Annual Report 2017 - 2018

Annual Report

2017 2018

Linkwest: supporting Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres to develop vibrant, inclusive and connected communities in Western Australia

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Contents Chairperson’s Report .................................................................................................. 3 CEO’s Report ............................................................................................................. 5 Treasurer’s Report ...................................................................................................... 6 Audited Financials ...................................................................................................... 7 Our Strategic Focus................................................................................................... 13 About Linkwest.......................................................................................................... 13 Linkwest Staff and Staff Development....................................................................... 14 FaCS Exchange Program.......................................................................................... 14 Working Towards Accreditation................................................................................. 15 Linkwest AGM............................................................................................................ 16 2017-2018 Board....................................................................................................... 16 Beyond the Boardroom.............................................................................................. 17 Linkwest Subcommittees........................................................................................... 18 Practical Experience for Students............................................................................. 18 Resources to Assist Community Resource Centres.................................................. 19 CoDesign for Thriving Communities.......................................................................... 20 Belonging Conference............................................................................................... 22 Pathways into Community......................................................................................... 24 Raising the Profile of our Sector................................................................................ 25 Preparing Members for Competitive Tender.............................................................. 26 Strong and Effective Partnerships............................................................................. 27 Celebrating Centres across Western Australia.......................................................... 28 Postcard Campaign................................................................................................... 30 Centre Accommodation Decision Reversal............................................................... 31 Self-paced Committee and Board Induction Course................................................. 31 Places of Hope, Courage and Inspiration.................................................................. 32 Providing Social and Physical Infrastructure............................................................. 32 Timeline of Turbulence.............................................................................................. 33 Uncertain Times: Significant Achievements.............................................................. 34 Linkwest Members 2017 – 2018................................................................................ 35

Linkwest is a proud member of:

Cover image: Members of the Linkwest and Frank Konecny Neighbourhood Centre teams at the metropolitan launch for Neighbourhood Centre Week, held in May 2018

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Chairperson’s Report The past financial year has been stressful for many of our members, and Linkwest has tried valiantly to support within its limited resources. However, I hope that the wonderful upcoming REFRESH event will mark a new era of positivity as Linkwest and its members embrace change/innovation to lead the Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centre sector to an exciting future in Western Australia.

Here are several key milestones.

Strategic Plan. A two-day strategic planning session was a crucial development. It included visits to members Glyde-In Community Learning Centre (East Fremantle) and Yangebup Family Centre and the drafting of a comprehensive document, with the assistance of respected consultant Jennifer Chaplyn. That document led to a focused operations plan and saw new subcommittees formed.

Subcommittees. Aside from the established Neighbourhood Centre Subcommittee (Corinne Quick, Chair) and Community Resource Centre Subcommittee (Lee Steel, Chair), several new subcommittees have begun.

There is the Linkwest Strategic Subcommittee (chaired by social impact expert Kylie Hansen) and Federal Government Advocacy Subcommittee (chaired by myself).

There are also plans to establish an Emergency Relief Subcommittee and an Aboriginal Engagement Subcommittee. Leadership positions on various subcommittees are still available. These are excellent working parties to gain leadership skills and improve networks.

Recent threats of de-funding and to the sustainability of various Neighbourhood Centres and Community Resource Centres. I am so proud of the way our members, staff and board have conducted themselves under extreme pressure. They fought fair, good campaigns in the media with integrity.

16 Days in WA. It was terrific to see so many of our members dress in orange and get behind this terrific initiative by Hon. Simone McGurk to highlight domestic violence.

Visiting Member Centres. Centres visited include: Hepburn Centre (rebrand from Marangaroo Family Centre), York CRC (youth basketball event), Jurien Bay CRC (Centrelink background provided), Toodyay CRC (coffee and a chat), Pingelly CRC (press conference), South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood Centre (new bike track/brick paving) and Sudbury Community House.

It has been wonderful meeting many staff and committee members, but more importantly, I hope to continue to improve in representing Linkwest members with greater understanding both in board discussions and broader advocacy.

Continued next page...

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Chairperson's Report Continued from previous page...

Leadership Skills. It was exciting to see Jodi Nield (Boyup Brook CRC) accepted into the prestigious Leadership WA Signature program on full scholarship, the first time a CRC coordinator has participated in this excellent program.

Well done Jodi!

Thank you to Linkwest CEO Jane Chilcott and Staff, Jane Billham, Joanna Murphy, Mihaela Nicolescu (who we welcome back after maternity leave), Sharon Gillies, Lily Auld, our Codesign Project Manager Elizabeth Nicholas and Finance Officer Judy Summers. Thank you again for all your extraordinary efforts that go way beyond a ‘day job’.

Thank you to the Board and to the Vice Chair, Lee Steel, in particular. Her contribution has been enormous, and I value her guidance and knowledge a great deal. I also want to make special mention of Virginia Aden, who is stepping down after years of exemplary service to the Board.

Looking forward to another challenging, rewarding, and colourful year as chair of Linkwest. It has been my huge honour to serve as chair, and the role has been a highlight of my working life. Thanks everyone.

Ms Cate Rocchi Chairperson, Linkwest 2017 – 2018

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CEO's Report The 2017 – 2018 financial year has been a significant one for Linkwest and its membership, and one of the most tumultuous in the organisation’s 36 year history.

Uncertainty can create a mood of anxiety, and for Linkwest the uncertainty faced by our members has resulted in a significant increase in Centres needing intensive support, training and resources to address the property divestment issue, competitive tender, changes to the length and scope of CRC contracts and the threat of up to 60% cut in funding for some CRCs. An increased number of Centre Managers have been experiencing significant stress and we have therefore created a pool of coaches to support those people. At the same time, Linkwest is facing uncertainty with our contract with the Department of Communities and the grant with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

However, embracing uncertainty creates opportunity and curiosity. Throughout the year, Linkwest and its members have worked to create a united voice and movement for our network of Centres through numerous meetings with ministers, our first postcard campaign, social media, a petition, our first ever press conference, media releases, media interviews, and a feature in the ABC News. Linkwest has also promoted the network and its opportunities through the Sustainable Health Review, Supporting Communities Forum, Library consultation and Youth Strategy. The widespread support and recognition for our members and Linkwest across the community and NFP sector in and outside of WA has been particularly heartening.

Building and maintaining trust is essential for the survival of Linkwest and its network. To demonstrate Linkwest’s reliability and capability we have spent the last year preparing the organisation for quality accreditation under the Australian Service Excellence Standards. Not only has this put strong systems and continuous improvement processes in place for Linkwest, but we have used the framework to develop a suite of policies and procedures for CRCs. Once accredited, we will develop resources to strengthen our Centres and support those that would also like accreditation under this framework.

A move towards external accreditation will strengthen our work in promoting our trusted network of grass-roots, placebased Centres and dispel the perception that small NFPs are poorly run and managed. Enhanced trust can support the creation of many new network partners and funders in the future. Stronger governance and systems will support all our organisations to deal with the uncertainty and change.

Linkwest has been building trust for over 36 years through our direct involvement with all our membership across WA. This involvement has been strengthened by the NC and CRC subcommittees, and the formation of strategic and federal advocacy subcommittees with Linkwest member representatives. In addition, through our Codesign and ABCD work, we have engaged with our community for continuous feedback, and are supporting our members to build trust and capacity through our Discovering ABCD series and the Codesign project and resources developed over the year.

I have been very privileged to have an amazing board and staff who have faced the uncertainty with courage and who have all believed in what many thought was impossible. In particular, I have to thank Cate Rocchi, Lee Steel and Virginia Aden for their support, courage and passion and for being the Linkwest public face for our centres at some personal cost.

Jane Chilcott CEO Linkwest

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Treasurer’s Report I am pleased to report that Linkwest Inc. (the Association) has had a satisfactory year from a financial perspective in 2017/18, as reflected in the audited Annual Financial Report for 2018.

The statements are presented in the format in accordance with the Associations Incorporations Act 2015.

The financial statement shows that Total Income for the year 2017/18 increased 30% ($259,769) on 2016/17, however during the same period Total Expenditure increased 40% ($310,699) on the previous financial year.

The main reason for the increase in turnover was the Linkwest conference which is held every 2 years.

Total Operating costs for 2017/18 of $1,079,420 was higher than the previous year (2017 - $768,721).

Linkwest, along with most of its Member Centres, is absorbing the significant salary increases as a result of the Equal Remuneration Order under the SCHCADS award. This, combined with extra staffing hours due to the conference and additional projects, has resulted in an overall increase in total personnel costs of $193,465 of which $115,487 of this increase can be attributed to an increase in project contractors.

These total personnel costs remain the largest cost at 71% ($763,688) of total expenditure.

