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1Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017ON YOUR TRUSTED TEAM FOR LIFE

Annual Report2016 - 2017

2 Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 20172 Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017

3Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017

On behalf of the Board, I am proud to present the 2016-17 annual report of Spinal Life Australia.Throughout the past year, we have focused on strengthening our organisation to endure major changes in our sector, particularly the beginning of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland. This included engaging independent auditors to review our Board to ensure we have a well-rounded suite of expertise to remain sustainable moving forward. These auditors identified the skills we currently have on our Board, and what we need to look for in future.During the year, we continued to focus on our strategic vision for the organisation, guiding our growth and development opportunities, which is vital with the introduction of the NDIS. While we implemented strategies that look to the future, we also delivered high-quality services on a daily basis to support people at home, at work and in the community.

Supporting our membersDuring 2016-17, we continued to refresh our membership program and enhance the services we offer to you in pursuit of our mission.With regional Member Networks operating across the state, and a range of events held throughout the year, members have been able to engage with our organisation and with each other and discuss issues impacting them in their local community, including accessibility.We also provided advocacy services to our members with positive outcomes on a variety of issues, such as the NDIS, transport access, rental housing and more.Our membership base gives us strength in numbers to lobby the State and Federal governments for change. The renewal of our membership services is ongoing and will progress further throughout the next year.

Board directors bring valuable expertiseWe saw several changes to our Board during 2016-17, with three new Board directors bringing highly-beneficial skills to assist in guiding Spinal Life into the future.At the 2016 Annual General Meeting (AGM), we welcomed Dr Ben Lawson, who has extensive experience in policy development and implementation, as well as lived experience in the challenges of navigating education, work, parenthood and the health system with a significant physical disability.

We also welcomed experienced business professionals Grant Devine and Julie Laughton in May 2017. Grant has an impressive background in financial services spanning more than 30 years, as well as Board experience; while Julie brings more than 25 years’ experience as a respected finance professional across the commercial, government and community sectors within Australia and internationally.I would like to thank the Board members who left us over the last year:

› Dr Amanda Olsson and Dr Margaret Peel who resigned › Peter Hall and Richard Boys whose term ended

at the last AGM.

AcknowledgmentsFinally, I extend my thanks to fellow Board Directors for their commitment to Spinal Life Australia over the past year, lending their expertise and knowledge to guide the organisation moving forward.I thank Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell, our Executive Management Team and staff for going above and beyond for our members and clients every day. In closing, I would also like to recognise our volunteers who give up their time in a number of different roles, including providing administration and information technology support in the office, as well as facilitating our Member Networks and delivering the SEAT program.Your contributions are highly valued, and provide exceptional support to our members, clients and the wider community. We look forward to working with you again in the coming year.

Alan AshfordChairman

Chairman’s message

4 Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017

Alan Ashford - Chairman Commenced: November 2007 Meeting attendance: 10 of 10

Business background: More than 40 years in the electricity supply industry with roles ranging from computer programmer to business analyst.

Our Board of Directors

Mark DillmanCommenced: April 2008Meeting attendance: 10 of 10

Business background: Managing Principal at M+K Lawyers, with the focus of his role on commercial litigation and commercial advisory work.

Des Ryan OAMCommenced: October 1995Meeting attendance: 9 of 10

Responsibilities: Chair, Nomination and Review Sub-CommitteeBusiness background: Community Solutions Client Relations Ambassador; owns and operates his own database business, Abled Disabled.

Gyl Stacey - Deputy Chairman Commenced: January 2016 Meeting attendance: 10 of 10

Business background: Chief Information Officer and Senior IT Executive with many years of experience in Australia and the UK working across government and the private sector.


Richard Boys Commenced: November 2007Resigned: November 2016Meeting attendance: 3 of 4

Peter HallCommenced: November 2007Resigned: November 2016Meeting attendance: 4 of 4

Former Directors

Grant Devine Commenced: May 2017Meeting attendance: 2 of 2

Business background: Experienced business professional with a financial services career spanning more than 30 years with listed and member-owned organisations.

Julie LaughtonCommenced: May 2017Meeting attendance: 1 of 2

Business background: A finance professional with more than 25 years’ experience across commercial, government and community sectors both within Australia and internationally.

Dr Ben LawsonCommenced: November 2016Meeting attendance: 4 of 5

Business background: More than nine years’ experience working for Queensland Government in natural resources policy, with skills in policy development and implementation.

Dr Amanda OlssonCommenced: May 2014Resigned: January 2017Meeting attendance: 5 of 5

Dr Margaret PeelCommenced: November 2016Resigned: May 2017Meeting attendance: 3 of 3


Membership continued to be a focus for our organisation during 2016-17, representing 1,337 members from across Australia.Our membership group includes people who have spinal cord damage, the late effects of polio and Transverse Myelitis, as well as their family members.

