1
00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:02,800
Speaker 1: As you would have heard us discussing throughout this morning,

2
00:00:03,400 --> 00:00:06,320
Speaker 1: we know that HPA have issued a statement. I read

3
00:00:06,320 --> 00:00:08,600
Speaker 1: it out live on air a little earlier today while

4
00:00:08,640 --> 00:00:13,040
Speaker 1: interviewing Simone Saunders, the CEO of the City of Darwin. Now,

5
00:00:13,760 --> 00:00:18,680
Speaker 1: the statement says, on behalf of HPA's board, President Barry Thomas,

6
00:00:18,680 --> 00:00:21,239
Speaker 1: would like to inform the community of the sad news

7
00:00:21,560 --> 00:00:25,600
Speaker 1: that the contract HPA has to run Shoal Bay Trash

8
00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:28,840
Speaker 1: and Treasure with the City of Darwin has ended and

9
00:00:28,920 --> 00:00:32,000
Speaker 1: our last day is going to be the thirtieth of

10
00:00:32,120 --> 00:00:35,839
Speaker 1: January next year. Now joining me on the line is

11
00:00:36,159 --> 00:00:42,839
Speaker 1: helping people achieves. Acting CEO Stephanie Ransom, Good morning to you, Stephanie.

12
00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:46,000
Speaker 2: Good morning, Katie, Good morning to your listeners.

13
00:00:46,040 --> 00:00:49,479
Speaker 1: Thanks so much for your time this morning. Now, Stephanie,

14
00:00:50,240 --> 00:00:52,320
Speaker 1: what has happened with this tender?

15
00:00:53,680 --> 00:00:57,920
Speaker 2: So it's been a normal tender process. So City of

16
00:00:58,000 --> 00:01:01,840
Speaker 2: Darwin used Tenderlink and we knew that the contract was

17
00:01:01,880 --> 00:01:06,080
Speaker 2: coming up for retendering, and of course we submitted our

18
00:01:06,160 --> 00:01:09,679
Speaker 2: tender and on this occasion we were just not lucky

19
00:01:09,760 --> 00:01:14,440
Speaker 2: enough to secure it moving forward. So we're devastated, of course,

20
00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:20,840
Speaker 2: and we will work with the new contractors Resource Recovery

21
00:01:20,880 --> 00:01:24,480
Speaker 2: Australia in a transition to the end of January. But

22
00:01:24,600 --> 00:01:29,440
Speaker 2: our biggest focuses around our people, so our staff and

23
00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:33,480
Speaker 2: our supported employees and supporting them through the end of

24
00:01:33,520 --> 00:01:34,200
Speaker 2: the contract.

25
00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:39,480
Speaker 1: Stephanie, can you talk me through how many staff actually

26
00:01:39,600 --> 00:01:43,960
Speaker 1: work at shoul Bay and at the Trash and Treasure

27
00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:45,000
Speaker 1: recycling shop.

28
00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:50,640
Speaker 2: Yes, so we have sort of a mix of staff

29
00:01:50,680 --> 00:01:55,440
Speaker 2: and people with disability, so around fifteen people. Some are

30
00:01:55,920 --> 00:01:58,840
Speaker 2: permanent part times, some are full time, some are casual,

31
00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:02,080
Speaker 2: a mix and a mix of people with a range

32
00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:06,280
Speaker 2: of abilities, and we will be working, you know, to

33
00:02:06,440 --> 00:02:09,600
Speaker 2: make sure that they have ongoing employment. I need to

34
00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:14,639
Speaker 2: reassure all your listeners that are supported employees, So people

35
00:02:14,680 --> 00:02:19,440
Speaker 2: with disabilities, them and their families were notified yesterday and

36
00:02:19,480 --> 00:02:23,400
Speaker 2: they will. They have options to stay with h if

37
00:02:23,440 --> 00:02:26,760
Speaker 2: they want to transition over to the new provider if

38
00:02:26,760 --> 00:02:29,520
Speaker 2: that's what they want, so and the same for our

39
00:02:29,560 --> 00:02:33,280
Speaker 2: staff as well, they can be We're working with them

40
00:02:33,440 --> 00:02:37,359
Speaker 2: on if they want to go and work with the

41
00:02:37,840 --> 00:02:40,200
Speaker 2: new provider, we will work with them as well. So

42
00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:44,200
Speaker 2: we do have a meeting tomorrow with the new provider,

43
00:02:44,360 --> 00:02:47,919
Speaker 2: the new contractor. Sorry, so we can understand what their

44
00:02:47,960 --> 00:02:50,800
Speaker 2: position is and how they want the transition to go,

45
00:02:51,440 --> 00:02:56,160
Speaker 2: but ultimately it's the end of something fantastic. Should Bay

