annual report 2008 2009

PEER SUPPORT AUSTRALIA PILOTS THE PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM IN WA AND THE NT.

DVD PRODUCTION, AN ENHANCEMENT FOR TRAINING AND AWARENESS RAISING

OUR MISS ION I S TO PROVIDE PEER-LED PROGRAMS WHICH FOSTER THE MENTAL , SOCIAL AND PHYS ICAL WELLBE ING OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE IR COMMUNITY .

Major achievements

Contact Details The Peer Support Foundation Limited trading as Peer Support Australia 2 Grosvenor Place Brookvale NSW 2100 Tel: 02 9905 3499 Fax: 02 9905 5134 Email: [email protected] Web: www.peersupport.edu.au

ACN : 002 634 853 ABN: 40 002 634 853

PO Box 498 Brookvale

NSW 2100

ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009

INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES PROMISE IMPROVED EFFICIENCY IN THE WORKPLACE

ENDORSED PROVIDER OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH THE NSW INSTITUTE OF TEACHERS

P H O T O S F R O M W A W O R K S H O P S

Bunbury workshop Perth workshop Kununurra workshop Broome workshop

p e e r s u p p o r t a u s t r a l i a

Peer Support Australia Annual Report 2008-2009 1

C O N T E N T S

Page 2 Chairman’s Report General Manager’s Report Page 4 DVD Reveals Advocates of the Peer Support Program Page 5 North by North West Page 6 Infrastructure changes promise increased efficiencies Page 7 Organisational Structure Page 8 Review of Operations Page 9 The Peer Support Program Page 10 Progress Report on Challenges for 2008-2009 Page 11 Strategic Directions Beyond 2009 Page 12 Challenges for 2009-2010 Page 13 Thanks to our Supporters Page 14 Directors Report Page 17 Financial Reports


2 Peer Support Australia Annual Report 2008-2009

C H A I R M A N ’ S R E P O R T

Peer Support Australia has had a very busy, productive and satisfying year. Workshop attendances have been strong in our traditional areas of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, our expansion into Queensland and Tasmania continues to flourish, and the pilot program in Northern Territory and Western Australia exceeded all expectations. Under this pilot program, seven workshops were run in four locations in Western Australia and three in the Northern Territory, demonstrating a real demand for our services in these areas. I had the pleasure of accompanying our General Manager and our Business Development Consultant on a trip to these areas to promote interest in the pilot program, and the feedback we received was most gratifying.

Our financial situation continued to improve, in spite of the global financial crisis which has had such an adverse effect on so many not-for-profit organisations. Continued support from NSW Health, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, the Mental Health Council of Australia, philanthropic bodies, corporate sponsors and our member schools has enabled us to continue to provide our full range of services, and to undertake a number of new developments. We have developed a new website, installed new computer systems for customer relationship management and accounting, refurbished our office at Brookvale and created a series of promotional videos. Once again, the fact that we have had such a successful year is due to the skill, application and hard work of our General Manager, Sharon Austin and all her staff. While coping with new computer systems, working through and around the office refurbishment and handling the increased workload associated with our geographical expansion, they maintained their high standards, their sense of humour and their sense of purpose. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks for their work, along with the thanks of all board members. In July 2008 we welcomed Lorraine Walker to the board of directors. Lorraine has had a long association with Peer Support Australia, having represented the Catholic Education Commission on our Consultative Group since its establishment. Lorraine also has hands on experience of running the Peer Support Program in schools, and her education background has already been of great value to us during board deliberations. James Dibble AM MBE, who has been a director since 1983, and who was chairman from 1983 to 2000, advised me early in the year that he would not be seeking re-election to the board of directors at the 2008 Annual General Meeting. James made a massive contribution to the success of Peer Support Australia over many years, and his high public profile during our early years, coupled with the energy he applied to everything he did, was most important in ensuring our early success. His wise counsel at board meetings will be missed by us all. James has agreed to continue an involvement with us by accepting the position of Patron, in recognition of his outstanding service over 25 years. I would like to thank all directors for their input during the year – all have made important contributions to our deliberations, and we continue to work well together as a team. I would particularly like to thank the Deputy Chairman, Brian Halstead, for his support during the year.

