racv community foundation annual review 2015 · enterprize ship trust $16,510 children and teachers...

Annual Review 2015

RACV Community Foundation

Cover: Safety skills – students including eleven-year Kade from Furlong Park School for Deaf Children are building bike and road-safety skills on a purpose-built track thanks to the RACV Community Foundation.

Below: Social inclusion – young and older generations are getting together to build confidence and networks through social activities with support from the RACV Community Foundation.

03 I ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

ContentsChair and manager’s report 4

Overview 5

2014-15 highlights 6

Facts and figures 8

Stories

A team for everyone 12

Tall ship Enterprize 14

Bike skills for the deaf 16

Community transport 18

Families move on to better things 20

Inclusion and competition 22

Linking the generations 24

All-access play spaces 26

Results in brief 28

Donate 29

Your donations at work 30


Chair and manager’s report

It is a pleasure to report to you that with a grant distribution exceeding $522,000 in 2014-15, the RACV Community Foundation has remained a significant participant in community philanthropy in Victoria.

With a state-wide focus, the Foundation continued to support rural and regional communities, with 31 per cent of 2014-15 grants distributed to organisations addressing quality of life in regional Victorian communities.

Organisations supported by the Foundation deliver mobility-focused programs and services with the aim of enhancing social cohesion, safety, and/or environmental sustainability. As in previous years the Foundation was pleased to receive grant applications of a high standard, which presented the Foundation Advisory Committee with the challenging task of prioritising our available funds.

2014-15 at a glanceThe RACV Community Foundation has been working to increase its impacts on the community with more targeted grants. To provide a clear plan and direction for achieving this, the Foundation developed a new Strategic Plan during the year.

The Strategic Plan 2015-17 provides Foundation management and staff with a strong framework to enable the achievement of separate and distinct goals. The Plan was rolled out at the beginning of 2015 and the actions will be implemented over the coming years to ensure continued success of the Foundation’s operations.

There are five key themes of the Strategic Plan 2015-17:

• Theme 1: Build the Foundation’s profile with relevant philanthropic bodies, charities and RACV members.

• Theme 2: Grow the Foundation’s funding base through broad engagement with key stakeholders, including RACV members, staff and partners.

• Theme 3: Ensure long-term financial sustainability.

• Theme 4: Fund relevant and worthwhile community organisations through a rigorous and sustainable grant program.

• Theme 5: Ensure organisational capability.

The Foundation has maintained a strong financial position with revenue generated from donations, fundraising events and functions, and investment returns. A summary of the Foundation’s financial position can be found on page 28 of this report.

RACV’s support has continued to help the Foundation in its goal to build the investment corpus to sustainable levels over the long term through a matched giving program for staff donations and a number of fundraising initiatives. This support was in addition to a very substantial donation of one dollar for every RACV emergency roadside assistance member, which equated to approximately $1.5 million in 2014-15.

Paula Piccinini Chair, RACV Community Foundation Advisory Committee

Shane AustinManager, RACV Community Foundation

This report highlights the many ways the RACV Community Foundation supports Victorians.


Overview

In this Annual ReviewIn challenging economic times, the community services the Foundation helps to fund are being called upon more than ever. It is important the RACV Community Foundation makes a significant contribution to the social fabric of Victoria.

In 2014-15 the Foundation provided 35 grants to grassroots community service organisations seeking to increase mobility.

This report includes details of the 35 organisations and programs funded in the past year. The stories of eight organisations are told to demonstrate positive outcomes of the Foundation’s support. It is our hope that as you read the stories, you will be encouraged to make an ongoing contribution of your own, allowing the Foundation to continue helping to improve the lives of Victorians.

Finally, we thank RACV members, staff, and supporters who continue to contribute their time, talent and treasure to assist the Foundation in its work.

Our focusFoundation vision: To provide a source of philanthropic funding for Victorian charitable and community organisations to enhance quality of life.

Areas of support: Providing funds to grassroots charities and community service organisations that look to increase mobility in Victorian communities, with a view to enhancing social cohesion, safety, and/or environmental sustainability.

The RACV Community Foundation provides funds through grants of up to $20,000 to grassroots community organisations and charities across Victoria. Since 1997, the Foundation has been a strong vehicle for giving by community-minded RACV members, staff and supporters.


