2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Management Team in 2023-24

Chair Person’s Board Report 2023-24

Members, Fellow Directors and Staff

Welcome to our Annual General Meeting.

We have survived almost 1 year without Allan Young at our helm.

Allan started with Elouera 25 years ago. At that time the Elouera Association Ltd consisted of the School with 13 students and 4 teachers, a small pallet making operation and the beginning of the recycling operations in Cootamundra. Our assets have grown considerably since then due to hard work and good management strategies by Allan, a dedicated and hard-working team and donations made by a number of kind and generous people from Cootamundra and the surrounding area.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Directors I would like to thank Allan for his years of dedication to improving the lives of people with a Disability, and for his outstanding contribution to Elouera Association Ltd., and his wife Julie who also worked with the organisation. We wish them a long and enjoyable retirement.

Recruiting a replacement for Allan was our first major challenge. On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to gives our thanks and appreciation to Shona Neale and all of the Staff at Elouera Association Ltd who carried out additional work and responsibility in the absence of a CEO. There were number of challenges which were met and resolve by a united team effort of our hard working and dedicated staff.

Welcome to Ward Gaiter who commenced in the role as CEO for Elouera Association Ltd. on June 3rd 2024.

Elouera Association Ltd has continued to grow throughout 2024 with all enterprises showing a positive financial growth and in most areas an increase in sales or services. We finally purchased the block of land next to the school. No development has been decided on.

School

Elouera Special School started the year with 24 students and now has 27. Emily and Kylie have been networking with Staff at Young Public School and other surrounding schools who have Support Units with an aim to support staff in the units and communicate information to the parents on the advantages and benefits of utilising Elouera Special School.

Activities at the school have continued to grow with a focus on sport this year. Interested students are participating in a number of different activities including dancing lessons, the Community based Volley Ball Carnival, the Swimming Carnival and lessons in how to play Rugby Union.

The Transition from School to Work and the Community Program has been very active this year with the senior students gaining work experience at a number of mainstream businesses including Jak and Jill, Come Alive Fitness and Creekside Kids as well as Elouera Association Ltd.

Emily has focused on improving staff development and Professional development e.g. CPR and Medication Administration.

Landscaping is progressing well and painting is soon to begin on the Mural.

Laundry

Tracey described another busy year at Elouera Laundry. Services provided are continuing to increase with a second Motel and an Air B&B now using Elouera as well as the existing Motel and the Caravan Park for supply and laundering of the linen. The number of Community Household laundry Pick-up and delivery services has increased and also more of the sporting teams are using Elouera Laundry to wash the football jumpers.

Recycling

There has been a number of repairs and replacement of equipment required at Young Recycling and changes in Staff in Young and Cootamundra Recycling this year.

John retired on the 17th August after working for Elouera Association Ltd for 7 years. On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to wish him a long and enjoyable retirement.

There is now a Team Leader, Glen in Young and Craig and Dean are sharing the role at Cootamundra. Operations at both facilities are functioning smoothly, both staff and employees are doing a great job. Financial returns are positive.

Day Centre

Elouera Day Centre in Sutton Street commenced operations on the 16th January 2024. Staff and service users are all pleased with the new spacious environment and all have the opportunity to spend time at both Wallendoon and Sutton Street Centres.

There are now 27 regular participants attending the Elouera Day Centres and the staff provide a range of external one-on-one and group services to another 25 Community based clients. These services include Hydrotherapy, shopping trips to Wagga, attending recreation activities e.g. Bowling, and transport to medical appointments. The Centre also runs group sessions in cooking lessons and Independent Living skills.

Hire

James returned to work at Elouera Hire after a few months away due to illness at the beginning of the year. He is gradually achieving his goal to improve services provided by Elouera Hire. James said Advertisements in local and surrounding towns local newspapers have produced positive results. Ward has been working on the Website. All believe this will improve sales for Elouera Hire.

The staff and employees have been busy servicing and renovating equipment and a number of new items have been purchased. The excavator, cherry picker and dingo are all very popular. Demands for Party Hire has also increase.

