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Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 1
2013-14 Annual Report
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–142
Koorana’s mission is to provide learning opportunities to all children and their families in a caring environment.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 3
About KooranaKoorana has a proud history
and strong connection with
the communities of the
Bankstown, Canterbury and
broader Inner West areas of
Sydney.
The genesis of Koorana came about nearly
40 years ago when a group of local women
identified a need within the community for a
centre in which to undertake playgroup activities.
After approaching Canterbury Council – and with
additional federal funding – they were able to
purchase a home in Belmore which became the
first Koorana centre.
Over the years our playgroups and preschool
programs have developed the reputation of being
highly professional, specialised and inclusive. These
programs now set the standard for inclusive early
childhood education.
We have dedicated ourselves to identifying needs
within the community and responding with
professional, specialised programs and services.
Today we provide a broader range of education
and disability services for children and their
families based on local community needs. These
include early intervention, therapy, early childhood
education, case management and early diagnosis
support.
Koorana is proud to be the provider of such
important services in one of the most culturally and
linguistically diverse communities in the country.
We respect the many nationalities that make
up the rich cultural tapestry of the Bankstown,
Canterbury and Inner West areas of Sydney. We
do this mindful of the traditional owners of all the
lands in which we live and work, and we thank
them for their custodianship of country.
Koorana’s vision for the future is to continue
building on our mission to be a voice for the
right of all children to access learning in a caring
environment, whether that be within their home,
an early childhood education setting, or other
natural environment.
To achieve this we will always provide flexible
and responsive services to families and children
that reflect our deep commitment to an inclusive
approach to early education, intervention and
family support.
Thank you for taking care
of my son. He absolutely
loves going to Koorana.
At home, he says “let’s go
to Koorana.” ~ parent testimony,
Koorana 2014 Client Satisfaction Survey
We recognise parents and carers as their child’s most important teacher and work closely with them to provide information and resources to support their child’s learning potential.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–144
Koorana’s vision is that children and their families have supportive connections, discover possibilities and participate to their full potential in all aspects of family and community life.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 5
ContentsPresident’s report .................................................... 6
CEO’s report ........................................................... 9
Our services .......................................................... 12
Children’s services ................................................. 13
Family services ...................................................... 19
Board of Directors ................................................. 24
Executive Management Team ................................ 25
Treasurer’s report .................................................. 26
Financial statements .............................................. 29
How you can help? ............................................... 33
Our supporters ...................................................... 34
2013-14Annual Report
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–146
Koorana finished yet another strong year providing
services to over 700 families across the Bankstown,
Canterbury and Inner West areas of Sydney.
The financial report provides details on the
health of the accounts and operations across
the organisation, and the CEO’s report gives
information on the operational successes and
challenges this past year.
I think you will agree with me that, given the
increasingly difficult environment for the not-
for-profit sector and the government funding
dependencies, Koorana and our management
team and staff have performed outstandingly, and
Koorana is well positioned for the long term.
Every year we show consistent strength in not
only reaching more and more families with crucial
services, but staying true to our core principles and
values, which I personally feel are exuded in every
aspect of the organisation.
Throughout this year we have met a number of
major milestones and significant turning points in
the maturity of the organisation.
Given the new environment we are entering into,
especially with the approaching rollout of the
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the
Board has considered all aspects of our situation
and are committed to moving in positive ways
towards the future. In particular, due to the
President’s ReportI am very proud to present the Annual Report for
Koorana Child and Family Services Inc. for the
financial year ending 2014.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 7
complexity and responsibility required, there are a
number of organisations who are deciding to not
offer services under the NDIS, leaving Koorana with
an opportunity to ensure the gaps are addressed
where it makes sense.
StrategyAs we have completed the last strategic plan, the
Board has spent much time in deliberating on
what our focus needs to be for the new cycle. To
this end, the next strategic plan now has a 5 year
vision or umbrella to consolidate and grow the
organisation and prepare to deliver services for the
NDIS amongst others. The Board will focus on this
plan in 2 year chunks, therefore providing for a
more fluid plan, but keeping the long term strategy
in mind.
The Board has looked at why Koorana should
continue to provide services to the disability sector
and has then re-committed to those principles. As
mentioned throughout this report, the NDIS will
start transition in 2016 with transition completed
by 2018.
Contrary to how government funding currently
works for disability services, the NDIS means that
Koorana needs to build its cash flow in order to
be sustainable. Apart from non-disability services,
there will be no block funding. Services will be
billed to the National Disability Insurance Agency
(NDIA) directly upon completion of the services
delivered. As you can imagine, although this
removes the financial risk on the government
funding bodies, it transfers it to the service
providers, something that many organisations in
this sector are not used to working with.
Quality Service DeliveryThe Board is supporting a current exercise with an
external auditor to ensure we have a total quality
management framework in place. This means that
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–148
all services across Koorana will need to meet a
certain industry standard to be able to continue to
retain and secure funding and make certain that
families receive the best in class of services. Policies
and procedures are being assessed and refreshed
right throughout the organisation.
Growth and OpportunitiesThis year, the Board continued to support
Koorana’s Management Team in investigating
opportunities for growth in service delivery and
expansion into other areas, resulting in increased
capacity.
