ANNUAL REPORT 2009-2010

The Peer Support Foundation Limited

2 Grosvenor Place

Brookvale NSW 2100

Phone: 02 9905 3499

Fax: 02 9905 5134

Email: peeroz@peersupport.edu.au

Website: www.peersupport.edu.au

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Mission

The Peer Support Australia Team

About Peer Support Australia

Implementing the Peer Support Program

How the Peer Support Program works

Peer Support Modules for Primary Schools

Peer Support Modules for Secondary Schools

Major Achievements

Future Directions

Chairman’s Report

General Manager’s Report

Our Supporters

Directors’ Report

Financial Reports

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Page 4

Page 5

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Table of Contents

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ABN: 40 002 634 853

Mission

Peer Support Australia is a not for profit organisation dedicated to providing

peer led programs which foster the mental, social and physical wellbeing of

young people and their community.

Our vision is to develop in young people a sense of personal responsibility

for their own wellbeing, with the support of their peers and an informed and skilled community.

This is achieved through education programs for students, teachers, parents and community

members.

Peer Support Australia would not be able to achieve these objectives without the support of:

Founder: Elizabeth Campbell AM, BSc, TNDC

Chairman: David A Stanton FIA

Patron: James Dibble AM

Honorary Directors:

Jennifer Dalitz BA, MBA, CPA

Brian Halstead BE (Chem), BEc, CPA

Cheryl Hayman BCom

Judith Merryweather BSc, FACS

Lorraine Walker BA Dip Ed, Grad Cert RE

Staff: (as at 30.6.10)

Sharon Austin General Manager

Kristin Bell Training and Development Consultant (part-time)

Sharlene Chadwick Training and Development Manager

Josie Gallagher Training and Marketing Administrator

Lindsey Hogg Training and Development Consultant

Janet Ritchie Administration Assistant

Peter Tanswell Systems Accountant

The Peer Support Foundation was registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 1983,

following the early development and introduction of the Peer Support Program by Elizabeth

Campbell in the 1970s. The Foundation is accepted by the Australian Taxation Office as a Public

Benevolent Institution. In September 2007 the Peer Support Foundation registered the trading

name Peer Support Australia.

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It is with great sadness that we advise that since the writing of this report, the

Founder of the Peer Support Program,

Elizabeth Annita Campbell AM, BSc, TNDC,

passed away, aged 86, on 26 September 2010.

The impact of the Peer Support Program on hundreds of thousands of young

Australians will be Elizabeth’s legacy.

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Josie Gallagher, Training and

Marketing Administrator

Janet Ritchie, Administration

Assistant Peter Tanswell, Systems

Accountant

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE TEAM

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Lindsey Hogg, Training and

Development Consultant

Kristin Bell, Training and

Development Consultant Sam Chadwick, Training and

Development Manager

Peer Support Australia’s Team

As at 30 June 2010

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About Peer Support Australia

Peer Support Australia provides schools and their communities with a

program designed to develop mental, social and physical wellbeing. These

programs are implemented across the whole school and support a safer,

happier environment where effective teaching and learning can occur.

A range of training workshops that are designed to support school staff in

planning for and implementing the Peer Support Program are provided.

Scheduled workshops are held throughout the year at key locations.

The Peer Support Program is supported by a series of peer led modules which form part of a

learning continuum that aims to assist young people to develop positive values, attitudes,

behaviours and skills related to relationships, leadership, optimism, resilience, values and anti-

bullying. School communities are able to plot a learning pathway from Kindergarten through to

Year 12 with modules that address their specific needs and goals.

Implementing the Peer Support Program

In primary schools, student learning sessions are facilitated by Year 6 students with multi-age

groups from Kindergarten to Year 5.

In secondary schools, student learning sessions are available for a range of ages. The traditional

approach is Year 10 or 11 students facilitating groups for Year 7.

To support school communities in addressing specific areas of need and bring about positive

change, Peer Support Australia provides:

awareness raising workshops for community members

training and professional development for teachers

integrated learning modules for students—including notes for teachers, notes for Peer

leaders and resources for students.

Peer led learning programs allow young people to:

develop skills in cooperative learning

become better leaders

investigate issues they feel adults may not relate to

develop effective ways to deal with life experiences

explore ways in which other people deal with similar experiences.

Modules developed by Peer Support Australia focus on developing values, skills and

understandings vital to the wellbeing of young people. They are based on a peer led model of

learning and assist students to develop:

sense of Self

resilience

connectedness

sense of possibility.

