NEWS
POSITIVE EXPANSiON
BY CHARLENE MACAULAY EMPLOYMENT services provider MatchWorks is gearing up for a big 2013 when it expands interstate for the first time. MatchWorks, which currently operates from 23 locations – including Werribee, Airport West, Footscray, Flemington, Melton, St Albans and Sunshine – will grow to 55 sites from 1 March 2013, including offices in Queensland and South Australia. The major expansion has been made possible after MatchWorks won the Federal Government’s Disability Employment Services tender. MatchWorks is a division of Karingal, a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services for people with a disability or mental illness, older Australians and those who are disadvantaged. MatchWorks General Manager Michael Wasley, who started as a MatchWorks consultant when the business opened in 1998, has seen the provider grow steadily since starting out with two offices in Geelong and Bacchus Marsh. “Now we’re on performance-based contracts, we’ve been successful in performing well enough that we’ve steadily grown at the end of each contract to now be a large national employment services provider,” Mr Wasley said.
MatchWorks General Manager Michael Wasley (centre), with staff Adrian Cugliari, Alysha Grandy, Narelle Ling, Jodie Hajduk and Lesley Bramich. Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT “This program we’ve won is a specific service for people with disabilities, which is Karingal’s mission and vision. “We believe that by going interstate, it could help provide some community services that aren’t being met in these new locations, so Karingal could eventually provide its other services in those locations off the back of MatchWorks entering into those areas. “I believe that our success is due to the fact that we are part of a not-for-profit organisation, and we really live our mission every day. “Our staff go the extra mile for their clients. They’re passionate about supporting them to improve their lives, and I believe it shows in our results. “We very much have a focus on what’s best for the job seeker in the medium to long-term. “We believe employment is a very big part of people feeling socially included within their community, and not only does it give you extra
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resources to make more choices in your life, but it certainly gives you a sense of belonging to your local community.” Today, MatchWorks has 350 staff supporting more than 22,000 people looking for work. MatchWorks is expected to appoint about 60 new staff members as part of the expansion. Mr Wasley said MatchWorks had been busy scouting new locations, including office space in Frankston, Dandenong, Ringwood, Box Hill and Glen Waverley. There will also be a few part-time locations across the state. “It’s very busy (handling the expansion). “No matter how much planning you do… once you find out what the reality is like, there’s always some things you haven’t quite ticked off yet. We’ll get there, but it’s going to be a very busy three month period.” [BW]
I believe that our success is due to the fact that we are part of a not-for-profit organisation, and we really live our mission every day.… MICHAEL WASLEY
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