Our SupportersOnce again, we are ever thankful to the local
community in supporting Koorana, in particular
Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, Canterbury
Leagues and Bankstown Sports Clubs who
continue to be valued sponsors, providing much
needed supplemental monies that enhance all of
our services. Koorana has forged some important
partnerships and we are always looking to
expanding these further.
Our BoardOur dedicated Board continues to flourish. This
year we have been lucky to add members with
great new skills and experience. I would like to
formally thank each and every member for the
time and effort they donate to Koorana and in turn
the community, which is very hard to come by in
today’s fast lane life. We urge anyone interested
in Koorana’s governance to contact our CEO Vicki
Battisti or a current Board member so that we can
continue to grow the capacity of the Board.
I would like to close my report in thanking a few
people. Please join me in acknowledging our long
standing auditors, Bryan Rush and Co, and our
external partners who help to deliver management
services and direct delivery to our families. Last
but not least I want to thank Vicki, our amazing
management team, and each and every member
of staff of Koorana without whom there would be
no Koorana. Their tireless efforts are crucial in the
services we all receive across the community.
Here’s to another successful year, and more to
follow no doubt.
Khurram Mahmood
President
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 9
CEO’s ReportThe 2013 – 2014 year marks the successful
completion of a three year strategic plan and the
beginning of a new phase. We’ve adopted a five
year strategic vision, supported by a two year
strategy, that’s reflective of the disability sector’s
transition to the National Disability Insurance
Scheme and the subsequent closure of Ageing,
Disability and Home Care (ADHC).
The strategic planning process involved a critical
review of our organisational strengths and our
areas of vulnerability, along with a forward thinking
approach as we explored potential opportunities.
This culminated in a focused direction that will
build a solid platform upon which we can achieve
our strategic goals. The key outcomes we will
achieve are:
• full implementation of a quality management
framework, resulting in third party verification
• consolidation of our current position, and
• identification of growth opportunities.
Much progress has already been made with
the priority being to ensure organisational
sustainability.
Sound administrative functions are crucial to
organisational health and underpin all aspects
of service delivery. A Business Services team has
been formed, bringing together key organisational
supports to ensure that our management
framework positions us for the opportunities and
challenges that lie ahead.
A review of Koorana’s management structure
resulted in the appointment of a General Manager
– Service Delivery. This new position sits within
the Executive Management team and alongside
the General Manager of Business Services. The
key function of the position is to ensure quality of
operational practice and consistency of approach,
and importantly to support staff in carrying
out their daily activities, providing them with
opportunities for ongoing professional discussion
and learning.
In preparation for the introduction of the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) we need to
achieve Third Party Verification to demonstrate that
we have a quality business framework in place that
recognises and conforms to the National Disability
Standards. Verification will be conducted by an
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1410
external auditing company. A thorough mapping
of our processes, along with a comprehensive gap
analysis, laid the groundwork for improved systems
and streamlined processes that are consistent and
transparent. The mapping also identified those
areas where further resources are needed which
will inform our ongoing planning and subsequent
work. We are now positioned well to meet the
expectations of the verification process.
Forging strong professional partnerships and
increased participation in a broad range of external
networks continues to be high on our agenda. A
great deal of new work has been carried out in this
area which will develop our learning, encourage us
to explore new initiatives and increase our profile in
the community. I’d like to highlight the following:
• Staff have worked closely with the Disability
Support Unit (DSU) to provide information
sessions on grief issues in relation to disability
diagnosis. We are also working closely with
them to develop visual tools that will support
families understanding of what to expect as
they utilise specific aspects of the health system.
• As auspice of the Canterbury Child and Family
Interagency, staff have been involved in a multi-
service collaborative effort to develop and train
a pool of casual child care workers.
• Our keen knowledge of the local community
has provided valuable input to the Medicare
Local team and the Department of Health
to determine the needs of local residents of
Lakemba, Wiley Park and Campsie for the “Can
Get Health” project.
• Koorana’s significant collaborative effort with
the Association of Children’s Welfare Agency
and University of NSW has contributed to the
development, pilot and launch of a service
delivery practice tool to use with socially
isolated families.
• We continue to collaborate with FRANS with a
view to embedding an ongoing partnership in
the delivery of sibling programs.
• We provided consultancy to the School of
Community Languages (Department of
Education) to determine support initiatives for
volunteers who teach at community language
schools. We have since delivered information
sessions on inclusion of children with disability
and developmental delay at the school’s annual
conference.
• An important partnership and subsequent
Memorandum of Understanding has been
entered into with Medicare Local. Koorana has
been appointed as a key referring agent into
the ATAPS program for children under 12 years
of age, enabling them to access psychology
services at no cost.
• We continue to consult with ADHC to identify
and close service provision gaps as ADHC
transitions out of direct service delivery
to make way for the National Disability
It is through the
ongoing support of key
local clubs that we can
explore new initiatives
that provide crucial
support to families of
young children.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 11
Insurance Scheme. Discussions are ongoing
with the possibility of a Koorana-based sleep
consultation clinic and/or fussy eating clinic.
There is also some possibility of access to onsite
assessment.
