Seen those Mazdas around town? Here’s why some Wollongong organisations have new wheels
A conversation between friends has turned into vehicles, access and new opportunities for Illawarra not-for-profits.
When new Wollongong Mazda Dealer Principal Dale Purkis moved to Wollongong in October, he knew exactly who to speak to about his ambitious plan to give cars away - not to sports stars, but to worthy organisations.
He contacted Susan Wallis, chair at Interchange and head of government and philanthropy at Good360 Australia, trusting her connections across the not-for-profit sector to point him toward groups that would genuinely benefit.
Before he knew it, he’d given cars to Wollongong Conservatorium, Interchange Illawarra, and Lawn Duty. A previous relationship with also continued KidsWish, with more partnerships in the pipeline.
“I really want to look after the community in Wollongong,” he said.
“I moved away from sports because, let’s face it, every footballer gets a car. I want the dealership to be part of the community.”
“Cars are expensive … but I can write it off and give an opportunity to a charity. You can’t ask for much more than that.”
The vehicles are already making a difference in how these organisations operate across the Illawarra.
Annette Brown, CEO at Wollongong Conservatorium, says the car supports their education programs.
“We go to 19 schools in this area… we’re covering that distance to deliver music into schools.”
The car itself functions as a mobile classroom.
“It’s got power points. So I can actually drive into somewhere and plug in an electric keyboard or an amp and actually perform right there.”
Jake Pearson, CEO at Interchange Illawarra, said the impact extends beyond transport.
“It’s a human right. It provides dignity and equitable access that everybody should enjoy,” he said.
“This is a vehicle that Interchange as a small Wollongong-based not-for-profit, could never have afforded. Our participants and the people who use our services are absolutely delighted to ride around in such a luxurious car.”
KidsWish also relies on its donated vehicle to support programs and events.
“There’s a lot of logistics around getting equipment to and from events… and so it really assists with that,” stakeholder engagement and fundraising manager Emily Wright said.
The support also extends to veteran charity Lawn Duty, where a donated vehicle helps volunteers deliver free lawn mowing services to veterans across the Illawarra.
The cars have also strengthened partnerships in the community.
“Having that exposure out there in the community… it’s a really nice way to represent our partnership,” said Ms Brown.
For Ms Wallis, supporting Purkis with his plan has been rewarding. “I’ve felt like Oprah Winfrey - ‘here, you have a car, and you have a car, and you have a car’,” she joked.
She said the partnerships show people can help others in ways that don’t cost money and still create exponential impact.
Demand has quickly followed, with many organisations asking how they can get involved.
Purkis said he’s always happy to have the conversation.
“I’m open to a suggestion. Obviously, I can’t give away 100 cars, but I’m happy to look at different options.”