Social inclusion
The Crunch
The Crunch was launched in October 2010 by Social Traders, an organisation that supports the development of social enterprises. The program helps to develop innovative ideas into sustainable social outcomes for the community.
Through the 2010 pilot initiative, nine social entrepreneurs vie for a share in $1 million of investment funds; with Australia Post one of the contributing partners.
Australia Post also provides business mentors for the participants. These mentors:
- share their professional knowledge
- help participants develop their business ideas into a fully scoped plan
- support participants in their pitch for a share of the investment fund.
Participating in The Crunch provides a unique learning and development opportunity for our staff and delivers on our commitment to social inclusion.
Find out more about The Crunch
Ucan2
Ucan2 is a support program for refugees aged between 16 and 24 years run by Foundation House, Victoria's leading refugee support organisation.
The program provides many benefits and opportunities for the young refugees, including:
- increase education, training and employment options in their first 15 months of arriving in Australia
- ensure they are better equipped to contribute to, and feel valued by, their adopted homeland
- provide access to mentoring to help build social and business networks.
Through our association with the program, Australia Post staff act as volunteer business mentors, playing a vital role in helping participants with their integration into society.
We also provide casual employment opportunities during peak periods, which for many participants offers their first experience of paid employment and sense of feeling connected since arriving in Australia.