Focus on strength...plan for need

·        Handicapped Programs Review.

·        Trial of specialist employment agencies.  GEA Inc. formed as a pilot project auspiced by Barwon Disability Resource Council, State funded.

·        The Disability Services Act is introduced.

·        Specialist employment agencies are Federally funded. GEA Inc funded, one of nine across Australia.

·        Commonwealth State Disability Services Agreement signed and progressively implemented.

·        Disability Reform Package introduced.  3 Departments formed.

            (DSS/CES/HUMAN SERVICES & HEALTH)

·        Disability Service Standards introduced.

·        Proposed closure of all sheltered workshops.

·        Introduction of Supported Wage System.

·        Service for clients with psychiatric illness funded.

·        Labour Hire Service begins.

·        “Working Solution” – Strategic review of the Commonwealth Disability Services Program.

·        GEA Inc’s 10^th Birthday.

·        Change of policy direction with change of Government.

·        Sheltered Workshops back in favour and movement towards one type of employment agency.

·        GEA’s Client Advisory Group established.

·        Ian Spicer accepts role as GEA Inc. Patron.

·        Laundry Service trialled at GEA– unfunded.

·        Aboriginal Employment Program for People with Disabilities at GEA – unfunded.

·        Efficiency cuts imposed on agencies.

·        State of Victoria introduces Futures For Young Adults Initiative.

·        Groundwork begun for International Exchange between GEA and the USA – unfunded.

·        3YYR Radio show re: issues for people with disabilities.

·        Inaugural Employers Breakfast begins.

·        GEA Inc. moves to Pakington Street.

·        Break up of CES, Flex services introduced (Job Network).

·        Centrelink established.

·        Work for the Dole scheme introduced.

·        Trial “Filling in the Gaps” – youth who are at risk – funded by BatForce School Focussed Youth Services.

·        Discussions regarding RTO lead to initial Hospitality training

·        GEA @ Deakin begins.

·        Inaugural staff exchange to USA.

·        Case Based Funding Trial in Employment Division.

·        Volunteers program began.

·        GEA Cleaning begins.

·        AWT Initiative.

·        Retail on Wheels Work for the Dole program begins.

·        Job Placement Licenses introduced.

·        GEA Disability Awareness Project launched.

·        RecPals and Cleanmates Work for the Dole programs begin.

·        RTO receives first funding.

·        Leopold site at Mollers Lane taken on.

    ·        Funding body for Employment changed from FACS to DEWR.

·        Transition to Case Based Funding is suspended.

·        3 year Service agreements introduced with DHS.

·        Munch ‘N’ Crunch, Eventures, Creative Caring, The HUB Gallery Work for the  Dole programs begin.

·        Dirtworx begins, previously run by The Salvation Army.

·        Hub Gallery – funded.

·        After the Bell program run in conjunction with MacKillop Family Services.

·        My Sisters Dream -a recycled goods store, is opened.

·        X-Men is run in conjunction with Newcomb Secondary College.

·        The Store, 63 West Fyans St is taken on.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

.     Development of the property at O'Halloran Road commences.

      May : Raised Garden Beds built

      June: Sensory Garden completed except for plants

      July:  Swuimming Pool enclosed

      August: Initial plans drawn