Melbourne’s Jewish Care’s 2013 report card
Melbourne’s Jewish Care has held its AGM.
Back row from left: Mike Debinski, Kate Weiss, Brian Woodford OAM
Front row from left: David Bowen, James O’Brien, Andrea Coote MP
Held at the Monash University Caulfield Campus to a full room of 150 people, President Mike Debinski and CEO Bill Appleby presented an impressive list of key achievements for Jewish care Victoria for the past financial year.
The evening opened with Life Governor Dr John Serry giving a moving speech and pictorial tribute to honour the life and work of Avram Zeleznikow OAM, who was a past Secretary, Treasurer and President of The Australian Jewish Welfare Society and Jewish Care.
Operational highlights of the year included the announcement of the organisation’s 5 Year Disability Plan for the Victorian Jewish community; extensive reviews and improvements to its Information and Referral services; development of a new Employment and Education Centre and an important feasibility study into the potential redevelopment of housing services.
Andrew Blode (right) accepts his Life Governor award from Mike Debinski, Jewish Care President.
“I am particularly proud of our work within community service programs and the growth achieved to support more elderly people in their homes. Our significant expansion of our BlueStar Personal Home Care service delivered over 98,000 hours of care – a 40% increase over last year,” Mr Applebly said.
Treasurer Rohan Filer was proud to inform members of Jewish Care’s continuation of the operational turnaround, increased investment in social justice funded initiatives and the current renewal and future new developments of residential aged care and community services buildings.
Overall, an impressive year for Jewish Care, showing an increase in fundraising to $5million in 2013 and an overall operating surplus of $5.56 million.
President Mike Debinski, leading his first AGM since taking over the role this time last year said, “Over the past 12 months we have focused on expanding our existing programs while establishing the foundations for new services. We aspire to be the provider of choice for our community and a leader in the delivery of aged, disability and community support service in Australia”
With the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) attracting much attention this year, a panel discussion on the topic of ‘Disability in Australia’ followed the formal proceedings.
A high calibre panel consisting of leading voices in the sector including Brian Woodford OAM, David Bowen, Andrea Coote MP, James O’Brien and Kate Weiss, engaged the audience with insights about the NDIS and how it will change the face of disability services in Australia.
A Life Governorship Award was presented to Debbie Dadon and Andrew Blode for their long time services and support to Jewish Care.
