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Sussex Neighbourhood House Inc.

Annual Report

2015 – 2016

Share, Learn, Enjoy & Grow

Our community’s heart, where everyone belongs.

Artworks from our Clay Art program participants

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OUR VISION

Our community’s heart, where everyone belongs.

OUR MISSION

Sussex Neighbourhood House (SNH) provides a relevant

hub that supports, engages, connects and excites our

community through lifelong learning, social activities and

by responding to community needs.

OUR VALUES

We value diversity, accessibility and inclusiveness

We value knowing our community

We value supporting and empowering each other

We value learning for everyone

We value community ownership and involvement

OUR THANKS

We have many organisations to thank for working with

Sussex Neighbourhood House. By working together we

increase the effectiveness of our program provision.

We acknowledge funding from the following:

Federal Department of Infrastructure & Regional

Development ‘Stronger Communities Program’

Department of Health and Human Services

Department of Education and Training (ACFE)

Moreland City Council

Partnerships and supportive relationships are key to the

development and provision of some programs and activities:

Moreland Libraries: Book Club

Belle Vue Park Primary School

Pascoe Vale North Primary School

Coburg Farmer’s Market

Bunnings Coburg

Coles Coburg North Village

We are members of:

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria

North West Neighbourhood House Network

Jobs Australia

Our Community

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OUR ORGANISATION

Committee of Governance

Chairperson : Claire Martin

Deputy Chair : Donalee Weis

Secretary : Eleanor Lindberg

Treasurer : John Watson

General Board Member : James Gribble

Chenoah Ellis (appointed 20/07/15, resigned 16/05/16)

L-R John Watson, Eleanor Lindberg, Donalee Weis, Claire Martin, James Gribble

LEADERSHIP REPORT

Sussex Neighbourhood House (Sussex NH) is an incorporated, not for profit, community governed organisation. On behalf of the community, the members of the Committee of Governance (CoG) meet monthly, set plans and policies, assume overall responsibility for the financial position, and receive reports from the Manager who is directly employed by the committee. Sussex Neighbourhood House operates on a Governance model with clear boundaries between the governance function of the Committee and the management function of the Manager. We operate according to the framework of the Neighbourhood Houses Good Practice Standards and our Strategic Plan. This Report is framed by our four key goals: 1. Governance – Effective and sustainable governance The CoG’s focus during the past twelve months has been on developing and implementing the new three Year Strategic Plan 2016-2018, which includes:

monitoring finances, (see Treasurer’s Report)

reviewing existing policies and creating new policies (including developing the Child Safe Standards policy which is required to be completed from 2017),

attending to risk management,

program development,

negotiating with Moreland City Council (MCC) regarding our status as proposed lead tenant and manager of the new Pascoe Vale Community Centre,

marketing strategies,

the Manager’s review and the committee’s self-assessment,

working within the framework of the Neighbourhood House Good Practice Guide.

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The highlight of the year has been the Sod Turning Ceremony held on 10th May 2016, to celebrate the commencement of the building of the Pascoe Vale Community Centre. Moreland City Council (MCC) members, our local state government member, council staff, committee and House members gathered on the site to applaud this long awaited event. Building work has already commenced on the site and if everything goes to plan we should be moving in towards the end of 2017. We have also been engaged with the new Neighbourhood House Collective Agreement.

The new Agreement will replace Awards and older versions of the Agreement (2007, 2008,

and 2010). It aims to provide the best possible terms and conditions for staff balanced with

the ongoing viability of the organisation. The Agreement also aims to be a key industrial

relations resource for the sector. It is a more comprehensive document than the awards,

which only refer to a specific range of matters, leaving employers with the responsibility of

informing themselves and keeping up to date with a range of industrial legislation such as

long service leave, superannuation and occupational health and safety requirements.

