The Shepherd Centre 2011 Annual Report by The Shepherd Centre

annual report 2011

COVER GIRL:

AMELIA

Amelia was diagnosed at birth with a severe hearing loss in both her ears. This came as a shock to Amelia’s parents, Jen and Oliver : “You give birth, you are given a little baby, nurses help you out for a little bit but then you are on your own. All of a sudden I was a new mum, I had all these emotions going everywhere – and then I found out my baby is deaf,” said Jen. “I was so scared.” Thankfully Jen was given information about The Shepherd Centre and it was at an information session where she saw how bright her daughter’s future could be. “I met a graduate of The Shepherd Centre who shared her story. She was 16 and was going to a mainstream high school. Her voice was perfect - better than some hearing children’s! She did everyday things, like listening to her iPod.” “But that voice! Hearing her voice is what convinced me that The Shepherd Centre was where I wanted Amelia to be.” Amelia and her family attend regular AuditoryVerbal Therapy sessions at The Shepherd Centre and are encouraged to use everyday routines as opportunities to help Amelia learn how to listen and speak. Now two years of age, Amelia’s speech and language is on par with other children her age. She is meeting her milestones just like any typical two-year-old and not only speaking, but beginning to form words into sentences. “Amelia is learning to listen and speak. It meant so much to know that she could hear our voices. That she could hear us tell her we loved her.” “Thanks to The Shepherd Centre, we know that Amelia will be able to start school and be just as capable as anyone else in her class. Going to The Shepherd Centre was the best decision we ever made.”

CONTENTS

Our History

2 5 6 14 21 24 28 30 38 54 55 56 58 59 61 62 63 64 65 67 87

The Shepherd Centre was founded in 1970 by Dr Bruce Shepherd AM and his late wife Annette. In 1970 there were just five families in the program. Today, The Shepherd Centre helps over 350 children and families each year at five centres in NSW and the ACT, as well as families in rural and remote areas of Australia and overseas via Residential Workshops.

Message from the Chairman & CEO Graduate of the Year 2011 Graduates Clinical Programs Clinical Outcomes Clinical Presentations The Senior Clinical Team The Clinical Team Our Centres Fundraising & Communications Fundraising Appeals Bequests & Major Gifts Trusts & Foundations Corporate Volunteers Loud Shirt Day Australian Father of the Year Awards Help The Shepherd Centre Operations Board of Patrons Financial Statements First Voice

Our Focus The Shepherd Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Early Intervention Program utilises the Auditory-Verbal Therapy approach with a family-centred focus. The Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multi-disciplinary team supports and equips parents with the strategies and methods they need to seize every opportunity in day-to-day situations to teach their children to listen, understand the meaning of sound and to speak.

Our Vision Every child with a hearing loss achieves the best spoken language they are capable of, so they can achieve their full potential in the world.

Our Mission To assist children who are deaf and hearing-impaired achieve spoken communication within the family, the educational setting and within the wider community by involving parents and the community in the education and development of the child.

message from the chairman & THE CEO

michael shepherd, chairman JIM HUNGERFORD, CEO Michael Shepherd, Chairman

Jim Hungerford, CEO

Since the establishment of our first centre in 1970, The Shepherd Centre has built a global reputation for outstanding language outcomes for deaf and hearing-impaired children. Our Early Intervention Program is the driving force behind this unrivalled success. Taking a family-centred approach of Auditory-Verbal Therapy with highly-skilled multidisciplinary support including therapists, audiologists and child and family counsellors, we teach children who are deaf and hearing-impaired to develop spoken language on a par with their hearing peers. Graduates of The Shepherd Centre leave our program with speaking and listening skills that provide them with the best opportunity to enter mainstream schooling and fully participate in the hearing world. We are extremely proud of the positive impact of our services and the opportunity they give our graduates to reach their full potential. In this regard 2011 proved to be no exception and, thanks to the dedication and commitment of our staff, children, families and supporters, we celebrated many significant milestones and outcomes over the course of the year. Language and vocabulary results for our children are improving year on year, and 2011 continued this upward trend. We also saw our largest ever graduating class, with almost all of the children without additional needs achieving age-appropriate scores for vocabulary and language. The one child who did not achieve ageappropriate language had been affected by repeated middle-ear infections â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a problematic area for medical management. As a group these children scored a median of 101 for language compared to the general population median of 100 and 104 for vocabulary. Just as encouragingly, the median result across all of the graduating children, including those with additional needs, was 93 for both language and vocabulary. These outstanding results have not been reported by any other early intervention service, either in Australia or internationally, and are a testament to the hard work of our children, our families, and our clinicians.

We are also achieving great results for children who require cochlear implants, where our average age at first implantation is just seven months. This is in contrast to virtually all other cochlear implant programs where most children are still being implanted after 12 months of age. We know from the research conducted by ourselves and others that implantation before 12 months is critical for these children. In fact, we have found that in our program, these children typically progress just like a normally-hearing child and they never suffer a hearing or language delay. Our continued involvement in the First Voice initiative is of key strategic importance to The Shepherd Centre, as it gives us the opportunity to influence Early Intervention activities on a national basis. The Better Start for Children with Disability program for example was the result of successful First Voice lobbying across Australia, and in 2011 the government selected our Darlington Centre to celebrate its launch. In order to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for our services, in 2011 we expanded our child and family counselling services, added three residential workshops to our Rural and Remote program, and introduced several new group learning programs. These wonderful developments in 2011, of our outcomes, our services and our facilities, clearly come at a significant financial cost. As a result we finished 2011 with a financial shortfall of $108,000 between our expenses and our income. This is despite a wonderful increase in the funds provided by our many supporters. The Centre has appropriate financial reserves, however further increases in our fundraising are required in the years to come. Looking ahead for 2012, we will maintain a strong focus on the introduction of new programs for school-aged children to help them maintain and develop their speaking and listening skills. This will include the launch of The Shepherd Centre Clear Speech Clinic as well as the planned introduction of peer camps for children who are deaf and hearing impaired. Overall 2011 was another extremely successful year for The Shepherd Centre. Attendance at our centres increased once more, and whilst it is wonderful to know we are helping more children to listen and speak than ever before, it does present us with new challenges in terms of resources to meet this demand, and our need for funding to facilitate this growth remains as vital as ever.

Michael Shepherd, Chairman

Jim Hungerford , Chief Executive Officer

Jim Hungerford CEO,

looks back on a memorable year Looking back on my first year as CEO of The Shepherd Centre, I am as humbled and inspired as ever by the wonderful work being done here teaching deaf and hearing-impaired children to listen and speak. Spending time with the children and their parents is always an absolute pleasure. I love seeing the steady improvements in language and vocabulary they make over time, and am always impressed by the additional progress they can make with access to technology such as cochlear implant surgery. Of course, much of what we have achieved in 2011 is thanks to the generosity of our supporters. This support, coupled with additional government funding, has enabled us to expand a number of our services and launch additional programs to cope with the increased number of children attending our centres. Our future success will therefore lie in our ability to maintain sufficient resources to keep up with this demand. Meanwhile, the reward for me continues to come from witnessing all of the hard work that goes into helping our children achieve everything they can, and it is an honour to be part of their journey. Jim Hungerford

Chief Executive Officer

Our Children & Families

2012 Graduate of the Year Emma Kavanagh Emma was diagnosed with a severe to profound hearing loss at the age of two years. She was enrolled in our Early Intervention Program where she learnt how to listen and speak. During her time at The Shepherd Centre, Emma’s parents were taught how to develop her skills at home on a day-to-day basis, enabling her to reach all her spoken language milestones. At age five Emma commenced schooling as a mainstream student at her local public school. She received both itinerant and teacher's aide support from Kindergarten through to Year 12. Emma also attended weekly speech therapy lessons until the age of eleven years. The results of her final assessment indicated she was academically above average in both speech and language development.

Throughout her high school years Emma continued to achieve outstanding academic results and was awarded the Year Advisor’s Award for outstanding results in Textiles & Design, Mathematics and English. She was also the only person at her school to be awarded a Commitment to Study Award known as the ‘Rueben F Scarf’ Award. In 2010 Emma successfully completed her HSC, allowing her entry into Newcastle University to study a double degree in Primary Teaching, whilst majoring in PD/H/ PE. Emma has completed the first year of her degree and was awarded with credits, distinctions and high distinctions in assessment tasks.

Congratulations on your achievements Emma and for being an exceptional role model for children who are deaf and hearing impaired! 55

Our Children & Families

2011 Graduates

Graduation is one of the main highlights of the year where we celebrate the amazing results the children and families have achieved and hear parents share stories about their family's journey. Here are just some of their stories, as told in the parents' words:

Summer When we first came to The Shepherd Centre our daughter Summer could hardly speak because she would refuse to wear her hearing aids. After commencing therapy at the Roseville Centre and with the help of Anne Fulcher (who I now know is regarded as one of the best Speech Therapists in the world !) Summer has learnt how to speak and her progress has been amazing. I’d like to say thank you to The Shepherd Centre for all their help throughout the past few years.

Quentin When I was first told by newborn hearing screening that my son could not hear in one ear, I got angry and told them to come back with another machine! They did, but it only confirmed that our son Quentin had a unilateral hearing loss. Our road really began at The Shepherd Centre. Once his bone anchored hearing device was switched on and after working with the therapists – suddenly I had a different little boy! He began to become interested in the world around him and his confidence over the years has grown and grown. The journey doesn’t stop at graduation, but I’m so proud of him and everything he’s achieved so far.

Lucas At the age of two Lucas was diagnosed with a moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears. We started at The Shepherd Centre shortly afterwards and found his speech was at the level of a six month old. Thanks to support received at the Roseville Centre, Lucas’ speech has improved to the point where he is in the average range for everything except for his expressive language where he is in the high average range – he just loves to talk! From having a son who didn’t talk, to him now having the confidence to hold conversations with adults; it is truly incredible. Thank you for giving us our son.

Ryan Ryan is a just a little guy, but he has a huge personality which has just grown and grown since he started coming to The Shepherd Centre after being diagnosed as profoundly deaf. In the first year of early intervention we could see that Ryan could hear things like fireworks and the dog barking, and we were filled with such optimism! Thanks to his mum and the amazing support team around him at The Shepherd Centre, Ryan has learnt how to listen, loves to speak – and most of all – loves to sing his favourite Star Wars theme tune!

Lauren Lauren was diagnosed with profound hearing loss shortly after her birth. To never hear our little girl talk, and for her to never hear us, was difficult to face. Lauren was fitted with cochlear implants and a miracle happened – it was discovered that her cochlear was damaged, possibly during birth, but she was now responding to noises after surgery. Lauren’s therapist at The Shepherd Centre has been a guiding light and has brought out the best in Lauren’s ability to listen and speak. She is looking forward to starting school in 2012.

Charlie When Charlie started pre-school he couldn’t speak and we were recommended to have his hearing tested. To our amazement, Charlie was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss in one ear. A mother of another deaf child staunchly recommended The Shepherd Centre with nothing to say but lovely words. From the very start we felt comfortable and knew it was the right place for Charlie. We attended playgroup and weekly AV T sessions and Charlie has come leaps and bounds.

William After being told a number of times by different doctors to stop worrying and that our son would speak ‘sooner or later’, Will had his hearing test at two years of age and was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss. Over the last three years, Will has made significant progress and will attend primary school in 2012. We are forever grateful for the time and patience given to Will at The Shepherd Centre.

Tom Tom was diagnosed as being profoundly deaf at birth and shortly after received cochlear implants. We were recommended The Shepherd Centre and attended the residential workshop for families, which was such an amazing opportunity. Our family would like to thank The Shepherd Centre – from the therapists to the administration staff and clinicians – everyone has been so supportive and welcoming. It’s exciting and daunting to leave now that Tom has graduated, but we know that The Shepherd Centre is only a phone call away. Thank you so much.

Our Children & Families

2011 Graduates Rose

Rose is our second child to successfully graduate from The Shepherd Centre. Rose was diagnosed with a hearing loss similar to her brother – a moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. It was a devastating time for our family to learn that both our children had a hearing loss. In this, we are truly appreciative of The Shepherd Centre for their support and assistance at a crucial time in our lives. Our Rose is a beautiful, loving, intelligent and now very determined young person !

Adam Adam was diagnosed with a bilateral to severe hearing loss through his newborn hearing screening and subsequently received two cochlear implants. The Shepherd Centre has meant so much to us. They have helped our son learn how to speak and our hopes for him are that he can continue to learn and develop to lead a normal life. He loves Ben 10, Spiderman, Batman, playing with his siblings and loves going to school – with ‘Big School’ now on the horizon.

Kiera My daughter was born with a mild to moderate hearing loss. At first I was concerned at how bleak and isolated Kiera’s future looked. Luckily it wasn’t long before we found The Shepherd Centre and from our first appointment my fears and worries diminished. She responded to her therapy and to me continuing lessons at home. Soon Kiera wanted to join the other children in singing songs like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star! The Shepherd Centre became a second family to me. Kiera is off to mainstream school and I know this is possible because of all of you. Thank you.

Ashton Ash was diagnosed shortly after birth with a severe to profound hearing loss in one ear and a severe hearing loss in the other. He received his cochlear implants through the First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program and, today, is a very happy little boy who loves his therapy sessions, learning new things and playing ‘rough and tumble’ with his brother William. Our son greets everyone with a smile and is very excited about starting primary school in 2012.

