Annual Report

2016

Striving to end homelessness, sustaining

housing and strengthening communities1
Contents

Mission & Vision Statements 1

Chairperson’s Report 2

CEO’s Report 3

In Memorium Dorothy Noble 5

Agency Data HACC & Aged Care Programs 6

Agency Data Homeless Support Programs 8

Case Studies 10

Finance Report 14

2015 Annual General Meeting Minutes 16

Donations 19

Acknowledgements 20

Committee of Governance membership 21

Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016 MOSS volunteers

Mission & Vision
Statements

Mission Statement
Merri Outreach Support Service works
to provide people who experience or are
at risk of experiencing homelessness
the opportunities to enjoy the security of
connections, participation, contribution and
control within their chosen communities.
Merri Outreach Support Service works for
change through individualised assistance,
advocacy, community development and
research. Advocacy work occurs at both
the individual and the social policy level.
Individualised assistance includes case
management, practical assistance, referral,
advocacy and information provision
for individuals who experience or are at
risk of experiencing homelessness.

Vision Statement
Merri Outreach Support Service seeks to
address the unfair distribution of wealth, power
and access to community benefits of our
current social structure by working for and with
women, men and children who experience
or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

While recognising the social causes

and context of homelessness, Merri
Outreach Support Service respects the
unique experience, needs and abilities
of each person who experiences or is at
risk of experiencing homelessness. Merri
Outreach Support Service recognises
their rights to grow, learn and be healthy.

1
 Chairperson’s Report
Karen Sherry
As a Committee of Governance we are here not for ourselves
but to support the work of staff.

Merri Outreach Support Service knows its to respond to the rapidly changing strategic
strengths and is proud of its connection to environment and want to be creative, open to
community; high quality services; passionate innovation and new ways of working within a
staff, great reputation, strong partnership new governance framework. Moving forward
relationships and being financially sound. Our we will focus on supporting management
merger with the Banyule Housing Support in service development opportunities such
Group was completed at the close of 2015/2016 as partnerships with registered Housing
reporting year and we are looking forward to Associations, exploring possibilities in
a new relationship with a new funding body in aged care for our clients and the use of
Banyule City Council. As part of this merger technology. We will support management
we added two new members to the MOSS and staff to respond to our community’s
Committee of Governance in Mary Zaccari needs and in positioning the organisation
and Richard Grant who came from the former for the upcoming disability reforms.
Banyule Housing Support Group committee.
During the year we also welcomed Stephen I thank the following Committee
Gagen and Alison Dumaresq to the Committee of Governance members for their
as new members. These new additions have work during this financial year:
brought with them their own experience in Mark Goodie (Treasurer), Prameend Singh
finance, governance and human resources. (Secretary), Marion Patterson (Deputy
Chairperson), ordinary members Jock
This year the Committee of Governance Allan, Janet Hall, Colleen Turner, Younes
undertook reviewing several large pieces Benhim, Stephen Gagen, Alison Dumaresq,
of work, the draft Enterprise Bargaining Mary Zaccari and Richard Grant.
Agreement, the current MOSS Strategic Plan
and its own Governance processes. Working On behalf of the MOSS Committee of
through the issues highlighted that the Governance, I would like to thank Rob Sago,
commitment to our principles, MOSS staff, Tony Littman, Katrina McAuley, staff and
clients and community is paramount. The volunteers for their hard work, support and
significant time and effort we have put into commitment over the last 12 months. We
these tasks will mean that we will emerge are looking forward to the coming year.
stronger and bolder. It is an exciting time
with many opportunities ahead for MOSS. Karen Sherry

As a Committee of Governance we are here not Chairperson

for ourselves but to support the work of staff.
We understand that it is a difficult to respond
to the growing housing and thus homelessness
crisis in our community and the complex
needs of clients. We are aware of the need

2 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

CEO’s Report
Robert Sago
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our annual
report for the year 2015/2016

The financial year of 2015/2016 has been partnership across the municipality of Banyule.
both challenging and productive. We have As part of the merger process two of the
continued to focus on refining and developing BHSG Board has joined our Committee of
strong models of practice across the agency. Governance, Mary Zaccari and Richard Grant.

