ANNUAL REPORT 2017 —2018
Fragile X Association of Australia Inc Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
ABN 18 655 264 477 Page 1
ARBN 626 478 966 Annual Report 2017--2018
Who are We? Our mission: Working towards the best possible lives for Fragile X families throughout Australia Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA) is a national member-based charitable organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of those affected by Fragile X syndrome and other Fragile X-associated Disorders. We have been serving the Fragile X community for almost 30 years by offering support, service, knowledge, and connections. Our current member base is 325, including individuals and organisations. We provide specialised information, a Help Line 5 days per week, counselling and family support, referrals, educational workshops and seminars, and facilitate access to assessment clinics. We have a comprehensive website, and we leverage social media to provide information, peer support, and advocacy. We work to increase awareness of Fragile X-associated disorders in the medical and wider community to promote early diagnosis and early interventions and treatments. We serve as a voice for those affected by Fragile X. FXAA receives no public funding and therefore donors, grants, in-kind contributions and substantial volunteer input sustain our role and the support and services we can provide. Our commitment is to be responsible and responsive, operating within our means to help meet the needs of members and participate in ongoing and emerging initiatives for disability, health and wellbeing and the particular issues of genetic conditions. The underlying principles which guide us: Service, Respect, Accountability, Evaluation, Compliance Photo credits cover and page 2: Daniel Linnet of LinnetFoto, for Fragile X Association of Australia
Understanding Fragile X Fragile X-associated Disorders are caused by an alteration or change to the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. Fragile X-associated disorders are inherited from a parent who ‘carries’ the altered FMR1 gene. This gene can be passed on by either parent. It is estimated that 100,000 people in Australia are affected by Fragile X in some way, as carriers of the Fragile X premutation or with Fragile X syndrome. 1 in 800 males and 1 in 170 females are premutation carriers of Fragile X, and therefore have the potential to pass this on to their children.
Fragile X syndrome
Fragile X syndrome is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known single gene cause of autism spectrum disorder. An estimated 1/3600 males and 1/4000-6000 females have Fragile X syndrome.
FXTAS
Fragile X-associated Tremor Ataxia syndrome is a neurological condition with symptoms including intention tremor, gait issues, short-term memory loss and cognitive decline. In later life it can affect men and some women who are Fragile X premutation carriers.
FXPOI
Fragile X-associated Primary Ovarian Insufficiency may lead to reduced fertility and/or early menopause. FXPOI affects around 25% of women who are Fragile X premutation carriers.
FXAND
Fragile X-associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (FXAND) is the name proposed at the National Fragile X Foundation (US) conference in July 2018 to describe the neuropsychiatric disorders which are the most common problems associated with the Fragile X premutation, affecting approximately 50% of individuals with 55-200 CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene.
Registered office of Fragile X Association of Australia Inc Suite 204 20 Dale Street Brookvale NSW 2100 ABN 18 655 264 477 Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
ARBN 626 478 966
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Contents Section
Page
Who are We?
2
Board and Team in 2017-2018
4
Board Report
5
Our Supporters
6
Family Support and Counselling
7
Website and Social Media Communications
7
Fragile X Disorders: Don’t Miss Them
8—9
Fundraising Highlights
10
Workshops and Seminars
11
Financial Overview
12
Financial Statements
Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
13—28
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Our Board 2017-2018 Katherine Brown (South Australia) Finance industry Katherine has a young son who has Fragile X syndrome. Katherine is a carrier of the Fragile X premutation. Katherine is a keen runner and has raised funds for the Association through running and other events. She has served on the Board since 2015. Prof Wm Ted Brown MD (New South Wales) Retired director of the NY State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. Much of his 35-year research career has focused on Fragile X syndrome and autism. Prof Brown relocated to Australia in 2017. He joined the Board in 2018.
Graham Hook (Queensland) Defence industry manager Graham has an adult son, James, who is affected by Fragile X syndrome. Graham is a keen photographer, artist and cyclist. He rejoined the Board in 2016, having previously served in several roles in the early days of the Association. Christine Kelleher (New South Wales) Christine has been involved with the Association for almost 20 years as a member and as a director. She is the mother of 3 children, 2 of whom have Fragile X. Christine rejoined the Board in 2018 as Secretary, having previously served on the Board in other roles.
