AMP and Mission Australia share a long history. AMP’s first life insurance agent (would now be known as a Financial Planner) Benjamin Short was the original founder of Sydney City Mission in 1862 and the two organisations continue to work together today.
The AMP Foundation was formed in 1992 and is the main body through which AMP invests in the community. The AMP Foundation formed a significant three year partnership with Mission Australia in 2008 to support programs focused on aboriginal youth. The partnership includes support to enhance and expand the successful Dubbo Leadership and Cultural Development program. This program, aims to improve the educational and social outcomes for aboriginal youth who are at risk of dropping out of school and engaging in criminal activity. This is done by promoting leadership skills; increasing cultural awareness and understanding; and by offering opportunities for positive community and social interaction.
With the AMP Foundation’s support, Mission Australia has also appointed a national adviser for aboriginal affairs to build a larger national strategy within the organisation, aimed at developing culturally effective services and policies for aboriginal programs and issues.
