Hawaiian and cleaning contractor ISS Facility Services have entered into a new agreement with Indigenous cleaning chemicals company Wirrpanda Supplies, headed by ex-AFL star David Wirrpanda.

Under the new partnership arrangement, ISS will transition supply of several Wirrpanda Supplies’ chemicals to the Hawaiian retail portfolio in early 2019.

The Wirrpanda Agreement is an innovative approach that leverages the procurement practices of large organisations for the long-term benefit of Indigenous businesses and communities. Through this agreement, Hawaiian and ISS will support the Wirrpanda Foundation, providing a range of assistance programs to Indigenous communities in WA.

Wirrpanda Supplies was created in late 2017 to deliver environmentally-sustainable cleaning supplies as well as close a loop between education and the employment of Indigenous youth. The company is a joint-venture company between David Wirrpanda, and Chemform, a 40-year old family-owned Australian company that delivers cleaning products and services.

A percentage of all sales from Wirrpanda Supplies goes directly to the not-for-profit Wirrpanda Foundation, which supports Indigenous communities and their youth in further studies and entry into the workforce.

Hawaiian CEO Russell Gibbs says: “Hawaiian is proud to be partnering with ISS and Wirrpanda Supplies to benefit the Wirrpanda Foundation and the important work they do supporting Indigenous communities in WA.

“Our partnership is underpinned by an organisational goal of embedding diversity and inclusion within the Hawaiian culture. Hawaiian will continue to seek new ways to deepen our relationship with the Wirrpanda Foundation to positively impact the local WA community.”

David Wirrpanda, an accomplished and well-known former West Coast Eagles star who played 13 years of top level footy, is excited about the new partnership and comments: “We’re really proud to be partnering with Hawaiian and ISS. Their commitment towards a holistic Indigenous engagement program, including procurement and employment is a credit to both organisations”.

ISS CEO, Scott Davies, comments: “This partnership really resonates with ISS’ pledge to assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.”