Reward in helping others

For work and dedication to individuals and their families, Mr Jarvis received the Australian Disability Enterprises award and Ms Lenhard the Shared Accommodation Support award.

Mr Jarvis has worked at Goodwill Engineering for more than 34 years, helping people with disability make the transition into work.

‘I support a number of secondary school students in work experience placements, developing the skills and confidence in preparation for then transitioning from the school environment to the work environment,’ he said.

‘The students that transition from school to work at Goodwill Engineering are supported to develop skills and most importantly, develop belief in themselves that they are a capable of achieving great things in the workplace and also in the community.’

The Ballajura resident said the challenging part of his job was ensuring workplaces were accessible for those people with disabilities who wanted to work.

‘Working out ways to support a person with a disability to overcome barriers to being successful in their employment.

‘This is a challenge and also incredibly rewarding when the person is able to overcome a barrier and achieve the things they want in life,’ he said.

Ms Lenhard is a residential support worker with The Centre for Cerebral Palsy and was nominated for the award by her colleagues.

In getting the award, the Noranda resident said she felt ‘very proud and honoured’.

‘My work entails heaps of stuff ” personal care, household duties ” but mainly enabling individuals to lead their lives independently.’

Currently supporting a group of four women who have been together since 1987, Ms Lenhard said the thing she loved most about her job was the people she helped and worked with.

Also recognised for their work in the disability sector were Nollamara residents Gina Glendining and Lucy Pearson, who were named as finalists for the Employment Support ” Disability Employment Services and the Emerging Leader awards.