The Chronicle

Awards showcase the strength of inclusion

- DEB ROBINSON TOOWOOMBA CHAMBER

I have always said, a healthy community means a healthy business community; of which inclusivit­y plays a genuine role.

THERE are certain people you meet and stories you hear that stay with you, and you share their stories over and over.

For me, this was the case when meeting Paul Wilson from HELP Employment and Training.

I met Paul earlier this year to discuss joining the chamber community as a member, and how we could best work together to support his business.

I left that conversati­on feeling inspired, and with an overwhelmi­ng sense of knowing how lucky Toowoomba businesses are to have people like Paul in our community.

Paul’s passion for inclusion and opportunit­y in the business community is huge, and it shows in his actions and his words.

Paul told me about his reasoning and why he is so committed to doing what he does.

It not only stems from his daughter who lives with a disability, but also for those living without disabiliti­es, to allow them to experience what genuine inclusion actually is, and how it can benefit their business.

Last Thursday, the Toowoomba Business DisABILITY Awards were held, recognisin­g businesses that embrace inclusion by celebratin­g them and those they employ.

One of the winners on the night was Max.

At my initial meeting with Paul, he told me about Max – an incredible, funny, and bright young man, who just needed to be given an opportunit­y to show what he had to offer as an employee.

With Max being in a wheelchair, it was a bit daunting for some businesses, but Paul and his team got to work.

I can recall the excitement in Paul’s voice when he told me Max had gotten a job that he loved and that the business was thrilled to have him on board.

Hearing Max’s name get called out as the winner for the Elissa Flanagan ‘Aim High’ Scholarshi­p at the awards last Thursday, I couldn’t help but feel blessed to be a part of this business community.

Blessed that we have people like Paul Wilson, who are creating opportunit­ies for both employers and employees; and thankful for these opportunit­ies and stories, that will make our community stronger.

I spoke with an employer of one of the award winners and asked them what employing somebody with a disability had done for their business.

Not only did he say their work was faultless, but the change to his whole team had been incredible.

Morale was higher, harder conversati­ons were easier, there were many more celebratio­ns and acknowledg­ments of achievemen­ts and wins, and it was the best business decision he had ever made.

I have always said, a healthy community means a healthy business community; of which inclusivit­y plays a genuine role.

The more we open our businesses to these opportunit­ies, the stronger our business community will become.

As your chamber, we believe in advocating for all people in the workplace and will continue to drive these conversati­ons and share these stories to ensure our community stays inclusive and healthy.

Congratula­tions to everyone involved with, and nominated in, the 2021 Toowoomba Business DisABILITY Awards.

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