Timber businesses recognised for disability commitment
Kennedy’s Timbers and Maryborough Cross Arm Mill say their businesses
are the better for inclusive workforces.
Endeavour Foundation recently held its first Business Excellence and Impact Awards in Brisbane. The leading disability service provider hosted around 300 industry innovators, along with disability advocates, visionaries and entrepreneurs. The winners of five awards were decided by an independent panel and announced at the event
The awards recognise businesses and individuals for their commitment in helping people with disability to live their best lives.
Narangba’s Kennedy’s Timbers and Wide Bay-Burnett’s Maryborough Cross Arm Mill each took out a top gong.
“We certainly didn’t expect to be a finalist, and now a winner,” said Michael Kennedy, CEO of Kennedy’s Timbers, winner of the Partnership Excellence Award.
Kennedy’s Timbers has been a leader in sustainable timber for over 30 years, partnering with Endeavour Foundation to employ a team of people with disability and integrating the team into production for nationwide architectural projects. Kennedy’s Timbers were also recognised for promoting disability awareness and inclusion through the Employer Ready Program.
“Initially we didn’t know how to navigate the partnership or what was involved in hosting people with disability at our site, but we were shown the ropes and now wouldn’t work without our Endeavour crew,” Kennedy said. “They do such great work with us. We now know what’s possible and we can’t wait to continue this partnership.
“In our case, we’ve also found people really enjoy working with timber because it’s an organic material, and it’s creating products that are so magnificent; they gain a real sense of achievement from turning a lump of wood into a piece of timber that will go into an architectural home.
“We would encourage other employers to take our experience onboard and partner with Endeavour Foundation because great things can come out of it.”
Maryborough Cross Arm Mill site manager, Russell Shipp knows well the positive impact employing people with disability can deliver.
“This win is not only about our team, but everything we achieve together,” said Shipp, winner of the Results that Shine Award.
The Cross Arm Mill produces around 47,000 timber crossarms annually, totalling over 5.8 million kilograms of timber, with offcuts repurposed into products like stakes and pallets. Employees gain valuable skills, preparing for mainstream employment while benefiting from the Endeavour Foundation’s support framework.
“In terms of providing support for people with disability, we are passionate about the pathways our employees take when with us from supported to mainstream employment; and I’m happy to say the employees with us now, are excited for that next step,” said Shipp.
“Timber work is hands on and with that comes a great opportunity for employees to create, replicate and build strong elements to aid even bigger works. It’s physical, it’s exciting and we are just so honoured to have achieved this award.”
Endeavour Foundation’s Head of Philanthropy, Sharon Wood, says the Business Excellence and Impact Awards were created to celebrate industry contributions.
The five Business Excellence and Impact Awards winners were:
- CBC Group Partnership Excellence Award: Kennedy’s Timbers (Narangba);
- Glencore Queensland Metals Results That Shine Award: Maryborough Cross Arm Mill (Maryborough);
- Charity Champion Award: Shamrock Civil (Ipswich);
- Advocacy in Action Award: Chloe Haidenhofer (Brisbane);
- McCormack’s 4WD Community Leadership Awar’: Komatsu Australia (Brisbane).
The event also acknowledged Woolworths, Henkel, Payne Print, Clorox, Podravka and Mackay Sugars, who each have supported Endeavour Foundation for more than 25 years, offering employment opportunities for people with disability:
“Across the five awards categories and the ‘Enduring Excellence’ business acknowledgements, all nominees and winners have made possibilities a reality for people with disability through employment, sponsorship, inclusion and fundraising,” said Wood.
“Each person or business is helping to create meaningful jobs for people with disability, and they all deserve congratulations for their contributions.”