Taking income and expenses into account, the Association ended the year with a surplus of $41,859, compared to a surplus of $92,789 the previous year which is still a good result for the Association.

The Statement of Financial Position (balance sheet) indicates that the Association ended the year in a similar financial position to the previous year with net assets of $553,921, compared to $512,062 in 2017. Under ‘Equity’, the statement shows an increase in reserves and retained earnings compared to the previous year.

As is required by audit standards, the Annual Financial Report also incorporates Statements of Changes in Equity and Cash Flows, and an unqualified Auditor’s Report.

The Board of the Association has considered the Financial Report and resolved that it provides a true and fair view of the Association’s financial position for the year ended 30 June 2018, and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Association is in a position to pay its debts when payable.

I therefore have pleasure in recommending that the audited Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2018 be accepted by the members of the Association at the Annual General Meeting.

My special thanks to Jane Chilcott and her staff and, in particular, to our Finance Officer Judy Summers.

Gerd-Heiner Heppekausen Treasurer, Linkwest 2017 – 2018 -6-

AUSTRALIAN AUDIT

audited financials

DIRECTORS: ROBERT CAMPBELL CA, CPA, RCA, MSW VIRAL PATEL CA, CPA, FCCA (UK), RCA

ALASTAIR ABBOTT CA, RCA, M.FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

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audited financials Responsibilities of the Board for the Financial Report dŚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ŝƐ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĨĂŝƌ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ďĂƐŝƐ ŽĨ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĚĞƐĐƌŝďĞĚ ŝŶ EŽƚĞ ϭ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ŝƐ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƚŝŽŶƐ /ŶĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚŝŽŶ Đƚ ϮϬϭϱ ;t Ϳ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ E Đƚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďŝůŝƚLJ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ĂůƐŽ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ƐƵĐŚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĞƐ ŝƐ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌLJ ƚŽ ĞŶĂďůĞ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĨĂŝƌ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ Ă ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ ĨƌĞĞ ĨƌŽŵ ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ŵŝƐƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ĨƌĂƵĚ Žƌ ĞƌƌŽƌ͘ /Ŷ ƉƌĞƉĂƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ŝƐ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ĂƐƐĞƐƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŶƚŝƚLJ͛Ɛ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵĞ ĂƐ Ă ŐŽŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ͕ ĚŝƐĐůŽƐŝŶŐ͕ ĂƐ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂďůĞ͕ ŵĂƚƚĞƌƐ ƌĞůĂƚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ŐŽŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ ĂŶĚ ƵƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŐŽŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ ďĂƐŝƐ ŽĨ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚŝŶŐ ƵŶůĞƐƐ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ĞŝƚŚĞƌ ŝŶƚĞŶĚƐ ƚŽ ůŝƋƵŝĚĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ŶƚŝƚLJ Žƌ ƚŽ ĐĞĂƐĞ ŽƉĞƌĂƚŝŽŶƐ͕ Žƌ ŚĂƐ ŶŽ ƌĞĂůŝƐƚŝĐ ĂůƚĞƌŶĂƚŝǀĞ ďƵƚ ƚŽ ĚŽ ƐŽ͘ dŚĞ ŽĂƌĚ ŝƐ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďůĞ ĨŽƌ ŽǀĞƌƐĞĞŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŶƚŝƚLJ͛Ɛ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ͘ Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report KƵƌ ŽďũĞĐƚŝǀĞƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŽ ŽďƚĂŝŶ ƌĞĂƐŽŶĂďůĞ ĂƐƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ĂƐ Ă ǁŚŽůĞ ŝƐ ĨƌĞĞ ĨƌŽŵ ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ŵŝƐƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ĨƌĂƵĚ Žƌ ĞƌƌŽƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ŝƐƐƵĞ ĂŶ ĂƵĚŝƚŽƌ͛Ɛ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ƚŚĂƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ŽƵƌ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶ͘ ZĞĂƐŽŶĂďůĞ ĂƐƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝƐ Ă ŚŝŐŚ ůĞǀĞů ŽĨ ĂƐƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ͕ ďƵƚ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ Ă ŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĂŶ ĂƵĚŝƚ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƚĞĚ ŝŶ ĂĐĐŽƌĚĂŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ ƵĚŝƚŝŶŐ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ ǁŝůů ĂůǁĂLJƐ ĚĞƚĞĐƚ Ă ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ŵŝƐƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚ ǁŚĞŶ ŝƚ ĞdžŝƐƚƐ͘ DŝƐƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚƐ ĐĂŶ ĂƌŝƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ĨƌĂƵĚ Žƌ ĞƌƌŽƌ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĞĚ ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ŝĨ͕ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůůLJ Žƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂŐŐƌĞŐĂƚĞ͕ ƚŚĞLJ ĐŽƵůĚ ƌĞĂƐŽŶĂďůLJ ďĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ŝŶĨůƵĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ ŽĨ ƵƐĞƌƐ ƚĂŬĞŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂƐŝƐ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ͘ Ɛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ĂŶ ĂƵĚŝƚ ŝŶ ĂĐĐŽƌĚĂŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂŶ ƵĚŝƚŝŶŐ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ũƵĚŐŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ƐĐĞƉƚŝĐŝƐŵ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ĂƵĚŝƚ͘ tĞ ĂůƐŽ͗ x

/ĚĞŶƚŝĨLJ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐĞƐƐ ƚŚĞ ƌŝƐŬƐ ŽĨ ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ŵŝƐƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ͕ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ĨƌĂƵĚ Žƌ ĞƌƌŽƌ͕ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵ ĂƵĚŝƚ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝǀĞ ƚŽ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƌŝƐŬƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽďƚĂŝŶ ĂƵĚŝƚ ĞǀŝĚĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ ƐƵĨĨŝĐŝĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ďĂƐŝƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶ͘ dŚĞ ƌŝƐŬ ŽĨ ŶŽƚ ĚĞƚĞĐƚŝŶŐ Ă ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ŵŝƐƐƚĂƚĞŵĞŶƚ ƌĞƐƵůƚŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ĨƌĂƵĚ ŝƐ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ĨŽƌ ŽŶĞ ƌĞƐƵůƚŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ĞƌƌŽƌ͕ ĂƐ ĨƌĂƵĚ ŵĂLJ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞ ĐŽůůƵƐŝŽŶ͕ ĨŽƌŐĞƌLJ͕ ŝŶƚĞŶƚŝŽŶĂů ŽŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ͕ ŵŝƐƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝŽŶƐ͕ Žƌ ƚŚĞ ŽǀĞƌƌŝĚĞ ŽĨ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŽů͘

x

KďƚĂŝŶ ĂŶ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŽĨ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĂƵĚŝƚ ŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ĂƵĚŝƚ ƉƌŽĐĞĚƵƌĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŝƌĐƵŵƐƚĂŶĐĞƐ͕ ďƵƚ ŶŽƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞ ŽĨ ĞdžƉƌĞƐƐŝŶŐ ĂŶ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĞĨĨĞĐƚŝǀĞŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŶƚŝƚLJ͛Ɛ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŽů͘

x

ǀĂůƵĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚŝŶŐ ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ƵƐĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĂƐŽŶĂďůĞŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚŝŶŐ ĞƐƚŝŵĂƚĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůĂƚĞĚ ĚŝƐĐůŽƐƵƌĞƐ ŵĂĚĞ ďLJ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͘

x

ŽŶĐůƵĚĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͛Ɛ ƵƐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŐŽŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ ďĂƐŝƐ ŽĨ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ͕ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƵĚŝƚ ĞǀŝĚĞŶĐĞ ŽďƚĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ Ă ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ƵŶĐĞƌƚĂŝŶƚLJ ĞdžŝƐƚƐ ƌĞůĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ Žƌ ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŵĂLJ ĐĂƐƚ ƐŝŐŶŝĨŝĐĂŶƚ ĚŽƵďƚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŶƚŝƚLJ͛Ɛ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ

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ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵĞ ĂƐ Ă ŐŽŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ͘ /Ĩ ǁĞ ĐŽŶĐůƵĚĞ ƚŚĂƚ Ă ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂů ƵŶĐĞƌƚĂŝŶƚLJ ĞdžŝƐƚƐ͕ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ĚƌĂǁ ĂƚƚĞŶƚŝŽŶ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĂƵĚŝƚŽƌ͛Ɛ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĂƚĞĚ ĚŝƐĐůŽƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ Žƌ͕ ŝĨ ƐƵĐŚ ĚŝƐĐůŽƐƵƌĞƐ ĂƌĞ ŝŶĂĚĞƋƵĂƚĞ͕ ƚŽ ŵŽĚŝĨLJ ŽƵƌ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶ͘ KƵƌ ĐŽŶĐůƵƐŝŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ďĂƐĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĂƵĚŝƚ ĞǀŝĚĞŶĐĞ ŽďƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĚĂƚĞ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ĂƵĚŝƚŽƌ͛Ɛ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ Žƌ ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶƐ ŵĂLJ ĐĂƵƐĞ ƚŚĞ ŶƚŝƚLJ ƚŽ ĐĞĂƐĞ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵĞ ĂƐ Ă ŐŽŝŶŐ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ͘ x

ǀĂůƵĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ŽǀĞƌĂůů ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝŽŶ͕ ƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƚĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐĐůŽƐƵƌĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚƐ ƚŚĞ ƵŶĚĞƌůLJŝŶŐ ƚƌĂŶƐĂĐƚŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ Ă ŵĂŶŶĞƌ ƚŚĂƚ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞƐ ĨĂŝƌ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝŽŶ͘

tĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚŽƐĞ ĐŚĂƌŐĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ŐŽǀĞƌŶĂŶĐĞ ƌĞŐĂƌĚŝŶŐ͕ ĂŵŽŶŐ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŵĂƚƚĞƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ƉůĂŶŶĞĚ ƐĐŽƉĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŝŵŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƵĚŝƚ ĂŶĚ ƐŝŐŶŝĨŝĐĂŶƚ ĂƵĚŝƚ ĨŝŶĚŝŶŐƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĂŶLJ ƐŝŐŶŝĨŝĐĂŶƚ ĚĞĨŝĐŝĞŶĐŝĞƐ ŝŶ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĂů ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ŝĚĞŶƚŝĨLJ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ŽƵƌ ĂƵĚŝƚ͘

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements /Ŷ ŽƵƌ ŽƉŝŶŝŽŶ͕ >ŝŶŬǁĞƐƚ /ŶĐ͘ ŚĂƐ ĐŽŵƉůŝĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ϲϬͲϯϬ;ϯͿ;ďͿ͕ ;ĐͿ ĂŶĚ ;ĚͿ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ E Đƚ ĂŶĚ ϴϮ;ϭͿ ;ďͿ͕ ;ĐͿ ĂŶĚ ;ĚͿ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƚŝŽŶƐ /ŶĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚŝŽŶ Đƚ ϮϬϭϱ ;t Ϳ͗ x ďLJ ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ƵƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ăůů ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ͕ ĞdžƉůĂŶĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌLJ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƵĚŝƚ͖ x

ďLJ ŬĞĞƉŝŶŐ ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞĐŽƌĚƐ ƐƵĨĨŝĐŝĞŶƚ ƚŽ ĞŶĂďůĞ Ă ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĂƵĚŝƚĞĚ͖ ĂŶĚ

x

ďLJ ŬĞĞƉŝŶŐ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƌĞĐŽƌĚƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ďLJ WĂƌƚ ϯͲϮ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ E Đƚ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƌĞĐŽƌĚƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ďLJ ^ĞĐƚŝŽŶ ϱϬͲϱ ƚŚĂƚ ĐŽƌƌĞĐƚůLJ ƌĞĐŽƌĚ ŝƚƐ ŽƉĞƌĂƚŝŽŶƐ͕ ƐŽ ĂƐ ƚŽ ĞŶĂďůĞ ĂŶLJ ƌĞĐŽŐŶŝƐĞĚ ĂƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚLJ ƚŽ ďĞ ĐĂƌƌŝĞĚ ŽƵƚ ŝŶ ƌĞůĂƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞŶƚŝƚLJ͘

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-9-

audited financials

want more detail?

The full audited financial report can be found on the Linkwest website: www.linkwest.asn.au/about-us/audited-financial-reports

- 10 -

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- 12 -

our strategic

focus 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2018

For Linkwest to undertake a project or activity, develop resources and training, or deliver a service, it must fall under one or more of our four main areas of focus, as determined by our strategic plan.

Through these areas of focus, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:

Identity and Advocacy

Identity and Advocacy Linkwest is a highly respected and widely recognised leader and advocate within the community support sector.

Partnership and Collaboration

Partnership and Collaboration Linkwest has strong and effective partnerships with like-minded services to enhance the delivery of quality services to members.

Sustainability and Growth

Sustainability and Growth Linkwest provides service continuity and lasting value to members in a changing social, political and economic environment.

Service Excellence and Impact

Service Excellence and Impact Linkwest has the capacity and capability to deliver and demonstrate outstanding and relevant services to members.

Throughout this report, the following icons are used to highlight the relevant strategic focus area(s) that the program, service, activity or project relates to.

About Linkwest Linkwest is the Peak Body for Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres in Western Australia.

Linkwest offers a range of member services including: training, networking and funding opportunities, resources, information, advice and guidance, marketing tools, and advice and assistance in areas such as Centre governance, policies, and mediation.

Linkwest also advocates for its members with Federal, State and Local government and helps to inform State and Federal policy development through the national peak body, Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA).

Governance Linkwest is managed by a Board drawn from member Centres and Associate members. The Board, which meets regularly throughout the year, is responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation.

Patron In 2008, Dr Carmen Lawrence, retired Australian politician, former Premier of Western Australia, and advocate for the Neighbourhood Centre movement in Western Australia, accepted the invitation to become the patron of Linkwest.

Operations Linkwest staff are responsible for the day-to-day activities of the organisation and the development of resources and training opportunities for Linkwest member Centres.

They are chosen not only for their qualifications, skills and experience in community development and adult and community education, but for their dedication to the advancement of small community-managed NFPs in WA, in particular, Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres.

Linkwest Staff In 2017–2018, those on the Linkwest staff team were:

Chief Executive Officer, Jane Chilcott Sector Development Manager (Community Resource Centres), Mihaela Nicolescu (to Feb 2018) Joanna Murphy (from Feb 2018) Sector Development Manager (Neighbourhood Centres), Lily Auld Sector Development Manager (Projects), Elizabeth Nicholas Finance Officer, Judy Summers Marketing and Office Manager, Jane Billham Marketing, Finance and Administration Officer, Joanna Murphy (to Feb 2018) Administration Officer Stefanie Host (Jan - Feb 2018) Executive Assistant Sharon Gillies (from Feb 2018)

Linkwest Staff Development In 2017–2018, Linkwest staff undertook the following professional development activities: Board Disruption at Southcare Unconvention (Jane Chilcott) Graduate Diploma in Ontological Coaching (Jane Chilcott)

FaCS Staff Exchange Program In 2016–2017, those on the

In 2017, Linkwest joined the diverse range of NFPs that have taken the opportunity to participate in Finance and Contracting Services’ Staff Exchange Program, which has been running since 2012 Finance and Contracting Services (FaCS) staff, Emily Bulbeck and Carmen Lim visited Linkwest in September 2017 as part of the Staff Exchange Program. The aim was to boost understanding of Linkwest programs to support Centres and the CoDesign for Thriving Communities project, which is funded by FaCS. We held a detailed discussion of issues around the procurement for place-based services. With the Department of Finance reviewing the Delivering Community Services in Partnership Policy (DCSP), Linkwest welcomed the opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the current policy.

The Coordinator of Kalannie CRC, Bree Franz, who was also visiting Linkwest due to the CRC’s participation in the CoDesign for Thriving Communities project, contributed a ‘coal-face’ perspective of place-based services to the discussion.

FaCS hosted Lily Auld and Mihaela Nicolescu on 26 October 2017. The day included an overview of FaCS’ role and some training exercises, which everyone enjoyed – especially the tender evaluation activity to determine which chocolate biscuit represented the ‘best value for money’!

Lily had the following feedback after the exchange: “A fabulous day of professional development! We feel well prepared to assist our member Centres in the challenges of procurement in the community services sector. The staff exchange has aided a shared understanding of strengths of Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres, whilst understanding the challenges of community services sector procurement.

Thank you to the FaCS staff for making us feel very welcome.”

Outcomes Measurement (Lily Auld) Innovator Lab on Place at the Social Impact Festival (Jane Chilcott and Elizabeth Nicholas) WACOSS Conference (Lily Auld, Jane Chilcott, and Elizabeth Nicholas) Effective Use of Language - All staff Emotional Learning - All Staff Taxation and Payroll Seminar 2018/19 - (Judy Summers) Team Building facilitated by Dr Sandra Krempl - All staff

L-R: Linkwest’s Mihaela, Bree (Kalannie CRC), Jane, Lily and Elizabeth, spent the day with Carmen and Emily from FaCS as part of the Staff Exchange Program

- 14 -

Volunteer breakfast

On 22 May, during National Volunteer Week 2018, we shared breakfast with some of the awesome volunteers who have provided their time and skills to assist Linkwest and the Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centre sector over the past 12 months.

