RIDBC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Baneen receives support from RIDBC’s Early Learning Program (Hearing Impairment)

CONTENTS

Front cover:

Angie, Vincent, Lila and Michelle are just some of the many children, adults and professionals supported by RIDBC in 2015. Read their stories on pages 14-17 of this report

4 Report of the President & Chief Executive 8 About RIDBC 10 2015 Highlights 12 2015 Financial Summary14 Our Community20 Our Services – Educational Services26 Our Services – Clinical Services30 Our Services – RIDBC Renwick Centre38 Our Services – Reviewing & Improving42 Community Relations & Fundraising58 Marketing & Communications62 Technology, Operations & Property66 Our People

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We are delighted to share this annual review of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) in 2015 – a year of significant achievement and strategic development for the organisation

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Our community – the children, adults, families and professionals we serve – remain

our highest priority and this report includes inspirational stories, highlighting the exceptional outcomes achieved through the quality programs and services delivered by RIDBC in 2015.

2015 in review

Reflecting on 2015, it is evident that acceleration of organisational growth, diversification of our program and service portfolio, our funding streams, and service delivery channels, remained our focus throughout the year.

Service demand continued to grow across Australia in 2015, with more than 6500 people receiving support and accessing our services. Enrolments in our educational programs, clinical services, professional development and postgraduate courses are increasing year on year, and we continue to refine our service offering to best meet the changing needs of children and adults with vision or hearing loss, their families and the professionals who support them.

We steadily expanded our geographical

reach in 2015, to ensure accessible service provision Australia-wide. In March we secured NSW Government funding to develop a new, fit-for-purpose facility in Port Macquarie to support more people with vision or hearing loss living on the NSW Mid North Coast. In June we opened a site in Wollongong to meet growing service demand on the NSW South Coast.

In October Victoria’s Early Education Program for Hearing Impaired Children (EEP) unanimously passed a special resolution at their Annual General Meeting, announcing their intention to work with RIDBC to expand their service offering. In time, RIDBC will acquire EEP, ensuring the future sustainability of this important Victorian service.

In November, our new facility in Deakin, Canberra opened its doors, offering a ‘total service’ provision, inclusive of the full range of RIDBC vision and hearing services, co-located with specialist ENT surgeons.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continued to be a major focus for RIDBC in 2015, including: maintaining a program of sustainable high-quality services aligned with new funding streams and criteria; effectively

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marketing our services directly to clients and sector/industry bodies; refining our information technology and financial systems; supporting local service growth; and collaborating with other organisations to meet client needs.

Financial performance

In 2015 RIDBC recorded total revenue of $41.4m which was a decrease against 2014 of $0.6m. Total Revenue comprises Operating and Non-Operating Revenue Activities. Revenue from Operating Activities closed the year at $41.3m which was an increase against 2014 of $2.7m. Non-Operating Activities fell $3.3m because in 2014 RIDBC recognised a gain on acquisition of SCIC.

We are very grateful for the generosity of our donors and supporters with 30% of operating revenue derived from fundraising in 2015.

Expenditure on Operating Activities increased in 2015 by $3.1m, however excluding SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, expenditure increased by $0.5m being below that of CPI. Savings were made in a number

of areas in order to offset increases in expenditure types where RIDBC has little or no control and to allow for additional spending to be made in areas that helped execute the organisation’s five year strategic plan.

Finance, Administration and General Management costs were contained to 7.7% of operational expenditure in 2015. This continues to reflect the efficient and prudent operation of RIDBC.

RIDBC’S change agenda and strategic intent

RIDBC operates in a dynamic and competitive environment, driven by changes in the health, education and disability services sectors.

RIDBC’s longevity within the disability sector and our reputation for service excellence is unparalleled, however, as more and more organisations begin to compete for a share of the disability services marketplace, we recognise the need to change and flex our organisational design, our program and service offering, and our service delivery models, to remain relevant and responsive to our community.

At the end of 2015, we announced our 2016-2020 strategic intent. Continuing to expand our sites and services in order to meet nationwide

RIDBC Chief Executive, Chris Rehn (L) and RIDBC President, Sean Wareing (R), spend time with students Mikaylah and Akanksh at RIDBC Garfield Barwick School

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demand and building new RIDBC Centres of Excellence in vision and hearing are just some of the many initiatives and ambitions already in motion, with firm goals of sustainability and growth in mind.

RIDBC vision to 2020Over the next five years, RIDBC will go through a substantial evolution, marking a new era of service provision for Australians with vision and/or hearing loss. We’ll focus on reaching more people through expansion and partnerships. We’ll develop, deliver and demonstrate best practice in everything we do. We’ll continue to strengthen our identity and operations whilst remaining relevant and responsive to the needs of the children, adults, families and professionals who need us.

Strategic focus areasIn support of this vision, our three strategic focus areas to 2020 are:

Reaching more peopleOver the past decade, RIDBC has actively expanded its footprint to meet the needs of Australians with vision or hearing loss. We are currently supporting clients across Australia from 18 permanent sites, a network of visiting sites, and via telepractice.

There are still areas of unmet need across the country and we are committed to reaching these. Opportunity exists to extend a total service to better connect people to the expert vision and hearing services they need. Expanding our services and partnering with other organisations that are aligned with our mission will help us to achieve this.

Delivering best practiceIn order to provide more people across Australia with best practice vision and hearing services and support, and in response to the findings from the 2014 RIDBC Schools Review and the 2015 RIDBC Preschools Review, we are founding Centres of Excellence in vision and hearing.

Ensuring we continue to develop, deliver and demonstrate best practice services is core to the purpose of the centres of excellence, as is the opportunity to apply best practice and key learnings developed through the centres of

excellence, across our expanding geographical footprint.

This means delivering best practice for our clients, not only through outcomes, but through evidence-based practice and our unwavering commitment to help children, adults, and their families achieve their goals.

Securing our futureRIDBC’s continued focus on outcomes and service accessibility, driven through our community, our services and our people will ensure we remain relevant and responsive throughout the evolving landscape in which we operate, positioning us for sustainable growth into the future.

We will continue to strengthen our identity in the market by increasing awareness and recognition, improving how we operate and focusing on providing services to those who need us.

RIDBC’s 2020 outlookBy 2020 we intend to have: » Expanded RIDBC’s reach across Australia, in

response to demonstrated need for defined, localised vision and hearing services.

» Designed and opened state-of-the-art ‘Centres of Excellence’ for vision and hearing.

» Developed new RIDBC Renwick Centre programs under the auspices of the Macquarie University academic structure, ensuring long term growth and sustainability for the field of postgraduate education and research in sensory disability.

» Relocated RIDBC and SCIC Cochlear Implant Program head offices within the Macquarie University precinct, co-locating and forging new partnerships and alliances with world-leading organisations in the field of sensory disability.

» Reviewed our brand and increased recognition and awareness of RIDBC’s programs and services, growing acquisition and retention of clients and donors, and greater engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.

» Increased RIDBC’s organisational performance, efficiency and sustainability to support our mission to achieve the best outcomes for current and future generations of Australians with vision or hearing loss.

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Sean P WareingRIDBC President

Chris RehnRIDBC Chief Executive

At the forefront of our thinking, as we evolve, is to position ourselves to meet the nationwide demand for our services; continuing our commitment to excellence in everything we do while developing, demonstrating and promoting best practice; and ensuring the sustainability, vitality and vibrancy of RIDBC.

Looking aheadWe are confident that RIDBC’s 2016-2020 strategic plan will provide us with a renewed opportunity to focus on nationwide demand for high-quality specialised vision and hearing services, when and where they are needed most.

RIDBC will continue to develop, deliver and demonstrate best practice services while ensuring professionals working in the field of sensory impairment are provided with state-of-the-art facilities as well as training and continuing professional education programs that ensure quality standards are preserved, protected and extended to all those who are impacted by vision or hearing loss.

We will also continue to focus on building organisational capability, systems and performance, securing our long term future through responsible operational and financial management.

As we embark on our evolution, we are committed to continuing our positive engagement with all of our internal and external stakeholders. We will work with our staff, our students, our families, our community, and our donors and supporters, to deliver high-quality services during the roll out of the strategic plan.

The future of Australian Hearing As this report goes to press, the Federal Government has announced their intention to formally examine a proposal put forward from a Consortium comprising RIDBC, Macquarie University and Cochlear Limited, for the potential transfer of Australian Hearing into non-government ownership.

The Consortium’s driver is the wellbeing of all Australians with hearing loss. Should Government decide to transition Australian Hearing into non-government ownership, the Consortium’s intention would be to work with, and build upon Australian Hearing’s significant achievements, continuing to improve services

for Australians with hearing loss while also minimising the significant health and social impacts of hearing loss.

The Consortium’s proposal will honour Australian Hearing’s original intent; safeguard clients of the Community Service Obligation (CSO) program including children, the elderly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and complex adults; address areas of service growth and unmet need; and ultimately provide an enhanced service and improved hearing health outcomes for all Australians. The Consortium’s approach seeks to extend upon Australia’s already world-leading hearing services, providing a total end-to-end service for people with hearing loss, including access to integrated assessment, diagnostics, hearing aids, cochlear implantation, therapy, education and additional rehabilitation and support services.

This is an exciting time for RIDBC, enabling us to support even more people with hearing loss across Australia, while reinforcing and building upon our unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for current and future generations of Australians with vision or hearing loss.

Thank you

Community support and philanthropy remain key sources of RIDBC fundraising and are critical to ensuring the continuation of vital services for children, adults and families across Australia who are affected by vision or hearing loss.

In this annual report, we pay tribute to our many generous donors and celebrate their ongoing enthusiasm, interest and support in helping us to provide life-changing services to thousands of Australians with vision or hearing loss. We would also like to acknowledge our corporate supporters, partner organisations, staff and volunteers, including our valued RIDBC Board members, for their significant contributions throughout the year.

We look forward to updating you on our strategic plans as they evolve.

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ABOUT RIDBC

R oyal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) is Australia’s largest non-

government provider of education, therapy and cochlear implant services for children and adults with vision or hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who support them.

The range of specialist services available at RIDBC is unique in Australia and benefits thousands of children, adults, families and professionals each year.

These services are delivered by a broad group of highly qualified professionals including teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, orthoptists, psychologists, social workers, technology consultants, physiotherapists, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons and more. Using in-person sessions combined with modern technology, RIDBC connects children, adults and families across Australia to the expert education, therapy, cochlear implant, and vision or hearing support services they need.

As a charity, RIDBC relies significantly on fundraising and community support to continue to make a difference in the lives of people with vision or hearing loss.

Our Mission and Objectives

To provide quality and innovative services to achieve the best outcomes for current and future generations of Australians with vision and/or hearing loss.

To engage in research, information dissemination, professional preparation and continuing staff development for teachers and associated professionals in the field of sensory disability.

To recruit the best people we can, engage them in challenging work, and continually develop their skills and knowledge so that they can perform to the best of their ability.

To provide sufficient funding from diverse sources to have maximum impact on the mission of RIDBC.

Our Services

RIDBC provides specialist vision and hearing services for children, adults, families and professionals, including: » Assessment and diagnostics» Early intervention and early learning programs » Specialist preschools, schools and school

support services» Teleschool and telepractice programs » Therapy and rehabilitation services » Audiology and cochlear implant services » Research, postgraduate and continuing

professional education programs.

For further information about RIDBC services call 1300 581 391 or visit www.ridbc.org.au

Our Values In everything we do, we are always…

EthicalInnovativeStriving for High QualityRespectful to all PeopleSharing KnowledgeChild, Adult and Family Focussed

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Our History

RIDBC was established in 1860, 20 years before education became compulsory for sighted and hearing children and more than 80 years before school attendance became compulsory for children who were deaf or blind.

Originally located at Liverpool Street in Sydney, in the early 1960s RIDBC relocated to North Rocks, where its main site remains today. Over the past decade RIDBC’s footprint has continued to expand, with services now being provided from 18 permanent sites across Australia. We also support people in regional and remote areas of Australia using high-quality video conferencing technology.

In 2014, RIDBC acquired Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC), to provide Australia’s largest and most comprehensive cochlear implant program for people of all ages. This acquisition represented a major milestone in RIDBC’s evolution, resulting in the provision of cochlear implant, therapy and rehabilitation services to both children and adults for the first time in our 156 year history.

Over the coming years RIDBC will go through a substantial evolution as we implement our 2016-2020 Strategic Plan; continuing to respond to the introduction of the Federal Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) across Australia; while remaining focused on continuously improving our outcomes and service accessibility to achieve sustainability and growth for RIDBC and for the children, adults, families and professionals we serve. Our Mission

To provide quality and innovative services, to achieve the best outcomes for current and future generations of Australians with vision and/or hearing loss» India attends RIDBC Hunter Preschool

1 RIDBC family meet TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall Parents Baker and Farida, were overjoyed when they, along with their son, Raiyaan, received an invitation to attend a garden reception by RIDBC Joint Vice Regal Patrons, the Governor of NSW and Mrs Hurley in the presence of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, during the Royal Visit to Australia in November 2015. Raiyann, who has hearing loss, began accessing support from RIDBC at three months of age. Photograph courtesy of Rob Tuckwell Photography.

2 Qantas Pathfinders Revue celebrates 40 years In November the Qantas Pathfinders Revue celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Every year the volunteer performers from Pathfinders put on a show stopping performance in support of RIDBC. This year’s show was the biggest yet, raising a smashing $157,994.

3 New Canberra site opens its doorsShowcasing integrated RIDBC and SCIC Cochlear Implant Program services, co-located with leading surgeons, Canberra ENT.

In 2015 RIDBC participated in many small and large-scale events and activities

2015 HIGHLIGHTS

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4 EEP Our growth continued in 2015 with the announcement in December that the Early Education Program for Hearing Impaired Children (EEP) based in Brighton, Victoria will work with RIDBC to expand their service offering. In time, RIDBC will become responsible for operating this important Victorian service. This is an exciting time for EEP and RIDBC, as this announcement will see EEP expand upon its existing program of high-quality services, including providing children and families a range of clinical, educational and cochlear implant services.

5 RIDBC wins National Disability AwardRIDBC, through Dr Frances Gentle and the UEB Online team, were joint winners in the category of Excellence in Accessible Technology at the 2015 National Disability Awards ceremony in Canberra in November. RIDBC School Support Student, Connor McLeod, was also jointly awarded the ‘Emerging Leader in Disability Awareness’ award.

6 Elisha meets Hi-5 RIDBC Thomas Pattison School student, Elisha and her little sister were delighted to get the opportunity to meet Hi-5 with thanks to our corporate partner, Westfield.

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Revenue 2015

24% Charitable Fundraising 6% Rainbow Lottery 32% Government Funding 16% Investment Income 7% Other Sales, Fees, Income 15% SCIC Cochlear Implant Program

2015 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Financial Overview

In 2015 RIDBC achieved total revenue of $41.4m. This is 1% less than the prior year but

greater than any year before that. Total Revenue comprises Operating and Non-Operating Revenue Activities. Revenue from Operating Activities at $41.3m was 7% higher than the prior year. Non-Operating Activities in 2014 contained a $3.2m recognised gain on the acquisition of SCIC.

We are very grateful for the generosity of our donors and supporters with 30% of operating revenue derived from fundraising in 2015.

Total expenditure on Operating Activities increased by 8% to $40,998,943.

After excluding SCIC Cochlear Implant Program expenditure, operating expenditure only increased by 1.4%, being below that of CPI. Savings were made in a number of areas in order to offset increases in expenditure types where RIDBC has little or no control and to allow for additional spending to be made in areas that helped execute RIDBC’s five year strategic plan, including the expansion of services to a more diverse range of clients across more sites.

Finance, Administration and General Management costs at 7.7% of operational expenditure, continue to reflect the efficient and prudent operation of RIDBC.

Maroun attends RIDBC Rockie Woofit Preschool for children with hearing loss

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2015 Income and Expenditure Summary

2015 ($,000)

2014 ($,000)

Change %

Total Operating Revenue 41,307 38,596 7.0%

Total Operating Expenditure 40,999 37,942 8.1%

Operating Surplus / (Deficit) 308 654

Non-operating Items* 72 3,381

SURPLUS AFTER NON-OPERATING ITEMS 380 4,035

* 2014 includes $3,249,119 gain upon purchase of the net assets of Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC) Limited completed on 1 July 2014.

Expenditure: Student Services 2015

27% Preschoolers 10% School children who are blind or have

low vision 19% School children who are deaf or have

hearing loss 16% School children who have sensory

and additional disabilities 15% RIDBC Community Support Services 2% RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre 11% Professional education and research

in RIDBC Renwick Centre

Expenditure 2015

65% Student & Client Services 0.6% Investment Management 8% Charitable Fundraising 4% RIDBC Rainbow Lottery 1.4% Community Information & Marketing 8% Administration 13% SCIC Cochlear Implant Program

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OUR COMMUNITY

RIDBC responds to the needs of our community – children and adults with vision or hearing loss, their families, and the professionals who support them

MUSIC HELPS LILA LEARNWhen Natalie was pregnant with Lila a scan at 26 weeks picked up two heart issues. Just 19 hours after Lila was born, she had her first heart operation. Lila was later diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome and her parents turned to RIDBC for support.

L ila is now two years old and is developing new skills with support from RIDBC.“By the age of seven months Lila had

already had 186 medical appointments,” said her mother, Natalie.

“She has significant hearing loss in both ears and the structure of her ear impacts her balance - so she’s only just started crawling. We also know that her field of vision has been impacted.”

Lila attends RIDBC Matilda Rose Centre, which provides services to families looking to access the expert advice and support that will allow their child to develop relationships, communication and language.

“Lila recently received her second cochlear implant through RIDBC,” said Natalie. “Within a week of being ‘switched on’ at RIDBC Matilda Rose Centre she was turning towards me when I said her name!

“Lila’s vision is also improving with support from her RIDBC Vision Consultant, and she is receiving physiotherapy and occupational therapy to support her range of needs.”

Music therapy has been incorporated into Lila’s program.

“Lila learns well with music, so Caren, her RIDBC Speech Pathologist, decided to put together a music therapy group with other families,” said Natalie.

“Lila absolutely loves it! To see her progress with this social interaction is incredible. She said ‘hello’ for the first time in one of these sessions.

“When you have a child with multiple needs you can feel very isolated. Chatting with other mums in the group - you know you aren’t alone.”

Lila’s future is looking bright.“From the time Lila was born I was always

told by doctors that it was the worst case scenario,” said Natalie. “Now that’s changed. Lila’s success is purely down to the approach RIDBC takes. Lila nearly jumps out of my arms with excitement when she sees the steps at RIDBC Matilda Rose Centre.”

» Lila learns well with music, so Caren, her RIDBC Speech Pathologist, put together a music therapy group with other families. Lila loves it. She said ‘hello’ for the first time in one of these sessions

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OUR COMMUNITY

Throughout 2015, we improved outcomes for thousands of people with vision or hearing

loss through our broad range of services. We also provided cochlear implant services for thousands of children and adults with hearing loss through RIDBC’s SCIC Cochlear Implant Program.

A crucial part of the work we do is to support parents, siblings, family members, friends and colleagues of people with vision or hearing loss, ensuring that the people we work with are supported in their home, school and work environments.

We also provide postgraduate study, research programs and continuing professional education options through RIDBC Renwick Centre, for professionals who are dedicated to supporting people with vision or hearing loss. Our holistic approach means we are truly changing the lives of Australians with vision or hearing loss, every day.

Our community – the children, adults, families and professionals we serve, are our highest priority

NEW SOUNDS DELIGHT ANGIE 47 year old deaf artist, Angie, enjoys a new world of sound with her cochlear implant.

Angie from Sydney’s Inner West was born deaf after her mother contracted Rubella whilst pregnant with Angie.

“When I turned 40, I wanted to be able to enjoy my growing children more and hear all the sounds from their world,” said Angie. “It was a big decision to make, but since my cochlear implant was ‘switched on’ I am now much more aware of a variety of sounds that I was previously unable to hear and I’m still learning new sounds seven years later!”

What would Angie say to other people struggling with their hearing?

“I believe it’s a personal choice on how best to deal with hearing problems. The most important thing is to advise people with hearing loss on the possible solutions available to them, but the decision to act on this information remains with the individual.”

Artist Angie is one of thousands of adults being supported by SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service

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VINCENT PREPARES FOR HIGH SCHOOL 12 year old Vincent who has vision loss, is preparing to start high school in 2016 with the help of RIDBC School Support Service (Vision Impairment).

When Vincent was a baby he was diagnosed with nystagmus, a fast, repetitive, and involuntary movement of the eyes.

In grade three Vincent started attending Newington College and began receiving support from RIDBC. As part of RIDBC School Support Service, Vincent receives support from a specialist teacher of vision impairment, as well as a range of other professionals, such as orthoptists, access technology consultants and large print transcribers.

“Vincent’s RIDBC School Support Teacher, Pranitha, visits him twice a week and is just wonderful. The program is always tailored to Vincent, rather than trying to make Vincent fit into the program,” said Sharon, Vincent’s mum.

“In terms of the future, I just hope that Vincent achieves to his potential,” said Sharon. “Due to all the support we get he has a great chance of studying, pursuing his music or going for whatever job he wants.

TRANSFORMING ACCESS TECHNOLOGY In 2015 Michelle Knight celebrated the completion of her Master of Special Education (Sensory Disability) through RIDBC Renwick Centre.

