Unstoppable

Annual Report 2013

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

“I have C1-C2 incomplete quadriplegia as a result of a spinal cord injury in 2009. Going through counselling with Independence Australia was probably the most beneficial thing I’ve done. I feel unstoppable now. I’m now with Michelle, my fiancée, and I’m involved with coaching cricket. I don’t see my disability as something that can stop me now from doing what I want to do.” – Roy

People with a disability can encounter many obstacles in life. With a combination of appropriate support and their own determination, they can achieve their goals and live life to the full. They can truly be

STATEMENT OF PURPOSEIndependence Australia is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people with a disability or other physical need to regain, retain and extend their independence.

HISTORYIndependence Australia was formed in 1957 by a group of paraplegic and quadriplegic patients at the Austin Hospital, to provide much needed services for people with a spinal cord injury once they left hospital.

WHAT WE DOWe provide specialist services to more than 1,200 people with a disability or other physical need. Our major programs include in-home support, accommodation and housing, veterans’ home care, respite, case management, outreach support, psychology and counselling, recreation, information, polio support networks and other support groups.We operate a number of social enterprises which sell and distribute mobility aids, equipment and specialist healthcare products to thousands of customers Australia-wide. Our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivers workforce development services to the disability and aged care sectors, and our Group Training Organisation (GTO) provides on-the-job placements. Income from these operations is channelled back to support our core charitable purpose.

“The greatest resource in the world... is the spirit that resides in every unstoppable person.” – Cynthia Kersey, Author.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

“Believe in yourself and be unstoppable”

Many of the people who use the services of Independence Australia face major challenges arising from living with a disability or other physical need.Some face these difficulties everyday and tasks that we take for granted, such as showering and mobility, can present major hurdles.Yet, with their own resilience and right support, people with a disability can be unstoppable and participate in every part of life they choose.In our approach we strive to instil a sense of hope, because no matter how profound someone’s disability may be, there are still many achievements they may want to accomplish. Everyone is different. We all have diverse aspirations, abilities, interests and goals in life. This is as relevant for people with a disability as it is for anyone.This is why Independence Australia is committed to harnessing our clients’ potential by focusing on what they can achieve and celebrating accomplishments, both big and small.

OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR During 2012/13 at Independence Australia we continued to maintain and expand our work with people who have a disability or other physical need through the surpluses generated by our social enterprise initiatives.The past 12 months was our 56th year of operation. During the year we have seen a growth in service provision combined with a refinement of operations to ensure that people with a disability or other physical need can regain, retain and extend their independence. Over the past year, Independence Australia has continued to work in close partnership with our clients, their carers, our staff, volunteers, supporters, funding bodies and the wider disability and community services sector.This co-operative approach was strongly demonstrated by our ongoing participation in the launch of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We are delighted that this scheme is taking shape across Australia and in particular Victoria’s Barwon Region and we applaud governments both state and national for their joint initiative that will support a better quality of life for people with a disability and those who care for them.

CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

This quote from film-maker Yvonne Pierre reminds us of the power of self-belief and has particular relevance for many people with a disability, whose determination shines through despite the difficulties and frustrations they encounter.

SERVICE ENHANCEMENTSService enhancements occurred on many levels over the past year. Some highlights included:

• An increase in the number of care hours provided to clients in their own homes or local communities, bringing the total increase over the past two years to 31%;

• The completion of upgrades at two of our shared accommodation facilities;

• The delivery of new assertiveness workshops for clients;

• Our training arm almost doubling the number of short courses delivered;

• The development of a new online store for our specialist health care product range;

• Our acquisition of equipment provider, Mobility Aids Australia, which will expand the range of products we provide to customers.

HIGHLIGHTS AND CHANGESDuring the year we acknowledged several major highlights. At the same time, we also implemented a number of significant changes.For example, we welcomed the Transport Accident Commission as a new three year partner of our highly successful SpinChat school-based education and harm prevention program.We congratulated the Polio Network, which is auspiced by Independence Australia, on its 25th anniversary.

