Report 2015 - Disability Services Australia · Website Email [email protected] Phone 1300...

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Annual Report

2015

Customer Service Charter 01Who we are 02Chairman’s Report 03CEO’s Report 04Changes in the sector 05Strategic Vision 2015-2020 06Highlights of the year 08It’s all about choice, inclusion and achievement 10Support from the community 12Our Services in Review 16Corporate Governance & Quality 32Senior Leadership Team 34Board of Directors 36Concise Financial Report 38

Disability Services Australia Limited is a company limited by guarantee duly registered under the Corporations Act 2001 and holding NSW authority to fundraise CFN 12222 and ACT Charitable Collection Licence L19000764.

REGISTERED OFFICE

76 Harley CrescentCondell Park NSW 2200ABN 35 002 507 655Banker Commonwealth Bank, WestpacAuditor Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd Chartered AccountantsWebsite www.dsa.org.auEmail [email protected] 1300 372 121Fax (02) 9796 3101

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting will be held at76 Harley Crescent Condell Parkon 26th November 2015 at 2pm.

CONTENTS

In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, limited copies of this Annual Report have been printed. Contact the Community Connections team on 1300 372 121 to request a copy or visit our website www.dsa.org.au and download a copy from the About DSA - Publications section

01DISABILITY SERVICES AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT 2015

DSA CUSTOMER SERVICE CHARTER

OUR CUSTOMER COMMITMENT IS TO

DELIGHT YOU BY

DISABILITY SERVICES AUSTRALIA | ANNUAL REPORT 201502

Disability Services Australia (DSA) is a not-for-profit organisation employing more than 1,200 people in key regions of New South Wales and the ACT including the Hunter, the Illawarra, Metropolitan Sydney, the Southern Highlands and Southern Ranges. We are an innovative, learning organisation that is continuously developing.

WE EMPOWER PEOPLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS We support people to develop the skills and capabilities they need to participate in society and contribute to the economy. We enable opportunities for choice, inclusion and achievement at home, in the community, through education and in employment.New programs, new facilities and innovation in our service delivery ensures that we continue to offer individualised, personalised services that can better meet the changing needs of our customers. We recognise the fundamental importance of families and carers in our customers’ lives and we work together with people with a disability, their families and carers to design the combination of services they need to live a full life.

WE REMAIN FIRMLY COMMITTED TO THE VISION OF OUR FOUNDING FAMILIESOver the almost 60 years of our history there have been significant changes in the way supports for people with a disability are funded but our commitment to the original purpose and vision of our founding families remains true. We welcome the next stage of the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and are committed to further developing the range and quality of our service offerings to meet the challenges and opportunities that come with the change to an individualised funding model.Customer and community focus is a defining feature of DSA where everything is orientated to achieving the outcomes people want in their lives. This translates into personalised, local service and honest, open communication with our customers and their families.

WHO WE ARE

WE STRIVE FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCEOur commitment to quality, continuous improvement and excellence is unwavering. Our Quality system is certified to ISO9001:2008, fully aligned to the National Disability Service Standards and reflects best practice in everything we do. Our customers have the fundamental right to have their supports delivered in a safe and inclusive environment. We are committed to best practice in Work Health and Safety and we continue to improve and refresh our facilities to ensure our on-site service delivery occurs in modern, engaging environments.Substantial work is ongoing to ensure we have fit for purpose back office systems that enable efficiency and growth and we are clarifying and simplifying service delivery systems to enhance our customers’ satisfaction.

WE HAVE STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOVERNMENTFederal and State Government funding is our major source of income. In New South Wales, we are funded by the Department of Family and Community Services (Ageing, Disability and Home Care - ADHC) and the Department of Education (DoE). At the federal level we receive funding from the Department of Social Services (DSS) and we are accredited providers of a range of NDIS services.

“Enabling people to experience choice, inclusion and achievement at home, in

the community, through education and in employment is what we do.”


I am pleased to present the Disability Services Australia Annual Report for the 2014-15 financial year.During the year under review, preparations within DSA for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme have proceeded at a careful, thorough and measured pace. Much has been achieved already and there is much more to do but I am confident that the work that is being undertaken will leave us well placed to meet the changed environment that the NDIS represents. We have been fortunate to have been able to participate in the NDIS trials that are taking place in the Hunter region. The experience gained from those trials has given us new insights into what will be required and those insights have informed our preparations. Our aim is to ensure that the many changes that will be introduced are implemented in a manner that not only improves our service delivery but provides reassurance and confidence to our clients and their families.On behalf of the DSA Board, I would like to extend our congratulations and thanks to all those at DSA who are working so hard to achieve our NDIS aims. It is a matter of some pride to the Board that DSA has within its ranks such a group of people who are so clearly dedicated to the hopes and needs of our current and future clients.Whilst the manner in which we deliver our services and the range of those services may evolve with the NDIS, our purpose will remain unaltered – to empower people with a disability to enhance their own lives through opportunities for choice, inclusion and achievement. Together with DSA’s senior leadership team, the Board is working to ensure the alignment between purpose and sustainable service delivery remains strong. We must ensure that our focus on quality services within a culture of good governance and accountability is maintained and enhanced by the opportunities the NDIS presents. To this end, we are now in discussion around how DSA will develop in the longer term so that we may better plot a sure course for the future.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORTI am pleased to report that 2014-15 was another solid year of growth. DSA returned a surplus of just over $1 million for the year, after deducting a net investment in fundraising of almost $400,000. Revenue from our Business Services Division was 11% higher than in the previous year and Government funding increased by 10% to $43.1 million. Financially, DSA remains in a strong and stable position with Net Assets of $20.8 million. We are well placed to continue to invest in building our organisational capabilities in the years ahead.We highly value our partnerships with government and particularly thank the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services and the NSW Government’s Department of Family Services and Department of Education for their continuing funding and advice.Support from our many other stakeholders is also vital if we are to deliver our mission. All play a crucial role in the life of DSA and in promoting the rights of people with a disability. I would, in particular, like to acknowledge the wonderful support we receive from our volunteers, individual donors, community partners and organisational supporters, those who have provided pro bono professional services and our sector body, National Disability Services. Their commitment and practical assistance makes possible much of what DSA strives to achieve.I express my sincere thanks to my fellow Board members for their diligence and support during the year. All DSA Directors contribute their time in a voluntary capacity, requiring a majority to balance work commitments with their work on behalf of DSA. DSA is much the better for their expertise and experience. I welcome Matthew Payne to the Board and also welcome back Vik Bansal who has re-joined the Board after an almost two years’ absence due to overseas work commitments. Finally, and on behalf of all members of your Board, I would like to thank our CEO, Mark Spurr, the DSA senior leadership team and all DSA staff members for their energy, hard work and commitment to the goals of our organisation.

Ken Gabb | CHAIR


We celebrate another successful year of renewal and growth as Disability Services Australia (DSA) transforms functionally, structurally and culturally in order to meet the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Much has been achieved but there is still more work to be done.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a significant driver of change, inspiring new ways of thinking and innovative practice across the sector. Meeting the needs of our customers is as much about our organisational values, behaviour and culture as it is about new product and service offerings. Survey results from our Employment Services, Community Support Services and METS (external training) customers improved on the high levels of last year with a customer satisfaction rating of 83% in Employment, 82% in METS and 78% in Community Support.Over the past year we continued to focus on building our capability and embedding personalisation culture, practices and systems across all areas of the organisation. With a satisfaction rating of 75% in the Employee Opinion Survey, DSA is well positioned above the Australian average and has now achieved the Gold Medal, Employer of Choice standard in this independent survey. Our safety improvement strategy continues to deliver excellent results. DSA’s Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate is less than half the sector average and our results are now at Best Practice standard providing a safe and supportive environment for our customers and staff.Our program of IT infrastructure and system development is progressing well and will ensure that our internal operations and processes are fit for purpose as we transition to the new world. Capability and capacity building through our Operational Excellence project, intranet and customer relationship management (CRM) system positions us well to meet the ever changing needs of our customers.Our financial results were pleasing with all areas of operations achieving break even or better. Overall we achieved an operational surplus of $1.419 million compared to $710k for the 2013/14 financial year. The financial surplus of $1.026 million was achieved after deducting the net investment in Fundraising of $393k. This is a reflection of our improved productivity and growth. The disability sector is in a major transition phase as the roll out of the NDIS rapidly approaches. In New South Wales the State Government continues its

CEO’s REPORT preparations through breaking down block funding and the devolution of state run services. We have grown the number of people we support through new NDIS customers in the Hunter trial regions and also through tendering success and direct allocations which have brought additional drop-in support customers and will see new mentoring sites commence in Cabramatta and in Tamworth.By separating the Hunter service from DSA’s traditional service model, the team has had more freedom to do things differently whilst operating in a ‘hybrid environment’ supporting both ADHC funded customers and people with NDIS funding. It has given us greater insight into the true cost of service delivery. We believe that services for people with a disability, particularly those with higher support needs will be severely compromised with the current standard prices for services from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). We have expressed our concerns around unit costing and service viability in the sector directly to the NDIA and also through National Disability Services. We hope to see improved communication between providers and the agencies as the transition process unfolds.We will continue to experience challenges in our operating environment through the roll out of the NDIS, the BSWAT tool replacement process and also through changes to funding through the Smart and Skilled contract which had a significant impact on our Registered Training Organisation METS over the past year and also has the potential to impact the operation of DSA’s Supported Learning Hubs. DSA employs more than 500 people with a disability through our Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE). ADEs exist to provide meaningful and productive jobs for people and allow them to experience the dignity of work. A year on and negotiations between Government, unions and other interested parties regarding the development of a new wage assessment tool for supported employees continues. We hope that common-sense prevails over narrow ideology and that our employees and their families continue to benefit from productive employment.In the meantime, DSA is transitioning to the Greenacres wage assessment tool consistent with our continuing principle of paying fair wages and we continue to work with all our stakeholders to ensure a fair and equitable outcome is reached for all concerned. I thank all staff for their continued commitment to our core values and to delivering on our mission of enabling opportunities for people to experience choice, inclusion and achievement. Together we can build a strong and sustainable future for the organisation. Mark Spurr | CEO


Adapting to changing circumstances is not a new concept for DSA. One of our key strengths has been the capacity to deal with uncertainty which will position us well as we prepare for the transition to competitive service provision under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEMEThe trial of the NDIS started in the Hunter Region in July 2013 and in July 2014 in the ACT for people up to the age of 65 years. From 1 July 2015 the early rollout of the NDIS commenced in the Penrith, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and Lithgow local government areas for children and young people up to the age of 17 years. The NDIS will be rolled out in NSW over two years, giving certainty to the many thousands of people with disability, their families and carers who have been awaiting news of when the NDIS would come to them. From 1 July 2016, people living in Hunter New England, Southern NSW, Central Coast, Northern Sydney, South Western Sydney, Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains will be able to access the NDIS. From 1 July 2017, the NDIS will be available to people living across the rest of NSW; in Northern NSW, Mid North Coast, Sydney, South Eastern Sydney, Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Murrumbidgee, Western NSW and Far West NSW. These locations reflect the current NSW Disability and Health Service districts. With so many people transitioning in such a short time it is important that there is a planned approach to access the scheme. The majority of people currently receiving specialist disability supports will be able to access the NDIS in the first 6 months of each of the two year roll out periods, using a simplified access process. Existing services and supports will continue until eligible people start their plan with the NDIS. We welcome the rollout of the NDIS and the unprecedented opportunity it presents for Australians with permanent and significant disability to receive the lifelong support they need to pursue their goals and participate in their communities. It is vitally important however that a number of key challenges are addressed moving forward, particularly in relation to meeting the growth in demand for services and getting the unit pricing right so that quality of service remains high and providers remain viable.

