At Shaw and Partners, giving is embedded in the way the organisation works and how its team chooses to live.
Guided by the Shaw and Partners Foundation motto “Have fun. Live life. Give back”, philanthropy is about more than financial support — it’s about contributing time and skills and creating genuine human connection. For the Adelaide team, no organisation reflects this belief more clearly than Achilles Adelaide.
Achilles Adelaide is part of the global Achilles International movement, supporting people with disability, including those who are blind or have low vision, to experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of walking and running. In South Australia, athletes and volunteer guides come together each week, not just to train, but to build confidence, independence and connection through movement.
Shaw and Partners’ David Dall and colleague Alexander Moore were introduced to Achilles Adelaide through community networks and quickly saw how closely it aligned with the Foundation’s values. “There’s joy in what they do, purpose in the way they do it, and a strong sense of giving back, from both the volunteers and the athletes themselves,” David says.
What stood out most was the culture. Athletes, guides and supporters don’t come together as helpers and participants, but as equals. That shared experience inspired David and Alex to become personally involved six months ago, completing guide training and volunteering their time alongside athletes.
One of those athletes is Warren, better known as Wazza, a fiercely independent runner living with progressive vision loss. When Wazza mentioned he needed a guide for the Ballarat Marathon, David didn’t hesitate. Within days, he committed to guiding him over the full 42-kilometres, undertaking months of training to prepare.
“Close your eyes and try sprinting at 12 kilometres an hour. That’s what our athletes do. They’re incredibly brave, and being alongside them is a privilege.” — David Dall, Shaw and Partners
This hands-on involvement reflects a broader culture of giving at Shaw and Partners. Through the Shaw and Partners Foundation, more than $14 million has been donated to charity since 2015, with more than $1.8 million distributed in 2025 alone to more than 60 charities. The Foundation supports causes across disability inclusion, children’s wellbeing, housing and community support.
“Over the past decade, our focus has been not only on building our business, but also on supporting the communities we’re proud to be part of,” says Fraser MacLeod, Shaw and Partners’ South Australia State Manager.
That philosophy was recently brought to life through a recent $50,000 donation to Achilles Adelaide — a gift that represents confidence in a community-led organisation where fun, purpose and generosity come together.
This Giving Week, David sees giving for what it truly is: living fully, sharing joy, and helping others move forward, together.
Whether it’s lending your expertise or sharing your time, there’s many ways you can give to volunteer in your local community. Find out more this SA Giving Week.
