Tag Archive for: laundry

Bundaberg Social Enterprises Recognised Globally for Putting People and Planet First

/in /by

Two of Bundaberg’s leading social enterprises, New Image Laundry and the IMPACT Recycling Hub, have received global recognition for their commitment to social and environmental excellence, achieving People and Planet First verification via the Good Market platform. 

Both enterprises are proudly operated by IMPACT Community Services, and form part of its portfolio of purpose-driven initiatives that prioritise people, planet and purpose over profit. 

New Image Laundry was first verified in 2024 and has once again been approved as a People and Planet First enterprise, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to social and environmental impact. Since opening in 2018, the laundry has provided employment to over 70 individuals who may have otherwise struggled to find and maintain work. 

“The laundry is more than a business that provides commercial services, our team is a family that offers one another a sense of belonging,” said Rob Campbell, Acting Laundry Manager. 

“This renewed verification is a testament to the incredible team at New Image Laundry and the values we live every day. 

“We’re proud to be recognised for our commitment to our people and planet.” 

The IMPACT Recycling Hub has achieved People and Planet First verification for the first time, marking a major milestone for its operations. The Hub includes ABC Recycling, the Material Recovery Facility, and the Containers for Change Refund Point at University Drive. 

“We’re proud of the meaningful employment opportunities the Hub creates, including roles for people with disabilities, while also driving environmental sustainability,” said Gavin Steele, Recycling and Collections Manager. 

“Being verified is a big achievement for our team. It validates the work we’re doing to make recycling not just environmentally impactful, but socially inclusive. 

“We’re proud to be part of a movement that proves business can be a force for good.” 

These verifications place both establishments within a global network of social enterprises working toward a better future. IMPACT Community Services continues to seek new and better ways to support people and the planet over profit. 

Learn more about People and Planet First here.

View New Image Laundry’s profile here.

View IMPACT Recycling Hub’s profile here.

New iMage Laundry Earns ‘People and Planet First’ Verification

/in /by

New iMage Laundry has proudly received ‘People and Planet First’ verification from the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), a recognition that affirms its commitment to social and environmental excellence.

As a purpose-driven venture within IMPACT’s social enterprise portfolio, New iMage Laundry goes beyond providing professional commercial laundry services—it serves as an employment pathway for vulnerable individuals in the Bundaberg community.

“We are thrilled and honoured to receive this verification from SEWF,” said Brendan Laws, Manager of New iMage Laundry.

To be People and Planet First verified, an organisation must prioritise purpose, people, and planet over profit in operational decisions as it works to solve a social and/or environmental problem through a self-sustaining revenue model that reinvests profits into this purpose.

New iMage Laundry is committed to maintaining the highest standards of operation, continuing to innovate, and deepening its impact on the community and the environment.

“Since opening in 2018, the laundry has employed 72 people that may have otherwise struggled to find meaningful employment, providing them not just with a job, but with a supportive community and sense of belonging,” Mr Laws said.

This verification reflects IMPACT’s unwavering dedication to driving positive social and environmental change in the local community through its commercial laundry service—proof that business can be a force for good.

More Than a Job: Nurturing a Culture of Care at New iMage Laundry

/in /by

Every Tuesday, amidst the steady rhythm of machines at IMPACT Community Services’ New iMage Laundry, you’ll find Ann Duffy stationed diligently at her ironing post. At 80 years of age, and with a career spanning an impressive 65 years, Ann has weathered many storms.

Yet, a few weeks ago, she found herself facing a challenge unlike any other. “About four weeks ago I had a complete meltdown,” she confides, reflecting on a moment of vulnerability. “I’ve never been through anything like that before.”

In her time of need, Ann turned to Brendan Laws, New iMage Laundry Manager, seeking solace and support. “I came into work on the Tuesday, and I just went to Brendan, and I said, ‘I’m in a bad way and I need to talk to someone,'” she recalls.

What happened next is a testament to the remarkable culture of care and support that defines the laundry, and IMPACT more broadly.

Brendan wasted no time. “Fifteen minutes later, he’s down at my ironing station and he says, ‘I’ve got the Chaplain, Lynne, coming over to see you in about an hour.'”

“Lynne came and she sat down, and she talked to me. Next thing I know, Brendan’s here again after Lynne’s gone, and he says I’ve got Marta (Mental Health Worker from IMPACT) coming to see you. Marta was wonderful.”

Ann continued to receive consistent care and guidance. “Every morning Brendan would come in and see how I was,” Ann shares. “There’s not many companies that would give you that kind of help.”

“Brendan is a top boss,” Ann affirms. His leadership style, characterised by genuine concern for his team’s well-being, sets the tone for the entire workplace. It’s an ethos that permeates every aspect of New iMage Laundry—a place where kindness, community, and compassionate leadership is not just corporate speak, but a lived reality.

What sets New iMage Laundry apart is its culture of solidarity and empathy. “Everyone down there does seem to help one another,” Ann observes. In this nurturing environment, employees don’t just work alongside each other; they support and uplift one another through thick and thin.

Ann’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of support. “If I hadn’t had the help I got from work, I don’t think I could have done it,” she acknowledges. “I genuinely mean that.”

Her resilience, coupled with the unwavering backing of her colleagues and management, enabled her to navigate through adversity and emerge stronger.

As Ann looks ahead, she does so with renewed determination. “I’ll be ironing for quite a while; I’ve no intentions of retiring,” she declares.

For further information about IMPACT’s social enterprise laundry, as well as our diverse array of programs and support services, feel free to reach out to us at 1800 179 233, visit the New iMage Laundry website, or simply complete the Contact Us form.