Supporting and strengthening individuals, families and communities

Vegetable Processing

Social Enterprise

Vegetable Processing, formerly known as Karkana Support Services, has served clients with a disability in Horsham and surrounding areas since 1972.

Wimmera UnitingCare acquired Karkana Support Services Inc in April 2010 and has incorporated it into overall agency operations.

It is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation which has provided employment for people with disability for more than 40 years.

Vegetable Processing provides Supported Employment for 36 people. The enterprise purchases fresh vegetables and semi-processes them – (peel, slice and dice) for on-sale to hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and other commercial customers.

In the 2013-14 financial year, the enterprise processed 225 tonne of raw product, generating $372,000 in sales.

The enterprise is located on Grahams Bridge Road in Haven.

The vision and values of Vegetable Processing is in line with Wimmera UnitingCare’s mission to Support and Strengthen Individuals, Families and Communities. The enterprise values sensitivity, empowerment and advocacy as well as cooperative alliances and partnerships.

History

Staff process vegetables by hand in 2004. Photos courtesy of the Wimmera Mail-Times

Dignitaries celebrate the handover of Karkana Services to Wimmera UnitingCare in 2010.

Corporate Social ResponsibilityVegetable Processing is classed as an Australian Disability Enterprise and gives employees independence, accomplishment, and fulfilment.

It reduces isolation and gives them a chance to work with other people and make friendships, while learning new skills. Importantly, it gives them the chance to earn an income.

Doing business with Vegetable Processing is more than just good business - it provides supported employment opportunities for people with disability and corporate social responsibility benefits for customers.

It means your business can have a positive impact on the community by simply choosing Vegetable Processing as your provider.

GBR provide the products we need without the hassle. Prepared locally, we are helping to support an organisation that gives its clients an opportunity to be active and involved members of the working community.Andrew Saunders Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital

Product RangeVegetable Processing semi-processes the following products, however staff should be able to semi-process almost any fruit or vegetable upon request.

Cabbage (Shredded)Carrots (Peeled) Carrots (Julienne/Grated/Sliced(Rings)/Diced/Batons)Coleslaw (Fresh)Lettuce (Shredded)Onions (Peeled) Onions (Sliced/Diced)Parsnips (Peeled) Parsnips (Diced/Grated/ Sliced)Pumpkin (Peeled) Pumpkin (Diced/Grated)Potatoes (Peeled) Potatoes (Diced/Sliced)Swedes (Diced/Grated)Sweet Potatoes (Peeled) Sweet Potatoes (Sliced/Diced)Turnips (Peeled) Turnips (Diced/Grated)Zucchini (Diced/Grated)

Contact the team at Grahams Bridge Road on 5382 4621 to discuss your needs.

PricingVegetable Processing has baseline prices for all products with additional delivery costs. However, prices can change depending on the volume and regularity of orders.

Contact the team at Grahams Bridge Road on (03) 5382 4621 to arrange an obligation free quote.

They are a great team and communicate well – a pleasure to

work with. June Wright

Rural Northwest Health

Our credentialsVegetable Processing is certified under the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) food safety program.

Professional servicesVegetable Processing has the added benefit of being own and operated by a large not-for-profit community service organisation. This means the enterprise has access to a range of professional services including an experience finance department, quality team, administration staff, marketing and media department and management.

Our staff...Supported Employees in vegetable processing find their jobs satisfying and are always enthusiastic to learn new skills and provide a quality service for customers.

Here are some comments from our staff:

I like to interact with others.

I have heaps of fun.

I like to keep busy.

I like doing my job well.

I get to have a laugh.

Staff help me and are friendly.

I get to work on two crews, the gardening and processing.

I like to meet different people and the community.

Good pay.

I like routine.

I like working with everyone here.

I like my job.

I like getting the orders out on time.

Learning new skills.

I like the variety of work in processing.

I have a sense of purpose.

Wimmera UnitingCare Supported Employee

Supporting and strengthening individuals, families and communities

ContactFor orders or pricing and product inquiries, please contact Vegetable Processing on (03) 5382 4621 173 Grahams Bridge Road Haven 3401