Emily Emily was diagnosed with a moderate to severe conductive hearing loss. We were referred to The Shepherd Centre shortly afterwards and we’ve had some great people support us. We can’t praise the therapists and the centre enough – Emily has blossomed into a confident, feisty little girl who, in her first three years couldn’t speak and now cannot stop talking ! This is such a wonderful thing and Emily is just so happy. We are forever indebted to The Shepherd Centre.

Jacob We would like to express our thanks to The Shepherd Centre, for without them Jacob would not be where he is today. His level of understanding and ability to communicate has opened up a new world to him. He has learnt so much during his time at The Shepherd Centre and is now ready to tackle ‘Big School’.

Jamal My son started at The Shepherd Centre at just three weeks old. The staff taught me so much – but most importantly they taught me that having a child with a hearing loss doesn’t have to be difficult. I would like to thank everyone at The Shepherd Centre – you do an amazing job – and Jamal and I are very thankful.

Evynn It was hard news for us when our daughter Evynn was diagnosed with a mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears because our son was diagnosed with a hearing loss only a year earlier. The Shepherd Centre has done wonders for Evynn who would never wear her hearing aids and just wouldn’t talk. Today, Evynn now loves talking and is just so full of energy. In fact, Evynn just doesn’t stop talking! Thank you to everyone at The Shepherd Centre.

Our Children & Families

2011 Graduates

Alexander Alexander was diagnosed with a severe hearing loss after three newborn hearing screening tests. He began therapy at six weeks of age and his therapist Samantha was our rock in getting us through such a difficult time. Throughout our time at The Shepherd Centre we have come across a very talented group of people and they all mean the world to us. We can’t believe how far Alexander has come, he’s a confident young man, he’s the life of the party and many other children just gravitate to him.

Yahya Yahya and our family came to The Shepherd Centre when he was seven months of age after he was diagnosed with a severe to moderately severe hearing loss. In 2010, Yahya also started at the Annette Shepherd Pre-School in Liverpool and graduated at the end of this year to attend Kindergarten at his local public school. He is now a cheerful and sociable little boy who has made many friends at The Shepherd Centre.

Marcus Marcus was born 16 weeks early and failed his newborn hearing screening three times; he was eventually diagnosed with a moderate bilateral hearing loss. We came straight to The Shepherd Centre and are so thankful for the positive direction they have given us, the support received from the staff and the friends we have made along this journey. All of this has made Marcus such an independent and outspoken boy.

Mohammad After arriving in Australia from Lebanon, Mohammad was diagnosed with a bilateral moderate hearing loss at the age of three years. We didn’t know what to do when we were told, but thanks to The Shepherd Centre Mohammad learned how to talk and they taught us how to help him. Now, Mohammad attends infant school and will attend primary school next year.

Hollie Hollie was diagnosed late at the age of two with a severe hearing loss and today has a moderate bilateral hearing loss. When we found out we were shattered – our little Hollie couldn’t hear us all this time. We came to the Darlington Centre where we were welcomed and this became our second home. Soon our family started singing everything we spoke and words began to appear for Hollie, which was so exciting. Her confidence has blossomed and now we have a very clever, happy girl with amazing listening skills.

James Our son James fooled everyone that he could speak despite having a mild to moderate hearing loss in one ear and moderate to severe in the other. It’s a huge shock to learn that your child has a hearing loss, so for weeks there were tears. But since coming to The Shepherd Centre we just haven’t looked back and the support we’ve received has been out of this world. Thank you to the fundraising team and to the donors because without you to help pay for the services, we just wouldn’t be able to come and receive help.

Kiarna Kiarna was born with a slight to mild hearing loss, which deteriorated to mild to moderate sloping sensorineural hearing loss in both her ears. We were very upset. Since starting at The Shepherd Centre we have seen a remarkable improvement in Kiarna’s speech and learning – every week Kiarna had something new and excting to tell her therapist about what she had achieved that week ! From speaking one word at a time, she now cannot stop talking and we love seeing her join in conversations.

Jacob From the moment we walked in to The Shepherd Centre we were treated beautifully and made to feel so at ease. We knew that we could now tackle the recent news that our little boy Jacob had a hearing loss. Today, at five and a half years old Jacob is amazing. Just recently he stood up at his pre-school’s Christmas carols and sang 'Away in a Manger ' and it was just incredible. He will attend a mainstream school next year, which we didn’t think was possible for a long time. He is now such a social little boy.

Our Children & Families

2011 Graduates Dan

Our son was diagnosed late when he wasn't speaking at the age of two. He was found to have a mild to moderate hearing loss and despite being fitted with aids, we still couldn't understand what he was saying. This was so frightening and scary for us. From our first encounter with The Shepherd Centre it was like a little family. Dan not only came for therapy sessions but also came to playgroup and spent his first birthday here. Slowly our son learnt to speak and soon he just wouldn’t stop. He is an outgoing, friendly and intelligent child and we wouldn’t have been able to continue on this long journey without The Shepherd Centre.

Jack At two and a half years age Jack was finally diagnosed with a moderate to severe hearing loss; this diagnosis alone was a long journey for us. Jack was two years behind by the time we started at The Shepherd Centre, but since then he has come leaps and bounds. We can’t thank The Shepherd Centre enough because we never thought Jack would be who he is today.

Joseph After we found out our son had a mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears we became very worried as there was no history of this in our families and we just didn’t know how to deal with it. Luckily we had support from a number of hearing agencies, including The Shepherd Centre, who taught us how to deal with Joseph’s hearing loss. We were so happy when he used words and when he didn’t, we were happy he was singing instead. Joseph will be going to public school next year!

James I have a little boy named James who is five years. At two days of age he failed his newborn hearing screening test and this was a shock to learn – my child had lost one of his major senses. James received cochlear implants and soon after his first words were “ah-ie” – meaning “daddy”! We came to The Shepherd Centre and through the guidance of the therapists, helped us to look forward to the future and do what we had to do to get James’ listening and speech on par with his peers. Thank you so much.

Ronin Ronin joined The Shepherd Centre approximately three years ago and has had experienced a number of changes in his life since then. Ronin would always have a big smile on his face and hug ready for his therapist when he visits the centre. Ronin’s inquisitiveness has grown over the years and he has absolutely loved preparing for kindergarten next year.

Hollie Hollie was diagnosed at birth with a mild to moderate hearing loss. During her early years it was found that Hollie’s hearing was deteriorating and at five years of age her hearing loss had become moderate to profound. With the help of the amazing staff at The Shepherd Centre’s Wollongong Centre and Pre-School, Hollie will be attending primary school next year thanks to the very best Early Intervention Program our family could ask for.

Q g w T Jessica

To read about Jessica and her family’s story, please turn to page 43.

HELPING CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CLINICAL PROGRAMs

When a family joins The Shepherd Centre, they take their first step on a journey to teach their child how to listen and speak, so they can enter mainstream schooling and reach their full potential in life.

Our programs at The Shepherd Centre utilise the Auditory -Verbal Therapy approach with a family-centred focus, which means our multi-disciplinary team support and equip parents with the strategies and methods needed to teach their child to listen, understand the meaning of sound and speak.

Our Programs & Services: -E arly

Intervention Program -T he First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program - " Little Listeners" Introductory Program - L istening & Spoken Language Sessions -S peech & Language Assessments -P aediatric Audiology Appointments -E NT Consultations -C hild & Family Counselling Consultations - I ndividual Family Service Plan Goal Setting -P re-School Program -S chool Readiness Program -M usic Learning Program - L istening & Language Development Program (Babies & Toddlers) -R esidential Workshop Program -K idscape Family Groups

Our Clinical Staff: - L istening

& Spoken Language Specialists (LSLS) -P aediatric Audiologists -C hild & Family Counsellors (CFC) -S peech Pathologists (Assessments) -E ar, Nose and Throat Specialists (ENTs) -T eachers of the Deaf -R esearch Assistants -P re-School Directors and Assistants

HELPING CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CLINICAL PROGRAMs

Below are just some of the services we provided to children and families in 2011.

Listening and Spoken Language Sessions During 2011, over 3,500 Listening and Spoken Language sessions were provided to children across our 5 centres by 15 Listening and Spoken Language Therapists (LSLS) and 6 internationally certified Therapists. Due to the success of our Early Intervention Program and an increase in enrolment numbers, our specialist team expanded to welcome a new Principal LSLS, Donna Sperandio and three new LSLS therapists, Ha Thanh Lam, Fiona Deeney and Jess Evers. For more information about our new staff, please see our Clinical Team biographies on pages 28 – 36.

Speech and Language Assessments Over 160 speech and language assessments were administered during the year for children in our Early Intervention Program and over 30 for school age graduates and those in our First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program. Assessments are conducted at standard intervals; 6, 12 and 24 month post device fitting, and then at 3, 4 and 5 years of age. These assessments provide us with valuable objective information regarding the children’s progress in listening, speech, vocabulary and language development to guide our clinical service delivery along with information from the regular Auditory-Verbal sessions with the children. More information on outcomes for children at The Shepherd Centre in 2011 can be found on pages 21 – 23.

Paediatric Audiology Assessments To complement Australian Hearing services, The Shepherd Centre has specialised Paediatric Audiologists who provide comprehensive audiological assessments and services for infants and children in the program. This year our Audiology Department conducted over

500 hearing tests and assessments which included management of children’s middle ear status, and aided and unaided hearing thresholds and audiological consultations with families.

Child & Family Counselling Services The child and family counselling services were expanded significantly in 2011 to focus on the provision of these services for families across the five centres. We welcomed Michelle Southgate at the Sydney and Liverpool centres, and Renée Bennet at the Wollongong centre to work with Ali Hersee who worked across the Roseville and Canberra centres in 2011 and Sara Beresford Principal Child and Family Counsellor. The team conduct all initial meetings with new families, parent sessions at playgroup, parenting programs on resilience, advocacy, self care, behaviour and sibling management across the centres and at workshops, one on one sessions with families in the program and conduct all exit interviews with families leaving the program.

Group Learning Programs As a result of outcomes and evidence indicating that the development of a child’s listening and language skills are more challenging in noisy, real life environments The Shepherd Centre introduced specially designed group learning programs in 2011. These group programs created ‘real world’ situations that present more complex listening environments for the development of listening, speech and language skills, and are facilitated by our team of Listening & Spoken Language Specialists and Child & Family Counsellors. Importantly, our group programs also help to develop social learning skills as they give parents and their children the chance to learn from other children and parents attending the sessions.

HELPING CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CLINICAL PROGRAMs New Group Learning Programs in 2011 include: ‘Little Laughs’ – Listening and language development group for babies and infants. ‘Talk Time’ – Listening and language development group for toddlers and Pre-School children. ‘School Readiness’ – Preparation group for parents and their children who are commencing school. ‘Sing and Grow’ – Music program to develop listening skills through songs and rhymes for parents and children.

Residential Workshops This year our world-renowned Rural and Remote Program expanded to offer three new residential workshops in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and the South Coast. In addition to the very successful, weeklong summer workshop program held in January at Macquarie University, these additional intensive workshops provided over 40 families from rural and remote areas with access to services they otherwise aren’t able to receive. These include individual and group language sessions with families, designed to provide educational and practical information on developing listening and spoken language. By far, one of the most valuable aspects of these programs is the contact these workshops provide with families in similar circumstances.

For information about the invaluable support our residential workshops received through funding via trusts and foundations, please turn to page 58.

" The Workshop gave me insight in how my child’s brain works. Having group discussions has also given new perspectives on my child’s abilities as well as ideas to put in process. My husband and I never have the opportunity to attend Early Intervention sessions together, so attending as a family was very helpful. The issues identified, strategies provided and follow up recommended will be invaluable for planning over the next 12 months." – Workshop Participant

HELPING CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CLINICAL PROGRAMs First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program The First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program is a joint initiative of The Shepherd Centre and The Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. The program provides the essential medical, audiological and therapy services needed to support a child and their family prior to and following cochlear implant surgery. The Shepherd Centre currently supports 32 children with cochlear implants across our fives centres. 23 devices were implanted from July 2011 to February 2012 by our team of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialists, Dr Phillip Chang, Dr Thomas Kertesz, Dr Simon Greenberg and Dr Nigel Biggs. As the graph below shows, the program will continue to go from strength to strength in 2012 with approximately 45 implant surgeries predicted for the forthcoming year, which will represent the largest number of surgeries performed in the program’s history. In 2012 we look forward to celebrating the continued success of the program and the incredible work of our surgeons, staff, children and families as we approach the 200th cochlear implant since the program's inception.

213

First Sounds CI Program: Implants per year

168

191

142 112

1 1

5 6

7 14

2000– 2001

2001– 2002

2002– 2003

2003– 2004

2004– 2005

49 18

2005– 2006

64 15 2006– 2007

2007– 2008

2008 – 2009

2009– 2010

2010– 2011

2011– 2011–2012 Feb 2012 Predicted

implants per year cummulative total

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

CLINICAL PROGRAMs The Shepherd Centre Clear Speech Clinic The Shepherd Centre is thrilled to announce a new pilot program designed specifically for children and families who have graduated from The Shepherd Centre. The Shepherd Centre Clear Speech Clinic will launch in 2012 and will be staffed by specialist speech pathologists who will focus on listening and parent training as a basis for developing childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear speech. We will also introduce intensive learning and language programs and peer programs, which will incorporate Auditory-Verbal Therapy, group and one-on-one sessions for those graduates who may need additional assistance with listening and language development after they have entered the school system. Graduating families will be able to access Speech and Language Assessments which will provide families and teachers with essential information regarding the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abilities in speech and language, and can identify areas of strength and need that would benefit from additional support.

