Best Innovation – Community Partnerships

GOLD WINNER LUCRF SUPER A wide-ranging charitable program improves the lives of many people who need support

Australia’s oldest super fund, LUCRF, was the template for every modern industry super fund that followed and once again it is leading the field in innovation.

This award is for its community program, which is unique in the sector. Set up in 2010, it is a registered charity and has grown to include 36 partners across 44 projects and has directly benefited 170,000 people.

The program has four focus areas: basic needs, community building, skills development and health. Its activities include:

It delivers an average of 220 meals daily to needy people.

It runs a Soccer for All program in Brimbank, Victoria, aimed at helping migrants and refugees become involved in their local communities, and there is also a Community Shield Soccer Tournament centred on the Romero Centre in Brisbane, linked to a drop-in centre for refugees with temporary protection visas. There are also community language clubs, men’s sheds, young mums’ programs and many more.

Skills development includes a community training program for teenagers, financial counselling, numeracy and basic computer skills, and a personal development program for women affected by domestic violence.

There are health programs in regional Victoria plus projects such as the craniofacial surgery mission, counselling for gamblers and youth medical services.

According to Alex Dunnin, Rainmaker’s head of research, LUCRF has one of the best international equities investment options in Australia, and its growth and capital stable options are well above average.