2/11/2007
Bentley business, Sun Laundry, was recently honoured with a national award for promoting cultural diversity in the workplace. The business beat strong competition to receive first place in the 7th Annual Diversity @ Work Awards, held at a gala dinner in front of 650 guests at Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Complex on November 1, 2007.
atWork Australia nominated Sun Laundry for the award in the CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) category. Debbie Van Lith, Marketing Consultant from the Northbridge atWork Australia office, accompanied the owner of Sun Laundry, Ron Taylor, to the award ceremony. Debbie, together with Post Placement Support Coordinator, Sharyn Smailes, has worked closely with Sun Laundry, developing a close understanding of their business requirements. In the past 12 months, atWork Australia has placed 18 job seekers with Sun Laundry.
According to Ron, Sun Laundry “have people with all kinds of backgrounds and skills and they just need someone to give them a go and be accepting of their cultural needs.” Sun Laundry utilises specialist technical support from the atWork Australia team. The synergy between Sun Laundry and atWork Australia assists in the management of barriers, helping employees become part of the Sun Laundry team. The workforce has significantly returned on this investment with minimal staff turnover.
Sun Laundry has built up a staff of 75 people from over 20 nations in just over five years. Nationalities of staff include English, New Zealand, Italian, Yugoslav, Thai, Egyptian, Iranian, Sudanese, Somalian and Afghani. Sun Laundry has provided training and employment opportunities to over 70 indigenous Australians. Investment in staff has been integral in Sun Laundry’s success. "Any employer in W.A. who does not recognise the need for investment in alternative labour strategies, in a tight labour market, is missing a huge opportunity," said Ron.
"We have worked closely with atWork Australia in developing their understanding of our needs and supporting our phenomenal growth with the right candidates," Ron Taylor, Sun Laundry.