Chairman of the Board: Mr David Stanton



I would like to begin this report by thanking all staff for their hard work and dedication. This has been a year of unparalleled activity with a concentrated effort to pilot the Peer Support Program in new areas. A one year contract with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing provided the opportunity to offer the Peer Support Program to schools in the Northern Territory and in Western Australia. 7 new workshops were provided. 2 in Perth, 2 in Darwin and 1 each in Bunbury, Broome, Kununurra and Alice Springs. These were attended by a total of 107 teachers from 52 schools. The Peer Support Program continues to grow in schools in Queensland and Tasmania with a workshop being provided for the first time in Cairns this year. I would like to acknowledge Kerri Bird, Social and Emotional Learning Education Officer, Catholic Education Services, Diocese of Cairns for her assistance in organising this workshop and for her help in promoting it to Catholic Schools in Cairns. It was also a pleasure to meet Marnie Carrison, Regional Behaviour Support Officer, Flexible Learning Centre, Far North Queensland Region, Education Queensland, and with Marnie’s help, we look forward to involving more Government schools in the Program in the future. Responses from teachers at the workshops were very positive and I acknowledge the support of the staff in the Department of Health and Ageing and their assistance with this National project. In order to service these areas Col Harrison moved from his role as Training and Development Consultant to a new role as Business Development Consultant. This role included liaising with schools, promoting workshops, meeting with stakeholders, facilitating training workshops and research coordination and reporting. Congratulations to Col on his success in this area as demonstrated by the very successful participation in workshops. The Peer Support Program continues to maintain its presence in schools in NSW with 73 new members this year. Peer Support Australia has increased its total membership by almost 20% since 2008. This annual increase has been consistent since membership was introduced in 2001. Peer Support Australia under the guidance of Mr David McCubbin, Managing Director of the coup production team, have produced a series of videos about the Peer Support Program for training and awareness raising purposes. Teachers, students, philanthropists and community members from three states came together to provide reflections and testimonials about their experience with the Peer Support Program. The videos are available for viewing on our website and complimentary copies available from our office. It was a privilege to work with David and his team. I would like to acknowledge Sam Chadwick, Training and Development Manager for her role in coordinating this project. Sam was also successful this year in having Peer Support Australia approved as a provider of continuing professional development by the NSW Institute of Teachers. As a result, attendance at a Peer Support workshop will contribute towards the mandatory professional development hours for new teachers. I would like to welcome Kristin Bell back from maternity leave after the birth of her second child and thank the Raymond E Purves Foundation for funding this position. Zoe Dawson had an unfortunate mishap this year which resulted in some serious damage to her foot and leg. It is good to see Zoe back on her feet again and ready to tackle the year ahead with her characteristic enthusiasm. Zoe will be taking responsibility this year for the Northern Territory and we look forward to seeing this area expand under her guidance. Josie Gallagher, our Training and Marketing Administrator continues to keep the office and the training workshops running smoothly and efficiently. Her attention to detail ensures a consistent high standard is maintained. In addition Josie has been successful this year in securing funding from a variety of sources and we thank all supporters, old and new for their generous support.

General Manager: Ms Sharon Austin

G E N E R A L M A N A G E R ’ S R E P O R T



D V D R E V E A L S A D V O C A T E S O F T HE PE E R S U P P O R T P R O G R A M .

The process of producing a DVD was a challenging and rewarding one for Peer Support Australia. Coordinated by the Training and Development Manager, Ms Sam Chadwick, the DVD brought together the talents of coup’s production team, advocates of the Peer Support Program from around the country and some articulate students to produce a series of inspirational short films. Production began with a brainstorming meeting to focus on the intended audiences and the messages. As a result of this meeting, 5 short films were developed. The films would target Primary Students, Primary Teachers, Secondary Students, Secondary Teachers and Community Members and other stakeholders. Several schools were asked to participate in the filming process and a number of dedicated teachers gave their time to be interviewed by the coup film crew. Advocates of the Peer Support Program from NSW, Far North Queensland and Tasmania lent their experience and wisdom to this melting pot of ideas, anecdotes and testimonies. Students were filmed during Peer Support sessions as were teachers during a workshop session. There was even a reappearance from a former student star of the previous film production over 12 years ago. The hours of quality material provided an additional challenge for the editing team. It was important to ensure the films were succinct and captured the spirit of the Peer Support Program without becoming too long. A lot of quality material ended up on the cutting room floor, but the final products were concise, inspiring and exceeded the expectations for the project. The longevity and strength of the Peer Support Program is a result of its peer led nature and its ability to touch the lives of individuals and deliver lasting change. The stories uncovered during filming pay homage to the history of the Peer Support Program and its ability to impact the lives of individuals in a positive and profound manner. First viewings have already occurred at workshops held in Cairns and Perth and have been well received. Workshop participants can see the value in these films both as awareness raising for staff in their schools, and as a training tool for their student leaders. They are looking forward to receiving their copies of the DVD. Plans are in place for the placement of the videos on the website, allowing all member schools to access them for training purposes. For school coordinators who are unfamiliar with the structure or organisation of the Peer Support Program they will be an invaluable tool during the implementation phase. Peer Support Australia were able to develop this DVD as a result of the generous assistance from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Peer Support Australia wish to take this opportunity to thank all individuals and organisations, listed below, who contributed to the production of this outstanding resource. Ms Judy Evans and the students from Strathfield North Public School Mrs Toula Magoutas and the students from Bonnyrigg High School Ms Josie O’Donnell and the students from Manly Selective High School Ms Margaret Amore, Thomas Hassall Anglican School Mr Paul Bullen, Management Alternatives Mr Brett Halter, Rockhampton Catholic Education Office Mr Tim May, Kinross Wolaroi School Mr Anthony McAteer, Clancy Catholic College Mr Chris Moreland Mr Michael Regan, Manly Warringah Mayor Mr Tony Rose, St John Vianney Primary School, Doonside Mr Anthony Ryan, Townsville Central State School Mr Greg Sawyer, Rose Bay High School, Lindisfarne Mr Wal Simpson, Raymond E Purves Foundation Ms Sally Till, Berowra Public School Ms Lorraine Walker, NSW Catholic Education Commission Mr Brian Wilson, Teen Spirit Foundation



The Peer Support Program owes much of its success and its ability to reach so many students to a highly leveraged mode of delivery. The team is based in Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Having successfully coordinated the expansion of the Peer Support Program into Queensland and Tasmania, the Federal Department of Health and Ageing provided additional funding to pilot the Peer Support Program in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, specifically the Kimberley and Darwin. This would test of both the universality of the Peer Support Program and the leveraged delivery model. Peer Support Australia sent invitations to participate in piloting the Peer Support Program to all schools in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Almost 80 responses from Western Australia and 20 from the Northern Territory were received. Workshops were scheduled in Darwin and Alice Springs and several areas in Western Australia. Visits were made to Kimberley schools to provide them with an opportunity to examine the resources prior to registering for the workshop. These preliminary visits were very effective. 14 schools were visited over the course of a week, including regional stakeholders from the Education department, Catholic Education and Aboriginal mental health. The net result was the scheduling of two workshops during February 2009; one in Broome attended by 16 staff from 5 schools and one in Kununurra attended by 11 staff from 4 schools. In addition, 2 other workshop in Western Australia were held during February; one in Bunbury and one in Perth. Subsequently another Perth workshop was scheduled and 15 teachers from 10 schools were trained in May. This approach also worked in Darwin. There were too many schools for a single workshop so two were offered in Darwin and another in Alice Springs. 38 staff from 18 Territory schools were trained. Photographs from these workshops have been included inside the front and back covers of the Annual Report. This experience confirmed the universality of the Peer Support Program and the commitment of teachers across the nation to improving the mental health and wellbeing of their students and wider communities. It affirmed the leveraged model and the selection of specific focus areas for the Primary and Secondary School modules. It also created a series of challenges: • How do we meet the needs of schools who missed out on the initial pilot workshops? • How do we support the schools which have taken up the Peer Support Program on an ongoing basis? • How can we measure the success of the Peer Support Program in these schools? • Can we further expand the number of centres in which we provide training to provide opportunities

