Activus Transport Inc. 2015 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT ACTIVUS TRANSPORT OUR PHILOSOPHY What do we believe in? The right of people to make choices in their own lives The right of people to dignity, respect, privacy and confidentiality The right of people to be valued The right of people to access services on a non-discriminatory basis The right of the community to access accountable and responsive services – 01 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 THE 2015PRESIDENT’S REPORTIt gives me great pleasure to present my first Report This year we have purchased additional vehicles tounder our organisation’s new name – Activus Transport meet increased demand. Our fleet, now totals 7 buses,(formerly Sutherland Shire Community Transport) in our 2 minivans and 12 cars. On average we provide over25th year of operations. 4,000 trips covering 12,045 km per month.From a small volunteer based service this organisation The office workstation layout, in line with the restructurehas grown to a million dollar operation delivering is now complete. This new configuration provides atransport services to over 3000 Sutherland better work environment for all staff.Shire residents. To our General Manager Roslyn, our office staff, our paidThis year your Management Committee has been drivers, bus assistants and all of our volunteers, on behalfparticularly active in its governance role, developing of the Management Committee I would like to extendpolicies and procedures to ensure we deliver best a much deserved “thank you” for your dedication andpossible outcomes in service delivery to our clients. efforts throughout the year in providing such an excellent service for which we are renowned.The decision to rename and restructure the organisationwas not taken without a lot of discussion, planning and To the Committee I convey my sincere thanks toresearch. Under the new banner, Activus Transport will each of you for volunteering as a committee member,no longer be confined to the Sutherland Shire but will your dedication, enthusiasm and participation isbe able to pursue future partnerships and business greatly appreciated.opportunities to the wider Sydney region. This willguarantee the future of our business in the current You all should be very proud of your work, becausepolitical climate, thereby providing a better service to of which, Activus is regarded as one of the leaders inour clients. our industry.Activus is well placed to confront the forthcoming Graham Wareproposed changes to the NSW Transport Act and alsothe Commonwealth Home Support Program, which will Presidentreplace HACC funding, providing care for people aged65 and over across Australia. These proposed legislativechanges will have a dramatic influence on our futuredirection and the way we operate. – 02 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT REPORT FROM THE GENERAL MANAGERWelcome to another great year at community transport. Aged Care website or call centre before being referredI’m very pleased to report that this year has seen the to our service. An issue identified by the The Harvestbiggest changes to our organisation since its inception. Initiative, was that many people believed Activus wasThe changes have resulted in a more streamlined service part of Sutherland Shire Council. Whilst that may notdelivery for our clients. have been an issue in the past it would be a problem when My Aged Care was asked to refer clients to ourAt the beginning of the last financial year, we were service, which was one of the reasons a name changefortunate to receive additional funding in order to was recommended. After much planning and discussionexpand our services, which enabled us to meet the it was agreed to change the name of our organisation toneeds of even more clients. We are currently providing ACTIVUS TRANSPORT INC. which is Latin for ‘active’, andover 4,000 client trips per month with further expansion is what we hope to be able to achieve for our clients – toin the planning. keep them active and a part of their community.In early November Activus went through an Activus Transport relies heavily on the expertise,organisational restructure to refine our processes and professionalism and enthusiasm of its volunteers withoutenable us to provide a holistic service to our clients. We whom, our services could not be achieved. I would likenow have an Operations Department which covers client to acknowledge the wonderful work of our Volunteersintake, referral, client data and scheduling of the fleet and thank them for their help and support – particularlyof vehicles, volunteers and drivers. Our new Corporate through this time of change.Services Department looks after finance, humanresources, advertising and marketing, fleet management, Our Strategic Plan identified that to remain sustainable inevent management, website and social media. the future, the organisation needs to look further than our local area. We have started this expansion by partneringThe changeover took several months to implement as with other like-minded organisations – all of whom arewe faced challenges in reassigning staff to the new dedicated to supporting clients to remain living in theirroles, writing new Position Descriptions and deciding on own home. Some of these