Optus and United Way: A partnership built on community and purpose
Optus’ partnership with United Way Australia exemplifies how businesses can drive meaningful community impact. Since our first collaboration in 2018 at the inaugural Macquarie Park Walkathon, Optus has been supporting United Way's initiatives, fostering connections and creating lasting change.
For over 50 years, United Way has worked at the heart of Australian communities. Their focus on early childhood development, literacy, and youth employment ensures every child can thrive. United Way’s approach unites community members, businesses, and contributors to foster strong, resilient communities.
Through programs like the Imagination Library, which promotes literacy among young children, and Ready to Succeed, which equips youth with life and work skills, United Way has made a tangible difference for many Australians.
Since the partnership began in 2018, Optus employees have participated in various events and initiatives in support of United Way’s mission.
Macquarie Park Walkathon
The Walkathon is a 5km walk in Macquarie Park that’s full of fun challenges. It brings the business district together once a year to help provide children in Ryde with monthly books through the Imagination Library. Since 2018, over 200 participants from Optus have participated in this event and in 2024 the event saw over $40,000 raised.
The Community Cup
The Community Cup is a fun and friendly soccer round-robin competition which sees businesses throughout Macquarie Park come together once a year to kick goals for kids literacy. In 2019, Optus participated in our first Community Cup (with the Business Team being crowned champions). Our amazing employees have been continuing to show their enthusiasm, commitment to teamwork and community spirit ever since. The 2024 event saw $45,000 raised.
High School Mentoring
Aside from the outdoor fun, United Way play a crucial role in helping high school students prepare for their careers. The High School Mentoring initiative is a chance for businesses to share advice and experience through mock interviews, career mentoring, career days and tailored workshops. Optus has also played a role in high school mentoring for Marsden High School and South Sydney High School. From industry visits to mentoring events, these initiatives have given students valuable insights into the corporate world, bridging education and employment opportunities.
“We know that low literacy in Aussie kids has a lifelong impact. In fact, 1 in 5 Australian children start school developmentally vulnerable and are consequently at a much higher risk of falling behind and struggling to ever catch up.
Over the past decade, United Way Australia has been delivering Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an early year’s literacy development program equipping tens of thousands of Australian children for success in life.
With thanks to Optus, and our partner companies in Macquarie Park, there are currently 1,000 children in the Ryde area supported on The Imagination Library. Your support is helping children in your community to read, learn and establish the foundations for future success – thank you"
Grace Pestonji – Head of Programs at United Way Australia
Optus’ partnership with United Way is about investing in the future of communities and creating opportunities for young Australians. Together, we are helping to shape a brighter future.
Learn more about United Way's impact here.
Matt Formston Sustainability & Sponsorship Manager, Optus Enterprise.
Matt devises strategies to positively impact the community and environment whilst maintaining a competitive edge within the telecommunications and ICT industry. He manages the Tour de Cure partnership and leads corporate executives to deliver a modern apporach to overcoming community disadvantage. Matt was diagnosed with macular dystrophy and lost 95 per cent of his vision att the age of five. Today he is chair of the Macquarie Business Park Partnership, a world champion surfer and Australian Paralympian in cycling. He is also a motivational speaker and executive coach, having worked with leaders and teams across various organisations and industries.
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