Medtronic in Australasia
Established in 1973, Medtronic Australasia now employs more than 330 staff across Australia and New Zealand. All are passionate about providing access to medical technology that changes the face of chronic disease.
Our Australasian headquarters are in North Ryde, in the northwest of Sydney, Australia. We have offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Auckland.
Medtronic Australasia was recognised as one of Australia's Best Employers in the 2005 Hewitt Best Employers Australia and New Zealand Awards, and again in 2006/07 and 2008. We have also been recognised as an Employer of Choice for Women by the Australian Government's Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace agency in both 2006 and 2007.
Medtronic Australasia is a proud supporter of many community, patient support and medical research organisations. The groups we regularly support include The Australian Red Cross, Children's Cancer Institute Australia, OXFAM and the Royal Flying Doctors' Service. We also provide child sponsorship for 20 children in Africa through World Vision Australia.
Medtronic Seeking Long-Distance Runners Who Benefit From Medical Technology
“Global Heroes” Will Receive Entry and Travel to the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in October
Medtronic Inc is recruiting runners from around the world who benefit from medical technology to participate in the fifth annual Medtronic Global Heroes program. Up to 25 runners will be selected to receive a paid entry for themselves and a guest to the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or the Medtronic TC 10 Mile and a travel package that includes airfare for the Global Hero and guest to Minnesota.
The 29th Annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend will take place Oct. 1-3, 2010. The deadline for Global Hero applications is March 31, 2010.
A cooperative effort between Twin Cities in Motion (organizers of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon) and the Medtronic Foundation, the Global Heroes program recognizes runners from around the world who have a medical device.
In addition to receiving race entries and travel expenses, the Medtronic Foundation will donate $1,000 to a select non-profit patient organization that educates and supports people living with the Global Hero’s medical condition.
To qualify as a Global Hero, runners must currently be using a medical device therapy to treat the following disease categories: heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, spinal disorders, or neurological, gastroenterology and urological disorders. Eligible medical devices include any pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), any spinal device, any neurological device, any insulin pump, or any heart valve. All runners with eligible medical devices are welcome to apply with no restriction on manufacturer.
To apply or recommend someone to be a 2010 Medtronic Global Hero, visit medtronic.com/globalheroes. The application deadline is March 31, 2010. Runners will be chosen by a committee of Twin Cities in Motion. Certain conditions may apply and applicants must certify that they have discussed race participation with their physician.
Medtronic Giving - Choose your charity
We have $20,000 to give away to our two nominated charities – Royal Flying Doctor Service and Mercy Care. How the money is divided is up to you.
Medtronic Australasia has a long history of proudly supporting the communities in which we live and work.
In FY10, Medtronic Australasia partnered with two key charities - Royal Flying Doctors Service of Australia and Mercy Care.
To date, each charity has receive a donation of $40,000 to complete projects which will benefit the lives of their communities.
We now have an additional $20,000 to share between these two charities, but would like your help in deciding how the money is distributed.
We have developed a website called http://www.medtronicgiving.com.au
On this website you can cast your vote for your preferred charity. You may vote only once, and each vote is worth $1 to your charity of choice - but costs you nothing.
One you have cast your vote, we would encourage you to send on the website details to your family and friends so that they can get involved too. They can also pass the details on to their family and friends.
Thank you for taking part and helping put our Mission in Motion.
Medtronic increases investment in local community
Opening of new Brisbane office and training centre for leading medical technology company
In an effort to promote access to the latest advances in medical technology within Brisbane and throughout the state, the Queensland office and education centre for Medtronic Australasia was recently opened by the Hon Arch Bevis, MP, local Federal Member for Brisbane.
Commenting on the opening of the new facility, the Hon Arch Bevis MP commended Medtronic on its commitment to education and the provision of the latest advances in medical technology to local healthcare professionals and their associated hospitals/centres: “The investment by Medtronic Australasia within the local community over the past three years, and now with the opening of this new office and education centre demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring Queenslanders who can benefit from their medical technologies have the best chance to receive that benefit,” he said.
“Regionally, Queensland has long led the other States in encouraging and supporting the development of the medical devices sector,” said Jamie Stanistreet, Managing Director, Medtronic Australasia. “Australian clinician skills are regarded as among the best in the world, and a number of the leading specialists in their field are based in Brisbane.
“Training and education is vital to the effective use of medical devices and patient outcomes,” said Mr Stanistreet. “Given the sector is dependent upon continuous innovation, we will continue to support local specialists with the very latest advances in health technology. The opening of our new office and education centre is one step in this ongoing journey.”
