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New Clean Force social enterprise employment hub opens in Melbourne’s north

Multi-award winning social enterprise, Clean Force Property Services, has announced the opening of a new depot in Heidelberg West, marked with a celebration from The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services.

The Hon Bill Shorten, MP with Jim Dinuccio cutting the ribbon at Clean Force Heidelberg's launch event

Clean Force, part of WISE Employment, provides quality commercial cleaning services and job opportunities for people from all walks of life. This includes those receiving NDIS Funding, Disability Support Pensions, and people living with mental health challenges.

The new building was purchased in January this year, and involved Clean Force relocating from Preston after years of strong growth.

WISE Social Enterprises as a whole employs 450 staff and generates $22 million in revenue, with the Heidelberg West depot currently employing approximately 300 people and generating $10.5 million in revenue.

The goal is to employ another 50 people in the next 12 months at Heidelberg West, to service more than 200 different sites from this depot.

WISE Employment CEO, Matthew Lambelle, says this is an exciting milestone for both WISE and Clean Force.

WISE Employment CEO, Matthew Lambelle, giving a speech at Clean Force Heidelberg's launch event

“Clean Force has the power to change lives through employment by giving people a chance to overcome difficulties in finding a job. We are giving deserving people the opportunity to earn an income, be independent and experience the many benefits that come with sustainable employment, especially for mental health,” he says.

“The new depot is a major milestone and allows us room to continue supporting and giving hope to Australians wanting to join the workforce.”

Operating since 2001, Clean Force has supported people such as Amy who has been working with the company for a year and a half.

Clean Force employee, Amy, giving a speech at Clean Force Heidelberg's launch event

“Being a part of the community with Clean Force shows how they really help in getting jobs for people with disabilities of all different types. It’s allowed me to meet great people and have them not only as workmates but more like family. My mental health is great and having a job with Clean Force has really changed my life. I’ve never been this happy,” she says.

Clean Force generates a positive economic impact, with a 2020 report from Social Ventures Australia reporting that for every $1 invested in Clean Force, $6.50 is generated in social value.

Stage set up with two Clean Force vans on either side at Clean Force Heidelberg deopt

The new Clean Force depot is now open at 10 Beatrice Ave, Heidelberg West, Victoria.

Learn more about working at Clean Force.

Team Stories: Lilith Slater

Team stories featuring graphics of animated people standing in a line behind bubbles blue

Today we caught up with our newest recruit, Lilith Slater, who is the Employee Support Officer at our Clean Force Preston office. Lilith spoke to us about her experience with the NDIS and her plans for her new role. Read more below.

Tell us a little bit about your background working with the NDIS.

Before my role at Clean Force, I was a Disability Support Officer/Program Facilitator with two different organisations over the past three years. During this time, I learned so much about the NDIS and Not-for-profit organisations. I have also supported family members with understanding and joining the NDIS.

What are you excited about for your new role?

In my new role as Employee Support Officer, I am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of how the NDIS works regarding supported employment and the behind-the-scenes work that is necessary to make it happen. I am also eager to highlight the importance of employment for people with disability and how it increases their quality of life, self-esteem and self-satisfaction. I have already learned so much about the employees I support, and I cannot wait to provide them with the support they need.

What kind of things will you be working on with the team?

Some of my main projects will be; bringing on new employees to join Clean Force’s already amazing ‘Supported Employee’ crew, networking further between WISE Employment, Clean Force and other service providers to provide employment for people with disability, and ensuring that our supported employees get the high-quality support that they need.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

The best advice I have received would be to take a chance. If you think you may be able to do something but you aren’t 100% sure you are capable, reach out and give it a shot. The chances are that you are your own limitation and don’t see yourself in the same brilliant way that others see you.

Learn about Clean Force services

Five years of service at Clean Force in Bendigo

Bendigo team including Richard, Michael, Rory, and Simon all huddled together smiling at the camera

The team at Clean Force would like to extend a huge congratulations to our Bendigo team: Simon, Rory, Richard and Michael for completing five years of service with the company.

Simon, Rory, Richard, and Michael joined the Bendigo team in 2016 when Clean Force won a commercial contract with Telstra. The team was initially responsible for gardening and cleaning Telstra regional sites across Bendigo, Shepparton, and Kerang. Since then, the team in Bendigo has doubled in size, while continuing to provide exceptional service across construction sites, government, and private offices.

We asked the team about their highlights while working at Clean Force over the last five years, here’s what they had to say:

Michael

After losing my old job, I was very thankful to work with Clean Force. Because of Clean Force supporting me, I have found other work I can do. I was also able to save and purchase a property near Bendigo – I now have around 50 sheep on it. I would never have been able to buy this property without Clean Force and the knowledge of farming and responsibility Richard has taught me.

Simon

Without Clean Force, I would be sitting at home seven days per week. The social contacts are priceless, my confidence has improved, and I can now have regular conversations with others and not just my family.

Rory

I work on an independent site two days per week. I can have chats with others at work, and I have my own money to buy things, including getting a coffee down the street. It’s given me the independence I thought I could never have. Thanks, Clean Force.

Richard (Team Leader)

When another company made us redundant, my first concern was my team and not knowing what would happen. When we contacted Clean Force, they said they wanted to take my whole team – it was a sense of relief. I have seen the Bendigo team double in size in the last five years. Clean Force and its management team have supported people in our area to work and give us a chance to contribute to the community. The Bendigo team all live with disability or illness in one form or another, but each one of them has shown themselves to be an integral part of our team. My biggest highlight is knowing our team has thrived and has changed so many lives for the better – not just our Clean Force staff but their families as well.

Four men standing in front of a van. One man is holding a certificate. — Bendigo Team: Michael, Simon, Rory, and Richard

Learn about Clean Force services