Hot off the press: Laundry award winners named

By Wendy Shaw

Blueline Laundry has recognised the achievements of its diverse and inclusive workforce over the past year with special awards ceremonies held at both ends of the state.

The annual staff awards, at the laundry’s Hobart and Launceston sites, coincided with the International Day of People with Disability.

Blueline CEO Michael Sylvester said the laundry provided meaningful employment for people with a disability and from culturally diverse backgrounds.

“Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of our organisation and our challenge is how we embrace and leverage that,” he said.

With 240 staff across both sites, 35 percent are people with a disability and 35 percent from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The laundry employs people from 18 nationalities and 15 different languages.

“Our staff make this business happen,” Mr Sylvester added.

“With lots of hard work throughout the year, it is sometimes hard to pause to recognise achievements in a busy production environment. These awards are a chance to stop and reflect on exemplary performances from what we believe is Tasmania’s most inclusive work environment.

“They are also a chance for us to thank our customers and supporters who, by choosing to partner with Blueline Laundry, make a significant contribution to the social fabric of the community in which we all live and work.”

The Charles Mansfield Award, in recognition of the attitude, dedication and willingness to learn of a staff member living with disability, went to Ann Crossin (Hobart) and Dylan Barratt (Launceston). Catherine Hardstaff (Hobart) and Hayden Hill (Launceston) were commended.

The CEO Award for outstanding achievement and contribution went to Craig Davey (Hobart) and Bernadette Gillies (Launceston). Mr Davey is one of the longest serving employees at the laundry, having worked there for 35 years.

The Customer Service Award went to Damon Cook (Hobart) and Ian Gadsby (Launceston). Joanna Hargraves (Launceston) was commended.

The Diversity and Inclusion Award went to Malis Yunn (Hobart) and Jordyn Calvert and Mercy Alibor (Launceston).

Meanwhile, Blueline has made a clean sweep of honours over past months, winning a Tasmanian Community Achievement Award for innovation in supporting staff in need during COVID-19; a Tasmanian Disability Festival Award for ‘excellence in creating inclusive environments’; and a WorkSafe Tasmania award in recognition of its employee wellbeing-focused efforts during the pandemic.

Blueline is a registered charity, comes under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Hobart and is a Catholic values-based agency.