annual report & corporate - Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions · 2016 2017 aiWel Ltd Annual Report orporate Proffle 4 from the president I am proud to present The Mai-Wel Group’s Annual

annual report & corporateprofile

2016-2017

2016 - 2017 Mai-Wel Ltd Annual Report & Corporate Profile2

enhancing lives through opportunity and choice

'enhancing lives through opportunity & choice'

Above: James Gibbs from Mai-Wel Enterprises

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Welcome to The Mai-Wel Group’s 2016 – 17 Annual Report and Corporate Profile. This report provides a comprehensive account of Mai-Wel’s achievements, challenges and goals for the future.

The Mai-Wel Group acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians of the land and to their Elders both past and present. We also acknowledge the colonial heritage of Maitland and recognise the contribution of the early settlers in laying the foundations of our great and historic city.

vision• Excellence• Equality• Inclusion

missionTo meet the aspirations and goals of the individual by delivering opportunity and choice, innovative services and viable businesses.

goalsDevelop and deliver diverse and inclusive services that reflect Best Practice in response to participant choice.

Promote inclusion through Mai-Wel’s connection to business, government and community.

Seek and monitor opportunities to improve financial sustainability and security; seek and grow avenues for non-government funding, to allow

provision of necessary resources.Build and develop a diverse workforce committed to delivering flexible services to meet the continually varying needs of participants and jobseekers.

values• Promote inclusion• Develop partnerships• Encourage innovation• Foster leadership• Support local business• Encourage integrity• Maintain accountability• Support aspiration• Involve and embrace community

The Mai-Wel Group acknowledges and conveys sincere thanks to the many people who have given us permission to use their photographs and stories within this publication.

This document is available electronically via our website; www.maiwel.com.au

To request a hard copy, please contact us on the details below. P: (02) 4057 2900E: [email protected]

Unit 4/555 High StreetMAITLAND NSW 2320PO BOX 835 MAITLAND NSW 2320

Mai-Wel LimitedABN: 88 060 661 476CFN: 109 19

Copyright 2017

welcome

contentsFrom the President & CEOStrategic goalsYear in reviewMai-Wel ServicesMai-Wel businessesBoard of DirectorsCEO and GMsCorporate GovernanceStaff and VolunteersFrom the CFOThank youHow you can help

Pictured front page: Scott Owen and Ty Scutts; Sonya Gamack and Lois Clark; Liam Kiss.

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from the presidentI am proud to present The Mai-Wel Group’s Annual Report and Corporate Profile for the 2017 financial year, and to share our stories and highlights.

Mai-Wel has evolved over its half century of operation. The variety of our services reflects the people we support and the way we do it, all in the changing landscape of the disability service sector.

While the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to present challenges, this year has been both rewarding and exciting, allowing Mai-Wel to investigate alternate revenue streams by diversifying services to a different cohort of participants, in particular, youth or those experiencing disadvantage.

We are pleased to report a successful and fiscally responsible year, showing a 31% growth in revenue from services. Mai-Wel has made substantial progress to accomplish our strategic goals. At all times we offer first class and responsive services to the people we support.

This year we completed the Urban Living Project; a $6.9 million project to construct purpose-built homes in the community for twenty-two Mai-Wel residents.

Mai-Wel constantly adapts and refines its operating systems, processes and procedures to meet the individual needs of participants in our evolving sector. The importance of growing capability in response to the National Disability Insurance Scheme is crucial.

The achievements and relevance of a successful culture (we call this the 'Mai-Wel Way’) are only made possible by our participants, volunteers, supporters, employees, executive

management and board members. I thank each and every one of you for your efforts and unwavering support throughout the year.

It is a privilege to be President of a dynamic, effective and growing organisation. I would like to thank my fellow Directors for their support and acknowledge the considerable time and effort they have given on a voluntary basis. My particular personal thanks go to CEO Pennie Kearney, who this year celebrated 20 years with Mai-Wel. Pennie’s professional and compassionate approach, and effectiveness in all aspects of stakeholder management have ensured Mai-Wel is a leader in the sector.

Yours very sincerely,

Graham Burns

from the ceoI am pleased to report that 2016 – 2017 has been another challenging but exciting year. A time of big changes for The Mai-Wel Group.

In response to participant demand, Mai-Wel has developed new and innovative opportunities for the people we support. There have been numerous highlights over the year including; the growth of youth employment services in Cessnock and Maitland, diversification of our Creative Arts unit to include the wider community and completion of the Large Residential Centre (LRC) Project, to name but a few.

The expansion of our services to youth and those experiencing disadvantage continues to grow with Mai-Wel’s Transition to Work (TTW) program supporting more than 200 participants to achieve their employment goals throughout the year.

A strong fundraising campaign at Mai-Wel events, has resulted in the opening of our new, quality training space, located at Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS) at Unit 6/555 High Street, Maitland. The space offers pre-vocational training opportunities to people with a disability, youth and disadvantaged jobseekers who are currently accessing services through MWLFS. Being able to offer training in-house provides a supportive and familiar environment which greatly assists with engagement, attendance and course participation.

As at 30th June 2017, Mai-Wel is close to the complete transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While the NDIS represents growth and exciting opportunities, it has not been without its challenges. The inadequate funding for a number

president & ceo message

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of service areas has resulted in some negative financial consequences. Since the introduction of the NDIS, we continue to diversify and adapt systems and processes to best meet the needs of our participants. For Mai-Wel to remain vibrant and dynamic, it is essential we embrace change and meet head on all opportunities presented to us. Mai-Wel continues to do just that, and we have made substantial progress and accomplished our strategic goals. Our goal and the expectation on each staff member is to offer first class and responsive services to all people support.