In the 2014-15financial year

79 applications were received

Total amount requested

$1,138,705

Reasons to support the RACV Community Foundation

A demonstrated history of funding community projects:

from 1997 to 2015, grants worth over $3.1 million have helped over 430 Victorian charities.

Since the Foundation began, more than

50 per cent of grants have been awarded to rural and regional organisations.

2014-15 highlights


35 organisations received funding of more than

$522,000

11 of 35 grants

funded organisations outside metropolitan Melbourne

25 of 35

grants were awarded to organisations with an annual turnover of less than $5 million

A focus on grass-roots not-for-profit organisations:

with an emphasis on supporting organisations with an annual turnover of less than $5 million.

As part of its ongoing ‘matched giving’ program,

RACV gives $2 for every $1 raised from staff donations, and components of the RACV Community Foundation Golf Day and the Fly the Flag Rally.

A professional and experienced management and staff who understand the donor and the beneficiaries.

2014-15 highlights


Organisation Amount What was achieved

1st Caroline Springs Scout Group

$3,586 This growing scout group purchased a trailer for its outdoor activities, including tree planting, Clean Up Australia Day, youth programs and camps.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

$8,600 A total of 20 CALD asylum seekers received their driver’s licence.

Ballan District Health and Care

$20,000 A wheelchair lift was installed on a community bus that provides a vital local service.

Banyule Community Health - 3081 Angels

$8,636 Infant car seats were provided and volunteers trained to install them for 30 families from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC)

$5,000 The costs of team uniforms and player registrations for 11 new local basketball teams were covered.

Bethany Community Support

$9,600 A total of 30 people received driving lessons to help them get around Geelong and surrounding rural communities.

Blue Light Victoria $18,053 Bike education facilities were improved at the Blue Light Youth Camp in Malden so it also caters for children with disabilities to enable greater social inclusion and participation in activities previously out of reach.

BrainLink Services $9,500 An 8-week program for people with an acquired brain disorder (ABD) to help reduce social isolation was delivered by other people with an ABD.

Brainwave Australia $20,000 Ill and injured children coming home from hospital received previously unavailable specialised mobility and rehabilitation equipment and therapy services.

Brophy Family and Youth Services

$7,600 Disadvantaged young people without family support and instruction received driver training and the costs of sitting their driver’s licence were also covered.

Carinya Society $18,000 An isolated older group of Victorians living in supported care are benefiting from a new people mover vehicle purchased to transport them to activities and appointments.

Enterprize Ship Trust $16,510 Children and teachers from two schools for deaf children sailed on Victoria’s historic replica tall ship to aid their social inclusion and add to their quality of life.

Furlong Park School for Deaf Children

$20,000 Students with deafness now have a purpose-built bike and walking path for bike and road-awareness training to improve their mobility and safety.

Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc (HICCI)

$18,000 A new car was purchased for a long-standing and important but often overlooked community volunteer driving program.

Home; Haven, Safe $17,777 New bikes were purchased for residents of a landmark housing program to increase their mobility, and they and others received help with obtaining their driver’s licence.

Lord Somers Camp and Power House

$20,000 A second-hand 25-seat bus was purchased to support Somers Camp and Power House activities.

Mackillop Family Services

$13,095 Driving lessons were provided to people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including migrants and asylum seekers, and the costs of their learner’s permit and driver’s licence tests covered to help boost their life and work opportunities.

Melton Specialist School $20,000 A traffic school was constructed to teach vital road safety skills in a safe environment.

Murray Human Services $20,000 A verandah was constructed to enable inclusive access for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Facts and figuresOverview of 2014-15 grants

Since the Foundation was established in 1997, more than 480 grants have been approved and in excess of $3.1 million has been distributed to Victorian-based community-based organisations.

The RACV Community Foundation Committee approved a total of 35 grants worth more than $522,000 for the August 2014 round of applications. The community benefits generated by these grants are summarised below.


Organisation Amount What was achieved

Parkinson’s Victoria $19,668 A 2-hour ‘safely mobile’ education workshop was delivered to 28 community support groups to help people stay safely mobile in their homes and to provide advice for people with Parkinson’s Disease who drive.

