Annual Report Final 2012 sml

The MS Society of Tasmania 2011-2012 AnnuAl RepoRT

2011

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our VisionA Tasmanian Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Community that is engaged, informed, understood and supported.

Mission StatementThe Multiple Sclerosis Society of Tasmania is committed to enhancing the quality of life for people in Tasmania with MS and to reducing the impact on their families and careers by:

Enhancingtheidentificationandawarenessoftheneedsofpeopleaffectedby MS

The pursuit of best practice at clinical, whole of person and research levels

Supporting advances in the management and prevention of MS

leadership and advocacy

enhancing our organisation

Values Respect

Integrity

empathy

Working together

Con

tent

sour Vision, Mission and Values Chairman’s Report 2Ceo’s Report 4Board of Directors 6Client Services Report 8

operating environment 8Quality Improvement Framework 8Client Services Team and project Initiation and Development 8MS Clinic 10Continuation and potential expansion of International Clinical Trial Work 10Self Management: Flinders and Stanford Models 10Case Management 10our Volunteer Advocates 11Support Groups 11professional Development 12Information and education Sessions 12new Team Members 12

MS Research update at the Menzies Centre 13Marketing & Development Report 15

MS Fest 15SevenWondersoftheWorldRaffle 15MS Melbourne Cup 15MS Mega Swimathons 16Mud Dash 16MS Readathon and Direct Mail 16Call Centre operations 17Kiss Goodbye to MS 18

Acknowledgements 19Corporate Services Report 21

Introduction 21Human Resources 22people and Workplace Culture Staff engagement and Feedback Survey 23Financial Result 24

Financial Report 25Directors’ Declaration 26Directors’ Report 26Independent Auditor’s Report 30Auditor’s Independence Declaration 32Statement of Comprehensive Income 33Statement of Financial position 34Statement of Changes in equity 35Statement of Cash Flows 36

MS Facts 37

1MS TaSMania 2011-2012 annual RepoRT

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Ibringthisreporttoyouattheendofafinancialyear which has been particularly challenging: successful in many ways, disappointing in others.

We continue to focus on the provision of high quality services to our clients and active support for research into MS, particularly through the Menzies Research Institute in Tasmania. We know that organisations like ours provide asignificantvalue-addforthecommunity at large. We do this bothbytheefficientdeliveryofservices, which are underpinned by state government funding, and by contributing to the increase in research funds, coordinated by MS Research Australia.

We have worked to engage with people living with MS, their families and friends. Through the year, we conducted a series of forums across the state and the feedback we have received has been very positive. The MS Society of Tasmania and a range of external funders jointly provide sponsorship for these events.

The treatments that are available to people with MS are changing with the introduction ofneworalmedications.Thisisasignificantdevelopment as treatment to date has often

beendifficulttoadministerandournursingstaffhave provided invaluable support to our clients dealing with this challenge. Whilst the mode of medication delivery is becoming easier, we see a continued need for support to ensure adherence with treatment and to address the many issues that impinge on health and quality of life for people with MS and their families.

The appointment of a neurologist at the launceston General Hospital has meant that clients in northern Tasmania once again have the option of a regional service. MS Tasmania has actively supported this development and we have established a good working relationship with the neurology service at the lGH. not surprisingly, requests for advice and support fromournorthernofficehavegrown,whichisboth gratifying and challenging.

The Board has encouraged and supported the organisation in working towards accreditation with the Quality Improvement Council. The achievement of such accreditation recognises that we comply with established organisational standards and participate in a process of continuous quality improvement. This will enhance our standing with funding bodies, in particular the state Department of Health and Human Services, and is an important step in

preparing for the advent of the national Disability Insurance Scheme.

For many of us the nDIS is a long-cherished dream, but there is still much work to be done before it becomes a reality. MS Tasmania is working with our sister organisations in other states under the umbrella of MS Australia, and with the neuromuscular Alliance of Tasmania to ensure that issues pertinent to people living with a neuromuscular degenerative disease are appropriately placed on the nDIS agenda.

The relationship with Multiple Steps Forward has been strengthened this year with the revision of the Memorandum of understanding between the two organisations and the completion and launch of the booklet “Independent living.” The booklet provides practical advice and support for people living with MS, in an easily read format. Copies are availablefromouroffices.

We have worked to engage with people

living with MS, their families and friends. Through

the year, we conducted a series of forums across the state and the

feedback we have received has been

very positive.

2 MS TaSMania 2011-2012 annual RepoRT

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portThe role and importance of MS Advocates,

especially in a period of change, cannot be underestimated.MSTasmaniahasrefinedthisrelationship and ensured that it is in line with the intentions of the national Advocates program. We are seeking to appoint further Advocates in 2012/13.

Unfortunately,the2011/12financialyearhasbeenacomplexanddifficultonefortheSociety.We have been grappling for some time with thedeclineinincomefromraffles,whichhavebeen our traditional fundraising vehicle. like manynot-for-profitorganisationswearelookingto diversify our sources of funding, but this is a particular challenge in the current economic environment.

Despite a great deal of effort our major ‘WondersoftheWorld’rafflewasundersubscribed. like so many fundraising activities, the net return is very much dependent on the number of tickets sold towards the end, so that even a modest shortfall against target can mean a substantial loss against budget.

The MS Fest has been one of our success storiessinceitwasfirststagedbytheSocietyin2006. Following a period during which we gained very valuable exposure within the younger population,butlittlefinancialreturn, MS Fest proved to be our most effective fund-raising activity. However, as a result of a completely unacceptable outcome in 2011/12 we opted for a changed model. A series of events meant that this became an enormous challenge, and despite a considerable amount of work and good will from many people within the Society and the broader Tasmanian community, we came to amostdifficultdecisionwhenfacedwiththeprospect of inclement weather and sluggish ticket sales.

The Board took the decision to cancel the MS Fest in order to protect the brand and reputation of the MS Society of Tasmania. We did so as prudently as possible, exiting the event at the minimum cost. We are very grateful to the suppliers whose understanding and generosity softened the impact of this decision. The Board has sought internal and external reviews to gain a complete understanding of process. We have decided that there will be no MS Fest in 2013.

We have put a considerable amount of effort into planning for this next period, with a critical examination of our fundraising and operations, toensureanimprovedfinancialoutcomefor2012/13.

In closing this report I would like to thank my fellow directors for their support, contribution andadviceduringthefinancialyear.Theyearhas been a challenging one but they have not wavered in their support and endeavour to ensure that MS Tasmania continues to provide the best quality support and advice to people living with MS.

Geoff Chapman

Chairman, MS Society of Tasmania

I would like to thank my fellow

directors for their support,

contribution and advice during the

financial year.


CEO

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Thecontinuingturmoilinfinancialmarketsandthe constant focus on the potential negative impacts of this, combined with the continuing threat of job losses in the Tasmanian economy, isaffectingtheconfidencelevelofindividuals.As a consequence of these issues and the very low returns on investments, these economic conditions are directly impacting on MS Tasmania’s operations and its ability to raise funds. In addition, 2011/12 was not agoodyearfromafinancialperspective with two major fundraisers, namely ‘MS Fest’ and the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’raffle,deliveringverypoorfinancialoutcomesandhencethesubstantial loss for the year.

In order to address this ongoing change in the business environment, MS Tasmania has been exploring ways and means of expanding its revenue base as well as looking at operational costs. We are not alone in this approach to the current business environment. I am engaged in projects with MS Australia

where their focus is on critically examining how we currently do business and how we want to be doing business in the future.

one of the key decisions we have made to ensure that MS Tasmania is a sustainable organisation, is to increase our strategic alignment to that of being within the health sector, and leverage off this from a marketing and sales perspective. We also need to be actively supporting Tasmanians living with MS and supporting local businesses and community organisations through purchases of goods and services. A good example of this is the marketing strategy for our Christmas 2012 raffle.

