Empowering ability: New era for McCallum

MCCALLUM Disability Services’ social enterprise branches, McCallum Industries and Ballarat Regional Industries, have re-branded as McCallum Enterprises, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s work to provide employment to people with disabilities.

The move follows the merger three years ago of McCallum and BRI.

“Our new identity reflects our commitment to a more inclusive society,” said McCallum CEO Rhiannon Williams at a barbecue to mark the re-branding last week.

“By combining our strengths, McCallum Enterprises is set to lead the way in creating meaningful employment opportunities and breaking down barriers for individuals with disability in the region.

“We’re hoping it opens up more opportunities and we’d love to have more commercial partners.” McCallum has provided disability support services in the region for over 100 years, and the establishment of McCallum Enterprises solidifies the organisation’s commitment to employing people with disability in the future, Ms Williams said.

She said McCallum Enterprises is the largest certified social enterprise dedicated to employing individuals with disability in western Victoria, employing about 200 supported workers.

“This re-brand signifies more than a new name, it embodies our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence in service,” Ms Williams said.

As part of the re-branding initiative, a community open day is planned for later this year.

The social enterprise will now focus on strengthening established business ventures, which include providing products and services to some of Australia’s most successful brands.

“We are always looking to forge new commercial relationships in the region and, as a certified social enterprise, we know there are many benefits for organisations in partnering with our team,” Ms Williams said.

McCallum Enterprises operates labour hire, commercial laundry and landscaping businesses, manufactures timber, produces food grade packaging, recycles paper, cardboard and plastics, and runs two depots as part of the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme.

“A lot of the work we do is also around environmentally friendly practices as well,” said McCallum Enterprises business development manager Stuart Simmons.