Riding for the Disabled (Oaklands)

$8,000 A new pony was purchased so people with disabilities could continue their social and physical development.

Safe Futures Foundation $19,560 A range of goods and services to support women and children escaping family violence was provided to improve their safety, mobility, connectedness and vocational opportunities.

SCM Rescue Station Arts

$5,000 Disabled access is now available to the new amenities hub of SCM in Wonthaggi that was constructed after the 2012 fires.

Southern Ethnic Advisory and Advocacy Council (SEAAC)

$20,000 A practical (on the road) and class program was delivered to support 18 people from CALD backgrounds to obtain their driver’s licence.

Special Olympics Australia (Vic), Melbourne Inner East Region

$20,000 Twenty athletes with disabilities competed in the 2014 Special Olympics National Games, adding to their life experience and quality of life.

St Kilda Mums $20,000 Car restraints for families experiencing hardship were purchased and installed, addressing an often overlooked barrier to mobility and safety.

Sunraysia Residential Services (SRS)

$16,840 Two golf carts were purchased to build the road safety skills and confidence of people with disabilities in a controlled and safe environment.

The Leukaemia Foundation

$17,300 A patient transport vehicle was leased to help address social isolation often exacerbated by illness and to get regional and rural Victorians to medical appointments for the next three years.

The Link Centre $4,812 Costs for a program linking younger and older generations were covered, including transport, lunch and activities.

Touched by Olivia Foundation

$18,500 The first inclusive playground in Melbourne’s east was constructed to enable play experiences for everyone.

Urban Communities $6,400 A bicycle education and maintenance program was delivered to people living in and around the Kensington public housing estate in inner Melbourne.

Victorian YMCA Youth and Community Services

$16,162 Adaptive bicycles were purchased for student campers with disabilities at the YMCA’s Camp Manyung.

Whittlesea Community Connections

$16,735 A vehicle was purchased and driving lessons provided to people from CALD backgrounds, with 10 young migrants completing the first training course in a program that will continue.

Wimmera Health Care Group

$20,000 A shade sail was installed over the bus parking area at the Health Care Group’s Horsham headquarters to improve access and amenity.

Women’s Health in the South East

$20,000 Migrant women in Dandenong who are often isolated and neglected in the community were able to access affordable workshops and activities such as community excursions to help them socially connect, and some received help with gaining their learner’s driving permit.

NOTE: All accepted as at 08 August 2014

Total 35 grants

$522,934


Echuca

Mildura

Horsham Bendigo

HealesvilleWhittlesea

Geelong

Somers

Ballan

Facts and figures2014-15 grants by region

31%of RACV Community Foundation grants were distributed to organisations servicing regional and rural Victorians.

11 I ANNUAL REVIEW 201511 I ANNUAL REVIEW 2015


Main heading

Feeling part of a group is important to kids.

That’s why the Bunjils basketball teams are making such a difference in Bendigo.

The Bunjils are for young people who might not otherwise be able to play in a sports competition due to their home situations.

The first Bunjils junior basketball team was formed just a few years ago by the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperation (BDAC) to give kids from Indigenous backgrounds the chance to play a team sport.

“For those living in out-of-home situations, basketball also gives them a chance to see their friends and family,” said BDAC’s Kinship Care Worker, Amanda Pavilach.

BDAC saw opportunity to add more Bunjils teams so all children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Bendigo could play basketball. The only challenge was finding the money for the team uniforms needed to play in the Bendigo Basketball Competition.

That’s where the RACV Community Foundation stepped up, covering the uniform costs as well as player registrations.

“The Foundation’s support has meant we’ve gone from a single team a few years back to eleven teams now playing,” said Amanda.

Nine of the Bunjils teams playing are juniors and they wear their uniforms featuring Bunjil the eagle and creator spirit with pride.

Jordon, aged seven (pictured right), had never played basketball before joining the Bunjils.

‘I scored three points in my first game,’ he says.

Asked why he likes basketball he shrugs and gives the logical answer of a kid: “Because it’s fun”. Ask the other kids and it’s the same story: “I like playing with my friends. I like it when I get the ball. I just like playing.”

