Charities cash in on
DEEWR generosity

The national office staff of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) raised more than $20,000 for charities last financial year.
   Spokesperson for DEEWR, Tim Pigot said many staff joined the Department because they were committed to improving the lives of others.
   “That community and caring spirit doesn’t stop at the front door of the building,” Mr Pigot said.
   “DEEWR people across the State and Territory network and in National Office are always finding ways to raise funds to help others in the community.”
Staff raise $20,000
   He said the social club at National Office in DEEWR had made an annual contribution of $10,000 to the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program for several years.
   Other recent contributions had benefited Hartley Life Care and Communities at Work, which were both based in Canberra, he said.
   Mr Pigot said the leadership in supporting charities came from the top.
   He said the Secretary of DEEWR, Lisa Paul, spoke regularly at external events and, when she could, requested that payment in lieu of speaker fees be directed to support the Big Issue.
   Ms Paul said one of the priorities of her Department was to support people in making the transition from unemployment or underemployment to paid work and so the Big Issue was a natural fit.
   “I’ve always admired the spirit of the many people who stand on the street corner in all weathers, to sell the Big Issue and get a foothold in the job market, while building skills that employers will value,” Ms Paul.
   “We have some regulars near the Department in Canberra and it’s great to have a chat when I buy a copy each month,” she said.
Edition 336F, 26 October 2012
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