Michelle has been working with people with vision loss for many years and joined RIDBC in 1997 to set up RIDBC’s access technology centre.

Michelle decided to further her studies so that she could better support the children at RIDBC.

“When you are working with children with vision loss, showing them how to use technology to better access the world around them, you very soon see how there is so much more to the picture than the technology,” said Michelle.

“You cannot teach technology in isolation, as it links into so many areas of a child’s life. My studies really helped me to understand the complex needs of many of these children.”

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RIDBC Access Technology Consultant Michelle receives her testamur from RIDBC Renwick Centre Director, Professor Greg Leigh

Vincent is thriving with support from RIDBC

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LIZ’S JOURNEYLiz began her life-changing cochlear implant journey in November 2014.

“One of the reasons I retired was because my hearing was deteriorating and starting to affect my work,” said Liz. “At the time I was wearing a bone anchored hearing aid to support the hearing in my right ear, but when the hearing in my left ear began to deteriorate I was advised to consider a cochlear implant.”

“For me, getting a cochlear implant has had two major benefits – improving my hearing and also giving me some security. I now know

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For retired nurse, Liz, a cochlear implant has been life-changing

LIAM LOVES ‘BIG SCHOOL’ Liam was diagnosed with Norrie disease, a condition that causes blindness and in some cases, hearing loss, when he was just six weeks of age.

When Liam was two and a half years old his parents, Julie and Craig, turned to RIDBC for support.

“Liam was enrolled in RIDBC Early Learning Program (Vision Impairment) and it was the best thing we could have done. He also joined RIDBC VisionEd Preschool, a specialist preschool for children with vision loss. I cannot put into words how much he changed – his interaction with the world around him and his motivation to learn just accelerated,” said Julie.

In 2015 Liam started ‘big school’ at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School.

“Liam has already told me he is going to be school captain by the end of the year,” said Julie. “When he started with RIDBC he couldn’t talk at all, now he comes home at the end of the day he doesn’t stop talking about school until he goes to bed – it’s amazing!”

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RIDBC is supporting Liam to make sure he has the skills he needs to succeed

OUR COMMUNITY

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that if the hearing in my left ear continues to deteriorate, the cochlear implant in my right ear will ensure I can always access sound.

“Hearing loss is the invisible disability,” said Liz. “People don’t realise how debilitating it can be – it’s very isolating.

“With my cochlear implant I can again socialise and enjoy spending time with my friends. I can enjoy watching TV at a volume that is comfortable for my husband. Before the volume was so loud he would escape to the garage – and could still hear the TV from there!”

EMMA IS EXCELLINGWhen Emma was diagnosed with hearing loss at birth, parents Charmain and Allan reached out to RIDBC from their home in regional NSW.

Now nine years old, Emma is in grade three at a mainstream school and thriving with the support of RIDBC.

“I can’t emphasise enough the impact RIDBC has had on Emma’s development,” said Charmain. “At RIDBC we’re supported by a full range of professionals, including teachers of the deaf, audiologists, speech pathologists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.

“RIDBC is committed to making sure Emma has the best access to sound possible. “Now, every day is an achievement. She is happy, and that’s the ultimate.”

MALISSA’S ACHIEVEMENT Malissa, who always wanted to support children with additional needs, completed her Master of Special Education (Hearing Impairment), through RIDBC Renwick Centre in 2015.

“I started my teaching degree later in life after having a family of my own,” said Malissa. “I always wanted to help children who, through no fault of their own, needed extra assistance.”

Malissa is now working as an itinerant teacher of the deaf.

“People don’t realise that a child with hearing aids might still miss out on information – both verbal and non-verbal,” said Malissa. “As an itinerant support teacher you go in and support children in mainstream schools, assisting them to seek that information for themselves. We also help teachers by supplying strategies to reinforce that information in class,” said Malissa.

“RIDBC Renwick Centre gave me the knowledge to support mainstream teachers to adjust their programs for these kids – that’s the best bit. It can be simple things like keeping down background noise as much as possible, using the correct technology, and rephrasing rather than just repeating information.

“I would encourage anyone interested in this field to study through RIDBC Renwick Centre – they were very supportive and it’s very manageable studying via distance education while you are working and raising a family.”

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RIDBC Renwick Centre Graduate Malissa celebrates the completion of her postgraduate qualifications in hearing impairment

Emma receives support from RIDBC Teleschool

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OUR SERVICES – EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

At RIDBC, we know that children with vision or hearing loss, get the best possible start to life when they, and their families, receive support from skilled early intervention and special education providers

LISTENING LUCY AND HEARING HANNAH!When twin sisters, Lucy and Hannah were born their lives started to take very different paths.

“I have three daughters, so there is always a lot going on, but RIDBC accommodates our whole family,” said Natalie. “Hannah has been able to come along to all of Lucy’s lessons and as a result her speech is off the Richter scale from all the speech therapy!

“Sometimes it’s hard – Hannah can answer questions so quickly but Lucy takes a few seconds to process. RIDBC is giving me strategies to support them both – like encouraging games where they take turns so that Lucy has an opportunity to take the lead.

“Before the implant Lucy was definitely more frustrated, but now her learning is just accelerating and she is so much more relaxed.”

“Early intervention makes such a difference. Lucy attended a local preschool alongside her twin sister, and she is now going to the local primary school alongside her too. She has a very bright future - and it gets brighter all the time.”

When Hannah was born she weighed 2.2kg. Lucy was just 1.7kg.

“The girls were effected by twin to twin transfusion in utero,” said their mother, Natalie. “When Lucy was born we found out she had mild cerebral palsy and auditory neuropathy, a condition that can cause hearing loss.”

Seeing the support they would receive from RIDBC, the family made the decision to relocate permanently from Shanghai to Australia so Lucy could access RIDBC’s Early Learning Program (Hearing Impairment).

“RIDBC provides auditory verbal support along with other communication modes, like sign language,” said Natalie. “Lucy received two hearing aids at 11 months but as her auditory neuropathy causes her hearing to fluctuate, we thought she might need visual cues to aid communication.”

In 2013, Lucy received a cochlear implant through RIDBC’s SCIC Cochlear Implant Program.

» Hannah and Lucy with their mother, Natalie (left), and RIDBC Consultant, Lynne, using a puzzle to help develop their language skills

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Early Learning Programs

In 2015, 351 children were enrolled in RIDBC’s Early Learning Programs, which are tailored

according to the individual needs of each child and family, and may involve regular individual sessions, group sessions and family information sessions, that are delivered in-person, through telepractice or a combination of both.

Preschools

We supported 44 children through our five specialist RIDBC preschools in 2015, in addition to 59 children from the community to act as learning and language models. RIDBC VisionEd preschool in North Rocks caters for children with vision loss, RIDBC Rockie Woofit preschool caters for children with hearing loss learning to listen and speak, and RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool caters for children learning Australian Sign Language (Auslan). We also run preschools in the Hunter and Nepean for children with vision or hearing loss.

OUR SERVICES – EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

In November, Hon. John Ajaka, Minister for Disability Services, met with families accessing RIDBC’s Dot’s Place early learning group for children with vision loss, announcing a grant of $200,000 for this important service. Jacob says ‘thank you!’

Having access to specialist educational programs and services allows children with vision or hearing loss to reach their full potential

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Schools and School Support

RIDBC operates three schools – RIDBC Garfield Barwick School which caters for children with hearing loss who listen and speak with the aid of cochlear implants or hearing aids, and prepares them to transition to mainstream schools. RIDBC Thomas Pattison School offers a bilingual educational program for deaf students up to Year 10 who use Auslan and English. RIDBC Alice Betteridge School caters for school-aged children who are deafblind and for students who are blind or vision impaired combined with a mild to moderate intellectual impairment.

We supported 106 children through these schools in 2015 and supported a further 166 children through RIDBC School Support Service.

Teleschool

RIDBC Teleschool provided services to 226 children living in regional and remote areas across Australia in 2015. In addition, RIDBC Teleschool held seven residential weeks during the year for children with vision or hearing loss and their families. These residentials consisted of 4 programs for children of various ages who are blind or vision impaired and use braille, as well as 3 residentials for children who are deaf or hearing impaired. These included an Auslan residential for children who use Auslan as their communication method, an early learning/primary school residential for children whose communication method is oral and a residential for teenagers. A total of 53 families attended these residentials during 2015.

During the residentials, the RIDBC Teleschool consultants worked with families in supporting their child to access communication, learning and social opportunities, the use of specialised technology and how children can achieve educational and social inclusion despite their complex needs. Families and children have numerous opportunities to interact and network, an important aspect for people living in regional and remote parts of Australia.

CONNOR’S CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE RIDBC School Support (Vision Impairment) student, Connor McLeod has had a very busy year!

This inspirational young man received numerous awards in 2015 for his fantastic efforts in leading a campaign for change to help improve the lives of people with vision loss.

Connor, who is blind, decided to petition The Australian Reserve Bank to introduce tactile markings on Australian bank notes, after he received money for Christmas and was unable to tell how much money he had received. As a result, the first generation of tactile banknotes are due to be released in 2016 by The Australian Reserve Bank.

Connor furthered his campaign by petitioning for text to speech facilities on eftpos machines to assist people who are blind or have low vision to know how much money is being withdrawn from their account.

In September Connor was awarded the Pride of Australia Medal in the ‘Young Leader’ category. In November Connor jointly won the ‘Emerging Leader in Disability Awareness’ at the 2015 National Disability Awards.

Connor was also invited to Boston where he was honoured with the ‘The Hands On!’ Award from National Braille Press. This award recognises individuals who have made a difference in the world of braille literacy and in the lives of people with vision loss.

*Image taken as part of the 2015 National Disability Awards, courtesy of the Department of Social Services

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Connor pictured with his mum Ally*

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RIDBC Educational Applications (Apps) for Mobiles and Tablets

In 2015, RIDBC launched a new app to help children with vision loss and additional needs develop the sign language they need to communicate.

The ‘Adapting Signs’ app, developed by a team of vision loss and technology specialists at RIDBC, helps children with vision loss and significant developmental or intellectual impairments, to develop the key signs they need to communicate with their families or carers.

“RIDBC is committed to using mainstream technology such as the iPad to improve access for children with vision or hearing loss,” said RIDBC Speech Pathologist and content developer, Annette Clarke.

“Adapting Signs was developed in response to an obvious need. Our team of professionals were working with children in specialist schools, many of whom had not developed speech. We saw that the professionals and families supporting these children were using key word signing to encourage communication.

“However a significant proportion of these children have vision loss – meaning that traditional signing methods weren’t accessible. The children’s vision loss meant that they couldn’t see signs clearly to learn them. We wanted to develop a tool that would support a child with vision loss who needs to use expressive signs to communicate.”

Adapting Signs helps families and care-givers adapt signs to better support the communication of children with various levels of vision loss and significant additional disabilities. The app allows users to tailor signs to suit their specific needs, with video recording functionality built-in so that a new sign can be recorded and shared with other care providers for that child.

Another app ‘Discover the Park’ was launched in 2015. This app is designed to introduce children who are blind, or who have vision loss, to Apple’s screen reader VoiceOver Software. Learning to use assistive technology like VoiceOver is critical for children with vision impairment and will help build a child’s knowledge, skills and confidence, while also encouraging interaction and communication between children and their peers.

In 2015 RIDBC also released an android version of ‘Auslan Tutor’, a portable video-based Australian Sign Language (Auslan) teaching resource developed specifically for mobile devices.

To find out more or to download these apps, visit: ridbc.org.au/apps.

OUR SERVICES – EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

RIDBC Speech Pathologist and Adapting Signs content developer, Annette Clarke

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DALE GRADUATESDale who has hearing loss as well as cerebral palsy, began his journey with RIDBC Alice Betteridge School in kindergarten and graduated as School Captain in November 2015.

“We enrolled Dale in RIDBC Alice Betteridge School when he was three and a half years old, and honestly, it’s just been the best thing,” said Dale’s mother, Kim. “They helped us with everything from physical disability support, to furniture modifications, to support for Dale’s hearing loss.

“Dale just wouldn’t be where he is today without RIDBC. They gave him every opportunity to learn and try new things. He’s come along in leaps and bounds. RIDBC really pushes kids to achieve their full potential. They let Dale grow into his own person – and the support wasn’t just for my son, but also for me.”

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT WINS AWARD RIDBC recognised Julian’s outstanding academic achievement in the 2015 HSC.

Julian, who has vision loss, attended St Luke’s Grammar and received support from RIDBC School Support service. The service places specialist RIDBC support teachers into schools, to provide students with vision or hearing loss with in-class assistance and strategies for accessing the curriculum.

Julian is now studying a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the University of New South Wales and would like to work with robotics and artificial intelligence after he graduates.

“Throughout high school I received assistance from RIDBC,” said Julian. “I’ve always benefitted from their support. In high school the interactive white boards were linked to a monitor which sat in front of my desk so that I could see more clearly. This meant that I could read slideshows, watch videos and see what the teachers were writing on the board when they were using a calibrated SMART board pen.”

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RIDBC awarded Julian a medal of excellence for his academic achievement

Dale with his mum Kim, at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School 2015 graduation ceremony

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OUR SERVICES – CLINICAL SERVICES

In 2015, RIDBC continued to provide comprehensive clinical services such as diagnostics and assessment, therapy, and cochlear implant services to meet the needs of our community

VICTORIA’S COCHLEAR IMPLANT JOURNEYFor kindergarten teacher Victoria, not being able to hear in the classroom was exhausting.

V ictoria received her first pair of hearing aids shortly after being diagnosed with hearing

loss at three years of age.“When I first started working as a teacher

I definitely had to adapt – like making sure I could hear the evacuation alarm – but I was coping quite well,” said Victoria. “I previously hadn’t been considered a candidate for a cochlear implant – but then over the course of a year I started to find it difficult to hear in the classroom and it was leaving me pretty exhausted.”

A new round of assessments found that Victoria’s hearing had deteriorated.

“It was time for an implant,” said Victoria. “I had the surgery over the Christmas school holidays and was back to work in the New Year. I didn’t have high expectations as I didn’t want to be disappointed, but when my dad spoke to me I could understand what he was saying! I said, ‘Oh my goodness, I can hear the

‘S’ and ‘SH’ sound’ - I really hadn’t heard them well before.

“The surgery was a massive success. It’s amazing the things I can hear now - like the sound of the fridge! There are lots of amazing experiences and some hilarious ones too. Just the other week I leant too close to the whiteboard and my head stuck due to the implant’s magnet, the kids were in stiches!

“It’s been a long journey but it’s been worth it. The staff at SCIC Cochlear Implant Program in Gosford have been amazing - I can contact them at any time and ask them questions. In the classroom it’s made a huge difference,’ said Victoria.

“Previously I had to rush off early to meetings to make sure that I got a seat up front so I could lip read but now I don’t have to rush, I can sit at the back and still pick it all up!”

» Victoria, pictured with her kindergarten students in the classroom

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RIDBC Allied Health Services

In 2015, RIDBC continued to provide high-quality therapy and assessment services to

children and adults who have vision or hearing loss.

A total of 194 assessments were conducted across 185 clients, assessing an individual’s requirements for speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, orthoptics, or access technology services. 54% of these assessments were conducted for clients with vision impairment, 45% for clients with hearing impairment, and 1% were for clients with dual sensory impairment.

The RIDBC Allied Health Services team delivered more than 950 therapy sessions in 2015.

Overall, more individuals were seen in 2015 than 2014 reflecting the presence of more clinics and individual assessments. There was a 45% increase in the number of assessments for clients who have hearing impairment, from 46 to 83 in 2015.

Throughout 2015, we expanded the range of RIDBC Allied Health services to include:» A professional support/coaching program

for preschool staff at Arncliffe Preschool» Within-school clinics providing Orthoptic

and Audiological assessments at St Lucy’s School and William Rose School

» A low vision aid inservice at Ermington West Public School.

RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre

RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre is a dedicated paediatric diagnostic audiology centre assessing children with suspected hearing loss, from birth onwards.

In 2015, the team conducted more than 2630 audiology consultations, including a number of diagnostic assessments as part of the NSW Health, Statewide Infant Screening - Hearing (SWISH) Program. Staff also continued to lead the RIDBC Indigenous Outreach program and supported children across all RIDBC programs with audiological assessments.

OUR SERVICES – CLINICAL SERVICES

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When Charlie was born, a series of hearing screening tests revealed that he was profoundly deaf in both ears. That’s when his journey began with RIDBC

In 2015, RIDBC provided more assessment services and individual therapy sessions for people with vision or hearing loss than in any other year

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SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service, has continued to cement its position as a recognised global leader in cochlear implantation services. SCIC Cochlear Implant Program achieves world class outcomes for people with severe to profound hearing loss, and is the largest service of its kind in Australia.

With more locations across Australia, and the ability to deliver ongoing cochlear implantation support services remotely, we have been able to give even more Australians access to this life-changing technology.

During 2015, we implanted 432 cochlear implant devices, which is an increase of 12% from last year. 62 children under 16, and 251 adults received their very first cochlear implant in 2015 thanks to SCIC Cochlear Implant Program.

48% of these surgeries were performed within the public system, and surgeries were performed across 15 hospitals throughout Australia.

During 2015, over 2850 people actively received support for their cochlear implant thanks to our lifelong commitment to each candidate.

SHIRLEY’S SIGNIFICANT MILESTONEShirley lost her hearing suddenly after her 11th birthday. Years later she received an implant through the program now known as SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service.

“When I lost my hearing there was very little information or support available. No one explained my tinnitus - it was just called ‘head noises’. I am quite sure my parents had no idea what I was going through,” said Shirley.

“Six months after I lost my hearing, I began receiving lip reading lessons and speech therapy from RIDBC. Without this support I would have been lost – it allowed me to communicate.”

In 1985, at a stage when cochlear implantation was still in its infancy, Shirley became just the third person in NSW to receive a cochlear implant. In 2015, Shirley celebrated the 30th anniversary of her cochlear implant.

“When I lost my hearing there was little technology to assist the deaf,” said Shirley. “When articles started appearing in the media about experiments in cochlear implants I grew impatient with my deafness - I wanted to hear! That’s when I found out that I was a candidate for a cochlear implant.

“This anniversary is one of the biggest milestones in my life.”

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Shirley, who is 88 years old, celebrated the 30th anniversary of her cochlear implant in 2015

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OUR SERVICES – RIDBC RENWICK CENTRE

RIDBC Renwick Centre continued to conduct world-leading research and professional education in 2015, in a range of fields related to the education of children with vision or hearing loss

THE AUSTRALIAN CHILDHOOD VISION IMPAIRMENT REGISTERThe Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register is sponsored by RIDBC, in partnership with families, eye health professionals, low vision agencies such as Vision Australia and Guide Dogs, and education departments.

T he Register is the first of its kind in Australia, and began in 2009 in response

to a lack of reliable data on Australian children with vision impairment. The data from the Register is now used to improve services for children with vision impairment, and by researchers who work in the area of eye disease and disorders of vision.

Children are eligible to join the Register if they are aged from birth to 18 years and if they have vision impairment in both eyes that has been diagnosed by an eye doctor or ophthalmologist. There are currently over 1000 children registered, 58% boys and 42% girls.

The signs of vision impairment can be present early in a child’s life and the majority of registered children have been suspected to have vision impairment by their first birthday (75%). Vision impairment is typically first noticed by medical professionals (59%), followed by family and friends (41%). Most registered children have vision impairment diagnosed by their first birthday (69%), and in 24% by the time they are 6 years old. 77% of registered children have another relative in their family with a similar eye or vision condition.

The most common reason a registered child has vision impairment is that they have a diagnosis of retinal dystrophy (15%) or cortical vision impairment (15%). Albinism is also a

common diagnosis (11%). A severe level of vision impairment is most common, found in 52% of registered children.

The use of low vision aids is common among registered children, with 27% using some type of device to enhance their vision or mobility. Magnifiers, electronic devices and canes are commonly used, and 37% of children learn and read braille.

The Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register is providing the first ever data on this small but important population of children. It has begun to reveal that vision impairment occurs almost evenly in boys and girls, that the signs are present early in life and that an early diagnosis is possible, so essential early intervention can commence. There are many conditions that cause vision impairment, and in this population it is common for the vision impairment to be severe. Also, children with vision impairment have high support needs, they have complex health problems, and often other types of disabilities.

The Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register is an essential program, ensuring Australia continues to lead the world in critical research into childhood vision impairment.

For more information about the Register visit www.vifamilynetwork.org.au

Molly receives support from RIDBC Early Learning Program (Vision Impairment)

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OUR SERVICES – RIDBC RENWICK CENTRE

RIDBC Renwick Centre is Australia’s leading provider of professional development and

research in a range of fields related to the education of children with vision or hearing loss. In affiliation with the University of Newcastle, the centre offers postgraduate programs (at masters and doctoral degree levels) and an extensive program of continuing professional education for teachers, therapists and a range of other associated professionals.

Through other collaborations, the Centre is involved in a wide range of additional research and professional education endeavours. Most notably, members of the Centre’s staff are engaged with colleagues at the Australian Hearing Hub at Macquarie University through projects associated with the Hearing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), and directly with the University.

