Beacon Laundry has released its first impact report, showcasing the extraordinary difference this social enterprise has made in just over 12 months.
More than a laundry, Beacon has become a place of purpose and a community that creates real opportunities for people who’ve been shut out of mainstream employment.
Key highlights from Beacon’s FY24/25 Impact Report:
- 182 jobs created since opening in early 2024
- 144 jobs for people with barriers to employment such as prison history, disability or long-term unemployment
- $4.4 million in wages injected into the local economy
- $2.28 million in wages paid directly to people overcoming barriers to work
- 81 local businesses serviced across the Northern Rivers region
- 2 million kilograms of linen processed – the equivalent of 800 Olympic swimming pools of towels
Reflecting on the milestone, Beacon’s CEO said:
“As I stop to reflect on what we've achieved since Beacon Laundry opened its doors, I want to begin by expressing my deepest thanks to the incredible community that has wrapped its arms around this bold social enterprise. From the very start, Beacon has been more than just a laundry. It's been a place of purpose, built with and for the Northern Rivers, where people who've been shut out of mainstream employment are given not just a job, but a real chance to rebuild, reconnect, and thrive.”
Liz’s story
For years, Liz faced rejection at every job interview, blocked by the stigma of her prison history.
“I'd get an interview, they'd say I'd be great, then ask for a police check. I wasn't going to hand them a piece of paper with my history, so I never got past that stage,” Liz explained.
That changed when she heard about Beacon on the ABC. She sent an email straight away, sharing her past and asking for a chance. A year later, Liz is thriving as part of the Beacon team.
“The best thing Beacon has given me is the ability to forgive myself. After prison, you carry shame. I couldn't look in the mirror. But after a couple of months here, I realised I liked myself again. When you feel that, you show up differently – for your family, for yourself.”
About Beacon Laundry
Founded in Bangalow, NSW, Beacon Laundry is a social enterprise commercial laundry with a mission to create local jobs, career pathways and a supportive workplace for people of all backgrounds. Since 2024, Beacon has become a cornerstone of inclusive employment in the Northern Rivers, with expansion now reaching Adelaide.
Beacon’s journey is proof that a business can deliver commercial success while transforming lives. They’re showcasing to us that you don’t need to sacrifice people, place, planet or purpose for profit.