In the external environment, the initial launch of the national Disability Insurance Scheme (nDIS) in Tasmania focuses on young people within the 15 – 24 age group and to date there is very little detail available on the scope of this work. As mirrored on the neurological Alliance of Australia (nAA) campaign, a state based nDIS campaign is being developed and coordinated by the Manager Client Services, MS Tasmania (Mary langdon) in collaboration with the neuro Muscular Alliance

of Tasmania (nMAT). This will ensure that Tasmanians living with neuromuscular conditions are included in all aspects of the nDIS and that their needs are considered in the further development and implementation of this scheme.

The opportunities to grow in this environment are potentially verysignificant,howeverMSTasmania is well aware that the service to our current clients is very important. To this end, MS Tasmania has embarked on improving its organisational capability by striving to achieve independent recognition via

accreditation under the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) of Australia’s Health and Community Services standard, demonstrating

One of the key decisions we have

made to ensure that MS Tasmania

is a sustainable organisation is to increase our

strategic alignment to that of being

within the health sector, and

leverage off this from a marketing

and sales perspective.


CEO

’s Re

port

thatitisoperatingatahighorderofefficiencyand effectiveness. once this is achieved, it will need to be maintained, via regular reviews from the QIC’s assessors. MS Tasmania staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that they can achieve this recognition.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Board, MS Tasmania leadership Team and staff for theirsignificanteffortsatatimeofmajorchangein the operations and business environment for MS Tasmania.

Dale eastley

ChiefExecutiveOfficer

I would like to thank the Board,

MS Tasmania Leadership Team

and staff for their significant efforts at a time of major change in the operations

and business environment for MS Tasmania.


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s Dr Geoff Chapman, Chairman Dr Chapman joined the Board in December 1998. He has been Chairman since 2006 and acts as a Director of MS Australia. He was for many years the Medical Director of General practice South, and served as Director and Chairman of both General practice Tasmania and General practice Training Tasmania. He also maintains a busy clinical workload in a group practice in Sandy Bay, following almost a decade as a solo general practitioner in central Tasmania.

paul Stevens, Deputy Chairmanpaul joined the Board in november 2004. paul has had thirty yearsofexperienceinschooleducation,thelastfifteenofthosein senior administration. In 2003 paul transferred to the aged care sector and is currently in senior administration at the Freemasons HomesofSouthernTasmania.Paulisalsoaqualifiedagedcareassessor and regularly visits aged care homes to assess compliance with the Commonwealth’s standards. paul has been involved in many community organisations and he continues this through his participation with the MS Society of Tasmania. He is passionate about findingwaystoassistthoseinthecommunitywhohavespecialneedsincluding youth, the aged and those who live with medical conditions of various kinds. paul now lives at Coningham, having resided in the Huon and Channel region for the great majority of his life. His leisure interestscentreonfamily,fishing,footballandfarming!

Sharlene BrownSharlene joined the Board in 2009, and is a previous Ambassador and Board Member of the WA Society. Sharlene is an experienced litigator, presently working as in house legal counsel specialising in telecommunications and energy. She brings corporate governance experience and legal knowledge to the Board as well as a passion to help others. Sharlene is a Member of the Australian Institute of CompanyDirectorsandhasrecentlycompletedaCertificateinGovernance & Risk Management with the Chartered Secretaries of Australia.

Her most important position is ‘Mum’ to a delightful little boy, and like many others, lives day to day with RRMS.

paul GrayPauljoinedtheBoardin2009.Apoliceofficerforover34years,serving13 years at the rank of Inspector, paul spent the last 10 years, prior to his 2009 retirement, managing the Tasmania police legislative Reform ProgramandCrimeandTrafficPolicy.Havingworkedinawidevarietyof areas within Tasmania police, his service has been recognised by being awarded the Commissioner’s Medal and two clasps, the national Medal and clasp, and the Australian police Medal. paul is an Apex life Member, a past District Governor, and is a Rotary Foundation paul Harris Fellow.


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sDavid HopkinsDavid joined the Board in 2005. A trained lithographic artist and illustrator, in 1972 he established his own freelance consultancy in marketing, print and packaging with a client base that included many civic, mining and industrial corporations’ state-wide.

He is an author, illustrator of many books and a range of greeting cards, stationary and giftware and for several years the publisher-editor of two national magazines. A past District Governor of lions Clubs International and a Melvin Jones Fellow, David is still active in service work projects. With over 56 solo art exhibitions to his credit he enjoys water colour painting and his works are represented throughout Australia and overseas.

Maggy HunterMaggyfirstjoinedtheBoardin2003.Nowretired,Maggyworkedasa HR professional in a wide variety of workplace cultures, bringing to the Board valuable knowledge and experience in the areas of employment, people management and development, workplace health, safety and risk management. She has experience as a Myers Briggs Type Indicator practitioner. Maggy recently attained a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree from the university of Tasmania, with firstclasshonoursinPhilosophyfocusedonanEthicsofCare.Herdaughter Kate was diagnosed with MS in her mid 20’s. Kate has since travelled widely, worked overseas and is happily married with two beautiful sons and a new baby imminent.

Margaret Hunyady-SutherlandMargaret joined the Board in november 2005. Margaret has 32 years experience in the Advertising Industry with three years in Sports Administration. She owns her own business, speakup, providing coaching in public speaking and other related subjects. As well as being Vice president and Board Member of the Clarence Football Club and a Friend of both the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery and Theatre Royal, Margaret is also a past International president of poWeRtalk International, a Fellow of International Training in Communication (ITC) and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Rotary Club of Sullivans Cove and Women Chiefs of enterprise.

David nowellDavidjoinedtheBoardinDecember2007,bringingextensivefinancialandadministrativeskills.Hehasheldseniorfinancialpositionsinboththe public and private sectors. previously the Director of Corporate Services at the port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority, David holdsDirectorshipsinothernotforprofitorganisations.DavidisaFellowof the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD) and a Fellow of the Society of CpAs (FCpS). He has a Commerce and Masters Degrees in Business Administration (MBA) from Colorado State university and in Commercial law (MComlaw) from Deakin university.


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Mary Langdon, Manager Client Services.

The Client Services team of the MS Society of Tasmania is pleased to present their report on activities for the year 2011-2012.

operating environment The operating environment for client service delivery has been one that has seen emerging changes in the treatment and management of MS and changes in the longer term. At national level, there are impending changes with the national Disability Insurance Scheme (nDIS). These changes have and will require a planned and staged approach, encompassing broader skill sets required by the Client Services team and greater networking, thereby creating stronger partnerships with external stakeholders.

Duringthefinancialyearwesawthereleaseof a new oral treatment. It continues to be imperative that our nursing team is well equipped and acquires new knowledge and skills in the ongoing management and care of issues associated with new therapies, as trial work continues with new and emerging therapies.

In the longer term, we can expect that with the introduction of the proposed national Disability Insurance Scheme (nDIS), the whole landscape of disability services provision will change dramatically. The nDIS will mean the complete restructuringoffinancing,fundinganddeliveryof disability services in Australia.

These changes are best viewed as opportunities, both for clients in respect of

enhanced therapies and service provision, and for the MS Society, whereby an environment is being created for us to review how we currently provide services, create stronger linkages in the community and expand upon our current service delivery. Although the operating environment will change and certainly bring many challenges, we need to be well equipped to respond and to be progressive in planning for the future in what we view as an exciting period in the Disability Sector nationwide.

