1999
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‘The Slice of Life’ Project proposed
Initiated by Karingal, with support from the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, City of Greater Geelong and Leisure Networks, this project aimed to engage business and community to promote greater community inclusion of marginalised groups, particularly people with a disability. Although unsuccessful in gaining external funding at the time, the idea was considered by the participants to have significant merit and deserving of further exploration.
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2001
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Project funded to get underway
Karingal continued to develop the idea and the Karingal Board of Management resolved to provide its own seed funding for the project in November 2001. Additional support came from actor Guy Pearce who made a significant donation to recognise the International Year of Volunteers for Karingal in the Geelong community. Francis Fabrics (Fletcher Jones) also provided foundation funding.
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2002
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Steering group formed
A Project Manager was appointed in July 2002. There was strong support for the concept from the large, medium and small businesses approached to participate. Key community and business stakeholders were invited to form a Steering Group to guide development of the project.
First meeting held
The Steering Group met for the first time in October 2002. Representatives drawn from Alcoa-KAAL Australia, Geelong Volunteer Resource Centre, United Way Geelong, VicWorks, City of Greater Geelong and Highton Rotary. There was also support from Four Points Sheraton and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce.
Funding partnership formed
United Way Geelong entered into a formal partnership with Karingal in late 2002 and has been the project’s principal funding body alongside Karingal since January 2003. This relationship has developed and was the subject of an invited presentation to the 2005 National United Way Conference held in Adelaide.
First Workplace Big Day Out held
Held at Adventure Park, Wallington this first event was attended by a large number of program members from Karingal. Guy Pearce was a special guest and the day was so succesful the event has been held twice a year (winter/summer) since then.
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2003
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BacLinks get its name
The Steering Group agreed to name the project BacLinks (Business and Community Links) and to separate strategic and operational supports.
Strategic Advisory Group initiated
It was decided that a Strategic Advisory Group would provide high level strategic direction and Task Groups, established by the BacLinks Manager, would give operational support. At this time BacLinks operated within the Karingal Innovation Unit and was responsible through the Innovations Director to the Karingal CEO and Karingal Board of Management.
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2005
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BacLinks endorsed as ‘Best practice’ model
Rhonda Galbally, Department of Victorian Communities, endorsed the BacLinks program. It was first suggested that the model would be suitable to roll out across regional Victoria.
Towards sustainability
Department of Victorian Communities provided the funding for BacLinks to engage external consultants to document the program model,develop a business plan and marketing strategy in consultation with key stakeholders.
BacLinks expands
BacLinks Portland in partnership with Portland Aluminium and the Alcoa Foundation commenced operations, as well as the Hobson Bay ‘Volition’ Program based on the BacLinks model.
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2007
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Sustainability Model developed and initiated
A three year plan was agreed to, with Karingal, United Way and Francis Fabrics supporting BacLinks through the transition period towards sustainability.
First business signs up for membership with BacLinks |