Together we create opportunities for a better quality of life
Chairperson ’ s Report
After a year of re-evaluation and redevelopment we are in a good position and can look forward to a brighter future . The teaching programs have been consolidated and new classes are being developed . The Refugee Support program goes from strength to strength and is adding specific information workshops to its list of services . The Computer Clubhouse is expanding with a new satellite operation based at the Atherton Gardens . Our Volunteer Program has been revamped and will be firmly established in the New Year with the appointment of a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator .
It has been a big year at the FLN , a year of change with the challenges , the joys and the hardships that change tends to bring .
We began the financial year with the need to review our work , our vision and purpose and to contract a new manager who would assist us to consolidate the work of the Network and to ensure its sustainability in the future . This we did , and our new Executive Manager – Rosales Martinez – began her challenging role in December 2013 .
Our vision is to be a part of a strong and inclusive community . Our purpose is to provide learning , skills development , and practical support to members of our community that will increase their opportunities for social and economic participation . Our community is made up of new migrants , refugees and asylum seekers , and others who for one reason or another have little access to these services .
In renewing our vision and purpose we also understood the need to be clear on how we worked towards this vision and the guiding principles that would underpin our
decisions , tasks , and interactions . With this in mind we affirmed that we are working with people who are knowledgeable , resilient , with diverse perspectives and beliefs , who deserve our respect . Together we create opportunities for a better quality of life for all of us .
Words are simple . However the implications of these words are not without challenges and difficulties as we discovered in reviewing in detail our resources , programs , processes and procedures . It involved the need to change the way we were doing some things and reassess how we might do some things better . As with all major change like this there are those of us who cope better than others . As a result we lost some good people . We have however gained good people .
The review has also highlighted the need for us to be vigilant in monitoring our resource needs and ensuring that we invest in them . Our people are by far our most important resource but without the corresponding investment in the policies , processes , systems , and technology we will not be supporting them in doing their jobs to the best of their abilities .
In closing I wish to especially thank everyone who has been involved in the FLN this year with particular mention going to staff both past and present , members of the Board who have given generously of their time and energy throughout what has been a very tough but ultimately rewarding year .
Claire Woods
Together we create opportunities for a better quality of life