Locals run for life-changing program this August

EVERY step taken at Port to Park on 21 August will improve employment opportunities for those living with disability with Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) revealing local charity CPL – Choice, Passion, Life is this year’s Port to Park Community Beneficiary.

CPL, which is based in Gladstone on Toolooa Street, will receive $20,000 towards their Mylestones Solutions Garden Crew thanks to the beneficiary funding.

The funding will support CPL’s Mylestones Solution Garden Crew who provide employment support to people with disability.

The money will go towards new equipment to expand and grow their services, which in turn will ultimately provide more access to employment, skill development and career pathway opportunities for  more people with disability.

GPC CEO Craig Haymes said the CPL’s program was a valuable service for the region that enriched lives and improved the social outcomes for many living with disability.

“People with disability represent one in five Australians, so it’s important they are given employment opportunities and we know the funding will go a long way to support this program,” Mr Haymes said.

“The idea of the community beneficiary is to support a worthy group not only through funding but also by raising awareness about the fantastic work they do in our community,” he said.

“It’s great to see CPL offering employment in the garden crew and provide training for people with disability to one day achieve mainstream employment or develop their own garden service business.

“We can’t wait to see how the Port to Park community beneficiary funding grows the program and enriches these people’s lives.”

Regional Manager for Mylestones Employment, Billie Lewis-Cassidy said, she recently met the family of Scott who had gained employment in Mylestones Solution Garden Crew.

“Scott’s Mum Michelle called and told me how the family celebrated the news over dinner and how he bounces out of bed each morning to get to work,” she said.

“She told me how his confidence had improved and about the friendships and camaraderie he has formed with his colleagues.

“Throughout my time at CPL there have been so many fantastic outcomes for people with disability, and that’s what it’s all about.

“If meaningful work means so much to you and me, why would it be different for people with disability? We are grateful for the support from GPC and look to continue providing employment opportunities through Mylestones Solution Garden Crew.”

Mr Haymes said GPC’S Port to Park fun run also raises money for 27 local schools and fosters community pride.

Previous Community Beneficiaries of GPC’s fun run initiative, previously known as the Botanic to Bridge, have included the Gladstone Hospital Children’s Ward through Give Me 5 for Kids, Roseberry House, the Gladstone PCYC and the Boyne Island Environmental Educational Centre and Act for Kids.

Race registrations are now open for entrants.

Port to Park is proudly supported and sponsored by Santos GLNG, Gladstone Regional Council and the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre.