Annual Report 2016 - 2017
Message from the Board
On behalf of NCNS Board of Directors, I would like to acknowledge the Darug people as the traditional custodians of the land we work on. I would like to pay my respects to Elders both past and present; to Aboriginal Directors and staff and our Aboriginal clients and community.
It is a pleasure to provide this report in my first year as Chairperson of NCNS. We continue the tradition of commitment to listening and responding to community needs, and providing high quality services where they are most needed. It is a testament to all at NCNS that continue to grow and expand the range of services that we provide to communities.
I thank the NCNS staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. I also would like to thank the community of Nepean for allowing us into their lives and working with us to make lasting positive change. Reporting on the activities of the past year allows us an opportunity to reflect on how we have worked to improve the lives of communities and families. NCNS staff have continued to work as colleagues, as community members, and as partner organisations to deliver quality services and programs. This year, a significant highlight has been the successful tender for the Closing the Gap (ITC) Program – and our new working relationship with Wentworth Healthcare Limited provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.
NCNS has been a great admirer and supporter of the Closing the Gap program since its inception. Under Wentworth Healthcare, the Closing the Gap program has made a huge difference in health and quality of life for Aboriginal people with a chronic disease. [1] All of us at NCNS understand the great responsibility that comes with the management of this program – and we are deeply committed to the delivery of this program across the region – from Lithgow, Blue Mountains, and Hawkesbury and of course Penrith.
It has been a delight to welcome the Closing the Gap team to NCNS, and we acknowledge this team’s commitment and dedication throughout the transition. It is also important that we acknowledge the challenge that comes with a change to the size of the organisation and the stresses and strain that come with that – and we recognise and value the flexibility that all NCNS staff have shown during this period. All our work across the organisation – whether in Youth work, Aboriginal, Community, Parenting or Family Programs, Casework, Children’s Services, or Healthcare – demonstrate the very best in committed service delivery, innovation, professionalism and team work.
The Board thanks our CEO, the Leadership Team, all our staff and volunteers; your tireless work, commitment to communities and families is evident in your outcomes and I thank each and every one of you. As a board we are committed to providing strategic leadership, and keeping our eyes on the future, while remaining connected to our history and grassroots culture. I would like to thank my fellow Directors - Janis, Patricia, Yvonne, Mary, Peta and Joy – for their dedication, knowledge, experience and support this year.
Sharon Williams Chairperson