Ngala Annual Report 2009-2011

ReviewIncorporating Ngala’s 120th Year

2009-2011

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Eric Kinsella

Ian Hoad

Dr Jackie Scurlock

Hon. Barbara Scott

Martin Black

Peter Young

Vicki Banham

Ashley Reid CEO commencing October 2011

Rae Walter

ChairpersonEric Kinsella BA Macq., DipSIA, FAICD, FCPA

Chairperson from 2010

Deputy Chairperson Hon. Barbara Scott

Treasurer AND Deputy Chair Ian Hoad BCOM W.Aust., CA ICAA

Appointed 2010

MembersMartin Black

Dr Jackie Scurlock

OAM, MBBS, MRCP, FRACP, FRCPCH, DCH

Peter Young LLB

Vicki Banham NZTC, Dip Ed, BaEd, M Ed, PhD

Rae Walter

B Ec, Dip Ed, MLM, GAICDPublic Officer, CEO, Ngala

Building CommitteeConvener E Kinsella

Members I Hoad, P Young, R Hawkins, R Walter, S Higgins

Professional Advisory Committee/Medical Credentialing CommitteeChairperson Dr J Scurlock

Members M Abernathy, W Oddy, Dr J Rampono, Dr V

Banham, M Jacobson, Dr L Priddis, R Walter, E Bennett

Income Generation & Marketing CommitteeChairperson M Black

Members R Walter, H Mein

Finance and Audit CommitteeConvenor I Hoad

Members E Kinsella, R Walter, S Higgins

Governance CommitteeConvenor Mr P Young

Members Dr V Banham, R Walter, E Bennett, H Mein

Board of Directors

Ngala Review 2009 – 2011

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Ngala’s Strategic Directions 2010-2015

Ngala works towards a community where:

• Children are healthy, safe, respected and

develop to their full potential.

• Parents are knowledgeable, skilled,

confident and supported.

• Parents and children enjoy positive

interactions and relationships.

What we want Ngala to beA financial, sustainable and accessible Ngala supporting

confident parenting across the Western Australian

community.

What we doNgala works with families to enhance their experience of

parenting and the development of young children.

What we are committed to and focus on• Best outcomes for children are the focus of

Ngala’s services.

• Innovation in Ngala’s service is driven by the views

of families, practice experience and research.

• Ngala’s approach is inclusive and focuses on the

strengths of communities, families, children, our staff

and volunteers.

The outcomes we want to achieve• Ngala’s range of parenting and early childhood

services is accessible and integrated.

• Parents value the service and support provided

by Ngala.

• Ngala’s growth and sustainability is underpinned by

research and partnerships with parents, communities,

funders, NGO’s, tertiary institutions and business.

• Ngala values and invests in a skilled and

interdisciplinary workforce.

• Ngala uses smart processes and systems to meet

the needs of its clients, funders and stakeholders.

© Robert Castiglione


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From the CEO

It is with pleasure that I

commend to you the 2009 to

2011 report which spans 2010

a great year of celebration

for Ngala as we glimpse back

into Ngala’s 120 year history

and achievements as House of

Mercy and Alexandra Home,

through to Ngal-A Mothercraft

Home and Training Centre,

Ngala Family Resource Centre

and Ngala as it is today.

Highlights of our celebratory year included a wonderful Gala Dinner at

Government House Ballroom hosted by the Friends of Ngala and the launch of a

promotional DVD that focused Ngala’s supporters on services and fundraising

opportunities, the expansion and development of Ngala’s website and online

services, improved marketing and communication initiatives including a

celebration of parenting over 120 years in the Western Australian, linking with

the Indigenous communities during NAIDOC Week, releasing new editions of

Ngala’s books, launching the third edition of the Hey Dad WA booklet with

beyondblue and hosting a forum for Helplines from services across Australia

and New Zealand.

During the year we connected with friends and supporters, people who have

trained and worked at Ngala, clients and service users, as well as government

and corporate partners and community sponsors. I am confident the Ngala

team is building on these connections, ideas and celebrations that will keep on

growing the organisation.

Ngala is continuing to change and evolve to meet changing community needs

as it has done over the past 120 years. Diversifying programs and services,

as well as bringing onboard staff with a range of expertise will allow Ngala to

ensure families in Western Australia are well supported in the important role

of parenting.

In November 2011, I will be retiring after 23 years as CEO of Ngala. During this

time, it has been a privilege to lead Western Australia’s premier early parenting

community service organisation and to work with people passionate about

making a positive difference in the lives of Western Australian families with

young children.

Ngala is now in contact with 40,000 Western Australian families including

about 40% of first time families. In the last 7 years, Ngala’s revenue base has

increased almost threefold from $4million to over $11million – a reflection of

the organisation’s diversity and financial sustainability. Initiatives such as the

Alexandra Village, will further position Ngala to continue innovation and growth

in services to the Western Australian community.

2009 to 2011 saw several important initiatives come to fruition. These included

business cases for the development of the Ngala Institute of Education and

Learning which was accredited as a Registered Training Organisation in May

2011 and a second Early Learning and Development Service which opened

at Perth Airport in September 2010. In addition, Ngala formed a new style of

alliance with Anglicare WA and Mission Australia which resulted in a new venture

called the Swan Alliance. This Alliance was awarded the tender to deliver the

Midland Communities for Children Plus in 2010.

Ngala’s continuing work in translating current early brain development knowledge

into education for parents and professionals, refinement of the Tuned in Parenting

Program and associated work in the area of parental reflective functioning and

attachment, the developing research agenda and initiatives in online services and

activities continue to excite and motivate staff and pave the way for new ways of

engaging with families and evaluating Ngala’s services.


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This year we celebrate nine years of ISO accreditation for the organisation;

keeping us on track with continuous improvement and developing smart

systems to support our services. Ngala’s Nurturing the Pilbara partnership

with our key corporate partner Woodside is four years old this year and has

seen Karratha enjoying regular visits by our community parenting team as

well as development of the highly successful Parents Working Away workshop.

A new and exciting partnership with the Australian Children’s Trust will greatly

assist Ngala in developing an Indigenous specific parenting and early brain

development resource.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ngala’s service funding

organisations, corporate partners and supporters and my appreciation for the

wonderful relationships I have enjoyed in the community sector during my time

at Ngala. My thanks and admiration also to the Ngala Board of Directors and

to previous Board and Friends of Ngala Executive Committee members with

whom I have worked, for their dedication, knowledge and significant voluntary

contribution to Ngala. My special thanks and appreciation also go to Board

Chairpersons Syd Corser, Russell Hawkins and more recently Eric Kinsella with

whom I worked during my 23 years at Ngala.

Rae Walter

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ngala’s

service funding organisations, corporate partners and

supporters and my appreciation for the wonderful relationships

I have enjoyed in the community sector during

my time at Ngala.”


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Board of Director’s Report

Each year at Ngala presents

many challenges and

achievements. The period

encompassing our 120th

celebrations have continued to

see Ngala Board of Directors,

Management and staff

working together to secure

continued growth.

Over the 2009 – 2011 period Ngala has seen significant growth in its operating

budget as a result of new service agreements and projects outlined in the report

to follow. Expenses during the period have remained consistent with 78% of

Ngala’s spending being allocated to staffing costs. Going into the current year,

increases in state government funding across all departments with whom we

have service agreements will assist Ngala to ensure that staff are retained

and remunerated appropriately and support services provide a strong base

for service delivery.

Without the continuing support and confidence shown by the many service

funders, sponsors, partners and donors little progress would be made toward

the outcomes we have set in our new strategic plan outlined ahead of this

report. Service sponsors are acknowledged in the report however we would

like to especially thank Woodside whose continuing partnership has provided

wonderful opportunities for staff to deliver quality services to remote families

and to develop exciting new programs focused on the needs of FIFO families.

I am pleased to report that the Alexandra Village project under the guidance of

outgoing Chairperson Russell Hawkins has made wonderful progress toward

securing a future income stream for Ngala. Stage One is fully occupied and with

sale of several villas in Stage Two, work has commenced on the final 20 villas.

Mr Russell Hawkins stepped down as Board Chairperson in 2010 after 25 years

service to Ngala. Russell’s dedication and commitment to Ngala over the years

has been extraordinary. It was his vision and dedication that was instrumental

developing the retirement village with the purpose of giving some security to

Ngala for the work done with the parents and children of Western Australia. He

also guided Ngala into our new corporate structure that will meet the needs of

the organisation into the future.

Russell Hawkins FCPA FAICD retired from chair 2010 receiving Lifetime Achievement Award from Hon. Barbara Scott.

