Tag Archive for: Support

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

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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.

STRONGER TOGETHER: International Day of People with Disabilities

STRONGER TOGETHER: International Day of People with Disabilities

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By Tanya O’Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director

“STRONGER TOGETHER” IS A WEEKLY COLUMN WHERE TANYA EXPLORES KEY ISSUES. TODAY TANYA TALKS ABOUT EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

At IMPACT we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture.

Our ethos is based around helping people realise their potential and providing avenues to assist them in reaching their goals.

Our services range from family support, training, employment, mental health and disability support, just to name a few.

But one area of our organisation I am deeply proud of are the opportunities we have created for assisted employees.

The Material Recycling Facility (MRF) employs 23 NDIS participants, and our New Image Laundry is another avenue for supported staff.

Many of our supported employees have not held jobs prior to working at IMPACT and found it difficult to become employed.

See IMPACT’s NDIS services here

Yesterday, December 3, was the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD), with this year’s theme being “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

Everyone has been affected by Coronavirus in one way or another, and now as we focus on returning back to “normal”, I would urge people to consider what “normal” should look like.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018 almost 50% of employed people with a disability reported experiencing unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their employer.

Two in five reported that they experienced unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their work colleagues.

This data shows Queenslanders have a long way to go when it comes to acceptance and inclusion of all people not only in the workforce, but in everyday life.

The conversation about the benefits of hiring people with a disability needs to be highlighted.

Our NDIS participants bring a mountain of life and joy to our organisation, and their happiness and willingness to learn is contagious.

NDIS participant Sarah creates impressive building blocks at Rob’s Shed

Some of our staff have been working at the MRF for over 30 years and their dedication is second to none.

Just like diversity in age and culture is important, so is a range of abilities in a workforce. It exposes people to a different “normal”, encourages greater understanding and generates acceptance, which benefits our entire community.

So have the conversation, do some research and encourage others to engage with disability awareness. We all deserve to be accepted.

IMPACT's leader recognised for excellence in community services industry

IMPACT’s leader recognised for excellence in community services industry

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CQUniversity has awarded Tanya O’Shea the 2020 Alumnus of the Year – Industry Excellence award in recognition of her significant leadership in community services.

CQUniversity’s Deputy Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Anthea Cuddihy said as the current Chief Executive of IMPACT Community Services and a sought-after board and committee member, Ms O’Shea had made substantial contributions to her community and industry.

Tanya is being recognised for her important role in employment, disability, mental health, social innovation and training services through exceptional leadership and management.” Ms Cuddihy said.

Under Ms O’Shea’s leadership, Bundaberg-based IMPACT Community Services has successfully managed significant events that threatened the organisation including major contract losses, cuts in funding and a resulting reduction in staff.

She successfully took part in a significant renewal plan over 10 years which enabled IMPACT to survive and thrive in tough conditions.

Ms O’Shea said that relocating IMPACT staff and operations to enable services to continue within 24 hours of being inundated by 1.1-metre floodwaters in the 2013 Bundaberg flood was something she was particularly proud of.

People came first during this event – it was a great story of resilience and courage. Staff who had been affected by the flood were putting our clients first and turning up for work instead of cleaning up their own homes,” she said.

We have amazing humans working for IMPACT – people who park their own problems at the door every day to support others to reach and realise their full potential. This is what inspires me to get out of bed every day and makes me incredibly proud of the work that we do.”

In 2013, the Bundaberg floods resulted in a loss of almost one million dollars, however, under Ms O’Shea’s leadership, the organisation emerged strongly from the natural disaster and continued a strong expansion and diversification over the next five years.

Her exceptional leadership has been recognised through IMPACT being awarded significant new long-term contracts, as well as the organisation receiving awards for excellence in innovative practice, sector leadership and quality outcomes.

Ms O’Shea also ranks her social enterprise work as a highlight of her career.

We tested and tried five different social enterprises with the aim of creating a model that provides employment opportunities for people with a disability and mental illness.

We accelerated one of these ventures, building a $2.8 million commercial laundry that now creates employment in an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation and aims to employ 25-plus people in the next five years.”

Ms O’Shea’s extensive leadership experience means she is a sought-after board and committee member and guest speaker.

She is also currently Director of Surf Lifesaving Queensland, the Board Chair of Shalom College and sits on multiple community committees.

Over the last two decades, I have been fortunate to work within an organisation that has allowed me to truly make a difference to the social outcomes of my community.

Having spent the last eight years as CEO, it humbles me to see the progress we have made and continue to make in our regional area.

I am a firm believer in regional areas, and regional leaders are a power to be reckoned with. We are incredibly invested and willing to continue our consistent practice of being a leader.

I choose to live, work and raise a family in our community; therefore, I believe that I need to give back and make a personal contribution.

This extends to representing my community at a state level as Director of Surf Lifesaving Queensland, regional level as a Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett Committee member and local level as Chair of the Shalom College Board.”

Ms O’Shea is a two-time graduate of CQUniversity, having completed a Bachelor of Psychology in 2011 and a Master of Business Administration in 2016.

View original article at CQUniversity

Donna steps up as Bundaberg laundry powers ahead

Donna steps up as Bundaberg laundry powers ahead

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FOR nearly 30 years Donna Kriedemann has earned a living cleaning up after others.

Recently Donna stepped into a key leadership role at New Image Laundry, where she is helping power the business to new growth targets.

Donna is second in charge to Daniel Leary at the leading commercial laundry operation based in Bundaberg.

“We’ve got a really good team here at the laundry at the minute,” a humble Ms Kriedemann said.

“We work well together and my job is to support Danny and keep things flowing well.”

Mr Leary said Donna brought with her a wealth of experience, including more than 29 years in the laundry industry, and a willingness to improve.

“She is the right person for this role and is well respected among the team,” he said.

Business is building at the laundry as it nears its second birthday in April.

The workforce has now climbed above 20 people and with some exciting projects on the horizon, things are looking positive.

New Image Laundry Services serves the accommodation, hospitality, medical and allied health industries as well as offering a high quality full linen hire service. It also specialises in uniforms.

Whether you are a hospital, a large aged-care facility or a family-run motel, New Image Laundry can structure a pricing system that caters to your individual business needs.

The service operates across Bundaberg and surrounding districts, including Childers, Gin Gin and Bargara.

For more information call 4152 6158.