Tech partnership wins PM’s Award

A local partnership between a community group and an information technology (IT) business has won a Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership Award. The partnership, between Community Information Strategies Australia and Vectra Corporation, has won the South Australian award for a community partnership with a medium-sized business.

The Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership is a group of prominent business and community leaders appointed by the Prime Minister to advise the Australian Government on community-business collaboration, philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

The Awards, presented at a breakfast event at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday 24 August, reward and recognise those businesses and community organisations which come together to generate outcomes that have a long term benefit for the community.

CISA’s CommunIT Project aims to help community organisations with limited funds to develop their computer skills, knowledge and resources. Over the past two years, Vectra Corporation has contributed to the project by running free workshops on computer security for community organisations throughout South Australia, sponsoring CISA conferences on IT issues for community groups, providing IT advice to community groups, and helping disadvantaged young people with computer purchases.

'Vectra is a leader among the many companies that have recognised that the ‘digital divide’ also exists for cash-strapped organisations working with disadvantaged people. They have generously given their time, knowledge and money to help CISA make a difference for community groups at the front line in dealing with social issues', CISA CEO, Doug Jacquier, said.

'Vectra is a great example of a business not only with a heart but a smart business strategy, because they understand that the community sector in Australia represents 5% of Australia’s GDP. They also understand that most community groups receive some sort of government funding, so working in the community raises their profile with government as well. We enjoy working with them because they are in there for the long haul, not just a fast buck', Mr Jacquier continued.

'We congratulate Vectra and all of the businesses that have contributed to making CISA’s CommunIT project a great success. We are very proud to have won this Award and we have our fingers crossed that we can be short-listed for the national PM’s Community Business Partnership Awards in October', Mr Jacquier said.