I would like to thank each of my fellow Directors for their valued and continued support throughout this year. I appreciate the contribution of each Director’s knowledge and expertise, which is of great value to me performing as the Chairperson.

On behalf of the Board of directors I would like to thank our new CEO Ward Gaiter, Operations Manager Shona Neale and all the staff, employees and volunteers of Elouera association Ltd. for their hard work and the valuable service each individual brings to our organisation and the community.

Norma Oddy
Chairperson

Chief Executive Officer Report 2023-24

By Ward Gaiter

I am pleased to submit my first of hopefully many Annual Reports of Elouera Association Limited.

I commenced with Elouera on the 3rd June 2024, and these past five months have flown by! But before that – a bit about me, I am married to Dannyelle who is a High School teacher in Wagga Wagga. We have four darling children Annalyse, Madeleine, Hugh and Juliette. We have lived in Wagga since 2017.

Prior to my arrival Shona Neale (Operations Manager) had done a sterling job of steering the organisation following the retirement of Allan Young in December last year. Her commitment to seeing the continued successful operation of all facets of the organisation was second to none and the Board, Members and I owe her many thanks. Shona is an amazing person – although she works far too long and hard.

I deliberately did not rush into changing everything when I started in June. I just sat looked and listened for many weeks. The organisation is in a good place, financially strong and achieving its purpose. We have excellent staff who do an amazing job of supporting our clients.

School

Emily Harris our Head Teacher and the rest of the staff at the school have had a wonderful year with our students growing and achieving. We have continued to invest in the school, with a new sandpit area and another shade sail being installed. Plans are in place for a mural and rock feature to be added to the playground before the end of this year.

We have a big loss of students this year – Owen, Ethan, Shanice, Jake, Harry and Hayley are all finishing school this year and starting the rest of their lives. This is the biggest year 12 in the schools 50-year history! Happily, almost all of the year 12 students are staying in connection with Elouera in some way going forward.

We have had a strong year of enquiries – so far this year we have had two students start with us (welcome Blaze and Grace) and have possibly four more starting in 2025! We will continue with at least four classes in 2025 and 27 students.

We purchased the block adjacent to the school from the Catholic Church in July. We envision this site having dual uses, with part being claimed by the school as playground, and part being earmarked for construction of accommodation facilities (subject to Board and council approval).

Recycling

Our two recycling plants have had great years – with minimal downtime and excellent output. We are now processing the recycling of Cootamundra-Gundagai Council (Cootamundra, Gundagai and surrounding villages), Hilltops Council (Young, Boorowa, Harden and surrounding villages), Junee and Coolamon. Our Recycling Supervisor John O’Loughlin retired in August after 7 years with Elouera. James Goodwin one of our employees at Young completed 30 year’s service at Elouera!

Glenn McParland accepted the role as Recycling Supervisor Young and Greg L’Estrange started as a Training and Support Officer also at Young.

The recycling business employs 16 supported employees and 8 staff.

Laundry

Tracey Turner our Laundry Supervisor and her team continue to improve the business, adding another motel as customers for our linen service, whilst maintaining the excellent quality which our clients expect. We now have two motels, a caravan park and numerous B&Bs using our linen. During the year we purchased a new dryer and also a spare roller for the ironing machine. Having this spare means downtime will be kept to an absolute minimum – critical now that businesses are relying on our supply of clean linen.

The laundry employs 8 supported employees and Tracey.

Day Centre

The two-Day Centres (Wallendoon Street and Sutton Street) support a total of 28 clients on a full or part-time basis. Gail Lienesch and her team of ten do a magnificent job. There is never a dull moment at the centres and the clients have a ball! A special thank you also to our wonderful volunteers who help out at the Centres.

We are upgrading the fencing at the Sutton Street premises to allow our clients to appreciate the entire block. This should be completed in Q1 2025.

Hire

2024 has been a year of consolidation for the Hire business. We have invested some significant money into new plant & equipment and refurbishing our older plant. With a new hire business now in Temora and an existing hire business in Young we need to ensure that our hire stock is in tip top shape.