Eric Kinsella


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The Friends of Ngala have honoured Russell with life

membership and he has been farewelled from his Board

duties. Russell will be missed by all at Ngala when

he makes his final farewell on the completion of “the

village”. We thank the Friends of Ngala for their continuing

fundraising work and promotion of Ngala and its services

especially the contributions to the 120th year celebrations.

Mr Ian Hoad has joined the Ngala Board and I particularly

welcomed him as Treasurer as I stepped into the role

of Board Chair. The Hon. Barbara Scott as President of

the Friends of Ngala has also brought her experience

and knowledge to the working of both the Board and

the Friends of Ngala. I thank all members of the Board,

Committees, Friends of Ngala, the Staff and Volunteers for

their commitment over the last two years.

After 23 years at the helm of Ngala as CEO, Rae Walter

announced her retirement to be effective in November

2011. Rae has guided Ngala since November 1988 and

has overseen major changes in the focus of the services,

planning and building of new premises, moving services

into the community, the growth of evidence-based practice

and the move to new technologies including web-based

service delivery. Rae will be remembered for her leadership

as well as her zealous representation of Ngala and the

needs of families with babies and young children.

On behalf of the Board of Directors I welcome the newly

appointed CEO Mr Ashley Reid who will commence duties

in October 2011 and look forward to working with him in

taking Ngala forward.

In 2011-12 as we move forward into the next stage in

the life of this successful and resilient organisation,

our challenges include continued work on increasing

sponsorship particularly for refurbishment of Kensington

premises to provide a base for the continued delivery of

our intensive services and for continued innovation and

development across the state. We look forward to the

support of the business and wider community of Western

Australia as we seek contributions to a capital fund for

these purposes.

Eric Kinsella, Chairperson


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Friends of Ngala ExecutivePresident

Hon. Barbara Scott

Vice Presidents

Jill Curnow and Alice O’Donnell

Committee Members

Marguerita Pawle

Yvonne Sambell

Leone Scott

Ellie Steinhardt

Althaea McTaggart

Elizabeth Mair

Jacqui MacKinnon

Heather Gilmour

In 2010 we celebrated Ngala’s 120th year working for

children and families in Western Australia with a busy year

for Friends of Ngala who marked the celebrations with

numerous successful fundraising events.

In May, Friends of Ngala and Dalkeith Rotary Club

co-hosted a lunch at Sittella Winery which featured

guests speaker Dawson Cooke who spoke about Ngala’s

Hey Dad WA program. The event raised $6500 and special

thanks go to members who contributed to the success of

the event and to Craig Rosendorff for the donation of a

pearl necklace.

The Gala Dinner at the Government House Ballroom on 20th August was a highlight for the year. Professor Fiona Stanley AC, Australian of the Year 2003, was our guest speaker and we were privileged to have our Patron, Mrs Julie Michael and the Governor, His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC attending.

Special thanks must go to the committee members and a number of generous donors for great raffle and auction prizes that resulted in the evening raising in excess of $50,000. One of the evening’s highlights was the film produced by well known film maker, Ross Tinney of RT Films. This film is about how Ngala is working with families to meet the challenges faced by today’s parents. The film, a gift to Ngala, is being shown to potential sponsors to boost support for Ngala’s programs and raise the profile of Ngala in our community. Our appreciation is extended to Alice O’Donnell for co-coordinating this project and to Jill Curnow and Ngala staff for preparing the brief and script.

Governors wife Julie Micheal and Fiona Stanley guest speaker at gala dinner

Members can be very proud

that 2010 concluded with a

surplus of $81,359

Presentation by Beryl Grant Government House ballroom


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Our final fundraiser for 2010 was the movie ‘Eat Pray Love’

held at the Windsor Cinema in October. It was great to see

such a varied age group of supporters of Ngala enjoying

the night including some of our new ‘Friends’ members

helping to raise $3,000.

Members can be very proud that 2010 concluded with a surplus of $81,359. In partnership with the CEO, we identified a priority list of appropriate projects for the Friends to support.

A special painting by Herbert William Gibbs (1852 – 1940) titled ‘Old Mill South Perth’ was generously donated by Beryl Grant. Curator of the May and Herbert Gibbs South Perth Collection, Joy Legge has valued the work at $3,250. It has been reframed and hung with its story in Ngala’s boardroom.

Later in 2010, the Friends of Ngala farewelled Mrs Julie Michael who had been our wonderful Patron for four years. We felt very privileged to have been associated with Julie over the period that her husband, Dr Ken Michael AC, served as Governor of Western Australia. A farewell lunch provided members of the Committee with a very personal opportunity to say thank you to Julie. At that lunch, Julie very generously donated all the toys she had gathered at Government House for her grandchildren. They are now being enjoyed by children visiting Ngala.

Premier Colin Barnett very kindly hosted a lunch in February 2011, at Parliament House for the highest bidder of his prize auctioned at the Gala Dinner. Graham and Kath Hardie, Simon and Billie Hadfield and I all enjoyed a stimulating informal chat with the Premier.

In June 2011 the Friends of Ngala hosted a luncheon at the Royal Perth Yacht Club. The capacity audience included seven times World Marathon Swimming Champion Shelley Taylor-Smith as guest speaker, former Wimbledon champion, Margaret Court AC MBE and her husband Barry Court AO and a bunch of our staunch supporters including Ministers Hon Robyn McSweeney, Hon Helen Morton, Hon David Johnston and Hon Donna Faragher and other State members of Parliament and special guests.

Shelley Taylor-Smith gave an inspirational speech about achieving a personal ‘champion mindset’ against huge setbacks. She very cleverly and poignantly linked the importance of empowering parents to achieve their own goals in the ever challenging role of parenting and Ngala’s role in supporting parents. Shelley not only donated her time but also very generously donated part of the proceeds of her book sales on the day of her biography ‘Dangerous When Wet’ to Ngala.

Successful fundraising by the Friends of Ngala over the past two years has enabled us to allocate the funds to Ngala for some important new projects including set up costs for the the Registered Training Organisation, and funds to assist in development of services in Armadale in conjunction with the new Child Advocacy Centre. We have also been able to support the continuation of Tuned in Parenting groups as well as bedding and garden improvements for the overnight stay service area.

Last year we acknowledged the special contributions of past President Jacqui McKinnon and life member Leone Scott in our newsletter. Leonie’s knitted dolls have given enjoyment and fun to many and also contributed significantly to fundraising. I congratulate and thank all the Friends involved in events who together with the extra ordinary efforts of our Liaison Officer, Kris Bailey, have enabled us to achieve these results over the last two years. We will finish the 2010-11 year with a celebration of Beryl Grant’s 90th birthday and a farewell to our long-serving CEO, Rae Walter.

I thank you for the opportunity to be involved in an

organisation that is pre-eminent in its provision of parenting

services to WA families. In discussions with the Board and

the CEO, we hope to carve out some new opportunities for

the Friends to be involved in this valuable work.

As Friends of Ngala representative on the Ngala Board I have found this period to be stimulating and challenging.

Hon. Barbara Scott

President

I thank you for the

opportunity to be involved

in an organisation that is pre-

eminent in its provision of parenting

services to WA families. In discussions

with the Board and the CEO, we

hope to carve out some new

opportunities for the Friends

to be involved in this

valuable work.


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Family Services

Day and Overnight Stays provided in Ngala’s

Kensington hospital facility continue to provide

Western Australian parents from across the

state access to an interdisciplinary team of

experienced staff to assist with a range of

parenting concerns. They often include sleep

and settling, feeding and nutrition, as well as

opportunities to explore issues of adjustment

to parenting, anxiety and symptoms of post

natal depression.

Day Stay Day Stays are often the first opportunity for parents of

young children, mostly under 9 months old to spend a

period focussing on how they manage the important

task of parenting. Funding from the Department for

Communities assists in offering subsidies to those unable

to cover the full fee for service. Many families report that

their day with Ngala has been a “lifesaver” and that the

modelling and education, counselling and skills practice

available during the day has set them on the path to

confident parenting.

Overnight Stay Overnight Stay continues to be the only program of

its kind in Western Australia where families have the

opportunity to participate in a more intensive 24-hour

service usually for 4 days. Around 250 families per year

requiring more support and further assessment of their

parenting and personal needs, utilise this program. In

many cases they are referred into this program through

another Ngala service. Since late 2010 The Department

for Child Protection has provided funding in recognition of

the program’s key role in child protection and work with

vulnerable families.