Members

Our Sunshine Coast Post Polio Network with Chairman Alan Ashford and General Manager – Member Services Ross Duncan.

Profiling our members

Gender: Female: 512

Male: 820

Where our members live: Darling Downs/South West: 75FNQ: 78Central West: 47Gold Coast: 127Brisbane: 463Mackay/ Whitsundays: 31Moreton: 128North QLD: 75Sunshine Coast: 140Wide Bay: 103Interstate: 55

Age group:0 – 20: 6221 – 40: 17441 – 64: 57965+: 522

Virgin Australia’s Matthew Dixon with Brisbane Spinal Injuries Network Facilitator Bill Simpson after speaking with members about accessibility.


Member NetworksWe have 16 Member Networks across Queensland, supported by a team of volunteer facilitators. Within Member Networks, there are three distinct groups:

› Spinal Injuries Networks › Post Polio Networks › Transverse Myelitis Networks

Member Networks provide the opportunity for people to come together, share experiences and information, and advocate for change in the local community.In 2016-17, the Networks held 111 meetings, with our dedicated facilitators volunteering more than 2,800 hours of their time.We also welcomed two new facilitators, Bill Peacock for the Bribie Island Network and Bill Simpson for the Brisbane Spinal Injuries Network.

Key eventsOn 27 September 2016, we held an event to mark World Polio Day, featuring special guest speaker Dr William DeMayo; an internationally recognised expert in rehabilitative medicine and the late effects of polio.Dr DeMayo, who is based in Pennsylvania, was visiting Australia to speak at the 2016 Australasia-Pacific Post Polio Conference, ‘Polio: Life Stage Matters’, and generously gave up his time to attend our event.On 5 June 2017, our Gold Coast Post Polio Network celebrated its tenth anniversary, with our Board and staff joining members and State and Federal Government representatives for lunch. As part of the event, Lyn Glover was recognised as a founding member and outstanding facilitator of this group.

General Manager – Member Services Ross Duncan and Coordinator – Member Networks Jeanette Kretschmann address members at the inaugural Bribie Island Member Network meeting.

Karen Andrews MP with Lyn Glover at the Gold Coast Post Polio Network tenth anniversary celebrations.

Dr William DeMayo addresses the audience for World Polio Day at our Brisbane office.

Facilitator Member Network

Anne Guthrie Rockhampton Post Polio Network

Bill Peacock Bribie Island Network

Bill Simpson Brisbane Spinal Injuries Network

Brian Willcox Fraser Coast Spinal Injuries Network

Cathy Newman Sunshine Coast Post Polio Network

Delma Childs FNQ Cairns Spinal Injuries Network

Des Ryan Rockhampton Spinal Injuries Network

Eric Collins Townsville Post Polio Network

Eric Rushton Brisbane Post Polio Network

George Dougherty (now retired)

Brisbane Spinal Injuries Network

Jim Carseldine Sunshine Coast Post Polio Network

Joan Radanovic Gold Coast Post Polio Network

John Smith Mackay Spinal Injuries Network

Joy Hay FNQ Post Polio Network

Louise Remilton Transverse Myelitis Network

Lyn Glover Gold Coast Post Polio Network

Lyn Barnes FNQ Cairns Spinal Injuries Network

Pat Allison Bundaberg Spinal Injuries Network

Robert Montocchio (now retired)

Brisbane Spinal Injuries Network

Robin Meredith-Bramwell

Toowoomba Spinal Injuries Network

Robynne Clifton Rockhampton Post Polio Network

Scott Stidston Burdekin/Bowen Spinal Injuries Network

Wendy Adams Toowoomba Spinal Injuries Network

Wendy McCarthy (now retired)

Bundaberg Spinal Injuries Network


We are honoured by the generous support of our Patron and Ambassadors, which continued to be invaluable over the past year.

Our PatronHis Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, is our Patron. In 2016, His Excellency hosted an event at Government House to honour 11 members for their efforts to promote inclusion in their local communities.

Our AmbassadorsClassic Wallabies Bill Ross OAM Bill has lent his profile to Spinal Life Australia since 2002, and this year continued to show his support as the organiser of the Classic Wallabies Lunch which is a major activity that contributes to our fundraising efforts. Greg Cornelsen OAM For more than a decade, Greg has dedicated his time to our organisation, and attended events over the past year at our Brisbane office and the Spinal Injuries Unit, meeting members, clients, staff, patients and their families.

Tim Horan AM Tim has been actively involved with our SEAT program for many years, and in 2016 arranged for Wallabies captain Stephen Moore and vice-captain Michael Hooper to visit the Spinal Injuries Unit to boost morale.

