The boss of one of Australia’s biggest agriculture industry groups has praised a foundation putting disabled people to work packing his sector’s products in Geelong.
Sugar Australia chief Richard Roberts said his organisation was “delighted” to be part of The Endeavour Foundation’s work at Norlane.
The foundation was providing “meaningful employment opportunities” for local disabled people, Mr Roberts said.
“We couldn’t be more pleased by the great job being done by the Endeavour Foundation team,” he said.
“The fact that we’re receiving a great service while enabling people with a disability to get out into the workplace and explore their potential, means that it’s an ideal outcome all round.”
The foundation has a long-standing arrangement with Mr Roberts’ organisation to package CSR sugar sticks, used nationally in cafes, workplaces and households.
Endeavour Foundation’s commercial manager Anthony Tavelli said supported employment such as the work undertaken at Norlane was a “fantastic way for people with a disability to develop new skills, grow in confidence and make friends”.
“Endeavour Foundation has a proud history of providing opportunities for people with a disability to contribute to the local economy and enhance their level of community involvement,” Mr Tavelli said.
“Through on-the-job experience you can gain recognised qualifications and enhance your skill set. These new experiences and relationships are a critical part of how connected we feel to the world in which we live, and how valued we feel by our community.
“Employment opportunities are crucial to inclusivity.”
Norlane employee Gavin Leech underscored the value of the foundation’s work, saying he liked “everything” about his job.
“I like packing the sugar and I get to weigh the boxes, too. I like it better than any other job,” Mr Leech said.