HELPING CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CLINICAL OUTCOMEs 2011 Graduate Outcomes A recent analysis of the language and vocabulary results of our standard graduates over the last five years (graph below) has shown a significant upwards trend, with the highest median scores being achieved by our 2011 graduating class. Language and vocabulary results:results 2007 –2007 2011 Language and vocabulary - 2011 120

Standard score (100 = average)

100 80

graduates scored in the ’typical’ range with a median standard score of 93 for both language and vocabulary (where 85 – 115 indicates the ’typical’ range). When you consider that these children are faced with so many extra challenges, the results they have achieved are remarkable and is a true credit to their hard work and that of their families. In addition, almost all of the children without additional needs achieved scores within the typical range for vocabulary and language. As a group, the ‘standard’ children achieved a median score of 101 for language (median score for the general population is 100) and 104 for vocabulary Normal range for (median score for the general population is 100). children Median Language

These are absolutely fantastic results for our graduates andVocabulary will surely see them impress their teachers with their Median listening and language skills on their first day at school.

Cochlear Implantation under 12 Months of Age

0 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

– Median Vocabulary – Median Language – Normal range for children These are fantastic results for The Shepherd Centre and the families to whom we provide services to as we continually strive to improve our programs and outcomes each year. Recent outcomes show that, overall, most children graduated in 2011 with language skills on par with their typical hearing peers. This includes children who have needs in addition to hearing impairment, those who have been learning a language in addition to English, or who were diagnosed later with their hearing loss. These

The implementation of newborn screening has led to the early diagnosis of children with hearing loss which, in turn, has led to the early fitting of hearing devices and the opportunity for children to begin early intervention services at a very young age. Similarly, the consideration and evaluation of a child for cochlear implantation can take place within their first few months of life. A review of 31 children who received cochlear implants through The Shepherd Centre’s First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program was conducted in 2011. The review found no significant issues for children who had received a cochlear implant under the age of 12 months. Younger children recovered from surgery well and became accustomed to their cochlear implant speech processor(s) early.

HELPING CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CLINICAL OUTCOMEs now under 12 months of age. Our average age in 2011 was 7 months, which is a remarkable achievement.

Results ( shown below) also found that at the six month point after ‘switch-on’ ( when a cochlear device is activated ), the highest language scores are clearly achieved by those children who were implanted at an earlier age, with a steady decline in scores as the age of first cochlear implantation increases. Language Outcomes by Age at Implantation 140

120 Standard Score on PLS-4

Typical range

100 80 60

Age at First Cochlear Implant 2001–2012 Age at First Cochlear Implant 2001-2002

PLS-4 Aud Comp PLS-4 Aud Comp

0 0.0

30%

0.0 0.5

PLS-4 Total Lang PLS-4 Total Lang

0.5 1.0 PLS-4 Aud Comp

1.0 1.5

1.5 2.0

2.0 2.5

Age at implant surgery for CI1 Age at implant surgery for CI1 n-31

n-31

2.5 3.0

3.0 3.5

3.5

16%

PLS-4 Aud Comp

13%

PLS-4 ExpExp Comm PLS-4 Comm

12%

PLS-4 Total PLS-4 Total Lang Lang 3.0

n=116

PLS-4 Exp Comm PLS-4 Exp Comm

20 Typical range

20 0

Language Outcomes by Age at CI1: 6 months after activation Language Outcomes by Age at CI1: 6 months after activation

Early diagnosis, early fitting of hearing devices and early intervention through Auditory-Verbal Therapy are the key factors in helping children reach age appropriate speech and language. The age of children with a hearing loss joining The Shepherd Centre Early Intervention Program is now down to as young as four weeks of age. Over a decade ago, the average age of children joining the program was over two years of age. All of these factors are facilitating significant improvements in spoken language Typical range outcomes for children with hearing loss, allowing them to lead fully integrated lives and to reach their full potential.

3.5

Over time, at three years of age, there is a wider spread of results, however the highest performers are still those children who receive implants before 12 months of age. At five years of age, there is an even further range of results for children implanted at all ages. The Shepherd Centre will be monitoring and analysing performance results closely for this group into the future. With the recent implementation of early cochlear implantation, the most common time for surgery is

0-1yrs

1-2yrs

2-3yrs

3-4yrs

4-5yrs

5-6yrs

6-10yrs

>10yrs

Groups, Paths and Patterns We know more today than ever before about how children develop listening and spoken language. With an increase in knowledge however, comes an increase in what is known about the additional factors that impact on a child’s spoken language development. The challenge is using the best available evidence and information to tailor services to the needs of individual children and families. In 2011 The Shepherd Centre gave a series of presentations entitled With Increased Knowledge comes Greater Challenges: Groups, Paths and Patterns, which explored the challenges and barriers faced when working with children and families, while also examining the impact of causal and family/community factors, including: – Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder – Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome – Cytomegalovirus – Meningitis – Re-implantation – Very young children – CI with significant residual hearing – English as a second language – Socio-economic status The spoken language outcomes from over 150 children who accessed The Shepherd Centre’s Early Intervention Program were analysed. Results showed individual variability in their listening, vocabulary and language development over time. In depth case reviews were also conducted on these children to examine the potential impact of the above factors. Positive and negative factors to progress were identified, as were successful strategies to reduce the impact of those negative factors.

The focus of this research was to further identify how clinicians and organisations must adapt to the complex and changing individual and family needs of each child with a hearing loss. Findings and results from this research have directly helped to shape and improve programs and services at The Shepherd Centre.

Lean Despite limited resources, there has been an everincreasing demand for The Shepherd Centre programs and services, and as such, there has been a clear need for The Shepherd Centre to improve and streamline service delivery. The Shepherd Centre has therefore embraced the principles of ‘Lean ’, a process which increases efficiencies and creates better value for our children and families by eliminating waste issues such as wait times and double handling. Lean improvements have focused on clinical reports, clinical templates, process maps for the Early Intervention program, streamlining for Better Start funding, assessment appointments and the setup of clinical rooms. The positive results so far have indicated 23 per cent extra capacity for assessment bookings and appointments; a 38 per cent reduction in assessor time per child; and a 48 per cent reduction per child in assessor administration time. Applying the Lean approach to clinical reporting demonstrated a projection of over 80% reduction in the time spent completing an assessment report and up to a 94% possible reduction in the overall time frame taken. All of which means our Clinical Team will be able to better utilise their time and resources to continue to offer vital support to new and existing children and families in our program.

presentations

project papers & conference presentations The Shepherd Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clinical staff presented the following outcomes at a range of local and international scientific meetings in 2011.

19 papers were presented at conferences in 2011. Conference

Location

# presentations/posters

National Disability Services NSW State Conference

Sydney, Australia

1 presentation

ESPCI2011 - 10th European Symposium on Athens, Greece Paediatric Cochlear Implantation

5 presentations

AG Bell 2011 Listening & Spoken Language Symposium Washington, USA

1 workshop 1 panel representative

CI2011 - 13th Symposium on Cochlear Chicago, USA Implants in Children

2 presentations 1 panel representative

6th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference

Freemantle, Australia

3 presentations

APSCI2011 - 8th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implants & Related Sciences

Daegu, Korea

4 presentations

In 2012, papers have been accepted for presentation at: Conference

Location

Speech Pathology Australia Hobart, Australia International Congress on Family Centred Austria Early Intervention 12th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and other implantable technologies

Baltimore, USA

12th Asia Pacific Conference on Deafness

Singapore

research papers presented in 2011 Abrahams, Y. (2011, October). Bilateral and bimodal cochlear implant users: A review of listening, speech and language outcomes. Paper presented at the 8th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implant and Related Sciences, Daegu Korea. Harvey, J. (2011, October). With increased knowledge comes greater challenges: Groups, paths and patterns. Paper presented at the 8th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implant and Related Sciences, Daegu Korea. Harvey, J (2011, October). Reaching out: Cochlear implant service provision and training for international and remote families and professionals. Paper presented at the 8th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implant and Related Sciences, Daegu Korea. Abrahams, Y. (2011, October). Implanting under 12 months: Why it’s worth considering – a review of medical, audiological, speech and language outcomes. Paper presented at the 8th Asia Pacific Symposium on Cochlear Implant and Related Sciences, Daegu Korea. Davis, A. (2011, July). Outcomes after EI: A changing landscape for expanding implantation criteria and service eligibility? Paper presented at the 13th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children, Chicago USA. Hopkins, T. (2011, July). Implanting under 12 months: Why it’s worth considering – a review of candidacy expansion. Paper presented at the 13th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children, Chicago USA. Davis, A. & Hopkins, T. (2011, July). Screening to school & beyond: Long term spoken language outcomes of children with cochlear implants. Poster presented at the 13th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children, Chicago USA. Davis, A. & Hopkins, T. (2011, July). Access & equity: Optimising outcomes for non English speaking and lower socio economic families. Poster presented at the 13th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children, Chicago USA. Davis, A. & Hopkins, T. (2011, July). With Increased Knowledge Comes Greater Challenges: Groups, Paths and Patterns. Workshop conducted at the AG Bell Symposium on Listening & Spoken Language, Washington USA.

presentations

project papers & conference presentations Abrahams, Y. (2011, May). Implanting under 12 months: Why it’s worth considering – A review of medical, audiological, speech and language outcomes. Paper presented at the 10th European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation, Athens Greece. Abrahams, Y. (2011, May). From screening to school: Long term audiological, speech and language outcomes. Paper presented at the 10th European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation, Athens Greece. Abrahams, Y. (2011, May). Outcomes after early intervention – an indication of a changing landscape for implantation and service eligibility. Paper presented at 10th European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation, Athens Greece. Fulcher, A. (2011, May). “Will I be able to chat with my child?” Can infants who receive cochlear implants under 15 months of age achieve age appropriate speech outcomes by age 3? Paper presented at 10th European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation, Athens Greece. Fulcher, A. (2011, May). Cochlear implantation under 18 months: Why are outcomes still not optimal? Strategies to “manage the mess”. Paper presented at 10th European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation, Athens Greece. Harvey, J. (2011, April). Long term audiological, speech & language outcomes after newborn hearing screening and early intervention: An indication of a changing landscape. Paper presented at the 6th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference, Perth Australia. Davis, A. (2011, April). Implanting under 12 months: Why it’s worth considering – A review of medical, audiological, speech and language outcomes. Paper presented at the 6th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference, Perth Australia. Harvey, J. & Beresford, S. (2011, February). Parents and professionals as partners: 40 years of striving for optimal outcomes. Paper presented at the National Disability Services NSW Annual State Conference, Sydney Australia.

the senior clinical team

helping children & Families

The Shepherd Centre has an international reputation as a centre of excellence and our multidisciplinary team has been recognised globally for its work in helping children with a hearing loss.

Aleisha Davis, Director of Clinical Programs Qualifications: BA/Bas; MPhil; MSLP; LSLS Cert AVT

Aleisha is Director of Clinical Programs and is a Certified Listening and Spoken Language Specialist and practicing Speech Pathologist. Aleisha joined The Shepherd Centre in 2003 after completing her Masters in Applied Linguistics at Cambridge University in the UK. Aleisha leads the Senior Clinical team to implement the programs across the centres, through the cross matrix multidisciplinary team of Listening & Spoken Language Specialist, Child & Family Counsellors, Researchers and Assessors. Aleisha is currently undertaking her PhD through Macquarie University and the Hearing CRC on Language Acquisition in Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hearing Loss and is looking forward to this contributing to improved intervention technologies and strategies for progression, and an evidence base for parents to guide their decision making.

Donna Sperandio, Principal Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Qualifications: Dip Tch (Early Childhood); Dip EOD, MEd; LSLS Cert AVT

Since 1997, Donna has delivered therapy to children with hearing impairment throughout New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Donna completed her Masters in Education (Hearing Impairment) at the University of Melbourne in 2002 and shortly afterwards attained her Auditory Verbal Therapy Certification. Donna joined The Shepherd Centre as Principal LSLS in 2011 and her key roles are clinical coordination and the training and mentoring of our Therapists. Her particular interests are in habilitation following cochlear implantation, the development of theory of mind in children with a hearing loss, and mentoring of auditory verbal therapists.

Sara Beresford, Principal Child & Family Counsellor Qualifications: BA (Applied Social Studies); Grad. Cert. Social Work & M Counselling

Sara started at The Shepherd Centre in October 2010 and has over 25 years of experience working with children and families. Sara works with families at our Liverpool Centre and occasionally at our other Centres. Her role is to manage our Child & Family Counsellors and further develop the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support services for children and families. Sara and the team offer support through individual and family counselling sessions, parent groups and by working closely with the rest of the multidisciplinary team, so families can achieve the best outcomes for their child.

