Dragons Abreast Australia Member Consultation Report

Dragons Abreast Australia

Member Consultation

Report

Prepared

by d-sipher

11 January 2021

Report prepared by:

Ellen Vasiliauskas Director, d-sipher

email: [email protected] ph: 0414 295312

web: www.d-sipher.com.au

Member of: - Australian Evaluation Society - Australian Research Society

http://www.d-sipher.com.au/

DAA Member Research Report Page | 3

Table of Contents

Introduction and Background ....................................................4

Research Objectives .......................................................................... 4

Research Approach ........................................................................... 4

In-depth Interview Profile ................................................................. 5

Engagement with DAA ..............................................................7

Awareness of DAA’s role and activities .............................................. 7

Engagement with DAA ....................................................................... 7

Engagement models .......................................................................... 9

Interest in participating on the DAA board ........................................ 9

Views on DAA’s values ............................................................ 10

DAA Values and Group Values ......................................................... 11

Views on DAA’s role and purpose ............................................ 12

Groups becoming independent ................................................ 16

Groups at risk of closing .................................................................. 16

Steps to independence .................................................................... 17

Potential for a group to take on DAA’s role ..................................... 19

Views on DAA’s financial situation ........................................... 20

Groups Supporting DAA Financially ................................................. 20

DAA Membership Fees .................................................................... 21

Response to DAA winding up ................................................... 22

DAA membership profile ......................................................... 24

Conclusion ............................................................................. 30

Page | 4 DAA Member Research Report

1 Introduction and

Background

In November 2020 Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) commissioned evaluation consultants d-sipher to undertake an independent consultation of DAA members to assist with informing the existing business planning process already underway.

Research Objectives

With the DAA Chair, Mabel Sansom, d-sipher refined and clarified the research objectives as:

‘To obtain the open and honest views of DAA members to inform the business planning process being undertaken, regarding member views and/or understanding of:

Engagement with DAA

DAA’s values and priorities

DAA’s role and purpose

Groups becoming fully independent of DAA

Views on DAA’s financial situation and supporting DAA

Views on if DAA were to wind up.’

In addition, d-sipher undertook an analysis of the DAA membership database to provide an indicative assessment of the sustainability of groups.

Research Approach

The consultation approach included:

A depth meeting with the DAA Chair, Mabel Sansom to clarify objectives and revise the scope of the project

A review of key documentation and organisational material


One-on-one depth interviews with a sample of Coordinators, past and present board members and advisory panel members

Analysis of qualitative interviews

Analysis of the membership database

Preparation of a written report.

Interviews were confidential and conducted in line with the Australian Research Society and the Australian Evaluation Society code of ethics.

During the interviews additional and related issues were also explored and are reported in this Report.

In-depth Interview Profile

A list of priority interviewees were proposed by the Chair of DAA and these members were approached by d-sipher for an interview.

The final interviewee profile shown in Table 1 (next page) reflects a mix of coordinators, board and advisory panel members across states, urban and regional areas, large and small groups. At the time of the interviews DAA included 28 groups.

In summary:

13 one-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted with members in December 2020

A one-on-one in-depth interview with the DAA Chair

The average length of each interview was 50 minutes

Interviewees were keen to provide feedback, were generous with their time and appreciated the opportunity to provide input and be heard.

Confidentiality was important to some interviewees and as a result facilitated more open and honest responses. Individually identifiable comments have been edited in this report .


Table 1: DAA interviewee sample profile

Data quality

Whilst it would have been preferable to undertake more interviews with coordinators and members, DAA required the scope of work to be necessarily limited. Nonetheless, the interviews conducted provide a depth and diversity of views and opinions, which has provided a rich source of data and information about the views across this sample. It should be noted that the views represented here may not be representative of the broader DAA membership.

Location of

Group State Role

Canberra ACT Board

Mt Warning NSW Coordinator

Penrith NSW Coordinator

Sydney NSW Coordinator

Orange NSW Coordinator

Mackay QLD Coordinator

Bribie Island QLD Advisory Panel

Brisbane QLD Board

Port Lincoln SA Coordinator

Hobart TAS Coordinator

Melbourne VIC Board

Melbourne VIC Coordinator

Patterson Lakes VIC Coordinator


2 Engagement with DAA

Awareness of DAA’s role and activities

Member awareness of the role and purpose of DAA was generally weak across those interviewed. Few members were able to describe even some of DAA’s activities and the outcomes achieved by DAA. As one coordinator aptly summarised:

“We often say, what does DAA do? What does DAA do for us?”

