annual report 2016–2017 - pro bono australia · 4. attendance & apologies 5. confirmation of...

AnnuAl RepoRt 2016–2017

Partner with families. Facilitate change. Promote hope.

I am delighted to present the Sutherland Shire Family Services Annual report for the 2016/2017 financial year. Inside you will read about the exciting programs and collective efforts from the SSFS Team, Management and Board who have worked hard over this past year to ensure that children, young people and families are supported and strengthened in the time they are engaged with our service.

On behalf of the Staff and Board of Sutherland Shire Family Services, thank you for your involvement with our service as we strive to meet the needs of our community.

Diane Manns, CEO

Con

tent

s

4 President’s Report

5 CEO’s Report

9 Why we exist

10 Highlights

12 Our Services

16 Minutes of 2016 AGM

22 Community Development

24 Family Worker Projects

25 Youth and Family Program

30 Aboriginal Projects

32 Engadine District Youth Services

34 Supported Playgroup

35 Djanaba Occasional Childcare

36 Building Resilience in Children – BRIC Project

38 Love Bites

39 Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

40 Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

44 Outreach Services

46 Governance and SSFS Board

47 Treasurer’s Report

48 Financial Summary

51 Acknowledgement Supporters & Sponsors

2 sutheRlAnd shiRe fAmily seRviCes AnnuAl rEPOrt 2016-2017

1. Open Meeting

2. Acknowledgement of Country

3. Welcome

4. Attendance & Apologies

5. Confirmation of 2016 AGM Minutes

6. President’s Report

7. Treasurer’s Report

8. CEO’s Report

9. Project Reports & Highlights

10. Guest Speakers

11. Film Presentation: Escape

12. Nomination of Returning Officer

13. Election of New Board for 2017/18

14. Nomination of Auditor for 2017/18

15. 30th Birthday Cake

16. Close of Meeting & Refreshments

Ag

end

a 2017 AnnuAL GEnERAL MEETInG

sutheRlAnd shiRe fAmily seRviCes AnnuAl rEPOrt 2016-2017 3


Our continued success has made us only more ambitious in responding to the changing needs of the community. This last year saw the implementation of a new Strategic Plan (2017-2020) which will ensure SSFS continues to provide the best possible care to families throughout the Sutherland Shire and St George areas. The SSFS Strategic Plan articulates a clear mission, vision and goals with three key strategic focuses (Our Services, Our People and Our Processes) to guide us as we surge forward as an organisation. Thank you to our Board of Directors for their tenacity in finalising this plan and for their commitment to the organisation at-large.

In April 2016, SSFS was announced as the key service partner for the trial of the NSW Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS). The DVDS is a Police led initiative for both women and men who may be at risk of domestic violence, giving them the ability to check with Police whether their partner has a history of family violence and/or related offences. SSFS offers 24/7 crisis access to a Domestic Violence Support Worker, safety planning services, referral to trauma counselling and other specialist support services available to people affected by domestic violence. Despite a slow start, we have seen a significant increase in the number of disclosures during the second year. This knowledge empowers people to make decisions about the future of their relationships, and work to secure their own personal safety.

To further strengthen our service provision for families, we embarked upon a new program called the Unlock Program. The program aims to provide resources to support women and children impacted by domestic violence by partnering with local Real Estate Agents.

We would like to thank our current partners at Highland Property Agents, Abode Properties, Newton Real Estate, Location Real Estate Sales and Consulting, and Raine and Horne Commercial Miranda for coming on board with this initiative.

We also particularly want to thank the following organisations for their generous support of SSFS: Capital Bluestone, PAYCE and Sutherland Shire Council for their commitment to provide additional resources to casework. Through the generous support of our valuable partners and supporters we have been able to respond with an increase of 20% referrals into our Casework Programs. We would also like to thank Capital Bluestone for their amazing contribution to the extension on our Jannali site. It has created a beautiful space for our ever-expanding organisation!

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the amazing work of Diane Manns, our CEO, and the staff of SSFS in what has been another extraordinary year. Diane and the staff are extremely dedicated to the work they do and work tirelessly to support children, young people and families in our community. In recognition of Diane’s endeavours, she will be receiving an Alumni Award for Social Impact from the University of Wollongong. To be publicly recognised in this manner is testament to the capability, skill and dedication of Diane. Congratulations!

larissa rossenPresident, SSFS

President’s ReportThis year Sutherland Shire Family Services celebrates its 30th Anniversary and we are immensely proud of where we have come as an organisation!


CEO’s Report

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Sutherland Shire Family Services’ 2016/17 Annual Report. This is a significant year for Sutherland Shire Family Services as we celebrate our 30th year providing services for children, young people and families in our community.

There has been much change that has evolved over the past 30 years, however I am extremely proud to say that Sutherland Shire Family Services’ (SSFS) core values have not altered and our mission to partner with families, facilitate change and promote hope is still our fundamental drive. From humble beginnings from a small office in Miranda in 1987, to now accommodating three sites across the Shire we are extremely grateful that our growth has not strayed from the work we provide to those who need our services most.

The Not for Profit sector has arguably experienced the greatest change in recent years. The past is no longer a predictor of future success or sustainability. Against this backdrop, the current economic environment for the Not for Profit sector now requires a readiness to embrace change. Change is the new normal! In the words of Michael Porter, ‘Change brings opportunities’ and to this point Sutherland Shire Family Services works first and foremost with authenticity and transparency yet must balance this with adaptability in order to motivate action in this ever changing environment.

With this approach, opportunities have certainly come our way, which has made for another very full and busy year! Without a trusted and committed team, take-up of these opportunities would not be possible. I am thankful to be surrounded by hardworking and dedicated people including a Board who supports the landscape of change, growth and innovation within this environment.

For much of the 2016/2017 period we applied action research methodology to the final instalment of the Pull Ya Head In campaign to ensure we had a script that was authentic and reflected accurate cultural competence and sensitivity. The 6-part web series is based on true stories from our very own backyard. The stories represented are reflective of the sensitive and challenging work the team at SSFS deal with each day. Thank you so much for all your hard work as you carry the heavy load of supporting so many families each and every day.


I particularly want to thank the SSFS Executive Team: Lola, Nicki, Terri and Michelle. While farewelling the hardworking Operations Manager, Marlene, who provided extensive support to the EDYS team and Line Managers we have welcomed the highly capable Michelle. Michelle has further supported the Line Managers through her strong background in managing teams and a depth of experience working with children, young people and families. My thanks to Nicki and Lola who tirelessly keep the wheels turning.

Along with a great team, SSFS has enjoyed new partnerships with Myer Miranda, Sutherland Mazda, Westfield Miranda, Newton Real Estate, Highland Property Agents, Abode Property Agents, Location Real Estate Sales, Raine & Horne Commercial Miranda, JMH Living Design and Salvation Army Menai. To maximise the impact of our work, SSFS must draw on our community and corporate organisations who partner with us to ensure we deliver much needed services and allow us to remain focussed on the ‘why’.

We feel genuinely privileged to have the ongoing support, and partnership of NSW Police, PAYCE, Capital Bluestone, Mint Floors, Campaign Monitor, Sutherland Shire Council, Interrelate, Charter Hall and Big Sister – through financial support, by sharing the expertise of their staff, by offering in-kind benefits as they too, recognise the importance of our work. It would be impossible to launch into the innovative community capacity building activities we do without your generous support.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, our core funding continues to be provided by State and Federal Government. We are thankful to FaCS, Women NSW, Legal Aid as well as Federal Government’s DSS and Indigenous Advancement Strategy. This funding allows us to do our core work of early intervention and prevention across a range of capacities. Further to this we are thankful to the many community groups that have donated to SSFS and our families throughout the year.

Despite the successes, the sad reality is that we continue to be concerned by the number of referrals for children, young people and families impacted by trauma and disadvantage from domestic violence. We believe the provision of a wraparound service for our families, starting at the entry point of groups and playgroup through to casework and therapeutic work, coupled with education in schools and industry will, in time, have a significant impact on the disturbing statistics. SSFS is committed to this journey and works hard at providing innovative and researched approaches to create a safer shift for our children, young people and families.

Diane MannsCEO, SSFS

CEO’s Report Continued


Founded in 1987, and incorporated as an association in 1994, Sutherland Shire Family Services Inc. has become a leading provider of innovative and professional services for families and children living in the Sutherland Shire and St George areas.

From humble beginnings working from a small back-office in Miranda, Sutherland Shire Family Services has become a key support service for domestic violence victims and their children in both areas.

In 2012, SSFS extended their purpose built centre in Jannali, providing workers with much needed office space, more group work space, counselling rooms, including a children’s play therapy room.

We have a diverse ream of intelligent, professional, supportive, caring and dedicated staff who have worked hard to transform SSFS into the organisation it is today – providing quality services, facilitating change and promoting hope for families throughout the Shire.

Why we exist

our founding story

Sutherland Shire Family Services (SSFS) is a local not for profit community organisation that offers a range of programs and services that aim to support and strengthen the capacity of families within our community, particularly those who have been impacted by disadvantage, violence and trauma.

Offering specialised parenting programs, youth and family caseworker services, Aboriginal support programs and domestic violence support services, SSFS works with families with children 0-18 years to help keep them safe and improve communication and relationships between family members to create an environment that allows children to flourish.


the foundations of our workOur MissionPartner with Families.Facilitate Change.Promote Hope.

Our PurposeTo support and strengthen the capacity of families within our community by providing programs and services that are designed to contribute to the promotion and preservation of safety and well-being among family members.

Our VisionTo be a leading, sustainable not for profit organisation that provides innovative and proactive responses to those affected by domestic and family violence, trauma, hardship and disadvantage, through a trauma informed model.

Our ValuesSupport Collaboration Integrity Respect Transparency

Our Guiding PrinciplesWe are committed to:

Responses that promote safety for families

Accountability, transparency and integrity

Practice approaches that recognise the impact of trauma, violence and abuse on child-wellbeing

Responses which aim to reduce the impact of poverty and disadvantage on families

Protection of women and children who have experienced domestic violence

Affirming and strengthening families’ social, cultural and racial identities

Contribution to community capacity building and community strengthening

Providing an environment where the principles of trauma informed care support and promote the attachment relationship between carer and child

Recognising that families have multiple forms, not necessarily biologically based

In accordance with the principles proclaimed in the charter of the united nations Convention on the rights of the Child.

