Pregnancy & Family Support ServiceAnnual Report 2006 - 2007
1Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/2007 Our Vision, Mission And Values
Caroline Chisholm Society Pregnancy & Family Support Service
Our vision:• A Society that supports pregnancy, children and families.
Our mission:• To deliver a range of pregnancy and family support services that respond to the needs of families and supports them to achieve and maintain a safe and nurturing environment.
Our values:• We will develop services that are underpinned by the principles of:
•RespectforLife •Compassionandcaring, •Socialjustice •Empowerment •Recognitionofdiversity •AccountableBestPractice
Our Services will use approaches that are characterised by the following:
•PositivePregnancySupport •Childfocusedandfamilycentred •Connectingfamilieswithcommunities •Flexibilityandresponsiveness •Promotingsafety •Acknowledgingtheexpertiseoffamilies
Contents
Mission Statement
Our Organisation
President’sReport
CEOReport
TheProgramweoffer
a.IntegratedFamilySupport
b.Duty/Shorttermcasework/materialaid
c. Telephone counselling
d. Supported Accommodation
ThePeopleandtheirStories
NewsfromMelton,BacchusMarsh
andGoulburnValley
PostNatalDepressionGroups
TheVolunteers
The Community Supporters
FinancialReport
1
2
3
5
6
8
10
11
12
13
14
“ (Caroline Chisholm) sought to encourage people to have faith in their own courage, resilience, independence of spirit, and a desire to succeed. ”
Caring for our community
2Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
3Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
...thisAnnualReportcelebratesournewlogo–thecoloursofthelogoarewoventhrough this Report. To us the logo represents the importance of family in all of our lives - these are colours of optimism andnewlife.ThislogorepresentstheSociety as a strong supporter of mothers andbabies,fathersandmothers,andallsorts of families nurturing and supporting children. Of course, the image of Caroline Chisholmwillnotbelostfromourwork.Asyouseethewatermarkofherimageinthis Report – her spirit and philosophy of practicalsupportforfamilieswillbeourguide in the years to come.
ReviewingthepasttwelvemonthswecanbeimmenselypleasedwiththeworkoftheSociety.Fromthereportsthatfollowyouwillreadoftheincreasingnumberoffamiliesthatwehavesupportedandassisted;thewonderfulworkthatwehaveengagedinwithMcKessonAsiaPacificinthedevelopmentoftheNationalPregnancySupportTelephoneHelpline;theredevelopmentofourwebsiteandtheintroduction of the opportunity to donate orvolunteerwiththeSocietythroughtheweb;andtheworkwithourcommunitypartnersaswedevelopnewmodelsofservice delivery.
This report has a focus on the program weoffer;theplaceswework;thepeopleweassistandtheirstories;thestaffandvolunteerswhogivesogenerouslytomakeit all happen and the community groups thatsupportusinourwork.Whatagreatprivilegeitisforustosharethedifficultiesand successes of some of our clients throughtheirpersonalstories.Ithankthemforagreeingtosharethesewithus.Ithankourstaffandespecially,MaryD’EliaandDeniseLeefortheirleadershipanddedication over the past year.
As you read through these pages you willdiscoverthattheworkinwhichtheSociety’sstaffhasbeenengagedhasbeenextremelydemanding.Thefiguresalonedonottellthefullstory-wehaveseenabigincreaseinthenumberoffamiliesassistedwith‘shortterm’caseworkbutslightlyfewerwereacceptedintoourlonger-term
FamilyServicesProgram.Thereasonforthis reduction is that many families are presentingwithproblemsofincreasingcomplexity,andagreaterinvestmentoftimeisneededineachofthesefamiliesbyour staff. The social isolation, alcohol and drug related issues and family violence are serious social issues that affect our families.
This year the Society has provided large amountsofmaterialaid,answeredmanytelephone calls and supported a large numberoffamiliesinawidevarietyofways.Ourstaffistobecommendedforthe continuing dedication to its demanding work.OurSupportedAccommodationProgramhasbeenunderpressureasourstaffseektofindadequatehousingforthose families in straitened circumstances. The issue of family homelessness seems to beadeepeningprobleminthecommunity.Wewillbeworkinghardinthecomingyear to increase our housing program.
OverthepasttwelvemonthstheBoardand the Staff engaged in a series of strategicplanningmeetings.WerevisitedandreworkedanumberofprioritiesfortheSociety.WehaveestablishedaseriesofBoardSubCommitteeswhichhaveworkedseparatelyfromgeneralBoardmeetingsand fed information into our Strategic Planning.WewillpresentthisPlanattheAnnualGeneralMeetinginOctober.Wehavecriticallyassessedthecurrentworkofthe Society and its funding, the properties fromwhichweworkandthestaffingneedsnowandintotheforeseeablefuture.Wehaveusedthisopportunitytoreviewawiderangeofourcorporatedocumentsandpolicies–whilewehavealreadyachievedmuch,whichwillbereportedtotheAnnualMeeting,westillhavemuchtodo.Itisimperativethatweemploymorestaff – in the area of administration and fundraising. Of course more staff means pressure on accommodation and this issue iscurrentlybeingaddressedbytheBoard.
President’s Report
Caring for our community
Life membersMrsCBourke,MrBGuinane,MrsBNoonan,MrFSmit,MrsEBrennan,MrsMHowes,MrsHPearson,MrsPCoffey,MrsLJoy,MrsARonchi,MrsLTainton,MrsTFogarty,MrsWHunt,MrsESemmel,MrsMTaverner,MrsLGibson,MissMNapolitano,SrMSexton,MrsPWay,DrPJoshua.
Board of directorsTheSocietythanksourBoardofDirectorswhohaveshowngreatcommitmenttotheshared vision and mission of Caroline Chisholm Society, and have given freely of their time andexpertiseduring2006/07.ThefollowingareDirectorsasat30June2007:
President: Maria McGarvie Vice President: PaulWebster Treasurer:CarmelaPuopolo Secretary:FrankSmitDirectors:TeresaFogarty,MarcoCarlei,JacintaCollins,JamesDowning,WendyHuntandJohnKennedy
ManagementChief Executive Officer:MaryD’EliaClinical Services Manager:DeniseLeeHonorary Auditor:JohnAgostinelli,Level2,200LygonStreet,Carlton3053.Honorary Solicitor: MarieFaraone,14AnnesleyCrt,MtWaverley3149Bankers:Westpac,PuckleSt,MooneePonds3039 BendigoBank,CentreFairPlaza,Shepparton
StaffTheSocietythanksourstafffortheircareanddedication.Thereare22staff:8fulltime, 14 part-time, across 6 sites (Moonee Ponds,BacchusMarsh,Laverton,Sunbury,Melton and Shepparton). Staff list as at 30thJune2007:
Management: MaryD’EliaandDeniseLee.Case Work / Social Work Team: SharynCameron,KerryCross,CathFisher,VenettaGough,KaranGrieve,AnneKitchen,LitsaKyriakou,BevMather,YvetteMcCormack,MarisaMultari,SueSmith,MarieWalkerandTamaraWhite.Admin / Auxiliary staff team: MariePanzera,PamelaHaynes,DebraEvansandGwenScott.Shepparton: MargaretPrice,CeceliaEdwards,andPeitaMastin-Lundberg.
Our Organisation
Patron: DrRhondaGalbally Registered Office: 41ParkSt,MooneePonds,Vic,3039 Established: 1969
Caroline Chisholm Society Members
Board of Directors
Branch offices devel’p program
Goulburn Valley Branch
Accommodation Program
Innovations Programs
Material Aid & Duty Program (including direct client support)
Maternal & Child-health program
Education Program
Family Support Program
Cleaning & Maint
Quality Assurance
Branch MemberSupport
Fundraiser &Fundraising team
Volunteer Co-ordVol Support prog
AdministrationServices Manager
Book keeper AccountantPolicy & Research
Clinical ServicesManager
Business ServicesManager
Sub Committees of Board
Finance
Casework
Duty & Intake Staff
Pregnancy Support
MIFS
BBOFS
FIMS
Pregnancy Loss Counselling
Ante & Post NatalDespression Counselling
Property
Staff & Equip
IT & Admin
Marketing
Positions in place
Positions yet to be filled
Chief Executive Officer
From the front cover to the back page….
4Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
5Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
President’s Report (Continued)
Caring for our community
TheSocietyhasbeenfortunatethisyeartohavebenefitedfromthetalentsofadedicatedBoard.WhilstithasbeenademandingyearIbelieveithasbeenfruitfulforallinvolved.IthankFrankSmitespeciallyforhistirelessworkasSecretary.OurBoardmembersTessFogarty,WendyHunt,JacintaCollins,MarcoCarlei,PaulWebster,JamesDowning,CarmelaPuopoloandJohnKennedywhohasrecentlyjoinedus,haveallcontributedinawidevarietyofways.AlsoIwouldespeciallyliketothankthosemembersoftheBoardthathaveretiredsincemylastReport-MichaelClemensandVincentSullywhowereactivemembers-MichaelamemberoftheBoardforsevenyearsandVincentfortwo.
Boardmembersmakeupsomeofourdedicatedvolunteers,buttherearemany,manyothersandItakethisopportunitytothankthemallfortheirworkthroughouttheyear.ImakespecialmentionofLoisSpokes,alongtimememberandvolunteer,whodiedsuddenlyinJanuary.Hergenerosityofspiritwasmuchadmiredbyallwhomether.LoiswasaregularvolunteerworkeratourMooneePondsoffice.
VolunteershavealwayscontributedmuchtotheSocietyandthisisevidencedbytheworkofwomenlikeDiPennisiwhohasco ordinated a fundraising luncheon for the Society for the past several years. This grassroots support is simply marvellous.
OfcoursevolunteersarethebackboneofourGoulburnValleyBranchtooandtheirworkwhichisaugmentedbythesmallbandofpaidstaffisverymuchappreciated–specialthankstoallofthemandtheworktheycontinuetodointheShepparton area.
InclosingmysecondreportasPresidentoftheSocietyIcannotavoidtheobservationthatthereissomuchcareandwarmthdemonstratedbyourstaffandvolunteersfortheoftendifficultworkinwhichtheyareengaged.Ittrulyisaprivilegetobeapartofthisteam.MemberscanbesatisfiedwiththeworkoftheSocietythispastyear.Thereissomuchworkstilltobedoneandthesocialcontextinwhichweworkischallengingandsometimesconfusing.Butonethingisabsolutelyclear:theworkoftheCarolineChisholmSocietysupportingwomenandfamiliesinthemakingofrealchoicesabouttheirpregnancies, and providing practical and compassionate care to them once that choice is made is of critical importance.
Weonlyneedtoopenthenewspapertofindstoriesofneglectandinjurytoyoungchildren.TheTVnewstellsyetanotherstoryofafamilyunabletopaythebillsandmeet the heavy demands of parenting... andIwonderifweasacommunityhavebecomeblasé,orifotherpeople(likeme)shedatearastheytakeintherealityofthesadnessandstrugglethatsitsbehindthestorieswehearonthenewseachday.