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How the Peer Support Program works

Awareness Raising

Raising awareness is the first step in implementing the Peer Support Program. This usually takes

the form of a consultant’s talk to teachers, parents and community members. In some modules it

also involves surveying attitudes and gathering information in relation to a particular issue.

Training

Teachers and parents are then trained at district or whole school workshops for 1 day.

Teachers then train student leaders, using resources developed and provided by Peer Support

Australia. These student training sessions are conducted over 2 days.

Implementation

In primary schools, Peer leaders work with a small group of students for approximately 30

minutes a week using Peer Support Australia’s resource material. All Year 6 students take on

this leadership role. They facilitate groups of about 8—10 students from Kindergarten—Year 5.

In secondary schools, Year 10 or 11 students are trained and then encouraged to apply for this

leadership position. They are responsible for groups of 8—10 students from Year 7. Sessions

are conducted for 10 weeks. Some Peer Support Australia’s modules operate with same age

peers. This ensures age relevant issues are addressed in a supportive and positive environment.

Students are supported at every stage through briefing and debriefing sessions conducted by

teachers. Briefing is conducted at least the day before. Debriefing can take many forms and can

occur up to a day later. Briefing and debriefing are vital to the success of the Peer Support

Program. Schools are encouraged to involve parents in the Peer Support Program by providing

ongoing information. In this way parents can enjoy and build on their children’s Peer Support

experiences.

In recognition of the time commitments and constraints placed upon schools, the Peer Support

Foundation has developed a flexible delivery option for the anti-bullying program. This allows

schools to implement the training within their own time frame. This also enables school

communities to develop a stronger sense of ownership and commitment to dealing with bullying

behaviours in their school context.

Celebration

Celebration of the achievement of Peer Support groups and their leaders is one of the many

ways that individuals can build a sense of Self. Peer Support Australia encourages community

members to celebrate the achievements of young people by presenting Peer Support Foundation

certificates and badges. This also builds the connections between the school and its community.

We encourage all parents and community members to inspire and support our young people by

contributing to the Peer Support Program at your local school.

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Peer Support Modules for Primary Schools Getting Started

This module is an introduction for schools who have not previously run the Peer Support Program. The focus is on

groups working together and establishing group dynamics.

Key skills developed are: interpersonal

communication

Keeping Friends (8 sessions)

This module focuses on the complexities of relationships. Students will develop skills in maintaining positive

relationships by learning how to play fairly, accept that friendships change, support each other and acknowledge that

they may have a variety of friends.

Key skills developed are: values

critical thinking

empathy

negotiation

conflict resolution

Living Positively (8 sessions)

This module focuses on optimism. Students develop the skills and knowledge to approach life with a positive

attitude, use their strengths, engage in enjoyable activities and show gratitude to others.

Key skills developed are: resilience

empathy

coping

monitoring stress

Taking Opportunities (8 sessions)

This module focuses on resilience. Students identify their personal strengths, people who can support them and

strategies to assist in becoming more resilient.

Key skills developed are: coping

resilience

monitoring stress

planning

Promoting Harmony (8 sessions)

This module focuses on resilience. Students focus on the values of caring, respect, responsibility and fair go.

Students identify their personal strengths, people who can support them and strategies to assist in becoming more

resilient.

Key skills developed are: values clarification

relationship building

assertiveness

decision making

Speaking Up (8 sessions)

This module is part of a whole school approach to address the issue of bullying behaviours in a positive way and

includes staff training, teacher led lessons and a parent awareness raising sessions.

Key skills developed are: decision making

problem solving

assertiveness

empathy

relationship building

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Framework for Orientation (4 areas) This framework focuses on the transition to secondary school for entry level students. Activities

have been designed to encourage students to work together and support one another. The flexible nature of the framework makes it ideal to incorporate into existing school orientation

programs.

Key skills developed are: coping

critical thinking

problem solving

negotiation

Facing our Challenges (8 sessions)

This module focuses on resilience and equipping students with the skills to cope more effectively

with situations they may find challenging.

Key skills developed are: optimism

empathy

positive self talk

perseverance

resilience

Behaving with Integrity (8 sessions)

This module focuses on values. Students explore individual and community values within a safe

and supportive environment. The core values of respect, responsibility, diversity, inclusion and

integrity are blended throughout the module

Key skills developed are: values clarification

relationship building

assertiveness

decision making

Working through Conflict (8 sessions)

This module focuses on anti-bullying and is designed, in conjunction with whole staff training, t o

address the issue of bullying behaviours in a positive way.

