Annual Report 2006-2007

 

 

 

Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance is the process by which the RSB is directed and controlled. The aim is to ensure that the management of the RSB is ethical and acts in accordance with its vision and values.

 

The RSB is regulated by The Royal Institution for the Blind Act (1934) as amended, and its constitution. These define the rules and processes through which the RSB is managed.

 

The Board of Directors has responsibility for the governance of the RSB. It sets strategic direction, monitors the affairs of and reviews the RSB’s performance against targets and objectives.

 

To assist in this process, the Board has created the following RSB sub-committees to provide
specialist advice:

 

Client Advisory Committee

Finance and Audit

Nominations and Governance

 

All Directors are required to acknowledge and subscribe to the following duties:

 

To act honestly and in good faith;

To use due care and diligence;

To act in the best interest of the RSB;

To ensure that management is competent;

Not to engage in conduct likely to discredit or bring the RSB into disrepute.

 

 

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Board Members

 

 

 

Management

 

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President’s Report

The Royal Society for the Blind of South Australia (RSB) remains the primary provider of services to South Australians who are blind or vision impaired. It is a world leader, providing the full range of rehabilitation services throughout South Australia to over 10,500 people.

 

In my third and final year as President and the RSB’s 123rd year of operation, I am proud to be able to report on yet another year of success. The RSB has always led the way in introducing and adopting innovative strategies and solutions to assist our clients live independently and participate fully within the community. Many of these you will read about in this Report.

 

The success of these strategies is demonstrated by the continuing high levels of client satisfaction expressed in our regular client surveys and confirmed in numerous quality audits.

 

Last year I noted the continued development of the Books in The Sky (BiTS) initiative. Since that time the RSB, in partnership with forward thinking blindness agencies and public libraries around Australia, has continued to grow the service. In South Australia the RSB is supporting 13 library sites plus the South Australian School for Vision Impaired, with additional sites at CanDo4Kids and Blind Welfare Association. I acknowledge the support of these organisations in this enterprise. BiTS, which was first trialled in South Australia by the RSB, is also now being adopted both nationally and internationally. It has been a humbling experience for me personally in speaking to many of the RSB’s BiTS users and being advised that this is the first time they have read a newspaper or a book in many years.

 

This coming year will see the trial of an accessible kiosk in public libraries and other distribution points that will make access both more efficient and independent by users. Within our funding capabilities, the RSB will continue to increase the number of distribution points, titles available and users whilst continuing to monitor the rapid changes in technology.

 

It is the RSB’s belief that access to information and reading materials is a key component of independence and that digital technology provides a medium by which equitable access can be obtained for people who are blind or vision impaired.

 

Last year I noted that the RSB and Blind Welfare Association (BWA) united to provide a recreation service. I am delighted to report on the success of this joint venture which has included the establishment of ten new recreation groups and a 40% increase in participation rates. This is another fine example of the RSB’s motto: ‘Together, just see what we can do’ in operation and I would like to acknowledge the foresight of the BWA Board in working with the RSB in achieving this excellent outcome.

 

As I noted last year the RSB has created the RSB Guide Dog Service and believes there remains substantial shortfalls in available Guide Dog Services in South Australia. I am delighted to advise that since my last report substantial progress has been made in creating what the RSB believes will be a superior service based on world’s best practice. At the time of writing, there were 39 puppies, 8 working teams and 10 dogs in training and I am sure you can share some of the excitement that the RSB and I feel over the development of this wonderful service. I encourage you to read further about the RSB Guide Dog Service’s achievements in this Report.

 

Following the RSB’s support of people who are blind or vision impaired in Tonga, this program has been extended to provide a small amount of assistance to South Pacific countries including Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Assistance has primarily been the gifting of old equipment including Perkins Braillers and has in no way compromised services to RSB clients yet has made an immeasurable difference to the quality of life of the individuals involved.

 

As noted both here and in the Executive Director’s report, the RSB has continued to challenge the way in which things are currently done, influence and change the future through adopting innovative partnerships and practices.

 

In keeping with this tradition the RSB in partnership with the Repatriation General Hospital, Neuro Vision Technology and South Australia’s only two Neuro Ophthalmologists has commenced a two year study on vision loss associated with an acquired brain injury (primarily strokes). About a third of people who suffer an acquired brain injury will suffer some form of vision loss yet there is no universal screening for this vision loss, referral protocol or verification that current rehabilitation responses are effective.

 

This year it is with great sadness I advise of the passing of Mr. Jim Jarvis. Jim was appointed an RSB Director in 1998. I would like to formally acknowledge Jim’s contribution to the Board and offer the RSB’s condolences to his family.

 

We have welcomed Mr. John Stokes to the Board. John has extensive Management and training experience and I am sure that he will make a valuable long term contribution to the RSB.

