MEDIA RELEASE - Accreditation as a Disability Enterprise
December 2015
With Thursday 3 December being international day of people with a disability (IDPwD), the Shire of Manjimup is proud to announce and celebrate its successful re-accreditation as an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE), having first become accredited in 2014 to enable the employment of the Property Care Team supported workers following the closure of ACTIV.As the only local Government in WA with this accreditation, the Shire of Manjimup is one of eight disability enterprises in Western Australia, providing viable and sustainable supported employment for people with disabilities.
The aim of IDPwD, which is celebrated internationally, is to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
The Property Care Team and their supervisor undertake work for a variety of individuals, private companies, Local Governments and State Government agencies. "Bringing the team on board was a logical extension to our core business and they have integrated with our Parks and Gardens department perfectly, often providing a service where there was previously a gap," said Shire President Wade DeCampo. "It is about community education as well."
"The Property Care Team have been exposed to new experiences, new opportunities and new friends, which has added to their potential for future employment elsewhere and improved their skills' base. We want to keep them and their families in Manjimup so that they can maintain important networks and friendships that are crucial to their daily lives, routine and wellbeing."
The Shire of Manjimup is the first Local Government organisation in WA to be certified as an ADE, with only one other Local Government in Queensland with this certification. Cr DeCampo explained that becoming an ADE has opened up opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the local workforce. "Hopefully this encourages other organisations, particularly Local Governments, to become certified in order to provide supported employment for people with a disability, and by doing so, gain the same positive outcomes for the community and organisation as our Shire," said Cr DeCampo.
The Property Care Team can be booked to provide assistance to external organisations and individuals by phoning Darren Callaghan on 0409 105 316. Click here to view a list of services.
"We're really proud of the Property Care Team - they are certainly worth celebrating," said Cr DeCampo.
