NEWTOWN NEIGHBOUR HOOD CENTRE · service, counselling, Tai Chi, English classes, computer labs, art classes and hairdressing! Trivia Nights and get-togethers have been established

NEWTOWN NEIGHBOUR HOOD CENTRE

A just community that includes and acts

2012-2013 Annual Report

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1ii 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc SECTION NAME SECTION NAMEPhoto: Clare Hawley. This photo and cover photos kindly supplied by Newtown Precinct Business Association.

ContentsAcknowledgements ...................................................................................................... 2

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre ............................................................................. 3

Board of Management report ..................................................................................... 4

Chief Executive Officer’s report ................................................................................. 7

NNC Inc team ................................................................................................................. 8

Programs..........................................................................................................................11

Front Counter statistics ..............................................................................................13

Community Development ......................................................................................... 14

Marrickville Grows .......................................................................................................17

Tribute to Carl Wydeman ...........................................................................................19

Multicultural Neighbour Aid: Greek .......................................................................20

Multicultural Neighbour Aid: Communities from former Yugoslavia ............22

Shopping Service .........................................................................................................25

Community Linking Project .......................................................................................26

Boarding House Services ...........................................................................................28

Operations .....................................................................................................................31

Newtown Festival ........................................................................................................33

Advocacy .......................................................................................................................35

Communications .........................................................................................................36

Financial report ............................................................................................................38

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 32 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc SECTION NAME

NEWTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

Our visionA just community that includes and acts.

Our purposeNewtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc supports people through community action and the provision of services focusing on the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community.

What we do at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc.Newtown Neighbourhood Centre seeks to create a more inclusive, resilient, vibrant and self-reliant community.

Our servicesNewtown Neighbourhood Centre is structured into four operational teams spanning a range of services:

Operations team supports the three service delivery programs, administers the Centre’s self-funding initiatives including NNC Hall Hire and Newtown Community Market, and coordinates the Centre’s volunteering program.

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre would like to thank our funding bodies for 2012/13:

• City of Sydney

• Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing

• Leichhardt Marrickville Community Transport Group

• Marrickville Council

• Marrickville Council Mayor’s Fund

• Mary MacKillop Foundation

• Mission Australia

• NSW Family and Community Services – Ageing, Disability and Home Care

• NSW Family and Community Services – Community Services

• NSW Trade & Investment – Arts And Disability Funding Program

• StreetSmart Australia

We’d also like to thank the business, community and government organisations with whom we’ve partnered on many projects.

2012–2013 ANNUAL REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Boarding House Services team provides case management support to residents of general boarding houses and those who are ‘at-risk’ of homelessness in Sydney and the Inner West.

Community Linking Project team promotes social inclusion and community involvement by providing community linkages, social support and assistance to residents of Assisted Boarding Houses.

Programs team runs the Front Counter Information and Referral Service, Community Activities, Multicultural Neighbour Aid, the Shopping Service and the community capacity building program Marrickville Grows.

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 54 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc BOARD OF MANAGEMENT REPORTBOARD OF MANAGEMENT REPORT

the support and expertise of Matrix On Board, which includes improvements in financial reporting to assist our budget and resource planning processes and sound governance. This has been particularly beneficial in achieving efficiencies in the payroll system for our growing staff team and has provided tangible operational and cost efficiencies.

The leadership team has led the review and implementation of a Human Resource Framework and associated policies, as well as a continuous improvement process to review policies and procedures across the whole organisation. The NNC website publishes all NNC policies and newsletters and in the spirit of building sector capacity and knowledge sharing, is happy for these resources and documents to be utilised by sector partners.

This year we also focused on capacity building opportunities across the leadership and staff team through the implementation of the leadership development program, as well as the collaborative and inclusive approach taken on the review and development of the Strategic Plan, which was adopted by the Board in June 2013.

The consolidation for the Centre this year has been implementing the new SCHCADS for all staff; in bedding down working in the newly refurbished building; and in evaluating some of the new systems and processes across operations and governance. The staff team continues to work effectively across all the diverse programs, and the Centre continues to have a reputation for being an employer of choice, attracting highly skilled, professional and values aligned staff. The team has managed many challenges this year and has adapted to the change and uncertainty that has been prevalent in some programs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Adabie who effectively stepped up into the CEO’s role for four months during Lisa’s period of leave.

As President of the Board I would like to once again formally thank each and every one of the NNC Board members for their ongoing commitment, for their expertise and valuable, and voluntary, contributions to NNC during the past year.

I also acknowledge, thank and recognise the great support we receive from all of our sponsors

prams. Again, this has been a longstanding active campaign dating back to 2006, which has involved the support and resilience of the local community, local members and Marrickville Council. In alignment with our mission, NNC has been a key advocate in this campaign. This is a win for Newtown and most importantly is a win for the whole community.

Once again, the Newtown Festival was a great success and was attended and celebrated by over 80,000 people. This is NNC's major fundraiser and the spin offs include raising the profile of the wonderful work that the staff and volunteers do across the community. The festival has gone from strength to strength and has also provided valuable networking and relationship building of local services and stakeholders and attracted more and more local volunteers to assist the Centre.

This is a great segue to thank, to acknowledge and to congratulate the volunteers at NNC, without whom we could not deliver on many of the programs and projects. Our volunteers are vital to the work that the Centre does, and their skills and expertise also build community capacity and demonstrate the goodwill and richness of the Newtown community. Volunteers at NNC are truly invaluable. NNC has 101 registered volunteers, with more than 65 currently active, and 120 volunteers working on the planning and delivery of the Newtown Festival. Their roles are diverse, ranging from helping out with community BBQs and events to administration, customer service, counselling, Tai Chi, English classes, computer labs, art classes and hairdressing! Trivia Nights and get-togethers have been established to create a more sociable and cohesive staff-volunteer community. Since the Volunteer Coordinator position has been established, 55 new volunteers have been recruited to work across multiple programs. A huge thank you goes out to all of the NNC volunteers, who provide the essential skills, expertise and commitment to complement our staff team to deliver excellence to the NNC clients and to the community.

Last year the Board reported on the review of the financial and human resources systems. This year we have successfully implemented the new financial management system with

and funding bodies, including those who provide in-kind support or pro-bono work. Our funding bodies are listed on the Acknowledgements page at the front of this report.

The Board would like to thank the CEO Lisa Burns, who has led the team to deliver in the context of challenge, change and through a period of uncertainty and consolidation. Lisa continues to lead with humility, commitment and purpose. Lisa’s stewardship of the staff team and the organisation shows up in the achievements of the staff across all of their programs, and in their commitment to excellence for their clients and services.

The Board thanks each and every staff member for their achievements and efforts this year, many of which are highlighted in the Annual Report and recognises that the outcomes the organisation has achieved would not be possible without such a great team.

Looking To The FutureDue to sound governance the organisation’s balance sheet is healthy, with provisions available for the future. Further, our reputation, the capable staff team and the well-established networks and relationships all position the organisation for a healthy future in which we can continue to deliver quality client-focused services.

NNC is thriving on the success of its innovation, its continuous improvements to service delivery, its diversity and values – all of which put the client at the centre of our work. We look forward to working with our stakeholders and partners to achieve more successes in the year ahead.

Board of Management Position

Karen Walsh* President

James Thomas* Vice President

Wayne Tynan* Treasurer

Gabrielle Jones Ordinary

Amalina Wallace* Ordinary

Digby Hughes* Ordinary

Hannah Shiel* Ordinary

Paul Shiel* Ordinary

* Indicates member was still in position at the end of June 2013.

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT REPORTby Karen Walsh, President

I am pleased to provide this report on behalf of the Board of Management. In reflecting back on the year it really has been one of great achievement, a year of learning, of challenges and change. As evidenced by the program and project reports in the Annual Report, NNC seems to thrive on all of these elements.

Last year the Board reported on the organisa-tion's growth, which occurred through the additional programs and required staffing to deliver on these, particularly in the Boarding House Outreach Program (BHOP) funded through the Homelessness Action Plan. Whilst 2012/2013 has been largely a year of consoli-dation, the Centre received extension funding for another year for the BHOP project, which has enabled the service to continue to assist more clients who are currently living in boarding houses. The outcomes of this project and the achievements of the team are impressive. This is just one example of the services that the team at NNC delivers in meeting the needs of the community, including those people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

This year the Board and staff celebrated the enactment of the Boarding Houses Act 2012, which provides for the registration and regulation of boarding houses and the licensing and regulation of assisted boarding houses. NNC has for many years lobbied for reforms in this area. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless work and long standing commitment of the NNC CEO Lisa Burns, Paul Adabie and the BHOP team in seeking such reform. This reform will make a real and positive difference to the rights and the lives of people who are living in boarding houses across NSW, including those with whom NNC works. NNC continues to be involved in the Boarding House Implementation Committee and the Boarding House Expert Advisory Group in the endeavour to influence and shape policy and practice in this important area.