We actively worked with 1799 consumers

this year from all age groups. 605 from our Other major activities of the
Home and Community Care and Aged Care organisation for the year include:
programs and 1194 in our Homelessness
programs. 863 consumers were aged 25 or • Restructuring the crisis teams
less and strikingly 52% of our homelessness
consumers had Family Violence as one of • Submissions to the Royal Commission
their main presenting issues. We are meeting into Family Violence with particular
all of our targets as set out in our funding emphasis on the trauma experienced
and service agreements and have done so by children and effective models of
within the context of our Mission and Vision. reparative work with children.
Striving to end homelessness; sustaining
housing and strengthening communities. • Completion of 3 year cycle of surveillance
for our Quality Improvement and
The most important event for MOSS this Accreditation with no non-conformities.
financial year has been the successful merger
with Banyule Housing Support Group. BHSG • Developing our relationships with Yarra
has a proud history of delivering services Community Housing at the housing
to homeless and disadvantaged people in estates at Pearcedale Parade in
the municipality of Banyule and surrounds Broadmeadows and Mount Street in
for over 40 years. The backgrounds and Heidelberg. We have initiated support
origins of our organisations are strikingly and community development activities in
similar and so the merge has been one of a order to strengthen these communities.
‘natural fit’. Nevertheless merging into another
organisation is not an easy process and the • We have initiated our strategic planning
hard work of BHSG chairperson Mary Zaccari, processes. The development of the
BHSG Executive Officer Damian Jones and plan will inform our development
BHSG Merge consultant Gerard O’Donnell over the next 5 years.
has been greatly appreciated in this process.
The funded programs that BHSG operated • Further developing the use of
were under contract with the Department digital technology to increase the
of Health and Human Services and the productivity of our outreach work.
Banyule City Council. The relationship with
the Council is a new direction for MOSS and • Managing the shift of HACC services for the
we look forward to a productive and growing over 65’s (50yo for Indigenous Australians)

3
 CEO’s Report

from the Victorian Government to the • Developing our Strategic Plan to

Federal Government. This has included the guide our work for the long term.
development of new funding and service
agreements and accountability mechanisms. • Developing and bedding down our
This affects around $500,000 of our services. new working relationship with Federal
Government through the Commonwealth
• Deciding to invest in more Management Home Support Program
resources to accommodate the increase
in our size and complexity over the Our work is only achievable with a professional
last 4 years and to be able to take and committed staff team. Our people work
advantage of the exciting opportunities in often very tough circumstances and they
in the sector over the coming years. continue to do this day after day, year in and
year out. The skill sets required to undertake
Challenges for the coming year our work should not be underestimated.
include: I thank all of you for your continued
dedication. It is a joy to work with you.
• Developing our relationship with Banyule
City Council and building on the work As for my team of Managers, Katrina McAuley
of Banyule Housing Support Group and Tony Littman, their energy, attention to
details, values, integrity and leadership are
• Aligning our programs with the service all essential to the smooth running of the
changes arising from the Royal Commission organisation. What these two can cram into a
into Family Violence. An emphasis on working week is nothing short of astonishing.
rapid re-housing and an emphasis on
children’s support are expected. Thank you to all our volunteers, partner
organisations and funding bodies and the
• Development of our youth refuge model myriad of people we are fortunate to work
with each year. We look forward to working
• Aligning our programs with the reforms with you productively into the future.
to the Homeless Services Sector initiated
by the Victorian State Government. The Lastly, I would like to acknowledge and
advent of ‘Launch’ sites in the Hume congratulate the members of our Committee
Moreland catchment and changes to the of Governance whom cheerfully manage
Crisis system are of particular importance. their governance responsibilities while
challenging us to look at new ways of doing
• Further developing our ‘Bright Futures’ things in pursuit of our mission and vision.
model of working with homeless
children with a renewed interest The good ship MOSS sails on……..
in therapeutic counseling as an
additional stream of the program. Rob Sago CEO

4 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

Dorothy Noble
30.07.1934 - 12.06.2016
Devoted her life to her family, her work and Shrivings

Dorothy spent her life caring for those who Dorothy had a great love for cats, having her
couldn’t care for themselves. Dorothy was own and feeding the local strays, she always
as a nurse at the Royal Children’s hospital felt very connected to animals and their welfare.
and raised her son as a single mum at
a time when this was a rare event. Shrivings was always for Dorothy a place
to socialise she was a friend to us all, loved
Dorothy and her Aunt Edna were always by us all and she well be sorely missed.
close and had a trout farm in Bright before
it was lost to a bush fire. Dorothy returned to Dorothy was always interested in people
Melbourne in the 1990’s and lived in public and their wellbeing, always asking more
housing. Firstly, in North Melbourne, then about others than speaking about herself.
transferring to Park Street in Brunswick She loved life and was a great contributor
to be close to her much loved Aunt Edna to the MOSS family. She was deeply
and finally at Merri Street in Brunswick. respected by all of us and will be sadly
missed at 351 Barkly Street, Brunswick.
Dorothy and her Aunt Edna were best
friends looking after one another. Dorothy Rest in Peace Love all the MOSS
went to visit Edna daily until her passing. staff and volunteers.

At Merri Street Dorothy met Irene and they were

to become great friends and neighbours. They
both went to Barkly Square Shopping centre
daily for coffee and cake. Dorothy’s sweet
tooth was legendary. The French Cake shop in
Sydney Road was her favourite. Chocolate was
her addiction, liberally shared with the staff.

Dorothy commenced volunteering at 351 Barkly

Street in 1999, working alongside Lyn and
the Volunteers for 17 years. Her primary role
was in the PAG room doing bookwork and
using her great observation skills to make sure
anything- a health issue, a cup of tea, some
emotional support that needed to be done
was attended to. She was also concerned
for anyone else who lived at Barkly Street
or her neighbourhood. She was constantly
thinking about who needed assistance and
drawing these needs to the attention of staff.

5
 Agency Data
HACC & Aged Care Programs
MOSS HACC and Aged Care funded services increased by
200 clients in the past financial year.

