Media Release by The Hon Mal Brough MP

Victoria community business partnerships recognised

Four community business partnerships have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to the Victorian 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 four winners for their commitment to working together for a better outcome for all.

"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 Victorian Small Business Award, Strategic Investment and Retirement Solutions and Wyndham Connected Incorporated partnership. This is a joint venture between business and the community which is aimed at educating and empowering the community with the necessary skills for making informed life choices.

"Each of the partnerships delivers better outcomes in 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 all four 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 Victorian winners is attached.

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

Summary of Winners

  • Winner: VIC Small Business Award
  • Business: Strategic Investment and Retirement Solutions and other businesses
  • Community Organisation: Wyndham Connected Inc and 19 community organisations is a joint venture between business and community aiming to educate and empower the community with the necessary skills for making informed life choices.
  • Winner: VIC Medium Business Award
  • Business: Readings Books and Music
  • Community Organisation: Brotherhood of St Laurence
    The Brotherhood of St Laurence is a not-for-profit agency which runs HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters), a literacy program that helps disadvantaged communities teach their children to learn and enjoy reading. The partnership with Readings has been operating for 3 years.
  • Winner: VIC Large Business Award
  • Business: IBM Australia
  • Community Organisation: Lighthouse Foundation
    Two years ago IBM Australia and The Lighthouse Foundation developed the Lighthouse Foundation Technology Transformation Partnership. This improved the foundation’s entire IT system including refurbishment of out-of-date systems to create an environment where young people feel trusted, challenged, and can thrive – intellectually, physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally.
  • Multi-State Winner: Multi-state Large Business Award
  • Business: Alcoa World Alumina Australia
  • Community Organisation: K.I.D.S. Foundation
    K.I.D.S. provides financial and emotional support to children who have been injured at school or home and require ongoing rehabilitation. K.I.D.S. and Alcoa share a common goal in injury prevention and both hold safety as a core value. This has shaped the success of both Alcoa’s internal safety drive and K.I.D.S. community safety and outreach programs.