Driving growth and sustainability

Family-owned Homestyle Bakeries has fully embraced the Buy Queensland procurement approach, driving significant growth while fostering a sustainable and ethical local supply chain.

Employing 180 local workers, the bakery sources 80–85% of its ingredients and services within Queensland, reinvesting in the state’s economy and indirectly generating jobs. In addition, the company has strong roots to the communities in which it operates, supporting many initiatives, such school breakfast programs, local events and non-for-profit organisations through sponsorships and donations.

Located in Toowoomba, with depots on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, Homestyle Bakeries has expanded significantly from its humble beginnings 35 years ago. Initially serving schools and trade markets, the bakery now fulfils procurement requirements for Queensland Government facilities and other customers, providing freshly baked bread, rolls, pastries and sweet goods.

'We support our local area and Queensland first. It becomes a part of your ethics and the way we want to operate,' Jo McSweeney, the Business Development Manager, said.

Aligning with government procurement standards has spurred numerous ethical, environmental, and social initiatives at Homestyle Bakeries, including:

• Workplace Gender Abilities Certification, demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion
• providing mental health first aid and support services training
• implementing practices to reduce resource usage, such as energy and water, while reducing waste.

'At Homestyle, we are proud as a family business to work closely with our staff to support them in balancing personal and professional responsibilities where we can, offering staff secure employment with the opportunity for career and skill progression,' Mandy Payle, Human Resource Manager, said.

'Supporting our local community, we work in collaboration with not-for-profit community organisations and a number of Workforce Australia Employment Service Providers to provide secure employment for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, refugees, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Australians.'

The company’s community engagement aligns with their sustainability initiatives aimed at continuously enhancing environmental practices. This includes partnerships with organisations such as Foodassist and local schools to distribute quality excess food.

Achieving an overall score of 90% – Beyond Best Practice for the 2022 Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Annual Reporting period underscores their commitment to these principles.

By aligning with the Buy Queensland procurement approach, Homestyle Bakeries is driving growth and contributing positively to the region’s economy and community enhancement.

More information

• Find out more about the Buy Queensland approach, ensuring Queenslanders benefit from the government’s procurement investment.
• Sign up to receive our supplier newsletter