Medtronic helps RFDS light the way
Medtronic's $40,000 commitment makes a real difference to remote communities.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) South Eastern Section will soon commence installation of new runway lights at Packsaddle – a remote roadhouse and airstrip 175km north of Broken Hill – thanks in part to a generous donation by Medtronic Australasia.
Medtronic Australasia provided $10,000 toward for the installation of the lights as part of a larger commitment to the RFDS. A further $30,000 has been provided to to supply RFDS remote clinics including Wiawera, Yunta, Innamincka, Tilpa, Louth, Wanaaring and Hungerford with medical equipment for visiting RFDS doctors and nurses.
RFDS South Eastern Section Executive Director Clyde Thomson said support such as the Packsaddle donation was vital to the work of the RFDS.
“Packsaddle might be a small town in far western NSW, but it is essential that its residents and the 60,000 tourists who travel through each year have access to our medical services, day or night,” Mr Thomson said.
“We are now able to purchase and install 40 solar powered lights for the Packsaddle runway – making it safer for the Flying Doctor to respond to emergency calls at any time,” Mr Thomson said.
Managing Director of Medtronic, Jamie Stanistreet said he was proud to support the work of RFDS.
“For Medtronic Australasia it is very important that our commitment to improve health outcomes, is reflected locally and that Australians can gain access to appropriate healthcare. We pride ourselves on being an active supporter of many community and medical groups such as the Flying Doctor, and are excited we are able to help make a tangible contribution to this remote community,” Mr Stanistreet said.
To learn more about the work of RFDS please visit www.flyingdoctors.org.au
Pumped up to support type 1 diabetes patients'2010 Ride to Cure Diabetes’ tackles the Barossa Valley
Pumped up to support type 1 diabetes patients ‘2010 Ride to Cure Diabetes’ tackles the Barossa Valley
Local healthcare professionals, clinical and marketing specialists and a diabetes patient, will combine pedal power as the team from Medtronic Australasia, riding in the ‘2010 Ride to Cure Diabetes’ in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) from 15-17 January.
Among the Medtronic team riders to take to the Barossa Valley track, will be type 1 diabetes patient and Mount Gambier cyclist, Matthew Opperman. Now 37, Matthew was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and now wears an insulin pump to help him manage his diabetes.
“The key thing with type 1 diabetes is to learn how to manage the condition – not let it manage you,” said Matthew. “My life has changed dramatically since being on the insulin pump. My job and lifestyle are busy and now diabetes is like a thing of the past… I have a renewed lease on life and having the pump has made rides like this one so much more achievable. I am looking forward to the challenge of the ‘Ride to Cure’”.
Recognised for their commitment as a world leader in the delivery of diabetes technology, such as insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring systems, Medtronic is active in the quest to develop an artificial pancreas and is a long-term supporter of JDRF.
“Medtronic has so far devoted 25 years to research, development and supply of technologies to help people with diabetes gain greater control of their glucose levels,” said Marco Fragiacomo, General Manager, Diabetes, Medtronic Australasia. “We provide ‘round-the-clock’ support for people using our therapies to help ensure they manage their condition as effectively as possible. However this commitment doesn’t stop at the supply of technology – the people who benefit from our pumps are our greatest priority which is what makes participation in initiatives such as ‘Ride to Cure’ so important.
Up to 300 amateur cyclists from across Australia will participate in the ride, having raised $3,500 each to participate in either the 35km, 80km or 160km ride course.
To learn more about the ‘Ride to Cure Diabetes’ or to sponsor the Medtronic team, visit http://ride.jdrf.org.au
St. Vincent de Paul Friday Night School Receives First Computers
St. Vincent de Paul Friday Night School Receives First Computers SYDNEY – 5 June, 2009 – Computers will now form a critical role in improving the english and mathematics skills of children from non- English speaking backgrounds attending the St. Vincent de Paul Friday Night School, following the donation of 18 computers by Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd this month.
The computers, which will be managed by the School, have been programmed with appropriate software (also donated by Medtronic) for student use. Ultimately Medtronic hopes to donate 200 computers – one for each child attending the School.
“The gift of the computers to our children will greatly enhance their learning ability,” said Margaret Gurry AM, Founder of the Friday Night School. “There is a real need for these children to receive this additional support in order to narrow the gap which exists between the settled Australian children and newcomers to the country.
“This School was created to provide educational assistance outside the classroom for children, particularly those from refugee and other underprivileged backgrounds. These computers will encourage our children and provide them with confidence, a symbol of hope and friendship from Medtronic Australasia,” she said.
Held at St John the Evangelist Parish in East Melbourne, The Friday Night School has been operating since 1996 and caters to children aged from 3-18 years.