Postgraduate Programs

In 2015, there were 185 students undertaking postgraduate studies through RIDBC Renwick Centre through a mixture of full-time, part-time, on-campus, and remote-access modes of delivery. At ceremonies during the year, postgraduate qualifications of the University of Newcastle were conferred upon a total of 51 graduates who completed their studies through RIDBC Renwick Centre.

Consistent with the requirements of the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency, all university award programs offered through RIDBC Renwick Centre were rigorously reviewed and amended to become compliant with the new Australian Qualifications Framework. That resulted in a new program of study for the Master of Special Education being offered by the university through RIDBC Renwick Centre. The new version of the program was offered for the first time in 2015.

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Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

Over 110 CPE events were run by RIDBC Renwick Centre in 2015, with the exchangeability of more than 3,500 person-days of continuing education being provided across the year. Thirty online seminars featuring world class educators and therapists were streamed across Europe, Asia Pacific, America and Australia/ New Zealand. Six of these were run in partnership with Cochlear Limited as part of the HOPE series. Attendees at CPE events came from Australia, China, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, NZ, Philippines, Taiwan, USA, Thailand, Sweden, Malaysia, Cyprus and England.

In addition, another 30 workshops and conferences that were provided live in Sydney were simultaneously streamed to participants across Australia and New Zealand.

Library Services

RIDBC Renwick Centre houses the Rydge Family Library which is Australia’s most comprehensive collection of resources in the field of education and early intervention for children and others with sensory disability.

Research

RIDBC Renwick Centre maintains an active and varied program of research. 2015 was another year of significant achievement in the creation of new knowledge and the sharing of that information through presentations to leading national and international conferences as well as publications in the scientific literature (see pages 36 and 37).

SUE’S VISION FOR THE FUTURERIDBC Renwick Centre research informs eligibility criteria for support funding for people with vision impairment.

Sue Silveira, Senior Research Fellow at RIDBC Renwick Centre is conducting research as part of her studies for her PhD that will examine systems currently used to judge a person’s eligibility for support, when they have vision impairment.

Generally, people are judged to be eligible (or not) from the results of testing what they can see on a standard vision chart in an eye clinic. However, this form of testing does not represent the person’s vision in every day circumstances. For example, people living in Australia are exposed to high levels of glare that can affect the quality of their vision. This impact isn’t captured by a standard vision chart.

Sue hopes to design a model that combines results from vision charts with an allowance for environmental and personal factors to ensure a person’s reported vision is true to what they see. There is potential for this model to be used by government bodies such as the National Disability Insurance Agency and departments of education when deciding eligibility for support funding.

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Sue Silveira, was awarded the Zoran Georgievski Medal in 2015. This award recognises a member of Orthoptics Australia for their substantial contribution to furthering the profession of Orthoptics.

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Dr Frances Gentle, director of the UEB Online Project receiving a joint ‘Excellence in Accessibility - Technology’ award at the 2015 National Disability Awards from The Hon. Alan Tudge MP, Minister for Human Services*

OUR SERVICES – RIDBC RENWICK CENTRE

*Image taken as part of the 2015 National Disability Awards, courtesy of the Department of Social Services

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Award winning UEB Online program promotes braille literacy

RIDBC has developed the world’s first e-Learning training program in Unified

English Braille (UEB). The program, entitled UEB Online, is designed to enable sighted people to support children and adults who are using braille as a vital part of their communication.

UEB Online is an effective way of using information communication technology to promote braille literacy in Australia and internationally.

In 2015 the program was jointly awarded the ‘Excellence in Accessibility - Technology’ award at the 2015 National Disability Awards. The program also received a ‘Highly Commended’ award at the 2015 Australia and New Zealand Internet Awards (ANZIAs), and was runner up in the Academic Division of the 2015 International e-Learning Awards (IELA).

“Braille is fundamental to the development of literacy and numeracy in people who are blind,” said RIDBC Lecturer and UEB Online project leader, Dr Frances Gentle.

“Over the past 12 months almost 6000 registered users of UEB Online from over 50 countries have accessed the program over 100,000 times.”

UEB Online is ideal for any sighted person who has an interest in learning braille in order to offer learning support for blind children and adults, including mainstream and specialist educators, therapists and other professionals; parents, grandparents and siblings; and class peers.

Development of UEB Online has been a team process involving RIDBC staff, braille specialists, an external computer programmer and volunteers. Financial support for the program’s development was provided by RIDBC and through generous financial support from the Baxter, James N. Kirby, and Hargrove Foundations.

JOSIE LEADS THE WAYJosie Howse has worked in the field of vision impairment for over 35 years and is passionate about the use of braille as the cornerstone of literacy and numeracy for students who are blind.

In addition to managing the Braille and Large Print Service for the NSW Department of Education, Josie is a lecturer within the RIDBC Renwick Centre vision impairment program.

Josie has extensive experience in the development of braille codes at a state, national and international level and has chaired numerous Round Table and Australian Braille Authority working parties, developing national guidelines for students with vision impairment.

Josie was the editor of the “braille bible” for vision teachers and support staff in Australia (i.e., Unified English Braille Primer: Australian Edition, 2006) and co-editor of the recent Unified English Braille: Australian Training Manual, 2014.

Josie has been published in the British Journal of Vision Impairment (BJVI), is a peer reviewer in a number of journals, and has presented throughout the world. She has been listed in the Who’s Who of Australian Women annually since 2008 and was awarded the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

We are honoured to have Josie’s ongoing contribution as a lecturer within the RIDBC Renwick Centre vision impairment program. Thanks to Josie, students with vision impairment across the world continue to learn braille skills that allow them to achieve the best outcomes possible.

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Josie Howse is nationally and internationally renowned for her work in the field of vision impairment

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RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

RESEARCHThe early communicative environment prior to and following cochlear implants: impact on children’s early communicative and cognitive development (Prof. Edith Bavin, Dr Julia Sarant, Prof. Candy Petersen, Dr Peter Busby, & Prof. Greg Leigh). Research supported by ARC Linkage Grant LP 110100070.Auditory-oral progress of infants in a Deaf family environment: Five parallel case studies, (a) infant-CI, (b) infant-HA, (c) three infant-CODA (Dr Robyn Cantle Moore). Research supported by the WA Foundation for Deaf Children and Deafness Foundation Victoria.Development of the Infant Monitor-Production (IMP) as an evaluation protocol for infants with impaired hearing (Dr Robyn Cantle Moore).Longitudinal outcomes of hearing-impaired children: Early vs later intervention (Dr Teresa Ching, Prof. Harvey Dillon, Prof. Linda Cupples, Prof. Greg Leigh, Dr Malin Waas). National Acoustic Laboratories-led project supported by US National Institutes of Health Grant Number: 2R01DC008080-06Posit brain training study (Prof. Robert Cowan, Kerry Plant, Leanne Babic, & Dr Peter Busby). Research supported by the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre.Pilot evaluation of combined investigational device: CI4CID with controlled dose of dexamethasone (Prof. Robert Cowan, A/Prof. Robert Briggs, Prof. Stephen O’Leary, Kerry Plant, Ruth English, A/Prof. Catherine Birman, & Leanne Babic). Research supported by the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre.Prediction of outcomes in adult cochlear implant recipients (Prof. Robert Cowan, Kerry Plant, Dr Pamela Dawson, Ruth English, Dr  Komal Arora, Jason Garvilis, Michelle Moran, Alex Rousset, Leanne Babic, Karen Pedley, & Dr Jacqueline Anderson). Research supported by the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre.Outcomes of cochlear implant revision surgery and outcomes (A/Prof. Melville daCruz, Dr Isabelle Boisvert, Dr Valerie Looi, Mariana Reis).Deaf people in colonial Australia: Access to justice, education and employment (Dr Breda Carty & Darlene Thornton).Factors influencing the nature of intervention by itinerant support teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students—PhD project (John Davison-Mowle—Supervisor/s: Prof. Greg Leigh, Dr Jill Duncan, & Prof Michael Arthur-Kelly). Research supported by the Carrie Smith Memorial Fund.Accessible UEB Online: Developing an on-line training program in the Unified English Braille Code for learners who are blind or have low vision (including family members and professionals with vision impairment). Research and development supported by the JSDJS Foundation and the James N. Kirby Foundation. (Dr Frances Gentle).Music training for hearing impaired children and its effect on speech perception and social development – PhD project (Chi Yhun Lo – Supervisor/s: A/Prof. Catherine McMahon, Dr Valerie Looi, & Prof. Bill Thompson).Retrospective historical study of outcomes for Canberra cochlear implant surgeries for SCIC (Janet Kenyon, Alireza Moghadam, & Dr Valerie Looi)

The effectiveness of telepractice in delivering specialist early intervention services to deaf and hard of hearing children and their families—PhD project (Melissa McCarthy—Supervisor/s: Prof. Greg Leigh & Prof Michael Arthur-Kelly).Assessment of patterns of teacher-student interactions in sign language-inclusive classrooms (Prof. Jemina Napier, Prof. Greg Leigh, Della Goswell, & Dr Breda Carty). Research supported by Macquarie University/RIDBC Enterprise partnership Grant.A review of oral support services for people of working age with a hearing loss—MPhil project (Michele Nealon—Supervisor/s: Prof. Philip Newall & Prof. Greg Leigh).A review of the Low Cost Hearing Aid project in the Philippines (Prof. Philip Newall).Auditory processing in older persons - implications for hearing aid fitting. (Prof. Philip Newall & Prof. Paul Mitchell)The delivery of cochlear implantation related services in a remote access environment—PhD project—Macquarie University (Colleen Psarros—Supervisor/s: A/Prof Catherine McMahon, Prof. Greg Leigh & Prof. Robert Cowan).Field testing and further development of two paediatric audiological speech tests in the Indonesian language (INDO-SPRITT AND INDO-SPASP). (Dahlia Sartika & Prof. Philip Newall).Profiling children with vision impairment in Australia (Oz Vizkids): A national register of children with vision impairment (Sue Silveira). Research supported by the Japan Australia Friendship Fund (JAFF).

PUBLICATIONSBirman, C. S., Brew, J., Gibson, W. P. R., & Elliott, E. J. (2015). CHARGE syndrome and Cochlear Implantation: difficulties and outcomes in the paediatric population. International Journal of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 79(4), 487-492.Birman, C. S., Gibson, W. P., Elliott, E. J., (2015). Paediatric cochlear implantation: associated with minimal postoperative pain and dizziness. Otology and Neurotology, 36(2), 220-222.Cantle Moore, R. (in press). The getting of speech: Infants with diverse hearing status (NH, CI, HA) growing up in Deaf family environments. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism.Ching, T.Y.C., Quar, T. K., Johnson, E.R., Newall, P., & Sharma, M. (2015). Comparing NAL-NL1 and DSL v5 in hearing aids fit to children with severe or profound hearing loss: Goodness of fit-to-targets, impacts on predicted loudness and speech intelligibility. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 26(3), 260-274.Gentle, F. (2015). Book review: Along came Henry: A guide dog story. International Journal of Orientation and Mobility, 7(1), 98. Gentle, F. (2015). Tutorial: Learning the International DeafBlind Alphabet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT6ku5XojR8Hosie, P. H., Fitzgerald, D. A., Jaffe, A., Birman C. S., Rutland, J., & Morgan, L. C. (2015). Presentation of primary ciliary dyskinesia in children: 30 years’ experience. Journal of Paediatric Child Health, 51(7), 722-726.

Leigh, G., & Crowe, K. (2015). Responding to cultural and linguistic diversity among deaf and hard of hearing learners. In M. Marschark, & H. Knoors (Eds.). Educating Deaf Learners (pp.69-92). New York: Oxford University Press.Leigh, G., Ching, T Y. C., Crowe, K, Cupples, L., Marnane, V., & Seeto, M., (2015). Factors affecting psychosocial and motor development in 3-year-old children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 20(4), 331-342.Looi, V., Lee, Z. Z., & Loo, J. (online 2015). Quality of life outcomes for children with hearing impairment in Singapore. International Journal of Paediatric Otorhinoloaryngology, 80, 88-100. Looi, V., Qi-Wen, E. T & Loo, J. (2015). pitch and lexical tone perception of bilingual English-mandarin speaking cochlear implant recipients, hearing aid users, and normally hearing listeners. Cochlear Implants International, 16(S3), S91-S104.Lo, C. Y., McMahon, C., Looi, V., & Thompson, B. (2015). Melodic contour training and its effect on speech in noise, consonant discrimination, and prosody perception for cochlear implant recipients. Journal Behavioural Neurology. Article ID 352869 http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/352869 Powell, H. R., Birman, C. S. (2015). Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome: Impedance changes over time with different cochlear implant electrode arrays. Cochlear Implants International, 16(6), 326-330. Powell, H. R., Rolfe, A. M., Birman, C. S., (2015). A comparative study of audiologic outcomes for two transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing devices. Otology and Neurotology, 36(9, 1525-1531.Silveira, S. (2015). A review of the impact of glare and fatigue on visual function. Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment, 8(1), 51-59.Smith, T., Patterson, M., & Perigoe, C. (2015). Application of the Ling Approach: A global perspective from the Ling Consortium. Volta Voices, 22(4)22-24.

PRESENTATIONS: Birman, C. (March). Co-chair: Paediatric guidelines—a year in review. 2015 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS), Sydney.Birman, C. (March). BAHA Attract: What is it and how does it compare? 2015 ASM of ASOHNS, Sydney.Birman, C. (March). Charge syndrome and paediatric cochlear implant outcomes. 2015 ASM of ASOHNS, Sydney.Birman, C. (March). Otitis media round table. Paediatric satellite meeting for 2015 ASM of ASOHNS, Sydney.Birman, C. (2105, May). What the pure tone audiogram tells us. Asia Pacific Society of Cochlear Implants 2015, Beijing.Birman, C. (May). Changing demographics over the last 30 years. Asia Pacific Society of Cochlear Implants 2015, Beijing.Birman, C. (June). Round table discussion: The absent or hypoplastic cochlea nerve. European Society of Paediatric Cochlear Implants 2015, Toulouse, France.

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Birman, C. (August). Absent or hypoplasia cochlea nerve on MRI and cochlear implants: what can we tell patients? Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health Postgraduate Conference, Parramatta.Birman, C. (November). Cochlear implants and the third age. Australian Association of Geriontology, Alice Springs.Borbilas, P., & Clarke, A. (May). Receptive Communication: Do we really understand it? AGOSCI 12th Biennial Conference, Brisbane.Borbilas, P., & Cutts, K. (September). Pretend Play for Children with Vision Impairment. VISCON 2015, SydneyBrindal, R. (May). Rural connections, possibilities through telepractice. 13th National Rural Health Conference, Darwin. Bull, R. (September). Challenging cases: what can we learn from them? 2015 Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf Conference, Sydney.Bull, R. (November). The acoustic environment and supporting students with special listening needs in the classroom. Victorian Deaf Education Institute Conference, Melbourne.Bull, R. (November). The acoustic environment and supporting students with special hearing needs in the classroom. Victorian Deaf Education Conference, Melbourne.Byrne, A. (November). Framework for the introduction and training of low vision aids for preschool children. Orthoptics Australia 72nd Annual Scientific Conference 2015, Wellington, New Zealand.Cantle Moore, R. (October). IMPlementing the IMP: The what, why, who, when and how of the Infant Monitor of vocal Production. Victorian deaf Education Institute Conference, Melbourne.Carty, B. (May). Reflecting on 30 years of access: Keynote address. 30th Anniversary Celebration for Deaf Student Support Program, Griffith University, Brisbane.Ching, T., Rushbrooke, E., & Leigh, G. (June). Considering variation in protocols for intervention for children with unilateral hearing loss. 8th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference (ANHSC 2015), Sydney.Foale, B. (January). Developing phonological awareness skills in children with vision impairment and additional disabilities: Approaches, considerations and challenges for education and health professionals. Biennial Conference of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment, Melbourne.

Foale, B., & Lim, Y. (May). The Alice Betteridge School (ABS) communication continuum: An assessment framework for students with multiple disabilities. 12th Biennial Australian Group on Severe Communication Impairment Conference, Brisbane.Gentle, F., Aiwa, J. (March). Education for all: Vision impairment. 4th Pacific Regional Conference on Disability 2015, Nadi, Fiji.

Gentle, F., Rawal, N., & Piccione, L. (October). ICEVI: Methodologies for early intervention and working with children with multiple disabilities. 6th Africa Forum: Beyond 2015 Delivering on the agenda for persons with visual impairment in Africa, Kampala, Uganda.

Haglund, E., Gray, C., Hickman, M., & Psarros, C. (June). Social media and its role in cochlear implantation of early identified infants. 12th European Symposium Pediatric Cochlear Implant, Toulouse, France. Leigh, G. (July). Keynote address: Recognizing Diversity in Deaf Education: From Paris to Athens with a Diversion to Milan-How far have we come? 25th International Congress on Education of the Deaf, Athens, Greece. Leigh, G., Carty, B., Goswell, D., & Napier, J. (June). Deaf student’s access to questions in interpreted classrooms. 25th International Congress on Education of the Deaf, Athens, Greece.Leigh, G. (November). Understanding language and literacy challenges for deaf and hard of hearing children: Issues in access, assessment and intervention. Education Bureau Speech and Hearing Services Section Staff Conference, Hong Kong, China.Looi, V., Wong, Y., & Loo, J. (April). Music training versus focused music listening for adult cochlear implant recipients in Singapore. 10th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implants and Related Sciences. Beijing, China.Looi, V., Q-Wen, E. T & Loo, J. (April). Relationships between musical pitch and lexical tone perception in Mandarin‐Speaking adult cochlear implant recipients and normally hearing listeners. 10th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implants and Related Sciences, Beijing, China.Looi, V., Lee, Z. Z., Loo, J. (June). Quality of life outcomes for Singaporean hearing impaired children using cochlear implants and/or hearing aids. 12th European Symposium Pediatric Cochlear Implant, Toulouse, France.Cowan, R., Atkinson, B., Del Dot, J., Dornan, D., Hollow, Looi, V., et al (2015, June). A paediatric multi-Centre investigation of the nucleus 6 system. 12th European Symposium Pediatric Cochlear Implant, Toulouse, France.MacMillan, H., & Richards, L. (June). ‘On our watch’: Identifying additional developmental concerns in children with hearing loss attending an early intervention program. 8th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference, Sydney.McCann, T. (June). Unilateral hearing loss: How do we successfully support families in rural and remote Australia? 8th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference (ANHSC 2015), Sydney.McCann, T. (June). Technology: Pushing the boundaries to provide equal access for all families. 8th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference (ANHSC 2015), Sydney.Miller, P. (July). Large print guidelines for students with vision impairment. Paediatric Vision Forum 2015, Sydney.Miller, P. (September). Large print guidelines for students with vision impairment. VISCON 2015, Sydney.Newall, P., Burlutsky, G., Gopinath, B., Newall, C., & Mitchell, P. (May). Auditory Processing Disorder in an older population: The Blue Mountains Hearing Study. Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology/Tong Ren Hospital, Beijing, China

Newall, P., Dillon, H., & Van Dunn, B.O. (May). Cortical evaluation in the management of hearing-impaired infants: Indications for cochlear implantation. 10th Asia-Pacific Conference on Cochlear Implants and Related Sciences, Beijing, China.\Newall, P., Dillon, H., & Van Dunn, B. (May). Cortical evaluation in the management of hearing –impaired infants – indications for cochlear implantation. 10th Asia-Pacific Conference on Cochlear Implants and Related Sciences, Beijing, China.Psarros, C., & Schubert, C. (June). Innovation and assessment in telepractice. 12th European Symposium Pediatric Cochlear Implant, Toulouse, France.Psarros, C., & Schubert, C. (June). Models of cochlear implant service delivery: The role of telepractice. 12th European Symposium Pediatric Cochlear Implant, Toulouse, France.Silveira, S. (January). Do indicators grounded in clinical results fairly represent the severity of childhood vision impairment? South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment Biannual Conference, Melbourne.Silveira, S. (January). Addressing NDIS goals: Determining vision impairment severity. South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment Biannual Conference, Melbourne.Silveira, S. (March). Preliminary findings from the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register. Australian and New Zealand Strabismus Society Meeting, Brisbane.Chia, A., & Silveira, S. (September). Exploring the use of mobile electronic devices by Itinerant Support Teachers of vision impaired children. Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress 2015, Rotorua, New Zealand.Silveira, S., (September). The latest findings from Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register. VISCON, Sydney.Smith, T. (January). Professional standards for specialist teachers of vision impairment. 2015 South Pacific Educators of Vision Impairment Conference, Melbourne. Smith, T. (May). Failing to plan is planning to fail. 2015 Round Table for Persons with Print Disability Conference, Adelaide. Smith, T. (June). Professionalism: The National Standards for Australian Teachers of the Deaf and what they mean for continuing professional education. 25th International Congress on Education of the Deaf, Athens, Greece.Smith, T. (September). National Standards for Teachers of the Deaf across all career stages. 2015 Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf Conference, Sydney.Wong, C., Ching, T., Leigh, G., Cupples, L., & Marnane, V. (September). Parent and teacher ratings of psychosocial outcomes of 5-year old children with hearing loss. 2015 Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf Conference, Sydney.Wills, R. (January). Self-determination. The journey to motivation for children who are blind. Case study from a two year old to an internally-motivated 13-year-old. 2015 SPEVI Biennial Conference, Melbourne.Wills, R. (September). Empowering students who are blind to develop self-determination skills. VISCON 2015, Sydney.