 

The RSB has as its nucleus a band of people without which we would cease to exist. These include:

 

Volunteers, including Client Advisory members, RSB Guide Dog Puppy Educators, Fundraising Committees and my fellow Board members for whose support I am extremely grateful.

 

The many benefactors, donors and sponsors who provide the funds that enable the RSB to provide its free services. In particular I would like to acknowledge the Young Business Leaders participants who raised $200,000. This is a program of which the RSB and I are immensely proud.

 

The following Government departments:

• Department of Families and Communities Office of Disability and Client Services (SA)
• Department of Health and Aging (Commonwealth)
• Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (Commonwealth)
• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (Commonwealth

The staff and management of the RSB who have done a sterling job in delivering world class services.

 

Finally I would like to thank our past Governor and Patron, Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson-Nelson who was a great supporter of the RSB and welcome His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AO CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia, as our new Patron.

 

Ray Clark
President

 

 

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Executive Director’s Report

As has been noted in previous years the RSB is the only Australian blindness agency that has created schemes for people who are blind or vision impaired to provide access to or assistance with purchasing specialised adaptive equipment.

 

The Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) continues to be a world leader in delivering high quality, innovative and client focussed services to South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

 

Recognition of the high regard in which the RSB is held internationally has been demonstrated by the number of overseas visitors that the RSB has been delighted to host. This has included senior staff from organisations including the Royal National Institute for the Blind (UK) and Seeing Eye (USA).

 

The RSB’s mission is to assist its clients achieve the quality of life to which they aspire. It does this by passionately assisting people to remain independent and participate in the community and there are many examples of the RSB successfully achieving this throughout this Report.

 

The quality and effectiveness of the RSB’s work is assessed annually through independent client surveys. The average results over the last eleven years have been:

 

Satisfaction with services 93%
Satisfaction with Staff and Volunteers 94%
Improvement in Quality of Life 80%

 

Based on any comparable measure, I believe this reflects an exceptionally high level of client satisfaction over a sustained period of time. The RSB’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement has also been externally acknowledged through the continuation of its ISO9000, Disability Employment Services Quality Assurance (DESQA) and Service Excellence Framework accreditations.

 

The RSB continues to substantially increase the level of service hours delivered.  This has been achieved through our own fundraising activities, the support of donors and volunteers and innovative partnerships such as those referred to in the President’s Report with the Blind Welfare Association and the current Neurological research project.

 

Given the correlation between ageing and sight loss this continued growth in service hours and new ways of meeting demands will need to be maintained if we are to continue to meet the needs of South Australia’s ageing population and fulfil the RSB’s mission.

 

As noted last year there is a continuing need for the RSB to lobby and assist in shaping Government policy and community perception to ensure the consideration of the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired. This year RSB staff participated through their involvement in a wide range of organisations, including the Australian Blindness Forum, National Disability Services, World Blind Union and Orientation and Mobility Specialists Association of Victoria. This has involved the RSB in a wide range of issues including:

 

Continued lobbying for the creation of a National Vision Loss Rehabilitation Strategy.

 

Appearing before the Senate enquiry on the Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreements.

 

Pursuing accessibility issues at Adelaide Airport, Paradise Interchange, Royal Adelaide Hospital and ongoing issues with taxi drivers refusing to transport people with guide dogs.

 

Instigating the creation of an equipment recycling scheme for countries in the South Pacific region with support of the World Blind Union

 

Commencing lobbying for an electronic National Repository of information and reading material for the print disabled

 

Increasing awareness of blindness and vision loss across the State.

 

During the year, as noted in the President’s Report, the popularity of BiTS has continued to grow, both nationally and internationally. In keeping with this and the RSB’s commitment to technology the third Tech Fest was held this year and was again well attended.

 

However, of ongoing concern has been the relatively high cost of daily living products. This includes talking watches, clocks, scales and magnifiers. As a result the RSB researched and identified a range of potential overseas suppliers and at the time of writing, was about to commence selling these products. Initial indications are that the current costs will be reduced by between 50% to 80%. Whilst a small management fee will be added to the cost of each product the RSB views this primarily as a service. The RSB has also reached agreement with blindness agencies in each Australian state to create a purchasing consortium in order to reduce costs and meet minimum order requirements.

 

The RSB Guide Dog Service has continued to grow at an exceptional rate and the RSB has received fantastic support from a number of overseas schools. The RSB Guide Dog Manager’s report contains specific details of the accomplishments of this service and I will not repeat them here other than to acknowledge and thank those involved in achieving such an excellent result.

 

As a result of support from Blind Welfare Association (BWA), the RSB has been able to substantially grow its existing Recreation and Leisure Service, which is a fantastic outcome for all our clients. In addition the RSB and BWA are operating three mini buses to assist with client transport.

