Toyota

Altona, in the City of Hobsons Bay is the location of Toyota's manufacturing plant in Australia.

Toyota Community Spirit was originally developed and piloted in partnership with the City of Hobsons Bay, during 2001. The principles piloted in Hobsons Bay now form the basis of this national program.

The City of Hobsons Bay is situated on Port Phillip Bay, some 10 kilometres west of central Melbourne. It covers an area of approximately 66 square kilometres and includes the suburbs of Altona, Altona North, Altona Meadows, Brooklyn (part), Laverton, Seabrook, Newport, Seaholme, South Kingsville, Spotswood and Williamstown.

Hobsons Bay has over 20 kilometres of bay frontage, quality residential areas and a range of major industrial complexes that contribute significantly to the economy of Victoria. These features contribute to a culture that is strongly linked to the City's maritime heritage, industry and lifestyle.

The city is home to approximately 80,400 residents.

Community Training Workshops
Toyota is working in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council to deliver a series of training workshops that address the training needs and priorities of local groups.

Piloted in 2002, Toyota volunteer presenters and external subject experts present the workshops and information sessions covering subjects such as risk management, business planning, submission writing, identifying funding and sponsorship opportunities, public relations, recruiting members and running committees.

Due to community demand, the workshops have continued to be delivered during 2003, 2004 and 2005. An evaluation of the community benefits of the evaluation was undertaken during 2005.

Hobsons Bay Community Tree Planting Trailer
Toyota presented a Community Tree Planting Trailer to the City of Hobsons Bay at the launch of Toyota Community Spirit in October 2001.

The trailer includes tools, a watering tank and a barbecue to assist community groups to undertake local planting projects.

The trailer is managed and maintained by Council. Hobsons Bay local community groups can book the trailer through Hobsons Bay City Council by calling 03 9932 1000.

Altona Memories, Altona Stories
Altona Memories, Altona Stories is a photographic documentary of the lives of Altona residents, the former Altona Hospital and stories of the local area. It is being run alongside the redevelopment of the whole Louis Joel Complex (site of the former Altona Hospital). Local residents and members of the Louis Joel Centre are participating in the creation of this artwork that has been incorporated into the new complex.

Altona's Bayside Festival
Toyota has enjoyed a long relationship with Altona's Bayside Festival.

In 2003, a Toyota volunteer assisted both the Bayside and Williamstown festivals with risk management expertise and support. The volunteer helped both groups to develop safety and emergency management plans. This volunteer placement won the 2003 Australia Business Arts Foundation AdviceBank Award.

In addition, Toyota is providing to Hobsons Bay a trailer of safety equipment such as safety vests and barricading as a resource for all festivals or other special events organisers in the area to borrow.

In 2002, Toyota partnered with Altona¿s Bayside Festival to deliver creative workshops for street parade participants. The workshops brought together groups from different parts of the community and participation in the street parade almost doubled.

In addition, a Toyota volunteer shared event management and strategic planning skills with the festival committee. This partnership was recognised as a finalist in the 2002 Australia Business Arts Foundation Partnership Awards.

Truganina Explosives Reserve
Toyota is helping the community to convert the Truganina Explosives Reserve into a park.

Located on the Altona foreshore, the Reserve has significant natural and cultural values including archaeology, flora and fauna and industrial heritage.

Toyota is supporting a revegetation project that includes seed collection, propagation and planting at the Reserve.

Toyota is also a member of the Truganina Coastal Parklands Coordinating Group.

In July 2004, Toyota announced a landmark strategic alliance agreement with Hobsons Bay City Council. This document provides the framework for the ongoing development and implementation of community capacity building initiatives between Hobsons Bay and Toyota Australia.

It is believed that this is the first time that an alliance like this has been developed between a local government organisation and business.

This alliance ensures that the strong relationship and commitment in place today will live on for many years to come.

Hobsons Bay Toyota Community Spirit partnership activities have included:

• Pro bono employee volunteer placements with local community groups
• Funding and in-kind support, including employee presenters, for a community training program supporting 500 community groups and volunteers
• A fully equipped Community Planting Trailer available to all community groups
• Employee participation in community planting days