Rhiannon’s employment dream comes true

Seymour local Rhiannon Williams walked the red carpet when she attended the Nice International Filmmakers festival in May.

Ms Williams wrote and directed her film, ‘Somewhere over that Rainbow’ which was up for a swag of awards including best director – an accolade she won.

The CVGT Australia Disability Employment Services client has come a long way in the three years she has been working with the Seymour office.

CVGT Australia Deputy Chief Executive Officer John Lynch said the company was delighted to be working with Rhiannon to help her achieve her employment goals.

“As a successful Disability Employment Services provider, our strength is our belief in our job seekers abilities and working with them to ensure they achieve their employment goals.

“We like to think that we are an enthusiastic, caring, understanding and flexible team. We offer a very personal service tailoring training and assistance to suit every individual job seeker’s needs.

“To see Rhiannon not only following her dream as a film writer and director, but running her own theatre program based on social inclusion is just terrific,” Mr Lynch said.

In addition to her success on the big screen, Rhiannon has now established her own organisation to help people in her community feel included. This includes a Glee Club in Wallan, a holiday program in Wandong and an inclusive theatre program.

Ms Williams said that her involvement with CVGTs Disability Employment Services has helped her achieve her dreams.

“The theatre program is different to others as we are based on social inclusion.

“Last year, the group performed Disney’s Cinderella. Our theatre group has no restrictions, our Prince Charming has Down Syndrome and many of our cast and crew have a disability.

“Plans are already underway for another performance,” Ms Williams said.

CVGT Australia Disability Employment Services manager Sharon Prendergast said she was delighted to be able to work with job seekers like Rhiannon to achieve their employment goals.

“Rhiannon first came to CVGT’s Disability Employment Services program around three years ago. She worked closely with our Seymour consultant Kylie Wagner to help her address her barriers to employment.

“Rhiannon made a genuine effort working in various roles over this time, but it wasn’t until she started her own enterprise that we knew this is where she was meant to be.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Rhiannon and to see her recognised for the great work she is doing in her local community.

Rhiannon is currently trying to raise $2,000 to help support her theatre program. This will contribute to paying for a rehearsal space and theatre so any profits made can go into funding the next production.

People with disability bring a range of skills, talents and abilities to the workplace. CVGT Australia’s Disability Employment Service (DES) assists job seekers with disability to gain and maintain employment in the open employment market or assistance with being self-employed.