Aker – as Jason Akermanis is known to footy fans – is that bleached blond magnet for controversy with the uncanny skill to turn a game in a flash.
But AKER (Applying Know-how Environmental) is also the name of a new Work for the Dole project set up by Western Bulldogs Spirit West Services in conjunction with Mission Australia.
So it was apt that the original Aker turned up to inspire and encourage participants in his namesake work program last Tuesday.
The outspoken Brownlow medallist signed autographs and had a chinwag with project participants and even a few people passing by the Crossroads Uniting Church on Duncans Rd in Werribee.
“We really try and help where we can. The profile of sports people allows us to help these sorts of causes,” Jason Akermanis said.
He said it was terrific to get involved with a community-based initiative like Spirit West.
Spirit West Work for the Dole coordinator David van Wynen said Spirit West had expanded its “paw print” across the West with 10 projects in Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Brooklyn, Maribyrnong and one about to start in Sunshine.
The programs aimed to give participants practical work skills and experience. Supervisor of the Crossroads project, David O’Neill, said he was gaining valuable experience in managing people on an ongoing project.
Mr O’Neill was recently employed by the Western Bulldogs and was himself a participant in a Spirit West Work for the Dole project.
The 22-year-old Hoppers Crossing resident said he had worked as a labourer and the Spirit West project allowed him to develop a wider range of skills.
He said the current project was about giving participants a good grounding in gardening, light construction and handyman skills.
Anyone interested in participating in a Spirit West Work for the Dole project can contact David van Wynen on 1300 GO DOGS (1300 46 36 47).
