Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Ministers statements: Fruit2Work

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:38): I rise today to share the details of a successful social enterprise that is helping people turn their lives around. Fruit2Work is a fruit and dairy delivery service that provides employment opportunities for people upon their release from prison. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Fruit2Work’s warehouse in Laverton North, along with the hardworking member for Laverton Sarah Connolly and the member for Narre Warren North Belinda Wilson. Community safety is my number one priority, and we know just how important having a job is for people leaving prison and their successful reintegration into our community. Social enterprises like Fruit2Work play an important role in making the Victorian community a whole lot safer.

At the Laverton North facility I met with Rob Brown, Fruit2Work’s chief chance creator. His leadership has helped give over 100 ex-offenders a second chance. I also met with Simon Fenech, a former prisoner and now general manager of Fruit2Work. Simon struggled to find employment upon exiting prison. Fruit2Work offered an opportunity and a second chance for him. His story is among hundreds of others that Fruit2Work are able to tell us. Success stories are why Corrections Victoria is proud to work with and make referrals to Fruit2Work. At employment hubs in Victoria’s prisons, Fruit2Work vacancies are advertised. Fruit2Work is also a regular attendee at our centre of excellence employer expos run by Corrections Victoria.

I would like to congratulate Fruit2Work on their vital work in supporting the rehabilitation of people leaving prison and also their entrepreneurial success in creating even more jobs with their expansion and a new facility in Hallam due to open shortly. We look forward to continuing to partner with Fruit2Work and wish that all their future endeavours be fruitful.