Rotary Award for Business Ethics 2010

Our 2010 Winner

Congratulations Family Chiropractic - Chatswood

The inaugrual award was presented at a function held at the Chatswood Golf Club.

The citation read:-

I have been a client of Family Chiropractic - Chatswood since September 1998. While, back then, I was motivated by pain to walk, or rather hobble, through the doors of the practice, I have stayed because it is a pleasure to have caring and accessible professionals i my corner - and besides there are a few health benefits.

Having grown up on the North Shore, Brett Grant was keen to start up his own clinic with an aim to bring "good old fashioned service and care" to his local community. In December 1996 Brett originally set up Victoria Avenue Family Chiropractic, but by 2002 the practice had outgrown its premises on Victoria Avenue and was moved to larger premises at Kirk Street. Threr was also a name change to Family Chiropractic - Chatswood.

The focus of the practice has been to serve the immediate community of Chatswood/Willoughby, and also the wider community. This wider community can now be called global, with clients making appointments from Germany, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

To paint a bigger picture, the practice aims to serve mankind, connecting the physical being with the spiritual being, and to assist and allow generational health changes without the use of drugs and surgery.

Led by Brett, it prides itself on treating each person as an individual and providing a high standard in facilities, continuing education for both staff and clients and having the latest technological equipment.

The practice has participated in community service since its inception, initially collecting toys for the Salvation Army over Christmas, and more recently assisting with our Tree of Joy. This past Christmas Brett encouraged three other Chiropractors in Chatswood to do the same. In winter the practice works with the Salvation Army in a food and blanket drive for people in need.

The quality of the management is reflected in the calibre of the staff it attracts. Two staff members have been recipients of Chatswood Rotary Pride of Workmanship Awards - Katrina Cramer in 2000 and Carol Loftus in 2008.

Brett Grant's focus does not lie solely within the practice. He also believes in giving back both to the community and the profession.

When Brett is not consulting, he regularly gives his time to deliver health talks at schools to children, teachers and parents; and has talked to the local Gymbaroo instructors. He has continually donated his time and care to local school fairs and fundraisers.

Brett has also organised groups of Chiropractors to attend community events with the focus of educating people about the importance of looking after their health and where Chiropractic care could help. He also travels to clients' workplaces to assess their workplace set up and see clients at home if they are unable to make it to the clinic.

This is all performed on hos "days off" and without remuneration. Brett has a genuine interest in all his clients and many feel like his extended family - with this in mind if a client is experiencing personal hardship the practice has sponsored care for that client until they were able to get back on their feet again, be it as a result of financial hardship, personal health or tragedy.

Quite often Brett says that the best remuneration is seeing someone live their life pain and drug free and what that means. A child may sleep through the night and the whole family benefits or a grandparent may be able to play with their grandchildren again.

It is because of Brett's willingness to walk that extra mile for his clients and his practice's long term involvement with both its local and professional communities that I believe Family Chiropractic - Chatswood truly embodies the business ethics as outlined in Rotary's 4 Wat Test. Which asks the following questions:-

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned.

It is my pleasure and privilege to nominate them for an Excellence in Business Ethics Award.