partnerships may be outsidethe best person for the positions. During this time ‘The of the local area, however, the resources will remain inHarvest Initiative’, a marketing consultancy agency, was the local community (95% of our staff and volunteers liveengaged to investigate how we could best market our in Sutherland Shire). Our funding is to provide supportservices to meet the demands of the new government to people who live in the ‘Shire’, regardless of how manypolicy ‘My Aged Care’. This new government initiative partnership arrangements we form.requires people aged 65 and over to register with the My– 03 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015I would like to acknowledge the wonderful team which Finally I would like to thank all the staff who havemakes up our Board. They are all volunteers and give managed to keep the organisation running at full steamfreely of their time and expertise to support the work of throughout these major changes, everyone from Lorraine,the organisation and are always willing to investigate who has been with the organisation for 18 years, to Marienew and better ways of working. In February of this year and Semra our newest members. Their ability to workwe held a training day for the Board to identify any areas under pressure, to always put the client needs first andof governance that needed clarification. The trainer to cope with daily challenges is to be applauded. Wewas very impressed with both the quality of the Board’s said a sad farewell to Les who had driven our shoppingexperience and their dedication to the organisation. He buses for many years, Les has taken a well-deservedlater complimented them on their ability to make strong rest and moved to the country to pursue his passiondecisions on the changes to the name and the structure for astronomy. I know the clients were sad to lose hiswhich showed that they were a forward thinking Board. expertise and local knowledge.We said a fond farewell to Stan Rickert, Treasurer, The opportunities for the future are very exciting, aswho left us due to work commitments. His support we move forward with changes to the My Aged Careas Treasurer was very valuable. We welcomed Gary system, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and theRichards to the Board, who brings a wealth of financial focus on person centred care. The organisation is nowand management experience after his years in working well placed to work in the sector to provide clients within the Health sector. a professional and community based service to allow them to remain happy and confident about remaining inOur other valuable team is the Risk Management their own homes regardless of their mobility restrictionsCommittee which meets quarterly to review any risks because of age or disability.to the organisation, including work health and safetyissues. This committee is made up of staff, volunteers Roslyn Mortonand Board representatives and all members have yearsof experience in the area of risk management. Their General Managerdedication is to be commended. – 04 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT INTRODUCING OUR BOARD MEMBERSGraham Ware Chris Bentley Ted Ashton Gary RichardsGraham retired from a career Chris has over 30 years’ Ted worked for many years Gary began his careerspanning forty years with NSW experience practicing law in the building industry qualifying to be an AccountantDepartment of Public Works. in a social welfare context. culminating in the position in England and Wales.He specialised in building As a result, he has held of Manager, Quantity andconstruction and maintenance, several positions as a senior Tenders Branch for the Gary jumped at thespecification writing, contract legal officer within various Department of Housing NSW. opportunity offered by Pricesupervision, WHS, and government departments Waterhouse to work as one ofsupervision of multi trade including NSW Health. Additionally Ted has their Management Consultantsteams in heritage building and community links as a member in Australia, where he hasstonework restoration projects. Chris has been an active of the Hurstville APEX club for performed several roles member on the Boards of 15 years, currently assisting including Projector Director &He has extensive experience Engadine District Community with the Apex Youth Club Planner for NSW Health.in all areas of project Aid & Information Service, movement as a footballmanagement and supervision, Sutherland Hospital Local manager and coach, manager Gary is Treasurer on theand facilities maintenance Community Advisory of tennis teams and organiser Activus Board and is itsand has completed training Committee and Sutherland of Dancesport competitions newest recruit after joining inin financial management, HR Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area for youth club members July 2015.and IT. Health Advisory Council. Ted contributes to the ActivusHe is President of a local He joined the Board of Board in the position ofServices and Citizens Club Activus Transport in 2008 and Secretary and has been onand he currently holds the currently holds the position of the board for 7 years.position of President on the Vice President.Activus Transport Board ofwhich he has been a membersince 2007. – 05 