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Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 4 of 34
CONTENTS
OUR MISSION .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
OUR VISION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
OUR AIMS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
OUR HISTORY .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
SECTION 1 - AN OVERVIEW OF WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA ............................................................................................... 7
ABOUT US .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
OUR PEOPLE ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
OUR SUPPORTERS ............................................................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 2 - GOVERNANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 13
CHAIR & CEO REPORT ......................................................................................................................................... 13
STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 15
GUIDING PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................................................... 16
STRATEGIC PLAN - 2016-2019 ............................................................................................................................ 17
SECTION 3 – OUR ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS .................................................................................................................. 18
WALK TOGETHER .................................................................................................................................................. 18
WELCOME CENTRE .............................................................................................................................................. 22
WELCOMING CITIES.............................................................................................................................................. 24
WELCOME TO THE GAME ................................................................................................................................... 26
SECTION 4 – OUR FINANCES ........................................................................................................................................... 28
TREASURER’S REPORT ....................................................................................................................................... 28
AUDITOR’S REPORT ............................................................................................................................................. 29
FINANCIAL SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................... 31
SECTION 5 – ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & ROAD AHEAD .................................................................................................... 32
THANK YOU ............................................................................................................................................................. 32
FOUNDATION PARTNERS ............................................................................................................................... 32
GRANTS AND FUNDING ................................................................................................................................... 32
CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY .................................................................................................................... 32
VOLUNTEERS...................................................................................................................................................... 32
HOW YOU CAN HELP ............................................................................................................................................ 33
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME ................................................................................................................................. 33
MAKE A DONATION ........................................................................................................................................... 33
SUPPORT AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY.................................................................................. 33
BECOME A CORPORATE PARTNER ............................................................................................................. 33
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP OUR CAUSE .............................................................................................. 33
CONTACT US ........................................................................................................................................................... 33
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 6 of 34
OUR MISSION
To engage everyday Australians in the task of cultivating a culture of welcome in our nation.
OUR VISION
We believe that cultural diversity should be celebrated for the beauty and depth it adds to
our society.
We celebrate the compassion, generosity and commitment of Australians to giving all
people a fair go.
We create social and policy change by facilitating opportunities for authentic relationships
to be built between people of differing backgrounds.
We encourage inclusion, open mindedness, equality and social harmony.
OUR AIMS
Welcome
We aim to offer a warm, positive and dignified welcome to asylum seekers, refugees and
other migrants.
We will work with others who are committed to the vision of an inclusive, welcoming and just
Australia.
Changing the Conversation and Innovation
We aim to create a loud, public voice of positivity that changes the public conversation by
virtue of its volume and values.
We aim to provide innovative leadership in the sector.
Accountability
We aim to be highly accountable to the public and our stakeholders for the delivery of our
programs and projects.
OUR HISTORY
Welcome to Australia started five years ago with a simple vision; to cultivate a culture of welcome
in our nation.
To counter the growing fear of the other, particularly of people seeking asylum, we wanted to be a
voice of relentless positivity, one that could engage thousands of middle Australians to connect and
recognise our common humanity.
With no staff and an army of volunteers, Welcome to Australia started by holding Walk Together
events, and welcoming parties across Australia. These events were a celebration of diversity,
multiculturalism, and a strong message to our leaders that unity builds a better community than
division ever could. We wanted to show the community, that we are stronger together. We wanted
to send a strong message that we want to be a more welcoming Australia. We continue to strive to
do so in our increasingly expanded programs and activities.
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 7 of 34
SECTION 1 - AN OVERVIEW OF WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA
ABOUT US
Welcome to Australia is a national not-for-profit community organisation that exists to engage
everyday Australians in the task of cultivating a culture of welcome in our nation.
Welcome to Australia is a huge social cohesion project. In everything we do, whether it is programs
or events, we aim to foster social cohesion, understanding, and friendships between everyday
Australians and new arrivals to create a sense of belonging, inclusion and participation amongst
everyone.
