Community Commitment
At Macquarie we believe it is important every individual and company contribute towards our local community and towards charities who make a genuine difference to so many people's lives each and every day.
Each year we provide many charities with financial support and also contribute our services on a pro bono basis. We provide ongoing support to the following organisations we believe make an enormous difference in Australia today:
CYSTIC FIBROSIS AUSTRALIA
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life threatening genetic disorder affecting Australian children today. It primarily affects the respiratory system (lungs), the digestive system (pancreas and sometimes liver) and the reproductive system. When a person has CF their mucus glands secrete very thick sticky mucus. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the tiny air passages and traps bacteria. Repeated infections and blockages can cause irreversible lung damage and a shortened life. The pancreas is also affected, preventing the release of enzymes needed to digest food. This means that people with CF can have problems with nutrition and must consume a diet high in kilojoules, fats, sugar and salts. Years ago children with Cystic Fibrosis rarely reached their teens. Although there is still no cure for CF, through the great work of Cystic Fibrosis Australia and their state bodies such as Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, CF suffers can live a full and enjoyable life. Many today live well into their forties. Please visit Cystic Fibrosis Queensland to learn more about this wonderful organisation or how you can contribute. www.cysticfibrosisqld.org.au
GROW
GROW is a community working towards mental health through mutual help and a 12 step program of recovery. Small groups of people who have experienced depression, anxiety or other mental or emotional distress, come together on a weekly basis to help each other deal with the challenges of life. Some people come to GROW while struggling with the loss of a job, a loved one or a relationship.
One in five adults in Australia experience a mental disorder in any one year (ABS). Changing thinking and behaviour patterns while sharing thoughts and feelings with understanding people is considered a very effective way to treat mental and emotional distress. This is GROW’s approach based on 50 years experience
The GROW Community is a live-in rehabilitation program for people experiencing a mental illness alone, or mental illness coupled with substance abuse or alcohol dependence. Its Program, Group Method and Community Structure are aimed at developing its members' own resources for living in the general community. Learn more about grow and the many people throughout Australia this assist. Who knows one day it may be someone from our own family who needs their help. www.grow.net.au
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
There are over 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Visit Rotary's website to see how you can become a member and contribute today www.rotary.org.au
ROMAC
The concept of ROMAC was born in March 1985 when Barrie Cooper, Past President of the Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat, a suburb of Bendigo in Rotary District 9800, visited Labassa, Fiji, with a group of Australian Surgeons.
It soon became apparent there were children living in developing countries who, because of their medical condition, could not be helped by their own or visiting surgeons. ROMAC refers to these children as the "Forgotten Children" of this world. Their appearances have been disfigured by accident and or congenital condition and as such they are often kept hidden from society.
ROMAC has successfully transformed these young people's lives by exposing them to Australia's most eminent Surgeons who generously provide their skills and time on an honorary basis. In excess of sixty eight of Australia's finest surgeons gladly respond to ROMAC's call on behalf of the central focus of this great humanitarian project "THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN". Over 300 children from 19 neighbouring countries have returned home to live fulfilled and meaningful lives ... thank you Australia.
Over three hundred and sixty (360) children have now had their lives transformed by successful major and intricate surgery. 220 operations have been performed in Australia. The types of cases have varied and include herniated brains, severe burn contractures, bladders on the outside of bodies and other complicated congenital deformities. Macquaie People believe this is one of the most worthwhile charities in Australia today, we strongly encourage your support. Visit ROMAC's website to see the incredible and heart moving work this organisation does every day. www.romac.org.au