We are to consider the new Agreement, decide on our support and then it will go to the staff for a ballot in November 2016. The Committee is focused on continuous improvement of its governance role. The Chair attended a workshop on Board Building and the committee is currently engaged in a performance review process. 2. Management – Effectively lead the House’s operation and community development Management undertook strategies to maintain engagement at the current site by continuing to offer interesting, appealing and stimulating programs as well as offering meeting space for use by other organisations. Through Alex Fletcher-Hoerner’s (Office Coordinator) leadership in marketing, we are monitoring our social media platforms continually for ample community feedback by adding to Facebook weekly, keeping a current profile on our web site. We endeavour to raise the profile of the House by the Manager and CoG meeting local stakeholders, and attending community events and meetings, i.e. sausage sizzles, Coburg Farmer’s Market, Neighbourhood Houses Victoria Annual Conference, handing out flyers at local shopping precinct, attending North West Neighbourhood House Network Executive meetings, and attending a variety of relevant workshops. With a strong focus on preparing for the centre at the new site, we have recruited a Community Development Officer. Our aim is to engage with the community to explore the potential of the new site for community participation, and to engage with relevant organisations to explore new partnerships that will operate from the new centre. We believe this project will ensure the sustainability of Sussex NH and ensure the needs of this community are well served. See the section on Community Development for the outcomes of our survey.

Compliance is a critical component of the work. We again participated in the Annual Neighbourhood Houses Victoria/Department of Health and Human Services Survey and also in the MCC’s Organisational Health Check. The latter check, initiated by MCC for Neighbourhood Houses, requires us to complete an extensive questionnaire and work with Council Officers, meeting together yearly, to identify strengths and achievements, as well as opportunities for improvement.

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3. Delivery and Operations – Provide a broad range of sustainable programs and services that meet the needs of our community

There were a total of 583 separate enrolments during the 15-16 year. Terms 1 and 2 in 2016 were a significant improvement on Terms 1 and 2 in 2015, with a 32% and a 58% increase respectively. One of our key programs - the Inclusion Program, supported by MCC - involved 48

participants in 3 courses: Creative Movement and Dance (CMD), Mixed Media (MM) and

Clay Art (CA). There were 22 participants in CMD, 17 in MM and 9 in Clay Art. The total

number of attendances are as follows:

Total Number of Attendances

Creative Movement & Dance (2 hrs)

Mixed Media (2 hrs)

Clay Art (2 hrs)

Total

Term 3 – 2014 128 113 59 300

Term 4 – 2014 134 94 62 290

Term 1 – 2015 120 111 63 294

Term 2 – 2015 119 120 54 293

Total – Attendances

501 438 238 1177

Total – No. of Hours

1002 876 476 2354

The table above shows the number of attendances was 501 for CMD, 438 for MM and 238

for CA giving a total for all three courses of 1,177 individual attendances. From an hourly

perspective there was a total across the three courses of 2,354 hours of participation.

We have continued to engage with the community by running two sausage sizzles, our Choir’s attendance at venues, hosting a number of support groups, hosting Harmony Day celebrations, and a wide range of local artisan’s took part in two Artisan Markets. Two well-known authors visited our monthly Book Club, Stephen Carroll winner of the Miles Franklin award and Rosalie Ham, author of The Dressmaker. We were pleased to be able to make available our large meeting room for a business to hold classes in the evening during the second half of 2015 and a local special development school has arranged to use our computer room once a week. We have also been successful in receiving a Federal government “Stronger Communities” grant of $5,000 for the purchase of a new kiln for our pottery programs. We will be holding “Celebrating Places Event” in Rogers Reserve next year, as a means of celebrating with the community our move into the Pascoe Vale Community Centre, as well as continuing to raise the community’s awareness. We successfully applied for an additional $5,000 funding grant from Moreland Council to that end.

Term As at… Enrolments

Term 3, 2015 27 July 158

Term 4, 2015 12 Oct 115

Term 1, 2016 11 Feb 147

Term 2, 2016 2 May 163

Total 583

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4. Partnerships, capacity building and advocacy – Achieve our goals through effective collaboration, effective and efficient use of resources for mutually beneficial outcomes

