News Archive

UWA Business School
The Centre for Social Impact (UWA) continues to be a hive of activity, with preparations well underway for an upcoming conference on Indigenous business.

‘Indigenous Business and Entrepreneurship: New models; stronger communities', to be held in December, will focus on strategies to provide sustainable economic opportunities to Indigenous communities, and will feature national speakers, key Indigenous leaders and social entrepreneurs. Speakers will present best practice case studies and leading research and guide robust discussion.

Planned sessions will examine the role of cultural values in Indigenous social business, the role of the corporate sector, the social impact of enterprises, microfinance, and the role of policy and good governance.

In addition, CSI (UWA) is building on its strong research program. Current studies are examining ways to achieve greater social returns on social investment, increase Indigenous employment, understand the role of values in driving ‘giving' in the Australian community, support disadvantaged Australians in pursuing university education, the effectiveness of policy interventions and much more.

The first cohort of the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact is now halfway through the year, having completed the first two units of the course. Students have gained broad knowledge and skills through a variety of guest lectures, case studies, and assignments, and have applied their knowledge back into their workplaces. The students represent the government, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. Applications for entry in 2012 are now open .

Executive Education offerings are also being developed for 2012. Available courses will include Social Innovation and Service Design; Measuring Social Impact; Philanthropy; Leadership for Social Impact; and Creating Vibrant Communities. In addition to open sessions, tailored courses will be created in partnership with organisations seeking specific training and solutions.

Recent events conducted by CSI (UWA) include a public lecture by Visiting Professor Tina Dacin ; public lecture by Visiting Experts Al Etmanski and Vicki Cammack ; dinner with Andrew Forrest as part of the Yakety Yak series; panel discussions on homelessness , impact of Fair Work Australia decisions on the not-for-profit sector, and social procurement; Breakfast by the  Bay event; and My Life My Way , a self-directed services forum collaborated on by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and not-for-profit sector.

CSI (UWA) looks forward to collaborating with many more partners in the remainder of the year and into 2012. If you would like to get involved, contact Sonia Nolan , Community Engagement and Corporate Affairs Manager, on 0401 034 103.

Media references

Heather Merritt
Director, External Relations
UWA Business School
T: +618 6488 8171
M: 0419 950 027
E: [email protected]

Sonia Nolan
Community Engagement and Corporate Affairs Manager
Centre for Social Impact (UWA)
T: 6488 8562
M: 0401 034 103
E: [email protected]