Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
As you would have heard us discussing throughout this morning,
we know that HPA have issued a statement. I read
it out live on air a little earlier today while
interviewing Simone Saunders, the CEO of the City of Darwin. Now,
the statement says, on behalf of HPA's board, President Barry Thomas,
would like to inform the community of the sad news
(00:21):
that the contract HPA has to run Shoal Bay Trash
and Treasure with the City of Darwin has ended and
our last day is going to be the thirtieth of
January next year. Now joining me on the line is
helping people achieves. Acting CEO Stephanie Ransom, Good morning to you, Stephanie.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Good morning, Katie, Good morning to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Thanks so much for your time this morning. Now, Stephanie,
what has happened with this tender?
Speaker 2 (00:53):
So it's been a normal tender process. So City of
Darwin used Tenderlink and we knew that the contract was
coming up for retendering, and of course we submitted our
tender and on this occasion we were just not lucky
enough to secure it moving forward. So we're devastated, of course,
(01:14):
and we will work with the new contractors Resource Recovery
Australia in a transition to the end of January. But
our biggest focuses around our people, so our staff and
our supported employees and supporting them through the end of
the contract.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Stephanie, can you talk me through how many staff actually
work at shoul Bay and at the Trash and Treasure
recycling shop.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Yes, so we have sort of a mix of staff
and people with disability, so around fifteen people. Some are
permanent part times, some are full time, some are casual,
a mix and a mix of people with a range
of abilities, and we will be working, you know, to
(02:06):
make sure that they have ongoing employment. I need to
reassure all your listeners that are supported employees, So people
with disabilities, them and their families were notified yesterday and
they will. They have options to stay with h if
they want to transition over to the new provider if
(02:26):
that's what they want, so and the same for our
staff as well, they can be We're working with them
on if they want to go and work with the
new provider, we will work with them as well. So
we do have a meeting tomorrow with the new provider,
the new contractor. Sorry, so we can understand what their
(02:47):
position is and how they want the transition to go,
but ultimately it's the end of something fantastic. Should Bay
Trash and Treasure is really great and I know that
you're listening in the community. I spent lots of time
in the recycle store and we will miss it. We
will miss the community. But it's been a really great
(03:10):
six years. And as we know, Tony Burns, the great
character of the territory started that six years ago after
a process we went through. So we are sad, but
we've learned lots and we've met lots of wonderful people.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Stephanie, what was it like yesterday making those phone calls
to the staff and to those that have been working
out there with a disability. What was the reaction?
Speaker 2 (03:37):
So I got the email from the council on Monday,
and I didn't share it with anybody because it was
late Monday night when I read it. I didn't share
it with anyone. I can tell you I didn't sleep. Oh,
I shared it with my husband. Of course. I didn't
sleep Monday night, and I have to say it was
probably my worst working day ever giving that news to people.
(04:01):
But staff were aware that you know we'd tendered and
it was coming, you know that there was a possibility
that we may not get the tender because you know,
you can't be one hundred percent sure, but still giving
that message to staff, it's it's it's really devastating. And
I think the thing that we have to and we
(04:22):
as in HPA in the community, you have to understand
is some people who work for us do have autism,
and you know, maintly with families, with staff, with our
supported employees in that transition, even you know, stopping working
at Trash and Treasure and maybe coming to OS Designs
or to Coocoda Industries or breaking ground, that's a big transition.
(04:46):
So we will work, you know, with everyone to make
sure that that's as smooth a transition as we possibly can.
But also for our staff working with our partners. So
we do have contacts with Volia, so we work with
Voli at the waste transfer stations at Shoal Bay and Archers.
So we're also approached them to see what roles they've
got for our staff so that our staff have options
(05:08):
they don't necessarily have to go with the new provider.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Yeah, that's really good to hear and unpleased that HPA
is doing that. I mean, master's still been devastating for
those staff members.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
Yeah, you know, it's a big chunk of who HPAU is.
