SECC 2020 - 2021 ANNUAL REPORT www.secc.sydney
CONTENTS A Year in Review 2 Report from the Chair 5 Report from the CEO 6 Report from the Hub Manager 7 Meet the Board 10 Our Team in 2020 – 2021 13 Volunteering Report 19 Marketing Report 21 Transport Report 23 Food Services Report 26 Home Care Package Report 27 Social Support and Flexible Respite Report 29 The Cottage Report 31 SMOOSH Report 34 Report from the Treasurer 38 Our Impact 2020 - 2021 39 How you can support SECC 46 Financial Reports 48
PART 1. OUR MISSION OUR PROJECTS
MISSION STATEMENT OUR MISSION To support the community by providing services, programs and advocacy to eliminate barriers, enhance social inclusion, and improve quality of life for all people in south-east Sydney.
A YEAR IN REVIEW SPECIAL PROJECTS IN SECC LAND Oh what a year! Enjoy reflecting with us on some of our highlights and achievements. JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER Our Supported Playgroup in Our Term 3 Tutoring Program Classical Indian dance classes Kensington Park attracted experienced great success in were provided to the large numbers of young Mascot. One student gave this community by volunteer families seeking connection feedback: ”I met my life tutor Sounarya Lahari, who is an after our first lockdown. when I almost gave up.” expert in the Kuchipudi style. OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Tonny Ahmed re-launched Our 2020 Christmas appeal We hosted the SECC Annual her Mindfulness program, with local stakeholders was Creative Showcase for over helping locals rest and launched, with donations 80 community members. The recharge by taking notice of flowing in for hundreds of night was buzzing as we their thoughts. community members in need. shared ‘Stories of Place’. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 02 www.secc.sydney
2020 - 2021 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH Bankstown Public School Clio Doughty filmed, SECC launched a series of SMOOSH kids visited recorded and launched Eco hands-on Resume Support Kindifarm as part of their Art Journey, an online Sessions for locals needing holiday program, enjoying program attracting budding practical assistance in artists looking to connect seeking and finding the unique, interactive with themselves and others. employment. mobile animal displays. APRIL MAY JUNE The 10-week It Takes a Village Our Seniors' Wollongong A community member saw Bus Trip received so much a post about a Home Care course was launched, interest that we had to put Package client who had an on an extra bus to cater for issue with pests. She paid connecting south-east everyone. What a beautiful for their entire home to be day it was. fumigated. This is truly love Sydney parents with in action. essential skills for the journey ahead of them. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 03 www.secc.sydney
PART 2. MESSAGES FROM THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
SECC THRIVES UNDER PRESSURE REPORT FROM THE CHAIR SECC not only survived well this year, but To think this all happened while switching client engaged in some solid preparatory work for services around! We've been rapidly dreaming when we emerge from the swirling chaos of the up and implementing new services while 2021 Lockdown. building new relationships with our existing community. This is pretty incredible. So, my On one level, everyone did what they could to thanks and congratulations to everyone. maintain and reconfigure services. The team created new activities (often virtual rather than As well as merely surviving, SECC reviewed its ‘in person’, which is no simple task). They Strategic Plan and we have clear priorities for covered for others who were unable to work due the post-lockdown phase. As soon as the to having to self-isolate. They set up new ways to external situation allows, we'll be able to action stay in touch with clients. Many of our regular these. Some plans have already begun. offerings and new plans halted. Several remain suspended until we have the all-clear. Our Board has been calm, considerate and positive right through the year, and I thank them The Board was, once again, very grateful for the for this approach. And this is not just my focus and flexibility shown by all employees. personal view. An external review done recently noted we had a very coherent and cooperative And there were upsides to the chaos and scaling Board. One that stays up at the organisational back of services. We've taken the opportunity to level and stays away from the daily running of prepare SECC for its next growth phase. We've individual services and lines of business. The recruited new staff in finance and human Board has launched subcommittees involving resources. We've built up our staffing levels. both Board members and key employees. Three We're introducing new software systems for our have been set up so far: Fundraising; Finance; biggest growth area of healthcare. We've also and Audit and Risk. We hope these will assist in overhauled, modernised and integrated policies taking SECC to a new level of professionalism in and procedures right across the organisation. the future. This is fiddly, detailed work, but underpins the growth that's ahead of us. And, to cap it off, we Ian relocated our head office as well! IAN GREY I'm very grateful for the discipline and steady leadership of our CEO Kate Melhopt. For her Chair, SECC approach to succeed, we needed dedication and creativity from each manager and frontline employee. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 05 www.secc.sydney