And another:

“I don’t understand their role – since cancelling the regatta nothing else is in place – we understand why – but we miss connecting with other groups.”

A board member also struggled to define DAA’s purpose:

“It’s difficult to define DAA’s purpose.”

These views are not surprising, and reinforce the need for improving the quality and level of engagement and communication with coordinators and members generally.

Engagement with DAA

The lack of awareness of the role and purpose, the activities undertaken and the outcomes achieved by DAA is of concern. It is likely to be one of the key factors underlying the low level of member engagement with DAA. As one interviewee explained:

“People don’t have the buy-in – they don’t feel connected to DAA it doesn’t feel important enough and there is no sense of urgency. At the February meeting we were all fired up, then we didn’t hear much. I offered … but I didn’t hear anything back.”


Other barriers to engagement included a perception among some interviewees that the board was generally not open to suggestions nor to listening and to understanding some of the on the ground issues faced by groups, e.g. when trying to maintain viability and opening up membership to non-breast cancer survivors. Some said that they wanted to be better heard and understood.

Achieving engagement with members

To achieve buy-in and engagement, members need to feel that their organisation is relevant, is working for them, is making a difference for them on the ground. They need to have an understanding of the outcomes being achieved at a strategic level and the relevance to groups, members and breast cancer survivors. Communication with members and coordinators is absolutely key to successful engagement and goes hand in hand with an organisation’s relevance to its members.

As one interviewee explained:

“The fundraising undertaken is not compelling enough - e.g. the Play for Purpose message was not enough. You need to develop a relationship with members you need to talk about your strategy and your purpose.

It’s tricky to get members engaged . It’s a Catch-22 you need the expertise and the staff and the budget.”

Engagement and relevance

Coordinators, members and groups are naturally focused on their own group and on individual members. DAA needs to consider what difference DAA makes to groups and to its members and what benefits it offers. E.g. if ‘I don’t know what you’re doing for me and for my group, why do or would I engage with the organisation?’

Member engagement and support for DAA

As such, it is not surprising that DAA efforts at fundraising an d attempts to engage with members have had limited success in the past.

There was some acknowledgement that DAA has a small staff and is doing the best it can and reliant on volunteer board member support. However, as one interviewee suggested, within the DAA membership lies a great resource and pool of talent available to DAA:


“There are a lot of women members in senior executive roles, administration, finance that they could engage. We were never asked as to what skills or experience we have - there are lots of professional women in the DAA membership.”

Should DAA choose to continue its journey, there is a pool of human resources and expertise within the membership that could be better tapped into and accessed.

Engagement models

It was generally acknowledged that member engagement with limited resources is a significant challenge. As part of the discussions with interviewees an engagement model where there was involvement through state level representatives on the board or in some other form was flagged. The general response from those interviewed was positive and members were open to suggestions, particularly those who were keen to see DAA continue.

State sub-committees or working groups based on interests, skills and experience could be allocated specific tasks and responsibilities.

Interest in participating on the DAA board

Some interviewees were asked about their views and level of interest in participating on the DAA board in the future.

Those asked were interested and these names will be provided to the DAA Chair. It should also be noted that some members may be interested in participating, but don’t feel that they have the skills to effectively contribute, as one interviewee said:

“I don’t think I’ve got what it takes to go on the board – they are all very clever people and I don’t have the skills.”

Should DAA continue, it may wish to consider how it could engage these members who have the interest and enthusiasm, but who may or may not have the confidence and skills.


3 Views on DAA’s values

When asked to describe DAA’s values, views were generally consistent across interviewees. DAA’s core values, in order of priority were described as:

Inclusive

We include and accept everyone regardless of their level of skill, experience or ability.

People participate at their own level.

Fun and friendly

We have fun in a nurturing and friendly environment.

We create camaraderie.