Our long-standing relationship with the Robert Rose Foundation continued and we are grateful for the organisation’s financial support of our Psychology and Counselling Services.We reviewed our recreation programs and developed a more integrated community-based model.During the year we farewelled Ms Margot Powell, a Director who had served on the Board of Independence Australia for more than 13 years. We express our thanks to Ms Powell for her service to Victorians with a disability during her second term on the Board.Meanwhile, we welcomed a new Board Member, Mr Paul Solomon, who has a strong background in health, business and the not-for-profit sector.After almost 20 years at Independence Australia, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer, Ms Larysa Holden, retired and we thank her for her years of support to the Board and Management Team.

VALE DAME ELISABETHLike the rest of the community, Independence Australia was saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, AC, DBE. Dame Elisabeth was renowned for her tireless philanthropy and we were grateful recipients of her generosity on many occasions. Dame Elisabeth was a keen supporter of our Psychology and Counselling Services in particular, and she will be long remembered for her contribution to the emotional wellbeing of people with a disability.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

THANK YOUThe work of Independence Australia is only possible due to the strong links we have forged with governments at all levels, other funding bodies, the disability sector, and generous philanthropic, corporate and individual donors; thank you for endorsing our work.The Board and Management also expresses its gratitude to Independence Australia’s staff and volunteers for so passionately sharing our vision of a community in which people with a disability really can be unstoppable.

clients and families we have worked with

1,200hours of support care delivered to the veteran community

18,500

new clients came on board to receive our in-home support service

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new placements secured by our Gto for trainees with host employers

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students reached throuGh the spinchat school proGram

10,000+

acquisition of mobility aids australia (maa) dec. 2012

increase in rto students

decrease in turnover of disability support workers30%

Brian Meltzer chairman

YEAR IN REVIEW

PETER TURNER Chief Executive Officer

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INDEPENDENCE AUSTRALIA

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“I’d been riding bikes my whole life, and fallen hundreds of times before. But this one day I came off my bike and landed on my neck and shoulders, damaging my spinal cord. I now have an incomplete spinal cord injury. Independence Australia provides support workers to help with my personal needs and assists me in getting out into the community. I’m now playing wheelchair rugby and when I’m in my rugby chair, I feel free and unstoppable.” – Anthony

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul Solomon

Brian Meltzer

Jeremy Long

Daniel O’Neil

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul Solomon

Brian Meltzer

Jeremy Long

Daniel O’Neil


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Cliff Wise O.A.M.

Peter Daddo

John Llewellyn (Lyn) Davies

Elizabeth Jones


Cliff Wise O.A.M.

Peter Daddo

John Llewellyn (Lyn) Davies

Elizabeth Jones

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Brian Meltzerb.com (nZ) m.ec (monash)

Director since March 1997 and appointed Chairman of the Board in November 2010. Member of the Audit & Risk and Commerce & Planning Sub-Committees.

Brian has spent over 25 years in investment banking and is a Director of Momentum Ventures Fund, a number of private companies, the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce and the ASX and NASDAQ listed Prana Biotechnology Ltd.

Cliff Wise O.A.M.b.com., b.ed., cpa

Director since November 1993. Previously Chairman of the Board, elected Deputy Chairman in November 2010, is Chair of the Remuneration Sub-Committee and member of the Audit & Risk Sub-Committee.

Cliff is a retired Assistant Principal in a State Secondary College and is now a Practising Principal in a private accounting firm. He has an interest in disability issues and was formerly the Chair of A.Q.A. Victoria Ltd. Cliff is also a member of Yarra Ranges Council Disability Advisory Committee and Trustee of the Robert Rose Foundation.

Peter Daddo

Director since February 2009. Chair of the Commerce & Planning Sub-Committee.Peter worked with the Nicholas Aspro Group for many years, and held the positions of Managing Director Australia and Asia, and then President of the Nicholas Group in the USA. His roles since include joint Managing Director/shareholder of the Launder Group, and CEO of Golf Australia Holding Pty Ltd.

