arc 2013-2014 annual report

COnTEnTS

ARC – A Real Choice .......................3

our Board......................................4

ARC Management team ..................5

president’s Report .........................6

Chief executive officer’s Report ......7

our Coordinators ...........................8

ARC places & Spaces .......................9

performing Arts ...........................10

lifestyle Support .........................12

Jane & Karen ...............................13

program Highlights ......................14

Client Services .............................16

Friends, Fun & Dancing .................18

Jana ..........................................19

toy library & Resource Centre ......20

our people ..................................22

Statistical Data ............................23

2013-2014 operations Annual Report .............................24

Chief Financial officer’s Report .....25

Volunteers, Supporters & Donors ..26

Sponsors .....................................27

2 arC Disability services Annual Report 2013-2014

...more than just support

ARC – a rEal ChOiCE

our vision is that people who have a disability are empowered to reach their full potential, dreams and aspirations, enabling them to enjoy a fulfilling life of their choosing as valued members of the community.

we work towards this with each person in a variety of ways, helping them to identify and use their talents to participate in our community in positive and constructive ways.

ARC, a place where everyone is included, accepted and respected.

3ARC Disability Services Annual Report 2013-2014

the board is responsible for the strategic Governance of the organisation, maintaining focus on our vision, mission, values and strategic direction.

Our Mission As a lead service provider, we influence change. We work collaboratively with our service users, their support networks and the community, to facilitate a range of options and opportunities which promote active participation for all.

Our ValuesOur values are reflected in a culture which promotes:

Collaboration Commitment Creativity Diversity Empowerment Flexibility Respect Fun

Strategic CommitmentsouR StAFF: We will make ARC an employer of choice and a great place to work.

ouR SeRViCe uSeRS: We will continuously improve the quality of the services we provide, incorporating internationally recognised models of best practice and service excellence.

ouR oRgAniSAtion: We will build organisational capability and capacity to maximise service and business development opportunities in a changing environment.

ouR CoMMunity: We will strengthen our role in the community through sector leadership and building strategic partnerships.

OuR MiSSion, VAlueS And CoMMitMentS

SOnjiA AlDERSOn President

Joined Board in 2006 President since 2007

SuE EDWARDS ViCe President

Joined Board in 2011 Vice President since 2012

DOt ShEA MeMBer

Joined Board in 2011 Treasurer since 2012

CAthy AitkEn MeMBer

Joined Board in 2011

FiOnA hiAtt MeMBer


SuE FORbES seCretary

Joined Board in 2009 Secretary since 2010

ShEllEy DREyER MeMBer


OuR bOard

4 ARC Disability Services Annual Report 2013-2014

ARC managEmEnT TEam

OrganiSaTiOnal ChARt

the management team have leadership responsibility within their identified areas and work closely together in order to operationalise the mission, vision, values and strategic direction of the organisation.

From Left To Right: Seranie Eecen, Chief Financial Officer; Natasha Rivett, General Manager Client Services; Rebecca Clarke, Manager Lifestyle Support Services; Sheridan Lawton, General Manager Programs; Ben Keast, Chief Operations Officer; and Anita Veivers, CEO

BoARD oF MAnAgeMent

Ceo Anita Veivers

CooBenjamin Keast

CFoSeranie Eecen

FinAnCiAl SeRViCeSTellena Hill

Kate BirdClient SeRViCeS gM

Natasha Rivett

intAKe oFFiCeRNatasha Rivett

liFeStyle CooRDRenee Bell

HuB pRogJan Derks

CoMMunity HAll AnD DJuMBunJiSheridan Lawton

and various facilitators

HoliDAy pRogRAM AnD netwoRKing

gRoupSJacque McMahon

liFeStyle MAnAgeRRebecca Clarke

pRogRAMS gMSheridan Lawton

exeC. ASSiStAntLachlan Balk-Dartnell

ReSouRCe CentRe CooRDinAtoRS

Mikki RhoadesWendy Young

tHeRApy BuSteRSVolunteers

ylyC plAnneRKatrina Moore

ReSpite HouSeEllen Griffiths

SuppoRtS CooRDinAtoRS

Leigh MoritzJulie Sissons

Kristy BennettNicole Brown

CoRpoRAte SeRViCeS

Veronica PotterLisa Ryan

Lucinda RidleyBindi Sutton


PrESidEnT’S RepORt

it is with great pleasure that i provide you with the 2014 annual report of arC Disability services, and in doing so, take this opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our organisation and the board of management during the last 12 months.

Reflecting over this time has made me realise just how much we, as an organisation, have achieved and how well we are progressing towards readiness for the ndIS. From the Board’s perspective it is very evident that ARC disability Services continues to mature as an organisation and is prepared to take on the challenges that are continually being put upon us. We are fortunate to have a very proactive leadership in the executive (Chief executive Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Operations Officer) and the Managers. however it is the contribution that each member of staff and our volunteers make that enables us to remain a proactive organisation providing the standard of care that the community has come to expect from ARC and ARC as an organisation continues to strive for.

Yet again change has been a feature of our year. Of note was the changes made to the organisational structure and the way we work which presented many challenges for the staff along the way. I would like to thank all involved for their efforts which ensured this transition was a success.

the relocation of the Reception area had been very successful along with the ‘facelift’ to our entry areas which has certainly changed the kerbside appeal of the organisation. to our clients, their families and their support networks I would also like to acknowledge their understanding and patience during this process and trust they are finding it has enabled ARC to provide both a more streamlined and efficient service delivery and a more user friendly entrance.

