Changing Lives - Wesley Mission
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Changing
Times
Changing
Lives
Annual Report
2016‘Do all the good you can, by all the
means you can, in all the ways you
Contents Stories of hope
can, in all the places you can, at all Welcome from the Chair 5
the times you can, to all the people Chief Executive’s report 6
you can, as long as ever you can.’ Changing times, changing lives: fast facts 8
Our Christian community 10
Our services 14
Our mission A year of highlights 26 Mark 12 Veronica 18
Continuing the work of Jesus Christ in Word and deed Our people 38
Looking forward: 2016 to 2021 40
Wesley Mission Board 42
Executive Leadership Team 44
Our finances 46
Our supporters 48
Get involved 51
Mitch 22 Virginia 24
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians
of the land on which we work. We pay our
respects to their Elders, past and present,
and the Elders from other communities who
may be here today.
Thank you to every person who shared their
personal story and/or appeared in photographs
for this report. Sharing in your life changing Phil 28 Jessica 31
journeys—from despair to hope and anything
in between—motivates us every day to
continue serving the most in need in
our communities.
3About Wesley Mission Welcome from the Chair
For over 200 years People are at the centre of everything we do and we serve 2015/16 financial year The year 2015/16 has been The community services sector has The Wesley Mission Board is a wonderful group of men and
the whole person, not just their current challenges. undergone significant government reform, women fully committed to our values, and I would like to thank
6
Wesley Mission has helped a year of transition for
with changes to funding structures allowing them for their contributions over the past year.
people and communities access Thanks to more than 2,000 staff, nearly 4,000 volunteers Wesley Mission; and I am
8
people to exercise greater choice and control
the care, support and security
and many loyal supporters, we serve the broad spectrum Executive On behalf of the Board, I thank Wesley Mission’s CEO and
pleased to present the 2016 over their care. And we know there will be
of Australian communities, from children, youth and families, Leaders more change to come. Wesley Mission has
Superintendent the Rev Keith Garner and the Senior Leadership
they need to face life’s challenges to older people and carers, to anyone struggling with Annual Report, which outlines Team he leads. In his eleventh year of tenure, Keith has
responded proactively, reviewing the
and reach their full potential. Our homelessness, addiction, or mental health, financial or Chaplains how we have been laying the continued to lead Wesley Mission to deliver caring and
organisation’s resources and capabilities;
domestic challenges. compassionate services in a way that is true to its Christian
commitment to the Christian faith foundation for intense growth identifying how our service delivery can
2,010
message. The Board was pleased when the Mission Council
We offer: better respond to client needs; beginning
continues to guide us to support over the next five years, and extended Keith’s term of leadership at Wesley Mission for
• aged care facilities to implement the digital tools and systems
and advocate for those most in • independent living units preparing to serve more people another five years after the Vitality of Call process. We thank
staff our staff will need to operate in a more
Keith and his wife Carol, for their continued outstanding work
need and to build stronger, more • home care through more services and competitive environment; and changing our
and commitment to the work of Wesley Mission and the care
resilient communities. • foster care services programs, in more places. internal business structure to be more agile
of those in greatest need.
• family, youth and community care and streamlined.
more than ++
1,500
• disability services Throughout our history, Wesley Mission has been guided by
You will see then, that Wesley Mission’s 2016 Annual Report
• counselling services our commitment to the Christian faith to support and advocate
tells a story of change—the impact of government reforms that
• mental health and clinical treatment for those most in need. And in 2015/16, our vision and values
are changing the environment we work in; the internal changes
3,916
• training, employment and development services remain constant. We exist to provide a joined up Word and
we have made to remain competitive and relevant; and the five
• conference and recreation venues and services active congregants deed ministry of care to those in need, and our values underpin
year journey of growth and transformation we have embarked
• a vibrant Christian witness through our congregations. our culture, workplace practices, leadership, investment
on to serve more of those most in need.
more than ++ strategy and our structures.
10,000
volunteers Above all, this report shows the impact of change on people;
those we serve, our staff, volunteers, congregation members
over
200,000
donors and our supporters. The power of change to renew, and our
continuing commitment to walk alongside and inspire change Mark Scott, AO
in others are central to Wesley Mission’s work. Chair
clients
5Chief Executive’s report
Changing times, changing lives
Increasingly, whether as Our governments have been overhauling the welfare system with Joined up Senior Leadership Team Focused people services It was Wesley Mission’s resilient history,
unprecedented and far reaching reforms, including the recently announced with transparent management We developed and began working within a dynamic potential and pivotal standing that
individuals or families,
Priority Investment Approach to Welfare—targeting young carers, parents Toward the end of 2015, we underwent a capability framework to ensure we have the attracted me when I was first called to this
communities or organisations, and students with early intervention to break the cycle of intergenerational significant change to our structure so that skills and competencies we need to respond position 12 years ago, and it continues to
the environment we live and welfare dependency. we could become better equipped to support to market changes. The framework will inform my leadership and underpin our
the level of growth required to remain relevant establish consistent governance and direction to grow so we can serve more
operate in is dynamic and ever The focus of change over the past 12 months has been in aged care and
and viable in the client-driven environment measurement, recruitment, training and people in need. As we look to the next year
changing. There are new trends disability services. The introduction of Consumer Directed Care (CDC) and the
we are moving into. This resulted in a more development across Wesley Home Care & and beyond, we can be confident in the
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has given clients the autonomy to
to keep up with, new rules to choose their service provider and make direct choices about how the financial
streamlined approach and a closer Disability Services, and eventually across changes we have made, which are now
follow, new technology to invest leadership team. the whole organisation. beginning to make their impact.
support they receive from the government is spent. To remain relevant and
in and new processes to learn. effective, it is up to us, and all organisations delivering these services, to be Focused services aligned to business All of this inevitably brings change. For those I acknowledge the huge contribution of my
flexible and adapt to an increasingly competitive, market-driven environment. to whom we have said ‘goodbye’ we express Board and our staff who do so much, often
models, and joined up operations
our sincere thanks, and to those new people unnoticed, to ensure that this amazing witness
Change is constant—and no new challenge to Wesley Mission. For 204 years We restructured our teams to be more agile
who have joined us, we look forward to the of Wesley Mission continues through God’s
we have walked alongside the most in need, adapting to effectively serve our and flexible. Our focused services and
contribution they will make and offer a provision, guidance and vision for the future.