Supportive

We support each other and provide a safe and supportive place for breast cancer survivors. As one member said:

‘There’s a bond with what we’ve been through, a certain understanding and members are willing to listen and support others.’

Fitness

Exercise and fitness contributes to: ‘A good life after diagnosis.’

Collaborative and unifying voice

We connect groups and unify our voice for breast cancer survivors.

Consultative

Everyone has a voice and is heard

We encourage openness, honesty and integrity.


DAA Values and Group Values

Coordinators mentioned that their group follows and aligns with DAA’s values:

“We apply DAA’s principles and values to our group – i.e. fitness, friendship, fun principles, mammograms, media, and the value of being fit.”


4 Views on DAA’s role

and purpose

When asked what DAA should or could do interviewees were able to point to the role and purpose of DAA across a range of functions. These can be summarised as follows:

1. Act as a coordinating body with an overview

2. Marketing and education

3. Communications

4. Assist with the establishment of new groups

5. Providing support and advice to groups

6. Support and maintain links between Coordinators

7. Initiate and maintain links between groups

8. Organisation of regattas

9. Be a voice for breast cancer survivor paddlers

10. Other suggested roles

1. Act as a coordinating body with an overview

Members value DAA acting as an overarching body, in a coordinating role, as two interviewees explained:

“We want DAA to be overarching but not in control, to have a finger on the pulse, take responsibility and coordination.”

“It’s great to be able to say to others that we are part of a bigger organisation. Also good to be able to display the DAA logo.”


2. Marketing and education

Some groups wanted assistance with marketing, education and outreach, particularly at a national and strategic level as well as assisting groups to attract new members.

“Help with marketing and education and reach out in effective ways that we can’t. Help us keep the DA spirit.”

“Promoting life after breast cancer can be healthy and fun and keep getting checked.”

3. Communications

The website, logo and brand was generally seen as valuable, although if DAA were to cease, many thought that this would have minimal impact on them.

Some interviewees mentioned that there would still need to be a body to manage the trademark, the logo, the DAA website and the Flowers on the Water event. However not all groups recognised this or saw that it would be necessary.

4. Assis with the establishment of new groups

DAA was seen to have an important role in establishing new groups, as one member said:

“I doubt that we would have got our group started without DAA, we do need them. They help us get in touch with state representatives. I would hate to see it fold.”

5. Provide support and advice to groups

Coordinators generally value the advice, support , problem solving and assistance provided to them from the Board and DAA on a range of group and governance aspects, comments included:

“DAA provided [useful] advice when our group split up.”

“It’s good to have someone to bounce ideas off and also if we have a problem or issue.”

“… e.g. knowing that we are doing the right things.”

6. Initiate and maintain links between groups

Interviewees consistently reinforced the importance of DAA’s role in bringing groups, members and teams together and in maintaining the connection between groups. This applied


nationally and internationally – from facilitating the sharing of information among coordinators to the organisation of regattas.

Further, there was an acknowledgement

“Provide an opportunity for all clubs to come together, paddle, be social, encourage others, be an example of the positive things after breast cancer. We love to compete against other clubs, but with friendship and joy. There is something special about DA groups (shared history and experience).”

Without DAA performing this role there was a real sense that the relationships and connections would eventually disintegrate.

7. Support and maintain links between coordinators

It was acknowledged that DAA played a valued role in connecting coordinators and that without this, it would be unlikely to occur. As one member explained:

“DAA has the capability to link us all together – otherwise it would be hard to contact other clubs.”

Recent initiatives such as the Zoom meetings with Coordinators were viewed very positively and seen as most beneficial. The benefits mentioned included:

being able to hear about what others are doing

learning about new ideas, tips and approaches

maintaining a connection with other coordinators and clubs was seen as very helpful through the COVID period.

8. Organisation of regattas

Of course, the regattas are highly valued by members. There was some acknowledgement that these events were expensive to stage and required a lot of human resources.

Some acknowledged that they:

“…didn’t realise how much it costs to run and is a huge risk financially.”

Nonetheless, the regattas were generally seen as a beneficial event, playing an important unifying role across groups:

“Regattas encourage people to stay in the sport and make friends. Having the regatta with breast cancer focus e.g. flowers in the water, to give thanks.