KEY ISSUES IN THE SECTOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES WAGE ASSESSMENT TOOL DSA continues to offer meaningful employment through our Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE), as we have since the 1950s when a group of parents formed a charitable society to provide employment for their sons and daughters with a disability. ADEs are very different to most businesses - they exist to create jobs for people with a disability, not to make profits. They fulfil a social mission of meaningful employment and inclusion in a caring and supportive environment. The widely used Government endorsed Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) for determining supported employees’ wages was judged by the Federal Court to be discriminatory late in 2012 and the suggested alternative, the supported wage system, would render many ADEs unviable, forcing their closure and putting the employment of potentially thousands of people in real jeopardy.In August 2014 the Australian Government announced $173 million to help the supported employment sector work towards new wage arrangements and the development of a new productivity based assessment tool will lead to the phasing out of BSWAT.DSA is transitioning to a new wage assessment tool consistent with our continuing principle of paying fair wages and we continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure a fair and equitable outcome is reached for all concerned. We continue to support a sector campaign called ‘ADEs work for me’ with the objective of informing politicians and the community of the many benefits ADEs bring.For more information or to get involved please visit www.ade.org.au

“We are proud of the important role we play in providing a unique opportunity for people

to experience the dignity of work.”


The disability sector is undoubtedly undergoing a period of unprecedented change. Disability services providers have been critically evaluating how to both remain financially viable and transform themselves to meet future challenges. Three years ago DSA set out on its own journey of transformation to ensure we remain financially viable and have the internal readiness to respond efficiently to a new way of doing business. DSA is transforming itself functionally, structurally and culturally in order to meet the significant challenges that lie ahead. To deliver flexible and innovative services we need to have the right culture with the right staff who live and breathe our Customer Service Charter. Our Cultural Change Program promotes and encourages

DSA’S STRATEGIC VISION 2015-2020

The Safe for You Safe for Me campaign aims to make safety a key cultural capability at DSA and has a strong focus on minimising workplace injuries & accidents and consequently workers compensation insurance premiums. Regular safety alerts and messaging reinforces the importance of safety at work and also in the home for both staff and our customers.

Widely recognised as a provider of choice who places the people we support at the centre of all we do and is an integral part of the communities in which we operate Our Goal: Empowered and satisfied customers

Renowned for service excellence; operating effectively in the NDIS environment, growing services and sharing skills, knowledge and ideas with all our stakeholders Our Goal: Thriving in the NDIS world

Considered an employer of choice with a reputation for innovation, safe work and for developing the skills and creativity of our staffOur Goal: Inspired and committed staff

Financially sustainable in all areas of operation with the capabilities and infrastructure to meet our customer needs and growth opportunities Our Goal: Financially sustainable with managed growth

Our 5 year strategy aims to ensure that we have the capacity and capabilities to take on both the opportunities and the challenges brought by the significant, fundamental changes occurring in the Australian disability sector. DSA aspires to be:

the development of individual behaviours and its implementation has been built around each of the critical components of the employment lifecycle from the time a person first commences their employment with DSA. The program has resulted in significant positive outcomes including: • dramatically improving safety practices leading to reductions in workplace injuries and workers compensation premiums• halving staff turnover and • attaining best practice staff and customer satisfaction levelsCustomer Satisfaction survey results from our Employment Services, Community Support Services and METS (external training) customers improved on the high levels of the previous year with a rating of 83% in Employment, 82% in METS and 78% in Community Support.With a satisfaction rating of 75% in the 2015 Employee Opinion Survey we have achieved “Gold Medal’ and ‘Employer of Choice’ standard. We are in the 78th percentile of organisations surveyed.In recognition of the significant amount of work that has been undertaken so far, DSA was one of seven finalists in the 2015 Australian Human Resources Awards in the Category of Employer of Choice (Public Sector & NFP), a fantastic achievement in a very competitive field of candidates.


freedom to do things differently whilst operating in a ‘hybrid environment’ supporting both ADHC funded customers and also people with NDIS funding. Achieving our strategic goals depends not only on what we do, but how well we do it. Our experiences in the Hunter area to date highlight our need to continue to be flexible, embrace opportunities to try new things, realising some will work well, and others may not. “We are developing our work environment to more closely align itself with the needs of our customers.”To deliver on the intent and principles of our Charter we are committed to actively seeking our customers’ participation in the strategic design and delivery of DSA service options. We are asking our customers to provide constructive suggestions and share their ideas on what is working well, what is not working and what we could do better. We do this in a number of ways including; • at review meetings • in regular customer surveys • at focus group events Effectively communicating with our large, diverse workforce about the changes in the sector and the potential impacts also remains a key focus for us. ‘Exciting times – we’re here’ was the theme for DSA Conference 2015. The conference provided an opportunity for more than 200 DSA staff delegates to come together with colleagues from across all areas of the organisation. The development of a loyal NDIS customer base, which will help build DSA’s sustainability into the future, requires a clear understanding of who our customers are and also a firm commitment to delighting them with a quality experience. The focus was on understanding the customer experience and the role we all play as leaders and customer champions in preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the NDIS.

As we move into the world of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team recognised the need to closely examine our organisation, our mission, structure and culture.For many years our purpose has been to ‘enhance the lives of people with a disability’. It was timely this year to revisit our organisational purpose statement and examine it’s appropriateness in this new era of truly individualised and personalised services and support. The tag line for our logo is a message to people who chose DSA to provide support, we say to our customers and their families “It’s your life, your future and your choice”. We recognise that in 2015 we are not here to enhance your life, we recognise that our mission now is to empower you to enhance your life, to live the life you choose and we will do that by ‘enabling opportunities for you to experience choice, inclusion and achievement’. Whilst our mission has been refined, our commitment to our core organisational values and our Customer Service Charter remains firm.

Our lost time duration rate of 5.7 was well below the industry average of 19.2. We have achieved best practice in Work Health and Safety. We are developing a culture where excellent customer service is the foundation of our reputation and success. DSA set up the Hunter site to trial new ways of delivering choice and control for people with a disability and to establish a system specifically configured for operations under the NDIS. This past year has been one where we have introduced some major changes in the Hunter.By separating the Hunter service from DSA’s traditional service model, the team has had more

Note: Sector data not available for 2010-11Year DSA Sector2010-11 502011-12 41.5 29.42012-13 24 32.322013-14 8 28.72014-15 10 28.4

50

41.5

24

8

10

29.4

32.32 28.7

28.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2010-‐11 2011-‐12 2012-‐13 2013-‐14 2014-‐15

DSA

Sector

Year DSA Sector2010-11 502011-12 41.5 29.42012-13 24 32.322013-14 8 28.72014-15 10 28.4

50

41.5

24

8

10

29.4

32.32 28.7

28.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2010-‐11 2011-‐12 2012-‐13 2013-‐14 2014-‐15

DSA

Sector

Year DSA Sector2010-11 502011-12 41.5 29.42012-13 24 32.322013-14 8 28.72014-15 10 28.4

50

41.5

24

8

10

29.4

32.32 28.7

28.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2010-‐11 2011-‐12 2012-‐13 2013-‐14 2014-‐15

DSA

Sector

LOST TIME INJURY FREQUENCY RATE

DSA’s lost time injury frequency rate which measures the number of workers' compensation claims involving one working day or more time lost per million hours worked has significantly improved in the past 5 years. In 2014/15 it was 10, significantly lower than the sector average of 28.4.


BUSINESS SERVICES• supported 567 employees in employment across

our 4 Business Services locations• conducted 1,802 hours of group training and 441

hours of 1:1 training• supported 26 employees from Condell Park and

Seven Hills to complete their studies towards a Certificate III in Warehouse and Storage Operations accounting for an additional 2,155 training hours

• worked closely with Community Support Services to support employees through the Supported Living Fund application process

• expanded Saturday Social activities to meet growing demand

• continued implementation of the personalisation readiness training program

• maintained high customer and employee satisfaction• maintained significant workplace health and safety

culture improvements• merged DSA AssetCare with DSA’s Facilities

department to improve efficiency and increase opportunities for staff and business development

• improved sales revenue by 11.3% ($643k) through increased sales in the airline service business and also in the volume of work from other key customers

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES• officially opened 2 new accommodation services in

Goulburn and a purpose built mentoring facility in Rossmore

• secured new drop-in support funding for mentoring services in the Southern Illawarra region

• successfully tendered for new Individual Accommodation Support Packages (IASP) in South West Sydney and the Southern Highlands and new mentoring sites in Cabramatta and Tamworth

• completed comprehensive reviews of the Specialist Intervention Service and Day Options services

• completed the development of the new CRM system• progressed the Operational Excellence project• achieved accreditation to provide Crucial

Conversations and Influencer trainingTRANSITION TO WORK• increased overall number of job seeker participants

and also the number of service outlets• supported learning hubs established with growth in

student numbers and interest• provided work readiness support for 149 young people• 83% of graduates achieved an employment

outcome, 11% went on to complete further studies and 6% transferred to a day program

TTW PROGRAM OUTCOMES

HUNTER TEAM• increased the number of people with NDIS funding

choosing DSA to provide services and a range of supports

• grew allied health/ psychology service delivery and commenced new services including the Tomaree Links to the Community program and Case Management Services in Salamander Bay

• established and implemented a new operating model for the NDIS environment including new roles, the implementation of a new customer database and centralised rostering

• increased engagement with local communities through the development of partnerships and through expos and community events leading to improved outcomes for customers

METS TRAINING SERVICES• achieved a surplus despite the significant impact

of the Smart and Skilled reform of the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) system

• successfully tendered for prequalification to deliver Early Childhood Education and Care sector development services

• continued delivery of Certificate II in Warehouse Operations to both DSA and non-DSA supported employees

• delivered a range of short courses to external organisations in the government, community and business sectors

• 449 enrolled students as at 30th June including 289 funded (APL or Smart & Skilled) and 160 fee for service students

Obtained Paid Open Employment - 40.0%Obtained Paid ADE Employment - 23.3%Job Seeking via Disability Employment Services - 20.0%Completed further Vocational Education - 10.0%Transfer to CP Day Program - 6.7%

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR


Revenue ('000's)2011 37,917$ 2012 46,380$ 2013 45,456$ 2014 47,464$ 2015 52,479$

Page 9

$- $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Revenue $37,917 $46,380 $45,456 $47,464 $52,479

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • represented DSA at more than 230 expos,

community events and network meetings• fielded an average of 310 enquiry calls per month• achieved 70% growth of the in-school Student Self

Worth program with sessions delivered to an additional 5 schools and a nomination received in the Zest Awards

• established regional joint community engagement teams to strengthen links in local communities

• supported the delivery of an increased number of Carer Support Network events

COMMUNICATIONS AND FUNDRAISING• increased brand awareness through consistent

presentation of marketing materials, advertising and community engagement activities

• significant growth in digital presence with 83% increase in LinkedIn followers, 101% increase in facebook followers and a 244% increase in twitter followers

• implementation of Connect - the new Sharepoint intranet platform which improves organisational collaboration and communication capabilities

• successful implementation of stage one of the new fundraising strategy

• incorporation of Community Connections into the Communications and Fundraising team

HUMAN RESOURCES• continued improvements in workplace safety

culture reflected in reductions in the Lost time Injury Frequency Rate and Workers Compensations

• facilitated or delivered more than 16,000 training hours• upgraded capacity in payroll systems to meet

future organisational requirements• received more than 9,200 hours of volunteer time

and talent conservatively estimated at $275k value• maintained high satisfaction scores in employee

opinion surveys• finalist in the 2015 Australian Human Resources

Awards in the Employer of Choice category

IT, SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES• substantial increase in IT infrastructure to support

the current and future operational and strategic business requirements

• launched the new Sharepoint intranet platform and Customer Relationship Management system with new Fleet Management and Learning Management systems scheduled for release early in 2015/16

• piloted a new labour management and rostering system in the Hunter prior to rollout across DSA

• achieved National Quality Framework accreditation and maintained companywide ISO9001:2008 certification

• continued facility renovations and upgrades including significant renovations completed at Condell Park factory and Goulburn Day Options

People with a disability in Supported Employment - 44.2%Direct Service Delivery in Community Support Services - 37.8%Direct Service Delivery in Employment Services - 2.2%Support roles including Executive, Management, Business Services Supervisors & Shared service Staff - 15.8%

Business Services - 12%Government - 81.6%NDIS - 1.1%Fundraising - 0.4%Other - 4.8%

REVENUE (‘000S)

INCOME SPLIT

SOCIAL MEDIA

AS OF 30TH JUNE 2015, DSA EMPLOYED 1,205 PEOPLE

Recognising that social media is growing rapidly as a source of information we have committed to growing our digital presence. In the past year

we have 83% more followers than last year

fan likes increased by 101%. we engage and reach 30% of our fans on average with each post

grew our number of followers by 244%

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015$37,917 $46,380 $45,456 $47,464 $52,479


GABYWhen Gaby was born she had reflux. Her parents Seanne and Tony thought she was just like her two big brothers and big sister but her head was quite small and she wasn’t tracking with her eyes. At 10 weeks old she had a CAT scan that revealed cerebral atrophy. Having a neurologist tell you your baby’s brain is not growing – it doesn’t get much worse than that. Gaby was 10 months old and had just started to smile when muscle biopsies showed she had mitochondrial disease. “She was still our perfect little baby,” remembers Seanne. “But she wasn’t expected to live past infancy. We were told she would not survive her first childhood illness. Then she had chicken pox and it became a wait-and-see situation. My husband Tony and I would go to bed every night not knowing if she would wake up the next morning.”“We lived like that for more than five years. If she slept through, or slept longer than normal, we would lay in bed and look at each other as if to say, ‘Who’s going to look?’ ”It turns out Gaby is a real fighter and she has well and truly defied the odds. But she needs a lot of care and support – and increasingly, so do her parents. Seanne has had a shoulder operation and Tony has had surgery for bowel cancer.

IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICE, INCLUSION AND ACHIEVEMENT!We would like to share the real life stories of two young women who have selected DSA’s Raymond Terrace day program for support to access community, social and recreational activities after leaving high school.

Because of her condition Gaby can’t metabolise glucose and carbohydrates. She has seizures, brain damage, cerebral palsy, and she can’t walk, talk or swallow.But her personality shines through. She loves listening to music and sings along. A special favourite are songs her dad sings to her with “cheeky” words that make her giggle. When she is in her wheelchair she knows exactly where she wants to go. The youngest of four children, “Gaby is very social and interactive and she just loves people,” Seanne says. Knowing Gaby can spend the day with others her age in a stimulating environment where her complex needs are being considered is a huge comfort – for Gaby herself and also for Seanne and Tony. When they visited DSA to discuss what help was available “We walked away knowing it was the right place, the staff were so lovely to Gaby and enthusiastic,” says Seanne.“We just want her to be happy and to be part of the community and she’s doing that,” says her mum. “She looks forward to it on the days she goes there. You can see she’s really happy – she is looking for the bus of a morning.”“That gives us such peace of mind and it’s also wonderful respite for us, without it we would be in dire straits. Gaby can get out of the house and be with people who are fresh and enthusiastic and happy and proactive. By the time she comes home of an afternoon we have got that spark of enthusiasm back because we are not doing it all day.”


Louise attends our Day Centre every weekday and is broadening her horizons, getting out in the community, trying activities like Zumba, Sailability, Performability, cooking, visiting the library and learning to shop. Kim has noticed a big change in her daughter. “At school she was always quite unhappy. Nowadays she is out there ready for the bus, saying ‘I’m going to the centre, I’m going to have fun,’ and she comes home happy and tired – which means she’s had a good day.” “She is out being social, having fun and having a life. She is thriving. She loves the staff: Amber, Helen, Adrian. She will work hard for them. They’re doing handwriting with her – the little things we’d like to see her do more of. They push her boundaries, support her and tell her ‘You can do this.’ And once she’s got it, she believes she can do things too.”

LOUISE In the 7 months since 19-year-old Louise started at our Raymond Terrace day program she has gone from retreating into her shell when she was out in public, to laughing more and starting to discover her confidence and independence as a young woman. Louise was not even a day old when her parents were told that the new baby sister for their three older children had Down Syndrome. Louise was doing amazingly, and reading and handwriting at age six. But she had begun having strange “turns”. “She would not be able to walk for 48 hours or her arm wouldn’t work,” remembers Kim. It took until Louise was 14 for her turns to be diagnosed as a rare brain disorder. “She is classified as ‘critical terminal’,” says Kim. “She has strokes and bleeds in her brain. There is no cure. It is a case of never knowing if she will be here tomorrow.”As you can imagine, caring for Louise while dealing with this question mark over her future is highly stressful. Her mum says she copes by pushing on with the next job and not having time to think too much. “But you get to the point,” says Kim, “where you’ve got five minutes and have a bit of a breakdown. Then you just have to keep going and keep fighting.”Louise has obviously inherited her mum’s fighting spirit! As Louise was leaving high school last year, her mum was looking for a day program but none would take Louise due to her multiple disabilities and high medical needs. “I went to DSA and gave them the list of her diagnoses,” says Kim. “They went ‘not a problem’! They have been wonderful. We work together and I know when she is there she is safe and having a great time.”

“I love coming to DSA and going to Sailability.”


M BachmayerJ BalkindS BaroneM BesticA BoolkinW BowmanL BrowneM CarpenterJ CunninghamP DavisW DohanJ ElshawK Farren-PriceP FenechM FongE GaleR GeeT GilesE Groombridge

C HarrisM HarveyM HidajatR HuntC JonesS JonesW KhosroW KnightJ LeaverJ LeeF LevinC LiangT LinH LunzerP McAlaryA McKaysmithI McKinnonA MillarE Phillips

R PollackP PorteousRGH PrinceN RawatG ReevesP RosserB SaxburgM SpurrM SutherlandA SuttonJ TaylorP TaylorP TuttleG & M VaughanM WatkinsR WatkinsonR YabsleyG Young H Zois

OUR SIGNIFICANT INDIVIDUAL DONORS

BEQUESTS

THE CLUBS COMMUNITY

OUR ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORTERS:

We are thankful for the wonderful support we receive from our many stakeholders – from our dedicated volunteers, individual donors and community partners to our organisational supporters and government funders. All play an essential role in the life of DSA and in promoting the rights of people with a disability, maximising the potential of individuals and enhancing the communities in which we live.

SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY

AmtekBunnings WarehouseCamden CouncilCharity Greeting CardsHenry Pollack FoundationF E Moody & CoFleet Plus Freedom Motors AustraliaHills Shire CouncilMacarthur Credit Union

Masters Home ImprovementNoble ToyotaNoble KIAPanel Pit Smash RepairsPeter WarrenTanert P/LToyota Fleet ManagementTransurbanWarren Saunders

OUR PRO BONO SERVICESWe are also sincerely grateful to those who have provided pro bono services during the year including Tress Cox Lawyers, Sally Porteous Spurr and Executive Mandala.

Jason Clare MP, Richard Phillips - Bankstown Sports Vice President, Alex Fulcher - Bankstown Sports Director, Mark Spurr and John Murray - Bankstown Sports President at the 2014 Employee Achievement AwardsBankstown Sports Club

Bankstown Trotting & Recreation ClubBlacktown Workers ClubCanterbury Bankstown Leagues Club

Castle Hill RSLRevesby Workers ClubSeven Hills Toongabbie RSL Towradgi Park Bowls & Recreation Club Ltd

We are also honoured to have received a bequest from the Estate of the late Jillian Windsor. Funds bequeathed to DSA have been put to good use purchasing seizure sensor mats and associated monitoring equipment for people we support who are past residents of the Fairholme supported accommodation facility for people living with Epilepsy.

With your help we have been able to increase the opportunities we offer for people to make their own choices, be included and experience the joys of achievement. We appreciate your generosity and would like to thank all our community supporters. Your commitment to our work is inspiring.


CONDELL PARK GETS A FACELIFTFunding received through the ClubGrants Scheme in 2014 has enabled the complete revamp of two kitchen/ canteen areas and all of the bathrooms at DSA’s Condell Park ADE. The support received in 2015 has allowed us to provide ergonomic task chairs for our employees on the factory floor and also enabled the replacement of all the employee lockers so they have safe, secure storage of personal items while they’re at work. The existing amenities were old and well past their best so the changes made possible through the combined support of these three local clubs is delivering an overwhelmingly positive impact for our employees.The larger downstairs canteen area has been set up as a fully accessible, dual purpose space that can also serve as a training area with furniture and audio visual equipment that can meet both recreational and educational needs. The renovation of the upstairs kitchen and office area means employees no longer have to take their lunch and tea breaks in two shifts. We sincerely thank the Board and management of the Bankstown Sports Club, Revesby Workers Club and Bankstown Trotting Club for their incredible support which has made this much needed renovation possible.


OUR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers can play a vital and much valued role in the provision of our services and we thank the many volunteers who have assisted DSA in the past year and who have collectively provided more than 9,200 hours of their time and talent.QBE Insurance, DSA’s workers compensation insurance company has also been a significant supporter of ours donating the time and talents of a team of about 40 volunteers over the past year.Working at our Condell Park factory alongside our supported employees, each volunteer has carried out a range of duties including packaging, scanning, labelling and components assembly. DSA greatly appreciates the support of QBE and other corporate supporters and believes that this type of volunteer work gives people who work in the ‘corporate world’ a unique opportunity to develop a greater understanding and appreciation of people with disability and the positive contribution they make to our economy and the wider community.

The QBE team with Brad Fittler and GM Human Resources Gordon Wilkins at this year’s Awards

Helen Ferrari at the recent Achievement Awards with husband Graham and Condell Park employee Sue Spankie

Helen Ferrari has been volunteering at DSA’s Condell Park facility for almost 3 years and is affectionately known on site as Nan. As well as working alongside our employees as they go about their work, Helen also helps out at all on-site social events such as pizza days, BBQs and the Christmas parties. Helen and her husband Graham are familiar faces at our Saturday Social outings too, always managing to find the time to come along and join in the fun.Helen is someone who listens, laughs and enjoys the company of both employees and staff. She is an extremely kind hearted and caring lady who can name each and every employee at our Condell Park Factory. Helen volunteers every Friday, she even telephones in sick if she can’t come in, which isn’t very often.When Helen walks in on a Friday morning she brightens everyone’s day and we are very thankful and grateful to have her at DSA. Congratulations Helen on receiving our very first Volunteer of the Year Award.There are so many ways that you can get involved and help us improve the services and equipment that can enhance the lives of people with a disability. You can make a one-off or regular donation, leave a bequest, make a donation through your business, join our City2Surf team, hold an event or volunteer your time and talents. For more information visit the DSA website http://www.dsa.org.au/Pages/You-Can-Help.aspx

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, everyone was warm and welcoming and I felt like I was part of the team. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and would definitely come back!” Karolin Odisho, QBE


CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITYInternational Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being.DSA celebrated International Day of People with Disability 2014 at a number of locations including hosting a community event for all ages at Mittagong’s Lake Alexandra.There was plenty of fun with ball games, no rules art, a sausage sizzle lunch, a walk around the Lake and much more. Special thanks go to our fantastic sponsors Highlands Meats, Southern Highland Springs, Williams Quality Meats and Wingecarribee Shire Council. Their generous support helped make it a great day for everyone who came along and we look forward to this year’s event.


