Extract from MI's 2007 Annual Report
(Page 17)

Supporting MIA’s youth
The DOORS program has been running since 2003 and is an initiative of Murrumbidgee Irrigation with the support of Southern Riverina Youth Support Services (SRYSS). Each year Murrumbidgee Irrigation provides $30,000 to the program in addition to donations by shareholders and staff.

Despite the ongoing drought conditions, Murrumbidgee Irrigation has continued to provide sponsorship funds for the program as we believe that investing in the MIA’s future is also about investing and supporting the region’s young people who are its future. To date, DOORS has assisted 32 local youth in a variety of personal pursuits. Over $160,000 has been invested into the program in the 4 years it has been running.

DOORS provides financial support either as one-off sponsorship or continued assistance for young people as they pursue their personal potential through educational, social and cultural endeavours which in the long run will contribute to the future social and economic development of the MIA. The selection committee seeks out young people who have the attributes and drive to achieve their goals but would be denied the opportunity to strive for them simply due to financial limitations.

In 2006, 12 young people were part of the program. 4 of those have been receiving support since 2003/04 as they work towards their goals At the end of 2006, 6 participants exited the program having reached the point where financial assistance was no longer required. Katrina Jay completed her Bachelor of Business degree from Charles Sturt University and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management in 2006. The company was also fortunate in working first hand with Katrina during a work placement opportunity within the Human Resources business unit.

Currently, there are 7 participants in the DOORS program including one new candidate for whom a computer was purchased to assist with high school studies. As the candidate lives on a farm and is unable to stay back after school to use library facilities, home accessibility to a computer has had a significant impact on the student’s grades and enthusiasm for learning. The other 6 participants are pursuing undergraduate degree courses in nursing, languages, contemporary art and drama, performing arts and musical theatre. As well, we have a candidate seeking Olympic selection for the 2012 Games and another working towards her goal of owning her own local business.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation is extremely proud of each DOORS participant past and present. The feedback we receive from the half yearly and yearly reports, as well as from speaking throughout the year with the participants themselves and their parents only confirms the importance of investing in the youth of our region.

Tax deductible donations can be made to the DOORS program through Murrumbidgee Irrigation. Your money goes directly to helping the youth of the MIA as they pursue their goals and become the future adults and leaders of our community.