2006-07 has been a year of significant change and growth for Technical Aid to the Disabled NSW. The much anticipated relocation to more workable premises became concrete on 20 June 2007 when we gained possession of our new building at Northmead and obtained development approval for our occupation and fitout a few days later.
After so long spent fundraising and searching, the exciting phase of making the empty factory unit suitable for our work has begun. Our clients will always be the prime focus of our efforts, but it is also important to provide an efficient and safe workplace for all our employee and volunteer workers. I anticipate that we will move in around the beginning of 2008.
The building has been bought without any borrowing, and the new fundraising effort to equip it is receiving a good response. A number of businesses and individuals have contributed greatly to the new premises, in terms of cash, time and hard work, and they will be acknowledged both at the opening formalities and in concrete ways within the building.
This year we have returned a small surplus, reflecting our policy of balancing the books as nearly as we can. Our reserves and our expectations of recurrent funding show that TADNSW remains a viable entity into the years ahead. Much of our income comes from donations and sponsorship, and Development Manager Geoff Prenter has exceeded the challenging budget we set him, in a highly competitive market. I commend him for his tireless work.
The past year has also seen the rapid development of our new service FREEDOM WHEELS™. This joint venture between TADNSW and Amway will see our production of specialised bikes increase fourfold almost immediately, and even further in subsequent years. The service will be extended across Australia through our fellow organisations in other states and the support of Amway and its independent business owners.
To achieve these production levels, many components of the previous designs have been standardised and are now manufactured in bulk. The assembly of the bikes to the specifications prepared by our professional staff can now be undertaken by volunteers who would not necessarily have been able to make the parts themselves.
This is a departure from our previous oneoff approach, but it will enable us to have 400 children riding a bike within a year, rather than 100. Each bike will still be made to meet the child’s individual needs, and one-off bikes will be produced for the very special cases that require them. I am very proud that this new development, which continues to reflect George Winston’s original concept of using technical skill to meet the needs of people with disabilities, has been led by TADNSW.
There have been significant changes in staff in 2006-07, especially in the Custom Designed Aids Service (CDA). Both former Manager Winsome Baker and Manager Engineering Services Keith Olds left us during the year, and Alan McGregor has taken the role of Director of Services covering both CDA and the Computer Loan Service. Both Winsome and Keith had long and valued careers with TADNSW and I thank them for their commitment and wish them well.
A new and much more capable database has been commissioned, with the usual bumpy start. Comparing annual project completions is difficult as a result, but it seems that there has been little change in activity this year despite some disruption to procedures.
The Computer Loan Service has continued steadily throughout 2006-07. The efficiency
of this operation is no doubt due to the work of Alan McGregor in building a solid framework for service operations.
Pat Ellis and Charles Bright have retired from the Board since my last report. I thank both these gentlemen for their contribution over many years.
I look forward to a busy and productive year at Northmead and continued growth in the service we offer our clients.
2006-07 has been a year of significant change and growth for Technical Aid to the Disabled NSW. The much anticipated relocation to more workable premises became concrete on 20 June 2007 when we gained possession of our new building at Northmead and obtained development approval for our occupation and fitout a few days later.