for schools outside these main centres? These challenges will be addressed over the next 12 months.

N O R T H B Y N O R T H W E S T



I N F R A S T R U C T U R E C H A N G E S P R O M I S E I N C RE A S E D E F F I C I E N C I E S

In a bold move to go beyond where Peer Support Australia has ever gone before, 3 radical changes have been instigated to the day to day operations of the organisation. Under the guidance and expertise of Tall Emu, Peer Support Australia have swapped its peer to peer network for a server based system. The benefits of switching to a server would appear obvious and one early benefit noticed by the first arrival each morning was the ability to go straight to your own desk without having to circumnavigate the office to turn on the various computers. Another significant change was the migration of data from our substantial database into a custom designed Client Relationship Manager (CRM). It was hard to estimate the enormity of this task and just how much data was stored in the old database. It has been a challenge to ensure all data was both duplicated and detectable on the new CRM. On top of these changes there has also been a shift in the accounting procedures to utilise MYOB. Such restructuring has had a major impact on the operations of Peer Support Australia. However we continue to provide invoices, workshops and resources in a competent and timely manner and, hopefully, little evidence of the changes would have been detected by our member schools. Internally there has been a lot to learn. Adjusting to a new way of working, incorporating new work practices and running dual systems has increased the internal workload and put pressure on all members of staff. In challenging times, the secret to success is to maintain a supportive, encouraging environment. It has been vital during this time of adjustment to share new insights and develop common practices that enhance the efficiencies within all aspects of the organisation. Many challenges remain, however the more time passes, the more familiar we are becoming with the capabilities of the new systems and how they can be utilised to produce optimum benefits for consultants, administrators and, most importantly, our clients. Peer Support Australia would like to thank Tall Emu for its patience and understanding as we have worked through this time of transition. There is a sense of anticipation that, as the links to the old systems are breaking and reliance on the new systems are strengthening, there will be a significant benefit to all communities serviced by our organisation.



O R G A N I S A T I O N A L S T R U C T U R E

Peer Support Australia has a Board of Directors, 5 fulltime and 1 part time staff. The Peer Support Program was founded by Elizabeth Campbell.

David Stanton Chairman

Portfolio - Governance And Human Resources

James Dibble PATRON

Sharon Austin General Manager

Sharlene Chadwick Training and Development

Manager

Kristin Bell Training and Development

Consultant (Part-time)

Col Harrison Business

Development Consultant

George Livanes Legal Adviser

Josie Gallagher Training and

Marketing Administrator

Lorraine Walker Director

Portfolio - Program Development

Cheryl Hayman Director

Portfolio - Marketing Judith Merryweather

Director Portfolio - Knowledge

Management

Brian Halstead Director

Portfolio - Risk Management

Financial

Jen Dalitz Director

Portfolio - Board Governance

Zoe Dawson Training and Development Consultant



R E V I E W O F O P E R A T I O N S

During 2008-2009, membership continued to grow. The number of member schools increased from 825 to 968, an increase of 17%. In 2009, our criteria of operational schools changed. Our current definition of operational schools are those schools which: • have sent a member of staff to an Implementation workshop within the past 5 years and • have purchased a Primary or Secondary school manual and • have purchased a current module within that time and • are current members of Peer Support Australia. Despite the extra condition, the number of operational schools grew from 727 to 762. Over 600 of these are in NSW, with about 65% Primary and 35% Secondary. The number of operational schools also grew in Queensland and Tasmania and both states are on target to meet or exceed expectations. 11 Northern Territory schools and 17 Western Australia schools are now operational; thanks to the pilot project funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. • 23 one day implementation workshops were conducted in NSW and the ACT and were attended by

