Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Community Business Partnership regional seminar series kicks off in Bendigo

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today launched the Community Business Partnership Brokerage Service regional seminar series in Bendigo.

“The Bendigo seminar is the first in an Australia-wide series to promote the benefits of community groups and businesses joining together to strengthen their local community,” Senator Patterson said.

“Twelve seminars, developed in coordination with local governments, will be held across Australia between May and September.”

The seminar series will cover such topics as:

  • What is a community business partnership?;
  • Explanation of the benefits to business, community organisations and the wider community of successful partnerships;
  • Partnership models, including combinations of activities such as employee volunteering, mentoring, in-kind support, pro-bono or discounted services, and sponsorship;
  • The elements of successful community business partnerships;
  • What businesses and community groups need to do before entering a partnership; and
  • What resources are available to organisations seeking partnerships.

“The regional seminar series targets businesses and community groups wanting to work together, make a difference and find out more about forming a partnership – all with the aim to create and inspire more community business partnerships,” Senator Patterson said.

“These seminars are a key element of the National Community Business Partnerships Brokerage Service, an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership.”

A Victorian-based organisation, Our Community, operates the National Community Business Partnerships Brokerage Service, in collaboration with the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Senator Patterson said the service was set up in 2003 to help promote partnerships on a national level and offer practical resources to small and medium-sized businesses and community groups.

“The Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership was established in 1999 to advise the Australian Government on ways of developing and promoting a culture of corporate and individual social responsibility in Australia.

“There are already some great partnerships formed in rural communities which have made a real difference. Examples include partnerships which are improving outcomes for young people and others which are creating sustainable business ventures with Indigenous people.

“Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that a lot of great work is being done in rural and regional towns and these seminars will provide the opportunity to inspire more businesses and local agencies to develop partnerships which could provide long-term benefits for their community,” Senator Patterson said.

Other Regional Seminar Series Dates

  • 1 July Morwell – Latrobe City Council
  • 27 July Geelong – City of Greater Geelong
  • 4 August Dubbo – Dubbo City Council
  • 17 August Wollongong – Wollongong City Council
  • 19 August Newcastle – Newcastle City Council
  • 25 August Gold Coast – Gold Coast City Council
  • 26 August Shepparton – City of Greater Shepparton
  • 1 September Mount Gambier – The City Of Mount Gambier
  • 9 September Merredin – Wheatbelt ACC
  • 14 September Cairns – Cairns City Council
  • 15 September Rockhampton – Rockhampton City Council

For further information or to register for a seminar, contact Lidia Milevski on (03) 9320 6807.