Friday, 4 September 2009

Endeavour Foundation acquires Cumberland Industries’ supported employment services

From NDS News Update, 3/09/009 www.nds.org.au :

The Endeavour Foundation, a large disability service provider and NDS member based in Queensland, has acquired the supported employment services of Cumberland Industries, which has been under administration since May.

Endeavour will maintain the jobs of the 580 supported employees whose future had been in the balance since the appointment of an Administrator at Cumberland. Cumberland’s supported employees, their families and carers will welcome this commitment. Endeavour has also indicated that it is hopeful that many of the support staff will also be able to maintain their employment in the businesses.

Endeavour will continue to operate the Filpac, Clean-Pac, Pak-It-Rite and Sew-It-Rite disability enterprises on a business as usual basis. These businesses will be the first disability services that Endeavour has operated outside of Queensland. Endeavour was not the only organisation located outside NSW to express interest in Cumberland, suggesting the declining importance of State boundaries in the sector.

The acquisition of the businesses by Endeavour was recommended by the Cumberland Administrator, Mr Peter Hedge and formally accepted by a meeting of Cumberland’s creditors on 1 September 2009. The acquisition has also been formally approved by FaHCSIA and a transfer of funding has taken place.

Endeavour staff will be meeting with the supported employees, their families and carers to discuss plans and assess needs as the businesses prepare to move forward following months of uncertainty. A dedicated information line - 1800 554 340 - has been established for employees, their families and carers and operates from 9:00am to 5:00pm AEST Monday to Wednesday. Assistance can be arranged outside these times if necessary.

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