Iwasmostinterestedinthedebatethatragedacrosstheairwaveswhenrecentlyababygirlwasabandonedoutsideoneofourhospitals.“Howcouldshe?Thepoorlittlebabydumpedbyhermother”screamed the headline of one paper, and media commentators condemned any mother“whocoulddosuchathing.”Ittooksometimeforthevoiceofreasonandcompassionforthemothertobeheard–howdifficultthismusthavebeen,wasshehomeless?Perhapssufferingdepression,orabandonedbyherpartner,family and friends. And I reflected then on howimportantourworkandmissionisatCCS,tosomanymothersandfatherswhostruggle everyday to provide their children withasafe,lovingandnurturingenvironment.
This year, the Society has continued to strongly advocate for funding for pregnancy support; arguing the critical value of good emotional and practical support throughout pregnancy and earlyparenting.Weholdmotherhoodandfatherhoodaspreciousroles,tobeencouraged and strengthened in our community.Weendeavour,throughcounselling, modeling and education, to notonlyassistparentstogaintheskillsandconfidenceneededtoraisetheirchildren,buttoalsofeelvaluedwithinthatrole.
Throughouttheyear,wehavecontributedtodebateregardingqualityprovisionofpregnancy counselling services, through oursubmissiontotheFederalGovernmentSenateInquiryinto“TransparentAdvertisingandNotificationofPregnancyCounsellingServicesBill”,inJulylastyear.Inoursubmission,wearguedtheneedforunbiased,quality,independentpregnancy
counsellingtobefreelyavailabletowomenandtheirpartners.WestatedthattheSociety“isinterestedinwomenbeingsupportedwithhonest,clearinformationaboutpregnancyoptions,ensuringthatwomenaregiventheopportunitytoexplorealloptionswithoutpressureandtimetothinkthroughconsequences.”
Withover35yearsofdomainexpertiseintheareaofPregnancyCounsellingandSupport,wewerealsopleasedtobeinvolvedwiththedevelopmentoftheNationalPregnancySupportHelplineearlierthisyear.McKessonAsiaPacific,withsub-contractedpartnersCentacareSydneyandCarolineChisholmSociety,wontheCommonwealthTenderforthisservice.Ourrolewastoworkonthedevelopmentof the Resource Manual for Counsellors, contributingourknowledgeandexpertiseinthisareaofcounselling.Ithasbeenagreatproject,withtheendproductbeingaquality,evidencebasedmanualthathasbeenofgreatvaluetoMcKessoncounsellors.
TheChildYouthandFamiliesAct2005has already had far reaching impact into theworkweundertakeinFamilyServices.UndertheAct,theSocietyhasbecomeaRegisteredFamilyServicesAgency.RegistrationbringswithitarangeofcompliancerequirementstoensurethatwemeettheQualityServiceStandardsforFamilyServiceProviders.TheActprovidesfor a range of changes to case practice inthesector,forexamplefamilyserviceworkersarenowrequiredtoutiliseanarticulatedBestInterestsPrinciple,andtoassessCumulativeHarm,whenmakingdecisions regarding children. This has resulted in an intense process of staff trainingregardingthenewprovisionsintheAct.TheActalsoprovidesforworkwithfamiliestobeprioritisedtothemostvulnerableofchildreninourcommunity,andrequiresthatagenciesworkinpartnershipwithotheragenciestoensurethebestoutcomesforchildren.Whilstthesechangeshavebeentimeconsumingandresourceintensewithintheagency,itisexcitingtobeinvolvedintheprovisionof
FamilyServicesatatimeofgreatchangeintheSector,whichwehopewillhavealasting positive impact upon the lives of young people in this State.
Aswemovetowardour40thbirthdayin2009,theBoardhasspentmuchofthis year re-assessing and re-evaluating the mission and strategic direction of the CarolineChisholmSociety.Ithasbeenanintensiveprocess,andIwouldliketothankthePresidentMariaMcGarvieandtheBoard,fortheirstrongcontributionofskills,timeandeffortacrosstheyear.Inparticular,IwouldliketothanktheBoardfor spending time listening to staff, valuing theircontribution,andsupportingstaffinthecomplexworkundertakeneachday.
IwouldalsoliketopaytributetothewonderfulstaffwehaveonboardatCaroline Chisholm Society. Our greatest resourceisourpeople,andIthankthemfortheirtirelessanddedicatedworktosupportvulnerablechildrenandfamiliesinour community.
CEO Report
Today, more than ever, the need for pregnancy and early parenting support is highlighted throughout the community.
6Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
7Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Caring for our community
Integrated Family ServicesIn 20006/2007 the Society provided services toover1900families,includingmaterialaid,parentingsupport&casework,counselling,pregnancy support, accommodation assistance, postnatal depression groups and parentingskillsgroups.
TheSocietycontinuestofocusitsworkon pregnancy and early parenting. The basicneedsoffamiliescomingtousforsupport have not really changed over the 37 years of service, though the circumstances presentingaremorecomplex.MaterialaidcontinuestobeauniqueservicethatCCSoffers to many families that are struggling withfinancialconstraints.Bassinettes,pramsandbabyclothescontinuetobethemostrequestedservicetoassistnewmothers.Many mothers receive emotional support during the time of receiving this material aid andweoftenfindthatattendingourdutyprogramprovidesthemwithknowledgethat Caroline Chisholm Society can also assistafterthebirthofthebaby.ThatinitialcontactwithmothersinthedutyprogramofCarolineChisholmSocietypavesthewayforMotherstorecontactwithoutfearofjudgementanddiscussfeeding,sleepingpatternsofbabyandtheanxietyofbeinganewmother.Thismayleadtoattendingour parenting and postnatal depression groups,shorttermcaseworkorlongertermcaseworkwithfamilies.
Thefamiliesreceivinglonger-termcaseworkarevisitedathome,whichcanmeanseveral different interventions. This can beassistingwithroutineswithbabyandmanaging the house, modelling parenting roles including the value of nutritional diets forthemotherandthebaby,workingonbudgetingissues,linkingintogroupsto overcome isolation and providing a listening ear and counselling. In general thefamiliesarepresentingwithmorecomplexneeds,suchashighlyvulnerablefamilies, and multigenerational poverty and soleparentingwhichhasimpacteduponparentingbehaviour.ForsomeofthesefamiliesitmaymeanassistingwithDoctorsappointments, organising child care and on occasionsbeasupporttothecarerwhilethey attend to family court issues.
TheSocietyhasbeenabletoprovidesupportthroughourrevitalisedVolunteerProgramanditishopefulthatvolunteers
canassistwiththestafftocontinueto provide enhanced pregnancy and familysupport,andsupportnewparentsadjustingtothenewchallengesinrearingtheirchildrenintoday’sworld.
Duty Work, Short Term Casework, Telephone CounsellingOver1560familieshavebeenassistedviaour duty system, short-term and telephone counseling services. Typically these services for families address a variety of issues including:pregnancycounsellingandsupport, post natal support, parenting strategies,financialmanagement,griefcounselling, parent-child relationships, family violence, child protection, and callers seekinginformationaboutourserviceandotherservices:
• 78%materialaid,financialsupport & counseling• 26%pregnancyrelatedcounselling, including options counselling & grief counselling • 31%parentingstrategies& relationship counselling• 32%mentalhealthissuesincluding postnatal depression. • 26%neededhousingassistance& referral
TheSocietyprovidedfamilieswithover$236,000worthofmaterialaidthisyear. All goods are cleaned, repaired and safetycheckedpriortobeinggiven,freeofcharge.Itisnotunusualthatweseeanumberofthefamiliesreturningtotheservicewithmaterialaidtodonatetoexpresshowvaluabletheyfoundthesupportandseekingtoassistothersinthesame situation
Family Services Program396familieswereacceptedintoourFamilyServicesProgram,andprovidedwithongoingpregnancyand/orparentingsupport. Of these,
• 59%(47%)ofmothersneeded assistancewithdepression&mental health issues• 56%(36%)requiredintensive parentingsupport&assistancewith good parenting strategies
• 43%(36%)neededfinancialsupport & counselling• 59%(23%)ofparentswereisolated withlittleornofamilyrelationships to provide support• 31%(21%)ofallreferralsneeded assistancewithfamilyviolenceand violent relationships• 24%(17%)receivedongoing pregnancy support
Asillustrated,andcomparingthefigurestolastyear(lastyear’spercentagesinbracketsabove),therehasbeenasignificantincreaseinfamiliespresentingwithmultipleandcomplexneeds.Withthefigurespresented,onecannotoverlooktheproblemsoccuringasaresultoffamilyconflictandbreakdown.TheneedforagencieslikeCarolineChisholmSocietycannotbeunderestimated,especiallyconsideringthelargenumberofnewfamilies that are moving into the outer areasoftheNorth/WestCorridors.
Ournewvolunteerprogramcanhelpreducetheisolationreportedbythesefamilies.Volunteersassistbymentoringandlistening,whichcombatstheisolationofthesefamilies.Parentinggroupsreducethesenseofisolationfeltbytheparents,andcanassistwithparentingandemotionalneeds.Duringtheyear,overa100familieswereinvolvedinthesegroups.
Programs We Offer
SimonSimon and his children Sam, I year, and Kathy,3years,werereferredtotheSupported Accommodation and Assistance ProgrambyhislocalMaternalandChildHealthNurse.
Followingtheunexpecteddeathofhiswife,Simonfoundhimselfparentingalone.Hespokeofhisstruggletocopewiththedemandsofparentingwhilefeelinglostinhisgrief.Hehadresignedfromhisjobtocare for the children and had accumulated largedebts,whichhewasunabletopay.Includedinthesedebtswasthecostofhiswife’sfuneral.Thefamilywasbeingevicted from their private rental property due to rent arrears. Simon felt he had nowheretoturn.Hisfamilyandfriendslivedinterstateandhefeltthathelackedtheskillsandknowledgetoraisethechildren alone.
The family moved into Transitional Housing.SimonwasreferredtoaFinancialCounsellorandlinkedtoservicesthatcouldhelpwiththefuneralexpenses.ThechildrenattendedDayCarethreedaysaweekforsocializingandplay,whileSimonattendedappointmentsanddealtwithdaily issues.
HeattendedtheSociety’sparentingclassesandgrewinconfidence,implementingadaily routine for the children and practicing
PositiveParentingtechniquesfordiscipline.Thefamilyenjoyedrecreationaloutings,ashegainedskillsinplay,educationandthegrowthanddevelopmental
requirementsofthechildren.AsSimon’sconfidencedevelopedthechildrenthrivedin a safe and loving environment. Simon gainedskillsinhouseholdmanagement,budgetingandsavings,shoppingandcooking.Heattendedgriefandlosscounselling,andjoinedasupportgroup.
