We were honoured to have Minister Hon Vicki Ward MP, Minister for Employment and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, along with Nathan Lambert MP, the Local Member for Preston, recently visit Bean Alliance in Reservoir to meet with employees who were placed into employment through NORTH Link’s Manufacturing Priority Workforce Project.

The Priority Workforce Project was funded by Jobs Victoria to deliver secure jobs for people who may need extra support to find work. Eight participants have been hired by Bean Alliance over the last 18 months and are all thriving in their roles. 

Bean Alliance source, blend, roast, and package award-winning roasted coffee from their manufacturing facility, which is the first in Australia certified to roast organic – ACO – and a trailblazer in the sustainable space. 

Minister Ward along with Nathan Lambert and the NORTH Link team were given an extensive tour of the roastery and facilities by Managing Director Ange Augello, Director – Marketing, Strategy & Development Susan Castle, and Bean Alliance’s leadership team. Minister Ward also got the opportunity to learn how to pour a coffee with a love heart.

Chris James, NORTH Link’s Executive Director, commented that with Jobs Victoria funding the Priority Workforce Project, NORTH Link was able to provide jobseekers and businesses with the support they required to secure sustainable job outcomes. During the project we have seen great results for both parties, such as those demonstrated at Bean Alliance.