After decades in an ageing building, staff at Good Sammy’s Canning Vale headquarters say the newly redeveloped site has made every day work easier, cleaner and more welcoming.
The $5.7 million redevelopment has transformed the organisation’s head office and training centre into a modern, purpose-built space designed to support people with disability in employment and training.
Long‑time Good Sammy team member Ian, who has worked with the organisation for more than 33 years, said the transformation of the Canning Vale site has made an extraordinary difference to his daily work life.
“The old toilets were very hard to use; it felt dark, dingy and unclean,” Ian said. “Now everything is brighter, more spacious and cleaner.”
Having worked across retail, the factory floor and various departments since 1992, Ian currently works in the Containers for Change section at the Canning vale site, and lovingly reflects he once served as the Good Sammy mascot. He said the upgraded environment has lifted his happiness, confidence and sense of inclusion.
“I feel happier coming to work now because everything is easier,” he said.
Alana, who works in e-commerce and hospitality, said the changes have lifted her confidence.
“I’m just happy,” she said.
She said the new toilets and changes to reception have made a noticeable difference, along with adjustments to desk heights and layout.
Dot, who works at reception alongside the call centre team, said the redesigned front area has improved communication with visitors.
The old reception was longer and spread out, which made it harder to speak with people waiting at the other end.
“It’s much easier now,” she said. “It’s more friendly, because you actually can talk to people while they’re sitting there waiting.”
She said the fresh environment has changed how she feels about coming to work.
“It’s clean, it’s fresh. You love walking in here every day because it is clean and fresh,” she said. “I love my job. Absolutely love my job. It’s my second home.”
The redevelopment includes a lowered reception desk for wheelchair access, automatic sliding doors in key areas, additional accessible toilets with automatic doors, braille and high-contrast signage, hearing loops in meeting rooms, and a dedicated wellness room designed as a low-stimulation space.
The refurbished canteen features varied seating, wider aisles, lowered bain-marie units and adjustable-height tables. The site also includes upgraded training rooms and a commercial-grade kitchen.
Good Sammy chief executive officer Kane Blackman said the transformation reflects the organisation’s values.
“Our Canning Vale building project has transformed our headquarters into a more contemporary, inclusive and connected workplace,” he said.
“Our employees have expressed their pride that we have invested in them, by delivering fresh new facilities that they use every day.”
The redevelopment was supported by a $2.9 million Lotterywest grant and a $300,000 Cook Government election commitment.
Founded in 1958, Good Sammy is one of Western Australia’s largest disability employment providers. Around half of its more than 850 staff identify as people with disability.
The upgraded Canning Vale headquarters supports employment, training and volunteer opportunities aimed at building confidence, skills and workplace capability.
Staff like Ian and Dot noted the impacts.
“It’s fantastic,” Ian said.
And for Dot, the change is something she feels each morning.
“You love walking in here every day,” she added.
