AXIS Worx: A Hub for Community SupportAXIS Worx: A Hub for Community Support AXIS Worx, a non-profit organization based in Horsham, has achieved a remarkable milestone, having processed nearly 5 million containers in a span of 8 months. This achievement has not only benefited the organization but has also created a significant impact on the local economy and community. Since its inception on November 1st of last year, AXIS Worx has experienced rapid growth, with 1 million containers processed within the first 5 weeks. This surge in volume reflects the strong support from the community, which values the organization’s mission of providing meaningful employment to people with disabilities and supporting local charities. AXIS Worx’s automated collection depot, the only one of its kind in the Wimmera region, offers a convenient and efficient way for residents to recycle their containers. By donating their refunds to local groups, community members can further contribute to worthy causes. The organization’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its container deposit system. AXIS Worx operates three businesses on its 15-acre site, including wood production, e-waste recycling, and container handling. Each business provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities, empowering them with skills and a sense of purpose. To further enhance its operations, AXIS Worx is actively seeking to raise funds for a new shade sail in the worker’s area. Donations can be made through the CDS Vic West app, via bank transfer, or cheque. AXIS Worx’s commitment to the community is exemplified by its partnerships with local charities. The organization regularly supports groups such as the Wimmera Cancer Centre and Horsham Rural City Council. The success of AXIS Worx is a testament to the power of collaboration between community members, businesses, and non-profit organizations. By working together, they are creating a brighter future for people with disabilities and the entire Wimmera region. For more information on AXIS Worx and its services, please visit their website or read the full edition of The Weekly Advertiser from July 3, 2024, available online.
“It started on November 1st of last year and we are very close to processing five million containers at our site. From a community perspective, that is amazing,” he said.
In the first five weeks, one million containers were processed.
“Reaching five million people in eight months means we have a lot of support from our community, and that’s great,” said Mr Schmidt.
“As an organization, we are very proud to be able to give back to the local economy while providing employment to people with disabilities. In addition, we use the program funding to support our organization.”
AXIS Worx has the only automated collection depot in the Wimmera. It is covered, heated and has the capacity to accept large volumes of containers at a time.
“By bringing your containers here you are helping to support the continued employment of people with disabilities. We have trained 16 of our 39 supported employees to work in the container dump, which is growing with the increasing volume of dumps we receive,” Mr Schmidt said.
People bringing containers to the facility can choose to receive their refund themselves through the CDS Vic West app, via bank transfer or cheque, or they can donate the refund to a local group.
“If people have the app, we scan them when they arrive and everything is linked. Charities just have to register to receive donations,” Mr Schmidt said.
AXIS Works is also one of several charities named as a beneficiary – it is aiming to raise $4,000 to replace the shade sail in the worker’s area. AXIS Worx’s 15-acre site on Golf Course Road, Horsham, was originally known as The Wool Factory, where 2,000 sheep were housed and used to grow wool to generate revenue.
There are now three different businesses at AXIS Worx – wood production; e-waste recycling; and the container deposit system. There are 39 people with disabilities working there.
“We manufacture garden posts from Tasmanian hardwood and also make pallets which we supply to Gasons in Ararat. Every wood stove they sell is shipped on one of our pallets,” Mr Schmidt said.
“We are also the largest e-waste recycling centre in Western Victoria.
“We have a team of people who work within the departments of that section, dismantle the e-waste products, separate the goods, destroy the motherboards so that there is no more access to private information, and then resell them for recycling.”
Mr Schmidt said there are seven supported employees who have their forklift certificates and another five will get their certificates next month.
AXIS Worx is open for container handling Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The full edition of The Weekly Advertiser from July 3, 2024 is available online. READ IT HERE!