Tracy Hopkins, Principal Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Qualifications: BSc, DipEd, MSLP, LSLS Cert AVT

Tracy is a Certified Listening & Spoken Language Specialist and Speech Pathologist who has been with The Shepherd Centre since she graduated with a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology in 2003. Tracy is responsible for developing our clinical programs including our ‘Little Listeners’ introductory program, Residential Workshop program and school aged support services. Tracy considers herself lucky to be able travel to all our centres and meet with many of our families.

Yetta Abrahams, Principal Audiologist Qualifications: BA (Linguistics); BHlthSc (Hg&Sp); MClinAud; MAudSA (CCP)

Yetta’s career as an Audiologist started at The Sydney Children’s Hospital in 2000 working in a diagnostic setting and assisting with the pilot project that preceded Universal Newborn Hearing Screening. Yetta joined The Shepherd Centre in 2008 as the Principal Audiologist and oversees the audiological management of children in the early intervention and school-aged cochlear implant programs. She is also very proud to manage the Centre’s First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program, which celebrates its 10 year anniversary in 2012.

the clinical team

helping children & Families Alice (Ali) Corlette, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Canberra Qualifications: BAppSc (Speech Path)

Ali has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology from the University of Sydney and prior to joining The Shepherd Centre in 2007, worked at The Lady Davidson Rehabilitation Hospital in Sydney and in a variety of early childhood settings and pre-schools. Ali has also worked overseas as a coordinator of a volunteers program for young adults in Israel.

Alison (Ali) Hersee, Child & Family Counsellor Roseville Qualifications: B.C.H.C (Psychotherapy); P.G. Soctt (D&A)

Alison Hersee has been involved with The Shepherd Centre since 2000 when she attended sessions at our Chatswood Centre (now Roseville) with her hearing impaired daughter. Inspired by what she saw and experienced, Ali left her former employer of almost 20 years to study Psychotherapy and Counselling, along with gaining accreditations in several parenting programs. Combining these qualifications with her experience as an ‘AVT parent’ has resulted in Ali working in her dream job with us as a Child & Family Counsellor.

Amber Monk, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Darlington Qualifications: BA (Ling & Psych)

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA in Psychology and Linguistics, Amber worked at two early intervention services, collaborating with some of the leading researchers in the field of cochlear implants, before bringing her skills to The Shepherd Centre in 2008.

Anne Fulcher, Certified Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Roseville Qualifications: BA; DipEd; MED; LSLS Cert AVT

Anne has worked with children who are deaf and hearing impaired for the last 37 years, after being introduced into the field as a tutor to Dr Bruce Shepherd’s two hearing impaired children whilst studying Maths at university. In 1993, Anne joined the Chatswood Shepherd Centre and was part of the management team which initiated The Shepherd Centre’s First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program. Anne is currently on leave completing her PhD: Speech Outcomes of Babies Diagnosed with Hearing Impairment at Birth.

Danielle Slack, Certified Senior Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Wollongong | Canberra Qualifications: BAppSc (Speech Path), LSLS Cert AVT Danielle began working at the Wollongong Centre in 2007 as an AV Therapist/Speech Pathologist and became the Wollongong Centre Manager in 2008. Danielle loves sharing her passion of cooking, singing and reading to guide parents in developing listening and spoken language skills with their children. Since attaining her AVT certification in 2010, Danielle has been passionate about promoting spoken language development with hearing impaired children to the communities around her.

Dinah Kraus, Assessments Coordinator All Centres Qualifications: BAppSc (Speech Path)

Dinah graduated from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) in 2009. She joined The Shepherd Centre in 2010 to administer Speech and Language Assessments to children in order to monitor improvements in their skills. Dinah became interested in working for The Shepherd Centre while at university and began volunteering at playgroup at Roseville and enjoys offering support to children and families across all our Centres.

Fiona Deeney, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Darlington Qualifications: Grad. Dip. (Speech & Language Therapy)

Fiona joined The Shepherd Centre in 2011 as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. In 2006 she completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Speech & Language Therapy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and worked as a Speech & Language Therapist before coming to Australia. Fiona also has experience working in early intervention and enjoys working closely with the children and their families at our Darlington Centre and the ability to put her skills into practice. Fiona is currently working towards her AVT certification.

Florencia Montes, Audiologist Roseville Qualifications: Bphonoaudiology, Maudsa (CCP)

Florencia completed her Masters in Audiology and Speech & Language Disorders at Buenos Aires University in 1998 and has over 13 years experience working in paediatric audiology in Australia and overseas. Florencia joined our audiology team at the Roseville Centre in 2011 and loves being able to help families move forward on their journey from diagnosis to then see their little ones learn how to listen and speak and achieve their very best.

the clinical team

helping children & Families Ha Thanh Lam, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Wollongong | Darlington Qualifications: BAppSci (Speech Path)

Ha discovered a love of working with children with hearing impairments and their families after completing a university practical at The Shepherd Centre in 2010. Upon graduating later in 2010 with a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Speech Pathology from The University of Sydney, Ha joined our Darlington team in 2011 as a Listening & Spoken Language Specialist and enjoys working in partnership with children and families to incorporate fun activities into AVT sessions for use in the home.

Ingrid Steyns, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Liverpool | Darlington Qualifications: BHSc (RehabClng), MSLP

After completing her Masters Degree in Speech and Language Pathology at The University of Sydney, Ingrid volunteered her time to support our Darlington centre. Inspired by the work that she saw, Ingrid joined The Shepherd Centre team as a Listening & Spoken Language Specialist to provide early intervention services to our children and families. Ingrid is passionate about working with children and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Jennifer Crane, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Liverpool Qualifications: BLibStud; MSLP

Jen completed her Masters of Speech and Language Pathology in 2009 and joined our Darlington team in 2010 as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist. Jen is now based at our Liverpool Centre and has enjoyed working closely with families in the region. She is also part of the ‘LEAN team’ at The Shepherd Centre and looks forward to rolling out a new ‘standard’ room structure across our centres. Jen is also working towards AVT certification at the end of this year.

Jenny O’Shannessy, Pre-School Director Wollongong Pre-School Qualifications: Dip. Teach; B. Education; Grad. Dip. Ed. (Early Childhood)

Jenny began working with The Shepherd Centre in Wollongong in 1990 as a Pre-School Teacher and in 1992 also started working in a mainstream school, supporting graduates of The Shepherd Centre. In 1999 Jenny worked as an AV Therapist at our Wollongong Centre and in 2003 worked part time with the DEET as an itinerant Teacher of the Deaf, supporting school aged children. Jenny now works three days a week at our Wollongong centre as the Pre-School Director and two days with DEET as a Grade 1 Teacher.

Jessika Evers, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Canberra Qualifications: BSc; MSLP

Jess graduated with a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology from Macquarie University in 2008. She worked as a Speech Pathologist in SA providing therapy for children with a range of sensory impairments before joining our Canberra Centre at the end of 2011. Jess enjoys working closely with our children and families and feels blessed that she has fulfilled her dream of working with children in therapy.

Joanna McAdam, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Roseville Qualifications: BA; MSLP

In 2006 Joanna completed a Masters in Speech & Language Pathology and during this time enjoyed a clinical placement at The Shepherd Centre. Joanna worked as a speech pathologist in the northern beaches before joining The Shepherd Centre in Roseville to specialise in Auditory-Verbal Therapy.

Katie Neal, Audiologist All Centres Qualifications: BA Sc (Ad), BHlth Sc (Hg&Sp), MClinAud, MAudSA (CCP)

Katie studied audiology at Macquarie University and graduated at the end of 2008. While studying she worked as a research assistant at Cochlear Ltd and as a hearing screener with the State-Wide Infant Screening-Hearing (SWISH) program. Katie joined The Shepherd Centre at the end of 2008 and enjoys working with families across all our centres.

Kristan Abela, Audiologist Darlington | Liverpool | Roseville Qualifications: BNurs; GradDip PHC; MAud; MAudSA (CCP)

Kristan graduated from Flinders University in South Australia with a Master of Audiology in 2010 and has experience in diagnostic and rehabilitation audiology. Before this, Kristan worked as a Paediatric Nurse and has worked with children and their families for 10 years. Kristan joined us in early 2012 and enjoys working within the multidisciplinary team at our Darlington, Roseville and Liverpool Centres.

the clinical team

helping children & Families Lerryn Baker, Speech Pathologist, Research & Assessments Roseville | Darlington Qualifications: MSLP

Lerryn became interested in research whilst completing a thesis for her Masters of Speech & Language Pathology at Macquarie University. She is also passionate about working with families and children, and has worked in the area of intellectual disability for five years, in both Australia and Ireland. Lerryn enjoys contributing to the research conducted at The Shepherd Centre to continue to improve outcomes for children with hearing impairment.

Linete Williams, Casula Pre-School Director Liverpool Qualifications: Diploma (Child Care)

Linete has worked in the Child Care industry for over 25 years and has a strong interest in the education and early development of children. Linete is committed to providing a quality early childhood learning experience for all children who attend our Liverpool Pre-School in Casula and has spent many years working with children who have a hearing loss in a pre-school environment.

Lisa Nailand, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Roseville Qualifications: BA (Speech & Hearing Therapy) (Hons)

Lisa graduated with a Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Speech and Hearing Therapy from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. Since moving to Australia in 1996, Lisa has worked as a speech pathologist mainly in private practice and joined the team at Roseville in 2008. Lisa feels that she has finally found her niche, being able to combine her love of speech pathology and audiology in the work she does.

Michelle Southgate, Child & Family Counsellor Darlington | Liverpool Qualifications: BA (Psychology); BSW; MA (Couple & Family Therapy)

Michelle joined The Shepherd Centre in July 2011 and brings 14 years of experience working with children and families in both Australia and the UK. Michelle is the Child and Family Counsellor (CFC) for our Darlington Centre where she works two days a week offering support, counselling and parenting groups. Michelle also provides CFC support to families at our Liverpool Centre one day each week.

Rashmi Hiriyur, Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Liverpool Qualifications: BSc (Audio & Speech Path); MSc (Audio & Speech Path)

Rashmi joined us in October 2009 and is a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist at our Roseville Centre. Rashmi has a dual degree in speech pathology and Audiology from the University of Mumbai in India. Prior to starting at The Shepherd Centre, Rashmi provided consultative services to various schools and preschools focusing on speech, language and literacy difficulties in children. Rashmi enjoys working closely with our families and is inspired by the family-centred practice and teamwork at The Shepherd Centre.

Renée Bennett, Child and Family Counsellor Wollongong Qualifications: BSW (hons), Grad.Cert in Management (General)

Renée has over 14 years experience working with children and families in Australia, the United Kingdom and Kosovo. Renée spent over 10 years working in a number of Sydney’s Tertiary Hospitals in the areas of Maternity, Paediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care. Renée joined The Shepherd Centre in early 2012 and is passionate about supporting families and building upon early bonding and attachment between children and their carers.

Samantha Arnison, Certified Listening & Spoken Language Specialist Roseville Qualifications: BAppSci (Speech Path) (Hons) LSLS Cert AVT

Samantha trained as a speech pathologist at The University of Sydney and completed one of her practicums at The Shepherd Centre. She began her career working in community health on Sydney’s North Shore before returning to The Shepherd Centre in 2006 to work at our Liverpool centre. In 2008, Samantha was Centre Manager of our Roseville Centre and also received her certification in Auditory-Verbal Therapy.

Sheila Salunke, Listening and Spoken Language Specialist Darlington Qualifications: BAppSci (Speech Path); M. Applied Linguistics

Sheila worked as a practising Speech Pathologist for 13 years before joining The Shepherd Centre late 2011. Her role is to provide Auditory-Verbal Therapy and communication assessments to the children who come to The Shepherd Centre. Sheila brings with her experience in working within a functional service delivery model that empowers parents with the tools to develop their child’s listening and communication skills in all areas of their life.

the clinical team

helping children & Families Shellie Lavery, Audiologist Wollongong Qualifications: BSpHrgSc, MClinAud, MAudSA (CCP)

After graduating from Macquarie University in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Speech & Hearing Science and a Post Graduate degree in Master of Clinical Audiology, Shellie worked as an Audiologist at Australian Hearing in Wollongong until 2006. Whilst Shellie believes any work in rehabilitative audiology is rewarding, her passion is in paediatrics and she has a keen interest in implantable technologies which drove her to join The Shepherd Centre in 2006.

Tracy Daley, Pre-School Assistant Wollongong Pre-School Qualifications: Diploma in Community Services (Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services)

Tracy graduated with her Diploma of Community Services (Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Services) in 2001 and worked with children with special needs as a Child Care Worker in the K.U. community of Pre-Schools. Tracy joined our Wollongong Centre as Pre-School Assistant in 2004 and loves working with the children and organising special activities for them to participate in, learn and enjoy.

our Centres canberra Centre

With a potential lack of funding a concern in 2010, there was cause for much celebration this year as the Canberra Centre celebrated its 10 year anniversary and received funding from the government to continue its vital services. The Canberra Centre first opened its doors in May 2001, bringing much-needed services to families in the ACT. Prior to the opening of the centre, families were travelling to our Darlington Centre, often on a weekly basis, as well as attending our annual residential workshop. The Canberra Centre has brought The Shepherd Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Early Intervention Program, services and support much closer to home. The centre has helped over 78 families in the ACT and a special 10th Birthday Family Day was held at our Canberra Centre that brought together past and present families, donors, community members and local MPs including Katy Gallagher (Minister for Health and Industrial Relations) and Steve Doszpot (Shadow Minister for Disability). Ms Gallagher congratulated the centre on 10 years of success and remarked that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many children and their families in the Canberra region have seen the quality of their lives improve thanks to the tireless efforts of The Shepherd Centre.â&#x20AC;? The Canberra Centre also participated in the launch of the First Voice Cost Benefit Analysis at Parliament House in August. Melanie Cairns, the mother of one of our children, gave a touching personal account of the importance of Early Intervention at the launch, and spoke about the positive impact our program is having on her daughter Isabel who is profoundly hearing impaired. To read about the amazing support we received during Loud Shirt Day this year, please turn to page 61.