Erin Brockovich A global consumer advocate, Erin is the ambassador for our Peer Support team and visits the Spinal Injuries Unit when in Brisbane.

People

Celebrating His Honour Judge PackOn 4 May 2017, our Board of Directors hosted a lunch in Townsville to recognise the achievements of His Honour Judge Robert Pack, who has made an enormous impact on our organisation, members and clients, and the wider community of North Queensland. This included being a driving force behind our North Queensland Building Appeal and leading the Supporter’s Committee to raise funds, secure land, and steer the building and opening of our Townsville office.

Tourism in focus for Robert Jones OrationThe 2017 Robert Jones Memorial Oration was presented by the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland and our organisation, with the support of the Queensland Premier, in partnership with the Council on the Ageing Queensland and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council. Professor Simon Darcy, from the University of Technology Sydney’s UTS Business School, delivered the oration titled ‘Without limits: developing the social and economic potential of accessible tourism for Queensland’.The annual event honours the memory of our member Robert Jones, who was a tireless advocate for an accessible, inclusive Australia.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell with Chairman Alan Ashford and His Honour Judge Pack.

Professor Simon Darcy speaks at the 2017 Robert Jones Memorial Oration.


Our Partners and Supporters

› Access Arts › Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland › Australian Spinal Injury Alliance › Deakin University › Department of Communities,

Child Safety and Disability Services › Department of Social Services › Department of Transport and Main Roads

(including Access Reference Group) › Disability Conference Reference Group › Disability Employment Australia › Disability Services Brisbane Regional Disability Advisory

Council › Disability Services Partnership Forum › Disability Support Organisation Capacity Building

Project Advisory Group › Disability Works Australia Steering Committee

We are grateful to all of our partners and supporters, who help us to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality, innovative services to our members and clients, as well as advocate for change in the community.

› Griffith University › Inclusive Brisbane Board, Brisbane City Council › James Cook University › Metro South Health › Motor Accident Insurance Commission › NDIS Campaign State Committee › NDIS Queensland Committee of Management › Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation › Polio Australia › Queensland Action for Universal Housing Design › Rick Hansen Foundation › Spinal Cord Injury Response Reference Group › Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Queensland › The Hopkins Centre › Townsville Hospital and Health Service Rehabilitation Unit

Our supportersMorgans Foundation LimitedAnthonys Fine JewelleryAustralian Rugby Union Australia ZooBaedeker Brisbane Racing ClubBunnings Cannon HillC’est Bon RestaurantCricket AustraliaDeBortoli WinesDeep Grey PhotographyDepartment of Communities, Child Safety and Disability ServicesDepartment of Social ServicesDepartment of Transport and Main Roads

Dominic CronkDracula’s Cabaret Restaurant Friday’s RiversideFromage the CowGolf Central BrisbaneHilton Hotel BrisbaneHoppy’s Handwash CaféIl CentroJ.J. Richards & Sons Pty LtdLa Boite TheatreLibertine ParfumerieLion Co. Major League MarketingMerlo Mitchell Ogilvie

Motor Accident Insurance CommissionOne Out CreativeO’Reilly’s Rainforest RetreatPetricia BirdQT Gold CoastQueensland RedsQueensland Rugby UnionQuest WoolloongabbaSchweppesSnap on ToolsStrategic Social ProfilesThe Caxton HotelThe TriffidVRC PrintingYellow Cabs

› Airport Accessibility Reference Group › Australian Network for Universal Housing Design (ANUHD) › Australian Spinal Injury Alliance › Brisbane Regional Disability Advisory Council › Department Transport and Main Roads Action Reference

Group › Disability Support Organisation Capacity Building Project

Advisory Group

› G8: Queensland Disability Service Providers › Inclusive Brisbane Board › Livable Housing Design Stakeholder Reference Group › NIISQ Stakeholder Group › Polio Australia Board

Our Committees We actively share our expertise on the following Committees:

Our Partners


NDIS & NIISQMilestones reached in QueenslandAfter years of campaigning for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the National Injury Insurance Scheme in Queensland (NIISQ), we were thrilled to see them begin on 1 July 2016.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS roll out began in Townsville, followed by the Hinchinbrook and the Burdekin, west to Mount Isa and up to the gulf. Following this, the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions began to transition from 1 November, before Toowoomba and west to the borders commenced 1 January 2017. The NDIS was also introduced in the Ipswich, Lockyer, Scenic Rim and Somerset regions from May 2017.Across the state, 99% of our current personal support clients have stayed with our organisation once they received their NDIS plan.We also gained 14 new personal support clients and 22 allied health clients in NDIS roll out areas.Our NDIS Transition Officer held pre-planning workshops in Ipswich as well as attended 60 one-on-one sessions with members and clients to assist them to prepare for their transition to the NDIS.Our NDIS Transition Officer has also attended 15 plan meetings with clients and members to support them through the process.

