08 - 09

ANNUAL REPORT
Down Syndrome Victoria works to empower
individuals to achieve a lifetime of meaningful
inclusion in the community.
Contents
President’s Report.................................................................................................................................................4
Executive Officer’s Report...............................................................................................................................5
Committee and Staff...........................................................................................................................................6
Family Support........................................................................................................................................................7
Education Support................................................................................................................................................8
Adult Support......................................................................................................................................................10
Information and Communication..............................................................................................................12
Advocacy and Awareness..............................................................................................................................13
Membership and Resources.........................................................................................................................14
Key Performance Indicators..........................................................................................................................15
Income Statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2009....................................................................18
Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2009.............................................................................................................19
Statements of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 30 June 2009.....................................20
Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2009..............................................................20
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2009..................................21

Note: The organisation’s legal name is the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc. Throughout
this document the name Down Syndrome Victoria is used interchangeably with Down Syndrome
Association of Victoria Inc. In all cases it refers to the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc.
There is no other legal entity.
 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09
President’s Report
As a parent and as president of Down Syndrome
Victoria, I am often asked about my hopes and
dreams for Sophie. My reply is always the same – I have
the same hopes and dreams for her as I have for my
other children.
I want her to get a good education, find meaningful work, live
as independently as possible, be surrounded by family and
friends whose company she enjoys, including the possibility
of a partner with whom to share her days. I want her to be
a happy and active participant in whatever community she
chooses to join. What keeps me awake at night is identifying all
the very real barriers to the successful achievement of these
goals. I know I will try as hard as I can to do what I can as her
mother. But what I spend even more time thinking about is the
kind of structural and social changes that are necessary for her
to enjoy the same opportunities that her brother and sister
will simply take for granted.
Then I think about the role I can play as an individual. And then
I think about the important role Down Syndrome Victoria has
in advocating for change. As you can see, there’s not much
sleep happening …
Down Syndrome Victoria has had a very busy year being a
strong advocate for these very structural and social changes.
Late last year we ran a very successful media campaign to
highlight ongoing discrimination against families attempting
to migrate to Australia with a family member with a disability.
As you may remember, the Moeller family were denied
permanent residency because their 13 year old son had Down
syndrome. Happily, the public outcry prompted ministerial
intervention and the Moellers were able to stay. More
importantly, a Joint Standing Committee has been charged
with the responsibility of investigating the broader issues of
discrimination in immigration.
We have also been a loud and clear voice for education
reform. Members of Down Syndrome Victoria staff and I have
attended a number of forums, and I continued my work on the
Ministerial Advisory Council for Students with Disabilities and
Additional Needs.
4
We also made a number of submissions to government
reviews and inquiries. Perhaps most importantly, we made
a lengthy submission to the National Disability Strategy
discussion paper. The National Disability Strategy, due out mid
next year, will be the first time in this country disability policy
will be underpinned by a whole-of-life, whole-of-government
approach. The strategy will set out a vision for people with a
disability and their families and outline what work needs to be
done to ensure this vision is realised. It will work towards finally
ensuring there is coordinated and comprehensive planning
across all portfolios and between all levels of government.
In addition to the consultation process, people with a
disability and their families will continue to have input into the
development and implementation of the strategy through the
National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, of which
I am Deputy Chair. All of this work means I am feeling very
hopeful about the future.
Individually, we all do our best for our kids. But there is also
power in collectively advocating for change. One of the things
I love so much about Down Syndrome Victoria is our very
strong sense of community. I love going to all our events.
I feel very privileged to be part of such a vibrant, strong,
resilient community. Now I think it is time to draw on
that resilience to speak out about the discrimination and
disadvantage experienced daily by people with Down
syndrome and the difficulties and challenges we face as
supportive and loving families. The Committee of Management
is thinking about the best way we can do this with the limited
resources we have available to us. We encourage you to be
part of that conversation.
Kirsten Deane
President