DSA’s service offerings are changing with the times. New programs, new or improved facilities and innovation in our service delivery ensures that we continue to offer individualised, personalised services that can better meet the changing needs of our customers. Our Community Support Services team provides opportunities for people to experience choice, inclusion and achievement at home and in the community. It does this through a range of in-home and lifestyle mentoring supports, community participation day programs for those for whom paid employment may not be an option, psychological support and intervention strategies, resilience programs and incidental crisis support.Our Employment & Training Services teams provide a broad range of opportunities for people to experience choice, inclusion and achievement through education and employment.DSA’s Transition to Work programs provide personalised work readiness support for young jobseekers with employment goals and our Learning Hubs are a place for people to engage in accredited and foundation skills training in a supported environment.METS, our registered training organisation, provides training and recognised qualifications for those who wish to work in the disability, aged and child care sectors.DSA Business Services offers meaningful supported employment through our Australian Disability Enterprise, as it has since the 1950s and in our social enterprise, Assetcare.

day time support for 375 people at various life stages to participate socially and recreationally in their communities, focusing on life skill development and living active and enjoyable lives

mentoring for 50 people in 24/7 in home support and drop in support for 15 people through the community justice program

prevocational training and work experience opportunities for 149 young people transitioning from school to employment through our Transition to Work (TTW) programs

support at home for 126 people in a variety of settings, with a range of support levels including in-home support where the person lives with their family, shared support in a single dwelling or villa complex and individual drop-in support where the person lives on their own

competitive employment options for 567 people at our four modern facilities specialising in packaging and assembly work, secure digital document scanning and property maintenance services

specialist therapy and training services for more than 430 people including early intervention, behavioural intervention, mental health training, occupational therapy and speech therapy from our team of allied health specialists

training for more than 615 people in foundation skills training and nationally accredited disability and children’s services qualifications through METS, our Registered Training Organisation.

OUR SERVICES IN REVIEW

We celebrated the graduation of our first group of Transition to Work jobseekers who completed their Senior First Aid Certificate and Certificate II in Business Administration through our new Supported Learning Hub.

IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS WE HAVE PROVIDED:


COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSOur Community Connections team promotes our services through network meetings, school visits and community events. As the first point of contact for many people connecting with DSA they also operate as our intake and referral service fielding calls and enquiries from people seeking general information, supported employment or assistance to transition from school to work, or who wish to access our community participation day programs. In the past year the team has been working closely with a growing number of schools, including five behavioural schools in the Blacktown Local Government Area delivering self-worth training. Support from local government and the Mac Credit Union helped to fund a series of parent and carer pamper sessions which not only give carers some well-deserved time out, but also an opportunity for parent and carers to be informed and ask questions about the changes in the sector.

We were delighted to receive funding from The Macarthur Credit Union for a series of events providing opportunities for carers in the Macarthur region to receive some time-out and pampering.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT NETWORK EVENTSMany of our parents and carers look to us for guidance in this rapidly changing environment so we need to be able to provide information that will support their decision making, particularly around times of major life transitions. One of the ways we do this is through DSA’s series of Customer Support Network information sessions and workshops that continued again this year with an emphasis on providing information about the NDIS and getting people thinking about what it could mean for them and their family to have greater choice and control over the supports they receive. Knowing what you want, your goals and what is important to you before meeting with an NDIS planner is very important. Customer support network events have overall been very well received by those who have attended, a mix of current DSA customers, family members and carers, members of the general community, community groups, Ability Linkers and peer organisations.

DSA CUSTOMER SUPPORT NETWORK

EVENTS MAY - DECEMBER 2015

DATE: 03/07/2012

DESIGNER: ET

COLOURS:

Darling Brands



T: +612 9569 2461 F: +612 9569 2462

darlingbrands.com

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

We recognise that not everyone’s journey will be the same and the support required with daily life at home or in the community will be different for each person. Over the past year we have continued our program of managed growth through tendering success with new drop in support funding for mentoring services in the Southern Illawarra region, new Individual Accommodation Support Packages in South Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands and new mentoring sites in Cabramatta and Tamworth. In this past year we have focussed on developing our organisational capability and in particular we have turned our attention to unlocking the potential in our teams, through mentoring and through training and development opportunities. We have gained accreditation to provide Crucial Conversations and Influencer training and our teams are embracing the opportunities to share experience and learnings through communities of practice on our new intranet. Everything we do is working towards being in the best position to enable people to achieve the outcomes they want in their lives. Our customers have the fundamental right to have their supports delivered in a safe and inclusive environment which enables them to expand their horizons and explore opportunities to learn new skills, develop social relationships, improve their health and wellbeing and make the choices that will allow them to live the life they choose.Our program of refreshing and updating facilities is an ongoing process and this year funds bequeathed to DSA have allowed us to purchase seizure sensor mats and monitoring equipment for people we support who are past residents of the Fairholme supported accommodation facility. We have also recently completed a major renovation of our Goulburn Day Options Centre with the generous support of the Goulburn Workers Club which involved the installation of a new pergola, deck and garden beds, polished floor boards, improved accessibility to outside areas and sensory elements. Funding from the community is not always readily available when we need it and for those jobs that just can’t wait we call on DSA Assetcare, our facilities management team.

OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE CHARTER AND ORGANISATIONAL VALUES IN ACTIONThe recent renovation of the bathroom of one of our Lifestyle customers is a fantastic example of our customer service charter and organisational values in action. Mark has some significant challenging behaviours but his bathroom desperately needed to be updated. • Amy from the Specialist Intervention Services team worked on the social story for the progress and changes to Mark’s bathroom• DSA Assetcare coordinated the tradesmen to ensure that the renovation was completed within a set time frame • Pedro from Assetcare worked directly with Mark to show him how to use the port-a-loo and enlisted his help in sealing off the bathroom which helped Mark to understand that his bathroom was out of order• Scott from Day Options coordinated the extra hours of support for Mark that were needed during the renovation period to allow the tradies to work an eight hour day• Lifestyle staff were very patient and understanding that sometimes well planned schedules can go astray and staff supported Mark on a two day holiday break away while the job was completedOver the period of the renovation there were no reported incidents and no PRN used, a huge achievement considering that Mark was undergoing a managed reduction in his medication over this time. This was a great example of the many different teams across DSA working together as one team to meet the needs of our customer.


We are continually developing the range of socially inclusive services we offer that enable opportunities for choice inclusion and achievement. In 2014-15 the services provided under the Community Support Services portfolio included:

DAY OPTIONS SERVICES

Supporting people independently or as part of a group to increase their community participation through social and recreational activitiesOur Day Options services run from 16 locations in NSW and are offer a wide range of opportunities for people to participate in the community through trying new things, making new friends, learning life skills and working on their health and wellbeing. Social and recreational activities are designed for each person around their goals, interests, ideas and support needs. Our focus is not on activity programs but rather on personalised, tailored support for each individual person.

Ciarron has been accessing DSA’s Fairy Meadow Day Program for many years and is very much a part of the Fairy Meadow family. Being sensory orientated Ciarron enjoys the feeling of fine stones, gravel or sand running through his fingers. A morning at the beach is high on his list of things to do all year round.DSA Day Options has a proud history of quality service provision for people who have complex barriers to achieving their goals and having a ‘good life’. In addition to our generalist services, DSA’s Autism specialist services receive ongoing support from our in-house Specialist Intervention Services team of allied health professionals including Clinical and Registered Psychologists, Speech Therapists and an Occupational Therapist.“In the NDIS environment our customers will rightly have more say in their service design.” In the past year we have completed the first phase of a comprehensive review of our Day Options services and are now focussing on phase II of the review where we are examining what community participation day services and respite might look like in the future under the NDIS. We have listened to the feedback received through last year’s market research and have consolidated our planning days and developed a practice manual which will drive consistency across all day programs while still accommodating personalised and individualised service delivery.

DSA’S NEWS ANCHORKatherine is a 29 year old woman who has been attending DSA’s Blacktown Day Options for about 10 years, initially with 1:1 support but as she has increased her participation and engagement her confidence has grown and she is now supported in a 1:4 ratio.In response to a goal identified in Katherine’s person centred plan review in 2014 the staff at Blacktown created a media/ journalism program. With input from our customers, the team developed the idea of a ‘Blacktown News’ program which incorporates videotaping participants interviewing people of interest. The clips are then edited and with in-house post production a regular news program is developed to share with parents, carers and others in DSA. There were no time frames placed on Katherine, allowing her to work towards achieving her goals at her own pace which was a major factor for her. As her involvement in the program grew, so too did her interest in her appearance. One key component of the program was a makeup, hair and beauty activity which Katherine embraced. Katherine has taken on the pivotal role of Media Anchor and her enthusiasm has encouraged other customers to engage and participate in all aspects of the program. She has completed more than 15 interviews so far, including a recent interview with the Hon John Ajaka MP, the NSW Minister for Disability. Another goal identified in Katherine’s plan was travelling independently so early in 2015 staff from the centre supported Katherine in travel training and she now travels from her home to the centre and back 4 days a week. Achieving this goal has been a tremendous boost to Katherine’s confidence and has given her the opportunity to expand her horizons and travel further afield to attend appointments and visit family and friends using public transport.Katherine is now a very confident young woman who is exploring new and exciting opportunities in her life.

Katherine recently travelled into the city to interview NSW’s Minister for Disability the Hon John Ajaka MP.


ENABLING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITYWe have a firm commitment to promoting inclusion for people with a disability and one of the ways we do this is through partnerships in the community. This year we purchased a mobile hoist which is available at the Moss Vale Aquatic Centre not only for DSA customers but also for use by any person requiring assistance transferring from their wheelchair, to a pool chair.

LIFESTYLE SERVICES

Providing innovative support services that enable opportunities for choice inclusion and achievement for people at home and in their local community.DSA’s Lifestyle Services are so much more than the in-home supports and assistance with self-care that might be necessary for a person to live independently either on their own or in a shared living arrangementWe also empower people to expand their horizons and explore opportunities to improve their daily living skills and learn new skills, develop social relationships, improve their health and wellbeing and make the choices that will allow them to live the life they chooseSocialising with friends and family, networking with people who share their interests, holding a valued role in their community and exercising their citizenship are rights and choices that DSA supports each person to explore.

DANIEL IS EXPANDING HIS HORIZONSDaniel has been a valued worker at our Condell Park ADE for the last 6 years and is committed to improving his skills by learning new and more difficult tasks. He also has a passion for reading newspaper articles and listening to his music during break times. He is keen to start work each day where he gets along well with his co-workers and is always willing to help out. Earlier this year Daniel, who is self-directing his services, received the exciting news from the NSW Department of Housing that he had been allocated a new 2 bedroom unit. This was fantastic news as he had a long held goal of moving out of the family home and living on his own. Outside of work Daniel is involved in a wide variety of activities. He enjoys going out with his friends to the local clubs, is a keen ten pin bowler and also goes to the gym regularly where he has a personal trainer to keep him on track! Moving into a new home of his own means Daniel is finally gaining the independence he always wanted. He now wants to master his cooking skills and will learn lots by attending cooking classes. Daniel wants to increase his independence further and is studying for his learner’s permit with a view to eventually obtaining a driver’s licence. Daniel has many goals still to be met and with support from our Self-Managed team he is working towards achieving them all!

We support people with the tasks of daily living in the home, with social and recreational activities in the community or while engaging in everyday activities like shopping, going to the doctor or getting a haircut. We also have the capacity to provide specialist care and complex services. We are committed to developing operational excellence in all our lifestyle support services have the capacity and the intensity of support is matched with each person’s needs so that it is just enough for people to live their life as independently as possible.

The Hon John Ajaka MP, The Hon Pru Goward MP, Mark Spurr, Chrystal, Chris, Fiona Coluccio at the official opening of a new accommodation service in Goulburn


MENTORING SERVICES

Supporting young people who have left the care of the Minister at age 18 or are people who are reintegrating into the community after leaving the Criminal Justice system. DSA’s Mentoring Program continues its rapid growth and in 3 short years it has grown to now support more than 60 people. It is gaining a reputation for the service provision of complex supports in a model that enables opportunities for choice, inclusion and achievement. The program encompasses drop in support across a number of regions across the Greater Sydney area, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven and supported accommodation sites in Belfield, Cambridge Park, Charlestown, Goulburn, Liverpool, Rossmore and Ryde. The new purpose built facility in Rossmore became operational at the end of last year with additional facilities to open in Cabramatta and Tamworth in late 2015.

Adjusting to life in the community and finding valued roles requires support and mentoring that will be non-judgemental, sensitive to each person’s life experiences with an awareness of the impact and tolerance of the community. The needs and goals of each person determines the support they receive as these are truly personalised services. It is critical that the mentoring team has the skills and capacity to provide the specialist, complex supports required.With this in mind a priority was placed on the development of a process practice manual which provides an ongoing theoretical framework for supports that is crucial for the induction of new staff into a service for young people with complex needs.

