Omnia Inclusive recently marked a monumental milestone, celebrating 10 years of transforming the lives of youth with disabilities in the Albury community. The 10th-anniversary event, held on 3rd April at the Omnia Inclusive office in Lavington, brought together participants, local employers, community members, and supporters to reflect on a decade of success, growth, and impactful change.
The celebration featured a range of fun activities, including a photo booth with costumes, Giant Jenga, Connect 4, and a BBQ. Attendees had the opportunity to celebrate with the local community, youth NDIS participants, and a range of employer partners who have been instrumental in supporting work experience placements and successful employment outcomes over the years.
We had a special appearance by Mayor Kevin Mack and local celebrity Steven Bowen, former Deputy Mayor. Both shared their reflections on the impact the NDIS program has had on Albury over the past decade and discussed the importance of inclusion and support for youth with disabilities.
Andrea Matassoni, Youth Diversity Area Manager at Omnia Inclusive shares
The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and community impact of Omnia Inclusive, with several key milestones celebrated over the past 10 years:
Starting Small, Growing Strong: Initially serving only 7 participants under the TTW contract in Wodonga, VIC, Omnia Inclusive has since expanded its reach, now supporting participants from both sides of the border. Over 180 participants have been supported in the program, with 32 currently enrolled.
Mini Woolies Omnia Training Facility (2023): This innovative partnership with Woolworths, Fujitsu, and Cisco opened the facility, providing over 100 students with hands-on training. All local Albury Special Education Schools and support units in mainstream schools have visited the training facility.
Disability Employment Services (DES) Launch (2024): With the launch of DES, Omnia Inclusive now guides participants from NDIS support to securing meaningful employment. This expansion has also opened services to individuals aged 18-65 who need help finding work.
Omnia Inclusive has developed a variety of community-embedded innovative programs over the years, including:
Gen Con: In partnership with Southern Cross Care, participants regularly met with nursing home residents for morning tea, conversations, and activities like quizzes.
Meals on Wheels: For the past 4 years, participants have volunteered with meal preparation and distribution throughout the community.
Food Without Barriers: Participants serve a weekly community lunch every Tuesday at Uniting Church, Wodonga.
Retro Café Gardening Project (2023-2024): Working with Albury City Council and Retro Youth Café, participants beautified the café with painted and planted garden beds, which continue to thrive today.
Our partnerships with local businesses have played an integral role in helping youth develop hands-on skills and gain valuable work experience. Some of our long-standing business partners include: Kellys Mitre 10, Harvey Norman, and Sam’s Family Café.
With the ongoing support of participants, local partners, and the broader Albury community, the future is looking bright. Omnia Inclusive looks forward to many more years of creating meaningful change and promoting inclusion for all.
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