BlueScope Steel launched a new initiative on Monday called the Warrawong Project.
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Part of BlueScope's Community Partners program, the Warrawong Project involved a team of emerging leaders within the steelworks being encouraged to provide their time and expertise to help out in the community.
It is also the result of a partnership between BlueScope, Wollongong City Council and a number of businesses such as the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, the Edmen Group and the Flagstaff Group.
The Warrawong Project is particularly targeted at the community neighbouring the steelworks.
A number of BlueScope employees have volunteered their time to help out three community groups.
They do that by volunteering their time and experience to help out community groups such as The Coomaditchie Centre, Warrawong Community Kitchen and the Urban Grown Warrawong Community Farm.
During the launch at Cafe Vizione in the Sirius Building, General Office Road, Port Kembla, representatives from the three groups spoke of how helpful the initiative was at a time when it was becoming more difficult getting government and corporate funding for such projects that help the community and rely heavily on volunteers.
Many reflected on how hard it was to put a value on such work.
Many BlueScope employees have already helped them raise funds and provided input on sustainable business practices.
And Matthew Kari, a finance manager involved in leading the team of emerging leaders already involved, encouraged other employees to consider doing things such as salary sacrificing a small amount from each pay to support the work of such community organisations.
After hours action
NSW Business Chamber chief executive Stephen Cartwright and president Tony Dormer are addressing the next Illawarra Business After Hours at the Lagoon Seafood Restaurant on July 30 to explain the key priorities businesses want addressed by the government to ensure NSW can attract the investment, develop the jobs and encourage the growth to support our growing population. It is part of the chamber's NSW 2015 election campaign "Unfinished Business: Towards 2015 and beyond".
Contract renewed
SAS Trustee Corporation (STC) has awarded Pillar another five-year contract to provide a complete range of administration services, including specialist support for its complex defined benefits schemes.
Pillar Administration is one of Australia's leading superannuation administration providers with a large presence in Coniston.
It has more than $96 billion under administration across almost 1.14-million member accounts.
STC has some of the largest defined benefits schemes in Australia and the fifth largest total pool of funds under management.
The news came as Pillar reveals it has recorded a strong return for the 2013-14 financial year and another major client, FSS Trustee Corporation, re-signing with the superannuation administrator.
Fixed-fee lawyers
RMB Lawyers is starting the new financial year by introducing a new fixed-fee charging model and other services that it feels will attract clients from all over NSW and beyond.
It coincides with the law firm moving back into its Wollongong Crown Street headquarters, which has undergone a major refurbishment, including a half million-dollar technology upgrade that will enable it to service clients near and far.
Holiday science
The 23rd annual University of Wollongong ConocoPhillips Science Experience is running from July 9 to 11.
It is an interesting and fun three days of school holiday science for students in years 9 or 10. Registrations at smah.uow.edu.au/scienceexperience.
Preschool plea
One of the Illawarra's oldest community-based preschools is calling for help from its past students, parents and associates.
Serious structural problems require the demolition, underpinning and rebuilding of part of the building at Keiraville Community Preschool, which is dependent on limited government funding.
A "With a little help from our friends" project has been launched and a two-dimensional metal sculptural tree would have leaves added to acknowledge the support of individuals, families and businesses.
Industry insights
After launching a greater presence in the region with a trade information night in February, the Housing Industry Association's (HIA) new business representative, Michelle Todd, has been busy providing more opportunities for members.
The next event is an information session to share advances in innovation in the building industry on July 8 at the Innovation Campus, which will include site tours of the Solar Decathlon House and the Sustainable Buildings and Research Centre (SBRC).
"You will get to select which one appeals to you most," Ms Todd said. "It should be very interesting and valuable."