Simonstudiedforhisdriver’slicenseandpurchased a small car, removing some ofthebarriersofsocialisolation.Hecompletedacomputercourseandspokeofreturningtoworkoncetheywerepermanently settled.
FollowingseveralunsuccessfulattemptstoaccesstheprivaterentalmarketSimoncompleted an application for long term housingwiththeOfficeofHousingasitwasfeltthathishistoryofrentarrearsintheprivaterentalsectormayhavebeenabarriertore-enteringthemarket.
Twelvemonthson,thefamilyhasmovedintoanOfficeofHousingpropertyinasmallcountrytown.RecentlySimonphonedtosaytheyweredoingwell;hewasworkingparttimeandhadjoinedtheCFA.Theywerefeelingsettledandthatheandthechildrenwerewellandhappy.
Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program (Housing)Throughout2006/2007therequestsforTransitionalHousingcontinuedtoexceedthecapacityoftheCCSprogram.Thedemandforaccommodationisnowaffectingthewider,privaterentalmarket.Asthedemandforhousingimpactsonthegeneralcommunity,theavailabilityofhousingandthesoaringcostsofrenthavecreatedanincreaseinthenumberoffamiliesaccessinghomelessnessservices.ItisincreasinglycommonfortheSupportedAccommodationsectortoreceiveenquiriesfromfamilieswhoareabouttobecomehomelessduetorentarrears,orrentincreases,forcingthemoutoftheprivaterentalmarket.Withagreaternumberofpeoplevyingforrentalproperties,theopportunitiesforlow-incomefamiliestoentertheprivaterentalmarketarediminishing.
ThisshortageofprivaterentalpropertiesplacesfurtherpressureontheOfficeofHousingandthepublichousingsector.CurrentlytheOfficeofHousingisrefurbishingthehighriseflatsintheInnerWestofMelbournewhichwhencompleted,willprovidemodern,openplanaccommodationformanyfamilies.Whilethiswillprovidesomerelief,along-termsolution is necessary.
8Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
9Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Caring for our community
The People And Their Stories
KaranFamily Support Worker
KaranhasbeenworkingintheSunburyareaasaFamilySupportWorkerforover14yrsnowandhashadtheopportunitytoformaverygoodsupportnetworkwithlocalcommunityservices.Co-locatingwiththeSunburyCommunityHealthCentre,Karanseesmanyfamiliesacrosstheareaeachyear.Here,Karandescribesherworkinthelocalcommunity:
MyworkingweekinSunburyconsistsofthree days of visiting families and providing supportwithparenting,housingissues,DHSinvolvement,financialissues,pregnancy,drugandalcoholproblems,familyviolence,post natal depression and any other issues thatmayaffectfamilies.Ifindthatfamiliesvaluethepractical,everydayskillsthatIamabletohelpthemwith,andtheemotionaland social support offered.
IwouldliketotakethisopportunitytothanktheSunburyCommunityHealth
Centrefortheircontinuingsupport,whichhasmademyjobasanoutreachworkersomucheasier.Thepeersupportisinvaluable.
Ialsoco-facilitateaPostNatalDepressiongroupwiththeSunburyCommunityHealthworkereachWednesdaymorning.Thisgroupiswellattendedeachweekwithbetween9-15participantsandhasruncontinuously for over 15 years. It is held in highregardinSunburyandthesurroundingsuburbs.ItispossiblythelongestrunningPNDgroupinVictoria.
NatalieNatalie,19yearsoldand8monthspregnant,wasreferredintotheCCSdutysystembyherhousingworker.Natalierequiredapram,bassinetteandclothingforthebaby.Nataliehadbeenforcedtoleavebehindthebagofbabyitemsshehad carefully purchased and collected fromOpshops,afterbeingthreatenedbythepartnerofafriendshewasstayingwith.Havingbeenhomelessforthelastyear,Nataliehadrecentlybeenofferedtransitionalhousing.Shefinallyfeltabletostartpreparingforhernewbabyandmakinglinkswithinthecommunity.
CCS was able to provide a pram, pack of cloth nappies and baby bundle containing clothing, bunny rugs, bibs and other baby essentials.
Nataliewasverynervousaboutthebirthandwasunsureofwhatoptionswereavailabletoherforpainrelief.Nataliehadnot attended any antenatal classes, as she believedshecouldnotattendalone.TheworkerassistedNatalietogetincontactwiththehospitalSocialWorkertoexplorethepossibilityofattendingantenatalclasses.Nataliewasalsoconnectedintoalocalyoungmumsgroup,asshewaskeentostartmakingfriendswithotheryoungmums in the local area.
TheCCSworkerprovidedNataliewithwritteninformationaboutservices,groupsandparentingclassestoassistherwiththenewbaby.Shecontinuedtocontact
CCStocheckifabassinettehadbecomeavailable.HerhousingworkercametocollectabassinettethedayafterNataliegavebirthtoahealthybabygirl.Nataliewasextremelyappreciativeofthepracticalandemotionalsupportthatshe’dreceivedasshepreparedforthearrivalofherfirstchild.
LucyLucywasfirstreferredtoCCSforfamilysupportin2004whenpregnantwithherfirstchild.Shewasonly16yrsoldandhadresided in and out of the family home. Lucy’smotherwasverysupportivebutLucyhadbeeninvolvedinsomerisktakingbehaviourandtherewasconcernforherunbornbaby.
Lucy’sbabyTaylor,wasborninmid2004andwasbornwithanabnormalityofherfoot,whichwouldrequireongoingmedicaltreatment.Lucylefthermother’’shomeverysoonafterTaylor’sbirthandresumedherrelationshipwithTaylor’sfatherwhowasalsoonly16andwasestrangedfromhisfamily.DHSChildProtectionbecameinvolvedwithLucyandherbaby,andTaylorwasremovedfromtheircareandplacedwithextendedfamily,whichwasverydistressingforLucy.
CCSworkedextensivelywithbothyoungparentsonunderstandingtheirchild’sneedsandlinkingthemintocommunityservices.Lucy’spartnerwasveryresistanttohelpandthismadeitdifficultforLucy.ThisyoungmanwaslaterdiagnosedwithaMentalIllnessandappropriatehelpwas
offered.Lucyandherpartnerwerealso
assistedintoTransitionalHousingandTaylor
wasreturnedtotheircarewithsupport.
Lucyandherpartneronceagain
participatedinrisktakingbehaviourand
Taylorwasonceagainremovedfromtheir
careforaperiodoftime.ThisgaveLucy
the opportunity to evaluate her relationship
andbehaviourandunderstandthatitwas
affecting her parenting and she made the
choicetoendthisrelationshipandwork
towardshavingTaylorreturnedtohercare.
CCSwasabletosupportLucythroughthis
difficulttimeandmakesureshewaslinked
intoallavailablecommunitysupports.
DuringthistimeLucy’smotherdied.With
CCSandextendedfamilysupportTaylor
wasonceagainreturnedtoLucy’scare.
Lucynowhaspermanentsecurehousing
andhasanewpartnerandnewbaby,
Louisewhowasbornin2007.Lucyhas
made so many positive changes to her
life and is a caring, loving and nurturing
mothertohertwoyoungchildren.CCS
hasworkedwithLucyforover3years
andithasbeenaprivilegetobepartof
herjourneyfromyoungpregnant16yrold
withverylittleconfidenceorselfesteem,
toamature,lovingandconfident19yrold
motheroftwo.
SUNBURY
MOONEE PONDS
9Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
FormanyyearstheSocietyhashadaworkerlocatedinLaverton.NowbasedintheLavertonCommunitychildren’scentre,whichwascompletelyrebuiltin2006.InJanuary,wemovedintoournewpurposebuiltfacility,whichhousesLongDayCare,OccasionalCare,andKindergartenprovidedbyLavertonCommunityCentre,MaternalandChildHealthservicesprovidedbyHobson’sBaycouncil,thelocalToyLibraryandFamilySupportServicesofferedbyCCS.Itisagreatmodelofservice to the local community.
JoanneJoanne,5monthspregnant,arrivedwithherpartnerattheLavertonofficeofCarolineChisholmSocietyrequestingassistance.JoanneandherpartnerhadbeendiagnosedashavinganIntellectualDisability.Joannewasresidinginaboardinghouseandfindingitdifficultto
purchasebabygoodsduetothehighrentalpayment.Joannestatedthatshehadnocontactwithherfamilybuthadsupportfromherpartner’smother.
ThroughourdiscussionsitbecameapparentthatJoannerequiredassistanceinunderstandingherpregnancy,thebirthprocess,andthetasksofearlyparenting.Herpartneralsoidentifiedthatsherequiredfinancialassistance,materialaid,andassistanceinobtainingappropriateaccommodation.JoannegaveCCSherpermissiontocontacttheRoyalWomen’sHospitalandDisabilityClientServicestoassistwithgaininglong-termsupport.
CCSwereabletoprovidethecouplewithaquantityofgoodsthroughtheMaterialAidProgram,includingabassinette,babyclothes and a pram, and continued to advocateforDisabilityServicesinvolvementand priority housing.
OurworkersupportedandeducatedJoanneandherpartnerpriortothebirthbyassistingthecouplewithunderstandingtheprogressing pregnancy, the changes that JoannewasexperiencingandtheimportanceofattendingGPandHospitalappointments.Joannealsopracticedverypracticaltaskssuchaschangingnappies,holding&bathingadolland changing her clothes.
ItwasgreattoobservethepositivechangesinJoanneasshedevelopedthesenewskills,andwasconfidentinparentingher daughter. Caroline Chisholm Society supported the family for several months afterthebirth,assistingJoannewithpracticalparentingskillsuntilthefamilywasconnectedintoandsettledwiththeOutreachSupportProgramofferedbyDisabilityClientServices.
NINA
Mostwomenhavethesupportoffamilyandfriendsduringpregnancy.HoweverforNinapregnancywasalonelytime–herextendedfamilylivesoverseasandherhus-bandphysicallyabusedherwhenshewas4 months pregnant. Nina sought safety in a women’srefugeforherselfandher3otherchildrenandwasplacedinatransitionalhousingproperty.HousingServicesthenreferred Nina to Caroline Chisholm Society forpregnancysupport.Nina’sgraspoftheEnglishlanguagewasverybasicandtheCarolineChisholmSocietyworkerusedinterpreterservicestogettoknowNina.
WhatdoespregnancysupportmeanatCarolineChisholmSociety?ForNinathissupporthadseveralcomponents.FirstlyitmeantsupportinfindingawaytoreduceNina’ssocialisolation–Ninawaslinkedwithaculturallyappropriatewomen’ssupportgroupwhereshecouldmakefriendsandgettoknowotherwomeninthe community. Nina also needed to attend
ante-natalcheckupsbutfoundcatchingbuseswith3youngchildrenwasadifficulttask.TheCCSworkerprovidedtransport,whichensuredNinareceivedoptimalante-natal care.
