A Enriching Our Community NU web: … · Enriching Our Community 36 Kincumber Drive, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 ph: 9887 6226 email: [email protected] web: Inc. A0015592L A N N U A L R

ABN: 15192371415 Registration No: A0015592L

36 Kincumber Drive, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 ph: 9887 6226 email: [email protected] web: www.knh.org.au

Enriching Our Community

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http://www.knh.org.au/

Kerrie Neighbourhood House Inc.

Kerrie Neighbourhood House Annual Report 2015 Page | 2

Acknowledgements

Kerrie Neighbourhood House Inc. wishes to thank the following organisations for their ongoing support.

Department of Health and Human Services

City of Monash

Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres

Network of Inner East Community Houses

South East Volunteers

Monash Coordinators Network



Profile 2014/2015

Committee of Management

President: Trevor Vincent OAM Vice President: Rosanne Pittard Secretary: Meera Kothari Treasurer: David Holdsworth Committee Members: Catherine Michael David Probert

KNH Staff

House Coordinator: Ellen Prior Bookkeeper: Beth Ellis Administration: Leila Ragg Playgroup Coordinator: Leila Ragg

Volunteers

Office: Anne McKay Christina Reeves Helen O’Toole Mums for Mums/Playgroup: Stephanie Coad Knitting Group: Diane Lach



Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, 8 September 2015 at 12.30pm

Agenda

1 Open Meeting Welcome Attendances and Apologies 2 Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting Tuesday 16 September 2014 3 Business arising from previous minutes

Error Page 30 of Annual Report. Rectified and re-published October 9th 2014

4 Presentation of Treasurer’s Report 5 Appointment of Auditor 6 Presentation of Yearly Reports 7 Presentation to Volunteers 8 Election of 2015/2016 Management Committee A light lunch will be available throughout the meeting.



MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

KERRIE NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE INC Date: September 16th 2014 Commenced at 10.30 am Location: Kerrie Neighbourhood House, 36 Kincumber Drive, Glen Waverley Present:

Name Group or Organisation

Beryl Henderson Knitting Group/KNH member

Carol Curran WWSG/KNH member

Catherine Michael Committee Member/French Class

David Holdsworth KNH Treasurer

David Propert WWSG

Dee Morella Office of Michael Gidley (State Member for Mount Waverley)

Ellen Prior KNH Co-ordinator

Geoff Lake Mayor, City of Monash

Jenny Walker Knitting Group/ KNH member

Julius Pieker City of Monash

Leila Ragg KNH Office Adminstrator

Lois Vincent KNH Member

Margaret Watts WWSG/KNH Member

Meera Kothari Secretary - KNH Committee of Governance / Mums for Mums Group

Merial Clark NIECH Networker

Pat Hargreaves Knitting Group/KNH member

Trevor Vincent President - KNH Committee of Governance

Apologies:

Name Group or Organisation

Carolyn Yuen Tai Chi Tutor

Felicia Bartlett Able Music

Graeme Harper KNH Vice President

Helen Grosvenor Previous Coordinator

Judy Probus KNH member – WWSG

Katie Hommonay KNH Member

Ken Ellery KNH French Tutor

Liliana Bosancic KNH Yoga Tutor

Michael Gidley State Member of Parliament for Waverley

Rosanne Pittard Committee

Susan Loh KNH Walking Group



Open and welcome Apologies accepted. Trevor Vincent (Chair) welcomes Dee Morella from the office of Michael Gidley (State Member for Mount Waverley) and Geoff Lake, Mayor, City of Monash. Minutes of previous meeting Minutes of 2013 AGM held on Tuesday 17 September 2013 taken as read and accepted. Moved: Lois Vincent

Seconded: David Holdsworth Business arising from minutes Nil Treasurers Report David Holdsworth presented this report. Highlights of this report are: Total Expenses: $157,009 Total Income: $161,028 Net Surplus: $10,179

Motion to accept report: Moved: Jenny Walker

Seconded: Margaret Watts Report accepted

Motion to re-appoint Boyd & Boyd as auditors for the next financial year.

Moved: David Holdsworth Seconded: Carol Curran. Motion accepted.

