I would like to share some changes taking place in the laundry business at Lithgow.
Earlier in May, I signed an agreement with Shane Coombes, from OLS Hospitality Supplies where the ownership of the laundry will transfer to Shane on 4th June 2024. From that date the business will be known as Access Laundry.
Access Industries will provide laundry services to Access Laundry under a services agreement between the two companies. Supported employees will remain employed by Access Industries for the Disabled and they will continue to work at the Laundry. Three new roles (Employment Services Supervisor, Employment Services Team Leader and Employment Services Officer) have been created to provide supervision, coaching and support to enable supported employees to complete their work tasks at the Laundry. Incumbents to these new roles will be announced in coming weeks.
Non-supported employees will transfer their employment to work directly for Shane from 4 June 2024.
There is a long-standing relationship between Access Industries and Shane’s company, OLS Hospitality Supplies who have provided Access Industries with laundry systems and related products for the past 17 years. Over the past two months Shane and I have been talking about how we can ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the laundry to support our customers, keep local jobs in Lithgow and provide ongoing employment opportunities for supported employees.
In recent weeks, Shane has acted as Laundry Manager supporting Lee Winks our Laundry Operations Supervisor and getting to know our employees (supported and non-supported), business and customers. Shane is a very experienced laundry owner and operator committed to growing his business, retaining jobs in the local community.
We thank Lee and the entire team at Lithgow for their efforts, loyalty and commitment to Access Industries. We look forward to supporting Shane and his team in the provision of laundry services and delivering ongoing employment services for our supported employees at Lithgow.
Rob Kirkham
CEO Access Industries