There were smiles across every face at the VIVID Dinner Dance on Thursday, October 6.
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Support workers and people of all abilities gathered for a bite to eat and a boogie on Rich River Golf Club’s dance floor.
VIVID chief executive Scott Alexander said he always looked forward to the worthy and wonderful all-inclusive community event.
He said it was the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak that they had been able to hold what is usually an annual event.
“It’s the night of nights. Everybody has a lot of fun,” Mr Alexander said.
Not only is the night filled with fun, but it also gives people of all abilities the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by helping to organise and co-ordinate the event.
While 7.9 per cent of young people without a disability are unemployed, that figure is 25% for young people with a disability.
But when young people with a disability are supported to find work or work training, those figures begin to look better.
One of those looking to build their skills base is Zach Phyland, who assisted in helping organise the entertainment and music, and also was the MC for the evening.
Mr Phyland said he used his skills to make the night as spectacular as it could be.
“Being involved in the dinner dance will help me build my confidence. I’m very interested in hospitality and being a host,” he said.
Another organiser behind the scenes was Zack Edwards, who greeted guests and helped out with meal selections for the evening.
“I am happy with the entertainment and menu. I like the theme ‘Let’s Dance’,” Mr Edwards said.
‘I would like to work with animals eventually, but after work experience in hospitality I feel more confident to work in hospitality.
“I have always been great with animals, and they love me. I am known as the ‘Chook Whisperer’ at HUB. When the chooks hear my voice, they run up to me.“
VIVID has recently launched a local School Leaver Employment Services program that will help young people to train and receive work experience to land the job they want.
Mr Alexander said the program supported the transition from school to employment.
“It starts with the person with disability, understanding what their hopes and aspirations are for employment, then trying to find partners in the community to help them pursue those goals,” he said.
One of those early partners is the Moama Bowling Club, which is using its café to train young people with a disability in greeting customers and food service.
MBC chief executive Paul Barnes said the program was going well.
“At the moment we’ve got them greeting customers and learning the ropes,” he said.
“We’d ultimately like to employ some of the graduates if they like the work and it’s a good fit.”
Mr Alexander said he was on the lookout for more organisations in Echuca-Moama to take part.
“We know that if young people with a disability don’t find work in the first months after finishing school, they then find it hard to enter the labour market,” he said.
“People with a disability bring great enthusiasm, energy and a really strong work ethic. Customers will love it as well.”
For more information, phone VIVID on 5480 6611 or email info@wearevivid.org.au