James

CANBERRA Centre In February 2008, Terry and Megan welcomed their first child James to the family. Passing his newborn hearing screening test, the couple happily took their little son home to settle into family life. At four months of age however, James unexpectedly contracted meningococcal meningitis, was put on life support and rushed from their home in Canberra to the Intensive Care Unit at the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. “For 13 weeks we stayed at his bedside taking each day at a time,” said mum, Megan. “We were told that hearing loss was a side effect of meningitis and our family were devastated when results of many hearing tests came back showing James had been left profoundly deaf. We spent many days crying and worrying about what life would hold for our little boy and how he may never hear the sound of our voice.” After a series of further tests and referrals, James was fitted with bilateral cochlear implants through The Shepherd Centre's First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program. “We had heard of cochlear implants but had no idea how they worked or what they looked like. I was totally overwhelmed the first time I saw one and what seemed like millions of different pieces of accompanying equipment. But The Shepherd Centre were so supportive and even organised for us to meet a previous graduate of their program. We learnt about her successful journey and this was so reassuring for us.” “Our family commenced weekly Auditory-Verbal Therapy sessions at The Shepherd Centre and the ‘7 sounds’ became a regular part of our lives! Fortunately my extended family were also very eager to learn the strategies taught to us and they practiced AVT techniques with James whenever

they were around him. I will always remember the time I was driving in the car with James and he came out with ‘B-B-Bus’ – each word he spoke was a milestone and we were so excited!” “It’s now four years since James started at the Canberra Centre and cochlear implants are an everyday part of life. James attends mainstream pre-school and has wonderful speech and language skills. He talks from the moment he wakes up, until the time he goes to bed and many people comment on how clear his speech is!” “If it wasn’t for the Shepherd Centre giving us the tools and techniques to teach our son spoken language, James would not be the success he is today. Every day James learns new words, is active, noisy - and sometimes even backchats! But it’s all these ‘normal’ everyday things that The Shepherd Centre has helped us achieve.”

Alessandro

Darlington Centre As many parents do when they first see their new born baby, Eda and Paul excitedly checked over their son Alessandro to make sure everything was as it should be. Their attention, however, was drawn to his right ear which hadn’t properly developed. “The term given to this condition is ‘Microtia’,” said Eda. “We’d never heard of this and my frustration grew when no-one could tell me anything about the condition. The next day, Alessandro underwent further tests to see if there were any other ‘conditions’. I knew from 'mother’s instinct' that he had a hearing loss in his right ear and soon my fears were confirmed." Eda and Paul made many phone calls and tried to find as much information as possible about Alessandro’s condition and his hearing loss. “I was told by many institutions that there was no help for Alessandro because he had a unilateral hearing loss and this was quite upsetting for us. Luckily, the school Principal at our eldest son’s school told us about The Shepherd Centre and that some of her students had learnt how to listen and speak there.” “Since joining The Shepherd Centre in January 2010 our family has never looked back. After meeting with the staff and therapists we felt an instant connection and knew that Alessandro was in the right place. The Shepherd Centre was a ‘family’, one who would care for our son and who would help children with a unilateral hearing loss.” Alessandro started therapy at 8 months of age and regularly attends playgroup sessions where he is able to socialise with other children who have a hearing loss. “He enjoys therapy and just can’t wait to go back because he has fun and learns new things at the same time.

In playgroup Alessandro loves singing songs, learning craft activities and interacting with the other children. It’s fantastic for him, but also for us as we make new friends with other parents, share hard times and support each other.” “The Shepherd Centre has been our saviour. They provide us with so many ideas to assist Alessandro with his listening and speech - he now speaks clearly and his language skills are developing so fast. We will never know how to repay them for the support and commitment they provide to my family. If we had a million dollars every year, we would give it to The Shepherd Centre, because every child deserves a chance in life.“

our Centres

Darlington Centre The Darlington Centre welcomed a number of special guests throughout 2011. These included The Hon. Jenny Macklin (Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs), Senator Jan McLucas (The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers) and The Hon. Tanya Plibersek (Member for Sydney and now Minister for Health), who joined guests and other dignitaries in July to launch the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $147 million Better Start for Children with Disability program. The initiative will allow thousands of families of children with disabilities, including eligible families from The Shepherd Centre, to register to receive up to $12,000 in Early Intervention services. The Hon. Andrew Constance (NSW Minister for Disability, pictured below), also visited our centre in July and announced additional state government funding of $100,000 towards our Early Intervention services. The Hon. Jillian Skinner (NSW Minister for Health) toured the Darlington Centre in September and announced $1.33 million in government funding to The Shepherd Centre and the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre to allow for the provision of much-needed cochlear implants for 38 deaf children on waiting lists.

our Centres liverpool Centre

Many new families joined the Liverpool Centre’s playgroup, greatly expanding it throughout 2011. New group learning programs such as ‘Little Laughs’– which helps parents learn strategies for listening, speech and language development though fun group and play activities – have proven to be a great success. Other programs include a listening and language development group for pre-school children called ‘Talk Time for Toddlers’, and a ‘School Readiness’ group that gives our graduating children a head start on skills they will need for mainstream school. An enormous thank you to The Quota Club, The Lions Club in Liverpool and BankWest for their continued support in 2011. The Quota Club gave generous donations towards the Early Intervention Program and made regular visits to the Centre to meet with children and families. The Lions Club provided ongoing support, donated new equipment to our Pre-school and built a new garden at the back of the Centre. While the BankWest group of amazing volunteers helped clean the Centre, built a new garden at the front of the Centre and donated beautiful framed pictures for staff and families to enjoy.

JESSICA

liverpool Centre In 2007, Jessica was diagnosed with severe hearing loss after her newborn hearing screening.

Jessica’s parents, Olivia and Peter, were dismayed and saddened when first told of their daughter’s hearing impairment. “For the first few months after Jessica’s birth, Peter and I had a hard time coming to terms with our daughter’s hearing loss and what the future may hold for her,” said Olivia. “Our sadness saw us go through many boxes of Kleenex tissues!” “Luckily, we found The Shepherd Centre in Liverpool (not so lucky for Kleenex!) and from the very first day we knew we had found the support we were looking for; educational support for both Jessica and the family, and emotional support for Peter and I.” During their time at the Liverpool Centre, Jessica's family undertook regular Auditory-Verbal Therapy sessions and were encouraged to use everyday routines as opportunities to help Jessica learn how to listen and speak. “’Tea? Tea? You can’t open the door with Tea!! But you can with a K-K-Key !’ - That took us about three months to master, but will stay with us forever,” smiles Olivia. “The Shepherd Centre has given us strong foundations to move forward, and Peter and I are able to integrate everything we’ve learnt at The Shepherd Centre into Jessica’s daily routine.” Both Peter and Olivia were very excited to see Jessica graduate in 2011 and go on to mainstream school. In 2012, Jessica will start kindergarten at her local Anglican College where she currently attends Prep School three days a week. “The Shepherd Centre has given us - and Jessica - the confidence and hope that everything will be ok. Thank you Shepherd Centre; you will always stay in our hearts.”

CHLOE

ROSEVILLE Centre After being diagnosed with a profound senorineural hearing loss in both of her ears, Chloe and her family joined the Roseville Centre in May 2011.

“My husband Scott and I were devastated, shocked and very upset.” said Chloe’s mum Jacqui. “We were most upset for Chloe, believing that she would not lead a normal life and would always need our, or someone else’s support.” Jacqui and Scott were referred to The Shepherd Centre by Australian Hearing. Coincidentally, Scott also went to university with the nephew of Bruce Shepherd, founder of The Shepherd Centre, and so the family knew they would be in good hands. “We joined The Shepherd Centre’s Early Intervention Program when Chloe was just four weeks old and discovered so many possibilities for her, including cochlear implants and how she would be able to live a normal life and achieve anything she wants. That was a big turnaround to our initial thought.” said Jacqui. In late 2011, Chloe was fitted with Cochlear Implants through the First Sounds Cochlear Implant Program, a joint initiative between The Shepherd Centre and the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. Since then, Chloe and her family have attended weekly AVT sessions with our Listening & Spoken Language Specialists and are impressed by Chloe’s listening and speech development.

“Chloe surprises us every day; whether it’s her picking up on faint background noises, such as an aeroplane in the sky, or listening to the birds and then watching them fly around in the air. She loves to bang things together to hear the noise, dance to music – and most of all – have fun with her big sister and playing peek-a-boo!”

“Through the AVT sessions and attendance at playgroup, Chloe is learning to respond to different sounds and is vocalising when interacting with people; her speech development is already age appropriate which is just amazing.”

“The Shepherd Centre is truly a fantastic organisation. We love the family-oriented nature, the supportive and friendly staff, and the lovely, positive atmosphere. From our first visit, through to Chloe’s surgery and the support we’ve received since, it’s just been absolutely tremendous.”

our Centres ROSEVILLE Centre

Anne Fulcher, our Centre’s Certified Listening & Spoken Language Specialist, gave a presentation on Cochlear Implantation in May at the European Symposium on Paediatric Cochlear Implantation in Athens. The symposium was an opportunity for experts from around the world to give lectures, workshops and presentations on the latest paediatric cochlear implantation research and achievements. 2011 also marked Anne’s 37th year working in the field of hearing loss. Anne was first introduced to the field working as a tutor to Dr Bruce Shepherd’s profoundly hearing-impaired children while she was studying at university. Congratulations and thank you Anne! The Roseville Centre has also been very lucky to receive generous volunteer support which has enabled us to utilise more of our time and resources with the families in our program. Our dedicated regular volunteers, Jenny Tait and Theresa Spraggon, have been instrumental in making our weekly playgroup sessions a special and enjoyable time for all our children and families. Jenny has volunteered her time at our Roseville Centre for an incredible 25 years – another amazing long-term story of support for The Shepherd Centre. We would also like to thank Deloitte and Westfield for their continued support during 2011. For more information about how these organisations are supporting The Shepherd Centre, please turn to page 59.

our Centres

Wollongong Centre The Sing & Grow music development program brought a lot of music, laughter and joy to the Wollongong Centre in 2011. The program encourages families to sing and play percussion instruments, which increases positive interactions within the family, enhances a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development, builds social support networks and increases parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; confidence to use music as play in the home. To celebrate Hearing Awareness Week , a special Open Day was held in August where staff met with families, itinerant teachers, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, Department of Education & Training Hearing Support Teachers and community dignitaries. Visitors were taken on a tour of our centre and witnessed Auditory-Verbal Therapy demonstration sessions to better understand the work we do with our families. Special thanks go to the Corrimal Leagues Club whose generous donation of $3,000 will help us in our work with children and families in the Illawarra area. Thank you also to TopNosh for generously providing catering on the day. We would like to say a very special thank you and a sad farewell to Toni Sellars who has retired from her position as Playgroup Volunteer after 15 years of outstanding commitment and service to our playgroup children and families. We miss you and wish you all the best for the future.

eden

Wollongong Centre In April 2011, Rachelle and Graeme welcomed a beautiful baby girl called Eden to the family. During the first few days of being in hospital, Eden was found to have a hearing loss. This was later confirmed by audiologists at The Sydney Children’s Hospital where Eden was diagnosed with a moderate to severe bi lateral hearing loss. “We were both a little sad and I definitely had a few tears. But within a few days we had so much support flowing to us from both friends and family, and once we learnt of the services available to us, we saw the hope that our little girl was going to be just fine.” said Rachelle. Eden was fitted with hearing aids at 7 weeks. Rachelle and Graeme chose the colour purple for them due to the colour’s strong spiritual connection. “When the aids arrived and we put them on Eden she was too cute for words. With this done, we now needed to connect with the support around us and so we called The Shepherd Centre. We were kindly invited to attend their residential program in Newcastle. Thank goodness for my mum who dropped everything and jumped in the car to join us on the 5 hour road trip with a 2 month old!” “Since the invaluable workshop we’ve never looked back. The staff, families and children we met in those three days confirmed in our minds that The Shepherd Centre was the place for our family. They provide us and Eden with educational support through AVT sessions and on those days – lots of emotional support as well.” “They provide us with endless amounts of ideas, games and activities to keep Eden, now one year of age, entertained while learning and developing her speech and listening

– this is absolute magic in my books. Eden’s language skills are developing at an amazing rate and we couldn’t be happier or more thankful. Eden loves her sessions with Danielle and has recently enjoyed cakes, face painting, singing, playing and dancing at the Wollongong Centre’s Open Day.” “We have a few more years until Eden starts attending ‘Big School’, but with The Shepherd Centre at our side – graduation day 2016 here we come!” “Thank you to everyone at The Shepherd Centre for your continued hard work, friendly faces and for being a ‘safe port’ for our family.”

our centreS

pre–schools

Our Pre-School program focuses on all areas of children’s early development and education. Our staff develop and implement an educational program which focuses on the individual needs of each child, including socialisation skills, language, cognition, fine and gross motor skills, music and craft activities. In 2011, Pre-School staff have worked hard to ensure the Pre-Schools meet the new ‘Education and Care Services, National Regulations’, coming into force as of January 2012. The Pre-School team have been reviewing policies and program delivery in light of the government’s new Early Years Learning Framework; an ongoing process which will bring new energy into our Pre-School environment.