We have seen the opening of the Community huB which has enabled ARC to provide more options for our clients with the additional space it offers. For those of you who haven’t visited Café Connect in Mcnamara Street, I can definitely recommend a coffee and a bite to eat. not only are the surrounds relaxing it is very evident that the clients are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to learn more skills which will hopefully lead to opportunities for paid employment. A big thAnK YOu to the local businesses and organisations that have donated hospitality equipment to Café Connect.

no sooner had we settled into the Community huB when we were presented with the opportunity to utilise djumbunji press for our arts programs. taking up this opportunity has enabled our budding artists to do their artwork and put it on display / for sale in a purpose built environment. Once again if you haven’t taken the opportunity to visit it is certainly worthwhile to see first-hand the variety of options available to our clients and the pleasure they get participating.

Sue edwards and I were able to attend the Better Boards Conference 2014 in Adelaide which is specifically for not for profit Boards. throughout this conference we both noted what we do well as a Board and what we need to improve on. One area of improvement was to recruit an Accountant and a Lawyer/Solicitor to the ARC Board of Management as these skillsets had been identified as needed for several years. I’m happy to say that this has now been achieved and we have recently welcomed Fe Flanagan and tanya Straguszi as Board

members. As part of our feedback to the Board, we have recommended that the entire Board consider attending the 2015 conference.

to the outgoing Board members, thAnK YOu for your time, proactive approach and commitment in supporting the continuing development of ARC disability Services. together we have met the challenges presented and have been able to support ARC in meeting the ongoing demands for services and looking for and embracing new ideas to become a leader in the disability sector. It has been a pleasure working with each of you and I wish you all the best for the future.

to the incoming Board members, WeLCOMe to working in the wonderful group of people (staff, clients, families and support networks) who together make ARC what it is. there is no doubt that the following year will present its own challenges that you, as the Board of Management, will need to meet and I have every confidence that you will have the support necessary to achieve this.

In closing I would like to again thank everyone who has been involved in the success of our organisation over the past 12 months and take this opportunity to encourage each of you to consider how you can contribute towards ensuring the ongoing viability and success of ARC disability Services in this changing environment.

Sonjia Alderson, President, ARC Board of Management


ChiEF EXECuTiVE OFFiCEr’S RepORt

i planned to theme this year’s annual report around “regeneration and renewal”, as this reflects what has been happening both within arC, and more broadly in the community sector across Queensland.

Whilst looking for a quote I came across the above words by demosthenes, which really stood out as reflecting the many opportunities which have come our way, and been taken up, across the organisation. As much as we have undertaken a significant restructure, leading to the renewal of many systems and processes within the organisation, on reflection this has actually happened relatively seamlessly in the background, whilst we have continued to take all opportunities which have come our way, and continued to grow and develop new pathways and opportunities for our service users.

taking opportunities to work collaboratively with other organisations and community groups has always been an important component of the way in which we work at ARC. With the continued success of the ARC Community hub in Mcnamara Street we have developed relationships with many community members who use the facility for a range of community based activities, including church groups, drama groups, cultural groups and a brass band. Working closely with these groups has meant the operating costs of the space can be offset against the income, ensuring sustainability over the term of the lease.

the community hub is not the only area of blossoming partnerships with ARC “strengthening our role in the community through sector leadership and building strategic partnerships” through ongoing relationships with many and varied organisations including, horizon Foundation, education Queensland, the early Years Centre, Queensland health, KickArts, the Woodworkers Guild and the Men’s Shed, to name but a few.

Maximising opportunities has been a key pillar of our strategic plan, and I believe we have certainly “built organisational capability and capacity to maximise service and business

development opportunities in a changing environment” throughout both client services, and programs, as well as corporate services and finance. Over the last financial year we have seen significant growth in income, staffing levels, client numbers and programs, with significant growth in fee for service, and a growing array of activity choices.

As much as the organisational restructure did occur with much less angst than anticipated it has definitely been a challenge to put in place the procedures and communication pathways to back up the new structure. the whole team has pulled together brilliantly and have really just taken each potential issue as it arises and found a way to work with it, not always an easy task but it has definitely made the whole process more positive than not.

Another challenge has been the ongoing uncertainty in the wider sector with regards to the introduction of the national disability Insurance Scheme, to be phased in across Queensland from July 2016. In many ways our goals and objectives as an organisation have been focussed primarily on positioning ourselves and preparing for the move from a funded model to a free market approach. A quite enormous change in not only process but mind set is required and I believe ARC is in a strong position to make the transition with the ground work well underway to enter the new world of disability Support under the national disability Insurance Agency. We have our new structure in places which focusses heavily on Client Services and program delivery to reflect the requirements of a customer directed system

Although there has been limited new funding in Queensland ARC has benefitted from our positive reputation for being person centred and flexible with a strong trend in growth of people who have Your Life Your Choice packages choosing ARC as

their host provider. By providing hosting services for both self-directed and self-managed funding we are establishing robust systems which will ease transition to the ndIS and position ARC favourably for new customers. We are certainly “continuously improving the quality of the services we provide incorporating internationally recognised models of best practice and service excellence”.

ensuring ARC continues “to be an employer of choice and a great place to work” has taken on new meaning with the opening of “Café Connect” towards the end of the financial year. the opportunity of having an almost commercial kitchen at our disposal was just too great to miss, and the development of a social enterprise giving an avenue for our service users to learn new skills in a real life working environment has been an incredible leap forward for us. the potential for individual and organisational growth through this wonderful opportunity really embodies what ARC is about… more than just support.

