ANNUAL REPORT - Access Australia Group · PDF fileANNUAL REPORT 2014 - 2015. Noteworthy ......

ANNUAL REPORT2014 - 2015

NoteworthyA place to add extras, awards, testimonials, special mentions or any interesting little personal stories.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE


TABLE OF CONTENTSBoard of Directors .................................................................. 2

Chairman & CEO Report ........................................................ 3

Quality Assurance .................................................................. 5

National Standards for Disability Services ............................... 6

Disability Services .................................................................. 7

Social Enterprises .................................................................. 9

PepperGreen Farm .............................................................. 11

Job Expo Bendigo ............................................................... 12

Our Shed ............................................................................. 13

Securing Our Shed’s Future ................................................. 14

Our Shed Connects to RTO ................................................. 15

Training ................................................................................ 16

Staff Profile .......................................................................... 19

Financial Review .................................................................. 20

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BOARD OF DIRECTORSas of 30 June 2015

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Our MissionTo support people with disadvantage or disability through employment, training and other opportunities to enhance their quality of life and community engagement..

CEO & Public Officer Dr Michael Langdon

Chair Neville Sharpe

Board Member Jacki Dimond

Board Member Greg Westbrook

Treasurer Graeme Howie

Board Member Prue Mansfield

Board Member Fabian Reid

Board Member Paul Henshall


CHAIRMAN & CEO REPORTThe 2014 year has been an eventful and successful year for Bendigo Access Employment. It has also been one of consolidation and structural redevelopment of the organisation. The Board made the decision to finalise the merger with Continuing Education Bendigo (CEB) in order to provide the economies of scale of our organisation. The merger is now structurally in place and staff are working well together. The merger has assisted us to drive efficiencies as well as seek out new business opportunities.

The concentration of intense work and effort on our Disability Employment Services (DES) contract; Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) programs and the merged RTO has shown tangible benefits. Our social enterprises are performing much better financially and now have a clear strategic direction. Since gaining an increase in placements, we have recruited and grown the ADE from 35 to 51 and the supported employees are working 26% more hours – from average of 10 hours per week to 12.6 hours. In effect this means that we have not only increased our paid supported employee workforce, but we have also provided more working hours per employee and doing this profitably.

Many disability services are now considering social enterprise as a way of fostering pathways for employment opportunities, as a viable option for meeting some of the challenges. Social Enterprises use the power of the market place for community benefit. With a weekly turnover exceeding $5,000 and employing 9 people with disability, two chefs and a number of casual staff, Peppergreen Farm Catering is a good example of the power of a social enterprises.

BAE’s DES-DMS program performance is now ranked in the top 25% of contracts in Australia – a marked improvement from being in the Nation’s bottom 25% a couple of years’ ago. The training arm of our organisation, continues to operate in a challenging compliance and regulatory environment. Despite this our RTOs have grown substantially. Revenue has increased from $1.35m for VOTES and $2.7m for CEB in the 2013/14 financial year ($4m combined) to $5m in the 2014/15 financial year = 25% increase in revenue.

Following our successful year, BAE has the added capacity and resources to be able to investigate and pursue new areas to further strengthen our business. At the start of this year BAE adopted Our Shed and 12 Arts in Eaglehawk. In line with BAE’s mission, Our Shed supports people living with a disability and disadvantaged people through community programs and vocational pathways, promoting social inclusion while boosting self-confidence and developing skills.

Being an Internationally accredited organisation, BAE is committed to the continued improvement of its quality management system and the quality of our customer experience. Following external audits this year, BAE gained 3

Values

InclusionWe value and support diversity, believing that every person has a right to be involved in their community.

RespectWe value and support diversity and encourage understanding in how we relate to each other.

IntegrityWe trust each other even when we disagree and we aim to act with fairness and equity at all times.

InnovationWe embrace a dynamic, creative and flexible environment.

CollaborationWe seek value through internal and external partnerships.

QualityWe will aim to continually improve our performance in all aspects of our work and we will accept feedback and outcomes openly and positively.

Neville Sharpe Dr Michael Langdon


recertification for a further 5 years under ISO 9001:2008. In addition, BAE has maintained compliance with the National Standards for Disability Services, Human Services Standards, Australian Skills Quality Authority and Higher Education and Skills Group.

Achieving our budgeted surplus this financial year is further evidence that BAE is on a much stronger footing to be able to weather the ebbs and flows of changes ahead. There are many promising opportunities ahead for BAE, particularly as we move towards the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), in 2017.

The NDIS will fundamentally reshape the Victorian disability sector and will have broad implications for the Victorian community services sector. The transition to an insurance model that is a more competitive, market driven environment of service delivery presents significant challenges and opportunities to the sector.

This year the Board welcomed two new Board members – Prue Mansfield and Jackie Dimond. BAE’s strong, positive outcomes and bright outlook are the result of the efforts of a dedicated Board, staff and volunteers. Thank you one and all.

