down syndrome victoria amended annual report 2009-2010

Annual Report 2009-2010

Down Syndrome VictoriaCommittee of Management President Kirsten DeaneVice President David Saunders Natalie GrahamTreasurer Damian MorrinGeneral Committee Anne Page Lynette May Peter Sloan

2009 Life Member Peter Egan

Of!ce Staff

Executive Of!cer Catherine McAlpineAdult Support Coordinator Lainy HendersonCommunications Design Jean CotchinEducation Consultant Ian CookFamily Support and Training Sue Blandford (formerly Modra) Information Development Sharon Ford Information, Marketing and Development Janene Trickey (until April 2010)Of!ce Assistant Stephanie PapeleoOf!ce Manager Jocelyn GearyMyTime and Groups Coordinator Jackie GetsonReception and Administration Marci KatzVolunteer Coordinator Meredith ZavattieroRegular Of!ce Volunteers Alexandra Perry Dorothy Morrison Joan Philips Ken Wright

MyTime and Family Network Group Facilitators

Jackie GetsonTina NaughtonMarie SymonCaroline McDiarmidRebekah FraserDianne McLellanKaren Asborne

Special thanks to all of the models in our photographs for allowing us to use their images in our publications.This annual report was designed pro bono by Jean Cotchin with support from the staff at Down Syndrome Victoria.

President’s Report 2

Executive Of!cer’s Report 3

Treasurer’s Report 3

Changing Lives 4-5

Information & Resources 6

Sharing Knowledge 7

Sustainability 8-10

Advocacy 12

Key Performance Indicators 13

Summarised Financial Statements* 14-25

*Notes 2-12 are available in the electronic version of this annual report

which can be obtained from our website at

www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au

Note: The organisation’s legal name is the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc. Throughout this document the name Down Syndrome Victoria is used interchangeably with Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc. In all cases it refers to the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc. There is no other legal entity.

Table of Contents

Down Syndrome Victoria Annual Repor t 2009 2010 1

2 Down Syndrome Victoria Annual Repor t 2009 2010

I remember vividly the !rst time I went to my coffee group. I went home and my mother in law anxiously asked me how it went. I said it was great, how much I had enjoyed it and how I would de!nitely go again. And then I promptly burst into tears and spent the next hour crying.

Later – much, much later – I confessed to one of the other mothers. She laughed and said she had done the same thing. And after you have been around for a while you soon learn that everyone cries the !rst time – either at the group, back in the car or in the relative privacy of home. But then everyone picks themselves up, dusts themselves off and comes back again the next time. The tears are not a re"ection of the experience but just a part of the early fog of grief.

The people I met during those !rst dif!cult months after Sophie’s birth have gone on to become some of my most treasured friends. We consider ourselves most fortunate to have friends like these to share our lives with, who have been there for us through good times and bad.

And when I speak to other families at Down Syndrome Victoria I !nd our experience is very common – that everyone has a similar tale to tell of life-long friendships formed through shared experience. Everyone speaks of the wonderful relief that comes when someone else just understands.

Down Syndrome Victoria was established more than thirty years ago by a small group of parents who came together to share information and provide support for one another. And that’s what has continued to happen week after week, in lounge-rooms and church halls, all across the state for the last three decades.

Now it seems research is !nally starting to document what we have all known all along – that having other people to share the journey with lightens the load and strengthens the family. Overseas research consistently shows that families value peer support over professional support, and that !nding others to share the journey helps build family resilience.

We have been delighted over the last couple of years to expand our peer support network to include people with Down syndrome. Club 21 has gone from strength to strength this year providing young people with Down syndrome with the opportunity to socialise and build relationships – and to have their own opportunity to share the journey.

A number of Club 21 members have also just begun to meet as a small leadership group. Over the coming months and years this group will begin to have input into Down Syndrome Victoria’s strategic direction. It is very important to us that people with Down syndrome have a voice in the organisation that represents them. While it is still very early days, I am sure this small group will come to have a profound impact on the direction and functioning of the organisation.

Given how strongly we feel about peer support, and the increasing evidence of its positive impact on families, many !nd it surprising to learn that Down Syndrome Victoria is not funded to provide this important service. Down Syndrome Victoria is funded by the Victorian government as an information provider. We receive some funding to run groups for parents of preschoolers through the Federal government’s My Time program. But we do not receive any funding to support the other groups in the DSV network, nor any funding for the vital work of the Family Support Worker.