Whilst the above represent new and exciting initiatives, the RSB’s core services continue to be the foundation of the RSB and provide meaningful outcomes for clients. As you peruse this report you will read of excellent outcomes from a wide range of activities.

 

The RSB is composed of many people who make possible the outcomes achieved and who assist in improving the lives of our clients. These include:

 

Over 700 Volunteers who provide inspiration to all of us through their tireless efforts. Volunteers undertake a wide range of tasks from RSB Guide Dog Service Puppy Educators, drivers, talking newspaper services, companionship and assistance with recreation, to name a few. Without them the RSB would be a shadow of what it is.

 

Our benefactors, donors, sponsors and Fundraising Committees. It is through their generosity and support the RSB is able to continue to provide and grow our services at no cost to the client.

 

The RSB staff and management team who are the frontline in delivering our services and whose commitment to clients goes well beyond that expected of normal employees and for which I am eternally grateful.

 

Our funding bodies, both State and Federal, who work in partnership with the RSB in delivering high quality outcomes.

 

Finally I would like to acknowledge the RSB’s Board of Management who are all volunteers and who freely donate their time and skills to assist their fellow South Australians.

 

To each of the above please accept my heartfelt thanks as once again you continue to prove ‘Together, just see what we can do’.

 

Andrew Daly
Executive Director

 

 

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Community Services

 

Community Services continued to deliver a broad range of vision rehabilitation services to South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

 

The aim of RSB Community Services is to assist clients to live independent and fulfilling lives and to participate fully in the community. It is an ‘outreach’ service, and therefore all services can be delivered to clients in their home, local community, or workplace.

 

During the past year, Community Services has continued to grow and diversify, delivering a broad range of free vision rehabilitation services to South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

 

South Australia has the oldest and fastest ageing population in Australia. Not surprisingly, the incidence of vision impairment is also rapidly increasing in line with the ageing population. The result is a large growth in demand for RSB services.

 

Community Services met the increased demand for services in a number of innovative ways. These include the introduction of new services, developing cooperative partnerships with other service providers, and employing and training additional staff. The number of direct client service hours increased by 9%, whilst remaining within the operating budget. The following summary outlines the key Community Services initiatives and highlights during 2006/07:

 

 

Community Outreach Services

The RSB’s multi-disciplined Community Outreach teams deliver a wide range of services which include independent living training, counselling, information, advocacy, community education, and recreation. The aim is to assist people who are blind or vision impaired to accept and adapt to their vision loss.

 

The RSB remains the only sensory disability service provider with dedicated staff based in regional areas in order to proudly offer the same level of service to clients state-wide. Due to the RSB’s strong focus on regional service delivery, an additional 113 regional clients accessed our services this year, representing an increase of 4.5%.

 

In a valuable partnership with the Blind Welfare Association (BWA), the RSB employed two dedicated Recreation and Leisure Officers to develop recreation and leisure opportunities for people who are blind or vision impaired. This has been enormously successful, with the establishment of ten new activity based groups. This resulted in an extra 5,000 individual participations during the year, representing a 40% increase. The partnership with BWA also delivered increased client transport, additional volunteer resources, and the joint purchase of an additional mini-bus.

 

The RSB continued its commitment to making its services accessible and appropriate for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) South Australians. The dedicated Multicultural Liaison Officer implemented a number of programs to promote the RSB’s services to CALD communities, resulting in an increase of 4.5% in the number of CALD clients who have accessed RSB services.

 

Another key initiative of the Community Services Team is the development of the Neurological Vision Rehabilitation service. This program aims to improve the identification, referral and rehabilitation of South Australians who suffer neurological vision loss due to such causes as stroke or brain trauma. This project will benchmark with similar projects from around the world, to ensure that RSB clients receive world class vision rehabilitation.

 

Mobility Services

RSB Mobility Services assist people who are blind or vision impaired to travel independently and safely in the community. The demand for Mobility Services has continued to grow rapidly during the past year. As a result, the RSB employed two additional Orientation and Mobility Instructors (OMIs). The OMIs are supported by a team of specially trained Orientation and Mobility Assistants (OMAs), who now deliver over one third of our Mobility Services.

 

The RSB remains at the leading edge of orientation and mobility services, constantly assessing new technology and techniques. Mobility Services also continued to provide effective training and advocacy in the areas of taxis and public transport. In the past year, the RSB has delivered training to bus, tram and taxi drivers on how to assist their passengers who are blind or vision impaired. The RSB has also provided consultation and advice to various authorities regarding the accessibility of the new trams, buses, and transport interchanges.

 

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Print Alternatives Services

RSB Print Alternatives Services provide clients with access to a wide range of information in their format of choice. Specialist transcription staff and volunteers convert information into accessible formats such as Braille, large print, audio, electronic text (e-text) and tactile diagrams.

