An event managed by Networking WA (no Networking WA discounts apply to this event, no Free Tickets)

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.

Why am I interning at Networking WA?

I have been a dancer all my life and found that year after year the most exciting part of dancing for me were the end of year concerts. It takes a lot of planning and creativity to put together an event like this, especially when it has to be different every year. I feel being involved in that industry and involved in different events at such a young age has developed my interest in events.

I have recently just completed a Bachelor of Event, Sport and Recreation Management at Edith Cowan University. The great thing about my degree is that I had the opportunity to study across three different areas of management which allowed me to get an insight of how each of them was different. From this, Event Management was the area that sparked my interest the most and was something I would want to pursue in the future.

Through my studies at university, I took part in some prac placements that allowed me to get some hands on experience in this line of work but I felt like I needed to further broaden my experience and understanding and that is how I came across the Via Appia Networking WA Internship.

I feel that from this opportunity of working with everyone from Via Appia Networking WA, I will be able to gain all the relevant skills and knowledge that is essential in this industry whilst also putting myself out there. I am extremely grateful to be given the chance to work with the team and look forward to this experience that Via Appia Networking WA offers to me.

Anne-Sophie’s Professional Background

Anne-Sophie has recently moved to Perth from Belgium, where she completed her Master of International Management and Marketing. She has built her first experience in marketing working as a trade marketer for the international FMCG company PepsiCo, where she realised she had a passion for marketing and brand management combined with a dynamic  atmosphere. She decided to move to Perth to build an international marketing career while enjoying the perks of the Australian lifestyle. She hopes event organisation will provide her with the diversity and challenge she loves in her work, and also a brand new WA network.

Via Appia event you would most likely find Anne-Sophie at?

Having just moved to Perth, Anne-Sophie would like to learn about as many aspects of WA business as possible, and would therefore love to attend all the events Via Appia is organizing.

Favourite conversation starter?

“Hi, I’m Anne-Sophie, how are you?” ; usually people pick up on my accent pretty quickly, they ask where I’m from and what I am doing in Perth, and we can start from there !

                                                              Why am I interning at Networking WA?

I am currently in my second year at the University of Notre Dame studying a Bachelor of Marketing and Public Relations.  Over the past five years I have been working in the travel industry and am extremely fortunate to have had so many opportunities to travel and attend conferences and events all over the world.  I believe these experiences are what sparked my interest in PR and events.

I am a motivated individual, who works well in a team environment and enjoys networking and meeting new people,   attributes I feel are essential for this industry.  When I first began searching for a company to undertake my internship a colleague recommended Networking WA, as a friend of hers gained invaluable knowledge and experience whilst interning with the Networking WA team.  Word of mouth proves to be a powerful thing!

Upon completion of my studies, I am hoping to head in the direction of brand management, PR and events. I am delighted to be working with the team at Via Appia Networking WA and believe they have so much to offer for my future in the industry.

- Jodie

George Jones’s success for over the past 35 years in the mining, banking and finance industries include being the Chairman of Sundance Resources and Gindalbie Metals Ltd. He has also been the recipient of many awards and honours, including being the national finalist for Senior Australian of the Year 2012 and the 2011 Gold Medal Award for Western Australia.

I believe that the key to his success is attributed to his admirable selflessness and responsible character. When the Sundance Resources Disaster in 2009 killed the entire Sundance Board, he quickly came back (even though he originally retired due to his illness) to direct Sundance through the crisis, to protect the employees and their families, to protect the shareholders, to rebuild the board, and to support the families of the former board members.

His selflessness is also reflected through his dedication to many philanthropic causes, most notably as a board member of Parkerville Children and Youth Care and as a trustee of the Ear Science Institute-both which have a personal connection to Jones.

In the 1950s, he lived at the Parkerville Children and Youth Care for 8 years. He also personally knows how incapacitating hearing conditions can be, as he is a sufferer of Meniere’s Disease, an inner ear disorder which impacts on the hearing and balance.

