2023 Annual Report

TOGETHER, WE BRING HOPE

LETTER FROM A PROJECT PARTICIPANT

Dear fellow Marists and supporters of Australian Marist Solidarity. Greetings from St Joseph’s Mabiri - the only remaining Marist-run school in Papua New Guinea, here in Bougainville. My name is Marcellin, a name I received from my father who himself is an ex-student of St Joseph’s. He named me after St Marcellin due to the impact the Marist Brothers had in his life.

Myself and my siblings all attended St Joseph’s, and in my experience, St Joseph’s is not like other institutions. I was educated by the Marist Brothers in the way they do things and the way they think. I made up my mind to go and become a teacher and to come back here, just to be part of the Marist community. I have now taught here for seven years, teaching Maths, Science and Personal Development.

Being part of this community is interesting. The way we approach things is through simplicity – we do things in a very simple way. In everything we do, we are connected. The Marist Brothers invite all the teachers and students to be part of this Marist family. Our teachers don’t want to teach at other schools, they want to be here in a Marist school.

Our students benefit from being here because other schools don’t have the character St Joseph’s has. Other institutes don’t have this character where we

teach students to be independent. As teachers, we give help to the students so they can do it on their own. For the students, it’s something that we impart to them, and will affect who they will grow up to become, to be independent.

My hope for our students, what I would like to see from them, is that they go somewhere in life, where they can look after themselves and their future families. That they become people who do things that are beneficial for their lives.

I’m excited to see how our students progress when we add Years 11 and 12 from next year. Students start here in Year 9, and I would like to see at the end of Year 12 some good results from what they’ve learned at this school. We as teachers are working very hard to prepare and be ready to add more classes.

Personally, I believe donors must be working very hard to provide support to our school. We can see this in the way the school has expanded through the funding we have received. We are very appreciative of these supporters and are grateful to receive their donations.

I am proud to have benefitted from a Marist education and I am proud to provide a Marist education for new generations. Thank you for supporting this great shared mission.

FROM OUR CHAIR & CEO

Welcome to the Australian Marist Solidarity Annual Report for 2023. Throughout the year, we remained steadfast in our commitment to empowering young people in Asia and the Pacific. Our mission, deeply rooted in a vision of hope and opportunity for young people, guided our actions and inspired our work for and with the communities we serve.

In 2023, we worked in 18 countries, supporting 54 programs with 40 community partners, serving 8,823 project participants. Despite the challenges posed by inflation and the increasing cost of living, our donors’ unwavering commitment fuelled our partnerships with communities in the Asia-Pacific region to facilitate access to education for young people in need. Donor commitment was met with equally inspiring initiative from our project partners, evident in many projects across the region, including:

Breaking down barriers: In Cambodia, the LaValla project continued to provide pathways for young people with disabilities, challenging societal norms and fostering inclusivity in a setting where these individuals often face judgment and discrimination.

Empowering potential: In Fiji, the Marist Champagnat Institute offered opportunities for young people with

special needs and learning difficulties to acquire vocational skills, paving the way for employment and a future filled with empowerment and independence.

Cultivating hope: In Timor-Leste, the Instituto Católico para Formação de Professores (ICFP) played a vital role in raising a new generation of teachers. This initiative is essential for rebuilding the education system in this young country.

Our annual report celebrates the transformative power of our shared Marist mission. We invite you to explore the stories within, each a testament to the impact of your support in igniting change and improving the lives of countless young people. As you journey through these pages, may you be inspired by the resilience, determination, and love that define the communities we serve.

AMS is grateful to be part of a dedicated community united by a shared mission to support children and young people in reaching their fullest potential. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope you find inspiration and joy in our 2023 Annual Report.

Allison White

Rebecca Bromhead Chair of the Board CEO

ABOUT AMS A

ustralian Marist Solidarity (AMS) believes that education has the power to eradicate poverty and therefore works to ensure young people have access to educational opportunities. With the help of our supporters, we can assist locally led grassroots movements in their initiatives to bring hope and access to education for young people in need. We do this by resourcing them to implement the solutions they have identified.