AcronymsADVO Apprehended Domestic Violence OrderAFWP Aboriginal Family Worker ProjectBrIC Building Resilience in ChildrenCAPS Child Abuse Prevention ServiceCPCS Child Protection Counselling ServiceCYFS Child Youth & Family ServiceDVDS Domestic Violence Disclosure SchemeEDYS Engadine District Youth ServiceFaCS Family and Community ServicesFrS Family Referral ServiceIFS Intensive Family SupportnAPCAn National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and NeglectSSFS Sutherland Shire Family ServicesSDn Sydney Day Nursery (Brighter Futures)SSWDVCAS Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy ServiceYAF Youth and Family


our people

Above: Barefoot Bowls – Team Building Activity

Left & Bottom: Christmas 2016


4,496Referrals from police to our ssWdvCAs

(covering the st George, sutherland

and miranda lAC’s)

314Referrals into the family

worker program

93Group sessions were provided by family

Worker programs in this timeframe

60families supported

through youth & family Worker (yAf)

programs

19Aboriginal families

provided with family casework assistance

145families received

short term casework support

100families received

long term casework support

2,108instances within casework of information provision, advocacy and referrals

to services

highlights


1,800+young people

visits to edys drop in

35familes referred into

the BRiC project

215young people participated in

edys school holiday Activity programs

1,845Child visits to

djanaba occasional Childcare Centre

1,140high school students participated in love

Bites program

42sessions of

Koori Kids supported playgroup provided

to 20 families each week

54families enrolled in our supported playgroup

with 42 sessions provided this year

100% Client

SatisfactionWith our family

Caseworker service


Services for Families Each family has different individual needs and strengths. Our family support services provide a range of support to children, young people and their families living within the Sutherland Shire and St. George areas.

Family Worker ProgramsOur Family Workers provide assistance to families who, for a variety of reasons, would benefit from additional support. This program aims to assist families with strategies which will enhance parent and child relationships, help parents gain confidence with parenting skills, enhance safety for women and children as well as increase and strengthen a family’s supportive connections and social networks.

Intensive Family SupportIntensive Family Support (IFS) works with families referred by Family and Community Services (FaCS). This program uses a holistic approach in addressing individual families’ needs, recognising that each family has its own strengths to offer. We encourage and support our families to make informed decisions together with our IFS caseworker. The service offers interventions to address the most critical and priority needs of the family. The program aims to keep children in a safe and stable family environment, and works to ensure the child’s wellbeing through improving parent capacity and family functioning.

Aboriginal Family WorkersOur Aboriginal Family Workers provide a range of information and referral services, as well as emotional and practical support for Aboriginal families with children aged up to 8 years who live in either the Sutherland Shire or St. George area. Aboriginal Family Workers work with families to promote safety and emotional wellbeing for all children. We liaise and negotiate with other agencies and departments on a family’s behalf, including assisting families seek and access appropriate services for support.

Building resilience in Children ProjectIn recognising the effect that domestic violence has on children, in 2012 SSFS launched the Building Resilience in Children (BRIC) project – a highly effective, trauma-informed, researched, attachment based program. The program is designed to restore the mother-child attachment that is often fractured due to trauma of the parent and child following domestic violence.

Angel BlanketsThe Mary Jo McVeigh ‘Wrapped in Angels’ program is a therapeutic process that aims to protect and nurture children who have experienced stressful life events. Through the use of symbols such as family, pets, friends, places and events, children can tap into their internal knowledge and strengths, to design and create an Angel Blanket.

Koori Kids Supported PlaygroupKoori Kids Playgroup aims to provide our families with a safe and welcoming environment where children’s development and cultural identity are supported and enhanced. Our service aims to provide a fun and educational environment, by providing activities which promote a child’s sense of belonging and self-confidence.

our servicesSSFS believes that our future generation – today’s children – have the right to be raised in homes where they are safe, and can achieve their potential through love, connection, encouragement and support. As such, we offer a range of family support services, programs and courses centred around the goal of assisting parents, children, and families to connect with each other and their wider community.


Services for YouthYouth and Family WorkerThe SSFS Youth & Family Worker Program both at the Jannali and Engadine Site (EDYS) is able to provide a range of programs, support, information and/or referrals which assist young people (aged 12-18 years), their families and carers, in an environment that is non-judgemental, safe and friendly.

loveBitesLoveBites is an extremely successful school based domestic and family violence and sexual assault education program targeted at 15-17 year old high school students. Held in local high schools by trained facilitators, the respectful relationships program consists of two interactive education workshops on Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault followed by creative workshops that consolidate the information from the morning sessions.

Engadine District Youth ServiceEDYS is one of the Shire’s premier Youth Centres, located in the heart of Engadine. It’s a safe, supportive and non-judgemental place for young people to relax with friends, use the internet, get involved with fun activities, learn new skills, and chat to qualified youth workers about what’s important to them. There is also a recording studio and the Youth Café, offering inexpensive food and beverages. EDYS is a drug and alcohol free centre, designed for young people aged 12 to 18 years.

Through various activities and practices, such as community development, referral, case management and group work, EDYS encourages and supports young people to make informed decisions about their lives as well as advocating on their behalf in relation to broader youth matters.

Services for ChildrenDjanaba Occasional Childcare ServiceThe Djanaba Childcare Centre is an occasional childcare facility operated by Sutherland Shire Family Services. It provides both regular quality childcare places for children aged 0-6 years of age, with limited spaces for under 2s, as well as occasional care on a needs basis. Operating from Tuesday to Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm, the program is based around children’s developmental needs and interests and provides a safe, nurturing environment for children and families in our community.

Supported PlaygroupOur Supported Playgroup operates on Mondays during school terms from 10 am to 12 noon. It provides the opportunity for families who require additional assistance to learn new skills, gain further understanding about their child, network with other mums and talk to workers to gain additional support in the early years of parenting. The playgroup is held in our purpose built childcare facility, providing a broad range of activities both indoor and out. There are two playgroup support workers and an SSFS family worker, all of whom have targeted training, knowledge of child development and experience in supporting families.

little Koori thinkersLittle Koori Thinkers is an Indigenous Homework Group established to provide support to infant aged Aboriginal children.


Domestic Violence ServicesPathway for Change Support GroupEach term SSFS provides Domestic Violence Support Groups focussing on the needs of women who have experienced domestic violence and through these groups explore their strength and survival, impacts on lives, family and relationships, and work to begin the process of healing. Following the domestic violence group an optional 4-week program has been designed to look at the impact that domestic violence has on the child.

Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy ServiceThe Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (SSWDVCAS) provides information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland Court for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

Domestic Violence Disclosure SchemeThe Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) – is a NSW Government led initiative for both women and men who may be at risk of domestic violence. The Scheme is not a register or a list, but a tool available to concerned people to seek information about a person’s violent offending history. Any person who has concerns about their partner, or a third party who has concerns about a person’s partner, can find out if that partner has a history of domestic violence and related offences. Concerned people, either a ‘primary person’ or a relevant ‘third party’ can make a DVDS application at either Sutherland or St. George local police station.

Art therapyThis is a 6-week program offered to women who have participated in the Women’s Domestic Violence Support Group. The themes of this group focus on strengthening intellectual and intuitive responses, building confidence and insight. The process enables women to gain self-awareness and learn more about how to cope with life’s challenges.

Parent Education ProgramsCircle of Security Circle of Security is a relationship program designed to strengthen the parent/caregiver relationship through enhancing attachment security. It is an evidence based program that helps parents/caregivers recognise new ways to understand their child’s needs and behaviours, and learn effective ways to connect with their child. It enhances a child’s sense of security, self-esteem and parent-child relationship.

Bringing up Great Kids The Bringing Up Great Kids program has been developed by the Australian Childhood Foundation and uses mindfulness reflection to support parents to review and enhance patterns of communication with their children, to promote more respectful interactions and encourage the development of children’s positive self-identity.

tuning into KidsTuning into Kids is an evidence-based parenting program that focuses on the emotional connection between parents and children. It assists parents to respond to their children’s emotions in an accepting supportive way.

Healing ConnectionsAn evidence based workshop that provides a six week group for safe care-givers of children impacted by domestic violence. Over the six weeks caregivers begin to understand the impact of trauma and not being emotionally or physically safe has had on their children.

our services Continued


our team

SSFS Board

CEO

Admin/Facility Manager

new Projects Marketing Manager

Operations Manager

Business Manager

VolunteersBookkeeper Financial Assistant

Pull Ya Head In

Toolbox Talks

BRICBuilding Resilience

in Children Team

Intake

Students

CaseworkPractice Manager

FnSWFamily Worker

Program

FnSWAboriginal Family

Worker Project

EIPPFamily Worker

Program

SSWDVCASYouth

ServicesIncluding EDYS

Resource Officer

Love Bites

Schools Project

Djanaba Occasional Childcare

Supported Playgroup

Koori Kids Playgroup

Little Koori Thinkers

DVDSDomestic Violence

Disclosure Team

DVCaseworker

Project

Children’s Services

(vacant)

InterrelateDV Project

IntensiveFamily Worker

Project


Meeting Opened: 10.10amChairperson: Diane Manns

Diane welcomed all those present to the Annual General Meeting of Sutherland Shire Family Services. She invited Danielle De Costa, one of our Aboriginal Family Workers, to perform the Acknowledgement of Country. Danielle acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land upon which the meeting is taking place today, the Dharawal People, and paid her respects to Elders both past and present. She also paid her respects to any Aboriginal people present today as well as all non-Aboriginal people here today.

Larissa Rossen, our President, also welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting. She said that it had been a very demanding year for the Board of Sutherland Shire Family Services and hoped that all present would enjoy the meeting today. She made special mention of Diane and her great work commitment this year. She also thanked all staff members for the wonderful work they have done over the past year supporting vulnerable families.

Diane then thanked everyone for attending the meeting today. She wanted to especially thank Paul Signorelli from Doltone House, who has once again generously donated the use of this beautiful function room for our Annual General Meeting.

Diane encouraged everyone to sign the attendance sheets and advised that forms were available for anyone wanting to become a Member of the Association of Sutherland Shire Family Services.