The National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ)The NIISQ supports people who have sustained a serious personal injury in a motor vehicle or work-related accident, on or after 1 July 2016.The scheme provides necessary and reasonable lifetime treatment, care and support, aiming to create better health, social and community outcomes.As an active member of the NIISQ Stakeholder Group, we provided our expertise for the development and implementation of the scheme. The NIISQ and the NDIS are complementary but different schemes that will transform the way people with a disability access services.

Wendy Adams has received support from Spinal Life to prepare for the NDIS.


I am delighted to report on Spinal Life Australia’s achievements for 2016-17, and what a year it was. From the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) roll out, to the spotlight shining brightly on research, to our advocacy campaigns that focused on issues that matter most to you, our organisation has continued to grow and evolve.

The NDIS becomes a realityThe 2016-17 year was an historic time for Queensland, with the NDIS beginning on 1 July in Townsville, and continuing across Mackay, the Whitsundays, Toowoomba and Ipswich.We also welcomed the launch of the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ), which supports people who have sustained a serious personal injury in a motor vehicle or work-related accident after 1 July 2016. We spent many years campaigning for the introduction of these life-changing schemes, and it was a landmark moment for our organisation to see them commence.Each scheme is aimed at individualised support, working in partnership with you to determine your goals and how best to reach them. These principles reflect our own values, which have existed since a group of members formed our organisation in 1960 to advocate for their own needs.While we have grown to offer new services over the years, we always want to work in collaboration with you, your families and supporters to assist you across all aspects of your life.

Our commitment to research We know our members have a keen interest in spinal cord injury research, and were thrilled to see this highlighted during 2016-17.In January, we were excited to see researcher Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim awarded the 2017 Australian of the Year. Professor Mackay-Sim pioneered research that led to a ground-breaking project currently taking place at the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery at Griffith University.This important study received a much-needed boost in May 2017 when the Queensland Government pledged $5 million towards this project. We also partnered with the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation to further support the research agenda.

Chief Executive Officer’s Message

Partnerships strengthen our support During the year, we were announced as a primary partner of The Hopkins Centre, a new world-leading centre for rehabilitation and disability research which opened in February 2017 in Brisbane.In line with our holistic approach to your health and wellbeing, we continued to partner with the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, and connected with Access Arts, which offers visual and performing arts workshops to empower people with a disability to express their creativity.In November 2016, I was also proud to be appointed a Board director of Polio Australia and further strengthen our ties with the national body; as a leader in supporting people with the late effects of polio across Queensland.On a national level, we continued to represent Queensland’s voice as part of the Australian Spinal Injury Alliance and coordinated Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week in September.

Acknowledgements In closing, I would like to acknowledge our staff for their energy and dedication throughout the past year. Every day I am impressed by the lengths to which you will go, to ensure that the people you support receive the very best outcomes.Thank you to our members and clients for choosing Spinal Life and for supporting our organisation, whether it’s attending a Member Network meeting, lending your voice to a campaign or participating in an event. Finally, thank you to the Board, including Chairman Alan Ashford, for guiding the organisation through the past year, always with a clear focus on our future.I am proud to represent such a vibrant organisation, and look forward to embracing the challenges and triumphs in the year ahead.

Michael PowellChief Executive Officer


Highlights

More than

162 CLIENTS

and their families received one-on-one mentoring from

our Peer Support team through 2,335 visits

More than

700personal support workers

delivered more than 207,000 shift s

Volunteer SEAT presenters visited

200 SCHOOLSacross Queensland

to speak with more than 37,000 students about

safety

124 CLIENTS

supported by our Life Physio service

More than

547,900 HOURS

of personal support provided to 610 clients

with spinal cord damage and related physical

disabilities

839

PEOPLEwere assisted by our Allied Health Service,

including equipment prescriptions and support with funding

applications

Our Allied Health team delivered almost

8,800 hours of specialist

services


Employment Options supported

391participants to find

or sustain a job

839

PEOPLEwere assisted by our Allied Health Service,

including equipment prescriptions and support with funding

applicationsOur Back2Work

program had contact with

55 INPATIENTS of the Spinal Injuries Unit,

with eight people supported to return to work

We supported 367 VETERANS

as a provider of Veterans’ Home

Care

Personal support and nursing services were provided 24 hours a day to

6 CLIENTSthrough our specialist

High Support Services.

1,337MEMBERSrepresented across

Australia


Individual Services

Allied Health ServiceOur passionate team of occupational therapists, physiotherapists and registered nurses delivered almost 8,800 hours of service to 839 clients across Queensland in three key areas:

› Access to expertise and funding › Specialist personal advice and assessments › Mobility, seating and assistive technology solutions.

