Being in the last year of a communications degree at Edith Cowan University I want to broaden my knowledge and experience in events management. Having worked in the industry for 1.5 yrs in a niche market of high tea, vintage events and weddings I am looking to learn more about corporate events and what goes
on behind the scenes of an event through an internship with Networking WA.

Having worked in numerous events from 90th Birthdays to vintage weddings and all events in between my passion for events has grown since my first job. From
styling to coordinating and even wait staffing, I love all aspects of events and the fine detail that goes into them.

Working with vintage china and silverware has
given me an eye for detail making sure everything is perfectly in place.

Getting towards the end of my degree, I am excited to enter new elements of the
events world and gain experience with Via Appia Networking WA.

With WA’s rapid economic growth and increasing population, entrepreneurs and innovators are more important to WA’s economy than ever before. Business – savvy minds bringing fresh, new ideas to either new or existing corporations are essential for ensuring that the WA economy doesn’t fall following such a boost in development.

Via Appia Networking WA sought to recognise these individuals within the state that have proven themselves to be influential in their particular fields with The WAtoday.com.au Entrepreneurs and Innovators Awards.

In 2012 Via Appia Networking WA introduced ‘The WAtoday.com.au  Entrepreneurs and Innovators Award’ program and event series to acknowledge and promote both recognized and up-and-coming entrepreneurs and innovators within WA. The event held to announce the winners of the award categories, was held on the 3^rd of April this year at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth, and featured a panel of experts.

This new idea was brought about to encourage new and existing business growth through the annual awards which were separated into three categories with winners and runner ups in each:

• Entrepreneurs representing Young (under 35), Female or Indigenous populations
• Curtin Growth Entrepreneur Award
• iiNet Innovator Awards

The major prize givers for this event contributed a generous amount of prizes for the nominees including vouchers, awards, vouchers for courses and event tickets.

A big congratulations to winner Sue Pember (Aussie Orientation Services) in the Young Female and Indigenous Entrepreneur Award category and runner up Nicole Ashby, iinet Innovator Award winner Derek Gerrard (Greensense) and runner up Brodie McCulloch, and finally winner of the Curtin Growth Entrepreneur Award  winner Phil Delich (Lumitex) and runner up Ryan Mossny.

All winners and runner ups should be extremely proud of their achievements.

Written by Jasmin Stuart

The Bellevue Ballroom at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre was transformed on Saturday night into a glowing and glamorous Black Tie themed extravaganza, bringing together many of WA’s most prominent business professionals in support of charity organisation Parkerville Children and Youth Care.

Entertainment began in the foyer with music by local musician Turin Robinson which set the tone for what was to come.
Run by Via Appia Networking WA one of Perth’s leading event specialists, The Interpeople Charity Ball has quickly become one of Perth’s premier charity events, this year attracting more than 700 guests resulting in a generous of money raised through live and silent auctions.

Hosted by renowned sports commentator Tim Gossage the ball also delivered some well-known talent including performances by Australian singer Daryl Braithwaite and painter Chris Nixon, and a spontaneous flash mob routine by The Dance Collective who were disguised as waiters which had guests in awe.
Other attractions included a glowing Ad Hoc Riddler Bar supplying guests with wine and champagne throughout the evening and a high definition indoor golf simulator provided by Par 3 Indoor Golf, proving a popular way to network.
The event was a huge success receiving positive feedback from all involved.

For more information please visit www.networkingwa.com.au or contact:

P (08) 6102 2517

Written by Jasmin Stuart

This year has been a big one for the Networking WA team. 5 years in, we are growing rapidly, and I have to say, a huge part of that is due to the amazing people I have had the opportunity to work with.

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After 3 years of beginning my Marketing and Public Relations degree, I am in my final semester at Curtin University. I am in my final unit and I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to be completing an internship with Networking WA.

Work experience is an essential part of preparing students for their careers. It gives us the chance to learn and further develop our practical skills in the ‘real world’.

Events management is an area in which I have had the opportunity to have a small amount of experience in. It is an area I feel that is challenging, fast-pace and rewarding all at the same time. However, it is an area in which I would like to further expand my knowledge and skills. Interning at Networking WA will allow me to further this knowledge as I have come to the experts in event
management.

I am looking forward to working the Networking WA team and assisting them with there various events. I am also very thankful for this opportunity to complete work experience with Networking WA.

On the 14^th March 2013 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Networking WA hosted their annual Corporate Philanthropy Breakfast, to encourage Western Australian businesses to give back more to their communities.

 Featuring a panel of guest speakers, Michael A Chaney (National Australia Bank Limited, Woodside Petroleum Limited and Gresham Partners Holdings Limited), George Jones (Sundance Resources Limited and Gindalbie Metals Limited), Michael J Smith (iiNet, Synergy and Lionel Samson Sadleirs Group) and Kevin MacDonald (Giving West and Community Council Australia), they served the true purpose of the breakfast-to improve the attending guests’ understanding of Corporate Philanthropy in Australia.

 The speakers enlightened attendees with their thoughts, opinions and experiences on the importance of corporate philanthropy, as well as engaging in a discussion about the challenges that confront charities.  Guests had the opportunity to interact with the panel of speakers in the question & answer section that followed shortly afterwards.