As always ARC exists and flourishes because of the people, relationships and energy which keep the momentum to continue onwards and upwards, with our view firmly focussed on each and every person involved. Our Board, our staff, our volunteers, service users, families, supporters, donors and the community as a whole have embraced and harnessed positivity to take each small opportunity and go with it, creating a vibrant, forward thinking organisation. Saying “thanks” is not really enough to acknowledge the hard work and effort put in by everyone, but never the less it is important, so a heartfelt “thanks” to you all.

Anita Veivers, Chief Executive Officer

“Small opportunities are often the beginning of

great enterprise” Demosthenes


niCole BRown

Renee Bell

wenDy young

Julie SiSSonS

JAn DeRKS

MiKKi RHoADeS

JACquelene MCMAHon

Coming from many years working in the disability field in Germany, I started working for ARC in the Respite house in January 1999. Since August 2008 my role has been the Respite house Coordinator.

I am a Social Worker and I started working for ARC in March 2007 as a Family Support program Facilitator. I have worked for ARC for 7 years in various roles. Since April 2014, I now work as a Client Services Coordinator incorporating case management and flexi respite together.

I started with ARC in March 2007 as a support worker and joined the office staff as a Family Support Facilitator in May 2008. I now work with a dynamic team as a Coordinator of Client Services and assisting families with their Your Life Your Choice funding allocations.

I started with ARC as a direct Support Worker in May 1999. Over the years I have been fortunate to work across services, and a varied of positions. I have been a part of many changes within ARC, and expansion of ARC’s services. I am currently employed as a Client Services Coordinator, working directly with families, identifying what supports are available, and what will best suit the family/individual’s needs.

I started work with ARC as a support worker in June 2006. I have worked in the office as an Assistant Coordinator for Learning & Life Skills and since 2014 I have worked as a coordinator within client services. I love my current role which involves coordinating quality service provision for about 60 families.

I joined ARC in 2010 as a Support Worker and now I am the Group Coordinator. I currently coordinate the day Group programs area with three different locations, 15 staff in the team and around 70 participants.

Mikki has worked as the ARC toy Library and Resource Centre Coordinator since 2012. Mikki has qualifications in psychology, education, and Community development, and has previously worked for ARC in Respite Services.

they call me a social bunny. Starting with ARC back in 2008 as a disability Support Worker, I was fortunate to work across all of ARC’s service. My niche started to shine when I was working within group/program settings. I currently oversee ARC’s holiday program, where I also work in a hands on capacity. I also have the fun task of arranging ARC’s networking Groups and disco’s.

I joined ARC in October 2009 as an Assistant Coordinator Lifestyle Support Service. Since this time, I have worked as facilitator of ARC’s Community hub Linking program where I worked on the pilot program. I am very excited to have now moved into role of Coordinator Client Services.

Coming from the disability and Aged Care sectors, I joined ARC in 2008 and am now a Coordinator for Lifestyle Support Services. We currently have 9 houses that provide support to 21 fun and dynamic individuals. I love my role within ARC which promotes independence and choice for our service users.

I started working at “noah’s Ark toy Library” in 1989 as the mobile assistant on the toy library bus. In 1995 I took over as mobile coordinator and have remained in this position ever since. I visit schools, organisations and families twice a term with the mobile service and assist teachers, therapists and families in the selection of toys, games, sensory and educational equipment.

OuR COOrdinaTOrS

ellen gRiFFitHS

KRiSty Bennett

KAt MooRe

leigH MoRitz


ARC PlaCES & SPaCES

tHe ARC oFFiCe, HuB AnD toy liBRARy AnD ReSouRCe CentRe are located at 92 little street, manunda. this facility was opened by arC in 1990 and over the years has been extended and added to many times. most of the management, Coordination, Corporate services and Finance staff work out of this building, as well as the Hub programs team.

tHe ARC ReSpite HouSe is located in manunda and started operating in 1991, after being based in various temporary and rented facilities. the respite house is still exceptionally well utilised and has undergone many improvements, most notable being our “backyard blitz” in about 2005. the respite house offers a “home away from home” or “sleepover” option for 75 people from across the region.

tHe ARC CoMMunity HuB is leased by arC from Cairns regional Council. we were fortunate to put forward a successful tender in late 2012 with our programs, particularly performing arts and drumming moving to that location mid-2013. this is a wonderful facility which truly acts as a community hub, particular with the opening of Café Connect in June 2014.

ARC ARtz At DJuMBunJi pReSS has been a surprise addition to the opportunities available to our service users. we moved into this location on Greenslopes street in January 2014. we currently have a memorandum of understanding in place with Kickarts to utilise the facility and hope to progress work on a longer term loan with both arts Queensland and JCU. this facility is proving to be a great space for our service users to express their artistic selves, with some amazing artworks being created. a catalogue of work is accumulating for the opening of a gallery space which will provide real pathways for our artists to be recognised in a professional context.


peRFORMInG arTS

CollaborARC Revolutiondecember 13 saw our second CollaborARC production hit the stage of Jute theatre in Cairns. Following almost a year of rehearsals and dedication to the performing arts, a cast of over 60 individuals which included service users, staff and community members graced the stage to show off their vast amount of talent and skills.

performances included dance from the subtle and beautiful “blurred lines duet”, dance crazy elvis presley lookalikes to the staff’s version of Grease. the audience laughed to the My Kitchen Rules comedy sketch and watched in awe at the “I Forgive You” and trinity Bay dance project film clips.