communities through our Word and deed mission. Empowering people to support functions are now more accountable,
have enhanced decision making and warm welcome.
embark on their personal journeys of life change is, and always has been, a As we move into this next phase of growth,
core facet of Wesley Mission’s ongoing presence in Australian communities improved efficiencies. This year marked the eleventh year of my our core values of Christlike servanthood,
and, over the past year, we continued to adapt and prepare our organisation tenure as CEO and Superintendent of Wesley unfailing integrity and courageous
for further change. The Wesley Mission Board has determined that by
Focused finance services and new commitment will sustain us into the future
Mission and I have witnessed, as I have many
committing to grow by 50 per cent over the next five years, we can continue financial planning unit times throughout my leadership, Wesley and in God’s name give us the ability and
to be a significant service provider in Australian society and increase our We worked with our service delivery teams strength to continue to be a vibrant and living
Mission’s ongoing resilience and capacity to
support of vulnerable and marginalised people. to improve the financial management, Christian community.
adapt. We have proactively made significant
analysis and skill base of the organisation
changes to our service delivery and our
The Wesley Mission Board approved the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan, setting out and, building on our 2014/15 results, Warmly yours in Jesus Christ,
support processes, particularly in our
a road map for this growth and, this past year, we have worked steadily to build Wesley Mission continued to deliver strong
information services, legal, governance and
the foundations we need to be ready to deliver on our goal; investing in our financial and operating results in light of the
risk, marketing, fundraising, volunteering and
people, assets, systems and processes. market changes.
human resources functions, so that we will be
With a new business structure now firmly in equipped with the right people, technology Rev Keith V Garner, AM
place, along with our continuing systems and infrastructure to exceed the expectations Superintendent/CEO
development, we are seeing the benefits of of our many stakeholders.
these changes, creating broader capacity
to support our services into the future.
71 new out-of-school-hours
facility at Riverstone
(supporting 70 students)
538 new staff
across Wesley Mission 28 clients participated in the
Wesley Take Charge
of Your Life pilot program
829
Wesley Home Care
23%
increase
Packages provided
473 1,358
8
new
867
Wesley new computers or young people supported
LifeForce tablets rolled out through Wesley Youth
Networks 33 % 43%
increase
increase
clients assisted by
Wesley Multicultural
Changing
Services
Changing
Times Lives
16,500kg 107,628
ParentsNext 2
programs commenced
in Bankstown and Wyong
of cardboard recycled
at Wesley Packaging
nights of accommodation
provided by Wesley
Homeless Services 31%
increase
905
people and families
assisted through Wesley
Gambling Counselling
30%
increase
178 200 39,679
More than
5,932
Wesley
Home Care 16%
increase
workers
now using tablet devices (CDC) crisis calls to Lifeline Wesley Hospital day patients
‘getting plan ready’ meetings Sydney & Sutherland 5%
increase
held to prepare clients for transition to NDIS
(increases on FY2014/15)
9Our Christian community
Guided by our Word and deed ministry Transforming
Wesley Mission is a uniquely Offering food, faith and friendship to people in need And it’s not only the people seeking our support whose through faith
lives are changed through Wesley Connect. For Wesley
shaped church passionate about When a person is experiencing a crisis or facing ongoing
life challenges such as homelessness, items like food, Mission congregation member, Cherrie Bourke, the
sharing God’s love in both Word toothpaste, clean underwear, a cake of soap—things many experience of volunteering with Wesley Connect has
Wesley Mission believes that every life
and deed. With diverse of us would barely think twice about—take on the status of transformed her thinking and challenged her in ways
matters and serving the most vulnerable
that have helped her grow.
congregations and more than ‘emergency relief’. and marginalised in our communities is a
1,500 people gathering weekly to Each week Wesley Connect, a dedicated team of Wesley “I wanted to do something, and the last thing I thought vital expression of our faith. We are engaged
Mission volunteers, including members of our congregations, I wanted to do was work with homeless people. [But] in a Word and deed ministry with a strong
worship, we represent Australia’s it’s humbling. You realise how slippery that slope is into commitment to sharing the Word of Jesus
provide essential items like these to people in Sydney who are
largest Uniting Church parish. We homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. Wesley Connect, homelessness,” she said. Christ and serving others.
offer prayerful encouragement though, offers a lot more than material support; we point “Volunteering in Wesley Connect has been amazing.
and practical engagement people in the direction of other services they need and offer I have grown so much as an individual, as a Christian.
the vital connection of friendship and faith.
It’s not easy but it’s so worthwhile.”
What good is it, my brothers and sisters,
to the broad spectrum of
The reality of homelessness is overwhelming enough; people if people claim to have faith but have no
Australian communities. often don’t know where to turn for help and their situation can Bryce Bridges worked with Wesley Mission for more
than 30 years before volunteering with Wesley Connect: deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a
lead them into depression, stress and longer term problems.
“I feel I’m still useful. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing I’ve brother or sister is without clothes and daily
A friendly face and warm conversation can encourage
changed somebody’s life, I’ve made it easier for them.”
someone to take those first steps toward restoring hope. food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace;
To offer ongoing practical, emotional and spiritual care keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing
Wesley Connect provides a welcoming atmosphere where
to people who visit Wesley Connect, Wesley Mission
people in need can engage with our minister, pastors,
depends on the ongoing and generous support from
about their physical needs, what good is it? In
chaplains and trained pastoral carers to talk through any the same way, faith by itself, if it is not
the many communities we connect with, including
issues they are facing. Food is not too hard to come by in
Sydney, but friends often are, and Wesley Connect is all about
Wesley Mission’s staff, volunteers and congregation accompanied by action, is dead … As the
members, schools, community and social groups,
‘mates looking after mates’. Our volunteers do much more body without the spirit is dead, so faith
educational groups, and businesses.
than distribute food and items, they form relationships and without deeds is dead. James 2:14–26 TNIV
put Wesley Mission’s Word and deed ministry into practice.
