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Annual Report 2014-2015 Centacare Catholic Diocese of Ballarat

Centacare Building life-giving communities

“To serve means to work alongside the neediest, first of all to establish a close human relationship with them, based on solidarity... Solidarity – this word elicits fear in the developed world. They try not to say it. It is almost a dirty word for them. But it’s our word!”Pope Francis – A Big Heart Open to God: A Conversation with Pope Francis.

A Message from the Bishop of Ballarat

Chairperson & Executive Director Report

Engaging Our Community Community Engagement Activities Year in Review

Family & Community Services Overview Clients by Location Snapshots Girls Day Out

Employment Services Overview – Changing Lives Max’s Employment Journey Working with Employers

Centacare Financial Report

Housing Services Overview – Making the Difference Walter’s Story Centacare Housing Financial Report

Our Partners & Thankyou

Governance & Structure

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Contents

A message from the Bishop of Ballarat

Centacare is inspired by the teaching and example of Christ who came to serve, especially the poor and those in great need. He gave himself so that those who were distressed could find peace and those in sorrow could find joy.

Very often, Centacare meets people at a low point in their lives, at a time when they are struggling. Centacare staff aim to show respect for each person, particularly those who are finding life hard going. The kindness of Centacare staff as well as the practical help they provide can make a big difference to a person going through a difficult time.

I offer my thanks to the Centacare board and all the Centacare staff who have contributed to Centacare’s services over these past twelve months and I pray for blessings on all those whom Centacare will serve in the year ahead.

Some of these services have been offered for many years, such as counselling in times of grief and loss, help with personal relationships and support for parents as they care for their children. Others are new services, offered for the first time this year, such as the Family Mental Health Support Service in Mildura, the Cradle to Kinder program in Warrnambool and Ballarat and the Pastoral Care in Schools throughout the diocese.

Whether programs have been running for years or whether they have just begun, they have a common aim. They are offered in order to help people meet the challenges of life. All of Centacare’s services seek to empower people to live their lives to the full.

This Annual Report tells the story of Centacare over the past year. I am delighted to offer a few words of introduction to express my appreciation for the services that Centacare has provided to people throughout our diocese over these twelve months.

4 Centacare Annual Report – 2014/15

Paul Bird CSsR - Bishop Ballarat

5Centacare Annual Report – 2014/15

Chairperson &Executive Director Report

an Indigenous Victims Assistance Worker, the establishment of our Cradle to Kinder program in the Ballarat and surrounding regions and the planned implementation of the Family Mental Health Support Program (FMHSS) in Ballarat City.

We are looking forward to working in partnership with Jesuit Social Services to deliver the Youth Diversion Pilot Program in Stawell, Ballarat and Ararat.

We have continued to build and develop our partnership network and have commenced planning for the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our partnership with Catholic Care Victoria Tasmania (CCVT) has prompted us to begin working on implementing a common client management system to improve our processes for handling client information.

Our continued commitment and work in employment, family and community services and housing bring about our vision of “life giving communities in a just society”.

The year has held a number of highlights and some disappointment. The introduction of the Federal Government’s jobactive contract saw our organisation lose the Jobs Services Australia contracts in Mildura and Geelong. This transition has seen a number of changes with the loss of many great staff who have provided exceptional service to their clients. The tender announcement also brought new possibilities with the extension of our remaining employment services into Maryborough and Daylesford areas.

Our service offerings have experienced expansion with funding granted for the introduction of

Meeting the challenges of the changing welfare environment, Centacare has continued to provide quality services to our clients. We are extremely grateful to our staff, the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and our supporters and partners for their ongoing commitment in helping us achieve our mission of “providing services which empower people to live with choice and opportunity”.

While our achievements of the past year have been positive we know that when it comes to meeting the needs of those less fortunate and assisting those experiencing difficult life situations, there is still much we can do to empower people to take control of their lives.

Centacare is advocating on behalf of people and assisting them when others may not be able to. We believe that through living our mission

The past year has seen our organisation work towards and implement many elements of our strategic plan with positive outcomes for our clients. We are excited about the work we have achieved and for what the future holds.

and working to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching we can change individuals’ lives and the communities in which we live.

In sharing this report we hope you find the articles and stories of programs we run and the work we do inspiring. It encapsulates who we are as an organisation and the impacts we have on individuals and the greater communities in which we work.

As Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, we express our thanks and appreciation for the commitment and dedication of staff in upholding the dignity of each client.

