Freighter Group has donated washable facemasks to the vulnerable and those in need at a time when it’s needed. The donation was made to Victorian-based community help organisations in Ballarat, which included McCallum Disability Services, Soup Bus, Ballarat Regional Industries and Federation University.
The handover of washable facemasks was held at Freighter Group’s manufacturing facility based in the regional community of Ballarat, Victoria. A total of 1200 facemasks were donated, which included 300 to each of the organisations in an effort to support the great work that they each do.
“Today is about recognising the fantastic work and dedication that each organisation has to support the local Ballarat community,” said Anthony Long, Freighter Group Group Procurement Manager. “We recently organised facemasks for all our staff across the Freighter Group business to help us be COVID-safe. However, we also wanted to extend this by supporting those in need within the local region which includes some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
McCallum Disability Services is a registered NDIS organisation and have provided education, welfare, therapy, employment, accommodation and support to those with disabilities and their families within the Ballarat region since 1953.
Freighter Group’s partnership with McCallum Disability Services extends back to September 2018. Since then, Freighter Group has been able to support up to 17 individuals who complete various works within the Ballarat manufacturing site which include parts picking and component assembly. There are currently 11 McCallum team members on rotational shifts at Freighter Group.
Ballarat Regional Industries (BRI) is a business that offers real and paid employment for those with disabilities within the Ballarat region. Established in 1984, BRI offer jobs in manufacturing, recycling, landscape & gardening and maintenance services all under the BRI umbrella.
“It has been great to work with organisations like McCallum and BRI to help find roles within our business for those with a disability,” said Chris Liston, Freighter Group Continuous Improvement Lead. “It is very rewarding to be able to support those who may have otherwise found it difficult to join the workforce. Each supported team member, through our on-going partnerships with the help organisations, enjoys seeing the great work that they do form part of the process to produce our Australian-made semi-trailer products.”
“Today being International day for people with disability is a reason for us to reflect on the great work of these organisations and continue to help support the work that they do,” said Chris.
“Our partnership over the last two years with Freighter Group has been extremely valuable for those that we support. To be able to offer people with a disability roles within the Freighter Group manufacturing facility has been great for our people to engage with the workforce”, said Adam Bogers, McCallum Disability Services Manager. “On behalf of each organisation here today, we thank Freighter Group for their on-going support. The donation today will go a long way to helping the local Ballarat community.”
The other organisations present on the day were representatives from The Soup Bus and Federation University.
The Soup Bus provides an after-dark meal service to Ballarat’s homeless and less fortunate who are in need of great assistance. The Soup Bus is run by OnTrack Foundation, which is a voluntary board and means 100% of the funds and donations raised go back into the running of The Soup Bus.
“Freighter Group has supported the Soup Bus for many years, including donating much need food and supplies, as well as assisting with resources to paint a second bus when the first bus reached capacity back in 2017. The masks donated today will go a long way to supporting the great work of the Soup Bus, which supports some of the most vulnerable in the local community,” said Anthony.
“Our partnership over the last two years with Freighter Group has been extremely valuable for those that we support. To be able to offer people with a disability roles within the Freighter Group manufacturing facility has been great for our people to engage with the workforce”, said Adam Bogers, McCallum Manager. “On behalf of each organisation here today, we thank Freighter Group for their on-going support. The donation today will go a long way to helping the local Ballarat community.”
Federation University is a dual-sector university based in Ballarat which offers education and courses in both academic and trade backgrounds.
“Many of our staff at Freighter Group have completed industry related courses through Federation University. For over 7 years we’ve worked together with their technical engineering curriculum and through our partnership we have been able to introduce students to the world of engineering and manufacturing, including on-site visits and projects in collaboration with our lead engineers,” said Anthony.
“This past year has certainly been a challenge for everyone with the on-going impacts of COVID-19. It is important to remember that many in our community, particular the less fortunate and most vulnerable may not have the means to access facemasks to keep them safe. We hope that today’s donation plays a part in helping keep the local community safe during these times,” said Anthony.
Main image pictured left to right [Chris Liston – Freighter Group, Bill Mundy – Federation University, Adam Bogers – McCallum Disability Services, Russell & Geoff – Ballarat Regional Industries, Loraine Giddings – The Soup Bus, Anthony Long – Freighter Group]
