The Power of Supported Employment Reaches New Heights in Ayr
Just how impactful can Supported Employment be? The team at one of our North Queensland worksites demonstrates its immense power.
Here is an almighty number...
The team at Endeavour Foundation’s Ayr Business Solutions has racked up a mammoth 139 years of combined service.
Leading this impressive achievement is Kevin, who celebrated 40 years of employment late last year.
His milestone reflects his hard work, resilience and the personal and professional growth made possible through Supported Employment.
Together, this remarkable team has grown, adapted and thrived, highlighting how Supported Employment can empower individuals to achieve their goals, build fulfilling careers and enrich their lives.
From Farm Beginnings to Business Solutions
The working lives of Kevin, John, Ian, Nicole, Daniel and Fraser began at the now defunct Endeavour Farm on the outskirts of Home Hill, where they first worked on picking and packing vegetables and mangoes.
Kevin started working there in 1984, marking the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career.
“When I used to do the truck driving at the nursery, I would travel everywhere between Ingham and the bush, and even Brisbane,” Kevin said.
“It was a big part of my work; I was the only driver for a while.”
As the nursery expanded, the team took on new responsibilities, growing seedlings for growers across the region – from Gumlu to Ingham – and delivering them to local markets in Townsville and Ayr.
The farm also became known for assembling trailers, flatpack furniture and painting stakes and pegs.
Ian recalls his favourite job from that time.
“I really enjoyed making the wooden stakes and painting them,” he said.
The nursery’s reputation spread, with locals praising the quality of their products sold at market stalls.
Johnny, who has been with Endeavour Foundation for 35 years, fondly remembers the market days.
“I enjoyed the nursery and going to the markets – we went twice a week,” he said.
These early roles allowed team members to develop essential skills.
Kevin, John, Ian and Daniel earned licences for forklifts and cars. Kevin also gained his truck licence and is still putting it to good use, making deliveries between Home Hill and Townsville.
Adapting and Thriving
As the organisation evolved, the team adapted to new opportunities.
When the farm closed, they transitioned into new roles at a facility in Home Hill, and later, in 2023, to the state-of-the-art Ayr Business Solutions.
“Moving away from the farmland into town was a big change,” Kevin said.
“I used to come in on the bus every day, but moving into town felt like a fresh start.”
Over the years, their work has ranged from processing industrial cleaning cloths and refurbishing headphones for Qantas to assembling cane bin clips and sorting archive boxes for document destruction.
Today, their efforts focus on mattress recycling for Burdekin Shire Council and document destruction services, contributing to both the local economy and environmental sustainability.
For the newest team member, Ashleigh, who has been with Endeavour Foundation for two years, learning these new tasks has been a highlight.
“Working in Home Hill and cutting the cloths was something I really enjoyed,” she said.
While Ashleigh is working towards earning her forklift and car licences, her teammates have achieved notable milestones in their personal development.
Daniel, a qualified welder, has completed TAFE certifications in spray painting and panel beating, while Kevin has earned certifications in safety, chemical management and welding as well as completing a tractor and implement course at Ag College in Clare.
Kevin’s 40 Years of Dedication
In November 2024, Kevin’s remarkable 40 years of service were celebrated with a special morning tea, which was attended by his peers and featured in the Home Hill News.
His journey from the farm to his current role highlights his resilience, commitment and dedication to both personal and professional growth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin fulfilled a personal dream in 2024 when he attended a North Queensland Cowboys National Rugby League (NRL) home game.
This milestone was a reminder of how a supportive workplace can help individuals achieve goals that enrich their lives both at work and outside of it.
A Team with a Big Impact
Ayr Business Solutions is more than just a workplace – it is a thriving community built on dedication and shared purpose.
With 139 years of combined service, its team exemplifies the profound impact Supported Employment can have on both individuals, their families and the wider community.
Nicole, who enjoys vacuuming during her workday, takes pride in contributing to the team's efforts and the rewarding work they do together.
From mattress recycling to archive document destruction, their roles embody teamwork, perseverance and a commitment to sustainability.
Above all, this remarkable team demonstrates how Supported Employment empowers individuals to build confidence, achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.
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