Tuned in Parenting (TIP) Funding support from Curtin University and the Royal Perth

Golf Club have over the last two years enabled Ngala to

continue providing TIP for parents who are experiencing

difficulties in their relationship with their children. This

is a nine week video – based therapeutic group to assist

parents to “tune” into their children’s needs. Dr Lynn

Priddis continues to provide expertise to train and support

staff in enhancing parents reflective functioning.

Counselling by a psychologist is available to family’s

accessing any of Ngala’s family services.

Supporting Children After Separation Program (SCASP)In partnership with AnglicareWA and their SCASP

(Supporting Children After Separation Program) Ngala

provided groups for families of children less than 5 years

of age. The Growing Together Program aims to enhance

child and parent attachment and assists parents in

maintaining healthy stable and secure relationships with

their children.

Coming to Ngala was a

huge decision and emotionally

I was at breaking point. Ngala

staff made us feel instantly

welcomed. The week was an

emotional roller coaster, but

I am leaving feeling confident

and fantastic as a mum and

as a family.

© Jennifer Gherardi


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Ngala Family Services in Summary

Day Stay – full day parenting program

Supported by Department for Communities

2155 Day Stays

2640 Parents

1940 Children 92% under 1 year of age

and 68% are the first child in the family.

Overnight Stay intensive parenting program

Supported by Departments for Communities and

Child Protection

503 families

580 children

585 parents

70% experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression

TIP – Tuned in Parenting

Supported by Healthway, Curtin University and

Friends of Ngala

30 parents and their children in 6 groups

Supporting Children After Separation Program

Funded by FaHCSIA in partnership with AnglicareWA

15 families participated in “Growing Together” individual

or group sessions

Family Counselling Service 97 consultations

121 parents


“ I’m settled in myself and I think I’m more settled with her too; it’s

just all come together. I don’t know whether it’s me but a lot of

the program has made me think, stop and think.”


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Ngala Community Services

Ngala Community Services delivers a high

quality, responsive Helpline for families with

babies and young children who live in Western

Australia. In 2011 the Ngala Helpline has been

operating for nearly 20 years in its current

service format. For the West Australian

community, the Ngala Helpline service remains

a popular resource point for parents, carers

and professionals seeking early parenting

support, information and referral.

HelplineThe Ngala Helpline works in close cooperation with

Parenting WA, the WA Child and Adolescent Community

Health Service as well as the Department for

Child Protection.

The Helpline is represented at the Parent Help Lines

Australia and New Zealand (PHLANZ) regular meetings

where a collaboration of similar organisations discuss new

technologies, service trends and service development.

Ngala Helpline partnered with Parenting WA and Crisis

Care to host a very successful PHLANZ Symposium held

at Ngala in September 2010.

Parenting Consultations Ngala continues to provide Parenting Consultations of

between 45 and 90 minutes duration designed to provide

an early intervention and a quick response for parents

seeking individualised support and information for their

parenting concerns.

Consultations are provided at Kensington, Rockingham

and Noranda centres or by telephone and more recently

webcam for those unable to visit a centre. Families are

provided with telephone follow up and onward referral.

Families receive an average of 1.8 calls to assist with

adjusting their careplan or providing reassurance and

recommendations on community-based support.

Efforts have been made to expand and develop this

service as a cost effective alternative to day stay

service. Department for Communities support assists

in providing subsidies for those unable to afford the full

cost of service.

…the Ngala Helpline service remains a

popular resource point for parents, carers and professionals seeking

early parenting support, information and

referral.


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Woodside “Nurturing the Pilbara”2011 marks the 4th year of a successful partnership

with Woodside on “Nurturing the Pilbara” project.

This partnership demonstrates Woodside’s commitment

to investing in the social fabric of the Pilbara to make it a

place that families love to live and work in. Over the last

decade development in the Pilbara has been phenomenal

and much of this population growth is from the high influx

of young families or their parents who are flying in and out

for work.

The “Nurturing the Pilbara” project has enabled Ngala

to have a more responsive and proactive presence in

remote and rural communities in the Pilbara. Ngala has

utilised a community development approach to engaging

with the communities in Karratha and surrounds to work

in partnership with local organisations and groups and to

“add value” to local services and activities. Regular visits

with a Ngala team of staff have provided parenting and

professional education sessions, information and short

helpline style consultations in many venues in Karratha

and surrounds. They have also engaged with the broader

community at regular family events such as play days and

FeNaCling festivals.

Evaluation and feedback on the project from families,

community organisations and professionals have been

positive in regard to both the expertise provided and the

way of work.

“Ngala is fantastic and each presenter

has been approachable and real in relation to the challenges that are faced when you have

children.”


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Ngala Parenting and Play Time (P&PT)

Parenting and Play Time parent and child group sessions

(formerly known as Coffee Mornings) are offered in five

locations north and south of Perth. This program is a

Ngala’s shop front in these communities and offers

parents a flexible, safe and facilitated environment to

access parenting expertise. The program aims to:

• Provide learning opportunities related to pregnancy,

family formation and early parenting;

• Promote important messages about the early years and

how children develop and grow;

• Promote confidence, competence and a sense of well

being for families in managing the normal challenges

of parenting babies and young children;

• Assist parents to learn from other parents, and

to develop support and friendship networks in

the community; and

• Provide information and linkage to other community

resources such as playgroups, parenting groups,

mental health and other counselling services.

Sessions vary according to needs of each community and

the parents attending, all are facilitated by three staff with a

range of skills in child health, child development and family

support. A playful environment is provided in which both

parent and child are able to learn. Parenting and Play is

supported by the Department for Communities in Merriwa,

Noranda and Rockingham and by Communities for Children

through the Smith Family as part of Ngala’s Mirrabooka and

Kwinana projects.

What Ngala Means to MeNgala Coffee Morning became my weekly sanity, it was

the first time in many months that I felt positive about

being a mother. Staff offered expert advice without

judgement, and each week I left feeling more and

more confident. The philosophy of acceptance that

the leaders practise filters to the mothers who attend

the group and there is genuine care amongst us. My

daughter loves the group, she wanders confidently

around exploring her environment, interacting with her

friends and learning new things every week.

Parenting and Play Time provide frontline referral and

support for families with issues related to parents

working away (eg. FIFO or Defence force assignment),

parents experiencing post natal depression, issues of

child protection and family separation and children with

disabilities or medical concerns. Parenting and Play Time is

regularly utilised by fathers, grandparents and other carers

of children. Activities are broad ranging and have included:

• Making healthy food options;

• Road and sun safety;

• Encouraging children in language skills through stories,

reading and interaction;

• Modelling options for managing challenging

behaviour; and

• Mini education sessions on local services or parenting

issues such as sleep and toileting.

Ngala is a place that helps mums

and bubs to build and grow,

bond and connect. It is also a place

where you can LEARN to parent and to

DISCOVER what being a mum is all about.

The workers there have helped me through

problems big and small, they have been

my shining light through the dark times

and walked with me through the

good times. This is why I am

thankful for Ngala.


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A CaLD mother who has attended Ngala’s Parenting

and Playtime as part of the communities for children

project in Mirrabooka for 8 weeks has observed how

comfortable her 10 month old daughter has been in

moving away from her, exploring, interacting with other

children and adults and joining in (babbling) with singing

or reading. She said “she is not like this anywhere

else”. When asked why she thought this might be, she

responded, “we both feel safe here”. This mother also

mentioned that she was feeling isolated and did not mix

with people outside her culture in other places.

Mirrabooka and KwinanaNgala has continued a positive partnership with The Smith

Family who funds the Ngala at Kwinana and Ngala in

Mirrabooka projects as part of the Australian Government

Communities for Children Initiative. Both projects include

Parenting and Play Time sessions as primary connections

points and involve extensive partnerships with other early

years agencies built up over 3 to 4 years to promote early

years information and to provide value adding activities

to existing services such as play groups, child care and

school activities.

In Kwinana a focus on antenatal education and

intervention involves Ngala nursing staff visiting a local

medical centre to provide individual consultations and

support for parents with conversations focusing on

pregnancy, sleep and feeding concerns, brain development

and changes in family roles. The GP Obstetrician makes

specific referrals to Ngala staff which enables Ngala to

access ‘hard to reach’ parents. This innovative project

has been very successful with positive feedback from

the medical centre staff, as well as excellent comments

from parents.

In Mirrabooka Literacy Links the early literacy initiative

has distributed 968 book packs in the last 12 months

and trained 27 professionals in the Let’s Read Program.