Key skills developed are: decision making

problem solving

empathy assertiveness

relationship building

conflict resolution

Peer Support Modules for Secondary Schools

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Major Achievements in 2009 - 2010

Participated in Senate Inquiry on Children and Young People ―Children and Young

People Aged 9-14 Years in NSW - The Missing Middle‖

Participated in Senate Inquiry - ―Bullying in Children and Young People‖

Participated in Federal Senate Inquiry on Suicide Prevention

Submission to Senate Inquiry into Cybersafety

Presented at ARACY Conference 2009 (Making Prevention Work)

Presented at Protective Behaviours Conference 2009 - Canberra

Appointed 3 new staff members

Lindsey Hogg, Training and Development Consultant

Janet Ritchie, Part-time Administration Assistant

Peter Tanswell, Systems Accountant

Funding secured from Department of Health and Ageing to further expand the Peer

Support Program nationally

Implementation of an integrated CRM/Accounting package trialed in 2008/2009

Application of a more stringent measurement of what classifies an ―operational

school‖ in the Peer Support Program (this is now more easily enforced by the

automated CRM process)

Development of an evaluation and review tool to be used in redevelopment of

Student leadership training

An evaluation of the existing SRC Training workshop

Analysis of data from evaluations undertaken between 2007 and 2009 using the

recently developed Peer Support Program Evaluation Package. The analysis has

helped support Best Practice guidelines

Analysis of data from the above surveys to determine the universality of the

Program. Is the program equally effective with: government schools, catholic

schools, independent schools; urban, rural and remote schools; students who speak

English as their first language, students who speak English as their second language;

male and female students; schools in higher and lower socio-economic communities.

The evidence strongly supports that the Program is universal in these areas.

Trialing a computerised Risk Management System

Work towards a Quality Accreditation Process (Accreditation to be sought in next

financial year)

Expansion to and fit-out of new premises

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Accreditation as a Quality Organisation by the Quality Improvement Council

Integrate the computerised CRM and Accounting Package with the website to

further automate processes

Improve debtor control processes

Instigate improved human resource processes incorporating current research on

Emotional Intelligence

Recruitment and induction of two new Training and Development Consultants

Publication of the Primary Student Leadership training notes

Redevelopment of the SRC Learning Guide and workshop support material

Facilitate an interstate focus group forum to investigate impacts of the Peer Support

Program and implementation barriers

Develop improved data analysis

Continue to seek opportunities to increase the profile of the Peer Support

Foundation

Continue to develop links with external, not for profit organisations and educational

sectors

Continue to make Government and Political links

Future Directions

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Chairman’s Report

Peer Support Australia has once again had a very productive and satisfying

year, in spite of a number of challenges presenting themselves. We

addressed change on many levels, including staffing, office accommodation,

computer hardware, computer software and our web-site. It is a tribute to

the ability and resilience of our General Manager and her staff that we

nonetheless came through the year strongly, with a strong team well

prepared for any future challenges. I thank them all for their work during the

year.

Our work in expanding the availability of the Peer Support Program into

Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory was

recognised by a continuation of funding from the Department of Health and

Ageing. The NSW Department of Health also continued their long-term

funding of our operations in New South Wales. We also continue to be

encouraged and financially supported by philanthropic bodies, including the

Raymond Purves Foundation, the James N Kirby Foundation, and the

Woodend Foundation. It is most gratifying to see our work recognised and

supported by these organisations.

A highlight of the year was our association with Peninsula Pals, a group of not-for-profit organisations based in the

Northern Beaches area of Sydney, established some years ago under the guidance of Jean Hay, Mayor of Manly. In

conjunction with Peninsula Pals we ran another successful fund-raising lunch on Melbourne Cup day, and a garden

party at Kirribilli House in April. It was good to meet Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social

Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, at the garden party, and to have the opportunity to bring her up to date on our

activities. We were also able to renew ties with Mike Baird MP, local member for Manly and shadow treasurer in

the NSW government.

In September we were informed that a submission we made to the Curriculum council in WA had been approved

and they have endorsed the Peer Support Program. This means that from 2010 students completing this program

can count this learning towards their secondary graduation certificate – the Western Australian Certificate of

Education (WACE).

Our Consultative Group, made up of representatives from various health and education organisations and

government departments, once again provided valuable advice at our twice-yearly meetings. This group gives us an

opportunity to learn more about developments in the areas in which we are involved, and to keep members

informed about our activities and plans. It has been a most useful forum over the past 10 years, and I am sure it will

continue to be so into the future.