Presidents Report Trevor Vincent presented this report. Trevor thanked all the KNH committee of governance members for their contributions to KNH. In particular, Trevor made special mention of David Holdsworth, the Committee Treasurer and Graeme Harper, outgoing Committee Vice President in appreciation of their contributions. Trevor also thanked all staff members including Helen Grosvenor, recently retired from the position of Coordinator of KNH for their contributions to the house. Coordinators Report Ellen Prior presented this report. Ellen thanked the committee, staff, volunteers and tutors for their contributions to the house and the support they have provided to her in her new role. Other reports: Reports from groups were presented Knitting Group – presented by Jenny Walker Alcoholics Anonymous – presented by David Holdsworth Waverley Widowed Support Group – presented by Carol Curran Mums for Mums Group – presented by Meera Kothari



Pioneer Group - taken as read Able Music Therapy – taken as read Hungarian Social Group - taken as read Japanese Playgroup - taken as read Toy Library – taken as read Walking Group - taken as read Motion to accept all reports Moved: Carol Curran

Seconded: Beryl Henderson Motion carried

Geoff Lake, the Mayor of the City of Monash invited to say a few words and advised that KNH has received an annual grant to a total approximate value of $30,000 from the City of Monash. Mr Lake advised of an increase in direct financial support for KNH from the City of Monash from $3000 per annum to $7000 per annum due to an appreciation of the benefits provided to the community by KNH. Mr Lake suggested that the Mums for Mums group apply to the City of Monash for funding and congratulated this group for supporting families without extended family support. Geoff also thanked KNH and groups for their contributions to the Monash community and stressed the importance of remaining relevant to a multi-cultural community with changing needs. Trevor Vincent thanked Geoff Lake. Trevor advised of the intention to commence a needs survey in 2014/2015 and that in recognition of the need to raise visibility and promote KNH, a new KNH website will be up and running soon. A presentation to volunteers was carried over due to their absence. Election of 2014 / 2015 Committee of Governance Trevor declared all committee positions vacant. Nominations were read and accepted. President Trevor Vincent Vice President Rosanne Pittard Treasurer David Holdsworth Secretary Meera Kothari Committee member Catherine Michael Proposed Committee member David Propert (WWSG)

(to be processed at next committee meeting along with David’s house membership)

No further nominations were put forward. Trevor declared the nominations accepted and the committee elected. Geoff Lake (Mayor, City of Monash) presented a certificate of appreciation to KNH from the City of Monash. Trevor Vincent declared the meeting closed at 11.20am



President’s Report

Over the past 12 months we have experienced considerable changes at Kerrie Neighbourhood House. Our new co-ordinator, Ellen Prior, who commenced at the house early in the financial year has proven to be a tremendous asset. Ellen has implemented a range of changes and improvements with most pleasing outcomes. She has been most capably supported by the other staff members, Leila Ragg and Beth Ellis, and has in turn been fortunate to have a small but dedicated group of volunteers available to ensure the successful operation of the House. I would like to acknowledge the great work and support of my fellow members of the Committee of Governance, Rosanne Pittard (Vice President), David Holdsworth (Treasurer), Meera Kothari (Secretary), and general Committee Members Catherine Michael, and David Propert. The Committee of Governance has met on a regular, scheduled, basis and amongst its achievements has oversighted the preparation and updating, as appropriate, a range of policies and procedures and has recently produced the Business Plan for 2015/2016 and our Strategic Plan (2015/2018). Of course our most satisfactory financial outcome for 2014/2015 is largely due to the efforts of our Co-ordinator in conjunction with David, our Treasurer. Our tutors have proven to be most professional in all their House activities. Just to highlight a few, but certainly not all, of our achievements;

Growth in classes and participation numbers.

Refurbishment of our back meeting room which is now a most attractive ‘drop in’ space.

Ongoing successful negotiations and liaison with the City of Monash over a range of issues.

A survey of local residents

Introduction of and Eftpos facility.

An “Open House” conducted in March.

