April 2009

Focus on Ability

NOVA Employment Level 1, 50 Chapel St, St Mary’s, NSW 2760 PO Box 795 St Mary’s NSW 1790

C.E.O. announces “Focus on Ability” competition....

It is a pleasure to announce the launch of a new website and a new promotion: www.focusonability.com.au is a website that supports NOVA's exciting short film competition for High Schools and individuals interested in highlighting the ability of people who have a disability.Apart from being a fast way to get up to $5,000, 'Focus on Ability' offers an opportunity to show everyone just how much people who have a disability have to offer our communities.

Entries close 30th June 2009 and all will be available for viewing and the all important voting from 1st July - good luck and thanks for helping us concentrate on the promotion of the ability of people with disability

Martin Wren C.E.O. NOVA Employment

“My Grateful Cup Runneth Over” An extract from a letter Niki recently sent to NOVA

I, Niki Gill, would like to express my thanks to you and your team for all your help.

In 2002, I was working in Lane Cove .... nearing the end of my shift I slipped on some loose

gravel down a very slight incline. I picked myself up, dusted off and with the help of a

co-worker laughingly told my boss of the mishap! THERE MY TROUBLES FIRST STARTED

....Bulging discs, one major operation on my spinal cord, lots of physio, pain killers,

anti-inflammatory rubs and gym programs NOT TO FORGET the three rehab/return to work

companies!

By March 2008, I was in shape to do some part –time work but I met a lot of closed doors.

Driving home from yet another closed door in September 2008 I heard a very interesting

advert on the car radio. It described how NOVA had helped a lady get back into the work-

force after many years in forced retirement.

They are the people for me I told myself and the next day I called the Richmond Office and

immediately felt at home. Everyone I spoke to were interested in my concerns and really

listened to what I had to say. I was case loaded to Colleen .... After discussions about what

type of work I would like to do, Colleen arranged an interview with Kate at Bunnings

McGraths Hill. I started a paid work trial the following week. I was very happy and

apparently so was the company as I was offered the chance to go through the interview

process for a permanent part-time position. I now work three 4 hours shifts per week,

watering the plants in the nursery.

THANKS to Colleen and ALL at NOVA I got passed the front door and was able to show the

company what I could do and I couldn’t be HAPPIER!

I just want to say THANK YOU to NOVA and say “My Grateful Cup Runneth Over”.

To watch Niki at work and to listen to her story click

the link below: http://www.novaemployment.com.au/webcast.asp

To enjoy the latest

NOVA’s E-zines,

Webcasts and resource

materials visit:www.novaemployment.com.au

FIRE Safety First ....Fire prevention and safety is an important consideration not just in the home but also in the workplace. It is for these reasons that it was important for the trainees in NOVA’S Transition to Work pro-gram in Katoomba to invite their local Fire Fighters to an informa-tion meeting. Guests included the trainees from the Penrith branch and family and friends.Members of ‘Platoon B’ discussed their responsibilities as Fire Fighters. Most importantly they were able to give clear guidance and demonstrations on what people should do when faced with a fire emergency in the workplace or home. Specialty fire fighting uniforms and equipment were demonstrated and the trainees were even able to inspect a fully equipped fire truck.This visit was not only informative and entertaining but relevant to the Safety at Work Module studied by the trainees as part of their Certificate I in Work Education.The day concluded with the Fire Fighters being served a ‘deluxe’ sausage sizzle planned and prepared by the Trainees and a barista coffee making demonstration.

Kye’s our Guy!!Kye, like so many other young people with a disability, experience diffi-

culties and distress everyday. Kye had to leave his previous position as

an apprentice due to the significant challenges he faced with reading,

writing and general learning. Kye did not want to burden his employer

by asking for extra help so instead, chose to simply leave and “give some-

one else a go”. Kye and his mother came to NOVA after hearing of our

service through school. Kye’s mother realised her son’s potential and did

not want to see his self-esteem and confidence wounded by this experi-

ence. NOVA’s aim was to get Kye into a satisfying and supportive work-

place where he could reach his full potential.

And what potential he had .....

Although Kye can not read or write, he is able to entirely rebuild compu-

ter systems from scratch. Kye hobbies included visiting the local tip to

find old computers. Then he would set about rebuilding them to their

former working order and often he improved their performance.

With NOVA’s support, Kye was offered a night-fill position at the local

supermarket. This position gave Kye the type of hands-on work he was

seeking, and the nurturing, supportive workplace he needed. It also mean

that he was able to earn enough money to continue his hobby.

Three months on Kye has made friends, settled into his role and in-

creased his hours. Kye has saved his money and has bought a new TV.

His next goal is to buy a car. Kye’s supervisor, Tyron, says that Kye is a

great worker and pleasure to have on the team.

For more information about NOVA’s Transition to Work Program contact:Caroline Santangelo Transiton to Work Co-Ordinatior caroline@novaemployment.com.au Mobile: 0424 175 240

Or view our website: www.transition.com.au

James’s dream job ....James dreamt of a career working on boats. After much searching and with the support of NOVA, he found the perfect job. James was born with Cerebral Palsy but despite the physical limitations of this disorder Jame’s new employer was willing to give him a go.