David Beaver Executive Director

Liam Davison Chairperson


Engaging Our Community


Victims Assistance Program Police station co-locationCentacare Victims Assistance Program (VAP) commenced co-location partnerships with Victorian Police in the Ararat, Stawell and Colac Police stations.

A Victims Assistance Case Manager is based at the Police Stations. This integrated service model aims to enhance access to services for victims of a crime against the person and provides a timely and coordinated response by Police and Victims Assistance Support staff.

The co-locations have seen positive outcomes with Police and VAP teams strengthening working relationships, information sharing, education and the bridging of cultural gaps.

Community Engagement Activities


“See My Words” Art ExhibitionTen children from the Integrated Family Services (IFS) program participated in a 12 month art group aimed at building self-confidence, commitment and sense of achievement. The children proudly displayed their work at “See My Words” exhibition in November.

Integrated Family Services Volunteer and Mentor, Simon Dower, said that running the group had been a vision of his for a number of years. “It’s amazing to see how enthusiastic the kids are and that the simple act of creating art gives them a way to express themselves. I am really excited for where we can take the program in the future,” said Simon.

Online Parenting Supports

Recognised for our work as a leader in parenting support the City of Ballarat approached Centacare’s parenting team to assist them to build online parenting resources.

After securing funding to run a trial for parenting support online the City of Ballarat and Centacare produced three short webinars on child brain development, parental wellbeing and managing toddler behaviours. These form one part of the City of Ballarat’s online support services for parents.

Building community through employment

Over the last three years Centacare Employment assisted more than 7,000 people into work across Geelong, Ballarat and Mildura.

Unemployment can have a devastating impact on the individual, families and the community. Being in work improves a person’s self-esteem, self-worth, mental health outcomes and assists in reducing homelessness. The improved financial independence from work often leads to greater participation in community life.


Parenting Partnership with City of Ballarat

The co-location of a Centacare parenting team member at City of Ballarat’s Parent Place provides one location for families to access parenting services in a supportive environment. Families can discuss their parenting concerns in a comfortable and safe environment, taking a break, feeding their children and have their toddlers entertained. Additional parenting support appointments may also be arranged for parents if they choose.

Little Day Out MilduraOver 1,500 families and service providers attended the 2015 Mildura Little Day Out. Centacare was the lead agency for this event bringing together early childhood service providers, community groups, kindergartens and other family focused organizations to provide information, education and advice to parents and carers.

Christmas Toy DriveThe 2014 Annual Christmas Toy Drive shared the wonder of Christmas with many Centacare families and children who may not have otherwise received a gift for Christmas. The generous support and donations from community and business groups assisted over 100 families and 300 children to celebrate Christmas.

Community LeadershipIn 2013 the Dereel community in the Golden Plains Shire of Victoria was ravaged by bushfire. Centacare was involved in the crisis response and recovery process offering outreach counselling to the community.

Rebuilding the community saw the Shires Fire Recovery Officer approach Centacare to deliver a community-based leadership program that would provide leadership training for residents that would continue the recovery process, develop resilience and self-reliance and establish positive community building into the future.

The six week program was based on recognizing an individual’s strengths, leadership styles, the difference between leading and managing, encouraging strength in others, managing conflict, respecting different communication styles and working as a team during times of high stress.

12 Centacare Annual Report – 2014/1512 Centacare Annual Report – 2014/15

Year in ReviewAchievements:

Good Shepherd Microfinance presented Centacare Mildura NILS Support Workers with a Certificate of Congratulations for the Most Improved Capital Stewardship at the Annual Victorian NILS Conference 2014.

Since the NILS program commenced in 2009 it has provided loans to the value of $214,546. With 49 clients accessing loans this financial year.

Centacare Cradle to Kinder Central Highlands program officially launched in August 2014. Funded to assist pregnant women under the age of 25, the multi-disciplinary team supports young families from pre-birth through the crucial early years, until the child reaches 4 years of age and is enrolled in kindergarten. Support Workers provide education, referrals and assistance to access services.

Minister Mary Wooldridge extended her support for the program visiting the Centacare Office to meet staff.

National Child Protection Week saw the Central Highlands Family Services Alliance host breakfast for all staff working in child and family wellbeing.

The breakfast aimed to provide practitioners the opportunity to reflect on the demanding, yet rewarding, nature of their work and the positive impacts they make.

The Centacare Drumbeat team presented at the breakfast providing practitioners with the opportunity to engage with the therapeutic nature of music, rhythm and being part of a drumming team.

