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2007
Starlight
Annual Repor t
Every family, Everywhere, Every day
The wonderful services provided by
Starlight are key components in the
provision of total care. These services
not only change the hospital and illness
experience for so many children and their
families, but also enhance the capacity
of health professionals and the health
system in delivering the best possible care.
Professor Les White
Executive Director, Sydney Children’s Hospital
Starlight’s Mission
To brighten the lives of all seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families throughout Australia.
Contents
Chairman and CEO report
2
National Board of Directors
4
Starlight’s Values
About Starlight
6
Starlight’s impact
8
Shine brightly for seriously ill children and their families
2007 at a glance
10
Work as one cohesive and caring team
2008 and beyond
12
Take pride in our achievements
Expanding our reach
14
Thank you to our supporters
20
Corporate governance
26
Financial summary
27
Frequently asked questions
34
How to support Starlight
36
Be responsible for Starlight’s performance
Share ideas, knowledge and experience
Chairman and CEO Report
Every day we draw inspiration from the strength of the thousands of children and young
people living with chronic medical conditions and physical disabilities. While their medical
and emotional needs may be complex, their biggest challenge can be to simply feel ‘normal’
and enjoy ‘normal’ childhood experiences. ‘Ordinary’ is something these kids and their
families can only dream about – for them, ‘ordinary’ is ‘extraordinary’.
At Starlight we are all deeply passionate about achieving the best outcomes for kids
and their families. This underpins our every decision. When there is a complicated issue
to resolve Starlight has only one criteria: what is in the best interest of the children?
By delivering the best programs possible, that are meaningful and relevant, we are being
true to our mission and values. To achieve continual improvement, we listen to our
stakeholders, adapting to changing environments and healthcare needs.
Each year there are over 600,000 child admissions to hospitals in Australia, of which,
Starlight programs currently only reach “1 in 3”. Our ultimate goal is to enable every
seriously ill and hospitalised child and family in Australia to access our programs and
services, everywhere and every day.
Currently, we are well on the way to making this a reality and the following report features
many of Starlight’s recent achievements.
In 2007 we extended our reach into the homes of 10-18 year olds living with illness or
disability, with the pilot launch of Livewire, our online program focused on connecting kids
to each other and the outside world. We also established a permanent presence in the
Northern Territory with Captain Starlight now regularly visiting hospitalised children and
remote, Indigenous communities.
To ensure we can meet future demand with the most relevant programs,
we completed a comprehensive ‘Needs Analysis’ research study with
families of children who are seriously ill or living with a disability, with a
particular focus in metropolitan, regional, rural and Indigenous communities.
By understanding their needs and challenges, and the impact our programs have, we can
plan most effectively for the future.
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“When there is a
complicated issue to resolve,
Starlight has only one
criteria: what is in the best
interest of the children?”
In the coming years our focus will be on ensuring Starlight is well positioned to support
children and their families alongside the healthcare system. We will focus on evolving
our program strategy to embrace learnings from our Needs Analysis study and ongoing
program evaluation. By introducing the most efﬁcient systems, investing in development
initiatives for our team, and by continuing to work closely with our valued supporters,
including our donors and volunteers, we can be sure that their Starlight experience is
positive and enriching.
Starlight’s programs signiﬁcantly enhance the wellbeing of a child throughout their illness,
which is often over many years. There is still a long way to go to reach our goals and
we can’t do it without your support. The incredible efforts and generosity of our team,
volunteers, supporters and partners is having a resounding impact on these brave kids
and their families.
Jill Weekes - Chief Executive
Doug Jukes - Chairman
Thank you for your dedication and commitment. It is due to the generosity of people
like you that we can provide vital support to seriously ill children, young people and their
families right across Australia.
We look forward to working together to achieve our ultimate aim – every family,
everywhere, every day.
Jill Weekes - Chief Executive
Doug Jukes - Chairman
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National Board of Directors
The Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia Board of Directors consists of fourteen independent non-executive directors and one
executive director. Combined, the Board brings a wide range of business and commercial skills to Starlight, spanning numerous
industries and sectors.
STARLIGHT LUMINARIES
“Luminary – leading light, achiever, celebrity,
personality”
Neil Perry
Kieren Perkins AO
Sir William Dean AC KBE
Starlight is fortunate to have many loyal
supporters, however from time to time
there are those people who really go ‘over
and above’ for Starlight, showing their
commitment and publically supporting the
Starlight cause to bring great beneﬁt to
Starlight families.
A Starlight Luminary is such a person,
someone who is a ‘leading light’ for Starlight
using their inﬂuence to great and positive
effect. We are delighted that in 2007 Neil
Perry one of Australia’s premium gourmet
chefs and Olympic swimming legend Kieren
Perkins AO accepted this prestigious
position as our ﬁrst Starlight Luminaries.
Their continued support will help Starlight
achieve our goals in the coming years.
STARLIGHT PATRONS
“Patron - supporter, protector, advocate,
champion”
For many years Starlight has enjoyed the
support of our two core patrons, Sir William
Dean AC KBE and John Newcombe AO
OBE.
John Newcombe AO OBE
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Doug Jukes - Chairman
“I am passionate about Starlight because I have witnessed our ability to lift the spirits of
seriously ill children right when they need it the most. Starlight works in conjunction with
the medical profession and provides a total approach to care using innovative programs of
distractive therapy. From all the feedback of health professionals and personal observation, I
know that this is an essential part of the healing process.”
Ian Kennedy OAM - President
“Starlight is truly there for the children. Once, I granted a wish for a 14 year old boy who was
dying from muscular dystrophy. Leaving his home one night after looking at the pictures of
his father carrying him on his back into the porpoise pool, his mother said to me ‘it will be a
wonderful place to go to when he’s gone’. That we can help Starlight take children and families
in despair to such places I ﬁnd astonishing, humbling and rewarding all at the one time.”
Jill Weekes - Chief Executive
“Making a positive difference to sick children is so rewarding – I see so many children and
families who are confronted by real challenges. Fortunately, Starlight can help them smile,
laugh and cope better. Having now been CEO for ten years, it’s been the most wonderfully rich,
challenging and rewarding journey and continues to be so. Working here reinforces my faith in
human nature, shows me the positive inﬂuence that Starlight has and the important impact
individuals can have, working with and supporting Starlight.”