Casula Pre-School Liverpool It was another busy year at our Casula Pre-School with 12 children graduating to commence primary school in 2012. The children sang songs and enacted a fairy tale during the graduation ceremony and then donned their graduation gowns to receive their graduation certificates and medals. A highlight during the year was our ‘Pirate Day’ where staff and children dressed as pirates and enjoyed a treasure hunt in the Pre-School’s sandpit. Thanks to all the families for dressing up and making the day so much fun. We’d also like to thank The Lions Club Liverpool for donating bench seats, book cases and a worm farm during the year – all of which the children thoroughly enjoy.

Wollongong Pre-School Wollongong Our Wollongong Centre caught the ‘Junior Masterchef’ bug this year as Pre-School Assistant Tracy Daly infused her love of cooking into activities with the children. During International Food Week the frying pan was often bubbling and sizzling as children helped prepare a different dish each day. The children learnt about measuring, counting , colour and temperature – all while having lots of fun. This year seven children graduated to go on to ‘Big School’ and the special occasion was celebrated with a BBQ with parents, siblings and grandparents. During the evening we shared stories about successes during the year and finished with a graduation cake, cut by the parents of the graduating children on going to ‘big school'.

PRofile:

Jenny O’Shannessy

Wollongong Pre-School Director Jenny O’Shannessy first heard about The Shepherd Centre from a teaching friend who approached her about a small ‘neighbourhood activity group’ being held in a house in Figtree, near Wollongong.

The small group was part of The Shepherd Centre for Hearing Impaired Children and Jenny was asked to apply for a part-time position. Jenny decided she would. 21 years later, Jenny is still with The Shepherd Centre and proud to be the Director of our Wollongong Pre-School. Jenny has seen many changes in those 21 years. “Even shortly before my time, The Shepherd Centre was being run out of a caravan!” Jenny said. “We have gone from buildings that we outgrew, to purpose-built centres that support audiology, seminars and graduation ceremonies. We have a bustling head office with multidisciplinary teams and various professionals to support our children and families.” But there is one moment that will always remain with Jenny: “Seeing my first switch-on [turning on a child's cochlear device]. It was so amazing to see the child hear for the first time and then the reaction of the parents in seeing this. It’s a very special and emotional time for everyone.” “Another fantastic highlight for me is receiving emails from our international families who have left PreSchool to return home and who want to stay in touch. I love hearing from them and seeing photos of their wonderful white Christmas.”

In terms of the future, Jenny is looking forward to continuing on as Pre-School Director and working closely with the Pre-School team to ensure that children continue to have access to a quality early childhood education with a focus on communication, language, and social and emotional development; in-line with the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care.

Renovations

at Liverpool and Wollongong Centres Due to the demands of an increasing number of enrolments in our Early Intervention Programs and after decades of good use, renovations to our Liverpool and Wollongong centres commenced in 2011. The renovations aim to enhance each Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to provide an engaging environment for children and families, and include :

- Improved layouts with new storage and furniture solutions to increase space. - New lighting fixtures. - Freshly painted walls in child-friendly colours. -M ulti-purpose rooms that can be utilised for therapy, CFC and other clinical purposes. The Shepherd Centre would like to thank Westfield Group Designers who were very generous in volunteering their time and expertise to assist us in selecting appropriate colour schemes, layout designs and architectural plans for the renovations. In addition, we would like to acknowledge and thank the Sargents Charitable Foundation for helping to fund part of the Liverpool Centre renovations. We look forward to completing these renovations and welcoming our children and families to an even nicer atmosphere at these centres in 2012.

Australian Hearing Hub Macquarie

Building has commenced on the unique, world-class centre of excellence, The Australian Hearing Hub. December 2012 will see the opening of a brand new Shepherd Centre within The Australian Hearing Hub, located on Macquarie Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus in North Ryde. The Australian Hearing Hub is a specially-designed, purpose-built centre for excellence in hearing research, therapy and clinical support. Australia already leads the way in many of these areas and being part of The Australian Hearing Hub will give The Shepherd Centre a key role in continuing to improve outcomes for children with a hearing impairment locally and globally. We are proud to provide services and work alongside other leading organisations such as Cochlear Ltd, Australian Hearing, The National Acoustics Laboratory and the specialised Macquarie University Faculty. With a brand new centre, however, comes additional costs and resource requirements. Our Fundraising Team are set to work diligently throughout 2012 to source funding and resources to support this new, state-of-the-art centre and we look forward to updating supporters on its progress throughout 2012.

FUNDRAISING and communications

connecting children & FAMILIES TO THOSE WHO CARE

In a year marked by financial hardship and uncertainty for so many, we have been moved by the generosity shown by our supporters and the community in 2011. Despite tough economic conditions The Shepherd Centre raised $2,697,526 in gross fundraising revenue (including bequests) in 2011 to ensure our programs and services continue across our five centres, an increase of over 40% compared to 2010. We are especially touched by those who made an ongoing commitment to The Shepherd Centre by making regular monthly donations or left a gift to The Shepherd Centre in their Will.

Fundraising Revenue Sources (excluding bequests) 2011

With an increase in the number of children and families who turn to The Shepherd Centre for help, comes the need to source increased funding to keep our programs and services running. During the year The Shepherd Centre expanded its Fundraising and Communications Team to welcome: Moana Wood as Fundraising Manager; Berthe Youakim as Grants Manager and Duncan Knight as Key Relationships Manager. During 2012 The Shepherd Centre will implement a new Communications Strategy with the key objective of raising awareness of The Shepherd Centre and to further engage with parents/carers, donors, health professionals, the government and the wider community. Amongst other priorities, there will also be a focus on strengthening communications through a new Shepherd Centre website, increased social media presence and regular eBlasts.

39% 23% 10% 14% 11% 4%

Trusts and Foundations Direct Mail Corporate Events Other Major Gifts

FUNDRAISING and COMMUNICATIONS

DIRECT MAIL APPEALS

During the year The Shepherd Centre sent various appeals to supporters sharing some of the success stories of children and families from across our centres. We received many donations and letters of support in response to the story we shared in January about Rory as he headed off to big school after graduating from The Shepherd Centre with age appropriate skills and language. In April, donors and supporters were especially touched by our appeal featuring another child in our program, Sophie. This appeal raised an amazing $180,000, which meant that we were able to follow through with our plan to reduce the levy for parents by more than half. Due to the overwhelming response and number of donations, The Shepherd Centre was also able to offer families facing financial hardship a further reduction in the levy, ensuring as many children as possible with a hearing impairment

could access services, no matter what their financial circumstances. Lastly, in October we shared Liam's 12 days of Christmas story. We had so many generous supporters making a donation to help give the gift of sound and speech to deaf and hearing impaired children. Thank you for making it possible for kids to learn to listen and speak. Overall, Direct Mail contributed 23% of fundraising revenue excluding bequests in 2011. Our Direct Mail program is critical in supporting our programs and services, and our families. As only 30% of our fundraising comes from government grants, The Shepherd Centre relies heavily on donations received through our direct mail program and as such we would like to thank all our donors in 2011 for making a real difference to the lives of the children and families who come to The Shepherd Centre.

supporting our work

bequests & MAJOR GIFTs

Bequests and major gifts have always been incredibly important to The Shepherd Centre – over the years they have often meant the difference between having to reduce services, or being able to maintain them.

In 2011, our programs and services benefited from over $900,000 in additional funding due to the generosity of selfless supporters leaving a donation to The Shepherd Centre in their Will. Their kindness has enabled us to fund more life-changing programs and services to children and families who come to The Shepherd Centre. We look forward to thanking those supporters who have included The Shepherd Centre in their Will with centre tours and special functions in 2012. To respect the wishes of those who want to remain anonymous, listed below are just some of the donors and friends who supported The Shepherd Centre in 2011:

Friends of The Shepherd Centre Dr Johnstone M. Allingham J & G Bedwell Mrs Tess Page Mr John Reed Mrs Janette Matchett Mark & Lynne Osborne Dr Susan Stevens Miriam Hopkins

our life-changing programs and services to children and their families, via support through major gifts and people who leave a gift to The Shepherd Centre in their Will. When asked about his favourite moment at The Shepherd Centre in 2011, Duncan said: “A highlight so far was being invited to our Residential Workshop for rural and remote families in Bateman’s Bay,”said Duncan. “Meeting the children and their families, spending time with them and listening to their trials and tribulations, their joys and successes, reminded me of why we as staff are here – to support the children and their families so the kids have the same opportunities in life as their hearing peers.” “ My goal, and that of our team, is to help increase awareness of The Shepherd Centre in the community, which will not only lead to more support, but will allow for more families and future generations to have access to the vital services we provide.”

Profile : Duncan Knight, Key Relationships Manager Duncan Knight joined The Shepherd Centre in 2011 as Key Relationships Manager. As a member of the fundraising team he assists the development and nurturing of relationships with new and existing supporters. As the majority of The Shepherd Centre’s required funding comes from the generosity of the community, Duncan’s role is pivotal in ensuring that we are able to continue to provide

Duncan Knight

Friends of The Shepherd Centre are individuals who have made a provision in their Will to benefit future generations of children who come to The Shepherd Centre. If you would like to speak to Duncan about leaving a gift to The Shepherd Centre in your Will, or making a donation, please call us today on 02 9351 7888.

supporting our work

trusts & foundations In 2011 we welcomed Berthe Youakim to The Shepherd Centre as Grants Manager. Berthe’s role is to secure vital support from various institutions such as trusts, foundations, philanthropic organisations and through corporate sponsorships.

Through their generous financial or in-kind support, organisations such as those mentioned below have allowed The Shepherd Centre to continue its programs and services, and have made a significant impact on our mission to help children who are deaf and hearing impaired learn how to listen and speak.

Rural and Remote Program, Residential Workshops The ability for us to be able to offer three additional residential workshops in 2011 would not have been possible without the support of Westfield who sponsored the program for one full year, plus additional funding received from the Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Grant and The Marian & E.H. Flack Trust - all of whom we thank dearly for their generosity.

Video Conferencing & Communications Technology Thanks to the John Bedwell Foundation and Secombe Endowment via Perpetual Foundation, our centres across NSW and ACT will benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art video conferencing and communications equipment in 2012. Amongst many things, the new systems will: foster better information sharing and communication between our centres and to external agencies; allow our Clinical Team to view and interact during therapy sessions across any of our centres; and increase our ability to offer teleintervention and telepractice to rural and remote families.

Enhancing our Audiological Equipment Cortical Analysers permit audiologists to gauge the

hearing ability of infants and children who aren’t yet able to communicate verbally. Cortical measurements have only been available to audiologists with access to expensive research laboratory equipment. Due to funding received from the Sargents Charitable Foundation, The Shepherd Centre now has two new cortical analysers, allowing our audiologists to ensure that children who are fitted with hearing devices are gaining the best access to sound.

The Shepherd Centre would like to also sincerely thank the following Trusts & Foundations who helped to fund our Early Intervention Program in 2011: Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Tenix Foundation Australian Stockbroker Foundation Wilson HTM Foundation Lord Mayors Charitable Fund The Shaw Family Foundation The Children’s Help Foundation ASX Thomson Reuters Foundation Jacobs Charitable Trust Corrimal Leagues Club Limited Nell and Hermon Slade Trust The Bill & Patricia Ritchie Foundation The R A Gale Foundation

Supporting Our Work

Westfield Give Ability.

Corporate Volunteers

The Shepherd Centre is very grateful for the volunteer support received from a number of caring organisations and their employees in 2011, including:

Westfield Give Ability Day Deloitte Impact Day.

Through the Westfield Give Ability community program, our Roseville and Darlington Centre families enjoyed a very special day at the Chatswood and Sydney City Westfield shopping centres. Children enjoyed face painting and activities with Westfield staff.

Deloitte Impact Day Deloitte Dream Team visited the Roseville and Darlington Centres during the year to help beautify our gardens and assist with the archiving and translating of documents.

National Australia Bank A big thank you to the volunteers from National Australia Bank who kindly offered their help at our Graduation Ceremony entertaining the children with games and activities during the day.

United Way Christmas Donations

Staff from NAB.

Thanks to the generosity of United Way, our end of year Christmas celebrations were made even more special with Christmas gifts donated to children across all our five centres. By working in partnership with The Shepherd Centre, companies can make a lasting impression to both the public and their employees, invigorating their company and changing children's futures. For more information please contact Berthe on 02 9351 7888. United Way Christmas.

Our Fun Events

Loud Shirt Day Loud Shirt Day is the loudest day of the calendar year! It’s when children, families, grandparents, corporates and individual supporters inject colour, craziness and fun into their day by wearing a loud t-shirt, tie, socks – you name it - to raise funds for children across Australia who are deaf and hearing impaired.

