Released 21/06/2017
Joint media release: Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA and Meegan Fitzharris MLA
The ACT Government is working with local Disability Employment Service LEAD to provide some tender care to Canberra parks and ponds.
Minister for Transport Canberra and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris, said the program was a fantastic opportunity for both the ACT Government and local people with disability.
“The ACT Government has partnered with LEAD to weed, prune and mulch a number of public places following our wet summer growing season,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“The program is a great way of maintaining our public spaces, while also providing work opportunities for people with disability.
“A wet Canberra summer provided perfect growing conditions for lawns and gardens, but unfortunately also for some pesky weeds. Canberra has some wonderfully landscaped public spaces and a chain of ponds running through the many recently developed suburbs.
LEAD has provided two crews five days per week to get the job done. These crews have been working hard for the past few months maintaining public places and removing weeds.
LEAD CEO Keryl Neville said her organisation jumped at the chance to be involved in the clean-up project.
“It’s a great job for us,” Ms Neville said.
“It’s wonderful to see the before and after photos that the guys are taking care of parks and ponds. This kind of contact with the ACT Government provides consistent regular work for our employees and is a great place to train new staff like school leavers joining the workforce.
“It’s a win-win for the city to get people with disability actively employed and part of the local economy.”
Minister for Disability, Children and Youth, Rachel Stephen-Smith welcomed the news.
“This partnership is delivering great outcomes for the Canberra community – creating better public spaces while offering employment and skills for Canberrans with a disability.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than doing meaningful work that gives back to the community, and the LEAD crews are doing just that in making our parks more beautiful. I hope to see more partnerships like this in the future.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases