Darwin Symphony Orchestra Incorporated

Volunteer Powered iconThis charity relies heavily on the incredible dedication of volunteers. It means their operations are significantly powered by volunteer efforts, where the collective contribution of volunteers is either substantial compared to paid staff, or their work is entirely run by volunteers. Your time and skills could make a huge difference here!Tax Deductible iconThis charity or fund is currently recognised by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Donations of $2 or more made to this entity are tax-deductible for the donor. This status is typically derived from official ABR (Australian Business Register) data and signifies eligibility for DGR status.
Website:
dso.org.au
ABN:
69 963 149 378
Location:
Darwin, NT
Charity Size:
MediumMedium-sized charities, with an annual revenue of $500,000 to under $3 million, strike a balance between local connection and broader reach. They've grown beyond grassroots efforts and established more formal structures, enabling them to tackle larger projects and reach a wider audience.

These charities might run multiple programs across a region, advocate for systemic change, or deliver specialised services to a specific group of people. They offer a diverse range of opportunities for involvement, from skilled volunteering in areas like marketing or finance to participating in community education programs.

Registration Status:
Registeredthe charity’s registration is active
Religious Affiliation:
No Religious AffiliationThis category comprises charities that do not have any religious affiliation. They operate independently of specific religious doctrines and focus on their mission based on secular principles
DGR Status:
Tax DeductibleThis charity or fund is currently recognised by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Donations of $2 or more made to this entity are tax-deductible for the donor. This status is typically derived from official ABR (Australian Business Register) data and signifies eligibility for DGR status.
Across our mainstage and education performance program, DSO reached more than 13,000 audience members in 2023. With 9 ticketed events, and 6 free public performances, DSO presented a diverse range of experiences that was accessible to a wide range of audience members in the Northern Territory. DSO continued its commitment to collaboration with other NT artists and organisations, working with seven different organisations and many guest artists across the season, broadening our reach and enhancing our cultural impact. These collaborations included Storytime with NT Library and Archives and Library for All; Odes to Joy with Darwin Chorale, Destiny & Desire and Tropiphonics with Darwin Festival, Walk the Darth Path for Geekfest with City of Palmerston, Sunset Symphony with Charles Darwin University, and chamber music workshops with Arafura Music Collective. This breadth of work across musical genres, literature, and youth engagement strengthens everything we do, and provides important opportunities and experiences for our students, musicians, and audiences. DSO is committed to celebrating and centring NT First Nations artists, and we were delighted to showcase two Larrakia artists Aunty June Mills, and Jason Lee through two distinct Education Programs. Witladla, the original story by Aunty June, was adapted for performance with an ensemble of DSO musicians for the first time, with charming arrangements by DSO s own Tara Murphy. In two sold out shows, Aunty June and DSO s musicians shared this beautiful story and playful songs, a brilliant vehicle to understanding Larrakia language and stories. In Storytime, Jason Lee s beautiful stories Catching Bait and Nanna s Barramundi were reimagined with a new composition by Darwin Composer Cathy Applegate, which accompanied a live reading of the books. Jason s stories about spending time with family and learning how to fish, combined with Cathy s beautiful and playful work, was a truly special collaboration. This celebration of NT First Nations stories and NT Composers goes to the heart of what we do, and celebrates something truly unique about our place.

Only Active in Australia

Staffing DetailsCharities report the number of full-time, part-time, and casual employees, as well as volunteers, for the last pay period of their reporting year.

MetricCharity ValueThis charity's own reported figure, taken from its most recently lodged Annual Information Statement (AIS) with the ACNC.Average (Medium)The average figure across all Australian charities of the same size category (Small, Medium, or Large), based on their most recently lodged Annual Information Statements.
Full Time13
Part Time44
Casual453
Volunteers15072
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is a calculation that represents the number of full-time employees a charity would have if you combined the hours of all its part-time and casual staff.4.6016.23
FTE to Volunteer RatioThis ratio compares the number of volunteers to the number of paid full-time equivalent staff. A higher percentage indicates a greater reliance on volunteers.3261%3098%
Avg Employee Expenses per FTEThis is the average amount of employee-related expenses (like salary and benefits) spent per full-time equivalent staff member.$131,610$256,856

Related Party TransactionsA transaction between the charity and a person or entity closely connected to the charity, such as a board member, a major donor, or their family members. These must be disclosed to ensure transparency.

