An innovative Australian Disability Enterprises in northern NSW has today been recognised for its ongoing commitment to disability employment.
The Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, announced On Track Community Programs had won the Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Award at the National Disability Services’ Disability at Work conference in Melbourne today.
“On Track Community Programs are a leading provider of support services for people with mental illness and employ over 20 people at their Tweed Heads second hand shop,” Minister Fifield said.
“As part of On Track’s commitment to their supported employees, RePsychlers Op Shop was established as an Australian Disability Enterprise in 2009 and empowers supported employees through community inclusion and innovative training programmes.
“I would like to thank the Pratt Foundation for their partnership and support in generously donating $10,000 prize money for the second year running.”
Now in its fifth year, the Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Award recognises efforts to improve the lives of people with disability by providing dignity through employment and access to work.
Senator Fifield said On Track and the other worthy award nominees were a demonstration of the quality employment opportunities offered by disability enterprises.
“Employment is key to social and economic participation, and all people with disability deserve to enjoy the dignity of work.”
“That’s why the Abbott Government committed $25 million for a Disability Employment package in the 2015 Budget, and a further $17 million to support Australian Disability Enterprises,” Minister Fifield said.
Media contact: Lydia Paterson | 0409 792 081 | lydia.paterson@dss.gov.au