 

Production targets were again exceeded in 2006/07, with 15,835 pages of Braille, 4,220 audio cassettes, 946,431 pages of large print, and 93 disks of e-text being produced. Over 1,300 RSB clients used Print Alternatives Services and as a result, have accessed information which they may not otherwise have been able. This includes a number of blind or vision impaired tertiary students for whom studies would be impossible without access to materials in an accessible format.

 

RSB Print Alternatives also delivers important recreational services including the talking book library, large print and Braille crosswords and the large print TV guide. The RSB’s Talking Newspaper Service has made 25 local newspapers accessible to over 800 South Australian residents each week. The Audio Described Theatre Service also continued to make live theatre accessible, with an increase in patronage again this year.

 

Future Solutions

The RSB’s Future Solutions Service is a systemic advocacy and consultation service that was established to ensure that products and services are accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired. During 2006/07, Future Solutions Services was actively involved in areas such as public transport, the taxi industry, telecommunications, local government, accessible voting, pedestrian access, and information access.

 

The RSB remains deeply involved with the development of the Books in The Sky (BiTS) digital library service, which continues to grow as an increasing number of South Australian public libraries implement the system. This world-first technology uses a device called an Audio Navigator to provide access to a range of books, newspapers, magazines and other information.

 

Andrew Davis
Manager
Community Services

 

 

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Low Vision Services

 

Low Vision Services provided by the RSB at its client service centre at Knapman House continue to lead the world.   

 

Providing essential services to South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

 

The RSB’s Low Vision Services, which are based at the RSB’s client service centre at Knapman House in Pirie Street, Adelaide continue to deliver world class services to a wide range of people.

 

Such is the centre’s reputation that not only are South Australians accessing the many services available, but overseas and interstate people visit the centre for assistance too.

 

 

Low Vision Centre (LVC)

The LVC is the primary rehabilitation centre that South Australians are referred to by eye care professionals and the eye health departments in the major hospitals, when diagnosed with a significant loss of vision.

 

At the heart of the LVC is the Clinic, unique in Australia and one of the few in the World to afford clients an in depth rehabilitation service. Individuals are able to talk to a Low Vision Counsellor about how their vision has changed and the impact of that on their life. A person’s vision is assessed by an experienced Optometrist, and they advise on the type of magnification and daily living aids that are appropriate for their needs. A client also meets with an Ophthalmologist who is able to discuss the nature of their eye condition, answer any questions they might have and provide them with information on their eye condition.

 

The LVC is at the forefront of sourcing new products for the benefit of RSB clients and other organisations around Australia. Additions to the stock range this year include a large, all-in-one television/video/dvd remote control, a more modern range of UV shields and a new range of metal frame magnifying glasses.

 

The LVC’s Peer Support Program and Low Vision Awareness Sessions continue to assist people newly diagnosed with vision loss. Existing RSB clients provide peer support to people coming to terms with vision loss and who may want to gain another person’s first hand experience of how they coped with vision loss.

 

The Low Vision Awareness Sessions provide an opportunity for people coming to terms with vision loss to come together and share their experiences, while attending a six week program designed to assist them adapt to and live with a vision impairment.

 

The RSB is very grateful to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing for its funding support that enables the RSB to deliver a vital service.

 

Adaptive Technology Centre

The ATC provides a world class facility with the latest available technology on display for both demonstration and use, including Braille equipment, electronic magnification, computers with adaptive software (screen reading and large print), mobile phones with adaptive software and other exciting innovations.

 

The ATC continues to lead the field in its delivery of adaptive technology services to people who are blind or vision impaired, including the provision of advice, information and training in computers and adaptive software. The Centre also provides advice for people at risk of losing their employment – a service recognised interstate. Accordingly, the ATC enjoys a well deserved reputation and is keenly sought after for its ability to provide timely and informative advice, both locally and nationally.

 

In October 2006, as a testament to the recognition of the ATC as a centre of excellence, the ATC again hosted a very successful Tech Fest, which showcased the latest equipment with adaptive technology developers and providers on hand to answer questions.

 

The ATC not only provided training in computers and adaptive technology but also assisted many clients with the Books in The Sky (BiTS) program (an innovative digital library service) and through the RSB’s long and short term equipment loan pools and equipment subsidy and grant schemes.

 

During the year, in excess of 600 individual clients were assisted with adaptive technology and training services.

 

The RSB is appreciative of the continuing support of various grants that enable the ATC to purchase the latest in adaptive technology for the benefit of its clients.

 

 

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Employment Services

The RSB’s Employment Services are recognised as a leader in the provision of services for people with a disability, in particular those with a vision impairment.

 

Their success has continued at a high level, including the operation of a well recognised Student Transition Employment Program which assists school leavers to identify both further educational and work opportunities and provide them with work experience.

 

The past year saw in excess of 200 people assisted to obtain employment, remain in employment or pursue further education.

