First newsletter from our Services NICS

Edition 1 2009
Fortnightly Newsletter

Welcome to the 1st edition of Service Worx e-newsletter.

For this edition we would like to highlight the support and heart-warming community spirit demonstrated by all Australians following the devastating Victorian bushfires last month.
The retail sector plays a large role within a business community and the following examples epitomise how Australian businesses have rallied together.
Woolworths Limited announced a $1 million donation to the Australian Red Cross for emergency relief in fire-ravaged Victoria.
IGA - the Independent Grocers of Australia - will donate $1.5 million dollars in food vouchers to assist in the Victoria Bush Fire Disaster Relief efforts.
1270 IGA stores nationwide, as well as Metcash (IGA retailers' primary supplier), will collectively provide the vouchers via IGA's Community Chest program - the majority of which will be distributed by the Salvation Army.

During the crisis, a number of IGA stores have also been acting as community centres - with more than 500 people having camped out at IGA Yarra Glen the week after the fires. Wherever possible, those affected by the fires have been provided with food from their local store.
All 58 Ritchies stores in Victoria, Queensland and NSW will now accept cash donations that will see 100% of the money channelled to the Salvation Army bushfire relief appeal.
Coles donated its profits from its 750 stores nationally to the Government's Bushfire Appeal Fund in partnership with the Red Cross on Friday 13 February.
Coles has also been helping ground level relief agencies, providing essentials such as food, water and toiletries, and will continue to provide additional local support as needed.
Many other smaller retail businesses are also raising money and donating goods to victims of the Victorian fire disaster.

Quick Facts on the Retail Industry

The retail industry is the largest employer in Australia and over 38% of the approximately 1.6M people employed in the industry are between 15-24 years of age.
Melbourne is the second largest labor force employing region in Australia for the Retail Industry and the top jobs are Sales Assistants and Shop Managers, however, remember the industry offers a diverse range of career and employment opportunities and is an intergral part of the Australian workforce.

For further details or information on a career in retail please contact Mary Oliver at the Australian Retailers Association on 1300 368 041 or email mary.oliver@retail.org.au.
Don’t forget www.discoverhospitality.com is now live, if you could spread the word that would be great.