Our Vision

A world where young people have hope and the opportunity to access education.

Our Mission

As Marists, we partner with communities in the Asia Pacific region to facilitate access to education for young people in need.

Our work is inspired by the Marist Brothers’ founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, and his concern for underprivileged people, especially the young. The Brothers started financially supporting and managing overseas aid and development programs in the Solomon Islands in 1938, which would mark the beginning of what is AMS today.

We honour The Brothers by upholding the Marist Way in our work:

• Practising simplicity

• Offering genuine presence

• Promoting a family spirit

• Modelling love of work

• Following in the way of Mary

We build solidarity, hope and dignity. We believe local people are the experts on the challenges facing their communities. By working directly with community partners, we help them access the skills and resources required to develop quality education and leadership where they need it the most.

To help us focus our efforts to ensure their young people reach their brightest potential, our community partners develop projects around three key areas. The three key areas are:

Access to education

We assist access to quality education for vulnerable children and young people through projects in primary, secondary and tertiary education programs across Asia and the Pacific.

Facilities for the future

We invest in infrastructure to ensure safe places for learning.

Resilience and Readiness

We support programs to build resilience, provide care, and empower vulnerable and marginalised communities to strengthen access to education and workplace-specific skills and knowledge.

YEAR AT A GLANCE

Number of Project Participants per Region in 2023

54 total projects

40 project partners in Asia, the Pacific and Africa

18 countries worked

9 8,823

Number of Projects per Country in 2023

Country

WHERE WE WORK

Countryname(totalnumberofprojectparticipants)

India(1206)

Bangladesh(709)

Myanmar(53)

SriLanka(225) Thailand(789)

Cambodia(236)

ThePhilippines(249)

Timor-Leste(810)

Bougainville(684)

SolomonIslands(548)

Kiribati(900)

Vanuatu(130)

Fiji(388)

Tonga(1329) Vietnam(377)

Total number of

In Africa: Gambia Republic of South Africa (30) Tanzania (160)

countries worked in = 18 |Total number of projects = 54 | Total number of project participants = 8823

OUR COMMUNITY

OUR AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY

7 2 4 3 19

Virtual Events with supporters, schools and partners

Donor Circle Events Regional Working Groups AMS local gatherings total number of events

More than 170 people connected at AMS events

1. AMS friends and supporters attended the AMS Gathering in Brisbane.

2. Bec Bromhead (CEO) addresses key themes with AMS supporters.

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4. Students from Red Bend College (Forbes) participate in an online conversation with AMS.

5. Sharing news and updates with AMS friends and supporters in Brisbane.

Pictured:

Board Member Susan Slattery speaks at the AMS Gathering in Melbourne.

OUR FUNDRAISING COMMUNITY

At AMS, our donors are at the heart of our work and we would not be able to support as many young people as we do without your help. Here’s a roundup of how the incredible support of our donors made an impact in 2023.

Mid-Year Appeal

In May our community supported the AMS Appeal to raise funds so that vulnerable children in India can attend school. We heard from students from the Santhal ethnic community, in West Bengal, many of whom are the first in their family to attend school.

Funds raised from the appeal helped support the work of the Chetana Boys Hostel in India. The hostel provides a safe place so that children can access food, shelter and a safe place to rest so that they can attend school.

Christmas Appeal

Our Christmas Appeal spotlighted the Kulugia Primary School in Timor Leste, the school is in very poor condition and if it rains students are unable to attend school. Thanks to your donations, the plans to rebuild the school are now underway so that students like Maria and her friends at primary school can learn in a safe environment.

We heard from teachers, community leaders, parents and students at the school who are excited for building work to begin so that children can attend school all year round, no matter the weather conditions.

Students and teachers at Kulugia Primary School in rural Timor Leste are hoping for their school to be rebuilt.

AMS Supporter Survey

AMS conducted our first ever supporter connection survey to find out why our community supports AMS and how we can best serve our donors. We were delighted to receive more than 60 responses and build a deeper understanding of our donors.