Good Shepherd Microfinance Most Improved Capital Stewardship Award Cradle to Kinder Launch Child Protection Week

Program Changes:

June 2015 saw the return of the Gambler’s Help and the Parenting Assessment and Skills Development Services (PASDS) Programs to St Luke’s Anglicare who had previously subcontracted to Centacare.

We would like to thank our dedicated and passionate staff who delivered these programs making a positive contribution to individuals and families in the Mallee community.

We continue our partnership with St Luke’s Anglicare, co-locating Gamblers Help and PASDA programs with Centacare’s Family & Community Services programs in our Mildura office.

St Luke’s Partnership – Mallee Gamblers Help and PASDA services

In May, Centacare was notified that while successful in winning the Ballarat region 2015-2020 jobactive contract, we were unsuccessful in the contract for the Sunraysia and Geelong areas. It is with sadness that we farewell 9 staff from our Geelong office and 11 staff from our Mildura office.

Mildura:

Centacare delivered employment services in Mildura since 1996, across a range of State and Federal Government funded programs. For 18 years we provided assistance for jobseekers with multiple and complex barriers, Indigenous Youth, young people at risk of homelessness, long term unemployed jobseekers and those who needed a little extra help to find work.

Centacare assisted thousands of people in the Mildura region to address personal issues, gain training and experience and to achieve ongoing, sustainable employment.

Geelong:

Closing Centacare’s Geelong Job Services Australia program was a significant change for our staff, our job seekers and our employers. From July 2009 to June 2015, Centacare Geelong assisted more than 2,700 jobseekers and provided recruitment services to 1631 employers.

As we farewell staff from our closing sites we are proud of the work they contributed to supporting their employers and jobseekers. They have made a significant difference to the lives of many people and the communities in Mildura and Geelong regions.

We would like to thank them and express our great appreciation for their work, their collegiality and their friendship. We wish them well in their new adventures.

Job Services contract draws to a close – Mildura and Geelong

New Funding:

Centacare has partnered with Jesuit Social Services to provide a Youth Diversion Pilot Program (YDPP) in Ballarat, Ararat and Stawell for 2015 – 2016.

The YDPP is a twelve month project, funded by Courts Victoria, where young people address the underlying causes of their criminal behaviour to divert them from further interaction with the criminal justice system. The YDPP targets young people appearing in Court for the first or second time, who acknowledge their offence(s) and have little or no previous history of offending.

The program enables support and intervention to be provided to young people who may be starting out on a path of offending, and facilitates diversion away from the criminal justice system at a crucial point.

It is essential that the underlying reasons for offending are discovered, and that brief intervention or supports are offered to assist the young person to address problems likely to lead to further offending. Diversion plans are broad-ranging to fit the circumstances of the young person and their offending and focus on links to family, school and the community.

Youth Diversion Pilot Program


Centacare secured Commonwealth Government Department of Social Services (DSS) funding to deliver a Family Mental Health Support Service (FMHSS) in the Ballarat Region. The program provides support to vulnerable children, young people and families affected by or at risk of developing mental illness.

This early intervention program for children and young people up to 18 years gives priority to families experiencing challenging circumstances such as homelessness, unemployment, drug and alcohol misuse, domestic violence and past trauma.

Family Mental Health Support Service

A major strategic project for Centacare has been to implement a new Client Management System named Penelope, in partnership with all Centacare and CatholicCare agencies across Victoria and Tasmania.

Introducing this system will meet one of our key strategic goals supporting improved referral and intake processes and the management of client appointments and case notes. The system will provide a suite of common forms and documents across our programs and regions, with pre-defined and customised reporting frameworks.

The implementation of Penelope will deliver a number of benefits, including: improved visibility of clients across locations and programs; standardised business processes by leveraging ‘best practice’ processes and procedures; improved data quality

New Client Management System

and security; use of common reporting to measure and track service delivery performance against key performance criteria; and robust systems and business processes that assist us to quickly adapt to changing Government guidelines on service delivery and performance reporting.

Penelope is expected to roll out during the 2015-2016 financial year.


Family & Community Services Overview

with people from other organisations, all serve in helping us achieve positive outcomes for our clients and community.

Over the past year there were many dedicated hours by Family and Community Services staff in preparing submissions for new initiatives and funding opportunities; some we were successful in obtaining and others provided us with learnings for the future.