Quality Improvement FrameworkIn the past year we have also operated within a framework of Quality Improvement both internally and externally. externally, we reported to our funders, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) by our formal reporting processes through Quality Futures. Internally, we began our Quality Improvement processes in a number of ways: our commitment to the Community of practice project (a program in which we worked with other community organisations to establish processes for an external audit, and identifying areas for improvement). The Community of practice program served us well in moving the team along the continuum of quality improvementbytheidentificationofareasofimprovementasidentifiedduringagapanalysis process and review of client services documents.

This has been complemented by working through the national Case Management Standards, reviewing client services policies, enhanced document control and the opportunity for Client Services team members to attend risk management and cultural awareness training.

Client Services Team and project Initiation and Development The greatest strength of our client service delivery is our skilled and passionate Client Services team. Together they achieve great results and outcomes for our clients and for the Society working as an integrated multi-disciplinary team. This is demonstrated in our project work where all team members contribute to the initiation and development of projects, as well as actively participating during the event.

Wellness Days: Similar to previous Wellness Weekend events (2009), these forums incorporated presentations on; Fatigue management, strategies for memory problems,


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cesplanning for the future, exercising for good health, nutrition, and stress management. Clients were

also able to try Heartmoves, Tai Chi, Yoga and belly dancing. These sessions were well attended byclientsandfeedbackwereceivedindicatedthatclientsfoundthesessionshighlybeneficial.

Multiple Steps Forward (MSF) - Client Information Booklet: MSF is a representative group of people with MS who work in a voluntary capacity to bring forth issues of concern for people with MS. MSF have been developing a client information booklet entitled Independent living that includes topicssuchas:health,finance,home,work,transportandfamily.InconsultationwithMSF,itwasdiscussed that the Client Services team could offer some time and resources to further develop the booklet. external funding for this project was secured, and we produced a professionally designed and printed booklet for dissemination to clients.

Senator Catryna Bilyk, Rhoda Gill from Multiple Steps Forward and Dale Eastley, CEO MS Tasmania, celebrate the launch of the Independent Living booklet.

Couples Weekend: Thebenefitandvalueofcontinuingthisprogramonayearlybasiscannotbeunderestimated.Wehavebeenrunningthisprogramsince2008inresponsetoanidentifiedgapin the provision of support for couples and families experiencing the complexities of MS together. In 2011-2012, couples again participated in this program and as you will read further below, the feedbackispositiveandstronglyillustratesthebenefitandvalueofit.

The program provides the opportunity for couples to participate in a weekend retreat, followed up byeveningsupportgroupsandahalfyearlyfollowupretreat.Thisprogramhasbeenunofficiallyacclaimed by peers as one of best practice in supporting couples, and the Couples Booklet produced has been in demand by colleagues both in Australia and new Zealand.

The program works well with our model of self management, and feedback received from previous participants is overwhelmingly positive. The information presented, coupled with practical therapeutic group work, has indeed supported couples in the strengthening of their relationships. As per some of the quotes listed below, this program is hugely supported by our clients;


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my partner’s thoughts and feelings and we have better communication between us...I rediscovered why I fell in love in the first place.

― We communicate a lot better than six months ago and I have learned to understand my partner’s needs and not just think about myself. We seem more at ease with each other, and I don’t take everything on board myself anymore.

― The weekends provided me with ideas to reduce the fear factor and reassure me that I was not alone as a carer. I’ve mellowed—yes—for the good.

― It was brilliant and extremely beneficial to both myself and my husband. I do hope that there will be further, similar opportunities for other couples living with MS.

MS Clinicour MS Clinic fully supports best practice in clinical and whole of person care. We again are fortunate to have this opportunity, working closely with the neurology team, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and allied health teams to offer such great support to clients. These strong partnerships are a crucial part of client support. We have a highly skilled nursing team that has streamlined triaging, the referral process, and overall, provides important support to our clients.

The MS Clinic continues to average approximately 25 clients per week, with at least one third travelling from the north and north West regions for their appointments. our northern based nurse travels to work in the clinic on at least a six weekly basis and this also supports our northern and north West clients with a continuum of care.

Teresa and Michael presenting TV to RHH Clinic.

Continuation and potential expansion of International Clinical Trial Work MS Tasmania is widely recognised for its commitment to clinical trials and we undoubtedlyareleadersinthisfield.Havingthe opportunity to have a dedicated Research NurseCoordinatorpositionfilledbyoneofour nursing team and supported by our other nurses provides us with sound infrastructure for these trials to continue in Tasmania. Trial work is demanding and complex and we are very fortunate that our clients participating in trials are well supported. This is a huge commitment for clients and without them the trials obviously would not be able to continue in Tasmania.

Self Management: Flinders and Stanford ModelsThe MS Society fully supports and embraces our model of service delivery – self management. This is illustrated by our partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services - population and Rural Health unit and having a dedicated Stanford Master trainer in our team. Self management is becoming the universal agenda for Governments and undoubtedly is the health reform agenda, particularly in the area of chronic conditions.

Self management is in fact, an internationally recognised model of empowering people living with chronic conditions to be skilled and supported in managing their condition. This model certainly supports our Couples program, and all other projects that we undertake, as self management encompasses all aspects of wellness including nutrition, exercise and managing stress. our Senior Counsellor continues to represent our Society as a Master trainer in the Stanford model and in the state-wide Stanford coordination group.

Case Management Case management is a client focused process that supports clients to reach their optimal level of health and well being. It is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy options and services to meet an individual’s health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcomes (national Standards of practice for Case Management 2008).


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cesItisclearfromthedefinitionabovethatourcasemanagementserviceworkshandinhandwithour

model of self management. To further support advances in the management and prevention of MS, our Client Services team has been working through the national Case Management Standards, a crucial element in our service delivery. The standards provide a foundation for consistency and purposeful support and are in line with our quality improvement processes.

our Volunteer Advocates The support of both State and national advocates and the facilitation of Advocates meetings and forums is an integral part of the role of the Client Services team in identifying and responding to client needs. The MS Society fully supports the national Multiple Sclerosis Australia Advocacy program and thereby supports our Tasmanian advocates to participate in State meetings and be informed of national issues that can be translated into policy directions and recommendations to take to meetings with our State politicians. We will also be seeking to engage two further Tasmanian advocates to participate in this program.

Support Groupsour state-wide Client Support Groups are well attended and feedback received from our ‘Support GroupSurvey’,illustratedthevalueandbenefitofthesegroups.Ourgroupsrangefromdaytimeones to afterhours ones. These include partners/Carers groups and Couples groups. We also began a new support group in the South, the ‘Men’s Group’ and this has been a huge success. This group is facilitated by our Southern based male counsellor. We are seeking to begin one in the north West of the State in coming months. We cannot underestimate the value of support groups and the wide rangingbenefitsthatourclientsandtheirpartners/carersderivefromthem.


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professional development is paramount to a well informed and strong Client Services team that is progressive in service delivery and suitably trained in the various members’ areas of expertise. Withtheadventofachangingenvironmentinboththetherapyfieldandtheoveralldisabilityreforms, our team members need to be able to demonstrate their skills and expertise in many areas. It is imperative that our multi-disciplinary team; counsellors, case managers and nurses, all have opportunities for professional development and to this end, any appropriate and relevant training is offered when available.

Information and education SessionsThe Client Services team continues to deliver information and education sessions to a wide range of people and organisations around the State. These include presentations to schools, allied health teams, service organisations, such as Rotary and lions Clubs, staff in aged care facilities and in non government organisations, employers and businesses. offering these important information and education sessions to a range of people in our community furthers our support to clients and creates an awareness of Multiple Sclerosis.

new Team MembersIn the past twelve months we have been delighted to employ new team members, furthering our support to Tasmanians living with MS. In the north we have employed another nurse in a part time capacity and a full time counsellor/case manager. In the South we have employed another part time counsellor. Together, our counsellors, case managers and clinical staff work strongly together to provide effective and professional support to our clients and the community who also support them. We look forward to another year of providing client support.