Another achievement this year for the community is the opening of the refurbished Newtown Station, which for many who live in Newtown and for those who visit Newtown will be life changing. The station's amenity is such that it will provide accessibility for people with disabilities and for parents and carers with

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 76 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

Chief Executive Officer’s Reportby Lisa Burns, Chief Executive Officer

It is my pleasure to report on another successful year at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. The Centre has enjoyed many highlights and we have achieved successful outcomes regarding a number of issues about which we have campaigned.

Firstly, NNC celebrated an accessible Newtown Railway Station. NNC started this campaign back in 2006. Now, all our residents and visitors can access this great suburb and our building more easily. This is a splendid example of NNC’s commitment to achieving a more inclusive community. Secondly, the State government has introduced the Boarding Houses Act 2012. For many years, the Centre has campaigned for the rights of people living in boarding houses. We believe this landmark reform will provide better protection for all boarding house residents.

In the last year we have diversified our services, and improved the efficiency of our facilitation of those services. Due to the success of the Boarding House Outreach Project, we were invited to increase the services we provide and focus on women in boarding houses. The Programs team provides three creative HACC services and two Community Builder’s projects, and received extra funding to provide social support services. The Community Linking Project has again improved its services while ensuring a person-centred approach to the diverse activities it facilitates. Our Operations team implemented major changes to the Centre’s financial processes and NNC has established a relationship with Matrix on Board to manage its accounting and reporting.

We host two main fundraising events to support our programs. Newtown Festival is the primary fundraiser for this Centre. The Festival celebrates and promotes vibrancy, creativity, sustainability and an active community. We are passionate about sustainability and sound environmental practices, which is why in 2012 we said no to selling bottled water at the Festival, in order to make a stand against the commercialisation of water and massive plastic bottle waste. Our award winning Newtown Community Market is in its second year of operation. The market raises funds through stallholder fees, but also aims to complement retail stores in Newtown and has evolved into a vibrant and eclectic place.

Another way we increase our capacity is by utilising our amazing volunteers. We depend so much on our fantastic hard working volunteers who are used throughout NNC from our Board of Directors, the festival, day care support, barbecues, in fact all of the groups and activities we facilitate. A recent cost-benefit report has estimated that volunteers provided more than $300,000 worth of support to the organisation this year. So on behalf of all of us here at the Centre, I would like to thank all of our volunteers for the care, support and commitment you have shown to the organisation.

One of our most valuable resources is our staff. The commitment, professionalism and skills they bring every day to the Centre highlights their capacity. Often they are confronted by issues that can be challenging and difficult. I would like to thank every member of the staff team. This year in particular I was again reminded of how lucky NNC is to have such valuable assets in its team. I would like to thank the team for their kindness and support they showed me particularly while I was unwell. I would like to especially to thank Paul Adabie for all the extra work and commitment he showed as Acting CEO – it was wonderful knowing the Centre was in such good hands.

The Centre is privileged to have a very strong and committed Board of Management. I would like to thank all of the members of the Board for their dedication and skill in the way they govern and strategically direct the Centre with great foresight and vision.

Another of our great resources here at the Centre is our partnerships. So many of the extra services we host are thanks to the support and commitment we receive from other services. On behalf of all of us here at the Centre we would like to say how much we value our partners: due to their commitment we are much better at meeting the needs of our communities. The One Stop Shop is a perfect example of this collaboration, providing a weekly opportunity for the community to access a range of services under one roof.

I would finally like to thank our funders, our members, our community and our service users for their continued support. We look forward to another year of striving to achieve our vision of a just community that includes and acts.

Photo Claire Hawley. Kindly supplied by Newtown Precinct Business Association.

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 98 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc NNC INC TEAMNNC INC TEAM

POSITION HELD By

Boarding House ServicesBoarding House Services Manager Paul Adabie*BHOP Administrator Sharlene Tauia*, Cem YalcinkayaBHOP Team Leader Pearl Stuparich*BHOP Case Workers Laurence Burgess, Ilana Green, Natalie Webster*,

Elizabeth Wiggin*, Michelle Apschner*, Elizabeth Campton*, Karen Hunter*

Resource and Development Worker John Paul Taberdo, Sally Chalmers*

Brokerage Worker Mags Raw , Elizabeth Campton*

Borders and Lodgers Project Joel De Freitas*, Ben Garcia

Operator Engagement Project Jacob Cavallero, Peter Antrum*

FestivalFestival Co-Directors Sue Andersen*, Cathy Wills

Volunteer Coordinator Cathy Wills*

Stalls Coordinator Jacqui Briggs*

Community Linking ProjectCommunity Linking Project Manager Carol Hamilton*

CLP Administrator Kel Torrance*

CLP Project Facilitators Gwendallyn Thomas*, Frances McCarthy*

CLP HACC Project Facilitators Gwendallyn Thomas*, Carlos Felix*, Kim Purkis*

CLP HACC Lead Project Facilitator Natalie McCarthy*

CLP HACC Project Facilitator Anne Kwasner*

CLP Casual Staff Marlysse Medina*, June Robinson*, Michael Baker*

StudentsBoarding House ServicesJeremy Atkins, James Hunt, Fiona Koutsoukis, Emma Lazarus, Emily Sheely, Eunyeong Yun

ProgramsMarita Nordbya, Victoria Podlesnaya, Ophelia Pinto, Bilijana Stojanovic, Jess Burns, Grace Xi Zheng Li, Anna Pockaj, Amy Robinson, Lindsay Roy

CLPFabien Knecht, Camilla Thidell, Michael Baker

* Indicates member was still in position at the end of June 2013.

NNC INC TEAM

POSITION HELD By

Chief Executive Officer Lisa Burns*OperationsOperations Manager Barbara Keen*Business Administrator Adrian Hill (locum)*Volunteer Coordinator Ainsley Warner*Administration Officer Cem Yalcinkaya, Melissa Yu*Communications Officer Kel Torrance*Newtown Market Coordinator Jacqui Briggs*Casual staff June Robinson, Chanel Burgos*ProgramsPrograms Manager Ken Saunders*Community Development Coordinator Katie Yealland / Helen Hwang (locum)*Marrickville Grows Community Development

Emily Walpole*

Shopping/Social Support ServiceShopping Coordinator Kerry Muldoon*Shopping Bus Driver Robin Wicks*Assisted Shopper Mirjana Malesevic*Bus Assistant Paul Di Benedetto, Sue Roxon*Casual Shopping Staff Linden Braye*, Antonio Faria*, Zorica Pavlovic*,

Thomas Newell*, Sara Di Terlizzi*Multicultural Neighbour AidGreek Neighbour Aid Coordinator Marie Kostov*Greek Day Care Assistant Chris Floudas*, George Zantis*Communities from Former Yugoslavia Coordinator

Dushanka Dobrich*

CFFY Day Care Assistant Mirjana Malesevic*, Zorica Pavlovic*

»

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1110 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc PROGRAMSNNC INC TEAM

Happy AgamSusana Alexandra Alves LinoNina ArdilaIngrid ArroganteColin AustinAimee BarlowCharley BaroneMajeda BeattyPinky BillonKenneth BirkettRodney BrownWatson BrownTash BurgessGordon Carr-GreggDaniella CascioAnthony CavallaroChristine ChauKuan Yin ChenAlice ChristieGabrielle CostanzoDonna DangClaudia De AndradeDaniel De Andrade

Sara Di TerlizziJanelle DriscollStephen DunstanChristoph DwertmannJosh EdmondsElaine EvascoMatt FrazerNeil FredericksDario GuttierezZakaria HarooneFlavia HoMandy HoDigby HughesRadhia Jamal KazuraBarbara KeffelGudron KristensJoyce Wai Ching LauEllen LaughtonJudith LavenderMatt LaxtonLucie Leafe-StoyefNoni LenssenKin Lok Leung

Philip LiRebecca Yingqiu LiStevie LintonBakhtiar MahnoorMelinda MaitlandJacquie ManningLilly MolinaAmber MorriseySebastian MueckeArthur MurgatroydAlice NguyenKieran O’CallaghanMeredith OliverJanice Poh Ying OoiMegan O’RourkeJessica ParkMark PiganiMichelle PiliLindsay PringleSamantha RhodesNathan RoyPhilip RuhoffGary RyanSabina Rysnik-Steck

Amina SaikalZoe ScottPaul ShielLyllah SkeltonNattalee SoleHarry SteelAlex StirlingKris TallJames ThomasMargot ThomasEllea ToumazosAnna TranterPeter TzannesCathrine VongAmalina WallaceKaren WalshMerinda WhiteCarmel WoodsFrances WoodsAlexia Zahra-NewmanJillian ZarateYunus ZeedNina Zhang

Programsby Ken Saunders, Programs Manager

The Programs team comprises three Home and Community Care services: the Greek Speaking Neighbour Aid program, the Neighbour Aid program for the Communities from the Former Yugoslavia, and the Shopping/Social Support program. The Programs team also has the Front Counter Information and Referral Service and the Community Development Project, Marrickville Grows. All these programs will be described in detail by the project coordinators in the pages that follow.