A couple of years ago, the committee of management made the strategic decision to continue to operate services regarded as vital as well as invest in new programs and services in response to member demand. This has placed a signi!cant strain on our resources but the committee strongly believes we can no longer continue to ignore the very pressing issues for our members, particularly those members supporting adults with Down syndrome. The ongoing funding of programs and services we regard as essential such as the peer support network and the Educational Support Services are therefore matters of the highest priority for the committee, and I hope for our members.The work of Down Syndrome Victoria will be done when people with Down syndrome have the same opportunities in life as everyone else. The same opportunities for a good education, meaningful employment, somewhere to live, inclusion in community activities. Sadly, that day is still a long way off. Until then, I hope we can all work together to achieve the kinds of changes we all want to see. And we can do it all over a good cup of coffee.

Kirsten Deane President

President’s Report

Down Syndrome Victoria continues to focus on our priorities of peer support, information and resources, sharing knowledge, advocacy and sustainability.

In 2009 / 2010 we experienced increasing demand in every area - from the expansion of the statewide peer support network and appointment as a MyTime Coalition Lead Agency to the collaboration with Down Syndrome NSW on a joint journal.

Requests for the Down Syndrome Victoria Education Support Service have multiplied (as has the need to fundraise to support it) and requests for Down Syndrome Victoria presentations and training sessions are more frequent. Family information sessions were held at places as diverse as Halls Creek, Bendigo, Mildura and metropolitan Melbourne.

We were very excited to launch two important initiatives with the potential to profoundly affect the future of our organisation - Club21 and Buddy Walk. Club21 is the peer support network for adults with Down syndrome set up as a result of the

Mentoring Connections program. We are looking forward to many interesting discussions with the Club21 leadership group.

Buddy Walk became truly national as Down Syndrome Victoria launched a wonderful community event at Princes Park. Beautiful weather and a dynamic organising group combined for success on every level.

Thank-you to our dedicated Committee of Management, the wonderful staff team who work harder than any group I have met, our bighearted and enthusiastic volunteers, and for the support of the many donors whose generosity continues to amaze us.

Catherine McAlpine Executive Of!cer


The !nancial performance for the period to 30 June 2010 was ahead of expectations. The Committee of Management had previously taken a strategic decision to increase the range of services proved by Down Syndrome Victoria, and to grow the organisation accordingly. For the period under review, the Committee of Management had budgeted for a loss of $100k excluding any investment revaluation. Therefore the operating result of a loss of $75k was, in the circumstances, a good performance. At 30 June 2010 our long term investment fund stood at $478,707, compared to$600,000 originally invested in 2006. The signi!cant impairment which was incurred in 2009 as a result of the global !nancial crisis is yet to be fully recouped.

We remain a relatively small not-for-pro!t organisation that punches above its weight, in terms of services delivered compared to revenue received. This is testament to the dedication of Down Syndrome Victoria’s staff and volunteers. We obviously cannot continue running at an operating de!cit inde!nitely, therefore we have invested in recruiting staff to

concentrate on actively pursuing further grant and fundraising income. Hopefully, the fruits of this investment will be re"ected in the results of future periods.

It should be noted that managing cash "ow remains a key challenge for Down Syndrome Victoria. During 2010 we had to withdraw $50k from our long-term investment fund for short-term cash-"ow purposes. Post year-end, the funds have been returned to the long term investment account. I would like to conclude by taking this opportunity to thank Peter Egan for his fantastic support on the Finance sub-committee. Peter, truly deserves, the Down Syndrome Victoria life membership bestowed upon him this year.

Damian MorrinTreasurer

Executive Of!cer’s Report

Treasurer’s Report


Supporting New FamiliesFamilies continue to report that one of the most important factors in dealing with the news that their baby has Down syndrome was the peer support they received in those early days. An initial Family Support visit or telephone call can be extremely bene!cial to new families. In 2009–2010 we had 55 new parents contact us.

A great opportunity for new families to connect, learn more about Down syndrome and the services we offer is at the Welcome to New Parents evenings. In 2009-2010 we welcomed a total of 33 new parents at 4 sessions.

