Beacon of hope

SOCIAL enterprise Beacon Laundry has introduced a scholarship fund to help staff advance their careers when they transition to other jobs.

The money will go towards such things as obtaining a commercial driver’s license, completing a trade certification, or accessing specialised training.

The Bangalow-based laundry, which was officially opened in the presence of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and local Federal MP Justine Elliot in April, aims to create jobs for people who face barriers to employment, including those recovering from addiction, disadvantaged youth and Indigenous people.

The business now has more than 100 employees, 80 per cent of whom have previously struggled to find work.

Their roles involve using large scale machines that fold, press and process linen for hotels and resorts throughout the region, including Elements of Byron and Basq House.

Beacon Laundry general manager – people and pathways Morag Roseby said 14 people have transitioned into other jobs since starting at Beacon.

They include John, who had suffered repeated job rejections and homelessness after a previous workplace injury, who secured his dream job as the manager of a pet store in Mullumbimby.

“We couldn’t be happier for him,” Roseby said.

“We like to say that we don’t hire people to do laundry, we do laundry to hire people.

“In doing so, we have built an incredible community of people, all with hugely different lives and stories, who just needed someone to give them a chance.”

The business has strong relationships with community organisations and job service providers throughout the region and there is no criteria or interview process to get a job — applicants just need a willingness to work, be a part of the community, and to one day transition out into another role.

“Looking further ahead, our ambition is to expand Beacon’s impact across regional Australia, so its transformative power is accessible to more people,” Roseby said.

To donate to the scholarship fund, visit beaconlaundry.com.au/donate