CORPORATE
Respecting and Supporting Local Cultures
Case Study: Mutitjulu Foundation
The Mutitjulu Foundation was first launched in December 2003, in consultation with Anangu members of the Mutitjulu Community, with a donation of $250,000 from The GPT Group and Voyages Hotels & Resorts.
The Foundation's goals are to improve health, advance education and relieve poverty for all members of the Mutitjulu Community which is located next to Uluru in Central Australia.
Contributions to the Foundation are encouraged through in-room collateral at Ayers Rock Resort and an introduction of the Foundation by resort staff at check-in. Collection tins for loose change are also provided throughout the resort. Upon check-out, guests are asked to approve a voluntary $2 donation which is added to their account. Voyages matches voluntary guest donations to the Mutitjulu Foundation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000 each year. To date, the Foundation has raised $900,000.
The construction of a respite care centre at the Mutitjulu Community in September 2007 represented the first major project for the Mutitjulu Foundation and was identified as the priority need by members of the Mutitjulu Community after extensive and ongoing consultation.
Built to provide much needed day respite facilities to support Mutitjulu elderly, the centre will allow residents to meet for help with their daily needs, receive nutritious meals and participate in activities such as arts, crafts and games, as well as providing a location of safe amenity.
Following completion of the respite centre, a range of new projects are being discussed with the Mutitjulu Community, involving youth initiatives, cultural performance and health.