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Message from our CEO: VATMI Ambassadors
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On Tuesday 27th September 2011, VATMI Group Board of Directors will formally launch our Ambassador Program.
Changes to the VATMI Industries constitution were accepted at a Special General Meeting on 21st September 2010 and a significant change at the time was the introduction of a new class of non voting member, namely Associate Members.
This class of membership allowed for the inclusion of individuals who have an interest in associating with VATMI, as well as providing a vehicle for retiring Directors of the company to continue their association in a positive way.
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For some time Directors had talked about "Friends of VATMI", "VATMI Ambassadors", a "VATMI Coterie" and other possibilities for the development of a network of supporters who, in being informed about our organization and direction, can in an informal manner communicate on our behalf, and provide feedback and assistance in many and varied ways.
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Over the past few months Directors have been busy in engaging a group of people (Ambassadors) who are able and willing to use their business, networking and professional skills for the benefit of VATMI.
Some of the skills and personal attributes Directors look for in potential Ambassadors include:-
- A desire to make a difference in the recognition of workers with disability as equal citizens
- Excellent Interpersonal communication and social skills
- A demonstration of community/volunteering involvement
- An ability to introduce us into business and other networks.
- Advocacy
- Sales / Marketing Expertise
- Leadership Development
- Business Development
- Networking
- Public Relations / Community Involvement
Ambassadors are voluntary representatives of the organization, in the communities in which we operate our businesses.
- They are likely to attend any function we hold in any of the communities in which we operate our businesses.
- They are likely to be able to relate positive facts about our organization to the general public.
- They are likely to be able to utilize their social / business networks to the benefit of VATMI.
- They may have expertise that might be beneficial to VATMI in its business operations.
- They may have a high civic profile within the community in which we operate our businesses.
- They may already be a supporter in an informal way.
- Expand the knowledge of VATMI throughout stakeholder communities.
- Help to improve stakeholder perceptions of the quality of VATMI products and services
- Increase awareness among stakeholders that VATMI’s workforce consists mainly of people with a disability.
- Promote VATMI as providing "real" work, having a "can do" attitude, as being good to deal with, and is caring and socially responsible.
Over time there will be many formal / informal opportunities for Ambassadors to represent VATMI across a range of activities.
It’s a great initiative and I look forward to working with all of our new Ambassadors, for the benefit of the group. If any stakeholder would like any more information on our Ambassador program, please contact our Chief Executive, Greg Wasmund on: gwasmund@vatmi.com.au
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News from VATMI Recycling - Wangaratta |
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VATMI Recycling – Wangaratta employees have finally seen the first physical evidence of the new processing facility, now under construction. It may only be a peg in the ground but this little peg represents the start of a long awaited new plant for VATMI Wangaratta Recycling employees.
One of our employees danced around the peg singing, another one was spotted kissing the peg and it was also reported by an unknown source that Allan Ely (Site Supervisor) and Jeff Elliott (Site Manager) were seen standing by the peg drinking and toasting it late last Friday afternoon but this is yet to be confirmed.
We are all smiles in Wangaratta and will keep you all updated as to the progress.
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Kew Caught Disco Fever |
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On Friday 26th August 2011, Kew 'caught disco fever'!! Bronwyn Gibbs championed the event, together with extrovert - DJ Loui. Kew was transformed into a disco wonderland and the dance floor was filled with disco dancers from the get go. Everybody who attended made a huge effort and looked fantastic. Busses were arranged by VATMI from Keon Park to allow both sites to join in the fun.
You can’t have a good party without good food and providing that was a dedicated team working hard out the back. Greg Wasmund, Owen Train and several other dedicated chef’s were churning out delicious gourmet pizza’s and sausages throughout the night.
All that attended had a fantastic time and we hope to repeat this event in the future. VATMI would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who helped create such a fantastic night – Carmen’s for providing the food and snacks, Steve Taylor from Phaseshift Productions – who provided the lighting, Dan Cassar for providing and setting up the PA equipment, Rosemary Buck for serving the food and all other team members who rolled up their sleeves to lend a hand for the event. And not forgetting the exuberant DJ Loui. Thank you!
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VATMI Footy Tipping: Brad McAuley – Dave Henry |
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In the spirit of friendly competition, Geoff Fisher created a VATMI online competition which 181 employees took part in, which equates to almost 50% of the workforce! The competition ran through each week of the AFL season, requiring ‘tippers’ to predict the form of each team and also estimate a margin on one game to differentiate between tippers running totals.
As the weeks went by, the competition heated up not only on the field but also in the office.
Ultimately, there can be only one winner and that winner was crowned as VATMI’s Top Tipper – Brad McAuley! Congratulations to Brad and coming in as a close second, Dave Henry and only slightly behind Dave, was Gary Foggie.
Well done to all who took part in the competition and congratulations to Brad, Dave and Gary.
