Flower power: Nicole Aldering with assistant dog Xanto and Taylor McVean at Boxes and Bunches.
By Michelle Herbison
A GROUP of budding florists has attracted statewide recognition as a finalist in 2012’s Victorian Disability Sector Awards.
Scope Barwon South West’s Christine Brooks said the Boxes and Bunches group was “thrilled” with its nomination.
“The nomination recognises and celebrates Scope’s commitment to the development of people with a disability to achieve their life goals,” Ms Brooks said.
She described Boxes and Bunches as a group of eight disabled adults working with Scope staff and volunteers to prepare flower arrangements every week.
The program grew out of a weekly floristry program as part of a Scope Manifold Heights day and lifestyles options program.
The participants with disabilities had been involved at every stage of business development, Ms Brooks said.
The group now hoped to move into a shop in the next 12 months so participants could gain enough experience to move into the workforce.
“The aim of the business is to create meaningful work and experiences for people with a disability,” Ms Brooks said.
“It recognises how we do things and what we achieve, working together to achieve shared goals and outcomes.”
Ms Brooks said Boxes and Bunches had allowed participants to develop friendships and experience having their participation and abilities valued.
Victorian Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said the awards would recognise the often “unnoticed” dedication of disability workers.
“Boxes and Bunches also supports people with a disability to learn about the floristy industry and develop new skills by encouraging them to attend a TAFE course of floristry,” she said.
