2009 Annual Report - Cerebral Palsy Alliance

The service network for our ruraland regional families has received agreat boost with the purchase of theheritage-listed former East MaitlandPost Office as a base for our therapyservices in the Upper Hunter district;and on the Far North Coast, theestablishment of a new service siteat Alstonville, near Ballina, to replacethe original Coffs Harbour site. Fromthis centre, we will serve the growingpopulation in the area.In the Central West, we have boughtour rental site in Orange and areupgrading it to house our serviceexpansion.The purchases in Orange and EastMaitland have been made possiblethrough a most generous donationfrom the Sargents CharitableFoundation. The remarkable supportfrom Sargents continues to help us tostrengthen and expand Spastic Centreservices throughout rural and regionalNew South Wales.The total income for The SpasticCentre in the financial year was $66million (previous year: $64.5 million).We recorded an operating surplusof $743,000 (previous year: $2.75million). Spending on direct servicesfor children, adults and their familiesrose by $3.9 million. In 2009/2010,we anticipate that this spending willincrease again by $2.4 million, as weroll out new and expanded programsof individual and family support.Our funding from government totalled$40.9 million this year, including grantsthat recognised the value of programsthat we had piloted with proceeds fromour fundraising, including corporatedonations.We value our partnerships with thegovernment. We are proud andever-mindful of their faith that we candeliver on promises and be creativeand responsive. In particular, we thankthe Australian Federal Government’sDepartment of Families, Housing andCommunity Services and IndigenousAffairs; Department of Education,Employment and Workplace Relations,and the NSW State Government’sDepartment of Ageing, Disability andHome Care; Department of Health; andDepartment of Education and Training.We are most thankful for theoutstanding generosity of ourindividual and corporate supporters.They create the fabric of ourorganisation through their financialcontributions and volunteering. Amongthem are many who are also clientsand their families who, despite theirown needs, give generously of theirtime and resources to support others.We salute you.Our Executive Management teamand our staff members, the backboneof the organisation, give well beyondwhat is expected. We express ouradmiration and our thanks.Special thanks go also to TheHon. John Dowd AO, GoodwillAmbassador and The Hon. MargaretReid AO, our patron in the ACT fortheir wisdom and support.We extend sincere appreciation toMr Bill Bartlett and the Council ofGovernors of The Cerebral PalsyFoundation for their commitmentand tireless efforts in pursuing theFoundation’s vision.Our Board of Directors of The SpasticCentre is second to none. To eachdirector go our deepest thanks andrespect for guidance, wisdom anddedication to duty.In addition to juggling the complexwork of directorship of The SpasticCentre and the demands of their ownprofessional lives, five members of theboard completed an intensive advancededucation course with the AustralianInstitute of Company Directors.Throughout the year, directors attendeda number of briefings and interactiveforums to enhance governance practicesand to keep abreast of changingrequirements and emerging issues.We make special mention of JohnMorgan and Peter Whitfield whoretired from the board in August 2009.John served the organisation as aDirector for almost 18 years. As wellas performing his corporate duty withdistinction, he gave much of himselfby sharing his learned wisdom andhis incredible life experience so thatothers might benefit. Thank you, John!Peter Whitfield joined the board inNovember 1997. His passion for TheSpastic Centre and its members,clients and families inspired many. Hisinsight as a parent combined with hisprofessional skills ensured that his12 year contribution to the board willremain a valuable legacy.We thank Adam Johnston and JohnSintras for agreeing to becomedirectors, filling the casual vacanciescreated by John and Peter.The Spastic Centre has set its sightshigh for the year ahead. We aim tobuild on the achievements and lessonsof the past as we stride into the future.We trust that like Gavin, we can reachnew heights.Marelle Thornton, AMPresidentRob WhiteChief Executive OfficerThe Spastic Centre ● 2009 Annual Report | 5