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Highlights during the year include: •

BAEhasincreasedthenumberofsupportedemployees,providedmoreworkinghoursperemployeeandaredoingthisprofitably.

• OurDisabilityEmploymentServicesisnow4starrated.

• ClientsatisfactionsurveyconductedbyaLaTrobeUniversitysocialworkstudentwhichdemonstratedapleasinglevelofclientsatisfactionforbothADEandDES;

• PepperGreenFarmcateringisagoodexampleofthepowerfulsocialenterprise.


QUALITY ASSURANCEBAE is committed to the continued improvement of its quality management system, by complying with a number of regulatory requirements. BAE has maintained its compliance with external standards, including ISO 9001, the National Standards for Disability Services, Australian Skills Quality Authority and Higher Education and Skills Group; these are subject to ongoing internal and external audits.

BAE was successfully audited in March 2015 for the Quality Management System and the National Standards for Disability Services. The purposes of the audit were to verify compliance of the management system to the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 and to ensure that management has a system in place to identify applicable legal, statutory and contractual obligations. No corrective actions were identified. Minor opportunities for improvement were identified, which will be implemented during the next 12 months.

As a registered disability service provider, Bendigo Access Employment also maintains compliance with the gazetted Department of Health & Human Services Standards, known as the Human Services Standards. In May 2015, BAE undertook a self-evaluation which found ongoing compliance with the standards.

The merger of BAE’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Victorian Occupational Training Educational Services (VOTES), and Continuing Education Bendigo (CEB) has progressed with the incorporation of BAE’s ISO system into all RTO practices. The training organisation operates within a challenging compliance and regulatory environment.

VOTES transferred registration to the National VET regulator at the end of 2014, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and added courses to its scope of registration to be able to provide continuous training for all client groups. National registration also allows for international delivery of accredited training, supporting our International training strategy.

CEB has ceased to operate as a separately registered RTO with all clients enrolled through VOTES. CEB will cease its ASQA registration by the end of 2015. The quality assurance systems for the RTO are led by the Vocational Excellence, Quality and Innovation staff team. VOTES is seeking a 5 year reregistration with ASQA in the first half of 2015-2016 financial year, that is likely to require an external audit processes.

Management review is carried out both by the quality assurance subcommittee and the Board. This is the platform to ensure that BAE is complying with its external stakeholders and its internal processes.

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Key highlights to include: 1. Individual freedom of

expression is supported across the organisation. DES and ADE participants are actively encouraged to develop and articulate their own employment goals.

2. We promote a valued role for people with disability in the community and within our organisation. BAE’s organisational policies, such as the Disability Employment Policy, support activities aimed at promoting inclusion for people with disability.

3. Service planning is focused on identifying specific and measurable employment and training goals, and the mix of strategies required to achieve goals.

4. On an annual basis we conduct an independent external audit of the National Standards for Disability Services.

5. BAE is a part of a number of local referral network groups that ensure program knowledge is current, whilst also being involved in local initiatives, through local employers network groups or linkages with community support service groups.

6. We comply with government regulatory guidelines from the Department of Social Services that ensure people with disabilities receive a quality service.


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NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR DISABILITY SERVICESThe National Standards for Disability Services define the Australian Government’s requirements for service quality, and directly link to each funded service’s core processes and outcomes.

The six National Standards for Disability Services are defined as:

1. Rights: The service promotes individual rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making and actively prevents abuse, harm, neglect and violence.

2. Participation and inclusion: The service works with individuals and families, friends and carers to promote opportunities for meaningful participation and active inclusion in society.

3. Individual outcomes: Services and supports are assessed, planned, delivered and reviewed to build on individual strengths and enable individuals to reach their goals.

4. Feedback and complaints: Regular feedback is sought and used to inform individual and organisation-wide service reviews and improvement.

5. Service access: The service manages access, commencement and leaving a service in a transparent, fair, equal and responsive way.

6. Service Management: The service has effective and accountable service management and leadership to maximise outcomes for individuals.

ON THE TOOLS: Bendigo Stadium’s Jason Wallace and Access Employment’s Jenny Heenan with workers Zoltan Suveges, Peter Robinson, Josh Rosewell, Josh Guess, Ian Marshman and Mik Hartshorn.

Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

Stadium supports AccessBENDIGO Access Employment (BAE) has received $9000 from the Bendigo Stadium’s community grants program to fund the purchase of much needed new equipment.

BAE operates a number of social enterprises to provide supported employment to people with disability, one of them being a landscaping service that employs 12 people with a disability.

BAE’s executive manager Jenny Heenan said the grant from Bendigo Stadium enabled enterprise to buy new lawn mowers, whipper snippers and tree pruning equipment.

“Our old equipment was getting very tired and something always needed repair. It is fabulous to have new, reliable equipment; it makes everyone’s jobs easier.”

Bendigo Stadium chief executive officer Jason Wallace met with some of BAE’s landscaping team and toured PepperGreen Farm in North Bendigo to see first-hand the positive impacts that employment brings.

“Bendigo Stadium is proud to support an organisation like BAE that is making a real difference,” he said.

