New facility provides employment for people with disability

A brand new coffee packaging facility in Unanderra will provide supported employment to eight people with disability.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Amanda Rishworth today officially opened the Australian Disability Enterprise Flagstaff Group’s new facility, which is the organisation’s sixth sustainable business venture providing employment to people with disability.

Ms Rishworth was joined at the official opening by Federal Member for Cunningham Sharon Bird and Federal Member for Throsby Stephen Jones, who both applauded Flagstaff Group on the opening of the new facility.

“I know that Flagstaff Group has provided a range of employment opportunities for local people with disability for many years, and I congratulate all who have worked to make this latest enterprise a reality,” said Ms Bird.

“This new coffee packaging facility will create additional supported employment opportunities for local people with disability in our community. Flagstaff Group is to be commended and I wish them every success for the new venture,” said Mr Jones.

Ms Rishworth recognized the ongoing efforts of Flagstaff Group and said that the Federal Labor Government is also deeply committed to helping people with disability find satisfying work.

“Disability should not be a barrier to a successful and fulfilling career.

“This new facility will not only provide a valuable service to the community, but at the same time it will provide some great Australians with the independence and empowerment that comes from employment.”

Australian Disability Enterprises employ people with moderate to severe disability, providing products and services across a wide range of industries, including design, retail, printing and packaging, manufacturing, laundry and landscaping.

“The Rudd Government believes that ADEs have an important role to play in providing meaningful work and training for people with disability,” Ms Rishworth said.

“We are currently supporting around 194 ADEs across Australia operating over 600 businesses, providing supported employment assistance to approximately 20,000 people who may not otherwise be able to work.

“We also released a 10 year vision for the future of supported employment, and are giving ADEs support to remain strong and sustainable as DisabilityCare Australia, the national disability insurance scheme, rolls out across the country.”