From the CEO Desk

The Tasmanian economy has prospered and grown over recent years. However, not all Tasmanians are benefiting from good economic times.

A recent Report by the Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS) highlights a number of measures of disadvantage in Tasmania.

Therese Taylor Chief Executive Officer

Some general indicators in Tasmania are:

• Tasmania's long term unemployment rate is the highest in the country.
• The workforce participation rate is the lowest in the country.
• 24.4% of children under 15 years old in Tasmania live in a household where no resident parent is employed.
• Tasmania has the highest rate of poverty in Australia at 12.7% - the national average is 9.3%.

Organisations like Colony 47 are doing more with less to assist those in our community whose lives are affected by this severe disadvantage.

Colony 47 currently delivers over 25 programs from several sites in Southern Tasmania. These program areas include:-

• Housing
• Youth Programs
• Family, Counselling and Support
• Employment Programs
• Mental Health Programs

We currently employ approximately 140 dedicated workers.

As well as delivering programs, Colony 47 has an important role advocating in a number of significant areas on behalf of our community and clients.

The Budget Priority Statement 2007/08 (available on this site) outlines the following issues for the State Government's attention for the forthcoming budget.

• Affordable Housing
• Early Intervention and Family Services
• Support and Child Protection Services
• Settlement Services
• Transition Services for Young People
• Mental Health

This document is a key one for Colony 47 advocating for our clients in areas which need urgent attention from Government and resourcing in the State Budget. The Submission focuses directly on areas that Colony 47 relates to directly through our work. Whilst the Submission draws primarily on service delivery experience of our organisation the recommendation are far reaching and intended to address areas of need in the community.

With more than one in ten Tasmanians living in poverty, the Government needs to use the next budget to tackle the drivers of poverty in a systemic way.

The Affordable Housing issue is one that is affecting many Tasmanians and Colony 47 sees as a priority. The lack of affordable housing is impacting on the lives of many Tasmanians. During the past the Government has taken some action to address the issue | a funding agreement with TAHL (Tasmanian Affordable Housing Limited) and the establishment of a new Home Ownership Assistance Program Shared Equity Program. However, this is only one piece of a large issue. The demise of the Affordable Housing Strategy and no real replacement has left many Tasmanians in housing stress. Higher house prices, rising interest rates and pressure on social housing require solutions short term and long. Colony 47 wants to work in partnership with Government and other providers to increase supply of housing and meet the needs of our clients.

Other Housing activities this year have included:-

• Submission and representation to the Legislative Council Enquiry into Affordable Housing in Tasmania.
• Participation in the Housing Advocacy Day at Parliament House.
• Participation in the Housing Forum hosted by Minister Lara Gilddings.

Colony 47 has a long history of assisting youth who are marginalised. We deliver a number of programs to assist young people, reconnect with their community and their school to increase their chances of success.

We acknowledge that the Department of Education is striving to increase participation and outcomes for young people but too many are still falling through the cracks.

Colony 47 wants to work in partnership with Government to increase the options and places for young people.

The Board of Colony 47 has embarked on an ambitious Strategic Plan (copy available on this site) with the following five objectives.

• Service Delivery
• Staff
• Financial Sustainability
• Marketing and Advocacy
• Infrastructure Capability

During my first year as CEO, the organisation has looked closely at our business to ensure that Colony 47 offers a range of quality assured programs and that we support our staff and have reviewed our processes and procedures to ensure financial sustainability.

A high priority for our organisation is to partner with business to enable us to deliver programs to those in our community who are currently disadvantaged and not part of Tasmania's current economic success.

Please contact me on 03 6222 1518 should you wish to support the work of Colony 47.

Therese Taylor
Chief Executive Officer


Dec 2007