Executive Officer’s Report
Down Syndrome Victoria believes in the power of
families. We believe strong, committed, engaged and
well-resourced families will bring up resilient individuals
with Down syndrome who are able to reach their full
potential. The life long family support provided by Down
Syndrome Victoria builds self-sustaining networks for all
family members, building resilience to withstand times
of increased challenge and stress.
Down Syndrome Victoria continued to grow in the period
July 2008 to June 2009 in keeping with the increase in the
population of Victorians with Down syndrome. Contrary to
public perception, the number of babies born each year with
Down syndrome has remained largely unchanged in recent
decades – between 45 and 65 babies are born in Victoria
with Down syndrome each year.
Coupled with rapidly increasing life expectancy, the community
of people with Down syndrome and their families continues
to expand. The challenges facing the first generation of people
with Down syndrome who will significantly outlive their parents
are only now beginning to emerge.
The demand for information, resources and support from
Down Syndrome Victoria remains high. When the association
was founded thirty years ago, an objective was to help
parents find whatever scarce information was available. Today,
an important role of the association is to help families and
professionals access and filter an ever increasing amount
of information to identify that which is accurate, useful and
relevant. In 2008/2009 Down Syndrome Victoria took full
control of the website (www.downsyndromevictoira.org.au)
and has significantly upgraded the quantity and quality of
information available. This continues to be an ongoing project.
The Education Support Service has now been operated by
Down Syndrome Victoria for over eighteen months. We have
been funding this service from grants, fundraising and from
reserves. It has never received government support until
this year, when we received funding to develop a range of
resources and an accompanying training package from the
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
This professional development package will then be rolled out
to teachers across the state to provide them with the skills and
resources they need to successfully meet the education and
social needs of students with Down syndrome in their class.
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Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09
Down Syndrome Victoria has traditionally channelled its
resources into supporting the families of babies and young
children with Down syndrome. Over the last two years,
however, we have expanded the support and programs
we offer to adults with Down syndrome and their families.
We now have an Adult Support Coordinator and this year
completed the mentoring program Mentoring Connections with
a small group of adults with Down syndrome. The program
was a roaring success. One of the things we learned is that
we first need to meet the social needs of adults with Down
syndrome before we move onto increasing work training and
employment opportunities. So we are going to extend our
peer support network to include a peer support group for
young people with Down syndrome
I have been particularly delighted to have the opportunity
to meet so many members through the Down Syndrome
Victoria Comes To You initiative and the wonderful attendance
at member and fundraising events. As I said in a Voice column
during the year – it’s such fun when this particular community
gets together. Please do not hesitate to invite Down Syndrome
Victoria to visit your local peer support group to talk about
issues of interest to you.
I would like to thank the extraordinary staff of Down Syndrome
Victoria. Their passionate commitment to improving the lives
of people with Down syndrome and their families means they
routinely go above and beyond the call of duty. As a community
we are extraordinarily fortunate to have them on our team.
Finally, we could not function without the army of volunteers
that do so many unseen but critical tasks that keep our
organisation running. Thank you in particular to the Committee
of Management, the Finance Subcommittee, the Buddy Walk
Organising Committee, the regular office volunteers and the
many event volunteers who cheerfully turn up time and time
again for the benefit of families.
Thank you for your support.
Catherine McAlpine
Executive Officer
 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

Committee and Staff

Committee of Management Staff

President Executive Officer

Kirsten Deane Catherine McAlpine

Vice President Information, Marketing and Development Manager

Peter Sloan Janene Trickey

Treasurer Education Consultant

Rebecca Mott Ian Cook

Secretary Family Support and Training Coordinator

Carolyn Minster Sue Modra

General Committee Members Adult Support Coordinator

Sue Dymond Kate Pearce (until December 2008)
Natalie Graham
Information Development Officer
Anne Page
Mark Poole Sharon Ford
David Saunders
Volunteer Coordinator
2008 life member Jessica Hayward
Dr Carl Parsons
Reception and Administration Officer
Lainy Henderson

Adult Support Project Officers

Olivia Nam
Emma Wallace

Office Assistant
Stephanie Papaleo

6

Family Support
Down Syndrome Victoria was established thirty years
ago by a group of parents looking for information and
mutual support. Changes in early intervention, education,
health care and the end of routine institutionalisation
since that time have made a significant difference in the
lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.
Increased longevity and an unchanged birth rate for the last
decade have resulted in a significant increase in the population
of people with Down syndrome. In addition, Down Syndrome
Victoria is receiving an unprecedented number of calls related
to prenatal screening, testing and diagnosis.
Family support at Down Syndrome Victoria is based on a
model of empowerment and concentrates on supporting
families through difficult life transition periods
Peer support
Over the last 30 years, research has highlighted the importance
of social support for families with children who have a
disability or special needs. Social support has shown to reduce
stress, help to increase coping and adjustment as well as
increasing self-esteem.
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Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09
Down Syndrome Victoria coordinates peer support groups
throughout Victoria. These groups bring together families of a
person with Down syndrome to share information, practical
assistance and empathy.
At 30 June 2009, Down Syndrome Victoria had 16 family
network groups including three groups specifically for families
of adults with Down syndrome (aged 15+).
MyTime
MyTime groups provide local support for mothers, fathers,
grandparents and anyone caring for a young child under school
age with a disability or chronic medical condition. Each peer
support group is supported by two workers – a facilitator
and a play helper. At 30 June 2009 Down Syndrome Victoria
was running eight Federally-funded MyTime groups in Victoria.
Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day was held at Ashwood School on Sunday
29 March 2009. An opportunity for families of a person with
Down syndrome to get together, have fun and relax in a safe
oming environment, Family Fun Day is often the first encounter
a new family has with Down Syndrome Victoria staff, volunteers
and members.
 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

