Media Release: Burswood working to recruit people with disability
Burswood Entertainment Complex today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WorkFocus Australia to formalise a commitment to increasing employment opportunities for people with disability and expanding its commitment to diversity in the work-place.
In partnership with the National Disability Recruitment Co-ordinator service (NDRC) administered by WorkFocus Australia, Burswood will become an advocate of the program and work proactively to build awareness of the opportunities of providing real jobs to real people with differing employment challenges.
With over 4,600 staff already employed at Burswood, the Complex is Western Australia’s largest single site employer and recognises the pivotal role it plays within the local community as an equal opportunity employer.
Burswood’s Chief Executive Officer Barry Felstead said that Burswood placed high importance on fair employment opportunities for all groups, and was proud to form a new partnership with the NDRC.
“Today is a milestone day for Burswood, and we look forward to working closely with the NDRC to proactively promote and implement this important program. Burswood has a strong diversity policy and is fully committed to providing real and sustainable job opportunities for those with disability. Gainful employment can have a very positive impact on an individual and a family, and we will work with the NDRC to fully maximise successful placements at Burswood,” said Mr Felstead.
Rob Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of WorkFocus Australia said whilst the business case for the inclusion of people with disability in the workforce was irrefutable, recent studies show that Australia is slipping in its ranking amongst OECD countries regarding employment rates in this area - so it’s clear more work must be done. “We are excited by the leadership shown by Burswood today and look forward to working in partnership to ensure that more people with disability become Burswood employees in the years ahead,” said Mr Gordon.
Burswood already has a commitment to hiring people from a diverse range of backgrounds, with over 106 different nationalities employed at Burswood which speak approximately 65 different languages. Burswood also recognises their social responsibility as a large employer and is committed to increasing the job opportunities for those underrepresented in the Western Australian workforce.
Burswood’s focus over the past 2 years has been on Aboriginal Employment where Burswood along with Crown Casino in Melbourne, was the first company to sign up to the Australian Employment Covenant. Now with our partnership with the NDRC, Burswood can broaden their focus to provide opportunities for those with disability.
For information on how your organisation can get involved with WorkFocus Australia and the National Disability Recruitment Co-ordinator call 1800 464 800.