2015/2016 Total Support Services provided: Number

Periods HACC & Aged Number *contacts
Care Programs

Total clients 605 Assertive outreach 729

Adult females 265 (43%) Care Coordination 2677

Adult males 340 (56%) Groups* 8713

Lives alone 406 (67%)

Lives with family 69 (11%) Accommodation type Number

Lives with others 130 (21%) Primary homeless 15 (2%)

SRS 25 (8%)

Age Range Number Public housing 408 (67%)

<45 year old 52 (8%) Private rental 50 (8%)

45>55 50 (8%) Other 107 (17%)

56>65 181 (29%)

66>85 297 (49%)

>85 year old 25 (4%)

6 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

 Cultural identity Number Income Number

Anglo 338 (55%) Aged Pension 234

Culturally & Linguistically DSP 181

237 (55%)
Diverse
NSA 40
Aboriginal & Torres 30 (4%)
Strait Islander No Income 5

Health Number Disability Number

Diabetic 79 No disability 81

Epilepsy 7 Physical 112

Asthma 16 Psychiatric 85

Chronic Health illness 183 ABI 67

Drug and Alcohol 181 Intellectual 20

Not stated 240

2015/16 Home & Community Care & Aged Care data summary

MOSS HACC and Aged Care funded 53% of our consumers are over 65 years
services increased by 200 clients in the past of age and 47% are under 65 years of
financial year. The reason for the increase is age. 55% are Anglo, 55% CALD and 4%
a growing demand on service delivery and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
improved reporting through our new client
data base SRS. The reported programs The two main presenting health issues
include Barkly Street High Rise Support for our consumers is chronic health
Program, Holmes Street High Rise Support illness (183) and drug and alcohol abuse
Program, Housing Support for the Aged, (181) also a considerable number of our
Volunteer Coordination, Connections Team clients have diagnosed diabetes (79).
and our three Planned Activity Groups.
Consumers presenting with disability support
The largest population of our consumers live needs include Psychiatric disability (85),
alone (67%) in public housing (67%), whilst Physical (112) and Acquired Brain Injury
other accommodation options are recorded (67). The main two types of incomes are
as other (17%), private rental (8%), and primary consumers in receipt of the Aged Care Pension
homeless (2%) and Supported Residential (234) and the Disability Support Pension
Services (4%) recording the lowest population. (181) and other income types are New Start
Allowance (40) or no recorded income (5).
Assertive outreach is a main function of
accessing isolated older people, and our
teams provided 729 assertive outreach
contacts to our consumers this is an
increase of 102% since last year.

7
 Agency Data
Homeless Support Programs
During 2015/2016 MOSS supported a total of 1799
consumers

2015/2016 Total Cultural Identity Number

Specialist Homelessness Number
Sector programs Aboriginal & Torres 134 (11%)
Strait Islander
Total Clients 1194
Culturally & Linguistically 300 (25%)
Adult females 224 (19%) Diverse

Adult males 117 (10%) Anglo &/or Australian 760 (64%)

Children and young Main income Centrelink

853 (81%) 1155 (97%)
people <26yo or no income

Family Type Number Accommodation Type Number

Single parent families 480 (40%) Primary homeless 76 (6%)

Singles 173 (14%) Crisis accommodation 176 (15%)

Other families 441 (46%) THM 370 (31%)

Family violence as a Public housing 88 (7%)

620 (52%)
presenting factor
Private rental 222 (19%)

Other incl no tenure 262 (22%)

8 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

2015/2016 Specialist Homeless Sector data summary
MOSS DHHS funded programs funded as part Our data correlates with research evidence
of the Specialist Homelessness Sector (SHS) that family violence is the leading cause of
provided support to 1194 consumers during the homelessness with 52% of our consumers
review period of 2015/2016 financial year. SHS having family violence as a factor in seeking
programs include transitional support programs homelessness support and/or current are
Teams 1 & 2 based at Broadmeadows and experiencing family violence. Relationship
TOST at Northcote, crisis programs including breakdown is also a significant factor in
the Crisis Response Program, Catchment youth homelessness and these issues
Youth Refuge and Family Reconciliation are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
intensive case management and Bright Futures.
Our consumers reside in a range of
Collectively our SHS programs see accommodation types. THM transitional,
almost twice as many women as men crisis accommodation and public housing
and approximately 70% of our consumers comprise just over half the accommodation
are children or young people up to the type immediately prior to provision of
age of 25 years old. This percentage is support. Significantly 20% of consumers
a little exaggerated with the inclusion of were in private rental immediately prior to
Catchment programs and Bright Futures, but seeking support. No tenure and primary
it is worth noting 40% of total consumers homelessness represent 28% of consumers.
were from single parent families.
In aggregated terms of cultural identity,
The over-representation of children and young 25% of consumers were identified as
people in MOSS’s homeless population is culturally and linguistically diverse and 11%
consistent with national data around children Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. MOSS
living in poverty, particularly when we consider maintains its strong commitment to the
our data which shows almost all (97%) of Aboriginal community and partnership
consumers were reliant on Centrelink as their with community organisations.
main source of income. This is indicative of
the financial hardship homeless people face.

