Media Release by The Hon Mal Brough MP

Awards recognise community partnerships

Partnerships which strengthen communities will be recognised by the 2006 Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships, Family and Community Services Minister Mal Brough said today.

Mr Brough said the awards recognised the significant social benefits achieved when business and community groups worked together.

"By rewarding the leadership shown by community and business groups, we are building stronger and more enriched communities," Mr Brough said.

"In the eight years since the awards were established, more than 1000 partnerships have been identified and encouraged.

"Many communities have benefited from these partnerships, resulting in improved literacy, helping homeless youth, assisting long term unemployed and improving the lives of those who require special assistance."

An example of a successful partnership is Grinder Corporate Catering which provided work experience to Mackay North State High School students. Far North Queensland has a shortage of hospitality workers and students received training from their hospitality teachers and Grinder’s staff.

Mr Brough said successful partnerships did not need to be formal.

"Partnerships can be as simple as a company donating its skilled staff or resources on an ongoing basis to help a local non-profit group make a difference in the community," Mr Brough said.

Award categories acknowledge partnerships involving small, medium and large business.

Winners of state and territory awards compete for a national title and $10,000. In addition, special awards are also presented at the national level in the categories of Longevity, Impact on a Community and Media.

Nominations close on Friday 5 May 2006.