This year we have purchased an additional dingo digger, a scissor lift and a mini-excavator.

The party hire (marquees and the like) is still strong in the warmer months – if you have a wedding or party coming up – don’t forget about the Hire business. Everything from knives and forks up to marquees and stages and everything in between can be hired from us.

Secure Document Shredding and Ice manufacture and sales make up the rest of the hire business. We have document bins at many offices around the district which are serviced either monthly or quarterly. Our Ice Freezers can also be seen around the district at service stations and bottle shops. These are regularly refilled depending on demand.

Our Hire business employees 3 supported employees and 5 staff.

We are at the start of a construction project at Hire, which will utilise shredded paper to produce fire briquettes for sale. This production line should allow the employment of an additional three supported employees. This project has been made possible by a very generous donation by a local family.

Travel

This year we took a group to Sydney to view the Vivid Lights Festival and then onto a Comedy Cruise for 3 days. 8 clients braved what turned out to be the storm of the year in Sydney. Thankfully the weather abated for the comedy cruise and a wonderful time was had by all.

Other

I am the sole male at head office – Shona (Operations), Sharon (Accounts) and Cassie (NDIS) all keep me in line and grounded. For this I cannot thank them enough. In fact, all of our staff across our six sites are worth their weight in gold – without them the organisation could not function and do the good that we do.

We attended our first Disability Expo in early September at Canberra. Shona Neale, Emily Harris, Robyn Carroll and myself spoke to countless people spreading the Elouera name. This is something we will do more of in 2025 – in order to build awareness of us and what we do.

We had a strong financial performance in 2024, turning over $6.7M. Our organisation remains in a strong financial position with ample cash reserves and a strong balance sheet.

Going Forward

This coming year we are starting to renew our fleet of busses – starting with the large school bus.

Also, in 2025 we are looking at the use of the new block of land and getting the necessary approvals in place. We also are hopeful of securing grant funding to upgrade the school reception area and install a sensory room. Watch this space!

I am looking forward to continuing to build and improve Elouera – allowing us to service more clients at a higher standard. We are seeking additional board members – we can have up to 9 directors on the board (we currently have 6). If you are interested please get in contact with me to discuss.

Ward Gaiter
November 2024

The Board

The Elouera Association Board and Management has a Strategic plan for the organisation. Our plans include the following.

Elouera Special School

1-3 Years

• To maintain the current student numbers.
• Maintain the facilities of the property at a high standard that fully meets the needs of students
• Build a therapy room that can be used for a variety of providers such as speech, occupational and music therapy.
• Build a new entrance to the school with a larger higher covered area for the loading and unloading of students in all conditions.

3-5 Years

• Build a second car park at the rear of the school with separate driveways in and out for safety.
• Maintain student numbers.

Elouera Centre

1-3 Years

• Establish a Young based service
• Improve the fencing at Sutton Street
• Build a covered and sealed car park at rear (Wallendoon Street)

3-10 Years

• Add Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy to services provided.
• Expand services into other towns such as Junee or Gundagai to meet the needs of people with a disability from those towns, where there is a real and significant support for such a move.

Elouera Recycling Cootamundra

1-3 Years

• Increase employee numbers to a viable level that prevents issues with production due to low numbers.
• Maintain the existing plant with improvements to remove glass shards from paper and cardboard press.
• Improve bouncing belt performance.

3-5 Years

• Seek alternative employment opportunities if Recycling ceases operations
• If viable, the plant needs a visual upgrade as well as a functional one, we need to develop a plan to refurbish and paint all existing plan components to extend its life.

Elouera Recycling Young

1-3 Years

• Increase employee numbers significantly to levels that see enough workers every shift.
• Recruit at least 2 new Boorowa clients so a permanent bus run can established.
• Replace product press.

3-5 Years

• Seek alternative employment opportunities if Recycling ceases operations
• If viable, the plant needs a visual upgrade as well as a functional one, we need to develop a plan to refurbish and paint all existing plan components to extend its life.