Lucy Parker, who coordinates Wesley Connect said, “It’s
important to treat every single person with dignity and value
and kindness … The people that volunteer here really do have
a heart for helping people. It’s a gift.”
11A legacy of impact Thank you for your support
59,500
Mark was raised on a farm south Events
west of Sydney by his mother
and grandmother. His mother
Following in his mother’s support of Wesley Sports United
had always been a supporter
donations
$130,000
Mission, Mark has been a supporter for more
of Wesley Mission and the than twenty years. “In that time I have come
pioneering advocacy work to understand more about the diversity and to support Wesley
range of their services and the vital impact Homeless Services
of the then Superintendent, they have had in helping, improving and even
Rev Alan Walker. saving people’s lives,” he said.
One area of Wesley Mission’s work that Mark has been
$6,637,000
particularly interested in is Wesley Mission’s David Morgan
Centre, a supported employment facility opened in 1973 to
provide opportunities for people living with disability. The Wesley Doves
centre owes its name to the late David Morgan, a former
Wesley Mission Board member and businessman whose $30,000
in fundraising
gift made the centre possible. to support Wesley
Disability Services
“I was privileged to personally visit the David Morgan Centre
and legacies
and see first-hand the loving, caring environment in which they
provide work for people with disabilities,” Mark said of his visit
where he was able to meet several workers.
“I have seen and experienced the care and dedication of the
Wesley Mission staff and I am certain that leaving a bequest
Identified Your support has directly funded work in: City2Surf
19
$9,000
to Wesley Mission is the right thing to do,” Mark said. • Wesley Family
• Wesley Homeless Services
• Wesley Disability Services to support
new • Wesley Youth Mums and
bequests • Wesley Counselling
• Wesley Aged Care
Kids Matter
Mark has left a bequest to Wesley Mission in his Will which he
believes will leave a lasting and worthwhile legacy.
13Our services
From despair to hope: Inspiring life change
walking alongside people most in need
Wesley Mission has always been Supporting young people at risk of mental illness Helping people reduce housing stress and avoid homelessness
In 2015, Wesley Mission launched a pilot program in the Since July 2015, Wesley Tenancy Assist has supported hundreds of people
committed to focusing on people
Newcastle local government area to support children and and families feeling the pressure of housing stress to get back on track, by
who are ‘most in need’, and that young people showing early signs of, or at risk of developing, partnering with real estate agents in the south east region of Sydney to identify
can include anyone who is at risk, mental illness. Wesley Young Healthy Minds aims to improve the early signs of housing stress and offer practical support before people
in crisis, transitioning out of the wellbeing of young people and children so they can reach reach crisis point. Wesley Mission walks
their potential, by offering flexible services including home
crisis, or experiencing any visits, advocacy, family and individual support, and school and Treating war veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) alongside people during some
moment in between. We deliver sporting activities. We have successfully built networks and Wesley Hospital renewed our partnership with the Department of Veterans’ of their most challenging and
Affairs to continue providing treatment to veterans experiencing PTSD.
more than 100 diverse services collaborative partnerships with pre-schools, primary schools, Wesley Hospital is one of only 11 hospitals in Australia providing mental health vulnerable moments, and
high schools and Aboriginal Elders and their communities.
because we meet people The local Aboriginal community’s engagement and services for veterans and people from across the state—from Batemans Bay we’re blessed to witness the
wherever they may be on their acceptance of the program has been crucial to its success. to Newcastle, to the Blue Mountains—who travel to Wesley Hospital to receive hope-restoring and
the treatment.
journey; finding and supporting life-changing outcomes
Co-locating to support people at risk
those who might otherwise fall of homelessness Increased reach of Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Networks they experience when they
August 2015 marked the 20 year anniversary of the Wesley LifeForce Suicide
between the gaps. Wesley Mission teams continued to co-locate with other are supported to reach
community services in locations where there are more Prevention program. A major part of the program is our suicide prevention
networks, which bring together people and organisations in communities their potential.
likely to be people who are, or are at risk of, experiencing
homelessness. We now have teams co-located with Orana around Australia—from urban centres to remote Aboriginal communities—to
Incorporated in Sutherland, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, work together voluntarily; developing grassroots suicide prevention strategies
Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation in that meet the specific needs of their communities.
Umina, and with many other organisations in many more Over the past 12 months, we supported 65 Wesley LifeForce Networks:
locations across New South Wales (NSW). Together we have creating eight new networks and continuing to support 57 existing networks
been helping people who are in immediate crisis, as well as in suburban, inner city, rural and remote communities across the country,
people and families who need support to remain safely in their including two youth and 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander networks.
existing tenancies. We also launched a grants program, awarding $152,000 of funding across
20 networks to fund localised activities.
15Supporting people to transition out of homelessness Safe accommodation and crisis support for These centres provide immediate support to people in
In March 2016, Wesley Mission began delivering post crisis accommodation people without a home Newcastle, including showers, food parcels, and clothes
support to help people who were once homeless find, and keep, permanent During 2015/16, Wesley Mission provided 107,628 nights of washing facilities. Volunteers also link people directly to
housing, and connect with and participate in their local communities. So far, accommodation to people with nowhere to call home. That relevant Wesley Mission Newcastle services—from mental
we are seeing great results; we have clients who previously found it difficult to is 33,893 more than in 2014/15. health services to financial counselling and more. We
engage with services, but who are actively making positive changes to their extended our operation hours and introduced new activities,
In the centre of Sydney, Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge offers
lives under this new program. Our target is to support 150 clients by June 2017 including an art class, computer class and weekly programs
men and women safe rooms, hot meals, hot showers and
and we are well on our way, already connecting with 96 clients. supporting women and their children who are at risk of
case management support to set goals and work toward
becoming homeless.
