New iMage Laundry has proudly received ‘People and Planet First’ verification from the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), a recognition that affirms its commitment to social and environmental excellence.
As a purpose-driven venture within IMPACT’s social enterprise portfolio, New iMage Laundry goes beyond providing professional commercial laundry services—it serves as an employment pathway for vulnerable individuals in the Bundaberg community.
“We are thrilled and honoured to receive this verification from SEWF,” said Brendan Laws, Manager of New iMage Laundry.
To be People and Planet First verified, an organisation must prioritise purpose, people, and planet over profit in operational decisions as it works to solve a social and/or environmental problem through a self-sustaining revenue model that reinvests profits into this purpose.
New iMage Laundry is committed to maintaining the highest standards of operation, continuing to innovate, and deepening its impact on the community and the environment.
"Since opening in 2018, the laundry has employed 72 people that may have otherwise struggled to find meaningful employment, providing them not just with a job, but with a supportive community and sense of belonging," Mr Laws said.
This verification reflects IMPACT's unwavering dedication to driving positive social and environmental change in the local community through its commercial laundry service—proof that business can be a force for good.
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.
Lee Davey, a vital member of IMPACT Community Services’ award-winning Containers for Change team, is poised to shatter collection records this summer.
Recently honoured as the Small Operator of the Year at the 2023 Changemaker Awards, IMPACT’s dedicated team is all set for a significant expansion of the Containers for Change Scheme. This expansion, effective from November 1, now includes wine and spirit bottles.
The scheme, which refunds 10 cents for each eligible bottle, has already returned more than $630 million since its launch in 2018.
Lee and her team are committed to providing excellent service at IMPACT’s two Container Refund Points located at 417 Windermere Rd, Qunaba and 78 University Drive, Bundaberg.
Tanya O’Shea, IMPACT’s Managing Director, shares Lee’s excitement about the scheme’s expansion.
“We know summer is always the busiest time of the year for our CRP teams and with the expansion we think this year will be the busiest yet,” Mrs O’Shea said.
“It benefits both our environment and community. By recycling with IMPACT, you’re making a difference in multiple ways.”
Operating two strategically placed Container Refund Points as part of its Recycling Social Enterprise, IMPACT champions environmental sustainability while also promoting community growth by providing employment opportunities for about 25 supported employees.
“Our Container Refund Points are more than just recycling centres,” Mrs O’Shea explained.
“They’re spaces where environmental care intersects with community support.”
To simplify the recycling process, IMPACT encourages everyone to download the Containers for Change app. For information on how to do this go to www.containersforchange.com.au/
For more information about IMPACT's Container Refund Points, visit Containers for Change - Impact Community Services
New Image Laundry has taken a leap forward in its commitment to excellence with the recent installation of a new Dexter T900 washing machine. This addition has not only elevated the laundry's productivity but has also led to an enhanced continuity of service for its valued customers.
The new washing machine is a game-changer for New Image Laundry's operations. With its 25kg capacity and advanced features, the machine has propelled the facility's efficiency to new heights. This has proven particularly significant for meeting the high demands of the bustling hospitality and accommodation sectors, where time sensitivity and impeccable cleanliness are paramount.
New Image Laundry Manager Brendan Laws expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition of the state-of-the-art appliance: "We are thrilled to introduce the 25kg Dexter T900 washing machine to our facility. This cutting-edge equipment exemplifies our dedication to optimizing our services for our clients, and is currently supporting our business partnerships in the hospitality and accommodation sectors. We're already witnessing a remarkable increase in productivity."
The purchase of the new washing machine, which was made possible by a funding from round two of the Queensland Government’s Social Enterprises Growth Grants has been a pivotal move for the laundry service provider. The improved efficiency resulting from this addition is expected to significantly impact the overall customer experience.
This new washing machine is not just about improving our operations; it's about offering an unparalleled experience to our clients,” Mr Laws said.