Elouera Laundry

1-3 years

• Maintain Linen Hire stocks to 2.5 times the average usage.
• Increase employee numbers.

3-5 Years

• Explore the option of a second site for Linen Hire operations where we could expand operations to several more customers.

Elouera Hire

Elouera Hire has its own Strategic Plan for this same period, this is to be read in conjunction to the overall Elouera Association Ltd Strategic Plan.

Accommodation Services

1-10 Years

• Establish Cootamundra Accommodation units for more independent people with a disability.
• Supported Accommodation

All Services

1-3 Years

• Develop better NDIS claim and payment methods
• Reduce the incidence of workplace accidents significantly
• Maintain the Schools Registration and other services NDIS registration.

The Board members are both the School Board and the organisation Board which complicates our compliance requirements, for example, they need to complete Police checks, Working with Children’s Checks and the NDIS Workers Check under the various rules.

The constitution of the Elouera Association Ltd allows up to nine Board positions with a preference of seven positions and we prefer recruited positions to ensure the Board has the correct mix of skills with the board position holders being put to the members for ratification at the AGM.

The Elouera Association Ltd is currently searching for new Board members in particular someone with accounting skills and someone with Governance knowledge. Let us know if you’re interested in service on our Board and you will be considered under the Board Recruitment guidelines.

The Board appoints the Chief Executive Officer who then employs the staff and sets about achieving these goals with that team.

The Board appoints an auditor to look at both the financial position of the organisation and any risk we may face. Bush and Campbell fulfil this function with two audits being conducted each year. One whole of organisation audit ready for the AGM and one of the School as this is done calendar year. The Board receives a full report including recommended changes to reduce risk.

Management and Head Office

Our Head Office is headed by the Chief Executive Officer (myself) and I am assisted by the organisations second in charge Operations Manager Shona Neale. Sharon Roberts is the Admin Assistant looking after our accounts and Cassie Malone is the Admin Assistant with duties related to the NDIS and Workers Compensation.

Through involvement with NDS we are able to influence policy of government and have access to people such as senior NDIS staff that ordinarily we would not. As a smaller regional service this ensures our voice can be heard.

The Chief Executive Officer Attends Board meetings (as a non-voting member). The Chief Executive Officer as head of organisation is also the legal head of the Elouera Special School hence why we don’t have a Principal as such and use a Head Teacher that reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

The Operations Manager Shona Neal acts as Secretary on the Board, a position like the Chief Executive Officer that is non-voting. Shona is responsible for the staff rostering and the day to day operations of the various Disability Enterprises and Day Services.

ABOUT ELOUERA ASSOCIATION

Where we Came From, a Brief History

Elouera Association Ltd grew from the Elouera Special School which was commenced following a public meeting held in 1969 that set up the committee to form a school. From humble beginnings in a local church hall the School in its current location was built in the mid 70’s. We have had as little as just four students up to our highest level of thirty-four students in 2018.

Early in the 1990’s our employment arm commenced with four employees that came to us from an ADHC program. Starting off doing some gardening out of a small shed we now operate four businesses in two towns employing 30 people with a disability.

In 2007 we started providing day services, a full circle so to speak from the Schools early history with the opening of the Elouera Centre. We now operate these services out of two locations with facilities being looked for in Cootamundra and Young for future growth.

Today the Elouera Association Ltd has a turn over of over of 7 million per annum, we can provide employment to adults with a disability, our School has a capacity of thirty-four students and we have twenty plus individuals attending Day Services plus more receiving one on one community supports, an area I am sure we will see grow in the near future.

Our Strategic Plan looks at new services such as accommodation and respite, and we are in the early planning stages of achieving this in years to come.

Elouera Association Ltd is a dynamic organisation, with the NDIS now allowing us to be creative in meeting peoples needs, who knows what the future looks like.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

2023-24 has produced a solid result for the organisation with a strong surplus, reduction in debt and an increase in assets. We remain debt-free.