Central support phone number for people who are homeless securing long term, affordable accommodation. Even when
We created a central intake number that people from anywhere within NSW can there are no vacancies, we help people secure a pathway out Deeper understanding of rough sleepers’ needs
call to seek support. With this number in place, our staff provide over the phone of homelessness. We have been helping 10 to 15 people each In 2015, Wesley Mission was on the working party for
support to people who need brief intervention, and can also refer people who month by discussing their needs and linking them with our Homeless Registry Week in Sutherland and Waverley.
may need more intensive support to relevant services offered by Wesley therapeutic support team, post crisis support team, This involved surveying people who are rough sleeping in the
Mission, or other providers. community engagement team or other community services, area to better understand their circumstances, vulnerabilities
depending on the support needs identified. and support needs; establishing a database to follow up
In 2015/16, 5,267 people accessed Newcastle’s Wesley Oasis with them and advocate for resources; and offering case
Centre which, along with the Wesley McKenzie Centre, is management, outreach and support. We are now putting
operated by dedicated volunteers. the findings from the registry weeks into practice.
17Suddenly homeless: it can happen
When Veronica found herself suddenly
homeless, Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge
helped her get back on track.
more easily than you might think
Veronica has a degree in
mathematics; a veterinary nurse
qualification; experience as a
When her café business in would find employment and somewhere was no home and maybe never would be,” bedroom unit and has a full time job. She
cook and has run her own small Victoria flooded, Veronica lost affordable to rent. she said. “Suddenly I thought I was having a enjoys entertaining and cooking for friends
business. At 50 years of age, everything. She relocated to heart attack–I couldn’t breathe and my chest in her new apartment, and most of her friends
“There is some emergency help for those
she was suddenly without a Sydney hoping to find work seized up–I thought I was going to die.” are people she met when she was living on
people with obvious problems who have hit
and start again, but as a 50 the streets. “We have supported each other
home and living on the streets: year old woman, who had
rock bottom,” Veronica said. “But I was told by A staff member from the crisis centre
through this to try to get back to a normal life.
government services that I was capable and encouraged her to go to Wesley Edward Eagar
“I found myself with a suitcase, previously taken time out of We’ve made it, pretty much, but so many still
presentable so I didn’t need help. I should just Lodge in Surry Hills, but she was scared stiff.
the clothes I was standing up in, the workforce to care for her
go and get a job.” “I was terrified—it was full of homeless people
need help.
ageing parents, she was
and homeless.” Each day, for more than 18 months, Veronica
—but then the door opened and a stranger “I’ve seen more and more people in their 40s
rejected by more than 100
smiled at me,” she said. “She asked how I was and 50s living in group homes, or five or six
employers. “Even when I wasn’t working, showered at a crisis centre, walked the streets
and I just broke down. She handed me a people in a two bedroom unit, just to keep a
I was volunteering at least three days a week. of Sydney looking for work, and spent the
tissue. Then I had my own room with a door roof over their heads.
I’m just not the sort of person who can do nights awake, searching for well-lit areas to sit.
between me and the world.
nothing,” she said. “I was almost relieved She was scared and ashamed. “When you’ve “There are people out there with amazing faith,
when someone just said it: we are looking been working all your life, you just don’t have “I felt that all the shattered pieces of me were hearts and souls, but because of totally
for someone younger.” a clue what to do–it’s so frightening and held in safe hands, so I could start to rebuild different circumstances, they end up
confusing. I was so scared, everything myself. I felt that the people there could see homeless. Just a twist of fate can turn your life
Veronica had been staying with a friend in
became surreal,” she said. “This couldn’t there was someone worthwhile inside of me. into a total nightmare, I know, I’ve been there.
Sydney, but when her friend was made
be my life.” And there are so many people on the edge.”
redundant from her job, Veronica had to find “Wesley [Mission’s] staff could see my candle
a place of her own. Sydney’s expensive rents Veronica remembers the day when she just of hope was down to a tiny flicker and they This year, Wesley Mission provided 107,628
quickly ate up her savings and when she “shattered”. After another day of waiting at the kept it alive so I could grow and be me again. nights of accommodation to people who
applied to draw on her superannuation she Department of Housing, she was told there I just could never have gotten out of that ‘no are homeless. The harsh reality is that
was told that homelessness was not a valid was not even an appointment time available home, no job’ cycle without them.” homelessness in Australia has been
‘crisis’ for accessing the funds. She sold her and that she should, “go home and come increasing, on any given night more than one
Today, Veronica has stability and security. She
car for food, and she kept praying that she back tomorrow”. “It just hit me–there really in 200 people do not have a place to stay.
is house-proud in her modest, subsidised one
19Mums and Kids Matter renewed for three more years Wesley Hospital supporting more people to Wesley Urban Mission: a joined up project about
2015/16 was significant as a year when several of our innovative transition from treatment to longer term stability life change
pilot programs secured ongoing funding. We celebrated the Wesley Hospital Ashfield and Wesley Hospital Kogarah In September 2015, Wesley Mission held the first annual
re-signing of the Mums and Kids Matter contract for another deliver compassionate treatment for a range of issues Wesley Urban Mission—a week long mission trip in
three years, allowing us to continue delivering this early including addictions, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. Sydney showing young people aged 12-18 years how
intervention program to young mothers who are struggling with We support people throughout every moment of their recovery they can be a part of God’s response to what is broken
mental illness. This is a program that no one else is providing, journey, and for some people that means assistance with in their communities.
helping mothers with severe and persistent mental illness to housing and ongoing counselling support after they leave
The initiative brought together Christian youth groups
reduce their reliance on the mental health system. our programs. In 2015, Wesley Hospital began working
from across NSW and combines the strength of our
with Wesley Community Housing and Wesley Counselling
Evening nurses employed at residential aged ministry in the community with the passion, integrity
to help people transition from our programs into stable
care facilities and diverse expertise of our staff across Wesley Mission.
accommodation and daily independent life.