New Image Laundry is a commercial laundry and social enterprise owned by IMPACT Community Services. New Image Laundry’s mission is to provide pathways to the open employment market for people facing barriers to employment, and it currently employs 25 people.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the power of 'The 5 Whys'.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
This week has been a profound journey into the realm of social innovation, as I had the privilege of sharing my insights at CQUniversity's Lunch and Learn event. As the managing director of IMPACT Community Services, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible power that lies within innovative thinking. In a world that is in a perpetual state of change, embracing the status quo is no longer a viable option.
During my presentation, I introduced the concept of "The 5 Whys," a problem-solving technique that involves asking "why" repeatedly to get to the root cause of an issue, helping us understand the true reasons behind it and find effective solutions.
Take the case of IMPACT's own social enterprise, New iMAGE Laundry, which began as a means to fill a funding gap. At first glance, it appeared to be a straightforward solution. However, when we applied "The 5 Whys" formula, we unearthed something much more significant - the pursuit of autonomy from funding bodies and the creation of employment opportunities for locals facing mental health challenges and disabilities.
By asking "why" repeatedly, we delved deeper into the heart of the issue, exploring its root causes and understanding the broader implications. This discovery prompted a paradigm shift, elevating the purpose of New iMAGE Laundry to new heights, and transforming it into a force of social innovation, empowerment and inclusivity.
But the power of "The 5 Whys" is not limited to those in positions of leadership or authority. It is a tool that can be wielded by anyone, in any setting. Take, for instance, the Solar Cow program, which tackles the issue of child labour in third world countries. On the surface, it sought to incentivise parents to send their children to school by allowing them to charge electronic devices there instead of walking long distances to charge them for their parents.
Yet, as the program implemented "The 5 Whys," it unravelled a more profound revelation - the root cause of children not attending school wasn't solely a matter of charging devices, but rather a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and educational barriers. This realisation paved the way for a comprehensive approach, addressing the broader issue and creating lasting change.
The power of social innovation lies not in settling for quick fixes but in relentlessly questioning and digging deeper. "The 5 Whys" serve as a compass, guiding us to the heart of challenges and illuminating the path to solutions.
Knowing your true why is essential to drive change, and social innovation and change are intricately interconnected. While some may argue that I don’t deal with change (I’ve been at IMPACT since 1999), the reality is quite the opposite. Since joining IMPACT in 1999, I have witnessed and actively participated in a multitude of transformative events. Within six months of my start, IMPACT experienced a major contract loss, leading to a significant downsizing from over 60 staff members to just 20. This challenging period required us to innovate and find new ways to deliver our services effectively. The journey didn't stop there; we faced further upheaval when the devastating 2013 flood hit the region, leaving us with the daunting task of rebuilding both our organisation and the community we served. Throughout these years, change has been a constant companion, reminding us that adaptability and openness to innovation are essential qualities in making a lasting impact.
Recognising the interplay between knowing our why, social innovation and change has been an important lesson. I have come to understand that social innovation doesn't merely involve developing novel ideas and initiatives; it also demands the ability to embrace change and navigate through uncertainty.
Bundaberg-based community organisation, IMPACT Community Services has been awarded for its efforts in providing job opportunities to Wide Bay workers with disability in Queensland’s annual Changemaker Awards.
IMPACT was named Small Operator of the Year alongside individuals, community groups and organisations from across Queensland at the 2023 Changemaker Awards held in Brisbane on Thursday, July 6.
Each year, the Changemaker Awards honour those making a difference in local communities by recycling through the Containers for Change scheme, which pays customers 10 cents for every eligible beverage container returned at a refund point.
IMPACT has been operating Container Refund Points in Bundaberg since 2018, driving the community to become a recycling leader resulting in a 54% increase in containers recycled from year to year.
IMPACT uses these refund points to provide greater opportunities for workers with disability, rostering these workers at all Container Refund Points so they can develop their skills while engaging with the broader community.
The organisation was also commended for its Container Refund Point at Qunaba, a self-sufficient and solar-powered facility making container refunds more convenient for residents in Bargara, Innes Park and Burnett Heads.