“Through my involvement with BAE, I have seen what health and social benefits employment can bring to individuals with disability, their families and communities.”


EMPLOYMENT SERVICESDisability Employment Services

Bendigo Access Employment (BAE) has provided employment services to job seekers with disability in Central Victoria for over 23 years. BAE has a contract with the Department of Social Services to provide Disability Management Services (DMS) to participants across the Bendigo Employment Services Area until June 2018. With offices in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Gisborne, Kyneton, Wedderburn and Heathcote, BAE continues to assist job seekers in these locations to develop their capacity and obtain ongoing employment in their chosen field.

The key to our success has been the continued use of our Employer Engagement model. The principles of the Employer Engagement model are: working in partnership with employers; providing employers unlimited time and individualised support; aiming for the best job fit; open and transparent communications and celebrating successes. Without employers there are no jobs and building long-term trusted relationships has been an asset to the employment services team. This strategy has seen BAE achieve above the national average in job sustainability measures and has assisted BAE to be the leading provider of Disability Management Services in the Bendigo Employment Services Area.

A key component of our service delivery is to link job seekers in with activities to build job readiness and work hardening, develop networks and increase confidence. These activities can consist of volunteer work, work experience, vocational training, NEIS program, referral to support and health services, and BAE’s Jumpstart program. BAE prides itself in preparing job seekers for work and placing them with appropriate employers. Our care with this is reflected in the high number of participants who secure and maintain sustainable employment.

Transition from School to Employment (TTE)

Bendigo Access Employment’s (BAE) School Engagement Program supports student’s with a disability, impairment or health condition transition from school to find employment, undertake further training or education. BAE has been involved with all secondary government and non-government schools in Bendigo and surrounding towns. The Schools Engagement Officer networks directly with these schools and support students to post school options. Students finishing their Year 12 studies or in their last year of schooling are appreciative and keen to receive support to transition to work.

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TestimonialJenny Ferguson proves volunteering leads to employment opportunities. For the past four years, two years volunteering and two years employment, Jenny has been at PepperGreen Farm.

With previous experience in horticultural, conservation studies and future plans to complete a food handling course through CEB, Jenny is well suited to the position at PepperGreen Farm. Jenny has various roles from food bag preparation and food preparation, to cleaning at Rural Health. Her favourite job though is driving the company vehicle when delivering veggie bags.

“Working with people from all kinds of backgrounds and in food preparation gives me the ability and confidence to work through all aspects of life.” Jenny says

Jenny is looking forward to the possibility of different employment in the future and recommends PepperGreen Farm to anyone wanting to step into the workforce but has barriers.

“PepperGreen [Farm] is a workplace that encourages people to have fun while working with others.” Jenny says.

Jenny Heenan


Parents and students are often confused as to what to do and what options are available to make the move a positive experience.

Pathways from school may also include:

1. Enrolling in Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) Supported Employment program at our PepperGreen Farm Site.

2. Enrolling in BAE is Transition To Employment (TTE) program where participants spend 3 days a week in a 12 months program undertaking Certificate I in Work Education.

The TTE course prepares participants for pathway to registration in BAE’s open employment program. Case Managers support participants to find employment, maintain employment and become independent over a period of 12 months.

Bendigo Access Employment can help make it easier to find the right job, with training and resources that will help young people get there. Moving towards the NDIS, we see this role as instrumental to supporting young people to gain supportive and fulfilling employment opportunities.

National Panel of Assessors

BAE continues to provide a quality service under the National Panel of Assessors framework. These services identify solutions to the barriers to employment participation, workplace independence and productivity for people with a disability. Three types of assessments are performed by qualified, skilled and experienced staff:

• OngoingSupportAssessmentsensurethatpeoplewithdisabilityreceivethe support they need to retain their Job

• SupportedWageSystemassessmentsareconductedtomeasuretheproductivity of an employee with disability so that the worker and employer can agree on a pay rate

• WorkplaceModificationassessmentsrecommendmodificationsorworkadjustments that may be required to enable people with disability to participate fully in work to the extent that they are able.

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Indigenous ScholarshipAt a special presentation ceremony held on June 1st in the Ulumbarra Theatre to celebrate Reconciliation Week $1000 scholarships were awarded to six local young Indigenous students. The awards are to assist them to continue their education and to provide support in career paths and options. As a not for profit organisation focused on achieving employment and training outcomes for people facing barriers to employment, Bendigo Access Employment, has been increasingly engaging with the local Indigenous community.

Our work has shown that an Indigenous Scholarship program will be of major benefit to such students. Bendigo Access Employment has worked with local leaders in the Indigenous community to provide a reference panel for the scholarship program. This is the fifth year the program has been available to students in our local schools with Bendigo Access Employment allocating in excess of $26,000 toward the scholarships

Following an application process, six young Indigenous students have shown the selection panel that an investment in their education will enable them to gainfully continue their education in pursuit of further training and educational outcomes.