Each of our centres have always had day nurses, and over We drew on the expertise of Wesley Conferences &
the past 12 months we have provided an evening nurse for Wesley Hospital providing ongoing support through Education to coordinate the program, and leaders
each of our residential aged care homes. The nurses can day programs from across Wesley Mission’s community services who
administer medication and provide care and expert advice We have increased our focus on day programs, with 5,932 opened up opportunities for the participants to work
to those living in our facilities. people taking part in one of our day clinic treatment programs. with staff and clients. For example, at Wesley Edward
That is 16 per cent more participants than in 2014/15. Our Eagar Lodge in Surry Hills, our young missionaries heard
Restoring families inpatient programs provide 24 hour care to people who stay and saw from our front line staff what it means to work
In 2015/16, Wesley Foster Care successfully aligned its with us for a period of time, and our day programs provide with people who are homeless. At the David Morgan
services to legislative changes, which outlined that the priority treatment and ongoing support. Centre, which provides people with mild intellectual
of outcomes in a child’s journey through foster care should first disability a meaningful place to work, our young
be restoration; then guardianship or adoption; and where Expanding suicide prevention training into Aboriginal missionaries worked alongside Wesley Packaging staff
neither of those options are available, permanent foster care. and Torres Strait Islander communities to perform business as usual tasks; helping to break
Over the past year, we restored 50 children and young people In August 2015, we launched training tailored for Aboriginal and down stereotypes and any misconceptions the young
to their direct families or extended kin, finalised seven Torres Strait Islander communities, and we delivered the first people might have had about people with disability.
adoptions, and supported 655 young people in out of home session in May 2016 to Aboriginal community workers in
Wesley Urban Mission aims to inspire, transform, educate
care. Our contact program, Wesley Keeping Connected, Inverell, New South Wales (NSW).
and help young people grow spiritually, to continue to
supports the goal of restoring children to their birth families by
serve in their local church and community.
helping them to maintain contact with significant others,
usually their birth parents, during their time in care.
21Mitch’s battle against ice addiction
After completing Wesley Hospital’s
addiction recovery program, Mitch has
faced his ice addiction; his faith has
given him strength and he has found
focus, friendship and support at
his local boxing gym.
The no-frills boxing gym in At his trainer’s direction, 23 by his mother’s boyfriends. He found it hard to himself not to steal or hurt people. Despite the Mitch said a key benefit of the program was
year-old Mitch strides into the connect with other young people and began many contradictions and paradoxes in his life, the group sessions with a therapist that
Sydney’s south is a haven for the
ring. He shuffles and keeps to distance himself. To ease his anxiety, he his Christian faith was always present–even as taught him skills and ways of thinking that
purist. The air is thick with the his guard up, ready for the became a daily cannabis user at just 15 years a moral compass in the midst of despair. It he still finds useful. “Addiction once made
smell of sweat and leather, it is a blows from his opponent. old. Then, on the verge of adulthood, Mitch was a glimmer of hope. me think that drugs were a way to live, now
headed into much darker territory. What I look back and see the insanity of those
place where people of all ages It has been more than six In time, Mitch grew tired of looking at his
began as light banter with a friend, ended in grim automatic thoughts,” he said. After
come to train, learn new skills months since Mitch has used incredibly gaunt self in the mirror and decided
crippling dependence. “We were joking about completing his program, Mitch had ongoing
cannabis or ice. It is a new to try rehab. His initial attempt was
and test their abilities. Here, lives beginning following a decade
ice and I said I wanted to try it,” he said.
unsuccessful but his family stood by him and
support from Wesley Hospital as he
are both changed and sustained. “When I first used ice, it calmed me down like continued his journey of recovery: he began
of dependence that took him encouraged him to try again—this time at
no other drug and helped me feel connected attending weekly therapy and seminars
to the depths of psychosis Wesley Hospital Kogarah. The day before the
with those around me.” through the day patients’ program and
and violence; and an achievement that has left program began, he walked into Gymea
had regular access to Dr Davies and a
him wondering how he ever survived. Any calmness he first felt was quickly replaced Peoples’ Church on a quiet suburban street.
hospital psychologist.
by aggression and paranoia as Mitch became It was empty and he sat and prayed for almost
His trainer has mentored many troubled young
addicted, using up to one gram every day for an hour. “I sat and asked God to give me The rest of Mitch’s time, these days, is spent
people like Mitch at his gym. As a survivor of
almost three years. He regularly experienced strength,” he said. training at the gym and studying for his
domestic violence himself, he can empathise
psychosis, seeing apparitions of himself Certificate III in Fitness. “I’m thinking about
with what many of the young people are up Dr Matthew Davies, consultant psychiatrist,
staring into his own eyes. And like many users, becoming a professional boxer and maybe
against. “In the ring they gain confidence to Wesley Hospital Kogarah said Mitch was
Mitch said ice could make him extremely one day I’ll run my own boxing gym,” he
overcome massive challenges in their lives,” diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
aggressive. “You really think people want to said. Before Christmas 2015, Mitch won the
he said. Disorder (ADHD) and a phobia of people.
attack you, so you start attacking them first,” gym’s Rookie of the Year award, to the
When Mitch was in primary school he was he said. His treatment started with a detox of the drug roaring cheers of his gym mates. It was
lonely and coming to terms with his parents’ from his system and then Dr Davies helped clear to everyone how far he had come.
While in the midst of the addiction, he
divorce and his mother’s excessive drinking. Mitch stabilise his mood.
remembers trying to limit his behaviour, willing
He was bullied at school and verbally abused
23Moving at their own pace
Virginia ‘V’ Samuela is dressed Empowering choice, building dreams
head to toe in her favourite
colour: purple. Her nails are “Over the years I always The couple soon organised to meet, and V
thought about him, I always breaks into a giggle as she recalls, “The Wesley Mission has always focused on
painted purple, she’s surrounded wondered what he was doing. connection was still there, it felt like no time supporting people to reach their full
by purple cushions, and her eyes And then at a time in my life, had passed.”
after my strokes, my mind was
potential, whatever that might look like.
