1st December 2010,
Greatconnections Reception at Government
House

Suzanne Teese, CEO, Greatconnections

Thank you Lynne.

Governor & Mrs de Kretser, it's a pleasure to be here in the State Drawing Room of Government House.

I am delighted to be addressing you this evening as CEO of Greatconnections. I'd like to begin by explaining why our work is important.

Those of you who study economic history will know that living standards and life expectancy barely increased at all in nearly two thousand years from the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution.

But our standard of living in Australia– as measured by per capita GDP – has effectively doubled since the early 1970s.

For the overwhelming majority of us, we are enjoying the greatest burst of prosperity in human history along with decades more of productive life.

Most would agree this affluence is a good thing, particularly if it is equally shared! But I think we would all agree that material affluence isn't the only important thing.

It is clear when we think about what sort of society we want to live in then we think about values, we think about fair go, and with think about things that are basic human rights – greater equality, a country without discrimination, poverty, social exclusion and injustice.

We look to the NFP community to address this challenge. While there is an increasing reliance on the NFP sector to solve social problems and respond effectively to crises, the sustainability of NFPs themselves is often neglected. Without the resources to strengthen and maintain the infrastructure and services of NFP organistions, this sector will be unable to respond effectively to growing demands.

Greatconnections supports the NFP sector.

Greatconnections provides volunteers who want to make a difference, give back and get connected to organisations that can help them translate their talents into solutions to our most complex social problems. By mobilizing skilled volunteers and matching them with projects that target critical needs of organisations, NFPS are creating greater impact while ensuring sustainability into the future.

The sustainability of Greatconnections itself is an ongoing challenge for us. Why is it smart for funders to invest in Greatconnections?

Greatconnections Reception at Government

House

Suzanne Teese, CEO, Greatconnections

Funders who seek to promote quality of life in their target communities do well by their missions when they provide support to Skilled based initiatives like Greatconnections.

By replacing high cost contract services with skilled volunteer services, NFPs can stretch funders' grant dollars and demonstrate good stewardship of limited resources. Skills based and pro bono initiatives are recognized as some of the best solutions to the problem of limited NFP sector capacity.

Thank you to our funders who have chosen to invest in this innovative approach. I particular I wish to mention: Australian Unity, our major alliance partner who have provided us with significant in kind and financial support over many years. Thanks to CEO Rohan Mead, Chairman Alan Castleman and CFO Tony Connon who are here with us this evening.

And also, Jean and Andrew Miller. We are grateful for your continued interest and support of our work.

Thanks also to the many NFP organisations, partners, collaborators, allies and supporters who are here tonight sharing our celebration.

Greatconnections is supported by over 200 skilled volunteers. We are here this evening to celebrate their work. Please raise your hand if you are a Greatconnections volunteer. Thankyou for your generous contribution.

I now wish to recognize the outstanding contribution and achievements of two of our Greatconnections volunteers.

It is our Client Managers who provide Greatconnections' point of difference in the volunteer arena: it is their skill in diagnosing the organizational requirements of our NFP clients, in the selection and placement of volunteers, and in the relationship provided to both the NFP and volunteer during and upon completion of projects that stamp us as quality.

Three of our longest serving Client Managers, Jenny Varcoe-Cocks, Anne Strong and Faye Gilbert, are stepping down from the role at the end of this year. Unfortunately Anne and Faye cannot be with us this evening. Jenny, please step forward.

You may have heard of Golden Gurus. It's and Australian Government initiative of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace relations. Golden Gurus provides mature age Australians with a range of opportunities to support community organisations and small businesses.

Our Greatconnections volunteer, Tony Wilkinson, has been nominated as a Golden Gurus Ambassador. In this role Tony will aim to effect real change in media and community attitudes toward mature aged people. Tony, please step forward. (presentation by The Governor, applause)

Governor and Mrs de Kretser, thank you most sincerely for your generosity in hosting us here at Government House this evening. We appreciate your kind words and will try to take up the challenges you have presented to us.

I will close with a quote from Umair Haque:

'Bigness of purpose is what separates 20th century and 21st century organisations: yesterday, we built huge organisations to do tiny, incremental things – tomorrow we must build small organisations that can do tremendously massive things.'

Greatconnections is a small, lean and agile organization. With your continued support we can make a tremendously massive impact on the wellbeing of our community.

Finally, I wish you and your families a happy, safe and restful Christmas. We look forward to working with you in the New Year.