Workpower Geraldton wins the WA Fishing Industry Council's People Development Award

From impending closure to industry recognition, the Workpower Geraldton timber manufacturing team was awarded the WA Fishing Industry Council's People Development Award at an Awards Night on Friday, May 3rd.

In June 2023, Workpower took over the Activ Foundation’s Geraldton worksite after it was set to close along with several other Activ sites, saving the jobs of 550 people with disability across WA.

The perseverance and dedication of the Geraldton team were recognised at the major awards ceremony in Perth. The award recognises the efforts in developing a high-performing and diverse workforce supporting the seafood industry.

For over thirty years, the Geraldton site has been renowned for manufacturing high-quality commercial and recreational cray pots for the local fishing industry, developing significant experience in manufacturing and continuing to develop their product through consultation with customers.

"We nearly lost this local service in Geraldton when the Activ Foundation announced they could no longer support their enterprise businesses," said Gareth Goodway, Workpower's Regional General Manager. "But thankfully, the work continues under Workpower – and so does the knowledge and experience of the people on the ground in Geraldton."

"Our people excel at their work," Gareth continued. "They take enormous pride in what they do and strive to continue building their careers. One of our team members is working towards becoming workshop supervisor and takes his role of training new people very seriously."

Workpower is very grateful for the support of the local business community who continue to support this and other businesses that provide valuable employment to people with disability. 

Workpower employs over 900 people with disabilities across Perth, the Midwest, Goldfields, and the South West region.  They offer opportunities in over 20 different businesses, including timber and textile manufacturing and property care at their Geraldton location. Additionally, Workpower provides community participation supports to over 300 people, helping them build skills and confidence for a more independent life.