Australia
New South Wales
In 2004 the SMEC Foundation supported the Clarks Island Landcare Group in the
revegetation of an eight-hectare island in the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney
This involved eradication of invasive weed species and their replacement with
native plants from the local area. All work was carried out by volunteers. The
Foundation donated a pump and associated equipment to assist with water drilling
for planting and irrigation.
Comma-Monaro Region
SMEC was established in Cooma in 1970 and both the company and the Foundation
acknowledge a special responsibility to the people and institutions of the
region.
Donation to the Monaro Education Foundation to support tertiary study by
students from the Monaro region.
Donation to the
Service Memorial erected in Cooma to commemorate the contribution of the people
of the Cooma-Monaro region to the armed services of Australia during war
(through the Returned Services League of Australia)
Support was provided for the design of a new extension to the Raglan Gallery in
Cooma which is one of the region's most prominent art galleries, providing
working space and exhibition opportunities for local artists.
Canberra
Project
Photos
In March 2002 the SMEC
Foundation responded to an appeal to provide sponsorship for and international
regatta for disabled sailors planned and managed by Sailability ACT, Inc.
In 2005 the SMEC Foundation sponsored a group of third year engineering students
from the Australian National University participating in a business planning and
product commercialisation program managed by Youth Achievement Australia. In
addition to financial support a SMEC staff member acted as mentor to the team
which was highly successful.
The SMEC Foundation has been a consistent supporter of the Pegasus Riding School
for disabled children. In 2002/2003 the Foundation provided a grant to purchase
feed during a drought period and in 2005 an additional grant was provided for
the purchase of new horses.
A SMEC donation to the 2003 Bushfire Appeal was channeled through the Foundation
Victoria
In 2006 the SMEC Foundation supported Cultivating Community with a feasibility
study and pilot project for a new program to establish kitchen gardens in
selected schools in the Melbourne area. The support included not only funding
(jointly with the Victorian Government) but also advice on business planning and
strategy development.
Northern Territory
The SMEC Foundation has provided sponsorship on several occasions for the
Imparja Cup which is held annually in Alice Springs for Aboriginal cricket teams
from across central Australia. The competition is orgnaised by the Northern
Territory Cricket Association.
In 2006 the Foundation supported a team of student volunteers from the
University of News South Wales who participated in a number of community
projects in the Aboriginal settlement of Santa Teresa (population 5000 located
70 kilometres south west of Alice Springs. The program included cooking meals
for underweight children, cleaning and repair of community facilities and
assistance with administrative work.
Queensland
In 2006 the SMEC Foundation provided support for the breakfast program at
Cherbourg State School near Murgon, a bout 70 kilometres north-west of Brisbane.
The purpose of the program is to provide daily breakfast to the students from
the local Aboriginal community.
In 2006 the Foundation supported a small team from Engineers Without Borders to
conduct a roads assessment on Palm Island off central Queensland. The island is
home to an Aboriginal population of around 4000 and is one of Australia’s
poorest districts. The Queensland and local governments had indicated their
readiness to upgrade the island’s road network if an assessment of conditions
and priorities could be provided.
Outback Australia
Sponsorship of a social impact study for the proposed Outback Highway in central
Australia
Other project proposals are currently under consideration.