The team conducted 10 regional visits to provide services to clients closer to home, including in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Mackay and Rockhampton. The team also supported clients in Townsville and Toowoomba with their transition to the NDIS, gaining valuable knowledge to take to future roll out areas. During 2016-17, the consultation room at our Brisbane office was upgraded, with funding received for a ceiling track hoist and rehabilitation equipment. Our Allied Health Service also hosted a stand at the 2017 ATSA Independent Living Expo on 24 May in Brisbane, demonstrating our driving assessment and pressure mapping services.

Personal Support and Home Care ServicesOur dedicated personal support workers assisted clients in regional areas across Queensland, ensuring they could live independently, maintain social networks, return to work, and lead a life of quality. Throughout the year, more than 700 support workers delivered 207,086 shifts, assisting 610 clients over a total of 547,909 hours of support. Behind the scenes, our busy team of office-based staff were the direct link between clients and personal support workers, providing key assistance including after hours in an emergency.

Our Veterans’ Home Care service supported 367 veterans, while personal support and nursing services were delivered to six clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our specialist High Support Services.To coincide with the introduction of the NDIS, we also restructured the delivery of our services to align with Local Government Area boundaries, with new Regional Service Corridors creating closer connections to our team.

Employment OptionsThroughout the year, we continued to support people under our Triple P Program, which involves Preparation to find a paid Placement, followed by assistance Post Placement. Employment Options supported 391 participants during 2016-17, which included finding jobs for 55 people in industries such as transport and logistics, retail, administration, factory and warehousing assistance, horticulture, community services, car sales and more. One of the highlights for the year was achieving two five-star contracts in Queensland, which is the highest rating in the system used for Disability Employment Services by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services. At the time of printing, there were only four five-star contracts awarded in the whole of Queensland.

Occupational therapist Stephanie Baldwin with Operations Manager – Allied Health Service Belinda Kropp at the 2017 ATSA Independent Living Expo.

Personal Support Worker Irene assists her client Julie to achieve her goals.

Our Employment Options team has supported client Shaun O’Sullivan to continue doing the work he loves.


Peer SupportOur Peer Support team shared their lived experience and provided practical one-on-one support to 162 people who have sustained spinal cord injuries, and their family members. The team undertook 2,335 visits and supported people in their transition from hospital to home, and beyond. They also held ‘check-in days’ to catch up with members, clients and their families in Cairns, Logan, Brisbane and Toowoomba and attended meetings of members when possible.Throughout the year, the team maintained an active closed Facebook group, interacting with and supporting members from all over the world, as well as established Peer Mentors in Cairns.The team was awarded the tender to provide Peer Support services within the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit for the next five years.

Equipment Hire Our Equipment Hire service provided equipment to 70 Queensland clients, businesses and interstate visitors for short or long-term hire. Equipment was hired from Spinal Life centres in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

Life Physio Our specialist physiotherapy practice supports people to reduce their pain, regain and enhance movement patterns, treat overuse injuries and prevent injury recurrence.The service operates at our Brisbane office and at the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association’s fitness and rehabilitation facility, The Gym. During the year, our physiotherapist delivered services to 124 clients, across 625 appointments. Our physiotherapist also attended the 2017 ATSA Independent Living Expo, held on the 24 May in Brisbane, as well as the 2016 Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZSCoS) Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Adelaide from 16 – 18 November.

Back2WorkWe held an event on 5 October 2016 to officially launch our Back2Work program, which supports people with newly acquired spinal cord injuries to return to work. The program is the first of its kind in Queensland, with our Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor providing early intervention support within the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU). During 2016-17, 55 patients of the SIU had contact with the program. In total, eight people returned to paid work in a diverse range of jobs, four people engaged in or returned to full time study and two people commenced programs with Disability Employment Services in their local areas to support their ongoing job search.We also secured $140,000 in funding for work-related equipment for three participants through the Australian Government’s Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).The program also collaborated with the NDIS to ensure that planning for return to work can be included in people’s plans. The Back2Work project is a partnership with Griffith University and Metro South Hospital and Health Services and is proudly supported by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.

Physiotherapist Anthony Nakle provides support to clients as part of our Life Physio Service.

Spinal Life Australia Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor Tania Goossen, Glenda Price – Occupational Therapy Team Leader, Spinal Injuries Unit, Spinal Life Executive Manager Frances Porter and client Kenneth Melchert, celebrate the launch of the Back2Work program.

Our Peer Support team includes Col Mackereth, Peter Harre, Jocelyn Stocker and Katie Dykes.