HOW I DEFINE OUR WORKPLACE CULTURE REPORT FROM THE CEO Without a doubt, the last 18 months have Our culture is evident in our interactions with changed our relationship with each other and each other and our community. Culture is about the world. our passion and commitment to the work we do. Culture underscores the \"why\" of what we do. It Lockdown 2021 has disrupted connections to informs our relationship with you, the individual friends and families. Distance has become an and you, the community. insurmountable barrier for many. And what is our why? \"R U OK\" is not a conversation people engage in once a year. It's a call to arms. A recognisable We want to build stronger, more connected phrase that tells people you're there for them. communities. We want to be the name you think of when you're feeling alone, or need During the last 12 months, our staff have heard extra support or a listening ear. Our why, in a lot of profound stories. essence, is you. Stories of compassion and heart. Stories of new In the last 12 months we've taken the time to people engaging with us. Stories of fresh look at ourselves. We've worked on connections and essential food relief. Stories of strengthening our pillars to better support you. lives changed in small, steady ways. This has included updating our strategic plan so we remain true to our mission, vision and Care comes down to the way you answer the values. Creating culturally safe venues for phone. The way you respond to a knock on the community members. Undertaking diversity door. The way you soothe a child. And the training to ensure we engage in inclusive attention you give to packing a food hamper. practices. And updating our policies and procedures to embed these practices. SECC staff show incredible dedication in all these things, and much more. Reading this report will show you the many ways we've connected with you and each other. We Our care is also evident in the way we talk to, want the authenticity of these connections to support and encourage each other as a team. resonate with you. We want you to visualise with us how we can work to achieve something People often talk about the culture of an greater than ourselves. organisation, but struggle to define it. For us, culture is the glue that holds us together. Culture Kate is about our shared behaviours, our beliefs, and our values. KATE MELHOPT CEO, SECC SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 06 www.secc.sydney
THE MASCOT HUB HELPS THOUSANDS DURING TOUGH TIMES REPORT FROM THE HUB MANAGER The past year saw the Hub team changing and Collaborations were a highlight. The JJ Cahill adapting to the shifting landscape of the Youth Leadership and Advocacy Program saw pandemic. us join with Bayside Council, 2Connect and 3Bridges to co-design and deliver an innovative Adjusting to the realities of what we could and new program to a year 10 class at the school in couldn’t do meant we became even more Term 2, 2021. innovative. We transitioned to using a new CRM system, and spent many hours training and Other important collaborations included the entering data. relaunch of the Schools Collaborative – Start Early, Start Ready. This saw us work closely 2020/2021 had some movements within the with the South East Sydney Local Health team at the Hub. Nichola Wright moved on to District (SESLHD) Team, the Sydney Children’s work at the Children’s Hospital. Clio Doughty Hospital, local primary schools and other local took Maternity Leave. And Emily Simpson, Genie service providers. The goal is to improve school Kang and Katia Newton joined our team. readiness and ensure children have access to developmental screening and receive early We had over 41,000 attendances at the Hub intervention support. over the year. This number included online engagements, face-to-face programs and We were a leader in the Housing collaboration, instances of information, advice and referral. covering both Eastlakes and Rosebery high-rise After low attendances from July to December, we housing estates. We worked with Mission had a massive increase in community members Australia, Bayside Council, SESLHD, DCJ accessing our services and programs from Housing, The Benevolent Society, Project January to June. May was our busiest time. Kindness, Mascot Police, and Kingsford Legal Centre. From this collaboration, SECC was We had over 740 individual clients engage in a identified by DCJ as the lead local agency to variety of programs. These included Community assist DCJ with emergency response Connection and Community Support programs, preparation and planning in the event of a and those who visited the Hub regularly for such COVID-19 outbreak and ‘lock-in’ in public vital services as our Toy Library. housing estates with high-rise buildings. We had over 400 clients in our Targeted Support Our Youth programs were also busy at program. We had over 180 children under five Randwick Girls School, facilitating dance and attending our Supported Playgroups and child- movement sessions during the year. We focused activities. This was a huge increase from provided a Meditation session for HSC students the previous few years, despite the pandemic. before they sat their exams. And the Youth Week event at Pagewood's Mutch Park brought The majority of our clients were born outside of together Bayside Council, 2Connect and Australia and spoke over 30 different languages. Totem Skateboarding for wellbeing activities. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 07 www.secc.sydney
SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 08 www.secc.sydney
We held two extremely important Mental We've also seen an increase in support from the Health First Aid workshops in the past year, community to stock the pantry with donations. supported by Maroubra Rotary Club. The club also donated to our end-of-year Community Our casework team has continued to see a large Pantry appeal, and helped stock our shelves in number of referrals, with increased demand in time to send out hampers to vulnerable the community for support. We helped 37 community members over the new year period. families or individuals with Targeted Case Work Support. The 2020 Creative Showcase was the biggest we've held. Lead-up programs included Poetry We developed new outcomes measurement in the Park and Art for Wellbeing. Art Therapy tools for use across our programs. These helped Student Maria Casanova assisted housing estate us track our work and feed into the NSW Human tenants, playgroup families and the Tuesday Services Outcomes framework. Coro Aged Care group to create submissions for the showcase. We were lucky enough to We were successful in receiving several grants, celebrate the night with over 80 community including two rounds of the Social Sector members, and present a number of awards to Transformation Fund. This is helping us talented creative artists. modernise our operations and remain efficient, effective and viable. We also held an Intergenerational Christmas party. Playgroup families and our aged care We regularly received donations from Bunnings clients came together at the Hub to meet Santa, Alexandria and Eastgardens. And we were also sing, dance and share a meal. awarded funding towards our Mobile Community Centre Van from the Bendigo We were able to host six Bachelor of Education Bank alongside pledged support from BeKind Early Learning TAFE NSW students. Due to the Sydney. We were able to pick up the van before restrictions, we were unable to host any Social the extended lockdown of 2021. We look Work students this year. forward to fitting the van out and launching the service once restrictions ease again. The team received an Excellent rating for the assessment of Program Logic by the Department Mike of Communities and Justice (DCJ). MIKE HAWTHORNE We delivered over 2,500 hampers for vulnerable community members over the Hub Manager, SECC year. The People's Pantry continues to grow its reach and provide emergency food relief. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 09 www.secc.sydney