Judith Lenart (New South Wales) Investment consultant and community volunteer Judith is qualified in urban valuation, natural health and school trusteeship and is trained in governance. Judith rejoined the Board in 2018 as Treasurer and Coordinator of the Board, having previously served as Secretary. Mike Tozer (New South Wales) Founder of startup Exceptional; co-founder of Fragile X Hong Kong Mike and his wife Helen have two children; their son Josiah has Fragile X syndrome. Mike is very active in raising awareness of Fragile X through participation in elite running events, fundraising events, and media. He has served on the Board since 2016 and is Public Officer. Retirements from the Board 2017/2018: Nadene Lee served on the Board October 2016-January 2018; Lisa Ryan served October 2016-February 2018; Nyleta McRae served October 2015-March 2018.
Our Team Our team comprises Wendy, Laura and Liz. After 2 years with us, Family Support counsellor Amanda Rummery-Hoy, left in October 2018 after handing over to Liz who in late August 2018.
Wendy Bruce Executive Officer Full-time
Laura Patel Bookkeeper Part-time, 1 day
Liz Jewell Family Support Counsellor Part-time, 3 days
Our Networks International FXTAS Consortium
FXAA is a founding member, alongside the National Fragile X Foundation (US) and MIND Institute UC Davis Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
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Board Report THE YEAR
It has been a privilege for the Board and our small team of staff to continue serving our members and the entire Australian Fragile X community. Throughout the year our Help Line and Family Support service remained well utilised, and are highly valued. We have appreciated the opportunity to host expert seminars and workshops in Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney, and to create valuable video resources from these events to provide ongoing education and support for Fragile X families.
YEAR OF CHANGE
As the financial year progressed there were changes at board level as some directors discontinued for personal reasons and the governance base moved back to Sydney. We thank Lisa Ryan, Nadene Lee and Nyleta McRae for their contributions at Board level. It is very pleasing that director nominations for election at the 2018 AGM reflect an excellent balance of skills, age, gender and geographic spread, reflecting a strong representation of membership nationwide.
The past year has also seen awareness of Fragile X increased significantly through diverse exposure in the media: including major mainstream media coverage of Fragile X carrier screening in late July 2017, which profiled the work of Prof Sylvia Metcalfe and Dr Jonathan Cohen. July also saw some fabulous support of Fragile X through lighting of significant landmarks across the country orange, our signature colour. Landmarks included Old Parliament House and Telstra Tower in Canberra; Melbourne Town Hall and Melbourne Star; The Treasury and city bridges in Brisbane; the Stadium in Adelaide; and several landmarks in Tasmania. Many thanks to Nyleta McRae for this initiative.
Later in 2017 our 3-year Medical Communications project concluded in a formal sense with the departure of Katrina Weir. This initiative was designed to raise awareness of Fragile X-associated disorders among GPs and selected specialists, through conferences and other opportunities, and to increase the likelihood of quick and accurate referral and accurate diagnosis. This important endeavour was initiated and made possible by the generous support of the Cunningham family. As a result, thousands of GPs and other health professionals responsible for referral and diagnosis receive current information about Fragile X disorders and testing and screening. Key and lasting achievements of this initiative include relationships with experts in areas related to Fragile In April the highly successful ABC series documentary X; the engagement of major GP education providers Employable Me gave major national coverage to the on the importance of the diagnosis of Fragile X, issue of employment inclusion for people with a resulting in a strong focus on Fragile X in their disability such as autism, Tourette’s syndrome and products and services; and the creation of permanent Fragile X syndrome. Marty Campbell played a leading online content including article and videos which role in Episode 3 and a large spike in our website generate ongoing awareness. traffic attested to new interest in Fragile X. We are tremendously appreciative of the Cunningham In May the Federal Budget announcement by Health family’s support and of Katrina’s huge contribution in Minister, Greg Hunt MP, of a large-scale genetic ensuring outcomes of value to the FX community. carrier screening project, named Mackenzie’s We continue to pursue increased focus on the range Mission, garnered a great deal of public interest in of Fragile X disorders and we’re working to sustain screening for genetic conditions including Fragile X. the benefits of the project, in particular with our Set to launch in mid 2019, this research trial will relationship with Healthed. screen 10,000 couples across Australia for Fragile X, CF, SMA, and hundreds of other genetic conditions. A further recent change in staffing is