• Initial connections have been made with
the University of Wollongong with a view
to collaborative work within our new clubs’
funded pilot programs.
Our relationships with key local clubs Bankstown
Sports, Canterbury Leagues and Canterbury
Hurlstone Park RSL remain strong. It is as a result of
their continued financial support that we are able
to continually explore new initiatives that provide
crucial support to families of young children. I am
forever grateful for their confidence in us.
Koorana is committed to service provision of
integrity. We are driven by evidence-based research
to guide our family focussed planning and strive
to provide programs that respond meaningfully to
the needs of the families with whom we work. Our
partnership with families and respect for what we
learn from them is at our core.
I work alongside a committed team of
professionals who generously share of their
knowledge and skill and I am grateful for their
willingness to explore new ways of thinking. I am
enriched by the genuine partnerships we have with
each family to whom we provide a service and
by the diversity of our community. I’m thankful
for the encouragement, support and measured
governance of Koorana’s Board which continues
to energise and inspire me. I am proud to be a
part of an innovative organisation that continually
seeks to explore possibilities and is unafraid to take
calculated risks.
I look forward to all the future has to offer.
Vicki Battisti
Chief Executive Officer
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1412
Our Services
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 13
Children’s Services The Children’s Services team delivers a range of
early education and intervention programs to
families living in the Bankstown, Canterbury and
Inner West areas of Sydney.
We take a family-centred approach that recognises
the family as the centre of a young child’s life. We
also recognise that each family is unique in their
makeup, priorities, strengths and support network.
We understand that some families have a strong
network of support and that others are more
isolated in the community.
Our team of experienced early learning
professionals works closely with families to help
determine the most appropriate program for
their child’s learning needs and family priorities.
Through this consultation we can ensure that
each program is unique and will provide the best
outcomes for the child and their family.
We work closely with the family to determine not
only what services would be the most appropriate
for them, but also the way in which the services are
delivered. We respond to the changing needs of
the family and adjust service delivery accordingly.
The Children’s Services stream of activities includes
early childhood education, early childhood
intervention and therapy services.
Our early childhood education programs are
delivered through two inclusive preschools and two
centre-based specialist groups.
Our early intervention services are delivered
through home-based early learning teams, and
individual and group therapy programs. We use a
key worker model, which provides families with a
single, key contact with the organisation thereby
improving communication and coordination as the
family adjusts to their child’s diagnosis.
Through the generosity of grants received from
local clubs and councils we are also able to
provide additional one-off programs in response to
community needs.
‘’I’m happy with the therapy
because they teach me
simple things to help my
child, but they make a big
difference to my child,
family and life”. ~ the Skedri family.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1414
TherapyKoorana provides a range of speech pathology and
occupational therapy services to families.
Our family-centred approach recognises that
a child’s family is the most important factor in
maximising the benefits of their therapy. We work
closely with families to understand their routines
and priorities. Our aim is to develop a program
that incorporates therapy into the family’s everyday
routine – not to make the routine work around the
therapy.
Wherever possible, therapy is provided in natural
environments – such as the classroom, home
or community. Providing therapy in natural
environments has a number of benefits, including
supporting the family to encourage their child’s
participation in the everyday family routine and
community activities; and providing the child
and family with the necessary strategies as they
progress to formal education settings.
Highlights of 2013-14This year the therapy team has had a strong
focus on establishing connections with a range of
interagency networks. Such networks provide our
therapists with the opportunity to network with
other professionals, share resources and improve
their professional development.
Goals for 2014-15Over the next twelve months, the focus for the
therapy team will be to expand the number
of families we support and strengthen our
consultative model of therapy provision with
families. We will focus on implementing results-
based interviews (RBI) and functional strategies to
support families.
We will continue to embed the family-centred
approach with all client families, including
providing families with supports and resources,
for example, providing learning and social stories
in the family’s home language. This approach will
help families to continue to successfully incorporate
therapy into home routines and help them to
independently identify opportunities for therapy
within their family and community context.
LUKE’S STORY
The home-based program opened up
a whole new world for us. We were
shown so many achievable ways in
which to help our special boy and we
were informed of helpful workshops
and events being held that may be of
interest. The beautiful educators and
speech pathologists always listened
to our many concerns. They picked
us up emotionally. ~ an excerpt from Luke’s Story by Jan, Luke’s
grandmother and Debbie, Luke’s mother.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 15
Home-based Early LearningThe Home-based Early Learning program
supports families with a child under 4 years of
age who has a delay or disability, or may be at
risk of developmental delay. We focus on children
who have not been exposed to early childhood
education settings.
We work in partnership with the family to support
the child’s early learning and development, helping
the family to feel confident in providing the
everyday experiences and opportunities that are
important for young children to learn, participate
and connect. We work closely with the family to
establish positive and sustainable family routines
that are responsive to the child’s strengths, interests
and needs.
The Home-based program is often the first
experience of early intervention for the family.
We provide a single point of contact who works
with the family to identify and gain access to
information and resources so they can make
informed decisions and choices.
We encourage families to develop strong links with
social support networks within their community,
for example family-to-family support.