As with all our productions we like to share the theatre experience with others in the community and this year we were privileged to have Mareeba district Flexi and Song Connection on stage with us. One of our program partners tropical Arts produced a dramatical snap shot of Shakespeare at the tanks “Alls Well that ends Well” soldiers hobbled around the stage and ladies graced the air. Jeremiah Johnston and the singing group sang songs the group had written which are now available on our first music disc. the group had been to a recording studio earlier in the year which also was an amazing experience.

Individuals loved the whole camaraderie and excitement back stage, mingling with friends old and new until it was their time to shine which they sure did. A memorable experience for all.


peRFORMInG arTS

the ARC ensemble is now in its fourth production of Shakespeare at the tanks with All’s Well That Ends Well. the ensemble has grown enormously! this important pathway to performance builds an integrated cast which is one of the most extraordinary experiences in creating an inclusive community. three of our young performers have transitioned into the main ensemble, and we have inspired 22 others to be a part of the ARC ensemble. In all’s well that ends well the ARC ensemble was woven seamlessly into the overall structure of the play. the courageous service users and support workers become part of the tropical Arts family and we give our heartfelt thanks to all the performers, families and staff who put in so much time and effort to make this production a truly inclusive community event, particularly tropical Arts and director Avril duck.

Another fabulous collaborative performing arts project was undertaken with trinity bay state High school. A number of grade 11 students visited ARC regularly to work with a group of dancers to choreograph and perform an amazing routine. this was a wonderful project with excellent outcomes all round with the guys from ARC learning some funky moves and the students from tbay working on their choreography and teaching skills. It was great to see a group of such diverse young people come together so well with a common purpose and goal, to perform and entertain.

“I like that I have danced with other kids my own age that I have not known before. I like going to different places that dance and different projects.” Joy Nomani


LIFeStYLe SuPPOrT

“I like working with other people and helping them to have a go at things. Working with the children and helping them to know where to go and what to do. I love kids.” Felisha Bowen

in 2013 arC supported 20 people to live in their own home in the community, across 9 locations. support provided varied from 16 to 24hrs per day, depending on the person’s level of independence, totalling a massive 171,330 hours of support over the year.

this holistic support option assisted people to plan their whole of life activities, based on their identified dreams, aspirations and future plans and supported people to participate in a wide range of options and activities such as:

educational/vocational studies and short courses, including art and sewing

Holidays – including a cruise and a trip to new Zealand

supporting people to run their own business, most notably car cleaning and lawn mowing

Community volunteering at an aged care facility, rspCa and an art store

Dancing classes – Hip Hop with performances, belly Dancing, Zumba

performance with Drumming, CollaborarC and shakespeare

entertainment – attending community events, Cairns Civic theatre and concerts

Lifestyle support is about much more than just support though with a firm focus on “doing with, not for” people, encouraging independence and empowerment through participation.

this year ARC worked even more closely with each person to look at their achievements and make future plans and set goals, providing an individual pathway for each person to move forward achieving and participating to live life to the fullest.


My HoliDAy by jAnEMy favourite activity this year was a cruise to Vanuatu for my holiday. I had my bags packed weeks before and was so excited to travel on the plane and the “big boat.” We stayed in Brisbane the night before at a hotel across the street from the cruise ship. The weather was lovely and I made so many friends. I liked to show off my nails and I loved changing into all my new outfits. Every night I went out to dinner, the theatre and dancing. Once I was even chosen to go up on stage and perform a dance with the Stage Production team.

There was so much to do! I swam in the pool, went in the hot tub, did craft activities, karaoke and table tennis among many things. We went ashore and met the local people and I was able to buy some souvenirs. Lots of people recognised me as I was on the cruise video highlights most nights . So I felt like a star! My favourite thing was to be in the Pop Princess Choir. We practised most days and then had a performance in the Atrium in front of lots of people. Everyone said I was the best singer and we were given a glass of pink champagne afterwards.

I was so busy I even slept in several mornings till 8am! I often look at my DVD of the trip to remember all the fun I had.

My HoliDAy by kAREnI have had a busy and fun year but the most exciting time was to go on holiday on a cruise ship. I liked flying to Brisbane on the plane and looking at the ship from the window of the hotel where we had dinner the night before. I made friends when I went to the activities like craft classes and line dancing lessons. They had a Hawaiian theme dance party by the pool and I did really well at the Macarena.

It was fun dressing up and going to the Restaurant every night. I was able to tour the Huge kitchen and meet the chefs. The ice carving show was amazing.

I went ashore in Vanuatu and bought some nice clothes and souvenirs from the markets and had lunch in a really nice café. Going to Vanuatu reminded me of my time in Fiji when I was young. Although I am quite shy, lots of people chatted to me and I really enjoyed meeting new people. I was able to take photos and put together a big poster to put in my room to remind me of my holiday.