9
 Case Studies

Jessie: Connections Program were unsuitable for his needs. Typically this
would have meant that he would have not
Jessie, 59 years old, contacted the remained on the Victorian Housing Register,
Connections Program because she had however the Connections Program was
been given a 60 day notice to vacate. She able to advocate around Jesse’s specific
had been living in an apartment complex needs to the Office of Housing, ensuring
for 16 years, in 3 separate apartments. he remained on the priority wait list.
The Notice to Vacate had been served
because the landlord wished to renovate. The third offer of public housing that was
appropriate for Jesse’s needs. Connections
Jessie experiences chronic diabetes and assisted Jesse with his move, making
vision impairment. Born in Singapore, she sure it went as smooth as possible.
moved to Australia 20 years ago, having lived Program brokerage was used to purchase
in several countries. Jessie presented as very some much needed new furniture.
isolated with her only community connection
being to local health services. She got the MOSS has a support program co-located
Connections details at her local health service. in the building in which Jesse was housed.
Jesse was introduced to the MOSS staff
At the initial meeting Jessie’s vulnerabilities member and support will be available to
were apparent, nevertheless maintaining her him should he request this in the future. He
independence was extremely important to her. will also have the opportunity to participate
It was critical for Jessie to remain housed in in the on-site Planned Activity Group.
the same suburb, particularly given her vision
impairment having lived in the area for so Jesse now experiences secure, appropriate
long along with her established strong links and affordable housing and is excited
to local health services. The Connections to begin a new life in his new home.
Program worked with this as a priority, to
support her maintaining her independent.

The Connections Program assisted Jessie Mary: Crisis Team

to apply for priority public housing, strongly
advocating to the Office of Housing for Jessie Mary, 53 years old was referred to MOSS as
to only be considered for housing in the a survivor of long term family violence. She
suburb in which she was living because of her experienced verbal and emotional abuse
vulnerabilities. They negotiated with the real from her husband and 3 children throughout
estate agent around the notice to vacate, which a 32 year marriage. She also recounted a 10
the landlord agreed to withdraw. Sympathetic year period of physical and psychological
to Jessie’s circumstances and recognising her abuse at the hands of her brother-in-law.
genuine attempts to find alternative housing, it
was agreed to offer a month to month lease. Isolated and unable to speak of the physical
violence, Mary became very depressed
Over the next couple of months, the Office of and planned to end her life. However, she
Housing made two offers of accommodation, decided against this because of her children
which were declined as the properties needing her. It was only when another

10 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

 Case Studies

family member came forward saying the Mary is addressing her substance use issues
brother-in-law had abused her did Mary find which she saw as a huge step forward. She
the strength to come forward and speak is finding her inner strength, is looking
about her own experiences of abuse. forward to the future and is very appreciative
of the support she received from MOSS
Mary left the home when her husband failed and the Crisis Program to reclaim her life.
to support her. Soon after she entered into a
new relationship. Her new partner regularly
used illicit drugs and became abusive too.
Mary began using drugs to cope and as a
result both she and her partner ended up
homeless. She subsequently spent years
living in cars, sleeping on factory floors and
Dora: Catchment Youth Refuge
sleeping rough on the streets. During this Dora (20yo) moved from Ethiopia 4 years
time Mary left her partner many times, only ago to reunite with her father who lived
to return, feeling she had no place to go. in Melbourne. Her father had left Ethiopia
when she was 1 year old. He visited Ethiopia
Finally Mary left her partner, returning to her when she was 16, returning to Australia and
ex-husband and three adult children as a bringing her with him. Dora attended school
temporary arrangement to sleep on a couch. whilst living with her father, however she was
This was tenuous arrangement and during subjected to severe ongoing violence and
which she had limited access to the home and abuse by her father. Despite these challenging
was regularly subjected to family violence. circumstances, she managed to complete year
12, deciding to defer university and return to
At Mary’s initial meeting with MOSS, she Ethiopia to get a break from her abusive father.
admitted to having smoked cannabis and
having taken valium, just to summons the Upon returning to Australia, her father’s
courage walk through the door. Mary spent a violent and abusive behaviour towards her
lot of our first few meetings just crying, which continued. After a few months she decided
we just sat with her until she was ready to begin to share her experience with a friend
doing the work around her housing situation. who subsequently offered her temporary
accommodation. When Dora decided to
In 5 months Mary has made huge strides in leave her father’s accommodation, he
caring for herself and taking control of her life. threatened to hurt her and her mother’s
She is now living in transitional housing which family back in Ethiopia. He also refused to let
she loves and is very house proud. Mary was her collect her belongings from his house.
supported to access one of the new family
violence packages which enable purchase It was at this stage that she sought assistance
of furniture and to helped Mary set up house. from the police who applied for an Intervention
She recently shared with staff that she enjoys Order (IVO) against her father on her behalf.
being able to go into a store and not have to Dora eventually accessed Safe Steps Family
look behind her in fear and is enjoying the little Violence Response Centre who later referred
things like buying a set of earrings and knowing her to Melbourne Youth Support Service
they will remain a set and they are hers. (MYSS) as Dora had become homeless.