Has Related Party Transactions: No

Has Documented Policies:Indicates whether the charity has formal, documented rules and procedures for managing and reporting transactions with related parties. N/A

Key Management Personnel (KMP)Key Management Personnel (KMP) are the people who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the charity's activities. This typically includes board members and senior executives.

Reporting on Key Management Personnel remuneration is only required for large charities.

Most Recent Annual Information Submitted 2023

Lodgement was submitted on time.

Reporting Requirements for a Medium Charity (Annual revenue of $500,000 to under $3 million)

Medium charities must submit an Annual Information Statement (AIS) and a financial report that is either reviewed or audited. Unlike large charities, they are not required to provide as detailed a breakdown of their non-current assets and liabilities or disclose remuneration for key management personnel.

CategoryCharity ValueThis charity's own reported figure, taken from its most recently lodged Annual Information Statement (AIS) with the ACNC.Australian Average (Medium)The average figure across all Australian charities of the same size category (Small, Medium, or Large), based on their most recently lodged Annual Information Statements.
Net Surplus/DeficitThe difference between a charity's total income and its total expenses for the reporting period. A surplus means income was greater than expenses, while a deficit means expenses were greater than income.$44,003$-26,307
Net Assets/LiabilitiesThe value of what a charity owns (assets) minus what it owes (liabilities). This is also known as total equity or net worth, representing the overall financial position.$997,165$3,084,370
Total RevenueTotal Revenue plus Other Income. It represents the total income before any expenses are deducted.$2,002,130$1,001,328
Donations and BequestsIncome received from individuals, foundations, or corporations in the form of gifts, donations, and bequests (gifts left in a will). $118,471 $224,240
Revenue from Goods and ServicesIncome generated from selling goods or providing services that are part of the charity's mission or fundraising activities. $311,574 $277,018
Revenue from GovernmentFunding received from local, state, or federal government bodies, including grants and contracts for services. $526,052 $337,678
Revenue from InvestmentsIncome earned from the charity's investments, such as interest from bank accounts, dividends from shares, and rent from property. $0 $64,860
Other RevenueIncome from any other sources that don't fit into the main categories. $1,046,033 $66,270
Other IncomeOther non-operating income, such as one-off gains from the sale of assets. $0 $30,943
Total ExpensesThe total cost incurred by the charity in carrying out its activities, including program, administrative, and fundraising costs.$1,958,127$1,027,635
Employee ExpensesAll costs related to paying staff, including salaries and wages, superannuation, and other employee benefits. $605,407 $510,254
Grants and Donations (Australia)Funds and donations distributed by the charity to other organisations or individuals within Australia to support their work. $0 $87,517
Grants and Donations (Overseas)Funds and donations distributed by the charity to other organisations or individuals outside of Australia for international aid and development. $0 $24,887
Other ExpensesAll other operational expenses not classified elsewhere, such as administration, fundraising, and program-specific costs. $1,352,720 $407,659
Other Comprehensive IncomeIncome and expenses, such as revaluation surplus, that are not recognised in the net surplus/deficit but are included in total comprehensive income. $0 $17,702
Total Comprehensive IncomeNet Surplus/Deficit plus Other Comprehensive Income. It represents the total change in a charity's net assets from all transactions and events. $44,003 $-8,805
Total AssetsThe total value of everything the charity owns that has monetary value, including cash, investments, buildings, and equipment.$1,259,686$3,838,348
Total Current AssetsAssets that are expected to be used or converted into cash within one year, such as cash in the bank and short-term investments. $1,159,242 $1,508,868
Total Non-current AssetsAssets that are not expected to be used or converted into cash within one year, such as land and buildings. $100,444 $2,329,480
Total LiabilitiesThe total amount of money and obligations the charity owes to others.$262,521$753,978
Total Current LiabilitiesDebts and obligations that are due to be paid within one year, such as accounts payable and short-term loans. $254,590 $492,976
Total Non-current LiabilitiesDebts and obligations that are not due to be paid within one year. $7,931 $261,002