AMS would like to thank every supporter who donated to our work in 2023.

In 2023:

» 825 total donors

» 28 regular donors*

» $757,932 total amount raised from donations and gifts

*regular donations help AMS build for the future and provide assistance to our partners at the moment its needed.

Children like Anish, pictured, can attend school thanks to facilities like the Chetana Hostel for Boys in West Bengal.

OUR SCHOOLS COMMUNITY

The 2023 School Campaign, themed “Called to Solidarity With Marists in Bougainville” invited Australian Marist school communities to listen to and learn from the people of Bougainville. The Marist Brothers have played a significant role in the history of Bougainville, with AMS’ current work centered around St Joseph’s College in the community of Mabiri in central Bougainville.

Throughout 2022, AMS and St Joseph’s worked closely together to prepare this school community to welcome its first Year 11 students in 2025. Thanks to the contributions of Australian Marists, a new dormitory and classroom building were added to the school.

The 2023 School Campaign successfully raised funds towards building three staff houses to accomodate teachers, a new tool and an equipment management centre, so that students can learn design technologies. The school has also installed solar power, opened a new computer lab and installed hydration stations around the school to increase student access to clean water.

Australian Marist schools responded to the call of the campaign, participating in commendable fundraising activities. The young men at St Augustine’s (Qld) served ice creams and other treats, as well as facilitating sporting competitions, Parramatta Marist (NSW) held a mufti-day, John Therry Catholic College (NSW) hosted their annual plant sale and Cardijn College participated in a fun run and bake sales.

Total funds raised by Marist Schools in 2023: $284,727

The 2023 Schools Campaign saw the introduction of two new awards, the Highest Fundraising School and the Marist Spirit Award.

Highest Fundraising School 2023

Winner: Marist College Ashgrove (Qld)

Runners-up: Assumption College (Vic), Sacred Heart College (SA)

Marist Spirit Award 2023

Winner: Cardijn College (SA)

Runners-up: John Therry Catholic College (NSW), St Augustine’s College (Qld)

Bec Bromhead (CEO) and Anna Mosbauer (Fundraising Manager) present Marist College Ashgrove’s Head of Mission Anna Nasr with the award for Highest Fundraising School.

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4.

1. Assumption College students and staff on Immersion in Timor-Leste.

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6.

7.

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2. St Augustine’s students serve up ice cream to fundraise for AMS.

3. Parramatta Marist students raise money through a mufti day for St Joseph’s Mabiri.

4. Judith Botha from Cardijn College accepts the AMS Marist Spirit Award.

John Therry students conduct the Annual Plant Sale.

Cardijn students celebrate the “Steps to Success” program.

7. Elvino, AMS Ambassdor from Timor-Leste, speaks with students at Galen Catholic College.

8. Front cover of the 2023 Schools Campaign Kit.

OUR IMPACT

AMS has sent $20,001,740 to project partners, which was 81% of our total expenditure. We have partnered with projects in 21 different countries, impacting over 82,279 project participants.

AMOUNT SENT TO PARTNERS BY

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

Chetana Boys’ Hostel is a ministry of the Marist Brothers of the Marist District of Asia. The Hostel provides accommodation and access to education for Santali Tribal children in Talit, which is in the Burdwan district of West Bengal. The aim of the intervention is to provide a holistic approach to the growth and development of Santali Tribal children and enable them to break the cycle of poverty that the community face.

The Santali Tribal group is part of the lowest caste in India, with most families living in traditionally built huts and temporary shelters. A large portion of the community are unemployed or work in the informal economy for minimal wages cultivating rice. These conditions are not supportive for children to receive education.

The disadvantage experienced by these families means that children often miss out on health and education services, even those that are considered a basic right. The project has identified the importance of assisting the Santali Tribal children to overcome their socio-economic constraints which currently deny them of the basic right to education. While residing at the hostel, the boys attended the local schools which, as rural village children, they would not otherwise be able to access due to distance and the expense of travel.