The MS Tasmania Client Services team 2011 – 2012 .

Back row left to right (standing) Michael Mortensen, Susan Northcott, Lynsey Smith, Sharon Wilkinson, Teresa Warren, Darren Radley , Kirsty Schnierer and Nicholas Norman.

Front row (seated) Sue McGregor and Mary Langdon and Kim McCarthy (kneeling).

Mary Langdon Manager Client Services

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In the last 12 months the MRIT has contributed significantlytoMSresearchinAustraliaandworldwide. This has in no small part been due to the enthusiastic participation by people with MS and their families and friends in MS research.

The MS Research unit at the MRIT has continued to grow and develop; we now comprise 2 senior academics, a senior biostatistician, 2 post-doctoral research fellows, 4 phD students, a research nurse, a research co-ordinator and a research assistant. Collectively we have published around 25 papers directly related to MS research.

We continue to produce significantworkfromtheTasmanian MS longitudinal study conducted in Hobart in 2003 – 2006. This study followed 198 people with MS for up to 3 years to investigate the role of sunlight exposure and vitamin on the progression of MS. In 2011-2012 we described how the commonly used MS treatment beta-interferon interacts with Vitamin D to in part produce its therapeutic effect. This

paper published in the International Journal of neurology has attracted worldwide interest as it providesforthefirsttimesomeevidenceofhowbeta-interferon may work. It also emphasised the importance of maintaining an adequate Vitamin D level.

We have also just completed the second stage of the AuSIMMune/AuSlonG study now based at the MRIT. This nHMRC funded study has followed 283 people (including 80 Tasmanians)withafirstattackofbrainorspinalcordinflammationfor 5 years, to try and understand what environmental and personal factorsmayinfluencetherateof disease progression. In 2011 -2012 we published a paper again in the International Journal of neurology that described for thefirsttimethatwomenare

protectedagainstthedevelopmentoffirstattacks of MS by pregnancy. That is the more completed pregnancies a woman has the lower her risk of developing MS; with each pregnancy reducing the risk by 40%. The fact that women are having fewer babies and later in life may

MS Research report for MS Tasmania (MRIT).

We continue to produce significant

work from the Tasmanian MS

longitudinal study conducted in

Hobart in 2003 – 2006.


well be one of the reasons why the prevalence of MS is increasing in women around the world.

We have applied to the nHMRC to continue funding this important project till everyone has been followed for 10 years. This if successful will be the longest and largest study of its type in the world and will continue to produce important results.

In 2012 we were successful with our colleagues interstate in developing the pReVAnZ study an Australian and new Zealand wide study of using Vitamin D to prevent the development ofMSafterafirstattackofcentralnervoussysteminflammation.ThisstudyhasattractedsignificantfundingfromMSResearchAustraliaandwillbeaworldfirststudy.WehopetorecruitthefirstparticipantsinTasmaniainlate2012.

During the last year Tasmanian people with MS have continued to contribute DnA samples in our local, national and international searchforgenesthatinfluencethe risk of MS and modulate the risk of relapse and disability progression. last year DnA from Tasmanians was included in the largest ever MS genetic experiment that was published in the highly prestigious international journal nature. This study that analysed data from 10,000 people with MS worldwide including 250 Tasmanians described over 50 genetic variants that increase the risk of developing MS.

The major effort now is to try and work out howandwhythesegeneticmarkersinfluencethe risk of MS and we are continuing to work on this with our international colleagues to developamajorprojecttofinemapthechangesin MS genes known as Immunochip. This project has recruited 20,000 MS cases and is nearly complete. This will provide researchers with a much better map of the genes that are associated and may help explain the genetics of MS in much more detail.

Consequently Tasmanian MS DnA has been critically involved in some of the largest DnA experiments ever undertaken. The results of these experiments have greatly improved our understanding of MS genetics but there is a long way to go. Many people on hearing of

these discoveries immediately think that we can now perform a genetic test to diagnose MS. unfortunately this is not the case, all the genes described so far apart from the HlA gene found in the 1970’s only have a modest effect on the risk of MS increasing the risk by 10 – 30%. In a rare disease such as MS where the risk is around 1:1,000 for Tasmanian women this increases the risk to 1.2 or so per 1,000. Consequently from the diagnostic point of view they are not useful at all. However what they do provide is an insight into the complex manner by which MS occurs and the central role of the immune system.

our focus for the next year will be to get the pReVAnZ study up and running in Tasmania, to hopefully extend the AuSlonG study and to continue to analyse our world class databases that we have developed from previous studies

(MSl and AuSIMMune).

We are utterly indebted to the MS community in Tasmania particularly those who have contributed significantamountsoftheirtimeto answer our questionnaires and provide samples. We cannot do the researchwithoutyou!

Bruce Taylor professorial research Fellow Menzies Research Institute Tasmania on behalf of the MS research team

We are utterly indebted to the MS community

in Tasmania particularly

those who have contributed

significant amounts of their time

to answer our questionnaires and provide samples.

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tMS FestFollowing the review and running of MSFest 2011 it was decided that MS Tasmania should take a more active part in the development and running of this major event in 2012. After discussion with the then event Manager it was decided that the business arrangement would cease.

As a result of this decision a new events Manager was appointed with MS Tasmania assuming principal responsibility for its oversight and development. This major project consumed considerabletime,effortandresourcesthroughout2012.Unfortunately,duetothesignificantchange in the economic conditions in Tasmania, over a relatively short period of time and there being a direct competitor at the same time, ticket sales were low, ultimately resulting in the event being cancelled. All monies due to ticket purchasers and contractors were refunded or paid in full. What is also clear from similar events held in this State and beyond is that music festivals have lost their prime attraction from the general public. It will be interesting to see whether another form of musical entertainment will emerge. MS Tasmania has decided for 2013 that it will not be running MSFest.

SevenWondersoftheWorldRaffleThetimingofconductinga‘SevenWondersoftheWorld’raffle(Sept11–March12),themannerin which it was initially marketed and the different demographic targeted allowed MS Tasmania to runthisprestigerafflewiththeintentionbeingthatitwouldhaveminimalimpactonourtraditionalMSraffles.Thethoughtalsowasthatthe$10raffleticketpricewouldalsobeagoodChristmasstockingfiller.UnfortunatelythisdidnoteventuateandtherafflewasconductedatthesametimeastheStateGovernmentannouncedsignificantredundancies.Asaresultconsumerswereshockedbythisannouncementandreducedtheirspending,aswasreflectedinpoorretailsales.Significanteffortwasmade,usingavarietyofmarketingmethodstotrytoselltheseraffleticketsbut with minimal impact.

MS Melbourne CupThe MS Melbourne Cup event, at MonA, is continuing to grow and attracted some 180 guests in 2011. The MC was Tim Ferguson, a former member of the Doug Anthony All Stars and widely acclaimed comedian, presenter and producer and also a person living with MS. This added another important dimension to the function with event participants being able to listen to Tim speak about his journey living with MS.


MS Mega SwimathonsThe MS Mega Swimathon events in Hobart and launceston were good events and totally run from within the resources of MS Tasmania. What was pleasing to see this year was the broader age spread of the participants. Most of the participating teams have indicated that they want to be a part of it next year. These events were supported by the generous efforts of the lions Club of Hobart and the Tamar Sunrise Rotary Club.

MS Readathon and Direct MailThe MS Readathon, recognising the increasing calendar demand on schools, added a Read-A-long Day, targeting schools that had not previously participated in the traditional MS Readathon format. With a positive initial response, it is our intention to include the Read-A-long Day in next year’s fundraising calendar.

MS Tasmania introduced a new approach for Direct Mail requests this year in respect to the traditionalChristmasandTaxcampaigns,andasaresulthasproducedanimprovedfinancialreturn due to operational costs.