It was wonderful to see so many passionate supporters enjoying Loud Shirt Day in October 2011 – from students holding mufti days with donations to The Shepherd Centre to community groups holding local fundraising BBQs and corporate Australia casting aside their work attire to show off their most garish loud shirts. Together you raised over $130,000 for our children and families! Thanks to your support and generosity, you’ve helped open the door for children who are deaf and hearing impaired to a life in the world of speech and sound, and given them the opportunity for a full education with the ability to reach their full potential. Displayed on this page is a fabulous photo of the Cairns and Denny families’ Loud Shirt Golf Day event to support the Canberra Shepherd Centre. Both these families

attend the Centre and encouraged many local businesses and community members to take part in the golf day, raising an amazing $30,000! A special thank you to corporate sponsor Caltex for their generous support of Loud Shirt Day and for helping us make the event bigger and brighter in 2011. We’d also like to thank Shirt Bar for generously hosting the 2011 launch of Loud Shirt Day in Sydney at their city CBD store. The next Loud Shirt Day will take place on 19 October 2012 – so grab your favourite fluoro feather boa, radiant rainbow headband or most ludicrous loud shirt and get LOUD for hearing impaired and deaf children across Australia ! For more information visit www.loudshirtday.com.au or register your interest at enquiries@shepherdcentre.org.au or 1800 020 030.

the shepherd centre australian

father of the yeaR AWARDS

Most children think their father is the best dad in the world – and rightly so. The vital role fathers play in the development and wellbeing of their children is certainly something to celebrate. Since 1957, The Australian Father’s Day Council has presented the Australian Father of the Year award to distinguished Australian fathers who are known to be devoted dads and who have also gained considerable acknowledgement for their career and leadership. After almost 40 years, the Father’s Day Council decided to cease activities in 1996, due to time and administrative constraints. Dr Bruce Shepherd, the proud Australian Father of the Year 1991, learned of the intent and intervened. Since then, The Shepherd Centre along with The Australian Father’s Day Council, present two distinguished awards to two outstanding fathers in recognition of their achievements and contribution to family and community life. In 2011, Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Angus Houston was awarded the 2011 Australian Father of the Year and Allan Dabbagh was awarded the 2011 NSW Community Father of the Year at the annual Father of the Year Awards Luncheon held on Friday 26 August 2011 at the Sydney Opera House.

Allan Dabbagh, Community Father of the Year Allan Dabbagh was nominated by his daughter Soriah for the NSW Community Father of the Year for being a “super dad” and a “superhero” to their community. Mr Dabbagh, a local Real Estate owner based in Wattle Grove in western Sydney, founded Locals against Graffiti and Gangs (L.A.G.G); supported his wife during her battle with breast cancer; and still manages to spend quality time with his two children Aiden 20 and Soriah 18. Mr Dabbagh established L.A.G.G three years ago as a result of a growing incidence of graffiti vandalism in Sydney. It is a community group that looks at social issues and works with local Councils, Police and Governments towards promoting a zero tolerance policy on graffiti.

Air Chief Marshal, Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d) Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Angus Houston is Australia’s second longest serving Chief of the Defence Force, having served for six years. The father of three and grandfather of two has played an integral role in the Australian Defence Force, successfully serving under two Governments. Despite an impressive and demanding career, Air Chief Marshal Houston, has always made his family a priority and believes fatherhood is a never ending sense of fulfilment.

Angus Houston

Allan Dabbagh

We’d like to sincerely thank our event partner Cumberland Newspapers for their continued support of the Awards. In addition we’d like to thank our 2011 sponsors: Cochlear Ltd.; Australian Securities Exchange; Pages Exhibition, Events, Lighting & AV; Event Cinemas Parramatta; Angus & Coote; Taronga Conservation Society; Herringbone; Bridge Climb; Dial an Angel; Gallane Portraits and Shoal Bay Resort & Spa.

get involved

How you can help The Shepherd Centre and our children & Families One in 300 Australian children have a significant hearing impairment by the time they are ready for school. With your support, The Shepherd Centre can help these children to learn how to listen and speak and fully participate in the hearing world. More than 90% of our graduates go on to attend a mainstream primary school, most with communication skills similar to typical hearing children. However, this success comes at a significant cost - approximately $16,000 for a child to attend one year of an intensive Early Intervention Program, the vast majority of which The Shepherd Centre must cover through fundraising.

Make a Donation Donations can be made over the phone or through our website on the details at the bottom of this page. Cheque donations are welcomed, please make payable to:

The Shepherd Centre PO Box 871 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.

Become a Corporate Partner/Sponsor There are many ways your organisation can support The Shepherd Centre. For example, sponsor one of our national events, donate a percentage of your product sales or services and encourage your staff to hold fundraising events or volunteer their help in other ways. You could also choose to nominate The Shepherd Centre as the recipient of proceeds from industry golf days or fundraising dinners.

Support us through payroll giving Donating through payroll giving is efficient and tax effective. It eliminates the need to collect receipts and the wait to claim tax refunds. Through this program, the sum an employee wishes to donate to The Shepherd Centre is deducted from their pre-tax wage each time they are paid.

Take part in our Events The Shepherd Centre holds a number of fundraising events each year including Loud Shirt Day and Australian Father of the Year. You can get involved and help raise funds by participating in our events or by planning your own â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit our website for ideas and further information.

Leave a Bequest There is no better way to be remembered than to help give children the gift of speech. By leaving a gift in your Will to The Shepherd Centre, you are helping to ensure that hearing impaired children today and in the future, will have the opportunity to live a full and rewarding life and be able to reach their full potential in the hearing world.

Volunteer Donate your time and make a difference! Volunteer at one of our five centres â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in our office or at one of our fundraising events. For more information about any of the above, please contact The Shepherd Centre on 1800 020 030 or email enquiries@shepherdcentre.org.au

www.shepherdcentre.org.au

our

operationS Governance A Board of Directors governs The Shepherd Centre and is comprised of one Chairman and five Directors whose knowledge and expertise ensures that The Shepherd Centre: – A chieves objectives in line with the organisation’s Strategic Plan – Complies to all relevant laws and regulations – Continues to meet financial and management performance expectations For biographical profiles of our Board Members, please turn to page 70.

employees, families and visitors. An independent WHS audit conducted during the year by The Australian Federation of Employers & Industries found no fundamental flaws at any of our centres.

Applying our financial resources The graph below shows the allocation of financial resources by The Shepherd Centre in 2011. Expenditure in these areas is vital in order for The Shepherd Centre to continue to change the lives of hearing impaired children and their families, and to invest in attracting new donors and supporters.

The Shepherd Centre uses the guidelines as set out in the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations established by the Australian Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Council as a basis for its governance arrangements. The Shepherd Centre is not a listed company and has no obligation to adopt these principles but is committed to good corporate governance and transparency.

Operations Team The Shepherd Centre formally established an Operations Team during 2011, consolidating the key services areas of Finance & Administration, Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology and Workplace Health & Safety. The newly formed Operations Team contributed significantly to the progress of key projects in the area of corporate services at The Shepherd Centre.

Workplace Health & Safety In 2011 our WHS Committee continued to address and improve Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) practices to ensure continued safety for The Shepherd Centre’s

11% Administration Expenses 17% Fundraising Expenses 72% Clinical Programs and Stakeholder Communications

BOARD

OF PATRONs

The Board of Patrons was established by the Board of Directors to give The Shepherd Centre access to a group of individuals who would publicly endorse the work of the Centre and offer advice on specific issues. This group has no statutory or governance responsibility.

The Charter of the Board of Patrons is : “ To assist and support the work of The Shepherd Centre through the endorsement of the Centre in the general community, with potential benefactors and with government. At times it may be asked to assist with introductions to people and organisations that may in turn support The Shepherd Centre.”

Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Official Patron

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, Companion of the Order of Australia, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia. Dr Brendan Nelson Dr Nelson is currently Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO. He served in the Australian Parliament as the Member for Bradfield from 1996 to 2008 and was the Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party from November 2007 until September 2008. Mr Maurice Newman AC Former Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Newman is an Advisor to the Marsh Group of Companies; a Director of the Queensland Investment Corporation; Honorary Chair of the Macquarie University Foundation; Chairman of The Australian Fathers’

Day Council; Chairman of the Taronga Foundation; and Director of The Bradman Foundation. Mr John Fraser Mr Fraser was appointed as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Asset Management Business Group of UBS in late 2001. Prior to that, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of UBS Asset Management and head of Asia Pacific, and Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SBC Australia Funds Management Ltd from 1994 to 1998.

Ms Cathy Harris AO PSM Ms Harris currently holds the positions of Director of The National Gallery Foundation; Director of the Australian School of Business UNSW; and Commissioner of the Australian Rugby League and Honorary Consul General for Bhutan. Mr John Mangos Popular television newsman John Mangos has been a familiar face on Australian television for almost thirty years. Mr Mangos is currently a news reader with SBS and is a media trainer, master of ceremonies and seminar mediator.

Associate Professor Jim Patrick Associate Professor Jim Patrick was one of the original engineers pioneering the development of the multi-channel cochlear implant and is recognised as a world authority on cochlear implants. He led the successful development of “UMDOLEE”, the ten channel cochlear implant developed by the Departments of Otolaryngology and Electrical Engineering.

Mr Paul Roos AFL premiership-winning coach Paul Roos is one of Australia’s most admired sporting personalities. A former coach of the Sydney Swans and current Head Coach of the Swans Academy, Mr Roos is a newspaper columnist and professional speaker, and is regarded as one of Australia’s leading motivational keynote presenters.

The Shepherd Centre

Concise Financial Statements

ABN 61 000 699 927

The Contents For the Year Ended 31 December 2011 Concise Financial Statements

Page

Directors' Report

Auditors Independence Declaration

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Changes in Equity

Cash Flow Statement

Notes to the Concise Financial Statements

Directors' Declaration

Independent Auditor's Report

The Shepherd Centre

DIRECTOR's REPORT ABN 61 000 699 927

Your directors present their report on the company for the financial year ended 31 December 2011. Directors The names of the directors in office at any time during, or since the end of, the year are:

Mr Michael H Shepherd Dr Hugh W Torode Hon. Robert J Webster Mr Philip Rossi Mr Chris Ladas Mr Peter W Mattick Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless otherwise stated.

Principal Activity The principal activities of The Shepherd Centre during the financial year was to help deaf and hearing impaired children reach their language, listening and speech potential and integrate into their local community, school and the hearing world. No significant change in the nature of these activities occurred during the financial year.

Short term objectives The company's short term objectives are to: The short-term objectives of The Shepherd Centre are to further enhance our clinical programs ( in terms of both scope and access ), along with improvements to our fundraising and overall financial results. In the longer term our objective is to continue to improve the range, quantity and quality of our clinical services so that we can work toward our vision of every child with hearing loss achieving the best spoken language they are capable of, whilst maintaining the financial viability of the charity through balancing continued clinical expansion with the maintenance of prudent financial reserves.

Long term objectives The company's long term objectives are to: The vision of The Shepherd Centre is that every child with hearing loss is able to achieve the best spoken language they are capable of, so they can achieve their full potential in the world. We work to achieve this vision by helping these children with a multidisciplinary program of Auditory-Verbal Therapy, audiological services including a cochlear implantation program, and counseling support. Our aim is to be the best in the world in terms of the standard of our programs and the outcomes being achieved by the children.

Strategy for achieving the objectives To achieve these objectives, the company has adopted the following strategies: To achieve these objectives we will continue to invest into the quality of our clinical programs (with a strong focus on multidisciplinary practice to support our children developing their potential), and communication programs (including cultivation of our supporters).

Members guarantee The Shepherd Centre is a company limited by guarantee. In the event of, and for the purpose of winding up of the company, the amount capable of being called up from each members and any person or association who ceased to be a member in the year prior to the winding up, is limited to $ 20 for members that are corporations and $ 20 for all other members, subject to the provisions of the company's constitution. At 31 December 2011 the collective liability of members was $ 140.

