Medium to Large Business Award sponsored by EML: Cottage by the Sea

Children’s charity, Cottage by the Sea, has been a Queenscliff mainstay since its establishment in 1890. The non-profit organisation offers children aged 6-18 years experiencing disadvantage or trauma with short-stay, adventure-based programs. These programs are diverse in nature and take place across a wide range of environments.

Children in need of a break from their day-to-day lives, or who may benefit from support to navigate challenging times, are referred to Cottage by the Sea by schools and support agencies. These children may be deemed at-risk for a variety of reasons including family breakdown, emotional or physical trauma, poverty, cultural disadvantage or a lack of opportunities.

Cottage by the Sea provides support to more than 1500 children every year and some of those children are involved in the non-profit’s programs for up to seven years. Impressed with the charity’s longstanding dedication to helping children, the judges have awarded Cottage by the Sea the Medium to Large Business Award, sponsored by EML. This award is open to all businesses operating with more than 20 full-time employees. The organisation was also shortlisted as one of four finalists for the Business of the Year award.

“Situated by the beach in Queenscliff, their mission is to enhance the lives of children by providing inspiration, enjoyment, and opportunities in a holiday setting,” Judge Paul Codd said. “Their seaside retreat not only allows families to reconnect, but also allows them to have some fun and create cherished memories. We were impressed by the team’s passion for their work and unwavering desire to improve the lives of every child that walks through their doors.”

Operating with the vision that every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood, Cottage by the Sea’s programs aim to create change in children by building their confidence and resilience. This is achieved through physical activities, an emphasis on the building of relationships, healthy eating, experiencing the natural environment and support to try adventurous activities.

Through 2022 Deakin University undertook research into some of the programs run by Cottage by the Sea to determine the difference they make to the lives of the children who attend. The report was published earlier this year and identified that Cottage by the Sea’s programs have several key impacts on the children they support, including increases in confidence, sense of belonging, self-belief, trust, and healthy mindsets.

Cottage by the Sea does not receive government funding and relies on support from the community to continue providing its service to children in need. For more information, head to Cottage by the Sea’s website.

EML

EML is the premier injury management partner of choice for employers and government agencies.

The organisation is this year’s sponsor of the Medium to Large Business Award.

With more than a century of experience, EML is a trusted partner for employers seeking claims management expertise and personalised service to help their injured workers recover and return to work.

Its nearly 3,500-strong team across Australia is guided by a noble mission: to help people get their lives back.

Proudly Australian-owned and operated, EML allocates a significant portion of their profits annually to fund research, training, and resources through the Mutual Benefits Program to create safer workplaces and improve recovery and return to work outcomes.

More than $109 million has been invested through the Program over the past decade, benefiting not only its customers but also the wider community.

Since establishing its presence in Victoria in 2016, EML has grown to employ over 500 professionals across offices in Geelong and Melbourne’s CBD and provides support to more than 52,000 employers in Victoria.

Visit their website: EML