 

The RSB recognises and thanks those South Australian organisations that provide the opportunity for work experience and/or ultimate placements for people with a disability.

 

The RSB also recognises the invaluable assistance provided by the Australian Government Department of Workplace Relations (DEWR) and funding provided for both the Job Network and Disability Employment Network programs managed by the RSB’s Employment Service. The ongoing assistance of DEWR to maintain the specialised adaptive technology Job Search Kiosk is appreciated by the RSB and its clients.

 

Volunteer Services

The number of volunteer services provided to clients has continued to grow and this year was no exception. Services provided range from the audio transcription and delivery of local newspapers to clients, to community low vision support groups and regular and ad hoc client services, including transportation, shopping and reading assistance.

 

During the year there was significant growth in the number of recreation and leisure groups and the involvement of volunteers to transport clients and assist in the groups’ operations. The expansion of the RSB Guide Dog Service Puppy Educator and Bed and Breakfast Boarder programs also increased the need for volunteers.

 

The growth in services is reflected in the delivery of in excess of 1,000 individual clients services each month. At the year’s end, RSB’s Volunteer Services is seeking to expand upon its number of volunteers at a time when there is a high level of demand across all community organisations for volunteers.

 

The value of public assistance in the form of volunteering to the RSB and its clients is both recognised and appreciated. Above all, it demonstrates the RSB’s motto: ‘Together, just see what we can do’.

 

Community Education

The Low Vision Services team continued to increase community awareness of vision impairment, the RSB and its range of services and how they can assist South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

 

Talks and presentations were conducted in both the rural and metropolitan areas as well as at the RSB’s client service centre at Knapman House, Pirie Street, Adelaide.

 

Dennis Moir
Manager
Low Vision Services

 

 

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RSB Guide Dog Service

The goal of the RSB Guide Dog Service is to provide clients, who wish to use an RSB guide dog as their preferred mobility aid, with the healthiest and highest quality trained dogs possible.

 

The RSB Guide Dog Service had an incredible rate of growth during the 2006/07 financial year. Highlights during this period include:

 

The opening of the RSB Guide Dog Kennels at Gilles Plains by Robyn Nicol, Assistant State Manager, and Heather Seager, Contract Manager, Carer’s, Disability and Youth Branch, FaCSIA in July.

 

The establishment of a breeding program using local and imported stock to produce working RSB guide dogs.

 

The development of strong working relationships with members of the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools. Membership of this organisation is used to promote and develop the guide dog philosophy of service in meeting the needs of blind or vision impaired clients by providing the finest quality dogs and highest quality of training and support both locally and globally.

 

The strength of these relationships is demonstrated by the generous support of the RSB Guide Dog Service by Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (UK); Seeing Eye (USA) and Guide Dog Norge AS (Norway) which provided bitches suitable for breeding and the provision of breeding materials.

 

The development of the RSB Puppy Educator Program. This involves the selection and training of volunteers, who are then responsible for caring for, training and providing a home for a pup on the scheme. To June 30, there were in excess of fifty volunteers supporting the Service, whose time and generosity is greatly appreciated.

 

A host of puppies joining the scheme. At the end of the financial year, there were thirty six, while at the time of writing that has increased to thirty nine.

 

Additionally, the RSB Guide Dog Service instigated an innovative program in partnership with voluntary program LabCorps to develop an assistance dog program. The RSB Guide Dog Service has very high standards for a dog to meet, so in some instances, selected dogs will instead be trained to work with children who have autism as a joint program initiative with Autism SA and Families SA.

 

The RSB Guide Dog Service relies heavily on support from organsations and volunteers. I would like to thank every person who has played a role in the ongoing success of the RSB Guide Dog Service, with particular regard to:

 

Labrador Club of SA
Dr Claire Flaherty and the Dernancourt Veterinary Clinic
891ABC’s Breakfast Radio Team
The Advertiser
Messenger Community Newspapers
FiveAA

 

Finally, at the time of writing, two Cadet Guide Dog Mobility Instructors have joined the Service. This will create staff development opportunities and facilitate growth of the Service, now and well into the future.

 

Chris Muldoon
Manager
RSB Guide Dog Service

 

 

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Industrial Services

This year we continued to provide meaningful employment at the Gilles Plains site for approximately 70 South Australians who are blind or vision impaired. Several new people joined the team, including 6 people who are blind or vision impaired. Throughout the year, our dedicated staff have been responsible for assembling and packaging a vast array of products and manufacture of the thermo-formed and pressure-formed clamshells and blisters for packaging.

 

The sales team worked hard to seek new clients in need of packaging solutions. Contracts were secured with many large organisations, which broadened the range of products handled by Industrial Services. This resulted in increased job diversity for factory staff and heightened awareness of the RSB. Industrial Services also continued to meet the changing needs of existing, long standing clients such as Bellis and Philmac with products being assembled and packaged for delivery to most large retail chains Australia wide.

