Paralympian looks beyond the finish line

PARALYMPIAN Dr Lisa Chaffey will be keynote speaker at an event coming up on Thursday 26 March at Federation University’s SMB campus.

Hosted by employment and recruitment organisation gforce, Thursday’s event is entitled Beyond the finish line: Redefining expectations in work and sport, aimed at local employers and the disability community.

Gforce general manager Greg Haynes said a main aim is to encourage local employers to give greater consideration to employing people with disabilities while fostering inclusive, welcoming workplaces.

“The purpose of the event is really to promote inclusive employment and workplaces embracing diversity, and including candidates with a disability,” Mr Haynes said.

“It’s really about sharing with the community, especially the disability community, that you can be anything in this life and you should have aspirations and goals just like anyone else, and workplaces equally should be very keen to employ individuals who may have a disability.”

Those who attend will be treated to insights into Dr Chaffey’s Paralympic journey and how expectations shaped her working life, while the event will also offer a good opportunity to network with local business leaders and learn more about inclusive hiring.

Mr Haynes said gforce is a non-profit charity that’s proactive in recruitment, apprenticeships and employment for all who are keen to secure work.

“We’re keen to get more people into jobs across the Ballarat community, including people with disability, but this event is primarily targeted at businesses and the disability community,” he said.

“We’re trying to engage with employers and people who are open to creating inclusive employment and giving people a go.”

Thursday’s event is free to attend with organisers eager to engage with as many decision makers and employers in the region as possible.

Registrations are preferred and can be made through the gforce Ballarat and Commerce Ballarat websites with the event taking place from 12.15pm-2pm at Federation University’s T Building, 106-110 Lydiard Street.