Cleanable, a commercial cleaning business with a difference, is making its mark as one of the first tenants at Witton Barracks.
As a social enterprise, Cleanable is committed to delivering professional cleaning services while creating jobs for individuals facing employment barriers.
We sat down with Peter Collins, National Social Enterprise Strategy and Development Manager of WCIG Social Enterprise Group, to learn more about Cleanable’s recent expansion into Queensland and what this move means for the community.
“We’ve been around for 18 years in Victoria, and now we’re excited to call Brisbane our second home,” Peter says.
“One of our guiding mottos at the moment is ‘helping more people in more places’. We’re really excited to be able to expand into Queensland, as we see a lot of opportunity to create employment pathways for people in the community.”
Cleanable operates as a professional cleaning business, complete with quality control, safety protocols, and training programs. But the social impact of the business is where it truly shines.
All of the profits go to WCIG, a community organisation which aims to change people’s lives through employment and create opportunity.
“The difference with Cleanable is that we’re set up to benefit people with a barrier to employment,” Peter explains.
“We primarily support people with mental health barriers to employment, though that’s not the only group we work with.
“One of the things we’re really proud of is paying full award wages—we have no supported wage structure.”
Beyond providing a paycheck, Peter emphasises the broader importance of work.
“Employment isn’t just about money. It’s about confidence, self-worth, contributing to society, meeting other people and sharing experiences,” he says.
“We’ve seen firsthand how employment can transform lives. People who thought they could only work one day a week are now working three days, building friendships, and overcoming isolation, and they’re really great outcomes.”
With its expansion into Queensland, Cleanable aims to build strong relationships with local businesses that want to make a difference with their “invisible spend.”
As Peter puts it, “There’s a lot of invisible spend that goes on in businesses that can be used for good.
“Every business has routine expenses like office cleaning. By choosing Cleanable, you not only get exceptional service, but you get the benefit of knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s life.”
For Peter, Cleanable’s move to Queensland is also personal.
“I lived in Brisbane for 30 years, so it’s personally exciting to expand here,” he says.
“Being based at Witton Barracks is also an exciting part of the story. We know one day we will outgrow the space, but for now, we’re thrilled to play a part in its development.
“It’s such an important facility to have. As social enterprise grows in Queensland, there needs to be an incubating space for those that are starting out.
“And for Cleanable, it has certainly made it easier to work with the team at White Box and Witton to get started in Queensland. It’s been a dream.”
In just a few months, Peter has already witnessed the transformation of Witton Barracks.
“When I first visited, there was no one around. Now, it’s buzzing with activity, and I can’t even find a car park!” he laughs.
“People are curious about what’s happening here. The other day I was stopped by a kid riding his bike, who asked, ‘Hey, Mister, what is this place?’ And when we told him what we were doing, he had a bunch of questions. That’s such a nice interaction to have with a kid. It’s great to see the community so engaged.”
As Cleanable settles into its new home at Witton Barracks, its mission remains clear: to provide top-quality cleaning services while creating jobs that change lives.
For Peter and his team, it’s all about helping more people, in more places, one clean at a time.
