Mallesons Stephen Jaques has won the Prime Minister’s Special Award for Impact on the Community, as part of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships. This award was announced at a gala dinner on 13 April 2005.

Now in their sixth year, the Prime Minister’s Awards recognise achievements in the development of business and community partnerships “which contribute to social cohesion and a better Australia”. The Impact on the Community Award honours a business with significant community involvement covering a suite of programs or projects, with one or more partners.

Mallesons, one of two shortlisted finalists, was nominated for its Mallesons in the Community Program. The program aims to help alleviate poverty, improve community welfare and help children and young people at risk by providing free legal services, staff volunteering and workplace giving.

In presenting the award, Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson said that the judging panel was impressed with the depth of the Mallesons’ program in terms of its community partnerships and the participation by employees across the firm.

Mallesons’ Chief Executive Partner and Chair of Mallesons in the Community Board, Robert Milliner acknowledges the team effort behind the success of the program.

“We are honoured to have won this award. This is truly an award that we all share. The program and its success, from pro bono work and volunteering through to workplace giving could not be achieved without the dedication of our staff and our key community partners.”