A centralised Repairs and Maintenance Program was implemented to remove this burden from centres. This will ensure that all KU centres continue to meet licensing and OH & S requirements and are quality learning environments for children.
The year saw a strong focus on procurement processes, delivering more environmentally and cost effective ways of assessing and purchasing goods and services.
Finance Throughout |
2008 |
a |
number |
of |
initiatives |
were |
implemented |
which |
were |
designed |
to |
improve |
the timeliness of financial reporting, reduce the |
administrative burdon on centres and improve the |
efficiency of our financial systems. |
This included the appointment of a Management |
Accountant to improve financial analysis and both |
internal and external reporting functions. |
Marketing & Communications
The year saw an extensive review and consultation process surrounding KU’ s branding, resulting in the development and launch of the new visual identity and logo in September. The new brand was inspired by some of the key strengths of our organisation; our heritage and not for profit status, the play-based learning philosophy and the commitment to natural, sustainable learning environments demonstrated in KU centres.
Over the year, intensive marketing support was provided to a total 27 centres identified as having particularly low utilisation. Increased utilisation rates were achieved and maintained in 23 of those centres.
An increased focus on developing relationships with the media saw KU firmly cemented as a trusted adviser to the community and media on early childhood education and care topics. Throughout 2008 KU was heavily represented across more than 50 print, radio, television and online news outlets, on a range of issues.
Making The KU Difference Awards
Created to recognise KU staff whose truly inspirational efforts are helping to make the KU Difference within the many different areas of our work. The inaugural presentation of the KU Awards took place at the KU Annual Seminar. Congratulations to the very worthy 2008 recipients of these awards.
• Terri Heinrich Making the KU Difference for Children
• KU James Cahill staff and Carol Findlay Making the KU Difference for Families
• Marianna Georgiadis Making the KU Difference for Communities
• Sabira Sukurma Making the KU Difference for Staff
• Anthony van Stratum and Arda Cholakyan Making the KU Difference to Quality
• Annette Lee Making the KU Difference to Affordability
• Bronwyn Gibbs Making the KU Difference through Innovation
• Allana Birks Making the KU Difference through Representation
• Amanda Kupke The KU Marcia Burgess Award
The perpetual KU Marcia Burgess Award recognises outstanding commitment to working with children with additional needs and their families.
113th Annual Report 2008 11