Ninaalsoneededbabygoods.Whensheleftherabusivehusbanditmeantleavingmostofherbelongingsalso.CCSwasabletoprovideNinawithapram,bassinette,babybath,bouncinetteandbabyclothes.
WhowasgoingtocareforherchildrenwhileNinawenttohospitaltohaveherbaby?Shehadnosupportnetworkavail-abletodothis.TheCCSworkerliaisedwithfostercareagenciesintheareaandsafe,caringhomeswerefoundforthechil-dren. The children had the opportunity to visittheirfostercarerspriortoNina’shos-pitalization.Thisreducedtheirstresswhentheywereseparatedfromtheirmotherandensuredthattheirstaywiththefostercareproceeded smoothly.
Nina had no-one to support her through thebirthandgladlyacceptedtheCCSworker’soffertobehersupportperson
duringlabour.TheCCSworkerprovidedtransporttothehospitalandstayedwithNinaduringlabourandafterdelivery.TheworkeralsotookphotosofthenewbornforNinatokeep.Inyearstocomeshewillbeabletolookbackonthebirthofhersonandknowthatsomeonecaredenoughtobetherewithherduringthisspecialtime in her life. Ninaandfamilyaredoingreallywell.Thebabyboyisthrivingandenjoyingthefusshisbrothersandsistersaremakingofhim.Ninaisingoodhealthandenjoyingmotherhoodandtheeldestchildisnowattendingkindergarten.
LAVERTON
10Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
11Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Caring for our community
News From Melton, Bacchus Marsh And Gouburn Valley
MeltonInMeltonCCSworkershaveprovidedtwoPostNatalDepression(PND)groupsinthepast12months,withthelastgroupattracting18newreferralsfromthe community. This group continues to growinmembershipandinitsconnectiontothecommunityacrossthewholeofMeltonShire,especiallyinMeltonEast.(CarolineSpring,TaylorsHill,BurnsideandHillside).Womenreportthatthegroupprovidesthemwithasafeplacetoexploretheirstrugglewithdepression,andtheirexperiencesofparentingyoungchildren.
CCSworkershavealsoco-facilitatedtwoParentinggroupsinpartnershipwithMacKillopFamilyServices.TheParentinggrouphasgrownandhasprovidedsupport,informationandskilldevelopment.Thefeedbackfromparentsisoverwhelminglypositive,astheylearnnewskillsandstrategiestoassiststhemincaring for their children.
“Families in Melton Shire”The Society, working in partnership with McKillop Family Services and the Melton Shire Council, was successful this year in gaining funding for a new Innovations program, “Families in Melton Shire” This takes the Society’s involvement in partnerships for Integrated Family Services projects to four: Brimbank Better Outcomes for Families (BBOFFS); Maribrynong Integrated Family Services (MIFS); Families in Melton Shire (FIMS) and Hume Integrated Family Services (HIFS). Our Melton worker, Litsa, describes below the benefits of working in partnership:
WorkingintheFamiliesinMeltonShire(FIMS)programhasbeenachallengethatlhavewelcomed.TheMeltonShireprojectenjoysauniquepartnershipbetweenagencies,withMcKillopFamilyServicesasLead;andMeltonShireCouncil,CCS,DHSCommunityBasedChildProtectionandGoodShepherdYouthandFamilyServicesaspartners.Thispartnershiphasbeenbeneficialastogetherweareachievingbetteroutcomesforthecommunity.
ThereferralprocessforFamilyServiceshasalteredasaresultoftheproject:all referrals for in-home family support aretakentoaCentralIntake,whichisattendedbyMcKillopFamilyServices,Melton Shire Council and Caroline Chisholm Society. The aim of the centralizedintakeistodiscusswhichagencyisbestsuitedtoservicetheclients’needsandwhichagencyhascapacityforcasemanagementandcasework.Thisprocesshasproventobeuseful,asithasassistedinreducingthewaitinglistsacrossall three agencies.
AnothervitalpartoftheFIMSmodelisdrawnfromthestatedaimsoftheproject,whichendeavorstoreducethenumberofnotificationsmadetoDepartmentofHumanServices–ChildProtection,bysupportingclientswithchronicwelfareneeds.Myroleistoundertakeanassessment of the client and their needs, as wellastoensurethesafetyofthechildrenresidinginthefamilyhome.Whenmyassessmentiscomplete(alsoknownastheShort Term Assessment Response Team), it is presented to a fortnightly Interagency Allocation Region Meeting (IARM) and this meeting is open to all agencies in theMeltonShire:MeltonPolice,MentalHealthServices,DjerriwarhCommunityServices,MeltonHealth,Education,FamilyViolenceServices.Atthismeeting,theindividualclient’sneedsarediscussedandasaninteragencygroup,wediscusswhatsupportsshouldbeputinplaceforthefamilyandwhichagencyisbestsuitedto service the clients needs. The IARM is valuableasitallowsalltheparticipantstoconsidertheclientsneedsthroughtheirownprofessionaldomainsandexpertise,andmakerecommendationsandassessments.
WiththenewChildYouthandFamiliesActtakingeffectthisyear,agenciesarebeingaskedtoconsiderthe“BestInterests”ofthe children. The legislation is placing greaterresponsibilityandaccountabilityon non-government agencies to ensure childrenaresafeandtheirneedsarebeingmet.WorkinginPartnershiphasallowedtheopportunityforagenciestoprioritizethechildren’sneedsandworktowardsthe“bestinterest”forallchildren.
Bacchus MarshOverthelast12monthstheBacchusMarsh Service has provided assistance to 32clientswithmaterialaid,counsellingand in-home support. These clients have accessed the service for short, medium and long-term support. Currently 7 clients arereceivinglong-termsupport,withonefamilyrequiringintensivesupportduetosignificantprotectiveandwell-beingconcerns for the 7 children ranging in age from19yrsto5months.
PartnershipswithotherservicesintheShireofMooraboolhavebeenutilizedeffectivelyforserviceoutcomes,particularlywithMaternalandChildHealth,CentacareandBallaratChild&FamilyServices(CAFS).
Goulburn ValleyTheGoulburnValleyBranchbegantheyearwithamoveintonewaccommodationinWyndhamStreetinShepparton,andemployingtwonewpart-timestaffmembers.ThefundingtoCCSfromtheFederalGovernmentDepartmentofHealthandAgingfortheGoulburnValleybranchhasassistedittore-establishitsservicesacrosstheGoulburnValleyregion,andtoplanforcommunity needs into the future. The year hasbeenapositiveonefortheservice;ithascontinued to provide much needed practical andemotionalsupporttopregnantwomenand their families.
ThelocalGoulburnValleyCommitteeof Management volunteers continue to provide guidance and direction to the service,manyofwhomhavebeenwiththeSociety for many years. It is pleasing that a numberofnewvolunteershaveundergonetrainingandjoinedtheservicethisyear,supportingtheworkofthebranchinaverypracticalway.
Thestaffatthebranch:Margaret,CeceliaandPeita,withtheCommitteemembers,aretobecongratulatedontheireffortsinre-establishingthebranchinthelocalcommunity.
ThePNDgroupisofferedforwomentocome together in a supportive environment togainfurtherknowledgearoundthechallenges of motherhood and the impact of ante- and post- natal depression. The group is open to mothers of all ages residing intheWesternMetropolitanRegion.
ThePNDgroupaimstolinkwomenexperiencingfeelingsofisolationby:sharingindividualstoriesabouttheirexperiencesofparenting;challenginganddebunkingthemythsandexpectationsofmotherhood;sharingstrategies,skillsandstrengths to develop an alternative story of hope,health,wellbeingandrecovery.
The group is a structured therapeutic group thatrunsfor8weeks.Groupsessionsexplorearangeofcognitive,behaviouralandpracticalstrategiestoassistwomenexperiencingpost-nataldepression.Althoughstructured,thegroupallowswomenspacetoraisetheirowntopicsfordiscussion.
Women find it valuable to share their experiences of motherhood, both positive and negative.
Feedbackfromparticipantstellsusthatattending a group normalises their experienceofpost-nataldepression.Mothersenjoysharingcommonexperiencesinasocialandsupportiveenvironment.Mothersgainconfidenceindealingwithitsimpactandfeelmorepositivetowardstheirparenting.Atcompletion of the group, participants often continuetomeetonaregularbasisinasocial environment providing each other an ongoingsupportnetwork.
Jane’s StoryJane,a22-year-oldsoleparentoftwo-month-olddaughterThalia,wasreferredtoCCSfamilysupportprogrambyherMaternalChildHealthNurse,whowasconcernedforJane’semotionalhealthandthe care of her daughter.
Janehadbecomeestrangedfromherfamilyduetoahistoryoffamilybreakdowndueto domestic violence and had recently experiencedaperiodoftransience.Attheinitialtimeofinvolvement,Janewashousedin a transitional property through a local housingagencyintheMooneePondsarea.
JaneexplainedthatThaliawasunplannedandshewasfindingitdifficulttocopewithlookingafterThaliaonherown.Janeexplainedthatshewasn’tfeelingconfidentwithherparentingandexpressedherinterestinreceivingsupportwiththis.Beingnewtotheareaandhavinglimitedsupportnetworks,Janewasfeelingsociallyisolated.TheCCSworkerreferredJanetoherGPforaPNDassessment.Followingdiagnosis,theGPprescribedmedicationforJane,andrecommendedasupportivegroupandcounsellingbeprovided.
WelinkedJaneintoourMooneePondsPNDgroup,andJanereceivedregularcounsellingfromourcaseworkeraddressing her depression and past experienceofdomesticviolence.Janewasabletoidentifytheimpactthedomesticviolence has had on her, and did not wantherdaughtertogrowupinasimilarenvironment. Through education and practicalsupport,ourCCScaseworkersworkedonbuildingJane’sself-esteemandconfidencearoundherparenting.JaneactivelyparticipatedinthePNDsupportgroupwhereshemadestrongrelationshipswithothermothersinsimilarsituations.Jane’shousingworkercontinuestosupportherinseekinglongterm,affordablehousing.BeinginsupportedaccommodationhashelpedJanebuildskillsthatallowhertoliveasindependentlyas she can and maintain the optimal care of her daughter, Thalia. Caroline Chisholm SocietyhasassistedJanetohaveThaliaattendingchildcare3daysperweekasshecompletesabeautytherapycoursethatshebeganafewyearsago.