Mai-Wel continues to make significant progress towards our strategic goals, while remaining focused on diversity and change in the current world of disability service provision. Pivotal to these goals is the dedication to integration and inclusion for people in this, our community. It is the underlying ethos, the driving force for all that we do.

Mai-Wel is most fortunate to be led by a highly competent and committed board of directors. Our organisation is equally fortunate to have three highly skilled General Managers, who lead an equally committed and highly capable leadership team.

I formally acknowledge the General Management team. They are three exceptional people. Their leadership, energy, innovation and enthusiastic approach to everything they do, contributes greatly to the success of the organisation. I thank each of them for their resilience and for having their ‘eye’ always on the vision and mission of Mai-Wel and I thank them for their ongoing support and assistance to my role of CEO. My thanks also to the whole leadership team for embracing change, staying positive and for quality leadership of their business

unit or program.

The job of our leaders can only be successful if their team is on board – so I thank our highly committed support workers and volunteers for all they do in assisting people with a disability to realise their dreams and goals for life.

On reflection, this year has been demanding and challenging. We have experienced considerable growth and numerous triumphs. It has been a fabulous year.

A huge thanks to Corinne Frost and the team of volunteers she leads. Thanks also to the generous local businesses and organisations that make Mai-Wel their charity of choice. Mai-Wel is fortunate to have a committed team of volunteers and members of the community whose generosity of time and resources make a real difference to the lives of our participants and jobseekers.

Last but by no means least, a huge thank you to our participants and jobseekers for choosing Mai-Wel. Thank you for allowing us to work alongside you, for the efforts you make and for the part you play in our vibrant and successful organisation.

What a fantastic year it has been. I look forward to another year of triumphs and challenges in 2017 – 2018.

Best wishes,

Pennie Kearney


Our Strategic Plan for 2016 - 17 highlighted four key goals and a number of success indicators.

Many strategic initiatives were either achieved throughout the year or are on track for completion. These include:

• Successful tender for the Transition to Work (TTW) federal program, resulting in Mai-Wel providing support to a different cohort of participants (youth and disadvantaged jobseekers).

• Large Residential Centre (LRC) project completed (read more about this on page 15), witnessing 22 Mai-Wel residents move into their new purpose-built homes in the community.

strategic goals

• Last financial year Mai-Wel events, together with the Annual Raffle raised more than $79,000.

• New training space acquired for Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions at Unit 6/555 High Street, Maitland.

• Expansion of Creative Arts services to the wider community.

• Ongoing development of a Participant Transport & Activity Management System, which, when rolled out will be available for the sector to provide an efficient and cost effective method to schedule and invoice participants for transport, travel and activities.

7Above: Briety Dorahy, Mai-Wel participant and winner of “The Impressions of Maitland” art competition.


strategic goals

what this means for our participants: demand for 'chill out'Bringing together young people with shared interests.

Participants of Mai-Wel’s Life FUNdamentals program wanted a place they could relax and get together with friends in a casual and supportive environment. In response, Chill Out was born.

Operating from The Hub at Maitland, more than 30 participants attend Chill Out twice a week.

The program brings together a group of young people with similar interests.

Participants are fundamental to the design of Chill Out activities, promoting choice and control at all times.

Wade Wall, a Mai-Wel participant, has been coming to Chill Out since it commenced.

“I like the atmosphere, it’s alive and engaging – the participation and inclusion is great,” Wade said.

“I enjoy the gaming nights and especially enjoy these nights with friends”.

“It’s an inviting place. It takes time to settle in but once you meet people and start participating in the programs you relax”.

Chill Out has a schedule running over 10 weeks. Participants have input into designing the schedule, based on their interests and hobbies.

“Chill Out helps me reach my goals as it gives me a lot more confidence to be around groups of people”.

strategic goal 1 Develop and deliver best quality services across a broad age spectrum in response to participant and jobseeker choice.

success indicators • Participants and jobseekers are achieving identified goals, • Positive feedback received from participants and jobseekers, • Mai-Wel business employing supported employees have extended

employment opportunities, • Mai-Wel Enterprise provides additional employment, • Participants and jobseekers who are aging or those under 18 years of

age are receiving appropriate supports to achieve their goals, • Mai-Wel is providing quality appropriate resources and infrastructure

suitable for participants and jobseekers, • Technology is supporting the work of the organisation, • Positive Audit results, • Participant retention, • New participants and jobseekers, • Positive feedback and new stories.

“the friendships i have made are lifelong friendships”.Wade Wall, Mai-Wel Participant

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what this means for our participants: destiny the musical comes to lifeDestiny - The Musical, is a two year arts project funded by Accessible Arts NSW Delineate Arts Grant 2016/2017.

Accessible Arts is the peak arts and disability organisation across NSW. Mai-Wel Creative Arts was successful in their application to stage an original musical and commenced planning in early 2016.

In collaboration with SB² Productions, Mai-Wel Creative Arts has provided leadership opportunities and mentoring for artists with disability to create a community inclusive original musical theatre production.

The muscial is led by a Creative Committee, made up of four people with a disability who have been working with the support of Mai-Wel Creative Arts to stage the original musical theatre production.