Business ServicesAccess Solutions AustraliaIn 2016-2017, our Design Compliance Advisor conducted work to support improved access in new and existing public facilities and venues. From facility audits for a multi-sport centre on the Gold Coast, to assisting members with design advice and consultation on proposed private dwellings, we assisted with advice to enhance outcomes for various communities. We also provided design advice as part of a large engineering consortia that successfully tendered for improvements to Brisbane’s City Cat terminals. Through Access Solutions Australia, our organisation is also well represented on access and inclusion committees that influence State and Local Government.

Specialised staff training We provide quality training services and professional development so companies can up-skill their workforce and develop their team members.Our qualified clinical educators have specialised expertise and deliver dynamic workshops in areas including first aid, personal care, manual tasks, disability support, workplace health and safety, team support, workplace disability awareness.Along with training our own personal support workers, including inductions and refresher courses, we delivered workshops to 22 external organisations during 2016-17.

Workplace support Our Employment Options team contacted 286 employers during 2016-17, and successfully placed employees in 50 workplaces. The team provided services including:

› information and advice on supporting employees through workplace modifications

› pre-screening and identifying suitable candidates for vacancies

› connecting participants with apprenticeships and traineeships

› ongoing advice and support. Our Back2Work project, an early intervention vocational rehabilitation program operating within the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit, also provided support and information to 11 employers, and eight people who were self-employed or considering self-employment. Furthermore, our Allied Health team supported clients and employers with specialist personal advice and assessments, as well as assistance with funding applications.

We provide quality training services to our staff, as well as external organisations. Our Allied Health Service physiotherapist Gail Pitt assists Michael Arlidge in the workplace.


Community ServicesCommunity AdvocacyOur Advocacy Advisor assisted many members to navigate complex issues, resolve personal challenges and locate information relevant to their needs. Issues that we assisted individual members with ranged from advice on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ), to assistance with access to social housing, community transport and access to venues – reflecting the diverse life journeys of our members. Throughout the year, we surveyed members on their thoughts in relation to accessible tourism and the Queensland Building Plan to inform advocacy positions.

Community LinkingThrough the Community Linking program, Spinal Life staff and members influenced positive outcomes in areas as diverse as toilet access, footpath design and shopping centre assisted shopping, amongst others. Our Regional Development Coordinator participated in many community committees in the regional centre of Rockhampton. We also assisted volunteers in other areas of the community to learn from this work to replicate the outcomes for their local area.

SEAT schools programOur SEAT schools program celebrated 30 years in early 2017, educating more than 1.9 million Queensland school students over the years to stay safe and prevent spinal cord damage.In 2016-17, more than 37,180 students saw a SEAT presentation. Our 15 volunteer presenters, all of whom have a spinal cord injury, visited 200 schools.In December 2016, SEAT presenter Sandi Small won the Beryl Dowling award from the Livingstone Shire Council for her many years volunteering with our organisation. Last year’s winner, Jodie Lord, also works for Spinal Life as Regional Development Coordinator in Rockhampton. SEAT would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors, the Queensland Government and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.

Government Advocacy During 2016-17, we advocated on behalf of our members at all levels of government.In October, we welcomed Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s announcement that the Queensland Government will introduce a Human Rights Act.We contributed a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry in support of the introduction of this Act in Queensland.

We also represented members on the Queensland Government’s Livable Housing Design Working Group to examine and ensure that all new residential dwellings in Queensland have a basic level of accessibility.Throughout the year, we also focused on transport, including campaigning for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme to continue to be available for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, as well as investigating the implications of personalised transport reforms.

SEAT presenter Robert Spencer with students from Balmoral State High School.

2016 Beryl Dowling award winner Sandi Small with last year’s winner Jodie Lord.


Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is held each year by the Australian Spinal Injury Alliance, which includes eight of the country’s leading spinal cord injury support organisations. The campaign was held from 5 – 11 September 2016, brought forward from November to coincide with a newly-announced international Spinal Cord Injury Day.Local ambassadors from across the country shared their stories as part of the “Think I can’t? Think again!” campaign, including SEAT presenter Mark Farrell, who represented Queensland. Wallabies captain Stephen Moore and vice-captain Michael Hooper, as well as Wallaby greats Tim Horan and Greg Cornelsen, visited the Spinal Injuries Unit for afternoon tea with patients and families.

Campaigns and Events Member events were held in Cairns, the Fraser Coast and Moreton Bay, with our Townsville office also hosting a morning tea to mark World Spinal Cord Injury Day.In 2016, the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) announced it would observe the inaugural Spinal Cord Injury Day on 5 September. The day aimed to increase awareness among the community and promote inclusion for people with spinal cord injuries.

Hervey Bay’s Mark Farrell took part in our Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week campaign.

The Cairns Spinal Injuries and Post Polio Networks held lunch to mark the week.

Dr Margaret Peel and Jean Beattie at the Moreton Bay Spinal Injuries Network afternoon tea.