46
00:02:56,240 --> 00:02:59,400
Speaker 2: Trash and Treasure is really great and I know that

47
00:02:59,480 --> 00:03:02,680
Speaker 2: you're listening in the community. I spent lots of time

48
00:03:03,880 --> 00:03:07,560
Speaker 2: in the recycle store and we will miss it. We

49
00:03:07,639 --> 00:03:10,480
Speaker 2: will miss the community. But it's been a really great

50
00:03:10,560 --> 00:03:14,360
Speaker 2: six years. And as we know, Tony Burns, the great

51
00:03:14,440 --> 00:03:19,360
Speaker 2: character of the territory started that six years ago after

52
00:03:19,400 --> 00:03:22,320
Speaker 2: a process we went through. So we are sad, but

53
00:03:22,400 --> 00:03:25,440
Speaker 2: we've learned lots and we've met lots of wonderful people.

54
00:03:25,680 --> 00:03:29,000
Speaker 1: Stephanie, what was it like yesterday making those phone calls

55
00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:33,560
Speaker 1: to the staff and to those that have been working

56
00:03:33,600 --> 00:03:36,240
Speaker 1: out there with a disability. What was the reaction?

57
00:03:37,680 --> 00:03:42,360
Speaker 2: So I got the email from the council on Monday,

58
00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:46,000
Speaker 2: and I didn't share it with anybody because it was

59
00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:48,640
Speaker 2: late Monday night when I read it. I didn't share

60
00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:50,760
Speaker 2: it with anyone. I can tell you I didn't sleep. Oh,

61
00:03:50,800 --> 00:03:53,240
Speaker 2: I shared it with my husband. Of course. I didn't

62
00:03:53,280 --> 00:03:57,200
Speaker 2: sleep Monday night, and I have to say it was

63
00:03:57,520 --> 00:04:01,400
Speaker 2: probably my worst working day ever giving that news to people.

64
00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:05,760
Speaker 2: But staff were aware that you know we'd tendered and

65
00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:08,120
Speaker 2: it was coming, you know that there was a possibility

66
00:04:08,360 --> 00:04:10,400
Speaker 2: that we may not get the tender because you know,

67
00:04:11,400 --> 00:04:14,920
Speaker 2: you can't be one hundred percent sure, but still giving

68
00:04:14,920 --> 00:04:19,160
Speaker 2: that message to staff, it's it's it's really devastating. And

69
00:04:19,240 --> 00:04:22,599
Speaker 2: I think the thing that we have to and we

70
00:04:22,720 --> 00:04:24,719
Speaker 2: as in HPA in the community, you have to understand

71
00:04:24,760 --> 00:04:28,400
Speaker 2: is some people who work for us do have autism,

72
00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:33,800
Speaker 2: and you know, maintly with families, with staff, with our

73
00:04:33,800 --> 00:04:39,200
Speaker 2: supported employees in that transition, even you know, stopping working

74
00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:41,880
Speaker 2: at Trash and Treasure and maybe coming to OS Designs

75
00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:46,560
Speaker 2: or to Coocoda Industries or breaking ground, that's a big transition.

76
00:04:46,680 --> 00:04:49,440
Speaker 2: So we will work, you know, with everyone to make

77
00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:52,279
Speaker 2: sure that that's as smooth a transition as we possibly can.

78
00:04:52,640 --> 00:04:56,080
Speaker 2: But also for our staff working with our partners. So

79
00:04:56,680 --> 00:04:59,520
Speaker 2: we do have contacts with Volia, so we work with

80
00:04:59,560 --> 00:05:02,880
Speaker 2: Voli at the waste transfer stations at Shoal Bay and Archers.

81
00:05:03,080 --> 00:05:05,920
Speaker 2: So we're also approached them to see what roles they've

82
00:05:05,960 --> 00:05:08,600
Speaker 2: got for our staff so that our staff have options

83
00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:11,480
Speaker 2: they don't necessarily have to go with the new provider.

84
00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:14,239
Speaker 1: Yeah, that's really good to hear and unpleased that HPA

85
00:05:14,640 --> 00:05:19,000
Speaker 1: is doing that. I mean, master's still been devastating for

86
00:05:19,080 --> 00:05:20,160
Speaker 1: those staff members.

87
00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:24,760
Speaker 2: Yeah, you know, it's a big chunk of who HPAU is.

88
00:05:25,680 --> 00:05:28,560
Speaker 2: And you know, we're very proud of Sheolbay Trash and

89
00:05:28,600 --> 00:05:33,080
Speaker 2: Treasure and we've worked really well with the council and

90
00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:35,200
Speaker 2: you know, the community will see the work that we've

91
00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:38,000
Speaker 2: done recently on the yard because there was you know,

92
00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:40,680
Speaker 2: it's quite muddy and flushy in the wet season. So

93
00:05:40,720 --> 00:05:44,039
Speaker 2: we've worked with Biolia to put a new yard down,

94
00:05:44,520 --> 00:05:49,919
Speaker 2: ground down. So we've been working very, very hard. And look,

95
00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:53,520
Speaker 2: it's going to be great because the recycle shop will continue,

96
00:05:53,520 --> 00:05:56,039
Speaker 2: but it will be a different name and a different organization.