The Home-based team focuses on supporting
children to participate in the experiences that are
important in their family and community life. In
this context, strong partnerships with community
supports and organisations are incredibly
important. In particular, collaboration with
colleagues in inclusive early learning communities
is at the heart of our work. This is especially
important during times of transition as we support
our families to form genuine partnerships with
early childhood education programs in their
community.
Partnerships with other early intervention
organisations, social support networks and
inclusive programs are also a natural extension
of supporting families to deepen their sense
of community connectedness. Over the last 12
months, this has involved working with community
paediatricians, playgroups, social support networks
and children’s recreation programs (such as
Kindygym, soccer and swimming programs).
Highlights of 2013-14The Home-based team developed a strengths-
based process for creating participation based
outcomes in collaboration with families, with the
goal of developing outcomes that are both family
and child focussed.
We continued to deepen our understanding
of responsive practices that support families to
connect with sustainable social supports that will
exist long after they have transitioned from the
Home-based program.
We clearly defined our practice model, with
a strong focus on evidence-based research,
whilst ensuring that our approaches are also
individualised, responsive, flexible and reflect the
unique family experiences.
Goals for 2014-15Over the next year we will:
• consolidate our framework for reflective
practice and professional development
• deepen our participation in community projects
that support inclusive practices
In July 2014, we surveyed
clients about their
experience of Koorana’s
services. Responses were
received from 101 clients,
with 98% expressing
satisfaction with the overall
quality of Koorana’s service.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1416
• enhance the implementation of natural learning
environment practices to include broader
community inclusion in our approach
• develop a holistic framework for evaluating
our achievement of program and family level
outcomes, placed within the broader context of
Koorana’s strategic plan
• strengthen our participation in professional
development and interagency networks.
Inclusive PreschoolKoorana’s philosophy is underpinned by a
commitment to ensuring access and equity for all
children to quality early childhood education.
Our professional preschool educators work
collaboratively within a transdisciplinary team
at our Lakemba and Roselands preschools to
implement a range of intervention strategies to
facilitate each child’s participation and learning
needs through a play-based curriculum.
All early childhood education facilities in Australia
are now required to conform to a National Quality
Framework (NQF) and to deliver their curriculum
in line with the Early Years Learning Framework
(EYLF). The focus of the EYLF is to promote a
healthy sense of identity and belonging through an
active play-based learning environment that opens
the door to individual potential.
The preschool team regularly reflects on their
practice through team discussion and professional
learning. Outcomes are assessed regularly to
ensure that the children are offered quality learning
opportunities that are responsive to each child’s
interests, strengths and needs.
Preschool Preparation (PREP) and Playlinks
PREP and Playlinks are small play-based group
intervention programs that operate within the
Phillip Street Preschool in Roselands. They provide a
relatively structured 12 month program, with each
group supporting between 8-9 children.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 17
Both programs are designed to develop children’s
learning of foundational skills to prepare them
for transition to larger group programs, including
preschool and primary school.
The PREP program is tailored to children with a
diagnosis of moderate to severe disability. The
Playlinks program is specifically for children with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The groups are run by a team that includes a
Special Educator, Early Childhood Educator, Speech
Pathologist and Occupational Therapist. Each team
plans and works closely with families to develop
individually tailored programs designed to support
each child’s development and learning.
Operating play-based early intervention programs
alongside the mainstream preschool environment
provides inclusive opportunities for children at
various stages of development to interact with, and
learn from, each other.
Highlights for 2013-14• We were able to substantially reduce our
preschool fees as a result of the new NSW
government universal access funding model
for community preschools, launched in January
2014. The model arose from a National
Partnership Agreement on Early Childhood
Education which commits all Australian
Governments to achieving universal access
to early childhood education programs for all
children in the year before school, guided by
university qualified early childhood teachers.
• We have strengthened our collaborative
partnerships with families to ensure that
our planning and goals for each child reflect
individual needs and interests.
• We continue to streamline foundational
processes between the preschool and Prep/
Playlinks programs to ensure consistency in
approach. As a result the orientation process
has been fine-tuned, with families feeling a
greater sense of belonging from the start.
• Families – parents and children – actively
participated in gardening projects across
both sites, thus strengthening our sustainable
practices. Some other projects that families
actively participated towards included various
celebrations, for example Mothers’ Day, Fathers’
Day, family flags.
• Work commenced at both preschools to
develop and implement sustainable practices.
Recycling and gardening have become an
integral part of our curriculum.
• Our young learners across both sites have been
learning about fire safety at various times of the
year. We are thankful to ‘Fire & Rescue NSW’ at
Lakemba who were able to visit us and educate
children about fire safety.
• We liaised with primary schools to ensure
timely, effective enrolment process as well
as smoother transition for the children and
families.
Goals for 2014-15:Over the next twelve months we will:
• continue to encourage families and the wider
community to actively participate in our early
education and intervention programs, thus
strengthening our community ties.
• continue to strengthen our preschool
framework and processes.
• liaise with other leading early education and
intervention providers to develop a professional
tutoring/mentoring network.
• plan incursions/excursions based upon children’s
interests such as ‘young scientists’ incursion,
visits to the local library.
