Stuart Ball won the WA Australian Business Arts Foundation award for his voluntary work with Country Arts WA

The country arts scene in Western Australia may seem a long way from Rio Tinto's corporate offices in Perth.

But not for Stuart Ball, a Business Technologist with Rio Tinto Iron Ore and a volunteer with Country Arts WA.

Stuart has just been awarded the 2007 State Australian Business Arts Foundation Award (AbaF) for his voluntary work with Country Arts WA.

Over the past two years, Stuart has been reviewing the IT requirements of Country Arts WA and upgrading their technology systems and infrastructure.

With his skills, Country Arts WA has been able to increase productivity and establish stronger communication with regional communities. Stuart also achieved a 40 per cent reduction in Country Arts IT support costs.

He was given the opportunity to volunteer with Country Arts WA through the AbaF AdviceBank - a service that connects business volunteers with arts organisations.

Chief Executive Officer of Country Arts WA, Andy Farrant, was thrilled with the AbaF Award and grateful for Stuart's contribution.

"For many community organisations, the resources required for projects of this nature are difficult to obtain. The ability to tap into the business skills of an expert like Stuart for free was a great result and a real testament to his character," says Andy.

Stuart believes the experience has been equally valuable from his perspective. He says, "Having the opportunity to be exposed to the vibrant arts sector was fantastic. It is very satisfying to be involved in a smaller organisation where I am able to see projects right through from inception to delivery."

"The Country Arts WA team are an extremely dedicated bunch of individuals who have a fantastic presence in Western Australia. Now we have created a solid IT foundation, we are ready to move things forward from this solid base level to the next step of the journey."

"One of the best things about this has been the interest other Rio Tinto employees have shown in getting involved in projects like this."

In 2008, Stuart will be eligible to apply for a Rio Tinto Dollars for Doers grant. This new initiative will enable employees who volunteer 50 or more hours per year with an eligible not-for-profit organisation to apply for a $250 grant.

The grant will then be provided to the organisation by Rio Tinto on behalf of the employee's volunteer contribution.