97
00:05:57,440 --> 00:05:59,880
Speaker 1: Now. In terms of the feedback that you were then

98
00:06:00,120 --> 00:06:03,719
Speaker 1: given by the council, I mean like there's a lot

99
00:06:03,760 --> 00:06:05,800
Speaker 1: of people really going, well, hang on a set. We've

100
00:06:05,800 --> 00:06:10,880
Speaker 1: got a local business or a local organization here, HPA

101
00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:16,520
Speaker 1: that is actually helping Territorians into the workforce. You know,

102
00:06:16,640 --> 00:06:19,760
Speaker 1: those with disabilities that may not like that, may find

103
00:06:19,760 --> 00:06:23,120
Speaker 1: it really difficult ordinarily to be able to enter the

104
00:06:23,160 --> 00:06:27,320
Speaker 1: workforce working out there at that shop, you know, and

105
00:06:27,440 --> 00:06:30,680
Speaker 1: that that has now the tender has now been replaced

106
00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:34,880
Speaker 1: with an interstate business. I mean, what's like, what was

107
00:06:34,880 --> 00:06:38,479
Speaker 1: the feedback that was provided to you guys by the council.

108
00:06:39,360 --> 00:06:43,280
Speaker 2: So we haven't got that far yet, Katie, So and

109
00:06:43,320 --> 00:06:45,560
Speaker 2: we will get to that. We will seek feedback on

110
00:06:45,600 --> 00:06:49,320
Speaker 2: our submission. Are our main focus is our PIP where

111
00:06:49,320 --> 00:06:52,880
Speaker 2: we you know, where we failed or fell down or

112
00:06:52,920 --> 00:06:55,200
Speaker 2: what it is that we didn't put in our submission

113
00:06:56,520 --> 00:06:59,240
Speaker 2: and then you know, we can then move from that

114
00:06:59,279 --> 00:07:00,000
Speaker 2: as we move forward.

115
00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:05,440
Speaker 1: Yeah, oh, Stephanie, what a tough time for you guys,

116
00:07:05,520 --> 00:07:08,440
Speaker 1: and so tough for you know, for all of the staff,

117
00:07:08,520 --> 00:07:13,920
Speaker 1: but particularly those who, as you've said, you know, uh

118
00:07:14,080 --> 00:07:17,720
Speaker 1: that routine and going out there and working is such

119
00:07:17,760 --> 00:07:19,520
Speaker 1: a huge part of their lives.

120
00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:25,800
Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, I'm one. So we spoke individually to families

121
00:07:26,160 --> 00:07:29,560
Speaker 2: and to staff and employees and one mum was in absolute,

122
00:07:30,720 --> 00:07:35,600
Speaker 2: really emotional yesterday because her child with disability who works

123
00:07:35,600 --> 00:07:38,840
Speaker 2: at Trush and Treasure has got their driver's license and

124
00:07:39,040 --> 00:07:41,360
Speaker 2: they've had they're on a pee plate and they have

125
00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:44,560
Speaker 2: just had the courage to drive to Trush and Treasure

126
00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:47,520
Speaker 2: for their shift once a week and so that will

127
00:07:47,560 --> 00:07:50,560
Speaker 2: now have to be a change for that employee to drive,

128
00:07:50,720 --> 00:07:53,440
Speaker 2: learn to drive to a new place. So these things

129
00:07:53,440 --> 00:07:56,640
Speaker 2: are really part and parcel of what HPA does. So

130
00:07:57,040 --> 00:08:00,000
Speaker 2: whilst we employ people and you know, we give them

131
00:08:00,200 --> 00:08:01,680
Speaker 2: job and they come to work and they do that,

132
00:08:01,960 --> 00:08:04,400
Speaker 2: it's so much more than just work at HPA. There's

133
00:08:04,440 --> 00:08:08,600
Speaker 2: all this other underpinning things that happen for an individual

134
00:08:09,080 --> 00:08:14,160
Speaker 2: and it does affect people, affects the individual and their families,

135
00:08:14,240 --> 00:08:17,480
Speaker 2: and it will take time for them to recover, but

136
00:08:17,880 --> 00:08:20,960
Speaker 2: that's what HPA does. We will support them and you know,

137
00:08:21,800 --> 00:08:24,680
Speaker 2: in twenty twenty five we'll find a new business unit

138
00:08:24,840 --> 00:08:27,000
Speaker 2: and we'll have something new that we'll be able to

139
00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:29,680
Speaker 2: offer the community. But most of all, I want to

140
00:08:29,720 --> 00:08:32,320
Speaker 2: say to you and your listeners and the community of

141
00:08:32,360 --> 00:08:35,040
Speaker 2: Dawe and Palms and thank you for all the wonderful

142
00:08:35,080 --> 00:08:38,800
Speaker 2: messages that you have sent us. And you know, we

143
00:08:38,880 --> 00:08:41,880
Speaker 2: find it very humbling how much you appreciate what we

144
00:08:41,960 --> 00:08:44,680
Speaker 2: do and the staff and how hard they've worked and

145
00:08:44,679 --> 00:08:47,280
Speaker 2: our support and employees, So thank you so much and

146
00:08:47,320 --> 00:08:48,640
Speaker 2: we really do appreciate it.

147
00:08:48,679 --> 00:08:52,760
Speaker 1: Ohean. People are fired up, they're ready to fight for HPI.

148
00:08:53,920 --> 00:08:57,800
Speaker 2: Thank you. We're ready to fight. We've still sort of

149
00:08:57,800 --> 00:08:59,959
Speaker 2: in shock and you know that emotion, but you know

150
00:09:00,200 --> 00:09:03,199
Speaker 2: you always have that fire in your belly. We wouldn't

151
00:09:03,200 --> 00:09:05,240
Speaker 2: be we wouldn't do what we do every day if

152
00:09:05,240 --> 00:09:08,720
Speaker 2: we didn't have that fire in our bellies. But for us,

153
00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:12,320
Speaker 2: it's about making sure Pa and you know, come and

154
00:09:12,360 --> 00:09:15,240
Speaker 2: see us on International Day for People with Disabilities. We've

155
00:09:15,240 --> 00:09:18,160
Speaker 2: got a pop up shop at Bunnings Palmerstan. We're doing

156
00:09:18,160 --> 00:09:21,640
Speaker 2: our fottages and selling our new products. Come and see

157
00:09:21,720 --> 00:09:24,720
Speaker 2: us and show us your support. And all our supported

158
00:09:24,760 --> 00:09:27,480
Speaker 2: employees have made something that will be sold in the

159
00:09:27,480 --> 00:09:28,160
Speaker 2: pop up shop.

160
00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:30,599
Speaker 1: That is awesome. What dates that, Stephanie?

161
00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:35,120
Speaker 2: The December third is International Day for People with Disabilities

162
00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:38,360
Speaker 2: is celebrated every year on the same data around the world.

163
00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:42,800
Speaker 1: Wonderful stuff. Well, look, I really appreciate your time this morning.

164
00:09:43,480 --> 00:09:45,520
Speaker 1: I'm sorry that it's on sort of such a low

165
00:09:45,600 --> 00:09:48,800
Speaker 1: note for you guys, but like you said, you know,

166
00:09:48,960 --> 00:09:51,520
Speaker 1: please do take heart in the level of support that

167
00:09:51,559 --> 00:09:54,679
Speaker 1: you're getting from the community. Even before I got on

168
00:09:54,840 --> 00:09:57,840
Speaker 1: air this morning, we were getting in undated with messages,

169
00:09:57,920 --> 00:10:00,280
Speaker 1: So I think that that really goes to show you

170
00:10:01,120 --> 00:10:03,960
Speaker 1: that people have loved what you've been doing out there.

171
00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:06,920
Speaker 2: Thank you, and I'm actually going to drive out to

172
00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:08,960
Speaker 2: Trash and Treasure now and just pass that on to

173
00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:11,720
Speaker 2: everybody out there because that will help them, because I

174
00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:15,600
Speaker 2: can't imagine how they all the different individuals will be

175
00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:18,520
Speaker 2: feeling right now, but that will help them. And thank you.

176
00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:20,800
Speaker 2: And when you go to Trash and Treasure, give them

177
00:10:20,880 --> 00:10:23,400
Speaker 2: your support, tell them what a fabulous job they've been doing.

178
00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:28,000
Speaker 1: Yeah, great stuff, seany Yeah, thank you, thanks so much,

179
00:10:28,040 --> 00:10:29,920
Speaker 1: and keep us up to date with how things. Do

180
00:10:30,480 --> 00:10:32,720
Speaker 1: you know how that that does all go in terms

181
00:10:32,720 --> 00:10:34,960
Speaker 1: of that transition, but we'd be really keen to stay

182
00:10:34,960 --> 00:10:35,560
Speaker 1: in contact.

183
00:10:35,559 --> 00:10:39,000
Speaker 2: Thank you again, Stephanie, thank you, Katie, Thank everyone. Bye

184
00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:39,240
Speaker 2: bye