The committee attend one rehearsal per month and complete two day workshops every month in set and costume design, marketing and

strategic goal 2 Promote inclusion through Mai-Wel’s connection to business, government and community.

success indicators • Growth in participation at Mai-Wel events,• Growth of sponsorship dollars,• Increased participant activities in community and inclusion in

mainstream settings.

promotion, music and stage direction. This training has been delivered via tutored workshops from community or professional artists in their field.

The Creative Committee hosted a full audition process in March, 2017, and the musical was open to all ages and abilities.

The cast consists of six mainstream artists and eight artists with disability.The live band consists of two mainstream artists and two artists with disability. The cast is a fantastic group of people creating inclusive community theatre.


what this means for our participants: cafe training space a realityMai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS) have opened their new café training space, made a reality with thanks to fundraising efforts from Mai-Wel’s Annual Gala Ball and the support of a Club Grant received from East Maitland Bowling Club.

The new café space will offer prevocational training opportunities to people with a disability, youth and disadvantaged jobseekers who are currently accessing services through MWLFS. To provide this training, MWLFS have partnered with training company, REACH for Training (through Smart and Skilled funding) to offer jobseekers a Certificate II in Hospitality. It is a 13 week program

strategic goals

strategic goal 3 Seek and monitor opportunities to improve financial sustainability and security and grow avenues for non-government funding, to allow provision of resources.

success indicators • Continued sound financial performance, • Procurement of resources and infrastructure to ensure the

achievement of participant and jobseeker goals,• Increase opportunities and improve financial security through mergers,

acquisitions, partnerships and capital investments, • Mai-Wel businesses positively contribute to the financial performance

of the organisation, • Enhanced financial capacity to provide appropriate resources and

infrastructure suitable for and responsive to the needs of participants and jobseekers.

(two days per week) and requires jobseekers to undertake practical work placement to refine their skills.

“Providing the training in-house is of immense benefit to our jobseekers. It provides a supportive and familiar environment which greatly assists with engagement, attendance and course participation”, Kyllie Tegg, Service Area Manager of Employment Services said.

“By offering training such as the Certificate II in Hospitality, our jobseekers are able to remain competitive in the local labour market where hospitality workers are in demand”.

The new training space provides avenues for non-government funding, to allow for continued provision of resources. Above: Ben Agius practicing his barista skills in the

new training space.

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a step up for young jobseekers - path internshipsMai-Wel is pleased to announce that eight interns have commenced an eight week PaTH (Prepare, Trial, Hire) Internship throughout the organisation. Interns will be working across a number of work and business units of Mai-Wel, gaining exposure to a range of skills and hands-on training in various areas including; administration, accounts, service delivery, intake and referral.

Jobseekers are currently enlisted with Mai-Wel’s specialist employment service, Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS).

MWLFS support the jobseekers through the internship process and at the end will support them to gain a job in open employment.

The internships are an opportunity for

strategic goal 4 Build and develop a diverse workforce committed to delivering flexible services that meet the continually varying needs of participants and jobseekers.

success indicators • Multi-skilled and committed workforce,• Positive feedback from staff satisfaction surveys, • Staff Professional Development Program showing positive results, • Staff taking personal responsibility for some of their own Professional

Development, • Culture of respect, autonomy and continuous quality improvement

evident, • Workforce Management & Organisation systems ensure remote

workers remain connected to the organisation and have systems to support them to be efficient and effective.

jobseekers to show the employer their interest, skills and abilities and how they fit into the organisation, with the potential to get a job at the end of the internship.

MWLFS currently supports more than 220 young jobseekers in their employment journey through the Transition to Work program.

Above: Ricky Owen has been participating in work experience at The Hub, Maitland.


the year in review

Mai-Wel Enterprises....100Transition to Work.......220MWLFS............................819

NDIS.................................450

$17.9million of

wages

inje

cted

into

the

com

mun

ity

durin

g 20

16-1

7 fin

anci

al y

ear

70 +61 - 7051 - 6041 - 5031 - 4021 - 30

< 20

age of staff0.2%6.6%

21.4%23.8%

22.7%21.6%

3.8%

11,300 hours

Events (338 hours)

Administration (1558 hours)

Face to face (9404.45 hours)

donated by volunteers during 2016-17

mai-wel has nine officesin the hunter

9...located in Maitland, Telarah, Cessnock and Dungog.

People employed by Mai-Wel459

145 People employed during 2016 - 17

MWLFS partnered with 146 local employers to

place 170 jobseekers into sustainable employment.

mai-wel supported an extra 165

participants in 2016-17

Mai-Wel supports 1589 participants across 7 local government areas.15

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including Maitland, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and Dungog.

participantbreakdown

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2016-17 highlights

Congratulations to Mai-Wel staff members Naomi Fuller and Kayla Dawes on receiving a 2017 Pride of Workmanship Award at Rotary Club of Maitland Sunrise.

ride around australia raises $7,900Gerald Frogley, father of Mai-Wel Supported Employee Stephen Frogley, rides around nine Australian deserts on his Honda CBR125 road bike raising $7,900 for Mai-Wel.

2017 rotary pride

of

workm

anship

award

local businesswomen take a swing for mai-welMai-Wel’s inaugural ladies only golf day, Bubbles & Balls (proudly presented by Lifestyle Cleaning Services) was held on Friday, 2nd September 2016 at Cypress Lakes Resort and successfully raised more than $8,800.

frank higgs volunteer of the year 2017Congratulations to Lyn Miles, (pictured below, left) with Coordinator of Volunteers, Corinne Frost.


mai-wel servicesThe Mai-Wel Group provides services to more than 1500 people, across seven local government areas (LGA).

living optionsworking lifelifestyle & leisure

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living optionsworking lifelifestyle & leisure

Above: Dianne Melrose and Gabbi Reibel.


living optionsHome is often the most important part of an individual’s life. At Mai-Wel, we understand, encourage and support dreams of independence – the need to be independent and to live life the way each individual chooses, without comprising well-being and safety.