In the 2009-2010 period we had 29 families contact us with a con!rmed or suspected pre-natal diagnosis. The support and information we provide helps families to make an ‘informed choice’ or to prepare for the birth of their new baby. Down Syndrome Victoria does not receive any funding for this core service

Peer Support NetworkStaying true to our model of peer support and empowerment we endeavour to link all families in with a local family network group. We continue to coordinate volunteer led peer support groups throughout Victoria including our facilitator led MyTime groups. The MyTime program offers a national network of peer support groups to parents of children with a disability or chronic medical condition. The initiative is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), and is coordinated nationally by the Parenting Research Centre (PRC).

Down Syndrome Victoria has been a MyTime Provider in Victoria since the inception of the MyTime program in 2007. Late in 2009, a number of coalitions were established across Victoria. DSV became a Coalition Lead Agency, and now manages 16 MyTime groups across the state of Victoria through the MyTime and Family Network Groups Coordinator. The main difference between DSV volunteer-led groups & MyTime groups is that the latter are funded, have a paid facilitator & playhelper to help with the children, and there is a component of reporting (to PRC) required. The MyTime groups are also open to all disabilities. Groups create in an informal and supportive environment for families and provide an opportunity for families to meet informally, share ideas and make new friends.

CALD FamiliesContact with new parents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds continues to increase. In 2009-2010 we had 14 families referred to us, 8 of these families did not read or speak English and required a translator. We have very few resources to support these families so we are always seeking out appropriate material in other languages.

On-going Support Our Family Support team is also available for parents with a family member with Down syndrome of any age, who may want to talk to someone about a particular issue they may be facing with their child during transition stages of their life (starting school, speci!c health issues, employment, accommodation etc).

Down Syndrome Victoria has begun strategically addressing the issue of underemployment of people with Down syndrome. An overwhelming proportion of people with Down syndrome who are employed work in a segregated setting. Down Syndrome Victoria !rmly believes that adults with Down syndrome can and should have access to employment in the open market. The Family Support team is working to provide families, professionals and people with Down syndrome with relevant up-to-date information on the employment of people with Down syndrome. A resource will be developed that aims to clarify the options available and how to access them.

Professional DevelopmentDown Syndrome Victoria offers both standard and tailored professional development – especially for health and education professionals. Our health professional in-services are designed to educate about Down syndrome, to provide a parent/family perspective and to present hints and tips to assist nursing staff in dealing with families during the early days of diagnosis.

Down Syndrome Victoria conducts an annual education professional day early in the year. Topics at this one-day workshop vary each year but may include an overview of Down syndrome, learner pro!le, behaviour and guest speakers on various topics.

Down Syndrome Victoria is happy to respond to any expression of interest that increases the capacity of the community to welcome and include people with Down syndrome.

Changing Lives


Club21Feedback from adults with Down syndrome indicated interest in opportunities to extend social connections and networks. Down Syndrome Victoria strongly believes it is important to help facilitate such interactions and planned to do so through the creation of a Peer Support Network, which offers a safe, inclusive environment where adults with Down syndrome can relax, make new friends, support each other and become involved in community based activities.

Club21: a peer support network for adults with Down syndrome aims to tackle social isolation while promoting independence and leadership skills. Club21 has created an inclusive environment where adults with Down syndrome can extend their social networks, voice their opinion and enhance their social skills, con!dence, leadership skills and independence. Club21 has also worked towards promoting inclusion and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in the general community by participating in many mainstream activities.

Since Club21’s successful launch in November 2009 membership has more than doubled in size for both adults with Down syndrome and volunteers.

During 2010 Club21 membership reached 34 adults with Down syndrome with activities running approximately once every two weeks. Popular activities included karaoke, Melbourne Zoo Twilight night, a theatre production in Ballarat and the Australian Open.

During 2010-2011 Club21 plans to launch its very !rst Leadership Group. The Leadership Group will ideally comprise of !ve or six interested adults with Down syndrome who are active members of Club21. They will be responsible for deciding and helping to organise activities undertaken by Club21 with the support of the Club21 facilitator.

Part of the role of the Leadership Group will be to advocate for others in Club21. They will be responsible for voicing the opinions, ideas and needs of the other members of Club21. Training on areas such as leadership skills, group work, running meetings, decision making and advocacy will be provided to the Leadership Group so they develop skills that will help them ful!l their responsibility to Club21 and Down Syndrome Victoria.

