Optus connects 37 communities with grants program Optus today announced the 37 recipients of its ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program to help local community organisations throughout Australia build social inclusion and reconnect disengaged youth. Each recipient receives up to $10,000 to help fund their program, with Optus awarding a total of $250,000 in funding.
In its fifth year, the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants Program focuses on helping build better communities by providing not-for-profit organisations with additional funding to bring their project to fruition and make a positive impact in society.
Helen Maisano, Optus Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility said, “Optus received an overwhelming 1,300 applications this year across the country. The 37 successful community organisations will use their grants by delivering projects that provide access to technology, support recreational activities and assist with special needs and education services.
“Optus is committed to bringing communities together and we are delighted to support programs that are working at the heart of the community to help disengaged youth and break down social barriers,” Ms Maisano said.
Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.
Spotlight on recipient – Marist Youth Care:
One of the successful grant recipients is Marist Youth Care (MYC), a non-profit organisation based in Blacktown, New South Wales that is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged young people in Western Sydney with the practical skills they need to kick-start their employment.
Optus’ contribution of $9,420 to MYC’s project ‘Job in a Box’ gives 30 young adults the basic necessities they need when looking for their first job. The box will include a water bottle, lunchbox, work socks, back pack and vouchers for work boots and a haircut.
Pauline Robertson, Executive Manger of Marist Youth Care said, “Western Sydney has a significantly high youth unemployment rate and this project addresses the gap by providing young people with the initial steps they need to get their career on track. Thanks to Optus, we can use the funding provided to help these young adults reach their full potential in life.”
Of the 37 successful applicants, 19 are from New South Wales, five from Victoria, five from Queensland, three from Western Australia, two from the Northern Territory, two from South Australia and one from Tasmania.
The organisations awarded funding this year are:
New South Wales: Augustinian Volunteers Australia Foundation, Ballina Soccer Club Incorporated, Bathurst Women and Children’s Refuge, Belmore Police Citizens Youth Club, Cowra High School, Epilepsy Action Australia, Figtree Public School, Kempsey PCYC, Little Athletics, Liverpool Fairfield Community Radio, Macarthur Legal Centre, Margaret Jurd College, Marist Youth Care, Margaret Jurd College, Marist Youth Care, Nowra Athletics Club Inc., St Vincent de Paul – Nagle Centre, Sylvanvale Foundation, The Hub at Guyra, Toronto High School and UNE Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE).
Victoria: Ararat Mens Shed, Banyule Housing Support Group, Motor Neurone Disease Association of Victoria, Orbost Little Athletics Affiliated with Little Athletics Victoria and Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre Inc. Queensland: Ballandean Soccer Club Inc, The Haven Association Incorporated, Inala Day Respite Centre, Tinana State School and Warwick U3A Inc.
Western Australia: Anglicare WA, Cervantes Primary School Parents and Citizens Association and Federation of Western Australia Police and Community Youth Centres.
South Australia: Ronald McDonald House Adelaide and Eyre Futures Inc.
Northern Territory: Brahminy Foundation Limited and Yipirinya School.
Tasmania: Cosmos.
About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program and this year’s recipients please visit optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants
Media contact: Dianne Edwards Optus Corporate Affairs Optus Media Hotline: (02) 8082 7850
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