Phillip Island weekend away Down Syndrome Victoria Comes to You

Eleven families joined Down Syndrome Victoria staff and
volunteers on Phillip Island during August 2008. This relaxed
weekend away for families of a person with Down syndrome
provided an activities program for children while parents
heard presentations on a variety of topics. Weekends away
with other families provide opportunites to develop new peer
relationships – not only for parents, but for people with Down
syndrome and siblings as well.
Down Syndrome Victoria staff visit regional Victoria and
speak to groups of parents on request. In 2008-2009 staff
attended Bendigo Family Fun Day and Halls Gap Family
Weekend and spoke to groups of families in Ballarat, Bairnsdale
and Warrnambool.

Education Support

Education Support Service • loan and/or sourcing of resources

• school selection
The objective of the Education Support Service (ESS) is to
• transition to primary and post-primary settings
provide educational programs and services that will maximise
• phone and email enquiries
the developmental achievements of students with Down
• goal setting/program planning
syndrome, both in their educational environment and in the
• individual (demonstration) teaching of programs
wider community.
• assistance with individual learning plans
ESS services include: • curriculum modification
• teaching and learning strategies • social skills
• classroom organisation and strategies • family support
• behaviour management
Sixty one students regularly accessed the Education Support
• speech and language development
Service during 2008.
• attendance at Student Support Groups (SSG’s)

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

Race Day

Moonee Valley Racing Club was the venue for a day of fun,
food and frivolity – to raise funds for the Down Syndrome
Victoria Education Support Service. The event on Saturday 26
July 2008 attracted 198 attendees and included a live auction,
punters club and raffle.

Teaching students with Down syndrome

On Tuesday 17 March 2009, 106 teachers, principals and

integration aides from primary and secondary schools
throughout Victoria attended a one-day workshop at the
Darebin Arts Centre. Presenters spoke about the learning
styles of students with Down syndrome, with a focus this year
on language.

Golf Day

Eighty five golfers teed off at the Growling Frog Golf Course
in Yan Yean to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Victoria
Education Support Service on Sunday 5 April 2009. Sponsored
this year by the Nelson Alexander Charitable Trust, the team
from Tourism Malaysia won the ambrose-style event in a
count back. The day included lunch and a live auction of golfing
equipment and sporting memorabilia.

Learners with Down syndrome

Learners with Down syndrome provides a comprehensive

introduction for teachers who have students with Down
syndrome in their classes. It is compiled from the work of a
number of well known specialist educators around the world.
Down Syndrome Victoria hopes the handbook will help
education professionals to understand learners with Down
syndrome and successfully include them in the classroom –
and along the way help meet the needs of other students in
the class.

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09
Adult Support
The challenges facing the first generation of adults who
will significantly outlive their parents are only now
beginning to emerge. While the limited resources of
the organisation have historically been channelled into
meeting the needs of families with babies and young
children, Down Syndrome Victoria has committed to
expanding its activities to meet the complex needs
of a growing group of adults and their ageing parents.
Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease occurs more frequently and at a
younger age in people with Down syndrome than in
the general population.
During 2008 the Down Syndrome Australia Network
collaborated with Alzheimer’s Australia and the Centre for
Developmental Disability Health Victoria to produce a booklet
titled Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. The launch of
this booklet on Monday 30 March 2009 featured guest lecturer
Diana Kerr who is a prominent expert in the field of dementia
and learning disabilities. Diana is a fellow at the Centre for
Research on Families and Relationships at the University
of Edinburgh.
10
The AFL Foundation
Down Syndrome Victoria continued its partnership with
The AFL Foundation and AFL Umpires Association during
the 2008 and 2009 AFL seasons. The Friday Night Football
program continued throughout Australia with adults with Down
syndrome assisting umpires at Friday night AFL games. Achieving
Goals Actively is a program for young people with Down
syndrome and their siblings to promote the benefits of physical
activity and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This program
ran nationally during the 2009 pre-season as part of the AFL
Umpires Roadshow.
Hawthorn Football Club
During 2008 Down Syndrome Victoria entered into a three
year community partnership arrangement with the Hawthorn
Football Club. This provides free tickets for Down Syndrome
Victoria members to Hawthorn home games, creation of
a volunteer position for an adult with Down syndrome at
the Club, supply of memorabilia for auction at events and
a generous donation. In addition, the Club auctioned the
opportunity for a person to run through the banner at the
2008 AFL Grand Final, on Radio 3AW.
 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

Mentoring Connections: an initiative for adults with Down syndrome

Mentoring Connections: an initiative for adults with Down syndrome was a pilot program designed to promote
the abilities of adults with Down syndrome and provide participants with an opportunity to develop
pathways to reaching their goals in life.

