Growth and Strength

Intereach provides a vast range of community services, having grown of the past 40 years from its humble beginnings in Deniliquin with a couple of employees, to a major organisation that works across the Riverina/Murray, northern and central Victoria and the Mallee.

Mrs Fogarty made special mention of its current resourceful staff teams and leaders under the innovative direction of CEO Keryn Fox, “for their ongoing resilience, determination and shared sense of purpose in remaining focused upon the end goal” which is to strengthen and improve social and personal well-being for individuals, families and communities.

The effort of staff under the direction of Ms Fox was a consistent theme at the AGM including outstanding results from a staff survey which highlighted an overwhelming sense of achievement and satisfaction.

“The board congratulates and sincerely thanks our staff and volunteers for your ongoing dedication and commitment, and while we believe new horizons are before us, we are grounded and honoured by the grass-root services that you have proudly delivered over many decades.” Mrs Fogarty said.

In her CEO’s report, Ms Fox spoke about a busy and challenging year with many highlights, including the first 12 months as the Early Childhood Early Intervention provider in the Goulburn, Mallee and Murrumbidgee areas, and the Local Area Coordination provider in the Goulburn and Mallee areas for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Other contracts across the Intereach footprint have been extended.

“Among the many other highlights was the launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2018 to 2020, the opening of Intereach offices in Shepparton, Mildura, Swan Hill and Seymour, and the introduction of video conferencing technology which has led to a sizeable reduction in the number of hours our staff members are spending on the road and away from home.

“One area in which I was particularly proud this past year was our increased investment in the personal and professional development of staff, mainly through the introduction of the Intereach First Forums held in Deniliquin and Shepparton.

“The feedback from staff was so overwhelmingly positive, it is now a bi-annual event and another two functions have been held in Bendigo and Albury. Staff development is one of my passions and I can’t thank our staff enough for the way they have stepped up and the professionalism they have shown during such a dramatic period of growth and change”.

“It is the commitment and dedication shown by our staff, Board and volunteers that allows Intereach to continue making a significant difference to the lives of people in our communities” Ms Fox said.

At the annual meeting retiring directors Rebecca Bates, Annette Radford, Di Rinalid and Clive Gow were re-elected unopposed. They join Pat Fogarty, Rob Brown and Andrew Johnstone who are continuing their volunteer role on the Board.

Auditor Peter Rae spoke at the AGM about the financial strength of the organisation and the outstanding financial result for the 2018-19 year, while also outlining risks that need to be managed to ensure Intereach continues to have a strong and productive future.

Intereach now has 16 office locations with the head office in Deniliquin and employs about 380 staff. To learn more about Intereach and its services go to www.intereach.com.au or phone the toll free number 1300 488 226.