40
OUTWARD BOUND AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2015
OUTWARD BOUND AUSTRALIAANNUAL REPORT 2015
Contents
Our Story 2
Message from the Chairman 6
Message from the Acting CEO 8
Board of Directors 12
Our Team 15
Our Operations 18
Programs 18
Training 22
Safety 23
Australian Outward Bound Development Fund 27
Funding and Program Partners 28
Financial Position and Performance 29
Treasurer’s Report 29
Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2015 30
Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2015 31
Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 June 2015 32
Our Appreciation 34
OUR STORY
Outward Bound Australia has been operating in Australia since 1956. As we finalise the 2015 financial year and approach our 60th anniversary in 2016, we remain focussed on delivering our mission to help people discover, develop and achieve their potential.
We are an independent, not-for-profit outdoor education organisation and are appreciative of the support of our Foundation Members, employees, community and program partners, donors and sponsors. In FY 2015 we delivered programs for schools, community groups, individuals, families and corporate groups and extended our impact working with disadvantaged youth and adults.
Our charitable arm the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund, which has deductible gift recipient status, raises and distributes funds to assist young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in our programs.
As part of the International network of Outward Bound schools we are held to the highest worldwide standards of safety and quality in outdoor education.
Our MissionOur mission is to provide challenging experiences that help people discover, develop and achieve their potential.
Our PurposeOur purpose is to operate as an independent educational organisation to foster personal development through experiential and outdoor education for the purpose of enhancing social skills and awareness, self-reliance and resilience, resourcefulness, self-motivation and social responsibility.
Our Social ImpactWe aspire to reach across Australia so that more young people experience a holistic education at a critical developmental phase in their lives that helps them realise their potential to contribute to building a positive society as well-rounded, resilient, responsible and adaptable, passionate and compassionate people.
Our Values • Human Potential – Striving to be the best we can be.
• Integrity – Being true to yourself and others – having the courage to honour your values and commitments.
• Responsibility – To self, others and the environment. To be accountable for your decisions and actions.
• Resilience – The determination to persevere through adversity and challenge, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Compassion – Caring for others and accepting the differences of people in our diverse global community.
• Service – Service beyond self for the betterment of others and the environment.
2 Outward Bound Australia
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR YEAR
7BOARD
MEMBERS
118PROGRAMS
26FUTURE OUTDOOR
EDUCATORS ENROLLED IN THE CERTIFICATE IV IN OUTDOOR RECREATION
6,737PARTICIPANTS
8DELIVERY AREAS
ACROSS AUSTRALIA
164EMPLOYEES
$494,544 OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS
11SPONSORED
PROGRAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
77SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
442GROUPS OF
PARTICIPANTS
$561,407 RECEIVED IN DONATIONS
278PARTICIPANTS
RECEIVED FINANCIAL
ASSISSTANCE
Annual Report 2015 3
National Base Reopening
Outward Bound Australia established its National Base at Tharwa in 1979, after operating programs from Fisherman’s Point on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney since 1956. Over the last 36 years we have operated successfully from Tharwa as our national headquarters and training centre, and base camp for our ACT operations.
In 2009 it was identified that the original facilities in Tharwa required a major upgrade, and a fundraising initiative was launched to fund this infrastructure project. With the generous support of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, the Thyne Reid Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trust, James N Kirby Foundation and Boral Limited, works commenced to redevelop our National Base in 2012.
In October 2014 the project was finalised with improvements made to our student and staff accommodation, administration facilities and kitchen and dining hall. On 20 October 2014 we were pleased to welcome our friends, supporters and our Patron, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), the Governor-General of Australia who officially reopened our National Base and congratulated past and present staff on their valuable contribution to the wellbeing of young Australians and the Australian community at large.
His Excellency General the Honorable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) accepts a Blue Peter Pin from Marilyn Newport, Acting CEO of Outward Bound Australia
Since 1979, staff of Outward Bound Australia have contributed to many landscaping and improvement projects at our National Base in Tharwa
Building the “Taj” - the first solid staff accommodation at Tharwa - in 1982
“It was amazing, I learned so much and will keep the memories that I had here forever” – Liam, Australian Alps Navigator Participant
“It was the hardest but best thing I could have done with my life” – Dylan, Australian Alps Navigator Participant
Annual Report 2015 5
6 Outward Bound Australia
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Outward Bound Australia (OBA) experienced both highs and lows during FY 2015 but has emerged in a strong position for the future.
Sales were around 5% down on the prior year and 10% down on expectation respectively. Whilst costs were in line with the prior year margins reduced and OBA made an underlying deficit of a little over $200k compared to a $100k surplus in the prior year. This was a disappointing outcome. Improved results are expected in FY 2016 as increased focus and resources are being directed to achieving stronger sales and participant numbers.
OBA recorded a consolidated deficit of $52k in FY 2015.The consolidated result includes revenues/tied interest from Building Fund Disbursements. Cash flow for the year was minus $91k after Building Fund spend of $177k and Debt Repayment of $139k.Closing Bank Debt was zero and closing cash was $365k.