Seven mentees and nine mentors participated in a five month pilot, meeting both individually and in
a group setting approximately once every two weeks, a total of 10 meetings.

The pilot was an excellent mechanism for enhancing the awareness and changing the perspectives of
both mentors and general community members about adults with Down syndrome and their abilities
and capabilities. It has identified a need to create opportunities for adults with Down syndrome to engage
in social interaction both with each other and with people from outside their existing social network.
Developing experiences to promote and enhance job readiness for work in an open employment
arrangement was identified as a longer term goal.

 11
 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

Information and Communication

Website and DNews
A significant amount of work has been done during
2008-09 transferring Down syndrome specific
information into electronic format and publishing
on the www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au website.
A regular electronic newsletter, DNews, is also distributed
to anyone with an email address on the Down Syndrome
Victoria database.
Journal
Voice is the Down Syndrome Victoria members journal. Each
quarter, it comprises three feature articles on a common
theme, contributed by experts. The publication also includes
an update of the latest events and activities of staff at the office,
disability news, members stories and important contact details.
The four editions during 2008-2009 had the themes Life as an
adult, Out and about, Down Syndrome Victoria and Research.
Library
Thanks to a grant by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust in
October 2008, Down Syndrome Victoria has been able to
significantly improve the library of Down syndrome specific
resources available for members to borrow.
Training and development
• Diamond Creek Occasional Child Care Centre
• Jayco
• Masters of Genetic Counselling students
– University of Melbourne
• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
• Richmond Multicultural Children’s Centre
• RMIT – Division of Nursing & Midwifery
• Souvlaki Hut
• St John of God Hospital
• UnitingCare
Research
Down Syndrome Victoria continued to support researchers
wishing to recruit people with Down syndrome for studies that
could positively impact of the life and wellbeing of people with
Down syndrome into the future. During 2008-09 the following
studies were supported:
• T
 he impact of fatigue on parent(s) with a child with special
needs (disability or chronic disease)
• Experience of parents and siblings of children with
a disability or chronic illness
• Does hyperphagia play a role in the development
of childhood obesity?
• The psychological adjustment of siblings of children
with a disability: The role of the family and the wider
social context

During 2008-2009 Down Syndrome Victoria worked with the

following organisations by supplying information, training and
advice about Down syndrome and intellectual disability:

• ANZ Bank
• Aurora Early Intervention Centre
• City of Boroondara Disability Services
• Dental Health Services Victoria
• Dial-a-lunch

12

Advocacy and Awareness
Government
Down Syndrome Victoria’s Executive Officer and President
continue to develop relationships with relevant staff at the
Victorian departments of Human Services and Education and
Early Childhood Development and Federal departments of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs,
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Health
and Ageing.
During 2008-09 formal submissions were made to:
• National Disability Strategy (December 2008)
• National Health and Hospitals Reform Committee
(March 2009)
Down Syndrome Australia Network
Down syndrome associations nationally continued to
collaborate as the Down Syndrome Australia Network. Joint
projects included Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease,
the media campaign related to the Dr Moeller immigration
case and AFL projects.
Media and marketing
The continuing discrimination against people with a disability
and their families attempting to migrate to Australia has
long been a concern of Down syndrome associations across
Australia. Visas are routinely refused on the grounds of the
“significant cost to the Australian community in the areas of
health care or community services”.
 13
Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09
The plight of Dr Bernard Moeller, a doctor in the rural city
of Horsham, and his family was used as a case study by Down
Syndrome Victoria during October/November 2008 to draw
media attention to this issue. Dr Moeller’s family was refused
permanent residency because their 13 year old son has
Down syndrome.
The case received international and national media attention
and generated considerable public support for both the family
and the issue in general. After only six weeks, the Australian
Immigration Minister announced he would use his discretion
to ensure the family was granted permanent residency.
Together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Disability he
also announced the Joint Standing Committee on Migration
to inquire into the treatment of people with a disability in
migration matters.
Other media during the 2008-2009 year included publicity
generated as part of the Mentoring Connections pilot, about
genetic testing, about the importance of peer support and other
topical issues. Comments by the Executive Officer, President or
other representative appeared in the Sunday Age, Sunday Herald
Sun, Weekend Australian, Mother and Child magazine, Mothers
Matter magazine and Your Life Choice magazine.
 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