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| Brad McAuley & Dave Henry |
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| Gary Foggie |
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VATMI Corporate Wardrobe |
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As part of our image, a corporate wardrobe has been developed for employees. The recent roll out of our new branding included drink bottles, hats and polo shirts as promotional items. These items have been so well received that we have now put together a whole wardrobe of work ware for VATMI employees.
Wearing a uniform to work is not compulsory but for those who would like to have branded clothing, there are now several garments on offer – including high visibility clothing, corporate shirts, hats, cargo pants etc. Costs are also tax deductible.
Site Managers have now been distributed the catalogue and orders are to be directed through them and back to Corporate Office. We will only be using one manufacturer to produce work wear from this point forward and this will allow us to obtain the best possible prices through bulk buying and also afford us continuity within the brand.
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Disability Service Standard 9: Employment Conditions |
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This month’s edition looks at Service Standard 9, Employment conditions.
Appling this standard, VATMI makes sure that its employees with a disability share employment and working conditions which are consistent with those of the Australian workforce by:
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- Providing safe and comfortable work environments complying with Occupational Health and Safety regulations and legislations through VATMI OH&S policies, procedures and documentation
- Offering security of tenure in line with industry standards, including under the Supported Employment Services Award 2010 and VATMI’s Letter of Offer outlining specific terms and conditions of employment.
- Providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, supported by the VATMI Code of Conduct and Grievance Policy and Procedure
- Providing ongoing performance feedback, through an Individual Development Plan for each supported employee
VATMI offers supported employees "real wages for real work". In line with the Supported Employment Award 2010, VATMI uses a pro-rata wage tool to determine fair and equitable rates of pay, where an "employee with a disability" is unable to meet full productive capacity due to their disability. VATMI's wage tool of choice is the Business Services Wage Tool assessment (BSWAT) provided by CRS Australia (Commonwealth Department of Human Services). Using the BSWAT ensures that VATMI supported employees’ wage assessments:
- Are made in full consultation with the worker, and, where requested by the worker, a person (advocate) s/he nominate
- Provide a report clarifying how the wage rate is worked out, including how productivity is measured, how relevant competencies are attained and opportunities for improvement are identified
- Identify improvements toward a wage assessment review, through each employee’s Individual Development Plan, at least annually.
Through its wage assessment process VATMI maximises a fair rate of pay for each worker through structured development, and promotes to its employees with a disability, the achievement of a sustainable personal best performance, put simply, becoming the best worker they can be.
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2011 Disability Sport and Recreation Festival |
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The 2011 Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR) Festival is Victoria's premier event for the disability sport and recreation sector, taking place at Federation Square, Melbourne, on Friday 2nd December 2011. This year’s theme celebrates Diversity in Disability with a focus on people with disability from diverse backgrounds such as Indigenous Australians, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, women and those living in regional and rural areas.
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This unique, interactive public event brings together the health and disability sector and the wider community to promote and celebrate physically active lifestyles through participation in accessible and inclusive sport and recreation initiatives. Supported by the State Government Victoria, City of Melbourne and Federation Square the festival will include:
- The Annual Victorian Disability Sport and Recreation Awards Breakfast presented at Zinc Restaurant to highlight the achievements of Victorians with disability and their support networks.
- Community Sport & Recreation exhibition stalls operating throughout the forecourt area of Federation Square will host interactive and information exhibits from over 40 health, sport and disability organisations.
- A range of 'Come and Try' accessible sport & recreation activities will be on display and available for the community to participate in free of charge.
- The Mini-Conference ‘Strengthening your team through diversity', which follows the success of last year’s event and provides an opportunity to showcase research, case studies and ways of achieving better health and social outcomes for people with a disability.
- The Corporate Wheelchair Basketball Challenge where teams of up to eight workmates participate in a "Knockout" challenge. Held in the forecourt area of Federation Square, organisations are given the unique opportunity to play against professional sports people, including Paralympians in a friendly lunchtime competition.
For more information, please see the details below:
Contact Name: Rhianna Gallagher
Contact Phone: 03 9473 0133
Contact Email: rhianna@dsr.org.au
Website: http://www.dsrf.org.au
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Five Minutes With: Elly Atanasova – Employee Development & Support Officer – Keon Park |
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| What is the best thing about your job? |
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The thing I like about my job is the satisfaction of somebody achieving a goal that they thought couldn’t be achieved and me being a part of it. |
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| How long have you been with VATMI? |
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I have been at VATMI for 5 years. |
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Where did you work before VATMI? |
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Before VATMI I worked for Autoliv, a manufacturer of seatbelts and airbags, my role was JIT customer liaison officer. |
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What was your first concert? |
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My first concert was Guns n Roses at the Thunderdome. |
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What is the best piece of advice you have been given? |
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"If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything" and I also like "Everything about life is a choice, make good choices." |
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Key Dates |
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The authorising sender of this email is VATMI Industries www.vatmi.com.au 
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