Changing Lives


Resource libraryThe past twelve months have seen the ongoing transformation of Down Syndrome Victoria’s resource library into a valuable up-to-date resource base for members. This process has occurred in three stages:

(i) a comprehensive review and rationalisation of the existing collection,

(ii) a signi!cant grant from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund supported the purchase of many new resources to upgrade and expand the collection, and

(iii) a user-friendly classi!cation system was introduced, coupled with the electronic recording of the entire collection and the borrowing system. During the past year, approximately 170 new items have been purchased for the resource library, including publications, DVDs and CD-ROMs and journal subscriptions. In addition, a number of new periodicals have been added to the collection as a result of journal exchange agreements with other organisations for the quarterly journal Voice.

JournalThe past year has been a very signi!cant one for the quarterly journal Voice. Four issues of the journal have been produced over this period, each including a themed feature section. The themes covered were: Life skills, Early years, Education and Health Matters.

In 2009, discussions commenced between Down Syndrome Victoria and Down Syndrome New South Wales with a view to publishing a collaborative journal for members in both states. An editorial committee was formed with two staff members from each state, including a Managing Editor, Jill O’Connor, from the NSW of!ce. The !rst jointly produced edition of the journal Voice was published in March 2010 as a 24-page journal, supplemented in both states by an 8-page state-speci!c supplement. This has proved a successful and rewarding partnership, producing a high quality publication which brings world’s best practice, news from the local, national and international community of people with Down syndrome and their families, and latest information and research to members of both associations.

Information on the website Down Syndrome Victoria continuously reviews information available both on the internet and in print, in order to provide our members and others interested in Down syndrome with relevant and current information. Over the past year, the information base on our website has continued to expand, with particular attention being focused on information resources relating to early years development, education and students with Down syndrome, and supporting people with Down syndrome and their families in the transition from school and into adult life.

Information & Resources


Education Support ServiceMore of our students with Down syndrome are now moving through to the end of secondary education and as attitudes and aspirations for their children change and develop parents are confronted with post secondary educational systems, various government services, workplaces and a society in general that may not always fully understand and be ready to meet these needs.

Parents are faced with a maze of information surrounding government services, private (government funded) services, mysterious educational and funding options, jargon and acronyms all of which serve to confuse and perplex.

The Education Suppprt Service supports planning for such transition to work and/or further education as this needs to begin at least midway through secondary schooling. This is complemented by the Down Syndrome Victoria Adult Support Coordinator.

The Education Suppprt Service supports 68 students – made up of 41 metropolitan and 27 regional / country students. As well there are the regular on-off local, interstate and overseas enquiries. The annual Professional Development Day for teachers and support personnel was held in March and attracted 81 participants. This year the focus was on behaviour management and Maths. Of special interest was the session where two classroom teachers (one primary, one secondary) spoke of their experiences of teaching students with Down syndrome. A past Education Suppprt Service (now TAFE) student supplemented her teacher’s popular presentation.

In May a successful Choosing A School (primary and post primary) information session was held attended by 20 families

Of course funding is always an on-going concern as subscriptions meet only approximately 25% of service costs and so your support of Race Day and Golf

Day along with the contributions from government grants and trusts are much appreciated.

All of this has made for another successful and productive year for the Education Suppprt Service.

PEER Weekend Bacchus Marsh

The theme of the 2009 People Empowered, Educated & Rested (PEER) Weekend was “Speaking for my Self”. 109 family members attended to obtain up-to-date information and to enjoy networking and peer support opportunities. The PEER Weekend provided childcare with the support of 15 volunteers to enable parents to have plenty of time to relax, socialise and become better informed about caring for people with Down syndrome.

Sharing Knowledge


Down Syndrome Victoria is an evolving organisation, striving to continue to provide best practice resources and up to date information in its support of its members. A fundraising focus encompassing donations, events, community fundraising, corporate sponsorship, grants and funding from trusts and foundations is necessary to support the organisational objectives.

Buddy WalkThe inaugural Melbourne Buddy Walk was a huge success. Over 600 registered walkers participated at Princes Park on Sunday, October 11, enjoying a sunny and relaxing day. Just over $27,000 was raised for Down Syndrome Victoria’s support, education and advocacy programs.