the departure of We look forward to learning more about the program Family Support worker Amanda Rummery-Hoy, who in early 2019. worked with us for 2 and a half years in a part-time capacity as social worker/counsellor. We are most grateful to her not only for her marvellous work in this OUR SUPPORTERS role, but also for remaining in the position to allow a Our members, friends and supporters play a truly comprehensive handover. In August 2018 Liz Jewell important role in what FXAA can achieve for the Fragile X community. The Board members and staff took up a newly created role which combines the community support and counselling with project are grateful to the many people who have made a contribution of their time, other resources, and funds work. Liz has already become a key member of the FXAA team engaged in providing Help Line support over the past year. In particular, we thank: the for those callers in need of FX related information, Cunningham family for their generous and ongoing guidance, referral and understanding. support; Dean Gardiner and Yanda Morison from Oceanpaddler for the Bridge to Beach charity We are fortunate to retain Laura Patel as book-keeper partnership, and Shaw and Partners Foundation for and diligent minder of the numbers, and Wendy Bruce matching funds raised; and Graham and Trish Piper for mobilising their community connections each year as Executive Officer. Wendy has managed FXAA for 5 in support of Fragile X. We thank Calvary Community years and established wide connections, significantly Council and Zynerba for grants which supported our expanding the base of stakeholders. She has a range of responsibilities and operates at many levels to seminars with Dr Marcia Braden and Prof Randi Hagerman. We thank our supporters and colleagues maintain a credible, compliant and effective organisation. The Board recognises her vital input to in the medical and research fraternity community sustaining stability and key relationships, especially who are pivotal in raising awareness of Fragile X during times of change. disorders and in supporting our community; and we thank experts Dr Marcia Braden, Prof Randi Hagerman and Dr Jonathan Cohen for their passionate support of the FX community. Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
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Board Report YEAR OF GROWTH The new financial year is of course well underway, starting with awareness month in July, then with Liz joining us, followed by the visit of Professor Randi Hagerman to Melbourne and Sydney. We were tremendously grateful to Prof Hagerman for giving us her time and energy in delivering presentations to a range of audiences, opening a new FXTAS clinic in Melbourne, and engaging with families. The Q&A videos we filmed with Prof Hagerman across several FX topics have been viewed thousands of times on youtube and social media by an Australian and international audience. Many thanks to Zynerba Pharmaceuticals for grant funding supporting the costs associated with Prof Hagerman’s activities in Australia for FXAA. Along similar lines but entirely non-medical is our film project The Fragile X Factor that is nearing completion and will actually comprise three short pieces – one for FX families, one for fundraising, and one for public awareness. These will be launched towards the beginning of 2019, marking FXAA’s 30th year as a national organisation. Before then we will be conducting a survey of the FX community to gather detailed information and gain more insight into needs and supports so that our organisation can respond accordingly.
In the coming year we will continue our involvement in the Carrier Screening Reference group alongside representatives from the peak bodies for cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, and the Victorian Clinical Genetic Service, with whom we recently collaborated to produce a brochure on carrier screening. We will also continue to be involved with the International FXTAS Consortium, and the premutation carrier FXTAS clinic at St Vincent’s Hospital and the recently opened FXTAS clinic at Caulfield Hospital. We will maintain our close contact with the other member bodies of the International Fragile X Alliance to stay abreast of developments. Another significant development in 2019 will be the commencement of the federal government’s carrier screening trial, as Fragile X is one of the three primary conditions identified for inclusion. This program will provide an important opportunity and focus for increased awareness and the early diagnosis of Fragile X-associated disorders. Our focus in 2018-2019 in summary is to expand our support base, grow the membership, raise the profile of Fragile X, and continue to provide support and service to the Fragile X community across Australia.
Our Supporters Fragile X Association is extremely grateful to the businesses, community groups, families, health professionals, individual donors and indeed everyone who helped support us in our mission throughout the year. This support remains pivotal to our ability to provide services and programs to the Fragile X community, and it underpins our efforts to increase awareness of Fragile X-associated disorders for early diagnosis, early intervention and early treatments.
