Media Release by The Hon Mal Brough MP

New South Wales community business partnerships recognised

Six community business partnerships have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to the New South Wales 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 all six New South Wales winners for their commitment to strengthening their local communities.

"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.

"As the winner of the New South Wales Small Business Award, the partnership between the Waterford Retirement Village Pty Ltd and the Kincumber and District Neighbourhood Centre promotes healthy eating habits and strengthens community spirit through the operation of a number of community activities such as the Kincumber Youth Brekky Club.

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

"With this week being National Community Business Partnerships Week I congratulate all six New South Wales winners of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships and encourage others to reach out and help their community."

The Partnership Week events held around the country this week aim to recognise State winners, while raising awareness for the benefits of partnerships in the local community. 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 state winners is attached.

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

Summary of Winners

  • Winner: NSW Small Business Award
  • Business: Waterford Retirement Village Pty Ltd
  • Community Organisation: Kincumber and District Neighbourhood Centre
    This partnership operates a number of community activities including the Kincumber Youth Brekky Club that provides a free breakfast for young people who attend Kincumber High School, promoting healthy eating habits and strengthening community spirit.
  • Winner: NSW Judges’ Encouragement Award Small Business
  • Business: Key Employment
  • Community Organisation: Coffs Harbour Showground Trust
    Key Employment negotiated to place staff with varying levels of disability at the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds. Showground staff are involved in training and supervising the workers with disabilities which enabled them to gain a better understanding of the capabilities of people living with a disability. Employment has brought enhanced quality of life to disabled workers and has allowed them to participate more fully in their community.
  • Winner: NSW Medium Business Award
  • Business: McGrath Estate Agents
  • Community Organisation: Youth Off The Streets
    These organisations have worked together for three years and support chronically homeless and drug-addicted young Australians to change their lives. They provide outreach services, drug and alcohol treatment, counselling, residential treatment and mentoring programs to educate and develop the life skills of disadvantaged young people.
  • Winner: NSW Judges’ Encouragement Award Medium Business
  • Business: J K Williams
  • Community Organisation: Mamre Project
    The Mamre Project, run by the Sisters of Mercy, operates a small commercial restaurant and nursery which provide skills training for the disadvantaged, students at risk of not completing basic education, long-term unemployed and the disabled. J K Williams provides maintenance support and infrastructure development that enables the Mamre Project to operate and expand to assist Sudanese Refugees settle into Australian life.
  • Winner: NSW Large Business Award
  • Business: Country Energy
  • Community Organisation: 9 Broken Hill Schools
    Drought was the key factor in this collaboration, with water restrictions limiting the ability of children to play in areas that now required handwatering. Educating children about the value of water and collaboration with Country Energy has resulted in more water efficient practices being employed by schools.
  • Winner: NSW Judges’ Encouragement Award Large Business
  • Business: Australian Business Community Network
  • Community Organisation: South West Sydney Regional Schools
    This partnership delivers four main programs relating to educational outcomes that build leadership, provide mentoring, literacy support and opportunities to experience and participate in arts activities.
  • Multi-State Winner: Multi-state Medium Business Award
  • Business: Industrie Clothing Pty Ltd
  • Community Organisation: CanTeen
    Australia’s leading fashion retailer, Industrie Clothing, works together with CanTeen to design and manufactures its iconic bandannas and T-shirts. The partnership has also funded CanTeen’s National Camp, enabling them to focus on its core role of supporting young people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis either as a patient, sibling or offspring.