And you know, we're very proud of Sheolbay Trash and
Treasure and we've worked really well with the council and
you know, the community will see the work that we've
done recently on the yard because there was you know,
it's quite muddy and flushy in the wet season. So
we've worked with Biolia to put a new yard down,
(05:44):
ground down. So we've been working very, very hard. And look,
it's going to be great because the recycle shop will continue,
but it will be a different name and a different organization.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Now. In terms of the feedback that you were then
given by the council, I mean like there's a lot
of people really going, well, hang on a set. We've
got a local business or a local organization here, HPA
that is actually helping Territorians into the workforce. You know,
those with disabilities that may not like that, may find
(06:19):
it really difficult ordinarily to be able to enter the
workforce working out there at that shop, you know, and
that that has now the tender has now been replaced
with an interstate business. I mean, what's like, what was
the feedback that was provided to you guys by the council.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
So we haven't got that far yet, Katie, So and
we will get to that. We will seek feedback on
our submission. Are our main focus is our PIP where
we you know, where we failed or fell down or
what it is that we didn't put in our submission
and then you know, we can then move from that
as we move forward.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Yeah, oh, Stephanie, what a tough time for you guys,
and so tough for you know, for all of the staff,
but particularly those who, as you've said, you know, uh
that routine and going out there and working is such
a huge part of their lives.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Yeah, yeah, I'm one. So we spoke individually to families
and to staff and employees and one mum was in absolute,
really emotional yesterday because her child with disability who works
at Trush and Treasure has got their driver's license and
they've had they're on a pee plate and they have
(07:41):
just had the courage to drive to Trush and Treasure
for their shift once a week and so that will
now have to be a change for that employee to drive,
learn to drive to a new place. So these things
are really part and parcel of what HPA does. So
whilst we employ people and you know, we give them
job and they come to work and they do that,
(08:01):
it's so much more than just work at HPA. There's
all this other underpinning things that happen for an individual
and it does affect people, affects the individual and their families,
and it will take time for them to recover, but
that's what HPA does. We will support them and you know,
in twenty twenty five we'll find a new business unit
(08:24):
and we'll have something new that we'll be able to
offer the community. But most of all, I want to
say to you and your listeners and the community of
Dawe and Palms and thank you for all the wonderful
messages that you have sent us. And you know, we
find it very humbling how much you appreciate what we
do and the staff and how hard they've worked and
our support and employees, So thank you so much and
(08:47):
we really do appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Ohean. People are fired up, they're ready to fight for HPI.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Thank you. We're ready to fight. We've still sort of
in shock and you know that emotion, but you know
you always have that fire in your belly. We wouldn't
be we wouldn't do what we do every day if
we didn't have that fire in our bellies. But for us,
it's about making sure Pa and you know, come and
see us on International Day for People with Disabilities. We've
(09:15):
got a pop up shop at Bunnings Palmerstan. We're doing
our fottages and selling our new products. Come and see
us and show us your support. And all our supported
employees have made something that will be sold in the
pop up shop.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
That is awesome. What dates that, Stephanie?
Speaker 2 (09:31):
The December third is International Day for People with Disabilities
is celebrated every year on the same data around the world.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Wonderful stuff. Well, look, I really appreciate your time this morning.
I'm sorry that it's on sort of such a low
note for you guys, but like you said, you know,
please do take heart in the level of support that
you're getting from the community. Even before I got on
air this morning, we were getting in undated with messages,
So I think that that really goes to show you
(10:01):
that people have loved what you've been doing out there.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Thank you, and I'm actually going to drive out to
Trash and Treasure now and just pass that on to
everybody out there because that will help them, because I
can't imagine how they all the different individuals will be
feeling right now, but that will help them. And thank you.