It has been a busy year full of accomplishments. I want to thank the always creative Marie Kostov and Dushanka Dobrich, the Neighbour Aid Coordinators. Kerry Muldoon and Susan Kennett lead the Shopping/Social Support projects and took on many new initiatives this year. Thanks too to Katie Yealland and Helen Hwang for handling all the demands of the

Front Counter and the myriad activities organised at the Centre. Katie even found time amongst it all to have a baby. Emily Walpole continues to develop the multi-faceted Marrickville Grows projects in so many exciting ways.

The enormous contribution of volunteers was a big part of the success of these programs and a special thanks is owed to them. Their generosity in giving of their time helps to keep things ticking at the Neighbourhood Centre.

Whether it is a bicycle shed popping up in Petersham, a new movie club for seniors, an oral history recipe book of Balkan cuisine by the Neighbour Aid program, educational seminars for Greek seniors, art groups at the Centre, or the ever expanding One Stop Shop, there is always something new happening here. For 2013–14, continue to watch this space.

Front Office

Sue Harkness, Tanya Jovovic, Susan Kennett, Judith Lavender, Kelly Tregonning, Rodney Brown, Jackie Twemlow, Dianne Webb

Other NNC Groups

Paul Jones, Jane Hehir, Janice Poh Ying Ooi, Stephen Lunny, Michael Warren, Katrina Hamood, Nicole Matolov, Rex Secombe, Tom Newell, Tapati Deb, Ardehendu Deb, Chris Lemke, David Turnbull, Lily Perkin, Pam Freshwater, Scott Kilpatrick, Meng Soh, Lachlan Bailey, Debra Cowen, Hugo Da Silva, Michael Carr, Paul Jones, Suzanne May

Counselling

Josephine Avigdor, Penelope Toltz, Sophie Inwald

Community Linking Project

Claire Nakazawa, Joel Francis, Sindy Aleixo, Andi Gabereder, Ellen Laughton, Julie Scully, Sara Di Terlizzi, Bradley King, Carlos Mazuera, Christine Marlow, Helen Ester, Michael Baker, Seraphina Martin

Multicultural Neighbour Aid: Greek

Christalo Dionysiou, Rena Hristodoulou, Sofia Kintis, Maria Koukodimos, Mersini Plellis, Sophia Balafas, Evangelia Prorellis, Irene Sotiriou, Niki Souliotis

Multicultural Neighbour Aid: Communities from former Yugoslavia

Radmila Miladinovic, Nada Rapajic, Vera Maric, Kaja Mladenovic, Lucija Wiszniowski, Dana Zec, Zana (Snezana) Jancic

Operations

Dianne Webb, Glen D’Costa, David Shearston

Festival

NNC INC TEAM VOLUNTEERS

PETERSHAM BIKE SHED LAUNCH 2013

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1312 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc FRONT COUNTER STATISTICS

The Front Counter Information and Referral service is Newtown Neighbourhood Centre’s window on the issues that most affect people in the community. The service provides information and referral to the general public to help them in areas of need. NNC has compiled detailed information sheets in key areas to assist: Essential Services, Accommodation, Drug and Alcohol Supports, Family Services and the catch-all General Services. These cover over 80 specific topics, providing contact details for many hundreds of organisations and support services. These information sheets enable people to inform themselves of the different options available to them to get the assistance they seek. In the foyer, we also provide a free telephone and computer to make the process of taking action and making connections easier.

The information sheets can also be downloaded from the NNC website. This means NNC information can reach people and agencies across Sydney at any time.

In 2013, we conducted two month-long surveys on the questions and issues brought to the Front Counter by our service users. Between these surveys and the use of information sheets both from the foyer and the website, we get an insight into the issues that are most prevalent amongst those using the Front Counter. The results of these surveys are shown here.

We see that the agency is used fairly evenly between men and women. Homelessness and housing related issues are significant, comprising 20% of the questions at the Front Counter. Emergency Assistance, which can involve: connecting people with food aid; help with electricity payments; and other essentials of daily living, represent another 20% of the assistance sought at the Front Counter. These statistics indicate that homelessness, insecure housing and financial hardship remain a significant and concerning issues in our local community.

Front Counter Statistics

Male 3,515

Female 3,145

Total 6,660

Issue / Area of Request Total

Homelessness 437

Housing 942

Drugs/Alcohol 272

Emergency Relief 1,447

Employment 146

Domestic Violence 194

Legal Issues 214

Health and Mental Health 485

Other Issues 476

Other Assistance (e.g phone cards assistance, computer assistance, general enquiries)

2,047

Total 6,660

Assisted Referrals Total

Homelessness 183

Housing/Tenancy 362

Drugs/Alcohol/Addiction 77

Emergency Assistance (non-housing) 357

Employment 81

Domestic Violence 80

Legal Issues 93

Health/Mental Health 179

Other Issues 142

Total 1,554

Front Counter Foyer Resource Sheets Total

Accommodation Services folder 1,168

General Community Services folder 712

Essential Services folder 1,588

Drugs and Alcohol Services folder 372

Total 3,890

Photo Nicola Bailey. Kindly supplied by Newtown Precinct Business Association.

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1514 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc COMMUNITy DEVElOPMENTCOMMUNITy DEVElOPMENT

Tai ChiTai Chi continues to be popular at the Centre. Suzanne, our volunteer Tai Chi teacher, brings her knowledge and, most importantly, her enthusiasm to provide an atmosphere of serenity. Group members have now gained sufficient skills that they sometimes lead the tai chi exercises themselves.

Art @ NewtownThis year, ART @ Newtown has grown splendidly under the leadership of Debra, the art therapist. Currently they are independently developing a large canvas art work for display at the Centre, a reflection of their growing artistic confidence and creativity.

Wrap with Love (knitting blankets for cold humanity) Enthusiastic members of our Wrap with Love group knit emergency relief blankets. Experienced knitters serve as mentors to others to learn knitting skills. The group is open to anyone who wants to be involved. Wrapper Meng Soh predicts that 2013 will set a new record for blankets created. This year the Wrap with Love initiative celebrated 20 years of operation.

One Stop ShopThe One Stop Shop is both a hub for accessing essential services and an opportunity for community members to come together in a safe and welcoming setting. At the One Stop Shop people can access our regular outreach services such as Centrelink; Housing NSW; Women & Girls Emergency Centre; Telstra Phone Cards; and our Computer Lab.

Anglicare emergency relief is always popular and the introduced appointment has led to new people accessing this much needed assistance. This year Inner West Tenants Advocacy Service also started at the One Stop Shop.

We have also introduced one-off guest visits to the One Stop Shop this year. NSW health workers attended to provide information on mental health services. Richmond PRA, who offer people who are living with a disability the opportunity for greater access to employment, also attended. From that visit, three boarding house clients gained employment.

Food ConnectNNC continues to be a city partner for Food Connect, providing a convenient pickup location for subscribers. It has become increasingly popular, offering the community fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables whilst supporting farmers and agriculture in the Sydney Basin.

Newtown Agency GroupThe number of services attending the Newtown Agency Group (NAG) has grown this year to 25. NAG has guest speakers on new community programs and initiatives. NAG is a chance to share information and build new partnerships. Thanks to our guest presenters: The Benevolent Society; Medicare Local; The Attorney General’s Office; MTC Work Solutions; and our Boarding House Services Team.

Issue Based Community BBQs Community BBQs this year have been on the issues of Mental Health Month, Pet Care, the One Stop Shop, International Women’s Day, Men’s Health, IDAHO Day and Flu Vaccines. The BBQ creates an opportunity to build understanding of important topics in society today.

DIy Rainbow CrossingNNC also participated in the DIY Rainbow Crossing movement. DIY Rainbow Crossings had been popping up all around Sydney, spreading across Australia and throughout the world. NNC invited people to create a chalk rainbow crossing which ended up including staff, community members, children and a few dogs. The event at NNC was to celebrate the Equal Love movement, fostering acceptance and raising awareness and inclusion. Many members of the community left messages of love, tolerance and acceptance.

Sydney Homeless Connect ExpoNNC participated in Sydney Homeless Connect Expo which brings together many services that provide support to Sydney’s homeless. Our kiosk was to let people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness know of services and support available to them at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. We saw approximately 60 people on the day.