sparkle in purple, glittery When V and Darrin married, V was still living
wandering back to him again.” For different people it might mean Supporting the roll out of the Wesley LifeSkills and Frank Vickery Village unite in
eye shadow. It’s not just the eye in supported accommodation. Darrin could National Disability Insurance fun and learning
When she was just 34 years visit on weekends, but for the rest of the building the confidence and Scheme (NDIS) In 2015, we brought residents from Frank Vickery Village
shadow though. V can’t keep the
of age, V suffered two strokes week they lived apart. With Wesley Disability independence to remain living in their The NDIS is a new way of providing together with people living with disability and participating in
smile off her face as she tells how that left her confined to a Services’ continued help, V left supported Wesley LifeSkills—two groups of people who are both at risk
own home, successfully completing a funding and supports to people with
she reconnected with her past wheelchair. “Everything living after about two years and moved into disability. Under this system, the of social isolation. The two groups worked together on joint
changed overnight,” V independent living with Darrin, ready to start training qualification, discovering their
love (and now husband) Darrin, government will pay funding for activities promoting acceptance, creativity, friendship and fun,
remembers. For someone the next chapter of her life. faith, finding a job, making a new support services directly to the user, including painting a mural, which now hangs in the dining room
after 16 years apart. It all began who had always been proud
“It’s challenging, but it’s fun to work these friend, or ticking some seemingly rather than to a service provider. This of Frank Vickery Village. Socialising together in a safe and
with a Facebook poke. of her self-reliance, the idea trusted environment supports our aged residents and people
of losing her independence
things out and to move at our own pace, impossible dream off their bucket list. gives people more choice and control
and live our own lives without the constraints over their care. Wesley Home Care & with disabilities to avoid social isolation. Together they see that
was unacceptable. Disability, Wesley Retirement Living & Aged Care and Wesley they are not alone, they can contribute in their own way and are
of living in supported accommodation. Our
“Without Wesley Mission, I’d be in a nursing purpose now is to live our lives as we choose,” Employment & Training have been working together under our connected to others.
home,” she says. “My family and I and my case V says. internal organisational change program to make sure we are
meeting the needs of people in the NDIS in a way that is Wesley Aunties & Uncles
management fought tooth and nail to keep me
“Having Wesley Mission there to support consistent across the organisation. We continued to achieve high rates of success through Wesley
out of a nursing home”. Wesley Disability
me in my life has been crucial. I wouldn’t be Aunties & Uncles, which pairs volunteer mentors with children
Services helped V find accommodation in Delivering home care within the Consumer Directed
here today without having them to support in the care of Wesley Mission. This program is a great example
supported living for two years. It was during Care (CDC) model
me all this time.” of the wraparound service we provide to children and young
that time that she decided to check out her old We rolled out CDC in 2015/16, adapting to a major change in people in care.
flame, Darrin, on Facebook. “I checked out his how home care services are delivered. To prepare the
Wesley Disability Services supported
Virginia’s dream to live an independent
profile and was able to check out his photos. organisation to operate within this new model, we engaged
life with her husband, Darrin. Checked out his marital status. Saw that he consumers and staff, integrated new and enhanced software
was still single. And so I poked him. And he to make it easier for staff to manage rosters and client budgets,
poked me back.” and trained all of our support staff and care workers in CDC.
25A year of highlights
Wesley Family Wesley Youth Wesley Foster Care Wesley Mental Wesley Hospital & Wesley Counselling Wesley Home Care Wesley Disability Wesley Property Wesley Employment Wesley Conferences Wesley Retirement Wesley Homeless
• served 5,235 families • together, Wesley • restored 50 children to Health Clinical Care • Wesley Financial • supported 4,338 Services Services & Training & Recreation Living & Aged Care Services
in 2015/16, through Family Centres and their birth parents or • Lifeline Sydney & • provided 19,896 nights Counselling supported people and provided • worked with teams • registered as a • on average, more • held over 600 events in • Wesley Home Care • provided 107, 628
Wesley Family Centres, Wesley StreetSmart extended kin Sutherland answered of care to 840 1,427 people 829 home care across Wesley Mission provider of Specialist than 600 people each our conference Packages added the nights of
Wesley Multicultural served 68 per cent 39, 697 calls from inpatients and 5,932 experiencing financial packages to prepare for the roll Disability month were enrolled venues, serving more Healthy Older People accommodation to
• launched Wesley Take
Services and new more young people people in crisis day patients stress out of the National Accommodation in training with the than 70,000 attendees Partnership program to people experiencing
Charge of Your Life to • provided 178 staff
ParentsNext program than in 2014/15 Disability Insurance (SDA), offering Wesley Vocational improve the health and homelessness
help young people • extended pilot • plans developed to • partnered with Australian with digital tablet • Wesley Vision Valley
Scheme on 1 July 2016 integrated housing Institute wellbeing of older
• supported parents with • Wesley StreetSmart leaving care build the program, Mums and build new 60 bed energy company, AGL, devices to help them partnered with leading • launched pilot program
and supports people so they can
children under nine added new regions life skills they need to Kids Matter, hospital in Kogarah to support customers manage rosters and • brought clients from • ranked in the top 10 of grief educators, Feel to help people who
continue to live in their
years to strengthen and services: now live independently supporting mothers experiencing long-term, client engagement Wesley LifeSkills and • our villas in Smithfield Australian disability the Magic, to host were once homeless
• appointed leading own homes longer
their child/parent delivering youth with mental health financial difficulty more efficiently Frank Vickery Village were certified at the employment services Camp Magic for find and keep
• expanding Wesley expert in eating
relationships through programs in local challenges together in a program ‘silver level’ by Livable children who have lost • introduced inter-village permanent housing
Aunties & Uncles disorders, Professor • Wesley Gambling • one of our employees
a dedicated program high schools of activities to promote Housing Australia, a sibling or parent sporting events and participate in
into Ballina • Partners in Recovery Phillipa Hay, as Clinical Counselling delivered marked 40 years of
acceptance, creativity, providing assurance between Frank Vickery their communities
• added financial • launched Wesley program connected Director, Wesley Eating an education campaign employment at Wesley • Wesley Urban
friendship and fun that our properties are Village, Wesley Taylor
counselling services to Young Healthy Minds 225 people with severe Disorder Centre during NSW Responsible Mission’s David Expeditions launched • Wesley Tenancy Assist
easier to access, Village and Alan Walker
Wesley Family Centres in Newcastle, and persistent mental Gambling Awareness Morgan Centre Onya Bike so young partnered with real
navigate and live in Village
in The Hills, Riverstone supporting children illness, and their Week, spanning social people with disability estate agents to
and Quakers Hill and young people at carers, to relevant media, radio, print and can experience identify and support
risk of developing services and supports public events the exhilaration of people under housing
mental illness riding a bike stress
27Phil shows age is
no limit to creativity
and passion
At 87 years of age, Wesley Taylor Phil sits tall in the sunny “We thought, why don’t we try to get him to do something “And I think he was somewhat taken aback. I was worse than
corner room that Wesley special, something spectacular, something out of his scope that. I was aghast, and knew we had a long way to go.”