OBA delivered over 40,000 participant days in FY 2015 with no major safety incidents. This was a good outcome. However, medical and general incident rates were up on the prior year and there is work to be done to ensure that safety outcomes are as good as we would like them to be.
Australian Outward Bound Development Fund had a good year. Donations of $527,476 were received and $494,544 was provided in Scholarships to 278 participants with students drawn largely from regional communities and with less privileged backgrounds. The Third Link, Coal and Allied, AOBDF Perpetual Donors (mostly existing and ex Board members), the Gandel Foundation, NSW Lions clubs and Geoffrey White were major sponsors during the year. This enabled us to deliver National Aspiring Leaders Summits and community based and customised programs for clients such as the Smith Family, AIME, Beacon, Karralika and many others.
Benjamin Farinazzo, our CEO, became ill in October last year and did not return to OBA. We wish Ben well for the future and thank him for his significant contribution over two and a half years. During that period we completed the upgrade to facilities at National Base, developed with Social Ventures Australia a framework to better understand and measure the social impact of our programs and commenced work on a new strategic plan.
Marilyn Newport, our CFO, acted as CEO from October 2015 through August 2015 and did a wonderful job. Whilst sales and the bottom line were under pressure during this period the Senior Leadership Team worked together very effectively and put in a great effort. Great to see that our senior team can make it happen when the tide is running against them.
Annual Report 2015 7
Our Patron, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) opened our new $1.5m facilities upgrade at Tharwa in October 2014. Whilst heavy rain restricted the Governor-General’s visit of the site he expressed enthusiasm and support for our activities and the desire to visit us again. Thanks again to the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, the Thyne Reid Foundation, John T Reid Trust, the James N Kirby Foundation and Boral Limited for their significant financial contributions to our upgraded National Base.
The Board travelled to our operational base at ‘Booramby’ in Victoria in March to meet with the team and to have a look at the new facilities. Our thanks to the Heyhoe family for so generously enabling us to construct our new Base on their property.
In April, we hosted the Outward Bound International (OBI) Board and the OBI Operations Committee. This was the first time the OBI Board had met in Australia. Delegates from Outward Bound Schools from England, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Costa Rica and Hong Kong experienced a three day walk through the Australian Alps and to the top of Mount Kosciuszko followed by two days of Operations and Board meetings in Sydney. This was a very value adding visit for all and going forward we will build on the closer relationships formed and insights gained.
Jon D’Almeida our new Chief Executive Officer, and his wife Margarita, joined us on September 1. Jon joins us from Outward Bound Hong Kong where he was the Executive Director for the past 12 years. Prior to that Jon was the Executive Director of Outward Bound South Africa for 10 years and the Director of Outward Bound New Zealand for six years. Jon is also the Chairperson of the Operations Committee of OBI and is a board member of the Association of Experiential Education. As our CEO, Jon will have overall responsibility for leading Outward Bound Australia and for ensuring that we continue to help more people to discover, to develop and to achieve their potential.
Rod Pearse OAMChairman
8 Outward Bound Australia
MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING CEO
Outward Bound Australia has navigated a difficult financial year, but a very rewarding program delivery year. We delivered challenging outdoor education experiences to over 6,700 participants over more than 41,000 participant days with no major incidents.
Although not able to deliver an operating surplus in FY 2015, we have had strong cash flow, reduced our long term debt, consolidated our balance sheet with further improvements to National Base in Tharwa, invested substantially in new gear and equipment and continued to invest in professional development for staff and students through staff appraisals and our Registered Training Organisation. Through our charity The Australian Outward Bound Development Fund, we received $527,476 in donations and provided $494,544 in scholarships to 278 participants and students from regional communities and disadvantaged backgrounds.
We have been running our seven-day National Aspiring Leaders’ youth leadership program in partnership with The Smith Family since 2007. The importance of the program to future community leaders meant that when funding for this year wasn’t available, we asked our Perpetual Fund donors to release monies for the program. The request was met with unanimous support and a very successful program was conducted in June 2015 for 31 eager and grateful participants.
We were excited to welcome our Patron, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) to Tharwa in October 2014 to commemorate the re-opening of our updated facilities which have finally been completed. We are very grateful to the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, Thyne Reid Foundation, John T Reid Trusts, James N Kirby Foundation and Boral for their significant financial contributions to the project.
Board Members and Senior Leadership Team members travelled to our base in Victoria to officially open the Booramby Shed in March. This large industrial shed provides welcome storage and administration facilities for our team in Victoria.
Through the challenges of 2014–15, the Senior Leadership Team have worked hard to deliver the principles of character development, leadership and a sense of service as developed by our founder, Kurt Hahn. Immense thanks must go to our Senior Leadership Team and to all staff at Outward Bound Australia who deliver life changing experiences to help people discover, develop and achieve their potential.
In 2016 we will celebrate 60 years of Outward Bound in Australia. We look forward to sharing this significant milestone with you.