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tCall Centre operationsThe members of the Telemarketing team worked very well with our donors and are to be congratulated for the results they have achieved indifficulteconomictimes.TheMother’sDayraffleresultwasparticularlypleasing.

planned events for 2012-13 will build on achievements for particular events and explore new ones that can add to the marketing mix, howeverwithanacceptableriskprofile.Inaddition, the operation of the call centre is being reviewed to determine how we can best improve

our current systems and procedures to achieve an improved return on the Society’s investment in this area.

Again, our local Telemarketing team led by Maureen Dunlop are commended on their flexibilityandthewillingandcooperativemanner they have demonstrated, which assists greatly in allowing these process improvements to be explored and positive change to occur. Thank you team.

Some members of our 2011 - 2012 Telemarketing team.


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In conjunction with MS Australia, the Society decided to run a major awareness campaign with the theme “Kiss Goodbye to MS.” MS Tasmania actively supported this campaign and as a result various community fundraising events were held around the state, with monies being provided for national research and operational support locally. Special thanks must go to Claire Doran, Rebecca Thorpe and Jayne england.

Dale Eastley Ceo


Kiss Goodbye to MS

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tspatronThe Hon peter underwood Ao Governor of Tasmania

Ambassador Mrs larissa Bartlett

Honorary neurologistsDr Bruce Taylor FRACpDr Stan Siejka FRACp (dec.)

life MembersThe Hon Brian Miller AM Jp (1969)Mr noel Kirby (1983)Miss Freda Mary McClea (1992)Mr Robert Fay (1992)Miss Jean Russell (1992)

AdvocatesAndrew potterlynda Hanlon (2012-2013)Jenny Wallis

Community Fundraisers Blue Illusion Australia pty ltdlaunceston Christian SchoolMurdoch ClarkeSucculent Sensations & Water WondersTasmanian ports CorporationYoungtown primary School Association

Certificates of Appreciation Gilli BarnardBoag’s engagement Action CommitteeClaire Doranelizabeth Town Bakery & Cafeexeter Social ClubJayne englandRebecca Thorpe

BequestsThe MS Society of Tasmania truly appreciates the generosity of people who nominate our organisationasabeneficiarytotheirEstate.

By leaving a bequest, you are helping us to continue to provide much needed support for Tasmanians living with MS every day, while our search for a cure continues.

The research activities and support services provided by The MS Society of Tasmania have been greatly assisted and strengthened through this wonderful bequest funding.

Recognition of Service Mr Graeme Badcock, 2000Mrs Doris leonard, 2000Mrs elizabeth Robb oAM, 2000Mrs Marion Roberts, 2000Mrs Fay Turner, 2000Mr John Tyquin (dec.), 2000 Southern Cross Television, 2000Interhash 2000, 2000Teddy Bear Club, 2000The Advocate, 2000The examiner, 2000The Mercury, 2000WIn Television, 2000Schering ltd, 2001Merck Serono, 2001Miss nikki Mathers, 2001Mrs Sue Armes, 2001Mrs olive parker, 2001Mrs Maureen poke, 2001Miss Jean Russell (dec.), 2001Mr Joeseph Ratcliffe, 2004Dr Bruce Taylor, 2004Mr Jack Wivell, 2005Mr Alan Davis (dec.), 2006Ms Marlene pegus, 2007Ms Helen Connor-Kendray, 2008Dr Stan Siejka, 2009Mrs Jane Hope, 2009Mr Harry Wilsdon, 2010

Thanks 7HoFM9/11 Bottle ShopsAlexanders RestaurantAlex newtonAngela WatkinsAspect Tamar Valley ResortBayer Australia ltdBellerive Yacht Club Big Bargain Bottle ShopBillie-Jo FashionsBiogen Idec Cargo Bar pizza loungeCatharine erreyCentrelink Financial Information ServiceCity park Grand Conference CentreCircular Head Rural Health ServicesCommonwealth Financial planning limitedCommunity Rehabilitation unitCool WineCo-op ToyotaCradle Mountain ChateauCSl Biotherapies Department of Health & Human ServicesDiamonds of Burlesque


Di’s Catering Service Dr Rex Simmonsendota SpaFlora GondwanaFran ThorntonFullers BookshopGabby MuirGenzyme AustralasiaGlenorchy Civic CentreGlenorchy Community Health CentreGinger BrownGraeme RollinsGrace Doubtless Grandvewe CheesesGrand Mercure Hadleys HotelHarvey norman electrical HobartHelen CallaghanHenry Jones Art HotelHigh performance TrainingHobart Aquatic CentreHobart City CouncilHalys & SellsIndependent living CentreIris ComputingIsh CateringJanine MartinKylie HillierlA FMlaunceston Aquaticlaunceston City Councillions Club of Kingboroughlions Club of Glenorchy Citylions Club of Hobart Townlions Club of Clarencelions Club of Sandy Baylipsiaki Brotherhood Inc. Hobartlisa Warnerlush Fresh Handmade CosmeticsMaggi KoerbinManpowerMatthew lambMatthew McDonaghMenzies Research InstituteMerck Serono Australia pty ltdMs Kirsty pilkingtonMinister Cassy o’ConnorMiss Julia FarrellMiss naomi SearleMonAMotor Yacht Club of TasmaniaMr Brian SchillingMrs Connie HolmesMrs Judith McDougallMultiple Steps ForwardMyer Community Fund

MyState Financial NationalDisabilityCoordinationOfficeneuro Muscular Alliance of Tasmanianutrimeticsnovartis pharmaceuticals Australia page Seager lawyerspennicott Wilderness Journeysplum Restaurantpolly Shoesprofessional ChartersRACT TravelworldRed Bean CafeRenata BoutiqueRobin BanksRobyn AndersonRotaract Club Tamar ValleyRotary Club of Central launcestonRotary Club of Tamar SunriseRoutleys MenswearRoyal Hobart Hospital Department of neurologyRoyal Tasmanian Botanical GardensRoz SmartRuby Fruit photographySalamanca InnSara BeyerSargison’s JewellersThe Squires BountySeaFM DevonportScouts TasmaniaShanley & Shanley DesignSole obsessionSonia ValtasSnuggle Down KingstonStephen JollyTadpac printTasmania DistilleryTasmanian Gourmet GiftsTasmania Medicare local ltdTasmanian Symphony orchestra

TDT 10Terry White pharmacyThe Advocate newspaperThe Beachway HotelThe Branch Christian ChurchThe examiner newspaper The Hotel Grand ChancellorThe Mercury newspaper The old WoolstoreThe Tailrace Centreulverstone Surf lifesaving ClubWandering QuiltersWISe employmentZone 3

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The MS Society of Tasmania would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who made donations

through Red Diamond Regular

Giving, Community Fundraising and

Workplace Giving.


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Vivienne Jones, Manager Corporate Services

IntroductionThe 12 month period ending 30th June 2012 which this commentary and accompanying financialstatementscover,hasbeenoneofchange and challenge for not only the Corporate Services team, but the Society as a whole.

Onreflectionthepastyear,when compared to others, has undergone large scale change in the area of human resources and organisational structure which, combined with a downturn in non-government funding and the untoward end result of MSFest 2012,hasprovidedsignificantchallenge for the Corporate Services unit and required a degree of resilience and perseverance to manage.

The Corporate Services team’s charter is to provide, maintain and enhance the various governance systems and processes in place throughout the Society, nottheleastofthesebeingourfinancialmanagement and reporting systems. The unit also oversees the area of human resource management, provides input to people and workplace culture issues, policy and quality improvement processes and provides front-of-house, IT and administrative support. The unit also has responsibility for MS Tasmania’s building facilities and physical assets. In January 2012 it undertook direct management

and accountability for the call centre operations andassociatedstaffingwhich,atthetime,involved 8 part time telemarketers. The unit also provides input and secretariat in relation to the development of the Society’s overall risk management and reporting processes.