The Mai-Wel Group provides a range of outreach and supported accommodation models where support is tailored to the individual’s needs and the focus is always on assisting the person to live as independently as possible.

Living Options is committed to providing adults with a disability, a range of flexible accommodation options which promote and encourage a supportive and independent home environment.

Understanding there is no one-size-fits-all approach to living, Mai-Wel provides numerous models of support depending on the individuals’ goals and abilities.

living options

Living Options offers progressive accommodation models in residential homes as well as short-term stays, accommodation and tenancy support and assistance in community-based living.

Living Options support people with a disability who require full time assistance, those who live independently or with family or friends. Throughout all living support models, there is a strong emphasis placed on assisting participants to maintain and enhance their independence through informal and responsive support options, while linking with their local community.

Living Options have witnessed significant growth in the area of independent living with a 77% increase in participant numbers. Since the roll out of the NDIS, Independent Living Skills (ILS) at Mai-Wel has grown significantly, with a large percentage of new participants having never previously accessed any type of support.

Below: Residents of Lily House; Helen Pickles, Sue Kiem, Derek Kenny, Pauline Wormald and Susie Stuart, enjoying their outdoor space.

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living options

living options profile:lrc project successfully completed In 2008, the Mai-Wel Lodge was included in the State Government decision to devolve all Large Residential Centres (LRC) across NSW.

The commitment and allocation of funding to accommodation service providers was to ensure that land be purchased, homes be built and the residents of Mai-Wel Lodge to have a new home and inclusion in the community.

The scope of the new model was designed to provide an environment with privacy and flexibility in daily living and the opportunity for increased participation of each resident in their local community.

As a result, Mai-Wel was funded $6.9 million and five blocks of land were purchased. Prior to undertaking work on the project, Mai-Wel developed a Project Implementation Committee (PIC) chaired by Mai-Wel Board President Graham Burns, with representatives from Ageing Disability Home Care (ADHC), Project Manager, Steve Madden (Madden and Associates), parent representative, Paul Hughes, Mai-Wel General Manager, Lucy Crawford and Mai-Wel CEO, Pennie Kearney.

The Committee met each month, commencing in November, 2012, overseeing all aspects of the project to ensure a successful outcome was reached for residents.

It was in mid-2017, that the final of the five new homes was completed and Mai-Wel residents’ moved into

Rose Cottage at Lorn. Rose Cottage, together with Jacaranda House, East Maitland, Lily House at Aberglasslyn, and Magnolia House and Wattle House at Rutherford provide delightful, unique spaces for 22 residents with quality and appropriate private space and open plan living areas. Lily House is Mai-Wel’s ‘aging in place home’ and is set up to ensure residents can stay in their home for as long as possible. Each home was purpose-built and all individually designed to the highest of specifications by Architect, Peter McFadyen. Wider hallways and thicker wall panelling have been included to allow for ease of use of mobility aids and walkers. All bathrooms are fully accessible. Each home features multiple open plan living areas, large outdoor areas and larger than usual bedrooms, allowing residents to feel comfortable in their individual spaces.

Lotus House, Iris House and the Wisteria Units were not part of the LRC Project, however Mai-Wel board and management chose to invest in refurbishments of these homes during the period of the LRC Project to ensure all Mai-Wel Residents have a similar style of accommodation, in safe and comfortable homes that match their individual needs.

mai-wel was funded $6.9 million to build homes in the community for 22 residents.

living options have witnessed significant growth in the area of independent living, with a 77% increase in participant numbers.


working life

working lifeThe Mai-Wel Group provides training and support in a variety of areas relating to personal and professional development.

There are two key styles of activities and operations within Working Life; support and training for open employment and supported employment.

Whether it is community based employment, supported employment in Mai-Wel Enterprises, work experience, training, work like activities, or transitioning from school to the workforce, The Mai-Wel Group is committed to helping individuals reach their full potential.

The Working Life business unit comprises of the following areas;

Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS) MWLFS is Mai-Wel’s specialist support service for those individuals with a disability, or those experiencing disadvantage, who are seeking work in the open labour market. MWLFS have been assisting people with barriers to employment to find rewarding work since 1994.

Step Up Step Up assists with the school to work transition and work readiness. Step Up is a registered provider for School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES). Step Up offers individualised and group support for up to two years after finishing Year 12 to build capacity and develop employment skills and confidence to find and sustain employment.

Transition To Work (TTW)TTW is an intensive pre-employment support service to improve work readiness for young people between

the ages of 15 and 21. In early March, 2016, Mai-Wel was selected as a Transition to Work provider, an initiative of the Australian Government’s Youth Employment Strategy.

The four-year funding initiative allows the experienced team of Mai-Wel staff to support this group of young people at risk of long-term unemployment, or not being able to transition from school to the workforce or further training.

Over 2016 - 17 Transition to Work assisted 205 young people to find employment or to move into further education.

Mai-Wel EnterprisesMai-Wel Enterprises (formerly known as PACE Setters, Enterprise Centre and TimeSavers), offer people with a disability a range of work tasks in a supported working environment. These include timber product manufacturing, light metal fabrication, confidential document destruction, assembly, sewing, screen printing, document scanning and archiving, to name just a few.