Our Manager continues to advocate for the benefits of community-managed houses and to raise awareness of Neighbourhood Houses at every opportunity. He attends regular Neighbourhood House Cluster meetings (incorporating Houses from Moreland and Hume Councils). He is the Treasurer of the North West Neighbourhood House Network Executive. He regularly represents the House at Precinct and Transition meetings with MCC re the ongoing structure of the new facility. He has met with local schools, supermarkets, etc. to explore partnerships to achieve House goals – local to House and local to Pascoe Vale, i.e. Spinners and Weavers, Glenroy Art Group, YMCA, Pascoe Vale RSL, Pascoe Vale Primary School. Thanks to Alex and staff for their dedication, hard work and contribution to community over the last year. Our sincere thanks also to local State Member of Parliament Lizzie Blandthorn and her electoral officer – Liam Moloney for their on-going support and encouragement. We welcomed and congratulated the new Federal Member for Wills, Peter Khalil, and discussed a range of matters with him. We look forward to working constructively with his office into the future. The engagement of Thea Bates as our Community Development Officer will assist in our preparation to move from Sussex Street to Prospect Street and to engage in the development of new partnerships at the new centre. She will assist with the process of:

identifying what the local community needs and wants

engaging new participants and offering newly built spaces for use by other organisations and individuals

offering relevant programs and services

adapting to the changing needs of the community We are mindful that Sussex Neighbourhood House needs to maintain its feeling of a place to linger, and provide informal meeting spaces where people can have a cuppa and a chat. This is integral to the feel of a welcoming space. At the end of the day the most important thing is that people feel welcomed and valued.

Claire Martin (Chairperson) Vic Issell (Manager)

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TREASURER’S REPORT

The House is in a healthy position with money in the bank of over $137k available to use

into the future. This is an improvement of $22k over the previous year. The reserves are

available for the Committee of Governance to deploy as they see fit and some may well be

needed for the move to the new site.

After presenting the 2015 results at the AGM last year, it was found that a number of

revenue items were overstated due to revenue items not being fully examined. These

revenue items had historically been counted on a cash basis rather than an accrual basis.

Thus, the income did not match the expenses incurred. So for this year, the revenue items

were adjusted and they have been reduced accordingly. The income has effectively been

deferred to the 2016-17 period and is shown as part of the Balance Sheet under the title

‘Income in Advance’. The deferral to a future period will continue each year whilst I am

Treasurer. As well, we found some expenses had been understated. Their inclusion would

have reduced the profitability of the House as well. In completing the 2016 reports, again

there were a number of supplier’s invoices which were received in July for May and June

incurrence of expenditure These have been included in the reports results rather than being

omitted, as it happened last year. Both of these changes are in line with the accounting

comments in the report ‘Notes to the Financial Statements’.

A cash flow budget is prepared in May of each year for the next year. The 2015/16 cash

flow budget was matched against actual income and expenses during the year. By the end

of June 2016 it was considerably in front and after completing the necessary adjustments

for the above and other provisions, the net accounting result is a small loss of $698. This is

an ideal break-even position rather than the profit made in the 2015 period of $66,350.

A non-profit organisation should not have a large profit or loss when the intention is to keep

the money flowing all the time with income to match expenses.

John Watson (Treasurer)

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EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS 2015-2016

Manager Victor Issell ACFE Support Officer Archana Nayak Office Coordinator Alex Fletcher-Hoerner Finance Officer Alfina Astuto Information Technology Support Tim Beacham Administration Assistant Nicole Ballinger Administration Volunteer Fiona Caskie Choir Leader Phil Hudson Clay Art Tutor Ursula Dutkiewicz Computer & Technology Tutors Fiona Austin, Alfina Astuto, Tim Beacham,

Marie Harding & Rana Jarrari, Community Development Officer Jenni Mazaraki (Sept 2015 - March 2016) (Thea Bates since July 2016) Creative Movement & Dance Simone Litchfield Fiona Cameron (relief ), Suze Smith (relief) Disability Aides, Assistants and Bus Drivers for Mixed Media & Creative Movement & Dance Simone Litchfield, Sam Vains

Melodie Radatti English as an Additional Language Bev Tong Kids Create Amanda Woodford, Melodie Radatti Mixed Media Tutor Angela Stock NIA Mary Jo Straford Sewing & Pattern Making Tutor Jan Bowles Tai Chi Averil Lewis Yoga Tutors Tina Icaro, Simone Litchfield, Vivian Tsui Web design & updates Jackie Pipe Brochure distribution Heather Slater, Eva Stein, Neil Strapp,