“
“
Top Row: Professor Les White, Peter Butler, Mark Burrowes
Middle Row: Alison Deans, Carolyn Kay, Laura Andersen, Dr Merci Kusel
Front Row: Doug Jukes, Jill Weekes, Ian Kennedy
Absent: Philip Hennessy, Neil Flett, Stephen Johnson, Kieren Perkins, Graham Watman
Why I’m passionate
about Starlight…
Dr Merci Kusel “I have personally witnessed the
calming effect Captain Starlight’s presence had on a
petriﬁed child about to undergo a painful diagnostic
procedure.”
Kieren Perkins “After having a serious accident in my
childhood, I understand the stress, discomfort and
loneliness that hospital treatment brings.”
Mark Burrowes “Doctors heal their bodies and
Starlight helps heal the spirit of the kids and their
families.”
Steve Johnson “Without the work of organisations
such as Starlight it can be very difﬁcult for children
and their families to see a light in the dark during
these painful and often stressful times – and so the
need for such work is profound.”
Peter Butler “Starlight is a true pioneer...”
Alison Deans “As a mother of three young children I’ve
seen the power of Starlight programs.”
Laura Anderson “Starlight offers children burdened
with serious illness the chance to laugh and feel
normal.”
Philip Hennessy “Starlight’s focus and initiatives allow
me to make a ‘right now’ difference to those children
and families facing extra challenges.”
Neil Flett “The challenge now is to extend Starlight’s
services to the hundreds of thousands still untouched
by the many Starlight services.”
Graham Watman “Because we aren’t content with
brightening the lives of only a third of all seriously ill
kids, but are constantly ﬁnding ways to reach every
single seriously ill and hospitalised child in Australia.”
Carolyn Kay “The beneﬁts of the happiness that
Starlight brings to these children and their families is
evident time and time again.”
About Starlight
Living with illness or injury can cause enormous strain in the lives of children and their families.
The pain, loneliness and isolation that sick children feel can dominate their lives. They
often miss out on normal experiences healthy children take for granted.
Starlight’s programs and services deliver meaningful beneﬁts. Research has shown that
our work:
Many children will live with their condition all their lives, and for seriously ill children
physical treatment is only part of the solution.
n Stimulates the senses and lifts the spirits
Since 1988, the Starlight Children’s Foundation has been providing innovative programs
designed to lift the spirits of these children and their families when they need it most.
n Provides a more positive experience during hospital treatment
Starlight brings fun and laughter to children no matter what their illness or where
they live. Delivered both in and out of hospital, Starlight’s programs provide a positive
distraction to children, their siblings and their parents.
n Provides essential respite from the strain of living with serious or chronic illness by
giving a positive focus for the child and family
n Promotes the healing process
n Assists the medical care team in patient compliance
n Enables important social connections with others facing similar challenges, and
helps to maintain the family spirit
Starlight is a national organisation with ofﬁces in Victoria, New South Wales,
Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory. This national
structure allows Starlight to minimise its administration, fundraising and program
delivery costs as infrastructure for the organisation is shared.
“Starlight was like the gasp of air, in between being dumped by the waves”
- John, Starlight Parent
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CAPTAIN STARLIGHT
STARLIGHT FUN CENTRES
STARLIGHT ESCAPES
Captain Starlight’s sole purpose is to bring
smiles to sick children by distracting them
from their illness and pain and engaging
them with unique skills, companionship
and entertainment. In the eyes of a child,
Captain Starlight is a magical super hero
bringing laughter, games, magic and all
kinds of fun activities into their lives. The
team of Starlight Captains work their
magic across numerous Starlight programs.
Starlight Fun Centres give kids the
freedom to play what they want, when
they want from their bedside. These
mobile entertainment units have
computer games, a CD and DVD player
loaded with numerous movies, lifting
children’s spirits during difﬁcult times.
There are 478 Starlight Fun Centres in
paediatric wards around Australia.
Starlight Escapes offer families a much
needed break from the stress of a child’s
illness with a fun family experience.
By providing simple, unexpected
entertainment such as a night at the
movies or a picnic in the park, the Starlight
Escapes program brings families together
and gives them a much needed respite
from hospitals and treatment rooms.
STARLIGHT WISHGRANTING
LIVEWIRE
A Starlight Wish is a dream come true for
a seriously ill child. Sharing a special, oncein-a-lifetime wish brings a family together
and is an experience that stays with them
forever. In 2008, Starlight aims to grant
450 life changing wishes for children with
serious and chronic illness.
Livewire is an exclusive secure online
community connecting 10 to 18 year
olds living with serious illness or disability.
Livewire gives these teens the opportunity
to break through the isolation and loneliness
they may suffer. It gives them the chance to
meet in a safe environment and share their
experiences, make friends, have fun and
support each other.
STARLIGHT EXPRESS ROOMS
The Starlight Express Room is a place
where Captain Starlight delivers a special
brand of fun and entertainment, alongside
the latest computer games, movies, crafts
and activities. Kids too ill to leave their
beds are also visited by Captain Starlight
and can join in the fun via the daily
Captain Starlight shows broadcast to their
bedside TVs. There are 7 Starlight Express
Rooms in Australia’s major paediatric
hospitals providing a medical free respite
for children and their families.
STARLIGHT EXPRESS VANS
Seriously ill children living in regional and
remote areas face enormous challenges
such as extended periods away from
home for treatment, emotional hardship
and isolation from their friends and family.
Our Starlight Express Van program
ensures that these children have the
opportunity to experience the magic of
Captain Starlight throughout the year as
our vans travels across Australia.
CLUB ADO
The only facility of its kind in Australia, Club
Ado (Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth)
is a dedicated space for teenagers where
they can hang out and escape the stress
and boredom of hospitalised life. Made up
of a broad range of interactive activities
and with professional room hosts trained in
various backgrounds to reﬂect the interests
of adolescents, this initiative allows patients
to support one another, meet new friends
and discover hidden talents. It is Starlight’s
aim to provide all paediatric hospitals with
a Club Ado facility.
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Starlight’s Impact
Every day Starlight employees and volunteers devote their time to help bring much needed laughter and smiles to sick children and
their families across the country.
In 2007…
n 80 highly trained professionals made up our passionate Captain Starlight team
visiting children in hospitals, clinics and special schools every day.
n 7 Starlight Express Vans reached more than 22,500 children during over 80
hospital visits.