The goal of all facets of Working Life is to build individual capacity, employabiity and vocational skills resulting in sustainable and rewarding employment for the individual.

Right: TTW participant Hayden Golz at Highway Ford, Maitland; and Johanna Miller and Teagen Markwort participating in work experience at Cessnock Leagues Club.

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level of Workplace Health and Safety requirements and the barrier his hearing impairment represented.

To gain confirmation of his suitability to work in a factory environment, Craigh has had a lot more medicals than most. He has had numerous visits to a hearing specialist before he received the clearance to work. Craigh must wear large ear muffs to ensure his cochlear implant remains clean. Despite the lengthy process to get the all-clear, Craigh was as determined as ever to secure a job with Supaloc with the support of Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions. “Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions helped me get a job in so many ways. They helped me look for the right job based on things that I like to do”, said Craigh.

“Having a job is so important to me. It means I can keep busy, have fun and support my family. I look forward to continuing to work with Supaloc. In the future I would like to buy a nice car and learn new things”.

Below: Supaloc employee, Craigh Farley

working life at mai-wel offers training and employment opportunities to people with a disability, those experiencing disadvantage and youth in the hunter.

working life profile:strengthening workplaces through diversityDaniel Bright, Factory Manager at Supaloc, enlisted the services of Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS) to help recruit a new staff member. Supaloc is a steel building system manufacturer with a factory at Tomago.

Daniel wanted to strengthen and create a more inclusive workforce by recruiting through a disability employment service and so he contacted MWLFS who nominated jobseekers for the position. After the recruitment process, it was identified that Craigh Farley was the best suited applicant.

“MWLFS put forward suitable applicants and we were pleased to offer the job to Craigh. Craigh has been a great addition to our team”, said Daniel Bright.

Craigh lost his hearing as a child and so has been profoundly deaf from a young age. As a result, Craigh struggled with both school and finding a job. Craigh had a cochlear implant 18 months ago which has made a huge difference to his quality of life.

“There are people in our community that just need an opportunity to thrive. There is tremendous opportunity to strengthen our workplace and the community by employing a person with a disability”, Daniel said.

Craigh has always wanted to work in a factory, but found this to be extremely difficult with the high

working life diversified during 16-17 to include services to youth. transition to work supported 205 young people to get a job in the hunter.


lifestyle and leisure

lifestyle and leisureThe Mai-Wel Group provides social and recreational support to assist people with a disability to increase independence, living and social skills. Mai-Wel’s Lifestyle and Leisure activities provide opportunities for participants to meet others, get out and about in the community, learn new skills and make new friends.

Mai-Wel’s Lifestyle and Leisure activities focus on skill development in daily life, independent living, travel training, social skills and relationships, together with social, recreational, hobby and leisure activities for personal development and fulfilment.

The Lifestyle and Leisure business unit encompasses the following areas;

Creative ArtsCreative Arts provide all-inclusive arts activities which provide an avenue for self-awareness and creative expression through participation and skills development in music, dance, performance, visual arts and crafts.

Leisure LinksLeisure Links offers people with a disability the opportunity to actively participate within the community and enjoy a holiday or day trip, alongside their peers in creative, recreational and leisure activities.

Life FUNdamentalsProviding skill development opportunities, while helping young people increase their independence.

COMETSCOMETS provides a variety of age-appropriate community and centre-based options to support people to develop their skills, work towards their goals, increase or maintain their independence and participate

as valued, active members of the community.JupiterProvides a variety of community and centre based options to support people to develop their skills, work towards their goals, increase their independence and participate as valued, active members of the community.

Lifestyle and Leisure operates at The Hub, Maitland and Cessnock, along with The Hill at John Street, Telarah.

Each location is equipped to deliver a variety of lifestyle and leisure activities to match the interests of the individual. Additional to this, services operate in community spaces.

Above: Luke Smart at The Hub.

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lifestyle and leisure profile: first steps to community accessAaron Unicomb has been a Mai-Wel participant for the past nine years where he attends Jupiter four days a week.

Jupiter supports people with a disability who have moderate to high support needs and require an alternative to paid employment and further education.

Aaron is a young man with complex support requirements. The majority of his time (and support) is in the space which has been set-up specifically for him; a place where he feels comfortable in a secure environment.

lifestyle and leisure at mai-wel aims to increase independence, living and social skills.

Recently, Aaron moved right out of his comfort zone and went on a community outing, visiting the local lagoon, where he enjoyed feeding ducks and geese and ordering his lunch at a local takeaway shop.

An outing such as this is an amazing achievement for Aaron. It is a tangible example of the skill and quality of staff who have worked to build his confidence and trust which delivered such a wonderful outcome. This outing has now become a weekly adventure for Aaron, and something which he looks forward to.

The outing has marked an important milestone in Aaron’s progress towards his NDIS goals; to become more independent and to continue to undertake activities in which he chooses and enjoys.

Above: Aaron Unicomb at the park.

2016 - 2017 Mai-Wel Ltd Annual Report & Corporate Profile22 New core areas of service provision

mai-wel businesses

mai-wel enterprisesmai-wel labourforce solutions (mwlfs)cimsability

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mai-wel enterprisesmai-wel labourforce solutions (mwlfs)cimsability

Above: Ranon Holstein from Mai-Wel Enterprises.


mai-wel businesses

mai-wel enterprisesMai-Wel Enterprises, formerly known individually as PACE Setters, TimeSavers and Enterprise Centre, provide quality products and services to individuals, businesses and industry.

