Berry Street Web Docs Annual Report 2006 | Page 14

berry street victoria annual report 2006 page 15

we
never
stop aiming high
While Berry Street Victoria has three annual Awards to recognise
outstanding contributions, this year it was especially pleasing to see
external recognition for two of our Board members and two staff.
welfare was exceptional. Two nominations were received and
Board Members
because both nominations were outstanding, the Award was
Janine Kirk received an AM for service to the City of Melbourne
through contribution to the identification, design and facilitation
of projects to enhance the business, tourism, cultural and
intellectual standing of the city, and to child welfare organisations.
Janine also celebrated 10 years of service as a BSV Board member.
Bill Noonan received an OAM for service to the transport industry,
particularly through the development of road safety programs,
and to the trade union movement.

presented jointly to Lindi and Alan Luckman and John and the late
Atita Ngatokorua. Lindi and Alan have been carers in the Goulburn
Valley for more than 15 years and have cared for over 70 children
and young people. John and his late wife, Atita, are Cook Islanders
and have provided a loving home for 15 young people. Tragically,
Atita died in August 2005. John decided to leave work so that he
could continue to care for the three boys in their care.

Pat Clinton

Deb Kearsey Outstanding Staff Award

It was wonderful to see Pat Clinton’s fantastic contribution to
residential care recognised at the Department of Human
Services’ annual Robin Clark Memorial Awards in September.
Pat, who has been with BSV for 14 years and has lead the
southern residential services team since 1998, was highly
commended for “Making a Difference with Children, Young
People and Families”.

This Award is presented to a staff member who exemplifies our
BSV Values. Eight nominations were received from our staff and
the Award was presented to Trish Clarke. Trish, the Co-ordinator of
our Caregiver Publicity & Recruitment Unit in the Northern region,
has been with BSV for over 10 years, and is admired and respected
by her colleagues for her passion and commitment to foster care.

Lifelong Learner Award
Sandra Conrow received this Award from the Community Services
and Health Industry Training Board for her commitment to education
and learning. Sandra, a residential supervisor in Gippsland, was
one of 16 finalists for this award.

Selina Sutherland Outstanding
Volunteer Award
This Award, presented at our Annual Celebration, honours the
memory of Selina Sutherland, whose voluntary contribution to child

Life Membership
Life Membership is awarded by our Board to individuals or
groups who have made an outstanding contribution to BSV.
This year, Life Membership was presented to Barbara Heine
and Medicare Australia – Centrepoint Branch.
Barb, and her late husband John, had decided to make a
significant personal investment to support organisations working with
children and young people. Sadly John passed away before they
could put this into effect together. Barb decided to follow through on
their plans and made the largest single donation ever received by
BSV. Barb now plays a very active role in the BSV ‘family’.

Although Medicare Australia – Centrepoint Branch only became
involved with BSV a few years ago, their contribution has been
exceptional. Their energetic and committed staff have held many
fundraising events, including: a “winter soup day”, “Christmas in
July” and an “Oaks Day Racing Lunch”. They also make goods
to sell as well as collecting gifts and essential items for our clients.

Our Investment in
Professional Development
While BSV is very fortunate to have the calibre of staff it has, the
complexity of the work means that we must support them properly
and ensure they have appropriate professional development.
BSV is a leader in this area. Training that we developed in Looking
After Children, effective conflict management and for residential
supervisors, has now been taken up by the wider sector.
Other highlights include:Supervision Course – In conjunction with Dr Judith Gibbs
from La Trobe University, we designed our own 41/2 day
supervision training course, which is mandatory for all of our
110 staff in supervisory positions.
Orientation Training for Residential Care Staff – To ensure
that our residential care staff are properly equipped to provide
good quality care to the young people in residential care, we
designed and developed a unique six day course which must
be completed within three-six months of joining BSV. As far as
we know, this is a first in Australia.

Diploma of Business Leadership – Since its introduction in
2004/05, 80 managers and team leaders have now completed
this six day qualification in management and leadership. This
was part of our commitment to ensure all our managers and
team leaders have the skills to manage their teams effectively.
Study Leave – A record 73 staff took advantage of our Study
Leave program, which provides up to five hours a week for
approved study. 55% were studying for either Certificate IV
Community Services Protective Care or a Diploma of Community
Welfare and 45 % for a degree or post-graduate qualifications.
Advanced Driving Training – 157 staff have now completed
advanced driver training. Car accidents reduced by 32%,
although our fleet increased by 17 cars.
A Learning Culture:
More than 300 staff participated in over 400 different
professional development activities, all strengthening our
c