• work closely with allied health professionals
and referral services to guide families to various
early intervention services within the Canterbury
and Bankstown local Government areas.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1418
Koorana playgroups provide age appropriate play activities that encourage the development of language, new skills and independence and highlight the importance of play-based learning.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 19
Family Services Family Services delivers a range of programs and
services designed to support the families of young
children with disabilities, promote access to services
and encourage community connection.
The family services provided by Koorana include
supported playgroups, case management, early
diagnosis support services (Early Links), and family
support groups.
Supported PlaygroupsSupported Playgroups provide parents/carers a
friendly, accessible environment to spend time
with their children and enhance their learning and
development in a play-based environment.
Koorana runs 14 supported playgroups in the
Canterbury and Bankstown areas of Sydney in
a number of park and venue-based locations,
including a group specifically to support young
mothers aged up to 24.
These areas have a number of unique
characteristics including high density housing and
large migrant communities, where families are at
risk of social isolation.
The focus of our playgroups is parents/carers
interaction with their child, supported by a team of
experienced Early Childhood Educators and Family
Workers who are on hand to answer questions on
childhood development and assist with information
on links to supports within the community.
The playgroups provide age appropriate play
activities that encourage the development of
language, new skills and independence. Our
playgroups also serve to highlight to parents the
importance of play-based learning, build their
awareness of children’s developmental milestones,
and support positive parenting strategies.
Throughout the year, the playgroups undertake a
number of activities including:
• child and family health initiatives, such as
information on nutrition and connection with
Community Health nurses
• early literacy and numeracy support e.g. trips to
library, counting games, story time
• information sessions to help families prepare
their child as they transition to school.
Highlights for 2013-14• As mentioned in last year’s report, we
responded to the needs and wants of the
community by moving some of our venue-
based playgroups to parks. This move has been
highly successful. The new location has resulted
in increasing accessibility and visibility of the
playgroup to other families in the community.
Some of the groups have now grown to have a
regular attendance of up to 50 children at one
session.
• As a result of a generous donation from
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL we were able
to purchase a new van for the park-based
playgroup team. Both playgroup vans were also
brightly decorated with the Koorana logo and
the Koorana mission proudly on display.
• Over the course of the last 12 months the
playgroups team has continued to foster
partnerships and collaborations with various
Over the 2013-14 financial year Koorana provided services to more than 700 clients, delivering
• over9,300hoursofearlyintervention services to individuals, and
• over3,500hoursofgroup education and early intervention services.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1420
agencies, programs and services, including
Learning Links, Community Health, Local
Schools as Community Centres, local family
support agencies (Good Beginnings, Brighter
Futures and Catholic Care), and youth
services (Belmore Youth Resource Centre and
Bankstown Youth Services social workers).
• We have actively engaged families at
community events such as Playgroup in the
Park and Bankstown Family Fun Day, as well as
school-based fetes and information expos.
• The playgroups team participated in a
number of key interagency groups within the
Canterbury and Bankstown areas including
Canterbury Child & Family Interagency (CCFI),
Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Interagency
(CBMIA), Safe Start (a group that creates
networking and partnership opportunities
to address supports and concerns for young
mothers and to receive referrals for our Young
Mum’s groups through the health system) and
the Bankstown Domestic Violence group.
Goals for 2014-15Over the next 12 months, we will:
• adopt a strategic approach to support as many
families as possible
• determine strategies to reach those families
who aren’t known to Koorana, and who are
not accessing any support services or early
educational settings
• maintain a responsive program that moves
with the changing needs of families in the
community
• support other, smaller playgroups in the area
• increase our presence at various interagency
groups across Canterbury & Bankstown
to increase our profile and collaborative
partnership opportunities.
Family SupportThe Family Support team assists families to
access local services and supports, maximise their
independence and participation in the community,
and reduce the potential for family breakdown.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 21
The Family Support team comprises two key
functions – case management and early diagnosis
support (Early Links). Support is provided through
home visits and groups.
We work collaboratively with the family to
undertake detailed assessment and regular reviews
of family needs and goals. An Individual Family
Service Plan (IFSP) is developed with the family to
help develop strategies to meet these goals.
Our team works to provide timely and relevant
coordination and linkage of families with
information and advice about mainstream, informal
and specialist community support options that
meet their long and short term needs.
Our focus is to support and educate families so
that they will be able to understand their child’s
disability, identify their child’s needs in relation to
their disability, and independently navigate the
disability service system.
Case Management
Case management provides short to medium term
support to families with a child between the ages
of 0 – 18 years who has a disability, developmental
delay and/or challenging behaviours. We provide
individual and group programs and activities, as
well as information about, and connection to, a
range of community resources, such as respite care.
Group Activities
It is well proven that when people who share
experiences are given the opportunity to connect
the outcome is one of strong social connection and
mutual support.
SIBs Club is specifically for children ages 7-11
years who have a sibling with a disability and/or
developmental delay. SIBs Club enables children to
connect in a fun environment with other children
who have had similar experiences. The SIBs Club
helps to develop resilience and confidence in
a space that belongs to the children. SIBs Club
operates during school terms, with a special
excursion during each term break.
