What began as a youth drop in centre in Narooma, NSW 30 years ago, is today an all-encompassing community organisation spanning across five Australian states
Campbell Page has helped approximately 13, 795 people into jobs over the 2014/2015 year, getting us closer to our objective to ‘get Australia working’. Although this ultimate goal is what drives our services, we like to also take a look at the bigger picture when it comes to helping people find independence. That’s why we help people reach their ultimate goals, through a step by step approach. So throughout the 2014/2015 we didn’t just help people find work, but we also set them up with stability and purpose in their lives.
To celebrate the past and set the tone for our future, we held a variety of celebrations across the country. We also received an inspiring letter from The Australian Minister of Environment, Greg Hunt, paying tribute to Campbell Page’s history along with our contribution to the Green Army: ‘I would like to congratulate Campbell Page for currently having the highest rate of Indigenous participation (in the Green Army)… Please accept my wishes to your team as you celebrate this important milestone (30 years)’ –Greg Hunt, Minister of Environment
From Tree-Planting to Dolphin Watching – Celebrating Our Roots
Our Batemans Bay hub at 1 Museum Place has been an iconic part of the community, since Campbell Page laid the buildings foundations in 1999. Therefore our 30 years celebrations kicked off at The Bay, with The Campbell Page Board of Directors attending along with members of our programs across Green Army, Youth, Family, Indigenous, Disability and Job Services . The Mogo Pre-school performance was one of the highlights of the event, with everyone joining in for a song and dance.
Pictured above– Anne Hodge who has been a part of the team at Bateman’s Bay from the very beginning, and David Hawdon who has been an integral Board Member since 1997
The Mogo Preschoolers get ready to perform (above)
With Campbell Page hubs across Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales the Bay’s events were followed by a series of happenings across the country! The Melbourne team held brunch where they reflected on the difference they have made in the Disability Employment Sector – with plans to continue helping those most in need. Whereas our Training Centre in Tasmania decided to hold a community BBQ, which they plan to make a regular occurrence for locals. Campbell Page Brisbane paid a special tribute to both the community and the environment, by holding a tree planting ceremony with our Green Army participants. The Illawarra North crew celebrated at the races with a variety of different program staff, whilst other NSW teams reflected on the 30 years while dolphin watching along the coast.
Pictured below – Campbell Page Green Army plant trees to commemorate our past and anticipate our growing future
Illawarra North departments join forces to celebrate with a races themed day (below)
Dolphin Watching – a truly serene way to reflect on 30 years of history by the Corrimal, Shellharbour and Nowra Campbell Page staff
Giving Back To The Community
The celebrations do not stop there however, with teams still hosting their events Australia wide in the lead up to Christmas. The most important aspect of celebrating 30 years has been the ‘Community Grant Initiative’, with funds being reinvested to Australian communities in need of support. Dale Cleaver, CEO, has collaborated with the Board of Directors to engage Campbell Page staff in rallying together for the cause. ‘It’s been a heartfelt time, where we have collaborated ideas and received submissions from staff about the people they believe need help’, says Dale of the nominations received to date. ‘It’s been almost overwhelming to see the level of dedication at Campbell Page, and we will be announcing the winner of the Community Grant before Christmas’, he concludes.
Members of the Batemans Bay community, pictured above. Aunty Tina (left) works at the local hospital, and supports our Youth Refuge in Moruya. Here she is pictured with her daughter and grandchild.
An Exciting Outlook For The Future Of Campbell Page
The 30th anniversary has also marked a time of change, as Chairman of the Board David Hawdon retires from Campbell Page after 18 years of dedication to the organisation. Nirmal Hansra has been welcomed as the new Chairman, after three years of positively contributing to our Board as well chairing our Board Audit and Risk Committee. Nirmal is passionate about Campbell Page and is committed to further transforming the lives of those most disadvantaged in our community through sustainable work.
Pictured above– the Campbell Page Board members with our Executive Team left to right Peter Bennett, Nirmal Hansra, Pamela Catty, Jane Schwager, Dale Cleaver (CEO), David Hawdon and Anne Hodge (Executive Assistant) pictured at the corner of ‘Campbell’ and ‘Page’ streets