11
 Case Studies

MYSS referred Dora to MOSS’s Catchment the other side of Melbourne while she
Youth Refuge for crisis accommodation and waited for her Centrelink payment to be
support. At Dora’s initial assessment meeting re-instated. Dora was also supported
with staff the following needs were identified: with other needs including purchasing
cultural food during this time.
• Long term housing
• With support, applied for a
• Income –Centrelink income had been Centrelink Unreasonable to Live
cancelled when she was in Ethiopia at Home (ULAH) payment.

• Counselling regarding stress/trauma • Engaged with Catchment staff to build

from her father’s abuse and violence independent living skills – budgeting,
job skills and private rental sessions.
• Community connection/recreation. The
only family in Australia was her father • Actively participated in the refuge
cooking program and the arts program
• Education/training to assist
with employment • With support enrolled in a TAFE
hospitality course while waiting to
• Retrieval of belongings from enrol into university in 2017.
her father’s house
Catchment’s advocacy meant she was able to
• Safety planning following the happily secure a 2 years students’ transition
threats from her father. housing. She was supported with the purchase
of essential household goods, food vouchers
• Material aid and transportation to her new property. She
was then linked with a team of support workers
• Development of independent living skills who manage the property. When Catchment
staff called to find out how Dora was settling
During her 8 weeks stay she engaged into her new property, she said “I am doing
well with staff in case planning really well and loving my new house”.
and achieved the following:

• Settled at the refuge where she

felt safe and supported

• Commenced seeing a youth

counsellor at MOSS

• Saw a careers counsellor

• Accompanied staff to buy clothes, whilst

her possessions were at her father’s

• Completed a short barista and

employment course via Jesuit Social
Services to assist with employment

• Collected her belongings from

her father’s house with staff
support and police protection

• Catchment supported Dora with a

gym pass and a myki card to visit her
Church community and friends on

12 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016 Catchment Youth Refuge Team
 Case Studies

Shrivings Team

Rachel: Team 2 Care Agency. The family was also referred

to MOSS’s Bright Futures program for
Team 2 was approached a local Aboriginal therapeutic group work, school holiday
liaison officer to support a family. Rachel programs and also case management for
(24yo) had fled family violence with daughters Melissa, who struggled on a number of levels.
Melissa (9yo) and Eliza (7yo) to relatives in
Melbourne. Not only was this new housing We facilitated links to local doctors to
was already overcrowded, Eliza, a sufferer address outstanding health concerns. Team
of cerebral palsy needed access to special 2 liaised with disability services to ensure
equipment and ongoing visits from specialised that Eliza received the appropriate support
services but their relatives were denying at school, so not to add any stress on the
services access to the home. This caused already fragile accommodation the family
great difficulty. Overcrowding in the household had with their relatives. MOSS supported
compounded frustrations and Rachel’s the family with a zoo membership for the
relatives were making financial demands of family and pool and gym memberships.
her if she remained. Unkind comments and
threats were being made to Melissa. This Progressively Rachel and her children’s
made for very stressful living circumstances circumstances improved. They family were
which were adversely impacting on Rachel’s offered a transitional housing property and
and the girls’ physical and mental health. continued to engage well with services. They
sought help when needed and engaged well in
At the commencement of support Team 2 their case plans. Their confidence grew to seek
worked closely with the family to engage well out different services and resources as needed.
and complete an assessment and develop
case plans. The family was connected to the Once settled into schools, the girls accepted
local Access Point, attending a necessary additional support offered. Now Eliza was
initial assessment and planning appointment. able to have all her equipment and aids at
Together housing options and possible their now home and services were able to
respite arrangements for the children were visit. Melissa was linked into activities at the
explored. An application for public housing local neighborhood house and opportunities
was submitted and the family placed on the to make friends. Rachel was able to feel
prioritisation list for transitional housing. safe and secure with support around safety
planning and subsequently started studying.
Rachel and the children were referred
to Berry Street for support around their Eleven months after the initial referral to
experience of family violence and specific MOSS the family was offered public housing
support around safety planning. The family which they enthusiastically accepted.
and Team 2 continued to work closely with MOSS supported Rachel and the girls
the Aboriginal liaison officer and they were to settle into their new long-term, secure
referred to the Victorian Aboriginal Child housing and connect to the local area.

13
 Finance Report

MERRI OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICE INC.