Introduction of a school holiday program with great feedback from participants During the absence of our Bookkeeper in 2015 David Holdsworth and his wife Coby looked after the House “books” and we thank them sincerely for that. Overall we have enjoyed a most successful year, satisfying the needs of the Community and making the very best use of our available facilities and resources. I’m confident that 2015/16 will prove to be another most enjoyable & fruitful year for Kerrie Neighbourhood House Trevor Vincent OAM President



Secretary’s Report We meet on the third Tuesday of every month for approximately one hour. I write the minutes detailing the decisions made during the meeting and commitments made by the participants. This then gets distributed to the committee by email. I also email out the agenda for the next meeting and ensure everyone has a chance to add to any other business for the next meeting. I'm also the primary point of contact for matters involving Consumer Affairs Victoria, the state government instrumentality responsible for incorporated associations like KNH. Most importantly this involves lodging our annual return. As a stay at home mum it is great to be able to put my computer skills to use. I enjoy my time on the committee immensely and would encourage anyone to become a member. It is your neighbourhood house so join and see how it works!

Meera Kothari Secretary



Treasurer’s Report Following are the letter from our auditors and the audited accounts for the 2014/15 financial year, including a Certificate from two members of the Committee as required by The Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. The accounts are prepared on an ‘accrual’ basis meaning that income and expenditure is accounted for in the period to which it relates. I am pleased to report that the financial result for the year was a surplus of $14,742 which is substantially more than last year. As is often the case, this very satisfactory outcome is the result of a number of factors which members should be aware of, the most significant being: Income

Total income increased by $21,698 or 13.5%, a great outcome

Classes income grew by $13,066 or 17.3% a remarkable result

The grant from the Department of Health and Human Services was $2,071 higher

The community development grant from the City of Monash increased by $5,640 - a combination of last year being $1,500 below 'normal' as the Council transitioned from a calendar to a financial year and a very welcome increase in funding of $4,140 for this year

Rental income was up marginally, by $255, due to being able to replace the significant losses we faced with the Toy Library and AA leaving just prior to the start of the year

Interest income fell by $409 due to lower interest rates Expenses

Commensurate with the increase in classes our tutor costs rose by $6,362 or 13.8%

Development of the new website cost $1,074 and refurbishment of 'A' advertising boards $654

Cleaning costs were significantly reduced by changing the cleaner and the cleaning schedule - year on year savings were $2,348

We spent $506 on new toys for playgroups some of which came from the surplus of $174 from the Open Day

We spent $640 on soft furnishings for the 'back room' (in addition to the capital expenditure noted below)

The services of a consultant at a cost of $2,000 were used to facilitate the development of a Strategic Plan for the next three years

Utility costs returned to 'normal' this year whereas last year we had a credit of $1,810 relating to some accounting provisions made several years ago. The turnaround was therefore $3,658

EFTPOS was offered as a payment channel from the start of March 2015 and we incurred bank fees of $290 from that time

The movement in the Long Service Leave Provision was $2,295 lower this year; last year being abnormally high due to a change in calculation methodology



During the year we spent $2,288 on capital items (computers and furniture) and our healthy financial position enabled us to send two staff members to the ANHLC Conference which was held in Geelong over 2 days. Once again I’m pleased to report that the balance sheet remains clean and healthy. We can pay our bills as they fall due. Our cash reserves are adequate for our current needs. We are budgeting for a similar surplus of $14,900 in 2015/16 which, given that last year there were a number of 'one-offs' - website, coordinator overlap and consultant, should be achievable. My thanks to our bookkeeper, Beth Ellis, for the great job she's done this year and to the office staff for their assistance whenever I've needed it. David Holdsworth Treasurer





Balance Sheet As at 30 June

2015 2014

$ $ Assets

Current Assets Cash On Hand

Cheque Account - ANZ 5,942 1,304 Cash Tin Float 150 150 Petty Cash 400 400

Total Cash On Hand 6,492 1,854 Debtors 0 0 Investments Term Deposits 91,713 87,885 ANZ Websaver Account 23,868 12,468

Total Investments 115,581 100,353

Total Current Assets 122,073 102,207

Other Assets Non Current Assets Capital Equipment at cost 31,793 29,713 Less Accumulated Depreciation (21,709) (17,703)

Total Capital Equipment 10,084 12,010

Total Non Current Assets 10,084 12,010

Total Assets 132,157 114,217



Balance Sheet As at 30 June

2015 2014

$ $

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Accrued Expenses 1,194 0 Trade Creditors 84 0 Income Received in Advance 18,983 8,589