“The Starlight Express Room is a focal
point, it’s a centre for activities for
children in this hospital. I know that
because the children are waiting at
the door well before Starlight opens,
n Captain Starlight entertained over 400,000 visitors across Starlight’s 7 Starlight
Express Rooms.
and they’re there at the very end and
n 478 Starlight Fun Centres are in paediatric wards throughout 170 hospitals.
they’re very disappointed to see the
n 520 Starlight Escapes entertained more than 900 families.
doors close. There’s so much activity in
n Over 360 children had their Starlight Wish granted.
n Starlight launched the Livewire pilot program.
that room, that children tear in there
at all times of the day to participate
n Over 8,500 teens visited Club Ado.
n Over 1,580 volunteers supported Starlight programs.
and enjoy themselves.”
- Dr Luce Dalla Pozza, Staff Specialist
Oncology, Westmead
8
4
14
6
11
38
1
1
1
288
Captains
Starlight Fun Centres
Starlight Express Room
Starlight Express Van
Club Ado
Volunteers
Captains
Starlight Fun Centres
Volunteers
NT
15
85
1
1
225
QLD
Captains
Starlight Fun Centres
Starlight Express Room
Starlight Express Van
Volunteers
WA
SA
NSW
26
214
3
2
489
ACT
VIC
4
56
1
26
Captains
Starlight Fun Centres
Starlight Express Van
Volunteers
16
57
2
1
376
Captains
Starlight Fun Centres
Starlight Express Rooms
Starlight Express Van
Volunteers
4
6
1
1
31
TAS
8
27
Captains
Starlight Fun Centres
Starlight Express Rooms
Starlight Express Vans
Volunteers
Captains
Starlight Fun Centres
Starlight Express Van
Starlight Wall
Volunteers
Starlight Fun Centres
Volunteers
9
2007 At a Glance
Thanks to the continuous support of our partners we are pleased to share with you some signiﬁcant milestones and
achievements Starlight celebrated in 2007.
Completion of the ‘50
Towns in 50 Weeks’ tour
in conjunction with Caltex.
Captain Starlight travelled over
40,000 kms to bring Starlight
magic to remote and regional
areas for the ﬁrst time.
10
Captain Starlight lands in
the Northern Territory and
now regularly reaches children
in communities as far apart as
Alice Springs and Gove, Darwin
and Katherine.
The ‘Starlight Wall’ is
launched at Canberra Hospital
providing hospitalised kids
with ongoing interactive
entertainment and distraction.
“Starlight creates smiles, ends
loneliness and fear and holds families
like ours together.”
- Lillian, Starlight Parent.
Livewire pilot is launched.
A secure online community
where 10 - 18 year olds living
with serious illness or disability
can make friends and share
experiences with their peers
facing similar challenges.
The ﬁrst Club Ado ofﬁcially
launches in Perth, giving
hospitalised teenagers a
dedicated space of their own,
with exclusive access to a games
room, café, arts studio, media
station and lounge.
Starlight undergoes a
comprehensive ‘Needs
Analysis’ research study to
identify how, in the future,
Starlight programs should
support seriously ill children,
young people and their families,
especially those in remote and
regional areas. To respond to
these needs Starlight develops a
long term program
strategy.
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2008 and Beyond
Our goal is to enable every child to access Starlight’s programs. This will require continual evolution and in 2008 we will
focus on:
The Livewire program
membership will be opened
up to ALL teenagers living
with serious illness or disability.
Hospital trials enabling bedside
access for seriously ill teenagers
will commence ensuring they
can remain in touch with their
peers and family even during
medical treatment.
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Starlight Escapes will evolve
to provide more activities
allowing even more families to
relax and enjoy much needed
fun time together.
Our Starlight Wishgranting
program will be expanded by
25%, with 450 life changing
wishes planned for 2008.
As part of our Regional
Needs project we will begin
Indigenous consultation
and develop program models
to optimise Starlight activities in
remote communities.
“It’s been a difﬁcult year healthwise for my daughter but also
for the whole family. Seriously, Starlight is the only thing that
enables us to all focus on something positive and generate lots
of smiles.” - Kylie, Starlight Parent.
3 new Starlight Express
Vans will be launched, 1 in
QLD, in NSW and in the NT
which will take Captain Starlight
to regional hospitals and special
needs schools on a more
regular basis.
A review of Starlight Fun
Centres will be completed to
evolve these into new dynamic,
interactive units for the future.
Final planning is underway
for the ﬁrst ever Starlight
Express Room in South
Australia, due to open in
the Women’s and Children’s
Hospital in Adelaide in 2009.
Planning will commence for new
Starlight Express Rooms
in the redeveloped Royal
Children’s Hospital, Melbourne
and the new Queensland
Children’s Hospital in Brisbane,
both due to open in 2011.
Starlight will invest in a more
sophisticated infrastructure with
better technology, to ensure
we maximise efﬁciencies as we
continue to grow.
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Expanding Our Reach
We will expand our services geographically, offering relevant programs for more remote and regional areas. We will also deepen our
programs for teenagers and young people with speciﬁc facilities to support their wellbeing by keeping them connected with ‘normal
life’ and their peer group both in and out of hospital.
50 Towns in 50 Weeks
In 2006 Caltex celebrated 50 years of reﬁning in Australia, and to
commemorate this milestone the ‘50 towns in 50 weeks’ tour was
developed in conjunction with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The tour represented the single biggest community initiative ever
for both Starlight and Caltex. Captain Starlight traveled almost
40,000kms over a 50 week continuous tour around regional areas
of Australia. Visiting numerous hospitals, special schools and remote
communities, the Captains put on magic shows, karaoke competitions
and computer game challenges and painted hundreds of kid’s faces.
The 50 towns in 50 Weeks tour increased Starlight’s reach to remote
areas including towns such as Nhulunboy in the Northern Territory as
well as raising signiﬁcant funds through Caltex fundraising activities. A
documentary, ‘Miles for Smiles’, screened on Channel 9 and featured
the story of Captain Starlight’s trip across Australia and the incredible
individuals that were touched by Starlight’s magic along the way.
“The 50 Towns tour has set an amazing precedent for what can be achieved when two like
minded organisations come together for the beneﬁt of communities across Australia, and work
in a truly symbiotic partnership. We are all extremely proud of this achievement.”
14
– Des King, Managing Director & CEO, Caltex Australia Limited.
Starlight reaches the NT
“It is a joy to see the transformation when Captain Starlight visits, as so many children, especially
Indigenous kids, are withdrawn and suddenly they come out of their shell. It makes our job so
much easier and the hospital a happy place.”