JanE & KarEn

13arC Disability services Annual Report 2013-2014

ARC hOliDAy PROgRAmdemand for the holiday program has continued with around 22 families enjoying the benefits of having their child/children having fun during the school holidays. A highlight of this year was the wonderful makeover of the area used by the holiday program at the back of respite making the area a more usable area for the children.

Activities organised in during the year have included:

themed days BBQs

Sporting days Arts & Crafts

Community events/Activities (Marine park, Cinemas, Workshops).

two highlights during the year included the links formed between ARC and Queensland Rugby union and the integration of holiday program and Social groups into the programs dept. the Rugby union Coaching/Skills Clinics supported individuals to enjoy the benefits of learning new ball and coordination skills. Joining all the group type activities under one department has enabled us to have more integration of groups and individuals. this particular link is worthwhile as it offers a pathway for ARC Service users to familiarise themselves with program staff/venues and programs for when they may attend as a school leaver.

ARC SOCiAl gROuPSInformal fun activities raising individuals social connections with others and the community are why our social groups are popular. having a reason to go out and a purpose to meet/make friends is all many of us desire. Individuals have enjoyed community outings such as dinners and the movies. Monthly disco’s remain a highlight of the month for many, dancing and grooving the night away with the option to dress up to a theme every 2 months.

pROGRAM highlighTS

the year has seen new activities, new community connections and great outcomes for individuals in many areas. the Woodworkers Guild Cairns continues to support individuals to create amazing works from wood and is a very popular program.

Our famous ARC Beat drummers continue to drum their way around Cairns venues and festivals to the delight of audiences at their ever improving beats and four of our male dancers performed a strong and powerful dance using chairs to the Minister during her visit to ARC.

amazing, creative and ever exciting things are always happening in the Skills for Life program. Firstly this past twelve months has seen us go through an office restructure, name change and some team changes. we began using a new space for art programs and further expanded our programs in the Community Hub.

SkillS FOR liFE Agm REPORt – A yEAR in PROgRESS


pROGRAM highlighTS

highlightS OF thE yEARjuly ‘13 › drumming on the esplanade at picnic by the Lagoon were the ARC Beats, showing off their new rhythms and sounds.

AuguSt ‘13 › We WOW-ed the crowds along the esplanade in the Cairns Festival parade with our decorated float, boat and walkers. ARC artists displayed their works of art at a gallery exhibition at C1907 in City place and were very proud of the achievements.

SEPtEmbER ‘13 › disability Action Week saw participants get active shooting hoops and playing boccia as part of Inclusive Sports day.

ARC’s Adopt A Cop Constable phil has worked with ARC now since 2011. Both Aaron Lee and Aaron Amos were lucky to enjoy a visit to Cairns police Station seeing the behind the scenes action of a working police station and all the tools of the trade. “Aaron stated he enjoyed going to the police station and would like to go again very soon”.

OCtObER ‘13 › Our awesome partnership with tropical Arts continued with 30 participants taking part in the annual Shakespeare at the tanks “Alls Well that ends Well” with thanks to Avril duck and the cast for another supportive inclusive production.

nOvEmbER ‘13 › Cairns Regional Council funded a couple of great mornings for individuals to learn the harmonica and lessons are continuing into next year which is fantastic and everyone now has their own harmonica.

DECEmbER ‘13 › the Community hub has been a focus area for our performing arts, film making and sports activities. Once again the amazing talents and skills of individuals were show cased in our production “CollaborARC Revolution” at COCA theatre which also included other community individuals. participants really shone and the audience laughed and cheered at the talent on show.

jAnuARy ‘14 › the new year commenced with the use of a new Visual Arts Studio, which is a great space for individuals to be visually creative, and we commenced new projects such as screen printing. Individuals find the space a great place to explore their artistic talents and flair.

FEbRuARy ‘14 › Internationally our connections with Japan were maintained with our annual visitors learning how we work with our individuals and all the activities that are participated in.

mARCh ‘14 › ARC beats at the Foster and Kinship awards.

APRil ‘14 › Minister tracy davis visited in April and enjoyed chatting to individuals, viewing and sharing all the great work. Works ranged from woodwork creations, jewellery, paintings and drawings and the Minister was given a portrait drawn by service user and artist, Alex h.

mAy ‘14 › Cooking lessons were the order of the day in May with Fiona Sewell from ABC radio being taught how to make “lemonade scones” by one of the cooking group. this was later aired on the radio.

junE ‘14 › to end the year on a real high we opened our new project Café Connect. the aim of the café is to provide a training facility for individuals to further their skills and increase job readiness but to also have an area where the community can be invited in to share the space and individuals can connect with others.


CLIent SErViCES

what a success! in conjunction with Disability services a decision was made that arC could utilised unspent non-recurrent Fsp funds to provide time-limited, early intervention supports aimed at minimising the risk of family breakdown. it was identified that Disability services within our region had a high back log of families who had received assessments and were waiting for an identified Community linking officer – the pilot program was able to help clear this back log and also take additional referrals from within the community.

the ARC pilot program commenced on the 1st november 2013 and to 30th June 2014, has supported 43 individuals (39 families), with the aim of the program to support a minimum of 60 families within the year – the program has already provided support to over half the expected anticipated target with 5 months of the program still left to roll out.

the successes of the program are wide and varied and include providing time limited flexible respite to families in crisis, linking

families to support services within the community, assisting families to develop relationships, advocacy and assistance to work through the service sector pathway.

excitingly, one family accessed Speech Language therapy and psychology services that weren’t available to them in the past and have developed additional skills and strategies to help them in their parenting role.