Membership and Resources

Membership Student placements

During 2008 Down Syndrome Victoria celebrated 30 years
of support, having been established by a group of interested
parents in 1978. A celebratory morning tea for members was
held on Sunday 12 October 2008 at the Hawthorn Football
Club, where the 2008 Life Membership was also awarded to
Dr Carl Parsons.
Volunteers
Volunteers are integral to the success of Down Syndrome
Victoria. Whether governing on the Committee of
Management, facilitating peer support groups, entertaining
at Family Fun Day, mentoring adults with Down syndrome,
minding children at family weekends away, organising events,
assisting in the office or mailing out Voice, volunteers are highly
valued members of our community.
Down Syndrome Victoria has identified student placements
as a way to expose future professionals to Down syndrome
and intellectual disability. Late in 2008 a Master of Genetic
Counselling student from the University of Melbourne
undertook a 16-day placement at the Down Syndrome Victoria
office. A Social Work student from La Trobe University was also
placed for 70 days. Student placements are project based. Four
students from Carrick Institute surveyed adults with Down
syndrome and their families during 2009.
Strategic Planning
Down Syndrome Victoria’s Committee of Management
underwent an intensive strategic planning process in 2008.
The result is two documents: Visualisation of success and
Strategic plan 2008-2013. These are available on the website
www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au

Sources of funding

Interest and Other

Investment distribution 1%
12% Government recurrent funding
18%

Events
6%

Donations
13%

Government project funding

26%
ESS fees
7%

Membership fees
4%
Charitable trusts and foundations
13%

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

Key Performance Indicators

2007-2008 2008-2009 % Change

Membership

Members at 30th June 1107 1021 -7.77%

Membership attrition (non-renewal/cancellations/duplicate entries) 25 158 532.00%

Membership acquisition (new members) 107 177 65.42%

Support

Number of adults with Down syndrome assisted 127 234 84.25%

Support calls/emails handled 400 958 139.50%

Number of new family contacts 59 45 -23.73%

Peer support groups 25 25 0.00%

Peer support meetings 256 299 16.80%

Parent education sessions held 3 9 200.00%

Attendance at parent education sessions 42 127 202.38%

Attendance at Family Fun Day 260 357 37.31%

Training

Educators trained 41 150 265.85%

Heath professionals trained 65 105 61.54%

Respite/carers/others trained 98 42 -57.14%

New volunteers trained 47 30 -36.17%

Student Placements - 5

Awareness

Website visitors 42595 56930 33.65%

Website hits 225931 989221 337.84%

Equivalent $ advertising value of publicity generated 62039 108112 74.26%

Fundraising

$ raised from charitable trusts/foundations 77500 76301 -1.55%

$ raised from donations 17154 78721 358.91%

Volunteers

Number of active volunteers at 30 June 2009 135 72 -46.67%

Number of new volunteer enquiries - 102

Volunteer hours 2073 3436 65.75%

 15
Statement by Members
of the Committee

The committee has determined that the association is not a reporting

entity and that this special purpose financial report should be prepared
in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 1 to the
financial statements.In the opinion of the committee the financial report:

1. Presents a true and fair view of the financial position of Down

Syndrome Victoria as at 30 June 2009 and its performance for
the year ended on that date.

2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds

to believe that Down Syndrome Victoria will be able to pay
its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the

Committee and is signed for and on behalf of the Committee by:

Kirsten Deane (Chairman)

Rebecca Mott (Treasurer)

12 August 2009
 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

FINANCIALS

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009

2009 2008
Note $ $
INCOME
Government Grants 2 195,068 106,929
Investment distribution received 71,973 14,725
Special projects 3 76,301 155,650
Donations 4 78,721 43,155
Interest received 1,956 37,065
Membership fees 24,214 16,224
MyTime 69,009 44,642
Education Support Service 39,135 42,694
Fundraising Events 38,458 -
Other revenue 4,793 5,720
TOTAL INCOME 599,628 466,804

EXPENSES
Employee benefits 431,036 353,759
Rent 37,818 37,091
Statewide support 22,708 23,013
Professional & Consulting fees 38,516 31,525
Depreciation 20,113 9,315
Occupancy Expenses 6,417 10,913
IT and Internet 12,845 6,007
Repairs and Maintenance 1,300 3,647
Journal ‘Voice’ 16,594 12,417
Special events 30,035 4,336
Bank charges 3,635 4,457
Insurance 2,990 3,893
Conference fees - 7,956
MyTime Helpers 11,111 4,390
Other expenses 44,540 54,620
TOTAL EXPENSES 679,658 567,339
Investment Impairment 191,980 0
NET SURPLUS/DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR -272,010 -100,535