GST Liabilities GST Collected 1,753 1,585 GST Paid (1,072) (1,057)

Total GST Liabilities 681 528

Payroll Liabilities PAYG Withholding Payable 4,019 4,908 Superannuation Payable 0 0

Total Payroll Liabilities 4,019 4,908

Key Deposit Money 160 160

Total Current Liabilities 25,121 14,185

Non Current Liabilities Provision for Long Service Leave 5,285 13,034

Total Non Current Liabilities 5,285 13,034

Total Liabilities 30,406 27,219

Net Assets 101,751 86,998

Equity

Kerrie NH Member's Funds 39,164 39,164 Retained Earnings 47,834 37,655 Current Year Surplus/Deficit 14,753 10,179

Total Equity 101,751 86,998



Statement of Income and Expenses For the period 1 July to 30 June

2014/15 2013/14

$ $ Income

Classes 88,750 75,684 Groups 4,798 4,287 Grants Dept of Health and Human Services 64,762 62,691 City of Monash Grants 7,140 1,500 Other Grants 780 -

Total Grants 72,682 64,191

Rent 11,375 11,120 Hall Hirer's Insurance 916 813 Membership Subscriptions 36 47 Interest Income 3,683 4,092 Fundraising - 794 Other Income 522 -

Total Income 182,726 161,028

Expenses Finance Expenses Audit Fees 707 807 Bank Fees 290 - Depreciation 4,006 3,663

Total Finance Expenses 5,003 4,470 Administration Advertising 2,139 - Class Requirements 647 704 Cleaning 3,654 6,002 Computer Software Support 411 677 Consultants 2,000 - Consumables 613 1,279 Equipment 1,290 921 General Insurance 412 386 Gifts and Entertainment 747 1,287 Government Charges 127 142 Hall Hirer's Insurance 600 509 Internet 327 300 Office Supplies & Stationary 924 1,332



Statement of Income and Expenses For the period 1 July to 30 June

2014/15 2013/14

$ $ Photocopier 709 646 Playgroup 506 247 Postage 204 312 Subscriptions & Memberships 659 682 Telephone 1,594 1,616 Utilities 1,848 (1,810) Sundry Items 468 283

Total Administration 19,879 15,515

Employment Administration Salaries 21,946 21,801 Bookkeeper 10,898 11,863 Coordinator Salary 45,147 41,321 Long Service Leave Expense 1,881 4,176 PAYG Debt - 234 Recruiting 92 454 Staff Allowances 50 510 Staff Training 906 841 Superannuation Expense 8,312 8,369 Tutors - Contracted 20,030 12,974 Tutors - Salaried 32,564 33,258 Workcover Insurance 1,265 1,223

Total Employment Expenses 143,091 137,024

Total Expenses 167,973 157,009

Net Surplus before Extraordinary Items 14,753 4,019

Extraordinary Items* N/A 6,160

Net Surplus including Extraordinary Items N/A 10,179

* Grant for purchase of new chairs



Coordinator’s Report We have enjoyed a wonderful year at Kerrie Neighbourhood House (KNH) working to enrich the community. There have been many new activities introduced as well as several new developments. During my first term at KNH we focused on reviewing our marketing strategies which culminated in the development and launch of a new website. This tool has proven to be an effective way to communicate with existing and new members about what’s on offer as well as what’s been happening around the place. As the graph below shows, we have experienced good growth in numbers of new users to the site as well as growth in the number of sessions by users, peaking towards the end and beginning of each term.