Ibrahim Elmir

PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS We would like to acknowledge our wonderful program volunteers for their time and effort in supporting the Sussex Neighbourhood House. They play an essential role in the success of the House and its programs and social support groups. Thank you for helping out in the following programs and activities: Clay art programs Tabatha Gulcin, Lorraine King Computers / Smart Devices Sharly Halder, Debbie Skinner Crochet Club Kylie Gerber Kids Create Ana Elicegui Mixed Media Eliza Cameron Webpage Updates Andrew Bayley Drivers Neighbourhood Friends Anne Barillaro, Eileen MacKenzie Book Club Jan Bowles Quilter’s Blog updates Vireya Jacquard Walking Group Heather Slater We also acknowledge all our other volunteers who help out with the big brochure mail out and distribution, to promoting the House, gardening and everything else you do when we put out a call for help. Thank you.

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NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE

Sod Turning for the New Centre - 10th May.

The sod turning ceremony for the new Pascoe Vale Community Centre future home for

Sussex Neighbourhood House was held on the 10th May, 2016. It was attended by many

members of the community - past and present. This was supported by the local councillors

and members of parliament.

At the time of printing, the building project is progressing well and the slab was poured on

the 5th October.

From left: Leigh Cook (ex staff SNH) Sue Harris (ex Manager and Founder of SNH), Jan Bowles (current staff) and Chairperson COG at SNH Claire Martin

From left: Moreland Mayor Cr Samantha Ratnam, North-West Ward Councillor John Kavanagh, State Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn MP, North-West Ward Councillor Oscar Yildiz JP and, Chairperson COG at SNH Claire Martin

Building site works 6 October, 2016 Building site works 2nd August, 2016

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Vic Issell, Thea Bates and Peter Khalil,

Federal Member for Wills

Currently the facility is in the process of upgrading to a new purpose-built community centre to aid in their valuable community role. I’m very much looking forward to working with Vic and Thea to progress opportunities to support Sussex Street Neighbourhood House as the Federal Labor member for Wills.”

Peter Khalil, Federal Member for Wills

Sussex Skylarks - Community Choir

Under the direction of Phil Hudson from Black Sheep Music the Sussex NH Community

Choir was born and nurtured and has now blossomed and flown into the community. The

“Sussex Skylarks” have performed at many events during the year and catch up weekly at

the house to rehearse.

Events include : SNH AGM 2015, Coles Sausage Sizzle, Coburg Village Coles Christmas

Carols, Dorothy Impey Home, Sod Turning Ceremony, Multicultural Women's Sewing

Group and Craigieburn Arcare.

“We all love it. We get on fabulously and there’s a great esprit de corps”

“I enjoyed an excellent visit with Vic Issell

and Thea Bates of the Sussex

Neighbourhood House in Pascoe Vale

yesterday afternoon.

Neighbourhood houses play an important

role in our community by providing a

place that members of the public can be

empowered through continuing education.

The Sussex Neighbourhood House offers

programs such as computer courses,

Health and Wellbeing events and

English... as an Additional Language

(EAL) classes.

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PROGRAMMING

Archana Nayak - ACFE programs

In 2015-2016 The ACFE funded programs ran smoothly. Sussex NH put forward a proposal

for new programs with increased hours. This saw the introduction of EAL (English as an

Additional Language) programs in partnerships with two local schools around Moreland in

the second half of the financial year.

Partnerships with schools for English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program has been launched this year at

Pascoe Vale North Primary School and Belle Vue Park Primary School in Glenroy

Introduction to Xero

This new course has provided some valuable experience in learning a new accounting

software including sending invoices, reconciling bank feeds, etc., which helps in preparation

for employment in administration or small business, or to increase employment

opportunities.

Introduction to Sewing

EAL Students Amber Mendez and Sok Phal Leng

with Archana Nayak, Vic Issell from Sussex NH and

Asha Prakash, Tutor

This is a funded program available to all

Australian and New Zealand citizens and

permanent residents with non-English

speaking backgrounds. These programs

have been well received and staff at the

schools have shown great commitment

and enthusiasm in promoting the classes.