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Family Support and Counselling The Family Support and Counselling role continues to be an important and valued service provided to our member base and the wider Fragile X community. Many of the requests for information about Fragile X or for counselling support or referrals come through our Help Line, which is available during business hours 5 days a week. The Help Line number is prominently placed on our website, and the majority of people discover Fragile X Association for the first time from the website. Other queries and requests for support are made via the FXAA facebook pages, other social media or direct email to support@fragilex.org.au
Liz Jewell
Family support is available by phone, skype and email, and can be face to face where individuals are in Sydney. In the 6-month period 1 July—31 December 2017, the Family Support counsellor was available 2 days per week. 220 occasions of support were provided during that period to over 120 people. The Help Line queries and family support contacts cover a range of concerns and questions about Fragile X-associated disorders including :
Support for a new diagnosis of Fragile X syndrome, FXTAS, FXPOI or Fragile X premutation Information on testing for Fragile X syndrome—who should be tested, what the tests involve, where testing can be done, the costs involved, and understanding test results Identifying and accessing appropriate referrals for community supports Information about accessing NDIS supports and processes Educational needs and supports for children and adults who have Fragile X syndrome Counselling, support and strategies to help manage feelings of anxiety and depression and issues of grief The location of health practitioners who have experience and knowledge of Fragile X Connecting people with others with a shared diagnosis for peer support
Liz Jewell, our Family Support Counsellor, is available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Direct email: liz@fragilex.org.au Phone: 02 9907 2366 or 1300 394 636
Fragile X helpline 1300 394 636 support@fragilex.org.au
Assessment Clinics FXAA continues to support assessment clinics for children and adults with Fragile X syndrome who attend the Fragile X Alliance clinic in Melbourne. In connection with the Fragile X Community Days in Brisbane and Hobart in late 2017 we arranged for 15 adults and children to have individual assessments with Dr Jonathan Cohen, Rashelle Cohen and Dr Marcia Braden. We also facilitate access to the FXTAS clinics at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and at the Caulfield Hospital (AlfredHealth) in Melbourne.
Website and Social Media Our social media platforms, website and youtube channel provide powerful tools for creating information resources on Fragile X, and providing education and increased awareness of Fragile X. Traffic on our website remained consistent with the previous year at around 190,500 web visits. We saw a spike of 17,000 visits on the day the Employable Me episode featuring Marty Campbell was aired on ABC TV! 2437 followers of our facebook page, which is an increase of 18% in the past 16 months to November 2018. The Australian Facebook discussion group we host has 800 followers. Our recent Q&A with Dr Hagerman facebook videos have been widely shared and viewed 000’s of times. 21,489 views of our youtube videos 2017-18 is consistent with the previous year. Highlights: 17,500 views of the two Understanding FX videos; 566 views of Q&A with Dr Braden; 400 views of ’When to consider a Fragile X diagnosis’ with Dr Jonathan Cohen. We have 180 subscribers. 700 followers of our Twitter account, an increase of 16% over the past 12 months. We tweet when we have news and information resources to share, and we follow organisations in the health, genetic and intellectual disability areas for the latest news. At 377 followers, our Instagram following has more than doubled over the past 16 months to November 2018. Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
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Fragile X disorders—Don’t miss them Diagnosis of Fragile X: Parental concern an important indicator for GPs This article on the importance of responding to parental concern was prepared by FXAA and based on interviews with a number of specialist doctors. While the article was written specifically for GPs it is equally as relevant to all other health professionals who have early and ongoing contact with mothers and their young children. The article also appeared in the FX Info newsletter and on www.fragilex.org.au
Prepared by Fragile X Association of Australia for publication on the ThinkGP education portal of Reed Medical Education in Juiy 2017.
GPs are not trained to conduct developmental screening or are not sure how to manage the situation, do not disregard the parents’ concerns but take action and refer on. There is nothing lost by providing parents with access to assessment,” says Professor Einfeld.
Changes in NSW When presenting on the topic “What GPs need to know about intellectual disability”, Professor Stewart Einfeld, Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney, said that parental concern is enough to indicate further testing. And according to A/Professor Natalie Silove, consultant paediatrician and Head of Child Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, research shows that parents have an 80% chance of being correct. In other words, if parents express concern about their child’s development then in 80% of cases, assessment will confirm their instincts are right. Professor Einfeld believes that a healthcare professional’s threshold for responding to parental concern should be low. When faced with parents who are concerned about their child’s development, current best practice for GPs is to take notice and listen, and if suitably trained, conduct a baseline developmental screening tool such as the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) or the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Alternatively, a GP should refer to a paediatrician or community health centre. “It is important to take action when a parent expresses concern, and the use of a screening tool helps by doing something tangible to show the parent their child’s developmental progress relative to other children of the same age,” says Professor Silove. Follow-up is also essential, even if the child is not showing signs of developmental delay as this will provide further reassurance to the parents. It is very important that health professionals do not provide false reassurance to parents who express concern about their child’s development. This can make parents very angry and feel let down, particularly when they are aware that opportunities for early intervention may have been missed.