KNH participated in the PALS (Positive Aging and Lifestyles) and Monash Seniors Festival in October at the Glen and Brandon Park Shopping Centres. Two of our tutors, Athena (Pilates) and Carolyn (Tai Chi) gave demonstrations on stage. It was great to be able to support this City of Monash event and it provided a wonderful opportunity for myself and two KNH Committee members (Thanks Rosanne and Catherine) to promote our courses to the wider community and to introduce people to KNH. It was also terrific to be able to partner with the City of Monash to deliver a range of exercise classes ‘en plein air’ in the small park opposite the House as part of Get Active Month in November 2015. Over 45 people participated each week in the Tai Chi and Yoga in the Park classes offered as we welcomed in Summer. Thanks to Chris McEwan, Active Communities Officer, City of Monash for his support in organising this new program. Participants really enjoyed exercising in the fresh air and it was great seeing the little patch of green opposite the House being so well utilised. A Summer Exercise Program was offered for the first time over the December-January school holiday period, in response to several of our regulars providing feedback that a 6 week break from their regular exercise routine was too long. It was fantastic to be able to offer 5 classes (Strength Training, Pilates, Yoga, Children’s Yoga and Creative Dance and Meditation), with 4 full classes going ahead. We started the New Year very strongly with almost all classes at capacity. In fact, we have experienced a 12% increase in the number of participants in our classes and courses compared to the previous year. Our groups have also experienced growth. We kicked off a new playgroup in term 1 which we have enjoyed see grow from strength to strength, with over 12 families now enrolled. Much of this success in due to the wonderful work, energy and commitment of our Playgroup Volunteer, Stephanie. Thanks Steph for the time, dedication and care you give to your role at KNH. It was wonderful to hold an Open Day at the House in March. Over 100 people attended with community members enjoying a scrumptious morning tea, with mouth-watering treats provided by the French class members including French crepes with lemon curd filling, and freshly baked friands. The children had lots of fun in the playground enjoying



a range of activities including face painting, craft, go-fish lucky dips, trial yoga and creative dance classes. In celebration of our fantastic children’s art program (over 50 children now attend the House each week for art classes) we held our inaugural Children’s Art Exhibition. It was wonderful to be able to showcase the work of our young artists. The event was a fantastic success and we look forward to making this an annual KNH event. Following our observations that a number of people were gathering in corridors at KNH before classes, and that many parents were often braving the playground in the cold while their children attended classes, we decided to convert the underutilised back meeting room into a comfortable lounge area. It has proved a wonderful addition to the House providing a warm, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. This facility has been warmly received by users. Funding and Statistics KNH is funded through the Department of Health and Human Service’s ‘Neighbourhood House Coordination Program’. We are funded for twenty-five hours per week and must deliver twice as many activity hours for this payment. We consistently deliver many more hours than our funding body requires. The figures below show classes and courses only and does not include groups at the House because these groups deliver their own reports.

Term 3, 2014 29 Classes 216 students 316 contact hours


Summer Program 4 classes 28 students 17 contact hours



Monash Grants City of Monash Community Grants funding to KNH has more than doubled in 2014/2015. This increase in funding will be used by the House (over the next 3 years) to implement a local community strengths and needs analysis. It is envisaged that this project will increase the capacity of KNH to understand the needs and assets within the local community in Glen Waverley (including members for CALD backgrounds, older adults, men, and isolated residents) as well as increase community awareness of services offered by KNH. Groups Kerrie is home to several social and support groups all of whom play an important role in the community and at the House. Our groups include Able Music Therapy, Chinese Mothers/Playgroup, Community Lunches, Hungarian Group, Japanese Mothers/Playgroup, Kerrie Knitting Group, Kerrie Pioneers Group, Kerrie Playgroup, Mums for Mums Support Group, Walking Group and the Waverley Widowed Support Group. I thank them all sincerely for the work they do for our community.



Our Tutors We welcomed several new tutors to KNH this year. Carolyn (Tai Chi and Nia Movement), Maria (Children’s Painting and Drawing & Adult Art) and Athena (Pilates). Thanks to all our tutors for your caring and professional facilitation of our classes and courses.