Natalie Lawlor, Sophie’s mother said it was “a great day and a wonderful celebration of inclusion and diversity - this is such a fantastic community to be a part of”. Before Sophie was born, Natalie contacted Down Syndrome Victoria’s Family Support Coordinator for information and advice. She is now an active member in the Down Syndrome Victoria community and organises logistics for Buddy Walk Melbourne as a volunteer on the Organising Committee.

Most of the funds raised were donated via the Buddy pages established by families with some amazing results. Down Syndrome Victoria is very grateful to the key fundraisers who contributed and would especially like to acknowledge the efforts of Limor Peterson (Noam Peterson) who raised $4408, Nicole Gosbell (Team Nathan) - $2445, Fiona Hall (Jack Hall) - $2,380 and Kathleen Muller (Max) - $2,000.

Race DayMooney Valley Race Day on Saturday 25 July was again a great success, with over $20,000 in proceeds allocated for the Education Support Service. When Ian Cook, Education Consultant for Down Syndrome Victoria took to the stage and interviewed Rainer Stephani, it was a powerful example of the impact the service can have not only just when the strategies are put into place, but over the long term. More than 230 people attended for a day !lled with laughter, good food, socialising and fun. A highlight was the Punters Club, where participants bought shares and professional punter David Mason placed bets on their behalf.

T4321 – Kick offT4321 is a national initiative and takes place on or near World Down Syndrome Day (21st March). In 2010, Down Syndrome Victoria participated and promoted the event to its members with great success.

Elizabeth Sfetkidis enthusiastically embraced the idea of hosting a tea, “For the past two years, World Down Syndrome Day has been a special opportunity for myself and my family and a time to re"ect on how we can help shape our daughter Marina’s future. As well as raising awareness about Down syndrome and some much needed funds, hosting our T4321 was great fun and an opportunity for close family and friends to socialise over a cup of tea and some home–made scones that Marina helped bake.”

Sustainability


Family Fun Day In 2010, Family Fun Day happily fell exactly on World Down Syndrome Day – Sunday, the 21st of March. 400 members of Down Syndrome Victoria attended, which included 99 of our families. A BBQ, games, rides and lots of entertaining activities made for a fun-!lled day that aimed to bring the community together and facilitate peer group relationships and support group networks.

Golf DayYet again it was a perfect day for an enjoyable morning of golf followed by a sumptuous lunch at the Growling Frog Golf Course on Sunday 14 March. Sixty people attended and as well as participating in a challenging but fun round of golf, approximately $17,000.00 was raised to support the Down Syndrome Victoria Educational Support Service for schools.

This success would not have been possible without the support of the participants and donations from supporters of the event as well as the tireless efforts and generosity of two members; Neville Hall and Paul Gorman,

Puf!ng Billy Day An inspiration to provide a fun day out for our members spun Wayne Eriksen into action and led to the organisation of Puf!ng Billy Day on the 16th of May where 250 of our members and their families were provided a free pass aboard Puf!ng Billy and enjoyed a BBQ lunch as well. Many thanks to Wayne for his dedicated efforts in providing such a wonderful day for all who attended.

VolunteersDown Syndrome Victoria has been the grateful recipient of over 2000 hours volunteered by dozens of generous people throughout 2009-2010. Potential volunteers learn about volunteering opportunities in many ways; via the Down Syndrome Victoria website and publications, referrals from Council-run resource centres, recruitment drives at Volunteer Expos, through the excellent intranet sites hosted by tertiary institutions or by having a personal link with Down syndrome.

Once they have satis!ed our criteria, applicants are provided with an Induction pack to support them in their role. Only after this stage & depending on availability & area of interest, volunteers have many options. These include attending MyTime groups as play-helpers, facilitating Family Network Groups, joining in Club21 activities, of!ce-based work or lending a hand at the various peer support and fundraising events held annually. These activities are not limited to the Melbourne area, as our services and events are state-wide.

Thank you to every one of our volunteers for making the invaluable contribution of their most precious asset: their time. We are always thrilled & humbled by the generosity of volunteers and their help allows us to focus on our members.