In order to be successful in our charter, the Corporate Services team must include a diverse range of skills, competencies and experience combined with personal qualities of members which are aligned to our organisational values of Respect, Integrity, empathy and Working Together.

During 2012 these qualities proved to be of the utmost importance as the unit managed and coped with the level of change required.

To this end, I would like to acknowledge all members of the Corporate Services unit for their part in providing such a high level of professional and committed support to stakeholders, both internally and externally throughout the year.

In particular I would like to recognise the efforts and the quality of work and input provided by Amanda Ashley-Jones in her role as Finance andRiskOfficer,SueAndersonastheSociety’sAdministrationOfficerandDebPattersonas

theSeniorBankingOfficer.Theseladies have provided invaluable support in both their roles as professional members of the Corporate Services team and also as dedicated and committed supporters of the overall MS Community by offering services which go over and beyond the call of duty by volunteering at events, attending fund raisers, involving family members with volunteer work in our fundraising area and going ‘the extra yard’ when it was needed to get a particular project completed or meet a certain deadline.

I consider myself fortunate to be the Manager of such a loyal and committed team and I commend them for their efforts and professionalism throughout the year under report.

I consider myself fortunate to be the Manager of such a loyal and committed team and I commend them for their

efforts and professionalism

throughout the year under report.


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Our Corporate Services team 2011 – 2012 – Deb, Holly, Cindy. Below – Sue, Mandy and Viv

Human ResourcesItis‘onrecord’thattheSocietyhada0%turnoverofstaffduringthefinancialyear2010/11.equally it should now be reported - and consistent with the comments above – the turnover during 2011/12wasapproximately28%.Thisturnoverpercentagedoesnotincludestaffonfixedtermcontracts leaving during the year or casual staff aligned to call centre requirements. The body of work associated with the necessary advertising, requirement, selection, induction, training and restructure of our staff connected with this turnover should not be understated.

As with most staff resignations there is an interim period whereby it is imminent that remaining staff ‘take up the slack’ where such a resignation occurs in their immediate work area. In this regardIwouldliketospecificallyacknowledgeKimMcCarthy,our MS nurse/Case Manager in launceston who (with Mary langdon’s guidance and support from the Hobart Client Services team)single-handedlymanagedtheLauncestonofficefromtheperiod of Helmuth’s departure in early September 2011 until the recruitment and appointment of nick norman and Kirsty Schnierer in late December last year. Thank you Kim.

Kim McCarthy, Nurse/Case Manager who held the fort in Launceston – thank you.

Our corporate services team - Deb, Sue, Mandy and Viv


people and Workplace Culture Staff engagement and Feedback Survey Following a year of substantial change, the Society engaged our partners at High performance Management and Training, to develop and launch a staff engagement and feedback survey. This survey was designed to measure staff satisfaction both within their own team environments and overall in relation to the Society as a whole. The survey also asked some open-ended questions in relation to MS Tasmania’s current objectives and the future direction of the Society. The survey was launched on the 24th May and facilitated by Andrew Reimer from High performance Management, with the resultscollatedonade-identifiedbasisandindependentlybyHighPerformance.Atotalof27staffattended the launch. participation was non-compulsory with 18 staff electing to provide extensive feedback. This initiative will give the Society not only some quality data to bench mark against for future surveys, but also some feedback that provides important information for future planning and addressing throughout the coming year (12/13). Individual team sessions have followed with actions to be developed and this will be an important measurement tool for gauging performance and workplace culture in future years.

Following is a table of staff resignation and appointments for the period 1.7.2011 to 30th June, 2012:

As at the 30th June 2012, the Society had a staff of 25 in head count and approximately 18 full-time equivalents state-wide.

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Departures/Resignations Commencements/Appointments Name Position Date Name Position Date Andrew Burgess

Telemarketer – Permanent P/T

5.7.2011 Dale Eastley

CEO 25.7.2011

Di Russell-Green

EA/Receptionist 26.8.2011 Darren Radley

Counsellor - Hobart

27.7.2011

Helmuth Seidensticker

Northern Team Leader/Case Manager

15.9.2011 Nick Norman

Counsellor/Team Leader - North

12.12.2011

Nicky Snare Counsellor/Case Manager Launceston

26.8.2011 Kirsty Schnierer

MS Nurse/Case Manager Launceston

20.12.2011

Ruth Griffiths Admin Assistant 22.12.2011 Holly Marshall

Receptionist/Admin Assistant

7.5.2012

Stuart Harris Manager Marketing

23.4.2012

Stacey King Marketing Assistant/ Readathon Co-ord.

16.5.2012

Lisa Crowther

Telemarketer – Permanent P/T

19.6.2012

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Thefinancialresultfor2011/12hasbeenwelldocumented and commented on in both the CEOandChairman’sreportandinthefinancialreports that follow. It is important for us now to focus on the future and learn from the past.

FortunatelytheSocietywasinasoundfinancialpositiontoweatherthefinancialstormof2012 and whilst we might be slightly bruised from the experience, we have endured and metallfinancialcommitmentsinatimelyfashion. Service levels have been maintained and in some instances increased in line with our mission statement however, there is an acknowledgement of the need for change to bringouroperationsintoafinancialsustainable

model without the need for reliance on reserves. This will mean that the Society adopts a muchlowerriskprofileinrelationtoeventand fundraising activities and becomes more savvy in the way we manage and market our traditionalrafflecampaigns.Wewillalsoneedto advocate strongly, both individually as an organisation and through peak bodies, to all levels of government for a fair ‘slice of the pie’ that adequately compensates the Society for the level and quality of services that we provide to our clients in both the health and disability sector; services that if we did not provide there would be an expectation (from the public) of government to do so.

Financial Result

Vivienne (Viv) Jones Manager Corporate Services


#$

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

3000000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Income Sources 2005-2012

Bequests

Rent/Interest/Other

Pharmaceutical Funding

Gvt. Assistance

Fundraising

-100000

-500000

0

500000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Net operating Results 2005-2012

Net Profit/Loss

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PLEASE NOTE:

The notes form part of these financial statements. A full audited set of the Financial Statements of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Tasmania for the year ended 30 June 2012 are available by request to:

Chief Executive Officer 15 Princes St Sandy Bay TAS 7005 Telephone: 03 6220 1111

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Tasmania (A Company limited by Guarantee) ACn 009 484 093

Directors’ Declaration 26

Directors’ Report 26

Independent Auditor’s Report 30

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 32

Statement of Comprehensive Income 33

Statement of Financial position 34

Statement of Changes in equity 35

Statement of Cash Flows 36


Directors’ DeclarationFoR THe YeAR enDeD 30 June 2012In accordance with a resolution the Directors of the Society declare that:

1. Thefinancialstatementsandnotes,assetoutonpages26to36areinaccordancewiththeCorporations Act 2001:

(a) Comply with Australian Accounting Standards, and(b) Giveatrueandfairviewofthefinancialpositionasat30June2012andoftheperformanceof

the Society for the year ended on that date.2. In the directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Society will be able to

pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

on behalf of the Directors

Geoff Chapman Chairman of Directors Dated this 20th day of September 2012.

Directors’ ReportYouR DIReCToRS pReSenT THIS RepoRT on THe SoCIeTY FoR THe YeAR enDeD 30 June 2012.

DirectorsThe names of each person who has been a director during the year and to the date of this report are:

Geoff Chapman (Chairman) Margaret Hunyady-Sutherland David Hopkins David nowell Margaret Hunter paul Stevens (Deputy Chairman) Sharlene Brown paul Gray

Directorshavebeeninofficesincethestartofthefinancialyeartothedateofthisreportunlessotherwise stated.

