ONEFORTYONE, one of the region’s leading forestry and sawmilling companies, has formalised a partnership with ac.care, the Limestone Coast’s largest homelessness and foster care agency, to deliver greater support for local people in need.
The partnership formalises years of collaboration between OneFortyOne and ac.care, creating a written commitment to work together safely, combine resources and skills, and review progress every six months to ensure it supports shared goals.
“We know we achieve more when we work together and OneFortyOne has been a strong partner for some time – contributing in practical ways to help ensure country people have a safe home, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships,” ac.care homelessness and community services senior manager Trish Spark said.
The partnership extends beyond financial support, with OneFortyOne employees regularly volunteering their time and expertise at ac.care’s Mount Gambier Community Centre.
OneFortyOne Jubilee Sawmill general manager Nigel Boyd said the OneFortyOne team had embraced the opportunity to be more involved.
“Our partnership with ac.care is something we really care about and truly value,” he said.
“Our teams contribute through hands-on activities like building community garden beds, fixing donated bikes, running barbecues and supporting major events such as the Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon. We also raise funds through our partnership with Mount Gambier Pioneers basketball.
“As a major local employer, our families live here, our kids go to school here – and we want to see our community thrive. We hope our involvement inspires other businesses to look at what they can do to support vital organisations like ac.care.”
OneFortyOne Safety Capex and Maintenance Program manager Andrew “Hoathy” Hoath has been at the forefront of the company’s contributions.
“I first got involved helping out at barbecues for ac.care clients, then we built garden beds for the community centre and it just grew from there,” he said.
“Now a few of us from the maintenance team regularly spend time repairing and upgrading bikes for people who visit the centre. We really enjoy our time there and the reactions we get from the people we help.”
ac.care chief executive Shane Maddocks welcomed the formalisation of the partnership.
“Delivering services as complex as homelessness support and out-of-home care requires a whole-of-community approach,” he said.
“Having the people and resources of OneFortyOne on board makes a real difference. The August Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon also strengthened support from other Mount Gambier businesses and we hope more will follow OneFortyOne’s example by forming genuine partnerships that strengthen our region.”