Another family was supported to apply for Year 13 with the education department and

were successful in obtaining support.

Assistance was provided for another family to navigate the complex system of services for Companion Card, taxi Subsidy Card, and health Care plan for sessions to a physiotherapist and MASS and CApS applications for continence aids.

Feedback from disability Services staff, ARC and families indicated measurable benefits to families through the investment of this pilot program!

When asked how the Pilot program worked for her family, Samanda’s response was:

“Absolutely wonderful, having no informal supports the support through the pilot program has been a god send and has allowed me to be me and to be able to breathe.”


CLIent SErViCES

With the news of the national disability Insurance Agency coming into play in our close future we assessed our service provision and felt we need to explore new and different ways to provide our services – aiming that these new and exciting ways would increase control, choice and decision making for individuals and their families. As we know change can also be described as scary, unknown and many times unwanted – I am pleased to report that the changes within Client Services has been well received and supported by not only the staff and employees of ARC but most importantly by the individuals, their families and networks who we provide the service for.

Flexi respite, Your Life Your Choice, Older parent Carer program, national Respite

for Carers funding, our Case management services (Family Support program and pilot program), Fee for Services options, Community access, one to one Learning and Life skills funding, Adult lifestyle supports and our ARC Respite house all are captured under Client Services.

the Client Services Coordinators who have morphed from Respite coordinators, FSp facilitators and Learning and life skills coordinators are now no longer expertise in one service but all the above and provide a one person contact for individuals and their families. the Client Services Coordinators have been busy assisting with planning and accessing services, whilst ensuring the chosen supports being provided, in home, in the community, at our programs or at the ARC Respite house.

throughout the 2013/2014 year, Client Services supported 286 individuals through the services and programs above and 86,937 hours of support were provided.

I know I speak on behalf of all the Client Services Coordinators when I say that we look forward to assisting individuals and their families, building stronger relationships and supporting individuals to achieve their chosen goals and aspirations through supports and services offered by ARC and within the impending changes upon us with the introduction of the national disability Insurance Agency.

Natasha Rivett, General Manager Client Services

‘Change’ has many different definitions – one of these being a new or refreshingly different experience.

2013-2014 HouRS oF SuppoRt CoMpARiSon oF FAMilieS SuppoRteD tHRougH HiStoRiCAl FunDS

VS innoVAtiVe pilot pRoJeCt

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10645.50

1337.75

Case Management

Respite Services

Learning and Life

Fee for ServiceNRCP

63

32

10

010

Historical

Num

ber o

f Fam

ilies

Pilot Project

203040506070

80

Facilitation and Discretionary Funding

Just Discretionary Funding

Facilitation and Discretionary Funding total pool: $211,000


FRIendS, Fun, laughTEr & danCing

“ARC makes me feel good and relaxed.” Gabrielle Benedetti

“I love the challenge and love the job every

day is different.” Rosie Muller

“I have a good time.” Nichole Ducie

“I like the new programs and being able to look at a new program and make my own choices to suit me.” Darren smith


Jana

I am Jana and this year I have done some cool things where I have had lots of fun. I got taught how to do some funky dancing with other young people from Trinity Bay High School. It was really good and I made new friends and I am doing it again this year and it was lovely to see all the students again.

I love hanging out with my friends whenever I can, and I am part of the “Groovy Chicks” social group. We have fun and do lots of cool things such as movie nights and BBQ’s.

This year I went to my first concert to see Tina Arena. I am a writer for the ARC Magazine and I wrote and sent an email to Tina Arena’s publicist to ask for an interview. We did not get an interview but she gave us free tickets to the concert it was awesome. I enjoyed the night and being out.

At ARC I love working in the new Café and learning the till and meeting and talking to people. My other favourite program is drawing at the art studio.


tOY LIBRARY & rESOurCE CEnTrE

My name is Wendy Young and have worked in the toy library for 25 years. I commenced work in 1989 at Noah’s Ark Toy Library as the mobile assistant to the mobile advisor, visiting families, therapists, children’s centres and schools with students enrolled with a disability. I also worked at the centre toy library, loaning out equipment and helping run integrated playgroups.

In the mid 1990’s I took over the mobile advisory role and have remained in this position to the present day. My role has evolved over the years (from pen and carbon paper to laptop and printer!), and my borrowers have changed each year, but the delivery of the service has remained the same.

I have 75 borrowers who I see every 5 weeks over 11 different trips, covering an area from Cairns to Millaa Millaa and Mossman to Kennedy. I feel very privileged to work for ARC and really enjoy coming to work each day and setting off on a different trip, liaising with teachers, parents and borrowers.

this financial year the service engaged an external facilitator to conduct a strategic planning workshop supporting the service to respond to evolving funding arrangements and increasing community competition. Resulting projects from this included a review and update of existing loan resources, and the development of a functioning online system so that resources can be easily identified and ordered by service users.

early this year the toy Library and Resource Centre held a monster garage sale of well-loved but outdated resources. there was a

fantastic community response and $2000 was raised for new resources.

Additional fundraising combined with our annual nSO funding grant has resulted in nearly $15000 worth of new resources being added to the loan collection this year. the cataloguing and packaging of these resources for loan has been a significant task for toy Library and Resource Centre staff however we are making steady progress towards the launch of a functional online catalogue.

