The Adelaide Convention Centre has been honoured by Barkuma_ Inc for its commitment to employing people with a disability in open employment and for recognising an individual’s ability and the contribution they make to the workplace.

The not for profit has given Honourary Membership to the Centre - only the sixth organisation to receive the honour in their 45 year history.

The pair have enjoyed a mutually rewarding partnership for more than 8 years and worked together to provide employment opportunities for 12 of the organisation’s clients at the Centre. The Centre also hosts its annual School to Work Graduation Ceremony.

Barkuma_Inc Chief Executive Officer Robert Depold said the Adelaide Convention Centre is a valued partner in that they are genuinely committed to assisting people with disabilities in their employment.

“The ACC is unique in that it works with Barkuma to provide a friendly and productive environment for people with disabilities and ensures they are appropriately supported in their roles, said Mr Depold.

“We believe that this contributes to a wonderful employment culture and has a positive and ongoing effect across the ACC.”

Adelaide Convention Centre Chief Executive Alec Gilbert said the Barkuma_Inc partnership has provided the Centre with some very loyal and hardworking team members over the years.

“The professionalism of Barkuma and its employment services arm Personnel Employment have been invaluable to the Centre and ensured a seamless transition into employment for Barkuma clients.

“With the partnership in its ninth year, some of the people employed through Barkuma have been working at the Centre for many years,” said Mr Gilbert.

“For example, Marika who works in the Centre’s Uniform Store has been with us for nearly seven years and next year qualifies for long service leave.”

The relationship between the Adelaide Convention Centre and Barkuma_Inc continues to flourish and more Barkuma_Inc clients will be considered for employment as the Centre expands.

The Centre continues to strongly advocate for employers to consider working with organisations like Barkuma_Inc and employing people with a disability.

This comes at a time when the Federal government has made reforms to the Disability Employment Service sector aimed at greater workforce participation among people with a disability.