Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, Gwydir Industries employee Jason Bone, Manager Antoinette McNamara and Board President Peter Weal.
Friday, 12 January 2017
EMPLOYEES at Gwydir Industries will have stable footing as they build a solid foundation of work skills, thanks to an $11,000 NSW Government grant to lay a concrete slab that promises to boost worker safety.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall joined staff at the renowned Moree employer this week to announce the funding, describing the slab as a tremendous boost to safety.
“Gwydir Industries provides valuable employment for many local people, including those with physical or learning disabilities,” Mr Marshall said.
“Their recycling service helps keep Moree’s industry moving, with staff sorting through tonnes of collected cotton plastics, cardboard and paper to ensure it doesn’t end up in landfill.
“This funding will build a concrete slab, giving the workers a specific area to sort and recycle plastics from the region’s cotton gins, sorting and preparing them for recycling.
“With staff on the ground for hours at a time, a stable surface will be far more comfortable and reduce the likelihood of workplace injuries.”
Gwydir Industries Board President Peter Weal said the project would substantially improve the comfort for staff members.
“It will help their efficiency, help with their safety and help smooth out the operation as a whole,” Mr Weal said.
“Safety is a big issue for people with a disability – we’d like to have them working on the smoother surface that this slab will provide.
“It will be a big advantage, and we’re so grateful to the NSW Government for its support in the past and ongoing.”
Mr Marshall said that the funding kicked off a promising year for Gwydir Industries.
In March, Gwydir Industries will host its popular Moree ‘Dancing With The Stars’, with six local couples to dance their hearts out for the 2018 title, while raising vital funds.
“The money raised will supplement funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, further renovating the recycling area and going towards a desperately needed replacement for their engraving machine,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’m lucky enough to be guest judging this fantastic event and I encourage everyone in the community to come along, cheering for the talented performers and claiming the chance to win a new Holden Barina.”