Using this framework, we want to connect people to people, promote genuine stories of courage,
resilience and compassion, and to create a more welcoming Australia.
We believe that cultural diversity should be celebrated for the beauty and depth it adds to our society.
We celebrate the compassion, generosity and commitment of Australians to giving all people a fair
go. We create social and policy change by facilitating opportunities for authentic relationships to be
built between people of differing backgrounds. We encourage inclusion, open mindedness, equality
and social cohesion and harmony.
We aim to offer a positive, dignified, and warm welcome to people seeking asylum, refugees and
other migrants who want to call Australia home. We work with others who are committed to the
vision of an inclusive, welcoming and just Australia.
Welcome to Australia started with volunteer branches in most capital cities and now those branches
are transitioning to become a more stable presence, with some staff and still our many volunteers,
as the demand for an alternative positive voice is growing every day. These branches engage their
local communities to take action and promote compassion, foster social cohesion, and
understanding of different cultures.
At Welcome to Australia, we are about mobilising volunteers to engage in practical acts of welcome
to encourage us all to leave our prejudices behind and replace them with a spirit of inclusiveness
and commitment to creating a brighter future for all Australians.
We work with anyone who wants to create a more welcoming Australia and we pride ourselves on
maintaining a bi-partisanship relationship with politicians, to work with them, encourage them, and
support them through the process of creating a more compassionate refugee and social policy.
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 8 of 34
OUR PEOPLE
Board members
Name Position Dates acted
Ms. Tina Karanastasis Chairperson July 2015 – Current
Ms. Leah Marrone Company Secretary July 2015 – Current
Ms. Kate Dooley Treasurer September 2016 – Current
Ms. Helena Kyriazopoulos Board Member November 2015 – Current
Ms. Anisa Leaver Board Member November 2015 – Current
Ms. Manal Younis Board Member July 2015 – January 2016
Mr. Andrew McLeod Board Member July 2015 – April 2016
Ms. Kate Leaney Board Member July 2015 – May 2016
Mr. Brad Chilcott Board Member July 2015 – June 2016
Staff
Name Position Work type Dates acted
Mr. Mohammad Al-Khafaji Chief Executive Officer Full time October 2015 – Current
Mr. Brad Chilcott Founder & Business
Development Manager
0.2 FTE July 2015 – Current
Ms. Kathryn Girvan Welcome Centre
Manager
0.5 FTE July 2015 – December 2016
Mr. Aleem Ali Welcoming Cities
Manager
Full time December 2015 – Current
Ms. Judy Thomas Finance & HR
Administrator
0.2 FTE July 2015 – Current
Ms. Maia Tua-Davidson Welcome to the
Game Coordinator
Full time April 2016 – Current
Ms. Kani Kenyi Welcome to the
Game – organiser
0.2 FTE June 2016 – Current
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 9 of 34
Key Volunteers
We thank the dedication of all our wonderful volunteers who dedicated their time and
skills to grow Welcome to Australia and contributing to the welcoming movement.
