On 12 January 2023, Scott Andersen and Nathan Deppeler of Worrells were appointed voluntary administrators of Encompass Community Services Incorporated, which is an incorporated association providing disability employment services.
The Association has been providing disability employment services since 1985, including education and training, disability employment services, life skills and independent living skills, support, recreation and travel, in home care and domestic support, support coordination, accommodation services, business enterprises (pre-loved clothing and furniture shops, café and farm), training, employment, work experience and volunteer work opportunities. The Association supports a significant number of clients, totalling almost 1,000 people, and has 299 employees, including full time, part time and casual employees.
Scott Andersen said “It is a sad day for the Geelong community when an organisation such as this has needed to enter Voluntary Administration. The organisation is providing much needed and valuable assistance to vulnerable members of the Geelong community. Unfortunately, there are many non-profit organisations that are currently battling to remain viable in a very difficult operating environment for the non-profit sector, particularly those involved in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
The Worrells teams are now investigating the Association’s financial position and operations and considering the options for the business moving forward. The Worrells team are particularly cognisant that some of the clientele are from vulnerable parts of the community and are therefore doing everything possible to ensure the best result for the clientele and other stakeholders. Currently all options are being explored in relation to the organisation’s future.
Mr Andersen is assuring impacted Encompass staff that the Worrells team will be in contact as a priority about their employment status and outstanding employee entitlements which are owed to them.
Under the voluntary administration process, a first meeting of creditors is held within eight business days of the appointment, and a second meeting of creditors is usually held within 20 to 30 business days after the appointment. It is at the second meeting that creditors will determine the future for the Association.
Worrells will continue to proactively communicate with all affected parties at each step in the administration.
Worrells has 32 offices and 25 principals across Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, SA, and WA. Worrells has been providing solvency management, insolvency administration, and forensic investigation services for over 49 years.
-ENDS-
Scott Andersen
Principal, Worrells Geelong