Company SecretaryThefollowingpersonheldthepositionoftheSociety’ssecretaryattheendofthefinancialyear: lindsay Dale eastley

principle ActivityTheprincipalactivitiesoftheSocietyduringthefinancialyearweretoensurethepreservation,maintenance and improvement of the independence and self-determination of people with multiple sclerosis and people with physical disabilities by providing appropriate support services for them, their families and care givers.

NosignificantchangesinthenatureoftheSociety’sactivitiesoccurredduringthefinancialyear.


Short Term and long Term objectivesThe company’s short–term objectives are to:

• ProvidehighqualitysupportandeducationservicestopeoplelivingwithMSinTasmaniatogether with families and friends.

• BeadvocatesforpeoplelivingwithMS.• IncreasepublicawarenessthatpeoplelivingwithMScanlivefulfillinglivesandcontributeto

society.• Contributetoongoingresearchwithaviewthatacurecanbefoundorthatbyappropriate

medications slow the progression of MS.The company’s long-term objectives are to:• PositiontheorganisationtoembracetheopportunitiesflowingfromtheNationalDisability

Insurance Scheme (nDIS).• Strengthentheorganisation’sBalanceSheet.• MaximisetheproportionoffundingthatgoesdirectlytosupportpeopleinTasmanialivingwith

MS.

StrategiesTo achieve its stated objectives, the company has adopted the following strategies:

• AchieveQualityImprovementCouncilaccreditation.• StrengtheningtheAdvocatesprogram.• ToprovideparticipativeeventswherepeoplewithMScandemonstratethattheyarehaving

fulfillinglives.• Providingfundsforongoingresearchandalsoencouragingclientstoparticipateinresearch

being undertaken at the Menzies Institute and the Royal Hobart Hospital.• MSTasmaniaisprovidingtheleadrolefortheNeuromusculargroupoforganisationtoexplore

waysthatservicescanbematchedwithclientneedsusingthefindingsoftheNational“NeedsAnalysis” survey conducted in the 1st quarter of 2012 as a guide.

• Broadeningthebaseoffundingopportunitiesandalsoexaminingnewwaysofachievingimprovedoperationalfinancialoutcomes.

• Regularmonitoringoftheorganisation’sriskprofileandwhennecessarytakingappropriateaction.

Key performance Measures• MSTasmaniareviewsitsperformance,onaquarterlybasis,againsttheapprovedyearly

Business plan.• AnewStrategicPlanwillbedevelopedduring2012-13toprojectwheretheorganisationwants

to be by 30 June 2016.

Meetings of DirectorsDuringthefinancialyear,8meetingsofdirectorswereheld.AttendancesbyeachDirectorwereasfollows:

Board Meetings Number Eligible Number AttendedGeoff Chapman 8 8paul Gray 8 7David Hopkins 8 7Margaret Hunter 8 8Margaret Hunyady-Sutherland 8 6David nowell 8 7paul Stevens 8 6Sharlene Brown 8 7


Information on Directors Geoff Chapman - Chairman since 2006

- Board member since 1998- Quality Improvement Committee- Bachelor of Medical Science (B.Med.Sc), Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of

Surgery (M.B.B.S)- Director MS Australia- past Medical Director and Chairman, General practice Tasmania- past Medical Director and Chairman, General practice Training, Tasmania- past Medical Director, Gp South

paul Stevens - Deputy Chairman- Board member since 2004- Quality Improvement Committee- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Diploma of education (Dip.ed) , Master of education

in leadership (Med.)- Registered Aged Care Assessor

Sharlene Brown - Director- Board member since 2009- Finance, Audit and Risk Committee-BachelorofLaws(LLB),GraduateCertificateinLegalPractice- Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors-CharteredSecretariesofAustraliaCertificateinGovernanceandRisk

Management- experienced litigator

paul Gray - Director- Board member since 2009- Finance, Audit and Risk Committee- Business Development Committee- over 30 years experience in the police force.- Awards include Commissioner’s Medal and two clasps, the national medal

and clasp, and the Australian police Medal (ApM)- past District Governor Rotary Foundation- Rotary Foundation paul Harris Fellow

David Hopkins - Director- Board member since 2005- Diploma of Advertising Art- Freelance Marketing and press Consultant- lions Foundation Melvin Jones Fellow (MJF)- District Governor lions International

Maggy Hunter - Director- Board member since 2003- Quality Improvement Committee- Bachelor of Arts with Honours (B.A. Hons.), and Diploma of Business

Management- HR professional with experience in the areas of people management and

development, workplace health, safety and risk management.Margaret Hunyady-Sutherland - Director

- Board member since 2005- Business Development Committee- Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors- Member of Women Chiefs of enterprises,- past International president poWeRtalk International- Telstra Business Women’s Awards Alumni

David nowell - Director- Board member since 2007- Finance, Audit and Risk Committee- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Fellow of CpA Australia (FCpA), Master of

Business Administration (MBA), Fellow of Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), and Master of Commercial law (M.Com.law)

- Member of the Institute of public Administration Australia


Financial ResultsTheSociety’scomprehensiveincomefortheyearended30June2012wasaDeficitof-$848,436(2011Surplus$96,360).

Review of operationsTheSociety’stotalincomefortheyearwas$1,801,322(2011$1,958,440).

After Balance Date eventsNomattersorcircumstanceshavearisensincetheendofthefinancialyearwhichsignificantlyaffectedormaysignificantlyaffecttheoperationsoftheSociety,theresultsofthoseoperations,orthestateofaffairsoftheSocietyinfuturefinancialyears.

Future DevelopmentsThe Society expects to maintain the present status and level of operations and hence there are no likely developments in the Society’s operations.

environmental IssuesTheSociety’soperationsarenotregulatedbyanysignificantenvironmentalregulationunderalawof the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory.

proceedings on Behalf of The Society

no person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Society or intervene in any proceedings to which the Society is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Society for all or any part of those proceedings.

The Society was not a party to any proceedings during the year.

IndemnifyingOfficersorAuditorDuringthefinancialyear,theSocietypaidinsurancepremiumstoinsuretheDirectorsandOfficerspast and present to the extent available by law. The terms of the insurance contract preclude disclosure of further details.

no indemnities have been given or insurance premiums paid during or since the end of the financialyear,foranypersonwhoisorhasbeenanauditoroftheSociety.

DividendsTheSociety’smemorandumspecificallyprohibitsthepaymentsofadividendorabonusbywayofprofittomembersoftheSociety.

Members’ GuaranteeThe company is limited by guarantee. If the company is wound up the Constitution states that eachmemberisrequiredtocontributeamaximumof$100eachtowardsmeetinganyoutstandingobligations of the company. At 30 June 2012 the number of members was 34.

Auditors Independence DeclarationThe auditor’s independence declaration for the year ended 30 June 2012 has been received and canbefoundonpage7ofthefinancialreport.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Geoff Chapman Chairman of Directors Dated this 20th day of September 2012


Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Tasmania WehaveauditedtheaccompanyingfinancialreportofTheMultipleSclerosisSocietyofTasmania,which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2012 and the income statement, statement of recognisedincomeandexpenditureandcashflowstatementfortheyearendedonthatdate,asummaryofsignificantaccountingpoliciesandotherexplanatorynotesandthedirectors’declaration.