INCOME
Merri Outreach Support Service Inc. AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT, FOR THE YEAR
for the ENDED
year ended 30 June 2016
30 JUNE 2016

Note 2016 2015

$ $
INCOME
Government funding 5,051,016 4,836,743
Catchment Youth Services - tranfer of net assets - 301,609
Banyule Housing - transfer of net assets 1,391,802 -
Donations and Philanthropic Income 32,914 46,837
Interest received 26,395 28,796
Other income 51,114 37,149
6,553,241 5,251,134

EXPENDITURE
Employee benefit expense 3,982,545 3,797,139
Occupancy 305,761 287,071
Computer 47,540 55,164
Telephone 51,220 41,917
Depreciation 72,158 75,016
Motor vehicle 241,960 276,962
Client Expenses 383,904 400,798
Other expenses 55,122 45,372
5,140,210 4,979,439

Profit before income tax 1,413,031 271,695

Income tax expense 2 - -

Profit after income tax 1,413,031 271,695

Retained Profits at the beginning of the financial year 401,797 130,102

Retained Profits at the end of the financial year 1,814,828 401,797

14 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2015

 MERRI OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICE INC. Finance Report
Merri Outreach Support Service Inc.
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES STATEMENT
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES STATEMENT, as at 30 June 2016
AS AT 30 JUNE 2016

Note 2016 2015

$ $

Finance Report
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash
Trade and other receivables
3
4
1,535,933
49,701
994,336
56,040
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,585,634 1,050,376

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 5 1,324,881 277,511
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,324,881 277,511

TOTAL ASSETS 2,910,515 1,327,887

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Trade and other creditors 6 424,249 357,305
Provisions 7 628,475 524,677
Grants in advance 8 - -
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,052,724 881,982

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Provisions 7 42,963 44,108
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 42,963 44,108

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,095,687 926,090

NET ASSETS 1,814,828 401,797

MEMBERS' FUNDS
Retained profits 1,814,828 401,797
TOTAL MEMBERS' FUNDS 1,814,828 401,797
MERRI OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICE INC.

Merri Outreach Support Service Inc. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS, for the year FOR THE YEAR
ended 30ENDED
June 2016
30 JUNE 2016

Note 2016 2015

$ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipts from Government Grants 5,051,016 4,836,743

Receipts from other sources 378,550 391,197
Payments to suppliers and employees (4,894,836) (4,724,182)
Interest received 26,395 29,402
The accompanying notes form part of this financial report. Page 2
Net Cash provided by operating activities 9 561,125 533,160

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for purchase of property and equipment (19,528) (104,365)

Proceeds on disposal of assets - 32,864

Net Cash provided by (used in) investing activities (19,528) (71,501)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held 541,597 461,659

Cash at the beginning of the year 994,336 532,677

Cash at the end of the year 1,535,933 994,336

15
 2015 Annual General Meeting
28th October 2015, 3.00pm
Northcote Town Hall, Roof Top Room

Minutes
Minutes: Diana Wall

Present: Vicki Jackson (MOSS), Hope Jenkins 1.Introduction, welcome, apologies

(MOSS), Michelle Webb (MOSS), Shirley and housekeeping (Tony Littman)
Spooner (MOSS), Katrina La Rose (MOSS),
Megan Morris (DHHS), Joe Morris (BHSG), Tony Littman opened the meeting at 3.30
Jock Allan (MOSS), Gaetano Scollo (MOSS), K pm and welcomed service users, DHHS
Edwards (MOSS), Maurice F (MOSS), Therese guests Marios and Megan, staff, COG
Brandon (BHSG), Mary Zaccari (BHSG), Gerard members, student Tiffany, volunteers and
O’Donnell (BHSG), Helen Zissis (MOSS), partner agencies. Tony also extended
Stephanie Flynn (MOSS), Cass Gemoh (MOSS), a warm welcome to staff and committee
Maggie Inns (VCV), Diana Wall (MOSS), Donna members of Banyule Housing Support
Allan (Haven; Home, Safe), Tania McColl (VCV), Group (BHSG). Tony directed attendees to
Robert McMonent (MOSS), Ken Wilson (MOSS), the 2015 Annual Report which contained as
Colleen Turner (VICSEG), Marion Patterson supplements the 2015 Financial Report and
(MOSS), Soozie Pinder (MOSS), Jenny McVeigh Minutes to the 2014 Annual General Meeting.
(MOSS), Prameend Singh (MOSS), Fiona
Eveleigh (MOSS), Karen Mak (MOSS), Clint 2. Acknowledgement of traditional
Marion (MOSS), Chandana Palipane (MOSS), custodians of the land
Rob Sago (MOSS), Claire Jones (MOSS), Peter
Fedorchak (MOSS), Tiffany Simos (MOSS), Tony Littman acknowledged the Wurundjeri
Robyn King (MOSS), Sam Agelis (MOSS), people as traditional custodians of the land.
Sene Potoi (MOSS), Alison W (MOSS), Tony
Littman (MOSS), Colleen Romeril (MOSS), 3. Presentations ‘Partnerships
Betty Dun (MOSS), Kate Burns (MOSS), Liz for Better Outcomes’
Wallace (MOSS), Janet Hall (MOSS COG),
Younes Benhim (MOSS), Liam O’Neill (MOSS), a. Bright Futures: Allen and Nadia, staff
Zdenka Radonjic (MOSS), Ksenija Illic (MOSS), members of the Bright Futures program,
Karen Sherry (MOSS), Marios Christodoulides spoke of the partnerships MOSS has with
(DHHS), Xavier Balkin (MOSS), Nannette two agencies that resulted in two therapeutic
Wilkinson (MOSS), Stephen Gagen, Katrina groups being offered to our clients: the Mother
McAuley (MOSS), Damian Jones (BHSG), Child Group co-facilitated with Berry St
Mark Goodie (MOSS), Nadia Balatti (MOSS), and the PARKAS Group (Parents Accepting
Allen Jeffress (MOSS), Nora Conci (MOSS). Responsibility Kids Are Safe) Group run in
partnership with Royal Childrens Hospital
Apologies: Kelvin Thompson Mental Health. Nadia also spoke of Reparative
MP, Terry Richards work with Hanover (now Launch Housing)
and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

