A partnership, which provides employment opportunities to people with a disability, is changing lives.
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Port Macquarie business Aus Blue Bins, with the help of disability employment services provider AimBig, has taken on five new employees and is looking to recruit more people in coming weeks.
AimBig client Jared Cohen, who lives with ADHD and asperger's, has worked at Aus Blue Bins for seven weeks.
"The people that work here are very understanding," he said.
Mr Cohen has found his disability to be a stumbling block to employment in the past but that was not the case at Aus Blue Bins.
He said the new job made him feel more positive and motivated.
AimBig client Mauro Morosin believes in Aus Blue Bin's recycling philosophy.
"It is great for the guys with disability to get out of the house and give them confidence," he said about the new jobs.
Mr Morosin, who has a nervous system disorder, said the new job boosted his confidence.
"It is a friendly environment and they have understanding people," he said.
AimBig client Peter Goddard, who is hearing impaired, is among the new employees too.
Aus Blue Bins specialises in construction and demolition waste management with a strong focus on recycling and giving back to the community.
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Aus Blue Bins operations manager Erin Matthews said the family business felt it had a responsibility to provide opportunities for people with a disability in our community.
She said the new staff had an amazing work ethic.
"From a business perspective, they bring a really positive attitude to the team," Mrs Matthews said.
The partnership involves tailoring the job to meet each employee's needs.
Duties include sorting incoming waste streams by recyclable groups, stacking building materials for reuse purposes and dismantling incoming bulky items to recycle each component of material separately.
AimBig regional manager northern NSW Amy Osborne said they worked together to ensure the right jobs and work spaces within the business.
She hopes the partnership will act as a model for other businesses to adopt.
"I would like to see more local businesses jumping on board to support locals with a disability find employment," Mrs Osborne said.
Aus Blue Bins is recruiting for additional positions through AimBig.
Services Australia refers people to AimBig identified as requiring support into employment.
People can go to AimBig's website or call 1300 034 997 for more information.
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