However, there are changes afoot to help accelerate the early identification of development delay, specifically in NSW where the current system for developmental surveillance is run by child and family nurses using the PEDS, part of the infamous ‘blue book’. As nowadays only 30% of parents visit the child and family nurse after the child turns one, opportunities for early identification are less frequent. Professor Valsamma Eapen, chair, Infant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UNSW, is conducting a research project with NSW Health and Liverpool Hospital in South West Sydney looking at using the opportunistic contact with a health professional during vaccination visits to facilitate early identification of developmental problems. Professor Eapen’s trial using the Watch Me Grow webapp is targeting parents who are visiting the GP as part of the routine 12 or 18 month vaccination schedule. While in the waiting room, parents are given an ipad to access the webapp to answer 17 questions – 7 relating to general development and 10 specific to autism. Once completed, and before the appointment begins, the results are analysed and any parent-reported concerns along with recommendations such as refer for further assessment, early intervention etc are communicated to the GP. The parent will also receive an email with feedback on the results along with anticipatory guidance linked to the US-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Learn the signs. Act Early program which provides a summary of milestones for children aged from 2 months – 5 years, and provides the tools for parents to track their child’s development and act early on any concerns. This is in keeping with the recent changes made by NSW Health regarding developmental surveillance in the ‘blue book’ where the PEDS has been replaced by Learn the Signs. Act Early resources. Professor Eapen is hoping to receive funding for a larger, multi-site trial to continue validating the program.
“If
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Diagnosis: A Personal Story Helen Tozer is the parent of Josiah, a six year old boy with Fragile X syndrome. With a background in early childhood education, she knew that Josiah was not meeting his developmental milestones from a very young age. She first raised her concerns with a GP in Hong Kong when Josiah was one month old but her concerns were brushed aside and she was told that he was fine. After a move to the USA and escalating anxiety about Josiah’s development, Helen become increasingly proactive in finding a health professional who would take her concerns seriously and act on them accordingly. “At first, I felt like I needed to justify my concerns and convince the doctor that I was right about my son,” Helen said.
“Not only is this untrue but being continually told that boys are slower to develop is disempowering and undermines a parent’s level of concern,” said Helen.
“The doctor eventually agreed with me which started a diagnostic treadmill that, after endless inconclusive neurological and metabolic testing, finally resulted in genetic testing and the diagnosis of Fragile X syndrome when Josiah was 18 months old.”
When asked if she had advice for other parents who are concerned about their child’s development, Helen says to trust your instincts and don’t give up.
She acknowledges that not everyone is an “instinctive advocate” but urges parents to keep searching for a Helen says that she and her husband were told health professional who acknowledges that your multiple times by both health professionals and other concerns are valid and is prepared to work with you parents that boys tend to be more delayed than girls. to confirm or deny them. Prepared by Fragile X Association of Australia for publication on the ThinkGP education portal of Reed Medical Education in July 2017.
Photo of the Tozer family for Fragile X Association of Australia by Daniel Linnet of LinnetFoto
Fragile X disorders—Don’t miss them It is still the case that Fragile X-associated disorders are not always identified as early as they could be: they remain “frequently under-recognised and often misdiagnosed.” 1 Early diagnosis of Fragile X syndrome, FXTAS and FXPOI provides opportunities for early intervention, early treatments and the best health outcomes. Increasing awareness of Fragile X-associated disorders in the medical community remains an important priority. We actively pursue opportunities to achieve this. We have a regular presence at the women’s health and general education days run by Healthed in the main capital cities each year. This gives thousands of general practitioners regular exposure to information about testing and diagnosis of Fragile X-associated disorders. Further, we have presented several times at a regular expo for medical students at UNSW, and we will be presenting to students in Masters of Genetic Counselling programs in 2019. Many thanks to our members who volunteer their time to represent us at Healthed conferences and other opportunities to increase awareness of Fragile X.