16 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

 2015 Annual General Meeting Minutes

b. Optometry Clinic: Katrina McAuley, and Megan in attendance. The attendees

Operations Manager, gave an overview of the were directed to the CEO’s report in the 2015
Optometry Clinic which operates from the Annual Report. MOSS is entrusted with a large
high Street, Northcote office in partnership amount of resources to deliver service to the
with the RDNS Homeless Persons Program. community and our aim is to alleviate and
It was introduced 18 months ago to assist prevent homelessness, build resilience and
those who could not access eye care in strengthen communities. Rob also drew the
the past to now have their optical needs attendees’ attention to the fact that for 57%
met. The program has since seen 64 clients of MOSS clients affected by homelessness,
and is able to offer a children’s clinic once family violence has been a major contributing
a month. Katrina also spoke of the qualities factor to their circumstances. The Royal
that make a partnership successful. Commission into Family Violence will result in
new policy directions. Our contribution and
c. YCH (Yarra Community Health) Consortia: engagement with these policy responses will
Nannette Wilkinson, Team Leader Crisis form a large part of Merri’s work in the future.
Response Program (CRP), presented on
the on-going partnership with YCH at Rob spoke of how Merri is a terrific place to
Mount Street, Heidelberg. MOSS clients, in work, with a large and diverse staff team and
particular CRP clients, experienced difficulty volunteers. Merri is a strong agency because
in accessing long term housing options. CRP we have so many strong contributors. Rob
staff member now on-site every Tuesday extended his thanks to staff, volunteers, the
and meets with YCH worker. The relationship executive team of Tony and Katrina and to
between MOSS and YCH has been enhanced the Committee, with particular thanks to the
over the past 12 months. The strong working Chair for the past financial year, Prameend,
relationship with YCH has led to tenancies Janet as Secretary and Jock as Treasurer.
being established in other properties and the
program has expanded to the Broadmeadows 6. Long Service Awards
site with the involvement of the Hume
Team at Pearcedale Parade (estate). Tony spoke of the introduction of these awards
3 years ago as way of acknowledging staff
4. Chairperson’s Report who have been with the agency for 10 years
and invited PAG Team Leader, Ken Wilson
Karen Sherry introduced herself to the to address the meeting and present Channa
attendees. She acknowledged the presence with his award. Ken spoke MOSS’s ability to
of Stephen Gagen (past Catchment COG incorporate workforces and people and gave
member and currently from the Preston as an example the Shrivings program and the
office of Robin Scott MP). Karen thanked past Brunswick Tenants Association. Ken
the previous MOSS Chairperson Prameend explained how Channa’s role is critical as he
Singh and acknowledged Rob Sago CEO, provides meals for clients at Brunswick. Ken
other members of COG and the Operations also spoke of Channa’s awareness of each
Managers. Karen spoke of the on-going individual’s needs be they clients or staff, and
discussions with Banyule Housing Support of his ability to respond to a client’s changing
Group (BHSG) regarding a merger of the two dietary needs. Channa’s involvement in his
agencies and thanked representatives from local church community was also highlighted.
BHSG for attending today. She also spoke of Tony presented Channa with his award.
how MOSS looks after clients in various age
groups and of the rewards that comes with 7. Treasurer’s Report
working with these clients. Karen assured
attendees that COG will continue to support Jock Allan directed the attendees to the
Management, staff and the Administration team. relevant financial statements in the annual
report and wanted to drill down a bit further
5. CEO’s Report in his address this year. He stated a large
portion of the operating budget is directed
Rob Sago welcomed people from BHSG and to staff who bring commitment, skills and
spoke of looking forward to the upcoming training to their positions, all underlined by
partnership. Rob also spoke of the pleasure empathy and compassion. Jock spoke of the
of seeing DHHS representatives, Marios impact of IT and how individual programs

17
 2015 Annual General Meeting Minutes

have modified their practices to incorporate All members of the outgoing committee
new technologies. The Financial Report re-nominated for the 2014/2015 COG:
however, does not acknowledge the value
of the volunteers. The next major outlay is Karen Sherry Colleen Turner
clients’ expenses and brokerage eg fridge, bed,
school camps etc. This allows our client to Jock Allan Mark Goodie
become more involved and able to participate
in their community. Motor Vehicle expenses Janet Hall Younes Benhim
are another large expense – it represents the
‘O’ in MOSS – ie Outreach. Jock welcomed Prameend Singh Marion Patterson
any questions regarding the financial report.
Karen explained that nominations by other
8. Minutes of the 2014 AGM members have been received and will be
discussed, considered and processed by
Rob directed attendees to the minutes resolution at the November COG meeting.
of the 2014 AGM which were added as a
supplement to the 2015 Annual Report. 12. Election of Officer Bearers of the
Committee at the first meeting after the AGM.
Motion: That the minutes to the 2014
AGM are deemed to be accurate. Motion: That the election of office
bearers of the Committee of Governance
Moved: Marion Patterson be held over to the first COG meeting
Seconded: Janet Hall held after the AGM (ie November).

