By BRIDGET COOK
OUTLOOK Environmental has been recognised for enriching the lives of people with a disability through employment.
The Hampton Park-based business was named runner-up at the Australian Disability Enterprise Awards for Excellence, held on the Gold Coast earlier this month.
Outlook Environmental runs a state-of-the-art waste transfer station and recycling facility based SITA’s Hallam Road landfill, which employs people with a disability.
The initiative is dedicated to creating opportunities and improving the lives of people with disability through employment, training and social inclusion.
The business, which has been in operation for more than 40 years, is one of only a few disability enterprises that operates an integrated workforce, pays award wages and provides a comprehensive training calendar for all employees.
Outlook deputy chief executive Anne McCormick said the social enterprise model used by Outlook Environmental continued to go from strength to strength and had resulted in the organisation gaining business confidence and winning national tenders.
“Training such as OH&S, self-care and well-being and on-the-job training help many of Outlook Environmental’s supported employees to build skills and knowledge that will increase their longer term employability,” she said.
“Many employees have also achieved industry approved qualifications such as their forklift and front-end loader licenses and horticultural certificates.
“Other benefits to employees include increased confidence, a sense of purpose and friendships with co-workers, which extends to greater social interaction and inclusion during their free time.”
Chief executive Tony Fitzgerald paid tribute to SITA Australia Victoria for their long-standing partnership that commenced in October 1997.
“Without SITA, this award would not be possible,” he said.
SITA Victoria general manager Daniel Fyfe said they were a world leader in the provision of sustainable environmental services.
“Our unique partnership with Outlook reflects SITA’s objectives and provides both organisations with positive outcomes,” he said.
“Training and award-wage employment for disadvantaged workers and low cost, recycled goods for the community while reducing waste to landfill are benefits with which SITA is very proud to be associated.
“Being presented with national recognition is certain acknowledgement of Outlook’s dedication to improving the lives of people with disability through employment, training and social inclusion, while providing advantages for the entire community.”