Village resident, Phil Mulray,
Taylor Village staff have and see where it takes him,” Olivier said. “The idea came that
ticked a major goal off his bucket Phil’s final portrait of Mr Abbott was a result of eight months’
converted into his we could invite him to produce an artwork to enter it into the
work and several sittings with the former PM: a few at Mr
list when he entered the 2016 personal art studio; Archibald Prize.”
Abbott’s home and one in the make-shift studio at Wesley
Archibald Prize for art with his surrounded by old peach
With tongue firmly in cheek, Phil recalls, “So they baled me Taylor Village. Phil said his renewed passion for painting has
tins filled with paint
painting of former Prime Minister up in my unit with my wife one day and they said, ‘You’ve got given him a fresh outlook on life.
brushes, bottles of linseed
to do a portrait.” At first, Phil was a little daunted by the idea
(PM), Tony Abbott. oil, and scuffed boxes of “It’s another dimension on life,” he said. “It was exciting,
but after discussing the details with Olivier and Richard, he
well-twisted tubes of oil exhausting and stressful. My wife thought it was a great
began to see just how possible it was.
paints. Phil is full of laughter, full of smiles, and full of stories stimulus to see me motivated and activated.”
from a life spent pursuing his passions and never saying no “We discussed who we might approach and we thought,
The final product was unveiled in Mr Abbott’s electorate office
to a challenge. a local VIP on the North Shore.
before it was transported to the Art Gallery of NSW for judging.
For the past two years, Olivier Valente, Centre Manager of “And Tony Abbott said yes.”
“The climax was to see Tony Abbott’s response,” Phil said. “He
Wesley Taylor Narrabeen has been running an art exhibition Phil had always been a keen painter, but landscapes were his looked at the painting for a minute to a minute and a half. He
with local schools and aged care facilities. In 2015, Phil focus, so with Olivier’s help, Phil tracked down a portrait artist turned to me and said: ‘Phil, you have done very well’. It was a
produced a beautiful artwork for the exhibition and Olivier in Narrabeen and began attending weekend classes. Before he genuine personal, sincere comment. I was thrilled. It was a
was discussing it with Wesley Volunteering Manager, knew it, it was time for the first sitting at Tony Abbott’s home, in great moment and a great feeling.”
Richard Duncan, when inspiration struck. mid-January, in sweltering heat.
“Sadly my charcoal drawing, under the stress, and the heat
and the age, and despite my earlier efforts, made him look like
Phil Mulray sketches in his art studio The result of eight months’ work: Phil presents
at Wesley Taylor Village. a Neanderthal man! his entry to the 2016 Archibald Prize.
29Young people taking charge after foster care
Jessica was only five years old
when she was first removed from
her birth family and put into
Wesley Youth Hope growing through partnerships to transition into their independent lives. The program was “I never learned how to trust, Through the program, we work closely with young people
and community outreach launched in November 2015, in partnership with the Rotary foster care. The experience was I never learned how to build leaving care, their carers and parents, and we tailor the
We have built on the successful 2014 launch of Wesley Youth Club of Sydney, to fill a gap in current services. The pilot was extremely traumatic and after relationships ... I had no services and care they receive to suit their situation and needs.
Hope, a program supporting families with children aged nine to a success, and Wesley Take Charge of Your Life has been three failed attempts to restore conflict resolution skills or For example, we can help young people learn about budgeting,
15 years who are at risk of significant harm. Through approved to be delivered as a Wesley Mission program in anything like that. I was just cooking, cleaning, applying for accommodation, maintaining
the coming financial year.
her to her birth mother, she was a very damaged little girl,” healthy relationships, and applying for jobs. Living
partnerships with the Ngallu Wal Aboriginal Child and Family
Centre, various health organisations and the Western Area placed in long term care. Jessica remembers. independently is a big step, so we link young people to our
The program links young people to existing Wesley Mission
Adolescent Team, we are now offering a wider range of range of Wesley Youth Services to help them on their way.
services that can support them with accommodation, When she finished high school, the relationship with her foster
services and activities under Wesley Youth Hope, including “Wesley Take Charge of Your Life would have been amazing
personalised mentoring, job search and work experience family broke down and Jessica was on her own. With no family
personal tutoring, school holiday programs, dance classes, back then, because it would have provided me with the skills
placements, financial literacy training, gambling, drug and support, she was suddenly financially responsible for every
outdoor adventure therapy and much more. I really needed to transition to a successful adulthood,”
alcohol awareness information sessions, and access to part of her life—but she had never been taught the necessary
The Wesley Youth Hope team come from diverse specialised clinical supports, volunteering opportunities, skills to cope. said Jessica.
backgrounds, creating a multicultural environment where the and much more.
Thirty five per cent of young people from foster homes become Despite missing out on critical support during this transition,
diverse families we work with feel welcomed and represented. Jessica was determined to build the life she wanted for herself
Supporting parents to re-enter the workforce homeless when they turn 18. Sixty-five per cent don’t finish
More than 30 per cent of the Wesley Youth Hope team are and to help young people facing the same struggles that she
In May 2016, Wesley Mission launched a new program in Year 12 of high school, and 29 per cent become unemployed.
male. This has been important in providing the young male had. She put herself through university and completed a
Bankstown and Wyong, to support parents re-entering the The transition to adulthood can be difficult for any young
clients we work with—who are often dealing with violence and Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Psychology. In 2009
workforce as their children reach school age. Through person, but for those leaving care it can often be abrupt. They
drug or alcohol issues—the opportunity to be guided and she started working at Wesley Dalmar, delivering foster care
ParentsNext, we help parents set education and employment suddenly find themselves alone and having to make major
mentored by strong male role models and, as a result, we are services, and was later promoted to team leader at Wesley
goals, while building their confidence and practical skills. An decisions, like negotiating accommodation or planning their
seeing greater male participation in the program. We also work Dalmar in Tuggerah.
important part of the program is to connect parents with local education, training or employment; all without the support of
with an Aboriginal coach in our Aboriginal Strategic Group,
services they need to prepare themselves for future an adult role model.
who helps guide how we work in Aboriginal communities and
employment, such as childcare, while balancing their parenting There was a clear gap in the support available to young people
supports our recruitment and induction processes with
responsibilities. In just over a month we registered more than when they transition from living in care to living independently.