In 2023, with support from AMS funds, the Hostel served as a home to 69 boys who are aged between 9 to 17 years, with most of the boys being the first generation of children in their family to attend school. Our funding provided healthy food and hygienic conditions.

In addition to this, the project organised after school tuition will the help of local teachers as well as learning support provided by the Brothers and lay teachers. Case Study: Robin

In 2012, Robin was introduced to the Marist Brothers and commenced as a student at Chetana, “It was a great experience. The way the Brothers teach us and the way they push us in our studies - it improved me, in my studies especially…because the Brothers give responsibilities to us and that helps me now.”

The Chetana Tribal Boys Hostel makes school attendance possible for Santali Tribal children.

(continued)...

After graduating, Robin studied a Bachelor of Arts, focussing on political studies and English. Robin has returned to Chetana, originally as a tutor and now as a full-time volunteer and lay Marist, “I want to experience how the Marist Brothers work and how a lay Marist works. I am experiencing a lot of new things and a lot of interesting things.”

His work at the Chetana Tribal Boys Hostel involves helping the children in their studies and supporting the Marist Brothers in their ministry.

“Thanks to Australian Marists, because of them we are here living our life. Because of their helping, because of their generosity, we are enjoying (life and education) here. Thank you so much. You will be in our prayers”

The LaValla Project has operated since 1998. It supports students with physical disabilities to obtain education from primary to higher education levels, and access to health care and rehabilitation services. Children and young people with physical disabilities from poor families in rural communities are supported to stay and study at LaValla school from grade 1-6. Students who complete the primary school program are then assisted to attend the local Government High School in Takhmao, through its inclusive education program. As a result of their disability, distance, or family situation, students live in the LaValla Village Hostel, where support with transport, food, accommodation, and living needs enable them to continue their schooling. In 2023, 190 students (100 male & 90 female) were accommodated at the LaValla Hostel.

With AMS support, the LaValla Project in Cambodia successfully purchased a new 4WD car. The vehicle will support LaValla’s operation, aiming at improving opportunities for children and young people with disabilities to attend education and health care services and to live with dignity.

This vehicle has been used as transport in identifying new students, transporting students between school and homes, sending students to get health & rehabilitation services and delivering support (food and non-food items) to students’ families in rural communities during crisis.

Pictured (top) Br Tony Burrows at the LaValla 2023 Graduation Ceremony, (bottom) the new LaValla vehicle.

RESILIENCE & READINESS

Klibur Aleizadu (KATILOSA) is a nongovernment organisation based in the small village of Darasula in Baucau District, TimorLeste. Timor-Leste is a country with very few services available for those with a disability. KATILOSA focusses on providing support to children and youth with disabilities. According to the most recent Population and Housing Census for Timor-Leste, just over 38,000 people in Timor-Leste have a disability (4% of the population). Most people with disabilities live in rural areas and are self-employed, often relying on subsistence farming for their livelihoods.

Within this challenging local context, KATILOSA aims to provide a range of essential support services to children and adults living with disability(s) and their families, including education program for children.

Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)

The CBR operates both in a Centre and as an outreach service for young people who are unable to access the Centre due to financial or mobility limitations. The CBR outreach program has been established to reduce negative attitudes towards children with disabilities and other persons with disabilities in the community. The staff from KATILOSA also visit young people in their homes to provide basic therapy sessions, while educating the family on the rights of children and the importance of obtaining an education.

Inclusive Education

The learning centre in Darasula is a designated space where learners are provided with the opportunity to be engaged in active learning, interaction, sharing and cooperating with each other. Teachers utilise different teaching methodologies that support children and adults with disabilities which are learner-centered and involve all the senses. The teachers work with the young people and their families to develop individualised education programs for children and youth with special educational needs.

Community Education Initiative

To strengthen the pathway for children with disabilities into mainstream schooling, KATILOSA added a Community Education Program in 2023. Utilising their partnership with the Faculty of Inclusive Education at the State University of Indonesia, KATILOSA provided specialised training on disability inclusion to staff. KATILOSA also helped develop inclusive education training modules for the specific local Timorese context. The aim is to equip staff within the Department of Education to implement the training package in schools across the region. This was the first program of its kind in the country, challenging the long-standing negative cultural views held by the local community about disability.

