Endeavour Foundation to manage 11 of the Southern Downs’ waste transfer stations

With a massive new SDRC contract under its belt, Warwick Endeavour will be able to expand its workforce and give up to a dozen more people with disabilities the independence, satisfaction and joy that comes with working

Tom Potts loves collecting animal figurines.

There may soon be more job opportunities for people living with a disability with Endeavour Foundation now managing 11 supervised waste facilities across the Southern Downs.

The council said the seven-year contract was awarded after a “thorough tender process” and came with the option of two one-year extensions.

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the council was proud to continue its working partnership with Endeavour Foundation which currently manages the weighbridge and recycle shop operations at Morgan Park, Stanthorpe and across the Granite Belt.

“It’s about continuing our support of Endeavour Foundation and the excellent work they do in the local community,” Cr Pennisi said.

Endeavour Foundation recycle manager Trevor Dusty Fenn said they currently employed 41 workers at their sites in Warwick and Stanthorpe.

“This contract gives us scope for further employment for these guys plus find to help them out,” he said.

“Sadly, people with disability continue to experience disproportionately low levels of employment compared to the rest of the community.

“Through this new partnership with Endeavour Foundation, Southern Downs Regional Council is helping us improve the lives of people with disability by providing meaningful employment opportunities.”

Mr Fenn said supported employees were able to make their own decisions and choices in their life.

“It gives them a belonging, and that’s why they’ve been here for so long … we work as a team,” Mr Fenn said.

SDRC environmental services manager Darryl Brooks said the contract was a great opportunity to continue the partnership.

Sort-It Sally with Scotty Mah.

“From an operational perspective it provides greater consistency in how we’re applying the service across the 11 supervised waste facilities across the Southern Downs,” he said.

This move would see the creation of 12 additional jobs across a range of areas in the recycling and waste centres.

Nathan Burgess, Darne jenner, Tom Potts, Sort-it Sally, Robert Capwell, Scotty Mah, Dusty Fenn, Leigh Stacy, Debbie Glanville, Marianne Rodgers, Dianne Griggs and Megan Ballard at Warwick Waste Management Facility.

One of those supported employees keen to get to work was tip shop worker is Tom Potts.

Mr Potts often works at the foundation’s tip shop and says his favourite part is finding new animal figurines to add to his collection.

“I like to collect things,” Mr Potts said.

Bt more importantly, his job also gives him freedom and independence.

“If I didn’t have to come to work, I’d be bored because I like doing stuff,” he said.

Originally published as Endeavour Foundation to manage 11 of the Southern Downs’ waste transfer stations