UOW receives record funding from IMB Community Foundation

Jun 28, 2006

The IMB Community Foundation has again announced its financial support for a number of University of Wollongong community projects, contributing the highest amount of funding since the foundation began the Community Projects Program.

Almost $550,000 has been allocated to 21 innovative projects and of that amount just over $120,000 has been awarded to UOW recipients that are expected to enhance the economic self-sufficiency of the community as well as generate economic, social, cultural, environmental, tourism and educational benefits. The funding was announced yesterday (Tuesday 27 June) at an official ceremony at Albion Park Regional Airport complex.

For the seventh year in a row, the IMB Community Foundation has received funds from IMB profits for community projects, totalling $3.5 million to date.

The four UOW projects are:

'Bra Education for Female Athletes' co-ordinated by the Biomechanics Research Laboratory (UOW) under the direction of Professor Julie Steele, in association with the Illawarra Academy of Sport and Illawarra Blue Stars ($24,580). Ms Deirdre McGhee accepted the award and explained the importance of educating female athletes on the components of a well-fitted and supportive bra appropriate to their athletic pursuits. The funding will be used to create a practical resource book.

'Cutting Edge Science' co-ordinated by the Science Centre and Planetarium ($35,200). Director of the Science Centre, Mr Glen Moore, is also a recipient from last year's funding round and is considered a long-term partner of the IMB Community Foundation. He explained that this year's funding will enable him to initiate other forms of communicating to the public and addressing issues such as the future of power and water.

'Stories from the Elders: Completing the Picture for a Healthier Community' co-ordinated by UOW's School of Health Sciences in association with the South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service (SESIAHS) ($10,881). Senior lecturer in Heath Sciences, Mr Owen Curtis, is working with the Aboriginal Vascular Health Program Manager with the SESIAHS, Caroline Harris. The funding will enable a DVD resource to be produced to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities create a lasting and educational record of the success of good health initiatives.

'UOW Black Opal Leadership Program' co-ordinated by Wollongong UniCentre -- Centre for Student Development ($50,000). Co-ordinator of the Centre for Student Development, Mr Tony Elshof, will use the funding to support the 3-year co-curricular personal and professional leadership program of up to 100 UOW students.

IMB Chairman, Mr Russell Fredericks, and IMB Community Foundation representative, Vivien Twyford, awarded recipients with a plaque and a cheque for their project.