And when you go to Trash and Treasure, give them
your support, tell them what a fabulous job they've been doing.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Yeah, great stuff, seany Yeah, thank you, thanks so much,
and keep us up to date with how things. Do
you know how that that does all go in terms
of that transition, but we'd be really keen to stay
in contact.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Thank you again, Stephanie, thank you, Katie, Thank everyone. Bye
bye
As you would have heard us discussing throughout this morning,
we know that HPA have issued a statement. I read
it out live on air a little earlier today while
interviewing Simone Saunders, the CEO of the City of Darwin. Now,
the statement says, on behalf of HPA's board, President Barry Thomas,
would like to inform the community of the sad news
(00:21):
that the contract HPA has to run Shoal Bay Trash
and Treasure with the City of Darwin has ended and
our last day is going to be the thirtieth of
January next year. Now joining me on the line is
helping people achieves. Acting CEO Stephanie Ransom, Good morning to you, Stephanie.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Good morning, Katie, Good morning to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
Thanks so much for your time this morning. Now, Stephanie,
what has happened with this tender?
Speaker 2 (00:53):
So it's been a normal tender process. So City of
Darwin used Tenderlink and we knew that the contract was
coming up for retendering, and of course we submitted our
tender and on this occasion we were just not lucky
enough to secure it moving forward. So we're devastated, of course,
(01:14):
and we will work with the new contractors Resource Recovery
Australia in a transition to the end of January. But
our biggest focuses around our people, so our staff and
our supported employees and supporting them through the end of
the contract.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Stephanie, can you talk me through how many staff actually
work at shoul Bay and at the Trash and Treasure
recycling shop.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Yes, so we have sort of a mix of staff
and people with disability, so around fifteen people. Some are
permanent part times, some are full time, some are casual,
a mix and a mix of people with a range
of abilities, and we will be working, you know, to
(02:06):
make sure that they have ongoing employment. I need to
reassure all your listeners that are supported employees, So people
with disabilities, them and their families were notified yesterday and
they will. They have options to stay with h if
they want to transition over to the new provider if
(02:26):
that's what they want, so and the same for our
staff as well, they can be We're working with them
on if they want to go and work with the
new provider, we will work with them as well. So
we do have a meeting tomorrow with the new provider,
the new contractor. Sorry, so we can understand what their
(02:47):
position is and how they want the transition to go,
but ultimately it's the end of something fantastic. Should Bay
Trash and Treasure is really great and I know that
you're listening in the community. I spent lots of time
in the recycle store and we will miss it. We
will miss the community. But it's been a really great
(03:10):
six years. And as we know, Tony Burns, the great
character of the territory started that six years ago after
a process we went through. So we are sad, but
we've learned lots and we've met lots of wonderful people.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Stephanie, what was it like yesterday making those phone calls
to the staff and to those that have been working
out there with a disability. What was the reaction?
Speaker 2 (03:37):
So I got the email from the council on Monday,
and I didn't share it with anybody because it was
late Monday night when I read it. I didn't share
it with anyone. I can tell you I didn't sleep. Oh,
I shared it with my husband. Of course. I didn't
sleep Monday night, and I have to say it was
probably my worst working day ever giving that news to people.
(04:01):
But staff were aware that you know we'd tendered and
it was coming, you know that there was a possibility
that we may not get the tender because you know,
you can't be one hundred percent sure, but still giving
that message to staff, it's it's it's really devastating. And
I think the thing that we have to and we
(04:22):
as in HPA in the community, you have to understand
is some people who work for us do have autism,
and you know, maintly with families, with staff, with our
supported employees in that transition, even you know, stopping working
at Trash and Treasure and maybe coming to OS Designs
or to Coocoda Industries or breaking ground, that's a big transition.
(04:46):
So we will work, you know, with everyone to make
sure that that's as smooth a transition as we possibly can.
But also for our staff working with our partners. So
we do have contacts with Volia, so we work with
Voli at the waste transfer stations at Shoal Bay and Archers.
So we're also approached them to see what roles they've
got for our staff so that our staff have options
(05:08):
they don't necessarily have to go with the new provider.
Speaker 1 (05:11):
Yeah, that's really good to hear and unpleased that HPA
is doing that. I mean, master's still been devastating for
those staff members.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
Yeah, you know, it's a big chunk of who HPAU is.
