EMPOWERING CHANGE THROUGH CHARITY PARTNERSHIPS

At Wests Illawarra, we believe in the transformative power of giving back to our community. Through our unwavering commitment to social responsibility, we have formed meaningful partnerships with the following charitable organisations.

Wests Illawarra has proudly supported Youth Off The Streets for many years. With a steadfast commitment to providing safety, support, and life-changing opportunities for young people, Youth Off The Streets plays a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for our community’s youth. CEO of Youth Off The Streets, Mel Davis emphasises the vital importance of our continued support and funding: “Wests Illawarra has provided extensive support to Youth Off The Streets, enabling us to offer opportunities such as camps and excursions that many of our students have never had in their lives.”

Wests’ partnership with The Disability Trust focuses on empowering children and teenagers with disabilities in the Illawarra. By providing essential financial contributions, we help them acquire much-needed mobility aid equipment, expanding their horizons beyond their local communities. Michael Norris from The Disability Trust comments: “Wests’ financial contributions help support children and teenagers here in the Illawarra with disabilities to purchase mobility aid equipment. Without the support of Wests, it would limit the opportunities for our participants to have the ability to get out of their local community.”

Partnering with The Flagstaff Group fills us with great enthusiasm, as their dedication to providing meaningful training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities aligns perfectly with our values. Our support enables Flagstaff to extend crucial assistance to participants who are not funded by the NDIS, ensuring they have access to incredible activities and experiences. Rod Clarke, an enthusiastic support worker at Flagstaff, says, “Wests Illawarra have always been very supportive of the Flagstaff group. They have always identified gaps and been collaborate with us to make sure that people with disabilities are getting opportunities that others in the community take for granted.”

Our partnership with the Vinnies Food Van in Wollongong brings us immense joy, as we contribute both financial assistance and dedicated volunteers to support their essential mission of providing nourishment to those in need. Thanks to our contributions, Vinnies Food Van can serve up to 70 meals every night, ensuring that individuals in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have access to food. Kelly, Vinnies Van Program Coordinator, emphasizes the impact of our partnership: “Without the funding provided by Wests Illawarra, it would be very difficult for us to meet the needs of our community. We are enormously grateful for the financial and volunteer support from Wests Illawarra. Without this, many people would go hungry.”

In times of crisis, having a support system is paramount, and that’s why we proudly stand alongside Lifeline South Coast. As a vital resource offering 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services, Lifeline South Coast plays a crucial role in assisting those battling mental health issues. Our financial contributions significantly contribute to providing free community training on recognising the warning signs of suicide, crisis, and distress. Renee Green, CEO of Lifeline South Coast, expresses the importance of Wests’ financial contribution: “Wests’ financial contribution allows everybody to be able to access training and learn how to support those they care about.”

At Wests Illawarra, we take immense pride in our commitment to fostering a strong and supportive community. In the past financial year alone, we have contributed an extraordinary $141,860 to our valued community partners, displaying our dedication to making a tangible impact.

Together, we are #communitystrong!