New premises for Self Help Workplace

Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, on behalf of the Minister for Community Services, Hon John Cobb, today officially opened the new, purpose-built retail shopfront for Self Help Workplace.

‘Self Help Workplace has been operating for over 40 years and is one of only two business support services in Northern Tasmania, offering meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability,’ Mr Ferguson said.

‘The business receives more than $320 000 in Australian Government funding under the Disability Employment Assistance Program for the support of 46 employees with disability.

‘The workshop division of the business produces pallets and packing crates, survey pegs, furniture joinery and components, and the services division undertakes sewing, labelling, packaging, mailing and assembly work.

‘In addition, employees operate Encore Clothing which specialises in second-hand clothing and the provision of bulk cleaning rags.
‘Over the past twelve months, the Australian Government approved $166 000 toward the relocation costs of Encore Clothing to a purpose-built retail shopfront co-located with Self Help’s main operations.

‘This funding was also used for the purchase of additional facilities including a commercial kitchen for training and catering purposes and financial support for improved occupational health and safety for employees.

‘I congratulate the hard working and dedicated employees at Self Help Workplace who have enabled the business to grow into the success it is today,’ Mr Ferguson said.

The Disability Employment Assistance Program offers employment, support and assistance to people with a disability, enabling them to enjoy the same basic rights and opportunities available to all working Australians.