Joining Linkwest staff at the breakfast were members of Linkwest’s Board, Maxwell, our McCusker Centre Intern, Lizzie and Chioma, Social Work Students from the University of Western Australia, and a number of our valued consultants.

Working towards accreditation Linkwest is currently working towards attaining quality accreditation under the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) program.

The ASES program is an internationally recognised accreditation under ISQua (International Society for Quality in Health and Social Care). It is specifically designed to develop the capacity of community organisations to strive towards continuous improvement in quality service delivery.

To achieve ASES accreditation, we are required to complete a self-assessment and an external assessment in the following areas: •

Planning

•

Governance

•

Financial and Contract Management

•

People, Partnerships and Communication

•

Service Provision and Outcomes

•

Consumer Outcomes

Accreditation lasts three years, and will benefit members and non-members, staff, board, managers and funding bodies through: •

Greater public confidence

•

Improved efficiencies and work processes

•

Access to more funding opportunities, and

•

A more stimulating workplace culture for staff who feel more empowered, involved and satisfied

Once we have achieved accreditation status, Linkwest will seek to provide a range of services and resources to members who also wish to attain ASES accreditation. This will include information about the process and the resources required to get ready for the assessment. We will also offer a range of sample resources for members to use as a basis to develop their own policies, procedures, forms and other documents.

- 15 -

Linkwest AGM The 2017 Linkwest Annual General Meeting was held during our Belonging Conference, and welcomed 118 individuals representing 83 Linkwest members.

In addition to the standard AGM business, we farewelled long-serving Linkwest President, Dr Nicky Howe. Dr Howe was Linkwest President for three years, and will be greatly missed by the Linkwest staff and board. She is succeeded by Cate Rocchi, Linkwest associate member and board member of 3 years.

Three other board members also resigned from office, and were farewelled with gifts and certificates of appreciation: •

Maria Cavill – William Langford Community House

•

Natika Hawes-Wright – Kununurra CRC

•

Viti Simmons – Associate Member

The 2017–2018 Linkwest Board The Linkwest Board represents a wide range of individuals from geographically diverse Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres, local government, and other interested parties, who each bring a unique skillset and experience to the table.

L-R: Linkwest Chairperson, Cate Rocchi, Indigenous employment and diversity training specialist, Christine Ross, Linkwest CEO Jane Chilcott.

The following individuals were elected: •

Virginia Aden – Sudbury Community House

•

Cheryle Brown – Nannup Community Resource Centre

•

James Jarvis – Nintirri Centre

•

John Rich – South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood House

Along with Cate as the new Chairperson, these four new Board members rounded out our Board of ten, which also includes: •

Kylie Hansen – Associate Member

•

Kathryn Radford – Kununurra Neighbourhood House

•

Lee Steel – Pingelly Community Resource Centre (Vice Chairperson)

•

Elizabeth White – Associate Member (Secretary)

•

Gerd Heppekausen – Associate Member (Treasurer) Despite distance precluding Kununurra-based Board member, Kathryn Radford, from attending the Board excursion to member Centres in the metro area, she was there in spirit, and in orange to support the 16 Days in WA camapign (details page 25).

- 16 -

Beyond the Boardroom

The individuals who volunteer their time to be on the Linkwest Board do so because they are passionate about community and the role Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres play in building strong, resilient communities. In pursuit of this goal, Board members contribute their time, voice and expertise well beyond Linkwest’s monthly Board meetings.

Meeting of WA Community Service Peak Bodies In September 2017, an initial meeting was held between a number of chairs/ directors of WA community service peak bodies, including Linkwest Board member Kylie Hansen. The purpose of the meeting, which will now be ongoing, is to look at ways community service peaks can better work together. Discussions at the initial meeting were wide-ranging, covering topics such as shared policies and procedures, shared services, joint advocacy, and how the impact of peaks is measured. All participants were keen to keep the conversation going, and to work towards submitting a proposal to Lotterywest to scope some of the proposed initiatives.

Spreading the word at a Federal level Also in September, Chair of the Linkwest Board, Cate Rocchi, and CEO, Jane Chilcott, met with Hon. Christian Porter, Federal Member for Pearce and Minister responsible for Centrelink. This provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the time and support offered by state-funded Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres in helping community members, many of whom have low levels of digital literacy to access Centrelink, a Federal Government service.

Donning orange in support of 16 Days in WA In November 2017, the Linkwest Board went on an excursion to a couple of Centres around the metro area. This coincided with the McGowan government’s 16 Days in WA initiative, to Stop Violence Against Women. The Linkwest Board donned their best orange outfits to show their support, and set off for Yangebup Family Centre, where they were met by Centre Manager Samantha Williams. After spending an hour exploring the facilities with Sam, they ventured north-west, to Glyde-In Community Learning Centre in East Fremantle, where they toured the Centre, including the lovely gardens run by the Garden Gnome group.

Representing WA at the ‘peak of the peaks’ Also in November, the Chair of the Linkwest Board, Cate Rocchi, and CEO, Jane Chilcott, travelled to South Australia for the annual ANHCA face-to-face meeting. ANHCA is the national peak body for Neighbourhood Houses and Centres: in essence, the peak of the peaks.

The two-day meeting brought together representatives from all the states for ANHCA’s AGM, and included discussions about issues facing the sector across Australia, national advocacy, and sharing of resources. Cate and Jane (who is the current chair of the ANHCA Board), also took the opportunity to visit some of our sister Centres in South Australia.

Advocacy and more...

The Board were not only drivers of, but active participants in, Linkwest’s advocacy activities, driven by State Government decisions that would directly impact on the ongoing sustainability of the Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centre sector. Refer to pages 30, 31, 33 and 34 for details. Many meetings – too numerous to list – were held with funders and government representatives at all levels.

Over the year, many community leaders and influencers were also introduced to Linkwest and the work of its members thanks to the extensive and diverse networks of our Board members.

- 17 -

Practical experience for students Linkwest subcommittees provide strategic input Linkwest’s Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centre subcommittees provide strategic advice – from a member perspective – about Linkwest’s service provision, including current initiatives and future reform.

Between July and September 2017, Linkwest provided practical work experience to Lizzie Arthurs and Chioma Obimma – Social Work Masters students from the University of Western Australia. Lizzie and Chioma had the chance to see the important work Centres do, and how this work provides a foundation for individuals, families, and communities. They also put together a powerful presentation on the Social Impact of NCs and CRCs, which they had the chance to deliver to Shadow Minister for Communities, Hon. Tjorn Sibma.

On a personal level, Chioma (pictured below with her son Ugo) shared her experience of Centres – as a new mum and new arrival to Australia – and the huge impact it had on her and her family’s wellbeing.

During 2017–18, the Community Resource Centre Subcommittee provided input on the range of resources Linkwest developed, including the New CRC Coordinator Pack and the CRC Policies and Procedures suite.

Much attention was given to the issue of the proposed 40% funding cuts to the CRC program, with productive discussions around the strategic placement of the Community Resource Centre Network and other potential revenue streams for the network.

The focus of the Neighbourhood Centre Subcommittee has been on ensuring that Neighbourhood Centres were prepared for their tenders, and guiding Linkwest on how to best support coordinators/managers.

We thank the following subcommittee members for their contribution and commitment:

CRC Subcommittee Boyup Brook CRC – Jodi Nield Denmark CRC – Petra Thompson Merredin CRC – Debbie Morris Nannup CRC – Cheryle Brown Pingelly CRC – Lee Steel (Chairperson) Wandering CRC – Monica Treasure Waroona CRC – Trish Whitney Wellstead CRC – Stephanie Boyd

Linkwest was also pleased to welcome a number of Diploma of Community Services Students from South Metropolitan TAFE who volunteered their time to assist us in the running of the Belonging conference, held last September (see page 22 & 23 for details).

If Tania, Chelsea, Rebecca, Natasha, Leah or Merrilyn were under any assumptions that working in the community sector would be a glamourous affair, then these thoughts woud have quickly fled as they were immediately immersed – boots and all – into the (organised) chaos of the conference days. All rose brilliantly to the challenge, even those with the daunting task of assisting in the first-day registration desk rush, pictured below.

Big thanks to Associate Member, Corinne Quicke, who organised these TAFE student placements for us.

NC Subcommittee Associate Member – Corinne Quicke (Chairperson) Kununurra Neighbourhood House – Kathryn Radford South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood Centre – John Rich The Hepburn Centre – Helen Cocks The People Place Busselton – Rilla Beresford The Spiers Centre – Gaelle Gouillou Warnbro Community and Family Centre – Natalie McLaren

- 18 -

Resources to assist

Community Resource Centres With the assistance of funding provided by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Linkwest has developed a number of resources designed specifically to improve the sustainability of Community Resource Centres

CRC Coordinator Handbook In September 2017, Linkwest launched a CRC Coordinator Handbook â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a go-to guide for new CRC managers and coordinators.

