Welfare and Benevolent Institution
ANNUAL
REPORT
2012
WELFARE
BE N EVO LE N T
INSTITUTION
RSL NSW
DONATIONS to RSL WBI
From sub-Branches
Arncliffe
Auburn
Avalon Beach
Balgowlah-SeaforthClontarf
Ballina
Bass Hill
Bomaderry
Bombala
Bondi Junction-Waverley
Bronte
Burwood
Callala Beach
Campsie
Canterbury-Hurlstone
Park
Caringbah
Castle Hill & District
Chatswood
Chatsworth-Iluka
Chester Hill-Carramar
City of Blacktown
City of Campbelltown
City of Lismore
City of Penrith
City of Sydney
City of Wollongong
Clovelly
Combined Services
Cootamundra
Corrimal
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Dorrigo
Doyalson-Wyee
Enfield-Croydon Park
Epping
Estonian
Five Dock
Forestville
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Gosford
Grafton
Greek
Gunnedah
Hamilton
Henty
Howlong
Huskisson
Kempsey-Macleay
Kensington
Kogarah
Kurri Kurri
Lidcombe
Malabar
Manilla
Thank You
Maroubra
Mascot
Mendooran
Merimbula
Narrabeen
Narrabri
Nelson Bay
Newtown
Oatley
Old Bar Beach
Paddington-Woollahra
Padstow
Pelican Flat
Ramsgate
Rooty Hill
Rose Bay
Smithfield
South Grafton
Taralga
The Entrance-Long Jetty
Walgett
Wallsend & District
Warilla
West Wyalong
Westpac Banking
Corporation
Woolgoolga
Woonona-Bulli
Yass
Welfare and Benevolent Institution
Table of Contents
Foreword
4
Trustees Report
5
DefenceCare
8
National Veteran’s Affairs
Advisor’s Report
10
Financial Report
13
State Headquarters
ANZAC House, 245 Castlereagh St,
Sydney NSW 2000.
Phone
Fax
Email
Web
02 - 9264 8188
02 - 9264 8466
[email protected]
rslnsw.org.au
WELFARE
BE N EVO LE N T
INSTITUTION
RSL NSW
Cover: A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster prepares to land amid the
snow surrounding the tarmac at Tarin Kot, Afghanistan. After days of wintery
conditions, Tarin Kot continues to enjoy fine crisp afternoons. To take advantage of
the change in the weather and to catch up on supply and personnel runs that had
been delayed by snow, ice and fog, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) planes have
been making numerous runs into Tarin Kot, Afghanistan.
Bringing out the big guns, the RAAF’s largest aircraft, a C-17 Globemaster landed in
Uruzgan province to deliver vehicles and tonnes of equipment, as well as personnel.
Whenever they appear in the skies above Uruzgan, C-17s make a dramatic image as
they dwarf the more common C-130 Hercules aircraft. With the ground and
mountains covered by snow, the gigantic grey bird made an even more dramatic
entrance to resupply the Australian forces in the province.
Photo: Corporal Raymond Vance.
It is with much pleasure that I present our second annual
report for the RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution. I
trust that you will find it informative. It has more detailed
reports and provides some practical examples of our
work.
Foreword
Don Rowe
Chairman
OAM
The year 2012 has seen the most change to the way we
do our business. Late in the previous year the Trustees
requested a review of our entire operations by the
management consultants, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Consulting. After thoroughly investigating the way we
operate in consultation with staff, RSL members, former
clients, ADF personnel and other stakeholders, their
advice to the Trustees was to rebrand our activities. It
was from this suggestion that DefenceCare came into
being. The decision to form DefenceCare has proved to
be a success. We are delighted that Robyn Collins has
taken up the role as the General Manager and has set
up a very strong team to look after the increasing amount
of Advocacy and Welfare work. Please read Robyn’s
report.
Mr John Hodges continues in his role as the National
Veterans Affairs Advisor. I am sure you will find John's
report informative and the many roles he has, ensuring
that the voice of the League is heard loud and clear.