These products and services include; pallets, crates, custom made furniture, light metal fabrication, confidential document destruction, rag cutting, document scanning and archiving, product packaging and assembly, mail-outs plus much more.

Mai-Wel Enterprises provide a range of jobs in production, assembly and service to a wide variety of customers.

Mai-Wel Enterprises currently employ 100 plus people with a disability who are committed to their job and to ‘getting it right’ for the customer.

mai-wel labourforce solutionsMai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS), provides specialist employment services that assist people with a disability or young people aged 15 - 21 years old, to find and keep a job. MWLFS offer end-to-end recruitment solutions to the business community, helping employers to meet their labour needs and offering choice, opportunity and participation for all.

Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions is one of the Hunter's most experienced and successful specialised employment services assisting people with barriers to employment to find rewarding work since 1994.

MWLFS is part of the Disability Employment Services (DES) funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

MWLFS offers the following services:• Disability Employment Services (DES)• Youth Employment Services (Transition to Work)• Get Started (School to Work transition)• Step Up (assisting with school to work transition and work readiness)

cimsabilityDeveloped in partnership with LiveWare Solutions, CIMSability is The Mai-Wel Group’s very own, purpose built, client information management system which is sold and used by many disability services throughout Australia.

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mai-wel enterprises employ 100

people with a disability


jan whyteVice President / Board Member for ten years

Having spent more than 39 years in the education system, Jan’s knowledge and experience offer great benefits to Mai-Wel. Jan is passionate about upholding the rights of people with a disability.

board of directors

graham burnsPresident / Board Member for 11 years

Graham is CEO/Director of locally based property business Hunter Land. He is also a Director of Hunter Buildings, Hunter Motor Group, and Chairman of Melbourne based listed company EVZ Ltd.

mai-wel's board of directors donate more than 462 hours per financial year.

jennifer leslieHonorary Treasurer / Board Member for nine years

Jennifer is the director of Wealth Management at Pitcher Partners Newcastle and Hunter, a top ten national advisory and assurance firm. Jennifer has more than 30 years’ commercial and business experience.

margaret sivyerDirector / Board Member for 20 years

Margaret is an avid supporter of her local community, holding a number of positions on various Board, Foundations and Committees, and in 1990 was awarded an Order of Australia (O.A.M.) for services to the community.

paul thompsonDirector / Board Member for four years

Paul was a former senior executive from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and brings more than 40 years’ experience in government, accounting, auditing and finance to Mai-Wel.

mia bromleyDirector / Board Member for three years

Mia is a health and social service sector consultant and non-executive director with expertise in health systems, education and justice. She is passionate about health and social equity.

debbie laarkampDirector / Board Member for two years

Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, with a strong focus on education, marketing and communications, corporate governance, strategic focus and risk management.

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ceo & gms

pennie kearneyChief Executive Officer/ 20 years with Mai-Wel

Pennie commenced with Mai-Wel as Coordinator of Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions 20 years ago, stepping into the role of Manager, Community Programs in 1998. Pennie was then appointed to the position of CEO in 2000. Pivotal to Pennie’s success is the belief that in order for a not-for-profit to thrive, it must have a strong commitment to best practice business behaviours.

anthony rohrGeneral Manager, People, Culture, Quality, Safety / 11 years with Mai-Wel

Anthony has more than 16 years’ experience working across Workplace Health and Safety, recruitment and generalist human resource functions. Anthony has played a pivotal role in building Mai-Wel’s new business model in response to the NDIS, our organisational structure and the performance management framework that supports it.

lucy crawfordGeneral Manager, Participant Services / 22 years with Mai-Wel

Since 2013, and most particularly in her new role of General Manager Participant Services, Lucy has been the driving force in managing the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Lucy’s vision and leadership ensures the best possible outcomes for participants with a NDIS plan across Mai-Wel.

tracey de friskbomGeneral Manager, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer / Three years with Mai-Wel

With more than 11 years experience as a CFO and many years in various accounting roles in the commercial environment, Tracey has strong experience in accounting, IT, communications system integration and project management, which has been pivotal in ensuring Mai-Wel is well-equipped for the world of NDIS.

mai-wel ceo celebrates 20 years of serviceInspired to work with unemployed and disadvantaged youth from a young age, Pennie dreamt of travelling to third world countries to work with the Missions. It soon became abundantly clear that she didn’t need to travel off-shore to find disadvantage.

Pennie was determined to make a difference and did just that when she commenced with The Mai-Wel Group in 1997.

Commencing work with disadvantaged jobseekers as a pre-vocational trainer, Pennie was later appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2000. The commendable growth and positive reputation of Mai-Wel since then, has delivered numerous quality outcomes for people with a disability across the Hunter.

Pennie's long-term commitment to building solid and collaborative relationships in the City of Maitland and across the Hunter was recognised in 2016 when she was awarded ‘Maitland Woman of the Year'.

Pennie plays a pivotal role in representing Mai-Wel and other disability service organisations on regional development working groups and the peak body for disability service organisations, National Disability Services (NDS).

news


corporate governance

organisational structureThe Mai-Wel Group is a non-profit, Public Benevolent Institution, led by a board of directors elected from the company membership.

The composition of the Mai-Wel board reflects the diversity of business and services to match the range of requirements of participants and jobseekers, whilst combining a broad range of skills and experience to manage a dynamic and growing organisation.

