By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
WAVERLEY Industries is more than a reputable business – it’s an organisation empowering individuals.
So much so that the Hallam not-for-profit has taken out the 2015 Casey-Cardinia Business Award in the Social Enterprise category.
The judges said the organisation was an integral part of the region.
Director and CEO Frank Cresia said Waverley Industries opened a new factory in Hallam last week.
“We’ve created a lot of new jobs,” he said.
“Our success is our people.
“That’s our essence and our growth, is people with disabilities.
“We’re in Hallam. Our next step is being in Cardinia. It won’t be far away.”
Across its Hallam and Notting Hill locations, Waverley Industries employs about 300 adults with special needs, specialising in packaging solutions, assembly work, manufacturing, mail outs and catering.
Mr Cresia said that Waverley Industries was proud to play an important role in the lives of its employees.
“Their work enriches their lives and builds their self-esteem, knowing that they are producing things that we, as a community, need,” he said.
“They still receive their disability support pension, so working with us provides a supplement to that.”
Waverley Industries makes it a priority to reach out to special needs schools to provide employment opportunities.
“Our training program involves special schools and mainstream schools to create pathways to the workplace.”
Working with Waverley Industries in 2001, Frank has seen it develop into a thriving business. Assisted by a team of hardworking volunteers, he says the business provides its customers with more than just high-quality products and services at competitive prices.
“We’ve gone from an organisation on its knees to a thriving, sustainable, business model,” he said.
“Customers see that they’re providing job opportunities for people that wouldn’t otherwise be working.”
He added that it was a great honour for employees, staff and volunteers to be recognised in the 2015 Casey-Cardinia Business Awards.
“This is the third time we’ve been nominated, and we won in 2013,” he said.
“It’s recognition that we’re doing something that is helping the most vulnerable people in our community and their families.”