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2009

2009 2008
Note $ $
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 5 33,683 131,080
Receivables 52,163 57,333
Prepayments 1,000 1,000
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 86,846 189,413

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Financial assets 6 490,602 606,918
Property, Plant and Equipment 7 41,689 58,530
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 532,291 665,448

TOTAL ASSETS 619,137 854,861

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Unearned revenue 8 52,359 95,052
GST liability 5,387 8,944
Payroll liabilities 12,976 2,927
Provision for annual leave 10 21,573 16,802
Other current liabilities 20,663 30,790
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 112,958 154,515

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

Provision for long service leave 10 3,454 1,277

TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,454 1,277

TOTAL LIABILITIES 116,412 155,792

NET ASSETS 502,725 699,069

EQUITY
Financial assets reserve 9 - -75,666
Accumulated funds 502,725 774,735
TOTAL EQUITY 502,725 699,069

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009

Accumulated Financial assets

funds reserve

$ $
Balance at 30 June 2007 875,270 54,117

Net deficit for the year -100,535 -

Revaluation decrement - -129,783

Balance at 30 June 2008 774,735 -75,666

Net deficit for the year -272,010

Investment Impairment transferred to Income Statement 75,666

Balance at 30 June 2009 502,725 -

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009

2009 2008
Note $ $
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Grants received 198,566 117,929
Membership fees 24,214 16,226
Interest received 1,956 15,876
Other receipts 315,626 59,103
Payments to suppliers and employees -693,358 -433,291

NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 11 -152,996 -224,157

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchase of property, plant and equipment -3,273 -61,296
Purchase of financial assets - -7,837
Investment distribution received 58,872 14,725
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES 55,599 -54,408

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH HELD -97,397 -278,565

CASH AT BEGINNING OF FINANCIAL YEAR 131,080 409,645

CASH AT END OF YEAR 5 33,683 131,080

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009
NOTE 1 - STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial report is a special purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with the Accounting Standards,
Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board
and the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 ( Vic).

The following is a summary of material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting
policies have been consistently applied, unless stated otherwise.

Basis of Preparation
Reporting Basis and Conventions
The financial report has been prepared on an accrual basis and is based on historical costs modified by the revaluation
of selected non-current assets, and financial assets and liabilities for which the fair value basis of accounting has been applied.

Accounting Policies

(a) Income Tax

The association is exempt from income tax under the provision of Section 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

(b) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The
carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by the association to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable
amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cashflows that will be received
from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The depreciable amount of all fixed assets is depreciated on a straight line
method commencing from the time the assets is held ready for use.

The depreciation rates used for each class of assets are:

Furniture, Fixtures and Fittings 11.0-36.0%
Plant and Equipment 20.0-36.0%
Computer Software and Systems 20.0-36.0%
There has been no change to the depreciation rates from the previous years.

(c) Leases
Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risk and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in
the period in which they incurred.

(d) Financial Instruments

Recognition
Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction costs, when the related contractual
rights or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial recognition these instruments are measured as set out below.

Loan and receivable

Loan and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active
market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are reflected at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are taken
directly to equity unless there is a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the asset indicating impairment. When
the financial assets are considered impaired the unrealised losses arising from changes in fair value are expensed in the income
statement. However any subsequent increase in the financial assets’ fair value is taken directly to equity.

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009
Financial liabilities
Non-derivative financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation.

(e) Impairment of assets

At each reporting date, the association reviews the carrying values of its assets to determine whether there is any indication that
those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the assets
fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset carrying value. Any excess of the asset carrying value over its
recoverable amount is expensed to the income statement.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the association estimates the recoverable
amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

(f) Employee benefits

Provision is made for the association’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to balance date.
Employee benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when
the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value
of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those benefits.

(g) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the association has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is
probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with
original maturities of three months or less.

(i) Revenue
Grants are recognised as revenue when the association gains control of the underlying assets. Where grants are reciprocal, revenue
is recognised as performance occurs under the grant. Non-reciprocal grants are recognised as revenue when the grants is received
or receivable. Conditional grants may be reciprocal or non reciprocal depending on terms of the grant. Reciprocal grants are
carried forward as unearned revenue on the balance sheet.

Interest revenue and distribution income from investments are recognised on a proportional basis taking into account the interest
rates applicable to the financial assets.

Donations are recognised as revenue when received unless they are designated for a specific purpose, where they are carried
forward as unearned revenue on the balance sheet.

(j) Goods and services tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not
recoverable from the Australian Taxation office. In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of
the asset or as part of an item of expense. Receivables and payables in the balance sheet are shown inclusive of GST.

