News

Healthy report-card for MDAS

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:56:00

Two independent assessments have delivered a healthy endorsement of the quality of services provided by the Mallee’s peak Koori agency, Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS).

Accreditation agency Quality Improvement Performance’s (QIP) carried out of MDAS Human Services Standards and governance structures found that “robust structures, mature systems and rigorous monitoring” are key elements in the organisation’s success to date.
MDAS Chief Executive Officer Rudolph Kirby said the QIP reviews examined performance against nationally-recognised benchmarks and found the organisation was exceeding required standards in all areas.
“As an organisation, we set ourselves a target to embed quality systems into our everyday practices,” Mr Kirby said.
“This review was an opportunity to measure how we stack up industry-wide, as well as against other human services organisations in the Koori sector,” he said.
“We can now say, unequivocally, that our performance does measure up – and in many cases it surpasses those of some of the recognised best operators in the sector.
“I’m incredibly proud of that and of the staff who have worked so hard and continue to strive to meet and exceed those very high standards.”
The rigorous and detailed QIP assessment looked at all levels of the organisation and sought community input on MDAS’s operations. 
It resulted in MDAS achieving accreditation in all assessment areas.
“We also had commendations in two areas, in cultural awareness and promoting Indigenous rights and responsibilities which I believe is unprecedented for an Indigenous organisation,” Mr Kirby said.
“We’re excited that the commendations are in two areas we identified as priorities and worked particularly hard at – empowering community, access and engagement, wellbeing and participation,” he said.
“These sorts of results can come only if there is support right across the organisation and an approach that has the community on-board with strong community engagement strategies.”
“It’s a fantastic endorsement of the commitment and professionalism of our staff right from the front desk to senior management level.”
The QIP assessment recognised MDAS was working hard with the community to develop and deliver a broad range of services and programs to meet the unique and complex needs of Aboriginal people living in the Mallee.
It found MDAS was “an employer of choice in the region” and noted a “highly committed and hardworking staff group, a skilled management team and investment in developing systems that are continuously evaluated and improved”.
The assessment praised the proactive approach of MDAS in collaborating and partnering with other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations to ensure culturally safe programs and services met community expectations. 
“MDAS leaders are held in high esteem by a range of stakeholders for the safe and culturally respectful way they manage the service,” the assessment said.
"Funders and other stakeholders can be confident that MDAS is building a sustainable service to ensure it remains a strong sector leader well in to the future,” the assessment found.