This program is designed to assist adult

learners develop their English language

skills to use in their daily lives, to assist

their children with their work from school,

in day to day transactions, in community

engagement and participation at schools.

Computers and Technology

We have held Getting Started with

Computers, Intro to Microsoft Office and

Smart Devices classes. We pride

ourselves on being able to help adults to

learn about the basic operations of

computers and connect to the internet.

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Introduction to Sewing

We have been running Sewing as an ACFE funded program. This course has helped in

garment construction to develop employability skills and small business options. Jan, our

talented tutor, has also held several pattern making and sewing workshops during the year.

Jan Bowles - Sewing Tutor

What an exciting year we have had in sewing classes. The students are exceptionally creative and ambitious. I've so enjoyed guiding them through their projects.

Ursula Dutkiewicz - Clay Art Tutor

Clay Art for Adults

We’ve had a very creative time over the last year focusing on ceramic for gardens, tiles and

spent a term exploring colour glasses.

Lorraine was our awesome class helper and on leaving has been followed by the wonderful

Tabatha Gulcin.

Clay Art for Kids

Reinstated after a break, clay art for kids has taken off with loads of fun being had by all.

We’ve been making mobiles, pinch pots, animals, fairy doors, toadstools and all sorts of

wonderful creations.

“Jan is an amazing teacher. She teaches me in a way that I learn new skills with each project and gain confidence. I cannot thank her enough for her support with my sewing projects. She is such an asset to the community house!”

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WELLBEING

Averil Lewis - Tai Chi instructor

The Tai Chi for Better Health program has been running for a year now at Sussex NH.

Participants have enjoyed the sessions of gentle movements and meditative exercises

designed to release stress and develop strength, flexibility and concentration.

Tutor Averil Lewis is a certified instructor for Dr Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Health Institute, a

world leader in the field of Tai Chi for health improvement.

YOGA CLASSES

We now have several Yoga classes available including Mums and Bub Yoga, Kids

afterschool classes and Adult classes in the day and evening.

This year we have started our new classes of Pre-natal Yoga and Adults and Toddlers.

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SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS AND WORKSHOPS

Heart felt - 16 August, 2015

A fun workshop run by Melodie Radatti to design and create a doll or soft toy.

Cupcake Decorating - 21 May 2016

MORELAND VOLUNTEER TRAINING

We held some volunteer training during the year. This is funded by the Moreland City

Council.

First Aid, CPR -2 Aug 2015

Anaphylaxis and Asthma Training -15 May 2016

Wordpress - 24 May, 2016

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EVENTS / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Winter project

Our Winter Knitting project was a great success. Thank you for the support from the Sussex

NH knitting circle, students, volunteers, staff and staff at the Watsonia Neighbourhood

House who created some beautiful crocheted and knitted rugs, beanies, baby jumpers and

scarves. The items were donated to the Crossroads Family Violence Centre, Lentana

Uniting Care, Asylum Seeker Project and Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

Harmony Day

The annual Harmony Day Community Luncheon was held on 23 March, 2016

Claire Martin hosted the lunch and led a discussion on asylum seekers in our community.

Thanks to Elissa Scott from the Asylum Seeker Project Uniting Care Brunswick who

provided information on the experiences of asylum seekers and their plight and gave details

of the project and how they support the asylum seekers.

Artisan Market

We held two Artisan Markets during the year on 23 August 2015 and the Mother’s Day

Market on 1st May 2016. Thank you to our very talented local artists who helped ensure it

was a fun day and well attended.

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FUNDRAISING AND PROMOTIONS

Author of the Dressmaker, Rosalie Ham with

the Book Club members 18 April

Book Club

Our Book Club were very happy to host

authors Steve Carroll and Rosalie Ham at

the house during the year.

We held two successful Sausage Sizzles

during the year, at Coles North Coburg

Village and Bunnings Coburg. Staff also

had a stall at the Coburg Farmer’s market.

These events were great for talking to

members of the local community and

discussing what is available at the house

and future needs.

