We commence the financial year with new contracts and services in a number of areas but with the challenge of successfully operating all new and current programs within an economic climate that lends little support.

We are pleased with the roll out of our Job Services Australia facilities (formerly Job Network) and in particular an increased focus on the Gold Coast region. I remain very confident of our capacity to develop excellent employment outcomes for people but there are potential limitations given increasing unemployment levels at this time. Clearly we will see a growing client base but probably a decreasing number of job opportunities.

Our largest parcel of government funding is provided by Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) and this directly or indirectly supports approximately 1000 clients, many with high needs. The state of Queensland Government finances has been well documented and at the time of writing we await advice in relation to increased funding from DSQ as announced in the State Budget. We are hopeful of securing sufficient support to maintain our current service levels and client base.

Childcare remains an area of much activity. Star of the Sea Child Care Centre opened earlier this year at Cleveland and we will commence operations at St Augustine’s, Springfield within the next few months. At this stage, we plan to open an additional centre at Chermside West early in 2010 but beyond that point we will need to assess the impact of the early learning agenda currently being developed by the Queensland and Australian governments.

Regardless of the economic environment, demand for our chaplaincy and other pastoral services remains high. It is here that we encounter some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. Your support in the past has allowed us to reach out to many and with your ongoing assistance we can continue to provide opportunities for people to rebuild their lives as the mission of Centacare and that of the Church calls us to do.