Many new thoughts, observations and conclusions were reached by the end of this event.  A few of them include:

1. Businesses must donate because it is part of their DNA (not just because it would benefit their business) and must donate with no strings attached.

2. Businesses can help not-for-profits and charities, by not just making donations, but helping them set up good Corporate Governance, teaching them good business principles, and also volunteering their own time.

3. Working and collaborating together is extremely beneficial!

a. Charities with the same cause should collaborate to get donations. By collaborating, the charities can use the economies of scale (resources, events etc.)

b. The Corporate Volunteering Council brought together the staff of seven companies for a day of volunteer work. Many benefits from this fun initiative include over 30 000 hours being donated, the companies got to know one another through common causes, and the work culture and morale improved.

4. Businesses should engage their employees and customers in deciding corporate philanthropy:

a. Woodside Committees review proposals and then make recommendations to the Senior Executive team. They also encourage 12 hours (paid work per annum) per employee to charities.

b. At iiNet, the causes are driven from bottom-up (they are decided by the youth who use social media), and then top-down. The culture is based around having fun.

Martin Carter and a guest of the event, said I found it extremely informative and an affirmation that corporations have an obligation to support the community and this is all part of the fourth sector that is emerging, a coming together of Government, Not-for-profit and Corporate ways of doing business, all leading to a better place to work within.

With the Corporate Philanthropy Breakfast finished for this year, Networking WA hopes that all the guests took something away from this event, to turn into new actions to implement for their own business for 2013. For more information about Networking WA’s events in 2013, please click here.

Written by Michelle Tran

 Event Photo’s

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After three years of studying a Bachelor of Communications at Edith Cowan University, I can finally say I’m on the home straight having just commenced my last semester. It is a very exciting and nervous time for me and I’m thrilled to be taking the next step of my career with an internship at Via Appia Networking WA.

Initially starting my degree majoring public relations I knew something was missing which is when I decided to add a second major in event management as well. What I enjoy most about this industry is the planning, organisation and attention to detail that goes into putting on an event, and no matter how big or small, the end result proves what hard work and effort can achieve.

I’ve always been told I’m a people person and working in retail for the past five years has really shown me this. I know that my experience at Via Appia Networking WA will be a valuable one and I look forward to being part of the team!

The rich and diverse Australian Indigenous culture can be traced back to 50 000-65 000 years ago, making it the oldest living cultural history in the world.  Their incredible culture survival is attributed to their ability to adapt and change over the years, and their strong connection to the environment.

Unfortunately, in today’s time, there is an increasingly alarming gap between the health of the Indigenous Australians and the health of Non-Indigenous Australians. Statistics show that Indigenous Australians are three times more likely than Non-Indigenous Australians to be hospitalised, have a shorter life expectancy, and are more likely to suffer from ill-health conditions such as hearing problems, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. Children in remote Indigenous communities are also more vulnerable to chronic diseases as a result of poor health and diet.

The aim of the EON Foundation is to help improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians in WA’s remote communities. Their EON Thriving Communities Program focuses on preventing chronic diseases by providing the communities better access to fruit and vegetables, good nutrition and hygiene education.

The four important factors of the EON Thriving Communities Program are the EON Edible Gardens, the EON Healthy Eating, the EON Healthy Homes, and EON Training and Education. The program relies heavily on community involvement, community support and empowering the residents to deliver sustainable outcomes and results. Their program is also delivered only to communities who invite them in, resulting in a sustainable and long-lasting partnership.

This program is supported by donations and funding. Their Grow ‘Em Up Fund provides the private sector the opportunity to improve the education and the health of the Indigenous Australian children, with the goal of raising $5 million over 5 years.  The Grow ‘Em Up Fund allows businesses to play an important role in enhancing the wellbeing and health of the Indigenous Australians and their future.

Networking WA are proud to support the EON Foundation at the upcoming Corporate Philanthropy Event. To find out more about how can support the EON Foundation; speak to one of their team members at the event.

Corporate Philanthropy, 14^th March, 7am-9am

Register online: http://www.networkingwa.com.au/2012/10/14th-march-2013-corporate-philanthropy/

Written by Michelle Tran.

Why am I interning at Networking WA?

When my first semester at Curtin University commenced, I had no idea what I wanted to do and what degree I would end up with. After changing my major twice, I decided to take a plunge and choose something entirely different – Public Relations. Within a few weeks, I knew that it was what I am most interested and passionate about.

I have always been interested in events but it wasn’t until late last year when I volunteered at another event company, that I decided that I wanted to be more involved in the process and feel the satisfaction when I see the attendees enjoy themselves. I find it so fascinating and am amazed when a simple idea, which is collaborated by a few team members, can turn into an experience.

At Curtin University, the lecturers and tutors see the importance in students doing an internship so that they can gain insights on how our chosen area actually works in the real world. I came across Via Appia Networking WA when searching for events management companies in Perth and found that they were unlike most other companies as they focus on creating new opportunities and paths that would usually be unapproachable.

I’m so excited to have gotten this opportunity to work with Via Appia Networking WA. I have much to learn about the events management industry and I believe that this is where I can gain the necessary skills, knowledge and experience that I need for the future.