“The decision to
form DefenceCare
has proved to be
a success”
We are pleased that we have also been able to help our
service men and women with many of the requests we
have received. One such story was our sponsorship of
the official ADF Operation Hellfire 12. Here we supported
wounded ADF members in their rehabilitation by
combining some R&R and some regimental activities at
Hell Fire Pass & Kranji. This story was reported and
documented in an edition of Reveille.
I would like to thank two of our long serving staff
members, Mr Reg Tulip and Mr Max Hardy who retired
during the year and I wish them the very best.
In conclusion my sincere thanks to our wonderful
Women's Auxiliaries and sub-Branches for their
donations and support thought out the year. Also to our
dedicated and caring staff, without them we would not be
able to help those in need.
4
The RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution
commenced an overall strategic review of its
operations, to ensure an appropriate structure
and that relevant resources are provided to meet
an increasing demand for the broad range of
services and support offered by the WBI.
Trustees
Report
Don Rowe
OAM
Rod White
AM, RFD
Trustee
Trustee
Chris Perrin
Trustee
“Our lives are in
their hands…
Their welfare in
ours”
The Trustees are extremely pleased, that
following the completion of the review several
major recommendations were accepted and
during 2012 key actions were implemented.
Being the primary ESO provider of care and
support to veterans and their dependants and as
the major support provider in this field to the
Australian Defence Force, the RSL WBI
particularly through RSL DefenceCare, continues
to provide significant financial support across a
broad range of opportunities for the betterment of
those who served our nation.
Whether it is to assist a member of the ADF at a
time of personal hardship, a veteran in
necessitous circumstances, a widow and a family
in need of a helping hand, RSL DefenceCare is
always there ready to implement a level of
support to assist through challenging times. The
Trustees also provide funding to ensure that no
deceased ex-service person is interred as a
pauper.
Our staff and volunteers are committed to
excellence in the delivery of these programmes
and they are available for confidential meetings at
either ANZAC House Sydney or a place more
convenient to our clients.
Without the financial and other support from RSL
sub-Branches, RSL Women’s auxiliaries and
those wishing the RSL WBI to continue this vital
work, the Trustees would otherwise not be able to
fulfil the aims of the Institution. We extend our
sincere appreciation to everyone who contributes
to this increasing task. For those seeking to make
a donation or considering a bequest, please
contact the Trustees.
5
DefenceCare
General Manager
On behalf of DefenceCare’s staff and clients, I
would like to thank our donors and supporters –
without their efforts, DefenceCare would not be able
to help meet our clients’ needs.
It has been a wonderful year of change – a year
when we embraced new ways of working and
connecting with our clients. As we start 2013, we
are excited about new initiatives such as online
services and working more closely with
organisations supporting the defence community.
We have a new name and image
Robyn Collins
“I would like to
thank our donors
and supporters –
without their
efforts,
DefenceCare
would not be able
to help meet our
clients’ needs”
In 2012, the Defence Service Assistance Centre
was rebadged DefenceCare and we continued to
provide the RSL Welfare and Benevolent
Institution’s charitable services that help serving and
ex-serving members of the Defence Force and their
families.
We refined our services
Services remain free of charge and include the
following:
• Assistance with Department of Veterans' Affairs
entitlements;
• Advocacy at the Veterans' Review Board;
• Financial Assistance;
• Bereavement services;
• Counselling and support;
• Transition to civilian life services; and
• Building family and community resilience.
6
We established a client journey
Our approach to identifying our clients’ needs and helping to meet those needs led
us to establish DefenceCare’s client journey.
We identified and refined the process of how clients interact with DefenceCare to
ensure their experience with us meets their needs.
A new DefenceCare structure was also put in place to support the client journey.
We connected with our clients
Not all our clients communicate in the one way or at the one time. To reach the
growing online defence community, DefenceCare established a strong Facebook
presence, connecting with individuals as well as linking with other organisations to
share information on issues. We also started our Twitter and Pinterest activities.
We continued with Reveille contributions and spoke to a wide variety of audiences.
We will continue to reach out to our community in their preferred communication
medium.
