More than 150 people felt like they were at the opera on Tuesday for the launch of Flagstaff Group’s new $3.6 million commercial laundry.
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The Illawarra and Shoalhaven disability enterprise recently completed the facility and employees were so excited they got up and danced to entertainment which included some opera.
The vision to invest in state-of-the-art technology, automation and a large purpose built facility started 10 years ago.
Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis was invited to open the laundry on behalf of the Australian Federal Government.
Ms Sudmalis took the opportunity to thank the person who first made her aware of the potential of people with a disability in the workforce. She invited Cristine Suffolk on stage to acknowledged the role she played at the Kiama fudge business she founded in 1988 called Gran’s Fudge.
“You showed me to never underestimate what someone with a disability can do,” she said.
Mrs Sudmalis acknowledged management and directors at Flagstaff for their vision and told the workers “you are the special guests today, not me”.
Flagstaff chief executive Roy Rogers said the new laundry would not have been possible without Federal funding and interest from customers. He said it will directly help with the continued provision of supported employment, skills development, and training.
The Flagstaff Group employs over 280 people with a disability in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Over 40 employees work in their Laundry division which now has significantly more capacity.
“This is a significant milestone in our history and opportunity for growth. Flagstaff services a range of premium accommodation, aged care, and hospitality sites across the region”.
Mr Rogers also thanked Flagstaff’s workforce for their happy dancing and welcome. “This is what we do every day. We sing and enjoy coming to work and having a good time”.
Chairman Colin Bloomfield said it could double the present capacity of the laundry division at Undanderra. “The first laundry started in 1997 processing two tonnes. This one is as good as any commercial laundry in the country and has a capacity of 230 to 240 tonnes.”
Mr Bloomfield said it was the biggest investment Flagstaff has made. But it could not do that without customers such as Warrigal and IRT. Warrigal chief executive Mark Sewell said when the senior living service provider was looking at its new facility at Shell Cove it thought about using another not-for-profit to provide the laundry service. “We thought of Flagstaff because as Warrigal grows Flagstaff can grow too”.