257 teachers. • 9 one day implementation workshops were conducted in 5 separate locations in Queensland and

Tasmania. 85 teachers attended these workshops. • 8 one day implementation workshops were conducted in 6 separate locations in Western Australia

and the Northern Territory. This was the first time workshops have been held in this state and territory. 107 teachers attended these workshops.

• 14 anti-bullying workshops were conducted in various locations throughout NSW and the ACT and were attended by 85 teachers. Demand remains high for the flexible delivery training following these workshops. 44 flexible delivery packages were purchased during the year.

Training and Development Consultants were also conducting training within the schools and provided an additional • 20 teacher awareness raising sessions, • 17 student awareness raising sessions and • 7 parent awareness raising sessions. One module was developed during 2008-2009. • Primary Optimism module, Living Positively

ocus on Living Positively

Living Positively was developed throughout 2008-2009 to supersede the previous optimism module; Being Positive. Feedback from teachers who had previously implemented Being Positive identified the importance of focusing on positive self talk and perseverance. Living Positively draws on positive psychology research. It assists students to identify the sources of joy in their lives, to recognise and use their strengths and to demonstrate gratitude towards others. The activities in the module provide a number of opportunities for students to practise positive self talk, do their best and make good choices. For the first time, schools purchasing Living Positively were also provided with a CD ROM containing support material to accompany the module.

F



P R O G R E S S R E P O R T O N C H A L L E N G E S F O R 2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9

• Increased national presence by coordinating a pilot program in Western Australia and Northern Territory on behalf of Department of Health and Ageing Expressions of Interest elicited from over 100 schools in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 8 Pilot workshops offered. Pilot workshops well attended.

• Drive towards increased rates of schools participating in workshops in all states

All workshops scheduled were conducted and were moderately to very well attended. Expansion continues in TAS and QLD and now into WA and NT. Participation numbers remain highest in NSW. Follow up Forums were hosted by Scotch Oakburn College in Kings Meadows and Rose Bay High School in Lindisfarne. Tasmanian teachers attending these forums found the 2 hour session very beneficial, both for networking and professional development.

• Development of a Peer Support Program DVD to assist in training and awareness raising

DVD production complete. Segments from DVD shown during workshops help teachers develop a mental model of the Program. DVD will be available to schools for ongoing support and training.

• Development of a new Primary School module focusing on Optimism

Module has been developed and trialled and is final draft stage prior to printing. New Optimism module will be available for the start of Term 3, 2009.

• Report to Department of Health and Ageing on success of expansion in Tasmania and Queensland under

National Suicide Prevention Strategy Quarterly progress reports were submitted to the Department of Health and Ageing promptly and accurately. A final report, including evaluation from our research partner, will be submitted this month.

• Development of evaluation tool to be made available to schools

In consultation with our research partner an evaluation tool has been developed and trialled. It is now being used by 4 schools (two in WA and two in NT) as a part of the pilot program. It is anticipated this evaluation tool will be offered to more schools in more states in the future.

• Continued IT development

Change in infrastructure of organisation. Move to a server/CRM environment will provide greater opportunities to interface with website and improved services for member schools.

• Comprehensive marketing program that clearly positions and differentiates Peer Support Australia’s

program A productive partnership has been formed with Publicis Life Brands (formerly Reed Weir). Peer Support Australia

was invited to be part of the Wellbeing Australia Advisory Group after developing a partnership with Prof Sue Roffey, UWS. The 12 member committee, now including our General Manager and Training and Development Manager, meet regularly to promote the wellbeing of communities generally and of young people specifically.

