Michelle was one of the first employees to join us and is the unofficial mother hen of the laundry – she loves Beacon and we love her. She is a single parent who has lived in the Northern Rivers for more than 30 years, and has moved through the ups and downs of life always with a smile on her face.

Originally without transport, Michelle would hitch rides all the way from Mullum just to get to work at the laundry. Over the last 12 months, she has built her capacity to work three days a week, saved enough to buy herself a car, and just transitioned into a supervisor role.

Michelle’s story is one of many we’re celebrating this month, as Beacon marks its first birthday.

Since officially opening our doors in April 2024 (with a special guest appearance from PM Anthony Albanese!), we have created more than 100 new jobs for people with complex barriers to work, while capturing almost half of the local commercial laundry market in Byron Bay and its surrounds.

We took the opportunity to ask some Beacon folks — Morag Roseby (CEO), Mel Sass (Operations Manager), and founder Luke Terry — for their thoughts on this special milestone, and why Beacon is such a unicorn in the business world.

“Beacon shows what is possible when a business puts people first. We’re able to deliver a quality product and service while supporting people back into the workforce,” says Morag.

Beacon’s workforce is intentionally unique. 80% of the team face complex barriers to work. These include people with a disability; people experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges; First Nations people; people in recovery programs; and individuals who’ve had an experience with the criminal justice system.

“Unlike regular commercial businesses, we have an open employment policy — to get a job at Beacon all you need is a willingness to work, and a willingness to move on one day,” says Morag.

“We’ve built a workplace that balances the needs of the individual with the needs of the business,” she continues. “We meet people where they are in their life; we help them address their individual barriers to employment, rebuild their skills and confidence, and ideally transition them back into mainstream employment.”

Beyond providing jobs, Beacon has created a genuine community of belonging. Mel (another ‘O.G.’) who has been promoted to Operations Manager, says: “Beacon is more than a workplace – it’s a community where people are seen, supported, and celebrated.”

“For many of our team members, Beacon is the first time they’ve felt part of something. It’s a place where people lift each other up, where small wins are recognised, and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow at their own pace,” says Mel.

In the past 12 months, 26 people have transitioned into mainstream employment. “Ideally, we hope to see people transitioning from Beacon anywhere from six to 12 months after joining us. However, for some it may take a little longer, and that’s ok too,” says Morag.

While people are at the heart of Beacon’s mission, the business model isn’t to be underestimated.

The Bangalow-based laundry provides linen services to some of Australia’s most desired resorts including Elements, Basque, Gaia, and Crystalbrook, as well as many local accommodation providers in Lismore, Ballina, and surrounds.

Luke, who founded Beacon and is also CEO of White Box Enterprises — an organisation that builds and advocates for social enterprises — says the local community has played a key role in Beacon’s early success.

“Social enterprises are great contributors to both the community and the economy – the local Northern Rivers community gets this – they have lent in from the very beginning,” says Luke.

“Local MP Justine Elliott, the council, the local community and businesses like Elements, who boldly made a choice to switch to Beacon when we were first starting out, know the difference job-focused social enterprises can make. And because of their support, we are here today with more than 100 local people working at Beacon,” says Luke.

“It’s a great example of what’s possible when you build a business that puts people ahead of profit.”

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