KATILOSA is one of just two organisations in the Baucau district providing support to Timorese people with disabilities.

Case Study: Paul

Paul, a student at KATILOSA, has a visual impairment. Before coming to KATILOSA, he was unable to attend school. He expressed great happiness at having the opportunity to learn Braille at KATILOSA: “Even though I know Braille now, I want to learn more!” At KATILOSA, Paul has had teachers dedicated to supporting his needs through the learning process. Paul expresses joy to be able to access to education: “We are grateful for everything we have learned.” KATILOSA is providing hope for people with disabilities in Timor-Leste.

Balay Banaag is a residential centre that provides care and support for the girl children of females working in prostitution. In 2018 the administration of Balay Banaag was transitioned to the Marist Sisters who have been working in Davao City with vulnerable women and children since 1998, who have worked closely with AMS to fund the Centre.

The primary direct beneficiaries of this project are 15 girl children of women in prostitution. They reside at Balay Banaag and range in age from 6 to 18 years old. Some of these children do not know who their father is and one child has been abandoned by her mother and father. Most of the children have experienced physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The other direct beneficiaries are the 15 mothers or grandmothers of the Balay Banaag girls who will be engaged by the project to improve their capacity to care for their child.

Balay Banaag seeks to provide emotional and psychological support to the children to help them overcome their abuse and experiences; enrol and stabilise them in the mainstream schooling system; and work with the mothers/grandmothers to improve their home conditions to allow for family reintegration.

In 2023, AMS funding, along with MMC and KMW funds, helped with on-going costs involved in running and staffing the Centre.

The Marist Sisters in Davao City, the Philippines, provide accommodation and support to children of women in prostitution.

FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE

This year, AMS has supported a number of solar installation projects in Pacific communities. This sustainable energy source aligns with our vision of building safe facilities that support learning and that improve facilities for the future. By providing clean, reliable power, solar can enhance educational opportunities, improve living conditions, and empower Pacific communities to thrive.

St Joseph’s College, Bougainville

The Marist Brothers established St Joseph’s College in the village of Rigu, near the port of Kieta in Bougainville, in 1949. The school was re-established at Mabiri in 1998 after the foundation school at Rigu was destroyed during the Bougainville Crisis 1989-2001. The new St Joseph’s started small with two streams of Year 9 and Year 10 who were young men and excombatants that had not been able to attend school for 12 years. Today the school offers co-educational opportunities for 657 children and young people from kindergarten to Year 11 (junior secondary school). With a new senior secondary dormitory and classrooms block now complete, St Joseph’s has commenced Year 11 enrolments in 2025.

The solar works undertaken in 2023 involved the school’s computer laboratory. ICT skills have has become increasingly important to educational outcomes with secondary students, requiring access to computers and the internet. The computer laboratory, funded by AMS in 2016, required reconfiguration so that a solar system could serve the two laboratories. The installation of inverters allowed for the full computer lab to be powered on an uninterrupted power supply, ensuring computers and systems are continuously available to staff and students.

St Martin’s Rural Training Centre, Solomon Islands

St. Martin’s Rural Training Centre is in Tenaru, about 16 km east of Honiara. The Centre serves over 100 students. St. Martin’s offers these students, aged from 20-35 years, an opportunity to develop vocational

skills. The courses taught are Carpentry, Life Skills, Mechanics and Agriculture. The Centre offers twoyear courses in each of these subjects with up to 80 new students starting each year. St. Martin’s was established in 1976 by a Marist Father and the Fathers are still involved in the Centre today. The Centre also has boarding facilities for all students and provides teacher accommodation.

The Centre is funded by school fees and some small government grants. Over the years, the centre has not been adequately maintained, due to lack of funds. An issue faced by the Centre was inadequate lighting for nights. Students felt unsafe walking around the Centre at night due to the low levels of light. As a result, few evening activities could be offered to students. Funded by the Marist Mission Centre, the installation of solar powered lights throughout the Centre’s campus increased the sense of safety for students and allowed for the addition of educational and solar activities in the evening.