NEW MENTORING FACILITY OPENED Many of the people in DSA’s Mentoring Program have complex or increased levels of need due to their challenging life experiences. When they come to DSA they are starting a new life in a new home where there are barriers to overcome and much to learn. With support from the mentoring team they are learning and developing resilience and self-protective behaviour skills. There are a number of feature artworks at the Rossmore site completed by local Aboriginal artists Uncle Tom and Uncle JB.

Andrew, who lives at Rossmore, explained that this particular painting (above) shows the different paths that people might take to reach this safe place. The smaller kangaroo and emu represent people as they come into the place where they learn and grow (depicted by the larger kangaroo and emu) with support from the staff. In time they are able to leave the place stronger and more able to deal with the world outside and all its challenges.A key part of the official opening in December 2014 was a smoking ceremony conducted by Uncle Ivan using leaves and twigs collected from the grounds. A sacred smoking ceremony is conducted for a variety of reasons but on this occasion it was used as a cleansing ritual, marking respect for people past and present and to show respect for the spirits of the land.The ceremony culminated in the burial of the smouldering remains in a hole dug on site by Andrew with the assistance of Site Manager Owen Atalifo and Regional Manager Wayne Zahra.

Tanya from our Belfield mentoring site was excited and proud of her recent achievement! She is proudly holding a sign that says “I made the 2015 Sailing Squad’ My lifelong dream has just become a reality!’


SPECIALIST INTERVENTION SERVICES (SIS)

Providing trans-disciplinary intervention services and programs to a range of people in the community including children, adolescents and adults. DSA’s SIS team aims to enhance the lives of individuals with a disability and also the lives of people in their support network. Through comprehensive, person-centred assessments and flexible intervention programs we can assist people with developmental, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders and dual diagnosis, to achieve their best potential. We specialise in providing services for people with complex needs including challenging behaviours, early childhood issues, and speech and swallowing needs.DSA’s therapists are experienced and highly skilled in delivering individualised services to assist people to learn skills to deal positively with life experiences and situations through psychological support and intervention strategies, resilience programs and incidental crisis support. The team also offers speech therapy and occupational therapy.The team has a wealth of experience and provides consultancy and training not only to DSA customers and staff but also other disability providers and community organisations. Following on from the Restrictive Practices Panels (RPP) training we delivered last year across NSW in partnership with National Disability Services and Ageing Disability and Home Care we have established our own in house RPP. We have taken this step to ensure that where behaviour support for a person involves the use of certain practices which impose restrictions it occurs only with clinical scrutiny, specific consent and monitoring.

In April this year we hosted a delegation from the Singaporean Ministry of Social and Family Development. The delegation was visiting Australia to learn about socially inclusive support services for adults with a disability, particularly intellectual and sensory disability and autism spectrum disorder. They also had a keen interest in our approach to positive behaviour support for people with autism. After a briefing from our Specialist Intervention Services team the delegation toured the East Hills Day Options facility. We also introduced a series of Communication and Behaviour workshops as part of DSA’s schedule of Carer Support Network Events which involves an experienced practitioner from our Specialist Intervention Service sharing practical strategies to enhance communication skills.Our services include:• assessments such as independent living and adaptive behaviour assessments• individual and group therapy• counselling• behaviour intervention and support• skills development programs• education and family support• early childhood intervention services (0-6yrs)• psychology placement and supervision• training and consultancy• psychology and speech pathology

“We support people to live a full life, exploring opportunities available to help each person achieve their goals, reach their potential and live their own independent and successful lives.”


HUNTER SERVICESProviding supports for NDIS customers in the Hunter area as well as a Lifestyle Mentoring service, Transition to Work and Specialist Intervention Services in Charlestown, and two Day Options programs in Raymond Terrace and Salamander Bay.We are committed to a flexible approach in the Hunter as a key initiative for this region is the development of an operating model that can be effective and sustainable across the whole of the organisation, ready for the full rollout of the NDIS next year.During this time of transition we continue to provide ADHC funded services tailored to meet individual needs and we also have a growing number of customers funded through the NDIS who have selected us as their provider for a range of personalised services and supports.A focus this year has been the development of the NDIS operating model. Key roles have been implemented to support the operating structure with a focus on resource management, centralised rostering and relationship management. New systems and technologies are also being introduced to support operations. “Every day and in so many ways our dedicated staff work to make a real difference in the lives of the people who choose DSA”Increased engagement with our local communities through attending expos and community events and the development of partnerships has led to some fantastic outcomes for our customers. We have also grown the range of services we offer with an increased range of allied health/ psychology services and commencement of new services including the Tomaree Links to the Community program at Tomaree Lodge and Case Management Services in Salamander Bay.

EMPOWERING ALANA TO BE BETTER CONNECTED IN HER COMMUNITYAlana started with DSA early last year, commencing in our Transition to Work program prior to transitioning to NDIS funding. Achieving independence is a goal both Alana and her parents share for the near future so her plan is geared towards developing her daily living and life skills, work skills and social activities. Once she had her plan in place she selected DSA to deliver a range of her approved supports. Alana travels to Raymond Terrace two days per week for social connections. She has Gymability on Tuesdays with the Raymond Terrace Day Options group at the local YMCA and also gets involved with the Cooking and Healthy Living program at our centre in Jacaranda Avenue Raymond Terrace.

Alana features in our promotional material for the ‘I can cook’ cooking program which she attends on the last Thursday of the month learning invaluable food preparation skills from a qualified chef.

Her plan includes travel training so we assisted Alana to learn how to travel independently on buses, trains and the ferry and she is now able to plan trips, checking timetables online before setting off. We provided intensive support to Alana to obtain her Learner’s Permit and after a review of her plan she now has additional hours to be used for specialised driving lessons with an OT assessment. With support Alana has been able to obtain a Certificate II in Aged Care through a local Registered Training Organisation, completing three work placements to ensure she gained sufficient work experience to achieve the qualification. At the request of both Alana and her mother, DSA attended her latest NDIA plan review where Alana was able to secure additional support hours to ensure she has every chance of developing the skills she needs to live independently and secure employment. Alana and her mum are very happy with their service from DSA, Alana has become a very social young woman who is well on her way to living the life she chooses.

Our Hunter Job seeker of the Year Liam Prior was unable to make it down to Sydney for the Awards Ceremony due to work commitments but his dad Steve proudly accepted the award from The Hon John Ajaka, Minister for Disability on his behalf.


MACQUARIE EMPLOYMENT TRAINING SERVICES (METS)

METS is a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with an expanding scope, delivering innovative training, tailored for the individual or the organisation. We provide Nationally Recognised and Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) accredited qualifications in the community services sector.We work with an extensive network of highly skilled, professional consultants, content developers and facilitators. Our trainers are recruited for their industry expertise, practical hands on experience and adult learning capabilities. This year the introduction of the Smart and Skilled reform of the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) system and restrictions in where and what we could offer under our funding cap had a significant impact on our operations. With a concerted effort in business development and a recent increase in our funding cap allowing us to now offer training in every qualification we originally applied for in the contract, we achieved a surplus despite the significant early impact of Smart and Skilled. The METS team remains committed to providing quality training and assessment that upholds the integrity of the qualification and allows people to develop to their full potential. One of the ways we are doing this is through the work we are doing with the Employment Services team to develop the Supported Learning Hubs for young jobseekers with a disability.Traineeship outcomes achieved through METS are consistently well above the Australian National average which is a reflection of not only the calibre of our students but also the delivery and support METS clients receive from our trainers and support staff. Training with METS offers both the student and employer individual choice and control.

METS student Dimitra Hatzidakis recently won the School Based Trainee of the Year award at the 2015 NSW Training Awards – Southern Sydney Region. Dimitra completed her Certificate IV in School Aged Care with METS.


BUSINESS SERVICES Providing meaningful employment opportunities through quality and sustainable business servicesWe operate four Australian Disability Enterprise facilities and a maintenance and gardening division, and over the past year we employed more than 567 people with a disability. Our facilities in the Greater Sydney area are located in Mascot, Bankstown, Seven Hills and Glendenning. Our Southern Highlands facility is located in Braemar. Working is as satisfying for people with disability as it is for people without disability. For many of our employees in supported employment, having a job not only provides a wage but it also allows them to develop new skills, it contributes to improvements in their health and wellbeing and provides opportunities to meet new people and establish social networks. Business Services has continued to build on its business client base through growth in services to our existing customers and through attracting new customers in what remains an extremely competitive market. New customers, new work, new machinery and technology creates opportunities for employees to develop new skills and explore different work options.

In 2014/15 Business Services’ revenue totalled more than $6.3m compared with almost $5.7m from the previous year, an increase of 11.3%. It is expected that this trend will continue in the year ahead.

Continued growth in the airline service business keeps the Mascot team busy

DSA ASSETCARE A Social Enterprise committed to providing truly inclusive employment where employees of all abilities work side by sideAssetcare offers a broad range of property maintenance services including building maintenance, renovations, cleaning services, landscaping, general gardening work and rubbish removal. Through its distribution rights with Axess Trading they are able to supply and install mobility aids, including specialised equipment, for residential and commercial customers. This exciting venture brings a new dimension to our business and an opportunity for our employees to gain additional experience and new skills. This year the synergies between Assetcare and DSA’s Facilities department was recognised and the two services merged which has broadened the scope of work available and delivered the benefits of improved job scheduling and project management for our customers.Andrew, is a quiet achiever who enjoys working in the outdoors. He is now also a valued member of our Assetcare team.

We asked Andrew what he enjoys most about working in Assetcare and he replied “it’s awesome working outside and finishing work earlier in the day!” This means his work day starts earlier than it used to when he worked at our Seven Hills ADE but Andrew doesn’t mind as long as he gets to use the whipper snippers, mowers and ride ons when he’s out on a job. He is very much a part of the team, trying new things and learning what he does and doesn’t enjoy doing. Since joining the Assetcare team last year, Andrew has not only learned new work skills, he is making new friends, broadening his social circle and developing more self-confidence.


DSA’s ANNUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDSWe have two Annual Employee Achievement Awards to report on this year as we brought forward the 2015 Awards to fall in with the reporting calendar. The Awards Day is about recognising the significant contribution made by people with a disability in the Australian workforce and also the many progressive companies who understand and enjoy the economic and social benefits of supporting the employment of people with a disability. The Awards were celebrated at the Bankstown Sports Club and in 2014 we moved into an impressive new space in The Grand Ballroom. Special surprise guest for the day was Laurie Daley who everyone agreed was a great choice. The new venue was also a huge hit with a number of our employees saying they really felt like they were at a red carpet event! This year we were back in the Grand Ballroom and our special guest was Brad Fittler who shared some jokes with the audience and also gave an insight into how he could remain so focussed on the job at hand, he shared some great tips on how to get the best out of yourself through focusing on the moment.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Each year we recognise the employees at each of our four Business Services facilities who show the most positive attitude and contribution to the goals of our Australian Disability Enterprise. The nominees for 2014 were: Braemar Brett Bonfield, Louise Ford, Rodney Harrison, Kevin WestrenCondell Park Brett Foster, Bill Holder, Khaled Kabbara, Jason Kirby, Amanda Markkunen, Lauren SchaeferMascot Peter Berndt, Pam Dorsett, Lucy Giordano, Glen Jarvie, Locklan Lee, Stephen Nickou, Sandra Raynor, Sharon Shareef, Peter YinSeven Hills Darren Cassar, Mark Reid, Teresa Tuala, Warren White

In 2015 the nominees were: Braemar Rosemary Blandon, Michael Forbes, Arthur SarhadianCondell Park Nabeel Kakoo, Geoffrey McDonough, Lisa Rochester, Spyros Savva, Joseph Scutella, Jodie TerryMascot Nisha Allen, Lyn Anerdi, Chris Antoun, Ian Brown, Chris Hinton, Ngau Long, Sandra Rayner, Dorjee Waiba, Peter YinSeven Hills Phillip Venn, Evan Budek, Glen Kable, Danny Dicker

Glen Jarvie, Mascot

Mark Reid, Seven Hills

Louise Ford, Braemar

Bill Holder, Condell Park

Arthur Sarhadian, Braemar

Lisa Rochester, Condell Park; Phillip

Venn, Seven Hills; Ian Brown,Mascot

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS! THE 2014 WINNERS WERE:

AND THE 2015 WINNERS WERE:


LONG SERVICE AWARDSOur Long Service Awards are one of the most inspirational parts of each Awards Day ceremony where we recognise those employees who have reached significant employment milestones in our Australian Disability Enterprise and have been with DSA for more than 15 years. This shows the dedication these employees have and also shows that DSA, and specifically our disability enterprise is a great place to work. We are all very proud of their extraordinary achievements.