Marilyn Newport Acting Chief Executive Officer
“There is more to us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less.” – Kurt Hahn
Annual Report 2015 9
“Challenging in the best possible ways to discover my true potential” – Nicola, Scenic Rim to River Participant
Annual Report 2015 9
“The experience was tough, painful and tiring. But if you are willing to try and take the lead the other things slip to the back of your mind” – Arielle, Snowy River Navigator Participant
10 Outward Bound Australia
Partnership with the Lions Clubs of Australia
Outward Bound Australia has had a time-honoured history with the Lions Clubs of Australia, spanning back to our very first course in 1956. This inaugural program included young Australians sponsored by the Sydney and Lismore Lions Clubs.
Sharing a strong ethos to serve and make the world a better place, the relationship between our two organisations has developed and expanded over the last 59 years. Lions Clubs across Australia support a significant number of participants on our public programs, which are designed to challenge and empower youth in the local community.
At the completion of their programs, participants are invited to write to or speak at their local Lions Club to share their adventures and stories of personal development.
Thank you Lions Clubs of Australia for your long term commitment to Outward Bound Australia and the immense impact your ongoing support has had on many young Australians.
“Words cannot begin to explain how grateful I am to you for sponsoring me. I thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart. I have learnt so many new and useful skills that I can now use and share in my everyday life. I have learned about goal setting, teamwork and leadership, giving me a new and better approach to life. I am now a more open and confident person who is happy and grateful for the life I have.” – Gabrielle, Sponsored by Northam Lions Club on South West Navigator, 2015
“Despite struggling with homesickness for the first few days of the course, I thoroughly enjoyed my time. I got to meet so many great people, who I already miss a lot, I got a chance to complete a high ropes course, climb a giant ladder, hike up the Woolbale Hills and make it to the top of Mount Pingerup. I also learnt a lot about myself and my capabilities. Throughout the course I grew into a stronger person who I know can do anything I set my mind to. Thank you.” – Keely, Sponsored by Northam Lions Club on South West Navigator, 2015
Gabrielle and Keely were sponsored by the Northam Lions Club to attend a Navigator program in Walpole, WA
12 Outward Bound Australia
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Medhurst Non-executive director
Tim has been actively involved with Outward Bound since 1977, serving as an Instructor, Operations Director and Executive Director. He initially served on the OBA Board between1996–1997
and was re-appointed in 2002. Tim has been actively involved with Outward Bound International since it was formed in 1997, initially as an Advisor, then serving on the Operations Committee and since 2008 Tim has been a Board Member of OBI. Previously a Licensed Surveyor and Glaciologist, Tim is now a Director of a number of businesses and property developments.
John Atkin Non-executive director
John completed an Outward Bound course in 1975 and joined the Board of Directors in 2007. John is a professional non-executive director with more than 30 years’ experience in legal,
professional and financial services in Australia and Asia. John is Chairman of GPT Metro Office Fund, a Director of Aurizon Holdings Limited and IPH Limited and a member of the Board of the State Library of New South Wales Foundation. Previously, John was Chief Executive Officer of The Trust Company Limited, Managing Partner of Blake Dawson and a Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions partner at Mallesons Stephen Jaques.
Phillip Hains Treasurer
Phillip completed an Outward Bound course in 1989 and joined the Board of Directors in 2008. Phillip is the founder of The CFO Solution, a successful chartered accounting firm based
in Melbourne. Phillip has been a mentor with the Smith Family Territory Mentoring Program, is a foundation member of the 20th Man Foundation “Club 20” in Melbourne and has led many fundraising initiatives for charity including the Kokoda Trail, abseiling from the AMP building in Melbourne and the 100km Oxfam Australia Melbourne Trailwalker challenge.
Rod Pearse, OAM Chairman
Rod joined the Board of Directors in February 2003 and became Chairman in October 2003. Rod has over 40 years’ experience in business management. Rod is a Board member of Sydney Motorway
Corporation which is building Westconnex, a Board member of Infrastructure NSW and Chair of Fife Capital Funds Limited which is R.E. of Australian Industrial REIT. Rod is a past Board member of the Business Council of Australia and was CEO of Boral Limited from 2000 to 2009. Rod was awarded an OAM in 2009 for services to Youth and particularly to Outward Bound and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Annual Report 2015 13
Edwina Parsons Non-executive director
Edwina is the former Coordinator of Outdoor Education and Housemaster of Davidson House at Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill, Sydney. She has also been Acting Dean of Co-Curricular
Programs and Acting Head of Senior School. Edwina went on her first Outward Bound course in 1998 with Cranbrook in the Field. She joined the Board of Directors in 2005 and is the chairperson of the Outward Bound Safety Advisory Committee. Edwina leads treks with World Youth Adventures and World Expeditions.
Christopher White Non-executive director
Christopher first experienced Outward Bound when he attended a company sponsored 26-day course in 1986. Christopher’s family has been involved with Outward Bound, both directly and indirectly
for over three generations. Christopher joined the Board of Directors in 2003. Christopher is the Managing Director of Ringmer Pacific Management P/L a property investment fund manager. He has over 30 years of experience in the property industry, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been a non-executive director of the Centre for Independent Studies since 2011.