I would like to place on record my appreciation of the work of Sharon Austin, our General Manager, and Sam

Chadwick, our Training and Development Manager. During the 2009-2010 year Sharon celebrated her 10th

anniversary with Peer Support Australia, and Sam celebrated her 15th anniversary.

The board continues to function well, with all directors making valuable contributions to discussions, and I thank

them all for their input. I will be standing down as chairman at the Annual General Meeting in November, as I will

then have been in that position for 5 years. I am confident that the new chairman will continue to enjoy the support

of all directors and all staff members. I have great confidence in the ability of the directors and staff of Peer Support

Australia to continue to meet our mission to provide dynamic peer-led programs which foster the mental, social and

physical wellbeing of young people and their community.

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David Stanton, Chairman

and

Senator Ursula Stevens

at

Kirribilli House

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General Manager’s Report

2009-2010 was a challenging year at Peer Support Australia, with

the continued development of the Peer Support Program

throughout Australia, the loss of some longterm staff, the

appointment of new staff, expansion into new accommodation and

bedding down the new integrated CRM and accounting systems.

In July 2009 we waited anxiously to have funding confirmed from the Department of Health and Ageing to enable us to continue our

growth of the Peer Support Program nationally. We were very

pleased that this was confirmed in August and the contract was

signed in September 2009. This funding contract is from June 2009-May 2011. National growth

has become an important strategic direction and as research continues to demonstrate the

importance of peer relationships, we are more than ever committed to making the Peer Support

Program accessible to as many young Australians as possible.

Col Harrison left the organisation in January 2010 to take up a position in the Middle East.

Zoe Dawson also moved on to explore new opportunities in April . We wish Col and Zoe every

success in their future endeavours.

We were very pleased to welcome Lindsey Hogg in February 2010. Lindsey was appointed as a

Training and Development Consultant and has already made a significant contribution to Peer

Support Australia.

New computer hardware was installed early in the year as a result of funding from James N Kirby

Foundation. This has made a huge difference to the efficiency of our systems.

Peter Tanswell and Janet Ritchie joined the Administration team in April. They are both proving

to be a great support and we welcome their input. Peter’s first project was to manage the fit-out

of new office space. This was carried out very efficiently and staff are very happy with their new,

bright surroundings.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their contribution this year, to

congratulate Sam Chadwick on achieving 15 years service and the publication of her book ―they

can’t hurt me‖, the board for their assistance and support, and all funding bodies, supporters and

sponsors for enabling us to continue to carry out the mission of Peer Support Australia. Lastly I

would like to thank all schools, teachers and students involved in the Program who have worked

so hard to make the Peer Support Program the success it is today.

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Our Supporters

The Peer Support Foundation thanks everyone who has supported us this year.

Government, Corporate and Philanthropic Sponsors 2009-2010

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

NSW Department of Health

Manly Council

Catholic Church Insurances

James N Kirby Foundation

Raymond E Purves Foundation

State Street Australia Limited

United Way (Northern Beaches Youth Community Fund)

Woodend Pty Ltd

Individual Supporters

Special thanks to Mr and Mrs John Phillips. Your continued support is much

appreciated.

Registered Clubs

Many registered clubs throughout NSW and ACT kindly assist the Peer Support

Foundation with donations through the Community Development and Support

Expenditure (CDSE) scheme, complimentary room and equipment hire.

Members

Our members are the lifeblood of Peer Support Australia. Thank you for your

continued support.

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THE PEER SUPPORT FOUNDATION LIMITED

ABN 40 002 634 853

Directors’ Report

Activities of the Peer Support Foundation

As a not-for-profit organisation, the continuing activities of this company were those of a benevolent

foundation, supporting schools in the implementation of the Peer Support Program.

The Peer Support Foundation Limited does not have share capital. No debentures were issued during the

financial year ended 30th June 2010.

Events subsequent to the end of the financial year

There does not exist at the date of this report any contingent liability or any charge on the assets securing

the liability of any other person which has arisen since the 30th June 2010. No contingent liability has be-

come enforceable, or is likely to become enforceable before or on 30th June 2011 which, in the opinion

of the directors, will or may substantially affect the ability of the company to meet its obligations as and

when they fall due.

Directors’ benefits

No director of the company has, either during or since the end of the financial year, received or become

entitled to receive a benefit not disclosed in the accounts as directors’ emoluments, by reason of a con-

tract made by the company in which he/she has a substantial interest.

