Celebrating Afford Women Reminder

CELEBRATING AFFORD WOMEN In celebration of International Women’s Day on the 8th March, we would like to share some of the stories of women in the Afford community who showcase strength, courage and inspire others. We have many stories of inspirational clients and residents of the Afford community. We are also fortunate to have amazing staff members at Afford who truly go above and beyond to advocate for those in need. To recognise the many and varied achievements of women on International Women’s Day, here we share Layla’s story…. Layla – Afford’s DES Bankstown Team Leader Layla has poured an exceptional number of volunteer hours into working with organisations as a representative of Afford to create a voice for people with disability and those in the Iraqi and refugee communities. Most recently, Layla has been working with Syrian refugees as part of a Fostering Integration Grant provided to Afford. The grant funding allows Afford to give preemployment support to refugees and disadvantage people as well as to experience and learn more about Australian culture and to be engaged with their local community. Participants from Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool and Blacktown LGAs have been supported by all Afford’s team leaders and staff to go to places such as the Inspiring Change Conference, Vivid lights Sydney, cruise on Darling Harbour, the Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, The Canberra Floriade and Sydney Zoo. For around ten years, Layla has served on the board of The Multicultural Network (TMN) and has been pivotal in the establishment of the Zero Barriers project. TMN supports women, those in aged care and people with disability across Western Sydney. Through her involvement as Vice President with the organisation, Layla has secured many referrals from people within the community for Afford services. TMN developed the project Zero Barriers, which is an initiative which saw the coming together of organisations across multiple sectors to improve access and inclusion for people with disability. Examples of improvements made include adapted children’s swimming lessons, a petrol station with staff trained to assist drivers with disability, and a restaurant with staff trained in Auslan sign language and providing sensory sensitive dining hours for families with children with autism. In addition to her role with TMN, Layla has supported, and been an ambassador for Afford, for the Iraqi Cultural Festival for seven years which is produced by the Iraqi Australian University Graduate Forum (IAUGF). As the face for Afford in the community, Layla supports refugees and new-comers to Australia to connect them community supports, help them engage with their own and other cultures. She helps them breakthrough isolation in their new country and fosters a positive and supportive image of refugees within the wider Australian community. These are magnificent achievements for Layla and her teams, and we congratulate her for her efforts to tirelessly represent others in need. She is one of Afford’s shining stars and inspirational women!

Reminder! Not sure what to do if you break down in an Afford vehicle? This is what you need to know!! New South Wales: • Battery or tyre issue – contact NRMA roadside 1300 369 349 and quote the rego number • ALL major issues including engine failure – contact Huss Ayache NRMA Mobile Team Leader - 0466 022 942 Queensland & Victoria: • Contact NRMA roadside on 1300 369 349 rather than RACQ or RACV directly. Once NRMA confirms our business membership, they will transfer the call to the relevant department who manages interstate. Questions or queries contact our Finance Manager, Tim Yang: Tim.Yang@afford.com.au