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015Phil Hayes Moya Turner Allan Humbley Jan ForshawPhil started his career as a Moya has over 30 years’ Allan was the Managing In 2004 Jan was elected toprimary school teacher in experience in general and Director of his family business Sutherland Shire CouncilVictoria. He then pursued a midwifery nursing. Following running oyster farms in the and was re-elected again incareer with Abbott Australia on from a strong background Sutherland Shire area for 2008 she became Deputyas a Pharmaceutical Industry in nursing, Moya continued over 30 years. On selling the Mayor in 2010. During her 8Sales and Marketing her career as Community business in 1998 he moved years on Council Jan chairedrepresentative for 20 years. Health Nurse, Welfare into property investment, the Community Services Worker with the homeless owning and managing Committee and worked toPhil moved into driver training and Credit Line Councillor for commercial properties improve services and facilitieswith Trent Driving School Wesley Mission. across NSW. to aged care and communityfor 4 years followed by over centres, upgrades to shopping15 years as a WorkCover Moya’s commitment to the During this time Allan has centres and Surf Clubs andaccredited OH&S trainer community is demonstrated by maintained a strong interest the first Men’s Sheds in theand consultant. her involvement in Community in the local community as Shire. Jan also served as Opera Choir (since 2008), a volunteer driver before a member of the Board ofCurrently Phil actively Bushcare with Sutherland moving onto the Board Hazlehurst Regional Gallery.contributes to the community Shire Council (over 15 years), of Activus where he hasas demonstrated by his role Toastmasters (since 1999) remained a strong Board Jan retired as a Councillor inas a volunteer driver and and Council of the Ageing – member for over 12 years. His 2012 but has continued toBoard member for Activus, presenting health talks to over commitment to the community be active in the communitywhich he joined in 2014. As 55’s at Calvary Hospital. has seen him involved with serving as a volunteerwell as his work for Activus the local Police & Citizens and Board member with ahe also sits on the boards of Moya has been a member on Youth Club for over 30 years. number of local organisationsRotary, Lodge Gymea and the Activus Board since 2006. including Activus TransportWoolooware Golf Club. and Dunlea (formerly Boystown, Engadine). – 06 –

Cliffhanger Client Lunch– 07 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 REPORT FROM THERISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEIt is my pleasure to present the Third Annual Report On a personal note I would like to thank the members offor the Risk Management Committee (RMC) and its first the RMC for their dedication and expertise throughoutunder the Activus Transport banner. It has been a year the year. I believe that we have an appropriate mix ofof great change but the RMC continues to focus on management, staff and volunteers to enable us to tacklethe effectiveness, efficiency and safety of all levels of any workforce issue.the Organisation. Thank you also to the Activus Board. Work Health andThe RMC is a sub Committee of the Management Safety continues as a standing agenda item for all BoardCommittee. It was established to review and make meetings and the RMC minutes are provided to them andrecommendations on management systems, practices indeed to all members of Activus Transport, upon request.and procedures to ensure the effectiveness of risk The RMC would not exist without its endorsement andidentification and minimisation, and compliance with encouragement. Special thanks to Trish Deen, one of ourinternal guidelines and external requirements. In short, it committee members who has also taken on the role ofremains an operationally focussed committee to enhance RMC Secretary. It has been a particularly challenging yearand improve existing practices in the interest of staff and for staff but as always nothing is too difficult for Trish andvolunteers’ safety and well-being. she continues to “volunteer” for all sorts of duties which enables the RMC to function as well as it does.At each meeting, the RMC routinely considers reportsregarding training and development of staff and Thanks again to all staff and volunteers for theirvolunteers and reports from the Management Committee, commitment to the organisation. A name change will notthe General Manager, the volunteer’s representative change the culture of this Organisation. It is a specialand from other RMC members. It also analyses incidents organisation and we all need to ensure that it is as safe,using the Organisational Risk Management Plan efficient and effective as it can beand discusses the release of relevant Best PracticeGuidelines and legislative directives. Chris BentleyThroughout the year, the RMC has reviewed and Chairman, Risk Management Committeeimproved its Terms of Reference. The Committeealso developed and endorsed an Emergency RiskManagement (Disaster) Plan in consultation with otherlocal service providers. The RMC continues to developKey Performance Indicators to satisfy external agenciesand to ascertain how well the RMC is performing. TheQuality Management System has begun to provide areporting system for the RMC. The Risk ManagementCommittee Awareness Survey has also been revampedand will be undertaken shortly.– 08 –