Some submissions were sole applications, while others were as members of consortiums across our central, northern and south west catchments and as a member organisation of CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania (CCVT). We were also active in input to Government regarding policy development and future directions of services.

Our successes are a combined effort and everyone’s role is equally important in the journey we take with our clients. I am reminded of a particular example regarding a ‘thank you’ for the professionalism of our Reception staff.

An eight week old baby had not been returned from access with her father and the mother contacted a Centacare office, very distressed.

I am energised each year when it is time to facilitate content for the Annual Report and I spend time reflecting on the year that has been.

We are so often consumed by the day to day core functions or our roles that we do not appreciate the goals that our clients and we have achieved over the past months.

So often we move from one task to the next, without slowing to ‘smell the roses’. Let us all take responsibility to remind one another of the importance of acknowledging achievement; no matter how small or large.

The outline of our community engagement activities, awards we have received and events that we have participated in, are the innovation of staff who work tirelessly to bring each of these to fruition.

Our new initiatives and the snapshots from our programs, evidence of us living our mission to bring about change for the benefit of people in our community by empowering them to live with individual choice and opportunity.

The many networks that we are participants of and the collegiate relationships we develop

The Receptionist ensured the mother was referred to a staff member immediately and subsequently referred to appropriate legal advice services and supported to enable the safe return of her baby. The mother later thanked the Receptionist for “keeping me calm…”.

I acknowledge all of our staff for their commitment and diligence in working together within our community to provide such a high level of service. To the Family and Community Services Managers and Co-ordinators, thank you for your leadership, guidance and advice both within your portfolio responsibilities and as part of the broader Centacare leadership group.

To our direct service delivery staff, I commend you for aspiring to excellence and living the values we espouse, to ensure that each person who walks along a Centacare path is respected as a contributing member of the society in which we all live.

Deanna Davis General Manager Family & Community Services

200

0

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

Barwon South West Central North Western NSW / QLD SA / WA

Gipps / Metro & North East

Clients by Location

Local Government Areas included in chart*:Barwon: City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Surf Coast Shire.

South West: Corangamite Shire, Glenelg Shire, Moyne Shire, Southern Grampians Shire, Warrnambool City.

Central: Ararat Rural City, City of Ballarat, Golden Plains Shire, Hepburn Shire, Moorabool Shire, Pyrenees Shire.

Gipps / Metro / North East: East Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Wellington, Cardinia Shire, City of Frankston, City of Melbourne, Benalla Rural City, Baw Baw Shire, City of Greater Shepparton, Wodonga City Council.

North Western: Buloke Shire, Campaspe Shire, Central Goldfields, City of Greater Bendigo, Gannawarra Shire, Hindmarsh Shire, Horsham Rural City, Mildura Rural City, Nothern Grampians Shire, Swan Hill Rural City, West Wimmera Shire, Yarriambiack Shire.

* Including VAP clients who have either relocated or returned to place of origin during support period.


36 Local Government areas serviced

6,978 Individual & Group sessions completed

3,906** Gambler Help sessions completed

698 Telephone consultations

7,804 Clients supported

** Estimates due to state wide data.


6%

3%

17%

10%

Regional Parenting Program

Telephone Consultations

Relationship Education

Specialist Family Violence

36%

3%

25%

Family Dispute Resolution

Parenting Agreements

Relationship Consulting

Family Relationship Services Sessions

Family & Community Services Clients

66%Family Relationship Services

19%

2%

7%

3%

3%

Victims Assistance Program

Homeslessness Support Services

Advocacy Services

Mental Health Services

Youth & Family Services

Snapshots

Over 100 people came together from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds to celebrate 10 years of gathering as a community. The multicultural lunches provide culturally specific meals to people from CALD backgrounds as a way for people to socialise and spend time together as a community. Social bus trips are also hosted promoting a harmonious and inclusive community.

Centacare’s Parenting and Support Team have been involved with headspace Ballarat since it commenced operation. Headspace Ballarat identified that parents of young people can feel disconnected from their child when they are not involved in care planning.

Consultation between the two agencies focused on what supports are available to parents of young people with the agreement that a Parenting Support Worker co-locating at headspace would assist parents navigate this challenging time.

A Centacare Parenting Support Worker co-locates with headspace one a day a week offering consultation and advice to parents about adolescent development and the ways they can support their children.

