Charitable foundation hosts business roundtable in city Ethical investment
A PRIVATE charitable foundation is looking to extend its philanthropic support for North Queensland’s economy and environment.
Members of the Morris Family Foundation, part of the Morris Group which owns The Ville Resort- Casino, met with business and government representatives in Townsville yesterday to discuss the region’s needs and priorities.
Executive director of the Morris Group Hayley Morris said the foundation already supported environmental projects in the region and had more education programs planned.
So far about $ 1.5 million had been provided over three years.
She said they were looking to extend that support and involve “impact” or ethical investors who could invest in projects that provided good outcomes for people and the environment.
“What we are increasingly doing with the ( foundation’s) fund is looking at investing in projects that support the re- gional communities in which we are working,” Ms Morris said.
They could include environmental, social and cultural projects, she said.
The fund already supports programs across Africa, Asia and Australia.
Examples of projects supported here include the proposed Museum of Underwater Art and reef program Great Barrier Reef Legacy.
Ms Morris said they were also looking to support the economic development of the region, which was the reason they convened a business roundtable event yesterday.
“It’s smart business for us to be operating in a community that has a vibrant business community, a vibrant culture and a healthy and sustainable environment,” Ms Morris said.
“A win- win ( outcome) what we are after.”
A Brisbane- based organisation called the Next Century, led by Amanda Cahill, also attended yesterday’s meeting and is supporting the foundation.
Ms Cahill said the world was undergoing great change as technologies shifted the way people bought and produced goods. is
She said it was important for people in regional centres like Townsville to start thinking about the change that was occurring to ensure people had good jobs and that the local environment was supported into the future.
“If people have ideas for projects, we can support them through project management and getting the ideas to a stage where they are investment ready,” Ms Cahill said.
The foundation expects to host a group of investors at The Ville in Townsville and at another Morris Group property, the Orpheus Island resort, next month.