1
Fragile X-associated Disorders: Don’t miss them, Rachael C Birch, Jonathan Cohen, Julian N Trollor. Australian Family Physician, Vol 46, No 7, July 2017. p487-491. Available online at www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/…... Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
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Fundraising Highlights Our members and supporters do a wonderful job in using community events to increase awareness of Fragile X-associated disorders and to fundraise for us. Fundraising is an important way to generate the income to support our day-to-day operations and new initiatives.
For the 5th year in a row FXAA was sole charity partner for the annual Bridge to Beach paddle race. This iconic race is an 11km paddle across Sydney Harbour, from just under the Bridge and across the Harbour to end at Manly Cove. The race is run by Oceanpaddler, a local business founded by world champion paddler Dean Gardiner. $10,000 was raised for FXAA through the race fundraising. Generously matched, dollar for dollar, by Shaw & Partners Foundation this resulted in an |amazing $20,000 to help fund our Family Support role. Mackenzie “Macca” Hynard took out race honours in fasntastic time, and has kindly agreed to be Fragile X ambassador for Bridge to Beach 2019 in February! Cheque presentation at Manly Cove after the race. Mackenzie Hynard (Shaw & Partners Race Team), Graham Hook (FXAA), Earl Evans (Co-CEO of Shaw & Partners)
Sydney’s City2Surf is a 14km running challenge—from the starting point in Hyde Park and on to Bondi Beach. “Fast Suit Guy” Mike Tozer and Cynthia Roberts put in an amazing performance, raising over $20,000 in their back to back efforts in 2017 and 2018!
Mike Tozer was keen for a second Guinness World Record! This time he took on a full marathon—42km around Sydney finishing up on the steps of the Opera House. Mike set a cracking pace and achieved an amazing 2hr 50min, but unfortunately was pipped at the post by another runner in a suit….. Mike and his son Josiah were invited to appear on Studio 10, ahead of the race, to talk about Fragile X syndrome and why it is that Mike runs in the blue suit with the ever-present orange ribbon.
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Workshops and Seminars
BRISBANE Wednesday 1 November 2017 HOBART Friday 3 November 2017
Dr Marcia Braden and Dr Jonathan Cohen led two full-day Fragile X Community Day workshops hosted by FXAA in Brisbane and Hobart. The program covered strategies to support the Fragile X learning style, daily living and successful supports, and an update on the latest on Fragile X-associated conditions. In Brisbane speech pathologist Melinda Cassells presented on supporting language development, and in Hobart neurodevelopmental optometrist Rashelle Cohen presented on vision and sensory issues in Fragile X.
Dr Marcia Braden is an educational psychologist from the US who specialises in educational strategies and behaviours in children and adults with Fragile X syndrome, and Dr Jonathan Cohen is the medical director of the Fragile X Alliance Clinic in Melbourne. It was our pleasure to partner with them again to present the Fragile X Community Days, both of which were very well attended. Assessment clinics were conducted by Dr Braden and Dr Cohen in conjunction with the workshops.
Videos of presentations from the Brisbane Fragile X Community Day are available on our FXAA youtube channel. Each video has been viewed several hundred times by an Australian and international audience. Our thanks to the telco Chorus Call for the chance to win a grant to support the Community Days, and our thanks to Calvary Hospital Foundation in Tasmania for a grant to support the workshop and clinics, and to Tony Brennan for welcoming us to Hobart and formally opening the workshop.
Prof Randi Hagerman was keynote speaker at evening seminars hosted by FXAA at the Royal Children’s Hospital (Melbourne), and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Sydney), in August & September 2018. Both events were very well attended with audiences including families, genetic counsellors, researchers, medical students and other health professionals. Dr Hagerman had a full schedule during her short visit! She saw several patients, opened the new FXTAS clinic at Caulfield Hospital, gave a lecture on FX premutation at MCRI, met with clinicians with an interest in FXTAS, and made several Q&A videos for our youtube channel and social media. Many thanks to Dr Hagerman for generously giving so much of her time, and to Zynerba Pharmaceuticals for a grant to meet FXAA’s associated costs.