- Christine Finlay, Director of Nursing, Royal Darwin Hospital, NT
Healthcare for children in the Northern Territory presents unique
needs and challenges, one of which is reaching Indigenous children in
remote areas who face cultural as well as geographical issues. Around
30% of the population in Northern Territory is Indigenous, but more
than 90% of the child admissions to paediatrics wards in Alice Springs
and Darwin are Aboriginal. These children typically remain in hospital
for more than twice the average time as those in a metropolitan
hospital in the southern states.
Historically, reaching these children has been extremely difﬁcult for
Starlight however, in late 2006 Starlight established a permanent
presence in the NT. Captain Starlight is now bringing fun and laughter
to hospital wards and clinics in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and
Gove on a regular basis.
To meet the unique needs in the NT, basic health and hygiene tips have
helped to form part of the Captains’ fun and interactive shows. When
visiting the Yirrkala health clinic the Captains’ shows focus on messages
around the importance of nose blowing, ear cleaning and washing
hands. Thanks to a new Starlight Express Van, Captain Starlight can
also visit children living outside major regional centres.
Starlight Wall, Canberra
The Canberra Hospital is the primary public health facility serving the
ACT and surrounding regions in southern NSW. Starlight launched
the Starlight Wall in early 2007 to provide an interactive facility within
Canberra Hospital’s existing play therapy room.
In addition to the Starlight Wall, two Captain Starlights are now based
in the ACT, spending three days a week in the Canberra Hospital as
well as visiting hospitals on a monthly basis in surrounding towns
including Goulburn, Albury, Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Grifﬁth.
15
“We would love to meet other parents who understand our son’s condition so we could talk it
over with them. The medical people are not really allowed to tell you what to do. It would just
be so good to know another family and what they are doing.” - Geoff, Starlight Parent.
Needs Analysis
In 2007 Starlight undertook a Needs Analysis research project to
help us better understand the experiences of children and young
people - who have a serious illness, chronic health condition
or disability - and their families. Funded by the Macquarie
Group Foundation, the groundbreaking initiative will provide
vital information on how Starlight can expand and enhance its
programs.
The consultation program involved almost 300 people including
families, children, health professionals, service providers, Starlight
volunteers, academics, government agencies and others. Over 70
family members took part and it is their stories and experiences
in particular that have helped to bring a new perspective to
existing knowledge.
The ﬁnal phase of this research involves consulting Indigenous
and isolated communities. Around 40% of children reside in
regional Australia and Starlight currently has limited means in
reaching these kids. One of the most exciting outcomes of this
project will be the development of more comprehensive and
sustainable regional models.
“The work Starlight do is something that we will never do. That isn’t because we don’t believe it
is important, it is because there are so many other services that we have to provide ﬁrst. The
reality is we operate in an environment of scarce resources and if Starlight wasn’t here, the types
of things they do just wouldn’t happen.” - Health Professional
16
“In the case of families living in regional and remote areas,
those problems are compounded by the need to travel long
distances for treatment and the extended family separation
this often entails. In supporting this study, we hope that some
of the pressures on regional families can be alleviated and the
needs of seriously ill children better addressed.”
- Julie White, Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation
“I was with her in hospital for every single day of the nine months. How do you describe it? You
are so desperate for things to do or talk about but even things you would normally talk about are
taken away from you because you are limited to what goes on in this one, tiny room.”
- Amanda, Starlight Parent
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Young People and Teens
The needs of adolescents are quite speciﬁc. Young adults need
opportunities to be independent, to make choices and to interact with
their peers in a safe and private environment. This was the primary
motivation for Starlight to develop the pilot program of Livewire, an
exclusive, secure online community connecting 10 to 18 year olds
living with serious illness or disability. Livewire gives these teens the
opportunity to break through the isolation and disconnectedness
they may suffer. It gives them the chance to connect with their
peer group and share their experiences, make friends, have fun and
support each other – even as they cope with medical treatment or
prolonged hospital stays.
Livewire is all about the members, who can visit the chat room to
connect with others, start a blog and keep up to date with all the
latest news on music, movies and sports gossip. The Livewire website
has three separate communities for three age groups; 10-12 years,
13-15 years and 16-18 years, ensuring all content, language and chat
topics are relevant and age appropriate.
This is one of Starlight’s largest and most signiﬁcant programs.
Ultimately, the aim of the program is to connect these young people
not only with their peers, but with their parents, siblings and friends.
“The hosts and members are all absolutely friendly and brilliant and it’s good to get to know
people that might have been through what I’ve been through.” - Livewire Member
“Livewire is a really cool place for sick kids to hang out and talk to others with similar conditions.
This is a big plus for those kids who live out of the city.” - Livewire Member
18
club
ADO
The only facility of its kind in Australia, Club Ado is a dedicated
space for teenagers, where they can hang out and escape the stress
and boredom of hospitalised life. Made up of four distinct zones,
each providing different activities and distractions, Club Ado is a
collaborative initiative managed by Starlight and Perth’s Princess
Margaret Hospital.
Imaginations are unleashed with painting and arts in the Creative
Cosmos room, the Star Studio has all the latest DVDs, plus
ﬁlmmaking technology to produce shows, patients and their visitors
can hang out in the games room, grab a quick snack in the funky
Star Bites café or enjoy some fresh air in the outdoor area. Club
Ado also has its own TV station, reaching isolated teenagers on the
wards.
With professional room hosts trained in various backgrounds to
reﬂect the interests of these young people, this initiative allows
patients to support one another, meet new friends and discover
hidden talents, all the while ﬁlling the room with smiles and
laughter.
“Starlight lets you experience what’s great in life when other things aren’t so good. Even though
I was very sick, with Starlight I could still enjoy myself and have fun. That’s what life is about –
living in the moment.” – Cody, previous Starlight Wish Child
19
Thank You To Our Supporters
Starlight relies entirely on the generosity of the Australian public to exist. It is due to the kindness of individuals, businesses and
community groups that we are able to continue to provide our vital support to seriously ill children, young people and their families.
Volunteers
Volunteers are Starlight’s most valuable resource in making the dreams
of Starlight and the children a reality. Volunteers from across Australia
generously donate their time and effort to bring magic across numerous
activities to support Starlight.
