Vivienne LlewellynIn my report last year, I focused on changes occurring in the sector resulting from the reframed Strategic Directions of the Department of Community Services and how ACWA was endeavouring to respond.
This year the focus is much more 'in-house', as little has happened in the implementation of Strategic Directions since the departure of Des Semple from the Director General's position. Helen Bauer since her appointment to the position, has been working hard at yet another restructure of the Department and it is hoped that the results of this will flow on to the 'transition process' in the near future. Helen has met with the ACWA Board on two occasions and has been kept abreast of the concerns of ACWA members, particularly in the area of Substitute Care. In order to keep abreast of what could be happening in this area, ACWA Board members have continued to participate in the Interim Substitute Care Ministerial Advisory Committee, our continued involvement is regularly assessed.
The major change for ACWA this year was the departure of Morri Young after eleven years at the helm. The Executive Director position required considerable redefinition as a result of the Strategic Planning exercise undertaken by the Board and senior staff of the organisation. This made the Executive Director's position, as it stood, redundant and Morri elected to accept a package and left the organisation at the end of April. I wish to place on record at this meeting of the members, our appreciation of Morri's contribution to ACWA, to the sector and most importantly to the children and families of New South Wales. Morri was steadfast in his commitment to best practice in the care of children and we owe much to his vision and energy. We wish him well in the future.
Following Morri's departure, an Interim Management Team was established - Shane Waterton (Manager CCWT), Eric Scott (Association Manager) and Ivan Cant (Accountant), have demonstrated energy, innovation, expertise and commitment in managing the organisation.
Towards the end of the financial year, Shane Waterton gave notice of her intention to leave in July and leaves CCWT in good shape with a number of courses accredited and close to accreditation. Over the three years, Shane led the CCWT, the calendar has expanded, workplace training has been initiated and has become well known and accepted both within the sector and in human services organisations generally.
She is to be congratulated on her achievements and I take this opportunity to do so and to thank her for her efforts and her loyalty to ACWA and CCWT. We wish her well in her new appointment at Marist Community Services.
The Strategic Planning exercise was undertaken by the Board and senior staff with Bruce Callaghan facilitating. The process clarified for the Board to directions for ACWA activities into the next century. In summary these directions involve four key focus areas: Sectoral Research, Planning and Policy Development; Quality Improvement and Systems Support for Best Practice across the industry; Industry Training and Skills Development; and Service Management. @Normal:The endorsement by the Board of these directions resulted in a restructuring of current senior positions within ACWA. The determination of the shape of the organisation was achieved at a joint meeting of the ACWA Executive and the Interim Management Team. At this meeting the position description for the new CEO was developed and the position will be filled early in the 1997/98 year.
Chairperson
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Association of Chuildrens Welfare Agencies Lvl2, Central Sqaure 323 Castlreagh Street Sydney 2000 Phone (02) 9281 8822 Fax (02) 9281 8827 acwa@acwa.asn.au
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