Specifically for dads, this program gives fathers or those in the parenting role a chance to discuss the challenges and joys of parenting. Topics covered include the changing role of fathers, men as parents in today’s world, understanding children as they grow, communication and discipline strategies, dealing with strong emotions and juggling parenting needs and those of children.

A group conducted for children in schools to provide a safe space for them to share their experiences of parental separation. During the sessions, children learn about grief and how it affects people differently, explore different ways of expressing and managing emotions, participate in role play coping strategies and are encouraged to focus on people who offer them love and support.

Our Central Highlands Cradle to Kinder workers have teamed up with the Salvation Army ‘Young Mum’s to deliver a Playsteps Program for Mothers, Fathers and babies. Co-facilitation of the group has enabled access to the Salvation Army Child Care Centre with the responsibilities for delivering the program being shared.

Families engaged in the program experience the opportunity to broaden their connections with other families in the community. The program is play and interaction based, with the intention of strengthening relationships between parents and their babies.

Multicultural Tucker Lunches Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Parenting Team co-location at headspace Ballarat

Dads Stuff!

Yo Yo’s Program

Play Steps


Girls in the Mildura community have been given the opportunity to participate in the “Girls Goss’ program delivered through Centacare Family and Community Services team.

The group provides adolescent girls the opportunity to develop appropriate interpersonal skills and gain information and educational resources about making safe and healthy decisions regarding their bodies and lifestyles.

Centacare Family Mental Health Support Worker, Fiona, identified a need for the informal education program. “We commenced the group in 2013 when a discussion with my co-workers identified a need for relationship education for girls aged 13 to 15 years. Since then we have delivered four sessions and have built a partnership with a local school to deliver the program.”

“By extending the program into the school environment we found girls are more comfortable, they already know each other and they don’t need to worry about transport,” said Fiona.

The eight week program is relaxed and non-threatening with the initial session focussing on building trust between the facilitator and the participants. Topics covered over the eight weeks include: self-esteem, relationships, stress and resilience, body image, mental health, drugs and alcohol and cyberbullying.

While girls are learning, they are provided with resources that allow them to reflect on the group discussions and topics after the sessions.

The partner school reported having students involved in Girls Goss has made a big difference to how the girls see themselves and how they interact socially.

“Feedback from one of the Girls Goss participants was that it has given her the chance to view herself differently and respect herself more in peer group situations,” said Fiona.

Girls Goss

Staff from across our Family and Community Services team have completed training and accreditation as Circle of Security Facilitators.

Circle of Security is a theory based intervention model that provides trained facilitators with tools to assist parents and children who may be experiencing attachment and trauma issues. Facilitators learn mechanisms to support parents to build stronger attachments with their children.

Visual cues, resources and multimedia presentations are used to provide caregivers with a number of techniques that may strengthen their parent-child attachment. Caregivers reflect on how to implement these techniques into their relationship.

“The Circle of Security techniques provide parents and caregivers with a clear structure and pathway to best respond to their children and meet their needs,” said Mel Watson, Manager Family & Community Services.

“The principles of this program encapsulate much of the work we do as practitioners in Family and Community Services. The benefits and versatile nature of this training means that our staff can integrate the model into our everyday practice, we can implement these strategies in family settings, in group sessions or as outreach in the community,” said Mel.

“We will use this program to focus on building stronger secure attachments between parents and children, particularly those who may have suffered a trauma,” said Mel.

Circle of Security



Centacare Advocacy Services team recently identified an increase in women under the age of 40 living in Supported Accommodation Service (SRS) and boarding houses. Proprietors of these properties expressed concerns about the welfare of the young women, particularly an increase in antisocial behaviour, recreational drug use and running away for weeks at a time.

Access and Support Workers explored social programs and activities available to assist these young women. They were deemed ineligible for Disability Programs and too young for Day Centre Programs.

With the young women holding unrealistic views of social activities and concerns about levels of boredom the Access and Support Workers developed the pilot program ‘Girls Day Out’.

Monthly outings were designed to give young women living in supported accommodation the opportunity to participate in activities that those living independently in the community would take part in. Six participants commenced in the first ‘Girls Day Out’ program.

Girls Day Out

The program aimed to decrease social isolation, build dignity and self-respect for young women living in supported accommodation, provide positive role models and an opportunity to build friendship networks.

Access and Support Worker Emily said, “By building the program around social inclusion principles and positive role models the young women have gained an understanding of appropriate social activities and have established a small friendship network of likeminded peers”.

“It was an amazing afternoon taking the group out for lunch for the first time, one of the young women had never had pizza, she had never been given a choice before,” said Emily.

