Unitywater

Operating in one of the fastest growing regions of Australia, Unitywater provides essential water supply and sewerage services to the approximately 750,000 citizens of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa local authority areas, which represent 16% of Queensland’s population.

Members of the Fresh team have been providing support to the Communications and Engagement team since Unitywater opened its doors in 2010. Whether supporting their annual Councillor Forum or awards night, helping deliver their Community Grants Program, creating engaging video and presentation content or delivering memorable 10-year anniversary celebrations, we have supported the team as the need arises.

  • Community engagement
  • Content creation

WHY THEY CALLED US

When COVID-19 changed the way the world operates, the impact on our local communities was devastating. Fresh PR & Marketing assisted Unitywater to deliver its $55,000 grants program to help community groups in Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa, providing urgent support to the most vulnerable in the community and those protecting our natural environment.

CHALLENGES

  • With many worthy causes, it was important to have well defined selection criteria and a robust assessment process to select the successful organisations
  • Managing contracts and agreements with community organisations, often led by volunteers and part-time team members, can be challenging.

OBJECTIVES

  • Manage the grants program, on behalf of Unitywater
  • Ensure successful applications aligned with one or more of Unitywater’s
    five pillars: prevention of domestic and family violence; homelessness; mental health; children and youth; environment
  • Ensure all communication is delivered in alignment with the Unitywater brand and language
  • Tell the stories of the people making a difference in their local communities with genuine authenticity.

WHAT WE DID

The Fresh team worked seamlessly with Unitywater to deliver the 2020/21 grants program.

Timelines were tight to ensure funding was received by community groups as quickly as possible, without compromising on the selection process.

We managed this process including establishing the strategy, application forms, selection criteria and guidelines, correspondence and contracts; facilitating the selection process and engaging directly with the
groups.

As part of the engagement plan, we delivered external and internal communications to share the stories of the successful organisations, thereby raising awareness for their causes. This included website and socials content, media releases, presentations and delivering engaging authentic video content.

RESULTS

Operating during the latter half of 2020 came with its challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it had on everyone. This made our support for the grants program even more meaningful and we relished the opportunity to work with local groups making a real difference at a grassroots level.

Funds were allocated to 13 community groups across the three regions, in both the social and environmental space.

Successful applicants were provided funding for what they needed most. For example, Nambour Meals on Wheels purchased a blast chiller which increased its capacity to deliver food to the most vulnerable.

We were proud to be a part of this initiative and loved telling the stories of the heroes behind these community groups.

The Fresh team continues to support delivery of the Unitywater grants program each year.

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