Team effort
Tanya O’Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT, shared her pride in her team following the award and attributed their success to a love for their local community.
“We are so proud to be recognised as Small Operator of the Year at the Change Maker Awards this year! This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and their love for our community,” said Mrs O’Shea.
“The people of our community are at the heart of what we do. If our staff feel included, they’re more likely to make our customers feel welcomed. By prioritising staff development and investing in our people, we foster a positive and engaged workplace culture that benefits everyone.”
Sustainable focus
IMPACT’s award helps shine a light on some of the best sustainability efforts in Queensland alongside other winners in nine different categories which were brought to life by leading sustainability not-for-profit organisation, Container Exchange.
Container Exchange Chief Executive Officer, Natalie Roach said the commitment and creativity highlighted in this year’s awards submissions was inspiring.
“The 2023 Changemaker Awards showcase just what a profound effect the Containers for Change scheme is having on the communities of Queensland,” said Ms Roach.
“We are continuing to see individuals, community groups, charities and organisations create change and drive social impact in their local community, simply by collecting and returning eligible containers through the scheme.
“I want to congratulate the winners and all our finalists from this year’s Changemaker Awards for not only creating positive change for their community but helping clean up the local environment. Those recognised truly are making great change for the future.”
2023 CHANGEMAKER AWARDS – HONOUR ROLL
Changemaker of the Year – Hearts of Purple, Gold Coast
Community Group or Charity of the Year – Hearts of Purple, Gold Coast
People’s Choice Operator of the Year – Anything Environmental, Paget
Young Changemaker of the Year – Hudson Magee, Brisbane; Holly and Charli Garrity, Brisbane
Refund Point Employee of the Year – Rhys Cobbo, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Kingaroy
Sustainable Beverage Manufacturer of the Year – Mount Warning Beverage Company, Mt Warning NSW
Large Operator of the Year – Reef Recycling and Logistics, Townvsille
Medium Operator of the Year – Return ‘Em for Cash, Toowoomba
Small Operator of the Year – IMPACT Community Services, Bundaberg
Bundaberg man Bruce Gossner will travel to Berlin next month to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Summer Games as part of the country’s athletics team.
Bruce's impressive journey to the World Games has been underway for some time, qualifying for the Australian team last October at the National Championships in Launceston. He will be one of 64 athletes with an intellectual disability to wear the green and gold and represent Australia at the games.
Ann Gossner, Bruce's proud mother, expressed her heartfelt pride and gratitude.
"I couldn't be prouder of Bruce and his remarkable achievements. He has worked tirelessly to reach this point, and his dedication is truly inspiring. The whole community has been incredibly supportive, and we are grateful for their unwavering encouragement. We know that Bruce will give it his all at the Special Olympics World Games, and we will be cheering him on every step of the way.”
Bruce has been involved in athletics for just four years and has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. Having been involved with Special Olympics for 12 years, he has also represented Queensland in Basketball at a previous Special Olympics National Championships.
An NDIS participant with IMPACT Community Services, Bruce has been working hard to fund his participation in the Games through a range of fundraising activities including collecting cans and drink bottles, which he plans to cash in at IMPACT’s Containers For Change Container Refund Point, converting recyclables into much needed funds.
Bruce's vibrant and active lifestyle reflects his ongoing pursuit of excellence. Alongside his athletic endeavours, he participates in 10-pin bowling, weekly beep tests, one to two long runs per week, regular training sessions at the athletics track, gym workouts, and basketball training.
Chatting to Bruce, it’s clear to see that he loves what he does. “I like meeting new friends from all over Australia,” he said.
“[On Tuesday] I was very happy to meet the Queensland Governor, Dr Jeannette Young, who presented the uniforms to Queensland athletes in the Australian team.”
Tanya O'Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, expressed her immense pride and admiration for Bruce's accomplishments, stating, "We are incredibly proud of Bruce and his outstanding achievements. His journey to qualify for the Special Olympics World Games is truly inspiring, and he serves as a shining example of determination and perseverance.”