Watch this space!

the arC toy library and resource Centre, along with the rest of arC, is travelling a journey of growth and change in response to the changing disability sector environment.

toy liBRARy/ReSouRCe CentRe BoRRoweRS

2013/2014

37 state schools

14 independent schools

12 organisations

3 arC programs

2 private therapists

44 individual families

totAl nuMBeR oF loAnS June/July FinAnCiAl yeAR

5248totAl nuMBeR oF

CHilDRen SuppoRteD

795


tOY LIBRARY & rESOurCE CEnTrE

jamie first became a member of the ARC toy library and Resource centre when he was around 2 years old. in those days, much of the equipment he borrowed was focussing on the development of his gross motor skills. twelve years later, at the age of 16, jamie is once again a regular borrower in at the centre. these days he makes his own borrowing choices and tends to choose puzzles, books, puppets, and games.

jamie’s mum vali says:

“Jamie likes exploring new things, and coming into the Toy Library to borrow gives him a sense of importance. He is very independent in his choices, so I just sit back and let him take his time. We had a break for a few years because we had loaned just about every item at least once! When I heard that the Toy Library was stocking new resources I asked Jamie if he would like to come back, and he was very enthusiastic. The new resources have definitely sparked his interest. Next year Jamie will do work experience through school, and we are hoping he will be able to have a placement in the Toy Library!”


Wendy SeranieRaylene

OuR PEOPlE

Fast forward to 2014 and ARC employs 160 staff with an annual turnover of almost $9 million. What a long way we have come!

with 71 years of service between them, seranie, wendy and raylene are some of arC’s longest serving staff.

Seranie Eecen, CFO; Wendy Young, Mobile Toy Library Coordinator; and Raylene Charles, Support Worker

ARC looks very different now to the early days when Seranie, Wendy and Raylene joined the organisation. in those days, noah’s Ark was predominantly a toy library service and in the early stages of developing respite services. the organisation employed less than 20 staff and had funding of under $500,000.

“Imaginative, creative and supportive.

Willing to look outside the box for an answer.”

Jamie Walker


StAtIStICAL daTa

SeRViCe uSeR Age BRACKetS

HouRS oF SuppoRt pRoViDeD

SoCiAl gRoup AttenDeeS

SeRViCe uSeR genDeR BReAK Down

SeRViCeS uSeRS peR SeRViCe output

20%

9%

6%6%

33%25%

25%

0-10

11-20

21-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61-70

Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

male

Female

64%

36%

HUBDisco

ARC Beats

Cool Commandos

Groovy Chicks

Wed Lunch

In-house MoviesGoodies

Bowling0

10203040506070

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

HO

URS

Supported Living

Learning and Life Skills

Holiday Program

In-home Respite

Respite House

Flexible Respite

Community Respite

Supported Living

Learning and Life Skills

Holiday Program

In-home Respite

Respite House

Flexible Respite

Community Respite

PART

ICIP

ANTS

0

50

100

150

200


ARC’S gEnDER StAtiStiC ARC’S EmPlOymEnt CAtEgORiES

permanent FUll-time

permanent part-time

CasUal

less tHan 1 yr

1-3 yrs

4-5 yrs

5-9 yrs

more tHan 10 yrs

EmPlOyEE timE With ARC

2013-2014 OPEraTiOnS annual rEPOrT

Maintaining our goal of being an “employer of choice” continued during the reporting period, with an annual turnover of staff around the 14% mark. the employee base however has continued to grow at an expansion rate of 9%. this has been due to the increase in outputs being provided through the services.

HuMAn ReSouRCeSARC has continued to have a diverse range of team members. In July 2014 ARC had a ratio of 26% male and 74% female team members. Within this 46% of team members are currently engaged in either a permanent part time or full time capacity. this percentage will change over the coming year to tip the permanent part time to casual ratio over so the organisation will have greater than 50% of the team employed in a permanent capacity.

Over the year ARC has supported the team through a variety of professional development opportunities. these include over 30 different specific development topics; two internal In-Services with guest speakers from a variety of organisations

and sectors. this training and development totals an amazing 1546 hours of training and development; plus an additional 532 hours in team meetings. this is evidence of ARC’s commitment to ensuring teams of quality trained professionals.

VolunteeRSARC has continued to develop our volunteer and student placement over the year in partnership with a number of education providers to house students in a voluntary student placement agreement. 35 volunteers and student placements provided over 900 hours of recorded support. Volunteers and student placements provided additional support to ARC’s Resource Centre and toy Library, as well as ARC’s programs. 29% of ARC’s Volunteers or student placement participants have gone on to obtain employment with the organisation.

HeAltH AnD SAFetyhealth and safety continued to be a priority for ARC over the year. All sites undertook a safety assessment, with minimal areas for improvement noted. the safety committee

met quarterly to oversee the systems and process within the organisation, and continues to provide advice and suggestions to the Management team to ensure the ongoing proactive safety systems within ARC.

opeRAtionSWithin the restructure of the organisation, a number different work area combined to create ARC’s Corporate Services team. encompassing the human Resources; Supervisions; Bookings; training and development; Volunteer and Student placement Management; Reception; Venue hire; and General Administration within the one team. the move to sustain one greater “Corporate Services team” has ensured clearer pathways within the organisation, and greater synergy within tasks and team. Over the coming year, this synergy will continue to evolve to streamline practices, and eliminate any complexities of processes.

