Warabrook laundry celebrates 20 years!

March 2023 marks 20 years since our Warabrook laundry first opened its doors. 

Throughout the past two decades, we have seen some incredible advancements, but we have always had the same mission, to help people with a disability live their best lives. 

“My favourite thing about the laundry is seeing our team come in each day with a smile. Everyone comes in and gives it their 100%. I know I’ve done my job when everyone leaves at the end of the day, still as happy as when they arrived. That tells me I’ve achieved my goal,” said Andrew Furner, Laundry Manager. 

There are currently 54 supported employees at the laundry, some of whom have been with us for over 20 years. 

“Some staff joined Aruma in Newcastle when it was just therapeutics and recycling. Now we have the commercial laundry, manufacturing, medical packs, and facility services, and those supported employees are still here. While some choose to go into open employment (which is awesome), a lot choose to stay because of the support and respect at the laundry,” continued Andrew.  

This year Christine is celebrating 17 years with Aruma, and 2023 also marks 15 years for Glen. This dynamic duo are well known and loved by their colleagues, and they plan to work at Aruma for many more years to come.  

“Christine and Glenn would remember when our equipment was similar to a laundromat. Now we have amazing overhead rail systems that can sort 5-10 tonnes of linen in the roof. We do about 10-15 tonnes of linen every day, and we service big hotel chains like Novotel, Mercure, Rydges, and Crowne Plaza,” said Andrew.  

The team recently welcomed locals to the laundry for a tour, lunch, and refreshments to celebrate the 20th anniversary.  

It was a fantastic event, and local media also attended. Check out the story from the Newcastle Herald and NBN News. 

Congrats to the laundry team, and here’s to another 20 years.  

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