Windarring copy centres in Gisborne and Castlemaine to close

“The business was struggling financially and had been for a number of years,” he said. “It’s very sad but we think it will be a positive outcome in the end.”

Windarring works with about 40 people with disabilities, providing both internal and external employment.

Eleven people are employed at the two copy centres, with another three support workers.

Mr O'Connor said the organisation hoped to be able to redeploy all 14 staff members to other areas of the business before the closure.

“We’ve got eight months to work through that process,” he said.

“Windarring continues to focus on great outcomes for individuals, and although it is incredibly sad to see the closing of the copy centres, it allows us to focus on new opportunities.” 

EARLIER: Two regional copy centres providing employment to people with disabilities will close at the end of the year.

The Windarring run centres in Gisborne and Castlemaine will shut their doors in December.

In a statement released by the organisation, financial viability was cited as the reason for the closure.

“The printing industry has changed dramatically over the past 25 years,” the statement reads.

“What used to be able to be printed only at specialist businesses like the copy centres can now be printed in the office, at home or read digitally on tablets, computers and mobiles.

“The copy centres no longer provide an essential service and therefore the same level of meaningful employment to people with disabilities is not evident.”

The introduction of the NDIS resulting in changes to funding for disability services has also played a part in the decision.

“Windarring can no longer afford the heavy subsidy for its copy centres,” the statement continued.

“They are financially unviable and Windarring needs to ensure the longevity of its essential services such as Community Participation, Supported Living, and Pathways to Skills and Employment.”

The Kyneton Copy Centre, Amaze N Homewares and Gifts, and Cafe Baxter will continue to operate. 

The decision comes after Bendigo’s Radius Disability Services entered voluntary administration in October last year, closing Morley’s Emporium, a retail and hospitality store in the CBD.

The Gisborne and Castlemaine copy centres have been operating for more than two decades, providing employment to people with a disabilities.

The organisation said the more than six months notice would enable Windarring to focus on transitioning the staff into other training and employment.

“Windarring will provide opportunities to people with disabilities through a range of other avenues, including the new and growing business of collecting, packing and maintaining the Southern Cross Recycling Bins throughout central and northern Victoria.

“Windarring has employed Mark Castle as the manager of pathways to skills and employment to help the employees of the copy centres transition into other work.

“Mark would love to talk to local businesses about the benefits in providing employment to people with a disabilities.”

Businesses can contact Windarring on 5422 7001.