We joined and initiated discussion of topics important to our clients
Representatives from DefenceCare joined key interest groups and committees and
met with government and non-government representatives to discuss issues (such
as post-traumatic stress) of importance to the Defence Force and their families.
7
We helped clients like…
Rochelle and Taylor
Taylor is 17-years-old and affected by leukaemia. Her
mum, Rochelle, is in the RAAF and her grandfather is a
Vietnam Vet.
We were able to help the family relocate from the Northern
Territory to Sydney while Taylor underwent treatment for
her condition and we also gave her an iPad to help her
cope with the long period in isolation. We are now
providing follow up support with transport and shopping
vouchers and will continue to support the family as long as
we are needed.
Caleb
DefenceCare helped ex-Navy diver, Caleb, transition from
defence by funding a training course to get his truck
driving licence. Caleb writes, "Without this course I would
not have been able to gain the employment in the mines. I
have one more course to go to get my new career
cranking.
Jason
Jason had to leave the Australian Defence Force due to a
training injury. His wife was diagnosed with a brain tumour
and he now cares for both his wife and their children.
We helped with dental surgery for one of the children and
continue to help when the expenses of family life become
too great.
Brandon
Brandon is an Army veteran of Timor in 1999/2000 and
suffered from severe damage to his spine, shoulders,
hips, knees and wrists. DefenceCare sponsored his
assistance dog, Ruby, who gives him support and is a
friend to him each day.
8
We ran the first ‘Minute to Remember’ campaign
To commemorate Remembrance Day and make the
honouring of Australia's war heroes more relevant to
young people, DefenceCare launched a Facebookcentred, digital campaign to remind participants to turn off
their phones for one minute at 11am, 11 November 2012.
In five days, 6,000 people connected with DefenceCare
through Facebook.
We were out and about in the community
• We sponsored the annual AFL RAAF Charity game
between Staff v Recruits at the RAAF base in Wagga
Wagga.
• We ran a Veterans’ Fun Run during Veteran’s Health
Week to provide an opportunity for veterans, serving
members and their families to improve their health and
wellbeing.
• We welcomed the HMAS Melbourne home to Sydney
by providing morning tea and activities for the children
complimented with our new colouring books while the
families were waiting for the ship to arrive.
• We supported on-base family days to help build family
connections and resilience.
9
National
Veterans’ Affairs
Advisor
The National Veterans’ Affairs Committee (NVAC) is
charged with advising the National Executive on all
matters pertaining to assistance and care of serving
and former members of the Australian Defence
Force.
2012 NATIONAL CONGRESS
Arising out of each National Congress is the RSL’s
Budget Submission to the Government. The Priority
Proposals are as follows:
1. Indexation
That the indexation of all components of Military
Superannuation under the DFRB, DFRDB and
MSBS schemes be calculated by an indexation
regime matching cost of living increases.
Commander
John M. Hodges
RAN (Rtd)
“All members are
still encouraged to
bring to the
attention of their
relevant State
Veterans’ Affairs
Committee any
issue in the
Veterans’ Affairs
portfolio that is of
concern...”
10
2. BEST Funding (refer page 12)
That the Government immediately reinstate funding
for BEST Round 15 to the Round 12 appropriation.
3. Mental Health Disorders and Rehabilitation
That the Government continues to enhance a
national mental health rehabilitation scheme for
veterans suffering with chronic mental health
problems based on individual case assessment and
management programs.
4. Residential Care - Younger Veterans
That the Government create a scheme to ensure
access to affordable and age-appropriate
accommodation options for Veterans who are
unable to live in the community and are too young
to access the Commonwealth-funded residential
aged care system.
5. Veterans’ Aged Care
That the Department of Health and Ageing
implement reporting/monitoring mechanisms
whereby aged care providers must demonstrate
that the Special Needs status of Veterans is
consistently recognised and respected.
6. Home Respite Care
That the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
increase the allocated hours of in-home respite care
and provide a more flexible approach to granting of
overnight respite as the present arrangements do
not permit the Carer to have sufficient time away
from the Veteran to be beneficial to the Carer’s
wellbeing.
