HIGHPOINT Industries gives people with a disability the opportunity to join the workforce despite their lack of skill or the intensity of their disability.
The Maribyrnong organisation won the not-for-profit section of the 2006 Powercor Greater Western Business Excellence Awards.
Judges said it was a business that “incorporates all the best aspects of the not-for-profit sector along with the commercial reality of the need to be a viable and developing business”.
“The passion displayed by the staff was infectious and underlined the strength of the operation.”
Hazel Alexander, manager of Highpoint Industries, said the award had boosted the profile of the organisation.
She said Highpoint was discussing the possibility of undertaking work for a Sunshine company, a contact that was made through their participation in the awards.
Workers at Highpoint Industries package and assemble items for a variety of companies, such as packaging an exclusive range of chocolates, shrink-wrapping board games, packaging pamphlets for education kits and putting together boxes of brackets.
Would-be workers can approach the organisation independently or can be recommended by a qualified practitioner such as a psychologist or job agency.
All 85 people who work at Highpoint Industries have a disability, either physical, mental or psychological.
Ms Alexander said workers had the opportunity to develop their skills and move to work in shops and factories.
“We encourage that because it is good for the individual, if they want to work in open employment,” she said.
“But many people choose to stay here because they build a social network and get comfortable.”
The Greater Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GWCCI) is launching the 2007 awards this week. For more information contact 9689 6093.
For more information about GWCCI and the Greater Western Business Excellence Awards visit the website, www.gwcci.com.au.
