120+ Years we’ve been around
10,000+ People we’ve helped
HOPE Annual Report FY 2022-2023
HOPE Annual Report FY 2021-2022
Supporting Communities in Western Australia facing the toughest challenges.
Below is our Annual Report for the 2021-2022 Financial Year. If you would like to receive a PDF copy of the report please send us an email at hellohope@hopecs.org.au
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgement of Country
HOPE acknowledges the traditional custodians of all the lands on which we meet, work and live. We recognise that this land always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land, and always will be. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders - past, present and emerging.
We recognise the immense cultural strength and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are the world’s oldest continuous culture. We are committed to learning from their knowledge, traditions, stories, spirituality and experiences.
We acknowledge the history and current realities of First Nations people and understand our individual and collective responsibility towards the achievement of justice, equality and reconciliation.
Diversity and Inclusion
HOPE acknowledges and welcomes diversity in all its forms amongst staff and clients, including culture, language, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex variations, religion and socio‑economic and relationship status.
Lived Experience
HOPE acknowledges the individual and collective experiences of those with a living or lived experience. We recognise their wise contribution at all levels throughout the organisation and value the courage of those who share their experiences for the purpose of creating safe spaces that improve mental health outcomes.
Message from the Chair & CEO
Toni Stampalija & Merinda March
The past year at Hope has been one of optimism and courage as we continue to work with people across Western Australia to bring hope to their lives during their toughest challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to present challenges this past year. Alongside our primary concerns around the health and safety of our team and clients, there were also challenges related to vaccine roll out, personnel shortages, resource availability and delays.
We are proud to say that in the face of these challenges, our team adapted effectively to the ever-changing environment, displaying courage, commitment and diligence, ensuring our clients and the support we provide to them, remained our highest priority.
New opportunities
Despite the disruption, HOPE has continued to grow and evolve this past year. Importantly, we secured new contracts for service expansion, specifically Community Alcohol and Drug Services in the Pilbara, headspace services in Esperance and youth justice services at Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Canning Vale. The past year has also seen our Hope Springs Therapeutic Community in Geraldton secure full accreditation from the Australian Therapeutic Communities Association. Beyond these notable achievements, we have refreshed our brand and increased HOPE’s public exposure and profile, developed and strengthened our workforce, and implanted new systems and software that will enable future growth and expansion across the organisation.
Our roadmap for the future
In April 2022, we launched our 3-year Strategic Plan that will drive an exciting future for HOPE. The Board and management have established a significant growth and development agenda, encompassing the following strategic objectives:
- Deliver services that exceed expectations.
- Put clients and communities back in control.
- Have passionate people up for the challenge.
- Build a reputation for innovation.
- Sustain our impact.
These strategic objectives, together with specific outcomes and targets, are now our roadmap for the future. They will guide us in fulfilling our vision to grow the number of HOPE regional service hubs, and ultimately increase the number of people we support across our services.
Our changing Board
We wish to acknowledge each member of our Board for their commitment to our vision and their help in guiding the strategic direction of our organisation. HOPE is committed to the journey of reconciliation, walking together with our First Nations people and during the past year we have continued to nurture and build on our established partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and sought the wisdom of Traditional Owners and Elders.
We continue to improve our learning and education, and strive to further embed and develop our cultural governance throughout the organisation. We acknowledge and thank Noongar Elder Elizabeth Hayden for her ongoing wisdom, guidance and commitment to HOPE as she assists us on our journey of reconciliation.
From a Board perspective, we welcomed three new directors: Ken Hayward, Ashley Councillor and Ann Dawson. Each has brought a unique set of skills, experience and expertise to our organisation. We also farewelled outgoing directors Robert (Bob) Campbell and Ian Passmore, who retired from the Board last November. We sincerely thank Bob and Ian for their valuable and significant contributions and their dedication to HOPE during their 17 years on the Board. While we miss Bob and Ian around the Board table, we wish them all the very best for their new ventures.
