Governance

Today the Westside Circus is a successful new community arts initiative in Melbourne. With an annual turnover of approximately $900,000 and up to 80 circus projects on the go each year, the Westside Circus uses innovation and entrepreneurship, to deliver a state wide program that has a positive social impact on the most disadvantaged and at risk members of the community. Westside Circus Programs reach 400 local families each week and 8,000 community participants Victoria wide each year. The Westside Circus has successfully lead and managed rapid organisation growth with turn over increasing from $211,330 in 2003 to $896,680 in 2009. The Board and Executive team have instigated and lead the following organisation capacity building initiatives which have contributed to a stronger and more effective organisation:

• The Board underwent a Board rejuvenation program which aimed to personally connect Board members with the work of the Westside Circus. This program included inviting individual Board members to visit community programs, engage with staff through the implementation of three new Board sub-committees, participation in circus workshops and board development activities. The result is a renewed and inspired Board with five recent new members.


• In a bid to improve financial efficiency, the Westside Circus secured a company development grant from the Australia Council to undertake a finance review project. The project has resulted in a new internal payroll system, improved financial procedures and new financial software implemented.


• Since 2007 the Westside Circus has secured four major organisation mentorships from industry experts to address a range of skill gaps and strategic issues. Through Leadership Victoria’s Skills Bank Service, the Australian Business Arts Foundation and Arts Support, mentors assisted the organisation to implement a human resource program, pilot a corporate team building enterprise and develop a fundraising strategy.