MIC annual report (Jan 05) #3426_v4.qxd - Mallesons

The Smith FamilyCommunity partnerThe Smith Family is an Australian independent social enterprise creating opportunitiesfor disadvantaged children and their families to have a better future througheducation. Its core program is Learning for Life which provides a financial scholarshipand personal support in the form of an Education Support Worker through a child’sformal education years.In 2002 we entered into a national partnership with The Smith Family to effectmeasurable and sustainable social change. By the end of 2005, through ourWorkplace Giving program, partners and staff have supported 53 Learning for Lifescholarships and contributed to the costs of an Education Support Worker."Our partnership with Mallesonssets the benchmark for howcorporate Australia can makea meaningful contribution to thecommunity sector by investingnot just dollars but the timeand talent of the organisation.Whether it is providing a venuefor the Sydney Conversationsforum and pro bono legal counselso that our resources are directedto helping those in need ordirectly assisting students throughmentoring, internships and accessto unique experiences like theBella workshop, Mallesons hasdemonstrated the commitmentof the entire organisation toensuring disadvantaged youth aregiven every opportunity to reachtheir potential."In addition, our staff volunteer as mentors for Learning for Life students andprovide them with support and career guidance. We also encourage Learning forLife students by providing them with opportunities for work experience in ouroffice. This gives them a chance to observe the inner workings of a corporate lawfirm they otherwise may not have had (or wanted!).Since 2003 our support of Learning for Life students has extended to a grant thatenables tailored education workshops to be conducted at the Museum ofContemporary Art in Sydney. The students, from rural and metropolitan NewSouth Wales, are selected because of their passion for and talent in visual arts.The four day Bella workshops, in January and October, enable students to developa greater understanding of contemporary Australian and international art.Our partnership with The Smith Family culminates each year with our support forThe Smith Family's Christmas Appeal.Our partnership with The Smith Family is entrenched in the establishment andsustainability of programs and initiatives which aim to making a tangibledifference to the lives of disadvantaged Australian children.Canberra staff including (left to right) Sarah Blee, Renee Berry and Margaret Barnes volunteeredto support The Smith Family's Christmas AppealElaine HenryChief Executive OfficerThe Smith Family