Senior Leadership Team
• Jon D’Almeida, Chief Executive Officer
• Marilyn Newport, Chief Financial Officer
• Wayne Pitts, Chief Operations Officer
• Helen Jeffs, Executive Manager Sales & Marketing
• Zoe King, Executive Manager Australian Outward Bound Development Fund (AOBDF)
• Ann Mayhew, Executive Manager Human Resources & Administration
Julie Molloy Non-executive director
Julie was reappointed to the Board of Directors in 2012 having previously served from 1997 to 2011. Julie brings over 30 years’ experience in youth and community development and non-profit management.
She works with non-profit organisations on youth mentoring and training programs and social impact measurement. Previously she was Executive Director of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and held senior event management roles for Australia’s Bicentenary and the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Julie is a graduate of the UNSW’s Centre for Social Impact. As a high school teacher, Julie sailed on a tall ship across the Pacific on the youth leadership and adventure program Operation Drake.
14 Outward Bound Australia
“Explaining the experience is really difficult. The first thing that comes to mind is amazing and life changing” – Julian, South West WA Navigator Participant
OUR TEAM
We have an incredible team at Outward Bound Australia. In December 2014 we recognised the significant achievements of a number of our team members.
Scott Poad, Chairman’s AwardThe Chairman’s Award is selected by the Board of Directors and recognises the individual excellence of a staff member who has made a significant contribution to Outward Bound Australia for a specific project or period of work.
Leilah Carter, Staff Commitment Award This award is presented annually to a staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to Outward Bound Australia and has demonstrated excellence in their role over an extended period of time.
Pania Howe, Lawrence Holt AwardThe Lawrence Holt award recognises an unsung hero amongst the staff of outward Bound Australia, a person who has accelerated the organisation by example, a person without whom Outward Bound Australia would not be as strong and as rich as today.
Pabi Ojah & Mark Cordina, To serve, to strive and not to yield awards Known as “Rock & Rope” Awards, each year two or more employees are recognised for their valuable contributions and for embodying our motto “to serve, to strive and not to yield”.
Annual Report 2015 15
16 Outward Bound Australia
Young Indigenous Leadership Summit 2015
Annual Report 2015 17
In June 2015, 25 High School students from across Australia were selected to attend the Young Indigenous Leadership Summit in Tharwa, ACT. This program is a joint initiative between Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) & Outward Bound, sponsored by Perpetual Philanthropic.
Our program partner AIME nominated emerging student leaders from their mentoring programs to further grow their leadership potential during the week long program with Outward Bound Australia.
There was an excited buzz on National Base from day one. After a Welcome to Country from Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea, participants embarked on their journey. Climbing, abseiling, navigating, soul-searching, exploring personal values and the development of individual community projects were on the agenda.
The visit of inspirational guest speaker Cleveland McGhie, a local Aboriginal Raiders NRL player and AIME Mentor was a big highlight. Participants harnessed all this energy and inspiration in the development of their community projects and presentations in front of a guest panel, which included Melina Saunders, AIME Program Manager ACT and former Australian under 21 netball player.
The program was a tremendous success with an impromptu traditional dance around the dinner table, many belly laughs, big smiles and newfound aspirations for themselves and their communities back home.
Visit outwardbound.org.au/news/video/ to watch the spectacular footage from the Outward Bound Australia Young Indigenous Leadership Summit.
OUR OPERATIONS
PROGRAMSIn FY 2015 Outward Bound Australia delivered 118 programs to 6,737 participants across Australia. There were 41,042 participants days delivered by our instructors from areas which included our permanent bases at Tharwa in the ACT, Uki in Northern NSW, Walpole in WA, the Snowy River region in Victoria and mobile areas including Cooleman in the NSW Highlands, Fisherman’s Point on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney and the Clarence and Nymboida Rivers in NSW. Our annual Summit to Sea ran for 26 days in January 2015 from Tharwa ACT across scenic and challenging terrain, over Mount Kosciuszko and along the Snowy River to Victoria’s south coast.
Throughout the year we received some fantastic and very inspiring feedback from our clients especially those involved with our community programs. This reflects the effort, time and passion the operational staff dedicate to the participants on programs and we are very grateful to everyone involved.
Schools groups made up the majority of our programs and ran from three days to a more challenging 12 days. Participants from over 70 schools from both urban and regional areas were challenged to undertake journey based programs aimed at developing human potential, integrity, resilience, responsibility, compassion, community service and environmental awareness.
This year we introduced several very successful new programs. Our first Discover program was run in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. This is a public program for adults who want to try the outdoors, maybe for the first time, and challenge themselves to achieve success. We also ran several new programs in conjunction with community partners: a course in Western Australia for Indigenous young women in conjunction with the David Wirrpanda Foundation; a program in the ACT with Karralika for people working through drug and alcohol rehabilitation; a Wesley Mission Residential Care program in Victoria and a program in the ACT for Muslim girls from Kogarah High School.
