End of an era as jobs agency shuts

Pilbara employment agency Hedland Personnel has closed its doors after more than 23 years of helping people with high support needs find work.

At its peak, the agency in Hedland employed nine staff, supporting about 120 clients to find and maintain work with BHP, Coles, Woolworths and other companies.

Former HP manager Dianne Lovell said the agency took years to develop between local families before opening in 1997 and had grown extensively during its life but ran out of funding earlier this year.

“It is with much sadness to say goodbye to our very own Hedland Personnel that closed the doors on October 31, 2018. So many memories will be kept forever,” she said.

“There was a need for it.

“A group of families got together and at that time, it was funded by Disability Employment Agency.

“We started off with about ten (clients), started small and branched out really big - employers are so good, that’s something I can say about Hedland employers were great and they didn’t hesitate.”

The agency was later contracted and operated by Ashburton Aboriginal Community.

“We were so thankful and so grateful to AAC as Hedland Personnel got to keep their doors open.

“It was a big change, but staff got through it and worked in well with AAC,” Ms Lovell said.

“On behalf of all staff and board members of Hedland Personnel – we wish to thank AAC, all past and present clients and all past and present businesses. It has been a great pleasure to get to know each one.”