And you know, we're very proud of Sheolbay Trash and
Treasure and we've worked really well with the council and
you know, the community will see the work that we've
done recently on the yard because there was you know,
it's quite muddy and flushy in the wet season. So
we've worked with Biolia to put a new yard down,
(05:44):
ground down. So we've been working very, very hard. And look,
it's going to be great because the recycle shop will continue,
but it will be a different name and a different organization.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Now. In terms of the feedback that you were then
given by the council, I mean like there's a lot
of people really going, well, hang on a set. We've
got a local business or a local organization here, HPA
that is actually helping Territorians into the workforce. You know,
those with disabilities that may not like that, may find
(06:19):
it really difficult ordinarily to be able to enter the
workforce working out there at that shop, you know, and
that that has now the tender has now been replaced
with an interstate business. I mean, what's like, what was
the feedback that was provided to you guys by the council.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
So we haven't got that far yet, Katie, So and
we will get to that. We will seek feedback on
our submission. Are our main focus is our PIP where
we you know, where we failed or fell down or
what it is that we didn't put in our submission
and then you know, we can then move from that
as we move forward.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Yeah, oh, Stephanie, what a tough time for you guys,
and so tough for you know, for all of the staff,
but particularly those who, as you've said, you know, uh
that routine and going out there and working is such
a huge part of their lives.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Yeah, yeah, I'm one. So we spoke individually to families
and to staff and employees and one mum was in absolute,
really emotional yesterday because her child with disability who works
at Trush and Treasure has got their driver's license and
they've had they're on a pee plate and they have
(07:41):
just had the courage to drive to Trush and Treasure
for their shift once a week and so that will
now have to be a change for that employee to drive,
learn to drive to a new place. So these things
are really part and parcel of what HPA does. So
whilst we employ people and you know, we give them
job and they come to work and they do that,
(08:01):
it's so much more than just work at HPA. There's
all this other underpinning things that happen for an individual
and it does affect people, affects the individual and their families,
and it will take time for them to recover, but
that's what HPA does. We will support them and you know,
in twenty twenty five we'll find a new business unit
(08:24):
and we'll have something new that we'll be able to
offer the community. But most of all, I want to
say to you and your listeners and the community of
Dawe and Palms and thank you for all the wonderful
messages that you have sent us. And you know, we
find it very humbling how much you appreciate what we
do and the staff and how hard they've worked and
our support and employees, So thank you so much and
(08:47):
we really do appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Ohean. People are fired up, they're ready to fight for HPI.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Thank you. We're ready to fight. We've still sort of
in shock and you know that emotion, but you know
you always have that fire in your belly. We wouldn't
be we wouldn't do what we do every day if
we didn't have that fire in our bellies. But for us,
it's about making sure Pa and you know, come and
see us on International Day for People with Disabilities. We've
(09:15):
got a pop up shop at Bunnings Palmerstan. We're doing
our fottages and selling our new products. Come and see
us and show us your support. And all our supported
employees have made something that will be sold in the
pop up shop.
Speaker 1 (09:28):
That is awesome. What dates that, Stephanie?
Speaker 2 (09:31):
The December third is International Day for People with Disabilities
is celebrated every year on the same data around the world.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Wonderful stuff. Well, look, I really appreciate your time this morning.
I'm sorry that it's on sort of such a low
note for you guys, but like you said, you know,
please do take heart in the level of support that
you're getting from the community. Even before I got on
air this morning, we were getting in undated with messages,
So I think that that really goes to show you
(10:01):
that people have loved what you've been doing out there.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Thank you, and I'm actually going to drive out to
Trash and Treasure now and just pass that on to
everybody out there because that will help them, because I
can't imagine how they all the different individuals will be
feeling right now, but that will help them. And thank you.
And when you go to Trash and Treasure, give them
your support, tell them what a fabulous job they've been doing.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Yeah, great stuff, seany Yeah, thank you, thanks so much,
and keep us up to date with how things. Do
you know how that that does all go in terms
of that transition, but we'd be really keen to stay
in contact.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Thank you again, Stephanie, thank you, Katie, Thank everyone. Bye
bye
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