable services for people with Campbell Page. sight loss in NSW and ACT. We are extremely A sincere note of thanks to all staff and grateful and humbled by our wonderful donors, volunteers on delivering another outstanding whose ongoing support and assistance is year of achievement towards reaching the essential to the work we do. Thank you so goals of the organisation’s strategic plan. Your very much. ongoing dedication and effort in delivering a high Community and Government standard of service is very much appreciated. Community education and advocacy are another Lastly and most importantly, I thank everyone important part of our work. During the year, we who gave so generously throughout the year. successfully worked with the NSW Government We are totally reliant on the good will of the to ensure the replacement of the dangerous community to continue our work of providing wooden escalators at both Wynyard and Town life-changing services to people with sight loss. Hall Stations in Sydney. This work commenced On behalf of the many clients you have enabled in early 2017 and is scheduled to be completed us to help, thank you. in the next fnancial year. Kieran Lane President October 2017 5 Message from the Chief Executive Officer I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a pre-eminent, not-for-profit organisation that is committed to empowering and increasing the independence of people with low vision or blindness in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Building on the very solid foundation of Guide disability support worker for several years before Dogs NSW/ACT, I am looking forward to completing business management qualifcations working with the Board, Executive Team, staff and moving into senior management. and volunteers as we enter a period of growth, As incoming CEO, I hope to build on the change and opportunity to provide even greater great strengths of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and support and higher quality services for our combine my passion for making a difference current and future clients and supporters. and empowering people with disabilities, with My professional background includes CEO my strategic, operational and transformational of Campbell Page (National Provider of change experience to make a valuable Employment Services), CEO of the Royal District contribution by further increasing the quality Nursing Service South Australia (SA) and prior of our service and developing our people and to this, 17 years with The Australian Red Cross organisation. including roles as Acting CEO and National Chief Operating Offcer. In addition I have held Board Director positions Dale Cleaver with Volunteering SA and the Spastic Centres Chief Executive Offcer of SA. October 2017 A Tasmanian by birth, I’ve had the fortunate experience of living large periods of time in Adelaide, Melbourne and more recently, Sydney, where I’ve now lived for six years. Originally training as a social worker, I worked as a Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Five year financial comparison 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Where the funds came from 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Bequests 20,147 28,557 18,566 11,427 12,588 Donations (including Appeals) 8,341 7,312 7,739 7,271 7,068 Telemarketing revenue 544 776 1,032 1,195 1,720 Fundraising – Public/Corporate 29,032 36,645 27,337 19,893 21,376 Income from investments 2,816 2,623 1,979 1,528 2,259 Revaluation of investments to market 806 (1,437) (1,171) 1,789 2,252 Investment Income total 3,622 1,186 808 3,317 4,511 NDIS, Medicare & other government revenue 914 572 374 220 – Other income (net) 730 289 430 490 327 ToTtoatall 3344,2,298 3 388,6,692 2 82,89,94499 2 323,9,9220 2 266,,22144 HoHwow t thhe fuunndds sw ewre ruese uds ed Client O&M services 11,611 10,178 9,671 9,196 9,643 Guide Dogs Training Centre 3,734 3,072 2,421 2,512 2,295 Centre for Eye Health services 3,064 2,672 2,378 2,567 3,398 Community education and advocacy 1,025 1,064 815 846 794 Client & Community Services delivered 19,434 16,986 15,285 15,121 16,130 Fundraising, Telemarketing and 6,334 5,673 4,129 3,516 4,227 Planned Giving costs Marketing 919 1,206 1,217 1,182 1,454 Governance, Finance & Administration 4,177 3,601 3,339 3,317 3,123 Guide Dogs Future Fund – 2,000 144 – – Surplus transferred to reserves 3,434 9,226 4,835 784 1,280 ToTtoatall 3434,2,2998 3 838,6,6992 2 288,,9499 2 233,9,920 2 62,62,21144 Source of funds 2016/17 Use of funds 2016/17 B equests 59 percent Client and community services 57 percent Donations 25 percent Fundraising, Telemarketing and Planned Giving costs 18 percent Income from investments 11 percent Marketing 3 percent NDIS, Medicare and other government revenue 3 percent Governance, Finance & Administration 12 percent Other income 2 percent Surplus transferred to reserves 10 percent 7 Five year financial comparison Strategic plan 2016-202 1 INPUTS OUTPUTS 1 Financial Sustainability 4 Reduce Vision Loss 1.1 Grow current and develop new fundraising 4.1 Expand the reach, reputation and income streams capacity of the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) 1.2 Conduct research to better understand donor needs and competitor activity 4.2 Increase research into the prevention of vision loss 1.3 Respect the wishes of bequestors 4.3 I ncrease the reach of low vision 1.4 Drive a culture that is donor-focused and clinics to maximise client use of increase stewardship of supporters residual vision 1.5 Advocate for client participation in the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Aged Care Reform 5 Service Excellence 1.6 Continue to build Guide Dogs NSW/ACT brand 5.1 Deliver and be known for the awareness and maintain leading charity ranking highest quality Guide Dog programs in Australia 2 The Right People 5.2 Deliver and be known for the 2.1 Attract and retain excellent staff highest quality Orientation & Mobility programs in Australia 2.2 Recognise, inspire and develop exceptional leaders 5.3 Expand client services, as required, and where cost effective 2.3 Create and implement a workforce plan to prepare for future demands 5.4 Position Guide Dogs NSW/ACT as an early adopter of client 2.4 Review and improve processes, culture and technology solutions systems to maximise staff productivity and morale, and minimise risk 5.5 Investigate development of a complementary assistance dog 3 Client-Focused program and implement fndings 3.1 Research and better understand client needs 3.2 Maintain a culture that respects and focuses on clients 3.3 Develop and implement a plan to increase attraction and retention of clients 3.4 R eview and implement the most effective method of marketing services 3.5 Increase community awareness of the services Client and community services 57 percent offered by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Fundraising, Telemarketing and Planned Giving costs 18 percent Marketing 3 percent 3.6 Maximise the benefts from Guide Dogs Governance, Finance & Administration 12 percent Australia collaboration Surplus transferred to reserves 10 percent 3.7 Actively advocate for the rights and needs of people with vision loss Guide Dogs NSW/ACT In grateful memory of our very special friends We honour and acknowledge the generosity of supporters who included a gift to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in their Will. Their final gesture will ensure that more people with vision loss will receive help and support in the future. Colin Martin enjoys mobility and independence A C F H Gwendolyn Allis Mayble Chan Samuel Fenning Joan Hagers Phyllis Alston Harold Chandler Dorothy Foott John Hagger Edna Anderson Margorie Clark Louise Freeman Marie Harding Joan Armstrong Nancye Clubb Margaret Haynes Shirley Armytage Sheila Cole (nee G Clifton Haynes John Atkinson Featonby) Elizabeth Gainey Cornelis Hess Winifred Atwell Margaret Cook Cecily Gallagher Wendy Hine Beryl Cooke Gwendoline Gaudry Colleen Hodge B Gwen Coopman Maureen Gersbach Albert Holt Bill & Joy Barrie Beatrice Cordingley Irene Gibson Hendrik Hoogstad Phyllis Barton Lorna Cossar Ralph Giles Olive Hutson Merie Baxter Shirley Custance Honor Goff Jack Beale Beth Grainger I Cora Beehag D Joyce Graves Jessie Inglis Robert Beehag Arnold Davies Roger Greaves Margaret Benham John Davies Pat Gregory J Deidre Bensley Mary Davies Elsie Greig Rosemary Jackson Marjorie Bernat Audrey Davis Joseph Griffths Jean Jones Joyce Betz Edward Davis Eugenia Grincelis Patricia Jones Joyce Black Jeanette De Montemas Doris Gubbay Ruth Jurd Joan Booth Peggy Druce Ella Boyd Lynette Dunston Anna Boydell Olive Branz E Melinda Brewer Margaret Emerton Jocelyn Brian Thelma Eslick Henry Brown Kenneth Brown Margaret Bush Valerie Butcher

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Most books are stored in the elastic cloud where traffic is expensive. For this reason, we have a limit on daily download.