Annual Report 2020-2021

As the saying goes, “adversity does not build character, it reveals it.” In another extremely challenging year, the character of our organisation has been shown through the people who proudly represent it.

Whether in providing services to kids, young people and families as our clients, educating children through our early years services, or in our administrative functions that keep our business’ heart beating, we are grateful for the dedicated individuals who have shown up every day through the pandemic. They haven’t just ‘kept the lights on,' they have sought for the service excellence, innovation, and best outcomes for clients that we wish to be known for – as the stories in this report will attest.

Our gratitude extends to our Board, who once again navigated through these times with focus and commitment. We particularly acknowledge Wayne Gorst who stepped down from the Board after four years of dedicated service, and Stephanie Milione who, while only with us for a short time, will also be missed. After an incredible 15 years of impactful service, we said a very fond farewell to Justice Bernard Murphy who left the Board in early 2021. We are extremely grateful for his contribution. Departures saw new members join us and it was with great pleasure we welcomed Suyin Ng, Davin Magee and Stephen Sandler to the Board.

We also take this opportunity to express our deepest thanks to all our funders, volunteers, patrons and donors who have invested time, energy and belief in our agency.

This year we revisited our agency’s purpose; searching for simplicity and clarity that would unite and focus our team. In looking to align with our vision ‘to see all children and young people thrive in resilient, strong and safe families’ we found ourselves searching for our ‘why’. This led us to – “Because all kids deserve a bright future.”

While the last year has been challenging for all of us in so many ways, the pandemic strengthened our resolve to enhance our services and develop new ways to illuminate those brighter futures. This report details some of the ways in which we have delivered on this purpose.

Aileen Ashford, CEO & Sandy Forbes, President