Funding Win for McCallum Disability Services – Modernised Manufacturing Upgrade

What We’ve Achieved

McCallum Disability Services has secured $90,000 through the Perpetual Impact Grant to modernise its manufacturing operations with a new high-capacity pallet making machine. This investment strengthens McCallum’s commercial capability and expands inclusive employment opportunities for people with disability across the region.

Grantus supported McCallum to develop a clear, evidence-based application demonstrating how the machinery upgrade will enhance efficiency, reduce operational constraints, and unlock long-term financial sustainability following the organisation’s merger with Ballarat Regional Industries. By aligning the project with fund priorities around social and economic impact, McCallum secured vital funding to deliver lasting community benefit.

Funding Context

The Perpetual Impact Grant supports organisations creating measurable, long-term social and economic outcomes. It prioritises initiatives that strengthen operational resilience, improve community wellbeing, and scale impact.
McCallum’s project was a strong fit, combining industrial capability with inclusive employment and delivering benefits for both supported employees and regional industries.

Why It Matters

• Triples pallet production capacity, improving turnaround times for regional businesses.
• Strengthens long-term employment opportunities for people with disability.
• Enhances financial sustainability across McCallum’s social enterprise operations.
• Supports local manufacturing and export industries through compliant, locally made pallets.
• Improves organisational efficiency, reducing costs and enabling reinvestment into services.

About the Project and Next Steps

The project will modernise McCallum’s pallet production operations by introducing a high capacity pallet making machine. This upgrade will significantly increase productivity, reduce manual workload pressures, and allow supported employees to transition into higher value, customised production roles. 

Next steps include procurement and installation of the equipment, staff and supported employee training, and a marketing campaign targeting industries such as logistics, manufacturing, construction and export. The expanded production capacity will allow McCallum to service new markets, strengthen organisational sustainability, and broaden community impact. 

Grantus’ Role

• Developed a clear and compelling project rationale linked to fund priorities.
• Prepared evidence demonstrating operational efficiencies and social impact.
• Strengthened the business case using organisational KPIs and financial context.
• Supported McCallum to articulate the merger benefits and strategic fit.
• Provided guidance on outcomes, risk planning, and measurement frameworks.