L-R: Nick Pappas (Chaiman Rabbitohs), Roy Wakelin-King (ATP), Shane Richardson (CEO, Rabbitohs), John Hutchinson (GM, Souths Cares), Jennifer O'Brien (Souths Cares).

The Australian Technology Park has signed a two year sponsorship deal with Souths Cares, the charitable arm of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

South Cares assists disadvantaged youth and their families in the South Sydney region through the delivery of education, training and employment programs. 

In 2009 Souths Cares contributed over 1,600 hours to schools such as Alexandria Park Community School, Green Square, La Perouse Primary and Matraville Sports High School and their communities. 

“Souths Cares is an enormous asset to the community around our location in Redfern Waterloo,” ATP Managing Director Roy Wakelin-King said.

“The players and volunteers make fundamental differences to the lives of kids and their families with little recognition. This is an opportunity to acknowledge the crucial work they perform in this vibrant and dynamic part of South Sydney.”

Under the sponsorship arrangement the Australian Technology Park has received naming rights to the Rabbitohs’ Performance Centre at Redfern Oval, which is now referred to as the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre. 

The ATP has become a senior partner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and ATP signage appears at the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre at Redfern Oval and at South Sydney Rabbitohs’ home games. In addition select South Sydney Rabbitohs events will be held at the Australian Technology Park.

“ATP is looking to become a stronger community member,” Mr Wakelin-King said. 

“We are a major employer and key part of the economic engine room in the Redfern Waterloo area, and we want to make sure that we also give help to those in need within the community. Our relationship with Souths Cares will be a key part of this strategy.”

Rabbitohs CEO and Souths Cares board member Shane Richardson said partnering with a fellow member of the South Sydney business community made good sense.

“The Australian Technology Park is one of the leading organisations in the heart of the South Sydney district, so for Souths Cares to have an opportunity to partner with them was an opportunity that we jumped at,” Mr Richardson said.