The Cliffhanger client lunch. – 09 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ACTIVUS TRANSPORT TREASURERS REPORTI am pleased to present the financial report for the year Our fleet management policies and practices bringsended 30th June 2015 for Activus Transport Incorporated. financial strength to Activus. Budgeted, scheduled fleet turnover is responsive to the changing requirementsThe financial health of Activus Transport remains of our service users and provides them with diversesound in 2015 with the organisation recording total vehicle options.assets of almost $2.545 million, an increase of 11.5percent compared to 2014 assets of $2.276 million. Activus Transport had total accumulated funds andGovernment Grant funding increased this financial year reserves of $2.081 million as at 30th June 2015 whichfrom $1.2 million in 2014 to $1.6 million in 2015 allowing includes current assets of $1.719 million and currentus to further invest in technology, social media, staff liabilities of $407,452. Activus is, therefore, more thanrecruitment and volunteer induction. able to meet all of our financial obligations.Income received from our service users and through Our net income for the 2014/2015 financial year washiring out our buses has increased 13 percent compared $226,080. Activus has recently achieved an organisationto 2014. A dedicated Activus team worked tirelessly restructure focussing on the strengths and opportunitiesto achieve this excellent result which is a major of both our staff and our excellent and committedimprovement when compared to a cumulative operating volunteers. An organisational relaunch has commencedrevenue decrease of 20 percent over the previous 5 with key outcomes including improving direct serviceyears. delivery, greater client choice, extended operating hours and creating a more user focused environment.Expenses throughout the year were well managed withindirect service costs remaining steady at 15 percent Activus is committed to providing a financiallyof our total funding. Overall there was a 19 percent responsible service and continue to support ourincrease in salaries and staff expenses related to local community. We will continue to disclose timely,Activus Transport’s commitment to ongoing support meaningful and reliable financial information to all ofand development of further education and on the job our regulatory bodies. We will continue to recognise thetraining for our employees. We are committed to further need for fluidity in service planning and in supportingexpansion of our multi skilled staffing environment. our dedicated team with flexible working arrangements. Activus will continue to be an employer of choice.76% 3% FIGURE 1.1 TOTAL INCOME I would like to thank my fellow Board members, our General Manager, Roslyn Morton, our devoted team Funding and enthusiastic volunteers who make every effort to Income passengers facilitate the residents of the Sutherland Shire to ‘Get out & Groups and about’. 21% Other Gary Richards Treasurer – 10 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT 6 OCTOBER 2015 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The following snapshot of financial information has been produced from the audited financial statements of Activus Transport Incorporated of which we signed an unqualified audit report on 25 September 2015. A copy of the full financial report is available on request. Yours faithfully Benjamin Fock Registered Company Auditor – 11 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ACTIVUS TRANSPORTFINANCIAL POSITION SNAPSHOT AS AT 30 JUNE 2015 FINANCIAL POSITION SNAPSHOT AS AT 30 JUNE 2015 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2015 – 12 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT INTRODUCING THE ACTIVUS TEAMWe are very lucky to have such a great team of committed staff who provide an amazing service to the community. Whether it be on the front line, delivering services directly to clients or supporting those services through our back office, the Activus Team are dedicated to the delivery of affordable transport to those people with mobility restrictions due to age or disability thereby making a significant difference in addressing social isolation. MANAGERS MANAGEMENT TEAML-R Trish Deen, Roslyn Morton, Steph McCamley L-R Steph McCamley, Trish Deen, Roslyn Morton, Junko Kato, Renee Turner, Lorraine Boyle CORPORATE SERVICES TEAM OPERATIONS TEAML-R Elizabeth Cook, Steph McCamley, Renee Turner, Kylie Piccles, Jim Williams L-R Trish Deen, Junko Kato, Semra Murphy, Marie Mayne, Donna Thompson, Lorraine Boyle – 13 –