ApologiesDiane said that we had received quite a number of apologies for today’s meeting. She did not read out all the apologies. They are listed below:

the Hon. Mike Baird Premier of NSW

the Hon. linda Burney MP

the Hon. Gabrielle upton NSW Attorney General

the Hon. Scott Morrison Federal Member for Cook

the Hon. Pru Goward Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Melanie Gibbons MP Member for Holsworthy

Mark Speakman MP Member for Cronulla

Ms Eleni Petinos MP Member for Miranda

Marcelo Veloz Cronulla Sharks

lyall Gorman Cronulla Sharks

Maryanne Stuart Previous Labor Candidate

Jean Pasfield Department of Social Services

Cassandra Casey ANSTO

Wendy Backhous Indigenous Affairs Network

Carin Percival Indigenous Affairs Network

Kim Kelloway HLB Mann Judd

minutes2016 Annual General Meeting MinutesDoltone House, Sylvania 25th October 2016


Elizabeth Orr ANROWS

Stephanie Howard ANROWS

Brian Cloney Illawarra Catholic Club/Club Menai

trent Sutton Clubs NSW

Superintendent Michael O’toole Miranda Police

David Macpherson Acting Regional DV Coordinator – NSW Police

lucy Ford Capital Bluestone

Councillor Carol Provan Sutherland Shire Council

Dr lee Styger Board Member

Councillor Diedree Steinwall Sutherland Shire Council

Katina and noel Baker Members of our Association

Karen lambert Southern Sydney Sexual Assault Service

Sharon Jonathan SESIAHS

Alison Downs SESIAHS

Marion taylor SESIAHS

Emma Middlemiss SESIAHS

Kellie Checkley Project Youth

Matthew Morrison Toyota

Dale Price Myer

tracey Hobbs Consultant

rebecca Coote Barnardos

Michele Hadley Wesley Mission

Vanu Furnaono Wesley Mission

lorna Hughes Birralee Pre School

Greg Yee Family and Individual Counsellor/Thala Counselling

Shire Woodworking Club

Marlene rouhana Ex-employee

Anne Young Volunteer

Valerie Mutch Volunteer

Joy Davies Volunteer

Marcus Zeltzer Member of our Association

tracy Creasey Previous employee

Patricia Anderson Sutherland Shire Council

lina Wilmott Early Years Support Service/3 Bridges

Dave Henning Sutherland Shire Freemasons

rob Coote Sutherland Shire Toy Restoration Centre

Kim Brown Big Sister Foundation

Elizabeth O’neill Orana Hub Central

Diane then asked if there were any other apologies from the floor. No more apologies were brought forward.

Diane asked guests to turn to the minutes from our last Annual General Meeting in the Annual Report. She asked for anyone present at that meeting to move and second that the minutes be passed.


Motion: That the minutes from the 26th October 2015 Annual General Meeting be adopted as read.

Moved: Bob McKinnon

Seconded: Lisa Gall

response: Carried

Diane then invited our Treasurer, Ben Wood to talk to his report. Ben said that it had been an exciting year for Sutherland Shire Family Services with increased revenue of 24% which has funded an expansion in services as well as allowing us to build a management team to support the organisation’s growth. Ben said that we have been able to reduce our reliance on Government funding to 70.94% of total revenue which is down from 77.89% last year.

Ben said that SSFS welcomed Terri Plumb as Business Manager earlier this year. Terri has brought great experience and a new skill set to the organisation. Terri has been working on modernising and upgrading our financial systems. He thanked our auditor Cheryl Hastie and her Senior Associate Monika Hocroft from CGH & Associates for their continued work with SSFS in providing our audited financial reports. Ben said that he has enjoyed being on the Board of such an exciting organisation and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Ben stated that there were complete sets of Financial Statements available today and that these would also be available on our website. Ben then asked if there were any questions regarding the Financial Summary on Page 45 of the Annual Report. As there were no questions from the floor, the following motion was then moved and seconded regarding the Financial Statements for Sutherland Shire Family Services Inc.

Motion: That the financial statements for the 12 month period ending 30th June 2016 for Sutherland Shire Family Services be accepted.

Moved: Bob McKinnon

Seconded: Julie Dale

response: Carried

Diane presented her report and thanked our Board and staff members for their continued support and hard work this year. She also spoke about the wonderful partnerships that have been formed with Capital Bluestone, Payce, Charter Hall, Cronulla Sharks and Sutherland Shire Council. She thanked them all for believing in the work that we do. She explained that the donations received from Capital Bluestone, Charter Hall and Sutherland Shire Council has enabled SSFS to increase our provision of domestic violence caseworker hours to the community. The numbers of women and children seeking support has increased with domestic violence being reported more.

She spoke about the trauma informed practice that workers use which often entails longer term and more holistic work with families. Diane also thanked all our State and Federal partners for their continued support and their trust in the work that is carried out by SSFS.

Diane spoke about Stages 1 and 2 of the Pull Ya Head In campaign. We have produced 2 films so far with work on Stage 3 just commencing. This has been achieved with the support of Capital Bluestone, Payce, Charter Hall, Cronulla Sharks and Sutherland Shire Council. The first film was launched at a successful fundraising event at Cronulla Sharks in March this year which highlighted the impact of domestic violence on women. More recently Pull Ya Head In flyers have accompanied Rate Notices from Sutherland Shire Council which clearly demonstrates our shared values. Diane also thanked Interrelate who we have partnered with, to provide a highly skilled domestic violence worker.

Diane spoke about the great work being done by the Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (SSWDVCAS) which will be expanding further next year. During the 2015/2016 period the service received over 4,500 reports from Police in the Sutherland Shire and St George areas. The SSWDVCAS team have been working extremely hard in responding to these Police referrals.

Diane also spoke about the Out of Home Care (OOHC) system with over 45,000 children living in OOHC at present. She said that in 2015/2016 over 11,000 children entered the OOHC system.

minutes Continued


Many of these traumatised children are living with grandparents or other kinship carers who often need ongoing support. SSFS is also keeping up to date with relevant training for workers in order to best support these families.

Diane mentioned the close working relationship that SSFS has with NSW Police and wanted to especially thank Superintendent Julian Griffiths for his great support of SSFS.

Diane spoke about the great partnerships that have been formed with Westfields, Myer and Mazda over the 2016/2017 year.

Diane concluded by saying that all SSFS workers provide wonderful support to the families with whom we work. She spoke about a recent Staff Development Day which was attended by most workers. This day was to acknowledge the great work that they all do. She also thanked all members of the Board for the great support they provide to Diane and to the organisation.

The 2 Pull Ya Head In Videos were then presented.

PresentationsDanielle De Costa, one of our Aboriginal Family Workers, spoke about the Koori Kids Playgroup which started in Term 3 2015. Danielle explained that the playgroup aims to provide Aboriginal families with a safe and welcoming environment where children’s development and cultural identity are supported and enhanced. She thanked the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet for the funding for this project. She also thanked Project Youth at Menai for the space where the playgroup is run every Monday morning during school terms. Danielle reported that there are currently 26 families enrolled in the playgroup with most attending on a regular basis.

Tina Fitzgerald, the Team Leader for the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), spoke about this project. She explained that the DVDS is a 2 year Pilot program which was launched in April 2016. It is a 3 way partnership between NSW Police, Women NSW and the local support service.

SSFS were successful in becoming the partner service for the St George region and Sutherland area. The other 2 areas are Oxley (Tamworth) and Shoalhaven. The DVDS is available to anyone in the Sutherland or St George LACs. The scheme helps people who may be at risk of domestic violence to find out if their current or former partner has a history of violent criminal domestic offences. Domestic violence is usually characterised by a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviours and perpetrators often repeat these behaviours in their relationships. Tina went on to explain the process of applying for a disclosure. Tina also spoke about another part of the Disclosure Scheme which is the 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Response service. This is available to Police in St George and Sutherland LACs who can call the DVDS in regards to any incident of domestic violence where the victim needs an immediate response. Tina then went on to describe some examples of how victims of domestic violence have been assisted by the DVDS.

Vera Nedelkovska, the Coordinator of Engadine District Youth Services (EDYS) and one of the Youth and Family workers, spoke about the new programs offered at the centre and introduced the workers. SSFS took over EDYS 18 months ago with Irena being employed as a Youth and Family Worker as well as Nathan and Pablo being employed as Youth Support Workers. The workers spoke about the programs that have been run at local high schools including the RAGE program, Angel Blankets and Drum Beats as well as the Teen Parenting groups that have been run during this time. The numbers of young people attending the drop in sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons has been rising over the last 12 months. The team have great plans for more youth focussed events in 2016 and into 2017. Vera thanked the whole EDYS team for their great work over the last year.

Amber Schacht, the Loves Bites Coordinator, spoke about the program which presently has some 60 + facilitators in the Sutherland Shire some of which are present today. The facilitators include representatives from police, FaCS, mental health, sexual assault counselling, SSFS workers and many more. The Love Bites program is an extremely successful school-based educative program.


It is a preventative program which workshops the areas of domestic and family violence and sexual assault/consent with Year 10 students in local schools in the Sutherland Shire. There is also a creative session where students get to create a piece of art as part of a community campaign to stop violence against women. The program was created by the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) in the early 2000s and SSFS has been successfully implementing the program since 2011. In the 2015/2016 financial year the program was delivered 9 times at local schools including Endeavour Sports High School, The Jannali High School, Aquinas College, Engadine High School, Cronulla High School, Heathcote High School, Lucas Heights Community School and Sylvania High School – totalling over 1,000 Year 10 students including 35 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students and 55 students from other Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds. Amber hoped that all present would take the time to read the Love Bites report in our Annual Report to find out more about how the students rate the program and read about some of the great outcomes for children who have attended this program. Amber explained that the Love Bites program does not receive ongoing funding. She wanted to thank all those who have financially supported the Love Bites program over the past few years including Sutherland Shire Council and the Big Sister Foundation.

Amber also spoke about the Love Bites Student Art Exhibition which will take place at EDYS during White Ribbon Week on Friday 25th November from 6.30pm.

Diane congratulated everyone for their great presentations.

Diane then introduced Paul Owens, the Principal of Kirrawee High School. Paul spoke about his time as Assistant Principal at Engadine High School where the Love Bites Program was presented a number of times. He said that he is very keen to have the program at Kirrawee High School and congratulated Amber on her great presentation regarding this very successful program. He hopes that ongoing funding will be found for this important program and feels that it should be presented at every school.

He spoke about the value of all the agencies in the area they connect with. He is passionate about schools being great places for children to learn, thrive and be safe. He said that we all need to try and proactively build wonderful human beings and if we succeed then our community will be a better place for everyone.

The school had a Major Assembly last year to celebrate White Ribbon Day. He then showed a video presentation of the events that took place during this time with students talking about respect, civility, dignity and grace, empathy, redefining blokes, changing the fabric of conversation and links within the community. Everyone enjoyed this presentation.

Diane then introduced Katherine and Pippa who presented a musical item.

Diane introduced Patricia Heraud, Outreach Co-ordinator for TAFE NSW Gymea Campus and thanked her for agreeing to take on the role of Returning Officer.

Patricia congratulated the service for the wonderful work that has been carried out over the past year. She congratulated Diane in particular for her foresight and great leadership of the organisation.

