This competition is now closed.  Winners will be announced shortly for best comments by the end of March 2011:

- One 12-month subscription to Ethical Investor (posted within Australia only) – Ethical Investor is owned and published by Lifecraft Pty Ltd. Our mission is to set the agenda, facilitate thought-leadership and build audiences for Australian business and investors in the sustainability arena. Lifecraft incorporates philanthropy research and publishing unit Givewell. Operating as one business, the relationship between both units improves the depth of our knowledge and contacts across the two dimensions of corporate – community involvement and responsible investment.
- One place at a two day GRI certified Training Programme on the course program for 2011 in Melbourne CBD  on 12th – 13th May conducted by Net Balance Foundation and National Centre for Sustainability (NCS) Swinburne University of Technology.  here is what they say:

Sustainability Reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI):  A Comprehensive Two-Day GRI Certified Training Program
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a network-based organisation that pioneered the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework. GRI is committed to the Framework’s continuous improvement and application worldwide and has developed the Certified Training Programs to spread sustainability reporting knowledge and skills around the world. Net Balance Foundation is a collaborating partner with the National Centre for Sustainability (NCS) Swinburne University of Technology and together we have been accredited as GRI Certified Training Partners in Australia and New Zealand.

The course is designed to support both new and experienced reporters prepare and review reporting processes by enabling report makers and users to utilise the GRI Framework and GRI reports more effectively. An overview of the latest reporting trends and international case studies will also enable you to improve year-on-year. The course is led by Net Balance Director, Dr Robyn Leeson, an elected member of the GRI’s Stakeholder Council with delivery facilitated by the National Centre for Sustainability, Swinburne University of Technology.

Robyn says: “ With experience gained working with some of Australia’s largest organisations, Net Balance provides extensive reporting expertise, relevant and meaningful case study examples and detailed knowledge of GRI workings and development. We draw upon this knowledge and expertise in training to facilitate discussion and knowledge sharing amongst attendees and deliver regionally appropriate advice and guidance on sustainability reporting practices.”

Participants’ feedback
Senior Manager, Real Estate and Construction sector – I thoroughly enjoyed the course, the professional presentations and training format. Especially the provision of hands on material and practical exercises were very valuable. I will recommend the course and have already started the GRI report for my company and one client. I would like to stay actively involved in GRI advanced courses, industry consultations (Real Estate, Property and Construction) to promote GRI adoption more broadly.

CSR Manager, Insurance Sector – Knowledge of the presenters was very strong, so too their ability to facilitate discussion amongst attendees, particularly given the varying levels of maturity in reporting by attendees.

Senior Stakeholder Advisor, Government Relations Team, Energy Sector – The GRI training has enabled me to identify continuous improvement initiatives that can be implemented immediately. The networking and access to resources will also allow our Sustainability Report to evolve over time…….I love the fact that this training addressed immediate and future needs of our organisation!

Environment and Community Affairs Officer, Mining Sector – I just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks for an amazing two days of GRI training. As a result of the training I have been able to identify significant continuous improvement opportunities which are intended to be implemented in the immediate future. Additional positives from the course also included the networking and reference materials provided, which I am confident will enable our Sustainability Report to evolve over time. Thank you for the motivation and inspiration to keep moving forward!

Facilities Manager, Dairy Sector – Thank you very much for organizing the GRI training. I found it not only informative but also enjoyable. One of the things that I really enjoyed about the training delivery style was that while the content was serious it was ok to laugh at ourselves and our human foibles. It was very obvious that you all were part of a cohesive and effective team that believed in the product. The combination of these factors made the learning experience for me a very enjoyable one. It was also great to meet others and share learning in the same industry involved in sustainability reporting.

For more information, please see http://www.netbalance.com/gri_training.html

* Please note that Momentum International Partnership is not liable for the delivery of the above prizes.  The annual subscription for Ethical Investor will commence immediately upon notification of the winner. The free place on the GRI training course will need to be taken on the two dates advertised above.