Mr John Cunningham, Prof Randi Hagerman
Dr Sam Bolitho, A/Prof Stephen Tisch (St Vincent’s), Prof Randi Hageman, Prof Ted Brown (FXAA) Fragile X Association of Australia Inc
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Financial Overview During the financial year 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018, the net assets of Fragile X Association of Australia (FXAA) were largely unchanged from the previous year. Income for the operations of the organisation included continued generous financial support from the Cunningham family, funds raised by our members and supporters, and the final tranche of a 3-year grant from a private philanthropic foundation.
Community support is also very important in raising the funds needed to sustain our services. The annual collaboration between the Galston Garden Club and Masonicare results in a significant donation to FXAA; the Dixon’s Creek annual community concert in 2017 chose to support Fragile X; and the Launceston community has established a well-attended annual fundraising High Tea for FXAA.
Net assets of approx. $700,000 largely comprise the Thanks must go to everyone who helps raise funds, Endowment Fund of approx. $600,000, which small and large, to sustain FXAA; every donation underlies FXAA’s financial stability but is not available makes a difference. for operations. In this new financial year of 2018/2019 we received As foreshadowed in last year’s annual report, a 3-year an entirely unexpected and sizeable donation from a grant of $100,000 per annum from a philanthropic private individual, and we intend to build new foundation which has been a generous long-term relationships encouraging potential donors to choose supporter of FXAA concluded. Planned spending FXAA as a worthy ‘cause’ to support. It is important to reductions, including rental costs, were have a compelling case and ensure that donors can implemented accordingly. These cost savings have see the impact of their financial support - this will be a allowed for FXAA’s operations to be maintained, core focus for 2019. while producing a small surplus for the year. Meantime FXAA’s Endowment Fund ensures financial As FXAA receives no government funding or fees surety for FXAA as a ‘reserve’ with the intended future from services, it depends on the goodwill of role of generating sufficient return for use in supporters and sponsors to remain viable. This is operations, which was the Fund’s original purpose. forthcoming from year to year but is not guaranteed Conservative investment during the year yielded a net and is always somewhat unpredictable. return of nearly 6%. The Endowment Fund Further, as membership fees have been waived to Committee’s chairman, David Bassingthwaighte, encourage membership growth, this revenue source retired from this role on 30 June 2018 and is very must be replaced. warmly thanked for his enormous contribution in shepherding the Endowment Fund and in bringing 2019 marks FXAA’s 30th year as a national body and significant financial support into FXAA. We are very will be a catalyst for raising the profile of Fragile X pleased that David’s colleague on the Endowment and expanding our support base. Fund Committee, Martin Davey, has agreed to take on the chairmanship and ensure continuation of prudent We are very fortunate to have Shaw and Partners as management. Other members of the Endowment an active corporate sponsor. In 2018 the Shaw and Fund Committee remain the FXAA Secretary and Partners Foundation matched funds raised for FXAA Treasurer, together with former Board member through Oceanpaddler’s Bridge to Beach race in John Kelleher who also serves as an active advisory Sydney, and is also matching another donor’s member of the FXAA Board’s executive committee. contribution to our film project The Fragile X Factor. We remain very grateful for the ongoing support of We are also most appreciative of the many Mr Peter Vilimaa and the firm Manser, Tierney and individuals and groups who raise funds for FXAA in Johnston who have provided pro bono auditing different ways. Firstly, on the running side: many services to FXAA for many years. The Board and our thanks to Cynthia Roberts for her annual fundraising staff wish to record their great appreciation of this through the City2Surf fun run in Sydney; and long-term support and invaluable input, which congratulations to Mike Tozer for raising funds and provides excellent independent scrutiny and oversight media coverage through participation in a variety of of FXAA’s financial affairs. We commend to members events for Fragile X, ranging from family fun runs to the re-appointment of Mr Peter Vilimaa of Manser, the truly elite challenge of running a full marathon in a Tierney & Johnston as auditor. suit!
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The audited Financial Statements 30 June 2018 for Fragile X Association of Australia Inc can be viewed on our website: www.fragilex.org.au
Support Us Make a Tax-Deductible Donation www.givenow.com.au/fragilex Become a Member A strong member base increases our voice and grows our network
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CONTACT US 1300 394 636 (cost of local call)
support@fragilex.org.au
Registered office: Suite 204, 20 Dale Street, Brookvale NSW 2100 ABN 18 655 264 477
ARBN 626 478 966