$27,000 funding boost for community groups in the West

26 November 2008

Community groups in the Western suburbs have received a $27,000 funding boost thanks to the volunteering efforts of Mobil employees from the Altona Refinery and Yarraville Terminal.

ExxonMobil Australia, parent company of Mobil, recognises the volunteering work of its employees by providing $1,000 grants direct to the community organisations nominated by its employees under the company’s Volunteer Involvement Program, known as ‘VIP’. Employees who have completed 20 hours or more of volunteering in one year can apply.

The efforts of Mobil employees has resulted in $27,000 being donated to local community groups, including schools, Scout associations, CFAs, life saving clubs, cultural and youth groups and environmental programs.

The 2nd Lara Scout Association will be able to complete first aid training thanks to the grant, while the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club’s Nippers program will receive a boost. Werribee Fire Brigade will continue its vital work with the purchase of protective equipment. Bayside Secondary College will use the grant for a student leadership award. Kingsville Primary School (Yarraville) will be able to finish some building refurbishments, and St Augustine’s Primary School (Yarraville) will purchase plants for its garden.

Collectively, the Altona Refinery and Yarraville Terminal employees completed 1,711 hours of volunteering with their community groups.

Glenn Henson, Altona Refinery Manager, said that the employee volunteering grants program is an example of one of the ways that the company supports local community groups in areas where the company operates.

“Many of our employees are active community volunteers and we are pleased to recognise the time and effort they give to community groups,” he said.

“The grants program has certainly become very popular among our employees and the community groups that we support.”

Altogether, ExxonMobil Australia provided $120,000 worth of grants to community groups across Victoria and other states, thanks to the generous work of employees. ExxonMobil employees in Australia gave over 8,500 hours of their personal time to support community initiatives.


Media contact: Rebecca Arnold 03 9270 3478 or 0400 511 247