Celebrating 15 years of service in 2014: • Nicole Balafas• Peter Berndt• Rosemary Cornwall• Ailsa Cruickshank• Pamela Daley• James Gall• Joanne Galvin• Wajih Gharzouzi• Julie Herbert• Christopher Hinton

Celebrating 15 years of service in 2015 were: • Jason Campbell• Andrew Gibson• Catherine Hinton• Ray Kabat• Matthew Lawler • Huy Anh Le

In 2015 we had 5 people celebrating 30 years of service: Michelle Brown, John Docza, Patricia Foran, Paul Goodwin, Maureen McGing

Celebrating 40 years in 2014 were: Eddie Sharp and Jennifer Marks and in 2015 Susan Hagan and Warren Hanratty celebrated reaching the 40 years service milestone!

• Theresa Lennox• Neil Lutherburrough• Alison Montgomery• Anthony O’Brien• Ralph Prescott• Christopher Reynolds• Cheryl Roscoe• Christopher Williams• Raymond Wise• Hani Yacoub

• Michael Martin• Brian Ridley• Adley Sawires• Barry Thacker• Naumca Zinzovski

GRAEME COOPER – RETIRED AT THE END OF 2014 AFTER 50 DEDICATED YEARS OF SERVICE!Graeme Cooper was a long term employee of our DSA Mascot facility having started work with DSA when he was 16 years old, back in 1965, with the Leichhardt division (when DSA was called ARP). We thank Graham for his many years of commitment and wish him well for the future.

KATHLEEN MCINTOSH HAS CLOCKED UP 50 YEARS SERVICE BUT SHE’S NOT READY TO RETIRE YET!Kathleen McIntosh was recognised at this year’s awards for achieving a very impressive 50 years of service with DSA. Kathy commenced work with DSA when she was just 18 years old. Kathy has consistently displayed a committed attitude to her work, and despite some health issues, she continues to participate and work to the best of her ability. Over her time at DSA Kathy has made many friends and she speaks fondly of the staff that she has worked with over the years. Kathy also enjoys the social side of work, particularly the BBQ’s and Christmas parties at DSA’s Mascot facility.We thank Kathy for her many years of service and wish her well for more to come, as she tells us she has no plans to retire just yet.Brad Fittler was so impressed by Kathy’s 50 years of service that he posted a selfie with Kathy on Instagram.


OUR SERVICES IN REVIEW

Reaching these milestones shows the dedication our employees have and also shows that DSA is a great place to work, it’s more than just a job! We discovered this fantastic photo in the process of chronicling the history of DSA.

DSA EMPLOYMENT Providing ongoing training and support to employees with a disability working in Business Services. Every employee supported to work in our ADEs has a personalised Individual Employment Plan which identifies their vocational goals and strategies to achieve them. An important element in achieving these goals is training. Updated training packages have been a great success this year. Over the past year we delivered more than 1,802 hours in group training sessions with an additional 441 training hours for individual or 1:1 production training sessions. Over and above this, we supported 26 employees to complete their Certificate III in Warehouse and Storage Operations studies with a further 2,155 training hours delivered.We have expanded our work experience program across all sites and now have students from a dozen different schools coming to try out work in our ADEs. We have also had the benefit of the time and talents of a number of students on placement from Western Sydney University and Sydney University. The students have provided valuable assistance and support to both the TTW and DSA Employment teams with a focus on supporting the teams in conducting wage assessments and also in the Learning Hubs.

Kathleen McIntosh (R) is pictured with colleagues Karen Loveday and Foula Stoikakis at the old Redfern factory site in 1985, all are still working together at Mascot!

Off-site social activities also continued this year including the very popular Social Saturday Lunches and activities including Laser Tag, AMF Bowling and barefoot bowls.

We have regular social functions at each of our sites such as barbeques, and awards days as well as regular low impact sporting activities that give our employees the chance to participate in friendly competition in a supported environment. The bi-monthly social bulletins are an eagerly received source of news and information. They highlight activities people can access in their local communities, competitions, upcoming birthdays and site specific news and events.


WE REALLY ARE ONE TEAM

Employment Consultant Julia Ross, Eric, Rosie, GM Employment Services Louise Mooney & Employee Engagement Coordinator Nicole Linnegar

Each of DSA’s four Business Services sites has an Employee Representative Committee (ERC) elected by the employees. These Committees give employees an opportunity to present their ideas for improvement to management.

ERC COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2014-15

BraemarAndrew Kalnin (Chairperson)Matthew LawlerRodney HarrisonPaul Fairbairn

MascotJohn Docza (Chairperson)Foula StoikakisKaren LovedayNeil LovedayGreg Hodgetts

Condell ParkDaniel BrandRose StaziArthur HabibBernadette Sullivan (Chairperson)Jodie Terry

Seven HillsSandra KiddTeresa Tuala (Chairperson)Melissa Simeti

The issues and ideas discussed over the past year included the new wage assessments, work health & safety, the impact of personalisation and the NDIS and sport, recreation and leisure programs - including the increasingly popular Saturday socials. Accredited warehousing training, learning operating procedures for new equipment and new customer job tasks have also been discussed. All committee members are encouraged to talk with their colleagues and continue to contribute ideas such as celebrations at Mascot for NAIDOC week. The team invited people from the local community a number of aboriginal employees spoke to the teams about their culture and heritage.

Long term Business Services employee Eric Cornwell and his wife Rosie lost their home last year in a house fire. Each year we see many examples of the fantastic community spirit at DSA through volunteering, through participation in special fundraising days such as Daffodil Day and Red Nose Day and also through the fundraising drive by the team at Mascot who were determined to do whatever they could for one of their work colleagues. Rosie was at home at the time of the fire and was very lucky to be able to escape with their pets. They lost everything bar a few items of clothing and are slowly re-establishing their lives.Our employees in Business Services are an amazingly generous bunch of people and were determined to support Eric and Rosie in whatever way they could. They banded together to assist the couple through collections and a fundraising morning tea. Eric’s Employment Consultant Julia has been amazing with her support for the couple, coordinating and rallying other services and supports to ensure their transition into a new home went as smoothly as possible.


EMPLOYMENT SERVICESFor many people with a disability, employment is so much more than just a job. It is an opportunity to feel that you are contributing and being a productive member of society. It can boost confidence and help build independence. Being employed fosters greater social and personal awareness as well as providing additional income.

TRANSITION TO WORK Assisting recent school leavers with disability to identify goals, obtain skills to increase their sense of self-worth and esteem, access the community, develop healthy lifestyles, obtain work experience and ultimately paid employment. We are proud of our reputation for providing individualised and person centred support provided in a group situation or as tailored 1:1 support. We get to know our job seekers – not just their barriers, but also their strengths, their skills and their interests. Our new Supported Learning Hubs have been established as a space for people to engage in accredited and foundation skills training and learn in a supported environment at their own pace. We have 16 people currently studying the Certificate II in Business and a small group in Goulburn studying kitchen skills.Over the past year we have continued to achieve higher than average employment outcomes with more than 83% of our graduates achieving an employment outcome. In addition to the traditional pre-employment work skills development including job sampling, work experience, travel training and money skills we also incorporate a range of social and healthy lifestyle activities into our work readiness training. We are building even more flexibility into our program as we prepare to transition to the NDIS next year.

FOOD REVOLUTION DAY 2015As part of their Healthy Living Program DSA’s TTW team decided to get involved in Jamie Oliver’s 2015 Food Revolution Day, a global campaign to put compulsory practical food education back on the school curriculum. This year more than 1 million people world-wide got involved so participants here at DSA were actually part of a coordinated world-wide activity. Now that’s global community inclusion!Jamie Oliver passionately believes that by educating young people about food in a fun and engaging way, we can equip them with the basic skills they need to lead healthier, happier lives, for themselves, their friends and their families. Sound familiar? It’s what we do here at DSA in our own Healthy Living and Cooking programs because practical food education is important at any age!

There were a number of events held across DSA for #foodrevolutionday. Our Blacktown Day Options and TTW Teams got together to make some healthy pizzas.

The Redfern, Campbelltown and Bankstown Transition to Work teams sampled a range of fresh seasonal produce, many tasted fruits and vegetables that were unfamiliar to them. One of the team tried kiwi fruit and plums for the very first time!They washed the produce and practiced the knife safety bridge hold technique which they had learned in their Health Living program then prepared delicious salads!


Mark Spurr, Pranika Dutt, Ronald Nguyen, Laurie Daley and Caitlyn Culbert

TRANSITION TO WORK JOBSEEKER OF THE YEARIn 2014 the nominees were Caitlyn Culbert, Pranika Dutt, Hayley Jordan, Ronald Nguyen and Jacob Smith and the Award was taken out by Caitlyn Culbert.

Tracie Linnegar, Brad Fittler, Ned Trpcveski, Chad Braithwaite CEO Healthy Life Group and Mark Spurr CEO DSA

Southern Region Transition to Work Jobseeker of the Year with her proud parents Michelle and Dean and TTW staff Cindy and Judy

Caitlyn joined Transition to Work at Campbelltown in 2013. With the support of her family & DSA Caitlyn has worked hard, striving to gain skills, knowledge and employment as well being an active community member. During her first year of TTW, Caitlyn grew in confidence and independence. She completed a Certificate II in Business Administration and completed a work experience placement at our Campbelltown Regional office before completing a work experience placement at Camden Hospital’s Clinical information department. Caitlyn is also an avid photographer and at the end of 2013 entered some of her work into the International Day of People with a Disability photography competition with great success. Caitlyn won both the Innovation award and the People’s Choice award. The nominees in 2015 were • Liam Prior • Ned Trpcveski • Sally Yee • Sadiq Khalil • Daniel Cullen • Emma Constable • Jacob Smithand this year there were 3 winners in recognition of the growth of the TTW program at DSA; Ned Trpcveski in Sydney Metro, Liam Prior in the Hunter and Emma Constable in the Southern Region.School was not always a great experience for Ned but since starting TTW in 2013 he has grown in confidence and self-esteem. Ned has been consistently reliable, punctual and hardworking, often supporting other

jobseekers with their tasks. He has been working part-time at the Healthy Life Group in Milperra for some time now after a successful work experience placement in June. The Healthy Life Group is a company dedicated to promoting wellbeing. This links in well with TTW’s positive focus on health and wellbeing and how this underpins our success in life and employment.Ned did so well in that one week placement that the company felt he would be a great addition to the team. He has also enrolled to complete a Certificate III in Business Administration at Bankstown TAFE. We congratulate Ned on all his achievements.