Patricia then declared all positions on the Board vacant. She then called on the following nominees to stand for their positions on the 2016/2017 Board.

nominated for President: Larissa Rossen

nominated by: Ben Wood

Seconded by: Ann Murphy

Nominated for Public Officer: Ann Murphy

nominated by: Julie West

Seconded by: Larissa Rossen

nominated for Secretary: Julie West

nominated by: Ann Murphy


nominated for treasurer: Ben Wood

nominated by: Julie West


minutes Continued


Board Member: Marcus Zeltzer

nominated by: Larissa Rossen

Seconded by: Ann Murphy

Patricia asked all elected Board members to stand for a round of applause and stated that the Sutherland Shire Family Services Board members for 2016/2017 were:

President Larissa Rossen

Public Officer Ann Murphy

Secretary Julie West

treasurer Ben Wood

Board Member Marcus Zeltzer

Diane then presented the newly elected Board with Certificates of Appreciation and flowers.

Cheryl Hastie from CGH Associates was then asked to speak. Cheryl said that it was an honour to be associated with our organisation. She also stated that in her position of Auditor, we have complied with all the required accountancy standards. She thanked her associate Monika as well as Diane, Lola and Terri from SSFS acknowledging the professional way that the complex financial situation of the organisation is being managed. She mentioned that a full set of financial accounts was available upon request. A motion was then put forward that CGH Associates continue in their role as Auditors for Sutherland Shire Family Services Inc.

Motion: That CGH & Associates continue in their role as auditors for Sutherland Shire Family Services for 2016/2017.

Moved: Sigrid Hall

Seconded: Jann Griffiths

response: Carried

Diane then introduced Ben Kumanovski, Director, Global Pictures who spoke about the Pull Ya Head In campaign. Ben spoke about a chance meeting with Diane on a plane trip to Brisbane and how the idea of a video campaign around domestic violence and the effects on women and children came about. He realised during his discussion with Diane that there was much more to domestic violence than he had previously thought and felt that many

people in our society are also not aware of the complex dynamics of domestic violence. Ben was involved in the production of the short corporate video which was presented at last year’s Annual General meeting.

The idea of on line videos regarding domestic violence which would reach a wider audience and be available on YouTube etc was decided upon. As seen earlier today, the first video encouraged men to speak up against any form of domestic violence that they see their mates perpetrating on their partners. The second video, entitled What I See, concentrated on the impact of violence on families and especially children. The video was from the child’s perspective and highlighted that domestic violence doesn’t just affect adults. This video portrayed the quintessential, successful Shire family, but exposed what can often be happening behind closed doors.

The third part of the project will be a 25 to 30 minute piece of drama in short episodes and also a webinar series. As of February this year the 2nd video had received 135,000 views on YouTube. Ben said that if you search on line for videos around domestic violence you will find our 2nd video is on top of the YouTube list out of about 200 films. The first video is number 9 on the same list.

We have received a government grant to proceed with the third stage of the journey which Ben is very excited to be involved with. He said the videos have been presented at local film festivals and have been entered into the Indie Film Festival in the USA. The videos have also been shown at football games and will soon be shown at Cronulla Cinema.

Diane thanked Ben for his great presentation and asked if there were any questions from the floor.

Diane then officially closed the meeting at 12.00, thanked everyone for coming and invited everyone to stay for lunch.


ClubGrAntS The ClubGRANTS Scheme continues to provide additional funds to local community organisations from the Registered Clubs in the Shire. Providing these funds to organisations has made a significant impact in the Shire over many years.

SSFS has been successful in obtaining funding through this scheme over a number of years. In August 2016 we received $6,500 from Sutherland District Trade Union Club and $3,500 from Cronulla Sutherland Football Club for our Children’s Brokerage Program. This brokerage funding has enabled children to participate in a range of sporting and creative activities, including soccer, rugby league, netball, gymnastics, swimming lessons, dance classes, karate lessons and other activities which are normally out of reach to many families due to their financial situation.

It has been wonderful to be able to assist these children, enabling them to participate in activities many more privileged children may take for granted. We have also helped with visual and performing arts’ costs, child care fees, a social skills program, targeted sports programs, school sports costs, specialist medical costs, reading glasses for a child, assistance to purchase a laptop for a client’s daughter as well as assisting with many school camps and excursions. During the period July 2016 to June 2017 we were able to assist 46 families (50 children) with $8,025 brokerage funding.

Financial Assistance Sutherland Shire Family Services is one of a small number of community organisations in the Shire that received Federal government funding for many years which was distributed as emergency financial relief to families who were experiencing financial disadvantage and hardship. The Salvation Army, Wesley Mission and Advance Diversity Services were successful in obtaining emergency relief funding for this area from July 2015. Wesley Mission approached SSFS to distribute food vouchers to families with children in the Sutherland Shire who were struggling financially.

It is wonderful that we can continue to assist these families to deal with their immediate crisis situation in a way that maintains dignity and encourages self-reliance.

Wesley Mission has also been able to assist with a small number of brokerage requests from our family workers for their client families including rental arrears, removalist costs, car registration costs etc.

We thank Wesley Mission and in particular, Michele Hadley and Vanu Fuimaono, for their support of SSFS which has enabled us to continue to support those families in the Sutherland Shire who struggle to cope with the increasing costs of raising a family.

During the period July 2016 to June 2017 we assisted 96 families with $9,475 Woolworths and K-mart vouchers. The Woolworths vouchers can be used in Woolworths food stores, Big W and Caltex petrol stations. We also distributed $1,500 worth of Telstra Bill Assistance Certificates, provided by The Smith Family. We have also assisted a small number of families with their Water Rates with assistance from Sydney Water BillAssist.

The emergency relief we are able to provide to families provides a soft entry opportunity for families who can then find out about and access the varied services provided by SSFS. Families are also referred to financial counselling services for more ongoing financial management if necessary.

Sutherland Shire Domestic Violence Committee (SSDVC) This committee, auspiced by Sutherland Shire Family Services, has been operating for over 25 years and plays an important role in community development, raising awareness and promoting community education to help improve services that support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.

Community development


The committee meets monthly and is comprised of representatives from many different government and non-government agencies including the Department of Family and Community Services, NSW Police, Community Health, Orana Hub Central, Orana Women’s Health, Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, the local Women’s Refuge, Family Referral Service, Sutherland Shire Council, Interrelate, Housing NSW, Community Mental Health and Area Women’s Health.

Projects undertaken by the SSDVC in 2016/2017

Family Fun Day In October 2016 committee members held the 12th Annual Free Family Picnic Day at Gunnamatta Park. Around 160 adults and children attended the day which was a great success.

The focus for this day is to provide a free, school holidays, family/community entertainment event which targets vulnerable families. Committee members were excellent on the sausage sizzle and the children thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Fire Truck as well as having their faces painted and playing with the craft activities supplied by many community workers. A big thank you to all those concerned for the exceptional organisation of this event and a special thank you to Sutherland Shire Council who has provided $5,000 towards costs for this picnic over the past 3 years.

White ribbon Day Event In November 2016 a number of Sutherland Shire Domestic Violence Committee (SSDVC) members took part in the inaugural White Ribbon Day March from Woolooware High School to Dunningham Park in Cronulla. The SSDVC had an information stall at the event and members handed out over 200 information bags to those present. The information bags contained information about services in the Shire that can assist women and children in or escaping domestic violence in the Shire. White Ribbons and Black Wristbands were also handed out on the day with balloons given to young children. This day was very successful

and we hope that the event will be bigger and better in November 2017. Funding provided to the SSDVC to take part in this event was provided by NSW Family & Community Services – Women NSW.

International Women’s Day BreakfastMany SSDVC members were able to attend a breakfast and celebrate International Women’s Day in March 2017. This breakfast was enjoyed by all.

Sutherland Shire Child Protection and Wellbeing CommitteeSSFS is the lead agency for the Sutherland Shire Child Protection and Child Wellbeing Committee, with members from local government and non-government services. The committee held a Child Protection Week event in September 2016, Childhood Interrupted, with over 60 local early childhood educators and teachers attending. The aim was to provide early childhood professionals information on trauma, how it may present in children and practical strategies that can be utilised to support children who have experienced trauma in the child care or school setting.

The event was a great success with positive feedback received. Other members of the committee include NSW Health, Family Referral Service, FaCS and SDN Children’s Services.

Additional ProjectsFaCS Grandparents and Kinship Carers Raising Children Project; Participation on the Steering Committee for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Picnic Day at Sutherland; Facilitation of a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Angel Blankets group at SSFS; Transitional Housing Project in partnership with the Salvation Army; Barrington’s partnership with SSFS in providing courses under the Domestic Violence STEP program to assist women impacted by Domestice Violence to return to work.


294 FAMILIES RECEIVED CASEWOrKEr SuPPOrt:

family Worker projectsHOW MuCH DID WE DO ?referrals & Caseload - July 2016 to June 2017Family Worker Projects are funded through the NSW Departments of Family and Community Services Early Intervention and Placement Prevention (EIPP), Families NSW and Community Builders Programs.

314 REFERRALS TO SERVICE | tOP 10 rEFErrAl SOurCES:

Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

South East Sydney and Illawarra Area Health

Sutherland Shire Family Service Programs

NSW Department of Education

NSW Police

Community Health

Family and Community Services

NGO and Family Services

Family Referral Services

35% Self

10%7%

6%

6%

4%

4%

4%4%

3%

19 AFW

2 IFS13 DVCW

14 DVDS

34 EIPP

31 FNSW

6 Interrelate Outreach

30 YAF

145Short Term Casework


Extensive short term casework support provided to families by Intake

299 REFERRALS MADE:

SSFS Domestic Violence Suport Group – Pathway for Change 43

SSFS Supported Playgroup 38

Accommodation/Housing Services and Advocacy 28

Legal Services and Advocay 27

Domestic Violence Counselling – Orana Women’s Health 19

Domestic Violence Counselling – Community Health Caringbah 19

SSFS Parenting Group Programs 18

SSFS info re projects and group work, incl Grandparents Angel Blankets 17

Family Referral Service 15

SSFS Building Resilience in Children Project 15

DV Hotline/Police/Elder abuse line/Victims Services/DV info and resources provided 15

SSFS Family Worker Projects 12

Food Hamper Provider 11

Health Services incl. Calvary, Acute Care, CAPS 6

SSFS Emergency Relief 4

FaCS 4

Men’s Referral Service/Mensline 4

Private psychologist services 4

Aboriginal Services 4

top presenting issues upon referralFamily Difficulties/Parenting 85 22%

Post Separation Domestic Violence 57 15%

Domestic Violence 54 14%

Accommodation/housing problems 36 9%

Mental Health issues 27 7%

Family difficulties/relationships 23 6%

Financial Difficulties 17 4%

Drug/alcohol issues 15 4%

Education issues 14 4%

Isolation 14 4%

Family/Domestic violence 11 3%

AGES OF CHIlDrEn In

FAMIlIES ASSIStED WItH CASEWOrKunborn 3%

0-12 Months 7%

1-2 years 9.5%

3-4 years 11%

5-10 years 31%

11-15 years 28%

16 plus years 12.5%


family Worker projects Continued

HOW WEll DID WE DO It ?The Family Workers, Aboriginal Family Workers, Intensive Family Worker, Domestic Violence Caseworkers, and the Interrelate Specialist Domestic Violence Outreach Worker, support families through strengths-based, child-centred casework which takes place by having contact with families at home visits, field visits or at our Centre.

