One of Western Australia’s most respected charities, St Bartholomew’s House (St Bart’s), has entered into a social enterprise partnership which will assist the not-for-profit agency to generate long-term and sustainable income to support communities in the Pilbara region.
After a rigorous tender process, St Bart’s has been awarded a long-term partnership agreement by BHP Billiton to build and manage a new retail facility in Newman.
Under the agreement, profits from the management of the new facility will be used by St Bart’s to support local communities. A portion of the profits will also go to a Newman Community Trust, managed by St Bart’s, BHP Billiton and community members, to provide grants to local groups to deliver community and social development projects within the town.
“In an economic climate where competition for the charity dollar is increasingly difficult, this is a truly unique opportunity for St Bart’s to enter into a social enterprise venture,” St Bart’s Board Director Bevan Sturgess-Smith said.
“The partnership is all about improving the lives of people living and working in and around Newman by providing a new and exciting retail facility and additional support to those in need in the community.”
“With a project value of A$30 million, this is understood to be the biggest partnership in Australia between a not-for-profit organization and a multi-national company, which is aimed at building a social enterprise for long-term sustainable social benefit.”
“St Bart’s will work with professional property managers to lease and manage the centre. In line with that St Bart’s is pleased to confirm that an initial Heads of Agreement has been reached with Dome to secure them as a key tenant for the opening of a flagship community café in Newman. St Bart’s will keep the Newman community informed as additional tenants are secured.”
St Bart’s Chief Executive Officer John Berger said, “The Mission of St Bart’s purpose is to assist people experiencing homeless to rebuild their lives, and to act to prevent the homelessness of tomorrow.
“This partnership with BHP Billiton will open up new opportunities for St Bart’s to pursue its Mission,” Mr Berger said. “The partnership will operate in conjunction with the current metropolitan area operations of St Bart’s, drawing on our skills and experience to deliver support in the Newman area.”
“We believe St Bart’s strong governance; our ability to successfully manage large scale development projects and our service delivery experience stood the organisation in good stead to be selected for this partnership. We are excited by the opportunity and will continue to seek social ventures with other major companies.”
Social Ventures Australia WA director Jenna Palumbo said delivering better outcomes for disadvantaged Australians through social enterprise ventures was becoming an increasingly popular method for not-for-profit agencies to help generate funding.
“Working with corporate partners to strategically invest capital and expertise is an innovative and exciting way to achieve tangible benefits for people in need,” Ms Palumbo said.
“The partnership between BHP Billiton and St Bart’s represents a new era in social enterprise in Australia which I hope can be used as a model for other forward thinking corporations and charities to follow and help people facing disadvantage.”
Mr Berger said St Bart’s would communicate and work closely with the Newman community during the construction and operation of the retail facility.
Source: Newman Retail Facility