Many people contribute to making HOPE the organisation it is today, and we take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Board of Directors, the leadership team, all team members, volunteers and supporters of HOPE for their ongoing support and commitment this year.
Our purpose
The Board regularly hears stories about the clients we serve and how they are working through the toughest situations to regain control of their lives and achieve their goals. Such stories are a wonderful reminder of why we exist and the Board is committed to continually reviewing how we better support clients. Quality care for clients is our priority; we enable those who come through our doors to access the supports they need to live their best possible life. We walk with our clients, wherever it takes us, for however long we are needed.
Next year is our 120th birthday - a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the WA community. We look forward to celebrating this occasion with you.
We are HOPE
We exist to bring hope to people and communities facing the toughest challenges in Western Australia.
We bring diligence, optimism, courage and collaboration to those who need us most.
Each year we help thousands of people in the toughest situations to get back in control of their lives.
To achieve lasting impact, we walk with you, wherever it takes us, for however long we are needed.
We believe in a community-led approach.
We seek out the wisdom of others. We act in humility.
We are HOPE.
Our Values
Diligence
We bring professionalism, commitment and integrity to everything we do.
Optimism
We act in the firm belief that we can positively impact people's lives.
Courage
We actively seek to support people in the toughest situations to get back in control of their lives.
Collaboration
We believe that by listening loudly and walking together we can harness the strengths of people, communities and partner agencies.
Our Service Pillars
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Services
We offer AOD counselling and support services including AOD treatment, diversion, pharmacotherapy, awareness and education programs. We also operate Hope Springs Therapeutic Community, a long-term residential rehabilitation facility.
Family and Domestic Violence
At our Mara Pirni Healing Place, we provide family and domestic violence counselling and support services, including practical assistance, onsite creche and family support. We also work to heal and educate perpetrators to prevent further violence.
Youth Justice and Bail Services
We run supervised bail house accommodation services and support, transitional youth justice programs and educational programs during detention.
Mental Health Services
We offer adult mental health services, including suicide prevention, counselling and awareness and education programs. We provide youth mental health services under headspace in Kalgoorlie (Goldfields) and Esperance.
Where We Are
HOPE delivers grassroots, community-led and culturally safe services throughout WA.
Our programs, services and interventions are delivered in collaboration with local providers to help individuals, families and communities break free from negative cycles and take the first steps towards being back in control of their lives.
We create safe spaces for positive change.
Alcohol & Other Drug Services
Hope Springs Therapeutic Community achieves accreditation
This year Hope Springs Therapeutic Community achieved a significant milestone, gaining official certification from the Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA).
Set just outside of Geraldton, Hope Springs is a long-term, mixed-gender residential facility for adults seeking to address their alcohol and other drug issues. It is also one of only five accredited therapeutic communities in WA.
“It’s a huge milestone,” said Ken Thomson, HOPE's Midwest Area Manager. “It sets us apart and signals to current and potential residents we are dedicated to providing a high level of care and service."
The certification comes after a process that saw the facility transition from a residential rehabilitation service to a therapeutic community. A therapeutic community is a treatment facility in which the community itself, through self-help and mutual support, is the principal means for promoting personal change.
Both staff and residents are considered part of the therapeutic community, and both contribute to the creation of a safe environment that encourages and supports residents to move through the treatment stages. The end goal is for residents to build a fulfilling and productive life, based on healthy relationships and meaningful community participation, free from dependence on alcohol or other drugs.
Paul's Story
The balanced mix of work, activities and support at Hope Springs Therapeutic Community has helped Paul on his recovery journey.
This is my third time in rehab. I have had 25 years of meth addiction. At the end of 2017 my marriage broke down. My wife and I had been together for 18 years and I really went downhill after that. In 2019, I woke up on my 40th birthday behind a service station in Esperance.
I knew I needed help, so went to the hospital and asked for help, and they booked an appointment with HOPE in Esperance. I went to the appointment, and they said: “Have you heard about Hope Springs?”