The One Stop Shop even introduced a hair cutting service with our professional volunteer Pam giving that extra edge for people attending job interviews or appointments. Visitors to the One Stop Shop can sit, have lunch with sandwiches provided by Oz Harvest, have coffee or tea, play chess and develop new friendships.

Domestic Violence OutreachJean’s Place Outreach Program continues to provide a drop-in service for women and children escaping domestic violence. It is held on Thursdays so their clients can also access the many services at the One Stop Shop.

Low Cost Counselling support at NNCFour experienced counsellors provided counselling support. Sophie, Penelope and Jo volunteer their time and experience to community members who otherwise may not be able to access counselling. Gentle Youth & Family Solutions (GYFS) also provided counselling and mental health support work to people in need. We say farewell and congratulations to Amy of GYFS who is leaving us to take up a scholarship to complete her Master’s degree overseas.

Accommodation BoardOur accommodation list of affordable housing in the Inner West is highly valued by services and consumers alike. The list goes out to 40 community and government services each week. It assists people who are facing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness to find low cost accommodation. Chris the volunteer has been providing this great service and we appreciate his incredible commitment to compiling the list each week.

ATO Tax HelpTax Help celebrates 25 years of providing free support. NNC has been a partner in this much-needed program for approximately 10 years. Thank you to our Tax Help Volunteer and the ATO.

It has been exciting to fill the role of the Community Development Coordinator since January when Katie Yealland started her maternity leave.

Front CounterThe front counter, being the first contact point for enquiries and referral, is constantly a buzz of excitement and challenges. Visitors are able to access vital information on Accommodation, Essential Services, Drug and Alcohol Addiction and much more. Volunteers and students work tirelessly to keep this information up to date. Special thanks go to our long-term, loyal volunteers Judith, Sue and Jackie.

OUR SPACE Inner West Women’s GroupThe women’s group provides emotional and social support. It is an open space for all women to drop in. The group is led by Penelope, our volunteer counsellor. Recently group members participated in a general consultation on women’s services with Leichhardt Women’s service, Relationships Australia and NNC staff.

TAFE Outreach Computer CourseThe partnership between TAFE Outreach computer class and NNC is into its third year. Community members learn the vital computer skills needed today. The participants who attend the classes have been mature aged; people living with a disability or mental illness; and culturally diverse.

English ConversationStudents ranged from people needing beginner’s conversational skills to international students wanting coaching to interview for employment. Sadly, our volunteer teacher Janice stopped facilitating the classes due to health reasons. We thank her for all the years that she gave to the class and wish her all the best. Classes will resume soon as we have a new volunteer teacher ready to start.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTby Helen Hwang, Community Development Coordinator

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1716 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc MARRICKVIllE GROWS

Milk Crate TheatreThe weekly workshops have continued and NNC has hosted three community shows in 2013 with audiences of over 100 people. Three Newtown workshop members auditioned and were selected to perform in the main ensemble performance with MCT and are continuing their involvement. Workshop numbers are now 10–14 people per session and we have received great feedback from participants and audience members at the shows.

IDAHO & This Is OzOn 17 May, we hosted an evening BBQ with outdoor projections as part of IDAHO Day (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia). The event was run in partnership with ACON’s Anti Violence Project to help promote their This Is Oz campaign. This is an online photo gallery where people can help fight discrimination against Australia’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community and celebrate IDAHO Day. The evening consisted of an outdoor paste-up gallery and projections from the This Is Oz campaign onto the NNC building. It was great to connect further with the GLBTQI community. We also ran a photo workshop at Newtown Community Market where people could get their picture taken supporting the This Is Oz campaign.

MARRICKVILLE GROWSby Emily Walpole, Community Development Coordinator

Station Street We first engaged with tenants at Station Street, a large social housing block of 64 units, two years ago. Since then we have worked with tenants to set up a monthly tenants group and community BBQ. In partnership with Inner West Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service, we have managed a number of improvements within the building. These include the long-awaited removal of large trees blocking light to units which prevented some tenants from opening their windows, a new intercom system, secure laundry room doors and improvements in cleaning. Carl Wydeman, the Tenants Representative, has been key in helping to ensure these improvements and creating a more cohesive feel within the building. Tenants have also created a small community garden planting herbs and veggies and worked with a local artist to produce a mural in the foyer. Carl also started a monthly newsletter for tenants to share information and connect named HUG (Housing United Group).

Picture your NeighbourLast year, we ran the Picture Your Neighbour Photography Project. This was a series of 12 workshops run by a local artist, where partic-ipants explored the theme of ‘your neighbour and community’. A great cross-section of the community attended the workshops that led to three exhibitions. Ten selected images were displayed at Newtown Festival on large vinyl banners. We also had an outdoor paste-up gallery of images that were displayed over three months. We held a celebration evening displaying all the participants’ best pieces in the main hall at NNC. Over 80 people attended. The workshops were a space for people to learn and share skills and to connect with neighbours creatively. A blog documenting the project can be found at www.pictureyourneighbour.wordpress.com.

Photo Kerstin Legoll. Kindly supplied by Newtown Precinct Business Association.

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2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 1918 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc MARRICKVIllE GROWS

Carl sadly passed away on 25th August 2013. Carl was, among many other things, the Tenant Representative for a large Social Housing block on Station Street, Newtown. I first met Carl within my role as a

Community Development Coordinator when I visited 31 Station Street, to try and connect with tenants. I ran a BBQ at the building, where I got talking to Carl who raised a number of issues regarding the safety and maintenance of the block which was very run-down.

We began working together and Carl became the driving force for positive change within the building. So many improvements have been made including a new intercom system, removal of trees impacting on the health of tenants, new secure laundry room doors, fixed security doors, improvements in communal cleaning, the introduction of a tenants newsletter, monthly BBQs, a community garden and a mural. Carl always tried to connect with tenants to offer any

advice or support that he could. I cannot say enough good things about this utterly selfless man who genuinely wanted to help those around him. He understood the complex needs faced by many of the tenants in the building and despite himself being vision impaired and a wheelchair user, he always worked fairly to help others.

Carl was passionate about his work at Station Street. He told me one day that he just wanted people to feel like they had a home they could be proud of, a place they would want to invite family and friends to, somewhere to feel safe.

I believe that Carl helped create a better place for people. Carl has always inspired me with his courage and attitude and I believe that his efforts will not be forgotten, and that the great work he introduced will continue. He will be greatly missed by so many people, but he will always be remembered as a great man that people will feel proud to have known.

Thank you Carl, I will miss you.

Emily WalpoleCommunity Development Coordinator for Marrickville Grows

Community KitchenOne ongoing issue for a number of clients is food security, and the ability to access healthy nutritional food. A number of organisations including NNC came together to discuss ways we could help address this. A partnership was formed bringing together myself, BHOP staff at NNC, Medicare Local, Mission Australia and Sydney Local Health District. After initial research and consultation with community members, we set up a ten week program at the community kitchen at Common Ground in Camperdown. Over ten weeks, eight participants learnt new skills, shared knowledge and became comfortable within the space. We are now looking at how we can support a more permanent Community Kitchen.

Walking GroupThe walking group has continued their weekly walks, clocking up over 130km since January. The group reached regular numbers of 8–10 walkers but since the temperatures have dropped, so have the numbers, so this spring there will be a new recruitment drive.

Bike ShedLast year NNC received a $6,000 grant from StreetSmart to help set up and run a community bike shed. The Petersham Bike Shed was officially opened on 21 March 2013. A further $1,000 grant from the Mayor of Marrickville helped buy extra tools and parts for the bike shed. Over 40 people attended the opening, including Mayor of Marrickville Councillor Victor Macri. We have employed Gary Greinke on a part-time basis to help establish the Bike Shed and skill up participants. There are now over 15 members signed up and the bike shed has already given a number of local boarding house residents access to bikes. A number of the participants have been involved in designing and building bike trailers to help raise funds for the bike shed.

Tribute to Carl WydemanMARRICKVILLE GROWS

Photo Nicola Bailey. Kindly supplied by Newtown Precinct Business Association.

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 2120 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc MUlTICUlTURAl NEIGHBOUR AID: GREEKMUlTICUlTURAl NEIGHBOUR AID: GREEK

Aged Day Care Centre Tuesday and Thursday

Number of clients 60-70

Hours of support/Client coordination 12,809

Number of meetings 96

Greek Speaking Men’s Group

Number of clients 17-19

Hours of support 2,200


Outings 10

Meals

Number of meals 730

Outings

Total number of clients 418


Number of outings 23

Transport

Door-to-door pick up 27-30

Passenger trips 73

Home Library Service

Services provided a year 96

Hours of service per week 10

Multicultural Dementia and Support Group

Average number of clients/carers per meeting

10-15

Number of 2 hour sessions 11

Community Education SessionsThe project provides ongoing information to members, in order for them to make better decisions on wellbeing, health and legal issues. Every year we ask our members what they would like to do and which organisations to invite as guest speakers. Among the many events held this year, a highlight was the Health Information Day targeting Greek speaking men held at Marrickville Town Hall. The presentations were given by health professionals and were designed to increase awareness of health issues and the importance of regular checkups. An Emotional Health and Wellbeing seminar for the elderly was organised this year in order to encourage the elderly members to get assistance and support if needed. Both sessions have received positive feedback by the participants.

