Anne Rix Email and Phone Number

Innovative manager of the premier family support service in New England NSW, including Early Years Conference, Supported Playgroups, Uralla Community Neighbourhood Centre and Walcha Neighbourhood Centre, the Home Interaction Program for Parents & Youngsters (HIPPY) and Mazda Foundation Farm Family Support Project.

Facilitating the Social Housing Management Transfer of FACS Housing stock and tenants from NSW Family & Community Services to Homes North Community Housing. Maintaining the budgetary requirements for transition. Overseeing the recruitment processes for FACS ongoing and temporary staff who wish to obtain employment with Homes North. Overseeing the introduction of new IT systems and facilitating office relocations in three sites in New England (Armidale, Moree & Tamworth). Implementing a communication strategy so that employees of Homes North and other stakeholders are well prepared for the transition. Compiling the MS Project Plans, including Risk Management, for the changes that are required and reporting to the Board, CEO and Executive.

Funds management, facilitating the coordination and delivery of complex projects on time and within budgetary constraints. Staff management and professional development. Building and maintaining stakeholder relationships to meet the strategic objectives of the Department. Established a strong team ethos and lifelong learning culture within the Unit by encouraging staff to access both internal and external training opportunities. Enhanced skills development and high levels of achievement for all workers that was recognized when the team was shortlisted for a Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Service Delivery in 2013. Built strong relationships with funded partners, other external stakeholders and other divisions within FACS by consistent and clear communication through the delivery of workshops, group information sessions and digital communication. Enabled me to successfully deliver four major reform initiatives in New England North West that resulted in the reconfiguration of the service system to more effectively meet the needs of clients. Attracted approximately $4m in additional grants funding to the region and managed grants allocations and operating budget of approximately $28m. Responsible for the evaluation of NGO audited financial statements and financial analysis of income and expenditure across all aspects of Unit operations.

Established direction and purpose in the sector by facilitating the New England region’s transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Collaborated with a range of stakeholders including ADHC, the NDIA, disability Peak Bodies and other stakeholders to develop the NDIS Transition Plan for the area. This enabled all of the sectors to work together effectively to progress the transition. Analysed and researched all challenges associated with the roll-out and identified the issues that were impeding the initiative. Worked with all stakeholders to identify solutions and plan strategic actions to resolve the concerns and enable the roll-out to proceed smoothly. Provided joint information sessions with a range of other agencies including the National Disability Insurance Agency, Peak Bodies and the University of New England to inform people with a disability and their families about the NDIS. Evaluation sheets demonstrated that people with a disability were much more informed about the Scheme after attending the workshops and presentations and felt much more confident about engaging with the NDIS.

Responsible for supporting and monitoring NGO organisations in the delivery of funded services on the Mid North Coast in NSW. This role including ongoing service planning and development, and the promotion of strong professional relationships with individuals, and a wide range of agencies from State and Federal Government as well as organisations from the NGO sector.