Local disability support organisation Intelife has been awarded the City of Mandurah’s Outdoor Maintenance tender, resulting in the employment of local people with disability who will have access to ongoing employment and improved skills.
The City recently supported the Australian Disability Enterprise initiative, which enables local governments to invite registered disability providers to participate in a competitive quotation process.
The Intelife crews carry out a number of general maintenance jobs around the city, including cleaning barbecues, roadside litter pick-ups, and sifting sand and cleaning equipment in playgrounds.
Intelife Area Services Manager Nancy Hartnett said the local crews, which includes a skills trainer and three supported employees, are able to grow their skill sets and abilities on the job, moving from easier tasks to more challenging ones over time.
“Our employees are able to build their capacity through their work with the goal of eventually moving on to open employment,” Ms Hartnett said. “We’re able to keep the transition going for them and it’s a great stepping stone towards other things they want to achieve.”
“We have assessments throughout the year for our employees, they learn valuable life skills and are encouraged to excel. There is a mix of young and older employees, male and female, and they really love their work.
“Our employees take great pride in what they do in the community. Many members of the public give their thanks when they see them working, and the feedback is really appreciated and makes a difference as it adds to the job satisfaction.”
Mayor Rhys Williams said the City was proud to support an initiative which provides meaningful employment opportunities to people with disabilities.
“The contract with Intelife gives people with disability the opportunity to earn a wage and contribute to, and connect with, their local community,” he said.
“The Intelife crews we see around the city do such a great job and we highly value their work. We’re proud to create opportunities for people that may otherwise face barriers in employment.”
Mandurah Chief Executive Officer Mark Newman said the City worked within the appropriate guidelines and regulations to engage a disability service provider for the Outdoor Maintenance tender through a competitive quote process to registered disability providers.
“It’s a great outcome that we’ve been able to award this contract to a local disability service provider,” Mr Newman said.
Caption: Front left: Aaron Buck and Mayor Rhys Williams
Back row: Tania Ogilvie (Skills Trainer), City of Mandurah Acting CEO Allan Claydon, Melinda McGlinn, Adam Coore, Tristan Addison
Front row: Myles Galant, Glenn Sutherland, Mason Hall, Hayden Rush