Staff and VolunteersI would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful volunteers including our bus Supervisors Irene Sotiriou and Rena Hristodoulou for supporting the transport service and the frail members. Thanks too to our senior’s day care centre volunteers for preparing morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and setting up the hall twice a week. Without the ongoing support of the volunteers, the service would not be able to function.

A special thanks to George Zantis and Chris Floudas, the seniors day care assistants for their ongoing commitment to the project.

Working in PartnershipOn behalf of the project, I would also like to acknowledge our partnership with the Multicultural Health Service at Marrickville Health Centre (Sydney Local Area Health Network) and a special thank you to Freeda Economidis for her ongoing commitment in supporting the service.

MULTICULTURAL NEIGHBOUR AID: GREEKby Marie Kostov, Multicultural Neighbour Aid: Greek Coordinator

Tuesday and Thursday The gatherings take place on a weekly basis at Herb Greedy Hall. Clients have the opportunity to interact with other members and participate in activities and events such as: information sessions with guest speakers; door-to-door transport; recreational outings; communal luncheons; and a library service which includes Greek newspapers, books and magazines. Resources are available in English and Greek.

Support Group for Greek Speaking Men The weekly men-only meeting focuses on health issues, and encourages social inclusion. The meetings are facilitated by a Greek-speaking male worker, which offers the group members time away from their carers. Structured activities include: monthly recreational outings, relaxation music including traditional Greek music and access to our library. Guest speakers are organised in consultation with the group. The promotion of health and wellbeing among men over 55 is an important part in the group.

Outreach ActivitiesWe encourage our members to meet outside the seniors day care centre for a coffee and a chat at each other’s homes or at their local coffee shop. Our volunteers and staff make regular phone contact with our frail members when they are unable to attend the day care centre.

Support Group for People with DementiaThe DeSteel Café Group meets on a monthly basis in a relaxed informal atmosphere. Carers, family members and people with dementia can together attend the monthly gathering, to talk with each other and with various health professionals. Resources are also available at each meeting. This is a joint initiative with the Inner West Dementia Advisory Services, Marrickville Council, UnitingCare Ageing, Sydney Local Health Services and the Multicultural Neighbour Aid: Greek project.

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 2322 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc MNA: COMMUNITIES FROM FORMER yUGOSlAVIAMNA: COMMUNITIES FROM FORMER yUGOSlAVIA

Seniors Develop New FriendshipsThis year the group had a number of joint outings with a group that meets at Dee Why and is part of Manly Warringah Pittwater Community Aid Service. A number of seniors from the two groups have developed friendships and continue to have social interaction outside the group gatherings.

Newtown Transport ProjectThe day care members participated in a small qualitative study exploring public and community transport use in Newtown and its surrounds. This was conducted by the Council of Social Service of New South Wales (NCOSS). This study was linked with the ‘All Aboard NSW’ campaign to improve access to public transport across Sydney neighbourhoods.

Community Partners ProjectThis year under the Community Partners Program, we worked with Sydney Multicultural Community Service, developing and improving access to aged care services for the aged and their carers from the Culturally And Linguistically Diverse communities and Manly Warringah Pittwater Community Aid Service.

I would like to thank my staff for your ongoing commitment and dedication to our day care centre participants: Day Care Assistants Mirjana Malesevic and Zorica Pavlovic as well as Susan Kennett for all her support with the NA project. To our invaluable volunteers who make the day care centre run so well: thank you all for your support and enthusiasm during the year, and thanks as well to all of our guest speakers at the Day Care Centre.

Case example: A spritely Yugoslav woman aged 88 years spoke about how she valued her mobility and didn’t want to stay inside her home all day. Instead she travelled around Sydney using trains and buses and a walking stick. She commented on how she enjoyed the experience of public transport and the feelings of freedom and independence it gives her.

From News from Newtown: NCOSS Transport Project, Council of Social Service of New South Wales (NCOSS), July 2013.

Seniors Day Care

Number of clients 72

Hours of support/client care coordination 10,856


Meals

Number of meals 649

Outings

Number of outings 15

Total Number of clients 319


Transport

Passenger trips 852

Number of pick-ups 30

Home Library Service

Items borrowed 91

Weeks provided 28

Wrap With Love Knitting Group

Wraps/blankets knitted 56

Voluntary hours to produce wraps 7,050

“The group is very important especially for us who live alone; socialising, information and outings have an influence on our wellbeing and positive attitude to life.”

by Dushanka Dobrich, Multicultural Neighbour Aid: Communities from Former Yugoslavia Coordinator

The Multicultural Neighbour Aid Project is for people from the Communities from Former Yugoslavia who are elderly and frail aged and for their carers as well. It provides opportunities for practical and emotional support, assistance, information and the companionship of meeting and socialising with each other. The project enables people to continue to live independently at home and to remain active and involved members of their communities.

Monday and Thursday Seniors Day Care CentreCentre-based day care provides an opportunity for clients to participate in social interactions, information sessions, interactive games, morning tea and light lunch. These activities are designed to support social activity and independent living, providing an opportunity for the socially isolated elderly to interact with their peers and at the same time provide respite for their carers.

The two day care centres include the following activities:

» Recreational Outings » Communal Luncheons » Transport Service » Home Library Service » Information and Referral Service

Volunteer Knitting Group Wrap with LoveThis group consists of community-minded volunteers that regularly meet on Mondays and Thursdays to knit woollen blanket ‘wraps’ at the Centre, while others knit at home. The wraps they create are sent to people in need in Australia and around the world. Our knitters display their creative work and share their skills with others at such community events as: Seniors Week Health and International Women’s Day celebration and the ABC Knit-In. In all, they contributed an amazing 7,050 volunteer hours last year.

MULTICULTURAL NEIGHBOUR AID: COMMUNITIES FROM FORMER YUGOSLAVIA

Volunteer Visitors and Telephone ContactVolunteers contact house-bound elderly who are unable to attend the Day Care Centre on a monthly basis or visit them when in hospital or move to the nursing home. The volunteers undertake regular training and are supervised by the Neighbour Aid Coordinator who monitors the needs of the elderly and provides information as requested.

Seniors Week and Special EventsOur seniors also attended Seniors Week, including the Health and Wellbeing Expo, Marrickville Council Concert and Luncheon, Premier’s Christmas Gala Concert, International Women’s Day, Carers Week, Volunteer events, special religious and cultural celebrations, and a fundraising event for Biggest Morning Tea.

Oral history “Food from Home” projectMembers of our seniors day care group participated in an oral history project “Food from Home” funded by the Open Marrickville project of Marrickville Council. We used food to celebrate the culture and diversity of our community. The project compiled favourite traditional recipes of our seniors and their particular memories of the dishes. A booklet will be made so that these delicious cultural dishes can be passed on to the generation of their grandchildren. The recipe book will also assist aged care services to provide culturally appropriate meals.

“I love to come to the group. I feel that I am alive here with my friends, we laugh, tell jokes, and play games.”

“There is no other group like this one in Sydney, harmonious and so well organised.”

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 2524 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc SHOPPING SERVICECOMMUNITY LINKING PROJECT REPORT

The aim of the NNC Shopping Service is to assist the frail aged, people living with a disability and their carers to live as independently as possible. The service prevents early placement into residential facilities and enables shoppers to remain living in their own homes. The service assists by providing three different service models, these include:

» a door to door bus service with assistance on and off the bus;

» a door to door car-assisted shopping service, for people who are unable to use the bus; and

» a list shopping service, for people who are unable to get out to the shops.

The service is funded by the Australian and NSW Governments to provide a service to residents of the Marrickville Local Government Area.

Due to extra funding during the year, social day outings were also offered to shoppers. These have been popular with the regular shoppers. In addition to the day outings, the shoppers’ first Christmas Party was held at Tom Foster Community Centre. All enjoyed catching up with friends and having a delicious lunch.

This year we said farewell to Paul Di Benedetto as permanent Bus Assistant. Paul made improvements to Work Health and Safety issues during his time as bus assistant by providing the heavy lifting and ensuring the safety of the shoppers. He left for a holiday in Europe and we all wish him well for the future.

We welcomed Sue Roxon as the new Bus Assistant. Sue is an experienced physiotherapist and is an active person eager to contribute to her local community.

