To honour the Crown ethos of giving back, Crown Australia has proudly joined the Giving Back Together global initiative — part of our 60th Anniversary ESG campaign. This global event is conducted as a Diamond Relay, each Crown office around the world is allocated a week to carry out community-focused activities and pass the baton to the next country. This month, Crown Australia received the baton from Crown Mongolia and took the opportunity to give back through impactful partnerships with local organisations working at the heart of social change.
A group of volunteers — Josh Sims, Linda Spencer, Linda Borg, Jade Dudek, and Paul Faithfull — had the privilege of visiting one of our Indigenous partners, Blackroo, at their centre in Muswellbrook, NSW. Blackroo exists to close the gap and build stronger futures for Indigenous Australians, through culturally grounded support, access to education, economic opportunity, and community-led action. Every program, partnership, and initiative is driven by a belief in the strength, resilience, and potential of their people.
Welcomed by Blackroo’s founder, Steve Fordham, the team was guided through the Centre’s transformative programs that empower individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. Through mining and land rehabilitation projects, Blackroo provides meaningful employment opportunities, helping people rebuild their lives with dignity and renewed purpose.
The day continued with a visit to The Haven, where the team met DeAnne and learned about the work being done to support families affected by domestic violence. The Haven assists women and children transitioning into new homes by supplying them with boxes filled with furniture, clothing, school supplies, and other essentials, all aimed at offering a fresh start. Remarkably, some of these care packages are prepared and distributed by incarcerated individuals, providing them a way to give back and contribute positively to the community.
To support these life-changing initiatives, Crown Australia donated a box of household essentials, including toothpaste, sanitary items, and soap, to Blackroo.
This experience was deeply moving and humbling for our team. It reinforced our commitment to standing alongside partners who make a tangible difference in people’s lives, partners who embody Crown’s values of Caring, Sharing and There.
Voices from the team
“There are some really amazing selfless people in this world. It was a great day, and not every day do you get to have lunch with the local prison population.”
— Jade Dudek
“It was such a great experience, the work they do is truly inspiring. They certainly are making a positive impact in this world. I’m also very grateful to have been part of it.”
— Linda Spencer
“We weren’t sure what to expect, but it was definitely different to what I expected. Blackroo do amazing work for the community — such inspirational people.”
— Paul Faithfull
