Annual Report 2018
The year at A Start in Life, 2017/18
In 2017/18, A Start in Life lifted the support it gave directly to students by more than 4% to $956,778, keeping assistance at levels 50% above those of five years earlier.
The year also brought new learning goals for every primary and secondary student, worked out with parents and teachers, and a new grant to help tertiary students through unpaid work placements.
From the reports of Allan Elliott, President, Neil Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, and Joe Hansell, Treasurer
Everything below comes from the 12-page report, written out here so it works with screen readers and search.

I can confidently say I wouldn't be where I am today without the support from A Start in Life both personally and financially.
Alumni story
From a small coastal town to the KPMG graduate program
Emma left her NSW hometown to study accounting and marketing at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, living independently for the first time. A Start in Life supported her throughout her degree. She went on to the KPMG graduate program, became a Chartered Accountant, and later a Financial Controller.
The year at a glance
- given directly to students, up more than 4%
- $956,778
- overall return from investments
- 8.01%
- students received textbooks and stationery
- 165
- received support for a computer and internet access
- 143
Source: A Start in Life Annual Report 2018, pages 2, 4 and 9.
Support provided in 2017/18
- 165 students received textbooks and stationery
- 143 received support for a computer and internet access
- 141 students received new school uniforms
- 122 students received new school and sports shoes
- 105 benefited from help with the costs of sport
- 87 students attended school camps and excursions
- 37 students benefited from remedial tuition
- 29 were supported with music and art
- 6 were treated for a medical condition affecting their studies
What students and families told us
- 87% found it easier to complete their homework
- 85% felt more included at school
- 63% said they couldn't wait to get back to school in 2018
- 95% of parents said the support contributed to the educational progress of the whole family
- Over 85% of primary and secondary students came from single parent families
Financials
A Start in Life receives no government funding. Support for students is sustained by donors, partners and income from investments built up over a century.
| Item | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,477,832 | 1,327,408 |
| Student assistance | (956,778) | (915,639) |
| Fundraising | (144,922) | (145,801) |
| Marketing | (76,372) | (74,297) |
| Banking, investment and accounting | (120,856) | (101,750) |
| Depreciation and amortisation | (19,320) | (24,955) |
| Office and administration | (58,338) | (56,800) |
| Profit for the year | 101,245 | 8,167 |
| Other comprehensive income/(loss) | (6,858) | 241,139 |
| Total comprehensive income before allocations | 94,387 | 249,306 |
| Allocations from capital funds | 18,785 | – |
| Allocations to capital funds | (110,000) | (239,000) |
| Total comprehensive income after allocations | 3,172 | 10,306 |
| Item | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Total assets | 10,130,042 | 10,004,127 |
| Total liabilities | 266,651 | 241,981 |
| Net assets | 9,865,392 | 9,762,146 |
- Student assistance70%
- Fundraising11%
- Banking, investment and accounting9%
- Marketing6%
- Office and administration4%
- Depreciation and amortisation1%
Share of total expenses of $1,376,586, from the statement of profit or loss.
Figures are shown exactly as printed in the 2018 report.
Help the next student start strong
Every figure on this page began with a donor. A gift today helps a student from a family doing it tough stay at school and reach their goals.
31 December 2018