MEET THE BOARD Chair Ian Grey Chair Ian Grey has a long managerial career in human resource management at all levels of government, and experience in significant companies in the private sector. His main skills are in culture building, organisation improvement, skill building and industrial relations. Ian joined the Board in 2016. Treasurer Ken Butterfield Ken has over 20 years of experience in board and senior management roles within the financial services and property industries. He has also worked in public practice as a Chartered Accountant with a broad range of clients in the private, government and not- for-profit sectors. Ken joined the SECC Board in 2020 and is also a volunteer at The Cottage Dementia Day Centre in Rushcutters Bay. Office Bearer Denise Wasley Denise is the Office Manager and Community Coordinator at Kingsford Legal Centre. She has lived in Mascot for over 14 years and is an experienced Community Worker. Denise has been involved in SECC as a Board member, on and off, for over nine years, and has served as Secretary and Chair of the Board in this time. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 10 www.secc.sydney
MEET THE BOARD Office Bearer Sonia Fenton Sonia is the owner, CEO and Liquor Licensee of Sunny Serendip Pty Ltd, trading as The Gardens on Forest. She has an extensive portfolio of management experience, and was an elected member of South Sydney Council and Sydney City Council. Her NGO experience has included the role of Chairman of the Kings Community Drug Action Team and Kings Cross 2000. Sonia is actively involved the Australian Red Cross and SES. Office Bearer Kathy Forrest Kathy brings with her extensive experience in managing staff, risk and compliance, quality standards, and marketing. She has been the director/owner of a home and community care organisation based in the Eastern Suburbs for over 10 years. Kathy has led and managed the company’s business needs, liaising with clients and key stakeholders in the aged care and disability sector to maintain and grow her business. Office Bearer Tracey Sigler Tracey is legally qualified and has worked in senior roles in the corporate sector for many years. She specialises in tax, legal quality and risk, knowledge management and finance. Tracey joined the SECC Board in 2017 and has performed the role of Secretary for the last two years. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 11 www.secc.sydney
ORGANISATIONAL CHART 2020 – 2021 Board of Directors Chief Executive Officer Centre/HR Financial Communications Events & SMOOSH The Hub Manager Controller Manager Marketing Director Manager Manager SMOOSH Family & Financial Responsible Community Manager Persons Support Workers SMOOSH Reception & Educators Admin Support Worker Family Worker Toy Librarian Home Care Food Services The Cottage Social Community Volunteer Package Manager Dementia Support/ Transport Manager Business Day Centre Flexible Manager Food Services Manager Respite Volunteers Development Assistant Field Manager Recreational Aged Care Transport Food Prep Activities Workers - Workers HCP Assistant Officer Managers CHSP Aged Care Field Workers Workers – HCP Admin CHSP Aged Care 12 www.secc.sydney Workers - HCP SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR TEAM IN 2020-2021
THANK YOU TO THE SECC TEAM Thank you to all the amazing staff who worked for SECC between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021. Because of you, SECC has kicked so many goals in the local community. Chief Executive Officer Kate Melhopt Administration Centre Manager: Julie Gray Accountant: John Ferguson Information Support Officer: Jayne Lee Volunteering Volunteer Manager: Sue Ohanian Communications Communications Manager: Alison Leader Events and Marketing Manager: Noelle Altiok-Brown, Myfanwy Schostakowski Social Media and Marketing Assistant: Yang Jing SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 14 www.secc.sydney
AGED CARE Community Transport Community Transport Manager: Kate Skinner Transport Workers: Spyro Belitsis, Qing Chen, Fernando Pazmino, Ralph Folk, David Weston, Gina Benevides, Kylie Jordan, Raelene Bathis, Gregory Stevens, Rosana Delon Food Services Food Services Manager: Tania Rakchaev Food Services Assistants: Jacqueline Jorquera, Lee Rakow Food Prep Assistant: Lilian Martinez Home Care Packages Home Care Package Business Development Manager: Brooke Norrie Home Care Package Manager: Marzena Adamski, Meryl Christian, Justine Spies Aged Care Workers: George Christy, Rosana Delon, Marcela Doumbos, Nalinee Kernklang, Amanda Dolan, Maprang (Pam) Chorakhe, Adriana Dimura, Analia Castro, Vishal Shetty Social Support and Flexible Respite Social Support and Flexible Respite Manager: Irene Trovato Social Support Workers: Nick Belitsis, Raelene Bathis, Michael Attia, Cathy Lawson, Debbie McDermott, Gregory Stevens, Kylie Jordan. Flexible Respite Care Workers: Angela Castillo, Gina Benavides, Lilian Martinez The Cottage Dementia Day Centre The Cottage Dementia Day Centre Manager: Eric Scott Recreational Officer: Marta Newman Field Worker: Fernando Pazmino, Ralph Folk SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 15 www.secc.sydney
COMMUNITY, FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE SMOOSH SMOOSH Director: Anthony Hoban, Bernadette Hawkins SMOOSH Administrator: Melanie Douglas SMOOSH Responsible Persons: Mila Acevedo, Caitlin Doolan, Zeinab Kabalan, Adam Touba, Dilek Faraj, Nicky Papaioannau, Elias Issa, Claudette Issa SMOOSH Educators: Aathiqah Abdul Gafoor, Saleha Chowdhury,Christine Huynh, Janette Masters, Tasnova Tabassum, Fontini Taylor, Abdul Wako The Hub Hub Manager: Mike Hawthorne Reception and Administration Support Worker: Emily Simpson Family Worker: Ruming Yang Family and Community Support Workers: Clio Doughty, Sarah Neville, Tonny Ahmed, Nichola Wright, Genie Kang, Katia Newton. Toy Librarian: Tania Rakchaev Cleaner: Julie O’Neil Eastlakes Cleaner: Blanca Londono SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 16 www.secc.sydney
