By Jess Baker
A local disability service provider has united with Southern Downs Regional Council to create up to a dozen jobs for supported employees.
The council appointed Endeavour Foundation to manage the Southern Downs region’s 11 supervised waste facilities from 1 July 2021.
Endeavour Foundation’s Warwick site manager Trevor Fenn said the partnership was great news for people with disability in the Southern Downs region.
“There’s a real sense of excitement as our supported employees love the opportunity to turn their hands to new jobs,” Mr Fenn said.
“The partnership offers meaningful employment to our employees with disability and offers them a real sense of belonging in the community.
“The new partnership with Southern Downs Regional Council commenced a very short time ago, on 1 July, but we believe the outcomes will be felt for years to come.”
Mr Fenn said a range of roles were made available to supported employees, including in recycling and waste management, sorting and managing of recovered materials for sale at the Warwick and Stanthorpe Recycle Shops, and serving members of the public at recycling facilities and shops.
“We also anticipate creating new roles and providing training for supported employees in our maintenance crews as our contract includes providing grounds maintenance,” he said.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said SDRC was proud to continue working with Endeavour Foundation, which already managed the weighbridge and recycle shop operations at the Warwick, Stanthorpe, and Northern Granite Belt Waste Facilities.
“This commercial partnership is more than just a contract,” Cr Pennisi said.
“It’s about continuing our support of Endeavour Foundation and the excellent work they do in the local community.
“(The) council looks forward to growing our partnership with Endeavour Foundation and achieving positive employment and training outcomes for people with disabilities and the broader community.”
The organisation’s new contract with the council is for seven years, but can be extended.
Endeavour Foundation celebrated its 70th birthday last month and is currently the largest employer of people with disability in the Southern Downs region.