 

Proudly, Industrial Services retained its high levels of accreditation for ISO 9000 Quality Assurance and HACCP (Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Points) Certification. These yearly audits involve thorough checking of Industrial Services’ procedures, records, performance and standards. All staff are to be congratulated for maintaining a high quality of work, enabling us to provide a first-class service.

 

On a personal note, I would like to thank Stefan Kancheff who retired in August after many years of faithful service. His invaluable contribution is greatly appreciated and we wish him the very best. I would also like to remember and acknowledge the services of Kenneth Kancheff (Stefan’s brother) who retired in December 2005, and Mark Tee, who both passed away this year from illness.

 

My sincere gratitude goes to all of the businesses that chose Industrial Services for their packaging needs. Their support means we are able to continue providing job security to our employees who are blind or vision impaired and who rely on the RSB for gainful employment, networking with peers, and a sense of belonging. For our newer clients, we are looking forward to building a long-lasting partnership of mutual benefit, thereby supporting the RSB’s motto, ‘Together, just see what we can do’.

 

As the Manager of Industrial Services, I would like to express my gratitude to the entire Industrial Services team and I look forward to 2007/08 being another successful and productive year for all.

 

Mark Burleigh
Manager
Industrial Services

 

 

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Client Advisory Committee

During the past year the RSB’s Client Advisory Committee (CAC) has met and considered the following:

 

The ongoing Books in The Sky (BiTS) Program and the rollout of the RSB’s library service. It was noted the program is continuing to extend, and the number of books in the catalogue to increase.

 

Difficulties experienced by people who are blind or vision impaired in the use of Adelaide Airport were considered. The CAC was advised that several letters had been sent to the Airport concerning such issues, and that the RSB had met with architects and airport officials concerning some of these problems. At the time of writing, the matter remained ongoing.

 

Difficulties experienced by people who are blind or vision impaired in the use of taxis was considered. The means of identifying the number of a taxi were considered. The difficulties experienced with some taxi drivers were also considered and discussed but again this seems to be an ongoing problem.

Issues as to the extent of and display of low vision devices at the RSB’s Low Vision Centre were considered and discussed.

 

Problems and issues with footpaths and audio tactile crossings were considered, and it was suggested that RSB have a liaison person who could be contacted with these difficulties. The RSB has such a person.

 

Thanks are expressed to all those people who have generously given their time to participate in this committee.

 

 

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Marketing and Fundraising

 

The 2006/07 financial year was a very busy and exciting time for the Marketing and Fundraising division.

 

Events

 

The RSB hosted a series of events, supported by generous sponsors and attended by  loyal supporters of the RSB’s cause.

 

Kicking off the year was the RSB Footy Finals Luncheon in September. The RSB thanks Bruce Abernethy, Graham Cornes, Barry Curtin, Andrew Jarman, Neil Kerley, Rob Popplestone, Michaelangelo Rucci, Andrew Startin, David Wildy, Corey Wingard and SANFL players Justin Cicolella, Jeremy Clayton and Ben Haynes for giving up their time to take part in the event.

 

In March 2007, the RSB hosted the Clipsal 500 Luncheon. This event was made possible due to the generosity of Clipsal 500 Adelaide. A special thank you goes to the drivers - Jason Bargwanna, Jason Bright, Paul Dumbrell, Todd Kelly, Rick Kelly, Cameron McConville, Greg Murphy, Jason Richards, Mark Skaife and Garth Tander - who took time out of their busy schedules to appear as panelists and for their ongoing support of the RSB. The RSB also thanks host Mark Soderstrom and the Seven Network; Lehmo for his guest appearance, Toop and Toop for conducting the main auction and Flag Marshall Glen Dix for his much loved flag-waving performance.

 

The RSB’s inaugural Comedy Luncheon was held in May 2007 at the National Wine Centre of Australia. Hosted by David Wildy, comedians included Jamie Hill, JJ Harding, Steven Gee, Gerry O and Dave Flanagan.

 

These events were generously sponsored by Network Ten, JMJ Printing Services, FIVEaa, Chain of Ponds Wines and Coopers Brewery.

 

We’d also like to thank the following for their unyielding support of the RSB’s many events during 2006/07:

 

AVESCO
Adcorp Marketing Communications
Adelaide Football Club
All Frames & Mirrors
Azalia Jewellery Collection
Central Audio Visual
D & S Promotions
Fujitsu Racing
Helping Hand Group
Hilton Adelaide
Holden Racing Team
It’s a gas
John Cronin
Jungle Jooce
Lombard the Paper People
RAAF
Rob Pinch
Supercheap Auto Racing
Tasman Motorsport
Toll HSV Dealer Tean
Vegas Promotions Pty Ltd
WPS Racing
Zamel’s

 

Promotions

 

In October 2006, the RSB held its annual Badge Day which was a terrific success and we would like to thank all the volunteers who gave their time to help collect donations.

