Page 888 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 16 June 1992
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August 1990, when two enclaves were trialled, one in Kambah and the second in Belconnen. I am pleased to say that another enclave will be operating in Belconnen from July of this year. The Kambah enclave has become a model for the whole of the ACT. Being the first of its kind set up by JobMatch, it has been scrutinised and, as a result, has been replicated throughout Canberra.
City Parks have proven a valuable leader in the community in this area. If they had not been prepared to take this initiative two years ago, it would have been very difficult for people from Koomarri to join the wider community through their employment in such a way. At Kambah there is a crew of four from Koomarri who are directed by an overseer from City Parks. Their duties include horticultural tasks, under direction, and maintenance of Tuggeranong common areas. They have also been involved with the Royal Canberra Show, where City Parks won the best display award, and of course with the ACT's annual floral festival, Floriade.
Members should be aware that it was the workers from the Koomarri enclave at the Kambah City Parks depot who constructed the beautiful Floriade display bed on Drakeford Drive in Kambah recently. The Kambah display forms the word "Floriade" with the letters spelt out in blue on a white background - or at least when the flowers bloom it will be blue on a white background. In all, over 7,000 pansies were used in the construction of the bed.
JobMatch is a beneficial work program not only for people with disabilities but also for the employer and the community in general. First of all, the people with disabilities gain meaningful work experience and perform duties and have responsibilities equal to the rest of the community. As a result of this, it is usual for employees to earn considerably more than they would have earned in a sheltered workshop environment.
People with disabilities, through such work as that with City Parks, can develop lasting and valued relationships with work colleagues that may not otherwise be possible. Their experience in life is increased and developed. As well as this, their self-esteem and confidence increase, and they are assisted greatly with developing their independence. I am sure that there are many advantages to people with disabilities that they themselves could tell us. Needless to say, however, this program has been extremely successful and a vital program for those in our community who have until recent years been considered unable to succeed in the mainstream work force.
The people at JobMatch have informed me that they have nominated City Parks for the Prime Minister's employer of the year awards. This is a testament to the value of the work of City Parks and of the people of the Koomarri enclaves at Kambah and Belconnen, and I take this opportunity to offer my congratulations and ongoing support of the program.
Death of Mr Brett Whiteley
MRS GRASSBY (10.44): Madam Speaker, I rise this evening to speak on a tragic death reported in today's news. I am referring to the death of a great Australian artist, Brett Whiteley, whom I knew personally. I am sure that everyone here joins with me in expressing sympathy to his friends and family. However, we know that nothing we can say or do will truly stop them feeling this loss. Their loss is shared by all Australians.
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