Community engagement a win-win for business

Harlequin Blinds and Security owners Marilyn and Julian Black are committed supporters of local charity group Sunnykids, so much so that when Marilyn talks about the group, her face lights up.

She holds a board position for the charity, which provides shelter and housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Part of her involvement in the group is to also chair the Aboriginal and culture sub-committee supporting aboriginal women and children, and also women from other minority cultures, to help build their confidence and secure better outcomes for their lives going forward.

Once a month, Marilyn is also the coordinator of a soup kitchen for the homeless and disadvantaged at a major hinterland town on the Sunshine Coast. It feeds between 25 and 60 homeless people and involves the local schools and community in cooking and donating food. When asked why she gave up her time for the initiative, Marilyn told WFA she was driven by a commitment to “give back”.

“I also enjoy it,” she added. “I enjoy seeing a good outcome and seeing people get back on their feet and improving their lifestyle.”

Marilyn is also involved in the local business community. She attends the local Sunshine Coast Businesswomen’s Network and looks at it as an opportunity to network with like-minded business owners while still being involved in the local community. She is Vice President for the Suncoast Business network, which meets weekly for breakfast and refers business leads to each other. It’s a great opportunity to solve business issues with a “collective brains trust,” she said. “I’ve had some really useful advice through the network on challenges from the NBN network to IT solutions. Most business people have the same issues and it’s nice to be able to help each other out.”

Harlequin Blinds also donates to local cerebral palsy fundraising, local golf club charity events and local schools. “It can be something simple like a bottle of wine, some product from our business or a cash donation. It’s a small way to support the local community that we live in,” she said.

Marilyn and Julian joined the manufacturer group Fashionline in 2004. They had newly purchased Harlequin Blinds and were told about Fashionline by the previous owner. While Julian has been in the industry for over 26 years, Marilyn said the new knowledge gained from the group was invaluable. Being involved with Fashionline also aligns with the Blacks’ sense of community and collaboration. “There’s a lot of really useful information from Fashionline meetings,” she added. Examples of what I value most include feedback about manufacturing systems, product knowledge, factory structures, and how to streamline your operation.”