From the Chair
This year ’ s AGM was held in line with COVID-19 safety guidelines , and for that reason we did not encourage personal attendance , but gave everyone the alternative option of attending via Zoom . I note , however , that there were sufficient members actually present to satisfy the requirements of the Constitution .
I read back through my address at our AGM last year , and reflected on all of the events that EBL staff and clients , and indeed everyone in this State and the whole country , have witnessed since then . And none of them could ever have been predicted or planned for . 12 months ago , our most important goals were to continue working to excel in the NDIS environment , and to preserve our cash resources .
We have indeed achieved those goals , and alongside those goals , we have met the COVID-19 challenges as well , which Wendy has highlighted . Considering that the world as we knew it has been turned upside down and inside out , EBL ’ s achievements are all the more extraordinary .
While we have focused on the safe and stable operation of our business in the time of COVID-19 , earlier this year the Board proposed to the EBL Foundation that it made more sense for the assets of the Foundation to be re-absorbed into EBL . The Foundation agreed with this proposal , and shortly prior to the end of the financial year , after undertaking all proper due diligence in tax and related areas , the Foundation was liquidated , and the process of rolling its assets back into EBL Disability Services commenced . That process is now nearly complete .
I want to thank all the members of the Foundation Board , and particularly its convenor Tracey Edwards , for their efforts over the years , and their willingness to support EBL ’ s wishes .
As the state grappled with devastating bushfires , and all of us pondered on how we could help in both financial and practical ways , we heard early reports of a flu-like virus that had broken out in China . Very quickly the infection rate increased exponentially , and it became apparent that all countries were facing a pandemic , for the first time in most people ’ s memory .
On behalf of all the EBL Board I commend our CEO , Wendy Warren for the incredible job she and her team have done in this environment .
I have always said that the greatest asset this organisation has is its workers . I observed first hand the efforts of carers to safeguard the wellbeing of their clients , to find ways to keep them interested , engaged and happy during lockdown periods . The many admin staff that suddenly found themselves working from home rose to the occasion brilliantly . And those that stayed in the office , willingly took on extra hours and extra responsibilities where required . Care parcels and Easter presents went out to every home . And I know just how important those small gestures were . The gatherings that we have all shared and enjoyed , like the Carers ’ Mystery Bus Tour , and the EBL Christmas Party cannot happen this year . So we will do our best to find ways to compensate where possible .
2 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER