Why we're passionate about our community
ActewAGL and its predecessors have been serving the Canberra region since 1915 when they first built Cotter Dam and the Kingston Power house to supply water and electricity to the first locals.
Even back then, ActewAGL’s predecessors made it a point to develop a strong bond with the local community – a principle that has carried on to this day.
By working with community groups to achieve outcomes that benefit the whole community, ActewAGL becomes a better, more successful organisation with staff who want to work hard and customers who are loyal.
ActewAGL’s work in the community also sets a benchmark for other organisations and makes them more accountable to what they can do to support the community.
In May 2007, ActewAGL’s commitment to the community was recognised when it was rated number one among electricity companies across Australia for being a community-minded corporate citizen.
The Australia-wide study conducted by Roy Morgan Research found that electricity companies were considered the most community-minded of the utility industry, which included gas, pay TV, mobile phone, local telephone, STD telephone, international telephone, internet and water.
Giving – part of the organisational culture
ActewAGL has also developed a culture within the organisation of supporting community groups and encourages its employees through its Workplace Giving program. Over the last two years employees raised many thousands of dollars for charities, including:
- the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
- Sids and Kids Red Nose Day
- Canteen’s National Bandanna Day
- the ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group’s Hawaiian Shirt Day.
ActewAGL also encourages staff to donate to charities by often matching staff contributions once a certain amount is raised.
The Workplace Giving program allows staff to request cash and leave donations to be deducted from their pay via salary sacrifice. Staff can also exchange recreation leave for charitable donations.