SBS Foundation charities for 2009 announced

Media releases

24 March 2009

SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown today announced the SBS Foundation would support 23 national and regional charities with $2 million worth of television airtime in 2009.

“SBS has been overwhelmed with interest in the SBS Foundation since we put the call out to the charitable sector in January,” Shaun Brown said.

“The SBS Foundation Committee received more than 500 applications for support and it was a difficult task choosing the final list of charities.”

Seventeen charities with proposals for national campaigns have been chosen and the additional six charities will receive targeted support in state campaigns.

The charities work with a diverse range of causes from cancer to mental illness as well as organisations that work with Indigenous communities and refugees. The arts sector and environmental charities are also represented.

SBS will enter into partnership agreements with the successful charities in coming weeks and work with them throughout 2009 to give their television campaigns the best chance of exposure and success.

“While it may be disappointing news for charities that missed out, the selection process will occur every year so we can maximise the number of charities the Foundation supports over the next few years,” Shaun Brown said.

“SBS looks forward to working with the successful charities over the coming year and we hope to expand the work of the SBS Foundation wherever possible.”

Elaine Henry, CEO of The Smith Family, said:

“SBS plays a powerful role in disseminating Australian stories to Australians.  Now, through this initiative the participating charities have an incredible opportunity to communicate their stories to the many Australians connecting with SBS daily.

“This will be a huge boost to our work, helping all of us to raise awareness and garner support in these difficult times. We are truly grateful to The SBS Foundation for this
opportunity.”

The charities that will be supported by the SBS Foundation in 2009 are:

  • The Smith Family
  • Reconciliation Australia
  • The Inspire Foundation
  • The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience
  • Redkite
  • Sane Australia
  • Lions Australia
  • The Children’s Book Council of Australia
  • Big Hart
  • The Australian Theatre for Young People
  • One laptop per child
  • Information and Cultural Exchange
  • Greening Australia
  • Reef Check Australia
  • The Song Room
  • The Macular Degeneration Foundation; and
  • Lifeline

SBS has also chosen some regional partners to support throughout the year.

  • Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre
  • The Epilepsy Association of Western Australia
  • The MJD Foundation
  • Trees for Life in South Australia
  • RACQ Rescue Helicopter in Central Queensland; and
  • The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation in New South Wales.