Empowering school program employs people with disabilities to make a change
The bell for first period has rung and students at Oxford Falls Grammar School are scurrying off to class.
Meanwhile, tucked away in the garden next to the playground is an army of khaki-clad environmentalists.
'Bushlink' is on school grounds with one mission: to rejuvenate the green space.
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Tucked away in the garden next to the playground is an army of khaki-clad environmentalists. Nine
The group from Northside Enterprise is made up of volunteers and workers who live with a disability.
Under the guidance of their supervisors, they have brought school grounds, parks and beaches to life right across Sydney's Northern Beaches.
"It's environmental work, bush regeneration," said Northside CEO Duncan Wakes-Miller.
"We pay people with a disability... and we do really good projects in the community."
"I love Bushlink because I like hanging out with my friends," said Adrian Millner, who has worked at Bushlink for a decade.
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The group from Northside Enterprise is made up of volunteers and workers who live with a disability. Nine
"You've always been very proud to put that uniform on," said Ian Millner, Adrian's dad.
"I see Adrian feels empowered. He walks tall."
In November 2024, the Bushlink team was recognised in NSW Parliament for completing 99 years worth of community service.
More recently, the team trialled aged care gardening as a new business venture.
"My vision is that we get Bushlink in every single local government authority in New South Wales and Australia," said Duncan.
"We're looking for partners to help us fund our growth and replicate this model. We're looking for more schools who want to get involved with us."
Watch the video above for the full story.
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