In-Memory Donors Many thanks to those that gave in memory of: Fiona McBurney George Demetriou Pat Willis Robyn O’Callaghan Walter John Weir and the christening of Zara Avola

Trusts & Foundations Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund $18,500 for Adult Support The Marian & E.H. Flack Trust $10,000 for Adult Support The George Hicks Foundation $5,000 in support of Down Syndrome Victoria Ken and Carol Klooger Foundation $2,500 in support of Down Syndrome Victoria

Government Grants Department of Education & Early Childhood Development $90,000 for resources and professional development for education professionals

Department of Human Services $70,000 for website and database upgrade

External / Community Fundraising:Elizabeth McQueen – Geelong Music Trivia Night ($2,000)

PIA Kids – Trivia Night fundraiser raised funds for the donation of a Karaoke Machine (value of $3,000) A note of thanks as well to Reynolds Automation Controls for their donations of Boardmaker Software and a Colour Printer in support of our operations.

Major Donors > $10,000 Syndrome Angels

$10,000-$5,000Hawthorn Football Club Mr John Laidlaw Mr James Watson

$4,000-$1,000Woodpeckers Club Inc Red Hot Relationships Mr Marcus Sweeney Elizabeth McQueen Mr & Mrs Brendan & Jana Curtis Mrs Fiona Graham Seymour Station Macquarie Financial Holdings Ltd (donation nominated by Melinda Elliott) Rock-E-Road Pty Ltd Ian Hicks Mrs Christine Poole

$800 - $300Mater Christi College Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce Inc Moonee Valley Racing Club Mrs Angela Blakston Dr Peter Sloan Mr Richard Dalton Mrs Kim Ngo Mr James Patterson Mrs Roslyn Allen Rotary Club of Waverley Mr Simon Davies Mr Bernie Sweeney St Joseph’s Primary School Red Energy Methodist Ladies’ College Mrs Charmaine Guest Ms Sue Finnie GE Money AAA Action Drafting Pty Ltd Chubb Security Cash For A Cause PROBIOTECH (AUST)

Thanks for your support


Down Syndrome Victoria has gradually taken a more active advocacy role in the community, media and disability sector. We are actively involved in the Down Syndrome Australia network, we participate in industry councils and roundtables, we are asked for comment by the media on subjects involving Down syndrome and disability and generally do our best to represent our membership vigorously and honestly.

World Down Syndrome Congress

The World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) is held every three years and represents the best opportunity to gather the latest research and examine new and innovative programs for people with Down syndrome and their families. The theme of the 2009 Dublin Congress was Lifelong Living & Learning. The consistent messages from key conference presentations were the importance of inclusion, planning and resilience.

nuanced than just ‘mainstream’. Being in the community is essential but not enough. Direct personal contact is key to changing community attitudes.

accident. A high level of expectation and preparation by family and supporters is the biggest predictor of positive outcomes for people with disabilities.

resilient children, children who see themselves as problem solvers. Children who grow to realise that things won’t always be easy, but who become adults with the con!dence in themselves to deal with dif!culties. Adults with Down syndrome tend to pass their decision making power on to families and carers. Vigilance needs to be exercised to ensure that this does not happen.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability has completed the move in disability theory from institutional to mainstream policy. Now it is time to move from theory to practice. This does not mean creating new rights for people with disabilities, but applying existing rights effectively. Governments need to lay down a dynamic of change. The ‘temptation of elegance’ must be resisted– the written word will not achieve everything. The time for transformative action has come.

Many nations are grappling with an unaffordable three-tiered system made up of institutions, old community and contemporary community supports. As change is implemented inequity of resources has become an issue; especially when incentives are in the wrong place. The resources directed to the ‘second wave’ of de-institutionalisation – special schools, day services and sheltered workshops – need to be redirected to policies and practices that enable people to live the lives that they choose.

Down Syndrome Victoria aims for a lives of growth, development and opportunity and is committed to structures and support that have been proven to give meaningful choice to the lives of people with Down syndrome.

And therein lie the challenges to governments; to support the mainstreaming of disability, to resource community supports, and to understand that supports can be in!nitely calibrated to the individual. That is – to prioritize inclusion, planning and resilience.

Catherine McAlpine attended the WDSC as part of her DHS funded Ethel Temby Study tour.

