On Thursday 3 December, WISE Employment celebrated International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). IDPwD recognises the achievements and contributions of people with disability and aims to bring together people with disability and the general community.

This year’s theme was 'Realising the Millenium Development Goals for all: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world’.

WISE Employment’s Disability Employment Service celebrated the day with a number of events across Victoria and Tasmania.

Tasmania
Our offices in Devonport, Hobart and Launceston each hosted an afternoon tea on Thursday 3 December to celebrate IDPwD.

Victoria
St Albans
St Albans took part in a Disability Employment Forum, which was designed to assist job seekers to access resources and information directly from Disability Employment service providers. Attendees heard inspirational stories from people with disabilities who had gained employment and WISE Employment had the opportunity to network with other service providers.

Northcote
Northcote hosted a BBQ in partnership with employer Brunswick Business Services. There was great turnout, with school teachers, students, training organisations, parents and local MP Kelvin Thompson Federal Member for Wills in attendance. Guests were treated to a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by hospitaility students from Heatherwood High School and had the opportunity to talk to staff from WISE’s Disability employment service about job and training opportunities and job search assistance.

Richmond
Richmond took part in an Employer Breakfast Forum ‘Disability and Ability’ coordinated by the Inner Melbourne VET Cluster (IMVC), the National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) and the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI). The event promoted the employment of people with a disability to employers and informed participants on best practice policies, strategies and programs that contribute to the successful integration of people with a disability into the workforce.

Werribee
Werribee attended a morning tea held at Mambourin Sensory Gardens and were entertained by the Mambourin Choir and Drama Group.

New South Wales
Penrith
Penrith sponsored the ‘Colour my Ability’ art competition for people with disabilities, which was arranged through the  Penrith Disabilities Resource Centre. The winning picture is now proudly displayed in the Penrith Office.