Alison Lucardi Pilates

Angela Leiminger Yoga

Athena Kelly Pilates

Carolyn Yuen Tai Chi and Nia Movement

Janie Ubels Yoga

John Holding Digital Photography

Katherine Haddock Cake Decorating

Ken Ellery French for Travellers and Intermediate French

Libby Finn Art and Children’s Painting and Drawing

Liliana Bosancic Yoga and Children’s Yoga and Creative Dance

Lucia Silverii Italian Cooking

Luciano Pirrottina Italian for Everyone

Maria Ward Art and Children’s Painting and Drawing

Pauline Nicholas Strength Training

Peta Marriner Strength Training

Pip Edwards Children’s Painting and Drawing

Sandra Walsh Strength Training

Srima de Zoysa Children’s Painting and Drawing

Suzie Szabo Meditation

Associations and Networks Kerrie Neighbourhood House is a member of our peak body the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres (ANHLC). Leila and I enjoyed attending the ANHLC conference in Geelong in May this year. We are also a member of Jobs Australia, for all our industrial relations needs. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Coordinators through the Monash Coordinators network and Network of Inner East Neighbourhood Houses (NIECH). I would like to thank Merial Clark (NIECH Coordinator), the other Neighbourhood House Coordinators and Wendy Rose (City of Monash), for their support as I have found my feet in my new role. Thank you I love working at KNH and wish to conclude my report by thanking our wonderful Committee, staff and volunteers. It’s an absolute pleasure to work alongside you in such a supportive, caring and friendly environment. We really have a wonderful team of people working together to fulfil the vision and mission of Kerrie Neighbourhood House. Thank you for your time, commitment, energy and creativity. Special mention to one of our office volunteers, Anne McKay, recipient of High Commendation, 2015 Sir John Monash Award for Inspirational Women’s Leadership. This award is well deserved and very timely as it coincides with Anne’s 20th year of service to KNH. Thank you Anne for your efforts, humour and no-nonsense approach and congratulations! Ellen Prior House Coordinator



Able Music Therapy:

provides music therapy services to people of all ages with congenital and acquired disabilities or other special needs including intellectual/physical/multiple and sensory disabilities, acquired brain injury, aged care, dementia, early intervention and mental health issues.

conducts music therapy programs in a variety of locations across Metropolitan Melbourne including Kerrie Neighbourhood House as well as other facilities and private homes.

employs Music Therapists (RMTs) who are registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association and are bound by the Association’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Aims of the music therapy program may include; Developing social adaptive skills, communication and independence; Providing opportunities for empowerment and choice; Improvement of self-esteem; Provide a creative outlet; Increasing awareness and response levels; Facilitating appropriate behaviours. Furthermore, Music Therapy can enrich the quality of life of its participants through promoting creativity and self- expression and engagement in meaningful interaction with peers regardless of their level of disability. Cultural needs may also be supported through the use of diverse ethnic musical material. The individuals supported by Able Music Therapy at Kerrie Neighbourhood House are mainly adults with multiple disabilities. These individuals are participating in group sessions with 3 to 6 other participants, who are generally of a similar age and ability level. Sessions at Kerrie Neighbourhood House are made possible due to in-kind funding from Monash City Council. 2015 has been another wonderful, musical year for Able Music Therapy as we have continued to serve the needs of people with disabilities within the City of Monash. We have added to our numbers, with one new member joining one group, and he is fitting in well. We have also been approached by two new members regarding joining another group, who are due to start on August 6. Sessions continue to include a range of music therapy techniques, including singing, instrument playing, song-writing, movement and action activities, prop games and relaxation, to reflect the range of interests and abilities of participants in the different groups. The sessions continue to be a positive part of our participants’ routine, and many report that they look forward to attending. Able Australia’s marketing department have created a new brochure to help advertise Able Australia’s Music Therapy service to residents of Metropolitan Melbourne, including the City of Monash area, which we anticipate will further assist in increasing participant numbers. Able Music Therapy once again thanks Kerrie Neighbourhood House for the ongoing use of its facilities and for another successful year. Should you wish to know more about Able Music Therapy, please call the Senior Music Therapist at Able Australia Services on 1300 225 369.



Chinese Mothers Group/Playgroup The Chinese mothers group/ playgroup meets each Wednesday morning to encourage and support language and culture in children aged 0-4 with some ethnic Chinese background. Fathers and Grandparents are also welcome. Each session incorporates free play as well as arts and crafts and singing and music. The group has five core families that attend regularly and another ten or so that attend occasionally. New parents and recent immigrants are also supported within the group and members socialise outside of playgroup.



Hungarian Social Group Report The last year has seen a number of changes for our group. Despite the fact that we’re ageing we have all managed to still be able to come and participate in our weekly meetings. Late last year we welcomed 3 new members and a month ago we had another new member, swelling our number to 10, which is great. We have time to socialise and also hone our bingo skills, at our own pace. Earlier this year we were offered the option to vacate our meeting room and move over to the building shared with the Maternal and Child Health Centre and into the Boyanna Room. This move has had its good and bad points. It’s great that we’re no longer opposite the busy office and noise from there as many of our members were having difficulties hearing the bingo numbers. The down side is that we’re missing the happy chats with Ellen, Christina and other office staff. Despite our relocation, we’re well looked after, the room is always nice and warm in winter and cooled in summer. With our increased numbers the larger room suits us very well and we look forward to continuing good times and our relationship with Kerrie Neighbourhood House.



