On Sunday the 15th October Kempsey Macleay RSL Club (KMRSL) won the Disability, Welfare & Social Inclusion Award at the 2017 Clubs and Community Awards held in the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour.
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The submission highlighted KMRSL’s commitment to creating employment for people with a disability with six per cent of the RSL’s workforce having a disability.
The RSL shared the story of Peter Ball – an employee of five years who works at the RSL’s Cellar Operations.
Peter was born with optic nerve hypoplasia which classes Peter as legally blind and unable to drive which is a challenge.
When Peter commenced work, he was living at South West Rocks 35kms from Kempsey Macleay RSL.
Mr Ball showed commitment to the role by getting lifts to and from work daily and in 2015 he had saved enough money from his employment with the club to buy himself a unit in Kempsey, gaining independence and allowing him to walk to and from work.
Employment for someone living with a disability can be life changing, Mr Ball said.
“I’m so grateful for the role as it has given me purpose and meaning in life,” he said.
The RSL hopes to inspire others in the club industry to think outside the box when it comes to creating employment opportunities for everyone.
“All businesses have a role to suit any person - you just need to look outside the box,” Kempsey Macleay RSL human resources manager Bianca Hopper said in a statement.
Chief executive of the RSL Daniel Abela said he was extremely satisfied with the recognition from the Clubs and Community Award, highlighting the commitment from Kempsey RSL in hiring employees with a disability.
