Mandurah: Local business the focus of new cleaning contract

LOCAL businesses and job seekers are the major focus of a new contract for cleaning services at the City of Mandurah.

Office Cleaning Experts Pty Ltd and Indigenous Managed Services have been chosen as the preferred suppliers.

The tender for the Provision of Cleaning Services includes all office buildings, recreation centres, community facilities and halls for a period of five years with optional extensions based on performance, potentially making it a nine-year contract.

The tender was advertised in all major media in October 2018, with 18 submissions received from Mandurah, Perth, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Mayor Rhys Williams said improving the standard of living for all Mandurah residents was vital for the long-term future and was a step in the right direction.

“The history books aren’t likely to highlight the approval of a cleaning contract, but tonight, this is us demonstrating our commitment to doing things differently to create economic opportunities for Mandurah locals,’’ he told councillors at last night’s council meeting.

“By including specific criteria in the tender process that rewards the engagement of local job seekers, we have ensured the preferred providers will be creating opportunities in our community for those who may otherwise have missed out on the opportunity to access employment.

“Providing someone with a job is one of the best things we can do for an individual and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and all those involved in finding a way within the sometimes tedious tender regulations, to make a difference to people’s lives.

“We’ve also been able to award this contract to a local business, further ensuring that ratepayer funds stay in our local economy.’’

It is a part of the City’s Buy Local Policy announced last August to increase the local preference for the procurement of goods and services, giving local operators the edge over non-local businesses.

It also introduced preferences for those who demonstrate a commitment to achieving strategies related to inclusiveness.