I really needed somewhere to be. At that time the place was based more on the San Patrignano model, which is much more about therapy through work. I was not really ready, but also I think the model was not the sort of help I needed. It was very different to the programs and therapy offered now.
I spent seven months in rehab and then went away and within a month I had relapsed again. At the very beginning of this year I went to try again. I left after three weeks because again, I really wasn’t ready. Then in April, I rang up and asked if I could come back and I have been here ever since.
The therapeutic community program they have now is a more balanced program. They have exercise, work, group sessions and individual therapy. It’s a very well-rounded program. Plus, the staff themselves are amazing. They truly are an inspiration in the way they support and help the residents.
I’m in no hurry to complete the program. My goal is to finish my last three months. Right now, I am facilitating residents’ meetings and facilitating support groups. This isn’t about having residents acknowledge me in any way, it’s about people listening to me and knowing that I get it, and that I can help them get through some difficult times. Because it is bloody hard.
I also want to start studying to become a peer worker. I think there is nothing better than having someone who has been through this stuff working with others to help them through the same stuff. I will work my way through the processes and hopefully, I will be able to help other people as well.
Family & Domestic Violence
Mara Pirni's First Birthday Celebration
In early December 2021 Mara Pirni Healing Place, HOPE's family and domestic violence services hub in Kalgoorlie, celebrated its first birthday.
The day coincided with the United Nations’ Human Rights Day, which also marked the end of the "16 Days in WA" campaign to stop violence against women. The event was attended by staff and stakeholders, including State Member for Kalgoorlie, Ali Kent MLA, who cut the birthday cake.
“It was a fantastic celebration, marking an important first anniversary,” said Sarah Nickson, Mara Pirni Centre Manager. “Our staff have worked hard this past year to build important relationships within the community and establish Mara Pirni as a safe space.”
Mara Pirni is centrally located within the Goldfields North Region and provides a range of wrap-around services to women, children, families, friends, and victims of family and domestic violence.
It is operated by HOPE and is a partnership and collaboration of specialist service providers including Wanslea, Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni (NTP), One Tree Community Services and the Aboriginal Legal Service WA. It is one of just two FDV “hubs” within Western Australia.
“Our work within the community this past year has demonstrated the value of taking an FDV Hub approach to tackling the issue,” Ms Nickson said.
Men's Bush Trips creating safe places for change
In March 2022, HOPE celebrated a year of hosting Men's Bush Trips in the Goldfields. A year of connecting men back to country, to themselves and to each other through the sharing of stories, mutual support and education.
During those 12 months, HOPE hosted 16 separate day trips across the Goldfields, connecting with 226 participants. While out bush, the HOPE team yarned with men about difficult topics such as family and domestic violence, suicide, grief and loss.
Central to the yarning were discussions around the ways in which they can bring peace to situations and create opportunities for their families to better themselves.
“Our Men’s Bush Trips provide a safe place for men to meet other men and build healthy, positive relationships, which in turn have a positive impact not only on themselves, but on their families and our community,” said Stephen Morrison, HOPE's Men’s Coordinator.
“While we all walk different paths, sharing and standing together and supporting one another on bush trips like these is just the beginning of a journey to a better life.”
Youth Justice Services
Collaboration the key to creating positive change for young people
At HOPE we understand that wonderful things can be achieved through collaboration. Nowhere is this more evident than in our youth justice and bail services, that operate a range of accommodation, education and mentoring programs for young people referred to HOPE from the government's Youth Justice Services.
Last year, by working with young people and partnering with like-minded organisations, we helped many young people engaged with the justice system to make positive changes in their lives.
Our HOPE team in the Kimberley referred James (not his real name), to the Full Circle Partnerships program run by the Waalitj Foundation in the Kimberley. Essentially a mentoring program for young Aboriginal people, the program has a strong focus on reconnection to country, and training and skills development.
Since starting the program, James has completed a TAFE course and secured a mechanical apprenticeship. He’s also established his own micro-business around collecting and selling native fruits and berries.