Post Natal Depression Groups
Caroline Chisholm offers Post Natal Depression (PND) groups throughout the year in many locations across the North Western Corridor of Melbourne. Marisa, one of our Moonee Ponds workers, describes the process and value of these supportive groups:
12Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
13Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Over $100,000
VictorianDept.ofHumanServices, Community Care
$10,000 - $100,000 FederalDepartmentofHealth&AgeingTheJackBrockhoffFoundationVictorianDepartmentofHumanServices,SAAP
Under $10,000 (also in kind donations)BroadmeadowsMagistrates’CourtCatholicArchbishop’sMelbourneDioceseCharitableFundChildSupportAgency(SocialClub)GeoffWoodheadPlumbingFederalDepartmentofFamilyandCom-munity ServicesMelbourneLordMayor’sFundMelbourneMagistrates’CourtNorthEssendonRotaryClubShop,Distributive&AlliedEmployeeAssoc
Smaller (also ‘in kind’ donations)AnglicanParishofChristChurchEssendonBakersDelightNiddrieBeautyonRoseBed,Bath&TableBrotherhoodofStLawrenceBurwoodCWAChurchofChristNthEssendonDouttaGallaLadiesProbusClubEssendonGardenCentreEssendonLionsClubEssendonNorthRotaryClubMoroney’sBPServiceStationMyChemist,MooneePondsCentreNorthern TheresiansPennisiRealEstatePresenceonPuckleQuotaClubofEssendonRotaryClubofBrimbankCentralRoyalAgriculturalShowSocietySunshineMagistrates’CourtStAndrewsLadiesGuild
StMark’sUnitingChurchEastKeilorStPeter&PaulsCatholicParish,DoncasterEastStTherese’sCatholicParishEssendonSt Thomas Anglican ChurchStVincentdePaulAscotValeStVincentdePaulGlenroyStVincentdePaulWestHeidlebergTerryWhitePharmacyMooneePondsValientEnterprisesWomenoftheUniversityFundEssendonRotaryClubEuropeanGoldCoFoodBankVictoriaHarveyNormanIGABoundy’sofEssendonIGASculli’sofStrathmoreKeilorEveningViewClubKeilorRetirementVillageResidentsKnittersforMelbourne’sNeedyMaternity on Grattan
Community Support
The Caroline Chisholm Society is fortunate to enjoy the support of many volunteers, community organisations, local businesses, philanthropic trust funds and service clubs, who donate goods, services and financial support. Without this valuable support the Society simply could not provide its range of services to the many families who come to us asking for help.
Caring for our community
Soitwaswithgreatexcitementthat2006-2007sawtheCommonwealthDepartmentofHealthandAgingallocatefundstopregnancysupportandspecificallytothevolunteer program. The funds from the CommonwealthDepartmentofHealthandAgingmeantthat,forthefirsttimeinseveral years, a volunteer coordinator could beemployedtosupportvolunteersanddevelop the program.
Modernwelfareservicedeliverystandardsrequireahighlevelofstructureandaccountability.Thisappliesnolesstovolunteers than to employed staff. Organisational systems and procedures havebeenreviewedandupdatedtoensurethatthevolunteerprogramcomplieswithcurrentstandardsandexpectations.Allvolunteerswillhavetheopportunitytoreviewtheirinvolvementannuallyandupdate their contact. CCS volunteers acknowledgetheimportanceofchildsafetyandhavebeenbusyapplyingfortheir“WorkingwithChildren”certificates.
Pregnancyandfamilysupportservicesareenhancedbytheinvolvementofvolunteerswhobringamultitudeoflifeexperiencesandskillswiththem.AmostrewardingdevelopmentthisyearhasbeencollaborationwiththemidwiferyschooloftheAustralianCatholicUniversity“FollowThroughJourney”program.Studentmidwivesspendtimewithpregnantwomen,perhapsaccompanyingthemtoobstetricappointments,evenprovidingextrasupportatthebaby’sbirth.Aswellas providing valued support to our clients, theaddedbenefitisthataspractisingmidwivesthesevolunteerswillhaveabetterunderstandingoftherangeofpregnancyexperienceandtheroleoftheCaroline Chisholm Society.
VolunteersarecriticaltoCCSfundraising.Street stalls; the regular shop and our annualladies“ChristmasinJuly”lunchhaveallraisedvaluablefundsandimprovedthecommunityprofile.
Thisyearsawarenewedemphasisonyouth involvement in volunteering at the SocietythroughtheDukeofEdinburgh
Awardprogramandvariousschools-basedsocialawarenessprograms.Itisadelighttoseesecondarystudentsworkingandlearning alongside our senior volunteers. Whatfantasticrolemodelsofcommunityserviceourexistingvolunteersprovideandwhatgreatyoungpeople.Wehavebeenfortunatetohaveaninternationalvolunteer, several volunteers from non-Englishspeakingbackgrounds(reflectingourclientbase)andinterestfrom‘specificinterest’volunteersparticularlyinthecomputer technology area.
The development and launch of the newCCSwebsitehasbeencrucialtothe recruitment of volunteers. This has coordinatedwellwithre-affiliationwithVolunteeringVictoriaandVolunteeringAustralia,importantumbrellaorganizationsforvolunteeringandprovidersofweb-basedrecruitmentsystems.
VolunteersareonceagainservingintheDutyprogramanditishopedthatthe further funding of a professional volunteercoordinatorwillsupportthecontinued re-development of this aspect of volunteeringatthesociety.Withagreatdeal of professional staff time devoted to thedevelopmentofinitiativeswiththeDepartmentofHumanServicesfamilysupport programs it is as important as ever thatthevolunteerprogrammecontributestoprovidequalitypregnancysupporttohelpensurethattheobjectivesoftheSociety are met.
Volunteers
Volunteering is central to the identity and ethos of the Caroline Chisholm Society. Quite literally, without volunteers the Society would not exist!
14Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
15Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Financial Report For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 CarolineChisholmSocietyABN42005066919
Contents
Directors’Report
Auditor’sIndependenceDeclaration
Independent Audit Report
Directors’Declaration
Income Statement
BalanceSheet
StatementofChangesinEquity
CashFlowStatement
Notestothefinancialstatements
1517
17
18
18
18
19
1920
Directors’ Report
YourDirectorspresenttheirreportonthecompanyforthefinancialyearended30June2007.
Directors
Thenamesofthedirectorsinofficeatanytimeduring,orsincetheendof,theyearare:
•FranciscusTheodorusMariaSmit•MariaAliciaMcGarvie•TeresaFogarty•PaulWilliamWebster•JacintaMaryAnnCollins•WendyElizabethHunt
Directorshavebeeninofficesincethestartofthefinancialyeartothedateofthisreportunlessotherwisestated.
Company Secretary Thefollowingpersonheldthepositionofcompanysecretaryattheendofthefinancialyear: •FranciscusTheodorusMariaSmit–appointedcompanysecretaryon18April2006(RefertoInformationonDirectorsbelowfor further details).
Principal Activities Theprincipalactivityofthecompanyduringthefinancialyearwastheprovisionofsupportforpregnantwomenandfamilieswith young children. Nosignificantchangeinthenatureoftheseactivitiesoccurredduringthefinancialyear.
Operating Results Thecompany’sfinancialreporthasbeenpreparedinaccordancewiththeAustralianequivalentstoInternationalFinancialReportingStandards(IFRS).Thenetdeficitofthecompanyforthefinancialyearended30June2007amountedto$11,540(2006:Surplusof$10,564).
Dividends Paid or Recommended Nodividendswerepaidorrecommendedforpaymentduringthefinancialyear.
Review of Operations Inthedirector’sopinion,theyearhasbeenverypositiveforCarolineChisholmSociety,withourinvolvementinSenateHearingsregardingPregnancyCounsellingServices,andwiththeNationalPregnancyHelpline,liftingtheprofileoftheagency.OurworkinFamilyServices,MaterialAid,andHousingcontinuestobeinhighdemand.ThisyeartheSocietyhascontinuedtomakestrongpartnershipsinthefield,andtheBoardhasbegunaStrategicReviewoftheSociety.
Financial Position Thenetassetsofthecompanyhavedecreasedby$11,540from30June2006to$306,196in2007.Thisdecreasehaslargelyresultedfromincreaseintheaccrualforemployeeentitlementsasaresultofadditionalstaffbeingentitledtolongserviceleave,alongwith accrual for on-costs relating to all employee entitlements.
However,thecompany’sworkingcapital,beingcurrentassetslesscurrentliabilities,hasimprovedfrom$63,741in2006to$69,711in2007.Thisisaftertakingintoaccounttheincreaseintheaccrualforemployeeentitlements.
Therefore,thedirectorsbelievethecompanyisinastablefinancialposition.
Significant Changes in State of Affairs Nosignificantchangesinthecompany’sstateofaffairsoccurredduringthefinancialyear.
After Balance Date Events Nomattersorcircumstanceshavearisensincetheendofthefinancialyearwhichsignificantlyaffectedormaysignificantlyaffecttheoperationsofthecompany,theresultsofthoseoperations,orthestateofaffairsofthecompanyinfuturefinancialyears.
Future Developments, Prospects and Business Strategies Likelydevelopmentsintheoperationsofthecompanyandtheexpectedresultsofthoseoperationsinfuturefinancialyearsareasfollows: Inthecomingyear,thedirectorswillcompleteaStrategicReviewandPlanningprocessfortheSociety,tobepresentedtotheMembersattheAnnualGeneralMeeting.Thiswillsetthedirectionoftheorganisationforthecoming3-5years,andincluderecommendationsrelated to programs, organisational structure, and location.
Environmental Issues Thecompany’soperationsarenotregulatedbyanysignificantenvironmentalregulationunderalawoftheCommonwealthorofastateor territory.
Information on Directors
Maria Alicia McGarvie PresidentQualifications: BA(Hons),LLBExperience: Lawyer,AssociateoftheInstituteofCompanyDirectorsSpecialResponsibilities: Ex-officiomemberofallsub-committees
•CarmelaPuopolo•MarcoSalvatoreCarlei(Appointed31/10/2006)•JamesBrensleyDowning(Appointed31/10/2006)•JohnOrmondKennedy(Appointed19/06/2007)•VincentSully(Resigned17/04/2007)•MichaelClemens(Resigned31/10/2006)
16Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
17Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
To The Directors of Caroline Chisholm Society
Ideclarethat,tothebestofmyknowledgeandbelief,duringthefinancialyearended30June2007therehavebeen:• nocontraventionsoftheauditorindependencerequirementsassetoutintheCorporationsAct2001inrelationtotheaudit; and• nocontraventionsofanyapplicablecodeofprofessionalconductinrelationtotheaudit.
