Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Funding boost for disability business

Latrobe Valley Enterprises in Morwell will receive an extra $322,932 in Australian Government funding to install a heating system for its hothouse.

This one-off commitment will give Latrobe Valley Enterprises the opportunity to further develop its business, helping ensure sustainable employment for workers with disability.

The Australian Government is committed to encouraging employment opportunities for people with disability.

The Government recognises that people with disability can bring a range of skills, talents and abilities to a job.

Latrobe Valley Enterprises in Morwell supports 65 people with disability to work in a range of activities including sign making, a rose farm, recycling, grounds maintenance, and gourmet food production including animal husbandry and hydroponic tomato production.

Other business services delivering Australian Government-funded supported employment in the Gippsland region include:

  • The George Gray Centre in Maffra employs 24 workers with disability in Foster Place caf’e and a garden service;
  • Mirridong Services Inc. in Yarram supports 6 people with disability to work in gardening services; and
  • Noweyung Business Services in Bairnsdale assists 36 employees with disability in producing timber products, manufacturing and assembly, art, grounds maintenance, gift packaging and food products.

All these service providers provide supported employment to people with moderate to high levels of disability in the Gippsland region of Victoria.

The Australian Government provides funding to these services, recognising the significant contribution of business services by supporting people with disability to work.