Beyond Security: Our Dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility
With the interconnected nature of our globalised world, it's undeniable that a company's reach and influence today stretches far beyond its immediate functions. It has a responsibility and impact on its employees, customers and wider society directly and indirectly.
As a leading security provider in Australia, at Wilson Security, we have wholeheartedly embraced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a vital part of our business practices.
From facing our fear of snakes to pushing ourselves to run that extra mile for children's health, the initiatives under Corporate Social Responsibility at Wilson create connections between team members across the country and opportunities to grow our business as a source of inspiration and leadership amongst the community.
Moving beyond checking a box – our unique approach
We're a people-centric business, so it makes sense that the core of our CSR approach lies in listening to, learning from and valuing our people. We have a framework for collecting and analysing feedback and input from our team members, ensuring our CSR approach reflects our wider community's values.
Underpinning this approach is our dedicated national CSR committee which collaborates on various CSR activations and initiatives.
The committee serves as a direct link between our company and the community, offering valuable ideas, feedback, and project support that align with our key focus areas.
These areas encompass:
- Mental Health
- Family Support & Wellbeing
- Domestic Violence
- Local Community Support
This approach has been purposively created to be unique to Wilson Security and promote interactions and learnings across the country – from the teams on the ground in facilities and public spaces around Australia to centralised teams in our National Operations Centre and the Leadership Team.
Beti Dafovski, National Comcare Manager and CSR committee chairperson:
"As the custodian of our Corporate Social Responsibility program, I am proud of our organisation's commitment to creating enduring value for its employees and the communities in which we live and operate in. It's pleasing to see the engagement of our employees supporting various charity organisations and campaigns which shine a bright light in people's lives and their communities.
As an organisation, we continually strive to make a positive difference in people's lives and the communities in which they live."
Our steadfast commitment to the communities we serve is evident through our enduring partnerships with local organisations, charities, and foundations. These collaborations form the backbone of our CSR initiatives, reinforcing our dedication to making a positive difference.
Illuminating Our Impact – Recent CSR Activations
Having established our approach, we proudly present a collection of our most recent activations.
These initiatives represent our commitment to making a real difference, highlighting our efforts to fulfil our responsibilities as a leading security provider in Australia.
Alannah & Madeline Foundation
Since 2020, we have proudly partnered with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, a national not-for-profit organisation committed to protecting children and young people from violence and trauma.
"As one of Australia's leading security companies, we believe that all people are entitled to feel safe at all times, especially children," says Wilson Security CEO, Nick Frangoulis.
This commitment has led to a contribution of over one million dollars to the Foundation, helping it continue to impact the lives of children throughout Australia positively.
In April 2023, four team members embarked on a challenging trek of over 46km in Tasmania's Three Capes Lodge Walk to raise over $30,000 for AMF. Throughout the journey, they experienced the breathtaking scenery of the Tasman Peninsula and had the privilege of walking alongside Walter Mikac (founder of the AMF), his partner Bridgette, and Sarah Davies (CEO of AMF), making the trip truly remarkable and memorable.
Paul Brazier, General Manager of Risk and Compliance:
"It was a privilege to experience the Three Capes Walk with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation representing Wilson Security with Beti, Greg and Kaylene. An experience that certainly pushed some physical and emotional boundaries but one to remember surrounded by an amazing group of people taking in the spectacular scenery the Tasman peninsula has on offer.
The walk was made more special by having Walter Mikac with us on the journey. Those that understand the relevance and timing of that will know what having Walter on the walk means, but for me it shows the metal of an inspirational human."
Run Melbourne
July saw our dedicated Wilson Security Team participate in Run Melbourne, an event that has raised over $19 million over the past 16 years!
Our team of 13 people ran and walked in various waves of 5.2km, 10km and half marathon; thanks to their tireless efforts, the team raised $1,210 for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.
Donations enable the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to provide Buddy Bags, filled with essentials and comfort items, to children and young people who need them most.
Buddy Bags
Also, in May and July, a team of our VIC Wilson Security staff volunteered their time to pack Buddy Bags for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.
Buddy Bags are filled with carefully selected items focusing on children and young people's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. The team packed backpacks filled with toiletries, books, toys, and a teddy bear.
A Buddy Bag is something tangible a child or young person can call their own, helping to meet their immediate need – while showing them they are special, that people care for them, and that they matter.
Lifeblood
In March 2022, Wilson Security started an initiative to donate blood to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood - one of Australia's most trusted not-for-profit health service providers for over 90 years - to provide life-giving donations for life-changing outcomes.
To date, the Wilson Security Lifeblood Team has made 85 donations of whole blood, plasma and platelets, which has resulted in 255 lives saved by our team nationwide.
SES
During National Volunteer Week, we recognised and thanked our team members who volunteer their time to help within their communities.
As part of the year's celebrations, we at Wilson Security wore orange in recognition of Wear Orange Wednesday and hosted an event to say 'Thank You' to SES volunteers.
Michael Bagnall - National Business Manager - Technology, invited Stephen Griffin - CEO of SES Victoria, Rebecca McDonald - Regional Operations Officer Emergency Management and their team of volunteers to demonstrate casualty-handling techniques to the Wilson Security staff at Essendon Fields.
And congratulations go to Michael Bagnall for receiving the Australian National Emergency Medal for his involvement with the SES. We are proud to be able to support our staff in their volunteering journeys by offering paid emergency services leave to our employees.
We want to thank those who contribute to their local communities, including Wilson Security staff, who volunteer their time, goods and services when they can.
Our CSR plans are bright and dynamic
As we look to the future, we're committed to making a meaningful impact in people's lives in the countless communities we serve around Australia.
We believe that a company's success lies not just in its financial performance but in its ability to make positive contributions to society – from its employees and customers to the wider community who benefit from the services we deliver and the programs and initiatives we run.
As we continue to enhance our impact and further our commitment to CSR, we encourage you to stay connected with our ongoing initiatives.
Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up with our latest updates and opportunities to get involved. Join the conversation as we strive to make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Written by Jaime Kendler-Arnold
