2020 has provided some exceptional challenges for Australians, including but not limited to, drought, bushfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges are wide spread across Australia, with the impacts not only to be felt immediately but also in the many months to come.
Sureway deliver the Australian Government’s Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services (DES) and Career Transition Assistance employment services programs across NSW, VIC and SA, and, with many of our offices in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia we have unfortunately seen the devastation that natural disasters have brought to our communities this Summer. This has led us to sourcing ways that we can begin to help our towns move forward.
As the road to recovery is long and diverse we believe that providing financial assistance to support organisations is the most effective way that we can contribute at this time.
CEO Matthew Hall announced that the business will donate a total of $13,000 to three charities, BlazeAid, Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute following an internal challenge amongst our teams.
“During the first half of 2020, we pledged as a business to donate a fixed amount to charity on behalf of every client placed into employment during the month of February, as well as on behalf of each client who reached their 6-month employment anniversary.” Mr Hall said.
“We asked our state-based teams to nominate a charity that they were passionate about and that they believed would greatly assist their local regions to move forward during these difficult times.”
Sureway’s New South Wales team selected BlazeAid as their recipient – a volunteer organisation that assists with rebuilding and repairs following natural disasters such as fires and floods – who will receive a combined donation of $9,000 on behalf of both Sureway and the Galloway Group. $2,325 in funds raised by our Victorian teams will go to Black Dog Institute, an organisation dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating mental illness through support, education and research, and in South Australia our team nominated Beyond Blue as the recipient of their $1,675 tally, who provide mental health services and support for those affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
“We understand that the effects of these disasters will be felt long after the clean-up has finished, which is why our teams have selected a variety of charities that assist with both immediate and ongoing supports.” Mr Hall said.
“I think it is important to acknowledge the mental health challenges that people involved in these disasters may be facing. This will take a toll on our communities for some time to come.”
“I would encourage anyone affected to reach out to the services around you.” He said.
ACCESS TO SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
Beyond Blue: Mental health services and support for those affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
BlazeAid: A volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. BlazeAid volunteers assist with rebuilding fences and other structures that have been destroyed or damaged during natural disasters.
Black Dog Institute: Dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating mental illness through support, education and research.