 

Odd Socks Day was held on the 1st of June, 2007. The RSB sincerely thanks Chemplus, Cunninghams Warehouse, Foodland Supermarkets, Zamel’s, Messenger Community Newspapers, Mix 102.3 and Network Ten for helping the RSB to ‘Flash bright to help others with little or no sight’. Special thanks also go to all the families, schools, sporting groups, hospitals and businesses across South Australia for their overwhelming support of this annual fundraiser that helps us raise vital funds for the RSB Guide Dog Service.

 

The RSB held a lottery in the 2006/07 Financial Year, which saw two lucky South Australians win a car each, with a third person winning a new home theatre system.

 

We would like to acknowledge the support of Charity Greeting Cards and JMJ Printing Services in the production of our calendars and Christmas cards.

 

All of these activities, combined with our direct mail campaigns, have enabled the RSB to continue providing its many free services to South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.

 

Collection Units

 

The RSB would like to thank all the organisations that have housed an RSB Guide Dog Service collection unit this year, which helped us raise much needed funds for the RSB Guide Dog Service:

 

 

 

Special Thanks

 

The RSB was very fortunate to receive donations from a number of individuals, organisations, trusts and foundations. To all our valued donors and supporters, the RSB is grateful for your generous gifts and we would especially like to thank:

 

Adelaide Eye & Laser Centre for its support of the RSB
Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch) for its support of the Books in The Sky program
Bank SA Staff and Charitable Fund for its ongoing support of the RSB
Bill and Jean Henson Trust, managed by Perpetual for its support of the RSB
Booze Brothers Staff Charitable Fund for its support of Industrial Services
Burns for Blinds for its support of the RSB
CMV Foundation for its support of Mobility Services
Mrs Cornelia Van Hattum, for her support of the RSB Guide Dog Service
Department of Families and Communities Community Benefit Fund for its support of Recreation & Leisure Services
Department of Recreation and Sport IRIS for its support of Recreation & Leisure Services
Lions Club of Richmond for is support of the RSB Guide Dog Service
Order of Women’s Freemasonry of Australia for its support of the RSB
Mr Ray Beaumont for his support of the RSB Guide Dog Service
Vodafone Australia Foundation for its support of the RSB

 

We would also like to thank the media for the ongoing support of our promotions and services, namely: Messenger Community Newspapers, The Advertiser, FIVEaa, Mix102.3, 891ABC, Network Ten and Channel 7.

 

The RSB is also grateful to Justware Pty Ltd and Adelaide Tape Duplicators Pty Ltd (ATD-CDs & Tapes) who gave valuable support to the RSB’s Print Alternatives Services by offering their services at a reduced cost and donating recording goods.

 

Bequests are essential in funding the important work of the RSB. Each year the RSB is honored to receive financial assistance in this form. This support ensures that essential services provided by the RSB are maintained and expanded well into the future.

 

Bequests

 

 

Bequests left to the RSB during the past financial year include:

 

ESTATES RECEIVED 2006/2007

M.E. BLIGHT
E.M. BURNS
Y.M. BUTCHER
A.H. CHEESEMAN
R.G. DAWSON
E.M. GOODYEAR
M.J. HAYES
A. IORIO
S.G. LANE
K.B. LANGAARD
L.G. LUFF
L.E. MAITKE
V. NEDBALEK
R.A. PATERSON
D.T. SPARKS
E.M. SOSNITZKI
L. TOOGOOD

 

LEGACIES RECEIVED 2006/2007

P.M. BARBARY
R.M. CAFFREY
R.P. CHRISTIAN
D.E. COWLED
M.M. DOHNT
E.G. FISHLOCK
D.P. FLINN
D.E. GRIVELL
F.P. HARRIS
J.D. HENDERSON
D.M. JARRETT
G.J. JONES
R. SIMPKIN
M. SOUTH

 

PERPETUAL TRUSTS RECEIVED 2006/2007

P.A. ANTHONY
G.A. CARTER
F.M. COLMER
S.G. LANE
D.C. McCRACKEN
J. MELROSE
E. MIERS
J.N. NICHOLAS
J.N. PEDLER
O.&S. RAYMOND
A.H. SHALANK

 

 

Fundraising Committees

 

The RSB’s fundraising committees are just one group of volunteers who contribute significantly each year. This year the committees were given the challenge to raise funds toward a specific piece of equipment for the RSB. Their outstanding efforts are to be commended.

 

On behalf of the Board, Management, staff and particularly the clients of the Royal Society for the Blind (RSB), we offer our heartfelt thanks to our fundraising committees for their outstanding commitment to raising funds for the RSB within the local community.

 

The Young Business Leaders SA (YBL)

 

The Young Business Leaders SA (YBL) Program is an intensive professional and personal development program for young people eager to challenge themselves.