The successful applicants receiving their certificates were:•

Tess Carter - Weeroona College Bendigo, Year 10• Liam Carter - BSSC, Year 12• Brodie Valli - Eaglehawk SC,

Year 10•

Adal Zuk - Eaglehawk SC, Year 10• Georgia Radford - BSSC, Year 12• Maryanne Thalasinos - BSSC,

Year 12

Congratulations to those students who have received these scholarships.


SOCIAL ENTERPRISESCommercial Services and Australian Disability Enterprises

BAE operates two social enterprises that provide ongoing employment for people with disability - PepperGreen Farm Catering and PepperGreen Farm Enterprises. Along with Access Contractors, BAE’s labour hire arm, these businesses provide employment for over 60 people with disability in an environment that promotes skill development and achievement of personal outcomes.

PepperGreen Farm Enterprises operates a number of commercial activities including Horticulture, Light Manufacturing, Assembly, Fleet Car Washing, Mowing and Commercial Garden Maintenance. These provide a wide variety of work options for employees and give commercial customers the option to outsource processes that are not part of their core businesses. Many business owners have experienced just how effective outsourcing repetitive tasks can be; it allows them and their staff more time to focus on dedicating their expertise to growing their business.

During the past 12 months, our hospitality social enterprise, PepperGreen Farm Catering, has focused on better meeting customer needs through the introduction of a new and improved menu as well as developing a new product line; freshly cooked take-home meals. These initiatives have resulted in improved commercial viability and an increase in the average number of employment hours per week that is offered to supported employees.

Funeral CateringMaking your arrangements easier

with a stress free, professional, sensitive service.

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New ServiceThis year saw the launch of a new service offered through PepperGreen Farm Catering, for funeral service arrangements

DISHES FOR YOU TO ENJOY:

Hot Meals - $8 each (700ml container)• Corn Beef with Vegetables• Tuna Mornay with Vegetables• Spaghetti Bolognaise• Chicken Parma with Vegetables• Amazing Meat Loaf & Vegetables• Lasagne with Vegetables• Vegetarian Lasagne with Vegetables• Lamb Chop & Vegetables• Chicken Stir Fry• Shepherds Pie & Vegetables• Steak & Onion Casserole & Rice• Roast of the week• Smoked Cod with Vegetables

BULK SAVINGS

Option 1 - 11 Meals for $80• 2 x Shepherds Pie with Vegetables• 2 x Curried Sausages with Rice• 2 x Meat Loaf with Vegetables• 2 x Tuna Mornay with Vegetables• 1 x Roast of the week• 1 x Corn Beef with Vegetables

and Mustard Sauce• 1 x Chicken Parma with Vegetables

Option 2 - 11 Meals for $80• 2 x Spaghetti Bolognaise• 2 x Stir Fry with Fried Rice• 2 x Steak & Onion Casserole with Rice• 2 x Lasagne with Vegetables• 1 x Curried Sausages with Rice• 1 x Roast of the week with Vegetables• 1 x Smoked Cod with Vegetables

FAMILY MEALS

Serves 8 - $25.00• Beef Lasagne• Vegetable Lasagne• Shepherds Pie• Steak & Onion with Rice

Mmmm...Home-made Pies - 4 for $14• 4 x Chicken Pies• 4 x Steak & Kidney Pies• 4 x Roasted Vegetable Pie• 4 x Sausage Rolls• 4 x Pasties

Slices - $10 Pack of 4• 4 x Jelly Slices• 4 x Lemon Slices• 4 x Peppermint Slices

Love our Desserts & Sweets• Sticky Date Pudding - $12• Bread & Butter Pudding - $12• Apple Crumble - $12• 6 x Date Scones - $8• 6 x Plain Scones - $8• 4 x Muffins - $8

Meals may change due to availability.

Freshly cooked take home mealsAll of our healthy meals are cooked fresh to order in our kitchen by experienced chefs. Prepared from the freshest ingredients, the meals are cooked with the same care and attention to detail as if you had made them yourself.

www.peppergreenfarmcatering.com.au • ph: 5446 1388 www.peppergreenfarmcatering.com.au • ph: 5446 1388


Social Traders continued to be an important partner and assisted us with the development of business tools to measure the success of BAE’s businesses in delivering on our strategy and a clearer understanding of our value proposition for supported employees and commercial customers.

In the past 12 months, Access Contractors continued to provide labour to other businesses through labour hire agreements. This arrangement works particularly well for businesses that have an area of operation which is proving difficult to manage or where there is a commitment to give back to the community in some way. BAE’s Access Contractors can provide a solution to these businesses whilst realising our strategy of providing employment to people with disability in integrated settings.

Our Work Training Program runs throughout the year, further supporting development of work and life skills. We hold annual Occupational Health & Safety training for all staff and pride ourselves on our safety culture.

Highlights of the year include achieving improved viability whilst also achieving employment outcomes for an increased number of people with disability compared with the previous year. We also received a positive result from the National Standards for Disability Services external audit. Auditors noted, “The service demonstrated a commitment to promote the belief and ability of supported employees to fulfil a valued role in the community through their work.”