Japanese Playgroup Report

Kerrie Neighbourhood House

Fridays (during school terms)

10.45am - 1.00pm

Facility members

Name Responsibilities

Maho Overall management and organisation of the group,facilitating activities

Miwako Financial management, facilitating activities

Mamiko Craft preparation, facilitating activities

Chika Facilitating activities

Hiromi Facilitating activities

Ayako Facilitating activities

Aims and Objectives

Glen Waverley Japanese Play Group endeavours to provide parents and pre-school

children with a safe, fun environment where all can expand social networks and

participate in educational activities.

We believe that activities we deliver help children improve their Japanese language

skills as well as gain knowledge of Japanese culture.

Our activities consist of

• Craft work

• Book reading

• Nursery songs with finger/hand plays

• Puppet show

• Eurhythmics

Currently approximately 15-18 families attend the playgroup on a regular basis and we

are experiencing a growing number of members.



Activities

Craft work – We provide different craft work each week that often reflects

Japanese culture and seasonal events.

Book reading – We read 1 to 2 Japanese books in each session and children

learn stories in Japanese

Nursery songs with finger/hand plays – We have a variety of Japanese nursery

songs with which children play moving their fingers and hands

Puppet show – We have four different types of puppet shows and play one in

each week

Eurhythmics – We use Japanese songs with which children can listen to rhythm

and move their bodies.

2015 and beyond…

Many of our activities have been carried on from previous years with some amendment.

We flexibly change contents of activities depending on the size of the group and

children’s capability (which is really according to their age) each week. This approach

has been successful so far, and we will keep it into the future.

Our future vision is passing this playgroup onto the next generation. To make this

happen, we actively recruit people using social media. Fortunately, we have more

numbers of inquiries into this playgroup in this year than last year.

We have observed that a lot of children engage in activities with big smiles on their

faces and have learnt how to interact with their friends, including sharing toys and

playing together in the playground. This playgroup has become a social spot that

provides a good environment for both children and parents. We as parents can

exchange a variety of information within this group, which is often helpful in parenting.

We hope this nature will be carried on into the future.



Kerrie Neighbourhood House Playgroup

Our Kerrie Neighborhood House Playgroup is a family orientated group allowing children to freely learn through play in a safe environment. With around 8 families we come together every Thursday morning to spend time with one another, share tips and tools for raising children, interact with children and learn from one another. We have a wide range of toys, activities, art experiences and learning resources that the children can use and play with. We welcome new families and include all those who want to be a part of a kind, supportive, positive playgroup. Stephanie Coad KNH Playgroup Leader



Knitting Group Once again our group has grown so that we often have up to 18 people coming on a Tuesday to socialise and knit for Mission Without Borders. Our six month total of finished goodies is as follows:

64 rugs 51 pairs of socks

59 scarves 8 pairs hand warmers

14 sets scarves and hats 3 hats with matching hand warmers

96 hats 14 jumpers with matching hats

3 baby cardigans 13 jumpers

1 vest and hat 1 poncho

4 jumper, hat, socks and hand warmer sets

21 toys and teddies

Whilst we are a rather noisy group, and one might think otherwise, you can see from the above figures that we do actually produce a large amount of items to take to the Mission. Our group whilst being close knit (sorry about the pun!) welcomes all new members, particularly those that can knit or crochet and we do have great afternoon tea! Jenny Walker



Mums for Mums Support Group The Mums for Mums group provides:

Opportunities for people who have moved to Australia and have no family in Melbourne to meet other families in similar situations

Mutual support in a group environment

Information sharing Activities of the group include:

Providing a weekly get together for socialising

Allowing our children to meet and play together

Providing a safe environment for all

The playgroup sessions are assisted by a wonderful volunteer Stephanie who the children adore. The group has allowed a group of mothers to find a family away from family. The mothers socialise once a month and the husbands also get together. We attend each other’s children’s birthday parties, celebrations and cheer each other up. We wish to continue these sessions and also want to expand for others in a similar situation to join us.

