2012/2013 Annual Report

From the CEO
It is with great pleasure that we present the 49th Annual
Report of the Asthma Foundation WA.
2012/13 will most likely be best remembered as the year
the Foundation transformed itself into an entity offering
professional service in a professional environment by
professional people throughout the organisation.
Throughout this report we hope to acknowledge all
who have assisted us on the journey and to record out
thanks publicly. I trust you will enjoy reading about our
committed work in the community.
Strategic Direction
Our primary objective in 2012/13 was to complete the
objectives set three years previously by the Board. In
reviewing our three year Strategic Direction, we are
pleased to report that we achieved every target, and at
times exceeded our expectations.
We;
— Introduced a new brand and re-affirmed the
Foundations values
— Exceeded all training targets with a renewed
commitment to education & training
— Utilised technology to allow greater access to
regional and remote WA
— Doubled our commitment to research over the
past two years
— Introduced 25 corporate partnerships to our
Foundation with some of Perth’s leading business
organisations
— Succeeded in recording three successive operating
surpluses, securing our financial future, and
creating a culture of success
Work commenced on the new three year Strategic
Direction document and I am pleased to report that all is
in readiness to continue this run of success. I commend
the AFWA Board Members for their courage, commitment
and leadership shown during this period.
Financial performance
It is pleasing to report a third successive operating surplus
in an ever increasing and competitive environment.
We believe the ethos is now so firmly entrenched, that
anything other than a surplus each year will be deemed
unacceptable and that with every successful year, our
financial commitment to research and staff development
will increase accordingly. My appreciation is extended to
our Treasurer, Spencer Broad, his committee who oversee
the financial dealings of the Foundation, and to Sarah
McKenna our Finance Manager for tirelessly ensuring we
were kept up to date at all times.
Partnerships
Newmont Asia Pacific
We are blessed to have the support of one of the
world’s leading gold producers, Newmont Asia Pacific.
Through Mr Kelvyn Eglinton, Regional Manager- Social
Responsibility and Mr Ken Ramsey, Group Executive –
Environment & Social Responsibility this organisation
has epitomised the value of strong relationships, and the
work we have achieved because of this alignment cannot
be understated. Our regional expansion into WA will
occur because of their commitment to our partnership.
Department of Health WA
Our primary focus is the delivery of health services to
people with asthma, and in cases where people need
assistance, their carers and the aged. Each year the
Department of Health fund many of our programs which
are detailed later in this report. We have set targets,
such as 2500 appointments with people with asthma,
including face to face clinics, telephone advice, resources
and internet and website access to information. GP and
pharmacy referrals result from the activity funded by our
Health Department. We have delivered programs to play
groups, child care centres and aboriginal medical service
outlets. Our scope is large, but with this support, the
task is very much achievable. On behalf of the Board and
staff of the Foundation we thank Gerrie Williams and her
team for their ongoing support and inspiration.
Lotterywest, loyal supporters of the Asthma Foundation
WA for many years, committed funds via a grant to help
us address the working conditions for our staff and
volunteers. The finished product is something everyone
who was involved is immensely proud. We believe that
we achieved the perfect blend of a professional working
environment, that wasn’t “over the top”, but conducive
to service excellence. On behalf of my staff, Board and
the Volunteers of AFWA, we record our thanks to Jan
Stewart and her team of Jacquie Thomson and Teresa
Smith for their unwavering support of the Foundation.
These works may perhaps be one of the most significant
initiatives ever completed by the Foundation and add to
its illustrious history. I also extend our thanks to Airlec,
their contractors and suppliers for delivering the finished
product on budget and “nearly” on time. The photos
contained later in the report provide a small insight into
the before and after.
Channel 7 Telethon Trust
The Asthma Foundation WA has for many years enjoyed
support from the Channel 7 Telethon Trust via grants
from Telethon. This year we were able to produce and
promote on commercial television, an advertisement
aimed at encouraging children to participate in sport and
“don’t let asthma hold you back”. This investment led
to a 32% increase in people seeking more information
about asthma and a 22% increase in parents developing
Asthma Foundation WA Annual Report 2012-2013 7