Community Involvement

Sydney Airport generates substantial economic benefits both nationally and locally, with many local businesses and individuals depending on the airport for their livelihood.  However, we also recognise that airport operations impact significantly on the surrounding communities.  Therefore, Sydney Airport sees the task of 'giving something back' to the community as a key corporate responsibility. 

Sydney Airport has adopted four principles to underpin our actions in the community:
to be an exemplary corporate citizen; to listen to our neighbours' concerns and try to address them; to be open in our dealings with the community and to report our activities on a regular basis; to actively support the surrounding communities.

Community Investment

We believe it is vital that our local community shares in Sydney Airport's success, and we endeavour to do this through our Community Investment Program, targeting those suburbs most affected by Sydney Airport's operations. 

The program seeks specifically to support environmental and educational initiatives, and other events and activities that help to foster and promote a sense of community. 

Current beneficiaries include the Sydney Branch Surf Live Saving Junior Nipper activities competition (which covers all junior surf life-saving teams south of the harbour from North Bondi to Burning Palms in the Royal National Park) and local junior soccer teams from Mascot, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Rockdale.  

We have also renewed a sponsorship agreement with The Newtown Junior Jets Rugby League team valued at $15,000 a year.    

Click on   Sponsorship Guidelines (205.86kB) to find out if you can apply for Sydney Airport sponsorship.  

Education and Environment 

During 2007 funding for worthwhile projects which have a direct impact on the students either in their environmental or educational needs was directed to Kyeemagh Infants School to upgrade a learnscape garden, St Petes Public School for school hall improvements and the South East Neighbourhood Centre for a Safe Multicultural Out of School Hours (SMOOSH) program based at Gardeners Road Public Schooli.  Funding was also provided to North Brighton Preschool for improvements to playground equipment and a new softfall surface, Botany Public School for their Joseph Banks Botanic Garden project and Cairnsfoot School will establish a 'no-mow, no water sensory based outdoor learning enviroment. 

 

A 'greening the schools' program, turning asphalt or degraded landscaping into a pleasant environment where children can play and learn has been introduced into a number of local schools.  To date, schools that have benefited from the program, include:  Annandale Public, Athelstane Public, Banksmeadow Public, Ferncourt School, Kyeemagh Infants, Leichhardt Public, Lewisham Public, Maroubra Bay, Mascot Public, Tempe Public and Wilkins Public School. 

Sydney Airport also subsidises the cost of school tours designed to give school children a 'behind the scenes' introduction to the airport experience.  To book and airside tour telephone Airside Tarmac Tours on 8338 8414. 

Events and Activities 

Sponsorship of The Australia Day Council's celebrations, the Shark Island Swim and the 'MS Sydney to the Gong Ride' were just part of Sydney Airport's community activities program during 2007.  

Sydney Airport also contributes to many local charities including The Wesley Mission, The  Royal Australian Flying Doctors and local Rotary Clubs.  Our primary chosen charity is Youth Off the Streets, which aims to provide a home-like environment for homeless adolescents and restore these young people's lives.  Airport management and staff also support The Sydney Children's Hospital by participating in monthly 'dress down' days and the annual Jeans for Genes Day charity appeal. 

Whale Watching Platform 

When next you visit Kurnell National Park take a look at the Sydney Airport Whale Watching viewing platform at one of Sydney's best whale watching locations. 

The platform provides shelter and a spectacular 180 degree vista of the horizon for whale watchers at Cape Solander in Botany Bay National Park. 

The $50,000 funding for the platform is part of Sydney Airport's community grants program, set up to assist worthwhile environmental and community initiatives around the airport precinct.