We would like to particularly thank the following volunteers:
Name Position
Ms. Leah Marrone Community Awareness Training – National coordinator
Ms. Kate Leaney Deputy CEO & National Walk Together coordinator
Ms. Megs Lamb & Mr. Ali Jafari SA Branch managers
Ms. Emily Haren VIC Branch manager
Mr. James Jegasworthy WA Branch manager
Ms. Jessica Beange ACT Branch manager
Ms. Clara Saddi Wollongong Branch manager
Mr. Mark Cody Newcastle Branch manager
Ms. Charlotte Chompff Sydney Branch manager
Mr. Fida Hussain Community Dinner coordinator
Ms. Katrina Bean Connect Program coordinator
Ms. Marigold White Volunteer System review
Ms. Nora Ahmed HR system review
Mr. Will Menzies Board minute taker
Ms. Sally-Anne Nicholson English class program coordinator
Ms. Zoe Green Walk Together coordinator – Adelaide
Mr. Kern Mangan-Walker Walk Together coordinator – Melbourne
Mr. Glen Veitch Walk Together coordinator – Brisbane
Ms. Alison Dugan Walk Together coordinator – Hobart
Mr. Ron Mitchell Walk Together coordinator – Darwin
Mr. Jeremy Hillman Walk Together coordinator – Sydney
Ms. Natasha Chabbra Walk Together coordinator – Canberra
Ms. Natha Middlemas Walk Together coordinator – Perth
Mr. Johanis Lyons-Reid Videography
Ms. Rachel Foster English Tea Coordinator
Mr. Mehdi Fili Chai & Conversation coordinator
Ms. Shekoofe Aghaee Food Pantry Donation coordinator
Mr. Toby Pearce Furniture Donation & Delivery coordinator
Ms. Erin Green Welcome Health Project
Ms. Leanne Guest Grants coordinator
Ms. Alicja Clisby Volunteer manager
Ms. Jakki Abanat & Ms. Sue Nash Welcome Marion coordinators
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 10 of 34
OUR SUPPORTERS
We would like to thank all of our generous supporters and funding organisations who are
committed to changing the conversation and joining the welcoming movement. Particularly we
would like to thank the following organisations:
Foundation Partners
Multicultural Development
Association (MDA)
Queensland
Settlement Services
International
New South Wales
Access Community Services
Ltd.
Queensland
Australian Manufacturing
Workers Union
National
Australian Services Union
National
Australian Education Union
National
Program Sponsors
Anglicare SA
The Welcome Centre
Lipman Karas Lawyers
The Welcome Centre
Department for Communities
and Social Inclusion (SA)
The Welcome Centre
Scanlon Foundation
Welcoming Cities
Department of Premier and
Cabinet
Welcoming Cities
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 11 of 34
Event Partners
AMES
Victoria
Department for Communities
and Social Inclusion
South Australia
Australian Red Cross
South Australia
Australian Refugee
Association
South Australia
Multicultural Communities
Council of SA Inc
South Australia
Multicultural Communities
Council Gold Coast Ltd.
Queensland
Multicultural NSW
New South Wales
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 13 of 34
SECTION 2 - GOVERNANCE
CHAIR & CEO REPORT
We are pleased to present our first Annual
Report on behalf of Welcome to Australia in
recognition of an eventful and exciting year.
Our Board of Directors and staff look forward to
the challenges ahead as we build on the
successes and achievements of 2015-16 in
working with the Australian community to foster
a culture of welcome for refugees and asylum
seekers.
Welcome to Australia grew out of a group of
volunteers, with charity status initially enabled
through the generosity of ‘Activate Community
Services’, to be able to stand on our own feet
to become an independent national
organisation registered with the Australian
Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission
(ACNC).
This required a new Board, organisational
structure, operational systems and good
governance, all of which have been a major
focus during our first year. We have covered a
lot of ground in relatively short space of time
with Board members, staff and volunteers
around the country working tirelessly to
progress the goals of the organisation.
Highly qualified, professional and experienced
Board members have been appointed to
ensure the important task of governance is
supported by a strong and diverse team. This
is an ongoing process and we hope to recruit
additional members in the future who have the
required expertise and skills to advance
Welcome’s mission.
Governance and Finance Sub-Committees
have been established to oversee and drive
development in these key areas of our work
and to provide advice to the Board. Through its
annual planning process, the Board has also
developed a three-year Strategic Plan with the
support of Janet Giles who gave her time
voluntarily to facilitate and guide us through this
process. Thank you Janet.
As a young organisation, we have the benefit
of creating from a ‘blank canvass’. We have the
flexibility to shape Welcome to Australia into a
progressive, innovative and professional
organisation underpinned by good governance
and the capacity to think outside the square.