Work is in progress on the following objectives: • Evaluate and review the effectiveness of existing teacher and student leadership training notes and anti-

bullying flexible delivery training package • Review Primary School resilience module • Develop a future program (module) development agenda – including technology requirements • Ongoing implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement System and Accreditation • Evaluate and review the effectiveness of existing SRC teacher training and student leadership notes • Continuous maintenance and updating of the website



T H E P E E R S U PP O R T P R O G R A M

primary modules Primary Schools Manual

Includes comprehensive Teacher’s Notes and Getting Started, a 2 session module for schools implementing the Peer Support Program for the first time. The focus is on groups working together and establishing group dynamics.

Keeping Friends - Relationships

This 8 session module focuses on relationships. Students will develop skills in maintaining positive friendships by learning how to play fairly, accept that friendships change, support each other and acknowledge they have a variety of friends.

Living Positively - Optimism

This NEW 8 session module focuses on optimism and positive thinking by developing skills and attitudes in young people. The module provides concrete strategies to assist students to respond in an optimistic way when faced with challenges.

Taking Opportunities - Resilience

This 8 session module focuses on resilience. Students develop skills in coping, resilience, planning and monitoring stress. Students identify their personal strengths, people who can support them and strategies to assist in becoming more resilient.

Promoting Harmony - Values

This 8 session module focuses on values. Students develop skills in values clarification, relationship building, assertiveness and decision making. Students explore individual and community values within a safe and supportive environment.

Speaking Up - Anti-bullying

This 8 session module is designed, together with whole school staff training, to address the issue of bullying behaviours in a positive way.

secondary modules Secondary Schools Manual

Includes comprehensive Teacher’s Notes and Framework for Orientation.

Framework for Orientation - Transition

This framework will assist Year 7 students to achieve a smoother transition into secondary school. It will help them navigate their new environment and work together to support each other to develop a positive attitude towards high school. The framework is divided into 4 areas: making connections with others; finding my way around school; being organised and balancing and managing my time. The flexible choice of activities makes it ideal to incorporate into existing school orientation programs.

Facing our Challenges - Resilience

This 8 session module focuses on resilience and equips students with the skills to cope more effectively with new and challenging situations. Skills developed include optimism, empathy, positive self talk, perseverance and resilience. These are valuable tools in assisting students to bounce back and feel positive about their future.

Behaving with Integrity - Values

This 8 session module focuses on values. Students develop skills in values clarification, relationship building, assertiveness and decision making. Students explore individual and community values within a safe and supportive environment. The core values of respect, responsibility, diversity, inclusion and integrity are blended throughout the module. Students identify ways they can make positive contributions to the wider community.

Working through Conflict - Anti-bullying

This 8 session module is designed, together with whole school staff training, to address the issue of bullying behaviours in a positive way.



