ALISON BYRNES MP
MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM
The Flagstaff Group, one of our leading disability enterprise and service providers in Unanderra, has received a critical $150,000 funding boost from the Albanese Labor Government to support its recovery efforts following a devastating fire at its main building on 26 December 2024.
The fire caused significant damage to Flagstaff’s Commercial Laundry packing and dispatch area, as well as its Fine Foods disability enterprise, forcing over 120 supported employees to be stood down while investigations and recovery efforts took place.
Despite the setback, Flagstaff swiftly activated a Business Continuity Plan, implementing temporary solutions to maintain services. However, 40 supported employees remained on stand-down due to the lack of a safe work environment.
This boost will allow Flagstaff to establish two demountable structures – a temporary office and training space, along with a first aid and break room. These essential facilities will provide a much-needed transition space for employees as operations resume and for the executive arm of the business to return to full capacity.
The Flagstaff Group and their employees have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, absorbing costs to retain over 30 employees in other business units and reaching out to thousands of local businesses for support.
With funding secured for the new temporary facilities, the organisation can now focus on rebuilding and ensuring a smooth transition back to work for all affected employees.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:
“This funding for the Flagstaff Group will help the organisation to continue providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability while they work towards a full recovery.
“Employees are at the heart of everything they do at Flagstaff, and this support from the Albanese Labor Government will ensure they have a safe and suitable environment to return to.”
“I would like to thank the Minister for Social Services and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP for her steadfast support of this great local organisation.
“The Albanese Labor Government will always work with people with disability and their support organisations to ensure a safer, more inclusive future for all Australians with disability.
Quotes attributable to CEO of the Flagstaff Group, Rodney Von Clark:
“The Flagstaff Group sincerely thanks Alison Byrnes MP for her support during this challenging time. This funding will make a meaningful difference in helping us reestablish essential facilities and support our employees in their return to work.
“Her genuine concern for our team and the people we support has been greatly appreciated during this difficult period. We truly appreciate Alison’s advocacy and commitment to our integrated organisation and the wider community."
"We are also incredibly grateful to Minister Amanda Rishworth for her support. This assistance will help us move forward and ensure our employees have a safe and welcoming space to return to."