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OUR SERVICES - REVIEWING & IMPROVING

Our services are innovative, distinctive and responsive, improving access for people with vision or hearing loss across Australia. We continued to refine and grow our services in 2015 to support more people who need our help

NEW CANBERRA SITEWe continue to expand and ensure accessible service provision for people with vision or hearing loss by expanding our national footprint.

During 2015, we relocated our Canberra site to a new purpose-built facility, located in

the Equinox Business Park complex in Deakin, Canberra. This new centre is co-located with Canberra ENT, providing on-site access to ENT surgeons alongside therapy, education and cochlear implant services for children and adults with vision or hearing loss.

How RIDBC Canberra helps Maddie

One of the first babies to receive cochlear implants through Canberra’s SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service, has now completed her first year at mainstream school.

Bungendore residents, Kristi and Morne welcomed their daughter, Maddie, into the world in September, 2009. Then, a series of hearing screening tests revealed that Maddie was profoundly deaf in both ears.

“Being a paediatric clinical nurse consultant, I was acutely aware of what this diagnosis meant, but at the same time felt overwhelmed as nobody in my family has

experienced hearing loss and it was completely unexpected,” said Kristi.

“After lots of research and many discussions with my husband, we decided it would be best for Maddie to have cochlear implants through SCIC Cochlear Implant Program.”

Maddie is now thriving with her cochlear implants.

“It has been wonderful following Maddie’s adventures since meeting her lovely family in 2009. Being able to offer assessments, surgery, all habilitation and mapping services from our Canberra office has made her journey to hearing seamless and accessible,” said Anne-Marie Crowe, Maddie’s Audiologist at SCIC Cochlear Implant Program.

Maddie has excelled in her first year at school and embraces every opportunity.

“Maddie is very creative and lives in a rich world of imagination and loves to role play,” said Kristi. “She is shining at school and her speech and language skills are age appropriate, if not above.”

» Maddie excels in her first year of school

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Service Accessibility and Sites

RIDBC offers a range of vision and hearing services from 18 permanent sites and we

support over 220 people living in regional and remote areas of Australia through high-quality video conference technology.

NDIS – The Changing Face of Disability Services

The continued rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme provides a significant impact on the way services are provided to people living with a disability. RIDBC is a registered provider within NDIS and has been operating in various NDIS trial sites throughout Australia since 2013 providing us with a unique insight into the changes required to ensure we are able to provide children, adults and families with the best possible options and support in this new disability services environment.

During 2015, we continued to support and train members of our expert professional team to further enhance their understanding of NDIS and how it relates to RIDBC. We have introduced and implemented new workflows and operational processes that provide for an improved client experience.

The NDIS provides a wonderful opportunity for RIDBC to continue to improve the way we deliver our services, ensuring greater flexibility, value for money, convenience and the highest-quality comprehensive specialist vision and hearing loss support services in Australia.

Third Party Verification

In April 2015, RIDBC underwent an audit to verify that we comply with the NSW Disability Services Standards. This verification is a condition of ongoing funding from the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, which currently provides us with approximately $5m annually, and is expected to be part of our requirement going forward as an NDIS provider.

RIDBC was successfully verified as meeting the standards, which is a testament to the organisation, the work we do, and the people of RIDBC. We were commended for our openness to review our practices. In addition, family feedback was in the highest category and aligned well with other recent survey results.

Only about 55% of organisations are granted verification at first attempt.

Services for Clients from Indigenous or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities

In 2015, the RIDBC Indigenous Outreach Program provided hearing screening for 621 children, 135 (22%) of whom were referred for further medical treatment. The program focussed on communities in Dubbo, Walgett, Lightning Ridge/Goodooga and Nambucca Heads/Bowraville.

The number of children from CALD backgrounds receiving services from RIDBC continued in 2015 and comprises over 22% of all RIDBC children, covering 36 different language groups. Through SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, 112 clients were known to be from CALD backgrounds.

Throughout 2015, RIDBC continued to expand our footprint to meet the needs of people with vision or hearing loss

OUR SERVICES - REVIEWING & IMPROVING

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FUNDING BOOST FOR PORT MACQUARIEIn 2015 The Hon. Jillian Skinner, MP, Minister for Health and The Hon. Troy Grant, MP, Deputy Premier, announced a funding boost to expand cochlear implant services in Port Macquarie.

The grant of $240,000 will enable SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service, to develop a new, fit-for-purpose facility to support more people with hearing loss on the NSW Mid North Coast.

We are grateful to Minister Skinner for this generous support so that we can continue to provide children and adults with the very best quality services and support at every stage of their cochlear implant journey.

The link between hearing loss and dementia has resulted in the Mid North Coast being identified as an area of high need for local cochlear implant services. In partnership with the local health service, RIDBC will provide ten implants for adults on the Mid North Coast each year for three years.

The partnership between Government and RIDBC will change the lives of recipients, families and communities through the highest-quality cochlear implant services, ensuring recipients are able to receive services in their local community surrounded by family and other supports.

GUTI’S AUSLAN JOURNEYIn 2015, for the third year in a row, Guthingara, or ‘Guti’, won the award for the most attendance at school.

Guti, who lives in Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory, began intensively accessing RIDBC Teleschool five years ago. He is the first Indigenous student in the Northern Territory to use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) to complete his Higher School Certificate equivalent.

Born profoundly deaf, when Guti started working with RIDBC consultant Kathy he had limited Auslan skills and was primarily using his community’s signing system to communicate. RIDBC Teleschool supported Guti’s teachers and teacher’s aides who also attended Guti’s videoconference sessions, to learn Auslan alongside him so that they could continue to provide support in the classroom.

RIDBC Teleschool has played a major role in helping students like Guti break the cycle of non-attendance at school and potential unemployment and has been able to support his language and concept development. Guti states the reason he has attended school regularly was to access RIDBC Teleschool and Auslan.

Guti is now working full time at the Yirrkala Arts Centre.

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(L-R) The Hon. Troy Grant, MP; RIDBC cochlear implant recipient, Marianne Kilmurray; The Hon. Jillian Skinner, MP; and RIDBC Chief Executive, Chris Rehn

Guti received support from RIDBC Teleschool to support his language and concept development

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

Community support and philanthropy remain the key sources of RIDBC funding and are critical to ensuring the continuation of vital services for children and adults with vision or hearing loss and their families, across Australia

QANTAS PATHFINDERS REVUE – 40 AND FABULOUS For forty years, volunteer performers from Pathfinders have been treading the boards and hamming it up with fantastic skits, songs and tales in support of RIDBC.

We’d especially like to thank our audience, who are always so generously supportive - this year they dug deep purchasing show and raffle tickets, DVDs and commemorative programs to help increase donations to RIDBC by 60% on the previous year’s record – a whopping $157,994! This donation is gratefully received by RIDBC and helps purchase vital equipment to support people with significant vision or hearing loss and their families.”

Formed in 1967, Pathfinders is a voluntary fundraising committee generously supported by Qantas. It was formed to raise funds for RIDBC. Membership comes from across Qantas including cabin crew, pilots and ground staff as well as former Qantas staff members and their families. This extraordinary partnership has now raised over $7.25 million for RIDBC.

To the Cast and Crew, who have contributed to the revue over the years – your energy, sense of humour and willingness to give us a little insight into what goes on behind closed doors at Qantas – has not only been a lot of fun, but has contributed greatly to the work of RIDBC. We look forward to the next forty years!

For anyone who has been to one of these performances, they have come

to look forward to the wit and skill of these entertainers – and so the Revue has rightly built up a loyal following year after year. 2015 was set to be bigger and better than ever – and it was!

From 10 – 14 November, over 2600 guests were treated to an entertaining and fun night out at the Qantas Pathfinders Revue – “40 and Fabulous”. For the first time in Revue history, Norths in Cammeray was a complete sell out. Some said it was the week’s hottest show in Sydney!

Revue Publicity and Marketing Coordinator and Cast Member, Kylie Reynolds said “The audience was treated to a trip down memory lane with some Revue favourites. Revue founders, former Flight Attendants Vic Allen and Peter Owens were among the guests and many former cast members returned to perform in this special year.

As always the costumes were amazing, the Charlie Q Band shone and the lighting, sound and technical crew brought everything together to create a polished performance. The front of house team worked tirelessly to keep up with demand for Revue DVDs and special 40th Anniversary Commemorative Programs.

The amazingly talented cast and crew of the 2015 40th Anniversary Qantas Pathfinders Revue»

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – CLUBS AND COMMITTEES

RIDBC is very grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who are members of Lantern Clubs and RIDBC Committees. The Clubs and Committees undertake a very important role in raising community awareness of RIDBC. Together they raised in excess of $820,000 in 2015

Pathfinders Auxiliary

Pathfinders presented $286,000 to RIDBC in 2015 – a record year, with their total fundraising since 1967 now totalling over $7.25 million.

Pathfinders Supporters Principal Sponsor:Qantas Airways Limited

Major Sponsors:AirServices AustraliaCruise WhitsundaysHamilton IslandLisa McGuigan WinesNORTHSQantas Credit UnionQ CateringRotary Club of Turramurra Shell AviationSydney Airport

Pathfinders PresidentLouise Flitcroft Paisley

Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight Since first taking to the skies in 2002, the Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight has raised more than $1.18 million in support of RIDBC. This unique annual fundraiser is sponsored by Qantas who donate a 737-800 aircraft, whisking guests away to an exotic location each year, with the destination in 2015 being the stunning Hamilton Island. The fantastic crew, both tech and cabin, volunteer their services each year and help make this day even more special.

Of course this event, would literally, ‘not get off the ground’ without the outstanding support of our sponsors Shell Aviation, Sydney Airport Corporate Limited, Q Catering and AirServices Australia.

Qantas Pathfinders Trivia NightThe annual Qantas Pathfinders Trivia Challenge is a fun night full of laughs and spirited competition, with great prizes up for grabs. All funds raised are donated to RIDBC.

Qantas cabin crew and guests preparing to board the 2015 Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight to Hamilton Island

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Qantas Annual Jumbo Joy Flight Each year, for over 40 years, a Qantas aircraft has taken to the skies full of excited youngsters, accompanied by their equally thrilled parents and carers. Aged between 4 and 18, all participants require extra assistance in their lives because they have a disability, learning difficulty or are from a disadvantaged background.

The 90 minute flight over Sydney on a Boeing Jumbo 747-400 aircraft is a collaboration between Pathfinders, Qantas and the Rotary Club of Turramurra. It takes dozens of dedicated volunteers months to organise the flight. On the day, Qantas pilots, cabin crew and ground staff donate their time; side-by-side with Qantas Pathfinders and Rotary Club of Turramurra volunteers. In 2015 Hyundai Help For Kids sponsored 40 seats for RIDBC children and families to join in on this fantastic event, and for some it was a first time flying experience.

Qantas Dancin’ In The StreetA new initiative for 2015, Qantas Dancin’ In The Street raised over $12,000. Qantas management and staff put on a fantastic show during lunch at Qantas HQ in Mascot, Sydney with Qantas staff enjoying standout performances by Qantas staff. Neil Perry flipped burgers, staff donated money and all the cafes donated a percentage of their takings from the day, to RIDBC.

Merry Howie, Roger Gee, Kaye Bailey (RIDBC), John McKay and Louise Flitcroft Paisley from Pathfinders

There was lots of excitement before take-off on the 2015 Qantas Jumbo Joy Flight. For some RIDBC families this was a first time flying experience

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – CLUBS AND COMMITTEES

RIDBC Horizon Committee

The RIDBC Horizon Committee began in 1984 when Mrs Colleen Keys and several other Motherhood Quest winners and finalists wished to see the valuable fundraising work for RIDBC continue. Over the past 29 years, friends and associates of these women also joined or supported the committee.

In 2015, the Horizon Committee held two major functions. The Annual Authors’ Lunch at Parliament House featured two Australian writers, Zoe Boccabella and Karen Brooks, who entertained and delighted with their ‘story behind the story’, and the Oaks Day Luncheon and Fashion Parade in November, which always provides guests with the perfect excuse for a new hat or outfit!

RIDBC Horizon Committee President Colleen Keys OAM

RIDBC Abstract Committee

The Abstract Committee, formed in 1965, runs a number of events each year in support of RIDBC.

For the last 26 years the Abstract Committee has been instrumental in running the annual RIDBC Book, Toy and Music Fair which raises approximately $25,000 each year. The sale of entertainment books raised a record $28,000 in 2015 and the annual Trivia Challenge held in July, is a fun night full of laughs and spirited competition, with great prizes up for grabs and all funds raised are donated to RIDBC.

RIDBC Abstract Committee PresidentCharles Loxton

The annual RIDBC Book, Toy and Music Fair is made possible with the support of RIDBC Abstract Committee and dedicated volunteers»

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Patricia Woodford, President Central Council of Lantern Clubs (third from left) pictured with Vice Presidents Mary Holdsworth, Pauline Hogg and Elaine Brock

Jan Bell (outgoing President) and Peter McTaggart (RIDBC Life Member) at the 2015 Government House Gala Ball

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RIDBC Lantern ClubsRIDBC Lantern Clubs raise funds for RIDBC through a number of events including stalls, BBQs, luncheons and raffles.

In August 2015, Jan Bell retired as President Central Council of Lantern Clubs. Patricia Woodford accepted this important responsibility as the new President. We sincerely thank Jan for her ongoing dedication and passion, specifically in her tenure as Central Council of Lantern Clubs President.

A highlight for the Lantern Clubs in 2015 was their annual lunch, this year enjoyed on Sydney Harbour with special guest Lantern Clubs Honorary Patron, Mrs Linda Hurley.

Lantern Club Presidents:

Central Council Jan Bell/ Patricia Woodford

Avoca Beach Marie Fuller

Belmont Cathryn James

Blacktown City Maureen Fry

Blue Mountains Dorothy Brandley

Camden Haven Richard Batts

Cronulla Patricia Woodford/ Yvonne Gray

Far South Coast Mary Backhouse

Forster-Tuncurry Margaret Stephens

Goulburn Joan Thomas/ Rona Hope

Hills District Robyn Shaw

Hornsby & District Joanne Gracie

Ku-ring-gai Margaret Kent

Maitland Pauline Hogg

Mosman Elaine Cox

Orana Judith Butcher

Parramatta Elaine Brock

Port Stephens Helen Young/ Heather Dennis

Ryde Rosemary Costar

Southern Highlands Jennifer Grey

St George Barbara Yates

Warringah Robyn Stone / Judith Sunnex

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Thank you to all of our corporate supporters who generously donated funds, volunteered their skills and time, sponsored RIDBC events and donated prizes and goods to support RIDBC in 2015. With your support we raised over $280,000 for RIDBC

Scentre Group (Owner & Operator of Westfield in Australia & New Zealand)

Thank you to the dedicated team at Westfield North Rocks who encouraged the local community to raise over $25,000 for RIDBC in 2015. Due to their outstanding fundraising achievements the team was recognised as the top fundraiser at the annual Westfield GiveAbility Day, resulting in an additional grant of $17,400 for RIDBC.

RIDBC was also selected as the charity partner for the Scentre Group Finance Division. We thank the finance team for their fundraising efforts and the 94 people who generously donated over 465 hours to assist RIDBC as volunteers in 2015.

Hyundai Help For Kids

In addition to their support of the RIDBC Indigenous Outreach Program, Hyundai Help for Kids was the major event sponsor of several RIDBC events in 2015, including:» RIDBC Community Fair – Hyundai helped

to provide an exclusive afternoon of fun for RIDBC students and their families

» Kick 4 A Cause, Hunter» Qantas Jumbo Joy Flight - Hyundai

sponsored 40 RIDBC guests to take part in this unique flight over Sydney.

Scentre Group volunteers help out at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School Picnic Day

Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Australia, Charlie Kim, pictured presenting a cheque to RIDBC Chief Executive Chris Rehn as part of Hyundai Helps for Kids ongoing support

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Corporate Supporters:Aussie Farmers Direct (Hunter)Bombery Pty LtdCaltex Australia LimitedCharity Greeting Cards Pty LtdChats Accountants & AdvisersColeman Greig LawyersDe Lorenzo Hair and Cosmetic ResearchDexus Property GroupEndes Pty LtdGantiel Vensott EPS Pty LtdGivaudan Australia Pty LtdGlencore International AGGuardian Interlock Systems Australasia Pty LtdHeatherbrae’s PiesHyundai Motor Company Australia Pty LtdInfasecure Pty LtdJ J Richards & Sons Pty LtdLandson Alliance Australia Pty LtdLee & Sons (Aust) Pty LtdMood MediaOrica KooragangScentre GroupSecurity Portman Pty LtdSmartline Pty LtdSparke Helmore LawyersSPW Services Pty LtdWestfield North Rocks

Payroll Giving:Bartier Perry Ernst & YoungFletcher Building GroupNational Australia BankQantas Airways LimitedScentre GroupStocklick TradingSydney TrainsThiessUBSUnited WayVodafone Hutchison Australia

Corporate Volunteer Groups:Colonial First State Global Asset ManagementGrill’d ParramattaJohnson & Johnson MedicalLendleaseOfficeworksOracleQBEScentre GroupStandard Chartered BankWestpac

Coleman Greig Challenge

In 2015, RIDBC was selected as one of the charity partners for the Coleman Greig Challenge. Held in Parramatta Park, over 270 people from the Greater Western Sydney business community chose to walk, run or ride to raise funds for kids with special needs.

Due to the hard work of the team at Coleman Greig Lawyers and the event organising committee, this event was a huge success, raising over $55,000 for RIDBC.

Lisa McGuigan Wines

In 2015, RIDBC and Lisa McGuigan Wines designed the RIDBC wine gift pack. With a commitment to innovative packaging and quality wine, this partnership proved to be a great success with RIDBC supporters. Lisa was also very generous in donating wine and time to support the Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight in September. We are incredibly pleased that RIDBC will remain Lisa’s charity of choice for 2016.

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

In 2015, Sparke Helmore appointed RIDBC as a national charity partner, which included a pro bono legal program and the Christmas Card charity recipient. Funds raised by Sparke Helmore staff supported RIDBC Teleschool Blue Bag program (supplying equipment and teaching aids to children living in regional and remote areas of Australia) in 2015.

RIDBC Chief Executive Chris Rehn and staff pictured with Australian hurdler Michelle Jenneke at the 2015 Coleman Greig Challenge in Parramatta Park

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – HUNTER

RIDBC Hunter are incredibly fortunate to have a large and growing number of corporate and community supporters raising much needed funds to support children and adults with vision or hearing loss in the Hunter region

Sight & Sound for Kids Corporate Lunch

Now in its 4th year, RIDBC have had some amazing speakers at the Sight & Sound for Kids Corporate Lunch and in 2015 we were fortunate to have Ben Felten speak about his attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the fastest speed for a motorcycle ridden blindfolded.

The Sight & Sound for Kids Corporate Lunch attracts some of the Hunter’s most prestigious business people and was a huge success raising a record $50,080 for RIDBC. This year the aim was to raise funds for five new in-home systems to access RIDBC Teleschool, which was achieved, with the units delivered to deserving families in early 2016.

Sight & Sound Committee Members Richard Owens OAM, ChairAnthony Saddington Craig Barnes David CrookGary SheppardGarry Hardie Kirsty Porteous Meg Purser Ross Melville Tony Rhodes

Parents & Friends Committee

RIDBC Hunter Parents & Friends Committee raised funds throughout the year by holding fundraising raffles, room hire, gate takings at Newcastle Jockey Club and the Tomago Vintage Fair. The big social event in 2015 was a day at Lake Macquarie Light Rail which included riding in carriages being pulled by a diesel engine. This event also gave many families the opportunity to meet each other.

The money raised was used to fund a refurbishment of the Sensory Garden and play equipment; new microwaves for the Preschool and Ron Harris Room; Christmas Plays for the children; and laptops for the teachers to use.

Pictured at the 2015 RIDBC Sight & Sound for Kids Corporate Lunch is event MC Joel Griffiths, RIDBC Chief Executive Chris Rehn, Patron Richard Owens AO, and MC and Ambassador Michael Bridges

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Kick 4 A Cause

In 2015, the inaugural RIDBC Kick 4 A Cause was launched on 16 October 2015, at FootballFIVES, Speers Point.

Local Hunter organisations battled it out for the ultimate goal on the soccer field — to be the first name on the perpetual RIDBC Kick 4 A Cause trophy. Mullane’s Group took out the honor.

RIDBC Kick 4 A Cause provided a great opportunity for local businesses to invite their staff and clients to this fun, first time sporting event.

The event raised a smashing $25,000 and gave locals the opportunity to show their support and to help RIDBC Hunter to continue to deliver life-changing programs to children and adults with vision or hearing loss in the Hunter region.

We thank all our supporters in the Hunter for their continued support.

RIDBC Kick 4 A Cause drew an energetic crowd for its inaugural event

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Community Supporters: Australian Lions FoundationLions Club NSW-ACT Health Care FoundationLions Club of Valentine Inc Rotary Club of Warners BayThe Lions Club of The Entrance

Corporate Supporters:Bass Flooring CompanyBristol PaintsCS Civil Event Cinemas

Local Business Program:Bass Flooring CompanyMaxim Accounting & Business Advisors

Corporate Volunteer Groups:Beyond BankBMD GroupBunnings BelmontGrill’d KotaraNewcastle Permanent Building SocietyPacific Smiles Dental

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

SARA’S JOURNEYWhen Sara was just 11 months old a routine hearing check revealed that she was deaf. It was then her journey with RIDBC began.

