We’re proud to announce our strategic partnership with Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP), timber supplier specialising in Tasmanian Oak, is going from strength to strength.

On 14 December, NSFP hosted a media event and invited guests to meet the team at their Warrane site. Guy Barnett, Tasmanian Resources Minister, was among those who joined the event and heard from speakers about the partnership.

Drew Beswick, Possability Group CEO, believed the partnership demonstrated how a commercial business and a not-for-profit could work together for a more inclusive workplace. “This partnership is a unique initiative for Australia in that it integrates the desired employment outcomes of the National Disability Insurance Scheme with a commercially focused business operation,” he said.

NSFP are proud to be involved in an initiative that opens up the job market to people with a disability and benefits the Tasmanian community. Andrew Walker, NSFP CEO, said, “This expansion will ultimately deliver increased collaboration, training and employment opportunities for those living with a disability and supports all layers of a sustainable native forestry supply chain.”

Each organisation plays an important role in creating a supportive, community-based environment for employees to thrive in. NSFP is the employer and provides skill development in the production of high-quality timber products while Oakdale, part of the Possability Group, focuses on training and support. There are currently 12 supported employees working at the Warrane site, with further employment opportunities in the planning stages in north and south Tasmania.

Possability Group is the only organisation offering this model of supported employment in Tasmania. Career coaches work closely with people to discover their interests and unique skillsets, then work with employers to create real job opportunities in the community. Once the new employee lands a job, one of our job trainers will continue to support them at work as needed.

Find further information about our community based supported employment partnership with NSFP and watch the Nightly News story (from 6 minutes).

The Warrane site was a hive of activity, with guests and news reporters meeting the team.

Header image: Tasmanian Forest Products Association CEO Nick Steel, NSFP CEO Andrew Walker, the Hon. Guy Barnett MP and Possability CEO Drew Beswick.