2007 Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership Awards

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today announced nominations had opened for the 2007 Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships.

The Minister encouraged community business partnerships contributing to a better Australia to apply for the Awards, saying they were a valuable way of raising awareness of the benefits of community business partnerships.

"Good community business partnerships are mutually beneficial with positive outcomes for business partners and entire communities," Minister Brough said.

"Now in their ninth year, the Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of partnerships across metropolitan and regional areas throughout Australia.

"Past winners have been innovative and inspirational, demonstrating the achievements which can be made when business, government and community organisations work together.

"Many communities have benefited from these partnerships which have included programmes to improve literacy, helping homeless youth find accommodation, helping long term unemployed find work and improving the quality of life for people who need special care, such as the disabled or elderly.

"The Award categories reflect the diversity of partnerships, from those operating at a national level to those operating in one small rural or regional community.

"This year will include a new award, the Special Award for Contribution to an Indigenous Community, which recognises the significant corporate sector contribution to Indigenous communities or services.

"As Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs, I’m particularly pleased about the new award, because it recognises partnerships in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Australia and the positive efforts being made to improve the circumstances of first Australians.

"I encourage organisations, businesses and individuals to nominate any partnership they consider is contributing to a stronger and more cohesive Australia," Minister Brough said.

"You don’t have to be directly involved in the partnership to nominate. This is an opportunity for all Australians to recognise the important work of partnerships."

Nominations close on 27 April 2007. For more information and nomination forms visit The Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership Website or call 1800 102 014 (freecall).