IS AnYOnE AnY BEttEr OFF ?

Client Satisfaction Survey FeedbackQuality improvement is carried out by SSFS asking our families to provide feedback on the service they received and if they would like to make any recommendations:

Quality of Service Help in dealing with family issues

89% of respondents said the services they received helped them a great deal in dealing with the issues affecting their family.

11% of respondents said the services they received helped them in some capacity in dealing with the issues affecting their family.

The family workers are also committed to being involved in other direct service delivery and educational programs, for example, being seconded workers for SSWDVCAS, the Love Bites Program, as well as participating in community awareness events and attending interagency meetings. The family workers are dedicated to offering best practice and regularly attend training in continuous efforts to build on their knowledge and skills so they remain abreast of current theories and practice.

Angel Blankets 9

Girl’s Group 6

Circle of Security 24

The Art of Self Care 12

Domestic Violence Parenting Support Group 24

Tuning into Kids 6

How to Parent Teens 6

Rage 6

Total 93

872HOME VISITS

330CENTRE VISITS

288FIELD VISITS

Within their casework SSFS family workers provided families with over 2108 instances of information provision, advocacy, support and referrals to services.

SSFS caseworkers facilitate various group work programs held at SSFS, including evidenced based attachment parenting programs, supported playgroups, Domestic Violence support groups and Art therapy. 16 Group programs were offered over the 12 month period.

89%EXCELLENT

11%GOOD


In our Client Satisfaction survey, no respondents provided negative feedback about our service, and 100% of respondents said if they were to seek help again, they would come back to this service.

Families were asked ‘what was the most important thing about having a family worker?Some responses included:

How has your Youth and Family Support Worker helped you?

Identified the things that are working well in my family 78%

Improved parenting skills 44%

Improved parent/child/young person relationships 44%

Increased understanding of children’s/young person’s needs 67%

Referred you to a specialist service e.g. counselling etc 22%

Provided useful referrals to other services 67%

Helped identify people who were helpful to me and my family 33%

Increased informal social network 44%

Helped reduce family conflict 33%

Increased safety 22%

Other 22%

100%SATISFACTION

WITH THE SUPPORT THEY RECEIVED

Guidance of things to do and

where to get help

Someone to talk to about problems

that could help find ways to work

through them

Mentoring and listening to my

problemsActually having

some support through a tough time. Not feeling so alone

A positive step in the process of dealing with abuse and trying

to get my feet as a single parent

Provision of our needs and sourcing

what we need

To teach me better strategies

of parenting

I was given a great deal of

support and my confidence as a

mother grew


family Worker projects Continued

Families were asked if there was any further comments or suggestions they would like to add?

Just want to thank my workers for everything. they have been such wonderful women. God bless.

i can’t thank the service enough for the support i have been provided

Just a thank you for providing help, nice surprises that made life easier at Xmas, for being there when i needed help. thankyou.

i would recommend services to others. Worker was extremely helpful, very empathetic and proactive in helping me.

Staff DevelopmentDuring the year the team has participated in many staff development activities including training on technology facilitated abuse facilitated by the eSafety Commission; Our Aboriginal Family workers attended an Angel Blankets course funded through FaCS Grandparents and Kinship Carers Raising Children Project; Provided ethical and professional placement opportunities for Social Work students from UNSW; Participated in Perinatal Supervision with professional peers; Supervision through Line Managers and External Supervision and ongoing professional training; Attendance at the Australian Childhood Foundation’s Jon Bailyn and Dan Hughes Mistrust to Trust Workshop; Participation at the Child and Family Interagency training provided by Mary Jo McVeigh – Establishing Safety – Emancipatory Trauma Therapy


The YAF team works closely with local schools and other community services in referring, supporting, and advocating on behalf of young people and families, to enhance the outcomes that are achieved. With an emphasis on meeting the needs of young people and families, over the last year the YAF team has supported over 60 families in achieving positive outcomes.

During 2016-2017 the YAF team delivered parenting programs such as Circle of Security for Teens and Tuning into Teens, with positive feedback from parents regarding the impact it had on their own parenting and understanding the benefits of supporting secure attachment. Additionally, YAF delivered programs that nurture and enrich the lives of young people such as the Girl’s Group at St John Bosco College and Heathcote High School, Angel Blankets at St John Bosco College and Rage at Heathcote High School.

The feedback emphasises the positive impact and difference the YAF program makes in supporting young people and families in strengthening relationships and assisting families in reaching positive results.

In 2018, the YAF team is looking forward to introducing a new program at EDYS to support young mums called ‘Baby and Me’.This is a 6-week program exploring the period of infancy from birth to 6 months. The aim of the ‘Baby and Me’ program is to help young mothers in their adjustment to motherhood, creating healthy attachments to their child, and understanding infant social and emotional development, along with the importance of communication and play.

Feedback from families

since engaging with yAf worker all sorts of things have happened and she has been a wonderful support, i don’t think i would have coped without it.

you have been so kind and caring, we thank you so much for everything you do for us. We were really lucky to be put in contact with family services, it helped the whole family. yAf worker was really good with eldest daughter, she explained things differently to her which made it easier for her to understand.

youth and family program (yAf)With a focus on attachment, our Youth and Family (YAF) worker program delivers practical and therapeutic practices for families, from trauma informed and strengths-based perspective.


Koori Kids Supported PlaygroupWe continue to place emphasis on the children with a welcoming, stimulating, environment that enhances their independence, school readiness and social and emotional wellbeing. This is all achieved with a focus on enhancing a positive cultural identity and by ensuring all staff are culturally sensitive in their delivery of the program. The playgroup is staffed by three Aboriginal workers. Families have access to activities on a weekly basis that reflect both contemporary and traditional Indigenous culture.

We currently have 25 families enrolled to attend with 8 new families enrolled over the last six months. We have four grandparents who regularly bring their grandchildren to the group and one foster carer.

Koori Kids Playgroup has had many exciting things happen during the 2016/17 year period. We attended our first excursion to Symbio Wildlife Park in Sydney’s south. The families were all excited to be going on our first excursion and the event was well attended.

We purchased bucket hats featuring the Aboriginal Flag and the label Koori Kids Playgroup. All children that attended the Zoo

excursion were given a hat so they were easily seen in a group setting. The hats will also be given to children leaving the Playgroup as a memento to remember their time at Koori Kids.

On the 26th June Koori Kids held an early NAIDOC celebration that included a respected community elder facilitating a group time, a jumping castle, a cake with the Aboriginal flag, sausage sizzle and lots of crafts with a cultural theme. The feedback received from families was positive and the children appeared to really enjoy the day.

Aboriginal Family Worker ProjectThe Aboriginal Family Worker Project continues to support Aboriginal families in the Sutherland Shire and St George areas with Children 0 to 8 years. We have recently welcomed a new worker Nicole who has adjusted to the role quickly. The Aboriginal Family workers support families on a long term or short term basis depending on the individual family’s needs.

Both workers continue to place significance on building and maintaining professional working relationships with other local support services and often work collaboratively to support the families.

Aboriginal projects


little Koori thinkersLittle Koori Thinkers has been running for just over 12 months and we have seen great responses from the families involved. Over the year, 95 children have attended the sessions with an average of three children per session over this time.

The program is providing support for families through accessing technology including iPads, and internet for students to complete online homework tasks that would not be available in their home environment. Healthy eating options are provided for children with snack time first up on the program. The children are supported by our workers to stay on task by focusing on patterns and repetition to complete homework, creating routine and structure for them to follow and use at home ie. time for play, time for food, time for homework; sitting at a table, using a sharp pencil, having an eraser close etc.

The group also includes educational games aimed to create ease around maths and literacy for students, as well as make it enjoyable and fun. The children build friendships with other Indigenous children and the parents have a touch point with workers throughout the week for support if necessary. A designated Yarning Circle was introduced throughout the year, which included discussions of contemporary and traditional Indigenous culture, including Indigenous celebrities, sports stars, dreamtime, paintings, stories etc. One of our Indigenous workers will present this session each week.

Good news Story

A single mum with four children and complex needs was referred to the project in late 2016. The project has supported this family by linking them in with disability services that are able to assist with home and school support for two of her children with disabilities. They also assisted in planning and submitting the paperwork for the nDIS scheme. The family have accessed the Little Koori Thinkers homework group. Financial support has been offered and sort and this has ensured the family have sustained their Tenancy. Mum was very thankful and emotional for the support she and the children received around the Christmas period. She made the comment “without the food hamper and toys, the children and I would have very little to enjoy at this time of year.


Throughout the year the EDYS team have been focused on developing the social space into a creative hub for young people of the Sutherland Shire with activities facilitated by the centre incorporating music, short films, poetry, photography, fine arts and street art. New programs have been introduced including the Bicycle Shed, EDYS Legal Wall and Mindful Thursdays to name a few, with the hope of getting young people to slow down and take the time needed to forge meaningful relationships with others.

In conjunction with Sutherland Shire Council staff worked hard to secure renowned artist Phibs to give Engadine Skate Park, located in Cooper St, a much needed makeover and tackle the problem of graffiti tagging on the site.

After the revamp EDYS held the 2233 Festival in January 2017 at the Skate Park. The Festival combined a scooter competition, live music and an outdoor cinema. It was a huge success with over 264 young people and their families attending the event. EDYS received very positive feedback and a strong desire from attendees to make it an annual event. One member of the community in particular commented on our Facebook page congratulating EDYS on its continual work with young people, as he was a client back in the late 70’s when it was first established.

In 2018, we plan on bringing the 2233 Festival back bigger than ever, with the addition of trike racing at Cooper St Park, connected to the Skate Park, which we are in the process of trialling in schools such as Menai and Endeavour High.

EDYS worked together with Sutherland Shire Council and other local youth services to coordinate the Beach to the Burbs, Sutherland Shires’ Youth Week event in April which attracted more than 3,500 people to Dunningham Park at Cronulla. At the event EDYS had a stand to engage with the community and one of our youth workers, Nathan, played on stage with the Kirrawee High School band.

Venturing out into the local community, EDYS visited schools and spoke to over 1,200 students from St John Bosco, Heathcote High and Endeavour High. The Drumbeat program was as successful as ever this year, servicing a total of 208 students from schools including Aquinas Catholic College, St John Bosco and Dunlea (formerly Boystown). We hope to expand into other schools next year and develop a sense of community and fellowship to young people in the Shire.