(k) New Accounting Standards

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2009 reporting
period. As at 30th June 2009, the association has not and does not intend to adopt these non mandatory standards early.

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009

2009 2008
$ $
NOTE 2 – GRANTS
DHS Salary and Wages 110,016 106,929
Other 85,052 -
195,068 106,929

NOTE 3 – SPECIAL PROJECTS

Special projects - 26,487
Achieving Goals Actively (AFL) - 6,364
Mentor program 4,000 80,000
Public speaking/Self advocacy 110 10,400
Holiday program - 769
Conference - 31,630
Education Support Service 54,454 42,694
Library Upgrade 3,591 -
Adult Support 14,146 -
76,301 198,344

NOTE 4 – DONATIONS
Yakka - 5,000
William Angliss Charitable Fund - 1,000
R Allen - 1,000
Werribee Football Club - 2,000
Audrey Jackson Estate - 10,000
Peter Ling - 1,500
The George Hicks Foundation - 5,000
Ritchie’s Stores 1,077 1,078
Albert Park Supermarket 9,500 -
Hawthorn Football Club 10,000 -
Napier Hotel 2,770 -
Old Orchards Primary School 1,000 -
Red Hot Relationships 3,700 -
Bernie & Kathy Sweeney 1,325 -
Estate of the Late Patricia Willis 1,950 -
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund 3,000 -
Members and others (donations anonymous and under $1,000) 44,399 16,577
78,721 43,155

NOTE 5 – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Westpac – main account 23,328 -5,740
Westpac – Maxi I account 6,178 -
Community Solutions account 3,811 -
ANZ – operating account 366 136,661
Commonwealth Bank – salary packaging account - 159
33,683 131,080

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009

2009 2008
$ $
NOTE 6 – FINANCIAL ASSETS
Available-for-sale financial assets 490,602 606,918

Available-for-sale financial assets comprise investment ANZ Trustee’s Charitable Equity Common Fund.
There are no fixed returns or fixed maturity date attached to this investment.

NOTE 7 – PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Furniture & Fittings – at Cost 31,122 30,774
Less Accumulated Depreciation -22,244 -23,490
8,878 7,284

Office Equipment – at Cost 117,182 114,257

Less Accumulated Depreciation -95,554 -80,823
21,628 33,434

Leasehold Improvements – at Cost 18,413 18,413

Less Accumulated Depreciation -7,230 -601
11,183 17,812
41,689 58,530

Movements in carrying amounts

Movements in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment between the beginning and the end of the
current financial year:

Furniture, Fixtures & Fittings

Carrying amount at start of the year 7,284 1,100
Acquisitions 348 7,185
Depreciation expense 1,246 -1,001
Carrying amount at end of year 8,878 7,284

Office Equipment
Carrying amount at start of the year 33,434 5,448
Acquisitions 2,924 35,699
Depreciation expense -14,730 -7,713
Carrying amount at end of year 21,628 33,434

Leasehold Improvements
Carrying amount at start of the year 17,812 -
Acquisitions - 18,413
Depreciation expense -6,629 -601
Carrying amount at end of year 11,183 17,812

Total carrying amount at end of year 41,689 58,530

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009

2009 2008
$ $
NOTE 8 – UNEARNED REVENUE
Jack Brockhoff Foundation - 4,000
R.E. Ross Trust 6,594 -
GWA Griffiths 11,109 36,000
Lord Mayor Charitable Fund 14,959 -
Gandel Foundation 5,854 -
Grosvenor Foundation 7,249 -
The Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation 6,594 -
Department of Human Services - 55,052
52,359 95,052

NOTE 9 – FINANCIAL ASSETS RESERVE

The financial assets reserve records revaluation of financial assets. - -75,666

NOTE 10 – PROVISIONS
Current
Provision for annual leave 21,573 16,802
21,573 16,802

Non-current
Provision for long service leave 3,454 1,277

Aggregate carrying amount of provisions 25,027 18,079

Movements in provisions
Opening balance 18,079 3,857
Additional provisions raised 23,750 34,961
Amounts used -16,802 -20,739
Balance as at 30 June 2009 25,027 18,079

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009

2009 2008
$ $

NOTE 11 – RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS WITH

NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR
Net surplus/(deficit) for the year -272,010 -100,535
Non-cash flows in net surplus (deficit)
Investment Impairment 191,980 -
Depreciation 20,113 9,315
-59,917 -91,220
Investment distribution received -58,872 -14,725
Change in Assets & Liabilities
Decrease/(Increase) in receivables 5,170 -49,347
Decrease/(Increase) in Prepayments - 1,003
Increase/(Decrease) in unearned revenue -42,693 -86,733
Increase/(Decrease) in GST liability -3,557 -252
Increase/(Decrease) in payroll liabilities 10,049 -24,951
Increase/(Decrease) in provision entitlements 6,948 14,222
Increase/(Decrease) in other current liabilities -10,124 27,846
-34,207 -118,212
Cash flow from operations -152,996 -224,157