We continued to run our seven day leadership expedition program for schools from the Hunter Region which was funded by Rio Tinto; a Young Indigenous Leadership Summit program with Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) funded by Perpetual; National Aspiring Leaders’ program in ACT funded by Third Link Investment Managers; a NSW Regional Community Program funded by Boral; Menslink in ACT and Greater Melbourne Youth Leadership program in Victoria funded by several individuals.
We are very grateful to the individuals, companies, trusts and foundations who funded these programs and gave participants life-changing experiences; opportunities for personal growth and the ability to take those skills back to their own communities to help others.
In FY 2016 we are very excited to welcome several new schools from Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. We look forward to continuing our mission to serve, to strive and not to yield.
Young Indigenous Leadership Summit participants and Outward Bound Australia staff with Melina Saunders, AIME Program Manager ACT and former Australian under 21 netball player, on the final day of their program
Brisbane Boys College
Annual Report 2015 19
During FY 2015 a new partnership was formed between Outward Bound Australia and Brisbane Boys College to deliver outdoor education programs for their Year 9 and Year 10 students.
The participants and school staff experienced the beauty and challenges of the Tweed Valley with highlights including single track mountain biking in the rainforest, mist covered early mornings canoeing in the pristine Tweed River catchment and summiting Mt Warning.
This was the first significant outdoor program for these young adults and the school’s goal to “Build Capacity” was at the forefront. The experience focused on Self-Discipline, Integrity, Resilience, Positive Relationships and Community Mindedness.
The outstanding feedback and positive impact of the programs from students, teachers and the school was a testament to the efforts of the joint partnership. We look forward to welcoming Brisbane Boys College students back next year.
20 Outward Bound Australia20 Outward Bound Australia
“Challenging in the very best sense of the word, Outward Bound has expanded my thinking and horizons.” – Matthew, Rainforest Discover Participant
Annual Report 2015 21
Ingrid, Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation Student
Eight months of adventure. Of fun, laughter and tears. Of being pushed to your absolute limit and of realising that you are capable of so much more than you ever imagined.
You scale cliff faces, raft some mighty white water, squeeze through muddy caves, navigate some brilliant spurs, get lost in a few gullies, walk the bush in the middle of the night and busk in the middle of Canberra city covered in 10 days’ worth of sweat and dirt. You walk until you think you can’t go any further, and then you keep on going. All of this with twelve other people who quickly became like a second family. We danced together, sang together, cried on each other’s shoulders countless times and laughed until we couldn’t breathe.
Ultimately, this course isn’t something you do if you want to earn a lot of money, or have your name up in lights. You do it because it’s something you believe in, something you’re passionate about. Passionate about the outdoors, about the environment, about working with people. Passionate about making a difference. On paper, what you get at the end of the eight months is a Certificate IV. But in reality what you gain is so much more than this. You gain an incredible understanding of yourself and your abilities, you gain a second family and you gain the ability to have a huge impact on the lives of other people. Pretty awesome really!
TRAININGIt was a busy year for the Learning & Development Department which manages our Registered Training Organisation (RTO), with a significant investment in quality, compliance and continuous improvement of our training delivery.
In this financial year we successfully trained 26 participants for the Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation program and many of these participants have subsequently started working as Instructors for Outward Bound Australia. The range of activities offered in our program was extensive and included: abseiling, climbing (on both artificial and natural surfaces), bushwalking, whitewater rafting, flat water canoeing, caving, environmental management, facilitation, challenge ropes courses, communication, search and rescue and safe leadership. In 2015 we extended the duration of the program from eight months to ten months to ensure that our training continued to provide best practice outcomes.
The Learning and Development Department also delivered the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment as a professional development opportunity for our instructors. Throughout FY 2015 a number of internal training blocks were also provided for our team such as ropes course, basic vertical rescue, team coordinator, course coordinator and recertification in Bronze Medallion and Leaders Wilderness Advanced First Aid.
STUDENT PROFILE – INGRID NEUMANN
22 Outward Bound Australia
SAFETY Throughout this year our risk management and safety practices have been reviewed and updated as part of our ongoing commitment to meet the highest standards of safety for all our programs in all operating areas. It is testament to this commitment that there were no major incidents during the year. The rate of incidents to participant days has remained relatively stable in all categories bar general incidents. Total incidents rates have remained relatively stable over the last five years.
In FY 2015 we have achieved a number of successes in terms of our safety standards including an update of our internal appraisals and audits. We have moved to an online incident reporting system and are continuing to improve our processes for receiving pre-program medical information.
In the coming financial year we continue a number of safety projects including a further upgrade to our National Base ropes course, the roll out of our new internal driver training system, review of GPS tracking systems and updating our manuals.