“Given the current economic climate it is important for businesses to consider alternative ways to contribute to local organisations in need of assistance,” said Jamie Stanistreet, Vice President, Medtronic Australasia. “The computers we are donating are ‘preloved’, however they have been fully verified by a credited computer technician and upgraded with new software to support the needs of the Friday Night School.”
Medtronic Australasia Training & Education Centre
The design of the Centre received awards from both NSW Master Builder's Association and the National Electrical and Communications Association.
The Medtronic Australasia Training & Education Centre was officially opened by Member for Bennelong the Hon. Maxine McKew in March 2008 (pictured).
This state-of-the-art Centre, the first of its kind in Australia, provides critical tailor-made education and training required to keep surgeons and other healthcare professionals abreast of the rapidly changing medical technology environment.
It incorporates a diverse range of features and facilities. These include simulated operating theatres where healthcare professionals receive hands-on training in medical device technology, large seminar rooms, a biohazard facility of premium compliance rating and multiple break-out areas. It also features the latest in audio-visual technology, enabling full integration between local surgeons and trainers based overseas, as well as internally between theatres and seminar rooms.
Medtronic Australasia Environmental Statement
As a company that provides products to restore health, alleviate pain and extend life, Medtronic Australasia recognises the critical interdependence between human health and the environment.
For this reason, we believe that it is important to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, the conservation of energy, the reduction of waste, and the mitigation of climate change impact throughout the organisation.
Our Code of Conduct and our Environmental, Health and Safety Policy acknowledge our responsibility to employees, customers, shareholders and the environment. We pledge to conduct business in an environmentally responsible manner, as well as be in compliance with all Environmental Health and Safety laws.
Globally, Medtronic has established an Environmental Sustainability Policy outlining our basic principles for being proactive in protecting the environment and becoming a sustainable company.
Locally, this means we work to:
Conserve natural resources and promote energy efficiency. Medtronic Australasia is focused on energy conservation technologies to reduce emissions and many of these technologies are already in place at our facilities. These include energy efficient lighting, ventilation systems and the use of automated building controls such as sensor-operated lights and timer-controlled air conditioning.
Medtronic's Sydney head office is powered 25% GreenPower and our Melbourne office is 20% GreenPower. GreenPower is government-accredited, renewable energy sourced from the sun, the wind, water and waste, rather than coal.
The Sydney office also uses "dry" urinals to reduce water wastage.
Eliminate waste and reuse and recyle materials. Recycling is a key component of Medtronic Australasia's commitment to responsible waste management. Programs are in place to encourage recycling in all offices and at individual workspaces.
These programs encourage recycling of plastics, metals, beverage containers, paper/cardboards, ink cartridges and mobile phones.
Additionally, staff are encouraged to work electronically, rather than print documents unnecessarily, and office printers are defaulted to double-sided printing.
Food packaging in the Sydney cafeteria is kept to a minimum and staff are encouraged to use mugs and tumblers rather than disposable coffee cups and bottled water.
Enhance new building construction and facility modification. Medtronic Australasia's Sydney head-office moved to new premises in North Ryde in March 2007. A key environmental requisite for the office fit-out was "pre-cycling" – intelligent design and specification to advance the durability of a built environment to a point where waste is minimised and life cycles are extended.
Environmentally friendly features of the new office include (where possible) the use of:
- Locally sourced products to reduce significant transport requirements and unnecessary emissions
- Workstations made from low-emission (formaldehyde) products which are 85% recyclable at the end of their useful life. The modular workstations enable high flexibility and avoid redundancy when change occurs
- Seating that has 66% recycled content and is 94% recyclable at the end of its useful life
- Steel-based mobile pedestals, communal and archival storage offering long life, flexible interior fittings and a full recyclable content
- Sensor- or timer-operated lights and air conditioning
- Energy efficient light fittings
- Carpet with a 37% recycled content
- Vinyl flooring capable of full breakdown and recycling at the end of its useful life
- Feature timbers selected from renewable forestry resources
- Timber veneers selected from a sustainable (regrowth) Australian source
- Textiles composed primarily or entirely of natural materials
- 100% recycled PET for graphic installations and pinboards
- Water-based paints and adhesives to reduce emissions
Refurbishment or relocation of other Medtronic Australasia offices will include similar environmentally friendly inclusions.
Embrace staff involvement. Medtronic Australasia staff regularly participate in volunteer activities to support and protect the environment including:
- Business Clean Up Australia Day
- Earth Hour
- Local Council Community Partnership activities such as tree planting
All employees are responsible for making sure that Medtronic's business is conducted in compliance with all applicable laws and in a way that is protective of the environment."
Medtronic Code of Conduct on Environmental Management.
