By BRIDGET SCOTT
THE Minister for Environment and Climate Change was left more than impressed after a tour of the SITA waste transfer station last week.
Ryan Smith was made aware by Eastern Victoria MP Edward O’Donohue of the outstanding work being undertaken by members from Pakenham-based disability organisation, Outlook, at SITA.
The waste transfer station in Hampton Park provides employment opportunities for those with additional needs.
Mr Smith said the benefits of this initiative are two-fold.
“(It) was a great opportunity to see firsthand Outlook’s outstanding work in the area of recycling and waste management and, most importantly, their commitment to supporting the education and training needs of their staff,” he said.
Outlook CEO Tony Fitzgerald said the partnership between SITA and Outlook helps to provide about 49 people with a job, seven days a week.
“It is a fantastic partnership that was formed with SITA,” he said.
“It has led to jobs for disadvantaged people with SITA itself.”
Outlook initiated the tour with the minister and Mr Fitzgerald is hopeful for further support from the government.
“We want support in the future from the government to establish further centres to expand Outlook’s environmental facilities,” he said.