Advocacy


Key Performance Indicators2009-2010 2008-2009 % Change

MembershipMembers at 30th June 1042 1021 2.06%Attendance at Family Fun Day 433 357 21.29%

SupportSupport calls handled 1437 958 50.00%Support emails handled 879 -Number of new family contacts 55 45 22.22%Peer support groups 32 25 28.00%Peer support par ticipation 1368 1196 14.38%Parent education sessions held 12 9 33.33%

TrainingEducators trained 88 150 -43.33%Health professionals trained 120 105 14.29%Respite/carers/others trained 75 42 78.57%New volunteers trained 29 30 -3.33%Student Placements 8 5 60.00%

AwarenessWebsite visitors 258347 56930 353.80%Website hits 880839 989221 -10.96%Library borrowings 586 -Dnews circulation 18919 -

Fundraising$ raised from charitable trusts/foundations 69,879 76301 -8.42%

VolunteersNumber of active volunteers 71 72 -1.39%Number of new volunteer enquiries 150 102 47.06%Volunteer hours 1843 2036 -9.48%


14 Down Syndrome Victoria Annual Repor t 2009 201014 Down Syndrome Victoria Annual Repor t 2009 2010

Statement by Members of the Committee

The committee has determined that the association is not a reporting entity and that this special purpose !nancial report should be prepared in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 1 to the !nancial statements.

In the opinion of the committee the !nancial report:

1. Presents a true and fair view of the !nancial position of Down Syndrome Victoria as at 30 June 2010 and its performance for the year ended on that date.

2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Down Syndrome Victoria will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Committee and is signed for and on behalf of the Committee by:

Kirsten Deane (Chairman)

Damian Morrin (Treasurer)


Summarised Financial Statements

INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20102010 2009

Note $ $ INCOMERecurrent income (DHS) 113,640 110,016 Investment income received 31,232 73,929 Club21 income 3,978 - Peer Support income 104,869 73,958 Resources income 3,511 2,400 Training & Development income 52,490 39,535 Membership fees 8,559 24,214 Charitable Trusts & Foundations 69,879 76,301 Government Project Grants 60,000 85,052 Donations 138,810 58,921 Fundraising income 21,222 20,276 Fundraising Events 37,977 33,109 Other revenue 680 1,918 TOTAL INCOME 646,847 599,629

EXPENSES

Employee bene!ts 450,100 432,816 Professional & Consulting fees 38,935 38,516 Bank charges 4,506 3,637 Depreciation 24,727 20,113 General Administration 20,717 27,541 IT and Internet 14,307 12,845 Rent 38,092 37,818 Occupancy Expenses 10,654 9,407 Repairs and Maintenance 511 1,300 Library & Resources 37,017 24,133 Statewide support 25,143 22,707 MyTime Expenses 11,802 11,111 Advocacy Expenses - 4,016 Member Event Expenses 16,024 4,355 Volunteer Expenses 3,153 2,526 Training Event expenses 4,278 19,121 Fundraising expenses 20,870 7,697 TOTAL EXPENSES 720,836 679,659 Investment Impairment 1(e) - 191,980 NET DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR -73,989 -272,010

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEIncrement in !nancial assets 38,105 - TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME -35,884 -272,010

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 20102010 2009

Note $ $ CURRENT ASSETSCash and cash equivalents 122,173 33,683 Receivables 27,984 52,163 Prepayments 577 1,000 Salary Packaging Clearing Account 915 - TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 151,649 86,846

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Financial assets 2 478,707 490,602 Property, Plant and Equipment 3 23,852 41,689 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 502,559 532,291

TOTAL ASSETS 654,208 619,137

CURRENT LIABILITIESUnearned revenue 4 111,216 52,359 GST liability 11,943 5,387 Payroll liabilities 5,649 12,976 Provision for annual leave 6 28,336 21,573 Other current liabilities 23,422 20,663 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 180,566 112,958

NON CURRENT LIABILITIESProvision for long service leave 6 6,801 3,454 TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,801 3,454

TOTAL LIABILITIES 187,367 116,412

NET ASSETS 466,841 502,725

EQUITY Financial assets reserve 5 38,105 - Accumulated funds 428,736 502,725 TOTAL EQUITY 466,841 502,725