The aim of the handbook is to provide some helpful information to new coordinators/ managers to help them settle into their roles. The pack is full of helpful information about the CRC network, Linkwest, service delivery, and much more.

The pack was developed in consultation with CRCs and with direction from the CRC Subcommittee.

Policies and Procedures for CRCs Sound governance enables Community Resource Centres (CRCs) to sustain and serve their communities. Like many small not-for-profit organisations, there is growing pressure on CRCs to demonstrate a high standard of governance and accountability. This is driven by changes to legislation, governance requirements, funding arrangements and community expectations.

Whether it is for funding, insurance or accreditation purposes, CRCs need to show that they have policies and procedures in place, and that these are consistently updated. This is more important now than ever before.

In June 2018, Linkwest launched the Policies and Procedures Manual for CRCs. The Manual is a suite of policies and procedures that may be typically required for the running of a CRC. The policies and procedures are grouped into areas that are mapped against the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES) road map for community organisations to build continuous improvement in quality service delivery.

The Manual is accompanied by a Guide and other useful resources. This Guide is a practical tool which can be used to assist the management committees, staff and volunteers of CRCs to write or update policies and procedures.

Role of the CRC Manager DPIRD, in partnership with Linkwest, recognised a need to identify core skills and attributes for the CRC Manager/ Coordinator role and initiated a project to produce a suite of documents which reflect what generally occurs within Community Resource Centres.

These documents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which are not designed to be prescriptive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cover a range of topics and provide a way in which management committees/ boards can use consistent information and documents in governing their respective CRC. At the same time, they provide centre managers/ coordinators with generic information covering Job Description Forms, Employment Contracts, Performance Management and Succession Planning documents.

- 19 -

CoDesign for Thriving

Communities

The aim of the CoDesign for Thriving Communities project (Phase 1) was to develop and support Neighbourhood and Community Resources Centres’ capacity for community engagement, with a focus on the codesign of service models and programs.

The Project – made possible through a Finance and Contracting Services grant – set out as a strengths-based action learning journey, developing community engagement and codesign resources tailored to the needs of place-based community-led organisations.

It worked with partner Neighbourhood and Community Resources Centres, as well as with Linkwest’s organisational structure and networks, offering training, mentoring and support in Asset Based Community Development approaches to community engagement and codesign.

Resources to encourage shared learning Some of the ways in which the project has begun to share learnings include: •

Two five-minute Case-study videos of the ways in which a rural and a metropolitan Centre applied the processes and resources made available through The Project. These are available on Linkwest’s YouTube Channel: youtube.com/linkwest335

•

The ABCD of Thriving Communities website (pictured below), which serves as an online platform for resources and connections around asset based community development, codesign, and community engagement: abcdofthrivingcommunities.com

•

A Community Engagement on the Run booklet, which outlines a 10-step, place-based community engagement process, with links to web-based tools and resources.

- 20 -

The newly constructed bike track at South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood Centre is a major drawcard and focal point for engaging youth in the CoDesign process.

Project partners embrace strengths-based approach Project partners included Kalannie CRC, South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood Centre, and Yangebup Family Centre. Between them, they ran a range of strengths-based engagement events with embedded codesign consultation including an Asset Mapping Community Quiz Night, open days, and community conversations.

Events included upwards of 1,000 community members across the three communities.

“

The CoDesign Project has changed – on a very practical level – the way we work.

We now come from the place of: we CAN do this, we have a LOT of community capacity, we CAN ask community to lead these projects … and they do!

”

Sam, Manager of Yangebup Family Centre and CoDesign for Thriving Communities project partner

Project generates broad interest Significant interest in the Project and its frameworks was generated in the sector as a whole. Presentations at the Social Impact Festival (2017), Linkwest’s Belonging Conference (2017), and Linkwest’s Stronger Together Professional Development Days (2016) generated intense discussion and strong interest.

Reflections from participants in workshops, training, mentoring and presentations indicate that The Project has contributed to positive changes in the way they approach their communities and organisations.

Where to from here?

Phase 2 of The Project will involve further development of training options in engaging communities through strengths-based practice, toward the codesign of services and programs. It is made possible by a further Department of Finance capacity building grant.

The Linkwest Belonging Conference, held 19–21 September 2017, saw 174 delegates from 92 Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres across the State; 20 representatives from three funding bodies; and a range of delegates from other organisations This was Linkwest’s 20th conference, and our first since WA Community Resource Centres joined our network. It was also the first major gathering of representatives from our sector since the change to a Labor government, and with it, the many proposed changes to the way our sector is funded and operates.

We were privileged to have Hon. Simone McGurk, Minister for Child Protection, Women’s Interests, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, Community Services open the conference, and Hon. Darren West, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development, to open the day two proceedings.

While the changing political climate and all its uncertainties featured both in the official and unofficial program, the main mood was one of unity and resilience.

Staff, management committee members, and volunteers from NCs and CRCs across the State contributed to making this conference one of our most memorable.

The three days were packed with both the inspirational and the practical – including twelve concurrent workshops on topics including HR, Volunteering and Finance – and served as a reminder of the talent and passion to be found in our network.

Linkwest conferences offer a rare opportunity for our members to come together face-to-face. Delegates took every opportunity to network; whether it be with each other, with representatives from funding bodies, with elected officials, with our conference exhibitors, or with the wonderful Linkwest staff.

- 22 -

Inspiring keynotes focus on Belonging A variety of keynote speakers inspired our delegates with their expertise and insight: •

Shaun Nannup reminded us of belonging to the land and each other in his Welcome to Country.

•

Narelda Jacobs (pictured top) from Network Ten made a moving presentation of her personal journey of belonging, the role of media in fostering belonging, and the importance of inclusion.

•

Dr Anne Aly (pictured, right) spoke of social cohesion and the need to build trust and provide platforms for people to build attachments and develop strong ties.

•

Rhys Williams of The Makers, implored delegates to ‘know your why’ and to be adaptable to change.

•

Jenny McCormick explained the neuroscience of belonging and the link between a sense of connection and the production of ‘good’ brain chemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine.

•

Ashley Fell from McCrindle Research provided us with an understanding of how the population is changing, along with a timely reminder to celebrate achievements and milestones in the workplace.

Awesomeness Awards

The Linkwest Awesomeness Awards 2017 gave recognition to the outstanding contribution and all-round awesomeness of those working on the ground in Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres across WA The awards honoured the work undertaken by Linkwest member Centres and the positive difference they have made within their communities over the past 24 months. Winners were announced at a celebration lunch, held on the third and final day of the Belonging conference.

Awesomeness Awards recipients were:

Inclusion Award (joint winners) • •

Yangebup Family Centre (for the Women of the World project) Derrick Ernst Neighbourhood Centre (for Playgroups with Pride)

Sustainability Award •

Yangebup Family Centre

Mentor of the Year Award •

Sandra Krempl (mentor to William Langford Community House)

Volunteer of the Year Award •

Sue Luke (from Glyde-In Community Learning Centre)

Unfunded Excellence Award •

Loftus Community Centre

An Awesome Place to Belong Award •

William Langford Community House (for the Act Local. Be Global. project)

Successful Partnership Award (joint winners) • •

Escare Inc. Ravensthrope Community Resource Centre

- 23 -

providing pathways to

connect into community The Linkwest network provides unparalleled access into 150 local communities across WA. Centre staff and volunteers have strong local relationships and networks, and video conferencing infrastructure already in place in CRCs across the state offers a unique and cost-effective means of reaching what can be hard-to-reach populations and demographics

Sustainable Health Review In June 2017, the WA government announced a review of the WA Health System, with the goal of ensuring the system’s ongoing sustainability. Last year, a Panel was established to develop recommendations on the future directions for WA health.

Pip Brennan, CEO of the Health Consumers Council of WA, sought input from regional West Australians on behalf of the WA Government. They wanted public input on the twelve preliminary directions outlined in the report, and suggestions about how to make them a reality.

In the words of Panel Chair Robyn Kruk, the Panel wanted to know, “Have we got it right?”

In June 2018, Linkwest supported the Sustainable Health Review (SHR) panel with their community conversations for the SHR Interim Report. This was achieved by a video conferencing (VC) link to four CRCs at a time, where their local community members were able to discuss and provide feedback. In total, 14 CRCs and their communities took part in the VC consultation and three member Centres (Pingelly CRC, Boyup Brook CRC and the Nintirri Centre) held face-to-face sessions.