Through treating each participant as an individual the young women experienced a positive social outing, gained an understanding of what it is like to have a ‘girls catch up’ and a supportive peer network.

Supported Accommodation providers have reported a rapid reduction in anti-social behaviours, drug abuse, improved mental health and general wellness of the women attending the ‘Girls Day Out’ activities. Access and Support Workers have also noticed a decrease in recreational drug use, more consistent tenancy by the young women and improved participation in the greater community.

25Centacare Annual Report – 2014/15 25Centacare Annual Report – 2014/15

Employment Services Empowering people with choice and opportunity


Changing LivesCentacare Employment assists people in our local communities find ongoing, sustainable employment and employers to secure helpful and productive staff.

Our staff also work closely with employers to assist with finding staff, managing applications and screening processes and the commencement of new employees into their roles.

Our staff assist employers to arrange training for new employees, complete Police and Working with Children checks and arrange Government Wage Incentives.

Our Employer Consultants maintain contact with the employer and the new employee for up to 6 months after placement, to assist with issues which may impact the placement sustainability.

From July 1 2014 to June 30 2015, Centacare placed 1,351 jobseekers into work, including apprenticeships, traineeships, seasonal, casual and full time employment.

For many jobseekers, the prospect of applying for jobs and working their way through the maze of recruitment processes can be daunting. Many are unsure of their skills and talents, their options in the local labour market and how to commence or change their career pathways.

For those who have been recently retrenched, it can be more confusing. Centacare’s Job Advisors work with job seekers to help address issues that are impacting their ability to secure employment, refer them to personal support services, assist with education, work experience, training options and most importantly source suitable employment.

Across the regions, Centacare works with jobseekers from diverse backgrounds, with different needs and personal circumstances. At April 30 2015, Centacare was supporting 2,427 jobseekers across the Eureka, Geelong and Sunraysia Employment Services Areas.

714

203

374

78

160

265

400

233

2,427 supported jobseekers

CALD

Mature Aged

Those with a Disability

Early School Leavers

Homesless

Primary Carer Parents

Indigenous

Ex Prisoner


New Funding:

Centacare employment has secured funding to deliver the Federal Governments jobactive initiative across the Ballarat, Daylesford and Mildura regions in 2015-2020.

This is an exciting chapter for Centacare employment with the expansion of our service delivery across the region and being able to provide positive employment outcomes for jobseekers and employers while building on over 20 years’ experience in the sector.

jobactive

Max’s Employment Journey:When Max* came to our Geelong office, he had been unemployed for over 12 years. He had a history of substance abuse, a prison record and had difficulties understanding the Australian way of speaking.

Our Geelong staff worked with Max to assist him with spoken English, educating him about workplace literacy and assisting him to gain work experience.

An opportunity for Max to take a position with a prospective employer saw the Geelong team arrange a wage subsidy for the employer to hire Max.

Centacare’s Employer Liaison staff spoke with the employer and developed on-the-job support strategies that helped Max understand

the workplaces’ requirements and the types of instructions that he would receive.

Our staff arranged work clothes for Max and assistance with travel to work for the first few weeks in the job.

Max has now been employed for over 6 months. His personal circumstances have vastly improved and his employer has gained a committed, loyal employee who performs his tasks to the employer’s satisfaction. Both the employer and Max are very happy.

* Client name has been changed to protect privacy.

Max has now been employed for

more than 6 months. His personal

circumstances have vastly improved

and his employer has gained a committed,

loyal employee...

Working With Employers:Building strong partnerships with local employers has been key for Centacare Employment in gaining sustainable employment for young people seeking work.

Over the last twelve months Employment Liaison Adam has built his relationship with Ballarat Group Training (BGT) to provide young people seeking employment a referral pathway into BGT intensive work ready training.

Centacare’s partnership with BGT has involved screening appropriate candidates to participate in a four day express welding and work ready course with the aim of participants sitting an entrance skills test for a local truck company, to gain secure employment.

“By selecting the right candidates we have been able to create opportunities for those who may otherwise struggle to gain employment. This partnership is positive for all parties involved, especially those who have gained secure employment,” said Adam.

Ballarat Group Training Deputy RTO Manager Bart Turnbull-Gent said their partnership with Centacare Employment means they receive participants for the training program who have potential and an understanding that the training is a positive opportunity.

