Media Release by The Hon Mal Brough MP

ACT community business partnerships recognised

Two community business partnerships have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to the ACT community as part of the 2006 Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnership.

Minister for Families and Community Services, Hon Mal Brough, on behalf of Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard, congratulated the Territory winners for their commitment to strengthening their local community.

"Partnerships can take on many forms and as a business you don’t need to sponsor a wing of a hospital to be involved. The Awards encompass the essence of community spirit with governments and businesses working together with communities for a stronger future," Mr Brough said.

"An example of a partnership delivering ongoing benefits for the community is the winner of the ACT Small Business Award – Admin Bandit and Canberra Preschool Society Inc partnership. Beginning in 1999, the partnership has resulted in the development and delivery of a simple software accounting package, designed for volunteer treasurers from preschool parent associations in the ACT.

"I also congratulate the Medium Business Award winner, Canberra Theatre Centre and Vision Australia, which developed an audio description service in which a sighted narrator describes a theatre performance to people who are blind or vision impaired.

"Each of the partnerships delivers better outcomes in the areas such as child care, disadvantaged youth, Indigenous communities, disabilities, health, education, employment, personal development and the environment.

"With this week being National Community Business Partnerships Week, I congratulate both ACT winners of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnership and encourage others to reach out and help their community."

The Partnership Week events held around the country this week aim to recognise State and Territory winners, while raising awareness of the benefits of partnerships in local communities. If a business or community group are interested in forming a partnership and need practical advice or information, they should contact the Partnerships Secretariat on 1800 359 918 or visit The Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership website.

Details of the territory winners are attached.

2006 Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships

Summary of Winners

  • Winner: ACT Small Business Award
  • Business: Admin Bandit
  • Community Organisation: Canberra Preschool Society Inc
    Beginning in 1999, the partnership has resulted in the development and delivery of a simple software accounting package, designed for volunteer treasurers from preschool parent associations in the ACT. Following five years of success within preschools, the partnership is now developing the foundations to deliver to software package to a broader range of community groups such as sporting clubs, scout groups and Parents and Citizens associations.
  • Winner: ACT Medium Business Award
  • Business: Canberra Theatre Centre
  • Community Organisation: Vision Australia
    Canberra Theatre Centre and Vision Australia have developed and delivered an ‘Audio Description’ service through the Canberra Theatre Centre and The Playhouse. This service provides people who are blind or vision impaired with enhanced enjoyment of a performance via a described service by a sighted narrator. It breaks down barriers for vision-impaired people to access such social activities. Vision Australia contributes a trained team of volunteers who preview the performance, and then provide a live description of the stage setting, costumes, actions and movements, to supplement the actors’ script. Patrons listen via a discreet earpiece which allows for a theatre experience which family and friends can share without providing running commentary.