Youth Strategy Consultation Linkwest was delighted to welcome Hon. Peter Tinley AM, and his team from the Department of Communities to our office in June 2018, to engage with regional youth on the proposed Youth Strategy. Four lucky CRCs (York, Narembeen, Cunderdin and Bruce Rock) invited some local youth to join the conversation and share what it means to be young in regional Western Australia.

This was the first of what we hope will be many opportunities to support Ministers and Government departments to utilise the Linkwest network to connect and consult with communities across WA.

State Library Strategy The WA Public Libraries Strategy outlines five priority actions for the public library system over the next four years, and during the consultation period, the views of community members and interested organisations were welcomed.

The State Library of WA led the consultation and sought input from CRCs to ensure representation from co-located CRCs and libraries. Public libraries are much-loved and much-used facilities, and there are currently 36 towns in which the CRC and public library service are either co-located or jointly operated.

Margaret Allen, CEO and State Librarian, contacted Linkwest and expressed interest in the CRC network and a potential strengthening of partnerships and collaboration at a local level. The value of these critical partnerships is essential during times of uncertainty, and demonstrates CRCs service delivery across multiple Ministers’ portfolios.

Linkwest and the State Library of WA organised a session via video conference on 28 March to give those CRCs an opportunity to discuss the draft strategy and hear their views on the identified priorities.

Raising the profile of our sector Linkwest has continued to engage in issues affecting our sector while raising the profile of our network.

WACOSS 2018 Conference James Jarvis, CEO of Nintirri Centre and Linkwest board member, presented a session at the WACOSS 2018 Conference on how Nintirri’s Karijini Experience is removing the divide between economic and community development.

In addition, Jane Chilcott, Linkwest CEO, took part in the Getting Serious About Community panel, exploring why connection, inclusion, and belonging matter; what are the human costs when we don’t have them; and how we can nurture and grow them.

16 Days in WA The inaugural 16 Days in WA campaign ran from 23 November 2017 (International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women), until 10 December 2017 (Human Rights Day). The aim of the campaign was to focus on educating, motivating and advocating in communities to stop violence against women.

Linkwest supported Hon. Simone McGurk MLA in this vital campaign by promoting the initiatives and community kit that highlighted the key messages.

A number of our member Centres got involved in the campaign, demonstrating the important role Centres play in educating their communities on issues of safety, wellbeing, and health. The community development that our Centres undertake day-to-day provides the platform for engaging people with difficult topics.

As with most public safety campaigns, domestic violence is an issue that requires long-term education and engagement. More importantly, it’s essential for there to be safe and trusted places, like our Centres, that can educate and engage.

Farmer on Your Plate On 23 March, Joanna, our CRC Sector Development Officer, spent the day at the annual Farmer on Your Plate event, held at the new Yagan Square in Perth.

Joanna was joined for part of the day by Linkwest CEO, Jane Chilcott; Pingelly CRC Manager and Linkwest Board member, Lee Steel; and Manager of the Boyup Brook CRC Jodi Nield.

Collectively, they showcased the WA Community Resource Centre network; its importance to communities in rural and remote WA; and the impact the proposed 40% cut to the network will have on communities that are already behind the eight ball when it comes to accessing services and facilities

Wearing orange to show support for the 16 Days in WA campaign.

Linkwest CEO, Jane Chilcott, and Boyup Brook CRC Manager, Jodi Nield, gear up for the crowds at Farmer on Your Plate.

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preparing members for

competitive tender

Linkwest member Centres funded by the Department of Communities had until the beginning of August 2018 to respond to the competitive Empowering Communities Program tender As this was the first time Neighbourhood Centres were to be involved in a competitive tendering process for core funding, Linkwest wanted to provide as much support as possible during a stressful time.

Linkwest support to our members began long before pen was put to paper Linkwest provided feedback on the Draft Request for Tender and was involved in the extensive consultation process undertaken by the Department of Communities.

As funding was to be allocated by region and sub region, Linkwest also wrote to CRCs to inform them of the opportunity for funding – in the hope that CRCs would attract the funding in regions where there were currently no Neighbourhood Centres (NCs).

Unpacking the Tender

Lily Auld, Sector Development Manager for NCs, ran three half-day Unpacking the Tender training sessions.

Over 70 member Centre personnel, including Centre staff and Management Committee members, attended these sessions at the CCIWA Building in East Perth and at the Manjimup Family Centre. The training covered the likely structure of the tender and unpacked some of the key tips and tricks in addressing the qualitative criteria. One of the sessions was recorded and loaded as a resource on our website.

At one of the sessions, members of the NC subcommittee took a leadership role, offering to organise network meetings with the Centres in their area.

A regional Centre unable to access the face-to-face training was provided an intensive session through video conference, and in the lead-up to the tender deadline, Linkwest staff spoke with almost every Manager/ Coordinator addressing the tender.

Lily also developed tender resources to support NCs, including: •

Empowering Communities Unpacking the Tender Presentation

•

A video recording of a workshop presented to Neighbourhood Centres

•

Empowering Communities Program Unpacking the Tender Training Workbook 2018

•

Model of Community Development

•

Tips to designing your organisational profile

•

A range of fact sheets and templates

•

A list of externally produced resources, including a link to a Costing and Pricing workshop delivered by FaCS

In addition, Linkwest quarantined $5,000 that would allow up to 33 members to access 1 hour of support with a trained coach, to help ease the emotional stress caused by the process.

Neighbourhood Centre Sector Development Manager, Lily Auld, worked closely with NCs during the competitive tendering process.

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strong & effective

partnerships

Seniors Computing In June 2018, Linkwest successfully secured a $50,000 grant to act as Capacity Builder in the Be Connected network, and provide support and training to other organisations.

The Be Connected program aims to improve the digital literacy skills of older Australians. Many Linkwest member Centres delivered its predecessor: Broadband for Seniors.

Linkwest’s WA Regional Resource Connect project aims to connect regional and remote people to digital resources via regional and remote Community Resource Centres (CRCs) and Neighbourhood Centres (NCs). Linkwest will recruit new CRCs and NCs to the Be Connected network and strengthen the relationship of Centres already part of the network.

The main principles of Asset Based Community Development will be employed to create a state-wide co-learning community centred around CRCs and NCs, and work towards supporting seniors with digital literacy. While the project’s main delivery partners will be CRCs and NCs, Linkwest will also work with, and recruit, other partners including the Australian Seniors Computer Club Association (ASCCA).

Linkwest collaborated with ASCCA in WA to support their delivery of the Seniors West Australian Digital Expansion project (SWADE) – a project expanding digital literacy and support for a range of people throughout Western Australia. The project was funded by the Good Things Foundation, through a Be Connected grant.

Linkwest supported ASCCA in making contact with NCs and CRCs that could participate in the project, and offer this important provision to their communities.

Wheatbelt Business Network The Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN) provides important services and support to businesses across the Wheatbelt, often using CRCs for the delivery of their services.

During the past year, the WBN has worked with Linkwest to advocate on behalf of CRCs, and to raise awareness of their important role in the community.

Wheatbelt Community Legal Centres At the end of 2017, Linkwest formed a partnership with the Northam Wheatbelt Community Legal Centre (CLC), who were looking to connect with a number of CRCs to deliver their pilot program – Community Legal Education Online (CLEO).

The program was delivered via BeingThere video conferencing, and provided valuable legal information to regional communities. Linkwest made the connection with the CRCs and provided information on the initiative.

celebrating centres across western australia Each year, the work of Neighbourhood Centres is put into focus through a nationwide celebration: Neighbourhood Centre Week In 2018, as in 2017, the theme of the week was Belonging; Neighbourhood Centres belong to the community, and in turn they offer the community a welcoming space where they can feel a part of something: a place to belong.

This year, Linkwest provided three member Centres, all of which had responded to an EOI to hold a launch event for the week, with a small grant ($1,000 each) to assist in the staging of their event.

All three of the centres, which were located throughout WA, came up trumps, proving once again, how adept our sector is at doing a lot on a little.

Metropolitan Launch: Frank Konecny Community Centre Frank Konecnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Day provided a snapshot of the activities held at the Centre with facilitators, users and volunteers present to welcome the public and offer their stories and experiences. Well-received activities included: a community project to build a PVC Thongaphone; the opportunity to try bracelet making, 5d art and painting; and demonstrations performed by the Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zumba and Belly Dancing class instructors.

VIPs in attendance included Reece Whitby MLA, and Kwinana Council representatives: Wendy Cooper, Sheila Mills, Sandra Lee and Merv Kearney.

Community Liaison Officer for the Centre, Erin Sergeant, considered the day a success, with over 150 attending, of which more than 20 had never before been to the Centre. The week after the event saw an unprecedented amount of course bookings, and constant phone calls, emails and messages on Facebook with enquiries about the Centre.