“..it’s a fantastic atmosphere at regattas and conventions.”


“Big events provide a focus for something to look forward to and to promote “pink”.”

It was also acknowledged that DAA provides valued support for international regattas.

9. Be a voice for breast cancer survivor paddlers

Representing breast cancer survivor paddlers at AusDBF was acknowledged by most as being important:

“Representing all breast cancer survivor paddlers and holding the space for us – i.e. voting on DBF gives us legitimacy – a lot of ladies are not competitive - if you’re not competitive you’re not welcome.”

10. Other suggested roles

Other roles suggested included:

Leadership and advocacy to government

Development of stakeholder partnerships

As one member elaborated:

“It’s important to be part of bigger organisations particularly cancer organisations say have a lot of clout.”


5 Groups becoming

independent

Coordinators were asked ‘How would groups respond to their group being fully independent?’

Based on the interviews conducted it appears that the more established, larger and financial groups would successfully continue into the future. These groups have adequate financial and volunteer resources as well as the promotions, systems and frameworks in place to support and sustain their group. For some, not much would change – as one interviewee said:

‘Don’t think it would change things for us.’

Others said that they would likely reach out to other groups, particularly those where other groups were in close proximity.

Groups at risk of closing

Whilst some interviewees were unable to identify or describe risks for their group associated with the winding up of DAA, this consultation has identified the main issues raised.

Groups identified in this research as most at risk of closing are more focused on maintaining their own viability and survival. They typically have limited resources and include:

Groups that are new in their cycle of development – these are more focused on establishment, attracting funding and survival tasks.

Groups with a small membership - these are focused on attracting new members and committee members to undertake tasks as well as attracting funding.


Groups with a greater proportion of younger members or members with families and / or are working – these members are time poor and find it difficult to volunteer for committee or group tasks. This effectively reduces the level of resources available to a group.

Steps to independence

The steps towards the independence of individual groups is likely to be different for groups according to their level of resources, membership numbers, insurance arrangements and so forth.

Further information and an understanding is needed of the level resources each group has, including f inancial status, volunteer resources, governance, skills and expertise, membership numbers, group website, insurance, relationship with the local dragon boat club and so forth. Additionally, each group’s members will need to consider their own position and intentions for the future.

For some, even moving out of the role of coordinator has been difficult due to the lack of an appropriate replacement, as one interviewee explained:

I’ve been trying to not be a coordinator for years – but equally it’s about finding the right people with the right attitude about DAA. Some don’t have the core values of what it’s about. They are doing more for look what I’ve done rather than other reasons. I do it because I want others to get the same support that I got – I want to pay it forward.”

Informed discussion is needed regarding further identifying the key issues and considerations. The following areas were identified as part of this member consultation project. The list is not exhaustive, but is intended as a starting point .

TRANSITIONING TO FULL INDEPENDENCE

Is our group viable and sustainable? How would we continue?

How will transition be resourced – e.g. who will do what? What skills do we need?

Prepare a transition plan, tasks and timeline


IDENTITY

“Do we just become another sports group?”

Discuss our identity as dragon boat paddlers, breast cancer survivors, supporters

GOVERNANCE

“Part of our club constitution comes from DAA.”

Review of group constitution

Resources - committee members and volunteers

Policies, guidelines and procedures

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Review of group finances

Insurance

Grant applications

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

“We would then have to do our own marketing.”

“We do use DAA logo to get a grant, but don’t know if it makes a difference as you need to explain [in a grant] what your group is.”

Use of the DAA logo

Signage using DAA name – e.g. uniforms, boat

Website and Facebook

Public relations and promotions

DAA trademark, logo, website

Flowers on the Water

LINKS WITH OTHER DRAGON BOAT CLUBS & DAA GROUPS

Initiate, develop and maintain relationships

REPRESENTATION NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

How will paddlers who are breast cancer survivors have an identity and/or be represented at events? Does that matter?

What pathways are there for competition opportunities – nationally and internationally.

“How do we represent ourselves internationally and at championships?”

“We would not be part of AusDBF, we would lose out.”