It’s fun but there’s more to it than that. The Bunjils feel part of their community and they’re building their skills, connections and confidence.

“Every kid likes to feel part of something, part of a team,” said Amanda.

A team for everyone

Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative

$5,000 for 11 new basketball teams



“They come along, put the uniform on and they’re part of something that’s good.”

It’s not just the kids who benefit.

“We’ve got parents coaching the kids and others are coming to see their kids play, they have a chat – it’s good for everyone,” said Amanda.

“It’s about having some fun with something that’s positive.

“The kids might keep playing basketball, it might get them into other sports, it might lead to something else.”

The success of the Bunjils has got Amanda thinking again.

“I want to get some more teams going, in more sports...you can’t have too many,” she said.

‘ Every kid likes to feel part of something, part of a team.’


Tall ship Enterprize

Enterprize Ship Trust

$16,510 for children with deafness to experience Melbourne’s history

Sailing with the wind in your face is something everyone should experience.

That’s what the manager of Melbourne’s replica tall ship, the Enterprize, Michael Womack (pictured)believes.

“There’s nothing like being out on the bay with the wind in the sails, it’s terrific,” he said.

The Enterprize is a fully operational replica of the ship that brought the first settlers from Tasmania to Melbourne in 1835. Owned by the people of Victoria, it operates with just four employed staff and a host of volunteers.

Michael aims for as many people as possible to experience the Enterprize. That’s how young people with deafness and hearing loss got a chance to sail on the ship in 2014.

It all started when a teacher from a school for deaf children visited the ship and met Michael.

“We got chatting and I decided I needed to find someone to help give children with deafness the chance to sail on the ship,” he said.

Michael found the RACV Community Foundation very supportive.

“The RACV Community Foundation’s generosity enabled 150 children with deafness and hearing loss to experience the Enterprize,” he said.

The children were students from the Victorian School of the Deaf as well as the other schools. Younger students enjoyed a shorter sail while some of the older teenage students sailed overnight from Geelong to Melbourne.

“The children got to experience sailing and what it was like 150 years ago,” said Michael. “Some just enjoyed the sensation of it, they got to explore the ship and the favourite thing is always to have a go at steering the ship.”

The schools integrated the voyages into their classroom learning and activities.

“In the lead-up to sailing on the ship, we studied the world’s earliest ship explorers and how the ships were important to Australia’s white settlement,” said teacher, Maria Burgess.

“We talked about what it was like for the people on the ships, and how their arrival affected the original Indigenous people of Australia.



Tall ship Enterprize

“Once they got on the ship they could really feel what it was like. It was a very sensory experience for them, with lots to look at and to touch.”

The students continued on their return to land, making picture books and discussing what they’d learned.

Michael is delighted to have provided such a fun learning experience with help from the RACV Community Foundation.

“The Enterprize is the ship that launched Melbourne and Victoria,” he said. “Everyone should get to experience it.”

‘ The RACV Community Foundation’s generosity enabled 150 children with deafness and hearing loss to experience the Enterprize.’

Bike skills for the deafRiding a bike safely when you’re deaf takes a lot more skill and effort.

“You need to look around a lot,” explained eleven-year old Kade (pictured). “You need to look behind, to see what’s coming.”

Kade is part of a small community of fifty students at the Furlong Park School for Deaf Children in Melbourne’s west. All students at the Sunshine school have deafness and most wear bionic ears or hearing aids. Many also have intellectual or physical disability.

School Principal, Anne-Maree Crivelli explained the challenges of bike riding when you can’t clearly hear the environment around you.

“You can’t hear a car coming or if a driver is beeping, and you can’t hear other bike riders ringing their bell,” she said.

“You need to be highly visually alert, even when you’re on a bike track.”

Bike education has long been part of the school’s activities but until recently the students made do with irregular classes on the school’s only suitable riding surface – the basketball court.

“It was small,” said Kade. “You went around in circles a lot.”

Anne-Maree Crivelli had long dreamed of a bike track but the substantial investment meant it was always out of reach.

When the RACV Community Foundation offered to cover 50 per cent of the cost, it all suddenly seemed possible.

“The RACV’s generous contribution meant it all become a reality,” she said.

An area of the school which had long sat almost barren with patchy grass and a few trees has been transformed by the custom-built bike and walking track.

