Photo caption: Inverell’s Northaven has used a $34,204 grant from the State Government to purchase new equipment, including a ride-on lawnmower, employees Sean Edwards, left, Tony Pischke, Peter Wagner, General Manager Wendy Hardman, Scott Dennis, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Ean Muhs, Supported Employment Officer Ryan Marks and Nathan Butler.
Thursday, 20 April 2023
INVERELL disability service provider Northaven has welcomed a State Government grant of $34,204, using it to invest in new training equipment for its assisted employees, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall said the grant, secured under the NSW Community Building Partnership Program, had been used by Northaven to purchase fixed equipment for its School-to-Work program, increasing employment opportunities for people of all abilities.
The new purchases include a mobile metal welder, ride-on zero-turn mower, a wood planer and small tools.
“This is a great opportunity for students to increase their employment options after school, providing them valuable skills and training,” Mr Marshall said.
“Northaven General Manager Wendy Hardman and the entire Northaven team deserve to be congratulated for their outstanding support of students with disabilities, allowing them to have work experience in the same capacity as their peers.
“Northaven will now be able to continue to train with appliances that are up to date, compliant and applicable to current employment fields.
“Whether building skills in construction, hospitality or retail employment fields, support staff are there every step of the way to help transition into employment.”
Northaven Supported Employment Officer Ryan Marks said the organisation was delighted to secure the funding to purchase the new equipment.
“Northaven is excited to be able to put into full swing the opportunities available in training and capacity building to our Supported Employees and students from the School to Work program,” Mr Marks said.
“Northaven would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making this possible.
“This opens the doors for participants to continue building their portfolio to widen their employment opportunities.”
The upgrades will open the doors to training and capacity building to more than 100 participants and students in Inverell.