Future focus

The year ahead is an important one for BAE as we continue to reshape operations to ensure that we are employers of choice for people with disability and that our services are relevant in the marketplace.

Our future focus includes a continued commitment to an integrated workforce of supported and non-supported employees. This model reflects the norms and trends of the general community and helps prepare people for open employment which is a desired goal for many.

Key to our strategy of providing greater choice is the recent launch of a customised employment service at BAE. This is where we place and support people with disability in another workplace, initially under a labour hire agreement. A Job Coach provides on-the-job support which is gradually phased out over a period of time. This model of supported employment is effectively an ‘intermediate labour market’. In other words, is an important stepping-stone to help people with disability move into the open workforce.

The launch of the NDIS is a major step towards a higher proportion of people with disability having access to employment support. There are challenges to be faced by Australian Disability Enterprises which are making the transition to the NDIS environment. BAE made good progress towards adapting to the new environment during the past year and with the plans for the coming year BAE will continue to be an employer of choice and provide meaningful employment to people with disability for many years to come.

Jenny Heenan

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A weekly service from farm to pantryWhy not stay healthier and help people with a disability gain valuable skills and experience!

For just $30 you can have a bag of fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce thanks to PepperGreen Farm.

PepperGreen Farm is a successful community park for horticulture, environmental education and heritage awareness.

PepperGreen Farm was originally a Chinese market garden until the 1950s, then in later years a plant nursery.

The recent discovery of a Chinese brick kiln dating from 1859, has helped retain the Chinese heritage of the site.

PepperGreen Farm is operated by Bendigo Access Employment to deliver various employment initiatives under the Australian Disability Enterprises banner.

Wonderful bags of fresh, healthy produce are packed and delivered weekly from PepperGreen Farm.

At $30, these bags represent great value with about 10 items, of which three to five items are grown on site, the remaining items are sourced from around central Victoria, for example avocados from Echuca and apples from Harcourt.

Once a week, an email is sent out with a list of the fresh produce inside that week’s bag.

If you wish to purchase, you place an order via email and pick up your bag from BAE’s office in Mundy Street or from PepperGreen Farm. BAE will also deliver free to your workplace for orders of five or more. Email [email protected] to be included in the weekly mail-out.


PEPPERGREEN FARMEarlier this year PepperGreen Farm hosted 90 primary school students for a day of interactive fun and learning. Students learnt about soil health, making compost, planted seedlings and participated in making amazing collages out of foliage and flowers. A big hurrah to Ros and her team of volunteers who facilitated a memorable and inspirational experience for the children.

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JOB EXPO BENDIGOThere were many organisations involved in the steering committee for this event, including staff from BAE.

“The hard work, dedication, and innovation of Diane Finch, Angela Brown and Lisa Ruffell had an immense impact on the success of the event, and their ability to recognise an issue and solve it was invaluable.

I would like to personally endorse all of these incredible staff members for their passion, ability and know-how, both in the steering committee and especially on the day.

I have and will continue to make sure that everyone is aware of the major part that Access had in this event, and how much this shows their commitment to the community and their clients.

In this time of funding insecurity, difficult operational environments and a highly competitive marketplace, I believe that it is in everyone’s best interest to work together towards common goals, to our mutual benefit, and the benefit of the community. In this regard, I will always be happy to discuss future mutual programs, and look forward to working with your excellent organisation at any available opportunity.

Once again, may I extend my personal thanks to Access Employment and the fantastic staff at the Bendigo Office for their involvement and expertise.”

Chris Moore Chair, Job Expo Committee

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OUR SHED“ Everyone is equal… Everyone has a purpose… and Everyone is welcome.”

The Road to Social Inclusion

Since our inception in 2010, Our Shed has upheld the following credo… “Everyone is equal… Everyone has a purpose… and Everyone is welcome”

Our Shed was established early in 2010 as a community assistance centre after the devastating Black Saturday bush-fires in 2009.

Earlier this year Our Shed joined forces with Bendigo Access Employment to further reinforce the link between training and employment organisations.

Today, as part of BAE, Our Shed continues to support people living with a disability and disadvantaged people through community programs and vocational pathways, promoting social inclusion while boosting confidence and developing skills.

Our Shed is a purpose-driven organisation focussed on strengthening the community, embracing diversity and empowering individuals towards greater independence.

Our Shed offers a range of activities for the community from woodworking, community gardening through to art.

Accredited training and pathways to employment are now part of the suite of services the community can access.

Weekly programs and activities enable people to expand their life-skills and experience.

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Weekly Woodwork and ArtEach week people have the opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy the social experience of being part of hands-on woodwork and art workshops. These are attended by people from the general community, many living with a disability.

In Woodwork, participants are able to take part in group projects where the aim is to build an item for a specific purpose - a fund raiser for our site. These projects are a good opportunity to strengthen the capacity of individuals to work as part of a team. Along with the group projects, participants also enjoy working on individual projects throughout the year and proudly taking them home upon completion is a highlight.