Furlong Park School for Deaf Children

$20,000 for a bike and walking path



The 300-metre circuit takes students from one end of the school to the other with straight stretches where students can build up a little speed and sections that wind around the shade of the trees.

“I like it a lot,” said Kade. “You can go faster on it.”

The school held a grand opening of the track in February 2015 and students are now part of a Victoria University study, wearing fitbits while riding to collect data and also allow students to set and achieve personal fitness goals.

And the students are already paying the RACV’s support forward.

“Not long after the track was finished the Nepal earthquake happened and the students really wanted to do something to help,” said Anne-Maree.

“They came up with the idea themselves of a ride-a-thon, and they rode up to four kilometres each to raise over $300 to send to Nepal. It was a lovely thing to do.”

‘You need to be highly visually alert, even when you’re on a bike track.’


Community transportTravel options are more limited when you live outside a city.

If you don’t have personal transport, you rely on friends or family, limited public transport or expensive taxis. For many, these options are also unavailable.

That’s why volunteer community driving services are so important.

In Healesville, the volunteer driving service operated by Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc. (HICCI) provides a vital transport link for many locals.

Last year its volunteer drivers clocked up some impressive statistics – more than 75,000 kilometres travelled across 5,800 hours of driving to make 1,800 trips.

It helped a lot of people out – including the volunteer drivers.

“For the volunteer drivers, it’s the social interactions and contributing by helping others that matters,” said HICCI CEO, Allison Gomers.

“Some of our volunteer drivers have been with us for over ten years.”

When HICCI’s ageing station wagon, used by many volunteer drivers, needed replacing, it turned to the RACV Community Foundation for help.

“We were able to purchase a brand new car thanks to the RACV Community Foundation,” said Allison.

“It was extremely generous and greatly appreciated.”

HICCI is a network of seven Christian churches in the Healesville region that provides practical help and friendship to local people.

Healesville Interchurch Community Care Inc.

$18,000 for new car for new community transport vehicle


‘ We purchased a brand new car thanks to the RACV Community Foundation.’

“Our driving service provides social support such as transport to medical appointments, shopping and visiting,” said Allison.

“Some rely on the service regularly and others just take an occasional trip or use the service for a short time when they’re unable to drive for some reason.”

One volunteer driver is Healesville resident, Lorna (pictured with two of her transport clients). She’s driven clients of HICCI for eight years since retiring.

Lorna became a volunteer driver after HICCI helped her at a particular time of need - and she wanted to return the favour.


Families move on to better thingsWhen you’re homeless, everyday family activities like bike riding often get left behind.

Daniel from Bendigo knows this – not too long ago he and his pregnant partner were homeless and living in motels with their two children.

“A bike ride….it wasn’t high on the list at the time,” he chuckled with dry understatement.

Things are very different today – Daniel and his five-year old son Anthony (pictured) are racing around the family’s new home in Bendigo, on brand new bikes.

“Beat you,” Anthony sings out to his Dad in triumph as he pedals past.

The family of five are among the first residents of the Sidney Myer Haven, a landmark purpose-built residential complex for people and families experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

Opened in 2015, the Sidney Myer Haven is the first of its kind in Australia. Owned and managed by Bendigo homeless and housing services agency, Home; Haven, Safe, it takes a new approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and housing insecurity.

Residents will stay for two years while receiving intensive and personalised support to help them build the skills, confidence and networks to improve their life opportunities.

The Social Curriculum is vital to the program – and that’s where the bikes and the RACV Community Foundation come in.

“We wanted the residents to have bikes to get around town, to get fit and to have some fun,” said Sue Wallace, Social Curriculum Co-ordinator at the Sidney Myer Haven.

The RACV Community Foundation was delighted to help with the purchase of eight adult and kids’ bikes for residents to share.

“The bikes have been an instant hit,” said Sue.

“The day everyone moved into their new home with new furniture was a bit overwhelming for everyone – and then the kids saw the bikes!

“The bikes were just the icing on the cake for the kids. They can ride safely inside the gates here so they’re on the bikes ALL the time.”

Most of the adults hadn’t ridden a bike themselves for a while, so there’s been lots of laughter as they rediscover the fun.