My Time offers families of children with a disability
the opportunity to meet other parents, share
experiences and provide mutual support. Free
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1422
childcare is provided at each My Time event to
give parents/carers a couple of hours respite while
they participate in the group. We also encourage
connection and participation with the whole family
at special family events in the school holidays. The
family events encourage parents, grandparents and
carers to come along for a day of fun activities,
food and the chance to meet other families.
These events have been gaining popularity, with
increasing numbers at each event.
Dad’s Time caters to fathers and male carers
of children with a disability, giving men an
opportunity to come together in a social &
recreational environment to connect with other
men in similar situations. Over the last 12 months
significant work has been done to revamp the
Dad’s Time program. Looking ahead, we will be
holding one Dad’s Time event each term.
Workshops are held throughout the year by the
Family Support team. The topics selected for the
workshops are in direct response to feedback from
families and issues that arise at groups. Common
topics include behaviour support, transition to
school, and advocacy.
Early Links
The Early Links program is designed to support
and assist families who have just received, or
who are awaiting, a diagnosis of disability and/
or developmental delay. The program also
helps families to understand the various funding
and early intervention options as well as the
complexities of the disability service system.
This year the Early Links team has focused on
diversifying the way our support is delivered to
reach more clients and reduce wait times. We
have continued to work in partnership with other
Early Links programs at a management level, as
well as through the development of an Early Links
Worker Network. This network enables Early Links
workers from different areas to come together to
discuss the strengths and challenges of working
with families who are either going through the
process of diagnosis, or who have recently received
a diagnosis.
Our continued participation in local interagency
groups has helped increase our ability to partner
on ventures and events that have directly benefited
our families, such as Playgroups in the Park as well
as a recent collaboration with several local agencies.
Before we had case management,
things were very unsettled. Now with
the help of a case manager, we’re able
to set goals, work together with the
school and speech pathologist to try
and get the best outcome for my
child. We feel more relaxed now and
things run smoothly. ~
parent testimony, Koorana 2014 Client Satisfaction Survey.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 23
Canterbury Child & Family Interagency
As part of Koorana’s commitment to supporting
networks and partnerships across the community
and disability services sectors we lead the
Canterbury Child & Family Interagency, which
• is a ‘hub’ or central point for local organisations
to connect at meetings
• links service providers for collaborative
opportunities to work in partnership on
broader, community-based initiatives
• provides an opportunity for developing best
practice by enabling information sharing events
where members can work on example case
studies, identifying how they can contribute
and work together.
Goals for 2014-15:Over the next 12 months we will:
• strengthen our responsive model, ensuring we
provide timely support to families at crucial
times, recognising that people go through
periods of high and low support needs,
meaning case management and early links
involvement may vary at different times in
families’ lives
• continue to provide a variety of group and
individual support models
• work to further engage a broad range of
organisations to participate and contribute
in the Canterbury Child & Family Interagency
and develop tools to engage and familiarise
new members with the group and its member
agencies.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1424
Khurram Mahmood, President
Khurram Mahmood is a senior IT professional who has been involved with Koorana for
many years. His children, now aged 13 and 7, have both been through the Koorana
playgroup and preschools, and he remains involved with Koorana.
Born and raised in the UK, with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Khurram has
been in Australia now for 12 years and works for a major Australian headquartered IT
software development company.
Jerry McNamara, Vice President
Jerry McNamara is the CEO of FRANS, a disability-specific agency for respite and
recreation. With over 32 years experience in not-for-profit and for-profit agencies,
Jerry brings with him invaluable experience and insight.
Jerry has a strong background in marketing and advocacy and is committed to
the ideals of human rights and social justice, particularly as it pertains to the most
vulnerable and marginalised members of our society.
Jerry was drawn to Koorana after working with Vicki Battisti when she was on the
Board of FRANS. He sees his work with Koorana as providing mutual benefit to both
Koorana and FRANS.
Syed Ammar Hasan, Treasurer
Syed Ammar Hasan came to know about the work of Koorana when his children
attended one of the playgroups. Syed is the Financial Accounting Manager at Toll
Contract Logistics and brings with him a wealth of knowledge on best practice
reporting.
Syed has influenced Koorana’s development of best practice financial report procedures.
Syed is married with two children.
Hilda Eid, Secretary
Hilda Eid is a longstanding Director on the Koorana Board, having served for the past
nine years. Hilda runs her own workplace rehabilitation services business after working
in a variety of senior management roles in rehabilitation services.
Hilda came to know of Koorana through the preschools and utilising the early
intervention and therapy programs. She became more deeply involved with the
organisation after seeing the high quality services provided by Koorana firsthand. Over
the last few years, Hilda has enjoyed “giving back” by supporting Koorana to continue
to empower families in raising their children. Hilda is married with two children.
GovernanceBoard of Directors
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 25
Sandra Angel
Sandra Angel joined the Board of Directors in 2014. Sandra is the principal of
Earlwood Public School. Sandra has a passion for serving the community and working
together with families to ensure equality and opportunity so that all children have
access to the best possible opportunities to grow and develop to become positive
contributors to society.
Sandra’s interest in Koorana’s Board supports her commitment to fostering strong
community relationships to benefit the local community.
