There will be more jam drops rolling out of Forbes’ own bikkie factory, with news Aussie Biscuits is moving into new premises and expanding its workforce.
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Aussie Biscuits has received $210,000 toward a $410,000 project from the Building Better Regions Fund, MP Michael McCormack has announced.
“It’s great news for Forbes, for local jobs and for communities throughout the Central West,” Mr McCormack said.
“Aussie Biscuits already employs more than 30 people at Forbes, 28 of whom have a disability, and it plans to add another eight people to its workforce – a fantastic local boost.”
Aussie Biscuits, operated by House With No Steps, has been a part of the Forbes community for more than 40 years.
“It is a critical business to the Forbes district both economically and socially,” Mr McCormack said.
The grant will allow Aussie Biscuits to move to a new site in Rankin Street – details are being finalised - and purchase fit-for-purpose equipment.
House With No Steps Executive General Manager of Business and Employment, Brett Lacey, said he would expect to see movement within one to two months.
Mr Lacey said the House With No Steps team is thrilled with the news, it will create new employment opportunities for people with a disability.
“Employment participation for people with a disability nationally continues to be way too low,” he said.
“Opportunities in regional areas can be even harder to come by, so this grant to assist the development and expansion of Aussie Biscuits is a huge boost.
“Securing employment for existing employees, along with establishing new positions for people in the region with a disability, is a great result.
“We are thrilled to receive this news.”
The demand for the bikkies is there: the funding secures the move to a more modern premises and means Aussie Biscuits will be able to “scale up”, baking more bikkies, marketing and delivering them to even more people.
“It’s a great product and a great cause,” Mr Lacey said.
The Building Better Regions Fund received more than 500 applications and Aussie Biscuits was one of about 100 which were approved.
"I am really proud to have worked with Aussie Biscuits delivering this boost and look forward to seeing it deliver benefits to Forbes district,” Mr McCormack said.
Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash said the Building Better Regions Fund is to help build strong communities for decades to come.