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ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

For any enquiries please contact The Christie Centre.

115 Twelfth St, Mildura VIC 3500P: (03) 5023 2761 www.christiecentre.com.au

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CONTENTS

Vision, Mission and Values

Strategic Plan

Service Philosophy

President’s Report

Executive Officers Report

Corporate Services Report

Service Development Report

ArtRageUs Report

AroundAgain Report

Life Skills Report

My Choice Report

Christies Emporium Report

Mildura Chocolate Co. Report

GrowAbility Report

Volunteer Report

Volunteer Lists

Years of Participation

Years of Service

Financials

Partners and Sponsors

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VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Our VisionSupporting people to have meaningful lives in their community.

Our MissionConnecting people with people.

Our Values• Open and honest communication. • Team work and collaboration• Respect• Accountability• Building strong relationships with: - Service Users - Their Families - Other Services

- Community

WE AIM TO BRING ABOUT POSITIVITY

WE AIM TO ENABLE GROWTH IN ALL ASPECTS OF

OUR SERVICES.

CHOICE IN DECISION-MAKING.

SATISFACTION AND TRUST

EXPERIENCE

SELF DEVELOPMENT

AND MEANINGFUL LIVES. WE PROMOTE THE EXERCISING OF

WE WORK IN COLLABORATION AND OFFER SUPPORT.

WE AS AN ORGANISATION HOLD ACCOUNTABILITY.WE ENDEAVOUR TO PROVIDE THE VERY BEST

WE DISPLAY LOYALTY AND COMMUNITY INCLUSIVE PRACTICE. WE AIM TO CREATE FEELINGS OF

WE HAVE A COMMITMENT TO BEING EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT AND PROVIDING THE BEST OUTCOMES.

WE HOLD OUR VALUES AND STANDARDS, AND COMPLY WITH LEGISLATION WITH GREAT CONVICTION.

WE AIM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND FOLLOW BEST PRACTICE

WE ENABLE EXPLORATION OF NEXT PRACTICE AND SELF-AUTONOMY.

AMONG STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND CUSTOMERS

WE OFFER OPPORTUNITY FOR WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR WORK AND SERVICES

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BE NDIS READY

RAISE COMMUNITY

PARTICIPATION & CITIZENRY FOR

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

• Work towards being the best quality disability service provider in Mildura. • Become an NDIS preferred service provider.

• Increase social, economic health and well being, through inclusion for people with a disability in community participation.

• Ensure the priorities of the Christie Centre are guided by input and participation of its service users. (Asking people what they want)

• Continue to grow, improve and diversify all Christie Centre businesses, enabling the provision of meaningful occupation and employment for people with disabilities.

DIVERSIFY OUR RANGE OF SERVICE OPTIONS

ENSURE THE FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY & SERVICE RELEVANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY

STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2020 SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

THE PERSON

BEST VALUE All available resources are used in the most efficient way to support the best outcomes for those who use our services.

FAMILY INCLUSIVE PRACTICE The focus on developing and maintaining relationships requires support.

PERSON CENTRED APPROACHES AND THE NATURAL CYCLE OF LIFE The Christie Centre places the person with a disability first. As people grow and develop, the way their services are delivered, changes accordingly.

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“Thanks to your team for doing all the fantastic work with everyone. You all certainly assist my role greatly”. - Client Advisor and Planner.

Welcome everybody to the 61st year since our humble beginnings. Once again this year has been a very productive year. Our Microbusiness’ including growAbility, ESPI shop, wormAbility, Sue and Sharlene’s Succulents and Mosaics are all progressing very well. They are vital in keeping Christie Centre Inc. running as a successful disability service provider offering meaningful occupation and skill development.Mildura Chocolate Co. is due to move at the end of the year into the Murray River Pink Salt Company. Our salted chocolate dipping sauce was displayed at the Christie Centre Inc. Awards Night for sampling. The first big run of the sauce has been completed - and it’s delicious!ArtRageUs has had a very successful year. The mosaics produced are of a very high standard and the inaugural ‘Trash to Art’ competition was a great way to showcase Christie Centre Inc. and highlight re purposing and upcycling goods.Aroundagain has had another busy year. We were awarded the contract to dismantle street lights, and this contract allowed more hours of work for the supported employees and others. The team has the place looking good and increasing productivity by decreasing waste.Christie’s Emporium has been a vital asset to

