By CASEY NEILL
CHAIRS hardly seem like a workplace luxury.
But Gateway Industries in Dandenong has been dealing with mismatched, uncomfortable and dilapidated seating in its processing area for years.
A $4000 donation from the Dandenong State Trustees office last week will replace them.
“The ones we’ve got are falling apart and they’re a bit of an OH and S issue,” Gateway Industries CEO Alan Warwick said.
Any leftover cash will replace chairs in the lunch room.
“It will make such a difference,” Mr Warwick said.
“The ones we’ve had have all been donated over the years. They’re mismatched and have screws falling out.”
Gateway Industries offers employment for people with a disability in process packaging, woodwork, garden maintenance, litter pick-up and bin cleaning.
“It makes them feel part of the community and worthwhile,” Mr Warwick said.
“To me, it gives them a purpose.
“They’re here at 6am even before the gates are open!
“When they’re working for us they’re working with their peers and they’re a bit more comfortable.”
The workplace recently held a bowling day for them on a Saturday.
“There’s a social side of things as well,” he said.
“We don’t treat them like they’ve got a disability. It’s not what they can’t do, it’s what they can do.”
Mr Warwick said he was shocked to receive the donation from the State Trustees.
Employees donate part of their wages each week to the company’s Wholehearted Giving program and every second year choose a cause to donate to.
“I’m really proud to think that we’re making some difference and got recognised for what we’re offering to people,” he said.
“I’m proud to think that what we do got recognised by somebody other than the people within our Gateway community.”
