Local company to stock frontline fight

The masks provided by the company.

By Mitchell Clarke

A Pakenham company will produce 200,000 reusable masks to the coronavirus frontline before Christmas.

Aquaterro, a major supplier to the Department of Defence and Australia’s law enforcement, was one of six companies chosen by the State Government to provide 1.2 million masks.

Around 700,000 will be distributed to local government offices, health centres, pharmacies and general practices, as well as disability service providers, home and community care services and mental health services, while the remainder will go to the government’s stockpile to be accessed as necessary.

Aquaterro founder and managing director Graeme Bulte said the company was proud to be awarded a State Government contract to produce textile face masks, compliant with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

“Our company has always sought to provide support to those in harms way,” Mr Bulte said.

“This contract to provide WHO compliant masks to those on the front lines, and those in need of masks who cannot otherwise access them is absolutely in keeping with our purpose.”

He added the contract demonstrated the “combined strength, quality and capability” of Aquaterro’s textile design and manufacturing.

The opportunity will also utilise the expanded technical sewing and large-scale cutting technology the company, who only recently moved its headquarters to Pakenham, invested in during 2020.

“This work will continue to advance Aquaterro’s growth and expansion, and in hiring Australians for an Australian owned company,” Mr Bulte said.

Industry Support and Recovery Minister Martin Pakula said Aquaterro were at the “forefront” of assisting in the Covid response.

“The ability of Victorian manufacturers to adapt and produce the goods that we need in a pandemic has been remarkable,” he said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the masks would be made available to Victorians with chronic or complex health conditions, people with a disability, those in high-density living arrangements and other vulnerable groups.

“This order will ensure people who need them most have access to a mask to keep them and their loved ones safe,” he said.

“Masks have been a critical part of reducing the spread of coronavirus and will be even more important as restrictions ease and people will start moving more freely in the community.”

From Monday 12 October, all Victorians will be required to wear a fitted mask. Face shields, bandanas or scarves, which were previously allowed but not recommended as face coverings, are no longer permitted.

The first batch of the new masks are expected to be delivered from this week, with the remaining stock to be delivered before Christmas.