Christie Centre Inc. since purchasing it July 1 2014 and the transition from ADRA has been a smooth one with the right marketing taking place via social media and advertising widely.I would like to thank our leaders Florence, Cindy, Jill and Krister for all the hard work and leadership over the last 12 months. With the NDIS rolling on in July 1 2016, the team has been working hard to ensure that we are ready.Thank you to all the Board Members who have dedicated their time throughout the year, your assistance has created some great outcomes.

Andrew Hudson President

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

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2015, a year of growth and development all round as the Christie Centre focuses on diversifying the range of service options available within the community and follows through on a number of long term projects, we can be well satisfied with some exceptional outcomes.The year saw us short-listed for the Regional Community Development Awards and named Learning and Development Regional Service of the Year. These accolades are reflective of the ‘on the ground’ work of a dedicated team who play a vital role in ensuring our mission is realised every day. Making the most of every opportunity has seen great partnerships develop and create more ways to provide meaningful occupation, focus on individual pursuits and see people flourish as they take on new challenges and skills.Our inclusion in NDIS forums, as presenters and in a research project with Social Ventures Australia, on the social impact of work has

provided a platform for continuous quality improvement and ensures the Christie Centre’s future as a leading community-based service provider for people with a disability, their families and the community.To the amazing team members, volunteers, participants, families, community partners and visionary board members I thank you for your hard work, dedication and support; it’s been a great year.

Florence Davidson Executive Officer

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

As the National Disability Insurance Scheme is just around the corner, our strategic planning is paramount. In preparation for this we have begun to change some of our financial procedures. I am pleased to say we have already improved in this area significantly.We say thanks to our sponsors and supporters, to all the wonderful individuals and organisations that donate not only financially but give up their precious time for us. Your generous, ongoing commitment to us is much appreciated. I would like to take this opportunity in thanking, Gorgia, our ever reliable administration assistant who has been a very reliable source of support to all staff. We have been fortunate to have Ebony, Suzanne, Kim and Jenni who have taken on different tasks over the year and we thank them for their great work. Congratulations and best wishes go to Jan Goullet who after 5 1/2 years has taken a well-earned retirement, and to Daryl Brown who returned to private

practice. For me this year has been both challenging and rewarding. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to manage the corporate services team. Plans for the new financial year are well underway and will bring many changes, challenges and achievements. On behalf of the Corporate Services Team I wish to thank the Board of Management for their ongoing support.

Jill Morgan Manager Corporate Services

CORPORATE SERVICE’S REPORT

Danielle Pearce Team Leader

Jenni Dal Farra Admin Assistant

Bernadette Chaplin Team Leader

Kim Fullager Admin Assistant

Krister Jonsson Manager Social

Enterprises

Suzanne Lanza Admin Assistant

Cindy Howard Manager Service

Development

Gorgia McPhee Admin Assistant

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SERVICE DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Learning and DevelopmentWorking in the disability sector is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to help build a more inclusive community to improve the lives of people with disability.

Learning & Development Priority

High

Medium

Low

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108High - Identified in Supervision or required for positionMedium - Identified by team leader, managementLow - Opportunity arose/ Personal development

SupportIn 2015 the Support Services provided a range of services to 97 people.

New Service OptionsThe Christie Centre will provide accommodation support in the new community living units at 115 Boyden Street. The units are on track to be available for individuals to live in late 2015!