PART 3. IMPACT + HIGHLIGHTS CELEBRATIONS ACHIEVEMENTS SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 10 www.secc.sydney
IMPACT + HIGHLIGHTS
VOLUNTEERING SECC GROWS WHILE OTHERS DECLINE BY SUE OHANIAN VOLUNTEER MANAGER SECC welcomed back its volunteers when Volunteers enjoyed reconnecting at our end- services re-opened in the second half of 2020. of-year volunteer function at the SECC Hub. Some organisations reported a decline in volunteers during and after the 2020 2021 started well, with volunteers helping with lockdown. But not SECC. Our team showed an regular activities and new programs. unwavering commitment and dedication to helping others. SECC celebrated its volunteers at the Volunteer Week lunch in May. SECC had many offers of help from new volunteers in 2020, some of whom stayed on Throughout the year's tough patches, we after the lockdown ended. heard time after time what this kind of work means to our volunteers. Volunteers want to Donna Thomas received The Maisie Foster help others. But at the same time they receive Award. She gave a heart-warming speech a range of physical and mental benefits. describing what volunteering meant to her. Hard-working volunteer Volunteers at our 2020 Christmas Luncheon. Our volunteers at the David Toovey. Dementia Day Centre received a Certificate of Appreciation SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 19 from Volunteering Australia as part of the Volunteer of the Year Awards. www.secc.sydney
HERE'S A ROLL CALL OF SOME OF OUR FABULOUS VOLUNTEERS List of SECC Volunteers as at 30 June 2021 1 Anne Hollis 31 Ilda Migirdicyan 2 Andrew Forester 32 Iris Knight 3 Antoinette Azzarello 33 Jenny Chen 4 Asanka Amaratunga 34 John Segal 5 Asya Shmaryan 35 Julie O’Neill 6 Betty Valius 36 Kathy Forrest 7 Bev Martin 37 Kelly McCormack 8 Carissa Regina Garcia 38 Ken Butterfield 9 Carolyn Penfold 39 Kevin Chu 10 Catherine Schulte 40 Klaudiya Bubis 11 Christa Thewes 41 Linda Silberstein 12 Corlia Coetzee 42 Lucy Torres 13 David Toovey 43 Maria Barazza 14 Deanne Benton 44 Maureen Sale 15 Debbie Katzeff 45 Noelle Altiok-Brown 16 Denise Wasley 46 Penny Dalton 17 Denisy Poubel-Santiago 47 Rahmita Hassan-Basuki 18 Donna Singer 48 Rosana Delon 19 Donna Thomas 49 Ruth Hughes 20 Eduardo Sandoval 50 Sonia Fenton 21 Fang-Yu Huang 51 Susannah Minutillo 22 Fiona O’Brien 52 Stanley Cheung 23 Georgina Giatsios 53 Tania Nand 24 Germana Del Valle 54 Thi Mai Ho 25 Godfrey McCormick 55 Thomas Stellino 26 Gregory Stevens 56 Tracey Sigler 27 Hector Tapia 57 Wing Au Yeung 28 Helen Cruise 58 Yvette Haidar 29 Hugo Ampuero 59 Zoe Fuller 30 Ian Grey SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 20 www.secc.sydney
MORE EYES ON THE SECC BRAND BY ALISON LEADER COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Over the financial year, our Facebook and Instagram audiences grew to 2.5K and 785 respectively. We continue to enjoy strong engagement across all platforms. 2500 785 35-44 Y.O. FOLLOWERS FOLLOWERS WOMEN As of June 2021, SECC had 2.5K Facebook followers and 785 Instagram followers. Women aged 35-44 make up the vast majority of users across both platforms. Females aged 35-44 make up the majority of people interacting with SECC Facebook and Instagram channels. Men and women aged 18-24 are least likely to engage with us on Facebook, while a growing number women over 55 are choosing to use the platform. As for Instagram, men over 55 are least likely to engage, followed by people aged 18-24. Targeting younger social media users on TikTok through innovative content and hand-selected brand ambassadors will be a growing priority for our marketing team in the coming year. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 21 www.secc.sydney
During the year, page reach increased by 33.1% on Facebook, and 179.2% on Instagram. We attribute this rapid growth to daily content sharing, targeted advertising and compelling, emotive storytelling. We also embarked on collaborations with new partners in the local community, sharing their content and involving them in the SECC narrative. Top-performing posts included those highlighting local figures such as Father Arthur Giatsios, who donated regular food vouchers to The People’s Pantry. Such posts generated interest within our local Greek community. This led to a partnership with Perry Lironis from Social Society Sydney. Posts about local kindness to individuals engaged the most people. Our marketing team grew this year. Noelle Altiok-Brown joined us for a six-month contract as Events and Marketing Manager. Myfanwy Schostakowski then joined us to lead the planning of events and stakeholder partnerships. Social Media and Marketing Assistant Yang Jing (Maggie) came on board as a part-time contractor to support our Chinese marketing campaigns across new social media platforms. Highlights included building a relationship with Randwick TAFE and Careers Connect to promote our Aged Care Worker roles. This resulted in three new staff. The SECC Cares Campaign saw almost 200 pen-pal letters sent to seniors in the 2020 pandemic, and the momentum continued in 2021 with the SMOOSH kids getting involved. It was satisfying to see so much generosity in the community at Christmas and beyond. Locals gave food, toys and gifts to hundreds of nearby families in need. We launched new crowdfunding and learning platforms on our website. This paved the way for growth in fundraising, refinement of onboarding, and online course development. A big thanks to the entire SECC team and Board. We value your ongoing support of vital promotions, stories and communications about our wonderful charity. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 22 www.secc.sydney
AGED CARE SECC KEEPS CLIENTS MOVING BY KATE SKINNER COMMUNITY TRANSPORT MANAGER HIGHLIGHTS OF 2020/2021 WE PURCHASED A NEW BUS 230 11,000 4,000 clients assisted hours of support outings ran SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 23 www.secc.sydney
There was so much interest we had to put on an extra bus for our Wollongong trip.