We attended the following interagency meetings during the year:

» Marrickville Aged Services Committee » Marrickville/Canterbury HACC forum

The Shopping Service staff and volunteers, who include Kerry Muldoon, Robin Wicks, Mirjana Malesevic, Paul Di Benedetto, Susan Roxan, Sara Di Terlizzi, Susan Kennett, Tom Newell, Linden Braye, Tony Faria and Rex Secombe, would like to say it has been a pleasure providing the Shopping Service throughout the year and we hope to see our shoppers in the future.

Shopping Bus Service

Clients 98

Journeys 301

Hours spent shopping (approx) 4,500

Assisted Shopping Service

Clients 21

Journeys 768

Hours spent shopping (approx) 768

List Shopping Service

Clients 4

Hours spent shopping 200

SHOPPING Serviceby Kerry Muldoon, Shopping Coordinator


2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 2726 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc COMMUNITy lINKING PROJECTCOMMUNITy lINKING PROJECT

The Community Linking Project (CLP) provides person-centred direct services to residents of Assisted Boarding Houses and residents of Disability Supported Accommodation. CLP also provides a broad range of transport assistance and support for Assisted Boarding House residents in the Inner West.

The CLP team consists of seven part-time staff operating from two locations: an office based in St Peters and an art studio at the Addison Road Centre, Marrickville. Over the year, we worked closely with a total of 135 residents that have a disability and/or are frail aged, in order to support them set and achieve personal goals, develop skills and make links to activities and services in the community. CLP services are delivered across four program areas:

Active Linking Initiative (ALI) ALI supports residents of two Assisted Boarding Houses in Marrickville. This year we welcomed Kim Purkis as Project Facilitator for the ALI service. A highlight of the year for a number of residents was accessing local supported employment. ALI Project Facilitators provided, amongst others, travel training, assistance with the application process as well as interview and induction support to 12 residents throughout the year. Other social activities included the bus trip to Echo Point in the Blue Mountains, and the ‘great nights out’ attended by residents and staff at the Abba and Tom Jones tribute concerts.

The highlight for the staff this year was supporting residents to be consulted on Draft Boarding House Bill and Draft 2012 and the Draft Boarding House Regulation and Regulatory Impact Statement 2013.

Community Based Activities (CBA)CBA supports residents of Disability Supported Accommodation in Merrylands and Lidcome. Some of the highlights of the year for the residents were the Cherry Blossoms at the Japanese Garden, the girls-only pamper day at the Mary MacKillop International Women’s Day event, the boys-only night out at the Vivid Festival Cruise, a picnic and day out at Featherdale Wildlife Park and an afternoon of fun at the Stardust circus. This year we added baking to the list of quiet in-house activities. These activities aim to support skills development and confidence, as well as provide a focus for social interaction among the residents and staff.

Kites and Art Group at Tom Foster Kites and Art Group at Tom Foster are Home and Community Care programs that support the social interaction, independence, skills development and community engagement of residents of Assisted Boarding Houses in the Inner West. The focus of both groups is artistic expression and skills development in a safe, supported and sociable setting. The Kites group also regularly go on small group outings to places of particular artistic interest or natural beauty such as wild flower gardens. One of the highlights for the Kites participants this year was a visit to the Damien Minton Gallery in Redfern to see the exhibited works of their friend and long time art group participant Clarrice Collien.

COMMUNITY LINKING PROJECTby Carol Hamilton, Community Linking Project Manager

Photo Amber Murley. Kindly supplied by Newtown Precinct Business Association.

Roomies Art SpaceRoomies Art Space is a not-for-profit supported art studio located within the Addison Road Centre, Marrickville. RAS is under the auspice of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and enables artists with an intellectual disability or mental illness access to professional artistic development. There were a number of highlights for RAS this year including the repainting of the inside of the studio, a very successful small grant funded Open Arts workshop program, and the launch of the Roomies website at the NNC 2012 AGM. Without doubt, the biggest highlight of the year was being one of only 15 organisations in NSW to receive a grant from the 2013 NSW Arts and Disability Funding Program to deliver a 16 week project of arts workshops and an exhibition of artworks in a commercial gallery.

2012–2013 ALI BH CBA Total

Residents 45 29 14 88

Occasions of service 12,348 3,714 920 16,982

Hours of service 5,756 3,659 2,905 12,320

LCTG transport trips 2,027 234 N/A 2,261

2012–2013 ALI BH CBA Total

Avg. number of residents 45 29 14 88

Avg. occasions of service 3,054 230 921 4,205

Avg. hours of service 1,062 583 557 2,202

Avg. LCTG transport trips 507 59 566 1,132

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 2928 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc BOARDING HOUSE SERVICESBOARDING HOUSE SERVICES

and the Woolloomooloo Integrated Service Hub (WISH), providing an outreach service to people who reside in boarding houses or who are looking to access boarding house accommodation.

We have had several morning/afternoon teas at various boarding houses in most LGAs to promote the service and to meet the owners/operators to discuss ways we can work together to help occupants sustain their tenancy.

BHOP has been present at all Forums to meet with new owners/operators to establish partnerships and case management support to occupants.

The Boarders and Lodgers project increased outputs across a number of measures (see table below). In addition, collaborations and partnerships with other of key agencies were expanded or further confirmed. Of particular note are the relationships with Newtown Mission, All Saints Anglican Church at St Peters and Baptist Community Services.

Borders and Lodgers project

2011 - 2012

2012 – 2013

Average Number of Residents 39 47

Average Occasions of Service 287 443

Average Hours of Service 659 970

The Brokerage project, which received funds from a collaboration with Mission Australia’s Rawson Project, has been able to assist people who are at risk of homelessness, or who are looking to access set up costs for new rental. Most of the core business is rent arrears and bond assistance. The brokerage is for people residing in or moving into the Inner West. Part of the service is negotiating with and building relationships with Real Estate Agents, Owners/Managers of Boarding Houses and Housing NSW. As it is a one-off payment we ensure that a tenancy can be established for medium to long-term accommodation, and that it is sustainable for the client.

Working with systemic sector issues, and in particular engaging with boarding house operators, we organised forums for boarding house operators in the Inner West, with speakers from ADHC, Fair Trading and local councils. We also received a small grant from

This has been a year of growth and expansion for the Boarding House Services team at NNC. The project secured additional Housing Action Plan (HAP) funding, and as a result recruited more staff with an increased focus on women in boarding house services.

The increased funding allowed us to revise the structure of NNC’s activities in this area, and the ‘old’ BHOP (Boarding House Outreach Project), to become one part of our increasing activities in the boarding house sector. A number of additional posts were created including a Team Leader position to lead the BHOP case workers, and ensure a quality case work service; a new Women’s worker role to increase the focus on women; and we developed a Resource and Development role to focus on work with boarding house operators.

The Boarding House Services team at NNC now consists of the following staffed projects:

» BHOP – case work support service which now includes a worker focusing specifically on women;

» Boarders and Lodgers project which is Marrickville based, focusing on people with disabilities and the frail aged living in boarding houses;

» Mission Australia-funded brokerage project for assisting people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in the Inner West;

» Boarding House operator engagement, (City of Sydney) which has organised forums with operators and developed resources for the sector’s occupants and operators.

A major external background influence to this growth and change has of course been the introduction of the Boarding House Bill 2012, which was fully enacted on 30 June 2013 and is set to bring about massive changes and improvements to the boarding house sector in NSW over the next few years.

The Boarding House Services team has achieved great successes across the range of activities we have been engaged in. The BHOP team has actively met with services in the City of Sydney, Marrickville, Ashfield, Canterbury and Burwood LGAs. We had a regular spot at Exodus in Ashfield, Eddie Dixon Paddington

the City of Sydney to help focus on operators within the City of Sydney; and hosted a forum where the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, Fair Trading and the City were able to address operators and respond to questions about the new legal regime and inspection compliance issues.

These forums targeting boarding house operators are the only forums across the State that we know of that have sought to speak directly to boarding house operators. Over the coming year we want to build and develop an idea of Champion boarding house operators to further promote systemic change in this sector.

NNC is also involved in a number of other activities to bring about improvements to the sector:

» We are active members of the Boarding House Act Implementation Committee

» We are active members of BHEAG (Boarding House Expert Advisory Group), and CASA (Coalition for Appropriate Supported Accommodation) and we convene the Marrickville based Make this a Home Coalition, with a focus on local boarding house issues.

» We’ve made submissions to the draft Boarding House Bill, the draft regulations and draft occupancy agreements amongst others.

Boarding House Services by Paul Adabie, Boarding House Services Manager

This has been an amazingly busy year for boarding house activities at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. We’ve been busy with our own growth and negotiating our way through the short-term funding contracts that provide a backdrop of insecurity to staff on the ground; busy working with clients and striving to get the best possible outcomes; and busy in responding to the legal and policy changes that have dominated the year.