Aboriginal employees.
220 parents to take part in this program. To address this gap, Wesley Mission launched the Wesley
Supporting young people who are transitioning out Take Charge of Your Life pilot program in November 2015.
of foster care
We launched a pilot program, Wesley Take Charge of Your Life, When Jessica left foster care as a teenager,
she had little idea how to shop, cook, clean,
for young people aged 15 to 25 who are about to leave, or have run a car or manage household bills.
left, Wesley Out of Home Care and need support and guidance
31The people we serve inspire and Trusted community partner
change our lives too Wesley Mission is a financially robust and sustainable organisation with more than two centuries
of experience walking alongside people in need. We are trusted by governments across New
South Wales (NSW) and in other parts of the country to deliver major community services
On 9 September 2014, Wesley Home Care Lifestyle Advisor contracts. We are trusted by partners in the community, public and private sectors to collaborate
18 May 2015 Reflection and solve problems that mainstream government funding alone cannot solve. We are trusted by
(LSA), Lucy Amoroso, conducted a home care assessment for
Deborah called to advise that she is grateful for the assistance It’s been difficult watching Deborah decline even though her the more than 200,000 people we served this year. And we are trusted by the individuals and
a new client who had been referred to her: Deborah.
that she and Corey are receiving and it is all going well so far. spirits have increased since our service commenced. I feel businesses who give us their support, whether through financial gifts, donations-in-kind, or by
Deborah had multiple sclerosis (MS) and her 10 year old son, Wesley Home Modifications will be doing an assessment next sad that there isn’t any more we can actually do to assist. volunteering their time to take part in our life changing work.
Corey, was her primary carer. In her assessment, Lucy noted week and I will attend to provide support to the client.
that Corey was finding it difficult to manage his school life while 1 February 2016
looking after his mum and that Deborah was very emotional Reflection I received a call over the weekend from the police, advising
Restructuring for change: bringing be situated in areas that are convenient for Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other Making it easier to connect with the
as her worsening MS was impacting on her strength and I feel overwhelmed that this client has placed her every ounce that sadly Deborah had another fall. Paramedics were called
teams together to share and learn communities and their most in need. reforms planned for the future of Australia’s people we serve
physical ability. of trust in me and that we are working within the care plan to but when they arrived, Deborah suffered a heart attack and
Wesley Mission has been working in new welfare system. Across our business—from our commercial
offer her assistance, and so far so good. died instantly in the presence of her son and neighbour. In 2015/16 the first major step has been
Lucy recommended a broad range of services, from bathroom and more joined up ways—both within our services such as conference and recreation
bringing Wesley Counselling, Wesley Family In 2015/16, we provided our Wesley Home
modifications to personal care, meal preparation, social own teams and with other organisations—so venues, through to our community services
support, domestic assistance, case management and more.
18 July 2015 Reflection and Wesley Homeless Services together. For Care staff with digital tablet devices
that we can effectively and compassionately example, our financial stress and gambling —we have installed several new systems
Bathroom modifications carried out. Deborah is ecstatic that Deborah’s care worker and I attended the funeral and whilst connected to our client management system
The following are excerpts from a reflection diary that Lucy assess people’s needs. Both physically and tools to streamline processes and make
she can finally have a shower with care worker assistance. it was heart breaking, I was also proud to do the job I do. counselling services are now consolidated to make it easier and more efficient for staff to
kept during her experiences with Deborah and are shared with (geographically) and philosophically (our it easier to manage our relationship with
Many of Deborah’s family members, who I did not know, and fully integrated; we have moved all manage rosters and client engagement. In
the kind permission of Deborah’s family. service delivery ethos and model) we are consumers and the people we serve.
Reflection approached me before and after the service knowing exactly homeless services into one location; and we 2015/16, 178 staff received and started using
working toward a ‘no wrong door’ approach have united three family centres under one Wesley Conferences & Recreation have
the devices and the feedback has been
11 April 2015 Deborah was so happy with her home modifications and who I was, and each of them thanked me for changing
that will enable us to identify the full range of regional manager. positive. This is just the beginning; 2015/16
installed a customer relationship management
couldn’t thank me enough. She said I have changed her life. Deborah’s life in the less than two year period we carried out
Deborah called, quite nervous about service commencement our services that are relevant to our clients, in system and event management tools to
She is happier and feeling more independent. There is no services. These moments were such an honour—and that is was a year of preparation, understanding our
and meeting someone new. She feels like a burden and is just a way that is supportive and limits the amount Equipping our staff with digital tools to better manage communication and
greater joy than this for me. when it is very easy to remember why we do this job. digital requirements, and training staff to
generally emotional and overwhelmed. of times they need to tell their story. improve client service relationships with our customers. Wesley
integrate new tools into their daily work.
Deborah’s life was cut short, but in the time that I knew We have started a longer term project to Community Housing started using a more
Reflection 18 October 2015 Many of our services are placed in suburbs In the coming 12 months, we will focus on
sophisticated system to help manage the
her, I watched her grow and accept her MS. I was with ensure Wesley Mission has the processes, distributing more devices and supporting
Client called me from her bathroom floor. She has had a fall and local communities so they can respond
I assured Deborah that she isn’t a burden and that this is our her through her initial tears of struggle through to cups procedures and systems in place to be ready people they are supporting through different
(a few others unreported) and her mobility has deteriorated to the needs of the most vulnerable and our staff to make the most of these tools.
job. I told her we would do everything we could to get her back of tea and funny story telling. to deliver competitive, quality services within accommodation and housing options.
due to her MS. She is now in a wheelchair permanently. marginalised. We have started a longer term
to where she needs to be, emotionally, to face the challenges the reformed environment of Consumer
Services will resume once she has been discharged from project to bring our locally oriented services
that are ahead. She was very grateful and said she just needed Directed Care (CDC), the National Disability
hospital. Client doesn’t require anything additional. together into central Wesley Mission
the chat.
community locations. These local centres will
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