Geelong Disabled Peoples’ Industries (GDP) had the honour of finishing as a finalist in three categories at the 2019 Deakin University Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
Offering long-term supported employment to people with a disability, GDP was a finalist in the Inclusive & Accessible Business, Health Promoting Workplace and Clever & Sustainable Business categories.
GDP Industries began in 1967 with a purpose to provide meaningful, sustainable work for local people with a disability.
“Supported employees are provided with a mix of skills, training and task rotation opportunities across a range of work areas such as packaging, textiles, woodwork, and steel and resource recovery,” GDP’s awards entry says.
GDP Industries’ initial contract with Coca-Cola initially employed six men repairing soft drink crates for 10 cents each.
Today GDP Industries employs 70 people with a disability and 90 overall at its facilities in Baxter Rd and Slevin Str, North Geelong, and at City of Greater Geelong’s Resource Recovery Centre.
“With a consistent Geelong focus, its customers over the past 52 years have included the who’s who of Geelong industry,” the entry says.
Along with recycling and sustainability services, GDP Industries also provides housing in the Geelong region for people with a disability.
GDP also owns DAL’s Lt Ryrie St facility to help people with a disability learn food and catering skills.
“GDP Industries continues to live its vision of ensuring that people with a disability have a purposeful life through meaningful and sustainable work,” the entry says.
“What sets it apart is its sustainability and community focus, and the way it has constantly valued its employees as much as its customers over the past 52 years.”