Group Activities (provided to 93

people)

Respite (provided to

6 people)

1:1 Support (provided to

7 people)

Let’s Go Out (provided to 30 people)

SUPPORT TYPES

124 172 110448 + = &

Internal episodes of

training

External episodes of

training

External episodes of training undertaken

Hours of training undertaken

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“Just a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed the production of ‘Hear Me’ last Friday evening at ArtRageUs. The cast and crew are to be commended for all their hard work. The performances and costuming were amazing”. - Audience Member

ArtRageUs ReportIn 2014 we held the inaugural Trash to Art Competition and Exhibition at Mildura ECO Village and the old ADFA building. The event was an outstanding success and the concept of turning “trash” into art has resonated with many diverse members of the Sunraysia Community. We had several entries from participants who learnt the environmental value/ benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling.We also had many participants involved in the State Trustees Connected Art Exhibition in Melbourne with many an artwork being showcased and sold in a professional environment.Dance Parties have been a huge success this year with the ‘Don’t dis my Ability on the Dance Floor’ held at Magnolia Avenue and the Valentine’s Day Dance at Mildura Arts Centre, where participants, support staff and family members had fun getting their groove on.ArtRageUs and Life Skills have been running an intensive transition program for 14 students’ (the largest intake group the Christie Centre has enrolled in a number of years). The program ran longer than previous years for the students and families to transition to an adult supported service provider, by attending a range of programs across all sites a number of times to become familiar with all the possibilities and the changes that would take place the following year.

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Aroundagain ReportThe last year has been a very busy one at Aroundagain, with the introduction of some new programs including couch cleaning, a pickup service, the establishment of a gardening crew and an innovative new undertaking called ‘Lighting the Region.’ Sales for the shop and yard figures have seen a 10 per cent increase on last year, which is testimony to how hard everyone at Aroundagain has worked and cooperated to ensure smooth daily operations. Aroundagain is dependent upon a dedicated group of volunteers, whom we value and who have, as always, been fantastic and the selfless decision to give their time and expertise to Aroundagain is proof of people’s willingness to support local community organisations.Our success is the result of great partnership between staff, volunteers and supported employees, which has allowed more participants the chance to be involved in a workplace and learn new skills. Having been firmly established within the Sunraysia community for many years now, it is encouraging to see the many homewares, tools, electrical items, bicycles and assorted fittings and furnishing donations that we receive from a public that would prefer to see their unwanted goods go to a good home, and give the proceeds to Aroundagain to further expand our programs and support people in a supported work environment. We look toward the next 12 months with a sense of anticipation of what we can achieve, and what new milestones will be reached through careful planning, community support and fresh opportunities for growth.

“Your employees did a spectacular job today. They were punctual, efficient and friendly. We were very impressed with your service and would recommend them to anyone”. - Aroundagain Document Destruction customer.

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“We are so lucky to have a centre which provides the most wonderful day programmes for the clients so they are joyfully occupied every day”. - Parent of service user.

Life Skills ReportNEWS VIEWS AND EDITING PROGRAM This group provides the Christie Centre Newsletter and reviews local businesses and submits reviews for Christie Centre media (Newsletter/Social Media). They work collaboratively to ensure information is correct and relevant before being presented.CONTRACTS: The Christie Centre successfully tendered for a contract to dismantle street lights ranging from easy through to difficult. This project provided the opportunity to work in a safe and supported environment, and was completed to a high standard, allowing this team to move into ‘e-waste’.New programs THE SHED: where general maintenance of ArtRageUs takes place, involving small jobs such as painting, attending to odd jobs, cleaning up, woodwork and putting on a BBQ once a month for other participants.SKILL UP FOR WORK: in partnership with SuniTafe, focuses on developing skills in vocational and job seeking, employability, personal management, teamwork and communication.TIME SAVERS: partnered with Australian Vintage, working around the grounds completing garden maintenance and recently started expanding into jobs within the winery. The aim of the group is to use the skills and knowledge previously gained through Certificate II in Horticulture (SuniTafe) to maintain gardens and recreational areas.TRIPS: There were two teams entered in the Tri-State Games in 2014, a trip to Adelaide Shores, and the ‘Having a Say’ workshop held in Geelong Feb 2015.

The Christie Centre Awards Night held at SuniTafe has become an annual feature. 20 Awards were presented in recognition of participation over and above standard expectations within the program of their choice. The Lindsay Zappia Memorial Award for Excellence was presented by Janice Foskett, this award will continue in future Awards Nights in recognition of participants excelling in what they enjoy. It was another successful night and we are looking forward to next year.

