Download the full CLP Annual report 2021-2022 (PDF)
It is with a sense of optimism and renewal that I share my 2022 report with you. As we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic, while acknowledging its ongoing presence, we are looking forward to a brighter period in the life of the people we support, their families and the organisation.
I would like to welcome the many new families who have joined CLP in the last year, and thank them for their trust in the organisation. We look forward to learning from and working with you.
CLP’s mid term audit took place in October, with full conformance against the NDIS Practice Standards. The Board commends all staff involved and acknowledges the leadership of Vanessa Kwong through this process. I would also like to thank the people and families who gave time to reflect on their support with the auditors.
The opening of SA borders in November had a significant impact on our workers and several families, and with the Omicron wave, this dominated our work in the early part of the year. We lost a small number of highly valued workers through the vaccination mandate, however the majority of workers remain and have diligently worked to keep people safe. I thank them all for their professionalism and resilience through an extremely difficult period.
We were glad to see legislated changes to the NDIS that aim to reduce the administrative burden for people and families, and strengthen the person-centred focus of the NDIS. Particularly important is that these changes simplify the complex administrative processes in making changes to a plan. We were also very happy that our three local and highly supportive MPs, Nat Cook (Human Services), Katrine Hildyard (Child Protection and Women) and Chris Picton (Health and Wellbeing) are now Cabinet Ministers in the State government, along with our Federal Member Amanda Rishworth (Social Services).
We thank the ongoing support of our project funders (Department of Social Services, Julia Farr Association, The Norman H Johns Trust) and allies, particularly Robbi Williams from JFA. We were also grateful to receive news from DSS that the Micro Enterprise ILC project ‘Exploring Possibilities’ is to continue for another 18 months, until June 2024.
The Board continued unchanged at the AGM in November, and I thank Henry Elliott as Treasurer, Pam Coutts and Sadik Hurem as Vice Chairs, and our other members Kerrie Ashcroft, Jackie Hayes, Michael Mooney and Patrick Faulkner. Particular thanks go to Michael who stepped down from the Board in June, and I thank him sincerely for his 4 years of contribution. We welcomed Rebeka (Bek) Touzeau on an ex-officio basis in August, ensuring that the voice of people we support continues to be heard at board level. I also thank the Finance Sub Committee, particularly Henry Elliott and Sadik Hurem, for their role in contracting Accord to ethically manage our investments.
I would like to sincerely thank Darrin Hepworth for his significant contribution to CLP since 2007, which has brought CLP greatly increased opportunities for financial sustainability for the future.
We enter a new phase of leadership with a sense of confidence. For the past 13 years, Prue Gorman has lead with grace, diligence and integrity, including through changes that have immense impact. I thank Prue for the way she has facilitated communication and leadership at all levels from the board and stakeholders to workers, families, and most importantly, the people who CLP supports. It is testament to her professionalism and genuine drive to facilitate good lives for people. I wish Prue all the best in retirement.
I now greatly look forward to working with Chris Meyer and the fresh insight this will bring to Board deliberations. Chris brings a diverse range of skills and lived experience as a family member, and we are assured that he will honour the people, families and values of the organisation which we all hold so strongly.
Caroline Ellison
Chairperson