Many parents report that they have been told, sometimes

by teachers, that parents should not speak or read to

their children in their mother tongue as this may weaken

children’s literacy abilities in English.

Parents were reassured in ‘Lets Read’ sessions that

research points to the contrary; that reading with their

children, telling them stories and chatting with them in

their first language does develop their vocabulary. Their

children would enter school ready to transfer these skills

to learning English and succeed educationally.

At the end of a Literacy Links session, an African father of 5 approached the facilitator with tears in his eyes. He spoke

about how not speaking with his children in his own language made him feel that he was discarding loyalty to his home

and culture. It was important to him that his children grow to love and take pride in his mother tongue. He went on to tell

his favourite story as a boy – when famine hit the African animals the only thing that could save them was to reach an

enchanted tree in a very distant and secluded place and ask the tree for the magic word that would end the famine; the

strongest animals tried and failed but the weak and slow tortoise made it and saved the animal kingdom. With a grin on his

face he announced that he would tell his children the story that evening after dinner and teach his 3 year old all the animal

names in his own language.



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Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY)Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters

(HIPPY), commenced in Western Australia in April

2009. Ngala is licensed and funded by the Brotherhood

of St Laurance to implement HIPPY in Rockingham

and Girrawheen.

HIPPY programs have been highly successful in both sites

where local parents with children 3.5 to 5.5 years are

employed as tutors to visit families like their own. During

these visits they demonstrate and encourage parents to

do regular interactive play activities with their child that

encourage early literacy and prepare children for formal

learning. Some tutors have moved on with skills developed

in the program to other employment and activities.

The coordinator and tutors in Girrawheen talk about both

the joys and challenges of working with CaLD families,

and in particular, working with CaLD and Australian born

families together. Cultural issues, language difficulties

and the feelings of discomfort that people may have in

a very diverse group are evident at tutor training and in

parent groups.

Extra time is made available to ensure all communication

is clear, and that families have the opportunity to really

be heard and to give feedback. They have also modified

the way services are delivered and are well rewarded with

families saying that one of the things they appreciate most

about HIPPY is mixing with, and getting to know people

from very different backgrounds.

Hey Dad WAOne of the highlights of Ngala’s 120th year was the launch of edition three of the very successful Hey Dad, Fatherhood – First 12 Months booklet, which was produced in collaboration with beyondblue. The booklet now containing some additional important messages on perinatal mental health also provides a useful contact card for dads. It is available free Australia wide with 200,000 copies being distributed in the first year.

Hey Dad WA, continues to promote the important role of fathers in the development and parenting of children. As well as continuing important work with antenatal fathers at King Edward and Osborne Park Hospitals, providing training to Ngala staff and WA professionals, the Hey Dad WA team offer Skilled Dads workshops, contribute to current research, respond to media topics and assist in the development and delivery of parenting education.

Changing Nappies Changing LivesA successful pilot of Changing Nappies Changing Lives, a group for couples experiencing difficulties in adjustment to parenting or symptoms of post natal depression was funded with a grant from the State Perinatal Mental Health Initiative. Results of the pilot were evaluated with results indicating that at the four-week follow-up after the group there was an increase in parenting confidence for all participants, this being most notable for mothers. There was also decrease in depression ratings across those who had attended, particularly for the fathers. Satisfaction ratings for different elements of the workshop were moderate to high. This piloted workshop may provide an effective model for future community efforts to meet the needs of parents as they adjust to parenting in the first year.

One mother who had struggled in parenting her four

year old twin boys reported her boys saying to her:

“Mum, can we turn off the tv so you can read us a

story.” Her confidence in her parenting has increased,

and she notices more often the positive changes in

her boys’ behaviour.


17

Parenting WorkshopsParent Workshops have continued to be a growth area at

Ngala with the staffing, curriculum and range of groups

accessing workshops in the community all expanding. In the

2009 to 2011 period, sessions have been held in many

parts of Perth where our workshops have not previously

been delivered and each year we visit many country towns at

the request of local organisations and individuals.

Many of the workshop curriculums have been adapted

to focus on early brain development with connections to

sleep literacy development, nutrition and attachment and

relationships. Parents have been enthusiastic about the

Building Brains messages, which are presented in a very

logical and concrete way. Indigenous families across the

state have found this approach helpful. Building Brains has

been provided in many settings; for hostel staff, for foster

parents and for parents and carers in country towns.

A special project “Connecting Early Brain Development

Research to Parenting, Pedagogy and programs for Early

Literacy Learning” was funded by a Western Australian

Schools innovation grant which involved six schools,

Ngala and Edith Cowan University. ECU provided tools

for teachers to critically examine reading instructions.

Ngala provided six educations workshops to families that

encompassed brain development.

“Managing a Baby and Toddler” one of the new curriculum

has been a resounding success. There are many reasons

why Ngala does parent education sessions like this one?

For the most part, parents in the 21st century have more

information about children and parenting than ever before

so it is not because we think parents don’t know about

parenting and children, in fact many parents describe

feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information available.

Information and research is often about mothering rather

than parenting, at Ngala we see the role of both parents as

equally important. Ideas about how to use what you know to

explore possible solutions are less available. It is interesting

to know that literature related to managing a baby and a

toddler is sparse yet we know it is a challenge for many

parents. “Understanding and Guiding Children’s Behaviour”

is another of the workshops in high demand.

Ngala’s two-hour workshops are offered for fathers and

mothers, grandparents and carers of babies and children

to five years. Workshops usually catering for about 8 to 16

parents are packed with exciting up to date information

and ideas as well as opportunities for discussion and

questions. Often workshops are tailored to the particular

needs of a group. Ngala partners with many community

organisations including aboriginal organisations,

playgroups, teen parents through TAFE, youth services,

teenage parenting groups as well as primary schools

and preschools.

Offering education in community venues has included

about seven workshops and question and answer

sessions over the last year at shopping centres including

Belmont and Cockburn. Workshops have also been offered

through university extension for the first time as well as by

video-conference.

Professional Development Professional Development has also continued to expand

with workshops offered several times per year on brain

development, engaging fathers in the early years,

sleep and nutrition with the latter two focussing on the

translation of theory into practice. Practitioners including

GPs, occupational therapists, family support workers,

community health practitioners and many others attend.

Tailored sessions have been provided to:

• Preschool and primary teachers as part of the

Western Australian Schools literacy project;

• Groups of early childhood educators and child

care workers;

• Family Relationship Services in Joondalup and

Mandurah as part of our contribution to the Anglicare

WA consortium who operate these services;

• Trainee Child Health Nurses at Curtin University;

• Crisis Care staff Department for Child Protection;

• State-wide Aboriginal Child Health Project;

• Child Health Conference on transition to school; and

• St John of God Midwifery Conference on Brain

Development and Breastfeeding.

Other topics for tailored sessions included attachment,

play and development, guiding children’s behaviour and

building brains.

Found Ngala staff come

from experience not just

textbook. Fabulous thank you.

It inspired me to keep working

hard to provide my children with

nutritious food. Lots of great

practical ideas, The workshop

could of been a whole day and

I did not feel alone as

a parent.


18

ExposToddlerfest at SciTech, a two-week extravaganza of fun

and learning for children provides an ideal opportunity for

Ngala to promote Road Aware and safety messages as

part of the SDERA Smart Steps Program. The use of car

seats, passenger safety, safe pedestrian practices and

secure places for play at home and in public places are

key messages at this event. These messages are also

promoted during Ngala parenting education workshops and

other shopping centre and community events.

Ngala’s other key opportunity to present early years

messages and to promote helpful services is the annual

Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expos where many

expectant and new parents make their first connection

with Ngala and often seek out Ngala for information and to

pose their parenting questions.

Ngala In The RegionsNgala In The Regions Ngala services extend across

Western Australia. Over 16 % of Helpline calls come from

outside the metropolitan area, and our parenting education

team respond to requests for visits from the Kimberley

to the Great Southern and Goldfields. Many families from

remote areas spend a day or more in Ngala’s Family Day

Stay or Overnight Stays and of course information is

available online.

Ngala commenced a regular ABC radio segment on parenting in the Kimberly based on frequently asked parenting questions. In the near future similar sessions will be offered in the Gascoyne/Midwest.

A report on the 2009 visits sponsored and supported by the Exmouth Early Years Action Group and funded by Chevron outlined the achievements and challenges of the project. Over 290 people benefited from 30 parent and professional education workshops, individual consultations sessions and telephone and email support generally providing very positive feedback. Activities during visits were guided by varied needs highlighted in work with parents, as well as workers and volunteers in health, education, playgroup and toy library, and child care. Focussing on achieving improved outcomes for the children of Exmouth and helping families meet their individual and community challenges was rewarding.