Potential for a group to take on DAA’s role

Could a group take on the management of the trademark, the logo, the website, Flowers on the Water etc.? This question needs to be more fully explored and the response undertaken with consideration and in consultation with members. For some this may work, but as one coordinator flagged:

“Is it in the best interests of groups that one group takes this on?”

In consultation with Coordinators, further discussion is needed around the option for some functions to be dispersed to different groups – e.g. could the Facebook Coordinators Group be taken on by one group? Or could responsibility rotated around coordinators?


6 Views on DAA’s

financial situation

The majority of members interviewed were aware of DAA’s critical financial situation. Most were able to attribute their awareness starting at the February workshop in 2019.

“DAA’s financial situation is pretty dire.”

However, the level of understanding of the costs, how DAA funds itself and the level of staff and volunteer time needed to run DAA was generally not well understood.

“I heard they were struggling, but don’t know the ins and outs.”

“Would like to know their expenses, not sure what they’re doing with the money. Don’t know how much they need, if we know where they are at… we can help them.”

Groups Supporting DAA Financially

Whilst it has been suggested in the past that groups provide greater financial support to DAA, when asked in the interview, some groups were particularly reluctant to do this. There are a range of factors behind this view.

The financial situation of groups varies, ranging from a strong bank balance and support from the local dragon boating group to those that have to be more active in fundraising. Others have fees to pay to the local dragon boating group as well as other fees such as storage fees and maintenance etc. Those with small memberships are particularly challenged.


DAA Membership Fees

When asked if it was feasible to increase the DAA membership fee this concept was generally rejected by interviewees. Groups were generally reluctant to increase membership as fees were seen as being reasonable, particularly given other fees were required for membership of the local dragon boat club.

The membership fee to DAA was seen as adequate and this was in the context of little understanding of DAA’s contribution to members. Some said that it was difficult to explain to ordinary members the function and reason for the DAA fee.

Overall, the first priority for groups was their immediate group and, often, the local club they are associated with.

“If we do fundraising we need it for our club, we can’t charge exorbitant fees, so our club is our first priority.’”

“Because of our association with the local dragon boating club our fundraising also supports them. We support each other – the Dragon boat club gives us the numbers to paddle and put a boat out. If it’s just DAA then we wouldn’t have the numbers especially in regional areas.”

“Sometimes our expectations of not-for-profit is a bit high. As a peak body its limited what they can do unable to provide leadership without the financial backing. Teams expect a lot from DAA but it’s tricky to run a sporting organisation with limited resources.”


7 Response to DAA

winding up

The responses and reactions to DAA winding up were mixed – from neutral to great disappointment and sadness.

There was some acknowledgement of the work and effort put in by the DAA board and staff:

“They do a lot of good work and a good job out of the goodness of their heart. The staff are not paid that well. I wouldn’t blame them if they left.”

Interviewee responses and the indicative level of commitment to supporting DAA can be summarised into three groups, as shown in the following diagram:


Applying this traffic light model, member feedback can be summarised as follows:

Those in the red zone - were neutral and generally had little to no interest in ensuring that DAA continues and a low level of commitment to action.

“We would just carry on doing what we’re doing, can’t see that it would make much difference.”

Those in the amber zone - were disappointed or sad, these interviewees had some interest in ensuring that DAA continues and a moderate to low level of commitment to action.

“I’d be put out. I do see them as essential, even though what they are doing is less than satisfactory.”

Those in the green zone - were very disappointed and sad, these interviewees had a high level of interest in ensuring that DAA continues and a high level of commitment to action.

“I don’t like to think of there being no DAA. It would be fragmented, contact would fall away between the groups. Our group would not want DAA to go. If there was no DAA we’d manage, we have to and will as long as I’m still standing. There is a greater need for breast cancer paddling groups rather than a sports team.”

A quantitative survey would clearly identify the extent of support or not for DAA continuing as well as the level of resources and more detailed profile of DAA groups and views across the whole of the 1000+ members. The survey should be undertaken, particularly if DAA decides to continue.

The loss of DAA may in fact be hard for some members to comprehend or understand the full implications of the absence of DAA, as one member explained:

“If we were not part of a bigger group we would feel more alone and would not get to meet other groups. I can’t imagine not being part of a bigger group. I think we won’t miss it until it’s gone.”