20 computers are now available to students at St Joseph’s Mabiri after the installation of new solar power inverters;

DIVIT Rural Training Centre, Solomon Islands

DIVIT Rural Training Centre is run by the Solomon Islands’ only local congregation, the DMI Sisters (Daughters of Mary Immaculate), who were inspired and founded by the Marist Missionary Sisters. The Centre has been operating for over 50 years however, the Sisters have been vital members of the Visale Community since they were founded in 1946. The Centre currently has around 60 students, who are predominantly female, aged between 19-25. There are 10 teachers at the centre, providing vocational training courses to build the capacity of local youth to secure employment. These courses include agriculture, carpentry, home economics, business, health, hospitality, computer classes, clothing and textiles and financial literacy.

In 2022, the Centre completed the construction of a new classroom building, consisting of three classrooms, a library, a computer lab, an assembly hall and an office for teaching staff. In 2023, the Centre undertook the installation of solar panels and batteries to power this new building.

Pictured (top) Solar powered lights have led to the introduction of evening activities at St Martin’s Rural Training Centre; (bottom) Solar panels and batteries will power the new building at the DIVIT Rural Training Centre.

Case Study: Hazel

Hazel is a student at the DIVIT Rural Training Centre. She hadn’t heard about the Centre until she met a DIVIT student. In her first year, Hazel is studying Hospitality, Agriculture, English, Values Education, Carpentry, Accounting and Computer Science. Her dream is to work in tourism and hospitality.

Hazel is thrilled about the new building at DIVIT, “I am so happy to learn inside the new building, with new chairs and tables,” she said. “When we take our courses in computer science, we now have laptops and enough powerpoints to charge. I am so happy to be learning in this new building.”

OUR FINANCES

FINANCIAL COMMENTARY

AMS is pleased to report that we have adopted the more widely accepted General Purpose Financial Statement Simplified Disclosure reporting model to better align with other larger not-for-profit entities. This reflects the confidence in the systems we already had in place and the continued approach for the organisation to achieve a best practice approach. AMS’ full audited financial statements are available on our website.

Notwithstanding the continued economic environment making for challenging conditions for maintaining and growing donations and grant income, AMS again generated a small surplus of $143,626 (2022: $146,230) with a continued focus on expenditure and maximisation of available resources.

Total income in 2023 was $3,253,562 which was down 10% on a record 2022. Total grant income from both overseas and local providers was down. This was largely because of a single large project grant received in 2022.

AMS was pleased to receive Bequest income of $75,229 (2022: $nil).

The mid-year appeal in 2023 raised $38,737 which was down on the previous year (2022: $79,202 which included one significant non-recurring donation) and follows the trend of reducing funds at this time of year. The 2023 Christmas Appeal raised $29,682 (2022: $26,977). Despite this overall drop in appeal funding, the total donations for the year of $757,932 was up on the prior year (2022: $747,686), reflecting renewed attention to secure regular givers and showing the resilience of the donation contributors on our database during these challenging times of higher interest rates and higher cost of living pressures experienced in 2023.

School engagement and funding continued to be a focus of AMS with continued strong revenues of $284,727 (2022: $279,726).

AMS continues its strong management of investment funds. With only a small decrease in the capital value of our investment assets, we still increased our investment return on these assets to $213,170 (2022: $156,383) showing the quality of our investment strategy for funds in reserve. These funds are prudently invested and drawn down as required to fund program and operational expenditure.

In line with our slight reduction in income, AMS was also able to achieve a similar 10% reduction in expenditure to $3,135,079 (2022: $3,486,383). Funding to international programs was down by 22% at $2,106,071 (2022: $2,699,583). During the year, AMS focused its resources where they were most needed. In 2022 AMS moved from a medium to a large not-for-profit entity meaning a required increase in compliance. AMS committed to CPI increases for its 9 permanent staff (7FTE), which had an impact on overhead costs.