This is reflected in some of the major programs
introduced in 2015-16 including ‘Welcoming
Cities’ sponsored by the Scanlon Foundation
and ‘Welcome to the Game’ funded by
Multicultural Development Australia (MDA).
We welcomed our CEO, Mohammad Al-Khafaji
who was employed using a mix of crowd
funding, foundation partners, and through the
delivery of training for the Australian
Multicultural Foundation. We welcomed Aleem
Ali, Welcoming Cities Manager, who is based
in Brisbane as well as Maia Tua-Davidson,
Welcome to the Game Coordinator, also based
in Brisbane. More information about the major
projects are contained in the Annual Report.
Since hiring our first full-time staff member in
October 2015, the organisation has grown from
1.0 FTE to 5.5 FTE staff with exciting projects,
new partnerships, and plans for expanded
development across Australia.
We are especially grateful to those staff and
volunteers who were there from the beginning,
helping to build relationships and
collaborations which supported major national
and very high profile initiatives such as ‘Walk
Together’.
Due to the new structure of the organisation or
because they wanted to pursue other
challenges, some of the staff and volunteers
have moved on and we wish them well with
future endeavours. In particular, we thank the
outgoing Volunteer State Directors who
engaged with the community, created new
exciting initiatives and motivated volunteers
under the leadership of Welcome’s Founder,
Brad Chilcott.
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 14 of 34
Our dedicated Welcome Centre Manager,
Kathryn Girvan, made a huge difference to the
lives of many families through her work at the
centre and the programs she developed for
new arrivals. Under Kathryn’s leadership, the
Welcome Centre was also awarded an
infrastructure grant from the Department of
Communities and Social Inclusion (SA) which
allowed us to upgrade centre facilities and
create a more suitable and comfortable space
for users. This grant allowed us to install air-
conditioners, a new kitchen, pave the
courtyard, install new doors and security, repair
plumbing and much more.
During this period, we advocated for the many
refugees on temporary protection visas, and
were able to engage with the South Australian
Government to ensure South Australia became
a Safe Haven zone, which meant hundreds of
people seeking did not have to move interstate
or away from their established networks and
friends. We are grateful to have respectful
relationships with all sides of politics to affect
positive policy change.
We are most effective in our advocacy work
when secure tri-partisan cross party support,
and a great example of this was the launch of
the National Day of Unity, launched in
Parliament House in Canberra with the leaders
of the three major parties.
We continue to engage and speak with all
sections of the community, including those who
may not be engaged in the multicultural and
refugee sectors. We continue to work with our
ambassadors and celebrities to carry our
message of welcome to the broader
community.
2015-16 was an exciting year for Welcome to
Australia and a very significant one for
everyone involved in assisting the organisation
to take its first real steps. A very sincere thank
you to all of our supporters, sponsors, and
partner organisations, and of course our
growing team of Welcome Ambassadors.
We all share a common passion and
commitment to a multicultural Australia which
is compassionate and welcoming to all those
who seek to escape persecution and build a
better life for themselves and their families.
With the support of many generous people and
the goodwill of the community, we will continue
to cultivate a culture of welcome, celebrate
cultural diversity, build social cohesion, and
advocate for a fair and just refugee policy.
Tina Karanastasis Mohammad Al-Khafaji
Chairperson Chief Executive Officer
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 15 of 34
STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
Welcome to Australia Ltd. (ABN: 28 602 083 858) is a company limited by guarantee, a Public
Benevolent Institution registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
(ACNC). As a registered charity, Welcome to Australia has DGR1 tax deductibility status.
In mid-2015 Welcome to Australia formed its own independent board and became a company
Limited by Guarantee, governed by ACNC’s regulations and guidelines. Welcome to Australia’s
charity size has recently has been reclassified from a small charity to a medium size charity. As a
medium size charity, we have additional rules and regulations that we must abide by as per ACNC’s
guidelines and we look forward to working towards implementing best practice governance and
financial management.