Afia Nouman
Afia Nouman joined the Board of Directors in 2013. Afia’s family has been involved with
Koorana for the past three years, primarily through the early intervention programs. Her
recent involvement with Koorana brings a current service user perspective to the Board.
Afia is very interested in the work of Koorana and wanted to utilise her skills at the
governance level. Afia has two boys, ages 4 ½ and 6. She has a Masters in Journalism.
Executive Management Team
Vicki Battisti, Chief Executive Officer
Koorana CEO, Vicki Battisti has 35 years of experience working in early childhood
education and intervention, including 20 years leading the team at Koorana Child &
Family Services.
Vicki is committed to the not-for-profit sector and is driven by a strong sense of
community. She is dedicated to principles of equity, inclusion and social fairness.
Helen Wilkinson, General Manager – Service Delivery
Helen Wilkinson joined Koorana in 2013. Helen’s extensive experience in child and family
services includes 12 years at SIDS and Kids, providing support to bereaved families and
leading the services team in strategic directions towards service development and growth.
Helen has worked with Tresillian child and family services, supporting new parents with
complex issues. Through her experience working with emerging populations in Western
Sydney, Helen has a thorough understanding of the critical importance of developing
responsive services and programs to community needs. Helen has a Bachelor of Social
Work (UNSW).
Nick Toonen, General Manager – Business Services
Nick Toonen joined Koorana in 2014 bringing 25 years of experience in leadership of
non-profits, spanning health, education, human rights and social service. He originally
trained and worked in IT, and has extensive experience managing corporate and business
services.
Nick is a born organiser who’s passionate about seeing people, organisations and
communities develop and grow. He loves working with others who are also committed to
making a difference, which led him to Koorana. Nick was awarded an Order of Australia
medal in 2003.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1426
Treasurer’s ReportI am pleased to present the report on the financials of Koorana Child &
Family Services for the year ended 30th June 2014. The financial results of
Koorana for 2013-14 are now reviewed and finalised by the auditor.
Koorana, in the financial year 2013-14, proved to be strengthening and the
overall performance of the organisation is in line with the strategic growth
in all service areas they are providing to the community. The chart below
presents Koorana’s year to year growth/performance.
Koorana has been able to consolidate its position over the past year to
become a far-reaching and influential organisation. Koorana services
approximately 700 families through its various activities. Koorana will
continue to provide flexible and responsive services to families and children,
with deep commitment to an inclusive and holistic approach to early
education, intervention and family support.
This report covers the financial accounts for the period ending 30th June
2014, which represents the annual transactions of all Koorana activities
delivered through our 3 sites at Croydon Street Lakemba, Phillip Street
Roselands, and Cleary Avenue Belmore.
Financial History
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 27
I would like to share some of the highlights with you:
Financial Highlights
IncomeThe overall income for the year 2013-14 was
$3,205,803, compared to $2,910,007 for the
same period last year.
• Total grants received in 2013-14 were
$2,730,805 compared to $2,491,252 for
the same period last year.
• Total interest received in 2013-14 was $17,932,
compared to $21,016 for the same period last year.
• Other operating receipts, excluding interest
received, in 2013-14 totalled $193,054, compared
to $73,896 for the same period last year.
• Total fees received in 2013-14 were $264,012,
compared to $323,843 fees received for the same
period last year.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1428
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Board members
for their support and dedication in leading Koorana towards the
right direction. Also the management and staff, without whose
support, Koorana could not achieve the wonderful outcome.
I would also like to thank our auditor, David Conroy, for the
support, assistance and advice throughout the year.
I would also like to recognise the significant financial support
provided by our funding bodies, as without this funding we
would be unable to provide the vital services to the community.
The accounts for the period ending 30th June 2014 are herein
presented for your perusal and acceptance, duly audited by
Bryan Rush & Co – Chartered Accountants.
If you have any question on the results or would like more
information on anything mentioned above, please contact
myself or Vicki Battisti, CEO or send us email at
accounts@koorana.org.au
Syed Ammar Hasan
Treasurer
Total expenses for the various activities for 2013-14
were $3,109,095 compared to $2,910,709 for the
same period last year.
• Employee benefit expenses in 2013-14 were
$2,478,229 compared to $2,361,540 for
the same period last year.
• Depreciation & Amortisation expenses
in 2013-14 were $64,726 compared to
$52,687 for the same period last year.
• Other expenses from ordinary activities
were 2013-14 were $566,139 compared to
$496,482 for the same period last year.
The overall net profit for the year 2013-14 was
a $96,708, compared to a loss of ($702), for the
same period last year.
