Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise in the House to speak about an organisation in lndi that every day embodies its values of prosperity, responsibility, integrity, diversity and excellence. My work in health care has taught me to appreciate and celebrate those who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others. Merriwa Industries in Wangaratta is one such organisation.

Merriwa Industries began operating as a social enterprise in the mid-1990s. They had one dream: to help people of all abilities confidently reach their potential. Merriwa has grown into a commercial operation, employing over 300 people across the packaging, timber and garden nursery sectors and delivering child, youth and family support services.

I had the great pleasure of attending Merriwa's annual employee awards night recently, with its very proud CEO, Bart Crawley. I would now like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners: Gianna Kalc, winner of the Ray Byrne Award for Quality; Vanessa Brambley, winner of the Hugh Elford Award for Excellence; Kylie Hughes, winner of the Jack Lyle Award for Achievement; Toby Butler, winner of the Mary Sanders Award for Enterprise; Rebecca Sefton, winner of the Graham Gales Endeavour Award; and Murray Kingston, winner of the Safety Award. Indi is so proud of the wonderful people at Merriwa Industries, and I congratulate them all.