b'0101reduce our risk and reinvest in quality systems, practicesSTRATEGIC GOALSGOAL 3: CULTURE, TRUST, TOGETHERNESS GOAL 4: FINANCIAL HEALTHand assets to further strengthen our position.Most importantly, he says, it means we can support Case Study: Strengthening ourour many people with a steady income and secure and Capacity to Delivermeaningful employment long into the future.Our primary aim as a social enterprise and registered charity is to create positive social and environmental outcomes. However, to consistentlyFinancial health is integral 02deliver on our mission, we must operate from ato our mission; it allows usfoundation of strong financial health. to continue providing Financial health is integral to our mission; it allows us toreliable services tocontinue providing reliable services to our customers and partners, even when unexpected costs or events arise.our customers andAs such, we apply business and economic principles topartners.our work to build a strong balance sheet and generate a surplus wherever possible, says Mark Chicken, FinancialMARK CHICKENController.FINANCIAL CONTROLLERLast year, we made great strides towards building our financial reserves to a goal level. We have done this through expansion, including the launch of two new RRA03Supportive Workplaces sites at Moreton Bay; realignment of our pricing models; systems improvement, improved financial reporting; implementation of a quarterly forecast process, and the simplification of some of our business offerings. Mark says, The steps were taking to strengthen our financial position will allow us to plan better for our future, buffer against any trade or activities that may downturn, Case Study: Soft Landing Hunter is a prime example. Kyle says,04Our people arent just another number. Everyone has Soft Landing Hunter a voice. If someone has an opinion or feels there is aGOAL 5: SIMPLE GROWTH In a quiet industrial area in Newcastle, thebetter way to work, I listen, and we try it out. staff at Soft Landing Hunter go about theirThe result is a strong able team, with an averageCase Study: Green Connect day, manually stripping mattresses and bedtenure of seven years. Kyle says, Some of the guys bases to maximise the recycling of materials.came from difficult backgrounds and faced barriers toFarm ActivitiesDigging a little deeper reveals a strongemployment before joining the team. When we firstThis year at the Green Connect Farm, we culture of trust where our people feel safehired them, they were quiet in their shells. But withlaunched our Community Farm Blitzes and Farm enough to truly thrive. the way we work here, you slowly watch them open up and find their sense of purpose.Playgroup as a natural extension of our other Site Manager Kyle Easton has been working at thefarm activities, increasing options for families While its important our staff feel comfortableto learn about sustainable living, connect with site for almost 13 years and witnessed the businessat work, we also encourage them to grow andnature, and support our mission.05change hands multiple times before being acquiredsucceed by providing regular training and educationThe Saturday Farm Blitzes encourage people to come by Community Resources as part of our Soft Landingopportunities. Quill Darby, Farm Activities Coordinator, says, Greenalong and volunteer for a few hours, she says, and we business in 2016. Kyle says, Were supporting a few guys to get theirConnect excels at educating the community abouthave the kids space open so they can play while the Kyle says things changed for the better when Softtruck licenses and two more to get forklift licenses.growing fair food and living sustainably through our farmparents work. Its great for usthe extra hands support Landing took over. He explains, We have moreCommunity Resources is also putting me and ourtours, corporate volunteer days and school educationalus to complete big farm projects quicklyand theres a support, and it opened our eyes and showed us thatSite Supervisor, Gav Mason, through a Certificate IVtrips. But we found that families wanted to bring their kidsreal sense of community. Families get to feel theyre part were part of something bigger, and were making acourse in Leadership and Management. We havealong and experience the farm or contribute in some way,of something bigger. real difference. all the support we need, which in turn allows us totogether.She says, And from little things, weve seen big things The supportive environment at Soft Landing Huntersupport our staff better. Our bi-monthly Farm Blitzes and weekly Farm Playgroupgrow. Parents are often inspired to support all the good is cultivated by our Executive Management team andKyle says, Its just a great place to work. And hereanswers this call from the community. Quill says, Thethings were doing; some become Veg Box customers filters down to front-line managers like Kyle, workingin the Hunter, were a motley crew, but its a crackerFarm Playgroup lets kids explore and get a bit muddy andor want to get their company involved. It just shows its way through to each of our staff. Its a whole ofof a group to be around, and we know well alwaysmessy. They learn about where their food comes from,whats possible when we focus on our strengths and06organisation approach that creates a positive workhave each others backs. Were really like one bigfeed the animals and recycle scraps; were planting theallow things to grow naturally.environment in each of our enterprises at every site. family.seed in them to live sustainably and care for our planet.PAGE 15'