Now completing a Bachelor of Natural Science (Animal Science), Sara decided to take part in the 2015 RIDBC Great Wall of China Challenge to give back to the organisation that helped her thrive in her early years.

“It was such an amazing experience, and to be able to give back to RIDBC who have done so much to help me was a great feeling,” said Sara.

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21 year old Sara, who has hearing loss trekked the Great Wall of China, raising over $3,500 for RIDBC

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Baker Tamory, participated in his second Spring Cycle and has now raised over $10,000. Baker’s son Raiyaan, who has hearing loss, began accessing support from RIDBC at three months of age

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The Barling family participated in the City2Surf in support of their baby girl Matilda who has hearing loss, raising over $1,400 for RIDBC

In 2015, community fundraising contributed more than $118,000 to RIDBC thanks to the efforts of our inspirational and amazing supporters. Community fundraisers inspire their networks and communities to join them in creative ways to raise funds, either by participating in social get-togethers, sporting events or other activities.

We would like to thank all of our community supporters, for their passion and energy, helping us raise much needed funds in 2015.

Community Supporters:

Awabakal Descendants Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corp.

Organised Crime Squad NSW Police

Beaumont Road Public School

Reg Bartley XI Cricket Club

Bronte-Clovelly Women’s Bowling Group

Rotary Club of Darwin South Inc.

Chain-Reaction Challenge Foundation

Rotary Club of Macquarie Park

Cheltenham Girls’ High School Rotary Club of Rose Bay

Christmas in Darwin Association

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School

Lions Club of Bondi St John Xewkija Association

Lions Club of Goulburn City United World Concert Tours

Lions Club of Kogarah Inc. Withcott State School

Murray Farm Public School Yeronga State School

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – GIFTS IN WILLS

Bequestors Gwendoline Adams Judith HodgeJean Andrews Neal JacksonZelma Arena Marjorie JenkinsSarah Auld Antica JokicStephen Bartlett J & C Kennedy TrustJohn Baxter Marjorie LambJohn Bedwell Marie LeedhamGeorge Bettridge Gertrude LiddyBruce Boardman Adell LittlejohnFrederick Booth Margaret MacRaeAlfred Bou Mark McDonnellElla Boyd Una McFadyenRonald Brindley Keith McRitchieBarry Bristow Patricia MerrettHenry Brown Scott MitchellBelle Butt Sonia MoarRose Camilleri Alice MoorcroftDarcy Carter Alfred MorrisRussell Cohen Noel NewmanCarmel Costelloe Eric OlsenDoris Cox Walter PainePatricia Daly Douglas PerryBrian Debus Norman PickfordLionel Dege Edmund ReschLinda Dein Essie RheubenKonstantin Doku George RobertsConstance Duckworth Dorothy RosenfeldJohn Dugdale Bernard RothburySuzanne Dunne Kathleen ShackletonMargaret Eastman William SmallDoreen Fabricano Rex SmartGerald Ferris Bruce SmithJudith Forman Renate StareczekBetty Franklyn John StevensEileen Gabriel Thelma StrickEnid Gill Elizabeth TrumanK & G Gluck Trust Joan TwynamGodfrey Goodere Paul VertesJohn Grimsley Basil VincentAllyne Harsanyi Sir William WalkleyNorman Heaton Leslie WeekesCornelis Hess Sidney WilliamsJack Hinton Anna Ziegler

RITA’S TIRELESS SUPPORTRita Barnett OAM, received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2015 for her tireless work in the charitable sector.

In 1975 Rita joined the RIDBC Lantern Club in Gosford and was a member of the club for more than twenty years.

Rita has continued to support RIDBC with fundraising activities and recently, she made the decision to leave a gift to RIDBC in her will.

“I’ve now been connected to RIDBC for forty years and I just want that support to continue into the future,” said Rita.

“The children are the next generation and they need the best support and the latest technological advancements to succeed.

“I also find it personally satisfying to know that I am helping others. I feel that I have been blessed – I am 86 years old and I have been blessed with reasonably good health. I suppose that I feel that I have the time to think of others.”

»

Rita Barnett OAM, has been supporting RIDBC since 1975

In 2015, we received more than $3.5 million from our generous supporters who have left a legacy to RIDBC. We wish to acknowledge those who have remembered us in their Wills. Their generous forethought has contributed to ensuring the children, adults and families supported by RIDBC are given the best opportunities available.

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – MAJOR DONORS, APPEALS, LOTTERY AND TELEMARKETING

Major Donors

2015 was a very successful year and we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our valued Major Donors for helping us to realise our vision.

RIDBC’s Major Donors enable us to fund and implement a range of vital programs, services and equipment that help people to be the best that they can be. We are determined to offer support to every child, adult and family that comes to us needing assistance.

Major Donor highlights this year included: » Purchase of audiological equipment for

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program at the Australian Hearing Hub

» Funding for a Physiotherapist and Speech Pathologist for RIDBC Matilda Rose Centre

» Purchase of sophisticated video conferencing equipment for RIDBC Teleschool recipients

» Purchase of SMART Boards to assist our children to learn with interactive and engaging equipment

» Introducing a Remote Cochlear Implant Program in Alice Springs

» Purchase of musical instruments, furniture and equipment for RIDBC VisionEd

» New playground equipment for RIDBC Garfield Barwick School

» A visit from Taronga Zoo to RIDBC Alice Betteridge School

» Many generous donations that enable RIDBC to offer life-changing programs and services to children and adults with vision or hearing loss.

Fundraising Appeals, Lotteries and Telemarketing

Overall, RIDBC’s Individual Giving programs through Direct Mail and Telemarketing contributed in excess of $4 million. We saw an increase in revenue from the direct mail and regular giving activities with stories in our appeals and The RIDBC Quarterly proving to be engaging. The Rainbow Lottery prize pool remains at $25,000, with RL92 in December offering new travel vouchers and prepaid Visa cards as second to fourth prizes.

In 2015 RIDBC’s Donor Services team processed a massive 126,559 donations from 61,661 supporters across all fundraising activities.

With thanks to the generosity of our supporters, RIDBC was able to continue to provide life-changing programs to children and adults with vision or hearing loss in 2015

RIDBC Alice Betteridge School Student Maya enjoying a unique sensory experience when Taronga Zoo came to life in the classroom

»

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Individual Supporters

F L Adamson David Hall Margaret ReidRobert Albert AO M Hardy Renga RengaswamyRoss Anderson Brian Harrison Lesley RiachRita Andre Geoff Hartnett Michael and Karen RichGeorge Andrews Betty Hatch Doris RichardsonValerie Appleroth Hugh Hone Frank RobertsonKen Balmer Barbara Humphrey Sandra RolloFerol Beazley Pieter Huveneers Alison RosenbergPauline Bridge Steven Kalmin Sophie Rothery

Ian BrownSudha and Vijay Khandelwal

Lorita Rydge

Elaine Butler Jill Kloster Richard RydgeLaurence Cable Lawrence Kupkee Janis SalisburyJohn Cameron Ivy Kwan John SaundersPeter Campbell Gladys and Ken Mann Eric SchermanRosemary Campbell Donald McBean Carolyn ShihEvelyn Chan Nancy McFarlane Yael Shohat

Angela Cho Terry McGeeCharles Shuetrim AM and Sandy Shuetrim

John and Lynne Church Anita McKenzie Michael SkinnerTrevor Cohen Colin Mercer Miriam SorensenColin Colgan Robert Merlino Joyce SproatHugh Condon Sue Metzmacher Peter Stephens

Charles Curran AC Ian and Nerida MillerTimothy Sterling-Levis (Dec'd)

Marie Delaney Jeanette Milston Allan StevensJonathan Denovan M and M Monaghan Margaret StevensGraham Diggins Peggy Muntz Barbara StoneMargaret Dobbin Alex Nahlous Wayne and Julie StoneMargaret Drummond Mancelino Neves Mary-Anne SutherlandElizabeth Duncan Patricia D New Frank SwanIly Edwars Philip Newall Anthony SweetmanJanelle Ellwood Gwennyth O'Brien Eleanor Sydney-JonesGrace English Norm O'Neill Betty ThorntonAlbert Flick Mary O'Sullevan Wilton TrembathChristopher Flynn Richard Owens Anthony Vasta

Sidney French Linda ParkGregory and Marguerite Vaughan

Colin Gageler Ian Paul (Dec'd) Dimitri VirskiJohn Gerofi Robert Payne Anthony and Gai Wales

Charles Gilbert Andrew PethebridgeGwenyth and Stewart Wallis

David Goddard Bill Petrie Peter and Jan Ward

James GoldmanTom and Robyn Pinzone

Edward and Lorraine West

Frank Goudge Richard Porter Anabel WestwoodMaureen Graham Vera Rado Bernard WilsonPaul Grant Max Raine Brian WinterThelma Griffith Rosemary RajolaHilton and Beverley Grugeon

Jennifer Reid

2015 Life MembersCommunity support is at the heart of RIDBC’s ability to deliver the services it provides. Many individuals and organisations assist us in a variety of ways. RIDBC wishes to acknowledge this support.

Peter BellMary BlumsPeter BuddGregory Burton SCJulian CabarrusRosemary CampbellEvelyn ChanArthur ChittendenThe Hon Brian J K Cohen QCPeter ConnahStanley CostiganR A De MontfortDr Sidney FrenchBarbara HumphreyA HungCathy KiteZoe KominatosMargaret LedermanPenelope LittleNancy McFarlaneIrml Mensdorff-PouillyPhilippa Nettleship (Dec'd)Ken ParkinsonJon PrattenH D RaadgeverLionel Robberds QCDavid SneddenJohn TantiWilton TrembathRene VandervaereBruce VaughanJanis WatsonNoela WatsonK L WilliamsBrian WinterNeumann YipBin Bin Zhang

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COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND FUNDRAISING – PERMANENT FUNDS, SCIC COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM AND GRANTS

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program Fundraising SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service raised over $1 million in 2015 from individual donors, organisations, trusts and foundations and legacies.

We thank all our donors, both individuals and the wider community, for supporting the program.

Donations to SCIC Cochlear Implant Program

Bernard J Boyle M Binney

The Donald Boden Memorial Trust

Parramore Family Foundation

Elen CliftRenga & Vasantha Rengaswamy

Jessica Hore Robert Marich

Johann Kainbacher BJ Roylefam Pty Ltd

John Miller Terry McGee

Lenore Adamson

SCIC Cochlear Implant Program Permanent Funds

Dorothy Morton Lola Rachel Maud Douglas

The Lady Fairfax Charitable Trust

Rona Maud Davis

Permanent FundsWe would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our supporters who established permanent funds to support RIDBC’s work.

Permanent Funds ListAnn Ratcliffe FundDora & George Garland Memorial FundElsie McLachlan Bursary Fund18th Australian Infantry Brigade Association of NSW FundFrederick Gregory-Roberts Prize FundIan Paul FundIvan Rado Memorial FundJack and Gwen Freeman FundJane Vickery Memorial FundJapan Australia Friendship FundJohn B Bedwell FundJoseph Tyrrell FundNeville McWilliam Prize FundRobert Simpson & Amy Caroline Brown & Family FundStan and Betty Graham Bursary Fund for GBSStan Graham Bursary Fund for TPSThe Estate of Joan Isabel Craven FundVera Rado FundWilliam & Gladys Judd Memorial FundWilliam H Boydell Fund

» RIDBC Alice Betteridge School launched its new wheelchair swing in April, with thanks to RIDBC Ambassador, Reuben Mourad, and the generous donations of the Denton Family Trust, WRI Insurance Brokers, and American Golf Supplies

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Grants Non-government grants received in 2015 provided funding across the organisation for pilot programs, specialised equipment, site development and scholarships. Grants funders ensured that innovative programs could be trialled before recurrent funding is sourced and RIDBC is able to utilise the latest equipment and technology available for assessment, therapy and access to education. 

RIDBC is grateful to all the Trustees and Directors for considering RIDBC’s funding submissions in 2015 to allow RIDBC to continue to support people with vision or hearing loss.

DOROTHEA COLLINS TRUST FUNDRIDBC is extremely grateful to the Trustees of The Dorothea Collins Trust Fund for financing the development of Canberra’s new, state-of-the-art facility which provides support for local families; the development of kits for the Senses Program for mainstream schools; vital equipment for RIDBC VisionEd Alternate Format Publications department; and further development and facilitation of The Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register.

Dorothea Collins (nee Suhr), known as Dot, was born in 1913 in Croydon, Sydney. As a single mother, struggling to raise two children on her own, Dot decided to leave a bequest in her will to charity and help people in need. The proceeds from her small house in The Southern Highlands were invested by John Stafford (Dot’s nephew) and grew into a successful portfolio.

“An ordinary person has managed to do an extraordinary thing. Dot had a very difficult family life and would be proud to know her gift will continue to change the lives of people and their families in the years to come,” said Dot’s niece, Robyn Stafford.

“As Dot’s sister suffered from glaucoma and began losing her sight during her mid-sixties, the family decided to support RIDBC vision related projects to support the best outcomes for children with vision loss. We feel the new Canberra site is a lovely memorial to Dot and we’re delighted to know that her bequest will help future families and generations in the region, where Dot once lived,” said Robyn.

Grant Funders

Ausgrid Employees' Children's AppealAustralian Chinese Charity FoundationBirchall Family Foundation TrustBlacktown Workers Club Limited (ClubGRANT)Brian M Davis Charitable FoundationBridgewater FoundationBruce & Joy Reid TrustCabra-Vale Ex-Active Servicemen's Club Limited (ClubGRANT) CAF Australia Community Fund LtdColonial First State FoundationDalwood-Wylie Charitable Foundation Pty LtdDewhurst Sims EndowmentDuchen Family Foundation Pty LtdGladys Stone FoundationGrahame Mapp FoundationHigh St Willoughby TrustJames N Kirby FoundationJLDJS FoundationKathleen Breen Children's Charity TrustKool Nominees Pty LtdLazberger Family FundLiangrove Foundation Pty LtdMaple - Brown Family Charitable Foundation LtdMay and Stanley Smith Charitable TrustModest Expectations FoundationMutual Assistance Society, SydneyNell & Hermon Slade TrustOlsson Property Group Trust Pty LtdRobert Higman FundRotary Club of CarlingfordThe Donald Boden Memorial TrustThe F M Bradford EndowmentThe GG - SWF FoundationThe Hargrove FoundationThe Hildanna FoundationThe J & G Bedwell EndowmentThe John Bedwell EndowmentThe Johnson Family FoundationThe MacDougall Family EndowmentThe Profield Foundation TrustThe R A Gale FoundationThe Rydge FoundationThe Shaw FoundationThe UBS Australia Foundation The Unsworth FoundationThe Veolia Mulwaree TrustThomas Hare Investments Trust Pty LtdTransport Employees' Welfare Fund Limited

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

In 2015, RIDBC continued to successfully market and promote its services and raise brand awareness through the development and implementation of targeted multi-channel campaigns

HEARING AWARENESS WEEK 2015 – LAUNCH OF COCHLEAR IMPLANT AWARENESS CAMPAIGNIn August 2015, RIDBC celebrated Hearing Awareness Week, an annual initiative that aims to raise awareness of the needs of Australians who have hearing loss. The week was a great success, with a wide variety of activities across our sites - from exhibitions to presentations, parent seminars and client picnics, regal receptions and open days.

awareness seminars, in partnership with Cochlear Limited, targeting medical practitioners, audiologists and other professionals. The series provided a fantastic opportunity to share the latest in global thinking for implantable hearing solutions, and discuss working together to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss.

Over 220 professionals attended, from the targeted regions of Penrith, Wollongong, Canberra, Liverpool and Cooma.

There has been a noticeable increase in referrals from attendees – with many identifying new cochlear implant candidates – reflecting the value of raising awareness about cochlear implants with professionals.

Further activity throughout Hearing Awareness Week included:

Australian Hearing Hub (AHH) Open House, Macquarie UniversityRIDBC, RIDBC Renwick Centre & SCIC Cochlear Implant Program were represented, along with other AHH member organisations, at a community open house on Saturday 22 August at the Hub based at Macquarie University.

Professor Greg Leigh, Director RIDBC Renwick Centre presented on ‘The how and why of screening every newborn Australian for hearing’, and we answered queries from many attendees at our exhibition stand on the day.

At the start of Hearing Awareness Week, RIDBC launched a new campaign - “three

simple questions” - to promote SCIC Cochlear Implant Program. As part of our campaign, we featured the life-changing journeys of eight cochlear implant recipients. The campaign received significant media traction throughout the week, with features on Channel 10 and Channel 7, plus radio interviews and print media coverage across multiple stations, papers and online media.

The intention of the campaign was to raise awareness that cochlear implants are an alternative for hearing aid users who aren’t getting the best results from their hearing aid.

Hearing aid users were asked three quick and easy quuestions: Can you hear in crowded places? Can you hear children’s voices? Can you use the phone? If hearing aid users answered no to one or more of these questions, they were advised that they may benefit from a cochlear implant.

New campaign promotional material was developed, including a postcard designed to be used by GPs in consultation with their patients to evaluate their potential cochlear implantation candidacy. We also developed a consumer focused self-guided postcard, and new SCIC Cochlear Implant Program brochures.

To further support the campaign, throughout 2015 we held a series of

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Hearing Awareness Week continued...

Media/PRCase studies of SCIC Cochlear Implant Program recipients who had moved from wearing hearing aids to cochlear implants were featured in local media. Participating sites include Lismore, Newcastle, Canberra, Port Macquarie, Gosford, Gladesville and Penrith.

Advertising (print & online)Print advertisements and editorial spots were featured in Canberra City News, Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald, Port Macquarie News, Peninsula News, WA Today, Brisbane Times Online and Sydney Morning Herald Online.

Advertising (TV & radio)A series of commercials advertising SCIC Cochlear Implant Program awareness campaign ran on Sydney’s 2CH 1170 radio station. We also participated in radio interviews on 2GB, 2UE, 2SM, 2HD and ABC Gosford and ran TV features on Channel 7 and Channel 10.

Video/Social MediaTwo SCIC Cochlear Implant Program recipients participated in online video features that were shown throughout the Hearing Awareness Week. RIDBC and SCIC Cochlear Implant Program social media channels also featured topical and relevant campaign posts throughout week.

World Sight Day 2015

RIDBC celebrated World Sight Day in October with a host of activities to mark the occasion, including the launch of our ‘Adapting Signs’ mobile app to help children with vision loss and significant additional needs develop the key signs they need to communicate with their families or carers.

We also engaged in significant online activity to celebrate World Sight Day, including launching two new landing pages on our website to highlight RIDBC’s vision loss services and resources. One page featured case studies of students with vision loss who access RIDBC services, the other featuring vision loss resources developed by RIDBC, including; RIDBC’s Adapting Signs and Discover the Park apps, the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register, UEB Online, and Michelle Knight’s Access Technology Framework. Our vision resource page can be found at ridbc.org.au/VisionResources

RIDBC also took the opportunity on World Sight Day to engage with other industry associations who were participating in World Sight Day activities online.

Among this activity, we were pleased to launch a new video of RIDBC Teleschool student, Tim. The video features the work of RIDBC Teleschool staff who have supported Tim from his home in regional NSW, for many years. Watch Tim’s video at ridbc.org.au/Tim

Every day, RIDBC supports hundreds of children and adults with vision or hearing loss, and their families, across Australia

»

Supports

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Billboard Advertising

Thanks to a generous donation from Heatherbrae’s Pies, RIDBC was able to utilise a billboard space on the M5 featuring two year old Lila, who attends RIDBC Matilda Rose Centre. The billboard was installed in November and supported a fundraising appeal campaign that ran over the end of year period. The billboard was shown to over 118,000 vehicles every day.

Web and Social Media

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recommended RIDBC’s Auslan Tutor app via Facebook on 9 November. There was a significant spike in social referral traffic to our website and downloads of the app tripled from their daily average following Prime Minister Turnbull’s post.

RIDBC’s billboard on the M5 featuring two year old Lila

RIDBC launched a new NDIS service portal in 2015, in response to the continued rollout of the NDIS

»

»

Response to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Launch of RIDBC NDIS Service PortalThe RIDBC NDIS Service Portal sits in addition to the main RIDBC website and allows users to run through a very quick questionnaire to provide them with a tailored page of information about how we can help them under NDIS.

With answers to a few simple questions we can tailor a unique results page for users that shows: » Information on RIDBC services that is

relevant and tailored to their needs» Location specific information such as the

closest centre and how to register for NDIS information sessions in the user’s local area

» Tailored case study examples featuring relevant stories of people with vision or hearing loss and how the NDIS applies to them.

The RIDBC NDIS Service Portal can be accessed via http://ndis.ridbc.org.au

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TECHNOLOGY, OPERATIONS & PROPERTY

RIDBC’s Technology, Operations and Property team was hard at work during 2015 to ensure we are able to deliver our services in the best possible way, leveraging our assets, infrastructure and use of technology

RIDBC GARFIELD BARWICK SCHOOL – RELOCATION TO RIDBC NORTH ROCKS CAMPUSThe relocation of RIDBC Garfield Barwick School (GBS) from North Parramatta to North Rocks brings all RIDBC schools onto one site, enabling students to benefit from close partnerships with other RIDBC school communities.

