On Thursday 14th August 2008 at the NESA Conference in Cairns, Community First International was successful in two categories of the NESA Awards. Lynne Ward, through her journey from client to employment was recognised as the Achiever of the Year. Being the mother of seven, former foster mother and custodial grandmother of two boys she cares for after the murder of her daughter, kept her out of employment for 38 years. Her journey has been a long one but with a Cert III and Cert IV in Business Administration she has new found confidence and is a valued member of the Katanning team.
WAMMCO through their innovative partnership with CFI were recognised as the Employer of the Year. Tony Bessell, WAMMCO’s Plant Manger, in accepting the award observed that his company is now able to consider employees whose prospects have been enhanced by the WAMMCO /CFI Training program which prepares prospective employees for a career in the meat processing Industry. WAMMCO cater for needs of special groups through initiatives like the “mothers shift”, enable access to “on the job” nationally accredited training and provide a bus service for employees from Katanning. Furthermore WAMMCO sponsor many cultural, sporting and education events in the Katanning area.
Michael Pemberton, CFI Katanning Operations Manager , is very proud of CFI’s partnership with WAMMCO, the association with Lynne during her journey to full time employment and the dedication of the CFI team. “Our combined efforts have created local heroes who are a credit to themselves, their families and their community”. “Through these partnerships we have given many clients a step up to a better life”.