We were able to reinstate our Community We saw greater engagement with TAFE Transport services after Lockdown 2020. Randwick, and more promotional Individual transport continued, but our bus opportunities. trips were on pause in the first part of 2020. They resumed in July of last year. It was clear There has been a shift in priorities. People how important it was to come together and are more accepting of changes, and grateful see friends again. to be able to go out and see others. This year has seen lots of new The Transport team welcomed new staff friendships. A new client moved into our members: Spyro Belitsis, Qing Chen, Ralph area and was able to meet people on some Folk, Gina Benevides, David Weston and of our bus trips. Now, they maintain Kylie Jordan. We continued working with friendships outside of the service. Fernando Pazmino, Raelene Bathis, Gregory Stevens and Rosana Delon. We were successful in obtaining a grant to run a Seniors Week lunch as part of the We ran language-specific bus trips for NSW Seniors Festival. It was a successful Spanish, Greek, Turkish and Italian day. Staff from across several teams worked seniors. Staff and volunteers from these together to plan the event. Staff and backgrounds supported these trips. volunteers worked hard to ensure the attendees had a great time. Our favourite bus trip was our April 2021 Wollongong adventure. There was so much We have an amazing team across our interest we had to put on an extra bus. organisation. It's been a difficult year, full of change. Through it all, we've become closer We hope we can bring our clients back and have worked together to support each together in late 2021. We'd like to engage other and our clients. Staff have been more with the local community and offer flexible and willing to help throughout this. more trips. We'd also like to increase trips They take the time to get to know the clients outside our immediate area. and try to make each outing happy and positive. After surveying clients, we are planning more long-distance bus trips and On recommencing the bus trips, we weekend services. We also hope to get to resumed our area-specific bus trips. The better know our community and offer Eastville, Bay Run and Lakeside trips services based on community needs. helped clients connect with groups they've known for a long time. We also introduced a monthly calendar. This gave clients more input into trip destinations, and gave them the chance to meet new people. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 25 www.secc.sydney
FOOD SERVICES REGULAR STAFF STEP UP TO FILL VOLUNTEER GAPS BY TANIA RAKCHAEV FOOD SERVICES MANAGER Food Services continued to operate as usual We have seen an increase in non-frail aged during the pandemic. service users this year. Other community members have struggled to get to the shops Our service users showed their appreciation for various reasons. on a daily basis. Our staff are often the only social contact many of our service users have. As a result, We often hear things like: \"We rely on you\" they have deepened their relationships over and \"We wouldn't know what to do if you the ups and downs of life this year. weren't operating.\" Our clients are appreciative and often show their gratitude to Food Services Assistants. The team has shown their commitment to the program. and continue to show up at the doors of our community. They carry a smile, and a positive and caring attitude. Despite the fact they've been at a higher risk by travelling between LGAs and visiting many people in a day. They continue to follow best practices and COVID-safe procedures. I'm proud of the way they forge ahead every week. Food Services Assistants have also taken on Food Services Assistants Jacqueline extra work. We were unable to utilise our Jorquera and Lee Rakow took on extra volunteers during the pandemic, so our responsibilities through the pandemic. regular staff stepped up. The team is strong and continues to deepen as we tread these difficult times together. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 26 www.secc.sydney
HOME CARE PACKAGES HCP SERVICE TRIPLES IN SIZE BY BROOKE NORRIE HOME CARE PACKAGE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER The past year has been an exciting one for SECC’s Home Care Package (HCP) service. Change has all been positive. We continue supporting the community and our clients with quality care. And our focus remains on wellbeing, independence and individualised care. Our Home Care Packages have tripled in growth since the last financial year. This has expanded our delivery areas right across the five LGAs of south-east Sydney. We have grown our team and welcomed new clients to the SECC community. These changes have helped us pinpoint what our local community needs. We have a diverse workforce with many community languages such as Greek, Spanish, Thai, Arabic and Italian. Our Aged Care Workers have a range of experience, and most have a Certificate III in Individualised Support or a Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Our Case Managers and Business Manager share extensive experience in aged and community care, management, and business operations. Our HCP team shares a passion for working in the field. They care about the impact they have on people. They want to support our clients and make a difference to their lives. Challenges this year have included setting the fundamentals for the HCP business. We've needed to hone in on the direction we want to take. We will ensure our documentation and operations are ready for expansion. One of SECC's strategic planning meetings.
