We are carbon neutral!


Uniting Communities has become the first South Australian based organisation and the first registered charity in Australia to receive certification under the Federal Government’s Carbon Neutral Program. The certification comes after a five-year commitment within our organisation to significantly reduce our carbon footprint.


We have reduced our CO2 emissions by 34% overall, leading to savings of more than $1 million for the organisation –money we will reinvest into our services and programs.


‘Becoming carbon neutral makes sense for our organisation,’ says Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel. ‘We have a strong moral compass and re- search tells us that climate change will most affect people in our client base – the elderly, socially disadvantaged and people on lower incomes.


‘It’s a tremendous example of a locally based company taking leadership and “walking the talk” to reduce emissions and transit to a low-carbon economy. ’


We celebrated the achievement in mid-February, welcoming Minister Simon Birmingham on behalf of the Australian Government, Minister for Climate Change, Ian Hunter, representing the State Government; and organisations who have supported us.


Among the initiatives we undertook included converting to petrol- electric hybrid vehicles; engaging suppliers who can provide 100% carbon neutral products, such as carbon neutral copy paper through Fuji Xerox and stationery from Lyreco International; energy-efficient building upgrades to two residential aged care facilities and the city- based head office; and supporting staff to commit to lowering emissions by switching off lights and computers when not in use and reducing waste to landfill.


Minister Simon Birmingham presenting the award to Uniting Communities’ Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel.


(left to right) Simon Schrapel, Minister Simon Birmingham, Chair of Uniting Communities’ Board, Dr Sue King, and Minister Ian Hunter.


Bush tucker pops up in Prospect


Our Aboriginal Community Connect service (ACC) unveiled its bush tucker garden and pop-up café at the Prospect office late last year.


Clients, staff and community members came along to celebrate the launch, which included a welcome to country from staff member Vicki Rigney, a free bar- becue, bouncy castle for the kids and a performance from local musicians.


Staff and clients had the chance to develop their barista skills in the lead-up to the event, and served hot drinks from the new pop-up café. The café has since headed out on the road with the ACC team as it attends various events in and around Adelaide.


The garden features a variety of Australian native plants, herbs and spices, including saltbush, warrigal greens and river mint.


Clients and other community members will have the opportunity to maintain the garden and use the fresh produce.


Client, Jan, and ACC staff member, Vicki Rigney, unveiling the sign for the bush tucker garden.


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ACC works with Aboriginal people, their families and communities to help improve outcomes for long-term physical and mental health, family relationships, education, and cultural and employment opportunities.


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