These amazing individuals lend a hand on a regular basis, fundraising
for Starlight, helping to grant Starlight Wishes, working in our Starlight
Express Rooms, in our ofﬁce and at our events, truly becoming part of
the Starlight family. Volunteering for Starlight not only makes a positive
change in the lives of Starlight families but often makes a strong impact
on those giving up their time too.
Adre vero odiamet.
Each year, over 4000 people lend their support on Starlight Day, our
annual ‘cause day’ in May. Individuals and corporate groups volunteer
their time to sell merchandise and host Star Party fundraisers in the
name of Starlight.
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Starlight Children’s
Foundation - a huge thank you to all of our big hearted supporters.
“In January, after 18 years of organising wishes and decorating
rooms, I ﬁnally hung up my fairy wings. Looking back on my
time with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, I’m so proud to
have been part of such a wonderful organisation.”
– Faye, Starlight Volunteer since 1988.
20
“I’ve been a Starlight volunteer for ten years now, as I know ﬁrst-hand how a wish can positively
impact the life of a seriously ill child. It gives them something exciting to think about in the midst
of medical appointments and worry.”
– Lyndal, Starlight Volunteer since 1997 and Starlight Wish child in 1992.
Individuals
Philanthropy is deﬁned as ‘the love of humankind’ or ‘private action
for the public good’. Philanthropy is the reason why generous, caring
people support Starlight to brighten the lives of seriously ill children
and their families.
Starlight is fortunate to enjoy the support of many individuals whose
philanthropy inspires them to help in a variety of ways and Starlight
helps ensure their inspirational generosity makes a real difference to
the children and families we help.
There are a multitude of ways to support Starlight, which include
caring people who make donations through mail, phone or internet,
those who make a regular monthly donation, or have included
Starlight in their Will, or those who through Foundation Grants
or major donations contribute to Starlight’s work. Every donation
makes a difference and helps us grow the extent and impact of our
programs.
Declan raised $110 with his impromptu music performance which has
helped more hospitalised kids have fun in the Starlight Express Room.
Max chose to forgo his Christmas beer so he could make a donation and
help grant more wishes. And Gloria made a bequest to Starlight so sick
kids in the future will have the chance to smile again.
“I was on my way down to the supermarket where there was a Christmas Special on my
favourite beer. However I saw the postman coming and there was Starlight’s letter. After
reading about Christian and his ‘Rocket Ship Plans’ how could anyone purchase beer? As an old
age pensioner I can’t afford both so it might just be that your letter and Christian’s story have
cured my liking for alcohol.” – Max, Starlight Supporter.
Grants from caring donors and philanthropic organisations have
taken the Starlight Express Van to more hospitals, sent more families
on Starlight Escapes, granted more wishes and brightened more lives
in many ways.
21
Community Partnerships
Starlight is grateful for the support of a number of community groups and corporate
partners that kindly donate funds or goods and services, to further develop our
programs.
Throughout the year community supporters host a wide range of fundraising activities
for Starlight including dinners and balls, sporting and recreational challenges, movie nights,
garage sales, BBQs and morning teas, merchandise sales and Christmas light shows – just
to name a few!
While some activities are one off events, many become annual events with structured
committees. Starlight receives support from a broad range of community groups including
service and sporting clubs, purpose built committees, councils, schools, universities and
mother’s groups.
Some key community organisations and initiatives that support Starlight include:
n Organised committees such as Young Starlight who have managed cocktail events
and designer fashion shows throughout Australia.
n Dinner and dance events such as Star Ball organised across the country.
n Cycling events such as Tour de Kids and Chain Reaction.
n Social fun events like Big Kids Night Out in Perth.
n Kick 4 Kids, a great day where healthy kids kick goals to help sick kids.
n Purplehaze football match with Fremantle Dockers and supporters Fremantle
Ports.
n Challenging events like Star Jump (abseiling down city buildings), for the adrenalin
and sporting individuals.
n Sporting activities like City2Surf or Bridge to Brisbane.
n For driving enthusiasts, events like Cruise for Charity and Starlight Trek.
22
“For the families of seriously ill kids, and the children themselves,
the pain must be unbearable. The fundraising bike rides I’ve
done for Starlight have been one of the toughest things I have
done physically, if not the toughest. But tomorrow I can go
back to work and the pain will be gone with the help of an
ice pack. For the kids who beneﬁt from the Starlight Children’s
Foundation and their families, the pain and suffering is constant
and ongoing.” - Warrick Waugh, TDK rider.
Case Study: Star Ball
The concept of Star Ball was created by a passionate Starlight
supporter in Sydney in 1997. What started as one event
raising $8,000 for Starlight has now grown to annual blacktie dinners attended by over 1600 people in Canberra,
Melbourne and Sydney, raising signiﬁcant funds for Starlight.
Founder and Chairman of the National Star Ball Committee,
Scott Didier turned his passion for Starlight into an amazing
fundraising concept. “Having experienced it ﬁrst hand, I
ﬁnd the wonderful work Starlight does both motivating and
inspiring. The Starlight culture and its people are infectious.
All of us who work on Star Ball are honoured to be able to
contribute and play our part in putting smiles on children’s
faces.”
“It’s such an important cause, one that the mums and dads of our little players will embrace.
Apart from $1 from each registration that will be donated to Starlight, we’re looking forward to
the many different ways we can all fundraise throughout the year!”
These events raise signiﬁcant funds for Starlight largely thanks
to the passion and dedication of the external organising
committees, who work tirelessly for a large part of the year.
To help minimise event costs they aim to secure prizes and
pro bono support for event facilities, prizes and entertainers.
This helps to minimise event costs and ensure the greatest
possible portion of funds raised goes directly to beneﬁting
Starlight kids and families.
– Terry, Executive Ofﬁcer, Parramatta District Junior Rugby League.
“I think the fear you feel abseiling off a building is a little taste of how scary it is for families in
those situations” – Steve, Star Jump participant.
23
Corporate Partnerships
Many businesses, from large scale multinational companies, to small owner operator
businesses support Starlight. Our long term corporate partners have been built upon
an understanding of each other’s goals. A Starlight partnership can be linked to a
company’s ‘corporate social responsibility’ objectives, which often focus on supporting
local communities, enriching culture and engaging staff.
We pride ourselves on developing mutually beneﬁcial relationships with all our corporate
partners to deliver tangible beneﬁts to those who support us. We encourage volunteering
and staff engagement with our partners and offer corporate sponsors rewarding
opportunities including customised employee programs such as fundraising initiatives,
team-based volunteering opportunities and workplace giving programs.
