In 1983 Mum and Dad decided to move to Wodonga from Myrtleford as the workshop for disabled people was built there. I
was at Aware Industries and Aldata division for 23 years in total. It had been going smoothly at Aware/Aldata, and from 1983
to 2003 it was very friendly and nice, and I had a lot of fun working there.
Wodonga West Rotary Club helped me to get a special computer
and hardware/software so I could do work for Aware. I have no speech and I am confined to a wheelchair because I have
cerebal palsy.
I did type, newsletter and database work for the Aldata division. I like going to work, but then we got a new manager
at Aldata in 2003. I saw a lot of changes happening because I was the staff representative (for 5 years, from 2000-2005).The
new manager didn't like me because I was too hard for them. I would tell them what was wrong with the place and facilities.
ie.
Tiles, toilets and holes in the driveway and car park, just to name a few.
In November/December 2005 the employees had another election, which I lost for 2006\2007. I was a little suspicious because
most of employees said to my carer, we will Vote for Carlo again. Anyways, I had some work between 2000 and 2005, and I did
notes for the E.A.C meeting, as I was the staff representative for all employees. It was enough for me do, and was tough work.
My carers Leonie, Nicole and Emma saw what I used to do at Aldata, and when the new manager came in 2003 I was re-elected
for representative for a further 2 years.
Throughout those 2 years, she done some awful things to me and she always used to tell me, No work for you. In 2005 I
lost the re-election, and I was very suspicious as to how I couldve lost.
After this, she really was able to say, no work for you! In the end they finally got to me. I know that they wanted to
do within the last 2 years, but the new laws (which began 1 week later in March/April 2006) the new manager gave a letter
to me, big smile on her face which said that Aware Industries is unable to meet your employment needs. It said at this point,
I have to inform you that employment with Aware is terminated as we unable to meet your employment needs. Your employment
will cease 12th April. Well, thank-you John Howard and new manager at Aldata!
You certainly did pull my heart from my body. Thank-you.
Aldata didn't have disabled toilets, and I used to have to use the girls toilet as my carers are female. This happened
for 4 years, but Aldata eventually got disabled toilets with wheelchair access.
However, this is due to the fact that I fought very hard for it. But still to this day Aware Industries still haven't
got disabled toilets with wheelchair access. At Aldata the big holes in the driveway which hurt my neck! It is a horrible
place to work there, now after 2003 they dont talk with me anymore. Aware/Aldata has lost it's passion and it's heart and
soul, and no one genuinely cares about what they can do for people with disabilities only what they can do for themselves
which is make money.
Aware Industries got a lot of money from the government to help with 1:1 support and a grant to buy the Aldata building.
Everything has changed and lot of staff have left because it is not a good place since the new Laws, more staff have been
told they cannot work there anymore.
The name and address where I worked are-
Address:-
Aware Industries LTD
22 Maloney Drive
Phone: (02) 6022 8343
* Ian Thompson - CEO - Big Boss