SECC Aged Care Workers have a range of experience, and most have a Certificate III in Individualised Support or a Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Recruitment has been tough, with COVID-19 affecting the candidate pool. We work hard to recruit staff that fit our culture and values. We've been lucky with our existing team. They've pulled together to support each other through tough times. As we grow, there's an urgent need for a CRM. This has posed many challenges as we have sought the right fit. We are now implementing a CRM system that will help us support our clients and workforce. It will make our jobs easier and ensure we have more time to do what matters: supporting our clients. The CRM is set to Go Live in early 2022, with the project well underway. With yet another lockdown, we've had an unsettling time in our community and beyond. Increased risk has seen us redesign how we provide our services. In HCP we assessed each client, looking at how we can best support them through the pandemic. We looked at how we could deliver services for the client and the Aged Care Worker. We appreciate the patience and support from everyone involved. It has not been easy, but we're getting there. We have a team who are fully vaccinated and ready to take on the rest of 2021. In other news, our Home Care Package brand is undergoing a redesign to ensure the community is more aware of us. We aspire to connect with individuals and provide a personalised service. We work hard to make our seniors aware they have access to these services. Driving awareness of Home Care Packages is vital. We support individuals who don’t understand the process. And we care for individuals who need help navigating the aged care system. We continue to provide quality service to our clients. We inform the community about our aged care services to ensure they have the support they need. We are working hard to put the foundations in place for the future. Our CRM and scheduling system will bring a greater level of efficiency. We are expanding our external relationships to ensure SECC is front-of-mind during the referral process. When clients connect with SECC, they are engaging with a positive, well-rounded provider who focuses on the individual. Our Home Care Packages are progressing in such a positive direction thanks to the whole team. We have the support to develop and grow in 2021 and beyond. It's rare to see a group of people who are so focused and passionate about what they do. The team makes such a difference to those around them. Congratulations team, and thanks for all the work you do. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 28 www.secc.sydney
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND FLEXIBLE RESPITE 10,000 HOURS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT BY IRENE TROVATO SOCIAL SUPPORT AND FLEXIBLE RESPITE MANAGER What a year it's been. COVID-19 struck twice, providing fresh challenges for SECC. Thank Goodness for the amazing and dedicated staff we have. Their business-as-usual attitude makes things so much easier. The commitment, compassion and dedication of staff keeps me amazed. I'm proud of the great bunch of people I work with. Our main focus has and always will be the care and safety of our clients and each other. Staff are confident and determined to be there for their clients in tough times. I am most thankful for this. Our fantastic staff are always there for our clients. They offer practical support such as shopping, and emotional support as well. They are a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear to clients who are feeling isolated and fearful of the pandemic. I have spoken with clients who say that SECC is their \"family\" and they would be \"lost without SECC\". This is at the heart of who SECC is: making a difference to our clients and the community. Service delivery has been different this year. We've had to change the way we provide services. Our main focus is making sure our clients are still getting their services. We also provide a social outlet for them. We have delivered close to 10,000 hours of Social Support (Individual). This has included shopping with and for clients. Volunteers also take part in home visiting and taking them to medical appointments. We have helped 25 carers access vital flexible respite. This has given them a much-needed break from their caring role. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 29 www.secc.sydney
Some of our team at work during a strategic planning day. This year we said goodbye to one of our long-standing staff members, Debbie. She was with SECC for 17 years before retiring in 2021. Thank you, Debbie, for your years of dedication and commitment to the clients and SECC. We miss you. The coming year brings great promise and positivity. We will continue to provide the best service we can. We will also seek to reach other community members who need support. Thank you to our amazing and hard-working Aged Care Workers. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you all. Raelene, Debbie, Cathy, Angela, Marcella, Rosana, Analia, Amanda, Lilian, Michael, Gregory, Nalinee, Gina, Spyro, Vishal, Kylie Nick, Jacquie and Lee: Thank you so much for all you do. It is very much appreciated by the clients and myself. I would like to thank all my colleagues and management for your unwavering support. I hope 2022 is a year of joy and peace. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 30 www.secc.sydney
THE COTTAGE DEMENTIA DAY CENTRE A YEAR OF FRIENDSHIP AND LEARNING BY ERIC SCOTT THE COTTAGE DEMENTIA DAY CENTRE MANAGER You can find The Cottage under the trees on With the primary criteria being a diagnosis New Beach Road with a view of Rushcutters of dementia, we support people from a wide Bay and the Harbour Bridge. range of ages (see Fig. 2). This Darling Point day centre is for people We respond to the individual needs of living with dementia. It offers respite to participants. Most clients face memory carers and a safe space for people 65 and loss. But some also need support with over. It provides stimulating conversation, communication and mobility. We host brain games, art activities, music and quizzes, run picture games, play music, and exercise programs. guide them in art or number games. And the aim is always fun and brain stimulation. The Cottage also offers door-to-door pick-up and drop-off within our five LGAs. The reputation of The Cottage in the local area has resulted in high demand from people who live nearby (see Fig. 1). In coming months, we plan to broadcast the service further south. Even if clients are closer to La Perouse than to Vaucluse, we can still bring them to the Cottage to join in the fun. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 31 www.secc.sydney
