Camcare Annual Report 2014
Camcare Launch of Strategic Plan
Introducing the Patron Camcare is honoured to have secured Professor David de Kretser, AC as our new Patron. A distinguished medical researcher and academic, former Governor of Victoria (2006 – 2011) and local resident, Professor de Kretser is a reproductive endocrinologist with appointments at Monash University as Professor of Anatomy, the founding Director of the Monash Institute of Medical Research and Associate Dean for Biotechnology Development. He is a Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor; a Companion of the Order of Australia; a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. He has served as the President of the International Society of Andrology. Professor de Kretser continues to undertake research in areas including defining the causes of male infertility and the hormonal regulation of reproduction. In 2000 he initiated a highly successful program of community and professional education in male reproductive health called Andrology Australia.
Camcare Launch of Strategic Plan Last year, Camcare’s Board developed a new Strategic Plan. The plan features four key result areas to strengthen Camcare and ensure our continued relevance to the local community. They are Evidence Informed and Effective, Nurturing, Connected and Sustainable. The Strategic Plan is included here for your information. Already in the first year, much has been achieved. Highlights include diversification of service and funding sources with the advent of new programs: clinical services for children (PS4Kids), youth and adults and the after hours counselling service with Cairnmillar Institute. Camcare has also commenced a relationship with Boorndawan Healing Centre to promote increased understanding and cooperation between our organization and local indigenous groups. A second round of Margaret Chadwick Scholarships was awarded to two students from low income backgrounds who were in need of support to encourage their continued participation and improved achievement at school. Camcare has engaged with specific
communities including those living on low incomes and attending our organization for emergency relief through the fresh food market, kitchen garden and monthly community BBQs. We have also consulted and worked with the Ashburton public housing residents to understand the issues they are grappling with and provide opportunities to address these through service provision and advocacy. We continue to develop a range of strong partnerships with other organisations, including the Victorian Women’s Legal Service, which enable the delivery of expanded or new service responses to critical needs in our community. The Strategic Plan was launched by our Patron, Professor David de Kretser, in March 2014 before an audience of funding bodies, supporters and staff. Professor de Kretser highlighted the importance of the current work undertaken by Camcare in the local community through its continued support to people who are impacted by disadvantage and personal adversity.
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