7. Veterans’ Disability Pensions Rates
That all rates for Veterans’ Disability Pensions be adjusted by the same increment
that was granted at the time for the Single Rate of Service Pension in the 2009
Budget which was by 2.7% increase of MTAWE (Male Total Average Weekly
Earnings).
MILITARY REHABILITATION & COMPENSATION ACT REVIEW
On the 8th May 2012 the Government announced its response to the Review of
Military Compensation Arrangements.
Ninety-six recommendations will be implemented by the Departments of Veterans’
Affairs, Defence and other agencies, with the bulk expected to be implemented on
or before 1 July 2013.
It is intended to introduce a Bill containing the legislative changes arising from the
Review in February or March 2013 (autumn sittings) with the expectation that the
Bill will be passed in June or July 2013 (winter sitting). The League along with other
major ESOs will be consulted on the Bill before its introduction.
It is anticipated that legislative changes to implement 18 recommendations and one
observation addressed in the Government response will be covered in the planned
Bill. Additionally, five recommendations (including one of the eighteen that require
legislative change) will require legislative instruments.
Consultation with ESOs will occur in March/April 2013 on the Government response
to recommendations 7.7 and 7.8 (for DVA to scope a new advocacy model for
complex cases) and 17.1 and 17.2 (a single appeal pathway for MRCA through the
Veterans’ Review Board). These matters will go back to Government for further
consideration in the 2014 Budget with 1 July 2014 as the planned implementation
date
REPATRIATION MEDICAL AUTHORITY
In 2012 after a review of its long-standing informal liaison arrangements, the
Authority agreed to trial a number of variations. The Authority's practice since 1994
has been to conduct an informal meeting between the members of the Authority,
officers of the RMA Secretariat and staff members from the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs.
The role of the DVA staff has generally been limited to advising on the ‘operability’ of
various factors and the form or manner of expression to be used in them, which
reflects the medical science as assessed by the Authority. This advice draws on
their experience and knowledge, including the history of claims made for various
conditions and any difficulties experienced by line staff in assessing claims.
Following the introduction of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
a member of the Australian Defence Force (generally a medical practitioner
knowledgeable about service related issues) has also attended these informal
meetings.
11
The Authority concluded that it would be better informed about the operation of the
factors in the Statements of Principles (SoP’s) and the mode of expression adopted
therein if it also had the benefit of the experience of an Ex-Service Organisation
adviser who provides assistance, advice and information to claimants.
Consequently, in my capacity as the Chair of the RSL National Veterans’ Affairs
Committee (NVAC), I have been invited to attend the informal meetings.
My role is to assist the Authority to produce clearly framed SoP’s capable of
achieving outcomes about claims consistent with the Authority’s assessment of the
sound medical-scientific evidence available to it.
This liaison arrangement is at the Chairperson's discretion and will be reviewed in
2013.
BEST GRANTS
There is still widespread criticism throughout the League of the reduction in total
funding of the Building Excellence in Support & Training (BEST) grants (refer to
RSL Budget Submission 2 above).
The funding for BEST was cut from $4M in Round 12 to $3.5M in Round 13 to
$2.6M in the current Round 14. This cut has caused considerable difficulty to RSL
sub-Branch Pension, Welfare Officers and Advocates in assisting Veterans and
Serving Members in their applications for Entitlements. In Victoria, some Veteran
Centres have been forced to close even though in the BEST Review of 2011 they
were highlighted as the model which all ESO’s should aim.
The League, through the National President, continues to raise its discontent at all
levels of Government.
NATIONAL VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (NVAC) MEETINGS
It is planned to have a meeting summary placed on the RSL National Website
www.rsl.org.au after all NVAC meetings from mid-2013. This will allow all members
of the League to view what was discussed and which actions were taken on any
particular issue.
All members are still encouraged to bring to the attention of their relevant State
Veterans’ Affairs Committee any issue in the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio that is of
concern.
