Shannon Park Industries Scores Business Excellence Award

Shannon Park Industries has topped an impressive field of local competitors to win the Government Enterprise category of the Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Awards on Tuesday, July 22.

Shannon Park Industries is a division of Scope’s supported employment enterprises.

This is the third year that Shannon Park Industries has been recognised at the awards, after being named finalists in 2007 and 2008.

The Corio-based business was judged on its achievements over the past year, its sound business plan, financial management, commitment to ensuring the business minimised its effect on the environment and strong leadership.

Shannon Park Industries is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to provide supported employment to people with disabilities as well as achieve its commercial mandate.

The business has an evenly balanced focus on providing employment services for people with disabilities, and high quality packaging and assembly work for commercial customers.

Its major aim is to be a leading and sustainable Australian Disability Enterprise, providing a high quality service and value-exchange outcome for customers.

This is being achieved through offering employment that enriches the lives of almost 30 people with disabilities in the Geelong Region, building customer loyalty and working with business partners who truly value social and ethical responsibility.

Scope Business Enterprises General Manager Julie McKay said the award paid tribute to the team’s immense effort to overcome the current challenges in a competitive and toughening economic landscape.

``Winning these awards does not happen by chance and this year the judging criteria was more robust that previous years,’’ Ms McKay said.

``I believe that our strength has been in the quality and service mix provided by the team, which has been a direct result of their enthusiasm to grow their skills through a series of traineeships.’’

``The results really do highlight the See the Person, Not the Disability message,’’ she said.

Scope Chief Executive Officer Diana Heggie welcomed the award saying it acknowledged the collaborative effort of its dedicated team.

``This award firstly recognises the strong business performance of a highly skilled workforce, who just so happen to have a disability,’’ Ms Heggie said.

``More importantly, it exemplifies what can be achieved when people with disabilities receive the right support to participate in meaningful employment.’’

For the past 60 years, leading Victorian disability service provider Scope has been committed to empowering children and adults with disabilities to reach their potential.