In 2015, a review was conducted to consider the possible relocation of RIDBC Garfield

Barwick School (GBS). After 26 years at North Parramatta, the GBS buildings, classrooms and facilities were in need of major repair and reinvestment, to appropriately cater for students.

Following the review it was determined that GBS would be relocated to RIDBC’s North Rocks campus by the start of term 1, 2016.

The move provided an opportunity for GBS to be located within the same grounds as RIDBC’s other two schools – Thomas Pattison School and Alice Betteridge School, and three of our preschools. The new school design maximised administration space and resources, giving students access to a larger and more comprehensive library, school hall, assessment rooms, play areas and sporting fields.

The move also fitted with RIDBC’s 2016-2020 strategy to develop a Centre of Excellence in hearing which GBS will form part of, alongside a Centre of Excellence in vision.

The relocation project required significant input from many areas of the organisation:» the RIDBC Property team worked with

architects and building contractors to develop and deliver the new school facilities, liaising with the Hills Shire Council to gain building works approvals

» the Information Technology, Operations and Quality and Risk teams ensured new facilities were fit for purpose and the North Parramatta site exit was carefully managed

» the Educational Services and People and Performance teams worked with staff, Unions and the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) NSW, to gain approval for the relocation and to ensure GBS staff and student needs were met

» the Marketing and Communications team implemented a stakeholder engagement plan to ensure timely updates for internal and external stakeholders including students, families, donors, BOSTES, Unions, staff and the wider RIDBC organisation

» the Fundraising team managed donor relationships to ensure donors and supporters were engaged with the relocation process

» the School Support Unit, Allied Health, and Technology, Operations and Property teams were relocated to other buildings at the North Rocks site, to accommodate GBS

» the GBS team, led by Principal Sandi Ambler worked tirelessly both in term 4, and over the Christmas holiday period to relocate the school and be ready to welcome students back in term 1 2016. The relocation project was managed

exceptionally well with the new GBS site and educational facilities receiving full Ministerial approval prior to commencement of term 1.

Already, the move has provided significant opportunities for GBS students and teachers, as they enjoy their new surroundings and develop even closer partnerships with other RIDBC school communities, programs and services.

Students from RIDBC Garfield Barwick School celebrating National Schools Clean Up Day »

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TECHNOLOGY, OPERATIONS & PROPERTY

Information Systems and Processes

Throughout 2015 a number of information technology systems were rolled out, and various processes were put in place to improve operational and organisational efficiency and the management of information.

A new Client Relationship Management system was rolled out across the organisation. This system is better able to adapt and respond to RIDBC’s organisational needs in a more efficient and sustainable manner.

A new NDIS Quoting system was implemented to allow us to better respond to the demands that NDIS is placing on RIDBC to tailor our services to meet client needs. This system has improved our ability to respond in a fast, accurate and reliable way to our NDIS clients.

New Student Attendance System (SAS) software was rolled out, to ensure we can keep accurate records of student attendance in our schools and to improve the governance

of these internal record keeping operations. It also increases the efficiency in which we can respond to client needs and meet our statutory obligations.

In addition, a new Client Appointment System was rolled out across SCIC Cochlear Implant Program. This new system supports face-to-face service delivery for clients, through greater reliability and tracking of client appointments. The system will also be linked into RIDBC’s NDIS quoting, billing and claiming processes and software.

In 2015 our focus was on the collection, use and analysis of data for management reporting purposes, giving RIDBC managers a way to assess client feedback and identify strategies to improve organisational growth and sustainability. These systems and processes are essential to the development and delivery of RIDBC’s 2016-2020 strategy.

In 2015, we progressed a number of key cross-functional projects to streamline and manage the technology, operations and property requirements of RIDBC

Retired motor mechanic Greg, receives support from SCIC Cochlear Implant Program in Penrith

»

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RIDBC’s NDIS Readiness

RIDBC’s NDIS readiness strategy focuses on maintaining sustainable high-quality services, effectively marketing these services to new and existing clients, refining our information technology infrastructure and systems to manage and report on outcomes, enabling local points of contact and decision making, developing tools and resources to assist our staff to transition to NDIS, collaborating with other organisations to meet the overall needs of clients, and reviewing our costing and pricing models in order to provide optimum service delivery levels.

In 2015 RIDBC’s NDIS Project Steering Committee activated cross functional working groups involving around 50 key staff members and subject matter experts across the organisation to accelerate our NDIS readiness strategy.

The cross functional working groups included: aligning services; marketing RIDBC; IT client systems; people and training; identifying collaborations and partners in service delivery; and developing our go-go-market strategy.

The NDIS Project Steering Committee’s target outcomes included: a continued review of services, identifying needs for systemising processes, automating manual processes and strategically collaborating with partners to support our clients.

A major part of the NDIS project work completed in 2015, focused on the development and delivery of IT systems and the roll out of professional training to the organisation, including developing NDIS specific operational guidelines and training materials.

The development of effective and efficient processes and procedures continue to improve the way in which we deliver services to our clients in the NDIS era, ensuring RIDBC can continue to provide a high level of quality service.

As a result of this major cross functional project, as the NDIS rolls out across Australia, RIDBC is well positioned to respond to the new opportunities that this scheme provides both for our clients and for our organisation.

James receives support from RIDBC Early Learning Program (Vision Impairment)

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OUR PEOPLE

Throughout 2015, our people continued to deliver our range of comprehensive services and organisational priorities to an extremely high standard and in an effective and agile way

JENNI CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SUPPORT! Jenni is a Teacher’s Assistant at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School who celebrated 40 years of service to RIDBC in May 2015.

In the early 1970s, RIDBC turned its attention to the specific educational needs of children

with multiple disabilities. A pilot program commenced which lead to the establishment of the first school in Australia for multi-handicapped blind children in 1974, known as The Special School for Multi-Handicapped Blind Children. The school was renamed Alice Betteridge School in 1990 in honour of Alice Betteridge (1901 – 1966), RIDBC’s first deafblind student and the first deafblind child to be educated in Australia.

There, right at the beginning of it all was Jenni Parkes. Jenni is a Teacher’s Assistant who celebrated 40 years of service to RIDBC in May 2015.

“I love the relationships you build with the children and the atmosphere of the school - it’s a happy place to work. There’s always

a new challenge and every day is different. I’ve stayed for 40 years because I like what I do!” said Jenni.

“The range of services available through RIDBC has also grown exponentially - from the development of RIDBC Teleschool, to the establishment of early learning programs for children with vision or hearing loss.

“Technology has also changed so much - back in the 70’s there were no computers, iPads, SMART Boards or touch screens! Now, we use this technology as part of our everyday approach to providing the best support for the children who access RIDBC’s services.

“Thank you to RIDBC for giving me the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of so many wonderful students and families for the last 40 years. It has been a privilege!”

» Jenni supports students like Henry at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School every day

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OUR PEOPLE

With over 470 employees and more than 1,220 volunteers, RIDBC

engages a diverse range of staff across its many programs and services including: teachers, audiologists, orthoptists, allied health professionals, technology consultants, academics and researchers. We also employ a range of people in business support functions including finance and operations, library services, fundraising, marketing and communications, information technology and human resources.

At RIDBC we are committed to employing the very best people in the industry who have a genuine passion for working with children and adults with disabilities and have the right level of experience and knowledge.

Our staff have access to leading professional development and through this they input directly to the organisations growth and improvement.

Work Experience/Practicum StudentsDuring 2015, 76 students from 27 different training institutes and schools attended RIDBC’s Work Experience and Practicum Program. Work experience and practicum students open up valuable pathways into the community as they take with them knowledge of the specialised work done by RIDBC, with some students going on to become RIDBC volunteers and employees.

RIDBC Staff Service AwardsThe following RIDBC staff received service awards in 2015, recognising the years they have dedicated to helping children, adults and families with vision or hearing loss.

40 yearsJenni Parkes

15 yearsJo-Anne GreenSuzanne MillerCheryl HoldenVivi VenevongsosAmanda RedaFrances LauCatherine GreenAnne EvansAlison Hawkins-BondJane Brew

30 yearsDiana deVries

25 yearsClaire FarringtonAros BarsamianHarzita Hashim

20 yearsJayne KirwanTheo Wagner

10 yearsPaula BerkleyNeryl HornSuzanne ValeEmma FaceyRachel AttardChandrasekhar EgyaramanJanet KenyonKathryn LowryJulie KaneyRobyn WilliamsJoanne CarterRhonda TownsendAlison GrayKathryn BowieJennifer Tait

Length of service

<1yr

1yr+

3yrs+

5yrs+

10yrs+

15yrs+

25yrs+

6%

24%

15%22%

16%14%

3%

Gender split

11% Male

89% Female

RIDBC EMPLOYEES

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Volunteers

In 2015 1,220 volunteers contributed over 20,000 hours of work for RIDBC, with over 970 people volunteering through RIDBC fundraising clubs and committees and another 250 volunteers contributing to RIDBC’s clinical and educational services or in administrative positions. We welcomed 43 new volunteers and farewelled 31 volunteers in 2015.

Volunteers were invited to attend the RIDBC end of year ‘thank you’ luncheon held on International Volunteer Day, 5 December 2015. The end of year luncheon is an annual event to recognise our volunteers’ achievements and to acknowledge the wonderful contribution volunteers make to the successful running of RIDBC.

Recognition for Elaine Brock and Rosalene Jones - NSW Volunteer of the Year AwardsThe NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards (Hornsby/North West) took place at Castle Hill RSL, in September 2015.

Elaine has volunteered with RIDBC since 1997, supporting in both administration and fundraising. Elaine is also Vice President of Central Council Lantern Clubs and President of the Parramatta Lantern Club.

Rosalene, began volunteering at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School in an administrative capacity after she retired.

RIDBC Volunteer Service & Recognition Awards 40 people were awarded RIDBC Volunteer Service and Recognition Awards in 2015:

15 years 4 people

10 years 4 people

5 years 7 people

1 year 25 people

Average age

9%20+

30+

40+

50+

60+

70+

22%

28%

26%

13%

2%

Employment status 38% Perm Full Time

40% Perm Part Time

17% Casual

2% Temp Full Time

3% Temp Part Time

»

Elaine Brock and Rosalene Jones both received awards in 2015 to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to RIDBC

»

19 year old, Tim, (pictured with Liam) volunteers at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School, supporting educational activities every week

»

Elise England, recognised for her achievement in the area of Volunteer Management at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in 2015

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OUR PEOPLE – FUNCTIONAL ORGANISATIONAL CHART 2015

Educational Services Clinical ServicesRIDBC Renwick

CentreFinance

Early Childhood Services

Jim Patrick Audiology Centre

Postgraduate Education

Finance, Accounting & Audit

Preschool Services SCIC Cochlear Implant Program

Research & Publications

Legal, Insurance & Secretarial

School Services Allied Health Services Continuing Professional Education Payroll

Telepractice Community Support Services

Library & Information Services

Government Partnerships &

Programs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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Development & Fundraising

Marketing & Communications

People & Performance

Technology, Operations & Property

Direct MarketingInternal & External

MarketingHuman Resources

Information & Communication

Technology

Relationship Development

Media & Public Relations

VolunteersDatabase Architecture

& Development

Corporate & Community

DevelopmentBranding & Positioning

Performance & Development Planning

Procurement

Donor Services, Direct Mail & Telesales

 Web & Social MediaWorkplace Health

& SafetyProperty & Facilities

Digital FundraisingLeadership & Management Development

Quality & Risk Management

Executive Officer

» RIDBC’s range of specialist services benefiting thousands of children, adults, families and professionals each year are delivered by a broad range of highly qualified professionals

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OUR PEOPLE – SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Chris Rehn JP, BBus, DipAppScChief ExecutiveJoined RIDBC in 2010. Previously Chris was General Manager of Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC). His early career was in health management within the public and private sectors. He is a Harvard Club of Australia Non-Profit Fellow.

Melissa McCarthy BA, MED, LSLS Cert AVTDirector, Educational ServicesJoined RIDBC in 2004 and was appointed to her current role in 2012. Her background is in speech pathology/audiology, deaf education and early childhood education, with experience in a variety of educational settings, including five years as the Manager of RIDBC Teleschool.

Professor Greg Leigh AO, DipTeach, BEd, MSc, PhD, FACEDirector, RIDBC Renwick CentreJoined RIDBC as Head of Renwick College in 1993, and was appointed Assistant Chief Executive (Educational Services) in 1999. In 2006, Greg was appointed to his current role, and assigned the responsibility of expanding and developing RIDBC’s research and professional development programs and facilities.

Bart Cavalletto RN, GradDipNMgt (Paed)Director, Clinical ServicesJoined RIDBC in December 2013. Bart has significant experience in service delivery, planning and implementation. With over ten years’ experience in large government agencies, Bart has substantial knowledge of the workings of government, strategy and policy, including complex state-wide services and cochlear implant services.

Anne Paredes AdvDipBus (HR)Director, People & PerformanceJoined RIDBC in July 2012 and was appointed to her current role as Director, People and Performance, in 2013. Anne has previously held senior HR management roles within a diverse range of industries including agriculture, marketing and IT.

(L-R) Melissa McCarthy, Greg Leigh, Bart Cavalletto, Anne Paredes, Chris Rehn, Michelle Watson, Hockman Chang, Robyn Williams, Linda Berrigan, Alan Munro (not pictured)

72

Michelle Watson BBus (Acc), CPA Chief Financial OfficerJoined RIDBC in 2015. Michelle has over 20 years’ experience working in senior finance and operational roles for a range of global and private organisations in Australia, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Hockman Chang BConstMgt, MRE, DipAppSc, CertRiskMgtDirector, Technology, Operations & PropertyJoined RIDBC in July 2013. Hockman has a background in property, construction, operations, risk, and work, health and safety, with experience working in senior management roles for ASX top 50 multinational and international corporations in Australia. Hockman brings a depth of project and program management disciplines to RIDBC.

Robyn Williams JPExecutive OfficerJoined RIDBC in August 2005 as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive and was appointed to Executive Officer in July 2014. Robyn has significant experience providing high level support, guidance and administrative assistance to Chief Executives, Senior Leadership Teams, Board Members and Members of Special Committees.

Linda Berrigan BCom (Mktg) Director, Marketing & CommunicationsJoined RIDBC in February 2014. Linda is a marketing communications specialist with experience across a range of professional services, corporate, government and not for profit organisations in both the UK and Australia.

Alan Munro DipTeach, BEd, MAICD, MFIA Director, Development & Fundraising Joined RIDBC in June 2014. With over 26 years’ experience in the technology sector including 15 years in senior corporate leadership roles nationally and internationally, Alan brought a depth of sales, marketing and management experience.

Alan departed RIDBC in December 2015 and we welcomed his successor Steve Rust in January 2016. To read Steve’s biography please visit ridbc.org.au/slt

73

OUR PEOPLE – PATRONS AND BOARD MEMBERS

Joint Vice Regal PatronsHis Excellency General, The Hon. David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of NSW, and Mrs Linda Hurley.

Vice PatronMr Norman B Rydge AM OBE, was a Director from 1977-2009 and President from 1995-2009. He is a Life Governor.

President of the Board

Mr Sean P Wareing FCPA, ACIS Appointed to the RIDBC Board in 2000, elected a Vice President in 2003 and President in 2009. He is a Life Member of RIDBC. Mr Wareing has had extensive experience both as an Executive in, and Chairman or Director of, public and private companies. He is a Graduate of the Senior Management Program of the Harvard Business School, an Honorary Fellow of the University of Western Sydney and a former Vice President of the NSW Division of CPA Australia. Meetings: Board 7 of 7 Committee 4 of 5

Vice Presidents of the Board

Mr David Dinte BEc, LLB, MAICDA property developer with extensive experience in commercial, retail, industrial and residential development, acquisition and management in both Australia and the

United States of America. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centres. Mr Dinte joined the RIDBC Board in 2000, was appointed a Vice President in 2009 and is a Life Member. Meetings: Board 4 of 7 Committee 1 of 2

Mrs Barbara Stone AM, BA, DipEd, MEd, MAICD, FACE, FACEL Retired as Principal of MLC School in 2011, Mrs Stone is a past National Chair of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of

Australia, past Chair of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools (NSW), Past President of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools of Australasia, a Board Member of the Association of Independent Schools (NSW), Kormilda College Darwin, Newington College and a member of the Advisory Group for Gifted Education Resource Research and Information Centre, UNSW. Mrs Stone joined the RIDBC Board in 2002, was appointed a Vice President in 2012 and is a Life Member.Meetings: Board 6 of 7 Committee 4 of 5

74

Directors of the Board

Associate Professor Catherine Birman MBBS, FRACS, GAICDAn Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and a number of other public and private hospitals. A/Prof Birman is

the Medical Director of SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service, and a member of the Macquarie University Medical Advisory Committee. A/Prof Birman has been a past Chairman of the NSW division of the Australian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and past Secretary of the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Otolaryngology Society. A/Prof Birman joined the RIDBC Board in 2011.Meetings: Board 5 of 7 Committee 5 of 5

Mr Graeme BradshawBEc, FFIA, CFRE The Principal of Graeme Bradshaw Consulting. Mr Bradshaw retired in 2007 from the role of Senior Partner of DVA Navion Inc, a specialist

international management and marketing consultancy serving the not-for-profit sector. Mr Bradshaw was Deputy General Manager of the Royal Blind Society of NSW. Mr Bradshaw is a member of the Foundation Board at Neuroscience Research Australia and Fellow Emeritus and past President of the Fundraising Institute of Australia. Mr Bradshaw joined the RIDBC Board in 1998 and is a Life Member.Meetings: Board 7 of 7 Committee 2 of 2

Mr Roger GeeRetired in 2006 from Qantas after a 41 year career with the airline. Mr Gee retired as a 747-400 Senior Check Captain. Mr Gee has been an active member of RIDBC’s Qantas

Pathfinders Auxiliary for more than 30 years. Mr Gee instigated the RIDBC Charity Flight, a very successful fundraising event, and piloted the Qantas Children’s Jumbo Joy Flight for many years. Mr Gee joined the RIDBC Board in 2008 and is a Life Member of RIDBC.Meetings: Board 5 of 7 Committee 5 of 5

Mr Greg SedgwickBComm, MComm, FAICDPreviously the Managing Director of Crane Group Limited and was instrumental in fostering the corporate relationship

between RIDBC and Crane. Mr Sedgwick was Vice President of the Australian Industry Group of NSW and a member of the Business Council of Australia. Mr Sedgwick is Chairman of NextGen Health & Lifestyle Clubs and is a non-executive director of Pentair Water Systems. Mr Sedgwick has had extensive international experience and has held board positions with listed companies in Japan, India and South Africa. Joined the RIDBC Board in 2011. Meetings: Board 5 of 7 Committee 5 of 5

Mr Peter van DongenBComm (Acc), FCA, F Fin The National Managing Partner of PwC Australia’s assurance practice and a member of PwC Australia’s Executive Board. Mr van Dongen

has over 30 years’ experience in delivering assurance and other services to many of Australia’s largest ASX listed companies, predominately in the financial services sector. Mr van Dongen has contributed to numerous regulatory and industry based initiatives, including for ASIC, the Australian Auditing Standards Board and the Financial Services Council. Mr van Dongen joined the RIDBC Board in 2013.Meetings: Board 6 of 7 Committee 4 of 4

75

OUR PEOPLE – CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board of Directors

The RIDBC Board of Directors has responsibilities and duties defined under the

Act and the By-Laws. These define broadly the processes of control by which the Board and management ensure that RIDBC is achieving its objectives effectively and efficiently, that its financial reporting is properly informative and reliable, that it is setting and reviewing organisational strategy, and that it acts in compliance with all laws and regulations.

The RIDBC Board selects and appoints the Chief Executive, who is accountable to the Board for the performance of RIDBC.

The Board of Directors and Governance

The RIDBC Board of Directors has implemented a number of formal steps in corporate governance. These include an ‘Integrity Statement’, guidelines for the selection of persons to fill casual vacancies on the Board, and a process of performance self-appraisal by Board members.

Integrity Statement

Good governance is essential to maintaining trust between RIDBC and its supporters, funding authorities and the families of students.

RIDBC is a charitable human service organisation. Accordingly, its Board will aim to promote appropriate values and attitudes of service, integrity, financial prudence, consideration of individuals, accountability and personal responsibility.

Criteria for Board membership are determined by eligibility guidelines, largely derived from relevant clauses in the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act 1998 and the By-Laws.

Members of the RIDBC Board agree to be bound by this Integrity Statement. New appointees to the Board will be required to agree to be bound by the Integrity Statement. Any member of the Board finding herself/himself unable to meet or to continue to meet the requirements of the Integrity Statement must offer to resign from the Board.

Under the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act, RIDBC’s Board of Directors is elected by the members of RIDBC from amongst their own number

76

Members of the Board

» Shall be non-executive and unpaid and take no benefit whatsoever from their office. No member of RIDBC staff may be appointed to the Board

» Shall act at all times and in all matters in the best interests of RIDBC in conformity with its Act and the By-Laws

» Have a duty to ensure that the management of RIDBC is competent, ethical and prudent and that it acts in the best interests of RIDBC

» Shall at all times act honestly and in good faith in the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their duties of office

» Have a duty to use due care and diligence in fulfilling the functions of office and in exercising the powers attached to that office

» Should not engage in conduct likely to bring discredit upon RIDBC

» Shall not take improper advantage of their position nor allow personal, family or business interests to conflict with the interests of RIDBC

» Require the prior approval of the Board and subsequent disclosure to the members for the performance of any service or the supply of any article for which compensation may be received.

