Ganbina Annual Report 2004-05
Thursday, 24 November 2005

Attachment: Annual Report 2005.pdf

Executive Officer's Report

The 2004/05 year has seen some significant changes to the operational structure of Ganbina. With the financial assistance of the RE Ross Trust, an administrative base consisting of an Executive Officer and a Finance Officer has been established. This has allowed for the progression of many activities, previously unachievable under a volunteer basis.

Ganbina has continued to deliver on its commitment to see the Indigenous population in the Shepparton area, sharing in the economic wealth of the region. This has meant the continued development of projects to make real and demonstrable change, research to ascertain the depth of issues, and establishing partners to make this all happen.

Nationally the ‘Ladders to Success’ project still remains as one of the premier employment projects. It has been acknowledged by the Department Employment Workplace Relations (DEWR) for its high levels of success, the numbers that it placed into sustainable employment and its ability to influence outcome from other employment projects. In spite of this recognition, there has been reluctance by DEWR to work with the Ladders to Success Board to move Indigenous employment to the next level. It would appear that the project will cease operations at end November 2005 after three years of operation.

The partnered relationship with Worktrainers Ltd in Job Network has therefore gained added importance. This partnership not only provides a financial dividend but a real service to Indigenous job seekers in the Job Network regions of the Goulburn Valley and Ovens region.

The Ganbina strategic planning process had identified the limitations upon sole reliance on government funding. It is notable, that the Jobs 4U2 program commencing this year ahs been completely funded from non-government sources. This program to some extent signals the future focus of Ganbina, with new project partners such as AMP, ANZ Banking, Big W / Safeway, Social Ventures Australia, Telstra Foundation, and Vic Health.

What then will the future hold? Certainly the belief for a better and brighter future! It will of course mean consolidation of current programs. It will mean the continued expansion of the Driver Licensing program through the support of the Berg family and the implementation of a Youth Leaders Program with other possible project partners as the University of Melbourne, Academy of Sports Health and Education (ASHE), Rumbalara Football Netball Club and the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative.

What we have achieved this far, what we seek to achieve in the future can attributed to our dedicated project staff, a Board with vision and project partners willing to explore the realms of social entrepreneurs.

ADRIAN APPO

Executive Officer

[ The full annual report, including audited financial statements are available via the attached adobe accrobat file.]