By Casey Neill
A Dandenong disability enterprise is reeling after the City of Casey ended its eight-year relationship.
Gateway Industries CEO Alan Warwick said it was “a kick in the guts more than anything” to miss out on the contract to provide mulching, weeding and planting throughout the municipality.
He said the decision would affect two supervisors and eight to 12 employees.
“We’ve had a contract for eight years,” Mr Warwick said.
“We worked with them prior to that through Fulton Hogan (as a subcontractor).
“We’ve never had anything but positive feedback.
“I’m deeply hurt.”
The registered charity that offers employment, training and support for adults with disabilities in Greater Dandenong and Casey started more than 30 years ago as a Rotary Club of Dandenong initiative.
Mr Warwick said the council told him the decision was based on price but did not provide further explanation.
“Our guys average $4.80 to $6 an hour plus a supervisor,” he said.
Mr Warwick said he was now looking for other outdoor gardening work “to keep these guys employed and having a meaningful life, basically”.
“I understand they’ve got a business to run as well,” he said.
Gateway president Russell Smith said the news had “really hit us hard” and would have a big impact on the budget.
“It’s going to cause us quite a lot of challenge,” he said.
“It’s pretty devastating for us.”
City of Casey city presentation manager David Richardson said Gateway Industries was previously one of a panel of contractors on a fixed term.
“The contract was let in July 2013 for two years with an option of two one-year extensions,” he said.
“The expiry date of the contract was fixed and known for all contractors with the final extension of the contract in 2016.
“Gateway Industries would have received 12 months’ notice that the contract would expire in July 2017.”
Mr Richardson said the tender for the service was publicly advertised on 6 May and closed on 31 May, and the council received 25 submissions.
“Following a rigorous evaluation process against established criteria, including price and quality considerations, the recommendation was for the contract to be awarded to a panel of six providers,” he said.
The council endorsed the decision on 15 August.
“Due to the competitive and transparent process in tendering, previous contractors may miss out on the new contracts,” he said.
“We understand that the process may cause disappointment for the old contractors when they have previously delivered a good service.
“Council would like to acknowledge the work previously undertaken by Gateway Industries.
“The energy and enthusiasm Gateway staff approached their work made them a pleasure to work with.”
Councillor Amanda Stapeldon said she was a long-time supporter of Gateway but was totally removed from the tender process.
She said she was pushing for more council engagement with disability groups.
Gateway Industries has provided street furniture cleaning and litter pick-up services to Greater Dandenong Council for more than 25 years, and garden maintenance to Greenways Retirement Village in Seaford for more than 15 years.
