WA-based disability employment provider Workpower has agreed to take over Activ Foundation's large-scale worksites, securing employment for 600 people with disability.
Western Australia-based disability employment provider Workpower has agreed to take over Activ Foundation's large-scale worksites, securing employment for 600 people with disability.
This announcement comes more than six months after the federal government provided a $7.85 million lifeline to keep the sites owned by the struggling charity.
In the latest development, Premier Mark McGowan and WA Disability Services Minister Don Punch announced Workpower would acquire Activ Foundation’s WA worksites.
There were concerns more than 700 people with disability could be left without employment when Activ said it would shut down seven of its worksites in May last year, following a major restructure.
At the time, Bentley, Osborne Park, Rockingham, Bunbury, Busselton, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton were named as the sites set to close.
Workpower chief executive Lee Broomhall indicated around 600 people would continue in their current place of employment.
"We are humbled by the confidence shown in us by Activ and excited by and committed to the responsibility we now have to provide a secure employment future for around 600 employees with disability,” Ms Broomhall said.
Mr Punch said the sector has worked together to support the acquisition process.
"The collective work by the group of Western Australian Disability Enterprises to achieve alternative options for around 600 workers facing job losses at Activ has been remarkable,” he said.
Activ Foundation chief executive Michael Heath said the acquisition would allow the charity to concentrate on the sustainability of its services and supports.
"All of us at Activ Foundation are focused on ensuring Activ remains here for the WA disability community for the long term, improving lives sustainably,” he said.
According to Data & Insights, Workpower is WA’s second largest employment service provider.
The acquisition is scheduled to be completed by June 30 this year.
This announcement comes three months after Activ Foundation dropped from its place as the largest charity in WA, suffering a financial loss of $10.8 million.
Activ Foundation has dropped to third largest charitable organisation in WA according to Business News’ Data & Insights.
