‘We’ve already won’: Business announced as national finalist

The business first started in 2014 with nothing more than a mop, bucket and hard work ethic – now it employs almost 50 locals and is being recognised for its top work.

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Gearing up for the NESA awards gala are (from left) Angie's Domestic Duties officer manager Ashlea Mcnellee, HELP Employment and Training direct placement specialist Vinita Saunders and award nominee Angela 'Angie' Brown. Picture: Rhylea Millar

Recognised for its work in employment inclusion of disadvantaged job seekers, a local business has been named one of three finalists for a national award.

Angela ‘Angie’ Brown first started her business Angie’s Domestic Duties in 2014 with nothing more than a mop, bucket and her hard work ethic.

Now just seven years later the Toowoomba based business has grown to employ almost 50 staff members and assist more than 400 regular clients with their cleaning services.

“Along the way we started employing people living with disabilities, from disadvantaged backgrounds or who were struggling to find work,” Ms Brown said.

“With the assistance of HELP Employment and Training we’ve been able to really make a difference in people’s lives and they have grown so much since they started working with us … I believe everyone that would like a job should have one.”

Now thanks to a nomination from HELP Employment and Training the local business has been named as a finalist in the National Employment Services Association’s Awards For Excellence.

Going up against just two other businesses in the Champion Employer of the Year category, Angie’s Domestic Duties was nominated for its “spectacular development of a thriving business with a strong sense of community and individual support”.

WELL DESERVED: Excited over the announcement she has been named a finalist for the NESA Awards is Angie's Domestic Duties owner Angela 'Angie' Brown. Picture: Rhylea Millar

“When we found out about the awards and read the criteria, we straight away thought of Angie and her business,” HELP Employment and Training’s direct placement specialist Vinita Saunders said.

“We’ve had so many clients tell us how it has changed their lives … this isn’t just about employment for them – they are a member of the team but more importantly they are a member of the family.”

WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Gearing up for the NESA awards gala are (from left) Angie's Domestic Duties officer manager Ashlea Mcnellee, HELP Employment and Training direct placement specialist Vinita Saunders and award nominee Angela 'Angie' Brown. Picture: Rhylea Millar

When Ms Brown was notified she had been nominated she was in New Zealand at the time and said it was surreal – but an incredible feeling all the same.

“We’re up against two pretty big businesses but even if we don’t take out the top spot, we’ve already won … what I do is so rewarding,” she said.

This year there are four separate award categories, each with three finalists with winners announced at the gala at the QT Hotel in Canberra on Tuesday evening.

For more information click here.