Staff Matters 1

Staff Matters

April 24, 2015 - Issue 1

Congratulations to the graduates!

In this Issue Page 1 • Ingleburn Graduation

Page 2 • Staff Profile • Success for Shalaa

Page 3 • Harmony Day • Camden Show Winners

Page 4 L to R - Sofia Hadarin, Joseph Cabrera, Brooke Taylor, Steve Herald, new CEO AFFORD, Dean Simpson and Julie Larney

Five employees from the Ingleburn factory have received their Statement of Attainment in Employee Work Skills after graduating from a NSW first Employment Work Skills Program.

AFFORD, in conjunction with South Western Sydney Institute (SWSi) TAFE NSW, developed the Employment Work Skills Program to increase the skills of supported employees with disability. The Program is the first of its kind in NSW to provide a fully recognised qualification within the NSW TAFE system.

The three module Employment Work Skills Program is studied over eight weeks and covers subjects such as communication skills in the workplace; managing workplace information; and active participation in the Workplace Health and Safety process. The graduation of five employees was held Tuesday, 31 March 2015 at the Ingleburn site in front of an audience of parents, carers and fellow employees.

T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au

• TTR for Lesley • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh

Welcome to the first edition of Staff Matters.

This newsletter is a means for all staff to share and contribute information.

You will receive Staff Matters weekly via your AFFORD email address, and hard copies will also be circulated.

As the title states, the contribution of staff to AFFORD is vital to the continued success of AFFORD and the clients that we provide services to.

I encourage everyone to take ownership of this publication and forward any suggestions as to what you would like to read about in future editions to Fiona and Deb in the Communications team.

Steven Herald

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April 24, 2015 - Issue 1

Staff Profile

Steven Herald Favourite Song: Animal by Def Leppard Favourite Movie: Snatch Favourite Hobbies: Motor Racing Favourite Foods: Italian/seafood If you could be an animal what would you be: Dog What is your dream holiday destination: Nice, France

Job Success for Shalaa with AFFORD Employment Shahlaa Al Alwan, a client with AFFORD Employment (which is our Disability Employment Service), had previous work experience in administration and customer service, and had been a school principal in her native Iraq. While at a Jobs Expo Amar Saboun, Shahlaa’s AFFORD Employment consultant, heard about a great opportunity with Centro Education Australia (CEA) and approached Mr. Hijazi a director, to discuss the services the AFFORD Employment could provide. Mr. Hijazi advised that he would like an experienced person to look after his front desk, answering phone calls and helping customers with their enquiries.

Amar discussed the position with Shahlaa and she was extremely happy to look at an opportunity to use her skills and return to the education environment. Amar arranged an interview which was successful and Shahlaa commenced work. Amar attended the first week at work with her, to help assist with any questions, enquiries and training. Amar also prepared documentation for Shahlaa in order to assist her transition into her new role. Since commencing work, Shahlaa she has been doing very well and is happy with her position at CEA. Mr. Hijazi has been impressed with Shahlaa’s progress, and is supporting her to become an integral part of the team.

If you won Lotto what would you spend the money on: Houses for my kids If you had the power what would you change about the world: Increase taxes on the rich and multinationals What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: Given me my daughters If you had to teach something what would you teach: Business Management Something no one knows about me: My next door neighbour in London was Ronnie Woods from The Rolling Stones

L - R Madonna Boustani, Shahlaa Al Alwan, Amer Saboun (Employment consultant), Aya Hamdar, Omar Hijazi (Director).

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April 24, 2015 - Issue 1

AFFORD celebrates Harmony Day Last month over 200 AFFORD customers and staff joined together to celebrate Harmony Day. This amazing event celebrates the diverse multicultural heritage of all AFFORD customers and provides an opportunity for customers to share stories, food and music from across the world.

This AFFORD event started 2 years ago as the brainchild of Helen Berridge, Coordinator Windsor and Mt Druitt Day Programs. What began as a small event with several Day Programs getting together to celebrate cultural diversity, has grown into a very significant event which commences with a parade of flags from around the world, and then a march in of Day Program customers representing various countries. The food served on the day, prepared by Day Program staff, reflects a wide range of national dishes, and even the music, with its diverse cultural songs, has everyone up and dancing. AFFORD is committed to continue and grow this extraordinary celebration of culture, making it an ongoing, unique, AFFORD event. This year we will seek grant funding to help make the event bigger and better in 2016.

L - R Samantha McCormack, Daniel McGrath, Trent Boardman and staff member Patrick Conneely.

L - R Andrew Arendse, Samantha McCormack, and Trent Boardman.

Winners at Camden Show

Camden Show Photography winners L to R - Christopher Nichols, Stephen Kov, Mary Voung, Daniel Huynh, Nam Le.

On Friday 20th March Canley Vale Day Program customers entered the Camden Show Exhibition for Photography. The Show was attended by the Governor of NSW David Hurley who took a keen interest in the photography section. We are extremely proud that of the 5 participants that entered each won a prize. Daniel Huynh won 3 first prizes and 1 second prize, Nam Le won a second prize, Christopher Nicholas received a Highly Commended as did Mary Voung, and Stephen Kov won a special Stewards award. The Canley Vale customers had all participated in an eight week photography course run

by Sharon Robertson, who encouraged them to enter their work in the Camden Show.

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April 24, 2015 - Issue 1

Lesley attends Westacott Crafties Lesley Card has been working together with Transition to Retirement field officer, Tracey Reid to get her ready for the transition from work to retirement. Lesley has been attending the Westacott Crafties Social Group, held at Westacott Cottage in Canley Vale every Friday morning from 9.30 - 12pm.

Lesley started at the craft group in March and is really enjoying learning about sewing and meeting new people. Lesley also attends a computer group in addition to the craft group.

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Paul Thomas, Vocational Services Manager, based at Prestons.

Please send in your selfies to Deb Fucci as we will be using these every week.

Have a laugh