Community
Operating in many jurisdictions across the world demands a strategic approach to engaging with, and supporting, the communities in which we live and work. We want to be part of solutions to address local issues and opportunities, and assist them to deal with global challenges.
EDL is committed to the communities in which we operate and we take our obligations to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) very seriously. To deliver on our CSR commitments, EDL works with partners large and small across four key pillars.
In Australia, this includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and community investments. Globally, we support employee-driven sponsorships and donations, and corporate partnerships.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement
Our approach and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement is informed and underpinned by our policies and Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our RAP focuses on:
Relationships
We understand that having strong, sustainable and trusting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities is crucial to closing the gap of disadvantage between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups.
Respect
We recognise and respect the local customs and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and the importance of these practices in preserving and protecting their culture.
Opportunities
We are committed to providing long-term, sustainable employment, training, education and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.
You can read the EDL RAP here.
Learn more about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Participation Policy here.
Community investments
In Australia, EDL supports three community investment initiatives around its remote operations:
West Kimberley Community Fund
The West Kimberley Community Fund was established in 2012 to create lasting value throughout the West Kimberley and to nurture community wellbeing through support of not-for-profit, community-driven projects or activities. Facilitated by the Shires of Broome, Derby and Halls Creek, the Fund of $1,000,000 supports initiatives aligned with the principles of social cohesion, inclusiveness, equal opportunity and community wellbeing and support long-term community development.
Cullerin Range Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund
The Fund was established to enhance and enrich community initiatives throughout the towns and localities neighbouring the Cullerin Range Wind Farm. Facilitated by the Upper Lachlan Shire Council, the Fund provides financial contributions to community projects such as equipment purchases, facility construction, renovation/rehabilitation projects, new programs or special funding that will improve quality and life and well-being.
Coober Pedy Community Fund
Facilitated by the Coober Pedy District Council, this Fund provides support for community events and activities in the Coober-Pedy township and demonstrates the continued strength of the partnership between Council and EDL.
Corporate partnerships
EDL embraces partnerships that align with our SPIRIT values and the strategic direction of our business. Following are our key CSR partners:
Primary Engineer
In the United Kingdom, EDL proudly partners with leading science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) educator Primary Engineer. Primary Engineer’s long-term aim is to inspire and encourage students to consider a career in STEM.
This program provides opportunities for EDL personnel to engage with local communities and help inspire young people to take up a STEM career. Teachers and engineers, including EDL staff, engage primary school students with STEM-based classroom activities.
Ten schools in and around the Essex area, near EDL’s UK operations, will benefit from the partnership.
CareerTrackers
Since 2014, we have been recruiting interns through CareerTrackers – a national not-for-profit organisation that mentors Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tertiary students into professional jobs.
EDL works with CareerTrackers to provide hands-on internships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young adults. In 2018, EDL extended our commitment to CareerTrackers by signing up as a 10-Year Partner.
In the past seven years, EDL has provided 15 internships to CareerTrackers candidates in diverse fields including engineering, legal, commercial, finance, human resources and environment.
CareerSeekers
EDL started working with CareerSeekers in 2017, following our relationship with their partner organisation CareerTrackers.
CareerSeekers is a non-profit organisation supporting refugees and people seeking asylum into professional careers in Australia.
In the past three years, EDL has provided six CareerSeekers interns with hands-on industry experience across different areas of our business including engineering, operations, finance and technology.
Employee-driven sponsorships and donations
In every region where the company operates, EDL proudly supports our employees’ efforts to contribute to the communities in which they live. The contribution can take many forms – from participating in fundraising events, making a monetary donation or giving up their time to help charitable organisations.