There is increased awareness of the Centre by influential members of the community, with the event sparking a number of conversations regarding the tenure and sustainability of Neighbourhood Centres and their vital role in local communities.

Adults and children alike, enjoyed the Neighbourhood Centre Week celebrations at Frank Konecny Community Centre

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Wheatbelt Launch: Nungarin Community Resource Centre Fifty-seven invited guests, including dignitaries, attended Nungarin Community Resource Centre’s (CRC) Long Table Lunch, held at the Nungarin Heritage Machinery and Army Museum.

On arrival, guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and canapes. Jim Taylor, Chairperson of Nungarin CRC welcomed all guests, and Mick Hayden, Elder of the local Njaki Njaki Aboriginal people, gave a Welcome to Country.

The Nungarin Community Resource Centre partnered with Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum to host a Long table lunch

The Hon. Laurie Graham, MLC for the Agricultural Region: ALP, representing Hon. Alannah McTiernan MLC, and Lee Steel, Vice Chair of Linkwest, both spoke in glowing terms of the achievements of Nungarin Community Resource Centre. Shire President, Eileen O’Connell, welcomed the new Shire CEO, Adam Majid. Councillor, Gary Coumbe, as Chair of Nungarin Heritage Machinery & Army Museum, invited everyone to inspect the Museum after enjoying a gourmet sit-down long table lunch in the brand-new café area.

CRC Centre Coordinator, Desma Osgood, believes the event was a great success, not only offering the opportunity to showcase the CRC and the Museum, but also the CRC’s ability to work in partnership with other community organisations.

Northwest Launch: Broome CIRCLE A highlight of Broome CIRCLE’s Open Day was the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by well-respected local elder, Zita Corpus (pictured below). This was enhanced by beautiful didgeridoo playing, by the official Commonwealth Games didgeridoo player, Robert Dann. John Bennett, award winning musician – nominated in the West Australian Music Awards – played live.

Broome CIRCLE put on a showcase of all the different programs, services, partners and projects. The Broome community were treated to free, come and try: Meditation, Yoga, Spanish Language, Pindan Patches Craft Group, Crafterschool and Reiki. Facilitators pulled out their best performances with some amazing demonstrations including Tai Chi, a cooking demonstration by Cooking Stars, Happy Home Program’s Cleaning on a Budget, and CPR demonstrations by St John’s Ambulance.

The Broome Volunteer Resource Service was well represented, with SAFE puppies charming everyone. The Native Animal Rescue was a hit, featuring Bob, aptly described as the ‘biggest and friendliest snake ever!’

The day was considered an outstanding success in terms of raising awareness – not only in terms of what Broome CIRCLE is doing, but also the activities of their partners and collaborators.

It also increased the visibility of the Centre: while Broome CIRCLE is located on a busy street in the heart of Broome, it is zoned residential and so not a lot of signage is permitted. During the Open Day, with many stalls set up and an ambulance with flashing lights out on the lawn, the community certainly took notice.

- 29 -

Postcard campaign gives power to the voice of Centre users and supporters

In September 2017, Linkwest launched a state-wide postcard campaign to highlight the extent and impact of the services its Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres offer their communities. The Strength in People, Strength in Place postcards (pictured above) provided a simple but effective way to illustrate to local, state, and federal members the positive influence Centres have on individuals and their community as a whole.

Linkwest took advantage of the gathering of its members from across the State at the Belonging conference (see page 22–23) to distribute the majority of postcards. Those Centres unable to attend the conference received their supplies by post. Member demand for the postcards was high, with almost 20,000 postcards distributed to 101 member Centres.

The postcard campaign started many conversations, with Centres encouraging their users to write a short statement about why their Centre is important to them. Completed postcards were then sent to the Centre’s elected members, providing tangible evidence of the positive impact Neighbourhood Centres and Community Resource Centres have in the community.

The strength of this campaign lies in the origin of the messages. Because they come directly from community members and constituents, the impact is much greater than if the same message came from the Centre itself. The campaign has ignited important discussion about what services our unique WA communities require, and how Centres are positioned to support these communities and help individuals achieve their goals. It also reflects the power of one’s voice being used for positive change.

Some of our members leveraged this campaign by taking it from print to digital, and distributing the message through their social media networks. Broome Community Resource Centre (CRC) in particular, did this very successfully, posting on their Facebook page a series of Centre users with postcard in hand, along with an explanation of why they were visiting the CRC. A handful of these images are pictured to the left. To read the stories behind the Broome pictures, visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/BroomeCRC The campaign also sparked interest in the media and broader NFP sector, for example, it was featured in Adult Learning Australia’s (ALA) Quest magazine (Issue 4, 2017).

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Centre Accommodation Decision Reversal In the 2016-2017 period, we reported that, as of 30 June 2018, the Department of Local Government and Communities (now Department of Communities) would cease to own or lease 31 facilities from which a number of Department-funded Community and Neighbourhood Development Centres (CNDS) operate.

This decision would directly affect 64 community Neighbourhood and Childcare Centres across Western Australia, including 23 Linkwest member Centres.

In May 2018, after nearly two years of uncertainty, and where the potential move from subsidised to commercial rent threatened the sustainability of these important grassroots, place-based, community-led organisations, the Hon. Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Child Protection; Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Interests; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Community Services, released a media statement announcing the State Government will provide $4 million over the next four financial years to continue to fund accommodation for these Centres.

Linkwest is delighted with this outcome and commends the Hon. Simone McGurk and the McGowan Government for their decision, which enabled affected Centres to have security of tenure as they entered the competitive tender to secure their future funding through the Empowering Communities Program (refer page 26 for details).

This win, in particular, is a win for the hardworking Centre staff, the devoted management committees, and their passionate communities. It is also a win for the concept of grass-roots, place-based, and community-led: a concept Linkwest is proud to advocate for.

Self-paced Committee and Board Induction Course for Education and Care Services Thanks to funding from the Department of Communities through the Royalties for Regions program, Linkwest teamed up with iClick2Learn to develop an online course for the management committees of Education and Care Services. The self-paced Committee and Board Induction course provides an overview of practical governance concepts, and aims to strengthen management committees and organisations.

The course provides individual committee members the chance to learn how to effectively work with other committee members and management to oversee and monitor the achievement of long-term goals.

This course will set committees on the right track to assess, plan and implement good governance practices and compliance checks. It will also ensure that services deliver the highest standard of care to service users and work within the laws and regulations.

The course, which is available at www.iclick2learn.com.au/ecsinduction, is the second product to emerge from our ongoing partnership with iClick2Learn, the first being Making your Constitution Work for You, a self-paced course to assist WA-based NFPs to update their constitution so it complies with the Associations Incorporations Act 2015.

- 31 -

Places of Hope, Courage and Inspiration New booklets promote the importance of grass-roots, community-led, place-based organisations

Over the past year, Linkwest has taken some of our member Centre’s stories and combined them with information about the sector, research findings, and statistics.

The result is two booklets which unearth just a fraction of the community building and development quietly being achieved within these small community managed organisations on a daily basis, and illustrate how Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres are much more than the sum of their parts: they are places of hope, courage and inspiration.

Both these booklets are available for viewing and download on our website: www.linkwest.asn.au/centres/places-of-hope-courage-and-inspiration

Providing social and physical infrastructure to support government As part of Linkwest’s ongoing effort to promote our network of Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres, we secured a meeting with the Supporting Communities Forum (SCF) Chairperson Ms Michelle Scott to have an initial discussion on how best the SCF might engage with our network and their communities.

The SCF was established in late 2017 to support the implementation of the State Government’s Supporting Communities policy which is focused on improving the quality of services provided to vulnerable Western Australians.

Possibilties discussed for leveraging this network included: •

Consultation – Centre staff and volunteers have strong local relationships and networks. They can promote and attract target groups who would not normally attend a sector consultation.

•

Dissemination of information – either across the whole network or in a targeted approach to specific geographical areas or target groups.

•

Changing the narrative on socal issues such as domestic violence – there are strong local leaders and local change agents within many Centres in the form of Centre coordinators and members of volunteer committees and boards.

This meeting provided an opportunity to showcase our network and illustrate how Centres can provide social and physical infrastructure to support Federal and State Government and other service providers, unparalleled connections into nearly 150 communities across WA.

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Timeline

of turbulence

In times of change, Linkwest and our membership has proved we are ‘Stronger Together’

It’s been two years since we learned of the Barnett Government decison to divest the property management of over 60 community managed organisations (see page 31). Since then an awful lot has happened both to and by our sector. In brief:

June 2016 | Property management divestment announcement leaves 23 of our member

Centres in the situation of no security of tenure and with a potential competitive tender the following year.