NOTE 12 – KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

Short-term benefits 89,470 92,912

NOTE 13 – OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

Non-cancellable operating leases contracted but not capitalised
in the financial statements.
Payable
less than one year 21,427 37,090
later than one but not later than five years - 68,058
21,427 105,148
219 Napier Street, Fitzroy Vic
Term: Non-cancellable
Two years ending 6 January 2010.
Rent: Payable monthly
A rent adjustment by reference to the Consumer Price Index will occur if the option
to take a further two year term is exercised

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009
NOTE 14 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(a) Financial Risk Management Policies

The association’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including price risk and interest rate risk), credit risk
and liquidity risk. The association’s exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. The association’s financial instruments
consist mainly of deposits with banks, short-term investments, accounts receivable and payable. The association does not have any
derivative instruments at 30 June 2009.

The finance sub committee consisting of the Treasurer of the Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc and other finance sub
committee members, meet on a regular basis to analyse financial risk exposure and to evaluate treasury management strategies
in the context of the most recent economic conditions and forecasts.

Interest rate risk

At 30 June 2009 all debt was non interest bearing.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the association will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The association’s
approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities
as and when they fall due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage
to the association’s reputation.

The association manages liquidity risk by monitoring cash flows.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation or commitment that it is
entered into under a contract.

Credit risk in the association arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks. The association does not have any
material credit risk exposure to any single receivable or group of receivables under financial instruments entered into by the entity.

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009
NOTE 14 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS cont.

b) Interest Rate Risk

The association’s exposure to interest rate risk and its weighted average rates for classes of financial assets and financial liabilities
at balance sheet date are set out below.
Floating Fixed interest Non-interest Total
Interest Rate maturing in bearing
1 year or less
2009 $ $ $ $
Financial assets
Cash assets 33,683 - - 33,683
Receivables - - 52,163 52,163
Investments - 490,602 - 490,602
Total 33,683 490,602 52,163 576,448
Weighted average interest rates 4.82%

Financial liabilities
Payables – creditors and accruals - - 20,663 20,663
Total - - 20,663 20,663

Floating Fixed interest Non-interest Total

Interest Rate maturing in bearing
1 year or less
2008 $ $ $ $
Financial assets
Cash assets 131,080 - - 131,080
Receivables - - 57,333 57,333
Investments - 606,918 - 606,918
Total 131,080 606,918 57,333 795,331
Weighted average interest rates 5.65%

Financial liabilities
Payables – creditors and accruals - - 30,813 30,813
Total - - 30,813 30,813

2009 2008
Trade and sundry payables are expected to be paid as follows: $ $
Trade Payables
Less than 6 months 20,663 30,813
6 months to 1 year - -
20,663 30,813

2009 2008
Sensitivity Analysis: $ $
As at 30 June 2009, the effect on profit and equity as a result of changes in the interest rate,
with other variables remaining constant, would be as follows:
Change in profit and equity
- increase in interest rate by 1% 337 1,311
- decrease in interest rate by 1% -337 -1,311

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 Down Syndrome Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 08-09

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2009
(c) Credit risk exposure
The association’s maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of financial assets is the carrying
amount of those assets as indicated in the Balance Sheet.

(d) Fair value estimation

All financial assets and financial liabilities included in the balance sheet are carried at fair value.

Financial asset and liabilities held at fair value through profit and loss are measured initially at fair value excluding any transaction
costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset or financial liability. Transaction costs are
financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss are measured at fair value with changes in their fair value
recognised in the income statement.

Fair value in an active market

The fair value of financial assets and liabilities traded in active markets is based on their quoted market prices at the balance sheet
date without any deduction for estimated future selling costs. Financial assets are priced at current bid process, where financial
liabilities are priced at current asking prices.

NOTE 15 – EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER BALANCE DATE

No significant events have occurred since balance date which would impact on the financial position of the association disclosed in the
balance sheet as at 30 June 2009 or on the results and cash flow of the association for the year ended on that date (2008 - Nil).

NOTE 16 – REGISTERED OFFICE

The principal place of business of the association is:

Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc
219 Napier Street
Fitzroy Vic 3065

 29
Down Syndrome Victoria ABN 59 901 963 154
219 Napier street, Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Ph 1300 658 873 www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au