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Ability Works Newsletter

News, Newsletter | 5th December 2024

Ability Works Newsletter – 5 December 2024

In this issue:

Inclusive Design Team – project highlights

A note from the CEO

Thanks and Seasons Greetings

As we approach the festive season, I’d like to extend my thanks to our employees, families, and carers for your support and contributions throughout the year.

This year, we celebrate the impressive progress made by our Inclusive Design Team headed by Natalie Collins, with incredible support from Bri Norton, Dom, Shen and more recently, Morgan. Their dedication to accessibility is transforming how we communicate; ensuring that our digital platforms, like our website and social media, meet the highest standards of inclusivity. They are working towards meeting Level AAA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). From updating key pages to creating an Inclusive Insights Platform, their efforts demonstrate our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

One of the year’s highlights is our collaboration with White Box Enterprises, which involved the Ability Works team helping to improve the accessibility of a financial wellbeing program. The program is now not only inclusive but also available for our own use, thanks to the wonderful insights from our employees, Ruby, Ebony, Billy, Kylan, Diane and Warrick, with the assistance of Nia, and the Inclusive Design team. Our employees will commence training in the program from December 2024.

Our impact extends beyond digital inclusion. Ability Works’ research codesigned with communities in the City of Greater Dandenong, for our potential additional facility, was featured by RMIT University at a global conference on Social Work and Sustainability, showcasing our commitment to community partnerships and co-creation on an international stage.

We also celebrate the success of the Payment by Outcomes trial, which confirms the incredible impact social enterprises like ours have in creating meaningful, sustainable employment.

As we prepare for the holidays, we will reflect on our achievements and look forward to a new year filled with opportunity, growth, and collaboration.

Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season.

Download the accessible pdf version of the 4 December 2024 newsletter

Celebrating 60 Years

After many challenges, our 60-year celebration book is finally going to the printer! The project turned out to be bigger than we thought, but thanks to our hardworking Inclusive Design Team and Support staff, we hope to have physical copies ready before Christmas. We’re also working on a digitally accessible version for those using assistive technology, and we aim to have it available by Christmas too.

The newsletter team wants to thank everyone who helped create this tribute to our 60-year milestone. We can’t wait to see it in print!

Around the building

Lift update

We are still awaiting confirmation from JobAccess and the Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding funding for our new lift. They’ve reached out with additional questions, and we’ve provided the necessary information. We’re hopeful for a positive outcome and will keep you updated on any progress.

New Work: Minesco Bolt Project

We’re now tackling a challenging project for Minesco, processing tamper-proof dome bolts. Our team is meticulously cleaning the threads of 13,000 bolts to ensure they meet Minesco’s high standards. This project is well underway—great work, team!

New Equipment: Cardboard Bundling Machine

To boost our recycling capabilities, we’ve recently acquired a cardboard bundling machine! This state-of-the-art equipment compacts and straps cardboard for a more efficient and eco-friendly recycling process. It’s an exciting step forward for our sustainability goals.

Important dates

End of Year Party – Thursday 19 December

We have an African drumming experience by Asanti Dance Theatre booked for the End of Year Party. It will include a 1-hour long performance featuring 40 drums, and there will be an opportunity for the audience to get involved and participate.
The theme for this year’s End of Year Party is “Culture Pride”. We encourage everyone to dress in a way that embraces their ancestry with pride and comfort.

Add these dates to your calendar:

End of Year Party – Thursday 19 December
There will be work on Friday 20 December and Monday 23 December
Tuesday 24 December will be an RDO
Public Holidays are on Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December
Take your annual leave Friday 27 December to Friday 3 January 2025
AWA will be fully closed until Friday 3 January 2025
AWA will resume work with a skeleton crew on Monday 6 January 2025
Full operations resume on Monday 20 January 2025
Australia Day Holiday – Monday 27 January 2025

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