Cumberland Industries new Textile Division opens in Castle Hill

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today officially opened the new Textile Division of Cumberland Industries Ltd, allowing further employment opportunities for people with a disability.

Senator Patterson said Cumberland Industries Ltd have been operating for nearly 50 years and is one of the largest employers of people with a disability in NSW.

“Providing supported employment services and operating through four outlets across the Sydney metropolitan area, Cumberland Industries Ltd employs over 500 people with a mild disability,” Senator Patterson said.

“The new Textile Division in Castle Hill will build on Cumberland Industries’ past successes and provide even more training and employment opportunities for people with a disability.

“Producing protective clothing, caution and danger flags and poly bags in a range of sizes, this new operation adds to Cumberland Industries’ wide range of services which includes general packing and assembly, a pharmaceutical division, an industrial sewing division, confectionary packing, food processing, and packaging and storage.

“The Australian Government provided funding of over $2 million to Cumberland Industries Ltd in 2002-03, to help them provide disability employment assistance to more than 600 people during the year.

“People with disabilities often face many barriers when they try to participate in the labour force and the community. With this funding assistance, Cumberland Industries Ltd will be able to give people with disabilities the opportunity to reach their full potential and make the most of their lives.

“The Howard Government is committed to assisting people maximise their potential and actively participate in the workforce and their communities. It is through the excellent work of organisations such as Cumberland Industries Ltd that allows the Government to deliver on this commitment.”