_________________________________ __________________________________AGOSTINELLIPERLEN JOHNAGOSTINELLICHARTEREDACCOUNTANTS PARTNERDatedatCarlton,Victoria.This21stdayofSeptember2007
Paul William Webster VicePresidentQualifications: MA,LLBExperience: LawyerSpecialResponsibilities: Propertysub-committee
Carmela Puopolo TreasurerQualifications: B.BusAccountingExperience: Over20yearsexperienceinFinance&AccountingSpecialResponsibilities: Financesub-committee
Franciscus Theodorus Maria Smit SecretaryQualificationsExperience: 30yearsexperienceasManagingDirectorofSmallBusinessSpecialResponsibilities: Ex-officiomemberofallsub-committees
Teresa Fogarty DirectorQualificationsExperience: AreaRepresentativeSpecialResponsibilities: Fundraising,Propertysubcommittee,MarketingSubCommittee
Jacinta Mary Ann Collins DirectorQualifications: BABSWExperience:SpecialResponsibilities: Propertysub-committee,MarketingSubCommittee
Wendy Elizabeth Hunt DirectorQualifications: DipTeachingExperience: 35yearseducationfield;over20yearsinPregnancySupportSpecialResponsibilities: GoulburnValleyBranch
Marco Salvatore Carlei DirectorQualifications: B.Bus.C.A,RegisteredCompanyAuditor,RegisteredTaxAgentExperience: Over20yearsexperienceintheaccountingprofession; Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia; MemberoftheAustralianSocietyofCertifiedPractisingAccountantsSpecialResponsibilities: MarketingSubCommittee;Propertysub-committee
James Brensley Downing DirectorQualifications: B.Bus,M.Bus(ACRM),FCPAExperience: 27yearsinfinancialmanagement&financialservicesSpecialResponsibilities: Marketing&ITsub-committees
John Ormond Kennedy DirectorQualifications: BA(Syd),BEd(Melb),BTheol(UFT),DipTG(NSW),FACEExperience: Principal,LoyolaCollegesince1980SpecialResponsibilities:
Meetings of DirectorsDuringthefinancialyear,13meetingsofdirectorswereheld.Attendancesbyeachdirectorduringtheyearwereasfollows:
Name Number Eligible to Attend Number Attended
FranciscusTheodorusMariaSmit 13 13Maria Alicia McGarvie 13 11TeresaFogarty 13 13PaulWilliamWebster 13 12JacintaMaryAnnCollins 13 11WendyElizabethHunt 13 10CarmelaPuopolo 13 9MarcoSalvatoreCarlei 9 8JamesBrensleyDowning 9 7JohnOrmondKennedy 1 1VincentSully 10 5Michael Clemens 4 0
Indemnifying Officers or AuditorDuringorsincetheendofthefinancialyearthecompanyhasgivenanindemnityorenteredintoanagreementtoindemnify,orpaidoragreedtopayinsurancepremiumsasfollows: Thecompanyhaspaidpremiumstoinsureallofitsdirectorsandofficersagainstliabilitiesforcostsandexpensesincurredbythemindefendinganylegalproceedingsarisingoutoftheirconductwhileactinginthecapacityofdirectororofficerofthecompany,otherthanconductinvolvingawillfulbreachofdutyinrelationtothecompany.
Directors’ Report (Continued) Directors’ Report
Auditor’s Independence Declaration
Options Nooptionsoverissuedsharesorinterestsinthecompanyweregrantedduringorsincetheendofthefinancialyearandtherewerenooptions outstanding at the date of this report.
Proceedings on Behalf of the Company NopersonhasappliedforleaveofCourttobringproceedingsonbehalfofthecompanyorinterveneinanyproceedingstowhichthecompanyisapartyforthepurposeoftakingresponsibilityonbehalfofthecompanyforalloranypartofthoseproceedings,exceptforthefollowing:
AnemployeewasinjuredinSeptember2001.Shehasmadeaclaim,andVictorianWorkcoverAuthorityhasappointedDibbsAbbottStillmantoworkonbehalfofCarolineChisholmSocietyanditsworkcoverinsurer,CambridgeIntegratedServices.
Auditor’s Independence Declaration Acopyoftheauditor’sindependencedeclarationasrequiredundersection307CoftheCorporationsAct2001issetoutonpage17. SignedinaccordancewitharesolutionoftheBoardofDirectors:
Director…..................................................... Director….....................................................
MariaAliciaMcGarvie,Presiden CarmelaPuopolo,Treasur
Datedthis18thdayofSeptember2007
Independent Audit Report To The Members ScopeWehaveauditedthefinancialreportofCarolineChisholmSocietyforthefinancialyearended30June2007assetoutonpages18to27.Thecompany’sdirectorsareresponsibleforthefinancialreport.Wehaveconductedanindependentauditofthisfinancialreportinordertoexpressanopiniononittothemembersofthecompany.
OuraudithasbeenconductedinaccordancewithAustralianAuditingStandardstoprovidereasonableassurancewhetherthefinancialreportisfreeofmaterialmisstatement.Ourproceduresincludedexamination,onatestbasis,ofevidencesupportingtheamountsandotherdisclosuresinthefinancialreportandtheevaluationofaccountingpoliciesandsignificantaccountingestimates.Theseprocedureshavebeenundertakentoformanopinionwhether,inallmaterialrespects,thefinancialreportispresentedfairlyinaccordancewithAccountingStandardsandothermandatoryprofessionalreportingrequirementsinAustraliaandstatutoryrequirementssoastopresentaviewwhichisconsistentwithourunderstandingofthecompany’sfinancialposition,andperformanceasrepresentedbytheresultsofitsoperationsanditscashflows.Theauditopinionexpressedinthisreporthasbeenformedontheabovebasis.
Audit OpinionInouropinion,thefinancialreportofCarolineChisholmSocietyisinaccordancewith:(a) theCorporationsAct2001,including:(i) givingatrueandfairviewofthecompany’sfinancialpositionasat30June2007andofitsperformancefortheyearendedon that date; and(ii) complyingwithAccountingStandardsinAustraliaandtheCorporationsRegulations2001;and(b) othermandatoryprofessionalreportingrequirementsinAustralia.
_________________________________ __________________________________AGOSTINELLIPERLEN JOHNAGOSTINELLICHARTEREDACCOUNTANTS PARTNERDatedatCarlton,Victoria.This21stdayofSeptember2007
18Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
19Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
2007 2006
Retained Earnings $ $
Balanceat1July2006 317,736 307,172
Surplus(deficit)fortheyear (11,540) 10,564
Balanceat30June2007 306,196 317,736
Total Equity
Balanceat1July2006 317,736 307,172
Surplus(deficit)fortheyear (11,540) 10,564
Balanceat30June2007 306,196 317,736
Note 2007 2006
Cash flows from operating activities $ $
Receipts from Grants 867,241 705,463
ReceiptsfromFundraising 17,497 10,981
ReceiptsfromDonations 30,942 50,775
ReceiptsfromOther 43,712 15,955
Interest Received 7,831 102
Paymentstosuppliersandemployees (943,962) (682,580)
Financecostspaid (13) -
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 14(b) 23,248 100,696
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchaseofproperty,plantandequipment (3,148) -
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (3,148) -
NET INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN CASH HELD 20,100 100,696
Cashatbeginningoffinancialyear 191,711 91,015
Cash at end of financial year 14(a) 211,811 191,711
Note 2007 2006
CURRENT ASSETS $ $
Cashandcashequivalents 4 211,811 191,711Tradeandotherreceivables 5 7,172 -Other current assets 6 2,044 4,566
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 221,027 196,277
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property,plantandequipment 7 236,485 253,995
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 236,485 253,995
TOTAL ASSETS 457,512 450,272
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Tradeandotherpayables 8 103,908 103,215
Short-termprovisions 9 47,408 29,321
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 151,316 132,536
TOTAL LIABILITIES 151,316 132,536
NET ASSETS 306,196 317,736
EQUITY Retainedsurplus 306,196 317,736
TOTAL EQUITY 306,196 317,736
Income Statement For The Year Ended 30 June 2007
Note 2007 2006
$ $
Revenue 2 937,517 765,160
Employeebenefitsexpenses (777,323) (609,883)
Motorvehicleexpenses (14,283) (10,394)
Programexpenses (37,718) (32,182)
Occupancyexpenses (15,527) (8,253)
Depreciationandamortisationexpenses (20,658)(22,536)
Otheradministrationexpenses (83,535)(71,348)
Financecosts (13)-
Surplus(deficit)attributabletomembersofthecompany 3 (11,540) 10,564
Balance Sheet As At 30 June 2007
Statement Of Changes In Equity For The Year Ended 30 June 2007
Cash Flow Statement For The Year Ended 30 June 2007
Theaccompanyingnotesformpartofthesefinancialstatements. Theaccompanyingnotesformpartofthesefinancialstatements.
Directors’ Declaration
Thedirectorsofthecompanydeclarethat:1. Thefinancialstatementsandnotes,assetoutonpages18to27,areinaccordancewiththeCorporationsAct2001and: (a) complywithAccountingStandardsandtheCorporationsRegulations2001;and (b) giveatrueandfairviewofthefinancialpositionasat30June2007andoftheperformancefortheyearendedon that date of the company;2. Inthedirectors’opiniontherearereasonablegroundstobelievethatthecompanywillbeabletopayitsdebtsasandwhen theybecomedueandpayable.ThisdeclarationismadeinaccordancewitharesolutionoftheBoardofDirectors:
Director_____________________________ Director__________________________________MariaAliciaMcGarvie,President CarmelaPuopolo,Treasurer
Datedthis18thdayofSeptember2007
20Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
21Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007
Note 1: Statement of significant accounting policies ThefinancialreportisageneralpurposefinancialreportthathasbeenpreparedinaccordancewithAustralianAccountingStandards,includingAustralianAccountingInterpretations,otherauthoritativepronouncementsoftheAustralianAccountingStandardsBoardandthe Corporations Act 2001.
ThefinancialreportcoversCarolineChisholmSocietyasanindividualentity.CarolineChisholmSocietyisapubliccompanylimitedbyguarantee, incorporated and domiciled in Australia.
ThefinancialreportofCarolineChisholmSocietycomplieswithallAustralianequivalentstoInternationalFinancialReportingStandards(AIFRS)intheirentirety.
Thefollowingisasummaryofthematerialaccountingpoliciesadoptedbythecompanyinthepreparationofthefinancialreport.Theaccountingpolicieshavebeenconsistentlyapplied,unlessotherwisestated.
Reporting Basis and Conventions Thefinancialreporthasbeenpreparedonanaccrualsbasisandisbasedonhistoricalcostsmodifiedbythefinancialassetsandfinancialliabilitiesforwhichthefairvaluebasisofaccountinghasbeenapplied.
ThefinancialreportispresentedinAustraliandollarsandallvaluesareroundedtothenearestdollar.
Accounting Policies
Income Tax Thecompanyhasbeenendorsedasanincometaxexemptcharitableentity.
Property, Plant & Equipment Eachclassofproperty,plantandequipmentiscarriedatcost,lesswhereapplicable,anyaccumulateddepreciationandimpairmentlosses.
Thedepreciableamountofallitemsofproperty,plantandequipment,includingcapitalisedleaseassets,butexcludingfreeholdlandandbuildingsandleaseholdimprovements,aredepreciatedonadiminishingvaluebasisovertheirusefullivestothecompanycommencingfromthetimetheassetisheldreadyforuse.Freeholdlandisnotdepreciated.Buildingsaredepreciatedonastraight-linebasisovertheirusefullives.Leaseholdimprovementsaredepreciatedonadiminishingvaluebasisovertheshorterofeithertheunexpiredperiodof the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.