There are many ways a company can support Starlight including: sponsorship, causerelated marketing, fundraising, workplace giving, staff volunteering and donated goods
and services.
“Partnering with Starlight has proven to be both beneﬁcial and rewarding. What
is most exciting has been the incredible sense of cohesion and support that
has ﬂowed through the organisation. Employees at every level have embraced
our relationship and enhanced outcomes through internal initiatives to support
Starlight.” - Dennis Mahoney, National Sales & Marketing Manager, BIC
“Reed Construction Australia embarked on a joint cause-related marketing
campaign with Starlight and the Manly Sea Eagles team. The campaign was a
huge success and increased the amount of web trafﬁc to Reed’s website from
40,000 hits to 200,000 hits per month.” - Kristy Reilly, Marketing Manager Reed
Construction Australia Pty Ltd
24
Case Study: AXA
“A very high proportion of our people want to volunteer and
get involved. Starlight Day has become a major milestone on
the KPMG calendar each year. Teams around Australia take
time off from their day job, and have great fun, collecting
much needed funds for Starlight.”
In November 2006, AXA partnered with
Starlight via the AXA Charitable Trust
and Hearts in Action (HIA) community
investment programme to fund a series of
national Starlight Escapes - fun days out for
seriously ill children and their families.
see how the partnership beneﬁts seriously
ill children on a ﬁrst hand basis. To date,
AXA and Starlight have ‘delivered smiles’
to children in Maitland, Hervey Bay, Dubbo
and Adelaide with a further 15 Escapes
planned for 2008.
AXA’s community investment strategy
is to develop partnerships with charities
that support sick or disadvantaged children
and those affected by poverty and
homelessness. In line with this strategy,
AXA provided funding for 19 fun and
memorable Starlight Escapes which will
beneﬁt more than 380 families across
metropolitan and regional Australia.
The programme has been affectionately
dubbed “The AXA ‘delivering smiles’ Plan”
in reference to AXA’s current marketing
campaign.
Summarising the relationship with Starlight,
AXA’s Corporate Social Responsibility
Manager, Jennifer Dew, said: “AXA’s
support of the Starlight Escapes has
enabled our organisation to give back to
the community in a genuine way and play
a small part in brightening the lives of
seriously ill children at a challenging time.”
Rewarding volunteering opportunities
were incorporated into the Escapes
programme allowing AXA’s employees
and its network of ﬁnancial advisors to
directly interact with Starlight families and
Geoff Wilson, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, KPMG.
25
Corporate Governance
Starlight does not aspire to be the biggest, only the best. Our aim is to help as many seriously ill children as possible, in a personal,
principled and meaningful manner.
The Starlight Board and executive team are committed to the highest level of ethics in the
management and governance of Starlight, ensuring full transparency and accountability at
all times and compliance with Starlight’s Code of Conduct and Values. The two underlying
principles which govern every decision and action are:
n What is best for the children?
n We are only the trustees of the funds donated.
The Board shall comprise no fewer than six directors and no more than 17 at any one
time, the majority of whom must be independent and non-executive directors. The
Chairman shall be elected by directors and must be an independent, non-executive
director. New directors should be nominated and seconded by current Board Members
and then conﬁrmed by the Nominations Committee.
Starlight’s Board of Directors supports the ASX Principles of Good Corporate Governance
and Best Practice Recommendations. The Board meets bi-monthly and also conducts an
Annual General Meeting. In accordance with these principles, the Board has adopted a
formal charter incorporating their responsibilities which include to:-
n Approve and review the strategic direction and plans of the organisation,
n Monitor the performance of the CEO and executive team in accordance with the
strategic business plan and performance goals,
n Review the structure, charter and composition of the Board and Board
Committees and review outcomes of Board Committees,
n Identify business risks and approve controls to manage risks and monitor
compliance,
n Conﬁrm the appointment of auditors, review the audit process and audit reports
and approve annual forecasts and budgets,
n Determine and approve the level of authority to be granted to the CEO and
authorise any further delegation by the CEO,
n Approve major operating and capital expenditure as well as credit facilities where
required and
n Approve and review executive team’s performance targets, remuneration and
succession plans.
Starlight’s non-executive directors do not receive any fees. Operational management
is the responsibility of Starlight’s CEO, with all powers, discretions and delegations as
authorised by the Board.
26
2007 Financial Summary
Over the following pages we include ﬁnancial highlights of Starlight’s performance in year
ending 31st December 2007.
In reviewing these please note that in 2006 Starlight changed the reporting period to a
calendar year. The graphs and table information shown on the following two pages have been
extracted from audited accounts. In the case of 2006 the January to December data has
been extracted from the audited report for 18 months (June 2005 to December 2006).
Prior to 2006 the information shown is for 12 months (June to July) each year.
Full audited accounts are available on request or can be viewed on our
website www.starlight.org.au.
27
$10,142
$17,425
2007
10
2006
Where our funds came from
Income
Sources of Income
5
n Individual
Income in and
2007Community
was signiﬁcantly
above
that achieved
in any
previous
Growth
donations
continue
to be our
major
sourceyear.
of income
came
from
Community
Events,
Individual
Giving and an increase in the level of
and have
shown
the largest
growth
in 2007.
Bequests.
n Our most signiﬁcant single fundraising event continues to be Starlight Day where
we receive support from over 4000 volunteers either selling merchandise on the
day or holding Star Parties to raise funds for Starlight.
$8,030
10
18239
21313
17%
2007
2006
5
2004/2005
2003/2004
0
Expenses
5
0
$7,573
$7,786
15
DONATED
GOODS AND
SERVICES
$6,010
20
OTHER
INCOME
INDIVIDUAL & COMMUNITY
DONATIONS
CORPORATE
PARTNERS
$5,372
EVENTS
10
Our thanks go to staff, partners and volunteers who have all contributed to achieving these
Other Income
441
354
-20%
signiﬁcant
results.
$13,461
15
$10,914
20
programs are being perceived by those who access them and how we might
enhance and extend them to be3909
able to meet the3935
objective of reaching
Events
1% 3 out of 3
seriously or chronically ill young people.
n Given the size of these investments, a deﬁcit of $0.2m was recorded for the year.
This is reﬂected in the slight decline in the level of Net Assets.