Welcome to Australia’s Organisational Chart:
Mohammad Al-Khafaji
Chief Executive Officer
Brad ChilcottFounder
Development
Manager
Aleem AliWelcoming Cities manager
Maia Tua-DavidsonWelcome to the Game
Vacant
Canberra
Board of Directors
Judith ThomasFinance Admin
Kathryn GirvanWelcome Centre Manager
Elizabeth
Melbourne
Kate Leaney
Perth
Jeremy
Sydney
Vacant
Darwin
Vacant
Hobart
Volunteer Branch
Kani KenyiOrganiser
Mohammad
Adelaide
Aleem
Brisbane
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 16 of 34
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The following principles guide the work of Welcome to Australia in determining both its internal and
external priorities and commitments:
1. We are a national movement which seeks to build a welcoming Australia through
community action.
2. As a positive voice for change that seeks to engage with all members of the Australian
community, we will maintain bipartisan consensus and collaboration across the political
spectrum.
3. We will actively pursue creative and innovative ways of raising community awareness and
bringing people together, including the expansion of our Ambassadors and the annual ‘Walk
Together’ campaigns.
4. We are strongly committed to collaboration and building partnerships which further the
mission, values and objectives of our movement.
5. We value the significant contribution of our volunteers and understand the importance of
giving back through opportunities for personal and professional development and community
recognition.
6. Wherever possible, we will support the efforts of the migrant and refugee services sector but
will be selective about what we give our time to within the scope of our resources. External
requests to participate in committees and forums will be monitored and reviewed by the
Board.
7. We will provide services to refugees, people seeking asylum, and other new arrivals,
however will endeavour wherever possible not to duplicate what is already successfully
provided by settlement services and other providers. We will support existing services in the
community to deliver client focused quality service, and we endeavour to provide services to
address service gaps and needs where they are in line with our mission and vision.
8. Our welcoming spaces will be safe and open to everyone who is willing to treat others with
respect and dignity. We will encourage people from all walks of life to come together in the
spirit of harmony, celebration and friendship.
9. We will establish consistent branding for the organisation that will be prominently featured
across all community spaces, projects and campaigns.
10. We will be ethical and transparent in all our dealings based on the foundation of trust and
goodwill.
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 17 of 34
STRATEGIC PLAN - 2016-2019
This plan outlines the core of this organisation, our mission, vision, aims and guiding principles. It
also outlines our key goals over the next three years.
Financial and social sustainability
Financial sustainability
Growing the organisation
Maintaining relevance in the community
Governance and Management
Ensure effective Governance and Management policies are in place and maintained
Review Constitution
Establish national committees in key areas
Services and Programs
Maintain and expand our Welcome Centres as the heart and shop front of our movement.
Examine opportunities for other programs in-line with our Strategic Plan.
Building a Movement
Continue to grow Walk Together as a large community event all around Australia
Build our brand
Increase effectiveness
Building Partnerships and Influence
Continue to develop positive relationships with community leaders
Create new supporters and partnerships
Build influence in the sector, community and government
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 18 of 34
SECTION 3 – OUR ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS
WALK TOGETHER
Walk Together is Welcome to Australia’s flagship annual national celebration of Australia’s diversity,
designed as a tangible expression of the welcoming, fair and compassionate society we are all
committed to building.
We dream of a nation that celebrates diversity, made up of communities where people of our First
Nations, people seeking asylum, refugees, international students, skilled migrants and every other
human being can experience the joy and security of belonging.
Walk Together exists to call out the best in the Australian character; our inclusive, compassionate
and welcoming nature in a large demonstration of the nation we would like to become.
Walk Together aims to paint the picture of an Australia that believes in its public debate, media
conversation and legislation that we are all common people with common dreams, equally deserving
of freedom, fairness, opportunity to contribute, welcome and belonging. An Australia that combines
together to Say Welcome.