S T R A T E G I C D I R E C T I O N S B E Y O N D 2 0 0 9

The key focus for the next 12 months will be consolidation. After a year of significant growth in the organisation, including the expansion into the Northern Territory and Western Australia markets, our next goal is to provide support and follow up for these new areas whilst ensuring our established markets are being strengthened. The leveraged model of training is proving to be a very efficient model, enabling Peer Support Australia to both expand and consolidate its place in the education sector. Reports generated from data collected during the Department of Health and Ageing expansion project have informed our practice and assisted with the setting of strategic goals for the next 2 years. Additional funding is being sought from Department of Health and Ageing to ensure the foundations established over the past 3 years are built upon to ensure the sustainability of the Peer Support Program in each state. Of critical importance in the ongoing support of regional and remote schools will be the redevelopment of the student leadership training and flexible anti-bullying package. Both resources are widely used by schools to deliver their Peer Support Program and both are due for a critical review. As Peer Support Australia expands nationally, it is vital to ensure the resources used by schools continue to be relevant and reliable. This has necessitated a broad review of the student leadership training in particular and this review will determine the nature and degree of redevelopment required to maintain a quality standard of leadership preparation. Several projects begun during this, or previous, financial years will come to fruition during the next 12 months. The website has proven popular and functional and there has been a growing number of schools registering for workshops and ordering resources online. The automatic synchronisation between the website and the CRM should ensure a smoother process of updating workshops and resources. Schools will also have greater opportunity to browse the range of services offered by Peer Support Australia to maximise the benefits of membership. The automating of a number of processes developed within the CRM should further assist Peer Support Australia to streamline its processes in order to focus on providing quality outcomes for schools. The shift to an increased electronic presence is also reflected in the development of new modules and training. Living Positively was the first module to be accompanied by an electronic version of the support materials, providing teachers with an alternate medium to support their implementation of the Peer Support Program. Investigations will take place over the next 12 months into the practicalities of electronic training and online survey completion. Peer Support Australia has taken some significant strides towards increasing the equity of access to resources and training for all member schools. Peer Support Australia was invited to present evidence at the NSW Senate Inquiry into bullying of children and young people. This was a result of the development of a detailed submission to the inquiry addressing 6 of the 7 terms of reference. The submission was prepared by our Training and Development Manager and she and the General Manager were in attendance at the inquiry. Such opportunities increase the profile of Peer Support Australia and acknowledge the expertise of the organisation with regard to the health and wellbeing of young people. We look forward to reading the outcomes and recommendations from this inquiry.



C H A L L E N G E S F O R 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 • Support schools involved in the pilot program in Western Australia and the Northern Territory • Continued drive towards increased rates of schools participating in workshops in all states • Effective use of the Peer Support Program DVD to assist in training and awareness raising • Re-development of student leadership training for both Primary and Secondary Peer leaders • Seek additional funding from DOHA to build on the success of expansion in Tasmania, Queensland,

Western Australia and the Northern Territory under National Suicide Prevention Strategy • Efficient use of the evaluation tool to gain feedback regarding the efficacy of the Peer Support

Program in Australian schools • Transition to new database and accounting package • Evaluate Flexible delivery anti-bullying package • Review existing Primary School resilience module • Continue to develop a future program (module) development agenda – including technology

requirements • Ongoing comprehensive marketing program that clearly positions and differentiates Peer Support

Australia’s program • Ongoing implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement System and Accreditation • Continuous maintenance and updating of the website • Continued IT development • Evaluate SRC teacher training and student leadership notes • Develop an e-newsletter and subscription list



T H A N K S T O O U R S U P P O R T E R S

Peer Support Australia would like to extend our thanks to the following organisations for their continued support. Government, Corporate and Philanthropic Sponsors 2008-2009 Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing

NSW Health Department

Mental Health Coordinating Council

Mental Health Council of Australia

Catholic Church Insurances

James N Kirby Foundation

John and Allison Phillips

Raymond E Purves Foundation

Southside Shipwright Services

Trust Company Ltd

United Way (Northern Beaches Youth Community Fund)

United Way Sydney

Woodend Pty Ltd

Individual Supporters and Rotary Clubs

Barbara Patterson

Rotary Club of Burwood

Rotary Club of Crows Nest

Registered Clubs Many registered clubs throughout NSW and the ACT kindly assist Peer Support Australia with donations through the Community Development and Support Expenditure (CDSE) scheme, complimentary room and equipment hire and catering Members Our members continue to be the lifeblood of Peer Support Australia. We highly value your ongoing support.