In Art, participants are encouraged and supported to discover their own particular style using mediums that they enjoy working with. A talented group of artists act as tutors to ensure great outcomes for participants. These workshops provide participants opportunities to further their life-experiences through entering various exhibitions around Victoria, to sell their work, and work towards building their own client bases as outlets for their art.

Kindling EnterpriseSince 2010 Our Shed has been working to build a social enterprise selling bags of kindling made from recycled wooden pallets.

We have customers throughout Bendigo, and further afield in Dunolly, Bealiba, and Heathcote.

The activity of producing bags of kindling is quite labour intensive, however it provides a great opportunity for people to work as part of a team, and contribute to ‘the whole’ with the income generated supporting the work of Our Shed.

SECURING OUR SHED’S FUTUREThe Anglican Church in March 2015, handed over the operation of Eaglehawk community centre, Our Shed, to Bendigo Access Employment.

Our Shed was previously operated by New Horizons Welfare Services, an organisation of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo.

It was established in the wake of the 2009 bushfires and provides participants, many who live with a disability, an opportunity to work together, share skills and develop new friendships.

The transfer was announced at a morning tea involving Our Shed volunteers and representatives from Bendigo Access Employment and New Horizons.

Chair of New Horizons, Bishop Andrew Curnow said the transfer ensured a sustainable future for Our Shed.

“It’s grown to a point where we don’t have the management or the infrastructure to sustain it,” Bishop Curnow said.

He said that Bendigo Access Employment was a good fit because it had more resources in training and disability care.

“I think the role of the church is to identify needs in the community and start something, but whether we’ll stay sustaining it forever and day, I don’t think is necessarily our role,” Bishop Curnow said.

“It’s not because we want to leave Eaglehawk, we will continue to focus on how we can serve the community of Eaglehawk.”

About 80 people use Our Shed every week and participate in programs including art classes, woodwork and making kindling.

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Operational manager Mark Polsen, CEO Dr. Michael Langdon and Bishop Andrew Curnow


OUR SHED CONNECTS TO RTOAn exciting development in 2015 has been the offering of the Certificate I in Transition Education to 12 participants, on a Thursday. This day had been typically activity free over the last few years, so this was a perfect time to be able to support our participants with gaining valuable skills that assist them in seeking new vocational and training pathways. The training has been based around art and design skills and basic wood manufacturing skills, as a pathway to employment.

An exciting spin-off to the RTO sessions has been the employment opportunity we have been able to offer to three of our volunteers. We have employed two as trainers and another as a teacher aid with the possibility of another volunteer to be employed if interest and numbers continue to grow.

Supporting Our Shed

Supporting ideas for the establishment of micro-businesses has always been on our Our Shed’s agenda. As a site, that fosters social inclusion, volunteer work & vocational pathways, it has been important that our programs and activities are not seen as necessarily ends in themselves.

With the understanding that it would be difficult for us to employ many people from our volunteer base, the focus has moved to creating opportunities to explore possibilities and support the establishment of individual income streams however small.

With Our Shed claiming a small contribution form sales, these micro-businesses will enable participants to supplement their pension incomes and build self-confidence, and a sense of achievement.

To date, we have supported one participant to this end in building a small income from potted plants, with another project currently underway involving a small group building wheel-chair cup-holders.

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Twelve Arts ExperienceSix excited artists, along with three carers and two parents travelled to Hobart last month for a long weekend.

Even the initial plane trip proved exciting as some of the group had never been on a plane before.

Highlights of the weekend included a visit to the world famous Mona Gallery, a trip around Salamanca Markets and an excursion to the Tasmanian Devil sanctuary.

The weekend provided plenty of happy memories and stories for all those present and we have heard heaps of positive feedback from families and carers since.

The trip was mainly funded by City of Greater Bendigo, who strongly support the work of Twelve Arts at Our Shed. The emphasis was on broadening horizons and creating an experience centred around art. From all reports this was definitely achieved.


TRAININGSummary

BAE’s two Registered Training Organisations, Victorian Occupational Training Educational Services (VOTES), and Continuing Education Bendigo (CEB) have effectively merged and now offer a wide range of training programs to a diverse group of clients in the Bendigo region and increasingly across Victoria, Nationally and with a strong International intent.

The RTO restructured its operations at the commencement of 2015 to ensure it was able to meet the challenging external environment and provide a strong platform for continued growth. A new leadership team is developing capability and capacity to support staff teams to provide innovative VET programs

Operating Environment

The operating environment for vocational training in Victoria continues to provide challenges to training organisations, as the availability of government subsidised training for individuals becomes more targeted to areas of labour skills shortages and requires clear and client focused advice regarding career choices and individual funding eligibility.

All 2015 students were enrolled in the VOTES RTO, using an upgraded student management system. Continuing CEB students were transferred to the single RTO – VOTES. Registration for VOTES was successfully transferred from the Victorian Regulator, VRQA, to the National Regulator, Australian Skills Quality Association (ASQA). Additionally, registration has been extended until 2022, providing certainty for clients and students.