AMS continues to minimise the percentage of donations being used for operational costs. The total Program Support ratio (program costs/total expenditure) was 75% in 2023 down from 82% in 2022. However, this was anticipated and remains a comparatively consistent position within the sector.

With the surplus generated in 2023 AMS has maintained a positive equity position backed by underlying investments and cash reserves. Reserve Funds for designated projects, totalling $2,643,233, sourced from grants and specific appeals are restricted and can only be used for the purpose they were provided. Retained earnings of $594,160 are funds which have no conditions attached and can be used at the discretion of AMS as needed to cover unanticipated events and emergencies, or for occasional use to invest in programs, organisational sustainability, and core activities.

AMS remains committed to sending the maximum amount of funding possible to our partners overseas and continues our investment in streamlining our internal and partner processes wherever possible. Our primary focus is supporting young people within the Asia-Pacific region to access education and reach their potential. As we do this, we continue to maintain a strong discipline towards establishing good governance and management practices throughout the organisation from board and committee down to management and staff.

2023 INCOME

2023 EXPENDITURE

$3,253,562

$3,135,079

that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

During the financial years 2022 and 2023, AMS had no transactions for international political or religious proselytism programs.

Where necessary, the 2022 comparative figures have been reallocated to reflect the audited financial report.

AUDITOR’S REPORT

An independent audit AMS’ financial report for 2023 was conducted by: Mr Robert John White

WSC Group – Audit Pty Ltd Unit 22D/1631 Wynnum Rd, Tingalpa QLD 4173.

The Financial Summary Reports have been prepared in accordance with the requirements set out in the ACFID Code of Conduct.

For further information on the Code, please refer to the ACFID Code of Conduct Implementation Guidance available at: www.acfid.asn.au

The full Financial Report can be obtained at: www.australianmaristsolidarity.org.au

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS

Thank you to all the groups that supported AMS projects in 2023.

MSA Schools

ACT

Marist College Canberra

NSW

Corpus Christi College, Maroubra

John Therry Catholic High School, Rosemeadow

Mount Carmel Catholic College

Parramatta Marist High School

Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes

St Francis de Sales Regional College, Leeton

St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown

St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill

St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas

Trinity Catholic College Lismore

QLD

Marist College Ashgrove

St Augustine’s College, Cairns

St Thomas More Primary, Sunshine Beach

Trinity College, Beenleigh

SA

Cardijn College, Noarlunga Sacred Heart College, Adelaide

VIC

Assumption College, Kilmore

Catholic College Sale

Galen Catholic College

Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon

Marcellin College Bulleen

Marist College Bendigo

St Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore

WA

Newman College, Churchlands

Marist Brothers Communities

Bendigo Cairns

Campbelltown

Churchlands

Coburg

Daceyville

Eastwood

Fitzroy North

Heidelberg West

Seven Hills

Somerton Park

Timor-Leste Friendship Groups

Friends of Aileu

Friends of Baucau

Friends of Suai/Covalima, City of Port Phillip

Geelong Friends of Viqueque

Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast Inc

Wild Timor Coffee

Macedon Ranges Friends of East

Timor

Friends of Same Inc

Rosalie Old Boys

Willoughby Friends of Ossu

Bega Valley Advocates for TimorLeste

Archdiocese of Cologne (Germany)

AMS BOARD MEMBERS

Allison White (appointed 2019, appointed Chair 2022)

Allison is a strategic stakeholder and communications specialist motivated to work with organisations committed to creating value for the communities in which they operate.

Br Jeffrey Barrington (appointed 2019)

Br Jeff is the Community Leader at Campbelltown and a member of the Marist Brothers Australian Reference Group (Pastoral Care).

Norman Chan (appointed 2020)

Norman has business interests in Fiji and Brisbane. He is involved in Property and Commercial Development. He is extensively involved in the Fiji and Pacific Island Communities in Brisbane and has a long history with the Marists in the Pacific.

Mark Elliot (appointed 2022)

Mark is Regional Director for Queensland, Northern Territory and northern New South Wales with Marist Schools Australia (MSA).