8 DAA membership

profile

Preliminary analysis of the profile of DAA membership was undertaken based on the membership data as at 17 November 2019. These figures include breast cancer survivors and supporters. This information provides a sound evidence base for DAA to make decisions regarding next steps, whether that may be winding up on continuing to operate.

DAA’s groups and member profile can be summarised as follows:

DAA membership is concentrated relatively equally between two states – New South Wales and Queensland, make up 57% of the membership base (see Figure 1)

Four of the six groups with the largest number of members are located in capital cities – Brisbane (88 members), Canberra (78 members), Sydney (66 members), and Melbourne (47 members) (see Figure 2)

Regional groups Bribie Island and Port Lincoln are also in the top six groups with (62 and 58 members respectively)

Approximately one third of DAA groups have 50% or more members who are supporters – i.e. in nine of the 28 DAA groups.

DAA Member Research Report Page| 25

Figure 1: DAA percentage of member by state - DAA Data 17/11/2019

Figure 2 shows the number of members in each DAA group. Groups have been coded into three zones: green, amber and red to provide an initial assessment of the sustainability of a group. Colour zones were based on coordinators’ feedback that a group needs at least 30 members to make it viable for regattas and competition events. In addition, it is reasonable to assume that a group would need around 30 members to easily function across volunteer committee and membership tasks.

Green zone: Number of groups: 15 (noting that three groups have 31 members)

Low risk of closure zone. Strong number of members -more than 30 members. Group likely to be viable and will continue.

Amber zone: Number of groups: 7

At risk of closure zone. Number of members – 27 to 30. May need to focus on increasing membership numbers based on 30 members being a viable number for a group.

Red zone: Number of groups: 6

High risk and vulnerable to closure zone. Number of members is small and below 25. Urgent focus needed on increasing member numbers.

29

28

20

8

8

7

1

0 20 40 60 80 100

NSW

QLD

VIC

SA

ACT

TAS

WA

%

Membership is concentrated in two

states


The key points:

Green zone groups - Nearly half of groups have 30 or more members and would be considered having a strong number of members and resources,. However, three groups are in the amber zone, with 31 members.

Amber zone groups – Seven groups have just under 30 members and would benefit from boosting their membership numbers to ensure longer term viability and minimise risk of closure.

Red zone groups - Six groups have fewer than 24 members. Three of these groups have less than ten members and are particularly at risk of closing and are likely to be unsustainable. These groups need priority support to attract new members.

Figure 2: DAA number of members by group - DAA Data 17/11/2019

8878

6662

5847

4443

4039

3633

313131

2929

2828

272727

2423

2210

86

0 20 40 60 80 100

Brisbane

Canberra

Sydney

Bribie Island

Port Lincoln

Melbourne

Gippsland

Gold Coast

Hobart

Newcastle

Sunshine Coast

Dubbo

Ballarat

Byron Bay

Townsville

Mackay

Orange

Bendigo

Geelong

Penrith

Devonport

Mt Warning

Illawarra

Patterson Lakes

Adelaide

Bunbury

Central Coast

Coffs Coast

n

GR

EEN

ZO

NE

AM

BER

ZO

NE

RED

ZO

NE

15 groups with more

than 30 members


Group membership - Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters

Figure 3 (next page) shows the number of members in each group and the percentage of Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) and Supporters within each group. For some groups, Supporters are an important component of making the group viable and being able to paddle.

The ‘Balance of Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters’ is shown as a percentage of each of these two types of members in the far right columns. Using traffic light colours, group membership in each zone can be summarised as follows:

Green zone: Number of groups: 10

Strong percentage of BCS members -more than 50% of members. Group likely to be passionate about supporting BCS.

Amber zone: Number of groups: 11

Supporters represent a good proportion of the membership 36% - 50% of members.

Group passion about supporting BCS may be at risk.

Red zone: Number of groups: 7

Lower percentage of BCS members –less than 50% of members.

Group passion about supporting BCS may be at risk.