The year ahead will be equally challenging with the Going Home Staying Home reform process to get through, alongside continuing to work with clients during the upheaval and filter down effects the new legal and policy changes bring to the sector.

We have, however, a strong and dedicated team who have passion for the work they do, and are keen to see the benefits and improvements that have been so long in the making finally coming to fruition.


2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 3130 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc OPERATIONSNEWTOWN FESTIVAL REPORT

Operationsby Barbara Keen, Operations Manager

It’s been a busy year in Operations, with consolidation of a new financial management system, improved security measures, the continued development of Newtown Community Market and a structured volunteering program.

Finance & GovernanceNNC has established a business relationship with Matrix On Board to provide financial management and bookkeeping services. The new finance system ensures that NNC can continue to meet its statutory obligations while also providing a solid basis for future growth. The results of this new system are improved financial reports which will assist planning and budgeting, as well as streamlined accounts and payroll processes which are delivering considerable time and cost efficiencies. NNC has also recently established an association with Herbert Smith Freehills and we are very grateful for the pro-bono legal support provided by this organisation.

InfrastructureNNC continues to offer two rooms for use by the public and these facilities are regularly hired by private and community groups. To enhance security in the main Newtown building, a new electronic keylock system was installed in January 2013. In addition to its head office, NNC continues to operate the Community Linking Project from the St Peters Library building in Sydenham, and has recently opened a new staff office for the Boarding House Outreach Project in Newtown. NNC is upgrading its IT infrastructure to accommodate the organisation’s growth and to ensure continuity of service. The organisation continues to operate four cars for client outreach services, and one bus which was generously donated by Marrickville Council in 2011.

Newtown Market The market at Newtown Square has developed from 12 sites in March 2012 to 30 stalls on an average Saturday. The market raises funds through stallholder fees, to help the Centre continue its work in the community. In June 2013, Marrickville Council resolved to abolish the fee that the Neighbourhood Centre is obliged to pay for the use of Newtown Square. This welcome decision means that all revenue can now be directed back to the Centre’s community initiatives.

The market aims to complement Newtown’s retail stores and provides a high-profile location where local people can sell their wares, and the community can meet and mingle. Vendors sell anything from vintage clothes and collectables, to plants and flowers, fruit and vegetables, bread and pastries, homemade biscuits, muesli and preserves, cupcakes, books, massages, CDs and more. Community action groups also take stalls: regulars include Stop CSG Sydney and Amnesty International. To add further interest to the market, NNC has recently implemented a licensed busker program known as The Corner, where local musicians have the opportunity to perform each Saturday.

NNC VolunteersThe Volunteering program has flourished this year, with 55 new volunteers recruited across all NNC departments. In addition to individual volunteers, NNC has established Corporate Volunteering Partnerships, with employee groups providing support on short-term projects. This year, corporate groups re-painted Roomies Artspace, undertook letterbox drops to promote Newtown Market, and helped NNC to launch its Friday Fun and Games activity. The Volunteering program has been enhanced by the introduction of social gatherings including Trivia Nights; these have proved highly popular as a means by which both staff and volunteers can get to know each other better in an informal environment away from the workplace. Thank you to our volunteers for their remarkable contributions!

Photo: elgazzar.com.au

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 33

NEWTOWN FESTIVALby Sue Andersen, Festival Director

»

Newtown Festival 2012 was a truly sensational day, with Camperdown Memorial Rest Park filled with more than 80,000 festival-goers celebrating Newtown’s rich culture of creativity, social activism and deep community spirit. 2012 marked the sesquicentenary of the proclamation of Newtown, and the festival was a perfect way to celebrate this amazing milestone.

As the primary fundraiser for NNC, the festival supports essential services to people in our local community. A thousand thanks to our wonderful bands, artists and volunteer workers who all did such an incredible job, and sponsors, supporters and stallholders. And a HUGE thanks to everyone who donated gold coins and notes at the festival gates.

Entertainment and ActivitiesThe 2012 festival showcased a great array of high profile and emerging musical talents across three stages, and live arts and community activities were a feature in the Vocal Local area. Kids and families were treated to school band performances, theatre shows, story telling, inflatable sculptures and other activities in the Kids Zone. Newtown’s infamous Dog Show-Off was hugely amusing and popular, with a good selection of serious and not so serious dog competitions. The Eco Village increased its footprint at the festival with more sustainability features, including onsite bike valet parking, ‘try-a-bike’, and a big cycling games arena.

StallsFestival crowds were also treated to a great variety of over 250 market stalls across the site, and 50 food stalls selling a delicious variety of international cuisines. Important enterprising

community organisations were encouraged to participate in the festival by being given a free stall space at the Vocal Local community area.

Going Cleaner and GreenerWe are committed to a high level of environmental responsibility:

» No bottled water

» Only biodegradable food packaging used

» Biodiesel used in all generators

» Recycling waste streams

» Worm farm for compostable waste – 75% of all festival recyclable food waste is fed to those slippery little critters

» Educational sustainability workshops

» Bike valet parking and other bike-related activities

In 2012, NNC took the bold step of making a stand against the commercialisation of water and massive plastic bottle waste by committing Newtown Festival to be bottled water free. The festival did not permit the sale of bottled water – Sydney Water provided refill stations serving FREE tap water throughout the event. Impressive statistics were achieved:

» 1,500 bottles were filled and another 10,000 recyclable cups of water were served – a total of 2,750 litres.

» If people bought this amount of bottled water, it would represent 44kg of landfill (assuming a consistent recycling rate of 37%) with another 6,875L of water required to produce the plastic bottles.

» People also saved $4,675 (based on average supermarket prices for bottled water!)

“From all the festivals I've done so far which is quite a few, this one was by far the best organised.” Stallholder

NEWTOWN FESTIVAl

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 3534 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc

SponsorshipNNC would like to say a huge thank you to all of our 2012 festival sponsors:

Level Company/Organisation What was provided

Major Marrickville Council In kind waste services

Silver City of Sydney Grant

Love Police In kind design & artwork for festival

Bronze Zen Studios Backline equipment for all stages & PA for the Kids

Better Read Than Dead Writers Tent

Signwave In-kind production of signage

Dendy Cash

Media Drum Media In kind media coverage

FBi Radio In kind media coverage

Inner West Courier In kind media coverage

2SER In kind media coverage

Time Out Site activation & small cash

Community The Watershed, Planet Ark, and The Bower

Eco: DIY green cleaning demos, Swap Party and live sculpture.

Sassy Treats Dog Show coordination

Local Businesses

Courthouse Hotel Cash

Marlborough Hotel Cash

Town Hall Hotel Cash

Bank Hotel Cash

Carlisle Castle Hotel Cash

Sampling Lipton Ice Tea Cash

VolunteersThe festival continues to attract a fantastic volunteer crew of approximately 120 people, each enthusiastic to support this important community event. The volunteers were deployed across numerous roles including Traffic & Stalls Management, Stage Management, Area Coordination and the all important gold coin team.

“Thanks so much for having me! I had such a great time – perfect weather, good friends, great music!”

ADVOCACY

Marketing and PromotionDrum Media, Inner West Courier, FBi radio and 2SER radio were again the primary media partners for the 2012 Newtown Festival. The festival is extremely grateful for the support of these partners.

The festival increased its social media reach in 2012 which was highly successful, using Facebook linked to Twitter as its platforms and many online ‘what’s on’ lists and event websites.

The Festival website received unprecedented activity:

» 42,655 programmes downloaded » 6,000 maps downloaded » 1,215,000 website hits

NEWTOWN FESTIVAL

» strengthening ageing disability and home care officers’ power of entry into assisted boarding houses to improve monitoring; and

» increased penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre is a member of the Boarding House Implementation Committee which includes other NGO and Government partners, and is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the Act.

Newtown Train StationThe Hon. Carmel Tebbutt MP helped us celebrate the opening of the newly accessible Newtown train station. The lift between the concourse and the platform means more people can now access services at the Centre, and Newtown generally. The event was covered in the Inner West Courier in November 2012.

Back in 2006, we decided to highlight the ongoing accessibility problems that members of our community encounter at Newtown Railway station. In 2007, the then Labor State Government confirmed that Newtown Station would become an easy-access station. This project was a joint community effort by many different groups, with thanks going to local residents, local member The Hon. Carmel Tebbutt MP, The Hon. Penny Sharp MLC, Marrickville Council, Marrickville Access Committee, Marrickville Seniors Reference Group, South Sydney Herald, the Inner West Courier and especially Glenn Redmayne and the late Trevor Davies.

The vision of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre is “a just community that includes and acts”. To reach such a vision NNC advocates on issues where parts of our community face the injustice of exclusion. Through consultation with those most affected, we strive to bring forward emerging issues affecting our community, to provide forums where people’s views can be heard and to develop constructive initiatives towards a fairer, more just society where all can participate.