John Llewellyn (Lyn) Davieslda, dip. cdc, faicd, faim

Director since September 2003. Chair of the Audit & Risk Sub-Committee.

Lyn is a professional Company Director, and is currently a director of Mackay Consolidated Industries Pty Ltd, Australian Beef Industry Foundation Education Trust Pty Ltd and a number of private companies. He has previously been Chairman and/or a director of a number of Public and Private Companies and was Chairman of the Board of Yarra Valley Grammar.

Elizabeth Jonesdip.ed., Grad. dip. (literacy ed.)

Director since April 2001.

Elizabeth is a former primary school teacher, specialising in Drama Education. During her career she has served as School Council President at Montrose Primary, Chair of Pastoral and Worship at Billanook College’s School Council and Chair of Elders at the Montrose Uniting Church. She is also a Trustee of the Robert Rose Foundation.

Jeremy Longb.bldg, faib

Director since November 2001. Member of the Audit & Risk Sub-Committee.

Jeremy is a Lead Quality, Environmental and Safety Auditor and Systems Consultant with DLCS International. Prior to his accident, Jeremy worked as a Building Project Manager for several large construction organisations. Jeremy is the Managing Director of Jeremy R. Long Building Consultants Pty Ltd, and is the Chairman of Disability Sport & Recreation.

Daniel O’NeilDirector since September 1989. Previous Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Danny is a Director of Mobility Plus and also a Director of Workspace Pty Ltd. He has represented Australia at many international games for people with disabilities and was the initiator and representative of the China Goodwill Wheelchair Basketball Tour in 1988. He has been heavily involved with Disability Sport & Recreation including as a past Director. He is a past member of the Disability Advisory Council for the Victorian Government.

Paul Solomonb.com., m.com., phd(am), maicd, faim, fcpa

Director since May 2013. Member of the Commerce & Planning Sub-Committee.

Paul was until recently Executive Chairman of the Somaia Group and Director of an International Management Consulting company.

He was previously National Executive for a major ASX Company, General Manager of the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre (Vic), Managing Director of the Central Health Department (WA) and held a number of executive positions in Western Australia.

Paul has contributed to a number of charitable Boards including the Red Cross and Cancer Council, and has been a member of a number of National Policy Committees including the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Committee.


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“I have Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. In 1994 I moved to Melbourne from the country to find work. Now I’m living at an Independence Australia residential house and studying at Swinburne, and enjoying life. For me being unstoppable means being able to go to school and out on my own.” - Tracey

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

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T he street art forms part of the ‘Don’t Stop’ series, which features prominently on buildings around

Collingwood and Fitzroy.

The positivity of the ‘unstoppable’ message resonates with the work our organisation does to support people living with disabilities.

Many of our clients face extraordinary challenges as a result of living with a disability and yet they tackle these challenges head on, reminding us that people living with a disability are ‘unstoppable’ with the support they need.

WE ARE ALL UNSTOPPABLEIn June 2013, Everfresh Studio artists, Rone and Wonderlust transformed Independence Australia’s head office with the artwork ‘Unstoppable’.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

“Two months after I got married, I fell out of bed and now have quadriplegia. Initially I had to go to a nursing home but then Independence Australia helped my husband and me with accessible housing and daily support care. Now I am unstoppable. I’ll never give up!” – Marie


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our SERVICESOur service arm delivers care and support with a focus on independence and self-empowerment for people with a disability. Over the past year we had several major accomplishments.

Our team continued to deliver support and care to our clients in their own homes and local communities. We have increased service delivery by 7.5% compared to the previous year. In addition, we were proud to provide 18,500 hours of support to the Veteran community. During the year 52 new clients joined our in-home support.We welcomed seven new people to our residential facilities. These six houses provide care 24 hours, seven days a week. Upgrades at our Emma Road and Briarwood Court residential facilities in Melbourne’s east were completed, adding a new bedroom to each house, along with an upgrading of furnishings and landscaping. We also constructed a new therapy room at our Williamstown property, where valuable respite is provided enabling carers to have a much needed break.Our nursing service continued to provide essential medical care for residents living in our care, and valuable advice to support workers.Thanks to support from the Flora & Frank Leith Charitable Trust, our Psychology and Counselling Team delivered a new program, ‘Stand up for Yourself’ aimed at giving clients skills in assertiveness.As an illustration of our commitment to joint co-operation and continuous improvement, our Psychologists worked with four universities to build expertise and encourage new psychology graduates to work with people with disabilities living in the community. This is managed through a growing student placement program which is in high demand.

