VoltX Energy Turns Corporate Hospitality Into Community Opportunity for Charities
Corporate partnerships are often measured in visibility, branding and business outcomes. But VoltX Energy has taken a different approach, using its partnership with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles NRL club to put community impact ahead of corporate privilege.
For the Sea Eagles’ Community Round, VoltX Energy donated its own corporate hospitality entitlements so the Club’s network of charity partners could experience the final home game of the season from a private suite at 4 Pines Park.
The gesture gave representatives from 11 community organisations the opportunity to enjoy the Sea Eagles’ clash with the St George Illawarra Dragons, while recognising the vital work they undertake every day across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and surrounding communities.
For VoltX Energy COO David Sedighi, the initiative reflects a broader belief that businesses can use their partnerships and resources to create opportunities for the people and organisations making a difference on the ground.
“Community is at the heart of what we do, and we wanted to use our partnership to give back to the organisations and people who make such a positive contribution,” Mr Sedighi said.
“We hope the suite provided an opportunity for the Sea Eagles’ charity partners to enjoy a great night together, celebrate the incredible work they do and feel valued for the contribution they make to our community.”
The Sea Eagles’ General Manager, People & Culture, Community and Special Projects, Kellie Pethybridge, said the generosity demonstrated by VoltX Energy was a meaningful way to acknowledge the Club’s charity partners.
“Our Charity Partners are such an important part of the Sea Eagles family and play an incredibly valuable role across our local catchment,” Ms Pethybridge said.
“They are out there every day supporting people, creating opportunities and making a genuine difference in the lives of others.
“Community Round is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the great work they do, so thank you VoltX Energy.”
Among those to benefit was What Ability Foundation, whose members were able to attend the match and enjoy the corporate hospitality.
Wendy from What Ability said opportunities such as these can have an impact well beyond a night at the football.
“For What Ability Foundation, experiences like this give our members the chance to enjoy a night out with a friend, independently and on their own terms, just like anyone else,” she said.
“That sense of independence, inclusion and simply being part of the occasion is priceless.”
The initiative highlights a simple but increasingly important question for corporate Australia: how can businesses turn existing commercial assets and partnerships into genuine community value?
Rather than creating a separate philanthropic initiative, VoltX Energy chose to redirect something it already had through its corporate hospitality allocation to people who could benefit from the experience.
It is a small gesture, but one that reflects a broader shift towards partnerships being judged not only by what they deliver for brands, but by what they can deliver for communities.
The charity partners represented at Friday night’s game included Youth Up Front, What Ability, RSL LifeCare, Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, Bear Cottage, Sunnyfield, Street Mission, Women & Children First, Camp Quality, The Burdekin Association and Stewart House.
Community Round also featured pre-game kids clinics, a junior rugby league relay at half time and an opportunity for families to enter the field of play following the game.
For VoltX Energy, the night was ultimately less about corporate hospitality and more about recognising the people who give their time, expertise and energy to others.
As Mr Sedighi puts it, community connection is not an add-on to the business but part of what the organisation stands for.
