As with all businesses in the current environment, the COVID 19 pandemic is having a profound effect on operations and services, this is particularly true for the not-for-profit sector. As part of Avondale Business Schools commitment to engagement, our staff are appointed onto many boards to assist decision making, for example Dr Warrick Long is on the Board of “Adventist Senior Living”, Dr Peter Williams has been appointed to the Alphacrucis College “Learning & Teaching Committee” and Associate Professor Lisa Barnes is Treasurer for “Coastlink” a Central Coast Based disability service provider.
The not-for-profit sector according to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) contributed $146b in revenue in 2017, employs more than 1.3 million paid staff, with nearly 3.3 million volunteers (read more about the ACNC here). The not-for-profit sector has been hit hard under the pandemic, particularly as they are mainly looking after the vulnerable, and are under pressure to maintain services, under these new social distancing rules. For Coastlink this means suspension of all face to face provision of services including:
- Community Access
- Social Support
- Day Programs
- Respite
- After School Care
- Vacation Care
- Friendship Centres
With both Beyond Blue and Lifeline experiencing an increase on average of 30% in calls (Australian Institute of Company Directors 2020, “NFP Directors, Working it Out”, Company Director, Vol. 36 Iss. 4.) the mental health of clients, their families and staff is a constant concern for the Board of Coastlink.
One of the initiatives by the CEO John Davis was the delivery of flowers on Mother’s Day, to Mothers of clients with a disability, who have had no support during the social distancing rules implemented by the government in late March. It was received with much appreciation, and was also reported on local TV as a good news story. In the not-for-profit sector, the provision of services is very personal, and relationships with clients and family essential. It is hoped such initiatives will maintain our client based for the “new normal” that post COVID-19 will present.
To link to the NBN article, click here.