NEWSBOYS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT This year, I was privileged to witness how Newsboys’ investment in the future of young people changes lives in simple yet profound ways. In March, I went on a hike with 22 students from regional Victoria across a stunning Tasmanian landscape that challenged, empowered and proved to them that they could take control of their future. Supported by Newsboys, the Anglicare Victoria’s Hike to Higher Education program provided students at risk of not completing high school with mentors from similar backgrounds. On the hike the young people discovered that they could overcome obstacles and they finished the hike stronger, more determined and better prepared for life. The young mentors inspired the students with stories of their own lives so that the students could see alternate education pathways and were encouraged to keep looking and striving for opportunities. It is a privilege to be in a position to witness young people as they begin to realise their potential, and that the world can hold a positive future for them. I saw similar breakthrough moments in June when I went on the Yalari Outback Camp through Central Australia. Yalari provides Indigenous young people from remote, rural and regional communities with scholarships to attend leading Australian boarding schools. Indigenous educator Waverley Stanley started the program in 2005. Newsboys currently sponsors Victorian student Jaycee Sellings to attend Geelong Grammar School. Jaycee was among 16 Yalari Year 9 girls from across Australia who attended the camp. We started in Alice Springs and eventually made our way to Uluru – the spiritual heart of Australia. We slept in swags under the stars. There were no electronic devices and the girls prepared the meals. Each night, we shared stories around a campfire and reflected on our journey. The girls kept a journal each day and had time for their own quiet reflection. Yalari is playing an important role in closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia. It is creating generational change and strong leadership and is one of the greatest reconciliation initiatives that I have had the privilege of being involved with during my 30-year career in community service. Back in Victoria, it is with pleasure that I can report that Newsboys partnership with Hands On Learning and Social Venture Partners has come to a successful conclusion (see page 9). During the year, Newsboys also supported Berry Street’s successful roll out of the Berry Street Education Model Alumni Program, which provides teachers with ongoing support and systems to reinforce learning, problem solve, share successes and further integrate the Model into classroom practice. Finally, it is with sadness that I mark the passing of Philip Charlwood who died on 8 October 2016. In his youth, Phil collected boots from his neighbourhood to donate to the Newsboys Club. Later, Phil was a member of the Newsboys Foundation and a regular donor to the Newsboys Foundation Trust. We miss Phil and are pleased that the Charlwood family connection with Newsboys will continue with Phil’s daughter Robyn Charlwood who is a member of the Newsboys Foundation. Sandy Shaw 10th October 2017 I am fortunate to be helped in my work by some exceptional people. With special thanks to: Newsboys Foundation Board of Directors: Zich Zichy-Woinarski QC, Chairman Penny Campbell, Vice Chairman Michelle Collins, Treasurer and Chairman of the Audit Committee John Warner, Chairman of the Investment Committee David Coombes, Director and pro-bono legal support Keith Gillett, Director Ann Robinson, Director Deryk Stephens, Director Newsboys Foundation Team: Lata Phoenix, part-time Executive Assistant Jennifer Edwards, Accountant, Accountive Seamus Bradley, Communications and Media Philip Campbell, Philip Campbell Design Ben Gray, IT Consultant, Connect Ian Warner, Stockbroker, Baillieu Holst Simon Trivet, Kate McKendrick and the audit team at Grant Thornton Gina Fiske, Newsboys Foundation Volunteer I salute all the young people of Victoria who take up each opportunity to make their lives better and thank all those who support our young people to thrive. Thank you