Royalties for Regions funding was received from five Regional Development Commissions – Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne, Mid-West and Peel – during 2009/2010. These funds were used to provide a parent support program throughout those regions during 2010 and 2011. Ngala parenting resources such as tip sheets, books and promotional materials were sent to participating Community Resource Centres (CRCs) and Child Health Nurses throughout these regions. Webcams were provided to some CRCs to allow “face to face” consultations and some vouchers for free consultations were offered to parents in these rural and remote areas.

Izzy at Toddlerfest Parenting Education Team at Exmouth


19

A further Royalties for Regions regional grant has been

made to Ngala by the Wheatbelt Development Commission

from April 2011 for one year. The project will provide

education to parents and professionals on the importance

of the development of children in their early years.

Ngala staff will work in partnership predominantly with

three CRCs identified by the Commission; Koorda, Jurien

and Corrigin, to develop and trial a model of visits and web

based parenting education which may then be extended to

other CRC’s interested in working with Ngala.

MyTimeThe MyTime program is a partnership with the Parenting Research Centre with Ngala as lead coalition agency in

Western Australia providing financial and service support to

28 facilitated peer support groups for parents of children

with disabilities throughout Western Australia. Any full time

carer of a child up to the age of 16 with a disability, high/

complex needs or autism is eligible to join a MyTime group.

Ngala has been coordinating the MyTime program for

four years. In the past quarter MyTime groups supported

281 West Australian families with groups situated all

over the Perth metropolitan area as well as in eleven

locations throughout rural Western Australia, from as far

north as Kununurra to as far south as Albany. Groups are

operated by around 15 established community service

organisations, schools and community centres employing a

diverse range of professional facilitators.

The program has also been scoped to address Indigenous

families managing children with disabilities, and seven

Indigenous focused groups are currently operating under

the MyTime banner. These groups provide support to up to

75 indigenous families, not including indigenous members

of regular MyTime groups. Ngala provides training and

support to all groups with one of the 2010 highlights

being a forum facilitated to share ideas, hear more

about MyTime, and learn new skills particularly in-group

facilitation. Assistance with promotion and marketing has

helped groups to increase attendance over the last year.

Planning is now underway for the implementation of some

additional MyTime groups for grandparents, recognising

the important role of full time grandparent carers.

MyTime Training Day

Parenting workshop at Corrigin


20

The Indigenous Parenting and Children’s ProgramThe Indigenous Parenting and Children’s Program has

provided regular Parenting, Play and Yarning times for

families at Middle Swan School Stratton, Moorditj Noongar

Community College Midland and Neerabup Primary School.

Sessions have focussed on learning through play with

the aim of preparing young children for kindergarten

and preschool. Parents and carers as well as the Ngala

Indigenous team are seeing the benefits of the children

attending the program, helping them integrate into

Kindergarten smoothly. The team have been pleased with

reports that children from the program are more advanced

than children who have not attended the program. After

three years the Ngala indigenous team can see the

positive development of children as they pass through the

program as well as the birth of new babies who will also

grow up with access to play and learning in the program.

The programming of guest speakers, learning about

nutrition, undertaking cooking activities, talking about how

children develop, yarning about being parents, sharing

experiences and building positive relationships is a key

part of group sessions. Staff also support parents with

a variety of issues, including debt and budgeting, health,

schooling and housing, passing on information, coaching

and referral to helpful local services.

As part of building stronger connections with local service

providers, in 2011 the indigenous team have been working

with Centrelink and attending each Monday to talk with

parents and provide simple activities for children while

they wait at the centre. Helping families understand and

connect with local agencies and promoting Ngala services

is an important part of the work with families.

NAIDOC Week (once National Aborigines and Islanders

Day Observance Committee’) celebrations have been a

special part of Ngala’s indigenous programs with the team

promoting parenting and early childhood programs, making

connections with many families in the community and

bringing NAIDOC to Ngala. In early July 2011 Ngala staff

were treated to the Madjitil Moorna choir to share their

special form of reconciliation.



21

Bandyup Women’s PrisonNgala operate the Parenting Advice and Support Service (PASS) working to advocate and support women and their

children in the Bandyup Women’s Prison.

An early childhood play and learning program is offered

on a daily basis to the women residing in the nursery

area of the prison with their babies. One of Ngala’s child

health nurses visits the nursery once a month to provide

parenting advice and to attend to issues raised by parents

and workers. Ngala has also worked in partnership with

Rangeview Detention Centre for juveniles with young

women due to give birth.

A parenting program was offered three times each year

at Bandyup. The program Stop, Think, Do was developed

in consultation with the women and was also named

by them to link with other rehabilitation programs. The

parenting program is made available to all women in the

prison and the program includes eight sessions over four

weeks including:

• Building Trust with Children including Protective

behaviours and circle of security;

• The Traffic Lights of Parenting (Stop, Think, Do)

including child abuse, domestic violence, and drug and

alcohol issues;

• The Environment Surrounding your Child including the

impact of environmental factors such as alcohol and

drug abuse, and nutrition;

• Children’s Play including creating safe play spaces and

How to play and communicate with your child.

The Ngala Bandyup team works in partnership with Outcare

to create a play based interactive environments for

children’s visit held twice weekly at Bandyup. The purpose

is to create an environment whereby the mother and her

child can connect and interact in a way that strengthens

the relationship between parent and child.

Ngala program at Bandyup was nominated as a finalist for

the Premier’s Award in 2010.

An early childhood play and

learning program is offered on a daily basis to the women residing in the nursery area of the prison with their

babies.



22

Ngala Community Services in Summary

Helpline

8:00am to 8:00pm 7 days per week,

Online forums and email requests for information also

serviced by the interdisciplinary team

Funded by Department for Communities and WA

Department of Health

Average call length 15 mins

Average response time 75 minutes

Approximately 20,000 calls per year

32% of callers are first time callers.

67% call with sleep and settling issues

55% report issues related to adjustment to parenting.

Consultations

45 to 90 min

Provided at Ngala sites, by phone and webcam


2009-11

728 Centre Consultations

225 by Telephone

5 Web consults

21 Home Visits

1399 Parents

976 children 64% are the first child in the family

Parent Education

Supported by Department for Communities and various

corporate and community organisations in rural and

remote areas

2009-11

359 Scheduled workshops

2488 Participants

243 Partnered workshops

3471 Participants

Professional Education 39 workshops

441 participants

Hey Dad WA

Funded by FaHCSIA under the Family Relationship

Service Program

Groups Participants

Skilled Dads 12 79

Antenatal 65 500

Other 71 261

MyTime

Ngala

29 groups 281 families

Indigenous Parenting and Children Programs

Funded by FaHCSIA

Over 150 parents and 160 children attended Parenting

Play and Yarning sessions in three venues

Bandyup Prison Parent Advice and Support Service

Funded by Department for Corrective Services

Case management 255

Contacts 2403

Follow up 6743

Ngala in Mirrabooka

A Communities for Children project funded by

The Smith Family

2009-2011

98 Parenting and Play Time Sessions

1064 adult attendances

1378 child attendances

2010-11 included in activities were:

51 fathers

63 young parents (<21) 49 grandparents

8 % of children aboriginal 22% of children CaLD


23

Ngala Community Services in Summary

Ngala at Kwinana

A Communities for Children project funded by

The Smith Family

2009-2011

177 Parenting and Play Time sessions

Average attendance 18 adults and 27 children

2010-2011

339 parenting contacts including 88 fathers and

17 grandparents at antenatal clinic

166 adults attendances at antenatal education.

Parenting and Play Time


432 Parenting and Play Time sessions

Average attendance 11 adults and 15 children

10 % new families each session

Woodside Nurturing the Pilbara’s

A partnership supported by Woodside Ltd

Worked with 37 partner organisations to deliver

99 parent and professional workshops with

918 particpants

Made contact with 710 Karratha families at

events and groups.

