Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

NSW PM’s Community Business Partnership Award Winners

I want to congratulate DHL Worldwide Express and JJ Cahill Memorial High School for winning the NSW State Award in the Large Business category of the 2002 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships.

By pooling their resources, expertise and community spirit, DHL and JJ Cahill High School in Mascot have given students from a range of social, cultural and economic backgrounds the skills and confidence to broaden their outlook on life beyond school.

DHL provides students with valuable advice through mentoring, coaching, scholarships and work experience. In return, their involvement with the school provides DHL employees with opportunities to develop new skills and understand the personal and community benefits of voluntary work.

Through a variety of programs, such as work placement cadetships, workshops in presentation skills and an after hours homework centre, this partnership encourages personal development in all participants.

The partnership, which has been in operation since 1997, is now a self-sustaining entity underpinned by the commitment and enthusiasm of both partners.

This year’s Awards have attracted hundreds of nominations from around the country, demonstrating that the partnership spirit remains strong across Australian communities and the business sector.

DHL and JJ Cahill High School’s alliance is an excellent example of how organisations that work together can help to build a more caring, productive and vibrant society.

The Prime Minister’s Awards recognise the positive opportunities that such partnerships create, and their contribution to building stronger communities through shared commitment, energy and creativity.

The NSW partnership will now be judged against other State and Territory winners for the National Large Business Category Award to be announced at Parliament House in Canberra on 11 December.

National winners and Special Award winners will receive $10 000 towards the extension of their community project.