October 2016 | Merger of the AWACRC with Linkwest

When Linkwest members and AWACRC members voted to merge in October 2016, the theme of the conference was Stronger Together – and that is exactly what we are. The merger demonstrated that the collective voice of grass-roots, place-based member organisations is powerful and effective.

April 2017 | Shortening of CRC contract length

Hon. Alannah MacTiernan announces that the CRC contracts that were just about to be awarded would be shortened from 3 years to 18 months with the option to extend a further 15 months.

May 2017 | Draft Supporting Communities Program released with very limited sector-wide

consultation. The program was a direct move away from grass-root, community-led organisations. Combined with the lack of tenancy security, it would ensure that most, if not all, Neighbourhood Centres would be defunded. In addition, the funding to the Neighbourhood Centre program was to be cut by over 20% as the money was moved into the Individual and Family Support Program.

June and July 2017 | Public campaign to save Neighbourhood Centres results in the

decision by Hon. Simone McGurk to reinstate the funding to the Neighbourhood Centre Program and the appointment of Peter Kenyon to conduct a comprehensive consultation across Western Australia.

Hon. Simone McGurk also requested that a full review be undertaken of the property divestment issue and all support necessary be made available to NCs trying to negotiate with local shires and other property owners.

August 2017 | Petition presented to Shadow Minister

Over 8,000 signatures of support were obtained as part of our public campaign to save Neighbourhood Centres.

These were presented to Hon. Tjorn Sibma, Shadow Minister for Communities, on the steps of Parliament House for tabling in Parliament the same day.

September 2017 | Linkwest Belonging Conference

This was the first full conference as the Peak Body for our expanded member base (see page 22–23).

August 2017 | Announcement of CRC funding cut

The first budget of the McGowan Government shows a funding cut of 38.5% to the CRC program from 1 July 2019 in the forward estimates. There was no communication how these cuts would be applied.

February 2018 | Recommendation Acceptance

The Department of Communities accepts almost all recommendations made by Peter Kenyon as a result of the consultation. The resulting Empowering Communities Program is a strength-based program that better reflects the contribution and value of grass-root, community-led organisations. Unfortunately, the tender was to remain open and competitive.

June 2018 | Empowering Communities Program tender opens

Neighbourhood Centres applied to keep core funding. The tender closes early August 2018.

July 2018 | The uncertainty continues...

See next page for what this turbulence has meant for Linkwest and our members, and the lessons learned from the experience.

Linkwest CEO, Jane Chilcott, presents petition to Hon. Tjorn Sibma, Shadow Minister for Communities as part of our public campaign to save Neighbourhood Centres

Uncertain times: significant achievements They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This has certainly rung true within our sector, with events over the past two years and our collective reaction to them resulting in: •

Increased community support and recognition at a local level. NCs and CRCs are more appreciated and valued by their local community. The threat of loss of their local Centre has reactivated our communities to fight for what is important to them.

•

A stronger identity as a network.

•

Across NFP-sector support for our network of members and Linkwest.

•

Greater appreciation at all levels of government of the important role of place-based, grass-root, community-led organisations in creating strong, local communities.

What we have learned as a sector The power of the collective

We are a network of nearly 150 place-based, community-managed organisations. Working together we have a very powerful voice with one consistent message. Coming together under a peak body allows members to have a voice for their community, but also a collective voice which is more than the sum of its parts. Linkwest amplifies that voice.

We can’t assume knowledge of us or what we do

We cannot assume politicians (Local, State and Federal) know about Linkwest, our network, or of the Centres within their electorate. Linkwest learned this lesson multiple times. We wrote to every cabinet Minister with a personalised letter outlining what the CRC network currently delivered in their portfolio, what the opportunities were and what the risks were to that portfolio if the funding was cut. It was clear during this campaign that many politicians were unaware of NCs or CRCs, or of the network.

The work does not stop now

We need to ensure going forward that all of our members are funded sustainably, recognised for their amazing work, and that the future potential that the network offers all levels of government and service providers is recognised. It is the responsibility of both Linkwest and individual member Centres to engage with local, state and federal politicians from all parties to ensure that they are fully aware of the essential grass-root services that are delivered.

The importance of remaining non-partisan

Linkwest has worked with governments since its foundation in 1982 and some Centres for even longer – and our non-partisan stance has been pivotal to building strong local communities across WA. - 34 -

Linkwest Members Life Members (7) Barrett, Pam Flanigan, Bess Henning, Merle Hoonhout, Lynn Jenkins, Babs Rath, Mary Ann Rowe, Bel Individual Associates (9) Angelevski, Toni Chambers, Tara Cowcher, George Hansen, Kylie Heppekausen, Gerd-Heiner Quicke, Corinne Riyat, Seemar Rocchi, Cate Rolinson, Sue White, Elizabeth Organisational Associates (11) Adult Learning Australia Bear Fruit Busselton Child Care Centre Child and Parent Centre Westminster Consumers of Mental Health WA Inc Meerilinga Young Children’s Foundation Inc Merredin and Districts Childcare and Play School Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre Milligan House Childcare Centre North Coastal Women’s Shed WA No Interest Loans Network Full Members (131) Armadale Community Family Centre Augusta CRC Bayswater Family Centre Beacon Central CRC Beaufort St Community Centre Bencubbin CRC Beverley CRC Blue Sky Community Group Boddington CRC Boyup Brook CRC Bremer Bay CRC Bridgetown CRC Bridgetown Family & Community Centre Brockman Community House Brookton CRC Broome CIRCLE Broome CRC Bruce Rock CRC Brunswick Junction CRC Busselton Family Centre Inc Christmas Island CRC City of Fremantle/ The Meeting Place Cocos Islands CRC Coorow CRC Cue CRC

2017 – 2018 Cunderdin CRC Dalwallinu CRC Dandaragan CRC Denmark CRC Derrick Ernst Neighbourhood Centre Dongara CRC Donnybrook CRC Dowerin CRC Dumbleyung CRC East Victoria Park Family & Community Centre Eaton Family Centre Escare Inc Falcon Family Centre Foothills Information and Referral Service Forest Lakes / Thornlie Family Centre Inc Frank Konecny Community Centre Gascoyne Junction CRC Gingin District CRC Glyde-In Community Learning Centre Gnowangerup CRC Goomalling CRC Greenbushes CRC Greenfields Family and Community Centre Harvey CRC Hopetoun CRC Hudson Road Family Centre Hyden CRC Jerramungup CRC Joondalup Family Centre Joongari House / Wyndham Family Support Inc Jurien Bay CRC Kalannie CRC Karingal Neighbourhoond Centre Inc Karratha Community House Karratha Family Centre Katanning CRC Kellerberrin CRC Kondinin CRC Koorda CRC Kulungah-Myah Family Centre Kununurra CRC Kununurra Neighbourhood House Inc Lake Grace CRC Loftus Community Centre Assn Manjimup CRC Manjimup Family Centre Marble Bar CRC McFarleane House Learning Centre Inc Meekatharra CRC Merredin CRC Midvale Neighbourhood Centre Milligan Community Learning and Resource Centre Mingenew CRC Minnawarra House Moora CRC Mount Barker CRC - 35 -

Mullewa CRC Nannup CRC Newdegate CRC Newman Neighbourhood Centre Nintirri Centre Inc Northcliffe CRC Northcliffe Family & Community Centre Norwood Neighbourhood Association Inc Nungarin CRC Pemberton CRC Perenjori CRC Pingelly CRC Quairading CRC Rainbow Coast Neighbourhood Centre Ravensthorpe CRC Roleystone Neighbourhood Family Centre Rostrata Family Centre Inc Sandalwood Family Centre Inc Serpentine-Jarrahdale CRC Shark Bay CRC South Lake Ottey Family & Neighbourhood Centre South Perth Learning Centre Inc Southcare Inc Sudbury Community House Assn Inc Tambellup CRC The Hepburn Centre The Spiers Centre Inc Tom Price CRC Toodyay CRC Walpole CRC Wandering CRC Warnbro Community and Family Centre Inc Waroona CRC Wellstead Community Resource Centre West Arthur CRC West Stirling Neighbourhood House Westcoast Community Centre Inc Westerly Family Centre Westonia CRC Whitford Family Centre Inc Wickepin CRC Willagee Community Centre William Langford Community House Inc Williams CRC Yaandina Family Centre Inc Yanchep Community Centre Yangebup Family Centre Inc Yarloop CRC Yongergnow-Ongerup CRC York CRC

Printed: October 2018

Linkwest The Peak Body for Neighbourhood and Community Resource Centres in WA ABN: 51 172 714 842 a: Suite 7, 37 Hampden Rd, Nedlands WA 6009 t. (08) 9485 8929 or 1800 818 991 e. office@linkwest.asn.au w. linkwest.asn.au fb: facebook.com/linkwest

Linkwest is partially funded through the Department of Communities and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development