Looking to the future, we hope to continue supporting and mentoring young people through our services and programs. Through our services we hope to support them to become the best adults they can be.

engadine district youth servicesEDYS has had an enormous year this year with the service celebrating its 40th year, making it the oldest youth service in the Sutherland Shire. We held a Birthday celebration with staff, young people and council in attendance. This year has also seen an increase in youth accessing the centre with over 1,800 young people attending our Drop-in service over the 12 month period.


testimonials

EDYS is good; it is fun for people to catch up

with friends. You can play music, get a full size chicken and play games on the Wii.

Pablo and Nathan are funny. There are green machines you can win,

EDYS makes me feel excited.

Jack 14 EDYS has provided me with job opportunities and a

different outlook on life, which has helped me very much on countless occasions.

They provided me with shelter, food and joy, which I am incredibly grateful for.

Andrew 15

EDYS youth service is a nice place to hang with friends in

the arvo and it has a lot of things to do; like Mario Kart, fun activities and

music equipment.

Quinn 14

EDYS Drop in

300

250

200

150

100

50

0 Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

2016 2017


Supported playgroup operates every Monday morning (school terms) onsite in our purpose built Child Care Centre.

Sutherland Shire Family Services believes it is important to continue facilitating this group as it provides a vital service to the community and is consistently operating at full capacity.

The supported playgroup aim is to create a safe, predictable, nurturing environment for the primary carer (mother; father; grandparents or foster carer) and their infant/child to interact, engage with other carers and their children and have fun in a non-judgemental setting. This opportunity to connect with other families helps to reduce isolation. There were 54 families enrolled for this period and over 60% of these are from Non-English-Speaking Backgrounds.

The playgroup also aims to build a positive attachment between infant/child and their primary carer through shared activities that are mutually enjoyable, benefitting both parties.

There are three employees who facilitate the playgroup with extensive skills and qualifications including mothercraft, childcare, family therapy and case management. Facilitators model and mirror positive interactions between primary carers and their child, to assist in relationship building through play. Facilitators have a genuine delight of children and provide trust with participants by being reliable and consistent.

Supported playgroup compliments family casework, offering a ‘soft entry’ for many families. It also assists in exiting, as families can be held for longer lengths of time, even when casework support has finished.

supported playgroupThis Playgroup has been steadily growing over the years and with an average of 20 adults and 28 children regularly attending this year, we have experienced a growth of twenty five percent in numbers on last year.


During the last financial year we continued to operate over the three days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Our numbers remained similar to the previous year with a spike in attendance from the middle of September to the end of the year. The number of attendances was 1,845.

Sam and Jann continued in their roles of Early Childhood Educators providing exciting and educational experiences for all children.

Jann attended the Occasional Child Care Australia Association meetings which are held bi-monthly. We are still advocating strongly for the Occasional Care services across Australia. Many services have closed or changed to long day care in order to survive especially those services in regional areas. Committee members always have a presence at the meetings with other childcare peak bodies concerning all changes and challenges facing the early childhood sector.

Djanaba was able to provide over 700 hours of respite care to the various programs within Sutherland Shire Family Services for families attending groups and counselling sessions. All of the families requiring respite care were able to access the services of Djanaba Occasional Care Service.

During the year Djanaba had a chocolate drive and a Christmas raffle. We also participated in the ‘earn and learn’ Woolworths promotion. Thank you to all the parents and staff who collected the stickers for us. We were able to choose four resources from the catalogue to use at the service.

During NSW Children’s Week in October we encouraged the children and educators to dress up in their favourite colour, crazy hair and dressups. We all enjoyed the day very much and the children loved seeing the educators joining in all the activities. This has become very popular and is celebrated each year.

During Christmas Party week we were fortunate to have a visit from Santa. He brought with him a present and a bag of lollies for the children. Excited faces greeted him for the most part with some of the children being a little bit shy with the educators helping them to take their gifts.

Thank you to our casuals, Mariam, Jenni, Danielle and Julie. We really appreciate the fantastic work you do at such short notice. Thank you also to the fabulous volunteers on the reception desk who helped with lots of preparation for our craft activities especially around the Christmas period. Thanks also to Sam for her continued support and dedication to early childhood education.

To the parents and children who use our service I cannot thank you enough for your continued support and recommendations to your friends and the community. Thank you to the SSFS Board for your continued support.

djanaba occasional Childcare service


Staffing The BRIC project has significantly expanded over the course of the past year. This has allowed the project to have a greater capacity in responding to both an increase in demand for therapeutic client work, as well as requests from the community to provide trauma and attachment focused consultation and opportunities for professional development.

Aimee has stepped up beautifully into the BRIC team leader role over the past 12 months and has had the opportunity and challenge of further developing her skill set. She has enjoyed both leading the team and also continuing to develop the BRIC project practice and framework. The knowledgeable and dedicated team brings with them varying experience and draw on each other’s strengths working together respectfully towards the common goals of the project. BRIC has developed a great culture of hard work, commitment to reflection, deepening our knowledge and of course a little fun… Aimee, Ally and Cherry continue to staff the project a total of 11 days across each week.

referrals /statisticsBRIC received 35 new referrals into the project

The 35 families referred into the project had a total of 91 children between them

The project provided direct work with 26 of the referred families

6 referred families are currently on the waitlist

3 were closed from the waitlist without service provision, for various reasons e.g. relocation, no longer required support.

referral number Sources of referrals

Internal – Intake 14

Internal – Projects 5

Self-Referral 5

Family Referral Service 3

Hospital Social Work 1

St Vincent de Paul – Amelie House 1

Interrelate – Domestic Violence Worker 2

Kogarah Developmental Assessment Unit 1

Sydney Day Nursery 1

Family and Community Services 1

Local Primary Schools 1

Group work Group work continues to be a core element of the project’s work. Project workers continue to witness the significant value that groups add to the therapeutic work. This is also reflected in feedback from group participants. Among other questions, participants were asked about the key messages they will take away from the group. Responses included; “My child is hurt, not bad”, “Never give in, there is light at the end of the tunnel”, “We are all on a journey, healing takes time, be kind to ourselves and have hope, as we can change ourselves and help our children”, “Trauma changes brains but we can repair them!”. The feedback highlights the consistent thread of hope that Healing Connections has been able to foster in safe caregivers who are experiencing post separation domestic violence. Women have also recognised having more optimism and confidence in the challenges of parenting children impacted by their traumatic experiences due to the violence.

Building Resilience in ChildrenThe BRIC project is an early intervention service which supports mothers and their children in the aftermath of domestic violence. The project has a focus on relationship repair and supporting mothers to explore and respond to their children’s behaviour through a trauma lens. The project also supports the wider community’s capacity to build on current knowledge and practice wisdom, when responding to children and families who have experienced trauma.


training Attended The project has been incredibly fortunate to have attended the following opportunities for professional development;

• 4 day ECAV Domestic Violence training

• 4 day Circle of Security training

• Family Law Pathway Network

• 2 day Dan Hughes and Jon Baylin training; From Mistrust to Trust: Brain based, attachment focused, treatment for traumatised children and young people.

• Women’s NSW Innovation Fund Co-Lab workshop

• Domestic Violence law and policy information seminar

• Berry St Forum on Infant Mental Health

• 2 day Janina Fisher training

• 2 day Wrapped in Angels training

Interagency/Committee representation A representative from the BRIC project currently participates on; the Sutherland Shire Child Protection and Well-being Committee, the St George DV committee and the St George DV committee DV forum Sub Committee

Staff/Project SupervisionThe project has maintained its commitment to reflective practice and continued skill development by accessing external group supervision. Greg Yee from Karuna Centre provides staff with clinical supervision and Marion Taylor from St Geroge Domestic Violence Service (NSW Health) provides external project supervision.

training/Workshops Developed and Facilitated by the project The Hurt Child two hour workshop, was delivered to;

• Bundeena Public School for school staff development day

• Cronulla South Public School. Feedback from the workshop was positive: “Dear Ally and Aimee, Thank you for your warm and professional presentation on ‘The Hurt Child’ at Cronulla South Public School. We genuinely value your expertise in the field and look forward to working with you to continue our learning. With my very best wishes, Natalia (School Principal)”

• St George Child Advocacy Group

Presented ‘Childhood Interrupted’ on behalf of the Sutherland Shire Child Protection Committee, for National Child Protection Week.

Project Highlights • Hosted the Australian premier of the

documentary film “Resilience”

• Supported the St George Child Advocates group host a community screening of the documentary film “Resilience”

• Held consultation meetings with local school representatives regarding the needs of school communities, in regards to maintaining engagement with children who have experienced trauma

Group statistics number Sessions total of face to number of Group name of groups per group face sessions Participants

Healing Connections 3 6 18 18 (safe caregivers)

BRIC – Social Space 1 10 10 4 (children)

Circle of Security 1 8 8 6 (safe caregivers)

totals 5 24 36 28

*Healing Connections previously; Caring for Children Impacted by Domestic Violence.


The message around respectful relationships is clearly growing among high school students, and we are seeing an increase in student’s knowledge around healthy decisions, and access to local youth services.

The new program was launched in 2017, with higher levels of enjoyment based on students feedback, as well as facilitator feedback. This includes new media, interactive elements, and real life stories to raise awareness around domestic violence, sexual assault and consent, and what students can do about choosing to participate in healthy relationships.

2017 saw 16 new facilitators trained in the program, joining the team of now 50+ facilitators who reach out to over 1200 students per year through the program.

The community campaign element of the program has gone to whole new level as collaborating with schools in developing this session has seen more buy in from students and incredible works of art, music and poetry have been developed by those involved. Schools are placing value on this program and incorporating the artworks created in this session within their schools permanently, so as to promote the respectful relationship message right throughout their school.

SSFS purchased technical equipment for the facilitators to take into schools, overcoming a huge obstacle in the running of the program. Technical issues often caused delays with set up but by purchasing our own equipment, the LoveBites program is able to run smoothly from set up to pack down, with no technical difficulties at all. This has proven to be one of the programs greatest assets as students are receiving a quality experience.

A few key volunteer facilitators within the program have developed and facilitated a song writing session as an option for students to participate in. This initiative alone has brought more opportunity for students who wouldn’t normally participate in an art session, but feel comfortable writing lyrics, poetry and raps, and presenting them. This has been fantastic to see and teachers have been feeding back regarding students that wouldn’t normally be as involved as surprising them with the depth of their thoughts on the issue.

Working alongside NAPCAN, SSFS funded the training costs to retrain all facilitators to be able to present the new LoveBites program and see these great changes.

