A N N U A L R E P O R T

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1 Improving the health and wellbeing of West Australians living with a physical disability via engagement in lifestyle, recreational and sporting activities. ANNUAL REPORT Y E A R E N D I N G J U N E Photo courtesy of Emily Dimozantos Life in Motion

2 President s Report The year ahead leads us into the excitement of preparations for the 2012 Paralympics in London and in reporting on the year behind us, I am pleased to announce an extremely positive year for Wheelchair Sports WA (WSWA), particularly after the previous challenging year for the organisation. Earlier this year, after 15 years with our organisation, Gary Lees took on the role of Chief Executive Officer. The staff team under his strong industry knowledge, leadership and guidance have worked cohesively and diligently to ensure such an outstanding period, and the Board has great confidence in Gary s capabilities to lead the organization forward. Despite the uncertain economic climate, the organisation was able to produce a surplus of $248,000, which is a remarkable turnaround from the loss budgeted at the beginning of the financial year. With the staff restructuring, a focus on reducing nonessential expenditure, as well as attracting new unbudgeted funding resulted in the healthy surplus. However the sluggish economic climate and interesting political landscape in the next financial year may see many challenges ahead. Our AGM last year saw a record 144 attendees, which shows the strong engagement of members in the governance of the organization. Doug McCaffrey and Ashley Morrison were elected to the Board by our membership, with Ashley bringing much needed media skills to the table. The increase in media profile this year is testament to his passion for our athletes. I would like to thank the outgoing Board members Craig Parsons, Neil Guard and Terry Mader for their time and passion for WSWA. This year saw WSWA engage the services of new auditors Optima Partners after the resignation of long time auditors Gallucio Griggs. The process has been smooth in transition and I congratulate Gary, Tracey and our staff team on their work towards the audit completion. As part of completing the governance of the process, John O Brien addressed the entire Board and this highlighted how professional WSWA s administration and accounting processes are. Without a doubt, the most significant moment for the organization this year was the passing of legendary figure, Frank Ponta. Frank played such a significant role in the organisation for over 50 years, initially as a trailblazing athlete, but later and equally importantly as an administrator, coach, volunteer mentor to many and Board member. Frank was a true legend and his loss has been felt by everyone involved with WSWA, as well as those who knew him throughout Australia. It was an extremely proud moment for WSWA when Frank Ponta was inducted into the Australian Paralympic Committee s Hall of Fame, alongside fellow West Australian s Sir George Bedbrook and Louise Sauvage. With all three inaugural inductees being Life Members of WSWA, it certainly highlighted the significant role which this organisation has played in the development of Paralympic sport within Australia. This year saw WSWA again celebrate WA s rich history, with our first ever Life Members dinner. A wonderful evening was had by all in attendance, with an abundance of stories of days gone by and the significant change over time in sport for athletes with a disability. Our WA athletes collectively have achieved many significant milestones and awards and I congratulate each and every one of them, either as individuals or as teams for WSWA. As Wheelchair Sports Australia President, I am fortunate to attend many events Australia wide and I am so proud when our WA athletes do well, however I am even more proud when they are strong ambassadors for WSWA whether they win or lose. The Board and Management continue to make substantial improvements in governance to ensure compliance and sustainability of the organisation. A significant achievement this year was the adoption of a new constitution by members at a Special General Meeting in March. Another area of focus for the past year was in the area of risk, with a new Risk Management Plan implemented. Additionally, the Finance Sub Committee, under the stewardship of our Treasurer Simon Terry, has worked consistently to oversee our investment strategy. Our members are the reason we all do what we do, and we are all immensely proud of their achievements, whether at Paralympic level or just simply having a go for fun. As always, none of this would be possible without the support of all of the fabulous staff team and the fundraising office. I applaud also our many unsung heroes that are our volunteer base for the organization. I would particularly like to thank my fellow Board members for their cohesive, professional and generous support in time, passion and energy over the past year. Esme Bowen President BOARD MEMBERS Esme Bowen : President - Wayne Robins : Vice-President - Simon Terry : Treasurer - Elizabeth Woods : Secretary - Jon Morris - Ashley Morrison - Doug McCaffery

