It hasn’t taken long for Brendan Mimis, who has an intellectual disability, to see “the grass is greener on the other side” at Lynwood Country Club.
The 20-year-old from South Windsor is a graduate of NOVA Employment’s Transition to Work program, which enables trainees to participate in a nationally recognised training program and provides them with exposure to a wide range of employment options.
Brendan’s employment forms part of an industry-wide initiative with clubs partnering with the NSW Government’s Department of Family and Community Services to develop positive community attitudes, inclusiveness and meaningful employment opportunities for people living with a disability.
Lynwood Country Club, in Sydney’s North West, employed Brendan through NOVA in search of a groundsman.
Matthew Bailey, Brendan’s supervisor from Lynwood Country Club, said that employing a person with disability has been great for team morale.
“Employing Brendan has been a really positive experience for the work shed and the boys are proud of giving a young man a go who might not otherwise have been given a chance,” he said.
“As soon as we found jobs that Brendan could do well, his confidence increased and he became a valued member of our team.
“From my experience, employers just have to be flexible and make sure you identify the roles the person can do and NOVA is always there to help.”
Castle Hill RSL Group CEO, Mr David O’Neil said that staff with disabilities bring a great range of skills, qualifications, talent and experience.
“We greatly value our inclusive employment strategies through our venues in the Hills, Parramatta and Hawkesbury local government areas that are reflective of our communities,” he said.
Brendan, works 20 hours a week over five days and his tasks include collecting driving-range balls and setting up the golf course.
For Brendan, his new role at the picturesque Lynwood golf course makes him feel more confident and responsible.
“My life is so much better now because I am doing something every day and I love my job outside because I couldn’t be cramped up in an office,” he said.
Minister for Disability Services, The Hon. John Ajaka MLC, said that clubs have an important role to play to help find meaningful employment opportunities for people living with a disability.
“Clubs can help change attitudes and behaviours around people living with a disability to ensure they are made to feel included in the community,” he said.
“The relationships clubs share with their local groups help enhances the quality of life for those living with a disability through social interaction and inclusion, and it is this support that raises community awareness and education.
“We look forward to working with ClubsNSW to build and strengthen the ways clubs across the state engage and reflect the needs of people living with a disability in their communities.”
Dominic Perrottet MP, local Member for Hawkesbury, commended NOVA and local clubs for their important work and congratulated Brendan on a job well done.
“I’m pleased to hear that Brendan has found meaningful and enjoyable work and has excelled at his job,” he said. “Thanks to the efforts of NOVA and local clubs Brendan and other people with disability are able to experience the confidence, dignity, and independence that come with work.”
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Martin Wren CEO Nova Employment
David O’Neil CEO Castle Hill RSL Group
Dominic Perrottet Member for Hawskesbury, Minister for Finance, Services & Property NSW
Anthony Ball CEO Clubs NSW
Brendan Mimis Lynwood Country Club