 

The Young Business Leader of the Year for 2006/07 was Tania Quast from Capgemini Business Services Australia. Tania was awarded the title for the leadership skills she developed and demonstrated throughout the ten-month program. Tania also won the Highest Fundraiser Award.

 

The other award winners were Narelle Hunter from NAB who won the Achievement Award and Elvira Elix from Subway who won the Encouragement Award.

 

Therese Mudge from Commonwealth Bank was the Second Highest Fundraiser and Melissa Mangelsdorf from BHP Billiton was the Third Highest Fundraiser. Capgemini Business Services Australia was presented with the Kay Brownbill Perpetual Trophy for its support of the YBL Program.

The RSB recognises that all YBL Participants were winners in their own right and commends the dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by participants throughout this intensive and challenging program.

 

The RSB greatly appreciates the invaluable support of the participants’ employers and YBL mentors, and acknowledges their contribution to the success of the YBL Program. The RSB also gratefully acknowledges the support and dedication of the 2006/07 YBL judges: Malcolm Clarke, Kath Crossley, Rosemary Freney and Paul Smith.

 

Many thanks to the sponsors of the YBL Program for their generous support: Australian Institute of Management, Commonwealth Bank, Coopers, FIVEaa, Haigh’s Chocolates, Hilton Adelaide, Network Ten, The Pickard Foundation, Qantas, Sunday Mail, Venture Holidays.

 

Thank you also to guest speaker Rob Chapman, Managing Director of BankSA, who presented the winners with their awards.

 

A special thank you to Jane Reilly from Network Ten for her ongoing support of this exciting event.

 

2006/07 Finalists

Brodie Abbatista, Haigh’s Chocolates
Ruth Banks, Australia Post
Eamonn Brennan, Club Financial Services
Elvira Elix, Subway
Anne Francis, EDS Credit Services
Gino Franze, FIN Designer Jewellery
Narelle Hunter, National Australia Bank
Jenni Kirkpatrick, FIVEaa
Kimberly Komazec, Adcorp Marketing Communications
Robert Linnell, Orbits Online
Melissa Mangelsdorf, BHP Billiton
Therese Mudge, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Laura Parkes, Vodafone
Tania Quast, Capgemini Business Services Australia
Rowena Robins, Australian Submarine Corporation
Fiona Rossi, Hilton Adelaide
Lettie Thwaites, Advertiser Newspapers Limited

 

 

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Treasurers Report

The Royal Society for the Blind’s (RSB) financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the recognition and measurement requirements of Australian Accounting Standards which include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (‘AIFRS’) and meet all other professional reporting requirements in Australia. Ernst and Young have audited these statements and a full set of accounts will be tabled at the RSB’s Annual General Meeting or made available on request.

 

This Treasurer’s Report has been prepared to provide a concise summary of the RSB’s financial results and to assist readers of this report to better understand the RSB’s financial position.

 

Operating Results

The operating result for the financial year 2006/2007 is a surplus of $1,042,391, including bequests of $1,022,574. This compares to an operating surplus of $360,513, including bequests of $736,109, for the previous financial year.

 

This year The RSB has continued to invest in new services and initiatives including the RSB Guide Dog Service, Books in The Sky (Audio Library) and a project investigating vision loss associated with acquired brain injury. This has occured whilst also increasing the level of core services provided. 

 

The result reflects the continued planning, close monitoring of costs by the RSB’s management and the commitment to continually investigate ways of improving our services to clients. 

 

I would particularly like to highlight the importance of benefactors, supporters and government in maintaining our relatively strong financial position.

 

Net Assets

The RSB’s level of net assets ($34,766,728) has continued to increase this year, predominantly as a result of the revaluation of RSB investments, land and buildings and bequests received.

 

This steady increase in net assets enables the RSB to continue to meet the needs of the growing number of South Australians who are blind or vision impaired. The incidence of vision loss in our community will continue to increase in proportion to the ageing of our population, and therefore it is vital that the RSB continues to attract bequests in order to fund future increases in demand for services.

 

Governance

As noted above, the RSB’s financial statements are audited each year. The Finance & Audit Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Management (Board) meets monthly to examine the RSB’s financial position in detail and, as Treasurer, I provide a monthly report of these meetings to the Board.

 

The Investment Sub Committee, a sub committee of the Board, meets quarterly to review the management of the equities portfolio, in order to optimise returns and minimise risk. This year the return on investments exceeded the benchmarks set.

 

Through ongoing strong management practices, the RSB has placed itself in a sound financial position that will enable it to assist people in South Australia who are blind or vision impaired for many years to come.

 

Barry Clark

Treasurer

 

Summary of Gross Income
41% Government
20% Fundraising/Bequests
15% Sales
12% Investments
12% Other

 

 

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