Corporate Citizenship

As a global corporate citizen, Microsoft is in a unique position to give back to the communities within which it operates. As a responsible citizen, Microsoft believes it must.

Many people around the world today do not have access to basic technology and therefore have limited access to resources such as education and information. That is why Microsoft has made a commitment to make technology more accessible and more affordable for more people.

Microsoft believes that technology has the potential to connect people with others and empower them in ways once never imagined. And we believe that every individual should have the opportunity to have access to basic resources - resources that enable people to learn more, see more and do more. Ultimately, we aim to inspire people to be the best they can be.

Microsoft takes great pride in being able to help Australian businesses, charities, communities and governments capitalise on the opportunities presented through technology. We are proud of our contribution to Australia on both an economic and social level.

Microsoft Australia continues to develop numerous initiatives as part of this commitment to playing an active part within the community.

Latest News

The Smith Family, WorkVentures, ASCCA and Inspire present at Connecting UP, 2-3 May 2005
Microsoft Community partners presented leading technology community programs during the recent Connecting Up 2005 Conference, run by CISA (Community Information Strategy Australia). The conference featured inspiring examples of what community organisations have achieved in IT and communications. For more information about this event, please visit: www.communit.info.

Inner West Unlimited Potential Centre - 14 April 2005
Disadvantaged families and newly arrived migrants in Sydney's inner west now have improved access to computers, the Internet and a range of technology based courses following the opening of The Smith Family's Community Technology Learning Centre (CTLC) in Burwood. The centre was officially launched in April by the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Peter McGauran.

Employees from Microsoft recently volunteered their time to upgrade the centre and have spent the past few weeks painting, cleaning and install new blinds, furniture and plants in preparation for the launch. The Smith Family's Chief Operating Officer Paul Henderson noted: “These types of Community Technology Learning Centres do more than just provide access to hardware. They give the community a meeting place where locals not only use the Internet but can socialise, develop new skills, and build relationships with other residents.”

RMIT joins Unlimited Potential to improve computer literacy - 29 November 2004 Under Microsoft's UP program, RMIT University will work with Community Partners to provide basic computer training, advice and support through community technology learning centres (CTLCs) in Victoria. These centres will provide the training to help disadvantaged groups develop their skills and contribute fully to their communities. The RMIT Learning Networks group has been working with the university's business TAFE school to provide a teacher to deliver the university's Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training to volunteers working in UP's 28 Victorian CTLCs. “Our partnership with RMIT in Victoria has demonstrated the clear advantages of working with a world-class educational institution in applying academic research as well as extensive field work and evaluation in the implementation of IT training programs to Australians of different backgrounds, interests and learning experiences,” Microsoft Australia's Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs, Julie Inman Grant, said.

Connecting Communities Through CTLCs - 28 October 2004 Simply providing access to computers and IT training programs is not enough to overcome the 'digital divide' between the haves and the have-nots according to a new report released by The Smith Family. To be truly effective, access and training must be embedded in community learning centres that foster the development of social networks and provide a supportive, inclusive environment. The findings of the report are reflected in the experience of more than 570 people who have benefited from The Smith Family's Community Technology Learning Centre in Collingwood, which was declared Australia's official demonstration site for the Microsoft Unlimited Potential (UP) Program on 28 October. While the Collingwood Centre will continue to deliver existing Smith Family training programs directly to disadvantaged Australians, the Centre will also provide the Unlimited Potential program with an active ?best practice' centre that will serve as a working model for existing and new UP Centres. Read the report here For more information about the Collingwood Centre, please contact email: unlimitedpotential@smithfamily.com.au

Inspire Foundation opens 16th Beanbag Centre - 19 May 2004 Beanbag Net Centres are a national initiative of the Inspire Foundation aimed at ensuring all young Australians have easy, free access to the Internet and associated technologies. In partnership with Microsoft's Unlimited Potential campaign and the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, the Inspire Foundation has recently opened its 16th Beanbag Net Centre in Darwin. Jack Heath, Executive Director, Inspire Foundation said: “The Beanbag Net Centres ... specifically address access, training and local content issues for young people living in urban locations throughout Australia. We could never have done it without the substantial support of our project partners Coca-Cola and Microsoft.” Click here to read more.

Beanbag and The Smith Family win Australian Technology Awards - 5 May 2004 Two Microsoft Community Partners have won prestigious iAwards for their innovative use of technology in achieving their business and social outcomes. Hosted by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the iAwards were held in Sydney on 5 May. The Awards take place on an annual basis and recognize companies with an outstanding ICT-based product or solution. The Smith Family beat tough competition to win the iMPLEMENTATION - Software award for the ENCORE (Enterprise Client Operations and Reporting) project. The ENCORE system is a web-enabled client management system used nationally by staff and volunteers to support The Smith Family's community and education programmes. The Inspire Foundation's Beanbag Net Centre project has received national acclaim, winning the iINVOLVEMENT Corporate Social Responsibility award. In partnership with Microsoft's Unlimited Potential Programme and the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation, the Beanbag Net Centre project delivers high-end technology, Internet access and training to under-served young people in capital cities across Australia. In addition to providing the Unlimited Potential cash grants, Microsoft has donated substantial amounts in software to both these organisations over many years.