Donated Goods & Services
3250
3887
20%
$17,638
Income
n Our
intention
to grow
our
online
donations
signiﬁcantlyforimprove
our During
Expenses
also isgrew
during
2007
as we
investedand
in programs
the future.
relationship
management
capability
to grow
return for
on seriously
direct ill
the
year Starlight
established
a pilot inoforder
a secure
onlineour
program
marketing.
young
people under the banner ‘Livewire’. An investment of $0.9m was made in
this pilot which was an essential step in securing Federal Government funding to
establish a robust and scaleable platform so this can be rolled out to the wider
community, particularly those young people located in rural and remote locations.
2006market research
2007
n In addition we conducted extensive
exploring howChange
Starlight
n An investment was also made in upgrading our web presence and establishing
Individual & Community
7510
9909and maintain32%
it on a software platform that will
enable us to update
the site
ourselves ensuring content is fresh and informative for everyone who wishes to
interact with
Starlight.
Corporate
Partners
3129
3228
3%
2004/2005
2003/2004
0
Expenses
Totals
$14,989
2007 Financial Summary
15
$11,640
20
2007
2006
2004/2005
2003/2004
Net Assets
* Note: The above ﬁgures exclude donated goods and services.
30
28
Ratios
The following ratios are extracted from audited ﬁnancial reports. The ratios for 2006
are based on 18 months data.
Ratio
2005
2006
2007
Direct cost of Fundraising/
Gross Income from Fundraising
14%
9%
11%
Administration costs/Gross
Income from Fundraising
20%
23%
17%
Total cost of Services
provided/Total Expenditure
51%
52%
61%
The above ratios are measures of efﬁciency within the overall operation and include
donated goods and services. The ratio of Direct cost of Fundraising to Gross Income
from Fundraising will vary depending on the mix of fundraising activities. Our strategic
focus is to shift to fundraising activities which have a higher net yield to Starlight.
“The focus is on the kids and the Captains treat them all
equally. We love this because they don’t judge. The Captains
don’t even ask which one has the problem and which are her
brothers and sisters.” - Cindy, Starlight Mother, WA
Administration costs as a percentage of Gross Income from Fundraising can be adversely
effected by changes in the level of depreciation and any investments we might make to
gain longer term efﬁciencies. Our objective is to see this ratio continue to decline over
time.
Total cost of Services to Total Expenditure relates our program spend to overall costs.
Our objective is to see our program spend as an increasing proportion of our overall
costs.
29
$10,142
$17,425
2007
10
2006
Where our funds came from
Income of Income
Sources
5
in and
2007Community
was signiﬁcantly
above
that achieved
in any
previous
Growth
n Income
Individual
donations
continue
to be our
major
sourceyear.
of income
camehave
from
Community
Events,
Individual
Giving and an increase in the level of
and
shown
the largest
growth
in 2007.
Bequests.
n Our most signiﬁcant single fundraising event continues to be Starlight Day where
we receive support from over 4000 volunteers either selling merchandise on the
day or holding Star Parties to raise funds for Starlight.
$8,030
10
18239
21313
17%
2007
2006
5
2004/2005
2003/2004
0
Expenses
5
0
$7,573
$7,786
15
INDIVIDUAL & COMMUNITY
DONATIONS
DONATED
GOODS AND
SERVICES
$6,010
20
OTHER
INCOME
CORPORATE
PARTNERS
$5,372
EVENTS
10
Our thanks go to staff, partners and volunteers who have all contributed to achieving these
Other Income
441
354
-20%
signiﬁcant
results.
$13,461
15
$10,914
20
programs are being perceived by those who access them and how we might
enhance and extend them to be3909
able to meet the3935
objective of reaching
Events
1% 3 out of 3
seriously or chronically ill young people.
n Given the size of these investments, a deﬁcit of $0.2m was recorded for the year.
This is reﬂected in the slight decline in the level of Net Assets.
Donated Goods & Services
3250
3887
20%
$17,638
Income
n Expenses
Our intention
to grow
our
online
donations
signiﬁcantlyforimprove
our During
also isgrew
during
2007
as we
investedand
in programs
the future.
relationship
management
capability
to grow
return for
on seriously
direct ill
the year Starlight
established
a pilot inoforder
a secure
onlineour
program
marketing.
young people under the banner ‘Livewire’. An investment of $0.9m was made in
this pilot which was an essential step in securing Federal Government funding to
establish a robust and scaleable platform so this can be rolled out to the wider
community, particularly those young people located in rural and remote locations.
2006market research
2007
n In addition we conducted extensive
exploring howChange
Starlight
n An investment was also made in upgrading our web presence and establishing
Individual & Community
7510
9909and maintain32%
it on a software platform that will
enable us to update
the site
ourselves ensuring content is fresh and informative for everyone who wishes to
interact with
Starlight.
Corporate
Partners
3129
3228
3%
2004/2005
2003/2004
0
Expenses
Totals
$14,989
2007 Financial Summary
15
$11,640
20
2007
2006
2004/2005
2003/2004
Net Assets
* Note: The above ﬁgures exclude donated goods and services.
30
28
How we applied our funds
Expenditure Summary
n While income from Community fundraising grew signiﬁcantly 2006 to 2007, our
costs in generating this income also grew signiﬁcantly.
n Program costs increased 2006 to 2007 due to both the investment in Livewire
and an increase in the number of Captain Starlights around Australia.
n Administrative costs have declined but this is largely due to a very large
depreciation expense in 2006 with the write down in value of the Starlight Fun
Centres. This is in accordance with conservative accounting policies adapted by
the Starlight Board.
2006
2007
Change
Partnerships
3148
3789
20%
Fundraising Costs
1423
2045
44%
Programs
5536
8617
56%
Administration
3354
3187
-5%
Totals
13461
17638
31%
PROGRAMS
FUNDRAISING
COSTS
PARTNERSHIPS
ADMINISTRATION
* Note: The above ﬁgures exclude donated goods and services.
31
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Starlight determine which children get access to
Starlight programs?
There seems to be a few charities doing similar work, why doesn’t
Starlight work more closely with these charities?
Our in-hospital programs do not discriminate – any hospitalised child, and their siblings,
parents and friends are welcome in a Starlight Express Room, or may use a Starlight Fun
Centre. The Starlight Wishgranting program is open to seriously, chronically, terminally
ill and disabled children aged 4-18 years, who have not previously received a wish from
Starlight, or a similar wishgranting organisation. The child must be referred to Starlight
by their healthcare practitioner. Children eligible for a Starlight Wish are also eligible
to participate in the Starlight Escapes program, which provides Starlight kids and their
families with a break from the ongoing pressures of long term illness.