Thecarryingamountofallitemsofproperty,plantandequipmentisreviewedannuallybydirectorstoensureitisnotinexcessoftherecoverableamountfromthoseassets.Therecoverableamountisassessedonthebasisoftheexpectednetcashflows,whichwillbereceivedfromtheassetsemploymentandsubsequentdisposal.Theexpectednetcashflowshavenotbeendiscountedtopresentvaluesindeterminingtherecoverableamounts.
Thecostoffixedassetsconstructedwithinthecompanyincludesthecostofmaterials,directlabour,borrowingcostsandanappropriateproportionoffixedandvariableoverheads.
Subsequentcostsareincludedintheasset’scarryingamountrecognisedasaseparateasset,asappropriate,onlywhenitisprobablethatthefutureeconomicbenefitsassociatedwiththeitemwillflowtothecompanyandthecostoftheitemcanbemeasuredreliably.Allotherrepairsandmaintenancearechargedtotheincomestatementduringthefinancialperiodinwhichtheyareincurred.
Theassets’residualvaluesandusefullivesarereviewed,andadjustedifappropriate,ateachbalancesheetdate.
Anasset’scarryingamountiswrittendownimmediatelytoitsrecoverableamountiftheasset’scarryingamountisgreaterthanitsestimatedrecoverableamount.
Gainsandlossesondisposalsaredeterminedbycomparingproceedswiththecarryingamount.Thesegainsorlossesareincludedinthe income statement.
Thedepreciationratesusedforeachclassofdepreciableassetsare:
Class of Fixed Asset Depreciation Rate
Buildings 2.5%
Plant&Equipment 20.0%-40.0%
Impairment of Assets Ateachreportingdate,thecompanyreviewsthecarryingvaluesofitstangibleandintangibleassetstodeterminewhetherthereisanyindicationthatthoseassetshavebeenimpaired.Ifsuchanindicationexists,therecoverableamountoftheasset,beingthehigheroftheassetsfairvaluelesscoststosellandvalueinuse,iscomparedtotheassetscarryingvalue.Anyexcessoftheassetscarryingvalueoveritsrecoverableamountisexpensedtotheincomestatement. Impairmenttestingisperformedannuallyforgoodwillandintangibleassetswithindefinitelives. Whereitisnotpossibletoestimatetherecoverableamountofanindividualasset,thecompanyestimatestherecoverableamountofthecash-generatingunittowhichtheassetbelongs.
Payables Tradepayablesandotheraccountspayablearerecognisedwhenthecompanybecomesobligedtomakefuturepaymentsresultingfromthe purchase of goods and services.
Leases & Hire Purchases Leasesoffixedassets,wheresubstantiallyalltherisksandbenefitsincidentaltotheownershipoftheasset,butnotthelegalownership,aretransferredtothecompany,areclassifiedasfinanceleases.Financeleasesarecapitalisedbyrecordinganassetandaliabilityattheloweroftheamountsequaltothefairvalueoftheleasedpropertyorthepresentvalueoftheminimumleasepayments,includinganyguaranteedresidualvalues.Leasepaymentsareallocatedbetweenthereductionoftheleaseliabilityandtheleaseinterestexpensefortheperiod.Leasedassetsaredepreciatedonadiminishingvaluebasisovertheirestimatedusefulliveswhereitislikelythatthecompanywillobtainownershipoftheasset,oroverthetermofthelease.Hirepurchasesareaccountedforusingthesame method.
Leasepaymentsforoperatingleases,wheresubstantiallyalltherisksandbenefitsremainwiththelessor,arechargedasexpensesintheperiodsinwhichtheyareincurred.
Leaseincentivesunderoperatingleasesarerecognisedasaliabilityandamortisedonadiminishingvaluebasisoverthelifeoftheleaseterm.
Employee Benefits Provisionismadeforthecompany’sliabilityforemployeebenefitsarisingfromservicesrenderedbyemployeestobalancedate.Employeebenefitsthatareexpectedtobesettledwithinoneyearhavebeenmeasuredattheamountsexpectedtobepaidwhentheliabilityissettled,plusrelatedon-costs.Employeebenefitspayablelaterthanoneyearhavebeenmeasuredatthepresentvalueoftheestimatedfuturecashoutflowstobemadeforthosebenefits.
Provisions Provisionsarerecognisedwhenthecompanyhasalegalorconstructiveobligation,asaresultofpastevents,forwhichitisprobablethatanoutflowofeconomicbenefitswillresultandthatoutflowcanbereliablymeasured.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cashandcashequivalentsincludecashonhand,depositsheldatcallwithbanks,othershort-termhighlyliquidinvestmentswithoriginalmaturitiesofthreemonthsorless,andbankoverdrafts.Bankoverdraftsareshownwithinshort-termborrowingsincurrentliabilitiesonthebalancesheet.
Revenue Revenuefromfundingbodiesisrecognisedwhentherighttoreceivethatrevenuehasbeenestablished.Rentalrevenueisrecognisedonanaccrualsbasisorstraight-linebasisinaccordancewithleasesagreement.Interestrevenueisrecognisedonaproportionalbasistakingintoaccounttheinterestratesapplicabletothefinancialassets.All other revenue is recognised at the earlier of receipt or invoice date.AllrevenueisstatednetoftheamountofGoodsandServicesTax(GST)andtradediscounts.
Finance Costs Financecostsdirectlyattributabletotheacquisition,constructionorproductionofassetsthatnecessarilytakeasubstantialperiodoftimetopreparefortheirintendeduseorsale,areaddedtothecostofthoseassets,untilsuchtimeastheassetsaresubstantiallyreadyfor their intended use or sale.
Allotherfinancecostsarerecognisedinincomeintheperiodinwhichtheyareincurred.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues,expensesandassetsarerecognisednetoftheamountofGST,exceptwheretheamountofGSTincurredisnotrecoverablefromtheAustralianTaxOffice.Inthesecircumstances,theGSTisrecognisedaspartofthecostofacquisitionoftheassetoraspartofanitemoftheexpense.ReceivablesandpayablesintheBalanceSheetareshowninclusiveofGST.
Cashflowsarepresentedinthecashflowstatementonagrossbasis,exceptfortheGSTcomponentofinvestingandfinancingactivities,whicharedisclosedasoperatingcashflows.
Comparative Figures WhenrequiredbyAccountingStandards,comparativefigureshavebeenadjustedtoconformtochangesinpresentationforthecurrentfinancialyear.
Financial Instruments
Recognition
Financialinstrumentsareinitiallymeasuredatcostontradedate,whichincludestransactioncosts,whentherelatedcontractualrightsorobligationsexist.Subsequenttoinitialrecognitiontheseinstrumentsaremeasuredassetoutbelow.
FinancialAssetsatFairValuethroughProfitandLoss
AfinancialassetisclassifiedinthiscategoryifacquiredprincipallyforthepurposeofsellingintheshorttermorifsodesignatedbymanagementwithintherequirementsofAASB139:FinancialInstruments:RecognitionandMeasurement.Derivativesarealsocategorised as held for trading unless they are designed as hedges. Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fairvalueoftheseassetsareincludedintheincomestatementintheperiodinwhichtheyarise.
Loans and receivables Loansandreceivablesarenon-derivativefinancialassetswithfixedordeterminablepaymentsthatarenotquotedinanactivemarketand are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 (Continued)
22Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
23Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Note 2: Revenue
2007 2006
Fromoperatingactivites: $ $
Grants & sponsorships received 837,535 656,126
Fundraising 17,497 10,981
Donations 30,942 50,775
Memberships 2,070 1,420
Rental income 12,586 13,014
Workcoverinsurancerecoveries 28,970 31,221
Interest income 7,831 102 Other income 86 1,521
TOTALREVENUE 937,517 765,160
Held-to-Maturity Investments Theseinvestmentshavefixedmaturities,anditisthecompany’sintentiontoholdtheseinvestmentstomaturity.Any held-to-maturity investmentsheldbythecompanyarestatedatamortisedcostusingtheeffectiveinterestratemethod.
Available-for-Sale Financial Assets
Available-for-salefinancialassetsincludeanyfinancialassetsnotincludedintheabovecategories.Available-for-salefinancialassetsarereflectedatfairvalue.Unrealisedgainsandlossesarisingfromchangesinfairvaluearetakendirectlytoequity.
Financial Liabilities Non-derivativefinancialliabilitiesarerecognisedatamortisedcost,comprisingoriginaldebtlessprincipalpaymentsandamortisation.
Derivative Instruments
Derivativeinstrumentsaremeasuredatfairvalue.Gainsandlossesarisingfromchangesinfairvaluearetakentotheincomestatementunless they are designated as hedges.
Fair value Fairvalueisdeterminedbasedoncurrentbidpricesforallquotedinvestments.Valuationtechniquesareappliedtodeterminethefairvalueforallunlistedsecurities,includingrecentarm’slengthtransactions,referencetosimilarinstrumentsandoptionpricingmodels.
Impairment Ateachreportingdate,thecompanyassesseswhetherthereisobjectiveevidencethatafinancialinstrumenthasbeenimpaired.Inthecaseofavailable-for-salefinancialinstruments,aprolongeddeclineinthevalueoftheinstrumentisconsideredtodeterminewhetherimpairment has arisen. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.
Critical accounting estimates and judgments Thedirectorsevaluateestimatesandjudgmentsincorporatedintothefinancialreportbasedonhistoricalknowledgeandbestavailablecurrentinformation.Estimatesassumeareasonableexpectationoffutureeventsandarebasedoncurrenttrendsandeconomicdata,obtainedbothexternallyandwithinthecompany.
Key estimates - Impairment Thecompanyassessesimpairmentateachreportingdatebyevaluatingconditionsspecifictothecompanythatmayleadtoimpairmentofassets.Whereanimpairmenttriggerexists,therecoverableamountoftheassetisdetermined.Value-in-usecalculationsperformedinassessingrecoverableamountsincorporateanumberofkeyestimates.
Noimpairmenthasbeenrecognisedinrespectofthecompany’sassetsandliabilitiesfortheyearended30June2007.Shouldtheprojectedfiguresbeoutsidethebudgetedfiguresincorporatedinvalue-in-usecalculations,animpairmentlosswouldberecogniseduptothemaximumcarryingvalueofthecompany’sassetsandliabilitiesat30June2007.