“Bruce's dedication to his athletic pursuits and his unwavering spirit have touched the hearts of our entire organization. We are standing firmly behind him, cheering him on as he represents Australia on the global stage.”
“Bruce's success embodies the transformative power of sports and the indomitable spirit of our participants. We are honoured to be a part of his journey and remain committed to empowering individuals like Bruce to overcome barriers and achieve greatness."
Bruce’s fundraising efforts continue both online and offline, with the final tally yet to be determined. You can donate to help Bruce get to the Special Olympics World Games by making a tax-deductible donation here: https://include.specialolympics.com.au/fundraisers/BruceGossner
IMPACT Community Services is supporting people with disabilities who want to be part of the local workforce through jobs at the city’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF), owned by Bundaberg Regional Council and managed by IMPACT Community Services.
IMPACT provides around 27 jobs at the facility for employees with disabilities under the Australian Government’s Australian Disability Enterprise. All of the waste from Council’s yellow-top kerbside recycling bins is processed at the MRF, which is located on University Drive in Bundaberg.
IMPACT’s manager of Australian Disability Enterprises Tim Van Kooten said the MRF provides a supportive work environment that allows workers to reach their full potential in this field of work.
“The Material Recovery Facility has a happy and motivated workforce, and some of our employees have been with IMPACT for more than 30 years,” he said.
Mr Van Kooten said each week the Material Recovery Facility processes around 38 council kerbside trucks of recycling – equal to around 114 tonnes of recyclable waste.
“The content is hand sorted, baled and sold to be made into new products,” Mr Van Kooten said.
“We also process commercial recycling, which is about 40 tonnes per week.”
The MRF is also the home of IMPACT’s first Container Refund Point, opened in 2018 as part of the Containers For Change scheme, which encourages Queenslanders to recycle drink containers by offering a 10 cent refund for every eligible container returned.
A second Container Refund Point, located at Green Solutions on Windermere Road, Qunaba, opened opened last year to keep up with the demand from Bundaberg residents and offer another convenient location for collecting container refunds.
Since IMPACT Launched their first Container Refund Point at University Drive in 2018, they’ve recycled more than 14,200,000 containers and put around $1.5 million back into the pockets of Bundaberg residents.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses making a difference in our community through social enterprise
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
How many businesses do you know that operate with the aim of supporting the community?
Many have heard of the toilet paper company Who Gives A Crap. Last week I was lucky enough to hear their CEO and co-founder, Simon Griffiths, speak at an event where he spoke candidly about how he launched the company by live streaming from a toilet for 50 hours to pre-sell the first $50k of toilet rolls.
Simon and his co-founders, Jehan and Danny, started Who Gives a Crap in 2012 after learning that 2.4 billion people worldwide don’t have access to a toilet. They wanted to make a difference, so they committed to donating 50% of their profits to build toilets and have now donated almost $11 million!
We must ask ourselves how we can apply this to our own community. Every time we turn on the news, we’re bombarded with stories about homelessness, the rising cost of living and the impact on mental health. The opportunity for social enterprises to make real and tangible differences within our community has never been greater.
IMPACT ventured into social enterprise in 2001, partnering with Bundaberg Regional Council to provide jobs for 24 people with a disability, in addition to creating an environmental impact by reducing waste going to landfill. In 2014, we purchased a small 1.5 tonne a month laundry with a vision of providing jobs for people with disability or mental illness. In 2016, IMPACT accelerated the business building its own commercial laundry, New Image Laundry, which now has the capacity to process up to 80 tonne per month. It now employs over 25 people and has major contracts with The Friendlies Hospital and Blue Care.
Our vision of ‘Improving Lives’ is embedded into the DNA of our business and is directly focused on creating social, cultural and environmental impact. We see the change that can be created when people, particularly those who traditionally struggle to enter the workforce, are provided with an opportunity. Pathways to employment are created, workforce participation rates increase, and people become economically independent. Intergenerational welfare dependence patterns are disrupted.