In 2015 & 2016, Walk Together events were held across Australia in all major capital cities and
many more regional centres on Saturday 22 October. In the past two years, Walk Together was
held in conjunction with the National Mosque Open day, an initiative of Lebanese Muslim
Association. These two major events were combined as part of National Day of Unity which was
launched at Parliament House in Canberra in 2015 with the Prime Minister, the Hon. Malcolm
Turnbull, Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Bill Shorten, and the Greens Leader, the Hon. Richard
Di Natale.
In 2016, Walk Together was held on Saturday October 22 across over 25 cities and regional centres
around Australia and for the first time, the event went international with Anchorage in Alaska hosting
the walk too.
There were more than 60 Walk Together events across the country in 2015 & 2016, all made
possible thanks to the generous support of sponsoring organisations.
These videos capture the essence of Walk Together and highlight its potential impact:
Walk Together 2016 – The Beat (TV commercial) : www.youtube.com/watch?v=peNFN--QCs8
Walk Together 2016 – Missy Higgins (promo video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZYyBkZbvXk
Walk Together 2016 – Adelaide (highlight video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRkSSbOPA5U
Walk Together 2015 – TV Commercial (episode 1): www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJZX9XSTN9E
Walk Together 2015 – TV Commercial (episode 2): www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1vhTTMqi7g
Walk Together 2015 – Adelaide (highlight video): www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt7sxtvbRIE
Walk Together 2013 – TV commercial: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLspTBT6O9A
Walk Together 2012 – TV commercial: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi55z4vEojc
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 22 of 34
WELCOME CENTRE
The Welcome Centre in Adelaide is a safe drop-in centre for refugee families, people seeking
asylum, and new arrivals to come together to access essential services. It is also a place where
every day Australians are given a space to interact and build authentic relationship with new arrivals.
We provide support through programs such as:
English classes
Chai and Conversation English practice
Emergency relief
Fortnightly community dinners
Volunteer opportunities
Food and furniture donations
Social support programs for socially isolated families
School holiday programs
Free internet café
Weekly soccer program
Connect mentoring program
and most importantly, friendship and welcome
The Welcome Centre works closely with service providers in SA to assist where we can, through
referral of clients. All of this, is coordinated by a part time centre manager and a team of dedicated
and generous volunteers.
The Welcome Centre started organically in 2013 when a group of asylum seekers and volunteers
of Welcome to Australia came together to participate in social activities, to forget about the hardships
of living with uncertainty of temporary visas, and to create positive change in their communities.
The Welcome Centre is an initiative of Welcome to Australia and relies heavily on the generosity of
the community, sponsors, and regular donors who believe in the important work of the Welcome
Centre in helping new arrivals, and changing the conversation.
The Welcome Centre is proudly sponsored by:
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 24 of 34
WELCOMING CITIES
Welcoming Cities facilitates a national network of inclusive, vibrant communities internationally
recognised for their ability to foster a sense of belonging and participation. It seeks to address and
embrace the challenges and opportunities of migration. We are working to create more welcoming
and inclusive communities by supporting local government leaders and communities to be more
effectively resourced, networked and supported.
Since the national launch of Welcoming Cities in Melbourne Town Hall, on 9th March 2016, the
initiative has undergone significant development and growth. In less than six months, Welcoming
Cities built relationships with 31 Local Government Authorities and 22 other government or non-
government organisations.
The first Local Government Authority to formally join the Welcoming Cities network was Hume City
Council. Local Governments are often conservative by nature and many are waiting for a critical
mass before they will commit to the network. However, Councils are best placed to understand and
represent the diversity and nuances of their communities and many understand not only the benefits
of planning effectively for migration but also the importance of leading welcoming efforts and being
recognised for doing so. The opportunity for network growth lies in identifying these Councils and
securing their interest.
An opportunity exists for Welcoming Cities to lead this work in the South Pacific, with interest from
the New Zealand Department of Immigration in extending the network across local governments in
their country. Welcoming Cities has also been successful in securing multi-year funding through the
Victorian State Government that will allow the establishment of a Melbourne-based office and full-
time role. This will allow a specific growth and development focus on the Victorian Local
Governments and communities, where more than 40% of current Local Government interest in
Welcoming Cities is based.
