Aruma, a human rights warrior

Aruma — one of Australia’s largest disability providers — is proud to be a human rights warrior, not only for our 5000+ customers but for all Australians living with a disability.

We offer a range of supports for our customers to live the life they choose, including Supported Employment.

Aruma’s businesses employ people with a disability

We’ve got eight businesses operating along Australia’s east coast, which employ more than 450 people with a disability.

Our businesses are productive, creative, innovative, and great at problem solving.

Spotlight: Creating crumbly goodness at Aussie Biscuits

The iconic Forbes Aussie Biscuits factory has been around since 1976 in Forbes, New South Wales. Today, this impressive company employs 450 people with a disability.

Over the years, Aussie Biscuits has transformed into a modern-day business, moving to a new factory in 2018. Using modern machinery and technology, the factory produces 35,000 delicious biscuits daily for customers in the hospitality industry, the retail market, hospitals, and offices.

Aruma General Manager Employment Dylan O’Malley said everyone at Aruma is so proud of the journey these humble biscuits have been on so far.

“Aussie Biscuits is going from strength to strength, having partnered with some big companies recently, including Bonza Airlines, Fly Pelican, Sydney Airport, Ingenia Holiday Parks, the Australian Defence Force and Sydney Trains,” Dylan said.

“It’s incredible to think that one minute you could be munching on one of our delicious bikkies from an airplane and the next you could find a lovely little packet waiting for you in your hotel room. We’re so excited to see where we can take our biscuits next!”

The health and hospital industry has been a big focus for Aussie Biscuits to find its next perfect partner.

“We’re working with a range of providers across the healthcare industry to start sharing our biscuits with even more deserving Australians. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat when they’re not feeling the best?” Dylan said.

Aussie Biscuits are available to purchase online at www.aussiebiscuits.com.au in six delicious flavours: Ginger, Anzac, Macadamia, Shortbread, Choc Chip, and Jam Drop. They’re an impressive, fuss-free treat and are available in a convenient two-biscuit pack option — perfect with your next cuppa.

Know anyone who could use some yummy biscuits for their patients? Get in touch here.

Spotlight: In ISO safe hands at Medical and Forensic packs

We are proud to employ more than 130 people with a disability to create a variety of high-quality medical packs and other specialised products.

From pharmacy packaging to DNA sampling kits, our teams service a range of large clients including Medical and Surgical Health facilities (both public and private) and Emergency and Forensic Services around Australia, including state Ambulance services and Police agencies.

Aruma Medical Packs & Forensic Supplies is a leading supplier of medical packs to the Australian Health Industry and Defence Force. We are TGA and ISO certified and assemble products for Australian hospitals, healthcare organisations and emergency services.

Since 2004, we have also become a leading supplier of forensic investigation kits for companies across Australia. We are one of only 10 companies worldwide with ISO 18385 certification.

This means the team are authorised to continue producing forensic sampling kits that are virtually free of DNA. Such kits reduce the risk of DNA evidence being compromised due to interference from contamination.

Aruma Forensic Supplies Department Supervisor Lisa McLoughlin said her team of 19 Supported Employees work in the forensics department to make and package some 3000 ISO 18385-certified kits each month.

“We need to meet strict requirements to keep the accreditation, and we undergo auditing every year, which we’ve just got the official green light from for this year,” said Lisa.

The team of Supported Employees work on a rotating roster and need to follow a range of guidelines to perform their roles.

“Everyone in the team is fully geared up from head to toe in Personal Protective Clothing, including hair nets, masks, gloves, protective gowns and shoe covers,” Lisa says.

“It’s so rewarding to be creating such essential and highly specialised products for our high-profile customers. I don’t think many local people in Burleigh Heads would realise what we do here!”

Supported Employees Daniel Ford and David Walmsley have worked in the Forensics Department for four and six years respectively.

“I like working here because I know I am making a difference and assisting the police,” David says.

“It makes me feel good to come to work with my friends and I know I can get help with anything from my Team Leaders who are always there,” Daniel adds.

Aruma Forensic Supplies has a range of customers on the books for ISO 18385-certified kits, including Queensland Police Service, NSW Police, and even ships overseas to the Fiji Police Force.

The wider team of 30 Supported Employees also make a range of other testing kits for law enforcement agencies including Northern Territory Police and Tasmania Police.

Quality standards and compliance

At Aruma, our sterile custom packs and forensic evidence collection products are produced in our clean rooms under strict accordance with ISO 13485 and ISO 14644 standards.

We are fully accredited with the Australian Commonwealth Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

We hold a NSW Poisons Licence and can (subject to regulatory constraints) include pharmaceutical products in procedural packs. We also have an active commitment to environmental management best practice initiatives and continuous improvement.

We deliver nationwide and all our packs are built to Australian Standards and designed to meet your specifications.

Want to know more? Medical Packs and Supplies | Aruma

Find out more about all our businesses:

• Aruma Medical Packs and Forensic Supplies
• Aussie Biscuits
• Summerland Farm
• Facilities Management
• Packaging
• Commercial Laundry
• Recycling and
• Manufacturing.