“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect and learn more about myself and I think I have learnt valuable lessons I can use in a workforce environment or school environment,” – Mia, Rainforest Navigator Participant
0 0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15
Medical
Near Miss
General
OBA incidents/1000 Pax days – last 5 years
Inci
dent
s pe
r 100
0 pa
rtic
ipan
t day
s
Annual Report 2015 23
24 Outward Bound Australia
Karralika Programs Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation helping adults and families in the ACT and surrounding regions to address their alcohol and drug dependence through residential and community-based treatment programs. Karralika’s approach to recovery is very holistic, and the Therapeutic Community Program has a strong focus on preparation for future employment and life skills training.
Earlier this year Karralika sought to collaborate with Outward Bound Australia to give clients an opportunity to venture out of their fairly structured and familiar therapeutic community environment into a safe but challenging new arena, designed to reflect the very real demands and challenges clients may encounter in mainstream society.
The seven day program, which the group dubbed “The Karralika Kamp” ran in June 2015 and included 11 residents from the Karralika Therapeutic Community, as well as two staff members. The program enhanced each participants’ sense of achievement and self-esteem and highlighted that self-determined healthy and active lifestyle choices can be fun, rewarding and safe.
“The program afforded them with a range of extraordinary esteem building opportunities to learn about themselves and to recognise their personal assets and abilities which they will be able to draw on in the future.” – Dawn Bainbridge, Manager Karralika Programs Inc. Community Programs
“It revived my faith in my personal ability and reminded me that I am completely capable of bringing good things to my life if I want to.” – Karralika Program Participant
“Outward Bound gave me the opportunity to connect with my peers, nature and myself on a level I’d never imagined. I was challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and I learnt to trust myself and others. I am so grateful for this experience of self-discovery; the memories will be with me always.” – Karralika Program Participant
Partnership with Karralika Programs Inc.
Annual Report 2015 25
“It was scary, exciting, breath taking, challenging, awesome and crazy fun. I will never forget it” – Matilda, Australian Alps Navigator Participant
26 Outward Bound Australia
AUSTRALIAN OUTWARD BOUND DEVELOPMENT FUND
Established in 2000, the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund (AOBDF) raises and distributes funds to assist young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in Outward Bound Australia programs.
In FY 2015, we raised and received $561,407 in funding and donations and granted $494,544 in scholarships. In addition to the continuing support of many individuals and grants from Trusts and Foundations, we were also strongly supported by our corporate partners who focus on community engagement in their areas of operation.
Working closely with our funding and program partners, Outward Bound Australia delivered 11 funded programs across Australia. 278 young Australians received financial assistance enabling them to participate in an Outward Bound Australia program. In addition 10 participants received funding to support their participation in the Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation.
During 2015, our partners ranged from Lions Clubs who sponsored young people from their local districts; The Smith Family who partner with us across Australia to increase the potential of young people, Boral who support the personal development of young people in the Southern Highlands and Tablelands regions of NSW; to national funders such as Perpetual and Third Link Investments, who supported students from all over Australia to attend our National Leaders’ Summits.
An exciting development was the completion of three successful new programs, including one in partnership with Karralika Programs, supporting a group of participants through drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in the ACT; Menslink, a mentoring program for adolescent males in the ACT and NSW and finally an inaugural program with Muslim girls from Kogarah High School in NSW.
“A special experience where bonds are made and walls are broken down to reveal the importance of growing individually and as part of something greater. To constantly be inspired and keep learning” – Abby, Scenic Rim to River Participant
Annual Report 2015 27
FUNDING AND PROGRAM PARTNERS
28 Outward Bound Australia
TREASURER’S REPORT
The year has been a challenging year of change. In October, the redeveloped National Base was opened by Our Patron, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and at that same time our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) commenced leave with a medical condition. We have been fortunate to have strength in the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), headed by Marilyn Newport in both Acting CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) roles.
This report covers three aspects of the Economic Entity, the Profit and Loss, Cash flow and Balance Sheet for both the Development Fund, and Outward Bound Australia (OBA) Operations.
The Development Fund received $536,476 from donations during the year. Operating costs have been held in line with the previous year at $89,783 resulting in a surplus of $446,693 available for scholarships. Scholarships of $494,544 have been awarded during the year to 278 individuals. Closing cash in the Development fund amounted to $483,326 including $352,880 as special purpose funds. The Net Asset position of the Development Fund at 30 June amounted to $451,858.
The value of the various donations received through the year cannot go without recognition as they provided an increased capacity for OBA to make a constructive impact on individuals who may not otherwise have an opportunity to participate. Thank you from OBA for allowing us to extend our reach and diversify our programs.
For OBA the turnover has been slightly below last year at $6,456,161. This is less than planned and fell short of covering the largely fixed operating cost, resulting in a Deficit from Underlying Operating Activities of $210,935. Payroll remains the largest part of the operating cost at $4,386,958, and Depreciation for the year amounted to $475,293.
The budget for 2015–16 has been soundly prepared and there is a strong sales, client management and business management team in place to ensure solid growth in the number of participants, programs and income for the coming financial year.