Fig. 1 Residential LGA of Cottage Clients Fig. 2 Age of Cottage Clients Indoor Activities With a small grassed area surrounding the Cottage, we get out as often as we can. Ball We have great resources available for indoor games are fun and good for eye hand activities. This year we were able to buy a coordination and balance. We have mini smart television, and what a boon it has basketball, hoopla, petanque and even been. The TV has given us an endless putting (when the grass is short enough). supply of online quizzes. We've been able We applaud all efforts, and participants get a to look up subjects of interest, which has great thrill from their achievements. enhanced our discussions. For example, people living underground in Coober Pedy Making Friends came up in a quiz. Some people hadn't heard of it, especially those born overseas. A Brisbane girl from way back, Helen was Click, click, search... And we found a living on the Tweed when her two daughters documentary about living underground to in Sydney had an idea. They realised they'd escape the heat in Coober Pedy. be able to offer her better care and support if she moved closer. Now living in Rose Bay, Outdoor Activities Helen missed her choir and friends from up north. So her daughters booked her into The Unless it's very hot or cold and wet, we go Cottage. Her bright and chatty personality for a walk every day along the length or is very welcome in our group. Yarranabbe Park. It is 750 metres long, and people travel at their own pace. This means six people might spread out into three groups, according to how fast they walk. If there are those who cannot cope with the walk, we often call on our volunteers. We're so grateful for them. They provide the necessary ratio of carers to clients. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 32 www.secc.sydney
A skilled seamstress, Helen is never idle. She Helen and Joe take a stroll. brightened our Christmas with an amazing ‘quilted’ Christmas hanging. Fast forward a few weeks, and Gillian joined The Cottage. Like Helen, she had come to live with her daughter, but this time from Yorkshire. Helen and Gillian hit it off straight away. Their friendship now extends beyond The Cottage, with the two women speaking on Facetime on other days. The two families were able to get together many times before lockdown. Client relationships are vital, and extend beyond what The Cottage staff can offer. Amar plays a game with Marta. A game of Bingo: Christmas 2020. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT Now and the Future COVID-19 had a devastating effect on group activities. After the first lockdown we were able to reopen in July 2020, only to close again in June 2021. Between those times, we followed the mask- wearing and social distancing rules. When the one person per four square metres rule was in place, we had to separate the group into two rooms. Group cohesion and collective fun was somewhat diminished as a result. When things are back to normal with group activities, we'll be ready. There will be a happy bunch of clients ready to return to the best little cottage in Sydney. 33 www.secc.sydney
SMOOSH THE TREE KEEPS GROWING BY BERNADETTE HAWKINS SMOOSH DIRECTOR South Eastern Community Connect planted When all four schools went into lockdown, a seed back in 2006 and called it SMOOSH. this caused the children stress and anxiety. They worried about not connecting with They nurtured and looked after the seed by friends or educators in the afternoons. The watering it. They provided it with sunlight in team needed to change how they supported the form of care, love and connection. They children’s learning and development. They watched the tiny seedling emerge from the reached out to the children by sending cards earth and blossom into a strong tree. The and best wishes. This helped the children to tree represents growth and strength within feel a sense of belonging to SMOOSH SMOOSH. while in lockdown. In 2021, we stand tall and confident in our Each site responds in unique ways to meet industry. We grow upwards and outwards as the specific needs and concerns of their we increase in knowledge and experience community. The sites developed innovative year by year. ways to support their children, families and school communities. Our team at SMOOSH has 15 staff, including 11 educators and four Responsible People. Arrival and departure processes changed. SMOOSH oversees three local schools in We addressed logistical challenges the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA, and one surrounding social distancing, and the in the Campbelltown LGA. number of adults entering sites. Familiar staff members became concierges. They Bankstown and Bankstown South Infant greeted families at the door and School has a vulnerable community. There accompanied children to the classroom or are 15 children at the service which have a hall. Each site adapted their programs to disability diagnosis, and a similar number support remote learning. Relationships need additional support. Many families at stayed strong between children, the service are also low-income earners. educators, families and friends. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 34 www.secc.sydney
Our team started to embrace social media, in particular LinkedIn, to communicate. We put together a program for children. We gave them craft activities and other projects. We shared instructions on how to make playdough and cook multicultural dishes. Children and families took part, and shared experiences via messages and emails, according to our Responsible Person Caitlin Doolan. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring childcare while parents attend English our team was in good health and good classes. Caitlin was also successful in spirits. They worked around obstacles such obtaining a grant to enable SECC to buy as home schooling. They received COVID- equipment for all four sites. 19 tests every 72 hours. Police pulled them over asking for work permits. But We worked with the NSW Inclusion Agency, they came to work every day to help support which pivoted to online platforms to conduct our vulnerable children and families. I was virtual visits. We embraced technology as an so proud of their commitment. effective way to communicate with our support officer, Sharon, about our Strategic While the pandemic caused anxiety, the Inclusion Plan (SIP). Sharon also assisted team at SMOOSH chose to keep positive. SMOOSH staff to navigate and access the They focused on supporting children and Inclusion Support Program Portal. This maintaining positive relationships with proved valuable for SIP development. families. \"Our team has a wonderful relationship with We kept ourselves busy and were always our children and families. Throughout the planning something. We held regular Zoom term we never lost our sense of community,” meetings and Facetime, phone calls and said Caitlin. morning teas online. We worked on The SECC Pen Pal Project to connect our kids Along with the pandemic, 2021 brought with with senior clients within SECC. The children it a range of COVID-19 specific funding and enjoyed sharing their artwork and writing subsidies for businesses. letters to new friends. Each service explored new ways of delivering quality early childhood education and care. We also went through an Assessment and Within the early childhood sector, this Rating process which had success due to included business continuity payments and the team's hard work. We built a strong waive gap fees. We accessed more allowable relationship with each school. We are absences for families. So it's no surprise our supporting Bankstown Public School with finances looked quite different in 2021. SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 35 www.secc.sydney
SECC CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS ARE THRIVING.
