WODONGA’S only employment-focused Australian Disability Enterprise will merge with Albury Wodonga Community College.
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Members of Aware Industries voted unanimously to the merger on Tuesday night.
From July 1 the community college will run new-look Aware programs, focusing on lifestyle, training and employment.
Aware Industries acting chairman Vin O’Neill said the Aware board had sought a suitable partner – through mergers or acquisitions with like-minded organisations – during the past six months.
“Our efforts have resulted in the best outcome possible, that a community-based organisation will take on the legacy and people of Aware and provide the support and choice people with a disability need to succeed,” he said.
“Albury Wodonga Community College is well known to the people of Aware, with many enjoying skills-based training with the college over many years.”
Mr O’Neill said Aware had traded through many challenging times in its 36-year history.
He said an independent review of the not-for-profit’s long-term sustainability highlighted the need for a new business model.
“This merger will provide the financial and strategic support to ensure choice and certainty for people with a disability, and the Aware name and legacy will not be lost to the community,” he said.
Albury Wodonga Community College chief executive Rodney Wangman said the college appreciated the unanimous support and sentiment shown by Aware members this week.
“The ideas and sentiment behind why Aware was created 36 years ago will count and the Albury Wodonga Community College, in taking up this opportunity, will support changes to Aware through employment roles, increased training and developing lifestyle programs,” he said.
The community college will offer Aware employees a choice of work, training and life skills during talks in the coming week.
Aware provides work for people with disabilities through business services including scanning, a mail house, packaging, safety products and engineering. It also produces gluten-free foods and custom-built recycled timber products.
“The brand name is well known locally and we’re pleased the Community College will embrace that philosophy,” Mr O’Neill said