Cashflow from Operating Activities amounted to $759,589 and the closing cash at 30 June amounted to $364,592.
The Net Assets of the OBA at 30 June amount to $1,962,164. Included in the Net Asset position is Leasehold Improvements of $2,538,195. In 2008, for the purpose of providing bank security, a value of the then Leasehold Improvements (that is before the National Base redevelopment program) amounted to $4.3 million.
Many thanks to the Senior Leadership Team for an exceptional performance in a difficult year.
Phillip HainsTreasurer
Annual Report 2015 29
30 Outward Bound Australia
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015
ECONOMIC ENTITY OBA
2015 ($) 2014 ($) 2015 ($) 2014 ($)
Revenue from Operating Activities 6,502,223 6,986,927 6,456,161 6,824,324
EXPENSES FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Administration Expenses (558,882) (604,840) (546,492) (570,218)
Course Costs (911,331) (851,927) (911,331) (851,927)
Depreciation (475,293) (505,057) (475,293) (505,057)
Staff Expenses (4,468,480) (4,476,165) (4,386,958) (4,409,930)
Vehicle Expenses (29,529) (164,418) (29,529) (164,418)
Other Expenses (317,493) (220,066) (317,493) (220,064)
Surplus/(Deficit) from Underlying Operating Activities
(258,785) 164,454 (210,935) 102,710
REVENUE FROM NON-OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Building Fund Disbursements and tied interest
206,337 650,465 206,337 650,465
Tied Unearned Income (Interest) – (37,569) – (37,569)
Surplus(Deficit) from Non-Operating Activities
206,337 612,896 206,337 612,896
Surplus Before Income Tax (52,448) 777,350 (4,598) 715,606
Income Tax Expense – – – –
Surplus(Deficit) for the Year (52,448) 777,350 (4,598) 715,606
Transfer (to) Reserves – –
Other Comprehensive Income for the year
– – – –
Total Comprehensive Income for the Year
(52,448) 777,350 (4,598) 715,606
*This is an extract from the audited financial statements.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2015
ECONOMIC ENTITY OBA
CURRENT ASSETS 2015 ($) 2014 ($) 2015 ($) 2014 ($)
Cash and Cash Equivalents 847,918 938,136 364,592 408,782
Trade and Other Receivables 279,956 264,652 270,956 234,652
Inventories 35,764 25,283 35,764 25,283
Other 4,782 5,742 4,782 5,742
Total Current Assets 1,168,420 1,233,813 676,094 674,459
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Other Financial Assets – – 1 1
Property, Plant and Equipment 3,123,078 3,104,615 3,123,078 3,104,615
Intangibles 452,613 452,613 452,613 452,613
Total Non-Current Assets 3,575,691 3,557,228 3,575,692 3,557,229
TOTAL ASSETS 4,744,111 4,791,041 4,251,786 4,231,688
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and Other Payables 403,947 384,380 403,943 384,380
Other Financial Liabilities 151,272 357,988 110,807 298,343
Provisions 277,880 264,926 277,880 264,926
Borrowings 55,500 87,930 55,000 87,930
Fees in Advance 1,187,800 879,492 1,187,800 879,492
Total Current Liabilities 2,076,399 1,974,716 2,035,930 1,915,071
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other Financial Liabilities 74,808 135,004 74,808 135,004
Borrowings 178,883 214,852 178,883 214,852
Total Non-Current Liabilities 253,691 349,856 253,691 349,856
TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,330,090 2,324,572 2,289,621 2,264,927
NET ASSETS 2,414,021 2,466,469 1,962,164 1,966,761
EQUITY
Reserves 319,614 381,118 – –
Accumulated Surplus 2,094,407 2,085,351 1,962,164 1,966,761
TOTAL EQUITY 2,414,021 2,466,469 1,962,164 1,966,761
*This is an extract from the audited financial statements
Annual Report 2015 31
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015
ECONOMIC ENTITY OBA
CASH FLOW RELATED TO OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2015 ($) 2014 ($) 2015 ($) 2014 ($)
Receipts from customers / donations / grants
7,363,475 7,952,405 6,825,179 7,324,642
Payments to suppliers and employees (6,236,243) (6,283,014) (6,142,329) (6,172,063)
Interest received 80,870 99,327 76,739 93,940
Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities
1,208,102 1,768,718 759,589 1,246,519
CASH FLOWS RELATED TO INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment
6,104 5,452 6,104 5,452
Payment for purchases of plant and equipment
(493,757) (1,172,283) (493,757) (1,172,283)
Payment for purchases of equity business
– – –
Other (Building Fund) (177,302) (596,458) (177,302) (596,458)
Net Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
(664,955) (1,763,289) (664,955) (1,763,289)
CASH FLOW RELATED TO FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of borrowings (138,821) (29,286) (138,829) (29,286)
Transfer from Scholarship Fund to Reserve
(494,544) (499,137) – –
Net Cash Flows used in Financing Activities
(633,365) (528,423) (138,829) (29,286)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(90,218) (522,994) (44,195) (546,056)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
938,136 1,461,130 408,782 954,838
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Year
847,918 938,136 364,587 408,782
*This is an extract from the audited financial statements
32 Outward Bound Australia
“Even if you don’t get into the outdoors regularly, you should give it a go. It’s about more than that” – Locky, Pinnacle Participant
Annual Report 2015 33
OUR APPRECIATION
Thank you to our Patron, Trustee, Foundation Members, Donors, Program Partners and Sponsors for your support and/or financial contribution. We would like to express our sincere thanks for your continued commitment to Outward Bound Australia and to helping people discover, develop and achieve their potential.