Elgin (not real name) also accessed youth justice services last year, through our Community Mentoring Services. The HOPE team connected him with the North Regional TAFE Jobs and Skills Centre, where he was able to create his first resume and be connected to employment opportunities.
He has since expressed an interest in securing his general construction induction training card (White Card) that will allow him to work within the mining industry.
Both the HOPE and TAFE teams continue to work in collaboration to provide Elgin with wrap-around support that will enable him to achieve his life goals.
Mental Health Services
Street Yarning a growing success in Armadale
A growing number of Armadale residents are seeking the assistance of our Street Yarning Team, thanks to its strong and visible presence within the local community.
Each week team members Tyrone Hansen and Keith "Cobber" Lethbridge run yarning sessions at dedicated locations throughout the City of Armadale and in the neighbouring Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale. In the past 12 months they have facilitated 178 sessions and connected with more than 4,300 people.
The pair are regulars at the Champion Centre in Armadale, where they offer food, drinks and informal "brief intervention" counselling to those who need it. While alcohol and other drug use is a topic that comes up often, the team also provides advice and support around health and well-being, healthy eating, exercise and relationships. Students from the local high school are among the most frequent users of the service.
"In these cases, our purpose is to check on their general social and emotional well-being, their progress through high school, and through life, and talk to them about their thoughts on future training, employment and community participation," explains Cobber.
They also regularly spend time at local skateparks and have taken part in a number of one off community events and projects, such as planting bush tucker plant during NAIDOC Week and hosting one-off yarning stands at shopping centres on R U OK? Day.
For Cobber, it is all about celebrating the small wins.
"We had one client attend street yarning over a few weeks, and the discussions were not positive - he was separated from his young daughter," recalls Cobber. "We referred him to the Champion Centre, and later we found out he had made family
connections there. He began participating in a cooking class that focused on nutrition and healthy eating.
"We continue to regularly catch up with him and he is looking healthier appears to be happier."
Humans of HOPE
Sarah's Story
Meet Sarah Nickson, manager of HOPE's Mara Pirni Health Place, our one-stop family and domestic violence hub in the Goldfields.
Sarah is passionate and committed to challenging the gender inequalities that
underpin and perpetuate family and domestic violence (FDV).
She is also a vocal advocate of partnering with those who experience FDV and ensuring that children do not remain ‘invisible’ to the FDV sector.
"FDV can be a tough space to work in but when you work with a team filled with people who operate with compassion, integrity and genuine care, and see the incredible outcomes that can result, these are the things that keep you up at night and get you out of bed in the morning,” she says.
“Being able to help families into safer accommodation, assist getting children back to school, and support people to heal emotionally can have a huge impact on their life trajectories.”
Sarah is a huge fan of American professor, lecturer, author and podcast host Brene Brown, known for her work on shame, vulnerability, leadership and her 2010 TED Talk that went viral.
“Her work has been the foundation for my leadership style, and I try to live my life with a strong back, soft front and wild heart”.
When Sarah isn’t at work, she has two young children, a whippet and a greyhound that keep her busy. She can be found volunteering for the Goldfields Women’s Health Care Centre, listening to podcasts and TED Talks, bingeing Netflix, or playing Lego and Minecraft with her children.
She describes herself as grateful, passionate, and committed to self-improvement and learning. Sarah is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses, having already achieved qualifications in Psychology, Criminology and
Family Studies.
Our Supporters
In addition to the funders and donors listed below, HOPE would like to acknowledge the many individuals, families, community groups and organisations that support our work in innumerable ways. Thank you all.