The day to day management of the organisation is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer, working

board of directors

executive management & leadership team

lifestyle & leisure COMETS, Jupiter, Life FUNdamentals, Creative Arts, Leisure Links.

Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS), Step Up, Transition To Work (TTW), Mai-Wel Enterprises.

Urban Living, Outreach, Independent Living Skills, Supported Living Fund.

Finance, People Safety and Culture, Communications & Corporate Identity, Compliance, Fundraising, Customer Service, Information & Communication Services, Maintenance, Support Transition and Referral Team (STaRT) and Support Coordination.

ceo

working life

living options

corporate services

with the Chief Financial Officer and two General Managers. A wider operational leadership team of Managers, Facilitators and Team Leaders work along-side a workforce of approximately 450.

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staff & volunteers

“It’s such a great feeling to be a part of the Mai-Wel team – a team who are humble, focused and all come to work with a positive attitude and a passion for what they do. Knowing that we have the ability to make a difference in the Hunter and surrounds is the drive for me each day.”

“I love my job because I know that Mai-Wel understands the inherent value that each person with a disability brings to us, the community and themselves. We have a culture that strives to bring out the best in everyone, and allows me to see that opportunity in each interaction I have."

“Having an amazing team that I get along with.”

“I am sure we will always comment on the rewards we get from working with our participants and this is true, however I also love the team I work in. We are always there to help each other out, to problem solve, support and openly discuss things. We always have a laugh too.”

staffPeople, safety and culture play a pivotal role at The Mai-Wel Group. We pride ourselves on striving for best practice human resource (people) strategy, policy, procedures and initiatives to strengthen the organisation’s culture and remain an employer of choice within the region.

Our person-centered philosophy and approach is consistently reinforced through our values, vision and mission and management takes a proactive approach to communicating these values to staff on a daily basis.

volunteersMai-Wel has always recognised the importance and value of volunteers in the organisation’s day to day service delivery as well as within the lives of people with a disability and their families. As such, Mai-Wel created the role of Coordinator of Volunteers

in 2014. Coordinator, Corinne Frost, welcomes and interviews each volunteer to assess their skills, interests and to determine their best fit within the organisation and support them on their volunteering journey.

The Coordinator of Volunteers is an unpaid position and the role; actively promotes the role and value of volunteers, recruits volunteers from a range of sources, provides appropriate support and training and is paramount in ensuring the success of Mai-Wel’s volunteer program.

Mai-Wel has been fortunate and most grateful to the dedicated group of people who choose to share their unique gift with people with a disability.

mai-wel volunteers donated more than 11,300 hours of their time throughout 2016-17!

Above: Mai-Wel’s STaRT team (Support, Transition and Referral Team) are responsible for new participant intake and referrals.


from the cfo

2016 - 17 has presented many challenges for Mai-Wel. The need to upgrade systems and create new processes in both service delivery and back office functions has been ongoing, and continues to be a high priority. As at 30th June 2017, Mai-Wel has almost fully transitioned to the NDIS and this has come with financial consequences on many of our service areas as is highlighted below.

The operating surplus of the Company for the financial year amounted to $4,610,140 (a $2.2 million increase on Mai-Wel’s 2015-16 surplus). A large proportion of this surplus can be directly attributed to the LRC Project funding.

working lifeMai-Wel Enterprises (formerly Mai-Wel Australian Disability Enterprises) continue to provide quality work opportunities for people with a disability, however challenges are present in what continues to be a difficult business climate throughout the Hunter. Mai-Wel continues to allow trade deficits in anticipation of a turnaround.

While this practice would not normally be considered in a typical commercial environment, it is important Mai-Wel ensures ongoing and meaningful work opportunities for supported employees, for whom employment contributes to their quality of life. As a result our Mai-Wel Enterprises have a deficit totalling $213,131 for 2016-17 made up of the following;

PACE Setters $106,471 deficit Mai-Wel continues to remain committed to providing this style of employment for our Supported Employees. Whilst a minor improvement has been experienced in the market, a great deal of work still

needs to be done to develop new and innovative service/product lines to grow sales volumes.

TimeSavers $188,300 deficitWhile we continue to secure government scanning contracts there has been a significant reduction and as a result some redundancies and reduction in hours for TimeSavers support workers and staff have occured.

The Enterprise Centre $81,640 surplusThe significant contribution to this surplus is the Southern Cross Recycling clothing collection service which has, along with the continued steady flow of document destruction, lead to a very successful year for The Enterprise Centre.

Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions (MWLFS)MWLFS remains a strong performing service area for The Mai-Wel Group with a surplus of $279,533 achieved in 2016-17. Maitland DES (Disability Employment Service) received a surplus of $269,979, while Cessnock DES experienced a surplus of $40,958.

The Cessnock region has presented many challenges in regards to securing positions for jobseekers given the challenges around a lack of public transport and what is generally a struggling job market. Mai-Wel will continue to work on a driver training initiative with the local community to help overcome this barrier to employment.

Transition to Work $27,457 surplus Positive feedback from employers, jobseekers and the department are indicators that great outcomes are being achieved in this youth employment service.

Step Up $58,861 deficit

NDIS funding is allowing this previously unfunded program to provide services to many more participants. This program still continues to deliver Get Started to school students, which attracts no funding. This work delivers excellent outcomes for participants and is also considered a future investment for Mai-Wel, as many participants seek Mai-Wel’s services with their NDIS funding after leaving school.

lifestyle and leisureWhile the Lifestyle and Leisure team continue to find new innovative methods of service delivery the unavoidable deficits will continue to exist as a result of insufficient NDIS funding which simply does not meet actual cost of service.