The working mission of Welcoming Cities is to ensure that communities are welcoming and inclusive
and all people have the opportunity to participate and engage in socioeconomic opportunities and
community life. The way that we seek to achieve this is by partnering with Local Governments,
through a multi-sector approach, to develop clear strategies for welcoming recently arrived migrants
and providing access and opportunity for social, economic and civic participation.
Welcoming Cities is proudly sponsored by:
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 26 of 34
WELCOME TO THE GAME
Welcome to the Game engages young people of refugee background in local sport, including Futsal,
Soccer and AFL. Through building local relationships between Clubs and young people as well as
linking young people to training, jobs and fundraising opportunities, Welcome to the Game will help
at least 100 young people access sport in the Brisbane community. Welcome to the Game uses
sport as a vehicle for connecting young refugees and vulnerable migrants with their local
communities, creating opportunities to build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging in
their new community.
We love sport. It is a defining characteristic of our Australian identity and a place where traditionally
communities thrive and grow. The local sports club should reflect the community in which it is
located. It should adapt and react to the needs of its people and should be, not only a physical place,
but a social, emotional and spiritual place for creating the culture of welcome. Sport crosses barriers
that nothing else can. When people step on to the field, pitch, court or oval, before they look at each
other or speak to each other they start with a shared passion and this has the power to change lives.
The benefits of sport and physical activity for anyone is overwhelming. For our young people, many
are often struggling to connect with their new environment, their new communities, they can be
struggling at school, with language, with the clash of cultures, with making friends, with memories
of trauma and torture, with mental health issues, often they are caught up in negative social circles,
anti-social behaviour and crime. Participating in sport gives them a break from these things, a place
where they can relax, have fun and forget. It creates an opportunity and a pathway for us to connect
with them, to identify deeper issues, to provide support and advice to improve their lives, their
families lives and their settlement journey.
Our overall goal is to increase the participation levels of these young people in sports and physical
activity and to use sport to improve their lives. Within this we focus on sustainable participation and
connection over competition.
Welcome to the Game operates in 4 distinctive ways;
1. Individual support, advice and connections for young people and their families looking to
participate in sport.
2. Group support, advice and connections for semi-organised groups or teams that are looking
to increase their participation.
3. Direct delivery of sports development programs.
4. Sports clubs, advice, support and connections to increase understanding of the refugee
experience and to assistance in ‘reaching out’ to the newest members of their community.
Welcome to the Game is funded by Multicultural Development Australia, under the Youth Transition
Pilot by the Department of Social Services.
The program is aimed at young people aged 15-24 from refugee or migrant backgrounds who have
lived in Australia for 5 years or less.
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 28 of 34
SECTION 4 – OUR FINANCES
TREASURER’S REPORT
MRL Group Pty Ltd. Chartered Accountants conducted a full review of WTA’s 2015-2016 financial report, concluding that the reports are compliant with Australian Accounting Standards to the extent described in Note 1, and Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013. As at the 30 June 2016 WTA recorded a surplus of $260,393. This surplus includes funds provided in advance for programs in 2016-17 as reflected due to cash accounting. Welcome to Australia’s current financial position is sound and in a positive position to meet short to medium term strategic objectives. There is still a level of uncertainty around securing ongoing financial support from corporate and private sources, however the Board is strongly committed to exploring opportunities for growth. Thank you to our CEO Mohammad Al-Khafaji and Finance Officer Judy Thomas who implemented Xero accounting software and laid strong foundations for the effective management of finances moving forward. The Board looks forward to continuing financial growth during 2016-2017. Full financial statements are available on request.