Starlight liaises with other children’s charities on a regular basis to ensure our services
are differentiated and complement the support provided by other charities. Starlight’s
programs are unique, and provide an invaluable service to families experiencing difﬁcult
circumstances. Starlight does not offer ﬁnancial or medical assistance to families.
How does Starlight evaluate its programs?
Recently, we conducted a comprehensive research study in which parents, children
and health care professionals were consulted on their needs, and the value of
existing programs. Every day we receive feedback from Starlight families, health care
professionals and partners - information which is used to reﬁne and enhance our
programs. A national evaluation framework has also been put in place which will provide
information to improve the quality and focus of each program area.
What is Starlight hoping to achieve in 2008?
Starlight’s initial goal was to reach 1 out of 3 seriously or chronically ill and hospitalised
children. We have now set ourselves the more ambitious target of reaching 3 out of
3 children. This ambitious goal can not be achieved without considerable change and
investment. For example, we must build on our recent initiatives – the expansion into
the Northern Territory, the extension of services to teenagers, our online program
called Livewire, as well as our ongoing core programs. We will also be investing in a
more sophisticated infrastructure with better technology to ensure maximum efﬁciency
in the future.
34
How does Starlight decide where donations are spent?
We seek to maximise the amount of donated funds spent on innovative programs to
help seriously ill children and young people throughout Australia. There are operating
and administrative costs associated with providing these services and we work
extremely hard to make sure these costs are kept as low as possible.
How are Starlight’s costs monitored?
We are acutely aware that every dollar spent has been donated, and it is therefore
everyone’s focus to minimise non-program expenses. Detailed budgets are prepared
each year and performance against budget is closely monitored by management and
the Board. Starlight seeks to obtain donated goods and services when ever possible.
Detailed accounts are produced each year and are independently audited.
How do Starlight’s operating costs compare with other charities?
Because charities are different sizes and generate their revenues in many different ways,
direct comparisons are difﬁcult. Some charities simply receive and distribute donations,
others, like Starlight, deliver services directly to those in need. Starlight is a relatively
small, specialist charity which relies on the generosity of donors and supporters without
the beneﬁt of dedicated support from a religious group or single large corporate
sponsor.
Does Starlight receive any funding from the government?
This year, for the ﬁrst time ever, Starlight (through a wholly owned subsidiary ‘NFP
Online’), has applied to receive government funding speciﬁcally to build the pilot of
a secure online program called ‘Livewire’. Livewire is a program designed to connect
Starlight services to those children who are left at home, away from their friends and
unable to remain in contact with their peer group. This funding, if granted, cannot
be used for any other purpose and must be matched with in kind contributions from
Starlight and its development consortium partners.
External auditors have given Starlight members a qualiﬁed audit
report. Why?
The qualiﬁcation relates to the fact that some community fundraising activities may
be undertaken without Starlight’s knowledge or endorsement. This prevents Starlight
from monitoring and ensuring receipt of all monies collected. This is common in many
charities.
Aren’t there Starlight ofﬁces overseas… does any funding come
from Starlight’s international partners (and vice versa)?
Yes, Starlight does exist abroad and we share key program learnings with these afﬁliates.
However, Starlight operates independently in each country – all funds donated in
Australia are directed towards the running of Starlight in Australia and Starlight does not
remit any funding to international counterparts.
Does Starlight have any religious or political leanings?
No, Starlight is a non denominational charity. Its goal is for every seriously ill and
hospitalised child in Australia to have access to Starlight programs regardless of race,
culture or religion.
35
How you can support Starlight
Every gift you give helps bring fun and laughter to people whose lives are being adversely affected
by illness.
People and Time. We understand
the importance of staff engagement, and
offer our corporate partners rewarding
opportunities to become part of the
Starlight family. Starlight has a number
of ways to engage with staff including
customised fundraising programs, teambased volunteering opportunities and
payroll giving programs.
Sponsorship of Starlight programs,
such as the Starlight Express Rooms and
Starlight Express Vans.
Workplace Giving is a payroll
deduction scheme where employees
choose to give a portion of their income
to a charity. Employees are able to
donate from their pre-tax pay, gaining an
immediate tax beneﬁt.
Fundraising activities are a great
Donated Goods and Services
Celebrations are a part of life, and if
you’ve got all you need, why not ask your
guests to make a donation in lieu of buying
a gift, be it for your child’s christening or
baby shower, your birthday, anniversary,
wedding or Christmas.
assist Starlight in many ways, from granting
wishes, to promoting the Starlight brand
to running our Starlight Escape programs,
which rely exclusively on the donation of
tickets, activities and services etc.
36
Volunteering. You can help to grant
wishes, help out in our Starlight Express
Rooms, volunteer at Starlight events such
as Starlight Day, come into our ofﬁce or
become a public speaker for Starlight.
way of raising much needed funds and
awareness. Anyone can host a fundraising
event with their local school, club,
community group, work colleagues or on
their own.
Bequests are a way of remembering
Starlight in your Will. Your legacy will help
Starlight spread much needed laughter
and positive distraction now, and into the
future.
Donations no matter how large or
small, every dollar helps. You can choose
to make a one off donation, or become a
regular monthly donor, where payments
are automatically deducted from your
bank account or credit card. All donations
over $2.00 are tax deductible.
“The Starlight Children’s Foundation
really is a bright light in dull days.”
– Sarah, Starlight Parent.
Starlight would like to thank:
AXA for funding the production of this Annual Report.
Without your support, this project could not have been completed.
Brand Logic
Hunt Online
Oneill Photographics
*Note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this
report may contain images and quotes of deceased persons.
How you can help Starlight:
There are many ways you can help Starlight, through
your workplace, with friends, community groups or
on your own!
Here are some ideas:
Fundraising
Host a fundraiser with family, friends, work
colleagues, your local sporting group or club. If you’re
stuck for ideas, gives us a call and we’ll send you a
little inspiration.
Volunteer
You can help to grant wishes, help out in our
Starlight Express Rooms, volunteer at Starlight
events such as Starlight Day, come into our ofﬁce or
become a public speaker for Starlight.
Donate
No matter how large or small, every dollar helps!
Call us or visit our website and follow the prompts
to our donations page.
Visit www.starlight.org.au for further
information, or call 1300 727 827.
Thank you for your support!