Promoting inclusion for Disability Action WeekQueensland’s Disability Action Week was held from 11 – 17 September, aiming to improve access and inclusion throughout the wider community.The Bundaberg Spinal Injuries Network, in partnership with the region’s Disability Sector Network, launched a photography exhibition titled “A Day in the Life of a person with a disability.”Six well-known photographers from the region produced 24 images of participants with disability, featuring members Margaret Evans and Clint Croft; with member Steve Richter taking part both as a participant and a photographer.The Toowoomba Spinal Injuries Network also hosted a stand at the local disability expo during the week.

Venues provide free entry for Accessibility Weekend As part of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week, we held the inaugural Accessibility Weekend in Queensland on 10 and 11 September 2016. Six participating venues in Cairns and Brisbane offered free entry to people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, along with their carers and supporters.The venues included Brisbane’s Boggo Road Gaol and Sciencentre at Queensland Museum, the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome and the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas, as well as Rainforestation Nature Park and the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda. The event has been successfully held in Victoria by our Alliance partners, Independence Australia, for more than 10 years.

Member Sandra Williams visited the Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas for Accessibility Weekend.

Member Jason East at Rainforestation Nature Park as part of Accessibility Weekend.

Toowoomba Spinal Injuries Network Facilitators Robin Meredith-Bramwell and Wendy Adams with Toowoomba Regional Council Coordinator of Parks/Gardens South Karl Grams.


Sporting legends unite for annual lunchThe Classic Wallabies Lunch is a key fundraiser and legacy event for Spinal Life Australia, and was held on 24 March 2017 at the Hilton Hotel Brisbane.In its 12th year, the event brought together more than 400 guests from Brisbane’s business and sporting community. Guests were treated to personal stories and an inside scoop into the world of professional sports from legends Wally Lewis, Wayne Grady and Andrew Slack. 2017 Australian of the Year, Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim, also shared an engaging and insightful background into pioneering research in Queensland.We are grateful to the Classic Wallabies, particularly our Ambassadors Bill Ross and Greg Cornelsen, as well as supporters and sponsors who have made this event a success over many years.

Members honoured at Government HouseIn celebration of International Day of People with Disability, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, hosted an aft ernoon tea to recognise a group of our members.The event, held at Government House on 3 December 2016, acknowledged 11 members from across Queensland for their eff orts at making the communities in which they live more inclusive for people living with a physical disability. Members who were recognised for their achievements were also awarded Honorary Life Memberships to Spinal Life Australia. The Governor has hosted several events in support of Spinal Life in previous years, in his role as our Patron.

Front Row L to R: Board Director Des Ryan, Del Childs (Cairns), Chairman Alan Ashford, Sandi Small (Rockhampton), Wendy Adams (Toowoomba), Robin Meredith-Bramwell (Toowoomba) and Pat Allison (Bundaberg). Back Row: Cathy Newman (Sunshine Coast), John MacPherson (Brisbane), Ian Chill (Cairns), His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Chief Executive Off icer Michael Powell, Shirley Snell (Atherton Tablelands), Chief Advisor – Government John Mayo. Absent: Andrew Briggs (Charters Towers), Zita Mullins (Brisbane).

Sporting greats Wally Lewis, Bill Ross and Andrew Slack at the 2017 Classic Wallabies Lunch.


Forums bring together community and business leadersWe held two community forums in Cairns and the Gold Coast, for local members to connect with community and business leaders ahead of the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).The forums discussed how to improve access and inclusion in each region and how to make the most of opportunities presented by the NDIS, including ways businesses can start preparing now.The Cairns forum was held on 13 September during Disability Action Week, while the Gold Coast forum was held on 6 December to mark International Day of People with Disability on 3 December.The events were held thanks to the generous support of the Queensland Government through a Disability Community Events Grant.

Creating new connections through conferences and exposWe were proud to be a Platinum Partner of the Queensland Disability Conference, held in Cairns, Maryborough and Toowoomba on 24 August 2016.The conference aimed to share information and encourage innovation to make a difference for people with a disability.Our teams were present at all three locations with exhibition spaces and staff ready to answer questions. We also took part in the 2016 Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZSCoS) Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Adelaide from 16 – 18 November.Our Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell and members of our Allied Health Service attended, hearing the latest on robotics for rehabilitation, shoulder health for wheelchair users, scientific research and more.

Raising funds through our tax appeal We hold one of our largest annual fundraising appeal at tax time each year, and this year’s theme was ‘Together we are stronger’.This statement is something we really believe in, especially when it comes to supporting and advocating for our members and clients. This year, member and volunteer Mark Farley shared his story to highlight the challenges of living with spinal cord damage and raise funds to help others who find themselves in his situation.As Mark described, gaps in funding can sometimes make it difficult to access services, particularly for ongoing injury management. Our annual appeal raised close to $30,000 and we are extremely grateful to everyone who donated and shared our campaign.

Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Economic Development Officer Josh Sattler; President of the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce Martin Hall; City of Gold Coast representative Clayton Berg; Spinal Life Psychologist Rebecca Holmes; and Spinal Life Chief Advisor – Government John Mayo.

Executive Manager Frances Porter is interviewed for a ‘pop-up’ radio segment at the Queensland Disability Conference.

Mark Farley shared his story for our tax appeal.

22 Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 201722 Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017


Where the Money Comes From

Grants and Subsidies - Disability Services (DS) Grants and Subsidies - Queensland HealthGrants and Subsidies - DS Community Care Grants and Subsidies - DSS HACCGrants and Subsidies - Other FundraisingTrading/Operating Activities Other Income

Financials

Grants and Subsidies - Disability Services (DS)Grants and Subsidies - Queensland HealthGrants and Subsidies - DS Community CareGrants and Subsidies - DSS HACCGrants and Subsidies - OtherFundraisingTrading/Operating ActivitiesOther Income

Personal Support and HomeEmployment OptionsSpinal Allied Health ServiceMember NetworksInjury PreventionPeer SupportFundraisingCorporate ServicesCommunity LinkingInformation ServiceEvent ExpensesBusiness Development

These are extracted from the full set of Consolidated Financials. Full sets of Consolidated Financials are available on request.

Where the money comes from

Where the money is spent

Where the Money is Spent

Personal Support and Home Care Services Employment Options Spinal Allied Health Service

Member Networks Injury Prevention Peer Support

Fundraising Corporate Services Community Linking

Information Service Event Expenses Business Development

Grants and Subsidies - Disability Services (DS) 22,963

Grants and Subsidies - Queensland Health 1,440

Grants and Subsidies - DS Community Care 274

Grants and Subsidies - DSS HACC 161

Grants and Subsidies - Other 674

Fundraising 173

Trading/Operating Activities 9,086

Other Income 899

TOTAL 35,670

Personal Support and Home Care Services 26,046

Employment Options 1,020

Spinal Allied Health Service 1,274

Member Networks 283

Injury Prevention 142

Peer Support 259

Fundraising 969

Corporate Services 2,933

Community Linking 163

Information Service 136

Event Expenses 75

Business Development 1,014

TOTAL 34,314


Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for Year Ending 30 June 2017

These are extracted from the Consolidated Audited Annual Financial Report. The entire Consolidated Audited Annual Financial Report is available upon request.

2017$000’S

2016$000’S

REVENUE 33,781 33,676

EXPENSESSalaries and on-costs 29,503 26,704

Staff related costs 823 890

Client support costs 840 1,209

Depreciation and amortisation 392 298

IT & T expenses 746 742

Motor vehicle expenses 193 178

Occupancy costs 480 485

Other expenses 1,331 1,419

Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets 80 79

34,388 32,004

NET OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) (607) 1,672

OTHER INCOME Capital grants received 22 39

NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR (585) 1,711

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEItems that may be reclassified to profit or loss

Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets 171 (107)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) (414) 1,604


Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2017


2017$000’S

2016$000’S

ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents 6,459 13,316

Trade and other receivables 736 147

Held-to-maturity investments 8,159 3,140

Other current assets 550 995

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 15,904 17,598

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Available-for-sale financial assets 5,618 5,946

Property and equipment 8,319 5,452

Intangible assets 70 31

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 14,007 11,429

TOTAL ASSETS 29,911 29,027

LIABILITIESCURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables 1,874 1,896

Unexpended grant funds 5,917 4,618

Provisions 1,052 1,101

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 8,843 7,615

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provisions 684 614

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 684 614

TOTAL LIABILITIES 9,527 8,229

NET ASSETS 20,384 20,798

MEMBERS’ FUNDS (EQUITY)Other reserves 111 (60)

Accumulated Surplus 20,273 20,858

MEMBERS’ FUNDS (EQUITY) 20,384 20,798


Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for Year Ending 30 June 2017


2017 $000’S

2016$000’S

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESReceipts from government and customers 37,700 36,087

Payments to suppliers and employees (34,490) (32,110)

GST paid (2,765) (2,765)

Interest received 540 680

Dividends and realised gains 46 55

NET CASH INFLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 1,031 1,947

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESProceeds from sale of property and equipment - 4

Proceeds on maturity of financial assets 1,118 119

Purchase of held-to-maturity investments (5,709) -

Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets - (103)

Purchase of property and equipment (3,223) (248)

Purchase of intangible assets (74) (19)

NET CASH OUTFLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (7,888) (247)Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (6,857) 1,700

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 13,316 11,616

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR 6,459 13,316

27Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017 27Spinal Life Australia Annual Report 2016 - 2017


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