Disability employer wins top business award in the NT

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, the Hon Jane Prentice MP is delighted with the announcement that Helping People Achieve (HPA) has won the Northern Territory Telstra Business Award.

On a recent visit to Darwin Mrs Prentice visited HPA and toured the facilities of this Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) meeting employees and staff.

“It is no surprise that HPA have been recognised in such a significant way as I have seen what a great organisation can do to provide opportunities for people with disability,” Mrs Prentice said.

“HPA provide more than just a job. 

“They create a space for social interactions and building friendships between people that far too often do not get the chances that other Australians do each and every day,” she said.

HPA in Darwin has created a business producing a range of quality products and valuable services that are highly regarded in the Darwin community.  Their long-standing customer base includes the Australian Defence Force.

Mrs Prentice said “It is the first time a not for profit organisation has won the overall business award in any state or territory.  This is clear evidence of the great work done by the team at HPA under the leadership of Tony Burns.”

HPA also won the inaugural charity award.

Background

ADEs contract with other businesses and organisations to undertake activities such as packaging, assembly, recycling, screen printing, plant nurseries, garden maintenance and landscaping, cleaning services, and food services.  This provides supported employment for people with various disabilities enabling them to live and work in their local community.

HPA has been supporting people with disability for more than 50 years and operates from two sites – Kokoda Industries and Ausdesigns – employing over 70 people with disability.

They also provide residential support to about 40 people.

ADEs across Australia are funded by the Department of Social Services and employ about 20,000 people with moderate to severe disability nationwide.

Funding of ADEs is gradually transitioning to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

This win in the Northern Territory means that HPA is now in the running for the national award next month.