PERTH, 3 December 2019: The Hospitality Disability Network of Western Australia (HDNWA) pilot program was launched at Crown Perth today, an important industry-led initiative that will deliver employment outcomes for those with disability in WA’s hospitality venues.
In recognition of the International Day of People with Disabilities, Deputy Premier Roger Cook MLA officially launched the network, which will develop and foster a community of like-minded companies with a collective commitment to create job opportunities and pathways into employment for people with disability.
Crown Perth’s Executive General Manager of Human Resources and Chairperson of HDNWA, Damir Kucan, said the success of Crown Resort’s national disability employment program, CROWNability, provides evidence of how important employment is to social inclusion and empowerment.
“The HDN network aims to build confidence among key industry stakeholders to be the leading industry in disability employment – we know that this is both aspirational and achievable,” Mr Kucan said.
“The CROWNability program has been able to make a big difference to the lives of over 479 staff members who live with a disability, providing opportunities for ongoing support and career development. We are extremely honoured to be sharing our expertise and resources with the HDNWA to build disability confidence in an entire industry.”
“What we do know is that when we empower people through employment, the benefits go well beyond just the individual – gainful, sustainable employment delivers benefits to families, the broader community and importantly, employers derive long-term benefits as well.”
Patron for International Day of People with Disability 2019 and three time Paralympic gold medallist, Kurt Fearnley AO, spoke at the launch and endorsed the HDNWA as a unique opportunity to support Western Australians living with a disability.
Since commencing in July 2019 the Hospitality Disability Network WA (HDNWA) has assisted 49 people to gain employment. The HDN comprises of 6 large hospitality employers, Venues Live, The Marriot Group, Intercontinental Hotels Group, AHS Hospitality, The Hospitality Group and Crown Perth, and works in conjunction with DES and NDIS providers to assist people entering into the hospitality industry.
Media contact: David De Garis 0412 577 567