Australian Department of Health
Australia Post
ANZ Bank Armadale
ANZ Bank Esperance
Bank of Queensland
Armadale BHP
Bunnings Esperance
Bunnings Kalgoorlie
Cafe 312
Centurion Transport
City of Armadale
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Commonwealth Bank
Communicare
Core Innovation Hub
Dale Christian School
Department of Justice
Esperance Senior High School
Evolution Mining
F45 Kalgoorlie
Girl Guides WA
Goldfields Esperance Development Commission
Grill'd Cockburn
Harmoni House
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
headspace Armadale
KCGM
Lotterywest
Lumen Christi College
Mental Health Commission
McDonalds
Minerals Council of Australia
MinterEllison
Natwill Photography
Save the Children
Second Chance Op Shop
Southern Ports
Sportspower Kalgoorlie
Tate Family Foundation
Esperance Tjaltjaak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation
WAPHA
WA Police
WorkPac Kalgoorlie
Yorgum Healing Services
HOPE Board of Directors
Antonia (Toni) Stampalija - Chair
Toni is an experienced Chief Executive Officer, Non-Executive Director and Strategist who has spent the past 20 years working primarily in the not-for-profit sector, both in Australia and overseas. She works with boards and executives to stimulate and guide strategic direction, business improvement and growth. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Western Australia and Practitioner’s Certificate in Mediation and Conciliation from the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators.
Tricia Murray AM - Deputy Chair; Chair of Nominations & Renumeration Committee
Tricia has a wealth of experience in the community for-purpose section Western Australia and New South Wales, including 18 years as CEO of Wanslea. Working primarily in management, Tricia's broad expertise takes in child protection, homelessness, family violence and early years services. She has served on several state and national advisory committees and boards. She hold a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and a Master of Service Administration, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Justice of the Peace and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.
Lara Drabble - Chair of Risk Committee
Lara has more than 25 years’ experience working in general insurance across a variety of underwriting, broking, risk management, sales and leadership roles. Lara’s long-time career focus on clients in the faith, education and not-for-profit
sectors informs her understanding of the unique challenges facing such organisations. Last year she moved out of insurance and into her current role with Transform Cambodia, a charity supporting street kids in Cambodia.
Ann Dawson - Chair of Finance & Audit Committee
Ann brings strategic finance executive experience to her role with almost 30 years' experience managing mid-sized organisations, predominantly in the healthcare sector. She has experience leading financial and project management of large construction and redevelopment projects, business analysis and development and strategic management. Her previous roles include CFO at Activ and the Royal Flying Doctor Service of WA. She has also worked for the Anglican Diocese of Perth, Craigcare and Amana Living. A CPA, Ann has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and an Executive Masters in Business Administration. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ken Hayward
Ken is a Noongar man and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in cross cultural awareness and Aboriginal community engagement. His experience is a culmination of 20 years working in various roles and positions to promote Aboriginal culture and facilitate better working and social relationships between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal people. He holds a Bachelor of Arts double major in Anthropology and Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He is a qualified Facilitator in Cultural Awareness and Cultural Competency Training.
Stephen Cummins
Stephen is currently the Strategic Services Lead with St John WA leading operations strategy for the organisation. Previous
to this he was the Principal at ACIL Allen’s Perth practice. Before joining ACIL Allen, Stephen was a Director with Deloitte’s national Health Advisory Practice. He has extensive health and human services experience. Before commencing a career in consulting, Stephen held several senior leadership roles within the WA Department of Health and Department of Treasury. Stephen has provided strategic advice and support, as well as leadership skills, to significant health-related projects for clients across WA including St John Ambulance, Ramsay Healthcare, Incolink and WA Country Health Services. He holds a Bachelor of Economics from UWA and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Australian Direct Marketing Association.
Ashley Councillor
Ashley is a Banjima man with connections to the Nyiyaparli, Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Naaguja and Bibbulmun people. He has provided his knowledge and experience to several boards and committees of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, community and sporting groups. He has gained expertise in governance through 20 years' of experience and the completion of the Company Directors Course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors’, of which he is a current member. Ashley has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Indigenous Community Management and Development from Curtin University.
Robert (Bob) Campbell - Retired November 2021
Bob is the Managing Director of Australian Audit, a specialist audit firm of chartered accountants in Perth, and advises on charity tax matters. He is qualified in audit, tax, accounting and the management of charities. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He enjoyed over 25 years leading social welfare and educational organisations in a variety of CEO positions in New South Wales and the Northern Territory before returning to public practice in 2004. He is an experienced director and has served on the boards of several companies and charities in Perth.