Our consolidated accounts showing an income of $6.7 million for the consolidated group (up from $6.4 million in 2022-23). Our operating surplus fell to $666,109 (down from $915,915 in 2022-23). This decrease is almost entirely accounted for by increases in Salary and Staff Expenses.

Our Balance Sheet remains in a very strong position, with net assets increasing to $7.9M (up from $7.3M in 2022-23).

About Elouera Special School

Elouera Special School is a registered independent school catering to students with moderate or severe intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, or autism (with a moderate developmental disability). We follow a life skills-based curriculum aligned with NESA requirements, with a focus on preparing students for greater independence in their adult lives.

Please note that, as a registered non-systemic special school, students do not receive a Record of School Achievement (Rosa) or Higher School Certificate (HSC) at the end of Year 10 or 12.

We currently operate four to five classrooms, grouped according to student’s age and ability. Each student has an Individual Plan developed in collaboration with families, and every class is supported by a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) to ensure each student’s unique needs are met.

School Name & Background

The name “Elouera”, adopted in August 1970, is an Aboriginal word meaning “pleasant place” or “happy place.” While it can also mean “meeting place near the sea,” the primary inspiration for our name was to reflect a supportive, joyful environment.

“Elouera” has since become the commercial name for our Disability Enterprises, Community Participation Program, and the parent organisation, Elouera Association Ltd, which is widely recognised in the region for its lifelong commitment to supporting people with disabilities.

School Motto

“Preparing for Life” – This motto reflects our mission to maximise each student’s independence and readiness for adult life.

Vision & Mission Statements

Vision Statement – Elouera Association Ltd

To ensure that children with a disability are fully prepared for life and that, as adults, they can achieve their full potential as independently as possible. We aim to provide lifelong services tailored to individual and family needs, fostering community acceptance and inclusion.

Mission Statement

“Elouera Association Ltd, based in Cootamundra, provides quality education, employment, training, and support services for people with disabilities and their families in Cootamundra and surrounding regions.”

Contact Details

Elouera Special School

Head Teacher: Emily Harris

Phone: (02) 6942 2064

Email: headteacher@elouera-association.com

Address: 19 Scott Avenue, Cootamundra NSW 2590

PO Box 271, Cootamundra NSW 2590

Head Office (Admin & Funding)

General Manager: Shona Neale

Phone: (02) 6942 6586 or (02) 6942 1505

Email: shona@elouera-association.com

Address: 91-97 Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra NSW 2590

Staffing Structure

Legal Head of School: General Manager, Elouera Association Ltd

On-Site Leader: Head Teacher – Emily Harris, supported by Senior Teacher Kylie Rowan

Teaching Staff

Full-time: Kerrie Blackman, Maddison Spencer, Jamin Hall

Part-time: Jacqueline Cameron, Kylie Rowan

School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs)

Nadia Johnson

Dana Kable

Charlotte Cronin

Bailey Gardiner

Stacey Hardy

Cody James

Robyn Carrol

SLSOs assist with classroom support, personal care (feeding, toileting), and student engagement.

Staff Qualifications (2024)

Emily Harris – BA/DipEd, Special Education Minor

Jacqueline Cameron – BEd (Primary), Dip. Community Services

Jamin Hall – BEd (Early Childhood and Primary)

Kerrie Blackman – BEd (Primary)

Maddison Spencer – BEd (Early Childhood and Primary)

Kylie Rowan – BTeach, BEd (Primary), Charles Sturt University

SLSOs hold various qualifications including Cert III in Teacher’s Aide (Special), Cert III in Disability, and Early Childhood Education.

School Hours

Teachers: 8:00 AM – 4:06 PM

SLSOs: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (some start at 8:30 AM)

Students: Arrival from 8:45 AM

Staff Retention and Attendance (2024)

At the beginning of 2024, we had 6 Teachers and 7 SLSO’s

Total Sick Days – Teaching Staff: 66 days

Total Sick Days – SLSO’s: 43 days

Student Attendance & Retention (2024)

Total Students: 26

Attendance Rate: 91.86%

Retention Rates – Primary (K-6)

Retention Rates – Senior (7-12)

Post-School Destinations

Six students graduated Year 12 in 2024:

• 2 gained employment at our Social Enterprises
• 3 also attend the Elouera Centre

Performance in State & National Testing

Due to the moderate to severe intellectual disabilities of our students, all are exempt from national testing, with full parent support.