The Responsibility of the Directors for the Financial ReportThe Directors of the Society are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the Financial Report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. This responsibility includes designing, implementing, and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation ofthefinancialreportthatisfreefrommaterialmisstatement,whetherduetofraudorerror;selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s ResponsibilityOurresponsibilityistoexpressanopiniononthefinancialreportbasedonouraudit.Weconductedour audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and performtheaudittoobtainreasonableassurancewhetherthefinancialreportisfreefrommaterialmisstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosuresinthefinancialreport.Theproceduresselecteddependontheauditor’sjudgement,includingtheassessmentoftherisksofmaterialmisstatementofthefinancialreport,whetherdueto fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant totheSociety’spreparationandfairpresentationofthefinancialreportinordertodesignauditprocedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Society’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates madebythedirectors,aswellasevaluatingtheoverallpresentationofthefinancialreport.

Webelievethattheauditevidencewehaveobtainedissufficientandappropriatetoprovideabasis for our audit opinion.

IndependenceIn conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act2001.WeconfirmthattheindependencedeclarationrequiredbytheCorporationsAct2001,which has been given to the directors of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Tasmania would be in the same terms if provided to the directors as at the date of this auditor’s report.


Auditor’s opinionInouropinion,thefinancialreportofTheMultipleSclerosisSocietyofTasmaniainaccordancewiththe Corporations Act 2001 including:

(i) givingatrueandfairviewofthesociety’sfinancialpositionasat30June2012anditsperformance for the year ended on that date; and

(ii) complying with Australian accounting standards and the corporations regulations 2001.HALYS & SELLS

A. I. HOVE FCA

Registered Company Auditor (No. 15382) HALYS & SELLS 29 SALAMANCA PLACE HOBART TAS 7000

Dated this 20th day of September 2012.


Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of The Corporations Act 2001 to the Directors of The Multiple Sclerosis Society of TasmaniaI declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the year ended 30 June 2012 there have been:

i) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit and

ii) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.HALYS & SELLS

A. I. HOVE FCA

Registered Company Auditor (No. 15382) HALYS & SELLS 29 SALAMANCA PLACE HOBART TAS 7000

Dated this 20th day of September 2012.


Statement of Comprehensive IncomeFoR THe YeAR enDeD 30 June 2012 notes 2012 2011 $ $Revenues from ordinary Activities 3 1,801,322 1,958,440Fundraising prizes (168,543) (175,193)employee expenses (1,366,586) (1,322,775)postage, printing & Stationery (90,428) (168,365)Telephone expenses (44,712) (44,282)Depreciation and Amortisation expenses 2 (71,528) (60,896)other expenses from ordinary Activities (798,245) (405,086)Deficit(2011Deficit)fromOrdinaryActivitiesbefore Income Tax expense (738,720) (218,157)Income Tax expense Relating to ordinary Activities 1(a) 0 0Net Surplus (Deficit) from Ordinary Activities after Income Tax Expense (738,720) (218,157)

oTHeR CoMpReHenSIVe InCoMe

net Gain on Revaluation of property, plant and equipment 0 220,000

net Fair Value (loss)/gain on Re-measurement of Investments in listed Shares available for sale (109,716) 94,517

Other Comprehensive Income for the year (109,716) 314,517

Total Comprehensive Income for the year (848,436) 96,360

Income Attributable to Members of the Society (738,720) (218,157)

Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Members of the Society (848,436) 96,360

Theaccompanyingnotesformpartofthesefinancialstatements.


Statement of Financial positionAS AT 30 June 2012 notes 2012 2011 $ $ASSETS CuRRenT ASSeTS Cash and Cash equivalents 5 156,897 750,277Trade and other Receivables 6 65,849 142,296Financial Assets 7 37,770 75,790other Assets 8 57,558 69,767

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 318,075 1,038,130 non CuRRenT ASSeTS Financial Assets 7 639,206 855,296property, plant and equipment 9 2,048,328 2,097,371

TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 2,687,534 2,952,667

TOTAL ASSETS 3,005,609 3,990,797 LIABILITIES CuRRenT lIABIlITeS Trade and other payables 10 68,759 90,920Short-term provisions 11 141,035 142,383other liabilities 12 126,984 159,607

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 336,778 392,910 non CuRRenT lIABIlITIeS long-term provisions 11 56,734 45,208

TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 56,734 45,208

TOTAL LIABILITIES 393,512 438,118

NET ASSETS 2,612,097 3,552,679 EQUITY Accumulated Surplus 16 156,041 992,547Reserves 15 2,460,056 2,560,132

TOTAL EQUITY 2,612,097 3,552,679


Statement of Changes in equityFoR THe YeAR enDeD 30 June 2012 notes Retained Asset Bequests Capital General Total earnings Revaluation & Reserve Reserve Reserve Major Donations Reserve

$ $ $ $ $ $

Balance at 30 June 2010 1,294,183 902,168 987,525 72,442 200,000 3,456,318

Surplus(deficit)attributable to the Society (218,157) 0 0 0 0 (218,157)

Revaluation increment 0 314,517 0 0 0 314,517

Total revenues, expenses and valuation adjustments attributable to members recognised directly in equity 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Transfers to reserves (83,479) 0 83,479 0 0 0

Balance at 30 June 2011 992,547 1,216,685 1,071,004 72,442 200,000 3,552,679

Balance at 30 June 2011 992,547 1,216,685 1,071,004 72,442 200,000 3,552,679

Surplus(deficit)attributable to the Society (738,720) 0 0 0 0 (738,720)

Revaluation increment (201,862) (201,862)

otal revenues, expenses and valuation adjustments attributable to members recognised directly in equity 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Transfers to reserves (101,787) 101,787 0

Balance at 30 June 2012 152,039 1,014,823 1,172,791 72,442 200,000 2,612,097


Statement of Cash FlowsFoR THe YeAR enDeD 30 June 2012 notes 2012 2011 $ $CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Fundraising 959,398 1,070,061Government Assistance 419,996 410,755pharmaceutical Company Sponsorship 117,734 18,641Interest 32,900 32,553Rent Received 90,593 97,357OtherInflows 59,250 0Bequests 141,138 66,580Book Sales 10,056 11,063payments to Suppliers and employees (including service providers) (2,461,967) (1,846,004)

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 17(a) (630,902) (138,994) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES proceeds from sale of property, equipment & Motor Vehicles 43,009 11,795proceeds from Shares 493,151 0payments for Shares (475,458) (18,209)payments for property, plant and equipment (61,200) (27,153)

Net Cash used in Investing Activities (498) (33,567) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repayment of Borrowings 0 0Deposits (Withdrawls) in Term Investments 38,020 868,558

Net Cash used in Financing Activities 38,020 868,558 NET INCREASE/ (DECREASE) IN CASH HELD (593,380) 695,997Cashatthebeginningofthefinancialyear 750,277 54,280

Cash at the end of the Financial Year 17(b) 156,897 750,277


Multiple Sclerosis affects the central nervous system by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

Tasmania has the highest incidence of MS in Australia.

The MS Society of Tasmania responds by providing nursing care, counselling support, information and resources to those affected by MS across the state. This support also extends to family, friends and carers of those affected.

MS is neither contagious nor directly inherited, although studies indicate that genetic factors may make certain individuals more susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms of MS may include extreme tiredness (fatigue), impaired vision, loss of balance and muscle co-ordination, slurred speech, tremors,stiffness,bladderandbowelproblems,difficultywalking,short term memory-loss, mood swings, and, in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.

An estimated 2.5 million people in the world are living with MS, including around 20,000 Australians.

MS affects three times as many women as men.

The average age of diagnosis of MS is 30 years of age.

Despite intense, world-wide research, the cause of MS is still unknown and there is no cure.

MS

Fact

s


Head Office 15 princes Street Sandy Bay TAS 7005 Tel: 03 6220 1111

Northern Regional Office 18/2 Innocent Street Kings Meadows TAS 7250 Tel: 03 6343 1240

Freecall 1800 676 721

www.mstas.org.au

Annual Report Final 2012 sml

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Transcript of Annual Report Final 2012 sml