Social enterprise equals good business.
Have an idea for a social enterprise? Currently, IMPACT Community Services is working with StartSomeGood to host Emerge, a program that will teach you how to transform your ideas into a ready to launch social enterprise.
Reach out if you would like to find out more.
Budding social entrepreneurs will have the chance to learn how to transform their ideas into a ready to launch social enterprise when IMPACT Community Services hosts the Emerge program this month.
IMPACT has partnered with StartSomeGood to Emerge. IMPACT will host the course in a face-to-face environment, allowing participants to benefit from learning alongside other likeminded people while building a local network and sense of community.
Program participants will learn how to take their idea for a social enterprise and develop a plan they can follow step by step to make their idea launch ready.
Social enterprises are organisations that apply commercial strategies to maximise improvements in financial, social and environmental well-being. IMPACT currently runs two social enterprises – New Image Laundry and our Material Recovery Facility.
IMPACT’s General Manager – Innovation, Nathan Spruce, said the program was a fantastic opportunity for budding socially conscious entrepreneurs to be part of a cohort of passionate founders who are on the same journey to design and launch a business that makes a difference within the community.
“IMPACT is excited to be partnering with Emerge to deliver this course, which will save participants time, money and frustration as they learn to organise their thoughts into a business model with thoughtful design for a product or service their customers will love, which generates profit and creates real change on the issues participants are seeking to impact,” Mr Spruce said.
He added: “The course is a fully subsidised program supported by the Social Enterprise Sector Development Grants, so there is no cost to those who take part.”
If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Spruce on 4153 4233.
Explore this opportunity via the StartSomeGood.com website: https://emerge.startsomegood.com/
Samantha Russell is a proud new mum who works at IMPACT’s New Image Laundry.
Sam is an integral part of the team and has made incredible progress both personally and professionally in the four years since she started work at the laundry.
“Early in my life I developed a panic disorder which was quite hard to deal with. It got so bad I wasn’t comfortable leaving the house,” Sam said.
“Looking back, I was in a really hard spot, but I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.”
New Image Laundry is one of IMPACT’s social enterprises, designed to help people maintain employment by providing a supported working environment.
Laundry manager Daniel Leary said when Sam first started she was quiet, unassuming and had been unemployed for an extended period of time.
“Now, she’s just blossoming,” he said.
“It’s just wonderful to see how Sam’s confidence has grown – both at work and as a Mum but it hasn’t been without its challenges.”
There was a stage where Sam had given up on the ability to work and drive because she was too anxious.
“I thought about how we could help Sam, so I connected her with some of IMPACT’s other programs – Mental Health and the Cooee Group.
“One of our Mental Health Support Workers Wendy Lindeman really took Sam under her wing and guided her through the difficult time.”
Sam said IMPACT and the laundry team were extremely supportive and assisted her to get the help she needed to get back on track.
“The laundry staff are like a second family to me,” she said.
“I know that I’m supported here and that it’s a safe environment that I can come to, even if I’m having a bad day.
“IMPACT has helped me learn new and different skills, develop coping mechanisms and work through my challenges.
“It’s been great to talk to other people who face similar struggles and learn about what they do to cope.”
Danny said Sam has improved immensely over the last few years and is now a Quality Control Supervisor, which plays an important role in the business.
“Sam is great at what she does and is pivotal in ensuring the laundry is maintaining its customer base,” he said.
“Without quality, we don’t have customers and without customers, we don’t have a business.
“Sam is always the one that steps up and helps without being asked, she just takes it on her own shoulders.
“When you look at where Sam was four years ago compared to now, it’s truly a great success.
“Down the track I can see Sam being a wonderful mentor for people working through similar challenges.
“I’m incredibly proud of Sam and am excited to see what the future has in store for her.”
IMPACT Community Services is encouraging residents to register a Containers for Change Scheme ID account and recycle their containers at either of our regional refund points to go into the draw to win a monthly $50 WISH voucher (valid at a wide range of shops including Woolworths & Big W).