Now he is an avid supporter of the George Jones Child Advocacy Centre, and he has raised more than $16 million for the world-class Ear Science Institute in WA, which is dedicated to treating hearing loss, balance disorders and ear disease. His philanthropic actions have paved the foundation for a better future for WA.

To hear more what George Jones has to say about Corporate Philanthropy, come and join him at Networking WA’s Corporate Philanthropy Breakfast. For more information, please click here.

Written by Michelle Tran

 Michael J Smith is one of Australia’s foremost experts on strategic marketing; and is the principal of boutique strategic development consulting firm, Black House. In addition to that, he is the Chair of iiNet, Synergy and Lionel Samson Sadleirs Group, a Director of Giving West, the Deputy Chairman of Automotive Holdings Group, a non-executive Director of 7-Eleven Stores, and the Western Australian State President and a national Director of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Not only is he a man of many responsibilities, but each company he chairs also undertakes many responsibilities to actively give back to the community, such as Synergy and iiNet.

Synergy has been a sponsor of the Perth Festival for the past four years, is the largest sponsor of Starlight Children’s Foundation in WA, the first major sponsor of Princess Margaret Hospital’s Starlight Express Room, and their largest community partnership investment is Synergy Parkland, a family-friendly outdoor area, in King’s Park. On top of these monetary investments, Synergy also has been an active volunteer at Starlight Children’s Foundation’s different fundraising campaigns and activities, such as Starlight Express Vans, Starlight Fun Centres, Starlight Escapes, and Starlight Wishgranting.

iiNet are enthusiastic participants in the community with their staff volunteering over 1000 hours of their time for different initiatives, such as: donating blood to the Australia Red Cross; growing moustaches for Movember; shaving their heads for The World’s Greatest Shave; wrapping Christmas presents for disadvantaged children; constructed 20 houses for the homeless in Cambodia with the West Coast Eagles and Tabitha Foundation; provided equipment and services to Princess Margaret Hospital’s Megazone; being a major sponsor of Autism West’s annual Team Sprint Cup; and collecting donations for a local charity every Friday.

To hear what Michael J Smith has to say about Corporate Philanthropy, come and join him at Networking WA’s Corporate Philanthropy Breakfast. For more information, please click here.

Written by Michelle Tran

It is without a doubt Michael Chaney has a long history of many business achievements in many different sectors. Best known for his roles as Chairman of NAB and Woodside as well as CEO of Wesfarmers.

So this leads us to ask, what drives his success? What sets him apart from other business professionals and executives?

I believe what makes him truly amazing and stand out is his outlook on corporate philanthropy. Chaney knows that corporate philanthropy is a virtue, and he instils a strong, non-negotiable ethical behaviour in all workplace cultures he comes across. He once said, “If you achieve high shareholder returns by cheating, you have lost the plot, and we don’t accept it. We don’t tolerate it.”

 Chaney recognises the importance of corporate philanthropy, with an understanding that it can significantly boost the success of businesses, “Philanthropy enables you to demonstrate you are a good corporate citizen, that you are willing to put something back into the community where there is no profit motive and that causes the community to support you. I think it gives you a higher price/earnings ratio as a result.”

Chaney has previously made a case, showcasing the research and examples that supports the need and benefits of it. It concludes with the lines, “Business does not operate in a vacuum, nor can we expect government to provide all the funding for the community programs we need to be a civil society. If it’s adding to shareholder value, and it’s enriching the community, there can be no convincing argument against business philanthropy.” Through these few lines, it is evident that Chaney knows how important it is for businesses to be responsive and proactive to the needs of the communities and societies-not just for the benefit of the communities, but also for the benefit of the businesses involved.

His achievements in this area has been recognised and rewarded with the appointment of an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2004 for his services to the business and the community.

 To hear more what Michael Chaney has to say about Corporate Philanthropy, come and join him at Networking WA’s Corporate Philanthropy Breakfast. For more information, please click here.

Written by Michelle Tran (Intern)