Our President and Ceo
their message
It is impossible to reflect on
the last 12 months without
remembering the devastating
fires in January and February,
which culminated in the tragedy
of Black Saturday.
Together with the emergency
services, government officials,
other professionals and
thousands of volunteers, we
became part of the process
of recovery.
It is impossible to reflect on the last 12 months without remembering
the devastating fires in January and February, which culminated in the
tragedy of Black Saturday. 175 people lost their lives, hundreds were
injured, 2029 homes and 61 businesses were lost and thousands of
hectares were destroyed.
Our staff were some of the first to help, often leaving their own
threatened homes to help others. Together with the emergency
services, government officials, other professionals and thousands of
volunteers, we became part of the process of recovery. We understand
that this will be a long and exhausting journey and are committed to
“hanging in there” in the communities within which we work.
Although we grew by 17% in 2008/09, Berry Street was not immune
from the Global Financial Crisis, with a write down of $1.9 million
in our investments. We know that crises like the bushfires and
unemployment place significant extra pressure on families. We
couldn’t help everyone who turned to us and our waiting lists grew.
We are proud of the way our staff and foster carers continue to respond
to all the pressures they face – of their absolute commitment to do
whatever they can to help – and for living ‘WE NEVER GIVE UP’.
We thank them and all our supporters – individuals, groups,
businesses, schools, philanthropic organisations and governments
– for helping us to strive towards our Vision – that all children have a
good childhood, growing up in families and communities where they
feel safe, nurtured and have hope for the future.
Laurinda Gardner
President
1
Sandie de Wolf, AM
Chief Executive Officer