2019-Wesley-Mission-Annual-Report - Flipbook - Page 7
Chief Executive’s report
Growing with
purpose
When I welcome a new staff
member or supporter to Wesley
Mission, they often comment on
the size, complexity and diversity
of our organisation.
The multiple skills, talents and experiences we
share, place us in a position that is unique in
Australia. It is this diversity that allows us to knit
together holistic solutions for complicated,
multi-faceted problems.
Sadly, demand for our services continues to grow,
and we must expand to keep pace with it. But we
cannot allow growth to be uncontrolled or
haphazard. We will always have a limit to our
resources, and we must be confident that they are
being directed to the areas of greatest need.
An enduring challenge for us is to present our
large and complex organisation in a way that is
simple for our clients to deal with. We cannot risk
our complexity becoming yet another hurdle to
those we serve. At times of hardship and
desperation, people need to see a Christian
community with one welcoming smile, one open
door and one seamless process of assistance.
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Measurable impact
We are challenging ourselves every day to rethink
our structures and processes, and to underpin our
actions with data and evidence-based practice.
This year we continued to focus on supporting
those most in need, whilst ensuring through data
that what we have done has made a measurable
difference in our clients’ lives. Capturing data on our
achievements will never be more important than the
compassionate element that is the foundation of our
work. However, proving that our methods are
successful will enable us in our tendering, our
funding proposals and as we lobby for change on
behalf of the most marginalised in our society.
Supporting our staff
I am grateful to the professional staff within our
organisation, who have embraced the many
changes that we have challenged them with this
year. Our staff are the beating heart of Wesley
Mission and their health and wellbeing was a focus
area for us this past year. I am pleased to report that
our workers compensation claims were down, our
staff retention was above target and we were able to
offer new opportunities to a significant number of
staff. We surveyed our senior staff twice during the
year and received strong positive affirmation that
they are passionate and committed about the work
they undertake here.
We want Wesley Mission to be an employer of
choice and for people to have a genuine sense that
special things happen here. We are encouraging
staff not only to give their all to their clients but also
to each other. There is an important component in
leadership which involves letting others shine, and
we encourage our staff to express their trust in and
commitment to each other in their working lives.
When we show confidence in our colleagues we
encourage them to reach for even greater heights.
When we collaborate, the sum of all our knowledge
is far superior to that held by one person, no matter
how senior or experienced they may be.
Changing lives
Working in our particular sector, means sometimes
responding very quickly to seize opportunities or
respond to crises. In those situations we need to be
flexible and agile. This was evident this year with the
rollout of the Wesley ParentsNext program. We
believe that employment provides dignity and hope,
and we want people to discover that for themselves
and their families, and to grow in resilience and
strength. The Wesley ParentsNext program assists
parents to do this as they plan and prepare for
employment when their youngest child reaches
school age.
After a successful tender we were given just over
two months to expand the program from two to 28
sites. Tireless work by teams from across the entire
organisation succeeded in getting the program up
and running in every site. We now have teams
dotted up and down the New South Wales coast,
including many new locations, assisting parents
with their return to the workforce and helping to
break the cycle of intergenerational unemployment
leading to poverty.
The expansion of Wesley LifeForce Suicide
Prevention Network is another significant
achievement in the last year. There were 20 new
networks established in 2017/18, with a focus on
drought affected parts of New South Wales. For
decades suicide was an unspoken subject but it is
important that those who are suffering in our
community realise that they are not alone in their
pain. This national suicide prevention program
educates, empowers and resources communities in
an effort to combat Australia’s increased rates of
suicide. I am delighted that funding for this program
is secured until 2021.
As I look back over this financial year, it is tempting
to view our performance in terms of achievements
that were completed in that arbitrary time of 12
months. The lure of the ‘quick win’ is ever present in
our modern society; our lives are sometimes
overwhelmed with competing demands and
messages. But I believe as an organisation we must
also have the courage to maintain our dedication to
excellence over the long haul, mirroring our Christian
witness as an enduring and lifelong commitment.
When I took responsibility in leading Wesley Mission
along the path of incorporation, I understood those
who were concerned that this would fracture our
vital Christian engagement. It is therefore hugely
gratifying to know that both our Congregational
Life and our Community Services are displaying
great strength.
I want to take the opportunity of thanking my Board
and especially our Chair Michael Anderson, and our
Mission Council chaired by Keith Suter, for their
support and guidance in these days. Additionally, I
must thank my senior colleagues for their
tremendous dedication and leadership as we look to
the future with great hope.
Even in times of challenge and change, at the heart
of Wesley Mission there remains one constant: a
passionate commitment to those most in need.
When we keep their needs at our centre, we know
that all that we do is not for profit, but for purpose.
Warmly yours in Jesus Christ,
Rev Keith V Garner AM
CEO/Superintendent
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