COMETS $491,893 surplusThe program delivers quality outcomes and fortunately the majority of cases of services delivered are appropriately funded.

Jupiter $376,150 deficitJupiter deliver a significant number of one-to-one and high intensity supports, which remain underfunded with the NDIS.

Life FUNdamentals $55,435 deficit Creative Arts $79,083 deficit Whilst future fundraising funds will now be channelled towards our Working Life/Work Like activities for the next financial year, this business unit continues to be an investment in our strategic goal to promote inclusion through Mai-Wel’s connection to business, government and community. Previously the fundraising was all directed to Creative Arts.

Holidays/Day Trips $41,061 surplus This represents a continued success

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through group supports.

living optionsLiving Options’ $1,112,453 surplus Living Options is continuing to perform well following transition to the NDIS. Independent Living Skills and Outreach are the business units with the most risk due to the nature of core support being underfunded. Core supports are the services linked to day-to-day activities and funded at a rate less than the real cost per hour. At this stage where possible, these losses are being offset against, more favourably funded, capacity building supports. These supports are provided to build a participants capacity to complete day to day activities independently thus leading to either no or less core supports required in the participant’s future NDIS plan.

participant gatewaySupport Coordination $13,194 deficitThis new service offers an independent service for participants to exercise their right to access choice and control within the funding available within their plan. The deficit is a reflection of the challenges faced in ensuring time spent by the SC team is spent at a high level of productive and recoverable time.

companyCorporate Services $3,326,489 surplusThis surplus includes income recognised from LRC funding total $2,213,123.

2017 $m 2016 $m

Government Funding 25.7 17.1

Other Revenue 3.6 4.5

TOTAL REVENUE 29.3 21.6

Expenses 24.7 19.2

SURPLUS 4.6 2.4

statement of financial performance

2017 $m 2016 $m

Current Assets 12.7 13.2

Non Current Assets 14.7 12.8

TOTAL ASSETS 27.3 26.1

Current Liabilities 4.8 8.0

Non Current Liabilities 1.1 1.3

TOTAL LIABILITIES 5.9 9.3

NET ASSETS 21.4 16.8

statement of financial position

revenue growth in 16-17

increase on Mai-Wel’s 15-16 surplus

revenue by service area

Working Life - MWLFS 19%

Participant Gateway | 1%

Living Options | 39%

Lifestyle & Leisure | 20%

Company | 12%

Working Life - ADE’s | 9%

31%$2.2 million


thank you

To each and every one of our supporters, we convey our sincere thanks and gratitude. Your ongoing commitment, generosity and the fact you chose to support and promote inclusion of people with a disability in our local community, is so very much appreciated.

with thanks to our donors: Thank you to the businesses and individuals wh/o have donated more than $250 in 2016 - 17.

Alexander TranBev StegglesBiz Synergy Pty LtdBronwyn BellChristine TaylorCommunity Benefit Ritchies StoresDarren FarrellyEast Maitland Bowling ClubEndeavour Group AustraliaGavin BottrellGerald FrogleyGeraldine RoeGreg OakleyHappy Tooth DonationJohn JannisJulie HancockJustine CadellKarin HinesLindbeck PartnersMaitland Carpet CourtMargaret HaskalMark HeanlyMcFadyen Architects Pty LtdMungerannie HotelNathan WynandsPaul HughesPennie KearneyRotary Club of CardiffRussell KiftSpec Savers Stag & HunterStephanie OakleyThe Good Guys East MaitlandWarren DeanWinifred Frost

with thanks to our major event partners:

BRAD SANGSTEREAST MAITLAND

33Above: Sal Thompson


As a Not-for-Profit organisation, all of Mai-Wel’s donations and surpluses are re-invested to ensure that we can continue to provide support and opportunities for individuals to reach their goals.

The Mai-Wel Group was born from the vision of several families in the 1960’s, to provide their children with a disability an outlet for education and opportunity for purposeful employment. Still today some of those original families are involved and many of those children remain as participants of The Mai-Wel Group.

Our unwavering commitment is simple; “to enhance lives through opportunity and choice."

how you can help

Achieving this commitment however is not quite so simple. Innovative approaches, securing and maintaining appropriate premises, vehicles and equipment is costly and a constant challenge as is the need for more human resources to achieve many of the aspirations of our organisation.

For Mai-Wel to thrive in the future we will continue to rely on the spirit of this community and their involvement.

How you can help:- Volunteer with us- Donate regularly- Consider a bequest- Attend an event

For more information on Mai-Wel and how you can help, please contact the Communications & Corporate Identity team on [email protected] or (02) 4057 2900 to add your details to the mailing list.

Above: Jeanine Ray and Codie DeHaart.

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The Mai-Wel Group receives funding from;The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)

The NSW Government, Family & Community Services, Ageing, Disability & Home Care (ADHC)The Australian Government, Department of Family and Community Services (FACS)

The Australian Government, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)The Department of Social Services (DSS)

Cutcher & Neale Assurance Pty Limited have completed a full, independent audit of the financial statements of Mai-Wel Limited in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. The full set of financial statements are available on

request for inspection by phoning (02) 4057 2900.

Mai-Wel Limited ABN: 88 060 661 476

CFN: 109 19


Documents

annual report & corporate - Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions · 2016 2017 aiWel Ltd Annual Report orporate Proffle 4 from the president I am proud to present The Mai-Wel Group’s Annual