Pioneer Group The Pioneers are a small group of wheelchair bound adults with profound physical disabilities whose life goals are to remain active members in the community. With the assistance of their individual carers they have engaged a music therapist to meet on Tuesdays at Kerrie Neighbourhood House. The Pioneers Music group objectives are to have an activity to attend within a community setting, listening to music for relaxation and pain management, learning about different music genres both current and historical, learning about different musical instruments and participating in playing simple instruments and song writing. New members would be made very welcome. Contact Cassy Patience 0412 182 010



Walking Group The Walking Group meet every Monday at 10.00am at different locations around the Monash area for a 45 – 60 minute walk. Over the past twelve months our walking group has continued to be a really warm, welcoming group with a number of new members joining to swell the group numbers to about eighteen. These numbers vary each week with an average group size of eight to ten. Sometimes fewer, sometimes more. We walk rain, hail or shine. No matter what speed you walk at there is always someone who walks at the the same speed. Catering therefore for all who wish to attend. The friendliness of the group means that members can drop in and out due to their commitments but click right back into the group upon their return. Our group has coffee after walking some weeks depending on the availability of members as well as the occasional lunch session. We are also extremely grateful to the staff at the House for providing a venue for a morning tea once a term. This activity is always well patronised and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attend.



Waverley Widowed Support Group Inc. Report The primary objective of the Waverley Widowed Support Group Inc. is to offer understanding, support, encouragement and social contact for people who are grieving over the death of a spouse or partner. The group is run on a voluntary basis and its members meet weekly at the Kerrie Neighbourhood House. The WWSG offers a positive and varied program in which all members can be involved. Most importantly it is a group where support is available for grieving people. At present fifteen members are trained as Support Workers. They are there to offer appropriate support and to talk to people if the people should so wish. The group also offers a varied range of regular social outings within a safe and supportive environment. The group offers a special opportunity for widowed people to connect with others on a regular basis. It helps in getting on with life in a positive manner. The group has 58 members, as at 30 June 2015, with an average attendance of 29 members per meeting over the last financial year. Most members either live in Monash or the surrounding eastern suburbs. The WWSG’s program includes weekly meetings, with a guest speaker each month, fortnightly Saturday evening outings and monthly Sunday outings. As well this year the club organised a very successful and enjoyable Mystery Bus Tour to Mt Macedon and the always popular weekend away. Topics for the weekly meetings included:

Equip4life, Healthy Ageing & Lifestyle

Gardens of Singapore

Early TV Dramas produced by Crawford Productions

Experiences of a Principal as recounted by a Past Principal

Travels to Russia

Some experiences working with the SES, History of The Shrine, Ian Douglas

Living on a Desert Island

Habitat for Humanity

Duties and Experiences of an Ambulance Officer

Beyond the Garden Gate, (Speaker from the Royal Botanic Gardens)

From time to time, members have spoken of their life and experiences

At Christmas Time members have joined in a Christmas Sing-a-Long Social Program: Over the past year members have enjoyed a fun night of Trivia and the opportunity to see two local theatre productions. Also the Social Program has offered the opportunity for members to have afternoon tea at the Cuckoo, a garden tour and Devonshire tea at Coombe Cottage. The group has also had the opportunity to enjoy a Sunday Twilight Meeting at Cranbourne Harness Racing, an unforgettable and ever popularSunday Mystery Bus Tour (this year to the Mt Macedon area) and a Weekend away to Warburton. The group’s smooth running and activities are co-ordinated by an active committee who meet monthly. During the year nine members were trained as support workers.



In conclusion, WWSG thanks the City of Monash for their generous in-kind support and the Kerrie Neighbourhood House for their continuing support and for providing a warm and inviting community environment for our group. Ted Cox, President, Waverley Widowed Support Group Inc



Kerrie Neighbourhood House acknowledges the support of the

Victorian Government.

Ph: 9887 6226

Documents

A Enriching Our Community NU web: … · Enriching Our Community 36 Kincumber Drive, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 ph: 9887 6226 email: [email protected] web: Inc. A0015592L A N N U A L R