After a review of our recreation programs, we introduced a new service model which promotes community inclusion through the provision of support for clients to access mainstream services. We delivered support for clients through our highly successful holiday programs, which enabled some people with a disability to enjoy their first time away in more than 30 years.Our Case Management service continues to assist clients in response to a variety of individual needs including identifying funding packages and advocacy. Over the last 12 months some of the more tangible highlights included:

• assisting a client to return to work on a farm,

• helping a client recommence employment as a social worker,

• enabling another to be able to drive a car again, and

• supporting a client to commence university.

Our staff also assisted a client who was homeless to find permanent accommodation, enabling her to pursue her study, and our Outreach Support Services delivered personalised support to clients aimed at enhancing daily living skills and community participation.We continued to facilitate several support groups, enabling people with a disability to share experiences and information. We celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Polio Network and continue to resource the network’s support groups across Victoria.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Keeping clients informed with accurate and up to date information remained a major focus during the year. In conjunction with the Spinal Injuries Association and Icon Global, we are developing a new way for clients to access their care details 24/7 via a web portal.A commitment to quality remained an essential component of our service delivery. Independence Australia has ISO9001-2008 Quality Accreditation. We continue to deliver services and fully comply with the Standards for Disability in Services Victoria 2007 framework. This year Exemplary Service Awards were presented to support workers whom clients believed showed an outstanding commitment to delivery of top quality care.Our activities as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) grew rapidly over the past year. The number of students trained increased from 72 to 176 over the past 12 months. This included 90 enrolments in the Certificate III in Home & Community Care, and Certificate IV in Disability through the National Workforce Development Fund. As a Group Training Organisation (GTO) we are able to employ trainees under contracts and match them to host employers. Over the past year our GTO secured 10 new placements for trainees with host employers.

PRODUCTS AND EQUIPMENTIndependence Australia continues to deliver specialist healthcare products, plus mobility and equipment solutions to thousands of customers. Over the past year we expanded our range of products and made it easier for customers to purchase their requirements online.In December 2012 our organisation acquired Mobility Aids Australia (MAA), a major provider of specialised equipment such as mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, hoists and other mobility aids. These products are pivotal to the wellbeing and quality of life of people with a disability or other physical need. This

exciting development will enable clients with equipment needs to experience a more streamlined service. Following the acquisition, Independence Australia has invested in upgrading MAA’s facilities in Springvale to improve our services to clients. MAA allows Independence Australia to impact positively on the lives of many people with mobility and other needs.Another major new initiative this year has been the development and launch of a new product and equipment online store and website. This will enable Independence Australia to provide more healthcare products and information to customers, both organisations and individuals, on a national basis.Our specialist nurse practitioners continue to provide a valuable clinical resource for individuals, organisations and professional bodies impacted by incontinence or in need of advice on wound care management.

CORPORATE SUPPORTCorporate support services are vital if Independence Australia is to effectively meet the expectations of people with a disability. During the past year, this support ensured we provided a skilled workforce, safe work places and efficient information and technology resources.Our Human Resources Team continued to develop a more skilled workforce with better staff retention. The turnover in disability support workers has decreased to around 25 per cent, well below the industry average. At the same time, the development of Lead Support Workers has given care staff a new career path. We also introduced new training and development opportunities for staff and reviewed our corporate induction process.Independence Australia continues to work co-operatively with unions and employees in a changing industrial landscape. Considerable consultation has occurred organisation-wide as we develop a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.