Disability Services Australia (DSA) is a not-for-profit organisation operating as a company limited by guarantee. We are committed to the delivery of high-quality, ethical services through independent assurance, governance and risk management programs. DSA’s Board of Directors has overall responsibility for ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its mission. Our approach to corporate governance is based on a set of core values that underpin our day to day activities and which we consider fundamental to the sustainability of our business.Our core values are• We put people first• We are one team• We are all accountable• We strive to always do it better• We are inspired by challenges• We make ethical and sustainable decisions

ETHICAL STANDARDSThe Board conforms to the highest ethical standards and recognises the need for Directors and employees to observe the highest standards of corporate, business and service provider ethics when engaged in activities on behalf of DSA. Under the Constitution the Directors have developed a Board Charter, Code of Conduct and Delegations of Authority and Responsibility The Delegations of Authority and Responsibility Policy defines the delegated authorities that are applied throughout DSA to control risks in all parts of our business – from strategic control exercised by the Board of Directors through to divisional and operational actions by our management team. Risk is an inherent part of any organisation’s operations and whilst it is impossible to operate in a risk free environment the understanding and co-operative application of these authorities will manage and mitigate our risk and ensure that DSA is perceived as: • a valued and trusted service provider • an organisation with sound governance policies and procedures• the service provider of choice for those we support and an employer of choice for those we employ.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND QUALITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDSA is governed by a Board of Directors who represent the purpose and vision of DSA. The Board has strict governance protocols to ensure accountability of the organisation at all levels which ensure that the interests of the Company and Customers in quality service delivery are paramount. All Board Members are volunteer non-executive Directors.The Honorary Board of Directors is made up of between five and nine Directors including the Chairman and Vice Chair. The Directors are elected by the members and to be eligible for nomination must be a financial member of the company but not an employee. All Board Members are non-executive Directors and act in a voluntary capacity. No Directors are entitled to or have received remuneration from the company. The Board has established a Nomination and Remuneration Committee, a Finance and Risk Committee and a Fundraising Committee to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The Board has the following key objectives: • setting the objectives and overall direction of DSA;• setting and reviewing the tone and standards of DSA;• reviewing and approving the strategic plan, and any business plan, for the achievement of the objectives;• reviewing and approving the annual budget;• establishing and reviewing performance indicators, control mechanisms, and related benchmarks that will allow the board to satisfy itself that DSA is being managed properly;• monitoring the performance of DSA against its financial and other objectives and benchmarks, and review the implementation of approved strategies; and• satisfying itself that the risks facing DSA have been identified, assessed, and that the material risks are being managed appropriately.Policies and procedures relating to the appointment and retirement of Directors are detailed in the company’s Constitution.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITYThe Board has delegated authority for the management of the company to the Chief Executive Officer. Accordingly, the Chief Executive Officer has been charged with implementing the Board directives and the day-to-day management and reporting of activities.


ACCOUNTABILITYDSA is accountable to its members, to customers accessing its services and their families and carers, employees, donors, funders and supporters. DSA is also accountable to Ageing, Disability and Home Care, an agency of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, the New South Wales Department of Education and the Federal Department of Social Services.

COMPANY POLICIES AND QUALITY MANAGEMENTThe company has policies and procedures for each division which aim to ensure assets are used to achieve the company’s mission and are protected from loss, damage, theft and fraud. They aim to ensure the company remains financially viable and are reviewed annually by the Board of Directors.The policies and procedures meet the requirements of the ISO9001:2008 Quality Assurance System and the National Disability Service Standards. DSA’s Quality Framework Implementation project has ensured that our existing Customer Engagement practices and Quality policies and procedures are fully aligned to the six new Disability Service Standards, achieving independent certification in December 2014. In addition, DSA’s Mascot facility has certification against the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) standard. This certification requires compliance around a code known as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). The Quality Manager manages an internal audit process which provides objective independent assurance to the Board and Senior Leadership Team on the management and mitigation of business risk in all areas. All managers are responsible for quality assurance and staff and employees form an integral part in this process by implementing policies and procedures. 2015 marks the tenth successive year that DSA has been non-conformance free in our external audits for both our company-wide ISO9001:2008 Quality System and the Disability Employment Services Standards. In addition, the HACCP Food Safety System at Mascot has remained non-conformance-free since gaining certification in 2008.As a registered charity, DSA also works to requirements under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 and Lotteries and Art Unions Act 1901 in New South Wales and The Charitable Collections Act (2003) in the Australian Capital Territory.Independent Auditors SAI Global currently audit a sample of areas of DSA each year regarding compliance and every three years they conduct a more in-depth audit called a triennial audit.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYDSA is committed to behaving ethically and to growing the business while at the same time having regard to the quality of life of its employees, its customers and their families, local communities and society at large. This is embodied in our core value: ‘We make ethical and sustainable decisions’.“We strive to utilise resources in the most effective way to maximise customer outcomes.”Although DSA is a provider of services rather than products, we acknowledge that during the conduct of our operations we do make use of natural and man-made resources. DSA appreciates the environmental benefits of reducing the consumption of these resources and continually seeks alternative options and makes use of recycling initiatives wherever they may be practical. We have implemented improved processes for the recycling of waste paper and cardboard at our Business Services facilities. We are committed to minimising the impact our business has on the environment, and ‘we strive to always do it better’.DSA’s corporate governance framework, policies and procedures are regularly reviewed as expectations and requirements develop to ensure that DSA continues to comply with relevant sector legislation, standards and practices.

PRIVACYDSA is committed to protecting an individual’s right to privacy. We do not sell, rent or trade the information we collect. We maintain the necessary internal control systems to ensure that all information is secure. This statement and DSA policies covering the Disability Service Standards are available on our website www.dsa.org.au


CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERMark Spurr joined DSA in 2010. Mark has more than twenty five years of corporate leadership experience with companies including Davis Consolidated Industries, Goodman Fielder, Meat and Livestock Australia and The Smith Family. Mark also has extensive international experience having worked in Brazil, USA and Mexico.His qualifications include Bachelor Business Studies, Fellow Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Member of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERFrank Levin joined DSA in 2009 after a lengthy career across a variety of industry sectors. Frank held key senior financial positions in companies as diverse as Green’s Foods, Westpac (Merchant Bank), Waco Kwikform, Westfield and Lend Lease. He is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

GENERAL MANAGER IT, SYSTEMS AND FACILITIESSimon Blumenthal joined DSA in 2010 as a Business Analyst and joined the senior leadership team in November 2011 as General Manager IT, Systems and Facilities. Simon has more than twenty five years senior management experience both locally and internationally including Finance Director of Toshiba South Africa and Finance Director Australia for The Valspar Australia Corporation. Simon is a Chartered Accountant.

GENERAL MANAGER, COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICESFiona Coluccio has more than twenty years experience in the development, implementation and monitoring of service provision to people with a disability and joined DSA in August 2014. Fiona has a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology/ Criminology). Fiona has held Senior Management positions with organisations including Civic Disability Services and Uniting Care.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM


GENERAL MANAGER, EMPLOYMENT SERVICESLouise Mooney has worked in the welfare sector for more than twenty years and joined DSA’s Community Support Services in 2003. Louise worked in a variety of roles in Day Options, Transition to Work and Lifestyle before moving to Vocational Services in 2007 as the manager of DSA Employment. Louise has a Bachelor of Arts (Welfare Studies) and a Masters in Social Administration. Louise is a member of the NDS Australian Disability Enterprise and Open Employment Sub-Committees.

GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS SERVICESDarrell O’Loughlin welcomed a move to the Not-For-Profit sector when he joined DSA in 2010. With a career spanning more than three decades and with twenty two years dedicated to Visy Global Industries, Darrell has held numerous senior management and business consulting roles.

GENERAL MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS AND FUNDRAISINGJo-Anne Reeves has more than twenty years experience in communications, fundraising and public relations. Prior to joining DSA in August 2011, Jo-Anne was National Fundraising Manager at Vision Australia. Jo-Anne has a wealth of experience in consulting and working in organisations such as the University of NSW Foundation, The Children’s Hospital Westmead Fund, NSW Breast Cancer Institute, and Western Sydney University.

GENERAL MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCESGordon Wilkins has had a long and successful career in both the Public and Private sectors holding senior HR roles in Telstra, Unisys and Coles Myer. Gordon transitioned into the Not-For-Profit sector in 2007. Prior to joining DSA in May 2011, Gordon worked at The Smith Family as Head of People and Culture. Gordon holds tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Psychology and Education.


CHAIRMANKen Gabb has been a Director for seven years and is the Chair of the Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee and a Member of the Finance and Risk Committee. Ken has had an extensive legal career, he was a member of NSW Parliament for ten years and held several senior advisory and managerial positions within government. Ken previously held the position of CEO of the Office of the Protective Commissioner and Office of the Public Guardian.

DIRECTOR (RETIRED 2013, REAPPOINTED 25TH JUNE 2015)Vik Bansal has been a director since 25th June . Vik is currently CEO of ASX listed Transpacific Industries. Prior to this he was President and COO of US listed multinational Valmont Industries and led global operations spanning 23 countries. Vik has previously held senior leadership positions with One Steel and Eaton Corporation. He is an Electrical Engineer with an MBA, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia.

VICE CHAIRThomas (Tom) Leahy has been a Director for five years and is the Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee and a Member of the Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Tom has a Diploma in Marketing and twenty five years experience in the insurance industry including several senior management roles. Tom has held consulting and senior management roles in a broad range of companies in Australia and overseas and has been an active member of Boystown for twenty seven years.

DIRECTORMaryann Dalton has been a Director for three years and is the Chair of the Fundraising Committee and a Member of the Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Maryann has more than fifteen years experience in senior management roles in the Community Sector. Maryann has a wide range of experience in operational management, human resource and financial management with a particular interest in volunteer management. Maryann has a Masters Degree in Management (Community) and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

DIRECTORBarbara Jones has been a Director since February 2014 and is a Member of the Fundraising Committee. Barbara’s corporate career spans 30 years, and her business experience has been gained both in Australia and overseas, having headed up specialist consulting businesses delivering services across the Asia Pacific region and the Sub Continent. Her expertise lies in the field of Leadership Development. She has qualifications in Communication Management, as well as Psychotherapy and is currently completing her PhD in Philosophy.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Attended 0 of 0 board meetings 2014-15






DIRECTOR Bernhard (Bernie) Liebmann has been a Director for two years and is a Member of the Fundraising Committee. Bernie is a business consultant and Director of ATF Services Pty Limited, and has over 30 years experience as a Chief Executive in both public and private companies in Australia. He is a qualified Solicitor (South Africa) and retired Chief Executive Officer of Waco Kwikform Limited with an outstanding track record of delivering growth in revenue, profitability and shareholder value.

DIRECTORMatthew Payne has been a director since 27th November 2014. Matthew has more than 10 years experience in corporate and commercial law with a focus on wealth, tax and estate planning. He is a Partner at TressCox Lawyers, has a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Bachelor of Laws and Masters of Business Law. He is a director of the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove, is a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Planners and a director and company secretary of a number of private companies.

DIRECTORMargaret Palmer has been a Director for three years and is a Member of the Finance and Risk Committee. Margaret has extensive experience as CFO with a number of not-for profit organisations and is currently working as a Management Consultant providing advice and support to organisations undergoing change agendas. She also provides mentoring and career support to a broad spectrum of individuals and teams. Margaret holds a Master Degree in Accounting and Finance, an MBA and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Governance. She holds a number of professional memberships including being a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and is a CPA.

DIRECTORBruce Sargent has been a Director for twenty two years and is a Member of the Finance and Risk Committee. Bruce is a retired school principal and a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators. Bruce is a strong advocate for ensuring outcomes for people with a disability and is a valuable contributor to training/development plans. .

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND COMPANY SECRETARY Mark Spurr has had extensive corporate leadership experience in the Industrial Products, Food Manufacture, Agricultural Commodities and Not for Profit sectors with organisations including Davis Consolidated Industries, Goodman Fielder Limited, Meat and Livestock Australia and The Smith Family.He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Member of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants.






CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015

Directors’ Report 39Discussion and analysis of the financial statements 40Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income 41Statement of financial position 42Statement of changes in equity 43Statement of cash flows 44Notes to the concise financial report 45Directors’ declaration 46Independent auditor’s report 47


Your Directors present their report on the company for the financial year ended 30 June 2015.

OPERATING RESULTSThe surplus of the consolidated group after providing for income tax amounted to $1,026,000 (2014: $313,000). The surplus was achieved after deducting the net investment in Fundraising of $393,000 (2014: $397,000).

REVIEW OF OPERATIONSThe consolidated group’s revenue from the rendering of Business Services of $6,327,000 (2014: $5,684,000) was 11.3% higher than the year ended 30 June 2014. Government funding (excluding capital subsidies) increased by 10.1% to $43,096,000 (2014: $39,147,000).