The accompanying notes form part of these !nancial statements




CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20102010 2009

Note $ $ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESGrants received 188,500 198,566 Membership fees 8,559 24,214 Interest received 500 1,956 Other receipts 501,092 315,626 Payments to suppliers and employees -684,503 -693,358 NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 7 14,148 -152,996

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESPurchase of property, plant and equiptment -6,890 -3,272 Redemption of !nancial assets 50,000 - Investment distribution received 31,232 58,872 NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES 74,342 55,599

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH HELD 88,490 -97,397

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF FINANCIAL YEAR 33,683 131,080

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR 122,173 33,683

The accompanying notes form part of these !nancial statements


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010 Accumulated

funds Financial assets

reserve $ $

Balance at 30 June 2008 774,735 (75,666)

Net de!cit for the year (272,010) - Revaluation decrement - 75,666

Balance at 30 June 2009 502,725 -

Net de!cit for the year (73,989) - Revaluation increment - 38,105

Balance at 30 June 2010 428,736 38,105


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010

NOTE 1 - STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The !nancial report is a special purpose !nancial report that has been prepared in accordance with the Accounting Standards, Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 ( Vic).

The following is a summary of material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the !nancial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless stated otherwise.

Basis of PreparationReporting Basis and ConventionsThe !nancial report has been prepared on an accrual basis and is based on historical costs modi!ed by the revaluation of selected non-current assets, and !nancial assets and liabilities for which the fair value basis of accounting has been applied.

Accounting Policies(a) Income TaxThe association is exempt from income tax under the provision of Section 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

(b) Property, Plant and EquipmentProperty, plant and equipment are carried at cost less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by the association to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash"ows that will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The depreciable amount of all !xed assets is depreciated on a straight line method commencing from the time the assets is held ready for use.

The depreciation rates used for each class of assets are: Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings 11.0 - 36.0%Plant and Equipment 20.0 - 36.0% Computer Software and Systems 20.0 - 36.0%There has been no change to the depreciation rates from the previous years.

(c) LeasesLease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risk and bene!ts remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the period in which they incurred.

(d) Financial InstrumentsRecognitionFinancial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction costs, when the related contractual rights or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial recognition these instruments are measured as set out below.

Loan and receivableLoan and receivables are non-derivative !nancial assets with !xed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Available-for-sale !nancial assetsAvailable-for-sale !nancial assets are re"ected at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are taken directly to equity unless there is a signi!cant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the asset indicating impairment. When the !nancial assets are considered impaired the unrealised losses arising from changes in fair value are taken as expense. However any subsequent increase in the !nancial assets’ fair value is taken directly to equity.



Financial liabilitiesNon-derivative !nancial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation.

(e) Impairment of assetsAt each reporting date, the association reviews the carrying values of its assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the assets fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset carrying value. Any excess of the asset carrying value over it’s recoverable amount is expensed to the income statement.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the association estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

(f ) Employee bene!tsProvision is made for the association’s liability for employee bene!ts arising from services rendered by employees to balance date. Employee bene!ts that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee bene!ts payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash out"ows to be made for those bene!ts.

(g) ProvisionsProvisions are recognised when the association has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an out"ow of economic bene!ts will result and that out"ow can be reliably measured.

(h) Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

(i) RevenueGrants are recognised as revenue when the association gains control of the underlying assets. Where grants are reciprocal, revenue is recognised as performance occurs under the grant. Non-reciprocal grants are recognised as revenue when the grants is received or receivable. Conditional grants may be reciprocal or non reciprocal depending on terms of the grant. Reciprocal grants carried forward as unearned revenue on the balance sheet.

Interest revenue and distribution income from investments are recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable to the !nancial assets.

Donations are recognised as revenue when received unless they are designated for a speci!c purpose, where they are carried forward as unearned revenue on the balance sheet.

(j) Goods and services tax (GST)Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation of!ce. In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense. Receivables and payables in the balance sheet are shown inclusive of GST.

(k) New Accounting StandardsCertain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2010 reporting period. As at 30th June 2010, the association has not and does not intend to adopt these non mandatory standards early.

NOTE 1 - STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)


Down Syndrome Victoria219 Napier Street, Fitzroy Victoria 3065

p: 1300 658 873 f: 03 9486 9601 e: [email protected]

www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au

down syndrome victoria amended annual report 2009-2010

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