At Waverley Social Enterprises, we often say that the best partnerships are the ones built on shared values. Our ongoing relationship with engineering and construction company Laing O’Rourke is a perfect example of what it looks like when a business genuinely commits to inclusion, community, and social impact.

Over the past two and a half years, Laing O’Rourke has supported us in a variety of meaningful ways that go well beyond the transactional. Their approach isn’t just about ticking a Corporate Social Responsibility box on a project brief. It’s about embedding social value into the way they do business.

Employment with Purpose

Laing O’Rourke engages our Workmates of Waverley for grounds maintenance on a park and playground in Burwood delivered as part of Suburban Rail Loop East works. These jobs create real employment opportunities for people with disability, offering stability, pride, and a sense of purpose.

They’ve also made use of our catering services, choosing to work with us for team events and meetings. This means more jobs and training for our supported employees, who are passionate about serving up great food and excellent service.

Elevating Voices, Not Just Outcomes

One of the standout moments in our partnership has been the opportunity for our supported employees to speak directly with Laing O’Rourke teams. We’ve had individuals visit their offices to share their experiences of living and working with disability, helping to shift perceptions and build understanding.

It’s these human connections that create lasting change, not just for our employees, but for the workplaces that welcome and include them.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Laing O’Rourke has also found creative ways to support our mission financially and practically. When they decommission project sites, they’ve donated both funds from the sale of furniture and the furniture itself, giving those resources a second life with us.

They’ve gone a step further by actively promoting our fundraising efforts within their networks. It’s this kind of consistent, thoughtful support that helps organisations like ours continue to grow and create impact.

Why It Matters

What makes Laing O’Rourke’s support so special is that it’s holistic. They don’t just partner with us to meet procurement requirements – they genuinely care about the social legacy they leave behind on their projects.

“Leaving a social legacy on projects is a fundamental driver for Laing O’Rourke,” explained Salam Al-Mulla, Project Director / MC Representative for the Suburban Rail Loop Initial & Early Works. “This is one of the reasons we love working with Waverley Social Enterprises and their team of highly talented individuals.”

It’s a rare and powerful example of a business that uses its influence to create inclusive opportunities and give back to the community in practical, respectful ways.

We’re proud to call Laing O’Rourke a partner, and even prouder to showcase what’s possible when businesses choose to do good, while doing business.