Motion passed. Moved: Karen Sherry

Seconded: Marion Patterson
9. Appointment of Auditor
Motion passed.
Rob proposed that Sean Denham
continue as MOSS’ auditor. Tony thanked all for present for attending
and closed the meeting at 4.25pm.
Moved: Marion Patterson
Seconded: Jock Allan

Motion passed.

10. Acknowledgement of previous

Committee of Governance

Karen thanked and acknowledged the previous

members of the Committee of Governance.

11. Nominations and Election of new

Committee of Governance

Following discussions that centred on a

constitutional requirement that the number of
positions is formally declared, Janet proposed
from the floor to declare 12 positions vacant.

Moved: Karen Sherry

Seconded: Janet Hall

Motion passed.

18 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

Donations
Donations enhance the capacity of the
organisation to meet the needs of consumers in
a flexible and creative way. Please contact us if
you would like to donate:

Donations Bequests
Merri Outreach Support Service (MOSS) is Leaving a bequest in your will ensures MOSS
largely funded through service agreements programs continue into the future. Your
with the Victorian Department of Health bequest may be large or small. It can be
and Human Services and the Federal a nominated amount or a percentage of
Government. The organisation is endorsed your estate. It can also be an asset such as
as an Income Tax Exempt Charitable property, shares or other investments. When
Entity and Deductible Gift Recipient. you make your bequest it is important to
seek legal advice to ensure that your wishes
Donations enhance the capacity of the are accurately recorded in your Will.
organisation to meet the needs of consumers
in a flexible and creative way. Please A general bequest is advisable but if you
contact us if you would like to donate: want to direct your gift to a particular project,
please contact MOSS to discuss your wishes.
Phone
We would like to thank you personally for
(03) 9359 5493 making your bequest. Please let us know
if you have remembered MOSS in your
Post Will so we can stay in touch and keep you
updated on our work in the community.
Mail your cheque to:

CEO, 22 Lakeside Drive,

Broadmeadows VIC 3047

Please remember to include your name

and address. Cheques should be made
payable to Merri Outreach Support Service.

Monthly donations
By setting up an automatic monthly
donation from your credit card, giving
will be convenient and your donation will
be spread throughout the year. Call (03)
9359 5493 to set up monthly donations.

Workplace giving
Regular, monthly donations in pre-
tax dollars make giving easy. Talk to
your company’s payroll office.

19
 Acknowledgements
Thank you to the supporters of Merri Outreach
Support Service

Homie Friendly Moving Men

CFMEU Bakers Delight Northcote
Hacer Group Pty Ltd SPAN Community House
Telstra Store Broadmeadows Darebin City Council
The Brunswick Club Tina Robinson, Crime Prevention
Specsavers – Broadmeadows Officer Victoria Police

Centrelink Staff – Broadmeadows Public Transport Victoria

(donations from staff) Continence Victoria
Magistrates’ Court of Victoria Presentation Sisters Balnarring
Queens Fund Melbourne Citymission
Second Bite YMCA
College of Optometry Moreland City Council
Foodbank Victoria
Homer Bassig (Scenovia)
The Walter and Eliza Hall Trust
Haven; Home, Safe
VincentCare Victoria Housing Services
Melbourne Youth Support Service
Salvation Army Toy bank
The Footpath Library
Yarra Community Housing
Hume City Council
Dangerzone Tattoos

20 Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

Committee of Governance
membership

Karen SHERRY Chairperson

Marion PATTERSON Deputy Chairperson

Mark GOODIE Treasurer

Prameend SINGH Secretary

Colleen TURNER Ordinary Member

Janet HALL Ordinary Member

Anthony (Jock) ALLAN Ordinary Member

Younes BENHIM Ordinary Member

Mary ZACCARI Ordinary Member

Richard GRANT Ordinary Member

Alison DUMARESQ Ordinary Member

Stephen GAGEN Ordinary Member

21
www.merri.org.au Merri Outreach Support Service Annual Report 2016

MOSS Staff 2016

Merri Outreach Support Service contact details:

Broadmeadows Office Northcote Office (2)
Address: 22 Lakeside Drive, Broadmeadows 3047 Address: 1 Holmes Street, Northcote 3070
Phone: (03) 9359 5493 Phone/Fax: (03) 9481 0036
Fax: (03) 9357 1090 Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]

Northcote Office (1) Brunswick Office

Address: 279 High Street, Northcote 3070 351 Barkly Street, Brunswick 3056
Phone: (03) 9482 3488 Phone: (03) 9380 6036
Fax: (03) 9482 3119 Fax: (03) 9381 1435
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Heidelberg Office
Shop 48, Bell Street Mall
Heidelberg West 3081
Ph: (03) 8582 9509
Email: [email protected]
2