Parents Working Away workshops to 65 participants

HIPPY Girrawheen

And

HIPPY Rockingham

Funded by Brotherhood of St Laurance

117 families enrolled over two years

10 home tutors

80 families enrolled over two years

9 home tutors

Royalties for Regions

Funded through Regional Development Commissions

With Community Resource Centres in Kimberley, Pilbara,

Gascoyne, Mid West and Peel 2009-10

Wheatbelt commenced April 2011

Expos and Promotional events 53 events and presentations

7166 parents or community members contacted


24

Children’s Services

Ngala has been operating its Early Learning and Development Service (ELDS) at Kensington for over 40

years from its Kensington site (formerly known as Bluebird

Child Care Centre). The Ngala Kensington Centre has a

sound reputation and a significant waiting list of clients

waiting to enrol. For many families this centre has provided

care for up to 6 years for one or more children. Qualified

staff provide a calm, inviting and interesting environment in

which children can free play and learn, following their own

interests. Children with special needs are also integrated

in this inclusive child centred environment. Recent

playground improvements to this centre have been funded

by the Royal Perth Golf Club, and designed in consultation

with leaders in the field of playground design. A further

upgrade to the facilities is planned for 2011-12.

As a part of its longer term growth strategy, Ngala

undertook some feasibility studies to guide decisions

around an expansion to additional centres where Ngala

could demonstrate high quality care in line with their child

initiated approach and the Early Years Learning Framework.

After extensive feasibility and planning for the Early Learning and Development Service at Perth Airport, a 97

place site opened as a Ngala centre in September 2010.

At the end of June 2011 the centre was approaching

40% capacity and enrolments are growing steadily.

Ngala has appreciated the support of the West Australian

Airport Corporation in developing this service.

The friendly professional

staff have helped my family

by; supporting my visits through

the day to breastfeed my youngest

son and keeping records on sleeps and

eating through the day. My boys love

Ngala they come home satisfied and

tired after a big day of playing with

their friends and discovering

new adventures.

ELDS at Perth Airport


25

To achieve intended outcomes of expansion, it is essential

that ELDS’ operations reflect quality and sustainable

practice in the delivery of services. Ngala has an excellent

base of experience and expertise on which to build,

however the challenges of recruiting and development of a

quality staff group continues to be a challenge.

Important features of the implementation plan include

development of Ngala’s capacity as a training organisation,

and the application of the principles outlined in the Early

Years Learning Framework into centre practice.

Ngala Children’s Services in Summary

ELDS Kensington

54 place centre located at Kensington

Number of families per week 117

Number of children per week 170

ELDS Perth Airport

97 place centre operating at 40% capacity June 2011

Number of families per week 100

Number of children per week 198


26

During 2009 – 2011 scoping, development and

approval by the Board of Directors of a business case

for Ngala to be registered as a training organisation

(RTO) was undertaken. During May 2011 the Training

and Accreditation Council of WA approved the Ngala

Institute of Education and Learning as a Registered

Training Organisation (RTO) to provide nationally

recognised training.

With over 120 years of early childhood experience Ngala

has had a history in the training of Mothercraft and

Child Health Nurses, and is pleased to be returning to

its training role. Ngala has established itself as one of

the most credible and professional Parenting and Early

Learning Services in Western Australia. Programs provided

by Ngala are recognised as a leading resource for families

with babies and young children and their professional

courses are acknowledged as being ‘cutting edge’ in

education, backed by years of research and ‘hands

on’ experience.

Enrolments for CHC30708 Certificate III Children’s

Services will commence from 1st July 2011. This

qualification specialises in quality, flexible learning and

assessment options, including recognition of prior learning,

tailored to suit the needs of each individual student and

allowing participants to balance their studies with personal

and work commitments. Ngala has plans to add TAE40110

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in 2011-12.

The Swan Alliance is an innovative partnership between

Ngala, Mission Australia and Anglicare WA. All three

organisations have equal decision making authority and

the Alliance is led by a board with representation from

each agency. The Swan Alliance has been funded by

Department of Families Housing Community Services and

Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) until June 2014, to work with

the local community to implement Midland Communities for Children Plus (CfC Plus). This initiative is the only one

of its kind in Western Australia with seven other sites

opening across the nation.

The CfC Plus program aims to achieve positive outcomes

for the most vulnerable children up to 12 years and

their families in 11 suburbs – Bullsbrook, Ellenbrook,

Beechboro, Caversham, Kiara, Lockridge, Koongamia,

Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale and Stratton where

connection to early years services may be limited.

Ngala already had strong links in the Midland area and

working in partnership with other agencies through the

Swan Alliance was a “perfect fit,” enabling the Alliance to

draw on the strengths and experience of all organisations

to assist with planning and to guide the project in meeting

the needs of families.

Utilising a community development approach to engaging

local communities, the Midland CfC Plus team have helped

develop a community strategic plan. They have consulted

with over 40 local agencies and organisations to develop

community plans for four areas, which outline outcomes

and activities for each area. These community plans will be

implemented over the 2011 to 2014 period.

New Developments and Projects

Ngala has established itself

as one of the most credible and professional

Parenting and Early Learning Services in

Western Australia

Launching Midland CfC Plus


27

Building BrainsBabies brains develop after birth to almost adult size by

three years. It is the most flexible, or elastic in early life.

This brain elasticity provides both benefits and challenges.

Brain development is enhanced by positive relationships and

experiences and the brain is highly adaptable, behaviour

shapes our brain and our brain shapes our behaviour.

The challenging aspect to brain elasticity is that our brains

are vulnerable to negative experiences such as lack of

sensory stimulation, stress, neglect, and poor nutrition.

Sensory stimulation is when we experience things through

taste, touch, smell, hearing sight, and movement.

We know that babies learn most about themselves and

their world through warm, nurturing and predictable

relationships with their family. If babies receive this type

of care they are more likely to feel safe enough to be

curious, creative and self confident.

Over the past five years, Ngala’s work in translating this

important information about early brain development

into helpful parent friendly messages, “Building Brains”

has been received well by a very large number of parents

and professionals. With the support of LotteryWest, in

late 2011 Ngala will complete an audiovisual resource

for parents and professionals which is the culmination of

several years’ research and piloting of materials.

In 2010 the Australian Children’s Trust provided a grant to

Ngala to develop special resources for Indigenous families

on early brain development. This work is being undertaken

in close consultation with many other organisations,

Indigenous workers and parents.

Brain development is

enhanced by positive

relationships and experiences

and the brain is highly

adaptable, behaviour shapes

our brain and our brain

shapes our behaviour.

Newborn 3 years Adult



28

Families at WorkIn Western Australia many families have a member who

works away. These predominantly include FIFO workers (fly-

in-fly-out) and the less recognised DIDO (drive-in-drive-out)

and many families also relocate to rural and remote areas

for work. Ngala has recognised the unique opportunities

and challenges a parent working away lifestyle provides.

Over the last two years, in conjunction with the Woodside

“Nurturing the Pilbara” project Ngala has developed further

a “Families at Work” series of educational sessions.

The most popular of these “Parents Working Away” (PWA)

has been piloted and is now offered on a regular basis for

families where one family member works away.

Awareness and preparation are key pre-requisites for

all types of planning and are particularly relevant for the

planning for family life with one parent away. The PWA

workshops explore the working away experience from

the perspective of all family members. Topics discussed

include staying connected, managing the patterns of

absence and return and maintaining effective parenting.

Practical advice is offered on how to help families with

children of all ages make the most of their time together

and remain connected during times apart.

There has been increasing interest in these programs from

the resource industry where companies seek to ensure

they minimise the effects of fly-in-fly-out work practices

on families. The workshop has been provided across

Perth, in Mandurah and recently the Kellogg Gorgon joint

venture group have invited Ngala’s “Families at Work”

presenters to visit Barrow Island to present the workshops

to employees.

Secrets of Good SleepersThe development of web based resources, books and audiovisuals for parents has continued over the 2009-

2011 period with sales continuing across Australia.

Ngala’s “Secrets of Good Sleepers” was launched as a

completely revised 2nd edition. To celebrate the Ngala’s

120th year Ngala “Secrets” was also released combining

Good Sleepers and Good Eaters into one hard cover

book. Secrets of Good Eaters was also revised as part

of the “Feeding my Baby in the First Year” package

which includes a DVD produced with assistance from

the Department of Health and Ageing. Copies of this

resource were provided to all Western Australian child

health centres.


29

Research and Practice Development With the support of

our key research partners from Curtin School of Health

Sciences – namely Nursing and Midwifery and Psychology

as well as Edith Cowan University school of Social

Sciences the interdisciplinary framework for research

(pictured below) has been developed at Ngala. The purpose

of the research framework is to develop an interdisciplinary

research agenda for work in early parenting and early

childhood, and to build relationships with key universities

and agencies related to research in the early years.

Research staff have identified the barriers to undertaking

research and a number of strategies have been developed

to encourage staff participation in practice development

and research activities.