“Some are using the bikes to get around town, the kids are riding to school with Mum or Dad and just riding around for fun together. It’s great to see,” said Sue.

Right now, young Anthony is challenging Dad to another race.

“Come on, I’ll let you beat me this time Dad,” he laughed as he took off again, just like a kid should.

Haven; Home, Safe

$17,777 to purchase shared bikes



‘ Everyday activities are left behind when you are homeless’


Inclusion and competitionMany people with an intellectual disability like sport, they like to compete, and they like to win.

Just ask Jonathan Stewart and Jacqueline Wischer (pictured).

Both competed in the 2014 Special Olympics Australia National Games – and they love showing off their swag of medals.

“They’re heavy,” said Jonathan. “I’ve got a lot of them.”

“Me too!” exclaimed Jacqueline.

The 10th National Games were the largest held in Australia, with almost 1,000 athletes from around the nation competing in 16 sports in and around Melbourne’s Albert Park over five days in October 2014.

Jacqueline and Jonathan were among 20 members of the Special Olympics Melbourne Inner East team who competed in the National Games thanks to the RACV Community Foundation.

The Foundation paid for their accommodation, transport and other costs associated with competing in athletics, bowling, tennis, bocce, gymnastics and swimming. Alicia Lands is a volunteer coach of the athletics team and explained that competing in the Games required a substantial financial investment from competitors.

“The ground costs for travelling in a team can be expensive with accommodation, team uniforms, food and travel and you also need carers,” she said.

“Every team member was very grateful for the generosity and support of the RACV Community Foundation. For many it would have been difficult to compete otherwise.”

While sport is at the heart of the Special Olympics, the ultimate goal is to support people with intellectual disability to reach their full potential, to challenge stereotypes and change attitudes.

“Sport gives everyone the chance to practice and get better at something, and to achieve something,” Alicia said.

Special Olympics Australia (Vic)

$20,000 for Special Olympics National Games


Main heading


Inclusion and competition

“Every athlete the RACV Community Foundation supported achieved personal bests and that’s what it’s all about.”

Jonathan won gold in the 50-metre sprint, silver in the long jump and relay and bronze in the shot put. Jacqueline won gold in the long jump and shot put, and silver in the 400 metres.

Aside from the medals, the two made some great memories at the Games.

“I liked the sport and wearing the uniform,” said Jacqueline. “I liked the socialising. We stayed in a posh hotel.”

Jonathan will always remember standing on the dais to receive his medals.

“It was great!” he said.

‘While sport is at the heart of the Special Olympics, the ultimate goal is to support people with intellectual disability to reach their full potential, to challenge stereotypes and change attitudes.’


Linking the generationsSocial links between different generations benefit everyone.

Just ask Maddy and Mary (pictured below). There’s more than a few decades of age difference between them but each brings something good into the other’s life.

Maddy is a sixteen-year old student taking a break from mainstream schooling.

Mary is a bit older. She’s a retired seamstress and member of the Golden Age social club in Laverton.

Maddy and Mary met through a school social program in Melbourne’s west that aims to increase mobility and social inclusion.

Maddy is among about 20 students who attend the Link Centre in Laverton to complete their Year ten studies after struggling at mainstream schools.

Some were bullied, others have ADHD, experience depression or have been expelled from school. Most just find it hard to learn.

For Maddy, it was social anxiety.

“I’d get anxious if I was going to be late, if I thought people would look at me…so it was just easier not to go school,” she said.

“But you’re doing well now!” exclaims Mary. Maddy nods in agreement. “I’m doing much better”, she says with a smile and nod.

The Link Centre supports students like Maddy to get back on track in a supportive environment.

Spending time with the Golden Age members is part of the centre’s social development program.

Its manager, Rasheel Kaur, said support from the RACV Community Foundation was valued and appreciated.

“The RACV’s support really counts,” said Rasheel. “It might seem like a small program but it does really make a difference.”

The RACV Community Foundation helps with the costs of transporting students and Golden Age members to their catch-ups and social activities, including ten pin bowling.

The Link Centre

$4,812 for social program



Getting connected takes time and transport. The RACV Community Foundation grant provided increased mobility and resources to make this happen.

