Federal Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten has welcomed a new partnership with the AFL, Disability Works Australia (DWA) and the Australian Government to create more job opportunities across the Australian football industry for people with a disability.

Twenty two people with a disability are already working with the AFL and AFL clubs as a result of the program which has been funded through the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

And in another example of the Western Bulldogs leading the industry on disability inclusion and partnerships, the Club has two employees as part of the program. 

They include Renee Stephenson who is employed at Bulldogs Central and works up to sixteen hours a week as a merchandise assistant and Jo Ferguson in the Football department (both were on hand at the launch during the Round 3 President’s Club). 

Renee has an intellectual disability and her role is tailored towards her strengths which include stock control, store presentation and customer service.

The Program’s Ambassador is Western Bulldogs player Sam Reid. Sam found out last season that he has Type 1 Diabetes but has learned to manage the condition as he forges an AFL career.

Sam said the program would make a significant difference to the lives of people with a disability and equally, organisations would benefit from the program. 

“We have really benefitted from employing people with a disability at the Western Bulldogs and I’m proud to be involved in a program which gives people an opportunity to be an important part of the team,” he said.

Western Bulldogs Club President, David Smorgon OAM said the Western Bulldogs were extremely proud to be involved in the launch of the Program. 

“We have a long history of disability engagement through education & training services, employment opportunities and community development programs.” 

“Through our education and community engagement arm SpiritWest Services, the Western Bulldogs aim to build community capacity in our own backyard, by providing opportunities for the active participation of traditionally marginalised groups,” he said.

The Western Bulldogs are committed to eliminating discrimination for people with a disability by working in partnership with disability service organisations like the AFL, Disability Works Australia, Annecto, Mambourin Enterprises and Scope.

For more information on the Program, contact Disability Works Australia on 1800 356 670.