To all the people in management – I go on the bus outings and can only say how wonderful all the people looking after us are. – Mavis– 14 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT STATISTICS FOR CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS FIGURE 2.1 CLIENT AGE DEMOGRAPHIC FIGURE 2.2 CLIENT SUBURB DISTRIBUTION500450400350300250200150100 50 0 – 15 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 CLIENT PROFILEFAYE BAKERFaye Baker has been a client of Activus for more years As one of our longest established clients, Faye has seenthan she can remember, after receiving a card from us many changes to the organisation over the years. Theinviting her to use our transport service. introduction of group social outings added a whole new opportunity for her to experience life by getting out andLiving independantly and increasingly needing about. She said “I really appreciate the opportunity toassistance to do things such as shopping and outings, stay active in my community and make so many friendsthe invitation to register for our assistance couldn’t have along the way”.come at a better time. Faye remembers going on the first social bus outing some 6-7 years ago and has enjoyed this aspect of our service ever since. One of her fondest memories was when we celebrated our 20 year anniversary. She said “I felt like a V.I.P. (Very Important Pensioner) when Activus sent a hire car to pick me up and take me to the special lunch.” Apart from enjoying outings with Activus, Faye loves to tend to her pot plants. She used to enjoy a game of tennis but these days she settles for watching a good game on TV. On Thursdays she is a regular at the Loftus Caring Centre and wouldn’t miss the Annual General Meeting for quids. Thank you for your loyalty Faye – it has been a pleasure providing you with assistance with your transport needs. – 16 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT – 17 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Activus Transport is our light in the darkness, our help in our desperate need because we have had to give up our own car transport because of our age. Suddenly we feel stranded, just at the time when our medical appointments become more and more frequent, our shopping more impossible when our mobility prevents the long walk to the shops. Then, like a miracle, the good people of Activus come to our rescue. Life becomes possible once more and the feeling of being redundant citizens flies out of the door. It is just impossible to explain what a difference they make to us old people. We no longer feel like worthless old ‘has beens’ – Eunice– 18 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORT VOLUNTEER PROFILE WARREN CARROLLAfter a fulfilling career as a carpenter/builder, Warren felt Warren believes the new vehicle makeovers and changethe urge to give back to his community. He genuinely of name will go a long way to ensure that clients are noenjoyed driving and possessed a full coach license, and longer confused or connected with the Sutherland Shirediscovering that our primary aim is to provide solutions to Council, which is a positive benefit.the transportation of our clients, he had no hesitation inapplying as a volunteer driver. Warren also commented on the excellent support that Activus volunteers received and believed that theyWarren has been a volunteer driver with Activus for felt valued and appreciated for their efforts. – You are7 years. He found the transition from driving tourist absolutely right Warren!coaches to our smaller buses, seamless.He says “helping people to get out and about, ratherthan being confined to their homes gives me tremendoussatisfaction’. He particularly enjoys it when the clientsget excited about driving past a landmark or feature thatbrings back fond memories of their past.Warren sees his principal role as a volunteer responsiblefor getting his group of passengers from A to B in thesafest possible way. He believes that when he has clientson board, he is focussed on driving for their comfort,safety and enjoyment.He would like to see Activus go as far up the professionaltransport ladder as possible and that the team ofvolunteers have a considerable contribution toward itssuccess story. “We need to look the part to compete forbusiness and succeed”.Outside of his volunteer activities, Warren enjoysgardening and tinkering in his workshop. He is a keenwoodworker, spending much of his free time on his lathe,making bowls, candlesticks, pens and other intricatewooden objects. He is particularly fond of turning largetree knots (known as Burls) into unusually shaped bowls.– 19 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 FUN FACTSDID YOU KNOW?We currently have 3,399 The number of new clients clients on our books. in 2014/15 was 844.In 2014/15 Activus completed We average 4,000 trips every In 2014/15 financial year a total of 46,881 trips. month with an average of we completed a total of 172 trips per day. 142,833kms and we average 11,903kms every month! – 20 –

ACTIVUS TRANSPORTAn Activus outing to the Bowral Tulip Festival. – 21 –

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 THANK YOU TO OURFUNDERS & SUPPORTERS Thank you to our funders, partners and supporters. Activus Transport relies on a varied range of support and funding sources. It is this generosity that allows us to provide transport services to clients across the Sutherland Shire. Funding Bodies Commonwealth Department of Social Services Transport for NSW NSW Health Community Building Partnership Program Supporters Sutherland Shire Council Club Heathcote Club Engadine Engadine Bowling Club Acknowledgements Alexander Payne – ComLink Sheridan Hartley – The Harvest Initiative Adam Lawdor – Vanguard House Pat Boyle – Financial Consultant Andrew Jens – Andrew Jens Photography Louise Kibble – HLB Mann Judd – 22 –