The LUCRF Community Partnership Trust is helping support disadvantaged Australians while putting employers in touch with their local communities.
On 2 December 2011, Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard MP launched the LUCRF Community Partnership Trust in New South Wales.
Established by LUCRF Super in November 2010, the initiative identifies and supports worthy causes which reflect the fund’s core values and aims to build skills, capacity and knowledge within communities. With the support of various contributing employers, the Trust forms a partnership with organisations that provide much needed help to disadvantaged children and young adult Australians. The initiative aims to deliver long term solutions to issues in communities where members reside and serves as a reliable resource for other employers to use when considering community engagement.
The Prime Minister commented, “I’m pleased and proud that this fund has always placed a high priority on giving something back to the community.”
CEO of LUCRF Super, Greg Sword, said, “Through the Community Partnership Trust, the fund can further develop positive and sustainable relationships that extend beyond a transactional nature.
“We hope to make a real difference in people’s lives and inspire others to do similar things as there are so many people in the community that need assistance.”
In 2010, the Trust partnered with Doxa Youth Foundation (www.doxa.org.au), Youth Projects (www.youthprojects.org.au) and the St Vincent’s Sisters of Charity (www.svhm.org.au), resulting in a number of important initiatives that are improving the lives of disadvantaged Australians.
At the 2011 launch, the inaugural Community Partners in New South Waleswere announced by the Prime Minister as Foundation House (www.foundationhouse.net.au) and the Cawarra Women’s Refuge Aboriginal Corporation.
Foundation House
Foundation House is an alcohol, drug and gambling treatment facility run by the Construction Drug and Alcohol Foundation (CIDAF). It provides residential and outpatient services to a broad range of patients, including construction industry personnel, members of their families and the general public.
The facility was opened in June 2000 and aims to directly address the lack of availability of treatment options and unrealistic waiting lists in an already overcrowded public health system with limited places.
The LUCRF Community Partnership Trust has provided support for the full time employment of a Gambling Counsellor to further extend the current Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation program. The Trust’s support will enable the Counsellor to drive a four-week intensive outpatient gambling program and offer an after-hours service to those who cannot attend the program.
Cawarra Women’s Refuge Aboriginal Corporation
Cawarra Women’s Refuge Aboriginal Corporation is a unique facility that was formed over 30 years ago to provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who are escaping or experiencing domestic violence.
Cawarra provides culturally safe, confidential accommodation and assistance programs that are designed to empower clients and help them get back to living a safe and normal life.
The LUCRF Community Partnership Trust has provided Cawarra with the support to recruit an additional Aboriginal Family Support Worker and part-time visiting psychologist, to continue its current Family and Child Health Worker program. The Trust’s support will significantly help Cawarra in its capacity to deliver a broad range of support services to those who are most vulnerable. This includes adequate crisis care, case management services, disability services, pregnancy support and specialist counselling services.
Employers can partner with the LUCRF Community Partnership Trust through a Workplace Giving Program or by making a one-off donation to the Trust.
For more information, call 1300 130 780 or visit www.lucrfcpt.org.au
L-R: Contributing employer Kerry Smith with John Cain, Peter Lawrence, Greg Sword, Sister Leonne, Charlie Donnelly and John Lenders