Starting October 10, all customers with a Scheme ID who recycle their containers at either our Container Refund Point at 78 University Drive or new site at 417 Windermere Road, Qunaba can go into the draw.
Ensuring you’re in the draw is easy; simply fill out the entry form when you drop off your bottles.
To register a Scheme ID go to: Home | Containers for Change
People with an existing Scheme ID are able to participate.
Having a Scheme ID, makes things even easier to recycle.
When you provide your scheme ID barcode via your digital wallet or app, or your mobile number at the refund point, your refund will go directly into your preferred account - whether that's to your bank account, PayPal (no bank details required) or favourite cause.
IMPACT’s University Drive container refund point is open from 7.30am-4pm weekdays (last customer received at 3.30pm) and 8am-midday on Saturdays.
The Qunaba container refund point is open 8.30am-3.30pm weekdays and 9.30am-1.30pm Saturdays.
Terms & Conditions
Anyone (except IMPACT staff & their immediate families) is eligible to win.
Monthly prizes will be drawn on the first Tuesday of the following month Eg; October’s draw will be on the first Tuesday in November.
Winners will be notified via the phone number provided on their entry form.
The results will also be published on IMPACT’s Facebook page.
If the winner does not claim the prize within 4 weeks of being notified, the prize will be redrawn.
This competition is run by IMPACT Community Service’s Marketing and Communications department.
All sections of the form must be completed in order for the entry to be valid.
Only one entry per visit.
Two local businesses dedicated to recycling, have teamed up to make turning your containers into change even more accessible for the region’s coastal community.
With a specifically-modified 40ft shipping container, IMPACT Community Services and Green Solutions Wide Bay have opened a new Containers for Change refund point which is located at 417 Windermere Road, Qunaba.
The Refund Point container has been fitted out with solar power complete with a back-up battery system. The refund Point will create 6 employment positions for local people.
The Containers for Change scheme in Queensland is run and founded by Container Exchange (COEX), a not-for-profit organisation.
Under the scheme, residents can take their eligible containers (which generally display a 10c refund mark) to a refund point to cash in their recyclables.
You can request this refund via cash, or you can sign up for a scheme ID and choose to get your refund paid to your bank account, PayPal or favourite cause.
This innovative and collaborative approach to the mobile container refund point is understood to be the first of its kind for COEX.
It will be stationed at Green Solutions Wide Bay’s state-of-the-art open windrow composting facility on Windermere Rd and operated by IMPACT Community Services.
Opening times will be Monday to Friday 8.00am till 3.30pm and Saturdays 9.30 till 1.30pm.
Green Solutions provides Wide Bay residents with a free and convenient green waste drop-off and disposal site that turns green waste into compost.
Nathan Freeman, General Manager at Green Solutions Wide Bay, said: "we are super excited to be working with such a wonderful local organisation in IMPACT Community Services. This partnership will benefit the environment and our wider region, which is the heart of our business."
IMPACT Community Services social enterprises manager Rob Henderson commended Green Solutions Wide Bay for their commitment to recycling and collaboration, helping bring great results for the environment and job opportunities to the region.
This new Refund Point will be run by IMPACT in addition to the refund point at University Drive.
IMPACT hopes the Qunaba site will make recycling containers for change more convenient for residents throughout the region.
For more information visit https://greensolutionswidebay.com.au/ or phone 0418 800 398.
Further details about Containers for Change are available at https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/
More than 200kg of laundry just became light work at NEW iMAGE Laundry.
The commercial laundry is an initiative of IMPACT Community Services’ which serves Bundaberg and the surrounding areas.
IMPACT’s Laundry manager Daniel Leary said they recently installed two Jensen Washer Extractor 110kg machines.
These Front Loader single pocket machines will essentially double the capacity of the laundry.
“The current wash capacity at the Laundry was 180kg at any given time, with the average cycle being around 45 minutes,” he said.
