Byron Bay Herb Nursery has been offering paid employment and training to people with disabilities for 38 years, and recently teamed up with Byron Farmers Market to give their employees wider experience working at the market each Thursday morning.
The initiative is part of the Open Employment Pathways Program, which was created to allow supported employees the opportunity to gain experience, qualifications and new skills for the open employment market.
The nursery’s Open Employment Liaison Officer, Dean McLeod, says a big component of the program has been to partner with local businesses for work experience placement.
‘We reached out to several local businesses and straight away Byron Farmers Market was super receptive and enthusiastic about the program,’ Dean says.
‘So, for the past few months we have been coming along to the market to help with operations such as the reusable cup and plate system, and the pack down at the end of the market.’
Dean says the program has been a resounding success for all involved. So much so that the team is looking at extending it.
‘It’s really been amazing,’ he says. ‘We have taken a number of our supported employees to the market over the past three months and each person has been building new skill sets in hospitality and operations, which can be transferred to new positions and added to everyone’s resumes.
‘Every week is different and it’s been so fun to connect more with the local community. The supported employees look forward to it every week. In fact, the social interaction is one of our favourite parts.’
The feeling is mutual from the market’s perspective.
‘It has been a really great experience,’ says Byron Farmers Market manager Tom Carey. ‘We have received so much positive feedback from stallholders and customers alike. We look forward to the team coming each week. It really puts a smile on everyone’s face.’
Dean says people with disability are vastly under-represented in most aspects of society, especially employment.
‘Programs like this help people living with disability to get out into the community, which promotes awareness, opportunity and diversity. All our lives are better for it.’
Byron Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 7am to 11am at Butler St Reserve, and Bangalow Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 7am to 11am in Piccabeen Park.
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