Asherah graduated from RIDBC Rockie Woofit Preschool in 2015

Guidelines – Appointments to the Board

Prospective appointees to the Board of Directors must:» Be, or be prepared to become, members of

RIDBC in accord with the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act

» Have sympathy with, and be prepared to contribute to, RIDBC’s purpose and objectives

» Have abilities and skills which would be of use to RIDBC

» Be compatible with and prepared to work harmoniously with existing members of the Board

» Have a range of personal and/or professional contacts from various fields of endeavour who would be of potential benefit to RIDBC

» Have an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a Board member.

Performance Appraisal by Self-Analysis

In order to ensure that the RIDBC Board is constituted so as to properly discharge its duties to the Members, staff and clients of RIDBC, Board Members agree that periodically they will undertake a performance appraisal by self-analysis.

This requires the completion and signing of a questionnaire, signifying continued agreement to be bound by the requirements of the Integrity Statement. A copy of the questionnaire can be found on RIDBC’s website at ridbc.org.au/board-directors

77

OUR PEOPLE – STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Under the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act, the Board is empowered to establish such committees as the Board thinks will assist it to exercise its functions. Currently, there are seven Standing Committees as detailed below. Committee membership is reviewed on an annual basis

Committee Members

Capital Projects Committee

Oversees all but minor capital projects, receiving proposals from the Chief Executive and making recommendations to the Board in relation to proposed projects.

David Dinte (Chairman)Graeme BradshawGreg SedgwickPeter van Dongen

Cochlear Implant Committee

Assists the Operational Services Committee in its governance responsibilities. The Committee will review and endorse SCIC Cochlear Impant Program strategic plan.

A/Prof Catherine Birman (Chairman) Roger Gee Barbara Stone

Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

Reviews the accounting policies of RIDBC, the provision of financial information, and the policy on risk management. The committee receives and reviews the annual budgets and financial statements prior to their consideration by the Board.

Peter van Dongen (Chairman) A/Prof Catherine Birman Greg SedgwickBarbara Stone

Fundraising Committee

Receives and considers plans and progress reports in relation to RIDBC’s community relations and fundraising activities. The committee reviews the annual Operational Plan for community relations and fundraising.

Graeme Bradshaw (Chairman) Roger Gee Greg SedgwickSean Wareing

Investment Committee

Reviews RIDBC’s investment policies and practices to ensure they are and remain appropriate to RIDBC’s needs.

Sean Wareing (Chairman) David DintePeter van Dongen

Nominations & Governance Committee

Develops and maintains guidelines to apprise prospective Board members of the Board’s expectations of its members, and advises the Board on the selection and recruitment of persons to fill vacancies on the Board.

Sean Wareing (Chairman) David DinteBarbara Stone

Operational Services Committee

Receives and considers proposals that relate to the establishment of new programs or services, or to significant changes or the discontinuation of existing programs or services. The committee reviews the annual Operational Plan for services.

Barbara Stone (Chairman) A/Prof Catherine Birman Roger Gee

78

RIDBC HONOUREES

Support received from members of the community, from professionals and from

organisations is at the centre of RIDBC’s ability to deliver the services it provides. Many people assist in a variety of ways. RIDBC wishes to acknowledge this support.

Visiting and Honorary Professional Staff and Organisations

Consulting Otologist:Professor William Gibson, AM, MD, FRACS, FRCSAssociate Professor Catherine Birman, MBBS, FRACS, GAICD

Consulting Paediatrician:Phillip Emder, FRACPPatricia Mutton, FRACP, MB, BS, BSc(Med)

Auditor: Grant Thornton

Banker:St George Bank

Solicitor:Bartier PerryHodgkinson McInnes LegalSparke Helmore Lawyers

Insurance Broker:Aon Risk Services Australia

Investment Advisor:JANA Investment Advisors

Life Governors at 31 December 2015

Abigroup LtdRobert Albert AORichard Bonynge AO CBEBruce and Joy Reid FoundationKenny ChengCochlear LimitedCrane Group LimitedCharles Curran ACProfessor Christine E DeerGwynvill GroupIan HolmesMerry HowiePieter HuveneersJames N Kirby FoundationKathleen Breen Children’s Charity TrustKumagai Australia Pty LtdDorothy Malouf OAMMyer Community FundArdeis Myers JnrNational Australia BankNetwork TenLysia O’KeefeOpera AustraliaRichard Owens AMSir Michael Parkinson CBEQantas Airways LtdJohn RaceVera Radó R A Gale FoundationRotary Club of CarlingfordRotary International District 9680Rotary International District 9690Rotary International District 9750Royal NSW Bowling AssociationNorman Rydge AM OBELynda Rydge-GuytonJanis SalisburySt Andrew’s Cathedral SchoolGraeme Skarratt OAMSuttons MotorsTerrace Tower Pty LtdThe Profield FoundationTransfield Services Pty LtdTasia VarvaressosVincent Fairfax Family Foundation

79

OUR PEOPLE – RIDBC STAFF IN THE COMMUNITY

Tricia d’ApicePresident, Sydney Braille ForumSecretary, International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)Life Member, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)

Alison ByrneMember, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, Vision 2020 Australia

Breda CartyConsultant Expert on Education and Deaf Community and Culture, Deaf AustraliaMember, Editorial Board, Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf EducationNewsletter Editor, Deaf History International

Brian ConwayExecutive Member, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)Treasurer and Public Officer, Round Table on Information Access for People with Print DisabilitiesVice President, Flintwood Disability Services

Jacqui DonnellyMember, Accessible Assessment Working Party, Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities

Frances Gentle President, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)Second Vice President, International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)Convening Editor, Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision ImpairmentMember, Examinations Board, Australian Braille AuthorityMember, Global Committee, Vision 2020 Australia

Member, Reference Group on Education of Children with Vision Impairment in Papua New Guinea (PNG), CBM New Zealand and Callan Services for Disabled Persons, PNGMember, Teacher Preparation Working Group, UNICEF Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities

Harzita HashimMember, Independence and Participation Committee, Vision 2020 Australia

Jayne KirwanCo-Convenor, Australian Psychological Society Deafness and Psychology Interest Group

Michelle KnightMember, E-text Guidelines Working Party, Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities

Greg LeighChair, Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening CommitteeCo-Chair, International Committee, International Congress on Education of the DeafChair, International Steering Committee, Asia Pacific Congress on DeafnessConsultant Expert on Education, Deaf AustraliaMember, Editorial Board, Deafness and Education International (UK)Member, Editorial Board, Phonetics and Speech Sciences (Korea)Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf EducationAdjunct Professor, Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University

Tracey McCann Honorary Member, Deaf Services Queensland

Hester MacMillanCo-Convenor, Australian Psychological Society Deafness and Psychology Interest Group

80

Sonali MaratheMember, E-text Guidelines Working Party, Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities

Philip NewallEditorial Associate, Journal of the American Academy of AudiologyEditorial Consultant, Australian Journal of AudiologyExpert Committee Member, Chinese Scientific Journal of Hearing and Speech RehabilitationBoard Member, Hearing InternationalBoard Member, Carabez Alliance for Deaf ChildrenAdvisory Board Member, ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its DisordersSenior Consultant, China Research and Rehabilitation Centre for Deaf ChildrenVisiting Professor, University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines, ManilaEmeritus Professor in Audiology, Macquarie University

Colleen PsarrosBoard Member, Audiology Australia

Sue SilveiraDirector, Australian Orthoptic BoardCouncil Member, NSW Branch Orthoptics Australia

Convenor of Awards and Grants Standing Committee, Orthoptics AustraliaMember, Orthoptics Australia Council Advisory CommitteeMember, Editorial Board, Journal of South Pacific Educators in Vision ImpairmentPublic Officer, South Pacific Educators in Vision ImpairmentMember, Orthoptic Standing Committee, Agency for Clinical InnovationMember, State-wide Eyesight Preschool Screening (StEPS) Implementation and Review Committee, NSW Ministry of Health

Trudy SmithChairperson, National Association of Australian Teachers of the Deaf

Mike SteerEditor, International Journal of Orientation and MobilityEditorial Consultant, Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)Editorial Consultant, Australasian Journal of Special EducationNSW Committee Member, International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)

Celia VildNSW Branch Councillor, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)

Colleen Psarros Manager, Clinical Strategy and Professional Development, SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, pictured during a media interview

81

ANNUAL CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2015

Information on RIDBC Concise Financial Report

The concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 31 December 2015. The financial statements and disclosures in the concise financial report have been derived from the 2015 Financial Report of RIDBC. A copy of the full financial report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member, free of charge, upon request.

The discussion and analysis is provided to assist members in understanding the concise financial report. It is based on RIDBC’s financial statements, the information contained in the concise financial report and in the 2015 Annual Report of RIDBC.

Statement of Income & Expenditure

In 2015 RIDBC recorded Total Revenue of $41,379,631. This was a decrease against 2014 of $597,158 or 1.4%. Total Revenue comprises Operating and Non-Operating Revenue Activities. Revenue from Operating Activities closed the year at $41,307,171 which was an increase against 2014 of $2,711,638 or 7%. Stronger revenues in 2015 were driven by a number of factors. SCIC Cochlear Implant Program contributed total revenue of $6,044,978 which was $3,573,994 or 145% higher than last year; Government Grants & Subsidies increased by $737,502 or 5.9%; revenues from Donations were $5,205,994 which was $1,139,868 or 28% higher than last year and continuing valuable contributions from the Lantern Clubs and other fundraising committees, auxiliaries and events of RIDBC

totalled $1,332,902 which was 10.8% higher than last year. The Rainbow Lottery revenue was $2,321,075 which was $404,990 or 14.8% down on last year and revenue from legacies of $3,549,700 was 53.3% lower than 2014. RIDBC is very grateful for the generosity and foresight of those who have made provision for RIDBC through their wills. Revenue from Non-Operating Activities fell $3,308,796. In 2014 RIDBC recognised a gain on acquisition of SCIC Limited.

RIDBC continued to benefit from the ongoing support of the NSW, QLD and Commonwealth Governments for which we are most appreciative with the increase in Grants and Subsidies noted above.

Investment Income was $6,775,156 which was a growth of $1,395,044 or 25.9% over 2014.

The rising market volatility which defined the second half of 2015 has re-emerged in the early part of 2016. China has again been at the centre of investor concerns as last year’s sell-off in Chinese equity markets resumed in early January. A weaker Chinese currency and sharply lower energy prices have added to global disinflation pressures, while the continuation of US dollar strength and expectations of further US interest rate increases are both contributing to the general ‘tightening’ of the global economy.

Total Expenditure on Operating Activities increased in 2015 to $40,998,943; however the acquisition of SCIC Limited contributed $5,255,161 of expenses. Excluding SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, expenditure

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

82

increased by $476,371 or 1.35% being below that of CPI. Savings were made in a number of areas in order to offset increases in expenditure types where RIDBC has little or no control and allowed for additional spending to be made in areas that helped execute RIDBC’s five year strategic plan of expanding services to a more diverse range of clients from more locations.

Expenditures increased primarily in Student Services, reflecting an increased breadth and depth of services. RIDBC spent 65% of its outgoings on services to children.

Finance, Administration and General Management costs were contained to 7.7% of operational expenditure. This continues to reflect the efficient and prudent operation of RIDBC.

Statement of Other Comprehensive Income

There was a decrease of $423,031 which included a decrease of $430,592 in the year end market values of the long term investments held by RIDBC as at 31 December.

Statement of Financial Position

The value of RIDBC’s Net Assets decreased by 0.03% to $150,362,389.

Of note was the increase in the Non-Current Financial Asset values, with a net increase of $4,247,700 or 4.3% in 2015. RIDBC’s investment portfolio is diversified, being invested broadly across a range of managers and asset classes including cash,

bonds, equities, infrastructure and property trusts. RIDBC is a long term investor and operates its investment portfolio with the advice of an independent asset consultant and with a special purpose subcommittee of the RIDBC Board.

During 2015, RIDBC’s additions to fixed assets were $1,548,212. The most notable project spend made during the year was the relocation and upgrading of our Canberra operations. This project has seen RIDBC expand its services and offerings to that region and is in line with our strategic objective of meeting nationwide demand for our services.

Statement of Cash Flows

Cash inflows from operating activities increased 40% compared with 2014 primarily due to an increase in receipts from fundraising, Government Grants and Investments partially offset by increased payments to suppliers and employees.

Cash outflows from investing activities decreased 39% compared with 2014 primarily due to a decrease in receipts from the sale and purchase of investments.

Total Cash outflow for 2015 of $1,915,584 compared to the outflow in 2014 of $6,701,819, being a net decrease of $4,786,235 reflects the movement of excess cash at bank to the investment portfolio.

ABN 53 443 272 865

83

STATEMENT OF INCOME & EXPENDITURE For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 2015 2014

REVENUE FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

INCOME FROM NON OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2

2

41,307,171

72,460

38,595,533

3,381,256

TOTAL REVENUE AND INCOME 2 $41,379,631 $41,976,789

EXPENDITURE ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Charitable Fundraising

Rainbow Lottery

Marketing and Communications

Administration

Investment Management

Student Services

Cochlear Implant Program

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3,402,248

1,633,629

734,104

3,168,082

234,320

26,571,399

5,255,161

2,908,779

2,106,406

400,358

3,096,580

290,029

26,465,259

2,674,758

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 3 $40,998,943 $37,942,169

SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR $380,688 $4,034,620

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

84

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 2015 2014

SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR $380,688 $4,034,620

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Net unrealised (loss) / gain on revaluation of long term investments held at fair value and net realised gain on disposal of investments

Gain / (Loss) on revaluation of Defined Superannuation Funds

(430,592)

7,561

2,235,867

(51,000)

(423,031) 2,184,867

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) / INCOME FOR THE YEAR

$(42,343) $6,219,487

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

85

Note 2015 2014

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalentsInventoriesTrade and other receivablesOther current assets

4,462,994-

1,595,359583,106

6,378,57875,210

1,416,525659,387

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $6,641,459 $8,529,700

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Financial assetsInvestment propertyRetirement benefit surplusProperty, plant and equipmentOther intangible assets

102,048,2351,530,000

287,00047,867,842

123,229

97,800,5351,530,000

285,00048,506,679

174,424

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS $151,856,306 $148,296,638

TOTAL ASSETS $158,497,765 $156,826,338

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payablesOther current liabilitiesShort-term provisions

1,621,8441,431,6884,121,763

727,146736,436

3,868,869

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $7,175,295 $5,332,451

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Long-term provisionsRetirement benefit deficit

901,882 58,199

1,025,395 63,760

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES $960,081 $1,089,155

TOTAL LIABILITIES $8,135,376 $6,421,606

NET ASSETS $150,362,389 $150,404,732

FUNDS

ReservesCapital projects accountCochlear Implant Program permanent fundsPrescribed purpose fundsAsset revaluation / realisation reserveDesignated investment fund

1,009,5521,652,510

6,038,26258,343,40580,305,148

1,026,5651,557,5025,378,661

59,060,57580,305,148

TOTAL RESERVES $147,348,877 $147,328,451

RETAINED EARNINGS $3,013,512 $3,076,281

TOTAL FUNDS $150,362,389 $150,404,732

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONAs at 31 December 2015

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STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Retained Earnings

Capital Projects Account

CIP Permanent Funds

Prescribed Purpose Funds

Asset Revaluation/ Realisation Reserve

Designated Investment Fund

Technology Capital Campaign

TOTAL

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2014 508,777 1,032,612 - 5,214,000 56,824,708 80,305,148 300,000 144,185,245

Total comprehensive income for the year

3,983,620 - - - 2,235,867 - - 6,219,487

SUBTOTAL

Transfers to and from reserve

Capital projects account

Capital subsidies reserve

Prescribed purpose funds

Technology capital campaign

4,492,397

6,047

(1,722,163)

-

300,000

1,032,612

(6,047)

-

-

-

-

-

1,557,502

-

-

5,214,000

-

164,661

-

-

59,060,575

-

-

-

-

80,305,148

-

-

-

-

300,00

-

-

-

(300,000)

150,404,732

-

-

-

-

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2014

3,076,281 1,026,565 1,557,502 5,378,661 59,060,575 80,305,148 - 150,404,732

Total comprehensive income for the year

388,249 - - - (430,592) - - (42,343)

SUBTOTAL

Transfers to and from reserve

Capital projects account

Prescribed purpose funds

Realised investments

Technology capital campaign

3,464,530

17,013

(754,609)

286,578

-

1,026,565

(17,013)

-

-

-

1,557,502

-

95,008

-

-

5,378,661

-

659,601

-

-

58,629,983

-

-

(286,578)

-

80,305,148

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

150,362,389

-

-

-

-

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2015

3,013,512 1,009,552 1,652,510 6,038,262 58,343,405 80,305,148 - 150,362,389

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

87

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSFor the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 2015 2014

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipts from fundraising, fees and sundry sources

Government grants & subsidies received

Interest received

Receipts from investments

Payments to suppliers and employees

21,387,502

13,703,741

332,851

5,912,884

(37,573,706)

19,491,150

14,284,326

123,470

5,269,967

(36,489,221)

Net cash inflows from operating activities $3,763,272 $2,679,692

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Cash acquired on acquisition of Cochlear Implant Program

Cash acquired on acquisition of Cochlear Implant Program Permanent Funds

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Receipts from sale of investment securities

Payments for investment securities

-

-

91,895

(1,730,555)

3,059,804

(7,100,000)

1,366,687

1,557,502

207,120

(1,000,894)

5,801,626

(17,313,552)

Net cash (outflows) from investing activities $(5,678,856) $(9,381,511)

Net (decrease) in cash held

Cash at the beginning of the financial year

(1,915,584)

6,378,578

(6,701,819)

13,080,397

CASH AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR $4,462,994 $6,378,578

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

88

RIDBC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 1 – Basis of Preparation of the Concise Financial Report

The concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year 31 December 2015. The concise financial report has been prepared in accordance with the principles of Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports, and the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991.

The financial report covers the entity of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) domiciled in Australia, incorporated in 1905 by Act No. 10 of the New South Wales Parliament, and replaced by the provisions of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act No. 6 from 26 June 1998.

The financial statements, specific disclosures and other information included in the concise financial report are derived from and are consistent with the full financial report of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC). The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide as detailed an understanding of the financial performance,

financial position and financing and investing activities of RIDBC as the full financial report. A copy of the full financial report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member, free of charge, upon request.

The financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards. A statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards cannot be made due to RIDBC applying the not-for-profit sector specific requirements contained in the Australian Accounting Standards.

RIDBC was automatically registered as a charity with the ACNC with its registration details transferred across from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) having been previously endorsed by the ATO as a charity.

RIDBC, due to its substituted accounting period of 31 December, was first required to comply with the ACNC’s reporting obligations in relation to its 2014 annual report and accounts. The Annual Information Statement and an Annual Financial Statement was duly submitted on 20th May 2015.