Ian Passmore - Retired November 2021
Ian Passmore has been actively engaged in community and public service in professional, leadership, executive management, board and volunteer roles throughout his career. He has been instrumental in the establishment of several new organisations. He has served as a member, office holder or chair on numerous not-for-profit, public, university, health, hospital, government and community service boards, councils or committees particularly in the health, education, community services, medical research and management sectors. He is a member of numerous professional bodies including CPA Australia, the Graduate Management Association, Biotech Australia and the Australian Society of Microbiology. He serves on numerous boards, committees, councils and task groups. He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2001 and the Centenary Medal in 2003.
HOPE Executive Team
Merinda March - Chief Executive Officer
Merinda is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with extensive management history within the hospital, health, community and not-for-profit sectors. Merinda has strong leadership skills with a passion for collective leadership and social impact. She is
committed to the establishment of HOPE’s regional hubs, which will ensure the organisation is embedded in the communities it serves.
Pam Bubrzycki - Chief Services Officer
As Chief Services Officer, Pam manages all of HOPE’s programs and services across WA, ensuring they meet the needs of clients and the communities in which HOPE operates. Committed to delivering services that exceed the expectations of clients, Pam works closely with frontline teams, partner organisations, community stakeholders and funders.
Helen Mitchell - Chief Officer Innovation & Growth
Helen has more than 30 years’ experience across the health sector. Specialising in health promotion, co-design for impact, community engagement, research and evaluation, and development work across government, private and university sectors at a local, national and international level. She is widely recognised for her ability to manage complex change management agendas and work with stakeholders to find the best solutions at a policy level for the system and the consumer.
Melanie Cooper - Chief Finance Officer (Resigned February 2022)
Melanie is a senior management executive with 18 years' experience working in both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations. For the past 10 years she has been responsible for finance, human resources, health and safety, ICT, property, administration and fleet management.
Financial Summary
Income
For the last 119 years HOPE has taken pride in supporting Western Australian's facing the toughest challenges to take back control of their lives. We ensure that all sources of our income support our vision and mission.
HOPE received 99% of its income from government sources. In the last financial year HOPE achieved a 6% growth in income from government funding to continue this work.
Expenses
Due to the nature of our business, employment costs are the major expense category, making up 62%.
The next is program expenses at 14%, which include the investment in partnership arrangements with Aboriginal and other organisations, utilized in the service models. Having multiple locations across the state requires the identification and set up of appropriate properties making the next area the costs of property and depreciation of facilities at 14%.
Seeking Hope
If you need us, we will be there. You can access all our contact details here, or else leave us a note below and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
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We operate during business hours and are not a crisis centre. If you are in danger call 000.
- Qlife operate 3pm-12am each night https://qlife.org.au/contact-us
- Q13YARN which does Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support: https://www.13yarn.org.au/
Please note: We operate during business hours and are not a crisis centre. If you are experiencing a life-threatening situation or are in an emergency call 000.
Some other crisis lines that may be of help include:
- Mental Health Emergency Response – 1300 555 788 (Metro) or
1800 676 822 (Peel) - Rurallink – 1800 552 002
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyondblue – 1300 224 636
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
- Alcohol and Drug Support Line – 08 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (Country)
- Parent and Family Drug Support Line – 08 9442 5050 or
1800 653 203 (Country)
Hope Community Services acknowledges and respects the traditional First Nations owners of the lands on which we work, the first people of this country. We pay our respects to them, their culture, and their Elders, past, present and future.
Hope Community Services acknowledges and welcomes diversity in all its forms amongst staff and clients, including culture, language, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex variations, religion, and socio‑economic and relationship status.
Hope Community Services acknowledge the individual and collective experiences of those with a living or lived experience. We recognise their wise contribution at all levels throughout the business and value the courage of those who share their experiences for the purpose of creating safe spaces that improve mental health outcomes.
Accreditations & Certifications