Figure 3: Size of group and percentage of Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters - DAA Data 17/11/2019

Location/Group State

N

members

total

% Breast

Cancer

Survivors

%

Supporters

Balance of

BCS/

SupportersCentral Coast NSW 8 100 0 Green

Hobart TAS 40 98 3 Green

Patterson Lakes VIC 23 87 13 Green

Bendigo VIC 28 82 18 Green

Penrith NSW 27 81 19 Green

Canberra ACT 78 81 19 Green

Brisbane QLD 88 81 19 Green

Bribie Island QLD 62 79 21 Green

Melbourne VIC 47 79 21 Green

Sydney NSW 66 76 24 Green

Geelong VIC 28 64 36 Amber

Devonport TAS 27 63 37 Amber

Mackay QLD 29 62 38 Amber

Illawarra NSW 24 58 42 Amber

Ballarat VIC 31 58 42 Amber

Mt Warning NSW 27 56 44 Amber

Byron Bay NSW 31 55 45 Amber

Townsville QLD 31 55 45 Amber

Adelaide SA 22 55 45 Amber

Sunshine Coast QLD 36 50 50 Amber

Coffs Coast NSW 6 50 50 Amber

Newcastle NSW 39 49 51 Red

Gold Coast QLD 43 47 53 Red

Gippsland VIC 44 41 59 Red

Port Lincoln SA 58 40 60 Red

Orange NSW 29 34 66 Red

Dubbo NSW 33 30 70 Red

Bunbury WA 10 30 70 Red


Combining size of group and mix of Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters

Figure 4 combines the size of group membership and the percentage of Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters in each group. The ‘Size of group’ is assessed using the zones outlined previously.

The zone results for the two assessment measures ‘Size of group’ and ‘Balance of Breast Cancer Survivors / Supporters’ were combined to give an overall value. The combined result is sorted from high to low.

The results are sorted from high to low according to the combined overall zone value. This provides some initial assessment of groups on these two measures and an indicative assessment of the sustainability of each group. Of course, other factors will be influencing the sustainability of a group, but this provides a starting point and an indication of groups that may need priority attention and support from DAA in navigating the next steps.

Figure 4: Size of group and percentage of Breast Cancer Survivors and Supporters - DAA Data 17/11/2019

Location/Group State

Size of

group

Balance of

BCS/

SupportersHobart TAS Green Green

Canberra ACT Green Green

Brisbane QLD Green Green

Bribie Island QLD Green Green

Melbourne VIC Green Green

Sydney NSW Green Green

Ballarat VIC Green Amber

Byron Bay NSW Green Amber

Townsville QLD Green Amber

Sunshine Coast QLD Green Amber

Bendigo VIC Amber Green

Penrith NSW Amber Green

Geelong VIC Amber Amber

Devonport TAS Amber Amber

Mackay QLD Amber Amber

Mt Warning NSW Amber Amber

Central Coast NSW Red Green

Patterson Lakes VIC Red Green

Newcastle NSW Green Red

Gold Coast QLD Green Red

Gippsland VIC Green Red

Port Lincoln SA Green Red

Dubbo NSW Green Red

Illawarra NSW Red Amber

Adelaide SA Red Amber

Coffs Coast NSW Red Amber

Orange NSW Amber Red

Bunbury WA Red Red


9 Conclusion

In conclusion, this report provides a depth of insight and information on the range of views and perspectives across the DAA members who were interviewed.

The honest feedback from these interviews is that there is support amongst some, but not all groups for DAA to continue. Those that are not in support of the organisation are struggling to understand its relevance to their group and their members. The report provides sound material for the DAA Board to have further discussion on the role and purpose of DAA into the future.

A renewed focus is needed on engaging and supporting members and groups and on demonstrating the outcomes that DAA achieves for groups and members.

Within the membership lie valuable resources: a strong pool of diverse and senior level skills, experience and talent that is available to DAA to tap into should it choose to continue. As a result of this consultation some members have already indicated their interest in supporting DAA.

Broader consultation is needed across the membership in the form of a professionally designed survey of all members. This information would provide a useful and powerful springboard and serve a two-fold purpose: of engaging with the membership and for making evidence based decisions that meet the needs of groups and members.

It is recommended that DAA close the loop on the consultation with members by distributing this report or a precis of the report to all members.

Dragons Abreast Australia Member Consultation Report

Documents

Transcript of Dragons Abreast Australia Member Consultation Report