Aussie Biscuits to cook up Jam Drops and job opportunities in new factory

Posted 5 years ago by Nicole Pope
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Brett Lacey with Aussie Biscuits’ supported employees [Source: House with No Steps]
Brett Lacey with Aussie Biscuits’ supported employees [Source: House with No Steps]

A New South Wales biscuit baking business that has been creating employment opportunities for people with disability for over 40 years, has celebrated the opening of its new factory.

Aussie Biscuits, one of nine businesses owned and operated by disability service provider, House with No Steps (HWNS) opened a brand new factory in Forbes on Wednesday last week.

Executive Director of Businesses at HWNS, Brett Lacey says the Aussie Biscuits team is excited to bake their delicious, famous biscuits out of the new facility, which boasts new ovens from Italy, a specialised cool room, a mixing room for biscuit production, a new lunch room and a welcoming reception area.

“The new factory has been possible after we received $210,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund towards a $456,000 project to scale up our operations,” he explains.

“Moving to the new factory is a big milestone – some of our supported employees have been working at Aussie Biscuits for over 30 years.”

Mr Lacey welcomed the new chapter and says Aussie Biscuits will be able to bake even more biscuits and improve the lives of people with disability through meaningful employment.

“The new factory will also create much-needed employment opportunities for people with a disability in the area.”

Colin Ward is one of Aussie Biscuits’ 30 supported employees and has been working with the company for 30 years.

“I love making biscuits, and seeing all my friends and working with everybody,” he says.

“I’m excited to be in our new place. We’re now able to make even more biscuits.”

Federal Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack says the opening of the new factory is good for both the local community and local business.

“House with No Steps is doing a power of good in Forbes and this new Aussie Biscuits factory will continue its fine work,” he says.

“I particularly like the Jam Drop biscuits and I will be dropping in one day to take a tour of the new factory.”

Construction on the factory began in May 2018, with the official opening taking place last Wednesday.

For more information on Aussie Biscuits click here.