Professional Development (2024)

• CPR & Medication Administration – April
• Child Protection Training – Self-paced
• Annual Policy Review – Early staff meeting
• SLSO Training – “Teacher’s Assistant in Disabilities” Module – Dec
• Autism PD – Sue Larkey ASD Course (completed Term 4)
• Weekly Staff Meetings – Minuted and focused on planning, risk, welfare, policies, and student outcomes.

Achievements in 2024

• Land purchased next to school (future expansion)
• BGA Grant received for therapy/sensory room and entrance redevelopment
• Playground upgrades incl. trampoline, shade sail
• New heating/cooling systems installed
• Mural, seating, paving, rock serpent added
• New sandpit
• 12 new student enrolments (2023-2024)
• Successful Boorambola Camp for seniors (well-being funded)

Goals for 2025

• Obtain DA and construction certificates for therapy/sensory room
• Begin tender and construction planning (2026 commencement)
• Replace vehicles
• Finalise design for rear staff car park

Policies

The following key policies are available on our website:

• Enrolment Policy
• Discipline Policy
• Complaints Handling Policy
• Child Protection Policy
• Bullying Policy

View our policies here: www.elouera-association.com

ELOUERA SPECIAL SCHOOL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Statement of Comprehensive Income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to and forming part of the financial statements.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

The Statement of Financial Position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to and forming part of the financial statements.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

The Statement of Changes in Equity is to be read in conjunction with the notes to and forming part of the accounts.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

The Statement of Cash Flows is to be read in conjunction with the notes to and forming part of the accounts.

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NOTE 1- STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures including Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission Act 2012.

The financial report is for Elouera Special School as a trading division of Elouera Association Limited. Elouera Association Limited is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in NSW and registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission. The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historic costs and does not take into account changing money values or, except where specifically stated, current valuations of non-current assets.

The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the economic entity in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated.

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless otherwise stated, have been adopted in the preparation of this financial report.

(a) Property, Plant & Equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation.

The depreciable amount of all fixed assets including building, but excluding freehold land, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives to the entity commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

• Buildings – 2.5%
• Plant & Equipment – 10-40%
• Motor Vehicles – 12.5%

At the end of the reporting period, the school assesses whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. The assessment will consider both external and internal sources of information. If such an indication exists, an impairment test is carried out on the asset by comparing the recoverable amount of that asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value-in-use, to the asset’s carrying amount. Any excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its recoverable amount is immediately recognised in the profit or loss.

(b) Revenue

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

Revenue is recognised in accordance with AASB 15 on the basis that reflects the transfer of promised goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to receive. Revenue is recognised by applying a five-step model as follows:

1. Identify the contract with the customer
2. Identify the performance obligation
3. Determine the transaction price
4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation
5. Recognise revenue as and when control of the performance obligations is transferred

The specific recognition policies of the company’s revenue streams are:

Fees and Charges

Revenue from student tuition fees and charges is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered.

Sale of Goods

Revenue from sales of goods and disposal of other assets is recognised when goods are delivered and title has passed.

Interest Income

Interest income is accrued on a time-proportion basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.

Government Grants

Grant contributions from the Commonwealth Government and NSW State Government for financial assistance for operational purposes are recognised as revenue when the School has the right to receive the grant. When the School does not have control of the contribution or does not have the right to receive the contribution or has not fulfilled grant conditions, the grant contribution is treated as deferred income.

Grant contributions of a capital nature are recognised as revenue to the extent that costs have been incurred on the particular capital project. Grant contributions are deferred if at year end capital costs incurred do not exceed grant contributions received.

(c) Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense.

