President’s update: Past achievements and the year ahead
President’s update: Past achievements and the year ahead
Welcome to 2019.
As we look ahead to what the New Year offers, I thought it useful to reflect on our achievements over the past 18 months.
Work progressed in late 2017 and the early part of 2018 to formalise governance structures, develop and refine business processes and strengthen the operational capacity of Every Child CQ. This work is ongoing but the attainment of Incorporated status in August 2017 was a milestone as it provided the capacity for Every Child CQ to stand alone as an entity, independently transact business, administer finances, and position for future growth. Every Child CQ Inc as a fully-fledged, independently operating entity has also obtained an ABN, sorted taxation, finance and insurance requirements and is continuing to seek charitable status to further enhance investment opportunities.
Whilst it was important to focus on those internal operating matters, a lot of external engagement and activity was also underway.
Our partnership with Queensland Council for Social Services (QCOSS) was further advanced through the Strengthening Our Place series of workshops, supporting the delivery of Changing Community- Changing Lives initiative, the co-hosting of a community leaders breakfast event and a very successful masterclass presented by internationally renowned social impact expert, Paul Schmitz.
Our friends at Collaboration for Impact (CFI), who brought Paul to Australia, also supported us by providing training and ongoing guidance to our Director. We very much value the ongoing partnerships with both these agencies.
We had the opportunity to engage with Bush Kids and explore potential opportunities for collaboration, forged a strong relationship with the Hear and Say Foundation which is about to deliver some new and exciting services in Rockhampton, opened conversations with Global Sky Education, Multi-Cultural Development Association, Communities for Children, OneGovCQ, and Bidgerdii Health Service that will undoubtedly develop further over time.
Every Child CQ has also facilitated community development engagement in Zilzie with Livingstone Shire Council, assisted to progress the work of the Community Policing Board in Rockhampton, worked closely with OneGovCQ to develop strategy and project planning to support the Giving Kids a Great Start government priority, and is well placed to support innovation further this year.
Our capacity is being enhanced as we develop our volunteering program which will be rolling out this year, and the work of our Community Engagement Advisory Group has set the platform for more purposeful engagement throughout 2019. Our newly appointed Coordinator, Susie Cameron will lead this work and harness all the exciting opportunities ahead.
I must, on behalf of the Management Committee, thank Rosemary Brown for her tireless efforts and commitment as our first Director Operations. Her knowledge, drive and business acumen has laid a wonderful platform for us going forward. We wish her well in her new career opportunity. Although sad to see Rosemary go, it is very exciting to have Susie join us. She brings to the position tremendous experience and expertise in engaging, partnering, and facilitating, so the next chapter in ECCQ’s development looks very bright indeed.
Whilst 2018 was a year of establishing sound business arrangements, formation and consolidation, the year ahead will require a focus on turning that solid foundation into actions and a desire to grow as an organisation, to grow as an influencer, and to grow as a community-driven movement that delivers on our desire to shape a prosperous future where every child has every chance to reach their potential.
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ENDS.