PRESIDENT AND CEO’S REPORT
CONTENTS
03 President and CEO’s Report
20 People – Our Life Force
04 Our Services – A Snapshot
22 Resources
06 Governance and Accountability
23 Financials
10 BERRY STREET CHILDHOOD INSTITUTE
28 Thank You
12
30 How you can help
Knowledge, Advocacy & Leadership
14 Services
President and
CEO’s Report
The picture chosen for our front cover represents to us the essence of
Berry Street today. The sense of hope, the essential nurturing and trust
between an adult and child and the centrality of relationships have been
part of Berry Street’s core since 1877.
But the protection offered by the umbrellas on the
front cover also signify our broader Vision – that all
children should have a good childhood, growing up
feeling safe, nurtured and with hope for the future.
2012/13 – our 136th year - was another very successful year, where
our reach and impact extended even further. We worked with over
24,000 children, young people and adults, feedback on our external
accreditation against DHS Standards was glowing, we built on existing
programs, established new services, pursued innovation and advocated
for policy and system reform.
We celebrated the launch of our Berry Street Childhood Institute, the
visits of international experts, like Dr Bruce Perry (now a Senior Fellow
of our Institute) and the establishment of the first Victorian independent
Commission for Children and Young People and the first Aboriginal
Commissioner for Children and Young People in Australia.
We also chose the Federal Government’s Apology on 21 March 2013
to make our own Apology to women who were forced to give up their
baby for adoption. We welcomed the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry
and subsequent Royal Commission into Institutional Abuse and hope
that both provide an opportunity for the victims to be heard and the
community to ensure this abuse never happens again.
The success of 2012/13 is due to the commitment, skills and hard
work of our staff and foster carers, the leadership of our Board and the
support of governments, philanthropic foundations, our colleagues,
groups, business and individuals. We thank you all most sincerely for
sharing our Vision and for your contribution to our work.
Paul Wappett
President
Sandie de Wolf AM
Chief Executive Officer
03