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“A big thankyou to you all for your terrific performance on Sunday. You brought so much happiness to everyone who heard you sing. People loved your own songs which you sang with great honesty and authenticity. It was an absolute delight! - Crowd at Sunny Street Singers

My Choice ReportFOCUS: Providing a variety of quality and flexible support options, including 1:1 and ‘out of hours’ support, to meet the broad range of participant’s preferences including Skill maintenance/development & Community engagement Tourist Trail, Living Local, Senior Citizens, Pub ‘n’ Pool, Domestic tasks, cooking and Homemakers program. Leisure activities Art & craft, Sensory, Fishing, Gold Class Cinema, Music/Movement, song/story writing singing and recording. Physical activity sports, bushwalking, cycling, gentle exercise and 10 Pin Bowling. Health & Wellbeing programs focussing on physio, massage, swimming etc. (Celebrating special events such as Halloween, Birthday celebrations, Footy days, Easter and Christmas picnics, Special morning teas, Dress up/colour days, and Bush/parkland outings.) REVIEWS: Of 44 participants, 37 Plans and reviews were completed with 4 plans and 3 reviews outstanding.HIGHLIGHTS: Involvement in the Bark canoe project (a joint community venture) centred around nurturing Aboriginal students’ culture and confidence. MOVING FORWARD: • Continuous improvement and ‘best practice’ will continue to be a major focus and an expectation under ISO 9001. Updating and streamlining e-files is currently underway and improved report writing is on the agenda for the coming months.• Expansion/redevelopment of Boyden St. in preparation of new students in 2016. • Best use of Christie Centre sites, with some My Choice programs based at Life Skills.• ‘Let’s Go Out’ program to move towards more community-based outings in line with demand. POSITIVE OUTCOMES: The move to make International Day for People with Disability (December 15) more age appropriate by separating into two, half days of activity, to accommodate children and adults separately.

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“I was surprised that the scope of the organisation, not just the range of the many programs but by the geographic spread of the different facilities” - Feedback from student.

Christie’s Emporium ReportIt has been a very busy and eventful 12 months since the takeover of ADRA Sunraysia by the Christie Centre on July 1, 2014.Generally the transition has been very smooth, although we lost some momentum after the takeover, when customers were a bit confused about who/what Christie’s Emporium was. However, this is now being rectified with additional marketing and promotion.The ADRA staff have slotted in nicely with the Christie Centre and are now part of the team.In order to make room at the Emporium for more furniture, any unwanted goods have been sent to Aroundagain to be sold, freeing up considerable space for new furniture.The last year has seen the addition of two new furniture lines, which have proven to be very popular with our customers. We also have introduced a new range of metal filing cabinets that will be sold under our C.E. Furniture brand. In addition to this we now also have some stand-up desks and a new range of chairs.Three ArtRageUs participants have been coming to the Emporium each Friday to assist with office duties, cleaning and moving furniture. One supported employee from Aroundagain has transitioned and is now employed at the Emporium and doing very well.Recently we have been revamping the front of the store allowing us to increase the available display area, but also make it more attractive for customers. We have installed a mosaic sign (made by ArtRageUs), relocated the office/ sales area and painted it in bright colours. It is now a much more pleasant experience coming to the Emporium.We look forward to a very exciting year ahead where we have plans to further expand our range of furniture and continue building this business.

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We recently saw your company on TV. Brilliant job, highlighting your town, your products, your clients both front and back of store, your love of the job. - ABC Landline.

Mildura Chocolate Co. ReportMildura Chocolate Co has seen exciting developments over the past year with many community partnerships formed to ensure its sustainability. Our staff - Amanda, Craig, Elizabeth, John, Ali and Janine - have been working hard to keep up with customer demand and are ready to take on new challenges with the changes that lie ahead.This year has seen a vital partnership with Murray River Salt Co. Two products have been developed and will be sold and marketed under their label. Dark chocolate salted sauce and a salted chocolate bar. These have been met with tremendous enthusiasm at food expos and markets. Murray River Salt has purchased brand new machinery to make and bottle the sauce which will enable our staff to meet the high customer demand. We will be moving from the Tenth Street shop into a new workspace behind their current location at Bothroyd Court in early 2016.Our partnership with Australian Premium Dried Fruits continues with our delicious coated sun muscats generously donated by them, and we have an exciting new partnership formed with OLAM who donate almonds which we roast and chocolate coat.All of this is made possible with significant support and experience of our band of committed volunteers.

