Sales and Marketing Manager Fiona Welsh said the business had seen a strong growth in recent years.

“We’ve been able to create an additional 100 positions just in the last five years alone. The rapid growth is mainly due to the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and all the support services we can now offer as part of this program such as drop in support for people with disability, day programs and life choices, day outings and short holidays,” Ms Welsh said.

“The organisation was started by a group of parents who shared the common goal and vision of creating opportunities for children with an intellectual disability at a time when special education facilities in Kempsey and surrounding areas were very limited.

“Over the years, we began to offer additional vocational and accommodation services and since the Education Department took over our special education role in 1983, we have focused solely on providing adults with training and employment in supportive environments.”

Ms Welsh said she was very humbled to receive the award and recognition from ETC.

“Another impact that cannot be overestimated is the social inclusion and wellbeing that comes from many of the organisation’s client based programs,” she said.

“We hear countless reports of the enhanced self-worth that comes with having employment and the person sense of contribution to their families’ wellbeing. One client said to me that if they didn’t work for us they would be sitting at home staring at walls.”

Ms Welsh thanked ETC for supporting Macleay Options with recruitment services over the past year.

“We’ve been able to employ around 26 staff through ETC so far. They’ve been very helpful, in particular with sourcing trainees that can start their career with us,” Ms Welsh said.

Find out more about Macleay Options here www.macleayoptions.org.au 

ETC provides employment and training services in the Macleay. If you need help finding a job, are looking for staff or are interested in up-skilling, contact ETC on 1800-007-400, visit www.etcltd.com.au or drop into the local office in Belgrave Street. 

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