Patron
His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd)
Trustee
Ian Curlewis QC
Building Fund Donors and Sponsors
Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation
Thyne Reid Foundation
John T Reid Charitable Trusts
Boral
Paul Hossack
Jan Hopkins
Complete Constructions
Network Electrical
The CFO Solution
Funding and Program Partners
Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience
Beacon Foundation
Boral Corporate
Cambooya Services
The Chapman Fund
Dick Smith Foods
Gandel Philanthropy
Greater Good Foundation
James N Kirby Foundation
Kingston Sedgfield (Australia) Charitable Trust
Lions Clubs of Australia
Marich Foundation
Menslink
NAB Community Grants
National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy
Queensland Police Service
Rio Tinto
The CFO Solution
The Fred P Archer Charitable Trust
The Smith Family
Third Link Investment Managers
Thyne Reid Foundation
The Trust Company
Perpetual Fund Donors
The Rodney Pearse Perpetual Scholarship Fund
The Peter Miller Perpetual Scholarship Fund
The William Crothers Perpetual Scholarship Fund
The White Family Perpetual Scholarship Fund
The Phillip Hains Perpetual Fund
The Marich Foundation Perpetual Fund
The John Atkin Perpetual Fund
The Fredrick Chilton Perpetual Scholarship Fund
The Ron Hatchet Perpetual Scholarship Fund
34 Outward Bound Australia
Foundation Members
Peter Acres
Andrew Aitken
John Atkin
Carlo Bongarzoni
Ed Bradley
Nicholas Burton-Taylor
Will Crothers
Ian Curlewis QC
Matthew Curtis
Mark Darby
Wayne Dyson
Brian East
Benjamin Farinazzo
Andrew Friend
Elizabeth Gerner
Thomas Gerner
Phillip Hains
Bernie Higgins
Paul Hossack
Diane Kargas
Brett Lanham
Trevor Leverington
Timothy Medhurst
Peter Miller
Loren Miller
Julie Molloy
Jocelyn Murphy
Marilyn Newport
Edwina Parsons
Rod Pearse OAM
Gillian Riches
Sam Robinson
Peter Vaughan
Sally White
Christopher White
Geoffrey White OAM
Brooks Wilson
Roger Winwood
Roger Woodward
Friends
Lionel Lovell
Margaret Folkard
Griffith Cranny
David Lyons
Donors and Sponsors
Ann Mayhew
Benjamin Goode
Brian East
Brian Friend
Brooks Wilson
Carlo Bongarzoni
David Brown
Denis O’Hare
Dylan Smith
Edwina Parsons
Greg & Ruth Smith
Helen Jeffs
James Heaney
John Atkin
Jordan Marsh
Julie Molloy
Karen Grainger
Kyle Schmidt
Lee Louttit
Lionel Lovell
Lyndon Shapcott
Margaret Sutherland
Mark Langsford
Marilyn Newport
Matilda O’Brien
Matthew White
National Library of Australia
Outward Bound Australia Employees
Pabitra Ojah
Paul Hossack
Peter Griffin
Peter Miller
Rob Brittle
Rob Stretch
Rodney Pearse
Roslyn Darton
Sally White
Sandra Anderson
Sam Robinson
Suzanne McLoughlin
The Chapman Family
The Heyhoe Families
Scarboro Toyota
Thomas & Elizabeth Gerner
William Foley
Zoe King
Annual Report 2015 35
“Outward Bound has instilled in me that teamwork, understanding and community are essential characteristics that everyone should have and also caring or raising awareness about the environment” – Shaun, Scenic Rim to River Participant
36 Outward Bound Australia
CONTACT US www.outwardbound.org.au | E [email protected] | P 1800 267 999Outward Bound Australia, Naas Road, THARWA ACT 2620
SOCIAL MEDIA
facebook.com/outwardboundaustralia
linkedin.com/company/outward-bound-australia
twitter.com/OutwardBoundAU
instagram.com/outwardboundaustralia
AUSTRALIAN OUTWARD BOUND FOUNDATION
ABN 57 000 250 635Registered Training Organisation 6874CRICOS 02376G
AUSTRALIAN OUTWARD BOUND DEVELOPMENT FUND
ABN 20 088 725 295 Deductible Gift Recipient (Item 1)
O U T D O O R R E C R E A T I O N I N D U S T R Y C O U N C I L O F
N S W I N C O R P O R A T E D