Expenses
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 29
Financial Statements
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1430
KOORANA CHILD FAMILY SERVICES INC. • ABN 98 173 846 132
STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 Note 2014 2013
$ $
Revenues from ordinary activities 2 3,205,803 2,910,007Employee benefits expenses (2,478,229) (2,361,540)Depreciation and amortisation expenses (64,726) (52,687)Other expenses from ordinary activities (566,139) (496,482)
Current year surplus before income tax 96,709 (702)
Income tax expense 1 - -Current year surplus 96,709 (702)Other comprehensive incomeGains on revaluation of land and buildings 6 350,000 -
Total comprehensive income for the year 446,709 (702)Total comprehensive income attribute to members of the entity 446,709 (702)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2014CURRENT ASSETSCash and cash equivalents 4 464,817 472,567Receivables 5 59,816 58,367TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 524,633 530,934
NON - CURRENT ASSETSProperty, plant and equipment 6 1,412,238 1,051,478TOTAL NON - CURRENT ASSETS 1,412,238 1,051,478TOTAL ASSETS 1,936,871 1,582,412
CURRENT LIABILITIESPayables 7 175,245 307,785Provisions 8 307,091 266,801
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 482,336 574,586
TOTAL LIABILITIES 482,336 574,586
NET ASSETS 1,454,535 1,007,826
EQUITYRetained surplus 1,454,535 1,007,826TOTAL EQUITY 1,454,535 1,007,826
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 Asset Revaluation Reserve Retained Earnings Total
$ $ $
Changes in equity
Balance at 1 July 2012 750,000 258,528 1,008,528
Net deficit for the year - (702) (702)
Balance at 30 June 2013 750,000 257,826 1,007,826
Other comprehensive income for the year
Gains on revaluation of land and buildings 350,000 - 350,000
Net deficit for the year - 96,709 96,709
Balance at 30 June 2014 1,100,000 354,535 1,454,535
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 31
KOORANA CHILD FAMILY SERVICES INC. • ABN 98 173 846 132
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 Note 2014 2013
$ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Fees received 260,276 327,191
Grants received 2,870,182 2,674,514
Interest received 17,932 21,016
Other operating receipts 166,792 486,588
Payments to suppliers and employees (3,219,408) (3,371,013)
Net cash provided by operating activities 10 (b) 95,774 138,296
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds on sale of fixed assets 13,376 3,944
Fixed asset purchases (116,900) (45,154)
Net cash provided by investing activities (103,524) (41,210)
Net increase (decrease) in cash held (7,750) 97,086
Cash at the beginning of the financial year 472,567 375,481
Cash at the end of the financial year 10 (a) 464,817 472,567
STATEMENT BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In the opinion of the Board of Directors the accompanying financial report:
1. Presents a true and fair view of the financial position of Koorana Child & Family Services Inc. as at 30
June 2014 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with Australian Accounting
Standards (including Australian Accounting interpretations) of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.
2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Koorana Child & Family Services
Inc. will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.
This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board and is signed for and on behalf of the
Board by:
President __________________________________________ Khurram Mahmood
Treasurer __________________________________________ Syed Hasan
Dated this 29 day of September, 2014
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1432
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 33
You can support Koorana in the following ways:
• Make a donation. You can make a donation
via the Donate Now button on our website.
• Become a partner. Koorana cherishes its
relationships with all businesses who can help
us to deliver our early education, intervention
and family support programs. Support from
businesses can take many forms, including gifts
in kind, discounted services or sponsorship.
• Remember us in your will. Your bequest to
Koorana will ensure your support of our services
continues into the future.
• Volunteer. A few hours of your time will not
only benefit Koorana with additional resources,
but also give you the personal satisfaction of
knowing your contribution has helped our client
families and children.
• Fundraise for Koorana. Make Koorana the
recipient of funds generated by your own
events and initiatives.
For more information:
For more information on how you can help
Koorana continue to provide important early
childhood services and programs to our local
community, please call our head office on
(02) 9750-4100, or visit our website –
www.koorana.org.au.
Koorana holds endorsement as a deductible gift
recipient. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
How you can helpKoorana guarantees that 100% of your donation will directly contribute to the provision of early
education, intervention and family support.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1434
Our supportersKoorana would like to thank and acknowledge our generous supporters in 2013–14, whose
commitment has greatly enriched the outcomes for the families who attend our programs.
Koorana is grateful for the financial and in kind support from the following:
• NSW Department of Family and Community Services –
Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC)
• NSW Department of Family and Community Services –
Community Services
• NSW Department of Education & Communities
• Department of Social Services
• Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL
• Bankstown City Council
• Canterbury City Council
• Bankstown Sports Club
• Canterbury Leagues Club
• And the many parents who have generously shared their skills to support specific
organisational activities.
HEAD OFFICE
(includes early childhood intervention, playgroups
and family services)
1A Cleary Avenue, Belmore NSW 2192
Postal address
PO Box 403, Belmore NSW 2192
Phone (02) 9750-4100 / (02) 9758-2666
Fax (02) 9759-1245
Email enquiries@koorana.org.au
Website www.koorana.org.au
Twitter @koorana
Facebook facebook.com/Koorana
OUR PRESCHOOLS
Phillip Street Preschool
22 Phillip Street, Roselands NSW 2196
Phone (02) 9750-3655 | Fax (02) 9758-3666
Croydon Street Preschool
33 Croydon Street, Lakemba NSW 2195
Phone (02) 9759-4494 | Fax (02) 9750-4533
Contact Us
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–14 35
It is the dedication of Koorana staff to the children and families who come through our doors that is our greatest asset.
Koorana • Annual Report 2013–1436
Koorana Child & Family Services IncABN 98 173 846 132
Telephone: (02) 9750-4100
Website: www.koorana.org.au
Twitter: @koorana
Facebook: facebook.com/Koorana