CEO’s Report
Social and demographic changes within Whittlesea and the
impact of tough economic conditions are impacting on the lives
and daily choices of many disadvantaged community members.
Our population is growing and ageing, and too many Whittlesea
people face struggles with isolation, disadvantage, and lack of
support. The sustained growth in demand for emergency
financial assistance and the tragic increase in family violence
disclosures are just two indicators of the challenges faced by
Whittlesea residents at these times. In this Annual Report you
will read of the way in which our organisation has responded to
these challenges.
In our client services area you will read of the 1,489 instances of
emergency financial assistance delivered to those facing
economic hardship and of the 1,231 people we were forced to
turn away due to a lack of funds. You will read of the 181 clients assisted by our complex case management service with
issues including homelessness, family violence and mental health. You will read of the 1,369 contacts our volunteer resource
service had with local people wishing to engage with and volunteer in their community.
You will read about the amazing work done by our transport service and its volunteers in breaking down social isolation and
transport disadvantage. You will learn of the 30% increase in referrals received by the transport service and the 31% increase
in the journeys delivered and the 46% increase in the passengers transported as a response. You will also learn of the efforts
to raise much needed funds for this vital service through fundraising and income-generating activities because of the lack of
government funding.
In our settlement services area you will read of the 1,016 client contacts made by our DIAC funded Settlement Support
workers and of the 336 group sessions they provided. You will also read of the 79 childcare sessions for 24
programs/agencies and the employment created for local women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. You will learn of
the 14 new women this program assisted to obtain accredited qualifications in childcare – seven of whom achieved the
Diploma in Children’s services, for some the highest level qualification ever obtained.
WCC’s driver education program for young people (L2P) supported 46 active learners and delivered 1,012 hours of driving
practice with the support of 26 volunteers and you will read of the 100% success rate for those who have sat for their
provisional licence test at the completion of the program.
In our legal service report you will learn of the increasing range and complexity of cases our lawyers have assisted with. You
will read of the 1,167 instances of legal advice we have provided and of the 1,524 people assisted by our community lawyers
and volunteers. You will read of the important work we have done in turning the spotlight onto the experience of family
violence by culturally and linguistically diverse communities living in Whittlesea.
Overall, WCC enjoys strong support from its funders and benefits from a committed and motivated team of staff and
volunteers. It is