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“My twin boys Yosam and Yoel were born with disabilities; Yosam with cerebral palsy and Yoel with autism and hearing loss. Sadly, we lost their dad suddenly from a heart attack when the children were all toddlers. It has been hard raising them on my own, but Independence Australia’s staff make caring easier. They are currently looking at how to make our home more accessible and how I can get equipment for the boys. I will never give up caring for my boys – they are my life.” - Asmerat

Occupational Health and Safety activities have included new staff health and wellbeing initiatives, and online training in manual handling and ergonomics.Our Information and Technology staff continued to provide crucial support to enable us to effectively manage client requirements such as rostering, accounts, e-commerce, development and fundraising activities. At the same time, technology was harnessed to ensure the timely delivery of analytical information to meet the Organisation’s contractual compliance arrangements.

MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT

Over the past year, Independence Australia undertook a number of activities to raise awareness of our work and to increase community support.

Our highly successful SpinChat Program continued its vital work of delivering a harm prevention message to secondary school students across Victoria. Thanks to the generosity of the TAC and other supporters, the program visited 125 schools across Victoria and reached more than 10,000 students.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Speakers are all young people with a preventable spinal cord injury who tell their own story in a frank and honest manner highlighting the need to minimise risk taking behaviour.TAC has kindly agreed to support SpinChat over three years. Other new SpinChat supporters included the Ray and Joyce Eubergang Foundation, the Une Parkinson Foundation, the William Angliss (Victoria) Charitable Fund, plus many generous individual donors.A number of highly successful events were held over the past 12 months that made the community more aware of the potential of people with disabilities, and also our need for funds to maintain and expand services.In July 2012 we celebrated our second annual Independence Week with a special ‘Go for Gold’ event for clients and supporters focusing on the Paralympics. More than 80 people celebrated the unstoppable spirit of people with a disability, and met Paralympians Andrew Harrison, Leanne Del Toso and Shelley Chaplin.Independence Australia competed for the first time in Run Melbourne with fundraisers including both staff and clients. The team raised over $3,000 for Independence Australia and this money was assigned to our Staff Giving program which supports clients in necessitous situations.Accomplished opera singer, Tim McCallum, took to the stage along with the renowned Marina Prior to raise funds for our work in his first return to Australia concert “There’s No Place Like Home”. Having a disability himself, Tim’s drive and determination showcased the potential of our clients.Later in 2012 long time supporter, Jason Barrie, who himself has a disability, took to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa and raised a wonderful $26,000 for Independence Australia.The second annual Sector Leaders’ Lunch was held in August and saw us join with National Disability Services (NDS) to host an event for our sector. It was a rare opportunity for individuals to come together and discuss the important issues facing our clients with the implementation of the NDIS and the future of the work we do within the community.The 8th annual Daddo Charity Golf Day was once again an outstanding success and raised more than $65,000 to support our work. More than 130 players enjoyed a day full of golf, fun

and other activities at the magnificent Moonah Links course on the Mornington Peninsula. The event once again demonstrated the Daddo family’s passionate commitment to the work of Independence Australia.Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week (SCIAW) in November was the focus for a number of events. This included Brent Grundy’s 450 km Country to Coast fundraising cycling ride from Echuca to Portland.During SCIAW we also launched our inaugural Steps for Independence Challenge which saw people count their steps for one hour whilst walking. Accessibility Weekend saw 25 popular attractions open their doors for free to wheelchair-users and their carers. SCIAW concluded with the presentation of the Independence Cup to the winner of the Melbourne Victory versus Central Coast Mariners A-league soccer league match at Etihad Stadium. This new event was developed thanks to the support of TAC, the game’s principal sponsor.In early 2013 Independence Australia once again participated in the highly popular St Kilda Festival; this year as one of the event’s official charity partners.In June a new graffiti wall was completed on the back facade of our Collingwood Office. Everfresh Studio, including renowned artists Rone and Wonderlust, created a theme around the message “unstoppable”, graphically illustrating the potential of people with a disability.During the year we initiated a social media program and improved our online presence thanks to the generosity of the Google Grants scheme.Continued community support for our work has enabled Independence Australia to make a real difference in the lives of people with a disability. Supporters from our Circle Club and 500 Club have enjoyed special activities and shown magnificent support this year. They have supported specific projects such as SpinChat and an expansion of the care hours we provide to clients. We continue to be immensely grateful to those who have so kindly remembered our work in their Will.A number of community groups, such as the Eastern Golf Club Ladies’ Committee and the Lions Club of Forest Hill, once again continued their generous support by hosting major fundraisers.


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Several trusts and foundations endorsed our work through their financial support during the year. This support enabled us to upgrade residential facilities, run specific programs and commence trialling projects to support families caring for a loved one with a disability and Indigenous Victorians with a disability.

More than 50 Independence Australia staff continued to generously give each fortnight through payroll giving. Projects supported included covering the costs for a child with cerebral palsy to attend a school camp and purchasing a lifting device for a client, enabling them to move safely from their wheelchair to more comfortable furniture.

“We discovered Grant when he was 18 months old, living in a nursing home. The doctors said he wouldn’t survive, but we just had to give him a chance. ‘Grant the Champ’ has defied the odds and is now 25. Due to acute brain damage he can’t speak, has limited communication and is fed through a tube. Our support workers provide personal care six days a week, and are wonderful in the way they keep Grant stimulated and busy. We will never stop providing the care Grant needs so he has a life full of dignity.” – Paul & Alison

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Independence Australia is grateful for the groundswell of support received from many sectors of the community. To each and everyone of our supporters, both large and small we express our gratitude.

Ray & Joyce Uebergang FoundationPierce Armstrong TrustUne Parkinson FoundationThe Jack Brockhoff FoundationThe Trust CompanyWilliam Angliss Charitable Foundation

BequestsEstate of Francis EacottEstate of Bernard Arnold Fletcher Estate of Helen GadsdenEstate of Miss Beatrice GlascodineEstate of Anne Kerr SmithEstate of Muriel OsmondThe Ruth Lovain Price TrustEstate Barbara Wilton ShearerEstate of Norman Stuckey

CELEBRITIES, AMBASSADORS, AND CHAMPIONS Thanks to those talented and dearly loved people who donated their time to our events and/or assisted us in our PR and Media activities:Andrew Daddo, Jon Faine and Tim McCallumAnthony Bartl, Shelley Chaplin, Audrey Cooper, the Copeland family, Roy Davie, Joel de Monk, Leanne Del Toso, Anthony Gray, Andrew Harrison, Josh Hose, Julie Kent, Maree Mahoney, Selena Nightingale, Lachie O’Brien, Judi Potts, Dale Sheppard, the Taffere family, Sharon Taylor and family, Rhiannon Tracey, Antonio Vecchio, Tracey Willis

INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERSJason Barrie and Brent Grundy

Our PatronThe Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov AC QC

Major DonorsMs Rita AndreMrs Angela ArnottDr Geoffrey BakerMiss Annette CookMs Georgina CoppiMrs Mahendra De SilvaMr Janos FodorMr John FosterMr Richard GaylerMrs Louise GourlayMrs Lesley GriffinMrs Judith Marie JonesMrs Angela KayserMrs Lorraine KingMrs Heather KnightMrs Lisa MaceMr David MayMrs Patricia McIntyreMrs Deborah MerchantMr Edward MillerMrs Fairlie NassauMr Andrew NewmarchMrs Mary O'SullevanMrs Dulcie RichardsMrs Elizabeth RussellMrs Jennifer SchwarzMrs June Smith Mr Neil Spitzer Mr Wayne SutherlandPlus many anonymous supporters

Trusts AND FoundationsAustralian Communities Foundation (Beryl & Ralph Sims Fund)Flora & Frank Leith Charitable TrustIan Rollo Currie Estate Foundation John T Reid Charitable Trusts