Rasheel has watched different groups of students get to know Golden Age members over the years and sees the benefits for both.

“Different generations have different things to offer each other,” she said.

“Many of our students don’t have much contact with older people and we see their confidence increase as they get to know each other.

“The Golden Age members also enjoy showing their interest and care for the students.

“It’s lovely to see and it makes a difference to everyone.”


All-access play spacesYou can’t help but smile when you see the Livvi’s Place play space in Melbourne’s outer east.

It’s big in size and personality with lots of cool-looking stuff – and once you take a closer look you see just how special a place it is.

“Livvi’s Place is an inclusive play space designed for people of all abilities,” explained Rebecca Ho.

Rebecca heads up the Touched by Olivia Foundation, an Australian charity that has sparked a major shift in the type of playgrounds we build.

“We aim for play spaces where children with physical or intellectual disabilities can play safely, and interact with everyone else,” said Rebecca.

Livvi’s Place is the first-ever accessible play space for Melbourne’s east.

Constructed in a partnership between the Touched by Olivia Foundation, the City of Casey and many local people, organisations and businesses, the playground has been an instant hit with families since its opening in September 2015.

“We had 2000 people turn up to our opening day and it’s been packed every weekend since,” said Rebecca.

“The grant from the RACV Foundation helped us make this play space a reality,” said Rebecca.

“Without the combined support of organisations like the RACV it would not have happened.”

Livvi’s Place incorporates everything to provide a safe playing space for everyone. It’s enclosed so parents can relax while their kids play. It has wheelchair access to the gate and to every area and there are accessible toilets inside the playground. Flying foxes, net swings, carousals and water play are just a few of its elements.

For local mum, Therese Howell and her son Jack and his sister Alyssa (pictured below), it’s a dream come true. Therese was a key driver in the development of the playground which has given eleven-year old Jack (born with his left hand and part of his arm missing) a great new place to play with friends and family.

“Playgrounds like this are driving a significant change in how people perceive and treat people with a disability,” she said. “When people play together they break down barriers.”

Touched by Olivia Foundation

$20,000 for inclusive play space


‘ The grant from the RACV Community Foundation helped us make this play space a reality.’

But it’s even more than that.

“You see grandparents having an absolute ball on the equipment with the kids, and you realise that play really is a universal thing,” she said.

“The goal was to create a space for kids but we’ve actually created a play space for everyone. Inclusion for all abilities and ages is really important.”


Results in brief

30 June 2014

The RACV Community Foundation’s operating surplus for the year ended 30 June 2015 was $1.8m

As of 30 June 2015, the net book value of assets totalled $14.7 million, compared with $12.9 million in the previous year. Net assets mainly comprise cash and investments in various unit trusts managed by a number of fund managers.

The RACV Community Foundation aims to build the size of the corpus to support an increase in the number of grants.

Specifically, its investment objectives are:

• A risk profile which limits the probability of a negative return over ten-year periods to one year in every seven years, and an expected return in a poor year limited to no worse than negative ten per cent.

• A target return of consumer price index (CPI) plus three per cent with a probability of at least seventy per cent.

• A return that is expected to exceed the increase in CPI with a probability of at least ninety-five per cent.

2015 $’000

2014 $’000

Operating surplus 1,779 2,211

Net assets 14,748 12,939

Investments

29.6%Donations

62%Functions and events

8.4%

Sources of revenue 2014-15Revenue is principally generated from investments, corporate and individual donations, and fundraising activities.

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Post to: RACV Community Foundation, 550 Princes Highway, Noble Park North, Vic 3174.

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Your donation really counts

Over the years

Every year, your donations help to support grass roots organisations that deliver mobility services, enhancing social cohesion, community safety and/or environmental sustainability.


031 I ANNUAL REVIEW 2015Photos: Rodney Dekker. Design: Adcore Creative www.adcore.com.au.

We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment: printed on 100 per cent recycled paper.

www.racv.com.au/foundation

For more information about the RACV Community Foundation’s work, to apply for a grant or to read more about grant recipients, visit www.racv.com.au/foundation, email [email protected] or call the Foundation office on 03 9790 2985.

racv community foundation annual review 2015 · enterprize ship trust $16,510 children and teachers...

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