Media Contact: Ben Ruse
0407 030 808
Media Statement
BILL SHORTEN MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services and for
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction
Monday, July 20, 2009
Billabong Sweets recognised for role in employing people
with disability
Successful Shepparton business the Billabong Sweets and Treats confectionery
factory, which employs 25 people with an intellectual disability, was officially opened
today by Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten.
The factory is run by GV Centre Business Services (GV Centre), an Australian
Disability Enterprise (ADE) which receives over $400,000 in funding each year to
employ 57 people with disability in the areas of gardening, flower delivery, school
canteen managing as well as confectionary.
Mr Shorten said the Australian Government had provided almost $100,000 to help fit-
out the factory.
“Having a job is an important part of a person’s identity and provides with the
opportunity to contribute to the community and develop friendships,” Mr Shorten said.
“People with disability deserve the same chance to be part of the workforce as the
rest of the community. The Rudd Government is determined to break down the
barriers which prevent this from happening.
“ADEs provide people with disability the opportunity to find a job and be supported by
their employers to reach their full potential.
“They are also thriving businesses that can compete in the open market.
“Billabong Sweets shows how the Government and organisations can work together
to support people with disability while delivering quality products to the community.”
The GV Centre provides the only work facilities for people with intellectual disability in
the Goulburn Valley.
“I congratulate the GV Centre for their commitment to being a major employer of
people with disability in regional Victoria,” Mr Shorten said.
“They are making a real difference to the lives of people with disability and their
families.”
NEWS 