RTO Clients and Operations

Clients of the RTO include our own employees within our Australian Disability Enterprises; employees of other ADE and clients of disability service organisations seeking skills training, vocational training students in Secondary schools, local people within the Bendigo region and students seeking training through our partnerships across the state.

International opportunities are being sought in SE Asia through a local marketer who undertook an 8 week internship at our RTO sites in Bendigo, prior to returning to Bangkok to seek local training opportunities for BAE. Two staff were part of an international delegation to Indonesia hosted by the Australian Council of Private Education and Training, meeting partner higher education and VET providers in Indonesia.

Special Interest and professional skills training over the last 12 months has increased by 30% in the number of people enrolling in both accredited and non-accredited training. There has been a range of new courses that have been successful including Drawing, Language subjects and professional business courses such as Microsoft Office training. Hospitality short courses have been well supported through Job networks and Secondary schools.

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Case Study

RPL program - St Arnaud - Aged Care training

The RTO was approached to provide a flexible Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) service to 25 students in St Arnaud who had previously had certificates withdrawn by a local training provider who had ceased its registration. A supportive local process occurred using industry engagement and individualised service, supported re-certification of the majority of students. High levels of student satisfaction have resulted from this service

Malcolm Macpherson


Short Accredited courses continue to grow with First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis continuing to show strong demand.

Our local staff team has strong history of working in the community with people with disabilities who seek skills to improve their work opportunities and their daily life situation. We continue to be recognised as a specialist provider of training for people with disabilities and maintain a strong recognition within the regional and wider community for our supportive approach and innovative practice in those programs

We continue to provide vocational education and training to Secondary school students completing certificate level qualifications. The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria provides strong support for these programs - staff work across Victoria to provide in - school service and support services to support the delivery of quality vocational training. A number of Government schools are also supported through this auspicing process.

A web based school portal has been developed in 2015 to allow school based trainers to readily access documentation, complete and return electronically to VOTES, reducing unnecessary printing , copying and return processes.

The RTO continues to gain efficiencies in quality assurance systems, training support processes and in managing the growth in business scale to ensure that the RTO remains vibrant, innovative and financially viable into the future.

We provide key management of the RTO processes through a team of key relationship managers. Partners are often working in community settings supporting those suffering disadvantage due to unemployment, lack of career opportunities or disability. Training programs that support partner clients include programs in, community services, work education and transition education.

Case Studies – demonstrating supportive and innovative approaches to training

Knoxbrooke Industries Partnership Mt Evelyn

A partnership with an Australian Disability Enterprises service, employing over 100 supported employees in wholesale nursery and landscaping services in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne has linked BAE’s training skills and VET program management services to the enterprise need to have supported employees more highly trained to gain improvements in safety, team work, workplace communication and employability skills. Additionally BAE specialist staff are providing an external assessor service to in-house training in Certificate 4 in Disability to supervisory staff of Knoxbrooke

Windarring Services - Kyneton , Gisborne Castlemaine

An accredited training program for 18 employees of Windarring’s copy centre businesses has provided local onsite training for supported employees. We were able to negotiate a program meeting local operational needs, ensuring minimal loss of work time whilst strengthening employee’s capabilities

Partnership with Disabled Winter Sports Australia

The RTO has formed a partnership with DWA to train volunteers to work with people with a disability in snow based sports - volunteers are completing a

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Luke AshlinI am Luke Ashlin, a CEB student from 2014.

I was successful in being awarded Foundation Student of the Year, proudly sponsored by Bendigo Weekly.

Luke was asked the question how do you feel about winning this award?.. “l feel glad , happy and think the trainer is nice.”

Luke has been very busy making a moneybox, which is in his room, and is very proud of this. Luke also stated “I’m working on making a clock now for mum, l love woodwork.

Darren McNamara said “Luke has enjoyed accredited training with a focus on woodwork as a practical skill, and it was a pleasure teaching him. I would also like to thank Bendigo Weekly for their support in the student award.”

Case Study

Cleaning Operations Training - Darwin

The RTO was contracted to provide training to 12 Indigenous job seekers over a two week program in Darwin. A staff member worked intensively over the period with 8 participants completing a Certificate II in Cleaning Operations. Three students received employment offers in the cleaning industry prior to on completion of the course.


Certificate IV in Disability Services, with a component of practical training and assessment occurring in the snow fields.

Future Challenges

Particularly with the merge of the major local public provider Bendigo TAFE with Kangan Institute, market share within our primary region is keenly contested. Working closely with industry and training partners in other regions and markets, alternative revenue sources, national and international opportunities will be the future growth base of the RTO .

The major review of the VET funding system being undertaken by the government in late 2015 will again provide operational challenges, as funding rates, eligibility criteria, quality ratings for providers linked to audit satisfaction, are all likely outcomes of the review and will provide challenges and opportunities for BAE.