3 Frank Ponta Paralympic Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee Louise Sauvage Paralympic Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee Sir George Bedbrook Paralympic Hall of Fame Inaugural Inductee Lee Nott Coach of the Year Mark Lovell and Greg Melvin Volunteers of the Year highlights Life Membership in 2010 awarded to Esme Bowen The Be Active Clash of the Codes was launched including athletes from the Perth Wildcats, Perth Glory, Perth Heat, West Coast Fever and Western Fury. Paralympic Football Program established and working towards entering a team in the 2012 National Championships Wheelchair Sports WA legend Frank Ponta passes away aged 75 Wheelchair Sports WA members Amber Merritt, Sarah Vinci, Natalie Alexander and Georgia Inglis win silver at the Inaugural Under 25 Women s Wheelchair Basketball World Championships.

4 Priya Cooper 2010 Wheelchair Sports WA Hall of Fame Inductee The Be Active Perth Wheelcats rewrite history again by winning their 5th consecutive National Championship and claim the Wheelchair Sports WA, Team of the Year honour 2010 Breakout Performer of the Year Nigel Barley wins silver at the UCI World Cup Handcycling event in Sydney SPOKED radio show hosted by DJ Yogi B, Aaron Camm and Sam Clark celebrates its 50th episode and 1st Birthday More than 1500 participants experience wheelchair basketball as a part of the 2010 World Sports Expo Junior Sports Star of the Year Madison De Rozario now ranked number 1 in the world in the Women s T53 800m Shaun Norris Sport Star of the Year Connor Johnstone (Table Tennis) and Darren Gardiner (Powerlifting) both win Gold at the ARAFURA games Wheelchair Sports WA were involved in a record number of community events in 2010/11. Wheelchair Sports WA hosted the first ever Family Camp for members under 12 years old and their families. Madeleine Scott breaks her own World Record in the 50m Butterfly at the Para Pan Pacific Games A number of new recreation activities were trialled including scuba diving. In excess of 3500 participants took part in the WheelLIFE Disability Awareness Program including a tour of Moora which won the region s Event of the Year Award.

