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How does Streetwize Communications currently operate? Most renowned for their comics, Streetwize has researched and communicated on social issues for over 23 years, effectively targeting hard to reach groups who experience difficulty in accessing mainstream sources of information. Streetwize is a national not-for-profit social communications agency that works with young people, Aboriginal communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities to create resources and programs that equip people for the challenges of life. Streetwize currently employs three full-time staff, three part-time employees and one contractor. Streetwize does not receive core funding; instead it receives funding on a project-by-project basis. In the last financial year, Streetwize had a turnover of $750,000 and worked with 41 funders and 28 project partners on 36 projects. Why is Streetwize winding down operations? Streetwize is experiencing financial difficulties. With the exception of a couple of financially positive periods, Streetwize has struggled to stay afloat for all its 23 years. Over the last decade, there have been significant efforts made to improve a great many aspects of the organisation – in the form of new people and positions, and a dedication to understanding the economics of the business. And there have been substantial results from this. However, most recently our analysis showed that, to be sustainable, Streetwize would need to operate on a much larger scale than is currently possible given the resources available. In short, it is no longer viable. What impact will this decision have on the people Streetwize works with? Streetwize winding down may have both a negative and positive impact on the people we work with. Streetwize has developed a reputation for 'telling it like it is'. Many of the resources we have developed over the past 23 years are still relevant because of the consultative process we use to deliver our work, and because the challenges facing our target communities are ongoing. These resources will continue to be in circulation and will hopefully continue to have a positive effect on the target communities. As we wind down, we hope that other organisations will take positives steps to address this resource gap, especially in reaching marginalised groups. These groups will bring their own unique vision and purpose to the task. Streetwize has recently received Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Hasn’t this had a positive impact on income? Due to considerable pro bono support from Blake Dawson Waldron, Streetwize has been able to apply for, and has received, accreditation for the Harm Reduction Register in 2005, and received retrospective notification of DGR from the Australian Tax Office in 2006. Streetwize is allowed to accept DGR donations for work that falls under the Harm Reduction Register definitions. This has allowed us to access new funds for project work. However, for Streetwize to make the leap to a commercially viable organisation it would need access to much longer-term funding for infrastructure development and training costs. What will happen to the Streetwize archives? Streetwize is investigating options for its print archives to be held by a museum. Will service providers be able to get copies of Streetwize resources in the future? As part of the winding down phase, organisations will be able to order current stock and pick it up from Streetwize until the end of May 2007. Is there a possibility of reviving Streetwize in the future? At the end of June 2007, Streetwize will retain its intellectual property, DGR status, records, database and a complete copy of its archives. The Directors are keen to talk with like-minded individuals and organisations about merging, or funding for a new organisation. If you would like to discuss future possibilities with a Streetwize Director please contact Denise North on 0402 460 336. If you would like to place an order for a Streetwize resource, please download an order form from www.streetwize.com.au or contact orders@streetwize.com.au before 11th May. |
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COMMUNICATIONS 1984-2007 |
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MEDIA RELEASE May 2007