Diversity a winner in Bendigo

13/09/2022

Bendigo facilities team win 2022 Diverse and Inclusive Workplace Award at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards.

The Bendigo Business Excellence Awards recognise the achievements of the local business community. Downer’s Spotless business was proud to win the Diverse and Inclusive Workplace Award for their work on the GROW Program at Bendigo Health.

We employ more than 500 people in Bendigo, providing integrated facility management services to the hospital. As part of the GROW Program, we worked to recruit and train people from diverse backgrounds, providing employment opportunities for over 70 new diverse employees. 

The GROW Program was established in 2019, with funding from the Victorian State Government. The program is delivered by Be.Bendigo, the city's chamber of commerce.

Thanks to the program, over the past 18 months 70 people from diverse backgrounds who have previously experienced a barrier to employment have joined the business. 

People employed through the program include those with a physical or mental disability, refugees, and migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

These vulnerable members of society now hold employment in the form of cleaning, gardening and portering roles, are learning new skills and have gained a sense of purpose and community.

Operations Manager – Soft Services Ben Dillon stated that winning the Award was a great reflection of the business’ commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“We are incredibly proud of what we do to contribute to the delivery of healthcare in the Greater Bendigo region in conjunction with our partner Bendigo Health. With over 500 team members, and operations spanning 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we have a unique opportunity to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.

“The Bendigo Business Excellence Awards recognises our efforts not just within the GROW Program, but also celebrates the success of the entire team, which is made up of passionate and unique individuals. People who show up every day to contribute to the delivery of essential health services for our community.”

In delivering the GROW program, the business had to redevelop its whole approach to recruiting and onboarding, using innovative ideas such as bringing in interpreters, having specialist educators in disability services train managers and heightening staff awareness of cultural differences.

The program has made for a much more inclusive workplace with acceptance and tolerance being a key feature, and the result has been a noted improvement in workplace harmony. 

It has also been incredibly beneficial in assisting addressing a national problem, the shortage of attracting workers to the sector.

Iain McMurray, Facilities Director said the GROW program has been a wonderful initiative. 

“Together with Bendigo Health we hope to continue to provide long term sustainable employment opportunities which benefit the entire Bendigo community.”