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“From the warm welcome from all the people we met, we decided that the empowering range of programs must lead to the development of a very positive culture”. - Paticipant

growAbility ReportGrowAbility is a community partnership between the Christie Centre and SuniTAFE, where the sharing of resources and enthusiasm merge to inspire growth and development for people with disabilities here in Mildura.The idea sparked by a “what’s next” view of study, once people had gained some theory through participating in the Certificate II in Horticulture at SuniTafe. It was imperative that we could offer them the opportunity to put the learning into action. Often people gain great skills and complete certificates of competence, but have nowhere to go with these skills. We are now turning these skills into a micro- business/social enterprise, expanding the program to eventually being able to create part-time employment.We are using the controlled environment in the shade-houses at TAFE to grow gourmet salads and culinary herbs in polystyrene boxes. We know in Mildura heat and wind can often be an issue for home gardeners, but with a portable planter box people could easily move their produce to ensure best conditions for long term growth and use. The quality and ease of keeping a portable planter box allows easy picking of fresh, home grown instant salads and herbs perfect for any household.In addition to supplying the home market, our other aim is to pick and supply fresh produce to restaurants in the Mildura area.GrowAbility sums up the vision of the Christie Centre - a service dedicated to providing opportunities for growth and development for people with disabilities here in Mildura.

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The operations of our organisation would not be able to continue without the assistance of our hardworking and dedicated volunteers. The opening of one of our ventures - the Christie Centre Shop, allowed us to increase the volume of our volunteers giving us a total of 42 volunteers this year. The total hours for the sites proves just how much work is put in with a whopping 6821 hours for Aroundagain, Mildura Chocolate Co, My Choice, Life Skills, ArtRageUs and Christie’s Emporium. Christie Centre Inc. is very grateful of the volunteers for the continuing support and enthusiasm in their everyday tasks.Fundraising is often overlooked from a volunteer point of view so we would like to acknowledge all who helped co-ordinate the Annual Police and Fireman’s Golf Day, the Mildura Show Spinning Wheel and the countless hours spent at Sunraysia Farmers Market staffing the Mildura Chocolate Co. and growAbility stalls.

VOLUNTEER REPORT

Aroundagain

ArtRageUsChristie Centre

Mildura Chocolate Co.

Life Skills

Completed hours by site 2014-15

Volunteer hours by participants

211.8 594.5

1471.5

370.0

4173.4

Jacaranda Village

Meals on Wheels

ESPI Shop462 462

3749

462

Australian Inland Botanic Gardens

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VOLUNTEERS LISTS

Aroundagain VolunteersSheryl BENNET, Sharni CROSSTHWAITE, Tony FABBENI, Joy FECHNER, Loretta KERRIDGE, George MALIC, Nadein MAYFIELD, Bronwyn McALLISTER, Bruce MORCOM, Kerry STEELE,John WALTER, Jim WILTON, Mark YORK

ArtRageUs VolunteersJan ERSKINE, Coralie JACKSON, Jan RICHARDS

Life Skills VolunteersJennifer DAWES-ROBINSON, Yvonne DIAZ-JONES, Coralie JACKSON, Christine ROBERTS

My Choice VolunteersFred BROWN, Sue BREE, Rhonda LUFTMAN, Lorraine THIELE, Mark WEBB, Ben WEBB

Mildura Chocolate Co. VolunteersPetty ELLET, Yvonne DIAZ-JONES, Marianne GLOVER, June GUGGER, Val HOLLINGWORTH, Sue JAMES, Jill JONES, June STEVENSON, Rod TABRETT, Melissa TESTA, Maureen WILTON, Gwen WRIGHT

ESPI VolunteersSue ELLIOT, Lorraine GIANNELLI, Gill HOGAN, Sue HOLMES, Nick MATAELE, Aleisha O’BRIEN,Margaret PLANT

Australian Inland Botanic Gardens VolunteersLarry HIGGINS, Brittany Zielonka, John AMOS, Joel MILNE, Aaran Rose