Joint research activities have led to a number of journal

articles being published and a research plan and priorities

developed over the next three years. For details on

research plans and recent publications see www.ngala.

com.au/For-Professionals/Research

Several research projects are currently underway, these

include an investigation into the impact of using C-Frame,

a way of work adopted by Ngala over the past six years;

ongoing evaluation, a validation of the Tuned In Parenting

(TIP) group in conjunction with Curtin University; a Scoping

Project being undertaken in conjunction with the Telethon

Institute for Child Health Research; and an exploration of

the past, present and future of nursing in early parenting

services in Australia.

A Practice Review Group comprising Ngala staff

representatives of a broad range of disciplines has

been active in reviewing all materials developed by

Ngala including website content, tip sheets, handouts,

books scripts for audio visual and the many articles and

contributions Ngala makes to parenting publications,

magazines, and other media.

Ngala is represented or takes an active role in many

sector organisations where planning, sharing of best

practice, service development, research and advocacy

for families services and children in the early years takes

place including:

• Australian Council of Parenting and Child Health

(ACPACH)

• State Perinatal Mental Health Reference Group

• WA Private Hospital Association

• Family Services Australia

• NIFTeY – National Investment for the Early Years

• Early Childhood Australia

• Community Sector Round Table

• Secondary Hubs Working Party

• Parent Help Lines Australia and New Zealand (PHLANZ)

Over the last two years Ngala has also contributed to many

inquiries and government consultation projects including

an Inquiry into the adequacy of early years services in

Western Australia and an inquiry into improving educational

outcomes for Western Australians.

Purpose• To develop an interdisciplinary research agenda for

work in early parenting and early childhood.

• Relationship development with key Universities and Agencies related to research in the early years.

Ngala: a leading organisation for

innovation and evidence-based practice in the

early years

Early Childhood Nursing Psychology Social Work

Principles

Disciplines

ActivitiesIntegrate practice with evidence

Link with universities and agencies

Build practice frameworks

ResearchPerinatal anxiety and depressionEarly years developmentParent/child

relationship

Parent skill

development

Families in

community

context

TheoryAttachment theory & infant mental health

Brain development

Family systems

theory

Ecological

model

Social learning theory

Strengths-based practice

Cognitive Behavioural

Therapy (CBT)

Community

development

Connect & Collaborate

Develop & Change txetnoC Integrate

Developing a Framework for Research at NgalaAuthors: Banham V, Bennett E, Priddis L, Owens M, Wells G, Hauck Y, Sinclair W, Bindahneem S

For further information call Elaine Bennett on 08 9368 9368 www.ngala.com.au

Parenting with Confidence

Parenting with Confidence

Child development theory

Workforce development

Historical perspectives ofNgala’s work

research poster.V1.indd 1 23/11/10 9:44:52 AM

Research and Practice Development


30

Accreditation Ngala continues to maintain

certification under AS/NZS

ISO9001:2008 and the Private

Health Industry Quality and Safety

Committee (PHIQS) Private Sector

Quality Criteria with recertification

audit in August 2011. Accreditation

and licensing for Ngala’s child care and private hospital,

audits against Family Relationship Service Approval

Requirements and Australian Qualifications Framework

have led to improvements to internal audits and monitoring

of policies and procedures across the whole organisation.

Meeting the reporting and data requirements of all

services continues to be a time and resource intensive

and Ngala looks forward to the proposed streamlining and

simplifying of reporting requirements to be implemented by

state and commonwealth governments.

Developing internal planning, reporting and decision

making processes have been the focus of organisational

development and will continue into next year. The adoption

of the principles of Results Based Accountability (RBA) and

a common language in planning for services and support

functions is designed to help the organisation monitor

and report on measurable outcomes that flow from the

services and activities.

AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008quality certified

organisation

®

Developing internal

planning, reporting and

decision making processes

have been the focus of

organisational development

and will continue into

next year.

Quality & Planning


31

A passion for working with families, for protecting the

rights and nurturing the potential of babies and young

children, characterises Ngala staff. Ngala is fortunate to

have a multidisciplinary, highly skilled and dedicated team,

including many experienced and expert staff who have had

long careers at Ngala. Others are young, just commencing

their careers and bringing energy and new ideas to the

team. Family-friendly work practices help Ngala to recruit

and retain skills and expertise. Workforce development

and succession planning are highlighted in our current

human resource plan to ensure Ngala continues to attract

and retain the best team.

Ngala has welcomed 40 new staff including new members

of the leadership team, an increase of 27% over the two

years. Total staff numbers are 190 of which 24% are

employed full time and 51% part time and the remainder

on a casual basis. The workforce is comprised of 27%

registered nurses, 24% early childhood educators, 15%

administration and service support with the remaining

34% including social workers, psychologists, medical staff,

educators community workers, nutritionists and other

program staff.

The commitment to providing ongoing leadership and management development and training to strengthen

leadership capacity and prepare for succession

planning, has continued. The program involved 22

staff in sessions on project management, situational

leadership, managing and developing people, managing

poor performance; results based accountability, work life

balance, time management occupational health and safety,

understanding financial reporting and managing change.

A large proportion of the broader staff group have been

involved in a wide range of training including circle of

security, signs of safety, child protection, community

development, group facilitation as well as in-service

sessions, lunchtime education, early brain development,

and C-Frame. Attendance at many forums, workshops and

conferences specific to each area of practice ensures

that Ngala maintains a strong evidence base to practice

and knowledge of best practice models in the area of

parenting and child development. Continued improvement

of orientation programs for new staff is aimed at ensuring

consistency of practice and staff familiarity of the breadth

of services and varied practice in the organisation.

Ngala’s People



32

Danae Corser AwardSeveral staff over the last two years have received opportunities under the Danae Corser Award to undertake training or attend conferences. In 2008 the award was presented to Liz Houlton to undertake training in SharePoint, in 2009 Peta Anderson received the award to present a conference paper on Ngala’s TIP program and attend an infant mental health conference and in 2010 Kerryn Lewis was the recipient and her award was to be used to attend an indigenous leadership program.

Ngala is fortunate to have the ongoing support of Mrs. Corser to provide this award that recognises the contribution by staff and encourages lifelong learning among Ngala’s workforce.

Students Ngala is committed to supporting Undergraduate and Postgraduate students completing tertiary studies. Students from Curtin, Edith Cowan, Murdoch, University of WA and Notre Dame Universities and other training organisations have been represented in a cohort of over 40 students spending time at Ngala in the last two years. Student placement keeps Ngala in close connection with universities and training organisations and alert to the issues for workforce development.

The disciplines of Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Early Childhood and Medicine have all been represented with over 350 student days spent under the mentorship of Ngala’s professional staff team. Ngala provides a range of experiences for students in child care, Day and Overnight Stay services, community parenting groups, therapeutic groups, parenting education, helpline and individual consultations.

High school students seeking work experience and exposure

to work with parents and children as well as administrative

services have also contributed to Ngala’s workplace.

Several professionals and some volunteers from rural and

remote locations have participated in Ngala’s professional

development workshops and spent “placement” time

observing Ngala practice in a range of services, gaining

an understanding of how Ngala might contribute and

compliment services in their communities. Volunteers and

professionals from Exmouth participating in the Exmouth

Early Years Action Group project spoke positively of their

opportunity to spend time at Ngala.

I did enjoy my training at

Ngala. It is very informative

to learn how to resettle baby to

sleep. This seems to be No. 1 issue to

a lot of new mums, especially those

with no help from extended families

or partners. There are so much

information out there, that the

mums are really confused

about which one to

follow.

Elaine Bennett, Director Services, Education & Research with Danae Corser


33

Ngala has a proud history if volunteering commencing

121 years ago with a group of philanthropic women

who established the House of Mercy. Today Ngala’s

governance, fundraising, and many support tasks are

provided by a dedicated group of volunteers. We thank

them and acknowledge their important contribution.

• Members of the Board of Directors and Committees

• Friends of Ngala Executive Committee

• Friends of Ngala members

• Research Group members Yvonne Hauck, Lynn Priddis

and Linda Shields

• Anthony Vacca

• Ms. Chi Lan Vuong

• Mrs. Christine Miller

• Ms. Phoebe Crouch

• Mrs. Jill Mais

• Mrs. Anna Holmes

• Ms. Kia Pfaeffli

• Mr. Lolani Mwenda

• Mrs. Nancy Kremmer

• Ms. Carrie-Anne Garvey

• Ms. Vicki Doherty

• Ms. Denise Taylor

• Ms. Linda Locke

• Mrs Eunice Pope

• Jack Dawes

• Erica Bentel

• Nikki de Domahidy

• Jenny Sheridan

• Kim Montgomery

• Kate Pitt

• Brian Owens

• Ms. Jill Cameron

• Joy Goodfellow

• Rosemary Watkins

Volunteers

Children growing up in environments

which value them and provide safe,

loving and nurturing spaces for them

to reach their full potential

Parents being ‘tuned in’, strong,

confident and flexible, in their approach

to the change in development and

needs of their children

Communities that value the job of parenting

and by doing so ensure that

parents and families have access to and

receive the support and resources

necessary to fulfil this important task.

