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Australia - 2006
Partnership Revitalizes Community, Preserves Australian History
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A 10-year partnership that integrates Alcoa grant-giving with senior management involvement has revitalized a historic Western Australia institution and transformed it into a renowned center for programs that develop the skills and talents of young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged.
Located next to Alcoa-owned farming land near the Pinjarra operations, Fairbridge was established in 1912 as the first of eight international farm schools helping children from London's slums and orphanages develop into responsible, contributing members of society.
By 1996, Fairbridge was the last "Fairbridge Village" operating in the world and was on the verge of closing. Its operations had declined to the point where it employed just 2.5 positions, and its 55 heritage buildings were in disrepair, with eight boarded up. The number of visitors had dropped to 5,000 each year, and no programs were offered to attract visitors to the site or create new uses for the village.
Building on their four-decade relationship, the Fairbridge board and Alcoa senior management agreed to take action. Their goal was to breathe life back into Fairbridge as a community, establish a new role in 21st century society for the unique institution and its infrastructure, and ultimately give the village long-term financial sustainability to preserve it for future generations. With its original heritage as a farm school, the partners decided that Fairbridge's mission should continue to focus on helping young people.
Alcoa has directly contributed, or is committed to contributing, A$2.36 million to various programs at Fairbridge. The company's in-kind contributions (skills, equipment, and materials) cover maintenance and repair, engineering and environmental advice, tools, and equipment. In addition, Alcoa charges Fairbridge only a $1 a year for a 94-year lease of 28 hectares (69 acres) of prime farmland south of Perth.
Senior Alcoa managers on Fairbridge's board (Alcoa currently has two seats) and corporate working group provide professional skills that help with the ongoing governance of the organization's activities, particularly fundraising and expenditure.
"Alcoa doesn't hand us a check and walk away," said Mark Anderson, CEO of Fairbridge. "Its senior managers work hand-in-hand with us at a business level and to meet the needs of the community. The stability of the partnership over the past decade has allowed us to develop programs to bring long-term change in the lives of many young people, including the long-term unemployed, young people with a disability, and indigenous youth."
Over the last 10 years, the turnaround of Fairbridge has been remarkable. Successes include the following:
- Visitors have increased to 200,000 annually.
- An accommodation program has 40,000 visitor nights annually.
- Employees have increased to 156.
- Employment is benefiting the disadvantaged members of the community, with 40% of staff previously long-term unemployed, 20% indigenous, and 10% young people with a disability.
- Three quarters of the village is fully renovated.
- Numerous youth programs are operating, and the institution is working with 184 youth organizations from around Western Australia, including 15 written partnerships with like-minded organizations.
- More than A$9 million was contributed to the local regional economy over the last four years.
- The finances of the organization are well on the way to being self-sustaining.
For Alcoa, the project has created a stronger link with the community. Alcoa staff has access to professional development opportunities by working at the village, and the company has held staff functions at the unique location. Alcoa subcontractors have benefited from the work at the village, and Alcoa families have participated in the many programs and initiatives available.
In 2006, the Alcoa/Fairbridge partnership earned a prestigious Australian Prime Minister's Award in Community Business Partnerships.
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