“This type of project is a first between BGT and Centacare and Adam has done a fantastic job. It’s a great thing that both our organisations can help people to gain employment, by partnering together we keep Ballarat working. BGT has the industry networks and Centacare has the applicants, together we help people fulfil their potential and dreams,” said Bart.

Participants in the program vary from those who have left school early, have mild literacy problems or those facing additional barriers to employment. The four day course gives participants work ready skills and builds confidence and self-esteem.

Centacare Financial Report


Income

Diocesan Contribution

Government Funding – Federal & State

Fee for Service & Shared Programs

Donations & Fundraising

Dividends Received

Interests Received

Rental Income

Sundry Income

Profits from Sale of Assets

Total Income

Expenditure

Salaries & Related Costs

Operating Costs

Motor Vehicle & Travel

Occupancy & Related

Direct Client Costs

Staff Training

Depreciation

Interest Paid

Total Expenditure

Operating Surplus

Non-Operating Revenue Capital Donations

Net Annual Surplus/DeficitAccumulated Surplus B.Fwd

Revaluations Reserve

Accumulated Surplus C.Fwd

ABN: 51857084361 Summary statement of financial performance for the year ended 30 June 2015.

Note: The figures contained in the above graphs are consistent with and derived from the full audited Financial Statements which are available from the Director upon request.

2015($)

0

11,439,594

3,805,597

26,760

39, 850

52,723

318,545

200,781

788

15,884,638

2015($)

10,526,260

1,500,852

433,449

1,055,504

1,446,003

232,105

766,729

322,942

16,283,8442014

($)

0

11,411,455

4,262,824

24,005

29,126

67,681

84,865

170,774

14,840

16,065,568

2014($)

10,320,549

1,656,357

239,678

912,646

1,354,594

212,394

776,271

108,278

15,580,767

(399,206)

-

(399,206)

4,867,266

36,092

4,504,152

484,801

203,508

688,309

4,178,957

45,678

4,912,945


Profit & Loss

Revenue

Expenditure

Profit

0

-2,000,000

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

16,000,000

18,000,000


Centacare Financial ReportABN: 51857084361 Summary statement of financial position for the year ended 30 June 2015.

Liabilities

Payables

Provisions

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Equity

Accumulated Surplus

Total Equity

Assets

Cash & Bank Balances

Investments

Property, Plant & Equipment

Receivables

Total Income

2015($)

886,600

568,779

11,740,729

935,562

15,884,638

8,004,747

1,622,770

9,627,517

4,504,152

2015($)

4,504,152

9,627,517

8,863,258

1,551,593

10,414,851

4,912,945

2014($)

4,912,945

10,414,851

2014($)

1,441,628

575,594

12,586,278

724,296

16,065,568

35Centacare Annual Report – 2014/15 35Centacare Annual Report – 2014/15

Housing Services Empowering people with stability


Making the DifferenceCentacare Housing provides affordable, community based housing for people on low to moderate incomes in sustainable and secure accommodation.

The past year has seen our service consolidate our operations after our rapid expansion in the 2013-2014 financial year. Our focus has been on securing long term tenancies and bedding down the Mitchell Park Apartments complex while planning for future growth.

In 2014-2015 we managed 39 National Rental Affordability Housing Scheme (NRAS) properties and 26 Department of Human Services tenancies.

Receiving $16,500 funding to complete the Mitchell Park Apartments outdoor space has been a highlight of the year. The generous donation from the Ballarat Courier Charity Fund saw the installation of a full playground for young families and children and completed the outdoor space.

Right: The Mitchell Park Apartments outdoor space & playground.

After experiencing difficulty in securing appropriate accommodation in the private rental market, double amputee Walter Smith* was referred to Centacare Housing Services for assistance with accommodation in 2014.

Wanting to maintain his independence and live in the community Walter found navigating the private rental market near impossible “You just can’t get a house that is suitable for my needs in the private rental market, they don’t have houses with ramps and the benches are too high. I experience these situations daily when I visit friends and family and need extra assistance,” said Walter.

Upon approaching Centacare Housing, Walter was housed in a Department of Human Services property managed by Centacare. Although the property had minor modifications it still required additional modifications to suit Walter’s ongoing needs and to set him up for life.

Centacare Housing approached the Department of Human Services advocating on Walters behalf for the property to be modified to suit his needs. It was agreed that a major refit of his property would be completed.

Walter has been relocated into a Centacare Housing property while his home is modified.