BAE’s RTO Staffing will remain flexible, vocationally focused and client – supportive. Key accountabilities for staff are in place that will continue to drive quality outcomes for clients. Systems are to be further refined to maintain cost competitiveness whilst assuring quality of training systems.

Malcolm Macpherson

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Testimonial“I am Lovella Kita, a CEB student from June-November 2014. I successfully completed Certificate III in Aged Care and feel honoured to be awarded as BUPA Aged Care Studies of the Year.

My journey started the day I decided to be a personal carer. I feel this training has been a great way to learn in a supportive environment with a great trainer, beautiful, welcoming, friendly classmates which we together created a happy environment. They were like family to me.

Aside from the fun and interactive learning inside the classroom, I was also lucky to experience what it’s like to be visually impaired. It was one of our class activities I enjoyed the most. It made me appreciate and be more compassionate to visually impaired individuals.

Also what I enjoyed the most about this course is the way it was run by the trainer (Jeff Lea) and his inclusive approach, involving everyone in group conversation when explaining each topic and activity. Each unit was very well explained and I was given every opportunity to learn. He has great knowledge, wisdom and was approachable at any time. He is a great mentor, teacher & role model.

BUPA has given me opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. My 3 week placement helped me gain needed work experience in the “real world”, the staff were friendly and understanding. Most residents are nice and interesting. I appreciate the huge support from my trainer, colleagues and staff at BUPA. They gave me a sense of being part of the industry and community in general.

Overall it has been an amazing journey in my life. Thanks CEB!”

Lovella Kita

Left to right: Certificate IV in Disability students Zoe Gerardson, Elliott Gaynor, Alice Newman and Tess Teychenne at Smiggin Holes, Perisher resort.

Shannon Dallas, two-time world champion sit-skier and DWA Trainer works with a sit-ski student at Thredbo resort.


STAFF PROFILEAngela Brown

Angela Brown is part of the Bendigo Access Employment team in the position of Reverse Marketer. Angela brings her calm and confident approach to the workplace.

Angela comes with a background in Reverse Marketing from previously working with the remote Indigenous communities of Broome.

Thriving on different challenges and opportunities, Angela embraced the chance to work within the disability field with BAE. Through her work Angela builds relationships between job seekers and potential employers; essentially being a bridge on the road to employment. This position allows Angela to grow professionally, surrounded by the supportive and flexible teamwork environment of BAE.

“I love my team; we get along so well, it’s a pleasure to come to work every day,” says Angela

This job satisfaction is also due to her clients; every day is a different client and situation offering unique opportunities to help.

“I love seeing people succeed in their chosen employment. It is a very rewarding part of my job.”

As part of this year’s Jobs Expo Committee, Angela assisted in the establishment of the successful Expo held on 11th March 2015.

“I was proud to be a part of the expo which showcased employment opportunities within the Bendigo region.”

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Long Service Awards

Kevin Brown Course Co-ordinator (Aged Care) RTO 10 years in February 2015

Paul Derby Caretaker and Maintenance Officer 15 years in September 2015

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

Division StaffRTO ......................................... 76

Employment Services (ES) ........ 13

Corporate Services (CS)............ 12

Social Enterprises - Includes Our Shed (SE) ............. 30

Supported Employees (S Emp) .................. 46

ES

CS

RTO

S EmpSE

FINANCIAL REVIEW

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INCOME as at 30/06/2015

22% DEEWR $1,374,8359% FAHCSIA $582,86148% RTO $2,988,54514% Social Enterprises $853,0904% PGF Catering $218,8763% Other Income $166,105Total $6,184,312

RTO

SE

DEEWR

OtherPGF Catering

FAHCSIA

2015

INCOME as at 30/06/2014

25% DEEWR $1,078,78511% FAHCSIA $477,83232% RTO $1,378,04117% Access Cont $757,7816% Hospitality/Catering $243,9459% Other Income $401,370Total $4,337,754

RTO

Access Cont DEEWR

OtherHospitality Catering

FAHCSIA

2014

Balance Sheet as at 30/6/15

50% Total Assets $4,028,11015% Total Liabilities $1,200,54835% Equity $2,827,562

Balance Sheet as at 30/6/14

50% Total Assets $3,467,20412% Total Liabilities $831,89438% Equity $2,635,310

2015Total Liabilities15%

Equity35%

Total Assets50%

2014Total Liab.12%

Equity38%

Total Assets50%

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-25Jul - Sep 2012

Oct - Dec 2012

Jan - Mar 2013

Apr - Jun 2013

Jul - Sep 2013

Oct - Dec 2013

Jan - Mar 2014

Apr - Jun 2014

Jul - Sep 2014

Oct - Dec 2014

-18 -21 -14 -6 -6 -2 -5 0 13 20

BAE’S Employment & Services 4 Star Rating

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Bendigo Access Employment29-33 Mundy Street, Bendigo, Victoria 3550

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www.accessemployment.com.au

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VOTES B1488O15S AIMS B1677148X

PepperGreen Farm B1733113M

ABN 51 627 404 049 • Reg. No. A0024458K

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