Working together to explore ongoing employment opportunities for Challenge staff was the focus of a meeting held on Monday, 12 July 2021, between Tamworth Regional Council and Challenge Community Services (Challenge).
The meeting, which was attended by Mayor Col Murray, Paul Bennett - TRC General Manager, Bruce Logan – TRC Director of Water and Waste, Bill Warburton – Chair of the Challenge Board, Peter Maher – Challenge CEO, and Richard Hardwick – Challenge General Manager Business Services, was held to try and cement a future direction for the two organisations.
During the meeting, Council advised Challenge that it will be pursuing other options to provide kerbside recyclable processing to the Tamworth region.
TRC Director of Water and Waste Bruce Logan, said "throughout the decision-making process, ensuring ratepayers money is spent effectively has been of extreme importance. We believe pursuing other options at this time is the most financially responsible option".
Peter Maher, CEO of Challenge Community Services, said, "Our priority is and always has been to ensure that all the staff currently involved in the recycling facility have ongoing employment. We are also keen to ensure that the family of workers can continue to work together where possible. Many of the staff at the recycling facility have been together for a very long time and have formed very strong bonds."
Council expressed its desire to continue to work with Challenge into the future by assisting with the ongoing employment of Challenge staff. It was agreed by both Council and Challenge that these employment opportunities will need to meet the expectations and requirements, including financial sustainability, of both parties.
"Working alongside organisations such as Challenge is highly important to Council. I look forward to seeing what opportunities the future holds for us to work together and service our community", said Tamworth region Mayor Col Murray.