James now gets paid to work outdoors with stunning million dollar panoramic water views. After six months, he still enjoys working. James said ‘Since starting work, I’m much happier, I’m not sitting at home day after day. Í really like my job and the friendly atmosphere .... [my employ-ment consultant] Amy got me the job and she has helped me out by providing help’.

Jame’s employer said that ‘he is friendly, well mannered, he knows what to do and he does not have to be told twice’.

One co-worker said James is a ‘hard worker and he is a ‘great young man.’

James smiles, laughs, tells jokes and has made friends at the marina. Once you meet him you cannot forget his infectious smile, quick wit and determination to achieve.

Jarred’s Success ....After leaving school Jarred approached NOVA to help him achieve his dream to become a spray painter. He was well aware of the support that NOVA offers as his brother Nathan had already received NOVA ‘s support to gain his position as an apprentice panel beater.NOVA approached Craig Hemsworth of Red Lion Smash Repairs, at Padstow, who immediately saw Jarred’s enthusiasm and was keen to give him a go.NOVA arranged for Jarred to be signed up as an apprentice, and also ensured that he would get any extra assistance that he may need at TAFE.Jarred is now in his second year of his apprenticeship and is still supported by NOVA’S dedicated staff at Caringbah branch. When speaking with jarred and Craig, they are both enthusiastic about Jarred’s future.NOVA looks forward to the day when Jarred and his brother Nathan set up shop together!

.novaemployment.com.au

.novatraining.com.au

.deafJobs.com.au

.transition.com.au

.YouTube.com/novaemployment

.Facebook.com

Where to find NOVA

Branch Locations:

St Mary’s Hurstville Port Macquarie Penrith Caringbah Broken Hill Blacktown Campbelltown Logan (Qld) Katoomba Taree Richmond Forster Freecall: 1800 656 537

Apprentice

cooking up a

stormBy Soralya Gharahkhani

Fairfax Community Newspaper

Campbelltown Macarthur

Advertiser 1st April, 2009

BRETT Jones has never let his

learning disability stop him from

reaching his career goals.

Mr Jones who lives in Minto,

approached Nova Employment

in the hope of landing his dream

job as an apprentice chief.

In Queensland, where he used to live, he was an apprentice

chef at a restaurant, but he said he was continually assigned

to washing dishes.

But those days are gone now – thanks to Nova Employment –

that he’s at Panarotti’s in Macarthur Square.

Owner Peter Gossayn says Mr Jones is a “good person with a

strong desire to work”. “He’s an extremely willing worker

and had already outshone some of the other apprentices by

far,” he said. “When he started here, I made sure he was give

the respect from staff, which he deserved, and we soon

found out he was a quick learner. “He’s not interested in hav-

ing a chat during work because he’s very eager to get the job

done.” Nova Employment staff recruit at award wages, peo-

ple living with disability. Mr Jones, who’s employed full-time,

said he had begun making pastas and salads. “I like it here

because I know what I am basically doing,” he said. “I have

even taught other people how to make salads and how to do

prep work in the morning.” Mr Gossayn said he supported

local people and bought produce only from local businesses.

“Local people are the supporters of this restaurant, so the

least I can do is support them by employing their children,”

he said. “I want a few more like Brett working here. He’s an

employer’s dream.”

For more information about Nova ,

call 1800 656 537 or visit novaemployment.com.au

Where are they now? Team Leader!!Breanna approached

NOVA lacking in

confidence and self

esteem. Breanna’s

first position was at a

cafe where she was

able to develop her

food and beverage skills.

It was here that she proved that she had a natu-

ral ability with people and worked well with

co-workers.

After 12 months Breanna decided she needed a

new challenge and with NOVA’s help and

support was able to land her new role at Mc-

Donalds. This move proved to be an extreme-

ly good one for Breanna who benefited

immensely from a caring, nurturing and struc-

tured environment.

In October last year Breanna was awarded

with ‘excellence’ at the Nova Employment’s

Gala Dinner. Her commitment and motiva-

tion to her employer was exceptional and de-

served mention in front of more than 100

invited guests and family.

Needless to say, Breanna has not stopped

there. She has continued to impress and has

now been promoted to team leader, proving to

herself, peers and supervisors the valuable

worker she is. NOVA Employment would like

to congratulate Breanna for her inspiration and

achievements.

6th April 2009

Dear people at Cafe 64

A couple of weeks ago we were travelling and decided to stop for lunch at

Walgett about the half way to our destination. We intended to get a snack at the

servo but one of our number suggested we look for Cafe 64 – she had been

hearing your ad on Bourke Radio.

So we did just that and I am writing to tell you how glad we are that we did. (ot

just the food (excellent) or the service (likewise) or the decor (very pleasant) but

the general atmosphere of welcome and kindness made a great impression on us.

So, many thanks and best wishes for a thriving future

Anthony

Cafe 64Cafe 64Cafe 64Cafe 6464 Wee Waa Street Walgett NSW64 Wee Waa Street Walgett NSW64 Wee Waa Street Walgett NSW64 Wee Waa Street Walgett NSW

Ph: 6828 1955Ph: 6828 1955Ph: 6828 1955Ph: 6828 1955