THANK YOU


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MAJOR PARTNERS - EVENT AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMSspinchat school speakers programTransport Accident Commission sector leaders’ lunchNational Disability Services (NDS)spinal cord injury awareness weekTransport Accident Commissiondaddo charity Golf dayThe Daddo family and friends, Cox Marketing SolutionsAdvent Print Management, Amalgamated Distribution, Bendigo Modern Print, Gazman, Hartmann, Krosno, Maxwell & Williams, Molnlycke, Salary Options, Sharp Direct, Slater & Gordon, Transport Accident Commissionindependence cupTransport Accident Commissionsteps for independence Wundermanrobert rose cupSlater & GordonGraffiti Wall ProjectEverfresh Studios – Rone and Wonderlust, Masters Hardware, City of Yarra

SUPPORTERS - OTHER EVENT AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMSAFL, Anytime Fitness, Australian Golf Magazine, Box Stallion, Cadbury, CGU, Coopers, Crown Metropol, Drummond Golf, Ego Pharmaceuticals, Elizabeth Arden, Etihad Stadium, Ferndale, Heli Experiences, Holdsworth Bros, Imperial Leather, Jesper Lou, Jockey, LaManna, Lifestyle Portraits, Lindt, Luna Park, Lionco, Lunar Drive In, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Men’s Health, Mizuno, Moonah Links, Mrs Fields Cookies, Murray Downs, NicePak, Nowicki Carbone, Oakley, Opera Australia, Papermate, Peninsula Hot Springs, Puffing Billy, Real Foods, R.M. Williams, Telstra, Thankyou Water, The Langham, Metropolitan Golf Club, The Muesli, Wunderman

ACCESSIBILITY WEEKEND ATTRACTIONSAqua Energy, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Bendigo Tramways, Central Deborah Goldmine, Cooks’ Cottage, Darnum Musical Village, Discovery Science and Technology Centre Bendigo, Eureka Sky Deck, Golden Dragon Museum,Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Gumbuya Park, IMAX Theatre Melbourne, Immigration Museum, Living Legends, Maru Koala Park,Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Museum, National Gallery of Victoria, National Sports Museum, National Wool Museum, Old Gippstown, Old Treasury Building, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Scienceworks, Sovereign Hill,Surfworld Torquay, The Gold Museum, TarraWarra Museum of Art

CLUBS AND COMMUNITY GROUPSEastern Golf Club Ladies’ CommitteeLions Club of Forest Hills

During the past year we mourned the passing of several members of the Independence Australia “family”.

VALE NORM HASSETTNorm Hassett actively supported Independence Australia for nearly 25 years. He was a regular attendee at Circle Club Functions; often the first to arrive and the last to leave. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was genuinely interested in the welfare of others. He was a dear friend to many supporters and staff across Independence Australia. His final legacy to us was a gift in his Will.

VALE BEA GLASCODINEBeatrice (Bea) Glascodine and her late sister, Helen, were both loyal supporters of Independence Australia for more than 20 years. Bea was active in the Circle Club until frailty prevented her from participating in recent years. Helen passed away in 2011, and sadly Bea died in October 2012. Both Bea and Helen kindly remembered our work in their Will.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

CORPORATE DIRECTORY 1 July 2012 – 30 June 2013patron The Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov AC QCchairman Mr. Brian Meltzer B.Com (NZ), M.Ec (Monash)deputy chairman Mr. Cliff Wise OAM, BCom (Melb), BEd (Mon), CPAChief Executive Officer Mr. Peter Turner MHA (UNSW), FCPA, MAICD, MAIM, AFCHSMexecutive team General Manager Corporate Services Mr. Neil Walsh BBus (Acctg), FCAGeneral Manager Community, People & Quality Ms. Marcia Baron BA, GradDipPsych.General Manager Marketing & Development Ms. Valerie Beeck BAGeneral Manager Health Solutions Mr. Justin Dowlingcompany secretary Mr. Neil Walsh BBus (Acctg), FCAaddress Head Office 208 Wellington Street Collingwood 3066Phone 1300 704 456 Fax 1300 704 451 [email protected] www.independenceaustralia.comauditors KPMG, 161 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000solicitors Moores Legal, 9 Prospect Street, Box Hill 3128


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ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Head Office208 Wellington StreetCollingwood VIC 3066t 1300 704 456f 1300 704 451w www.independenceaustralia.com

Documents

Unstoppable