“It means an enormous amount to me, I’m very very happy, it will make life easier. I’m not used to navigating the housing system and Centacare Housing has helped a lot, my temporary accommodation is fantastic,” said Walter.

“They’ve been pretty good to me, if someone said they needed help, that’s where I’d send them,” said Walter.

Walter’s modified property is due to be completed by December 2015.

They’ve been pretty good to me,

if someone said they needed help,

that’s where I’d send them...

Walter’s Story:

* Client name has been changed to protect privacy.


Note: The figures contained in the above graphs are consistent with and derived from the full audited Financial Statements which are available from the Director upon request.

Centacare Housing Services Inc. Financial Report

Income

Fee for Service (Rental)

Fee for Service (Amenities)

Fee for Service (Commision)

Sundry Income

Total Income

AssetsCash & Bank Balances

Receivables

Total Assets

Expenditure

Program Operating Costs

Occupancy & Related

Total Expenditure

Operating Surplus

LiabilitiesPayables

Borrowings

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

EquityAccumulated Surplus

Net Assets

ABN: 89559597629 Summary statement of financial performance and position for the year ended 30 June 2015.

2015($)

219,965

38,226

45,707

5,454

309,352

2015($)

138,576

164,205

302,781

6,571

2014($)

210,980

167,460

378,440

(68,154)

2014($)

229,529

50,523

26,805

3,429

310,286

84,636

4,447

89,083

18,997

77,449

96,363

(7,363)

(7,363)

(7,363)

40,998

56,239

97,237

(13,934)

(13,934)

(13,934)

78,744

4,559

83,303

Our Partners

Thank youCentacare Board and Management thanks our funding bodies,

government agencies, the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat, its parishes,

our partners and our dedicated staff for their support, generosity and

hard work throughout 2014-2015 financial year.

To those who have supported our work with donations, volunteering

and contributions, we thank you for your commitment to building

stronger life-giving communities and making a positive difference to our

clients. Your ongoing contributions assist us to empower individuals to

live with choice and opportunity.

Funding Bodies• Attorney Generals Department • Department of Education and Training • Department of Health and Human Services• Department of Justice and Regulation• Department of Social Services• City of Greater Geelong• Catholic Diocese of Ballarat • Centacare Wilcannia-Forbes• Grampians Medicare Local• Good Shepherd Microfinance

Donors• Catholic Development Fund (CDF) • Heinz & Partners Lawyers• Ballarat Courier Charity Fund • Loreto College Ballarat• Father John Keane • The Queens Fund• Catholic Education Office • Lord Mayors Charitable Fund • Catholic Women’s League of Victoria • Uniting Church Ballarat South Congregation• Ballarat Catholic Bishops Charitable Fund

Supporters• Lutheran Church Warrnambool• Linton Ladies Quilting Group• NAB Mildura• Mildura Police Station• Tania Daniels The Good Guys• BEST Start Mildura• Bendigo Bank Lang tree Avenue Mildura • Sovereign Hill Museum• Curves Ballarat• Toy World Ballarat• Rivers Australia, Ballarat• WIN Broadcasting Network• Mt Clear College Band Members • Ballarat & District Trotting Club



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Centacare Board:1 Paul Bird CSsR – Bishop2 Dr Liam Davison – Chairperson3 Maree Nolan – Vice Chairperson4 Michael Myers – Treasurer5 Carmel Hempenstall – Secretary6 Mary Darcy7 Peter Flynn8 Dan McGlade9 Allan McKinnon10 Fr Ed Maloney11 Maureen Waddington 12 Jane Jens 13 John Twomey (retired)

Executive Team:14 David Beaver – Executive Director15 Peta Clark – General Manager Corporate Services16 Trish Nolan – General Manager Employment17 Deanna Davis – General Manager Family & Community Services

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3Governance & StructureCentacare Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Inc.Centacare Housing Services Inc.

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Sub-committees:Finance Maree Nolan Michael Myers Jane Jens John Twomey Mark Bromley Stephen McArdle David Beaver – Executive Director Peta Clark – General Manager Corporate Services Kirsten Hall – Finance Manager

NRAS Housing Peter Flynn Dan McGlade Mary Darcy Michael Myers David Beaver – Executive Director Geoff Wallace – Housing Manager

Risk & Compliance Liam Davison Allan McKinnon David Beaver – Executive Director Carli Lamb – Quality and Risk Manager

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Central Office4–6 Peel Street, Ballarat 3350 P: (03) 5337 8999www.centacareballarat.org.au

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