CONCLUSION
The main focus of NVAC continues to ensure that our hard won entitlements and
benefits are not eroded either by budget restraints or the natural downsizing of
DVA as the Veteran population diminishes.
I would like to thank the National President, National Executive, fellow members of
NVAC and the staff at National Headquarters for their support throughout the year.
12
Financial
Report
2012
STATEMENT OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
WHAT WE RECEIVED
$
Donations
887,672
Interest & Dividends
396,726
Grants
139,288
Other Income
DONATIONS
INTEREST & DIVIDENDS
GRANTS
OTHER INCOME
4,237
Total Revenue
1,427,923
WHAT WE SPENT
$
Support & Assistance
382,333
Provision of Services - Staff Costs
550,170
Contract & Management Fees
233,252
Legal & Consulting
193,298
Depreciation & Amortization
Other Costs
SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE
PROV OF SERVICES - STAFF COSTS
CONTRACT & M’MENT FEES
LEGAL & CONSULTING
DEPRECIATION & AMORTIZATION
OTHER COSTS
89,770
335,262
Total Expenditure
1,784,085
Net Operating Deficit
(356,162)
The complete financial statements are on the www.rslnsw.org.au
13
STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL POSITION
WHAT WE OWN
$
Plant & Equipment
365,740
Intangible
49,848
Cash & Short Term Deposits
4,528,133
Available-for-sale Assets
2,738,037
Receivables
PLANT & EQUIPMENT
INTANGIBLE
CASH & SHORT TERM DEP
AVAIL FOR SALE ASSETS
RECEIVABLES
OTHER
133,244
Other
62,842
7,877,844
WHAT WE OWE
$
Creditors
122,901
Staff Entitlements
CREDITORS
STAFF ENTITLEMENTS
TRUST FUNDS
32,525
Trust Funds
492,873
648,299
Net Assets
7,229,545
RSL Welfare and Benevolent Institution
Support and Assistance
$450,000
$337,500
$225,000
$112,500
$0
14
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
DONATIONS to RSL WBI
From Women’s Auxiliaries
Adamstown
Albion Park
Baradine
Barraba
Batemans Bay
Bathurst
Bellinger River
Berry
Bexley
Bingara
Bondi Junction/Waverley
Brewarrina
Bundeena
Burwood
Byron Bay
Callala Beach
Canterbury/Hurl. Park
Cardiff
Casino
Cessnock
Chester Hill/Carramar
City of Blacktown
City of Campbelltown
City of Fairfield
City of Lismore
City of Liverpool
City of Penrith
City of Wollongong
Combined RSL Aux
Concord District
Coonabarabran
Davistown
Doyalson/Wyee
Dubbo
Emmaville
Gilgandra
Gladesville
Gloucester
Gosford
Gresford
Harrington-Crowdy Heads
Henty
Holbrook
Huskisson
Ingleburn
Inverell
Kandos
Kensington
Kingsgrove
Lake Cargelligo
Lambton/New Lambton
Laurieton
Leeton
Lidcombe
Maclean
Malabar
Mangrove Mountain
Maroubra
Mascot
Matraville
Mendooran
Miranda
Moree
Mortdale
Moruya
Moss Vale
Nambucca Heads
Nelson Bay
Norfolk Island
North Ryde
Nowra-Greenwell Pt
Parkes
Pelican Flat
Thank You
Portland
Port Macquarie
Pottsville District
Richmond
Rooty Hill
Ryde District
St Marys
Singleton
Smithfield
South Hurstville
South Lake Macquarie
Stockton
Sussex Inlet
Tamworth
Taree
Temora
The Entrance/Long Jetty
Tilligerry
Tocumwal
Uralla
Wagga Wagga
Walcha
Wangi Wangi
Wellington
Werris Creek
Weston-Southern Highlands
Windsor & District
Wingham
Wollondilly
Woodburn/Evans Head
Woonona/Bulli
Wyong
Yass
Yeoval
Young
WELFARE
BENEVOLENT
INSTITUTION
RSL NSW
Widows and family members of soldiers who died in Afghanistan
remember their beloved fallen at the ANZAC memorial in Sydney.