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Woolworths sources 300,000 litres of sanitiser from Indigenous businesses

Woolworths Group has sourced over 300,000 litres of hand sanitiser from local Indigenous businesses to maintain high hygiene standards during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Woolworths Group said it is working with small Indigenous owned businesses such as Supply Aus, Cole Workwear and Position Promo to source hand sanitiser for its retail stores. 

The supermarket has invested over A$5.9 million to back these local Indigenous businesses so they could continue to operate amid the pandemic. 

“We have deep respect for Indigenous businesses like Supply Aus and do not take lightly the impact that our support can have not just on the business, but for the communities in which they operate. We are grateful to work with the many Indigenous businesses who have gone above and beyond during this crisis. They were innovative in their solutions and quick to turn around the much needed supplies to help keep our teams and communities safe during an uncertain time,” Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci said.

Shawn Andrews, chairperson of Supply Aus said the business was on the brink of collapse due to the impact of COVID-19.

“In the first week of March, we were discussing the real possibilities of how a company with less than A$5000 in the bank account would survive. With the support of Woolworths, we have been incredibly proud to be able to supply hand sanitiser to frontline workers, keep our business running and continue to grow employment opportunities,” Andrews said.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity. The flow-on effect of a brand like Woolworths partnering with a small Indigenous business like ourselves will provide higher comfort levels for more Indigenous businesses to come on board.”

Woolworths Group partnered with over 18 Indigenous suppliers and employs over 3800 team members who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

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