Benjamin Keast, Chief Operations Manager

FEMALE74%

MALE26%

54% 39%

7%

41%

23%10%

15%

11%

FEMALE74%

MALE26%

54% 39%

7%

41%

23%10%

15%

11%

FEMALE74%

MALE26%

54% 39%

7%

41%

23%10%

15%

11%

throughout the financial year, arC has been looking at the future of the sector, and sustainability of the organisation. we have been looking at ways to ensure the organisation will continue to flourish through the changing waters of “your life, your choice” and “national Disability insurance scheme”, whilst still maintaining our identity, and quality service provision.


ChiEF FinanCial OFFiCEr’S RepORt

arC continues to prepare for the implementation of the nDis in 2016. we are upgrading our facilities and improving both our software and hardware systems to meet the financial challenges of the future.

there has been a significant reduction of income to the Family Support program as funding packages are converted to YLYC (Your Life Your Choice) self directed, style of funding. emergency, external brokerage income and interest received are also lower than last year. expansion of the Respite and Learning and Life skills programs has contributed to an overall growth in funding of 9% in the 2014 financial year.

Our organisation will have to significantly streamline and reduce operational costs over the next two years to remain financially

viable under the new pricing structure of the ndIA (national disability Insurance Agency) which at this stage is very low in comparison to current funding models.

We will continue to cut costs but not quality where ever possible, but unfortunately this will inevitably lead to client contribution towards the cost of the many value added options we provide.

Challenging times ahead.

Seranie Eecen, Chief Financial Officer

ASSet MAnAgeMent

new wheelchair-accessible Commuter bus

new Corolla Hatch

total Vehicle Costs: $85,978.00

Driveway and landscaping little street

respite House access and plumbing reconfiguration

Computer Hardware

telephone system

internet patch panel and cabling upgrade

ongoing maintenance of all properties

totAl: $162,404.00

SouRCe oF inCoMe AppliCAtion oF FunDS

30%

23%

2%

2% 2% 2%2%

1%

21%

11%

4%

77%

16%

6%

1%

income Lifestyle Support $2,301,400.20 30%Respite Services $1,768,606.07 23%Learning & Life Skills $1,617,100.56 21%Family Support $825,512.63 11%YLYC $292,516.47 4%Federal $187,647.00 2%Fees & Charges Restricted $167,834.00 2%Brokerage external $185,442.00 2%Interest $139,159.25 2%Other income $165,503.00 2%emergency Support $64,055.17 1%

$7,650,721.18

employee Renumeration $5,927,309.13 77%

Client Services $1,253,538.00 16%

Administration and Overheads $462,939.00 6%

depreciation $107,188.00 1%


Debbie boylan

ben leonardi

David lewis

pamela lewis

roisin low

Dell Diu

allysha sordelli

John Zimmer

Kamala sivijs

tszyanDin bell

Gemma bedlington

Caitlin arkey

Kelsey pearce

lambertus vanDenbrink

nikita perrett

rob brown

Daniel burns

Cleo legge

andrea murphy

anna Caimotto

margaret bainbridge

yolanda marquina Jimenez

renee neilson

letizia Derosa

rabin sanyashi

esther Caulino

tabitha willis

Jessica veivers

Cassandra watts

mayom pardoen

melinda wilson

angie patrick

stewart Gillies

Zenonia Crawford

Helen lomax

Karen buchanan

Flordeliza Honorica

wilma Fitch

Glen Farmer

Colin lawson

brian smith

Debbie boylan

shirley Dodds

Carmel shepherd

noel Gibbs

olivia Dye

Judy Higginson

raquel Hamley

Jan Hubbard

mike wraith

sharon pilcer

Kathy martens

Without your community spirit, ARC would not be the organisation we are today!

Board Memberssonjia alderson, president sue edwards, vice president Dot shea, treasurer sue Forbes, secretaryshelley Dreyer, member Cathy aitken, memberFiona Hiatt, member

VOLunteeRS, SuPPOrTErS & dOnOrS

SupportersCairns regional CouncilCommonwealth Carer respite and Carelink Centrepiccones iGaDave marchiori of top end buildersHelp with Computerthe benevolent society early years CentreHorizon Foundationtherapybusters partnersbanoora international Groupplaza Café raintree’s maurice blackburn lawyerswedrat accountantsDepartment of Communities Disability serviceseducation QueenslandChild Development UnitQueensland HealthKeith whales and the bars motorcycle Groupstudents from st andrewsstudents from trinity bay state High schoolFnQ rugby the Cairns postellis beach bar and Grill Uniting Care Communitythe men’s shed, CairnsFnQ volunteers rsl Care Farnorha

ARC Disability Services wishes to thank the following people for their commitment, support and services over 2013/2014:

“It’s great to be part of an organisation that values volunteers

so highly.” Sonjia Alderson

Volunteers


SPOnSOrS

ARC Funding Bodies

Partners and Supporters


...more than just a Café

located at the ARC Community hub52 mcnamara Street, manunda

Open monday to Friday 10am–2pm

arc 2013-2014 annual report

Documents

operations annual report

presidents report

fiona hiatt memberjoined

dot shea memberjoined

forbes secretaryjoined

service users

service excellence

client services