By Lucy Waldron
Endeavour Foundation Business Solutions in Warwick issued a call for more helping hands to sustain their mission of making a meaningful difference in the community.
On Wednesday, 14 February, the Warwick facility swung open its doors, inviting locals to witness firsthand the transformative work they undertake, not only enriching the lives of employees but also contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.
In collaboration with the Southern Downs Regional waste facility and local enterprises, the facility spearheads comprehensive waste disposal and recycling initiatives. However, as their operations grow, the demand for additional manpower and business partnerships becomes imperative.
Employing 1,730 individuals with disabilities throughout its social enterprise network, including 37 in Warwick, the Foundation is committed to amplifying employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Warwick site manager Mark Turner said they want to show locals with disabilities the employment and training options available in Warwick
“We also want to show employers exactly what people with a disability can achieve with the right supports in place.
“Endeavour Foundation is a place where you can come and learn new tasks and have a real sense of belonging to a workplace.”
A walkthrough of the facility revealed a hive of activity, with employees engaged in their tasks and Turner highlighted the significance of recognising employees’ contributions and instilling a sense of pride in their work.
For many, employment at Endeavour Foundation serves as a crucial stepping stone into the broader workforce, offering avenues for skill development and social integration.
Megan Ballard, who found her first paying job at Endeavour Foundation five years ago said she would be sitting at home bored if she didn’t work.
“My favourite things are seeing my friends and earning some money,” said Ms Ballard.
She said she enjoys working in cardboard recycling and on the truck.
“Sometimes I work on the trucks [where I] pick the recycling bins and put them on the truck,” she said.
The facility already sends scrap metals to local providers, cardboard overseas and recycles WarwickToday and StanthorpeToday’s newspapers but they are hoping to gain so more businesses that wish to use their services.
“In order to make sure this place stays open and to maintain that level of care for the employees, we need those two-way relationships,” Mr Turner said.
“Whether that be picking up business’ recycling or handling their documents, because the more jobs we create, the more people we can employ.”
“We’ve got a brand-new piece of equipment coming in that’s going to massively increase the volume of recycling we can do here while making work more accessible for our employees,” he said.
Turner urged individuals with disabilities seeking employment opportunities and businesses exploring sustainable solutions to reach out.
Whether it be the satisfaction of being Employee of the Year and having that plaque hung in your living room or simply using the work to keep busy and stay out of trouble the Endeavour Foundation Business Solutions facility is a space for all abilities.