Mildura Show VolunteersKaren BAIRD, Janine BASTICK, Ivan BEHSMANN, Fred BROWN, Robbie BURGESS, Mel CASTLEMAN, Don CROTHERS, Rosie DENECKE, Jan GOULLET, Alison GOULLET, Luke HUDSON, Chloe JOHNS, Maddison LAMBERT, Peter LOCK, Ebony MARTIN, Fiona MORGAN, Bernadette O’BRIEN, Helen PARMENTER, Danielle PEARCE, Mark PETTET, Cherie ROGERS, Nakita ROGERS, Amanda SAMMUT, Gwen WRIGHT

Meals on Wheels VolunteersDonna CARAZZA, Jayden DICKINSON, Larry HIGGINS, Luke KERVIN, Aleisha O’BRIEN, Daniel WILSON, Sharlene ZAPPIA 66 hours x each participant = 462 total hours

Jacaranda Village VolunteersDonna CARAZZA, Jayden DICKINSON, Emma GERBER, Alison GOULLET, Domenic MARABITO, Ben MILES, Daniel WILSON

66 hours x each participant = 462 total hours

ESPI Shop ParticipantsGeorgine BUCKWELL, Donna CARAZZA, Sarah DAVIS, Jayden DICKINSON, Jodie DUDLEY, Lisa GEORGE, Erin GLASSON, Larry HIGGINS, Kerry JOHNSTON, Michael LANG, Aileen MACGREGOR, Don MARABITO, Chelsea MCGINTY, Ben MILES, Bobby MITCHELL, Justin MODICA, Michael MURNANE, Nancy PANUCCIO, Tanya RILEY, Sharlene ZAPPIA

46 weeks x 81.5 hours = 3749 hours

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Commenced this YearRianne DAVEY, Lee EDWARDS, Marcus FERGUSON, John JAMIESON LONG, Jack KNIGHT, Elizabeth MALONEY, Matthew NELSON, Daniel RALLI, Peter SANDLER, Joshua SARTORI, Codie SAVERIN.

5 YearsAmanda DOOLAN, Luke Andrew HUDSON, Robert James SCOPELLITI.

10 YearsLuke HEINTZE, Tanya RILEY.

YEARS OF PARTICIPATION

15 YearsGordon CARROLL, Emma GERBER, Joel MILNE.

20 YearsMichael John LANG

25 Years Kerry BOLGER

30 YearsSusan WRIGHT

40 YearsDonna Carrazza

45 YearsKim BEASY, Joseph CIROTTOLA, Peter MCRAE, John MERKS

50 YearsRoger HELEY

60 YearsLeon SCARLETT

YEARS OF SERVICE

5 Years ServiceJenny CHAPLIN, Kim CHAPMAN, Amanda DOOLAN, Kathy DUBOIS, Alison GOULLET, Peter LOCK,

Nick MATAELE, Amanda SAMMUT

10 ServiceSue ELLIOT, Helen PARMENTER, Matt TEASDALE

15 Years ServiceGordon CARROLL, Bernie CHAPLIN, Lee HANBY, Sheridan MARR,

Mark PETTET

20 Years ServiceShane HANSON

25 Years ServiceJohn MERKS

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FINANCIALS

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Supporting people to have meaningful lives in their community.

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SPECIAL THANKS

Community Supporters

• Annecto • Bendigo Health • Bunnings

• Curious Grace Community Café • Devilees

• Foremann Sheean Electrical & Communications/ Int Tec Mildura

• Leonards Plumbing • Loddon Mallee Service Providers Network

• MDAS • Mildura Eco Village • Mildura Fire Brigade

• Mildura Lions Club • Mildura Police Station

• Mildura Show Society • Pizza Café • Select Harvest

• Southern Cross Farms • Sunraysia Farmers Market • Tankard Dental

Community Partners BereavmentsJillian Knights – 18/01/2015Lindsay Zappia – 22/10/2014Ruby Walsh – 14/04/2015Sandra Symes – 24/06/2015

Special ThanksThe Quilt Ladies - Sue and Rhonda. We were delighted to receive quilts from Sue and Rhonda who have been provided hand made quilts for people. Amber Baird and Fiona Tipping for their assistance with capacity building and ensuring excellence in understanding complex needs.