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIESThe principal activities of the consolidated group during the financial year were:• the provision of employment and community

support services for people with a disability; and• the provision of accredited training in Disability,

Community and Children’s Services.There were no significant changes in the nature of the principal activities during the financial year.The consolidated group’s short term objectives include;• offering opportunities for choice, inclusion and

achievement for people with a disability through a person centred approach; and

• to continue to be recognised as a disability service of choice, growing with diversity and strength.

Our strategies include:Expanding existing services in the disability sector and developing organisational capability to thrive in the changing environment characterised by increasing personalisation.The consolidated group’s long term objective is to fulfil our purpose of enhancing the lives of people with a disability by:• providing relevant services and opportunities to

participate in meaningful work and whole of life activities; and

• maintaining relationships with stakeholders to maximise social inclusion and community involvement.

The following strategies have been implemented to achieve this objective:• as a Provider of Choice, develop capabilities to

thrive in the changing disability service sector;

• as an Employer of Choice, attract and retain quality staff who are committed to supporting people with a disability within a caring, professional and enabling culture;

• commitment to quality, continuous improvement and excellence in enhancing the lives of the people with whom the organisation is involved;

• work in partnership with a range of community and business stakeholders to ensure that our activities remain viable, sustainable and relevant; and

• proactive involvement in the disability and community services sectors, and scanning the environment to ensure that future programs meet the changing needs of people with a disability, customers, clients and students.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN STATE OF AFFAIRSNo significant changes in the consolidated group’s state of affairs occurred during the financial year.

AFTER BALANCE DATE EVENTSNo matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the consolidated group’s operations, the results of those operations, or its state of affairs in future financial years.

ROUNDING OF AMOUNTSThe company is an entity to which ASIC Class Order 98/100 applies and, accordingly, amounts in the financial statements and directors’ report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATIONA copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 60-40 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission Act 2012 is set out on page 6 of the full financial report.Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors:

K GABB DIRECTOR

Dated this 17th day of September 2015

DIRECTORS’ REPORT


INFORMATION ON DISABILITY SERVICES AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORTThe concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 30 June 2015. The financial statements and disclosures in the concise financial report have been derived from the 2015 Financial Report of Disability Services Australia Limited and its Controlled Entity. A copy of the full financial report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member, free of charge, upon request.The discussion and analysis is provided to assist members in understanding the concise financial report

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEThe consolidated surplus after income tax for the year is $1,026,000 compared to a deficit of $313,000 for 2014. The surplus was achieved after deducting the net investment in Fundraising of $393,000 (2014: $397,000).

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONTotal equity increased by $3,303,000 to $20,766,000. The increase is made up of the surplus of $1,026,000, a revaluation of $2,189,000 in the value of land and buildings, and an increase in the value of the investment share portfolio of $88,000.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSThe group had an operating cash inflow of $3,513,000. During the year $1,228,000 was invested in Property, Plant and Equipment, $224,000 in upgrading the group’s IT infrastructure and an $180,000 net investment in the Share Portfolio. Overall cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year increased by $1,516,000 to $12,026,000.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Consolidated GroupNotes 2015 2014

$’000 $’000

Sales revenue 2 6,327 5,684Cost of sales (5,600) (5,031)

Gross profit 727 653

Government subsidies 2 43,096 39,147Other revenue 2 3,056 2,633Other income 2 61 34Employee expenses (34,247) (30,764)Marketing expenses (296) (369)Occupancy expenses (3,665) (3,497)Administration expenses (5,764) (5,949)Finance costs (27) (24)Other expenses (1,915) (1,551)

Surplus before income tax 1,026 313Income tax expense - -

Surplus for the year 1,026 313

Other comprehensive income:Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:Revaluation of land and buildings 2,189 - Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:Net gain on revaluation of Investments 248 371Net (loss)/gain on sale of Investments (160) 44

Other comprehensive income for the year 2,277 415

Total comprehensive income for the year 3,303 728

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The accompanying notes form part of this concise report.


Consolidated Group2015 2014

$’000 $’000Current assetsCash and cash equivalents 12,026 10,510Trade and other receivables 1,583 1,615Inventories 137 97Other current assets 605 142Total current assets 14,351 12,364

Non-current assetsFinancial assets 3,886 3,622Property, plant and equipment 12,353 9,764Intangible assets 880 843

Total non-current assets 17,119 14,229

Total assets 31,470 26,593

Current liabilitiesTrade and other payables 3,487 2,722Short-term provisions 3,208 3,075Other current liabilities 3,370 2,777

Total current liabilities 10,065 8,574

Non-current liabilitiesLong-term provisions 639 556

Total non-current liabilities 639 556

Total liabilities 10,704 9,130

Net assets 20,766 17,463

EquityAsset revaluation reserve 4,660 2,223Asset realisation reserve (593) (433)Retained earnings 16,699 15,673

Total equity 20,766 17,463


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015


Asset Revaluation

Reserve

Asset Realisation

Reserve

Retained Earnings

Total

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance at 1 July 2013 2,018 (643) 15,360 16,735

Surplus for the year - - 313 313

Total other comprehensive income for the year 371 44 - 415

Transfer for shares sold during the year (166) 166 - -

Balance at 30 June 2014 2,223 (433) 15,673 17,463

Deficit for the year - - 1,026 1,026

Total other comprehensive income for the year 2,420 (143) - 2,277

Transfer for shares sold during the year 17 (17) - -

Balance at 30 June 2015 4,660 (593) 16,699 20,766


STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015



$’000 $’000

Cash flows from operating activitiesReceipts from customers 59,005 58,280Payments to suppliers and employees (55,959) (55,182)Interest received 494 447Finance costs (27) (24)Net cash provided by operating activities 3,513 3,521

Cash flows from investing activitiesProceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 80 66Payment for property, plant and equipment (1,228) (769)Payment for capitalised software (224) (221)Investment in term deposit (445) - Proceeds from investments in shares 958 942Payment for investments in shares (1,138) (1,141)Net cash used in investing activities (1,997) (1,123)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents held 1,516 2,398Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year 10,510 8,112

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year 12,026 10,510


STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS




Note 1: Basis of preparation of the concise financial reportThe concise financial report is an extract for the full financial report for the year ended 30 June 2015. The concise financial report has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports and the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. The financial statements, specific disclosures and other information included in the concise financial report are derived from and are consistent with the full financial report of Disability Services Australia Limited and its controlled entity. The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide as detailed an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of Disability Services Australia Limited its controlled entity as the full financial report.The concise financial report is not in accordance with the Corporations Act following the reforms to the Corporations Act introduced by the Corporations Amendment (Corporate Reporting Reform Act 2010) Bill, nor is it in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission Act 2012.Disability Services Australia Limited and its controlled entity have elected to adopt the Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements (established by AASB 1053: Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards and AASB 2010-2: Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements). Therefore, the full financial statements are general purpose financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards’ Reduced Disclosure Requirements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission Act 2012. A copy of the full financial report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member, free of charge, upon request.The presentation currency used in this concise financial report is Australian dollars. The company has applied for relief available to it under ASIC Class Order 98/100 and accordingly amounts in this concise financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars.

Note 2: Revenue


$’000 $’000

Operating revenue- Rendering of business services

6,327 5,684

- Government subsidies 43,096 39,147- Interest received 494 447- Donations received 570 295- Other revenue 1,992 1,891

Total revenue 52,479 47,464

Other income- Profit on disposal of

property, plant and equipment

61 34

Total other income 61 34

Note 3: Events subsequent to reporting dateNo matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the group in future financial years.

NOTES TO THE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT


The directors of the company declare that the concise financial report of Disability Services Australia Limited and Controlled Entity for the financial year ended 30 June 2015, as set out on pages 40 to 45:a. a complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039:

Concise Financial Reports; andb. is an extract from the full financial report for the

year ended 30 June 2015 and has been derived from and is consistent with the full financial report of Disability Services Australia Limited and controlled entity.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

K GABBDIRECTOR

Dated this 17th day of September 2015

DIRECTORS’

DECLARATION


Independent Auditor’s ReportTo the Members of Disability Services Australia Limited

Report on the concise financial reportWe have audited the accompanying concise financial report of Disability Services Australia Limited which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2015, the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended and related notes, derived from the audited financial report of Disability Services Australia Limited for the year ended 30 June 2015. The concise financial report does not contain all the disclosures required by the Australian Accounting Standards and accordingly, reading the concise financial report is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report.

Directors responsibility for the concise financial reportThe Directors are responsible for the preparation of the concise financial report in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, and for such internal control as the directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of the concise financial report.

Auditor’s responsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on the concise financial report based on our audit procedures which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. We have conducted an independent audit, in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, of the financial report of Disability Services Australia Limited for the year ended 30 June 2015. Our audit report on the financial report for the year was signed on 17 September 2015 and was not subject to any modification. The Australian Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report for the year is free from material misstatement.

Level 17, 383 Kent StreetSydney NSW 2000

Correspondence to: Locked Bag Q800QVBPostOfficeSydney NSW 1230

T +61 2 8297 2400F +61 2 9299 [email protected] www.grantthornton.com.au

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd ACN 130 913 594a subsidiary or related entity of Grant Thornton Australia Ltd ABN 41 127 556 389

‘Grant Thornton’ refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton Australia Limited is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered. by the member firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. In the Australian context only, the use of the term ‘Grant Thornton’ may refer to Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 556 389 and its Australian subsidiaries and related entities. GTIL is not an Australian related entity to Grant Thornton Australia Limited.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Liability is limited in those States where a current scheme applies.


An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the concise financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the concise financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of the concise financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control.

Our procedures in respect of the concise financial report included testing that the information in the concise financial report is derived from, and is consistent with, the financial report for the year, and examination on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures which were not directly derived from the financial report for the year. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the concise financial report complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

IndependenceIn conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board.

Auditor’s OpinionIn our opinion, the concise financial report of Disability Services Australia Limited for the year ended 30 June 2015 complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTDChartered Accountants

C F FarleyPartner – Audit & Assurance

Sydney, 17 September 2015


“DSA now encompasses 4 ADE facilities, 4 regional offices, 16 centre based Day Programs, 33 Supported Accommodation

Services and more than 1,200 staff and employees.”

1957

1992

2006

1958

1994

2011

1986

2002

2013

2015

1982

1998

2014

Aid Retarded Persons established a workplace at Camperdown with seven

employees working on very basic tasks.

Amforce – Labour Solutions was established to take employees out to customer’s

premises to work.

Amaroo established 121 Employment to assist people with intellectual and psychiatric

disabilities find and keep mainstream employment. Amaroo achieved quality

certification to Australian Standard AS3902 (now recognised as ISO9001:2008).

Established a Specialist Intervention Service to provide support to people with complex

and challenging behaviours.

Appointed DSA’s first Aboriginal Community Liasion Officer.

A group of parents who had sons and daughters with disabilities formed a charitable

society called Aid Retarded Persons NSW to provide employment for people with

disabilities who had limited work opportunities.

The organisation renamed itself Amaroo Industries Limited, a company limited by the guarantee of its members. Amaroo

had factories at Redfern and Condell Park employing a total of 200 people.

Amaroo Support Service started with 10 employees and supported

14 service users.

Amaroo Industries changed its name to Disability Services Australia to better reflect the growing range

of services offered.

Acquired the Registered Training Organisation, Macquarie Employment

Training Services (METS).

Opened a new day options centre in Blacktown, new TTW services outlets in Mt Druitt and Campbelltown, a new

mentoring facility in Rossmore and 2 new accommodation services in Goulburn

Officially opened the Raymond Terrace Centre in the Hunter to address the unmet demand for service. Opened a regional hub in Charlestown

in the heart of the NDIS precinct.

Launched Supported Learning Hubs in Bankstown, Redfern and Blacktown

OUR HISTORY

DATE: 03/07/2012

DESIGNER: ET

COLOURS:

Darling Brands



T: +612 9569 2461 F: +612 9569 2462

darlingbrands.com

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