PART 4. TREASURER'S REPORT OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECC FINISHES WITH A STRONG SURPLUS BOARD TREASURER KEN BUTTERFIELD FILLS US IN ON A BIG YEAR FOR SECC I am pleased to present my first report to you as The CRM will streamline some of our reporting Treasurer, having joined the SECC board at the processes and enhance our management of last Annual General Meeting in October 2020. client information. Over the financial year ended June 2021, SECC We will also further develop our internal produced an operating surplus of $305,000. This budgeting and financial reporting processes over is a great result given the difficult operating the coming year. This will allow SECC conditions experienced during the year. management and board members to gain further insights into the financial results of Home Care Package revenue was a particular individual service streams and activities. highlight, increasing from $222,000 in 2020 to $622,000 in 2021 as we expanded our services in I would like to thank our Federal, State and local this area. funding partners for their strong financial support, which has allowed us to continue to The 2021 results were also boosted by the provide limited but important services to clients release of a $200,000 provision raised in during the COVID-19 restrictions. This funding previous years for office relocation costs. has also enabled SECC to retain our valued staff as we prepare to resume services when We have now settled into our new premises at restrictions are lifted. Vernon Ave, Eastlakes and the costs to relocate were significantly lower than the original Congratulations to Kate Melhopt and the expectations, hence the release of the provision. management team for their outstanding efforts over what has been another challenging year. SECC finished the 2021 financial year in a very Thank you also to the many committed staff and strong position with net assets in excess of volunteers for the contribution they have made $1,240,000, up from $937,000 in 2020. to a successful year for SECC. One of the key finance team objectives over the Ken coming year is assisting with the implementation of the new customer relationship management KEN BUTTERFIELD (CRM) system. Treasurer, SECC SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 38 www.secc.sydney
A SNAPSHOT OF NSW 7.9 million People living in NSW 3% 5% identify as Aboriginal or need assistance Torres Strait Islander due to a disability 35% 31% born overseas speak a language other than English at home
THE PEOPLE SECC SUPPORTS LGAs Served 927,810 Bayside People within Campbelltown these areas Canterbury- Bankstown City of Sydney Randwick Waverley 2% 4% of NSW identify need assistance as Aboriginal or due to a disability Torres Strait Islander 49% NSW residents 44% Speak a born overseas language other than English at (14% higher than the state home (18% higher than the average) state average)
WHO ARE OUR CLIENTS? 1,221 CLIENTS 15% 12% 0-4 y.o. 80-84 y.o. A total of 183 0-4 year-olds used 151 of our clients are our services - primarily at The Hub aged 80-84 899 are females 316 are males 30 clients 2% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background
POSITIVE SHIFTS WITH SECC 93.1% POSITIVE CHANGE Percentage of clients reported a positive change in their circumstances during their time with SECC, according to our SCORE reporting in the Australian Government Data Exchange.
AN ENGAGING ORGANISATION 32,586 interactions SECC logged 32,586 interactions with clients and support persons in the 20-21 financial year, including engagement via Facebook and Instagram messages. 384 cases 5.8 clients 16.5 sessions Total cases logged. An average of 5.8 We conducted an clients per case. average of 16.5 sessions per client. Note: this data is taken from DEX data relating to CHSP, Hub, Respite and Transport clients.
WHO DID WE SUPPORT? Clients and groups supported by SECC during the 12-month period. 493 395 309 Community and Community Individual Home Support Centre-based Targeted Support clients clients clients 25,528 38 304 Group clients in Care Group clients in the Targeted Early Relationships the category of Intervention (TEI) TEI - Community and Carer Community Support clients Support. Connections category
PART 5. HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
THE PEOPLE'S PANTRY HOW YOU CAN HELP SECC GROW BY MYFANWY SCHOSTAKOWSKI EVENTS AND MARKETING MANAGER The People’s Pantry offers a vital opportunity and are needing food relief more often. for the community to partner with us and combat food insecurity. The beauty of our community centre is that locals who are struggling can make Our grassroots food relief program operates appointments to pick up the food they need at SECC’s Community Hub in Mascot, and is and find out more about our other fuelled by donations from people like yourself. community programs and services. Our kitchen cabinets are stocked with pantry and baby items provided by locals, for locals. Donations of food are gratefully accepted between 9.30am and 2.30pm Monday to The People’s Pantry was established by Kate Friday. Many are choosing to make an online Melhopt in June 2019 when a particularly order via Coles or Woolworths and have them tough winter saw many south-east Sydney delivered to 1007 Botany Rd, Mascot during residents asking us for help. these hours. We put out a call for help with food donations, If you can donate critical supplies for local and the response was overwhelming. Since families, please call (02) 7903 0607. then, the need has only gotten greater. If it’s easier to give financially, head to our COVID-19, and its flow on effects, have donations page at secc.sydney/donate - or changed the face of food insecurity in talk to us about pledging a monthly amount. Australia. Those who were already struggling before coronavirus hit have felt the effects No donation is too small as many hands make more quickly and more seriously. light work. Prior to COVID-19, the main groups accessing Together we can combat food insecurity. food relief were families living on a low income, the unemployed, single-parent You can follow @thepeoplespantrysydney families, the homeless and people with mental on Instagram, and I am here to receive all illness. Since March 2020, some of these your media enquiries on 0432 480 250. groups have become even more vulnerable SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 46 www.secc.sydney
SECC 2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT 47 www.secc.sydney
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