28 June 2021
Southern Downs Regional Council is ramping up its investment in supporting social service providers and has appointed Endeavour Foundation to manage the region’s 11 supervised waste facilities from 1 July 2021.
Following a comprehensive and thorough tender process, the seven-year contract was awarded to the provider with the option of two 1-year extensions.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said Council was proud to continue its working partnership with Endeavour Foundation which currently manages 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. It’s about continuing our support of Endeavour Foundation and the excellent work they do in the local community,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“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.”
Endeavour Foundation’s Warwick Site Manager, Trevor Fenn said the organisation has extensive experience in waste supervision and is committed to creating new employment opportunities for people with disability.
“Sadly, people with disability continue to experience disproportionately low levels of employment compared to the rest of the community,” said Mr Fenn
“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.
“This contract will see an additional 12 jobs created for supported employees who will be interacting with the staff involved in the recycling and waste management. In some cases, employees will be working directly with the public at main sites and other roles will involve the sorting and managing of recovered materials.”
The new contract will see Endeavour Foundation undertake the following responsibilities:
- Manage the weighbridge at the Warwick and Stanthorpe Waste Facilities
- Supervise the transfer station/bulk-haul facility at Warwick and Stanthorpe Waste Facilities
- Manage the recycle shops at the Warwick and Stanthorpe Waste Facilities
- Supervise nine other supervised waste facilities
- Maintain bulk waste stockpiles
- Undertake grounds maintenance
- Provide a high level of customer service at the supervised waste facilities
Council would like to acknowledge and thank the current supervisors for their contribution over the years.
Endeavour Foundation is the largest employer of people with disability on the Southern Downs and this year celebrates 70 years of championing the rights of people with disability to live independently, have meaningful employment and participate in the community.