Collaboration for job creation

Kaw from Green Connect, a social and environmental enterprise that trains and employs former refugees and young people in the Illawarra region of NSW.
 

Westpac Foundation has released its 2020 Impact Report (PDF 4MB) which documents the collective impact the Foundation, together with its community partners, is making in local communities across Australia.
 

In what’s been a tough year for the social sector - where bushfires and COVID-19 have left many of the Foundation’s community partners with an increase in need for their support services, unmatched by an increase in revenue – the Report shares stories of resilience and the commitment to continue to provide jobs and opportunities for people who need them most.
 

In 2020, Westpac Foundation re-invested in its existing partners to help them sustain operations, and strengthened its focus on education, training and employment as a pathway out of disadvantage.
 

It continued to support social enterprises such as Green Connect that creates jobs and employment pathways for young people and former refugees in work that helps the planet and the community – growing food and reducing waste.
 

With 54% of their employees speaking English as a second language, and only 23% eligible for JobKeeper payments, the wrap-around support the organisation provides its employees was particularly important in 2020.
 

“When I come to work, I’m part of a big family helping our community and our environment,” said Green Connect employee Kaw (pictured).
 

Since 2015 Westpac Foundation supported social enterprises have created 3,596 jobs for people experiencing barriers to mainstream employment. In 2020, the Foundation awarded 106 grants valued at $2.3 million.