“The current machines are 40kg, 60kg and 80kg. Meaning that it would take three machines to produce 180kg every 45 minutes.
“These 2 new machines are each 110kg which allows us to process an additional 220kg every 45 minutes.”
Daniel said this equated to a new capacity of 400kgs every 45 minutes.
He said without the new machines the laundry was operating at close to its maximum capacity and this made it difficult to pursue other contracts to drive production and sustainability further.
The new equipment allows the laundry to fine tune its operation, reduce overheads. It now also allows us to drop existing machine out of production for essential maintenance at given times while still maintaining good production levels.
Servicing a range of local aged care facilities, hospitals, medical practices, accommodation outlets and more, the laundry is committed to working to meet all guidelines set by the Australian Standards AS/NZS 4146.2000 for the collection, loading, storage and sorting, disinfecting, washing and delivery of linen.
Daniel said key aspects to commercial washing operations and remaining compliant to medical and aged care standards are Mechanical, Thermal and Chemical disinfection.
The Mechanical Action is achieved by the engineering of the inner drum and the rigorous tumbling process. The Thermal action is achieved by the injection of steam continually throughout the wash cycle to maintain set temperatures. And the Chemical disinfection is maintained by the computer-controlled injection system which delivers concentrated wash, softening and neutralising chemicals.
Daniel said the washing machines operate up to 80 degrees Celsius depending on the fabrics being processed, while the ironer operates at 180 degrees Celsius and the dryers at 90 degrees Celsius. This will eliminate any pathogens or viruses that may have been in contact with the linen.
The machinery and wash cycles are calibrated each month to ensure that all the above measures are being meet. Importantly, the linen is also pH tested to confirm neutral pH linen was going back to clients. This is particularly important for use in hospitals and aged care facilities were when patients and residents will have contact with linen for prolonged periods.
The machinery was commissioned on June 8, 2022.
Current research suggests that the covid virus cannot withstand temperatures at or above 70°C (158°F). All medical, aged care and accommodation linen at NEW iMAGE Laundry is washed at between 75 and 80 degrees Celsius.
When washing clothes for Bed Bugs or lice, wash cycles above 65 degrees for 10 minutes killed 100% of all life stages. Washing at 40 degrees killed all adults and nymphs, but only 25% of eggs. Therefore, washing clothes for bed bug dis-infestation should be done at the hottest temperatures. Most domestic washing machines will not maintain these temperatures for any period to eliminate these pests.
The extraction process of moisture or final spin cycle by our washing machines is done at 350 G-forces. In comparison, the massive G forces experienced by a space shuttle astronaut at take-off is 3 G, while fighter pilots can only manage up to about 9G for a second or two in a vertical manoeuvre.
NEW iMAGE Laundry is located at 4 Inglis Court, Svensson Heights, and is open 5 days a week from 8am to 3pm.
Want to know how our commercial laundering could benefit your business, visit webpage or call us on (07) 4152 6158.
IMPACT Community Services is encouraging Bundaberg residents to recycle their containers in exchange for the opportunity to win one of two $50 WISH vouchers (valid at a wide range of shops including Woolworths & Big W).
Throughout the months of April and May, all customers who recycle their containers at our Container Refund Point located at 78 University Drive can opt to enter the competition.
Ensuring you’re in the draw is easy; simply fill out the entry form when you drop off your bottles.
Entries are only open to container refund point customers - one entry per visit.
IMPACT’s container refund point is open from 7.30am-4pm weekdays (last customer received at 3.30pm) and 8am-midday on Saturdays.
Terms & Conditions
Anyone (except IMPACT staff & their immediate families) is eligible to win.
Prizes will be drawn on 2 May 2022 & 6 June 2022.
Winners will be notified via the phone number provided on their entry form.
The results will also be published on IMPACT’s Facebook page.
If the winner does not claim the prize within 4 weeks of being notified, the prize will be redrawn.
This competition is run by IMPACT Community Service’s Marketing and Communications department.
All sections of the form must be completed in order for the entry to be valid.