LoveBites has been facilitated in Shire High schools over the last 12 months, covering a total of 1140 students, with 50 volunteer facilitators and one part time coordinator, working 2 days per week. The program is gearing up to be bigger in the coming year as more schools are very keen to have the program delivered in their school. LoveBites is looking to train more new facilitators in the new year in an effort to create more availabilities for more schools.

loveBitesThe LoveBites program has made significant progress over the last year. A new program was introduced, the team of facilitators were retrained and new facilitators brought on board, fresh collaboration opportunities with schools were formed and students had an increased engagement and enjoyment level with the program.


The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme assists people who may be at risk of domestic violence to enquire if their current or former partner has a history of domestic related offences where there have been convictions. A confidential application made at one of the police stations in the pilot area enables the police to conduct a history check and then book a time to give verbal information to the person at risk.

In any cases where there are very serious offences the police will advise us to attend with the applicant within 48 hours of the application being made.

Our team provides the support at those meetings to the applicant. We support them emotionally and follow up with the applicant following the meeting. For some of the applicants we provide short-term casework and link them into appropriate services and provide information.

The Disclosure Scheme is also open to ‘third party’ applications, meaning that anyone who has a relationship with the person at risk can apply for a Disclosure where the information is given to the person at risk.

Our dedicated and skilled team have been providing support to not just applicants for the Disclosure Scheme, but in addition, a 24 hr, 7 days a week domestic violence crisis support service accessed by police at the time of a domestic incident. We are able to meet face to face at the police station to provide immediate assistance to any victim of domestic violence within those same areas as the Disclosure Scheme. We have also undertaken Community Awareness throughout the year as part of our work.

domestic violence disclosure scheme (dvds)

DVDS is a two year pilot program that was launched in April 2016. It is a three way partnership between Women nSW, nSW Police and Sutherland Shire Family Services. The Disclosure Scheme is available to any resident within the St. George area or the Sutherland Local Area Command suburbs. (There are two other regional pilot areas at Shoalhaven and Oxley in nSW).


As a crisis service, it has been a step into a new space where we are continually learning how we can best carry out this important work. The wonderful DVDS staff have been very accommodating with changes in rosters and filling in when needed.

We would also like to thank Aimee Jackson who so kindly stepped in and covered some on-call nights and weekends when we needed the help.

SSFS thanks the Domestic Violence Liaison officers from both Sutherland and St. George LACs who work collaboratively with our DVDS team Heather, Tina, and Julie to ensure the immediate needs and safety of women and children is paramount.

We also would like to extend our appreciation to local Commanders, Superintendent Griffiths from Sutherland Local Area Command and Superintendent Paul Simpkins from St. George Local Area Command who have also been great supporters of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme and the DV Crisis Support Service.

Women NSW have engaged an independent evaluator to look at the Scheme’s implementation and make recommendations. The final evaluation in February will be made when the Government will decide whether this Scheme will be rolled out across the state.

From all the feedback we have received whilst working alongside the police, it would seem that there is not one applicant who would not want to see this scheme be available to all people across the state and nationwide. They have found it to be very helpful – even when it is sometimes overwhelming and distressing to hear the information. All the women we have spoken to have given their verbal consent to be part of the evaluation and the hope is that these women’s voices are heard and that the scheme can become a state-wide strategy in addressing women’s safety.

the graph and statistics show the referrals that have been received during the 2016-2017 financial year.

2016-2017 Disclosure Data 2016-2017 DV Crisis response Data

dvds Continued

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0Total

Sutherland St. George

TotalDisclosures Made

Children <16Non Disclosure


A snapshot of an application(We’ll call her Mary). Mary came to SSFS via another service she was accessing for one of her children. When the referral came in Mary was interested in attending our ‘Pathway for Change’ support group. During this time at the group Mary discussed her situation with one of the facilitators who told her about the DVDS.

From this Mary made an application to the police and a Disclosure meeting was booked for her. Mary was also able to access the Family Law Solicitor Mahony’s Lawyers here at SSFS from her conversations with the facilitator of the group.

This demonstrates the wrap around service that SSFS can offer to so many women and families. Mary told me that she feels so well supported and held and ‘kept in mind’ from contact with our staff at SSFS.

A snapshot of a great outcome(We’ll call her Jenny). Jenny applied for a Disclosure after only knowing her new partner for a couple of months.

Her friend had heard about the scheme and suggested she apply and check that her new partner had no serious history for domestic related offences. Jenny made the decision to apply.

Police contacted us to advise that there would be an ‘urgent’ Disclosure meeting the next morning due to the seriousness of his offences.

The applicant was so shocked to hear the disclosure that she found it hard to digest that this was really the man she thought was ‘the one’. After the meeting, the DVDS team talked about what her plans were as she had decided to end the relationship.

Jenny felt very lucky that she was able to obtain this information, it has now changed the course of her future, and she is no longer in a relationship with him.


We are one of 28 Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services (WDVCAS) effective throughout New South Wales, servicing 114 Local Courts and are administered by the Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP), a unit within Legal Aid.

Through the NSW Government It Stops Here: Safer Pathway initiative the government continues to change the way victims of domestic and family violence get help and as part of that initiative our service rolled out the St George Local Coordination Point in March of 2016 which operate Safety Action Meetings (SAMs). SAMs are regular meetings of local service providers that aim to prevent or lessen serious threats to the safety of domestic violence victims and their children through targeted confidential information sharing which is shared under legislation. Members share information to develop tailored, time-specific Safety Action Plans for victims at serious threat and their children.

SAMs are chaired by a senior police officer and attended by key government and non-government service providers working with domestic violence victims and perpetrators in the St. George area.

The St. George SAM has been very successful with many positive outcomes through committed support from all relevant stakeholders and service providers.

Our service operates the safe room at Sutherland Local Court on Wednesdays for the ADVO list. We support women and work in collaboration with the Domestic Violence

Liaison Officers (DVLOs) to achieve the best AVO outcome. Whenever possible we provide support for women at defended hearings on Friday. We are also able to offer prior support for victims at defended hearings by way of hearing clinics. Once a month we offer the opportunity for women to attend a hearing clinic to gain insight into what to expect on the day of the defended hearing. This is in collaboration with the Court Prosecutor and DVLOs. The women find these extremely useful and they do assist in alleviating some worries and fears.

From July 2016-June 2017 our service received 4496 Police referrals through the Central Referral Point (CRP), operated by Victims Services covering the St George, Sutherland & Miranda Local Area Commands.

Between July 2016 and June 2017 we provided services to 2738 clients and compiled statistical data for 8520 service events.

The St George Safer Pathway roll out necessitated growth of the team and as a consequence new larger premises. We thank our service provider Sutherland Shire Family Services (SSFS) for facilitating the move into suitable accommodation. We are also grateful to work with the SSFS teams on their projects, including but not limited to the Aboriginal Family Worker Project, Family Workers, Love Bites Workers, Youth Workers, Building Resilience in Children Program, Intensive Family Support and Engadine District Youth Service (EDYS). We would like to thank the CEO Diane Manns, the Management Team, the Board and all staff for their ongoing support and assistance.

southern sydney Women’s domestic violence Court Advocacy service (ssWdvCAs)

SSWDVCAS is funded by Legal Aid new South Wales to provide information, advocacy and referrals to women and families who are attending court in order to obtain an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO). Our Service covers the Sutherland Shire and St George regions.


Our service continues to offer our Outreach Service for CALD families through Advanced Diversity Services in the St George Area and Aboriginal Outreach through Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation.

We are able to support the large number of women, children and families who need to attend court on ADVO mention days due to the ongoing commitment from local workers who participate in our Seconded Worker Roster. The Seconded Workers attend Court one morning a month to work alongside our team after completing the one day free training provided by the WDVCAP Unit in Legal Aid NSW.

In 2016-2017 we had a total of 9 seconded workers from 7 government and community services and wish to recognise the managers and management committees of the following services for their continuing support:

• Sutherland Shire Family Services

• NSW Health - Sutherland Shire Domestic Violence Counselling Service

• Orana/Orana Women’s Health

• South Eastern and Northern Sydney Family Referral Service

• St George Sexual Assault Service

We were also supported at court by the Domestic Violence Practitioner Scheme (DVPS), which is a Legal Aid NSW specialist legal panel which can provide representation and legal advice on ADVO Mention days. We thank our duty solicitors – Nanette Reuben, Narelle Butler, Louise Coorey and Theo Voros for their continued work and dedication to our roster.

Complementing our strong client focus, our service is actively involved in community networks and interagencies. During the 2016-2017 period we were involved in both the Sutherland Shire and St George Domestic Violence Committee Meetings, the Mental Health and Southern Sydney Koori Interagency Meetings, the multicultural networks for St George and Sutherland Shire, the Challenges of Parenting Adult Children support group, the Sutherland Local Area and St George Child Protection Committee Meetings.

All of this would not be possible without our great team during this period comprising – Tracy (Coordinator), Rania (Assistant Coordinator) Jodie (Court Advocacy Worker), Katrina (Court Advocacy Worker), Elizabeth (Court Advocacy Worker), Melissa (Court Advocacy Worker), Lisa our Aboriginal Specialist Worker and Marie-Rose CALD Specialist Worker, Joanne (SAM Coordinator), Laura (Intake Referral Officer) and Grace (Intake Referral Officer) – who are dedicated and skilled workers who support each other in our sensitive and challenging work environment.

8,520service events

2,738Client services provided

4,496police Referrals

(st George, sutherland & miranda local Area Commands)


Mahony Family lawyersSutherland Shire Family Services has provided rooms to Mahony Family Lawyers who have been outreaching their service to many of the families that we are working with.

As legal matters can be expensive and emotionally taxing for our families, particularly when presented with complex issues, providing legal support onsite means that our families can attend a local and familiar environment that is supported by welcoming staff. During the 12 month period from July 2016 to June 2017, around 90 legal appointments have taken place at our centre. Phone consultations have also taken place during this period

We look forward to continuing our relationship with Mahony Family Lawyers into 2018.

Bel People SolutionsWorkplace Consultant providing outreach support to SSFS ClientsBelinda provides outreach support at SSFS for clients of SSFS to assist them on their journey back into the workforce, often after being impacted by family violence and trauma. Whilst providing skill set analysis, resume planning and interview preparation, her greatest work is drawing on our clients’ strengths by providing positive reinforcement, nurturing mentorship and support.

Many of these women have a sense that they are devoid of professional presentation, however after several sessions with Belinda most are coming away with a new-found confidence to apply for roles. Our feedback is that many women are now in fulfilling employment.

Bel People Solutions has made this service accessible to our clients and offers her service free of charge to clients of SSFS.

outreach services


Community Health CaringbahDomestic Violence Counselling ServiceSSFS has had a working relationship with Community Health Caringbah Domestic Violence Counselling Service since June 2001.