Review of operation and results

In this financial year, the Peer Support Foundation made a surplus of $214,949. This surplus was the re-

sult of self generated income comprising royalties, membership fees and interest. The operational costs of

the Foundation were met by fee for service, and State and Federal Government support. Income from

grants fell by around $180,000 as the result of the completion of a major Government project. This is

more than compensated for in the reduction of related expenses. Separate detailed audited accounts

were provided for this project. In the attached financial reports these expenses relating to the previous

financial year are allocated to an individual Project expense account.

Significant changes and state of affairs

The Peer Support Foundation has continued to expand its operations nationally during this financial year

to provide training and workshops in NSW, ACT, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and the

Northern Territory. These interstate activities have been supported by the Australian Government De-

partment of Health and Ageing. During September 2007 the Peer Support Foundation registered the busi-

ness name Peer Support Australia.

Future Developments and results

The Peer Support Foundation will develop ongoing theme specific modules for both Primary and Secon-

dary schools. There will be continued evaluation of new and current modules. National expansion will

continue to be pursued.

Environmental Issues

The Peer Support Foundation’s operations are not regulated by any significant environmental regulation

under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory.

Directors’ meeting attendance, qualifications and special responsibilities

The Peer Support Foundation was well supported by its Honorary Board Members who met on 5 occa-

sions including its AGM. Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year unless other-

wise stated.

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Directors

David A Stanton FIA Chairman

A subscriber to the formation of the company, David has served as a Director since its formation

and was elected Chairman on 17 October 2005. Prior to retirement he was Managing Director

of David Stanton & Associates Pty Ltd.

(Attended 3 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM)

Brian Halstead BE, BEc,CPA

Brian was appointed to the Board in 1999. He was elected Chairman on 16 October 2000 and

served until David Stanton’s appointment on 17 October 2005. Prior to retirement he was

Chairman of Freightcorp and a Director and Chief Financial Officer for Unilever in Australia and

New Zealand. (Attended 2 Directors’ meetings)

Jennifer Dalitz BA, MBA, CPA Jennifer was appointed to the Board in April 2007. Jennifer

has international experience in consulting and professional services and over 10 years experience in Senior Management roles. She is the founder and SheEO of sphinx, a social enterprise commit-

ted to advancing women as leaders. (Attended 2 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM)

Cheryl Hayman BCom

Cheryl was appointed to the Board in 2007. Cheryl brings extensive experience in marketing

with a variety of corporations, primarily through her role as Marketing Director. She is the Foun-

der and Managing Director of Hayman Strategy which specialises in strategic marketing and busi-

ness consultancy.

(Attended 3 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM)

Judith Merryweather BSc FACS

Judith was appointed to the Board in 2007. With a background in IT, Judith has worked in con-

sulting and senior corporate roles. As a Principal of Alexer she provides strategic business sys-

tems consulting. She is a past Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Computing and

Communications.

(Attended 4 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM)

Lorraine Walker BA Dip Ed, Grad Cert RE

Lorraine was appointed to the Board in 2008. Lorraine has extensive experience in education,

particularly in the Catholic Sector over a period of twenty years as a teacher of History, English

and Religious Education. From 1990 to 2000 Lorraine was the Assistant Principal – Pastoral Care

at a large Catholic School with an enrolment of 1,500 students. Lorraine retired in 2009 as State

Coordinator – Student Welfare Programs with the Catholic Education Commission NSW.

(Attended 4 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM)

Company Secretary—Sharon Austin

Sharon Austin held the position of company secretary at the end of the financial year.

Sharon has worked for the Peer Support Foundation since 1 November 1999 and currently

holds the position of General Manager.

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Indemnifying Officers or Auditor

No indemnities have been given or insurance premiums paid, during or since the end of the finan-

cial year, for any person who is or has been an officer or auditor of the Peer Support Foundation.

Proceedings on behalf of the Peer Support Foundation

No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Peer Support

Foundation or intervene in any proceedings to which the Peer Support Foundation is a party for

the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Peer Support Foundation for all or any part

of those proceedings.

The Peer Support Foundation was not a party to any such proceedings during the year.

Auditor’s Independence Declaration The lead auditor’s independence declaration for the year ended 30 June 2010 has been received.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

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THE PEER SUPPORT FOUNDATION LIMITED

A.B.N. 40 002 634 853

FINANCIAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

30 JUNE 2010

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