Susan Slattery (appointed 2021)

Susan is a Learning and Development, Humanitarian and International Development Specialist.

Jim Whiting (appointed 2018)

Jim founded BADGE Construction in 1983. As Managing Director, Jim has steered the organisation to become one of Australia’s largest privately owned commercial construction companies.

We express our gratitude to our concluding board members, Br Paul Kane and Michael Sinclair. Thank you for your service and support of AMS.

AMS VOLUNTEERS AND TEAM

AMS Team

Rebecca Bromhead

Anna Mosbauer

Luciana Sitanggang

Taylor Lemmon

Adam Burns

Lisa Humphrys

Jodie Harman

Chris Jacobs

Donna Lynn

Milika Nation

Nigel Sydney

Sean Dickens

Casual/Temporary Support

Finn Arrowsmith

Jim Gordon

Rachel Long

Deirdre Looney

Lexie Jones

Jacqui King

Our thanks to for the support of our colleagues from the Marist Centre Brisbane!

Our Volunteers

Alongside our committed board members, a number of dedicated governance volunteers have helped sustain our mission and work.

Community Engagement and Fundraising Committee

Langton Clark (Chair), Gavan Martyn, Peter Kilroy, Jessica Plummer

Finance and Risk Committee

Norman Chan (Chair), Dan O’Sullivan, Richard Ward, Francis Bolzen, Heilala Tabete

Programs Committee

John Lambourne (Chair – Resigned 18th Aug Meeting), Susan Slattery (Chair as of 9th Nov Meeting), Conor Ashleigh, Anne Kelly, Elvino De Oliveira

We also express our gratitude to our volunteers: Lorraine Collins, Richard Ward, Finn Arrowsmith, Rachel Long

MEMBERSHIPS & ACCREDITATION

Australian Marist Solidarity is a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), has DGR status with the Australian Tax Office to provide tax deductibility for donors and is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC). To ensure that our work is always aligned with best practice in our sector we are also accredited by the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).

In 2008, Australian Marist Solidarity became a full member and signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct. ACFID is the peak body for Australian international development organisations. ACFID’s purpose is to lead and unite its members in action for a just, equitable and sustainable world.

Australian Marist Solidarity is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct, which is a voluntary, self-regulatory sector code of good practice. As a signatory we are committed and fully adhere to the ACFID Code of Conduct, conducting our work with transparency, accountability and integrity.

Australian Marist Solidarity is now a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA). FIA is the national peak body representing professional fundraising in Australia. As an FIA member, Australian Marist Solidarity now subscribes to a self-regulatory regime that raises the sector’s profile and enhances credibility and reputation with donors, government and the community. Self-regulation is guided by the FIA Code. AMS is committed to best practice fundraising so that AMS can fulfill our mission and enable greater impact overall.

Feedback

Australian Marist Solidarity seeks and appreciates your feedback. If you wish to provide feedback or lodge a complaint against the organisation, please contact Rebecca Bromhead, Chief Executive Officer on (07) 3354 0600 or email ams@marists.org.au.

All feedback is confidential.

WAYS TO HELP

Thank you to all our wonderful supporters. Through your generous donations we’ve been able to help more children access education.

How can you help?

Together, we can make a difference. Our work is only possible becuase of our generous donors and supporters. We invite you to consider what method of support best fits your situation.

Make a monthly donation

Become a regular monthly giver to AMS and help us build a sustainable income to plan for the future. Donate online by clicking “Donate Now” on our website.

Workplace giving

One of the most convenient and effective ways you can support AMS. Discuss with your payroll manager if your organisation supports Workplace Giving and request the bank details from us.

Leave a gift in your will

A gift in your will can leave a legacy to transform the education of future generations of young children. Once you have remembered you loved ones, would you consider leaving a gift in your will?

Get your school involved

AMS has fantastic resources available for primary and secondary schools. Download our latest school campaign resources by clicking the “Schools” tab on our website.

Read our latest newsletter

See all the latest news and updates from partner projects across the Asia Pacific via our website.