(d) Income tax

No provision for income tax has been raised as the entity is exempt from income tax under Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

(e) Employee Leave Entitlements

Liabilities for employee’s entitlements relating to long service leave are stated at current rates of pay including on-costs. Provisions for long service leave are brought to account in respect of those employees with five or more years’ service.

Provisions have also been recognised for any annual leave owing to staff at year end.

No provision has been made in these accounts for any entitlements to personal leave on the basis that this leave is non-vesting.

(f) Economic Dependence

The continuing operation of the entity is dependent upon the supply of government grants which is controlled by statutory authorities of the State and Federal Governments.

(g) Financial instruments recognition

Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction costs, when the related contractual rights or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial recognition these instruments are measured as set out below.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Financial liabilities

Non-derivative financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation.

Impairment – Doubtful Debts

The doubtful debt provision represents amounts that the recoverability of the receivable is doubtful. The provision is measured in accordance with AASB 9 using the expected credit loss method. This requires the company to apply a forward-looking credit loss approach.

The company applies the simplified approach to its trade receivables, and measures the loss allowance at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses.

(h) Comparative Figures

Where required by Accounting Standards comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation for the current financial year.

(i) Leases

At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a lease exists – i.e. does the contract convey the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

This involves an assessment of whether:

• The contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be explicitly or implicitly identified within the agreement. If the supplier has a substantive substitution right then there is no identified asset.
• The Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset throughout the period of use.
• The Company has the right to direct the use of the asset i.e. decision making rights in relation to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used. The Company has determined that it is not party to any leases.

(j) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

The board of management evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data obtained both externally and within the entity.

Key Judgements – Provision for Impairment of Receivables

The board of management have reviewed all overdue debtor accounts and have made a judgement that there will be no additional provision for doubtful debts at year end.

NOTE 2 – REVENUE

NOTE 3 – PROFIT FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Profit from ordinary activities has been determined after:

(a) Charging expenses

(b) Significant Income

NOTE 4- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

NOTE 5- TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

NOTE 6- PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

i) Movements in carrying amounts

NOTE 7 – TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

NOTE 8-PROVISIONS

NOTE 9 – INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

NOTE 10 – CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(i) Reconciliation of Cash

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash on hand and at bank. Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:

(ii) Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:

NOTE 11- CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There are no contingent liabilities as at the end of the reporting period.

NOTE 12- EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

Subsequent to the end of the reporting period no item, transaction or event of a material and unusual nature has occurred that would negatively affect the operations of the school, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the school.

NOTE 13 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with related parties are on normal commercial terms and the conditions are no more favourable than those available to other persons unless otherwise stated.

Transactions with related parties consist of:

STATEMENT BY COMMITTEE

In the opinion of the committee of the association the financial report:

1. Presents a true and fair view of the financial position of Elouera Special School as at 31 December 2024 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission Act 2012, Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures, mandatory professional reporting requirements and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.
2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Elouera Special School will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Committee and is signed for and on behalf of the Committee by:

Chairperson: _________________________

Treasurer: _________________________

Dated at Cootamundra this 5th day of June 2025

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF: ELOUERA SPECIAL SCHOOL

Opinion

We have audited the accompanying financial report, being a general purpose financial report, of Elouera Special School, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2024, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year ended on that date, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes and the Committee’s declaration.

In our opinion, the financial report of Elouera Special School has been prepared in accordance with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, including:

1. giving a true and fair view of the registered entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2024 and of its financial performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date; and
2. complying with relevant Australian Accounting Standards and Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2022.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities section of our report. We are independent of the Association in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon

The committee are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the School’s annual report for the year ended 31 December 2024 but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Committees’ Responsibility for the Financial Report

The committee is responsible for the preparation of the financial report in accordance with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and for such internal control as the committee determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, the committee is responsible for assessing the school’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the school or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. The committee is responsible for overseeing the Association’s financial reporting process.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/Home.aspx. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

BUSH & CAMPBELL AUDIT PTY LTD
Authorised Audit Company

David Rosetta
Director

Wagga Wagga
5 June 2025