Help Enterprises

Enhancing the lifestyle, independence & ambitions of people with disability

History

HELP CELEBRATES 50 years

  • 1968 Help Industries founded

    The Rotary Club of Brisbane raises over $500,000, with community support to fund a prospective Sheltered Workshop project in Brisbane. HELP is founded and registered as a not-for-profit Company Limited by Guarantee on 25 July 1968.

  • 1972 First Workshop officially opens

    Governor of Queensland, His Excellency Sir Alan Mansfield, officially opens a workshop with 50 clients in Fison Avenue East, Eagle Farm on 24 February 1972.

  • 1987-89 Broadening abilities and scope

    Opening of Rand Plastics & Packaging to expand business offerings and learning opportunities for people with disability.

  • 1991-92 Progressing disability employment

    Operations restructured from helping people in a sheltered workshop environment to include the provision of employment opportunities and industry based skills training. Employment Services commence, assisting people secure open employment.

  • 1995-96 New name and training centre

    The new name of ‘Help Enterprises’ is adopted on 27 October 1995, along with the launch of a Skills Training Centre offering pre-vocational training for people with disability and disadvantaged job seekers.

  • 2000 Prioritising young people

    Operated 3000 square metres of nursery beds at HELP’s Eagle Farm site to deliver work experience pathways and training opportunities for young people with disability.

  • 2001-03 Expanding across Brisbane

    Establishment of HelpWest Skills Training Centre and a wholesale nursery at Mitchelton, made possible through the purchase of a disused TAFE site. First employment office opens in Nundah, providing tailored services for job seekers.

  • 2008 Purchase of Nundah site

    Nundah Street property becomes the main head office for Help Employment & Training operations.

  • 2010-13 Upgrades and growth welcomed

    Mitchelton house built to provide independent living for four people with disability. Manufacturing expands with the acquisition of Traditional & Malibu Awnings and Supply Chain Services is established, following upgrades to Eagle Farm.

  • 2014 Expanding disability services

    HELP Acquires MACH1, Kingfisher Adult Learning Program and a new Wynnum disability support hub. Fison Food Factory cafe officially opens to the public.

  • 2015 New contracts and projects

    Employment & Training opens 31 offices through the jobactive contract and commences delivery of DMS at 17 sites. Our Mitchelton disability housing initiative is backed by major funding and partners, with homes for 20 people.

  • 2016 Advancing supported employment

    HELP acquires Red Cross Business Services at Bowen Hills and Gympie and Select Lifestyle Disability Services. Purchase of a $4.75 million warehouse in Acacia Ridge enables expansion of Supply Chain Services across Brisbane South.

  • 2017 Celebrating more homes and services

    Completion of the Mitchelton housing project offers homes and greater independence for more people with disability. HELP's disability support is rebranded to Help Disability Care and McIntyre Centre is welcomed under their banner.

  • 2018-19 Our Jubilee

    Celebrating 50 years of caring for our disability communities. Today HELP can be proud of a 950+ strong workforce - offering a trusted brand that balances the delivery of commercial products and services with individualised disability care.