VenuesWest community partnerships continue to deliver benefits to charity organisations

The VenuesWest Community Partner Program, now in its seventh year, continues to deliver benefits to charity organisations across Western Australia.

VenuesWest owns and manages Western Australia’s best sport and entertainment venues on behalf of the State Government. Their portfolio currently consists of 13 venues including RAC Arena and Optus Stadium.

New charity organisations, Good Sammy and Asthma WA, will reap the rewards of a two-year partnership while existing charities, OzHarvest and St Catherine's College, have been renewed for 2022/23.

Good Sammy creates employment opportunities and pathways for people with disability. Through their large network of social enterprises, Good Sammy is able to offer a broad range of jobs and work experience placements for people of all abilities, and service the needs of the wider WA business community.

Good Sammy Chief Executive, Kane Blackman shared “we are so grateful to have been announced as one of VenuesWest’s incoming Community Partners. This valuable partnership will go a long way in promoting disability employment and sustainability initiatives that Good Sammy focuses on.

“While 30,000 shoppers visit our stores weekly, most people don’t know that over 40% of our workforce are Western Australians with disability. Nor do they realise that we provide other valuable services to the community, from helping businesses with disability employment and inclusion, to providing important supply chain delivery and recycling services through our logistics social enterprise.

“The partnership will help amplify our message, inspire change and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable WA.

“This wonderful partnership with VenuesWest will help to increase awareness within Government, business and the community of the importance of disability employment and enhanced economic participation of people with disability.

“We are excited to access VenuesWest’s network of magnificent locations, visitors and stakeholders to pursue our mission.”

Asthma WA provides education and support for people with asthma and those around them, with an aim to lead the education and empowerment of Western Australians to take control of their respiratory health.

OzHarvest is Australia's leading food rescue organisation, delivering more than 100 tonnes of quality excess food each month to more than 90 charitable agencies across Western Australia.

Through the Containers for Change scheme, VenuesWest has recently donated $2,385 to OzHarvest for the 2021/22 financial year.

St Catherine's College 'Dandjoo Darbalung' program provides various community and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Perth.

Earlier this year, VenuesWest unveiled the Indigenous artwork created by staff in collaboration with St Catherine's College students.

VenuesWest has farewelled Fair Game and Mentally Healthy WA, and thanked them for their ongoing contribution during their partnerships.

Fair Game will continue to be supported by VenuesWest with donation bins across five different venues to encourage donations of recycled sporting equipment from customers and staff.

WA Acting Sport and Recreation Minister Simone McGurk notes "The Community Partner Program champions the goals of four WA charities and provides significant benefits so they can continue to assist our community.

"I hope that the benefits of this program create a long lasting impact for those who need it the most.

"The partnerships with these incredible charities will help drive awareness of the important work they are doing and build positive connections within the community."