Mr. Brad Chilcott Treasurer
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 31 of 34
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
TOTAL INCOME: $636,271
TOTAL EXPENSES: $375,878
Contracts17%
$105,332
Donations16%
$105,207
Grants31%
$194,478
Sponsorship35%
$223,711
Other income1%
$7,543
Salaries45%
$169,882
Operational Expenses40%
$149,867
Events15%
$56,129
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 32 of 34
SECTION 5 – ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & ROAD AHEAD
THANK YOU
There are many people and organisations to thank for supporting Welcome to Australia over the
years. Without these wonderful supporters, we would not be where we are today.
FOUNDATION PARTNERS
Welcome to Australia is greatly honoured and humbled by the generous donations of our foundation
partners. These organisations enabled us to hire our first full-time staff member. These
organisations have given life to Welcome to Australia and as foundation partners, they have made
a huge contribution to this organisation.
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Welcome to Australia would like to thank our specific program funding bodies for their trust in this
organisation to deliver the outcomes promised. We hope to continue a long lasting relationship into
the future and look forward to collaborating on new innovative projects to address social issues in
our communities.
CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY
Thanks to our corporate sponsors for trusting us with their reputation, brand, and for believing in
creating a more welcoming Australia and fulfilling their social corporate responsibility. We hope that
our relationship grows from strength to strength into the future.
To our community partners, thank you for working with us, collaborating ideas, and for truly building
a better community for the benefit of those who we serve. Without your support and guidance, our
programs would have not been possible.
VOLUNTEERS
To the incredible volunteers all around the country, thank you! You are the backbone of this
organisation, and we pride ourselves as a volunteer run movement of passionate advocates for a
better Australia.
Your time and effort is very much appreciated whether you organised an event, helped at the
Welcome Centre, or came along to a community dinner. Your voice and presence assures us that
we have a movement we can grow together, and move forward to achieve a more welcoming
Australia for all.
Annual Report 2015-16 Welcome to Australia Ltd. Page 33 of 34
HOW YOU CAN HELP
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Welcome to Australia depends on the dedication and passion of skilled professional volunteers who
make a great contribution to the organisation.
As a young organisation, Welcome to Australia welcomes offers of professional services that an
NGO would need, such as marketing, fundraising, design, campaigning and other professional
services. There are other opportunities to volunteer through the Welcome Centre or at the local
volunteer branches to organise events such as Walk Together.
MAKE A DONATION
Donating to Welcome to Australia is easy. Just head to our website at
www.welcometoaustralia.org.au and you will be contributing to a great cause and a great charity.
Without financial donations, we cannot operate and deliver important work such as the programs
that run out of the Welcome Centre or the campaigns that change public sentiments and
Government policy.
Become a regular donor, join the Welcome100 exclusive club, and if you would like to offer other
donations, please email donations@welcometoaustralia.org.au
All financial donations to Welcome to Australia above $2 are tax deductible.
SUPPORT AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY
Some of the most thoughtful and kind donations are those that have been organised as fundraisers
by individuals. If you would like to support Welcome to Australia or any of its particular programs,
organise a fundraising event and invite your friends to donate to a great cause.
BECOME A CORPORATE PARTNER
If you are a corporate organisation that cares about social justice, cultivating a culture of welcome
in our nation, and would like to become a corporate sponsor, we would love to hear from you.
Corporate organisations play an important part in being a role model to their employees and the
public about social issues. Becoming a corporate partner with Welcome to Australia is a great way
to achieve your organisations Corporate Social Responsibility. To join, please contact us and we
would be glad to organise a time to present a proposal for your consideration.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP OUR CAUSE
If you can help us in any way you think is worthwhile, please get in touch with us with your ideas;
this could be as simple as connecting us with your network of potential sponsors, influencers, policy
makers and useful contacts.
CONTACT US PO Box 16, Torrensville, SA, 5031
100 Drayton St, Bowden, SA, 5007
www.welcometoaustralia.org.au
welcome@welcometoaustralia.org.au
facebook.com/welcometoaustralia
@welcome2aussie
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