12/07/2005 | CBB Celebrates 10 Years

Quality, value for money, empathy, sound governance principles and the sharing of our success are the hallmarks of today's CBB. In 1995 the Community Business Bureau (CBB) was born as a not for profit independent incorporation that operated on a fee for service basis, providing a range of business services to the not for profit sector. The CBB owes a debt to the vision of the Spastic Centres Board who took the bold step of devolving the Spastic Centres into a network of independent organisations. Former CEO of the Spastic Centres, Vic Symons, saw the potential of a bureau providing business and administrative services not only to members of the Spastic Centres Network but to the community as a whole. The concept of the CBB was unique as there were no similar not for profit models in Australia that provided quality and affordable support services in finance, payroll, human resources, strategic planning and OH & S . The inaugural CBB board comprised of seven members under the leadership of Chair, Jan Lowe and CEO Robyn Mitchell. The Chair, CEO, Board and staff are commended for their efforts to provide a smooth and seamless transition from the Spastic Centres to a self sufficient organisation. “ We are here because of the dedicated efforts of our Board members and staff who have been with us all the way“ commented Jan Lowe It was recognised quite early in the organisation’s development that in order to survive the CBB needed to offer the community sector a range of credible services that were affordable. Over time the CBB has grown from strength to strength gaining new clients and diversifying its services to meet the demands of the sector. “We continue to balance strong community outcomes with business viability and this is a challenge that we are constantly committed to achieving “ said Jan Lowe. Current CEO, Max Beacom commented that “much of the success of the CBB can be attributed to the dedication and loyalty of its staff members many of whom have been with us for ten years plus.” During the past decade some of the significant achievements of the CBB have included ; · being the first organisation in the Community sector to implement an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (State jurisdiction) · being a self sufficient organisation (no Government Funding) and doubling our income turnover · providing significant support to the sector during the implementation of the GST · being recognised as the leading not-for profit provider of Salary Packaging services to organisations in SA · expanding into regional SA, NT & NSW · attainment of Registered Training Organisation status · providing training to Certificate IV, Community Services (Disability work) · being appointed as a Panel Member for SA Govt Service Excellence Framework · the development of OH&S W Training Manual and providing training to the supported employment sector (ACROD/WorkCover initiative) Today the CBB has over 130 clients which it provides a variety of services to and has established strong partnerships with peak bodies and government agencies. The CBB’s current mission is to build the business capacity and capability of community organisations through a process of service provision, research and development, advocacy and advice. It will continue to pursue this mission relentlessly in order to achieve its ultimate vision of an effective and well supported community sector able to provide quality services to people in need. Back to news archive