Excellence in employment celebrated at Disability at Work Summit

NDS would like to extend its warm congratulations to the Disability Employment Excellence Awards winners! The Disability Employment Excellence Awards 2019 were held as part of NDS's Disability at Work Summit, recognising and promoting the fantastic contribution that Disability Enterprises and Disability Employment Service providers make in improving the lives of people with disability.The Awards were presented by the Summit Keynote Speaker, Katrina Webb and representatives of the Sponsors, BGIS Asia Pacific and HESTA.Open employment winner: STEPS Employment Solutions - NambourSTEPS Nambour service provides specialist support for people with mental health and substance abuse issues through the Najara program. Najara clients are serviced under an Individual Placement and Support model which adopts a Place and Train approach. STEPS works closely with employers to ensure a smooth transition of clients into a job by focusing on the needs of the employer and the strengths of the employee. Open employment runner up: Essential Personnel - Avon Community Employment Support CentreSince 1989 Essential Personnel have built strong relationships with employers and community organisations in Western Australia to assist people with disability achieve quality sustainable employment outcomes. Jobseekers receive tailored assistance to identify their abilities, skills, aspirations and career goals. Supported employment winner: HELP EnterprisesHELP Enterprises has been providing supported employment options for people with disability in the Brisbane area for over 50 years. It currently employs over 370 people with disability to work in a wide range of businesses that include Horticulture and Arboriculture, Catering, Logistics, Mail Services, Packaging, Industrial Production and Manufacturing Services. HELP's social enterprises offer supported employees specialist workplace training and mentoring, career planning guidance and workplace adjustments, along with ongoing and flexible workplace assistance.Supported employment runner up: Christie Centre - Aroundagain Aroundagain is a dynamic and diverse operation based in Mildura Victoria. It promotes a circular economy through a variety of innovative waste reduction activities. Employment opportunities for people with disability are strengthened through accredited training and recognition of their specific interests, goals and abilities. BuyAbility Above & Beyond Awards Grand Champion: Rhonda Morrow, Summerland House FarmRhonda's positivity, honesty and enthusiasm inspires both her customers and co-workers. Rhonda works in the farm's cafe where she takes customer orders, serves food and beverages and assists in cleaning tasks. Rhonda's specialty and one of her favourite roles is a signature 'high tea' service, which she sets-up impeccably, including cutting fresh flowers to ensure the event is beautiful.NDS would like to thank the BGIS Asia Pacific and HESTA for their very generous support of the Disability Employment Excellence Awards.