Page 3 - Palms-Australia-Annual-Report-2019

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MESSAGE

FROM THE

CHAIR

Marea Nicholson

A key focus of the past twelve I acknowledge the outstanding

months has been delivering on the contribution of Roger O’Halloran,
Executive Director, Christine O’Halloran,
five-year Sustainability Plan, while

Rachel Donovan, Kevin Wilson, Cassandra
addressing significant governance
Falson, Teranun Charoensri and Robert
and accountability requirements.
Reynolds, to the development, promotion

and delivery of the various components

Our Sustainability Plan proposes that by of our programs, in particular the

2023-24, Palms Australia is an economically preparation, placement and support of

sustainable provider of preparation for our volunteers.

cross-cultural engagement, particularly for

those who volunteer to assist community My appreciation is also extended to our

organisations seeking to build on the other dedicated directors, Bishop Vincent

strengths of their people and processes Long, Jane Woolford, Alex Varley, Antony

to achieve sustainable poverty reduction. Faa and Peter Smyth. Their commitment

to the Palms Australia vision, their

The Board has focused on establishing a encouragement and support for Palms

regular reporting system for Finance, staff, as well as their discernment of the

Program and Placements, and Marketing challenging contextual issues is critical

and Communications to assist in monitoring to ensuring Palms Australia’s

progress and discerning necessary sustainability.

adjustments to the Plan.

This year’s report will once again provide

Our Finance and Risk Strategy, chaired by inspiring examples of the many ways our

Kristina Gunawan, monitors financial reports volunteers assist diverse communities to

and potential risks, ensuring that the use of build on strengths in mutually respectful

Palms Australia’s resources is consistent in encounters, and work toward shared

practice with ethical, social and goals to enhance capacity to achieve

environmental codes of conduct. sustainable poverty reduction.

Board Directors and staff are ever mindful Importantly, it is an opportunity to

of their responsibility for the stewardship celebrate the outstanding achievements

of the limited, and much needed, Palms of our staff, volunteers, partners and

financial resources and the significant communities.

demands placed on our staff and

volunteers. Marea Nicholson

Chair

Palms Australia