Goodness Enterprises

Pastor Fred Muys isn’t just a familiar face amidst the Ipswich social enterprise scene; he’s a formidable driver of it. During a recent visit, QSEC had the opportunity to tour the Tivoli Drive-In with Fred, observing the dynamic operations in progress there.

In 1998 when Pastors Fred and Christine Muys came to lead a small church in the Karalee and Chuwar area, they were determined to support the local community not just on a Sunday but for every day of the week. First opening its gates in 1976 and quickly becoming an iconic Ipswich cinema venue the Tivoli Drive-In Cinema fell out of consumer interest with the advancement of shopping centres and their close association with multiplex theatres. The drive-in closed in March 2000, however it was purchased a few years later by the Rivers of Life Christian Church and Harvest Rain Ministries who transformed the area to a seven day per week Church and Community Centre known as Tivoli Social Enterprises.

The screen flickered back to life in 2008, bringing the community together with affordable, family-oriented entertainment. Simultaneously, it provided employment and work skills training for unemployed young adults and youth. This was the brilliance of the drive-in; it was much more than just a movie experience. Today, Tivoli Social Enterprises has evolved into Goodness Enterprises, maintaining its core mission of employment and food distribution while expanding its reach. The Goodness Community Food Coop, a vital arm of the enterprise, rescues over 14 tonnes of food weekly, distributing it to food-vulnerable households. With plans to build a new storage facility, the Coop aims to increase its capacity to assist even more families by 2025, expanding into a West Moreton Food Hub.

Pastor Fred Muys emphasises that their mission goes beyond feeding people. “It’s about empowering people,” he shared during a visit from QSEC. This commitment to empowerment was recognised last year when Goodness Enterprises received the Queensland Community and Social Services ‘Community Impact Award’ for their invaluable support during the 2022 floods.

Goodness Enterprises excels in providing employment and skills training through the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative. Since 2005, they have worked with over 1200 individuals, with more than 80% transitioning into ongoing business or trade apprenticeships. “Partnering with the Queensland Government and Skilling Queenslanders for Work is an important element in our program,” Fred said. “This partnership has a profound impact, enabling us to reach more individuals and offer them the skills and opportunities needed to transform their lives.”

Recent graduates have emerged from three significant projects: the Ipswich West Moreton Community Connections Project, the Goodness Enterprises Community Coop Project, and the Chuwar Community Kitchen and Café Project. These initiatives equip jobseekers with certificates in Workplace Skills, Retail Services, and Hospitality, respectively.

Additionally, Goodness Enterprises has secured $1.58 million in funding for the 2024-25 round to continue delivering impactful Work Skills Traineeships.

Looking ahead, Goodness Enterprises has several ambitious projects in the pipeline. These include a Disaster Resilience Centre for Emergency accommodation and Command Centre operations during natural disasters, a Housing Village to provide short-term housing for vulnerable families, and a rehabilitation and education facility for koalas and native fauna.

Amidst all these developments, the Tivoli Drive-In remains operational, offering double-feature screenings every Saturday for a flat rate of $15. The diner opens at 4:00 pm, maintaining a cherished tradition while supporting a broader mission of community enrichment. Goodness Enterprises exemplifies how visionary leadership and community-focused initiatives can create lasting change. Pastor Fred and Christine Muys continue to inspire and empower, ensuring that the spirit of Goodness Enterprises thrives in Ipswich and beyond.