The Rotary Club of Footscray has partnered with Mambourin to present annual awards recognising some of our shining stars! Award winners across three categories were announced at a ceremony in May, and each person was presented with $1,000. The well-deserving winners were selected for their significant contribution to our community.
Our annual disability worker awards kicked off this year with three very deserving winners! Nominations were able to be made by any member of the Mambourin team, and were accepted for:
- providing exceptional service
- demonstrating empathy and care ‘beyond the call of duty’
- developing and delivering an innovative or unique program to support a person with disability
- contributing to the organisation or the disability sector more broadly e.g., through contribution to the development of a safer system of work practice or a new policy that leads to higher quality and safer supports to people with disabilities.
We are very proud to announce the winners of the three prizes! A big congratulations to Louise, Judy and Courtney!
Most Outstanding Supported Employee of the Year Award: Louise Emmett
Louise started with Mambourin in December 2018 as a school-based trainee undertaking a Certificate II in Warehouse Operations. Unfortunately, she was unable to complete her certificate at that time. However, in 2019 Louise successfully obtained a position as a supported employee in our social enterprise, Mambourin Business Solutions (MBS).
Louise is a vibrant and outgoing member of the team and completing her Certificate II course and getting her forklift license have continued to be two of her goals.
In April, Louise recommenced her Certificate II in Warehouse Operations and has now completed her first module! Louise has consistently demonstrated a willingness to help her fellow employees and recently excelled in the task of mentoring a job applicant during their work trial. Louise was patient, understanding and friendly, and feedback from the applicant was very positive.
Louise with her award certificate
Most Outstanding Disability Support Worker of the Year Award: Judy Dare
Judy goes above and beyond her job description and that is evident in each Flexi Choices activity that she organises. Judy always tries to make sure that each person we support feels heard and valued.
Judy listens to feedback and individual requests on activities people would like to participate in and figures out how we as a service can accommodate those, especially for people who may use wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Last Christmas, Judy organised for Melton community members to have a nice dinner out and then go to look at Christmas lights and meet The Grinch. Judy ensured that all the places they visited were accessible for everyone attending. While walking around the Christmas displays one community member said, ‘This is the best night of my life.’
Judy does it all with a smile and a can-do attitude, and our community truly reap the rewards of all her hard work and dedication.
Cassandra, People and Culture GM, and Emanuel, Mambourin Board Director, present Judy with her award certificate
Most Outstanding First Year Disability Support Worker of the Year Award: Courtney Rodwell
Courtney has the utmost respect for everyone she works with, she is always willing to go above and beyond her duties.
Courtney has done a fantastic job assisting with the music program and choir, and she has great people skills. Many parents will confide in Courtney as she makes them feel very comfortable, she is very approachable, and has a very caring nature.
Courtney has time and time again come up with great activities for our community members. She will always step up if needed and go that extra mile for the hub.
Cassandra, People and Culture GM, and Emanuel, Mambourin Board Director, present Courtney with her award certificate
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