T H E P E E R S U P P O R T F O U N D A T I O N L I M I T E D T / A S P E E R S U P P O R T A U S T R A L I A

A B N 4 0 0 0 2 6 3 4 8 5 3

D I R E C T O R S ’ R E P O R T

Activities of Peer Support Australia As a not-for-profit organisation, the continuing activities of this company were those of a benevolent foundation, supporting schools in the implementation of the Peer Support Program. Peer Support Australia does not have share capital. No debentures were issued during the financial year ended 30th June 2009. Events subsequent to the end of the financial year There does not exist at the date of this report any contingent liability or any charge on the assets securing the liability of any person which has arisen since the 30th June 2009. No contingent liability has become enforceable, or is likely to become enforceable before or on 30th June 2010 which, in the opinion of the directors, will or may substantially affect the ability of the company to meet its obligations as and when they fall due. Directors’ benefit No director of the company has, either during or since the end of the financial year, received or become entitled to receive a benefit not disclosed in the accounts as directors’ emoluments, by reason of a contract made by the company in which he/she has a substantial interest. Review of operations and results In this financial year, Peer Support Australia made a surplus of $303,028 Significant changes and state of affairs Peer Support Australia expanded its operations during this financial year to provide training and workshops in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. These activities have been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Future Developments and results Peer Support Australia will continue to develop ongoing theme specific modules for both Primary and Secondary schools. There will be continued evaluation of new and current modules. The pilot program in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley which commenced on 1 July 2008 will continue to be funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Further expansion is also scheduled for Tasmania and Queensland. Environmental Issues Peer Support Australia’s operations are not regulated by any significant environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory. Directors’ meeting attendance, qualifications and special responsibilities Peer Support Australia was well supported by its Honorary Board Members who met on 8 occasions including its AGM. Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year unless otherwise stated.



Directors David A Stanton FIA Chairman A subscriber to the formation of the company, Mr Stanton has served as a Director since its formation and was elected Chairman on 17 October 2005. Prior to retirement he was Manging Director of David Stanton & Associates Pty Ltd. (Attended 6 Directors’ meetings, 1 Committee meeting and 1 AGM) Brian Halstead BE, BEc, CPA Deputy Chariman Mr Halstead was appointed to the Board in 1999. He was elected Chairman on 16 October 2000 and served until David Stanton’s appointment on 17 October 2005. Prior to retirement he was Chairman of Freightcorp and a Director and Chief Financial Officer for Unilever in Australia and New Zealand. (Attended 6 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM) James E Dibble AM, MBE Mr Dibble retired from the Board at the AGM on 20 October 2008. Since the formation of the Peer Support Foundation Mr Dibble has served as a Director and past Chairperson. (Attended 0 Directors’ meetings) Jennifer Dalitz BA, MBA, CPA Jennifer was appointed to the Board in April 2007. Jennifer has international experience in consulting and professional services and over 10 years experience in Senior Management roles. She is currently a Principal at Dalitz & Associates Business Consultants, a firm specialising in strategy development and implementation within financial services organisations. (Attended 5 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM) Cheryl Hayman BCom Cheryl was appointed to the Board in 2007. Cheryl brings extensive experience in marketing with a variety of corporations, primarily through her role as Marketing Director. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Hayman Strategy which specialises in strategic marketing and business consultancy. (Attended 5 Directors’ meetings, 1 Committee meeting and 1 AGM) Judith Merryweather BSc FACS Judith was appointed to the Board in 2007. With a background in IT, Judith has worked in consulting and senior corporate roles. As a Principal of Alexer she provides strategic business systems consulting. She is a pas Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Computing and Communications. (Attended 5 Directors’ meetings and 1 AGM)

Lorraine Walker BA Dip Ed, Grad Cert RE Lorraine was appointed to the Board in 2008. Lorraine has extensive experience in education, particularly in the Catholic Sector over a period of twenty years as a teacher of History, English and Religious Education. From 1990 to 2000 Lorraine was the Assistant Principal—Pastoral Care at a large Catholic School with an enrolment of 1500 students. Currently Lorraine is the State Coordinator—Student Welfare Programs with the Catholic Education Commission NSW. (Attended 4 Directors’ meetings)

P H O T O S F R O M N T W O R K S H O P S

Darwin workshops

Alice Springs workshop

Darwin workshops

annual report 2008 2009

Documents

peer support program

u s t r

supporters page

chairmans report page

directors report page

c o n t e n t s page

continued support

north west page