The Shepherd Centre

DIRECTOR's REPORT ABN 61 000 699 927

Director Information Mr Michael H Shepherd Chairman (Non-executive)

Hon. Robert J Webster Director (Non-executive)

Qualifications

Senior Fellow and Life Member of Financial Services Institute of Australasia Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Member of the Australian Institute of Management Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Experience First appointed November 1985; Chair Finance and Audit Committee; Director HFA Holdings Ltd; Vice Chairman Australian Stock Exchange Ltd (1988-2007); Chairman Australian Hearing Services Authority (1998-2006); National President of Financial Services Institute of Australasia (20052008); Member of Responsible Entity Compliance Committee for UBS Global Asset Management (Australia) Ltd Dr Hugh W Torode Director (Non-executive) Qualifications Bachelor of Medicine (Melbourne University) Bachelor of Surgery (Melbourne University) Fellow Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Experience First appointed March 1994

Experience First appointed 15 July 2005; Member of Finance and Audit Committee; Senior Client Partner in the Sydney office of Korn/Ferry International and Head of the Financial Services Team. Previously spent five years as Executive Director of the International Banks and Securities Association of Australia; Director of Alliance Australia Ltd; Director Brickworks Ltd; Director Viridis Investment Management Ltd; past Director of the ASX ASTC; past Director of Questacon (The National Science and Technology Centre); past Director of Mirvac Group Ltd; past Director Macquarie Generation; Elected National party MP for Goulburn in 1984; Former Minister in the Greiner Government 1989; Elected to the Legislative Council of NSW in 1991

Mr Philip Rossi Director (Non-executive)

Mr Peter W Mattick Director (Non-executive)

Qualifications

UTS High Certificate Engineering

Bachelor of Commerce Fellow of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Experience First appointed May 2008; Member of Finance and Audit Committee; Director of Tapex Pty Ltd; Director of Hatbands Pty Ltd; Director of Envirotex Pty Ltd; past Director of Mary Rossi Travel Pty Ltd; past Director of Multapex Pty Ltd; past Director of Australian Commercial Company Pty Ltd Mr Chris Ladas Director (Non-executive) Qualifications Parent Representative to Board Experience

Experience First appointed February 2010; Co-founder and Director of Salmat; Director of HPAL Ltd; Governor of Advisory Council for the Institute of Neuromuscular Research; Trustee for the Fresh Tracks Foundation; Member of the Australian Taiwan Business Council; Member of the Commerce Faculty Advisory Board to the University of New South Wales; Past Chairman and Director of the Australian Direct Marketing Association; Past member of the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation

First appointed August 2008 Director of Melissa Confectionary Pty Ltd

Meetings of directors During the financial year, 6 meetings of directors were held. Attendances by each director during the year were as follows: Directors' Meetings Number eligible to attend Number attended Mr Michael H Shepherd Dr Hugh W Torode Hon. Robert J Webster Mr Philip Rossi Mr Chris Ladas Mr Peter W Mattick

6 6 6 6 6 6

6 5 5 2 5 4

Auditors Independence Declaration A copy of the auditor's independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out at page 83. Sign off details Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors:

Director: ............................................................... Mr Michael H Shepherd

Director: ................................................................ Hon. Robert J Webster Dated this 24th day of April 2012

MOORE STEPHENS ACCOUNTANTS

I!<ADVISORS

AUDITOR'S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION UNDER SECTION 307C OF THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001 TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE SHEPHERD CENTRE I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 31 December 2011 there have been: (i)

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements 2001 in relation to the audit; and

(ii)

no contraventions

as set out in the Corporations Act

of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

Moore S Chartere

Dated this 24th day of April 2012

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional

Standards Legislation

The Shepherd Centre

Statement of Comprehensive Income ABN 61 000 699 927

for the financial year ended 31 December 2011. Statement of Comprehensive Income

Note

$ 2011

$ 2010

Revenue

4,784,787

3,852,298

Employee benefits expense

(2,870,900)

(2,664,697)

Depreciation, amortisation and impairments

(279,130)

(263,044)

Other expenses

(1,743,406)

(732,427)

Profit before income tax

(108,649)

192,130

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

(108,649)

192,130

(108,649)

192,130

Other comprehensive income:

Total comprehensive income for the year

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

The Shepherd Centre

Statement of Financial Position ABN 61 000 699 927

As At 31 December 2011.

$ 2011

$ 2010

ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Other assets

1,239,195 406,894 48,166

1,337,198 463,847 63,002

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment Intangible assets TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

1,694,255

1,864,047

5,040,979 112,458 5,153,437

5,243,425 52,455 5,295,880

TOTAL ASSETS

6,847,692

7,159,927

LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables Other Liabilities

505,674 59,300

658,610 59,300

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

564,974

717,910

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Long-term provisions Other Liabilities TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

54,730 400,046 454,776

46,080 459,346 505,426

TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS

1,019,750 5,827,942

1,223,336 5,936,591

EQUITY Retained Earnings Reserves TOTAL EQUITY

4,533,788 1,294,154 5,827,942 5,827,942

4,642,437 1,294,154 5,936,591 5,936,591

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

The Shepherd Centre

Statement of Changes in Equity ABN 61 000 699 927

for the financial year ended 31 December 2011. 2011

Retained Earnings $

Asset Revaluation Asset Realisation Surplus $ Reserve $

Total $

Balance at 1 January 2011

4,642,437

673,990

620,164

5,936,591

Profit/(loss) for the year

(108,649)

Balance at 31 December 2011

4,533,788

673,990

620,164

5,827,942

Retained Earnings $

Asset Revaluation Asset Realisation Surplus $ Reserve $

Total $

Balance at 1 January 2010

4,450,307

673,990

5,744,461

Comprehensive income

2010

620,164

Comprehensive income Profit for the year

192,130

Balance at 31 December 2010

4,642,437

673,990

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

- 620,164

192,130 5,936,591

The Shepherd Centre

Cash Flow Statement ABN 61 000 699 927

For the Year Ended 31 December 2011.

$ 2011

$ 2010

Other income

948,911

991,274

Operating grant receipts

1,378,834

1,300,738

Payments to suppliers and employees

(5,233,375)

(3,955,628)

Interest received

69,089

53,332

Gifts and donations received

2,877,508

1,945,719

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

40,967

335,435

Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment

339

Payment for intangible asset

(73,747)

(22,251)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(65,223)

(56,644)

Net cash used by investing activities

(138,970)

(78,556)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents held

(98,003)

256,879

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

1,337,198

1,080,319

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year

1,239,195

1,337,198

CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

The Shepherd Centre

Notes to the Concise Financial Statements ABN 61 000 699 927

For the Year Ended 31 December 2011. 1 Basis of Preparation of the Concise Financial Report The concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 31 December 2011. The concise financial report has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports, and the Corporations Act 2001. The financial statements, specific disclosures and other information included in the concise financial report are derived from, and are consistent with, the full financial report of The Shepherd Centre. The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide as detailed an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of The Shepherd Centre as the full financial report. A copy of the full financial report and auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report will be sent to any member, free of charge, upon request. The financial report of The Shepherd Centre complies with all Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards in their entirety. The presentation currency used in this concise financial report is Australian dollars.

2 Revenue and Other Income

$ 2011

$ 2010

Operating activities - Sale of Goods - Donations - Government subsidies - Interest received - Member subscriptions - Sundry revenue

293 2,877,508 1,438,134 69,089 127 399,636

869 1,904,715 1,360,038 53,332 127 533,217

Total operating activities revenue

4,784,787

3,852,298

- Gain/(loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment

(2,283)

339

Total other income/expenses

(2,283)

339

Other Income/Expenses

3 Surplus from ordinary activities Surplus (deficit) from ordinary activities before income tax expense has been determined after: Expenses: Amortisation

11,461

7,186

Depreciation of non-current assets: Buildings Leasehold improvements Plant and equipment Motor vehicles Furniture, fixtures and fittings Other capital assets

158,863 2,017 2,348 13,979 64,173 26,289

158,864 2,017 1,665 13,979 55,902 23,431

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

267,669

255,858

Remuneration of the auditors for: audit services

17,945

13,158

4 Information and Declarations to be Furnished under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (a) Details of aggregate gross income and total expenses of fundraising appeals Income - Major Gifts - Events - Appeals - Bequests - Acquisition - Other

$ 2011

$ 2010

793,326 290,811 425,728 924,648 100,961 162,052

452,489 294,193 208,273 853,831 96,924

Expenditure - Major Gifts - Events - Appeals - Bequests - Acquisition - Other

2,697,526

1,905,710

(23,468) (97,338) (200,325) (3,215) (328,318) - (652,664)

(30,952) (88,194) (78,467) (4,719) (730) (203,062)

Net Surplus obtained from fundraising appeals

2,044,862

1,702,648

(b) Fundraising appeals conducted during the financial year Christmas, Tax and Shepherd Voice Appeals, Back to School. (c) Statement showing how funds were applied for charitable purposes $ 2011 Net surplus obtained from fundraising appeals 2,044,862 Applied to charitable purposes in the following manner:

$ 2010 1,702,648

Expenditure on direct services and administration Expenditure on fundraising administration Capital expenditure

(3,357,881) (706,313) (65,223)

(2,961,185) (495,921) (56,644)

(2,084,555)

(1,811,102)

(d) Comparison of certain monetary figures and comparisons

$ Ratio / %

Dollars of gross fundraising income generated from each dollar of direct fundraising expenditure

2,697,526/ 652,664

4.13

Dollars of net fundraising surplus generated from each dollar of fundraising expenditure

(3,357,881 - 706,313)/ (652,664 + 706,313)

1.95

Fundraising administration costs as a percent of total services and administration costs

706,313 / (3,357,881 + 706,313)

17.38

(e) Government Funding -â&#x20AC;&#x201C; We are grateful to the following Government Departments for their substantial funding:

$ 2011

$ 2010

Human Services - Ageing, Disability and Home Care

653,122

571,018

NSW Department of Community Services

108,395

139,691

NSW Department of Education & Training - YCWD

319,983

358,071

NSW Department of Education & Training - NGO

78,010

74,450

DEETYA - Commonwealth Capital Grant

59,300

59,304

SCAN Funding - Illawarra Children's Services

50,591

46,578

ACT Department of Education & Training

163,637

110,200

AIS - Schools Support - NGO

1,721

726

Department of Families, Housing & Community Services

3,375

Total

1,438,134

1,360,038

The Shepherd Centre

Directors' Declaration ABN 61 000 699 927

For the Year Ended 31 December 2011. The directors of The Shepherd Centre declare that the concise financial report for the financial year ended 31 December 2011: a) complies with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports; and b) is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 31 December 2011 and has been derived from and is consistent with the full financial report of The Shepherd Centre. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors. Sign off details Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors:

Director: ............................................................... Mr Michael H Shepherd

Director: ................................................................ Hon. Robert J Webster Dated this 24th day of April 2012

MOORE STEPHENS ACCOUNTANTS

INDEPENDENT

&: ADVISORS

AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SHEPHERD CENTRE Report on the Concise Financial Report The accompanying concise financial report of The Shepherd Centre comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2011, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended and related notes, derived from the audited financial report of The Shepherd Centre for the year ended 31 December 2011, as well as the discussion and analysis. The concise financial report does not contain all the disclosures required by Australian Accounting Standards. Directors' Responsibility

for the Concise Financial Report

The directors are responsible for the preparation of the concise financial report in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, and the Corporations Act 2001, and for such internal control as the directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of the concise financial report. Auditor's Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the concise financial report based on our audit procedures which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standards ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. We have conducted an independent audit, in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, of the financial report of The Shepherd Centre for the year ended 31 December 2011. We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on that financial report in our report dated 27 March 2012. The Australian Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report for the year is free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the concise financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditors' judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the concise financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation of the concise financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal" control. Our procedures included testing that the information in the concise financial report is derived from, and is consistent with, the financial report for the year, and examination on a test basis, of audit evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures which were not directly derived from the financial report for the year. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the concise financial report complies with AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate for our audit opinion.

to provide a basis

Independence In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been given to the directors of The Shepherd Centre on 20th April 2012, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the time of this auditor's report.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional

Standards Legislation

MOORE STEPHENS ACCOUNTANTS

& ADVISORS

Opinion In our opinion, the concise financial report of The Shepherd Centre for the year ended 31 December 2011 complies with Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Repot1s.

Dated this 24th day of April 2012 Parramatta

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional

Standards

Legislation

ALLIANCE

FIRST VOICE

The Shepherd Centre is a proud member of First Voice, a national alliance of member organisations whose primary focus is the provision of listening and spoken language for children who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Established in 2010, First Voice plays a leadership role in shaping public policy and funding decision-making relating to hearing impaired children. First Voice evolved from the former Alliance for Deaf Children, which was established in 2003. There are five founding members of First Voice , with an affiliated organisation in New Zealand. Despite limited resources, First Voice has emerged as a strong, active and influential organisation within the early intervention sector. Its lobbying efforts were instrumental in securing recurrent federal government funding for early intervention services for not only hearing impaired children, but across a range of other disability areas. For more information about First Voice, please visit www.firstvoice.org.au

Telethon Speech & Hearing Western Australia

Hear and Say Centre Queensland

The Hearing House New Zealand

Cora Barclay Centre South Australia The Shepherd Centre NSW & ACT Taralye Victoria

vision TO ENABLE CHILDREN WHO ARE DEAF AND HEARING IMPAIRED TO DEVELOP SPOKEN LANGUAGE, SO THAT THEY MAY FULLY PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD AND IN DOING SO, REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. The Shepherd Centre Giving deaf children a voice

from the shepherd centre We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the continued success of The Shepherd Centre. Thank you for your commitment, your resources, your care, your vital donations and for your support. Thank you for helping us change the lives of thousands of children who are deaf AND hearing impaired by giving them the ability to listen and speak so they may reach their full potential in life.

391-401 Abercrombie Street Darlington NSW 2008 T 02 9351 7888 F 02 9351 7880 E enquiries@shepherdcentre.org.au W www.shepherdcentre.org.au

Canberra The Canberra Shepherd Centre Nealie Place Rivett ACT 2611 T 02 6288 5920 F 02 6288 5940

Liverpool The Liverpool Shepherd Centre 43 Graham Avenue Casula NSW 2170 T 02 9822 2299 F 02 9822 2288

Roseville The Roseville Shepherd Centre 19 Bancroft Avenue Roseville NSW 2069 T 02 9412 2666 F 02 9419 3961

Wollongong The Wollongong Shepherd Centre 48 Dempster Street West Wollongong NSW 2500 T 02 4226 4713 F 02 4226 5278

The Shepherd Centre is governed by a Board of Directors ABN: 61 000 699 927 NSW Authority to Fundraise: CFN 11015

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