Moreland Business Women’s Network - June Meeting

We were happy to host the Moreland Business Women’s Network meeting at the house. This event was run by Elisa and Mira from the Economic Development Team to support established business woman, entrepreneur, just starting up or have an idea for a business.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Sussex Neighbourhood House successfully applied for a Capacity and Innovation Fund (CAIF) grant from ACFE. Work on the project, entitled ‘Developing Partnerships/Developing Community’ began late September 2015. The aim of the project was to prepare Sussex NH for the transition to the new Community Hub Facility. This was done by exploring potential partnerships in order to deliver ACFE, community development and community services in Pascoe Vale. The research intends to assist Sussex NH to prepare for the move to the new site with an awareness of the benefits and pitfalls of the hub concept and to understand how best to foster partnerships and collaborations. A project timeline was developed and four key areas are being explored: reviewing the hub concept, exploring partnerships, developing an understanding of the community and community engagement, liaison and promotion. Partnership development is essentially about building relationships with other organisations and over time develop respect, patience, trust and negotiation as well as an identification of a mutually beneficial outcome. By acknowledging this process to be something that develops over time, it is important to note that the exploration of partnerships for this project is in the beginning stages. A review has begun of organisations which may potentially partner with Sussex NH to

provide services at the new facility. Discussions have begun with staff from health and

community organisations and MCC Services in order to begin to build relationships. Jenni

organised and conducted a Community Survey. This was completed. See outcomes over

page.

Unfortunately Jenni left in early 2016, having done a terrific job of developing and forging

this CDO role. The committee decided to continue to fund this position from its own

reserves for the year leading up to the opening of the new centre. Fortunately, we were

able to recruit a highly experienced community development worker with considerable

experience in local government. Thea Bates has commenced and has continued to provide

quality service and engagement with the community.

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Community Survey Responses

January – March 2016

During the Survey period we received 95 responses.

The responses indicated that: The skill or hobby category most people want to learn was Art and Craft, followed by Exercise and Fitness. There was also strong interest in Cooking which is something we don’t currently offer, although we are offering cupcake decorating this term. There was also good interest in Music and Singing, Computers and Technology and First Aid. Interestingly there was not a lot of interest expressed in Children’s Activities yet that is a category where we are seeing increasing interest and enrolments, so the demographics of the respondents may be a factor in this area.

There was varying interest in a range of health and well-being topics as to whether they would be interested in joining a group or education session. The category most strongly favoured was Natural Therapies, and then Women’s Health. There was also good interest in Mental Health issues and Friendship Groups.

The things that would give respondents a sense of belonging to their local community, in order of priority, were:

Having events to attend, e.g. community markets;

Meeting like-minded people;

Knowing neighbours;

Contributing to the community through activities and projects, e.g. tree planting, art

projects;

Knowing they had a place to go where they felt welcomed;

Feeling like they made a difference to their community; and

Helping others.

What is most important to respondents for a happy and healthy life are:

Feeling safe;

Taking care of their mental health;

Improving their health;

Having a purpose;

Being able to take part in affordable activities; and

Pursuing a new interest or activity.

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SUSSEX NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

PURPOSES

1. To encourage the local residents to become more fully involved in community life and develop their own responses and solutions to issues and problems which affect their community.

2. To reduce the social isolation of individuals and groups within the community.

3. To facilitate and encourage the development of personal neighbourhood networks.

4. To provide resources, information and personal support to people within the community.

5. To address social inequalities and increase life opportunities for people who are disadvantaged, upholding the principals of equality, access, participation and social justice for all community, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, race, gender, age, disability, and socioeconomic status.

6. To initiate, organise, sponsor or encourage social, recreation and educational activities, seminars, information sessions, workshops and similar activities among all members of the community.

(Taken from The Constitution of Sussex Neighbourhood House Incorporated)

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Sussex Neighbourhood House Inc. 235 Sussex Street, Pascoe Vale, Vic. 3044 Phone: 9354 2210 Email: enquiries@sussexnh.org.au Website: www.sussexnh.org.au ABN: 45 620 743 392 Inc. No: A0024700T