- Redevelopment of Good Sammy Enterprises' Canning Vale headquarters complete
- $300,000 Cook Government election commitment supported upgrade of canteen used for hospitality training
- New facilities ready to host event for International Day of People with Disability
- Cook Government investing in safe and inclusive communities
The redevelopment of Good Sammy's Canning Vale headquarters has been completed, thanks in part to a $300,000 election commitment from the Cook Government.
The funding contributed to the upgrade of Good Sammy's canteen and wellness areas, as part of a $6 million redevelopment of the decades-old site.
The election commitment is in addition to a $2.9 million Lotterywest grant for the renovation work, which was needed to ensure the facility meets the diverse range of requirements for people with disability at the site.
The upgraded facilities are helping meet increased demand for disability employment and training services by providing inclusive and compliant facilities for staff, trainees, volunteers and visitors.
The canteen serves morning tea and lunch and provides people with disability with the opportunity to undertake hospitality traineeships, including learning barista and cooking skills, and deliver corporate catering.
Some of the accessibility changes include varied height seating, wider aisles, lowered bain-marie, adjustable-height tables for microwaves and the coffee machine, and accessible signage.
The new facilities have been completed in time to hold an event for International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, with all catering to be done by the canteen staff.
International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations-recognised day that acknowledges the contribution of people with disability around the world.
Good Sammy is one of eight Western Australian Disability Enterprises, and employs 850 staff across Perth, Geraldton, Bunbury, Busselton and Albany, with around 50 per cent of staff identifying as people with disability.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
"Our election commitment to support this redevelopment reflects the Cook Labor Government's commitment to supporting meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with disability.
"I'm so pleased these works have been completed in time to host an event to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.
"The renovated canteen and wellness area will provide a safe, welcoming and accessible workspace for employees, volunteers and visitors to connect, helping to build a more inclusive culture.
"We appreciate the incredible work Good Sammy is doing to empower Western Australians with a disability, as well as their families and carers."
As stated by Good Sammy chief executive officer Kane Blackman:
"Good Sammy's vision is to transform workplaces and society through disability employment, so it was important that we transformed our own workplace through this renovation project to reflect the inclusive, accessible and high-quality services that we strive to deliver.
"We are so thankful for the Cook Labor Government's commitment to inclusive communities, as their support has enabled our canteen and wellness facilities to be improved to meet the needs of all those that use these spaces every day.
"Throughout the planning and construction phases, we actively consulted with staff to ensure the final design reflected their needs and expectations.
"It has been incredible to see the pride of our team in the finished product; a transformed work environment."
As stated by Jandakot MLA Stephen Pratt:
"I am incredibly proud to have Good Sammy's home base right here in my electorate.
"This facility is creating real opportunities for people with disability and strengthening our community.
"Delivering this election commitment shows the Cook Labor Government's commitment to building a more inclusive, welcoming community for everyone."