This counselling service offers short term (one to three sessions) to medium term (covering a number of months) of psycho-social counselling for women exposed to domestic violence. The counselling is aimed to help women recover from the psychological effects of the trauma experience. This service is part of the division of Child Youth and Family, Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service. In 2004 this service was extended to include children.

As workers in this field know from experience and research, the issues families face to regain safety, rebuild their sense of themselves and provide non-abusive environments for themselves and children often takes planning, time and resources from many different supports and sources. Over this last year we have continued to be able to offer opportunities and refer women and children to participate in various activities and groups offered by SSFS. As well, SSFS have and will continue to utilise the counselling service offered at Community Health Caringbah.

During this last year over 40 women took the opportunity to use facilities offered at SSFS for counselling sessions. These women often expressed their relief and thanks for having the opportunity to be seen at Jannali. Some commented that they know the area, find it easy to get to and feel welcomed by the staff at SSFS. This enables them to relax in surroundings sometimes familiar to them.

We would like to thank staff at SSFS for their continued welcome, good will and assistance as we engage to assist the many women and children impacted by family violence.

Rosemarie and Sharon, Community Health Caringbah

Southern Sydney Sexual Assault ServiceOutreach counselling at Sutherland Shire Family ServicesThe Southern Sydney Sexual Assault Service is based at St George Hospital in Kogarah. Counsellors provide sexual assault services to adults 16 years and over to the St George (Rockdale, Kogarah and Hurstville) and Sutherland Shire local government areas.

There are no other government or non-government services for adults who have been sexually assaulted in this area. We offer individual counselling for victims of sexual assault/abuse, partners and family members, court support, consultation with professionals and agencies regarding sexual assault and adult survivors of child sexual assault.

The team are trained specialist counsellors, who support survivors of sexual assault in many ways on their journey towards healing. The team also works collaboratively with community organisations and services in the Southern Sydney area to help eliminate the prevalence of sexual assault in society. Workers from the Sexual Assault Service have been actively involved in the facilitation of the Love Bites program at local high schools and remain committed to this valuable project.

Over many years, Sutherland Shire Family Services has generously allowed Social Workers from the Sexual Assault Service to use their centre in Jannali in order to provide an outreach counselling service in the Sutherland Shire.

Counsellors from the Sexual Assault Service have regularly utilised the counselling rooms during 2016/17 providing 70 counselling sessions. They receive positive feedback from their clients as to the warm and comfortable environment provided at the centre.

Sutherland Shire Family Services has made the service more accessible to residents of the Sutherland Shire and has ensured that the Southern Sydney Sexual Assault Service is able to offer a consistent service.

SSFS would like to thank Rosemarie for her dedicated service to women for many years and congratulate her on her retirement.


The organisation is governed by a Board of Directors. All Directors are expected to exercise independent judgement in the performance of their duties, always acting in the best interest of the organisation for whom they are a Director. An individual Director will not participate in decision-making processes if any potential conflict of interest is likely to arise. The Directors receive no remuneration for their role on the Board and accept full responsibility for the governance of the organisation, in accordance with legislative requirements, best practice standards in corporate governance and community expectations. The Board supports open and transparent communication with stakeholders while regarding the confidentiality of client information as critical.

The Board sets the strategic direction and oversees the operational and financial performance and the risk and compliance management of the organisation. The Board Committee structure is an integral part of the governance structure and processes of the organisation.

The composition of the Board of Directors and the performance of the Board are reviewed regularly to ensure that the Board has the appropriate mix of skills and experience. Each year a selection of Board members attend the Better Boards Conference.

SSFS BOArDThank you to our Board of Directors for your leadership and guidance over the past year. The contribution of your time and expertise is truly appreciated.

President Larissa Rosen

Secretary Julie West

Treasurer Ben Wood

Public Officer Ann Murphy

Committee Member Marcus Zeltzer

CEO Diane Manns

Staff Representative Lola Hearn

GovernanceGood governance is a fundamental part of the culture of Sutherland Shire Family Services. The wellbeing of clients, their families, staff and volunteers, and the sustainability of the organisation are at the core of the governance and the culture of Sutherland Shire Family Services.


2017 has been another whirlwind year. Revenue has grown 24% year on year for the 2nd year running. We finished with an operating surplus of $30,601 which will be allocated to accomplish our mission. We have renewed our Strategic Plan and Business Plan for the next 3 years in order to respond to the evolution of the NFP sector.

In 2017 we were thankful to have received funding from the following Government agencies: • NSW Family and Community Services (FaCS):

– Child, Youth and Family Support (CYFS – Sutherland Youth & Family Support and EDYS)

– Intensive Family Preservation Program (IFS)

– Community Builders (CB – EDYS)

– Families NSW (Sutherland/St George Aboriginal Family Worker Project and Sutherland Family Worker Project)

• Women NSW (FaCS) for DVDS, Local Domestic Violence Committee grant

• NSW Department of Education and Training – Djanaba Occasional Child Care Service

• Legal Aid NSW – Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

• Federal Government – Koori Kids Playgroup

• Sutherland Shire Council – EDYS and LoveBites support

We also received generous support from donors to assist us to achieve our mission:• Corporate sponsors• Clubs NSW members• Private donors

I would like to recognise our Business Manager, Terri, for overseeing the financial complexities involved in bringing the budgets and accounts together throughout the year.

Thanks must go to CEO Diane Manns and the executive team for allocating our limited resources to maximise the positive impact for children, women and families in our community. Our people are our biggest asset and the outcomes they achieve with limited resources are amazing. Their hard work and adherence to budgets is most appreciated by members, board and all stakeholders.

Thanks again to our auditor Cheryl Hastie and her team from CGH & Associates for their professionalism and expertise in presenting the financial reports for the consolidated entity. Their guidance is invaluable and their ongoing commitment to support us is greatly appreciated.

I am happy to report that myself, Diane and most of our Board members underwent Risk and Governance training in May this year. This was a great refresher for all of us as we continue our commitment to improving our skill-set.

Ben Woodtreasurer, SSFS

treasurer’s ReportIt is my pleasure to present The Treasurer’s Report for Financial Year 2017. This report covers the organisation as a consolidated entity incorporating Sutherland Shire Family Services, Djanaba Occasional Childcare Service and Southern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service.

77.5%

13.6%

5%

Government funding

Project grants

Donations

Childcare fees

Sundry income

Interest received


financial summaryThe financial information presented in this Annual Report has been derived from the audited Financial Report of Sutherland Shire Family Services Incorporated for the year ended 30 June 2017. A copy of the full financial report and auditor’s report is available upon request.

Operating results The company recorded a net surplus for the year of $30,601 (2016: $1,207).

Sutherland Shire Family Services Inc. Consolidated Income and Expenditure Statement For the Year ended 30 June 2017

2017 2016

$ $

Revenue

Funding from Government Grants 2,168,876 1,607,511

Other Project Funding 381,039 341,021

Donations Received 141,356 167,119

Childcare Fees Received 79,787 107,111

Fundraising and Sundry Income 11,055 7,988

Interest Received 15,752 35,409

2,797,865 2,266,159

Expenses

Administration & Marketing Costs 294,128 244,198

Employment Expenses 2,155,932 1,850,043

Occupancy Expenses 100,303 87,117

Service Delivery Expenses 216,901 83,594

2,767,264 2,264,952

Net surplus for the year 30,601 1,207


Sutherland Shire Family Services Inc. Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As at 30 June 2017

2017 2016

$ $

Current Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,366,731 1,300,604

Other Current Assets 76,006 12,386

Total Current Assets 1,442,737 1,312,990

Non-Current Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment 459,435 402,557

Total Non-Current Assets 459,435 402,557

Total Assets 1,902,172 1,715,547

Current Liabilities

Trade and Other Payables 172,042 75,290

Short-Term Financial Liabilities 13,668 8,045

Provisions 442,868 301,007

Other Liabilities 671,256 740,785

Total Current Liabilities 1,299,834 1,125,127

Non-Current Liabilities

Long-Term Financial Liabilities 15,475 -

Provisions 91,476 94,040

Other Liabilities 276,363 307,959

Total Non-Current Liabilities 383,314 401,999

Total Liabilities 1,683,148 1,527,126

Net Assets 219,024 188,421

Equity

Retained Profits 219,024 188,421

Total Equity 219,024 188,421


ANSTO Bambi Family Day CareBel People SolutionsBirralee Preschool Como Campaign MonitorCare 4 Kids Sutherland Shire Care & Concern Outreach Inc Caringbah TradiesCaringbah Ladies Bowling ClubChiquito Family Day Care Club on EastC3 Church CronullaCronulla Preschool Dandelion Support NetworkEngadine Bowling Club Give and Take Sutherland ShireHeathcote Engadine Anglican ChurchJannali Pre School Kirrawee Child Care Centre

Mahony Family LawyersMenai Public SchoolMiranda RSLRay White MenaiRotary Club of AustraliaRotary Club of Hurstville Salvation Army MenaiShare the DignityShire Woodworking ClubSutherland District Trade Union ClubSutherland Shire FreemasonsSutherland Shire Lioness ClubSutherland Shire Toy Restoration CentreSydney Basket BrigadeSylvania RotaryThrive Community ChurchUniting ChurchWe All CareWMD Law

Government PartnerslocalSutherland Shire Council

StateDepartment of Family and Community ServicesDepartment of Education and TrainingLegal AidWomen NSW

FederalDepartment of Prime Minister and Cabinet

IndividualsJ & L Hill

Many individuals who wish to remain anonymous

VolunteersAnne YoungValerie MutchJoy Williams

Acknowledging supporters and sponsors

Sutherland Shire Family Services relies on a range of support and funding sources to provide the programs and services that we offer. It is this generosity and commitment that constitutes the foundation of our organisation and allows us to function, providing important services to children, young people and families.

Corporate & Community Supporters

Address

telephone

Facsimile

Website

Email

Facebook

twitter

ABn

90 Soldiers road JAnnAlI nSW 2226

(02) 9528 2933

(02) 9528 2633

www.ssfs.org.au

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/SSFamilyService

www.twitter.com/SSFamilyService

90 552 502 487

how you can helpSutherland Shire Family Services’ achievements are made possible through the generous contributions and ongoing commitment of many.

Our ability to make a difference in the lives of children, young people, and families is dependent on the generosity of our supporters.

There are many ways you can offer your support:

• Make a donation at http://ssfs.org.au/donations/• Leave a bequest, which allows SSFS to plan for the long term • Become a SSFS Partner, and support children and young people on a monthly basis • Give through your pay, by setting aside an amount of your choice from each pay cycle

annual report 2016–2017 - pro bono australia · 4. attendance & apologies 5. confirmation of...

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