Media Release by The Hon Mal Brough MP

Western Australia community business partnerships recognised

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

The Minister for Families and Community Services, Mal Brough, on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard, congratulated the two state 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 this commitment is the winner of the Western Australian Large Business Award, Alcoa World Alumina Australia and Fairbridge Western Australia Inc, whose partnership has revitalised an historic Western Australian community.

"Winner of the Judges’ Encouragement Award for Large Business, Insurance Commission of WA and Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation, have worked together since 2004 to create a production and workshop package for the Indigenous community.

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

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

The Partnerships 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. 

A list of the WA winners is attached.

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

Summary of Winners

  • Winner: WA Large Business Award
  • Business: Alcoa World Alumina Australia
  • Community Organisation: Fairbridge Western Australia Inc.
    Since 1996 the formal partnership between these two organisations has resulted in the revitalisation of an historic Western Australian community, increasing employment opportunities and creating youth programs to develop the skills and talents of young people. The partnership has also enabled Fairbridge to work towards becoming self-sustaining.
  • Winner: WA Judges’ Encouragement Large Business Award
  • Business: Insurance Commission of WA
  • Community Organisation: Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation
    This partnership is delivering road safety messages to Indigenous communities, presenting an educational workshop free of charge to schools, remand centres and prisons. The workshop hopes to address Indigenous road trauma statistics, emphasising education and prevention. The workshop is creating by the Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company for Indigenous communities.