89

2015 2014

(a) Revenue from Operating ActivitiesCHARITABLE FUNDRAISING

LegaciesDonationsLantern Clubs,Committees, Auxiliaries and Merchandise

3,549,7005,205,9941,332,902

7,617,2574,066,1261,203,118

$10,088,596 $12,886,501

Rainbow Lottery $2,321,075 $2,726,065

TOTAL FUNDRAISING $12,409,671 $15,612,566

GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND SUBSIDIESCommonwealth Department of Education

Basic Per CapitaCapital support – Non-Government SchoolsCommonwealth Targeted Programs

Commonwealth Department of Social ServicesBetter Start National Disability Insurance Scheme Print Disability Services Remote Hearing & Vision Services

NSW Ageing, Disability & Home CareEarly Childhood InterventionPrint Disability/Alternative FormatsTherapy, Low Vision and other service grants

NSW Department of Education & TrainingIntervention Support Teaching Supervisors’ Subsidy SCAN funding

NSW Department of Education & CommunitiesState Per Capita Grants National Education Reform Agreement (NERA) Preschool Per Capita Grants

Queensland Department of HealthSupport for Students at Teleschool

2,333,688 -

83,430

683,002 296,932 115,750 864,762

2,099,179 119,618

3,960,231

854,160 440,118 322,710

284,474 -

464,614

307,311

2,491,554 4,481

168,524

578,127 121,702 115,750 604,135

2,106,740 115,177

3,805,854

773,516 424,481 196,270

308,841 8,780

368,545

300,000

TOTAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS & SUBSIDIES $13,229,979 $12,492,477

Investment Income $6,775,156 $5,380,112

Student and Other Fees $1,880,288 $1,917,380

COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAMDonations and MerchandisingMedicare ReceiptsCochlear Devices CommisionOther Income

1,017,335 2,991,235 1,812,471

223,937

437,300 1,451,187

522,021 60,476

TOTAL COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM $6,044,978 $2,470,984

Staff Development & Publications $465,663 $348,358

Miscellaneous Income $501,436 $373,656

TOTAL REVENUE FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $41,307,171 $38,595,533

(b) Income From Non Operating ActivitiesGain on Acquisition Gain on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment

-72,460

3,249,119132,137

TOTAL INCOME FROM NON OPERATING ACTIVITIES $72,460 $3,381,256

TOTAL REVENUE $ 41,379,631 $ 41,976,789

RIDBC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 2 – Revenue

90

2015 2014

Surplus from ordinary activities has been determined after:(a) Expenditure on Operating ActivitiesCHARITABLE FUNDRAISING

Donation Appeals Lantern Clubs, Committees, Auxiliaries and Merchandising Other Fundraising

1,648,469740,701

1,013,078

1,655,097625,661628,021

$3,402,248 $2,908,779

RAINBOW LOTTERY $1,633,629 $2,106,406

TOTAL FUNDRAISING EXPENDITURE $5,035,877 $5,015,185

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS $734,104 $400,358

ADMINISTRATIONGeneral and Financial ManagementHuman Resources Management

2,274,692893,390

2,244,757851,823

TOTAL ADMINISTRATION EXPENDITURE $3,168,082 $3,096,580

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT $234,320 $290,029

COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM EXPENDITURE $5,255,161 $2,674,758

STUDENT SERVICESPreschool Services

RIDBC (Hunter) Preschool Roberta Reid Preschool Rockie Woofit Preschool RIDBC (Nepean) Preschool VisionEd Preschool

Schools Alice Betteridge School Thomas Pattison School Garfield Barwick School

School SupportClinical ServicesJim Patrick Audiology CentreRenwick CentreTeleschoolEarly Learning ProgramCommunity Based Professional Services

715,337219,662 554,490557,654259,778

4,163,446 2,092,679

1,647,678 3,919,4411,101,345

622,1602,835,5752,944,1244,246,696

691,334

807,437326,159 635,408630,545261,240

4,487,680 2,029,620

1,744,498 3,672,2681,209,219

652,0032,690,0152,657,6804,044,943

616,544

TOTAL STUDENT SERVICES EXPENDITURE $26,571,399 $26,465,259

TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES $40,998,943 $37,942,169

The expenditure on operating activities include the following specific expenditures

Depreciation of Non-current Assets $2,401,151 $2,455,196

Remuneration of AuditorAudit Services Other Assurance Services Taxation Advice Taxation Advice Related Firm (Grant Thornton LLP (US)

121,74022,500

-34,440

76,89924,00036,520

-

TOTAL REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR $178,680 $137,419

COST OF GOODS SOLD $197,490 $19,058

BAD AND DOUBTFUL DEBTS $52,549 $48,621

Note 3 – Surplus from Ordinary Activities

91

RIDBC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 4 – Fundraising Activities Conducted

Fundraising appeals conducted during the financial year, under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, included direct mailings, special events, merchandising, lotteries and bequests. Other fundraising activities were also undertaken by various Committees & Auxiliaries including Lantern Clubs.

(a) Details of income and aggregate expenditure of appeals conducted jointly with traders For the purpose of this note all fundraising involving the Sale of Items (e.g. chocolates, sun hats, sunscreen, etc) is deemed to have involved a trader.

2015 2014

Income received from sale of items

1,332,902 1,203,118

Total expenditure incurred

(740,701) (625,661)

NET INCOME $592,201 $577,457

(b) Forms of fundraising appeals conducted in 2015For the purposes of reporting under the requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children classifies all fundraising activities under five categories; legacies, donations, lantern clubs plus committees and auxiliaries, merchandising and rainbow lottery.

Note 5 – Other Commitments

On November 10th 2015 RIDBC entered into an agreement to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of Early Education Program for Hearing Impaired Children (EEP), in Victoria, at a date in the future up to 1 November 2018 for nil consideration. The net assets and liabilities to be acquired are not material. At 31 December 2015 RIDBC did not control EEP

and the value of the option to acquire EEP is negligible. Accordingly this transaction has not been recognised in the 31 December 2015 financial statements.

Note 6 – Events After the Balance Date

There are three (3) matters or circumstances that have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affect or may significantly affect the operations of RIDBC, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of RIDBC in future financial years.

1) Subsequent to balance date, RIDBC resolved that the Garfield Barwick School property at North Parramatta would be sold following the relocation of activities to our North Rocks precinct at the start of term 1 2016. The book value of property as at 31 December 2015 is $2,892,625. On 1 April 2016, RIDBC received an offer and expects to sell the property for $5,300,000 but this has not yet been formalised by way of contract. The accounts at 31 December 2015 do not include any impact of this proposed sale.

2) In June 2015, RIDBC farewelled lifelong supporter and extremely generous donor Ian Paul. Thanks to the incredible support of Ian and his late wife Dorothy over the past 20 years, the outcomes for children with vision or hearing loss in Australia are forever changed. RIDBC is extremely grateful for a bequest in the order of $10M that is expected from the Ian Paul Estate. This significant donation will ensure that Ian and Dorothy’s legacy lives on – transforming the lives of people with vision or hearing loss for many years to come.

3) Subsequent to balance date, RIDBC commenced discussions with the Australian Federal Government to discuss the acquisition of Australian Hearing by a Consortium involving RIDBC, Cochlear Limited and Macquarie University.

The financial report was authorised by the Directors for issue on 12 April 2016.

92

RIDBC RESPONSIBLE ENTITIES’ DECLARATION

The Responsible Entities of RIDBC declare that:1) The financial statements and notes of

RIDBC are in accordance with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 including;a. giving a true and fair view of its financial

position as at 31 December 2015 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date;

b. complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013; and

2) there are reasonable grounds to believe that RIDBC will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Sean P WareingPresident 12 Apr 2016

Peter van DongenDirector12 Apr 2016

Declaration by the President with Respect to Fundraising Appeals

I Sean Wareing, President of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, declare that in my opinion:

a. the accounts give a true and fair view of all income and expenditure with respect to fundraising appeals;

b. the statement of financial position gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the organisation with respect to fundraising appeals;

c. the provisions of the Charitable Fundraising Act, the regulations under the Act and the conditions attached to the fundraising authority have been complied with by the organisation; and

d. the internal controls exercised by the organisation are appropriate and effective in accounting for all income received and applied by the organisation from any of its fundraising appeals.

Sean P WareingPresident

93

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATIONTo the Directors of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children

In accordance with the requirements of section 60-40 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, as lead auditor for the audit of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children for the year ended 31 December 2015, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; and

b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTDChartered Accountants

A J ArcherPartner - Audit & Assurance

Sydney, 12 April 2016

Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd ACN 130 913 594

a subsidiary or related entity of Grant Thornton Australia Ltd ABN 41 127 556 389

‘Grant Thornton’ refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton Australia Ltd is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. In the Australian context only, the use of the term ‘Grant Thornton’ may refer to Grant Thornton Australia Limited ABN 41 127 556 389 and its Australian subsidiaries and related entities. GTIL is not an Australian related entity to Grant Thornton Australia Limited.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Liability is limited in those States where a current scheme applies.

Level 17, 383 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Correspondence to: Locked Bag Q800

QVB Post Office, Sydney NSW 1230T +61 2 8297 2400 F +61 2 9299 4445E info.nsw@au.gt.com W www.grantthornton.com.au

94

Level 17, 383 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Correspondence to: Locked Bag Q800

QVB Post Office, Sydney NSW 1230T +61 2 8297 2400 F +61 2 9299 4445E info.nsw@au.gt.com W www.grantthornton.com.au

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTTo the Members of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children

Report on the concise financial reportThe accompanying concise financial report of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2015, the statement of income and expenditure, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended and related notes, derived from the audited financial report of RIDBC for the year ended 31 December 2015. The concise financial report does not contain all the disclosures required by the Australian Accounting Standards.

Responsibility of the Responsible Entities’ for the concise financial report The Responsible Entities’ of RIDBC are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the concise financial report in accordance with the principles of Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and Charitable Fundraising Act 1991. This responsibility includes such internal controls as the Responsible Entities’ determine are necessary to enable the preparation of the concise financial report to be free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the concise financial report based on our audit procedures which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. We have conducted an independent audit, in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, of the financial report of RIDBC for the year ended 31 December 2015. Our audit report on the financial report for the year was signed on 12 April 2016 and was not subject to any

modification. The Australian Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report for the year is free from material misstatement.

Our procedures in respect of the concise financial report included testing that the information in the concise financial report is derived from, and is consistent with, the financial report for the year, and examination on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures which were not directly derived from the financial report for the year. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the concise financial report complies with the principles Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

IndependenceIn conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012.

Auditor’s opinion In our opinion, the concise financial report of RIDBC for the year ended 31 December 2015 complies with the principles of Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTDChartered Accountants

A J ArcherPartner - Audit & Assurance

Sydney, 12 April 2016

95

RIDBC FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORYFor the year ended 31 December 2015

Description % 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 %

EXPENDITURE

Educational Services Expenditure

Preschool Services

Alice Betteridge School

Thomas Pattison School

Garfield Barwick School

Early Learning Programs

Teleschool

Community Based Professional Services

Clinical Services

Approved Therapy Services

School Support Services

Jim Patrick Audiology Centre

Renwick Centre

TOTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES EXPENDITURE

Cochlear Implant Program

Finance and General Management

Investment Management

Charitable Fundraising

Rainbow Lottery

Marketing & Communications

65

13

8

1

7

4

2

2,306,921

4,163,446

2,092,679

1,647,678

4,246,696

2,944,124

691,334

1,101,345

-

3,919,441

622,160

2,835,575

26,571,399

5,255,161

3,168,082

234,320

3,402,248

1,633,629

734,104

2,660,789

4,487,680

2,029,620

1,744,498

4,044,943

2,657,680

616,544

1,209,219

-

3,672,268

652,003

2,690,015

26,465,259

2,674,758

3,096,580

290,029

2,908,779

2,106,406

400,358

2,556,288

4,309,512

1,931,514

1,651,736

4,172,500

2,423,298

388,070

1,071,709

-

3,448,657

699,518

2,771,799

25,424,602

-

2,865,239

265,205

2,545,147

2,334,842

329,132

2,483,641

4,337,187

2,003,107

1,497,702

3,903,776

2,455,769

-

778,436

-

3,343,129

500,965

2,872,148

24,175,860

-

2,732,671

237,841

2,348,115

2,530,351

380,972

2,471,897

3,357,116

1,905,411

1,419,276

2,300,214

2,379,155

-

916,374

2,683,560

3,088,691

447,709

2,969,024

23,938,427

-

1,824,417

217,175

2,093,422

2,570,478

601,502

76

6

1

7

8

2

TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES 100 40,998,943 37,942,169 33,764,167 32,405,810 31,245,421 100

REVENUE FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Charitable Fundraising Income

Legacies

Donations & special events

Lantern Clubs, Committees and Auxiliaries

Merchandising and Other Fundraising

TOTAL CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING INCOME

RAINBOW LOTTERY

GOVERNMENT

Commonwealth Department of Education

Commonwealth Department of Social Services

NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care

NSW Department of Education and Communities

NSW Department of Education and Training

QLD Department of Health

AusAID

TOTAL GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES

OTHER INCOME

Investment Income

Cochlear Implant Program

Sales, Fees and Miscellaneous Income

24

7

32

16

14

7

3,549,700

5,205,994

1,332,902

-

10,088,596

2,321,075

2,417,118

1,960,446

6,179,028

749,088

1,616,988

307,311

-

13,229,979

6,775,156

6,044,978

2,847,387

7,617,257

4,066,126

1,203,118

-

12,886,501

2,726,065

2,664,559

1,419,714

6,027,771

689,166

1,391,267

300,000

-

12,492,477

5,380,112

2,470,984

2,639,394

7,217,464

4,499,246

927,921

194,625

12,839,256

3,321,564

2,382,038

1,229,897

5,237,319

706,719

1,437,603

-

1,500

10,995,076

3,924,493

-

2,695,670

5,564,139

3,971,246

946,233

495,209

10,976,827

3,513,674

2,757,607

1,078,148

4,408,644

557,116

1,530,267

-

86,562

10,418,344

4,106,267

-

2,638,774

4,905,185

3,985,480

1,041,902

104,268

10,036,835

3,917,192

2,374,599

723,406

4,043,300

570,087

1,497,861

-

313,690

9,522,943

6,953,778

-

2,519,163

30

12

29

21

8

TOTAL REVENUE FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 100 41,307,171 38,595,533 33,776,059 31,653,886 32,949,911 100

OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 308,228 653,364 11,892 (751,924) 1,704,490

96

Description % 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 %

OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 308,228 653,364 11,892 (751,924) 1,704,490

Net Gain/(Loss) on Sale of Available-for-sale Investments

Net Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Property, Plant & Equipment

Gain on Acquisition

Gain/(Loss) on Defined Benefit Super Funds

(Loss)/Gain on Impaired Available-for-sale Financial Asset*

286,578

72,460

-

7,561

(717,170)

-

132,137

3,249,119

(51,000)

2,235,867

-

5,042

-

108,000

10,855,813

(1,175,396)

-

-

-

-

(754,784)

(24,531)

-

-

(4,942,361)

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) AFTER NON-OPERATING ITEMS (42,343) 6,219,487 10,980,747 (1,927,320) (4,017,186)

*note AASB 9 was applied from 1 January 2014. Earlier years have not been impacted

97

RIDBC GOVERNMENT FUNDINGSummary of Applicable Legislation For the year ended 31 December 2015

Source of Funds Legislation Funding Purposes

Commonwealth Department of Education

General Recurrent Grants ProgramGeneral Recurrent Grants for Non-Government Schools

Australian Education Act (2013)

Assistance towards the cost of recurrent services at our schools

Commonwealth Strategic Assistance for Improving Student OutcomesSchools Support Non-Government

Australian Education Act (2013)

Assistance towards costs of education support services at and from our Special Schools.

Commonwealth Strategic Assistance for Improving Student Outcomes

Australian Education Act (2013)

Funding for special projects that provide a type of support to children’s education which may otherwise be lacking in an institutional setting.

Assistance towards the recurrent costs of our Early Learning Programs.

Funding towards the cost of provision of Student Support Services.

School Language Program –Community Languages Element

Australian Education Act (2013)

Assistance towards the cost of implementation of Community Languages Program in RIDBC Thomas Pattison School.

Commonwealth Strategic Assistance for Improving Student OutcomesCapital Support – Non Government

Australian Education Act (2013)

Assistance towards the cost of equipment and construction projects within our schools.

Commonwealth Department of Social Services

Early Childhood – Invest to Grow RIDBC Teleschool Project

Childcare Act (1972) To provide intensive, targeted and coordinated support for parents and children who are vulnerable, at risk or in disadvantaged communities.

Better Start Early Intervention Funding

The Better Start for Children with Disability (Better Start) initiative aims to assist eligible children with developmental disabilities to access funding for early treatment, diagnostic and management services.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

National Disability Insurance Scheme Act (2013) No. 20, 2013

NDIS provide community linking and individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers.

Production of Alternate Format Print

Print Disability Service – Disability Services Act (1986)

Subsidy towards the production of AFP (Part II, Section 10 of the Act)

98

Source of Funds Legislation Funding Purposes

NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care

Financial Assistance Grants Disability Services Act (1993)

Assistance towards the cost of providing boarding, therapy, low vision and other services, under Section 7 of the Act.

Community Services Grants Departmental policy initiative – Children (Care and Protection) Act (1987)

Community services grants program funding for community support and braille production.

NSW Department of Education and Training

Non-Government State Schools Per Capita Allowance

Education Act (1990) Per capita allowance for primary and secondary pupils attending our special schools.

Teaching Supervisor’s Subsidy Education Act (1990) Subsidies for approved teaching staff of intellectually impaired children.

Supporting Children with Additional Needs

Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act (1998)

Assistance towards the cost of providing inclusive support for children with additional needs who attend RIDBC’s Hunter, Nepean, Rockie Woofit, Roberta Reid and VisionEd Preschools.

Supporting Children with Additional Needs

Non-Government State Schools Per Capita Allowance

Education Act (1990) Per capita allowance for primary and secondary pupils attending our special schools.

Preschool Per Capita Grant Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act (1998)

Per capita allowance for pupils attending RIDBC’s Hunter, Nepean, Rockie Woofit, Roberta Reid and VisionEd Preschools under the Childrens Services Regulation 2004.

QLD Department of Health

Department of Health Support for students at RIDBC Teleschool

AusAid

Avoidable Blindness Initiative Public Service Act (1999) Tackle avoidable blindness in the Asia Pacific region

99

NSW Gosford/Central Coast02 4323 4567 1300 659 981

Gladesville*1300 658 981

Floraville (Hunter)02 4942 8455 (TTY/V)

Lismore02 6622 5593

Liverpool1300 581 391

Miranda1300 581 391

Nepean (Glenmore Park)02 4733 4239 (TTY/V)

Newcastle*1300 658 981

North RydeRIDBC at the Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie University02 9887 3622

Penrith*1300 658 981

Port Macquarie*1300 658 981

Rouse HillRIDBC Hear the Children 04 2108 5299

Waverley RIDBC Matilda Rose Centre 02 9369 1423

Wollongong* 1300 658 981

ACTCanberra1300 658 981

NTDarwin (Casuarina) 08 8945 6498

Join the RIDBC conversation!

You can be part of the RIDBC community online by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

ROYAL INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND CHILDREN (RIDBC)

RIDBC North Rocks – Head Office & Main Campus

North Rocks, NSW 1300 581 391

Services offered: » Early intervention & early learning programs» Specialist preschools, schools & school support – RIDBC Rockie Woofit Preschool – RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool – RIDBC VisionEd Preschool – RIDBC Thomas Pattison School – RIDBC Garfield Barwick School – RIDBC Alice Betteridge School – RIDBC School Support Service – RIDBC Teleschool & telepractice programs» Assessment, diagnostics, therapy & rehabilitation services» Audiology services

– RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre» Cochlear implant services

– SCIC Cochlear Implant Program, an RIDBC service» Research, postgraduate & professional education

services – RIDBC Renwick Centre

*Locations with an asterisk indicate stand-alone ‘SCIC Cochlear Implant Program´ sites

General information: 02 9871 1233 (TTY/V) Service enquiries: 1300 581 391 Donations: 1800 043 411

Private Bag 29 Parramatta NSW 2124 info@ridbc.org.au www.ridbc.org.au

Other RIDBC & SCIC Cochlear Implant Program Sites

/ridbc /ridbc@ridbc @ridbc

Find out more about how you can make a difference:

Join a Fundraising GroupOver 1,220 people volunteer through fundraising clubs and committees.

Buy an RIDBC Rainbow Lottery TicketRIDBC Rainbow Lottery is held four times a year with $25,000 in prizes to be won each time, including cash and gift vouchers.

Become a Corporate PartnerTalk to us about becoming an RIDBC corporate partner, donating funds through workplace giving, or volunteering for RIDBC alongside your work colleagues.

Every year, thousands of people help RIDBC make a difference. Here are just a few of the many ways you can help:

Make a DonationMany individuals and organisations donate to RIDBC each year.

Become a VolunteerVolunteers support our staff in areas as diverse as making tactile books, assisting in classrooms and gardening.

Leave a Lasting LegacyFunds donated through bequests, trusts, foundations or permanent funds, continue to support future generations.

Participate in Fundraising EventsWhether you want to raise funds for RIDBC through your own fundraising event, or participate in an existing event, we can help you maximise success!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

www.ridbc.org.au/howtohelp 1800 043 411 fundraising@ridbc.org.au

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Rawiri who attends RIDBC VisionEd Preschool enjoyed a visit from the local Fire Service, who shared their fire safety message with the children

RIDBC ANNUAL REPORT 2015

General information: 02 9871 1233 (TTY/V) Service enquiries: 1300 581 391 Donations: 1800 043 411

2015 AT A

GLANCE

185 students enrolled in postgraduate courses

51 graduates of the University of Newcastle for studies through RIDBC Renwick Centre

110+ Continuing Professional Education presentations

30 workshops and conferences streamed online

30 online seminars streamed 

3,500+in person days of Continuing Professional Education delivered

RIDBC RENWICK CENTRE

$41.4m revenue

$31.7m income on student & client services

30% operating revenue derived from fundraising

$12.4m raised through charitable fundraising activities

$2.3m raised by RIDBC Rainbow Lottery

FINANCE

1,116 children enrolled in RIDBC services

226 children supported by RIDBC Teleschool

621 hearing screening tests provided for Indigenous children

22% children in services from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

2,838children received

assessment & diagnostic

services

SCIC COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM

251 adults over 16 received received their first implant

62 children under 16 received their first implant

2,850+ people received ongoing support

15 partner hospitals

48% surgeries performed in public hospitals

432cochlear implant

devices implanted 

BRAND AND AWARENESS

12,000+visitors/month to RIDBC website

125,000+ downloads of RIDBC’s suite of language learning apps

139,000+ RIDBC Quarterly newsletters distributed

VOLUNTEERS 1,220+ people volunteered their time for RIDBC

40 people were presented with RIDBC Volunteer Service and Recognition Awards20,000+

hours contributed by volunteers

Private Bag 29 Parramatta NSW 2124 info@ridbc.org.au www.ridbc.org.au

• RIDBC locations• RIDBC Teleschool services• RIDBC Renwick Centre students• Continuing Professional Education graduates

18 permanent sites across Australia