Key judgments – Provision for impairment of receivables
Thedirectorsassessedtherecoverabilityofalltradeandotherreceivablesatyear-endasdisclosedinthefinancialstatements.Thedirectorsbelievethatthefullamountofthereceivablesisrecoverable,andnoprovisionforimpairmentofthosereceivableshasbeenmadeasat30June2007
Note 3: Surplus (Deficit)
Surplus(deficit)hasbeenarrivedataftercharging 2007 2006thefollowingexpenses: $ $
Depreciationofnon-currentassets:
Property,plantandequipment 20,658 22,536
Financecosts:
Paidtootherexternalpersons 13 -
Rentalexpenseonoperatingleases: Minimum lease payments 7,853 -
Note 4: Cash and Cash Equivalents
2007 2006
$ $
Cashatbank 90,790 183,243
Cashonhand 125 239
Short-termbankdeposits 120,896 8,229
211,811 191,711
Theweightedaverageeffectiveinterestrateoncashandcashequivalentswas3.24%(2006:0.34%)
Note 5: Trade and Other Receivables Current
2007 2006
$ $
Tradedebtors 7,172 -
Less:Provisionforimpairmentofreceivables - -
7,172 -
Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 (Continued) Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 (Continued)
24Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
25Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Note 7: Property, Plant and Equipment
2007 2006
$ $
Freeholdland&buildingsatcost 184,897 184,897
184,897 184,897
Plant&equipmentatcost 193,997 190,851
Less:Accumulateddepreciation (142,409) (121,752)
51,588 69,098
Total property, plant and equipment 236,485 253,995
TheSocietyobtainedopinionsfromrealestateagentsduringApriltoJune2007forthemarketvaluesofitslandandbuildingsandwereadvisedthattheaggregatemarketvalueofitslandandbuildingsisexpectedtobebetween$985,000and$1,065,000.
Movements in Carrying Amounts Movementinthecarryingamountsforeachclassofproperty,plantandequipment betweenthebeginningandtheendofthecurrentfinancialyear:
2007 2006
Freehold land & buildings $ $
Balanceat1July2006 184,897 184,897
Carryingamountat30June2007 184,897 184,897
Plant and equipment
Balanceat1July2006 69,098 91,634
Additions 3,148 -
Depreciationexpense (20,658) (22,536
Carryingamountat30June2007 51,588 69,098
Total property, plant and equipment
Balanceat1July2006 253,995 276,531
Additions 3,148 -
Depreciationexpense (20,658) (22,536)
Carryingamountat30June2007 263,485 253,995
Note 8: Trade and Other Payables 2007 2006
Current (all unsecured) $ $
Tradepayables 2,881 -
Sundrypayablesandaccruedexpenses 42,884 12,637
Employeebenefits 41,311 26,281
Incomeinadvance 16,832 64,297
103,908 103,215
Note 6: Other Assets Current
2007 2006
$ $
Prepayments 2,044 4,566
2,044 4,566
Note 9: Provisions 2007 2006
Short-term $ $
Longserviceleave 47,408 29,321
47,408 29,321
Note 10: Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
Therewerenocontingentliabilities,noranycontingentassetsasatthebalancesheetdate,otherthanthefollowing:
AnemployeewasinjuredinSeptember2001.Shehasmadeaclaim,andVictorianWorkcoverAuthorityhasappointedDibbsAbbottStillmantoworkonbehalfofCarolineChisholmSocietyanditsworkcoverinsurer,CambridgeIntegratedServices.Theoutcomeofthisclaimandtheamountpayableareuncertainasatthedateofthisreport.
Note 11: Events After the Balance Sheet Date
Therehavenotbeenanymaterialeventsbetweenthebalancesheetdateandthedateofthesigningofthedirectors’report.
Note 12: Related Party Transactions
Therewerenorelatedpartytransactionsduringtheyear.Nodirectorsreceivedanyremu-neration or compensation for their services.
Note 13: Segment Reporting
ThecompanyoperatespredominantlyinonebusinessandgeographicalsegmentbeingprovisionofsupportforpregnantwomenandfamilieswithyoungchildreninVictoria,Australia.
Note 14: Cash Flow Information
(a) Reconciliation of cash
Cashattheendofthefinancialyearasshowninthecashflowstatementisreconciledtotherelateditemsinthebalancesheetasfollows:
2007 2006
$ $
Cashatbank 90,790 183,243
Cashonhand 125 239
Short-termbankdeposits 120,896 8,229
211,811 191,711
(b) Reconciliation of cash flow from operations
withsurplus (deficit) from ordinary activities
Surplus(deficit)fromordinaryactivities (11,540) 10,564
Non-cash flows in surplus (deficit)
from ordinary activities:
-Depreciationofproperty,plantandequipment 20,658 22,536
Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 (Continued) Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 (Continued)
26Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
27Caroline Chisholm Society Annual Report 2006/07
Note 14: Cash Flow Information (Continued) 2007 2006Changesinassetsandliabilities: $ $
-(Increase)decreaseintradeandotherreceivables (7,172) 14,043
- (Increase) decrease in other current assets 2,522 (4,566)
-Increase(decrease)intradeandotherpayables 693 50,724
-Increase(decrease)inprovisions 18,087 7,395
Cashflowfrom/(to)operations 23,248 100,696
(c) Credit standby arrangement and loan facilitiesThecompanyhadnocreditstandbyarrangementsorloanfacilitiesasat30June2007.
(d) Non-Cash financing and investing activitiesTherewerenonon-cashfinancingandinvestingactivitiesduringtheyear.
Note 15: Capital And Leasing Commitments
Operating leases contracted for but not 2007 2006capitalised in the financial statements: $ $
Payable–minimumleasepaymentsNot later than 12 months 8,588 -
8,588 - Theoperatingleasesareforrentalofpremiseswitha12monthterm,withrentpayablemonthlyinadvance.
Note 16: Financial Instruments
a) Financial risk managementThecompany’sfinancialinstrumentsconsistmainlyofdepositswithbanksandaccountsreceivableandpayable. Themainpurposeofnon-derivativefinancialinstrumentsistoraisefinanceforcompanyoperations. Thecompanydoesnothaveanyderivativeinstrumentsat30June2007.
(i) Treasury risk managementKeymanagementpersonnelofthecompanymeetonaregularbasistoanalysecurrencyandinterestrateexposureandtoevaluatetreasurymanagementstrategiesinthecontextofthemostrecenteconomicconditionsandforecasts.
(ii) Financial risksThemainrisksthecompanyisexposedtothroughitsfinancialinstrumentsareinterestraterisk,liquidityriskandcreditrisk.
Interest rate riskInterestrateriskismanagedwithamixtureofdifferentfloatingratedebts.At30June2007,thecompany’stotaldebtliabilitiesamountedto$Nil.ForfurtherdetailsoninterestrateriskrefertoNote16(b).
Liquidity riskThecompanymanagesliquidityriskbymonitoringforecastcashflows.
Credit riskThemaximumexposuretocreditrisk,excludingthevalueofanycollateralorothersecurity,atbalancedatetorecognisedfinancialassets,isthecarryingamount,netofanyprovisionsforimpairmentofthoseassets,asdisclosedinthebalancesheetandnotestothefinancialstatements.
Thecompanydoesnothaveanymaterialcreditriskexposuretoanysinglereceivableorgroupofreceivablesunderfinancialinstrumentsenteredintobythecompany.
Price risk Thecompanyisnotexposedtoanymaterialcommoditypricerisk.
(b) Interest rate riskThecompany’sexposuretointerestraterisk,whichistheriskthatafinancialinstrument’svaluewillfluctuateasaresultofchangesin
marketinterestratesandtheeffectiveweightedaverageinterestratesonthosefinancialassetsandfinancialliabilities,hasbeendisclosedwherematerialinthenotestothefinancialstatements.
(c) Net fair valuesThenetfairvaluesoflistedinvestmentshavebeenvaluedatthequotedmarketbidpriceatbalancedateadjustedfortransactioncostsexpectedtobeincurred.Forotherassetsandotherliabilities,thenetfairvalueapproximatestheircarryingvalue.Nofinancialassetsandfinancialliabilitiesarereadilytradedonorganisedmarketsinstandardisedformotherthanlistedinvestments.Financialassetswherethecarryingamountexceedsnetfairvalueshavenotbeenwrittendownasthecompanyintendstoholdtheseassetstomaturity.
TheaggregatenetfairvaluesoffinancialassetsandfinancialliabilitiesapproximatetheircarryingamountsasdisclosedintheBalanceSheetandinthenotestothefinancialstatements.
Note 17: Company Details
The registered office of the company is:
Caroline Chisholm Society41ParkStreetMOONEEPONDSVIC3039AUSTRALIA
The principal places of business are:
Caroline Chisholm Society41ParkStreetMOONEEPONDSVIC3039
Caroline Chisholm Society30 Gell StreetBACCHUSMARSHVIC3340
Caroline Chisholm SocietyGoulburnValleyPregnancySupport71AWyndhamStreetSHEPPARTONVIC3630
Caroline Chisholm Society15CrownStreetLAVERTONVIC3028
How Can You Help The Caroline Chisholm Society?
•Alldonations$2.00&overaretaxdeductible.•Wewelcomedonationsofbabies’andtoddlers’clothing,nurseryequipment,toysandmaternitywear.•WerelyontheworkofvolunteerstosupporttheprogramsprovidedbytheSociety.Yourtimewouldbegreatlyappreciated.•YoumaybeinterestedincontributingtotheCarolineChisholmSocietythroughfullmembershipandparticipationinourfundraising and promotional events. •YoumaybeinapositiontomakeprovisionfortheSociety’sworkinyourWill.Thefollowingclausewillensureyoursupportofthe Society’sworkwithyoungfamilies:
“I bequeath the sum of $..............., free of all duties, to the Caroline Chisholm Society, 41 Park St, Moonee Ponds, to be used in accordance with the objectives of the Society at the discretion of the Committee of Management”.
Forfurtherinformationregardingthisreportand/ordonationsorgiftspleasecontactourheadofficeon(03)93705122CarolineChisholmSocietythanksPolygranetfortheirgenerosityindesigningthisannualreport.Polygranet(03)94994776.
Please Note PhotosandimagesofchildrendepictedinthisreportarenotrelatedtoservicesandprogramsoftheSocietyandareusedwithpermission.Storiesusedwithpermissionandidentifyingdetailshavebeenchangedtoprotectprivacy.
ForfurtherinformationregardingtheCarolineChisholmSocietypleasevisitourwebsite.
www.carolinechisholmsociety.com.au
Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 (Continued) Notes To The Financial Statements For The Year Ended 30 June 2007 (Continued)
“ May the spirit of love of humanity which motivated Caroline Chisholm be seen in what we do and in what we aim to do.”
Outreach offices
Bacchus Marsh Caroline Chisholm Centre30GellStreet(POBox450)BacchusMarsh3340Phone(03)53676262
Head office
41ParkStreet(POBox846)MooneePonds3039Administration(03)93705122Counselling(03)93703933Facsimile(03)93261045
Telephone Counselling Service Phone (03) 9370 3933 Freecall 1800 134 863
LavertonLavertonChildren’sCentre15CrownStLaverton3028Phone(03)93698360
Goulburn Valley71AWyndhamStreet(POBox857)Shepparton 3630Phone(03)5821082
Pregnancy & Family Support Service