5 CEO s Report It was an honour to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer of Wheelchair Sports WA (WSWA) earlier this year, as I have a great passion for this organisation. With the support of the staff and Board we have worked together as a unified and professional team for the betterment of the organisation and the results achieved have been extremely positive. This change in leadership has resulted in a restructuring of staff roles and responsibilities and in turn has provided greater efficiencies in the administration of the organisation, therefore allowing greater focus on providing programs and services for our members. WSWA continues to provide a plethora of activities for our members to participate in. This past 12 months has seen a significant development in programs offered to the non-competitive members of the organization. On the sporting field our members continue to shine and it was particularly pleasing to note the broad range of sports in which WSWA had representation at National Championships level. Congratulations to Shaun Norris for winning the WA Institute of Sport s Athlete with a Disability Award and for being selected as a finalist in the WA Sports Federation s Sports Star of the Year Awards. In addition to providing direct programs and services to members, WSWA has also been focused on increasing the profile of the organization and raising awareness of the achievements of people with a disability. Participation in high profile, mass participation events such as the City to Surf, Freeway Bike Hike, Great Bike Ride and World Sports Expo have provided an avenue for exposing the organisation to the wider community. Our WheelLife disability awareness program continues to grow with over 3500 people taking part in this program during the previous 12 months and an increased involvement from the corporate sector in this program is an area which provides a great opportunity for growth. Increased media recognition and promotion have also been achieved over the past 12 months. WSWA now has its own dedicated weekly radio show called Spoked on 91.3 SportFM, which highlights the major events and achievements of our members and athletes each week, whilst the Not the Footy Show regularly featured interviews with our athletes and coaches. Earlier this year WSWA hosted a wheelchair basketball challenge between the media and the Be Active Perth Wheelcats which proved to be a great initiative. WSWA was also able to entice Ernie Dingo to become the number one ticket holder for the Wheelcats and the Battle of the Codes promotion which saw various high profile sporting identities take part in a wheelchair challenge, both of which were successful initiatives in achieving increased promotion for WSWA. Developing key partnerships remains an important area of focus for WSWA. We are now working closely with a number of State Sporting Associations to improve the participation of and development opportunities for people with a disability. The successful partnership with Shenton Park Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital has further developed this year and the aim of this program is to provide opportunities for people within the hospital system to be active participants in the community. Our partnership with the City of Stirling remains a significant one for WSWA, as this involves the provision of a home from which to base our programs. The facilities at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre are the envy of all other disability sporting organisations around the country and we look forward to working closely with the City of Stirling to ensure long term facilities are provided for our membership into the future. Fundraising during the past year has proven very difficult and the focus on diversifying our income streams is now more important than ever. With this in mind a Business Advisory Sub-Committee has been set-up to create partnerships with the corporate sector which promises to be an exciting opportunity for WSWA. Our volunteers remain the lifeblood of the organisation and we are truly blessed to have so many amazing people volunteer their time to assist across the many facets of the organisation. Board members, coaches, physiotherapists, mechanics, fundraisers, caterers, photographers, officials, carers, committee members, event co-ordinators and administrators are just some of the many important roles undertaken by volunteers and this support is vital in WSWA being able to provide the programs we do. WSWA remains dedicated to providing as many opportunities as possible for people with a physical disability to be involved in programs which encourage improved physical and mental health outcomes. The Board and management are focused on achieving our mission and will continue to work towards this in the years to come. I would like to recognise the valued ongoing financial support from the Disabled Children s Foundation, Department of Sport & Recreation, Healthway and AAWD which remain crucial in providing the programs and services for our membership. Thanks also to all of the staff and volunteers for making my transition into the role of CEO a smooth one. Your support is greatly appreciated and I look forward to an exciting year ahead as we move into another Paralympic year. Gary Lees Chief Executive Officer CORE STAFF TEAM Sports & Recreation Office Joel Mackenzie Operations & Marketing Manager Justin Eveson Membership & Participation Officer Louise Mofflin Education & Membership Officer Jessica Edwards Sports & Recreation Officer Administration & Fundraising Office Mandy Basson Administration & Fundraising Manager Lyn Wallrodt Administration Officer Tracey Vandenberghe Accounts Consultant

6 Financial Summary Year ending 30 June 2011 Balance Sheet Summary: ASSETS Property, plant and equipment... $2,028,560 Cash Assets... $1,634,534 Total... $3,663,094 LIABILITIES Employee entitlement provisions... $80,484 Creditors... $21,622 Members Levy Accounts... $37,861 Total... $139,967 NET ASSETS...$3,523,127 Profit & Loss Summary INCOME Raffles... $770,309 Donations & fundraising... $197,686 Grants & sponsorships... $172,700 Sports, recreation & education programs... $88,546 Other (interest,hire fees, management fees, rent etc).... $228,761 Total income... $1,458,002 EXPENDITURE Staff wages... $334,776 Raffle expenses.... $367,944 Sport, recreation and education program costs... $218,281 General overheads... $288,498 Total expenditure... $1,209,499 NET (LOSS) / SURPLUS...$248,503 Thank you to our partners We would like to sincerely thank our supporters, partners and sponsors who assisted the Association during the year, who are as follows: Allens Arthur Robinson Australian Athletes with a Disability Australian Institute of Company Directors Chamber of Commerce & Industry City of Stirling Emily Dimozantos Life in Motion Energy Resourcing Evolve Design Studio Ferngrove Good Company Herb Graham Recreation Centre Leadership WA Metcash Cash & Carry Momentum Partners Pattersons Securities Princess Margaret Hospital Royal IT Royal Perth Hospital Sport FM Sprint Design The Big Picture Factory United Way WA Sports Federation Administration Office Tel Fax /443 Scarborough Beach Road Osborne Park WA 6017 PO Box 1342, Osborne Park DC WA 6916 admin@wheelchairsportswa.org.au