We imagine…


34

Ngala’s work in the early years spans a broad range of

settings and service models from the development of

parent and professional resources such as dvd’s and

books, to an intensive four day residential program,

from rural and remote visits in person or by video links

to Parenting and Play Time in suburban Perth. Our client

group includes women in prison, indigenous families,

vulnerable children and their families, families experiencing

mental health issues, refugee and migrant families,

fathers in antenatal classes as well as a broad range

of Western Australian families seeking information,

reassurance and education on their parenting journey.

To undertake this work Ngala relies on the support of partners who provide financial support or work in partnership to ensure services meet the needs of families. The support of all these organisations is vital for delivering timely, accessible, integrated and effective services.

Ngala’s work continues to engage the interest of many organisations and individuals. In the period we have welcomed visits from the Hon Robyn McSweeney Minister for Child Protection and Community Services to launch Ngala’s 120th year celebrations and to open the Early Learning and Development Service at Perth Airport; the Minister for Families Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Hon Jenny Macklin, who visited Ngala to tour services, the WA Commissioner for Children and Young People Ms Michelle Scott, Ministers for Health and Education in Western Australia the Hon Mr Kim Hames and the Hon Dr Elizabeth Constable and Hon Donna Faragher. We thank them all for their interest and support.

Government Funding Partners• Department of Families, Housing, Community Services

and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

• Department Health and Aging

• WA Department of Health

• Department for Communities

• Department for Child Protection

• Department for Corrective Services

Funding Partners• Woodside

• Exmouth Early Years Action Group – Chevron

• Parenting Research Centre

• Brotherhood of St Laurance

• The Smith Family

• Regional Development Commissions in Pilbara Gascoyne Midwest Kimberly and Peel and Wheatbelt

• LotteryWest

• School Drug Education and Road Aware SDERA

Service Delivery Partners• Anglicare WA

• Mission Australia

• Beyondblue

• King Edward Memorial and Osborne Park Hospitals

• Curtin, Murdoch and Edith Cowan Universities and University of Western Australia

• Community partners in Kwinana and Mirrabooka and Karratha

• MyTime partner organisations

• Westralian Airport Corporation

Nicole Highet (beyondblue), Evyn Webster (Hey Dad WA) and Rae WalterHon. Robyn McSweeney MLC

Partnerships


35

Donors and Supporters Support for Ngala comes in many forms, including

individuals, groups such as workplace giving, in kind

services, discounts and sponsorship of developing or

community based services. Monies made available to

supplement government service agreements and service

income is valuable in assisting Ngala to innovate, develop

new service models, and provide for development of

staff knowledge and skills to ensure our services remain

evidence based and continue to evolve to meet needs of

today’s families. We acknowledge support from:

• Viva Photography

• Alcoa Ltd

• Harvey Fresh

• Bendigo Bank

• Peach Trust Fund (Alcoa staff giving)

• BHP (staff giving)

• The Good Guys (Merriwa Store Staff giving program)

• Royal Perth Golf Club

• Town of Victoria Park

• WA Nurses Memorial Charitable Trust

• Qantas office staff

• Lake Karrinyup Country Club

• A Weeks & N. White

• Collier Pines Ladies Golf Club Inc.

• Linc Integrated

• Ballajura Community College

• Ms Jean Hilliard and Ms Amanda Hanson

• Blue Illusion

• Broome Beach Resort

• Impress Energy

• Mr Ross Smith

• Ms Susan Marsh

• Offspring Magazine

• Rotary Club of Dalkeith

• Mr A Read

• Ms M Wojtowicz

• M and J Clark

• Allied recruitment

Steve Audino (Harvey Fresh), Leandra Sorgiovanni (Harvey Fresh), Rae Walter and Eric Kinsella

Martin Black talking to Estelle Dawes at the 120th Anniversary

Hon. Donna Faragher with supporters at the Friends of Ngala Luncheon


36

Technology and www.ngala.com.au have also been a key

focus. In 2009 with the generous assistance of LotteryWest,

Ngala completed a major information technology refit

and introduced an intranet to improve connection and

communication across an increasing number of locations,

programs and staff groups. The Ngala website has been

upgraded with parenting information and an online shop with

a facility for purchasing resources and booking parenting

workshops. A wide range of key documents including Ngala’s

Strategic Plan, Service Delivery Model, details of all services

activities can be found on www.ngala.com.au as well as an

expanded range tip sheets for parents.

Ngala staff utilise technology to record interactions with

families and to maintain records, collect and report data,

schedule and book services as well as the many other

essential administrative functions. Effective information

technology systems are integral to ensuring Ngala makes

the most efficient use of scarce resources, extends

productivity, reach and accessibility of early parenting

information and education. Parenting education and

support to rural and remote communities is already

utilising web based video conferencing technology.

My NgalaA website www.myngala.com.au for connecting parents

was launched with forums to bring families together

online, encourage parents to ask questions and to share

ideas. The Helpline team moderate the Ngala Forum

providing support, information and ideas for parents

wanting to overcome the challenges and share the joys

of parenting babies and young children. Ngala plans to

continue developing new ways for parents to connect with

information and interact with Ngala online and is exploring

several online options for delivery of parenting education

as well as the use of social media.

Development of Ngala’s online services over 2009 to 2011

was supported by WA Department of Health, LotteryWest

and Harvey Fresh.

Ngala is also exploring a best practice online parenting

education tool. Ngala’s CEO met with developers in Canada

and a review of materials has been undertaken with

the view to piloting the material in WA. Recent research

highlights how the new generation of parents increasingly

seek information and connection via internet and

social media.

During 2012 materials developed under a new research

and development partnership with Edith Cowan University

– Child Health Promotion Research Centre Starting

Childhood Obesity Prevention Early (SCOPE) will appear

on Ngala’s website. Materials and tools will be focussed

on engaging with parents during their pregnancy and for

the first 12 months following birth. The focus will be on

lifestyle and the importance of emotional, social and

physical health.

Technology & Online


37

Finances

Ngala Income Sources 2009–2010Other income 2%

Grants State Govt 42%Fees 32%

Grants Federal Govt 12%

Grants Non Govt 6%

Fundraising 1%

Sponsorships 5%Ngala Income Sources 2010–2011

Other income 3%

Grants State Govt 36%Fees 35%

Grants Federal Govt 15%Grants Non Govt 7%

Fundraising 2%

Sponsorships 3%

0

2000000

4000000

6000000

8000000

10000000

12000000

Actual 2007-2008

Actual 2008-2009

Actual 2009-2010

Actual 2010-2011

Budget 2011-2012

Total Funding 2008 through 2012

Ngala Expenses 2009 through 2011

Salary & Wages 78%Property 5%

Other income 2%

Admin & Financial 8%

Program Supplies 6%

Travel 2%


Follow us on www.ngala.com.au

Ngala Kensington – Head Office

9 George St Kensington

(08) 9368 9368

[email protected]

Early Learning Development Service – Kensington

9 George Street, Kensington WA 6151

(08) 9368 9318

[email protected]

Early Learning Development Service – Perth Airport

7 George Wiencke Drive, Perth Airport WA 6104

(08) 9368 9340

[email protected]

Belmont Office – opened 2011

275 Abernathy Rd, Cloverdale WA

(08) 9368 9368

Community Programs and Parent Education staff are now

located in Cloverdale at the Belmont Youth and Community

Services Centre. The expansion to these premises has

relieved pressure on Ngala Kensington site, provides

space for other community organisations and two large

training rooms for education workshops and services to

local families in the future.

Ngala Rockingham

113 Read Street, Rockingham WA 6168

(08) 9368 9393

Ngala Merriwa

Community Centre, Jenolan Way, Merriwa WA 6030

(08) 9368 9354

Noranda Family Centre

Cnr Garson Court & Forder Road, Noranda WA 6062

(08) 9368 9326

Midland

31 The Crescent, Midland

(08) 9368 9311 & (08) 9368 9308

Documents

Ngala Annual Report 2009-2011