Boarding House ReformThe Boarding House Bill 2012 was fully enacted on 30 June 2013. Its key purpose is to protect the rights of residents living in all boarding houses and promote the sustainability of the boarding house industry in NSW. It is a major and far-reaching reform that affects all levels of government. It is set to bring about massive improvements to the boarding house sector in NSW over the next few years.

The changes included: » the mandatory introduction of written occupancy agreements for residents living in boarding houses;

» residents and operators right to access the CTTT to resolve disputes;

» the establishment of an accessible Central Boarding House Register with the Department Fair Trading;

» regulations and safeguards to improve the rights of vulnerable people living in assisted boarding houses;


NEWTOWN FESTIVAl ADVOCACy

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 3736 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc COMMUNICATIONSCOMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre believes that effective communication fosters a stronger and more inclusive community. Through communi-cation, we aim to inform members of our local community about the services that we provide as well as raise the profile of issues and concerns that have been identified by community members. In order to achieve this, we utilise different formats, such as websites, social media, newsletters, brochures and media outlets.

Sydneyvision Song Contest The third annual Sydneyvision Song Contest was sold out at Dendy Newtown with over 200 people in attendance. Hosted by “international celebrities” Constantina Chernenka and Yuri Andropov, the event brought together fourteen finalists in NNC’s music video competition that pits suburb versus suburb to find the winning Song of Sydney. In a cheesy nod to the high cultural standards of the Eurovision Song Contest that inspired this event, each year artists must also include a requisite element. Videos submitted in 2012 had to include one of: a shameless wink at the camera; flinging off an item of clothing during the song; or blowing a sleazy kiss. Several entrants attempted all three which surely meant they ran the risk of actually ending up as Belgium’s entry at Eurovision.

First place went at long last to a Newtown entry. “Shooting Words” by Nova and the Experience was both a beautiful song and beautifully filmed around the Newtown area. Second place went to the alliteratively impressive “Ken’s Karate Klub” of Kensington by The Troubled Romantics. Their video starred a small orgy of Ken dolls in the lead roles. Third place went to the family rappers Pee-K Dee Day & DJ Jazzylegs with their “Magical Journey (Rock’en More)”. This ode was Enmore’s answer to Newtown’s pretensions, with lines such as “Newtown may have cool bars but we have the Cat Protection Society.” The People’s Choice was utterly the people’s choice, with Dan Shaumann’s humorous and charming “Merry in Old Merrylands Today” capturing staggering support from the voting crowd on the night.

Nova reported that one of the many highlights of the evening for him was getting the small, subtle Sydneyvision trophy (see photo) back home afterwards by public transport. Thanks as always to Dendy Newtown for their fabulous support of this event and to the Board of Management’s James Thomas for his extraordinary ability to manufacture a better and even bigger trophy each year.

NNC NewsletterThe voice of NNC in the community, we covered themes of: Men’s Health; Housing and Homelessness; One Stop Shop; Newsletter Survey; Equal Love Rights; and Health. Each edition covers available resources and how we are progressing on these issues. There is a real community feel to the newsletter, covering stories that touch people’s lives. The newsletter is read by a variety of different stakeholders, from volunteers to local businesses, and is consistently popular at the Centre. There are various modes of delivery – by post, picked up by hand and downloaded from our website.

NNC WebsiteThe NNC website has continued to progress and expand over the past year. We have made more helpful changes to meet our clients’ needs. Our website, Facebook and Twitter pages continue to be very popular. Sydneyvision Song Contest has developed their own website. The Newtown Festival website has a new look as well. NNC has increased the quantity of material available to the community including current calendars of events, new publications, latest media and award content and most up-to-date projects.

We seek to advance our electronic exchanges with our community by regularly updating our information, utilising feedback and making aesthetic changes which will make our website pleasing to our clients and service providers. NNC strives to maintain high standards and will continue to expand and advance with public support.

Period 2012-2013

Total Hits

Visits Page Views

Down loads

Total: Jul 2012 – Jun 2013

3,192,920 273,326 328,780 264,530

Average/mth 290,265 24,848 29,889 24,048

At the time of writing, www.newtowncentre.org features a total of 179 pages.

Period 2011–2012

Total Hits

Visits Page Views

Down loads

Total: Jul 2011 – Jun 2012

2,749,497 226,935 299,276 157,240

Average/mth 229,124 18,911 24,940 13,103

A hit is defined as any request on your web server for any item, such as a web page or graphic. For example: when a visitor wants to see a page containing two images, they make three hits, one for the page and two for the images.

A visit is defined as accessing more than one page in a single visit.

A page view is defined as the total number of times a single NNC web page is visited.

A download is defined as the process of copying a file from an online service to one’s own computer.

Social MediaNNC utilises two forms of social media: Facebook and Twitter. We advertise programs, projects and other activities on Facebook and Twitter, to which we have received a wonderful response.

Facebook is about online networking. It connects people and organisations with each other – locally and around the world. Newtown Neighbourhood Centre’s Facebook page has been quite successful so far: 495 people clicked “Like” on our page.

Twitter instantly connects people and organisations to news most important to them. We currently have 397 “Followers” – people who track what we say on Twitter.

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 3938 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc FINANCIAl REPORT FINANCIAl REPORT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Statement of Financial Position ........................ 39Income & Expenditure Statement ................... 40Statement of Changes in Equity ....................... 41Statement of Cash Flows ................................... 41Notes to Financial Statements .........................42Statement by Members of the Committee ....46Independent Audit Report .................................47

For year ended 30 June 2013

CONTENTS

In July last year, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre made a decision to outsource its financial management to Matrix on Board. This decision was made in the context of a growing organisation, and it will help to ensure the Neighbourhood Centre is well-placed to continue to meet its statutory obligations while also planning for the future. With the assistance of Matrix, the Neighbourhood Centre has been able to make considerable improvements to its financial reporting, budgets, payroll and bookkeeping processes.

On behalf of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, I would like to offer sincere thanks to the funding bodies and organisations who make our service possible. NSW Department of Family and Community Services, including Ageing, Disability & Home Care (ADHC) and Community Services, are the main supporters of Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. We’d particularly like to thank Community Services for the increased funding for the Boarding House Outreach Project. Our gratitude also to the City of Sydney who help fund this project. NSW Trade and Investment – Arts and Disability Funding Program made the Encore Project a reality. And the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing have also provided major support to a range of projects.

Leichhardt Marrickville Community Transport Group generously provides transport to Marrickville boarding house residents; StreetSmart Australia provides essential services for boarding house residents and funds a bike shed in Marrickville; Mission Australia kindly provides brokerage services to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness; and the Mary MacKillop Foundation support the International Women’s Day event.

FINANCIAL REPORTby Wayne Tynan, Treasurer

Key support is also provided to the Neighbourhood Centre by Marrickville Council, in the form of maintenance of the Newtown building and affordable rent on the Newtown and St Peter’s properties. Newtown Community Market is starting to show potential to generate much-needed income for the Neighbourhood Centre, and we’d like to thank Marrickville Council for supporting us again this year. In June, Council generously elected to abolish the gazetted fees we were obliged to pay to use Newtown Square for this Market. Council’s decision will help us to maximise the fundraising potential of the market and for this we are very grateful. We’d also like to acknowledge the Marrickville Council Mayor’s Fund for helping develop the Petersham Bike Shed.

Newtown Festival is also supported by Marrickville Council, together with the City of Sydney. Staff and volunteers give their time and dedication to the Festival, which means more funds are available for vital community services. Westpac Banking Corporation continues to provide valuable assistance with Newtown Festival, as well as managing our funds.

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre maintains a healthy and stable financial position. I’d like to thank Lisa Burns, CEO, and all staff for their support of the Board of Management and the Centre’s activities.

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 4140 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc FINANCIAl REPORTFINANCIAl REPORT

INCOME & EXPENDITURE STATEMENT STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY & STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 4342 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc FINANCIAl REPORT

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAl REPORT

2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 4544 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc FINANCIAl REPORT FINANCIAl REPORT

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

46 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc FINANCIAl REPORT2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc 47

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT

FINANCIAl REPORT

STATEMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

48 2012–2013 Annual Report Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Inc1 Bedford Street Newtown NSW 2042 PO Box 19 Newtown NSW 2042Phone: 02 9564 7333 Fax: 02 9519 2509www.newtowncentre.org ABN: 96 884 462 833

Photo: Peter Campbell.

NEWTOWN NEIGHBOUR HOOD CENTRE

2012-2013 Annual Report

A just community that includes and acts

Report design by Jinga Design www.jingadesign.com.au

Documents

NEWTOWN NEIGHBOUR HOOD CENTRE · service, counselling, Tai Chi, English classes, computer labs, art classes and hairdressing! Trivia Nights and get-togethers have been established