New food packaging facility provides work for disabled

The not-for-profit disability services provider Endeavour Foundation will create employment for more than 200 people with disabilities following the opening of a new $3.6 million food facility in Wacol, in south-west Brisbane.

The new facility is equipped with state-of-the-art packaging technology and clean rooms and will be used to pack gluten and allergen-free foods.

The project was undertaken as a partnership between the Endeavour Foundation, the Rotary Club of Brisbane Inner West, civil engineering and construction firm Canstruct and Canstruct's associated company Force 10.

“With full HACCP accreditation and fourteen new food packaging clean rooms, we have an increased capacity to meet high level packaging requirements. We can pack both gluten-free, allergen-safe foods and provide quality packaging and processing in very large volumes,” Endeavour Foundation chief executive David Barbagallo said.

“By providing these high quality services to the market we can remain commercially viable and secure continued employment opportunities for the 221 people with a disability employed here,” he said.

At the official opening of the facility, Barbagallo thanked all donors and community fundraisers who had given generously to the construction and landscaping of the site.

“With such wonderful supporters by our side, we are confident the future holds new opportunities for people with a disability, including the chance to develop employment skills and hold a real job with real outcomes. This expanded complex gives us the opportunity to welcome new customers who can utilise our services right here in Brisbane,” he said.