SEPTEMBER 2020 -  UPDATE

FOR OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS & SUPPORTERS

Firstly, thank you all so much for your continued support. It is truly making a difference in the lives of our workers and the gardens of Canberra and Queanbeyan.

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COVID-19

Hopefully, things will improve for all as we learn to live with this viral threat.

Unfortunately, one of our less able workers is not able to be with the crews, as he has difficulty with social distancing. Hopefully, he will be able to return to us soon.

Free Consult Campaign

We just ended a promotion offering Free Consults, so that we could fill the schedule for our second crew. The campaign had a fantastic response. Warren has been very busy with the consults and is still catching up with the subsequent quotes.

Thank you to all customers and supporters for the referrals!

New campaign promoting FoodCubes

You may have already seen the latest promotion for FoodCube wicking beds, that we are running until 30th of September. This campaign offers Free Delivery in the Canberra region ($60 saving).

Social Impact Hub program

We have been receiving great pro bono support from the Social Impact Hub program. Our mentor Kathleen Conlon is a gem in guiding us through this next phase as a social enterprise.

Moving from petrol to battery powered equipment

The switch to Stihl battery powered blowers and chainsaws has begun. They work a treat and are less offensive for the surroundings with their noise levels.

New workers

We are pleased to welcome Shaelyn and Patrick who were referred to us from LEAD, a disability support provider.

This brings our less abled worker number up to 8 out of a total crew of 16.

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Help needed with senior staffing matters

Sadly, one of our most experienced workers has succumbed to illness and has had to resign in order to recover. This has left a significant gap in our crew, one that we are now seeking to fill. If you know of someone with extensive gardening experience that you think can, and wants to, work with an All Abilities crew, please send them our way.

Office support / Assistant to Warren

Warren really needs someone to work along side him as he goes through this expansion phase. Tasks would include:

· Job scheduling

· Social Media Marketing

· Staff training program

· Keeping Warren organised

If you know someone, please let us know.

Training

We are currently in the process seeking grants to fund the development of a crew Training Program to lift the competency levels of all our staff and help them improve their skill sets as vital members of our crews. One of our crew members, Lil, is currently working with Social Impact Hub support to identify and apply for training grants.

Future structure

Again, with the help of the Social Impact Hub, we are working through a number of possible directions and opportunities. One is to come under the umbrella of an existing Social Enterprise, with ‘Not for Profit’ status etc. and continue to operate as a ‘For Profit’ Social Enterprise.

A Home Base

Progress in finding a space, say 1 Ha, plus buildings to store machinery, product and an office away from Warren’s home, has been slow. This space could be a hub for training, market gardening, composting, nursery, shop, café etc.

Any ideas for finding a space and funding from our support network would be greatly appreciated.