Workers from the EPIC (Employment Preparation and Inclusion in the Community) program have been assisting in the restoration of Porcupine Village since July this year. 

The group, which rotates its participants through the village twice a week, initially began by clearing out the historic buildings, and are now focused on doing a number of other jobs around the place, including yard work.

Doug and Debra Baird are the managers of Porcupine Village. Their daughter is currently participating in a number of activities with EPIC, including work experience at an op-shop in Bendigo, so they were aware of the program and keen to offer the EPIC participants work experience around the historic village.

Brayden, who has been working at Porcupine Village for the past three months said, “I enjoy it. We’ve been cleaning out the stuff, it’s really old.”

Dan, has also been working there for the past three months, said it’s been good. 

“I’d like to continue doing woodwork when I finish,” said Dan. “You’ve got to be very precise.”

Chris Carol furniture and cabinet maker has been running the woodwork micro-business at EPIC for over three years. Chris, and a group of young people, have been busily making and selling furniture made from old pallets, including planter boxes, dog houses and possum homes.

“The possum boxes were made because there were heaps of possums living in the old buildings so we needed to re-home them,” said Chris.

“I love it, I’ve worked with these guys for a couple of years. They’ve picked up the skills well, and are building towards independence, which is what we want.

“We’re going to start fixing up old bikes soon, so if anyone has any old bikes lying around they want to donate, please let us know.”

Dylan, an EPIC participant, told the Tarrangower Times that they’ve also been doing some painting and rendering at Porcupine Village, and his favourite part of the work so far has been the bonfire. He’d like to work at a car wreckers when he finishes his workplace training.

A keen worker, Nathan said, “It’s been pretty interesting. I’d like to do woodwork after I finish here. As long as I’m building something with my hands I’m all right.”

EPIC is part of Access Australia Group and is a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)-funded employment preparation program for recent school leavers. The NDIS funding is called School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES). 

Paul Weeks, EPIC team leader, told the Times that he has worked with Access Australia Group for six years. His role includes not only developing work experience opportunities, but advocacy on behalf of participants and their families, usually with the NDIA and Centrelink.  

“EPIC now supports over 30 young people through SLES funding,” Paul said, “and our goal is to help the participants open employment, which is to say, working in what are not traditionally considered disability-specific roles and industries. We have had some amazing outcomes. Graduates from our program are now working in jobs such as motor mechanic, at Bunnings, at Coles, Don KR, and in fields like hospitality, cleaning, and retail.

“The partnership with Porcupine Village has been very valuable for our participants, and came at a time when  COVID meant we were unable to complete as much work experience in our more ‘traditional sectors’ setting like retail. Doug has made us all very welcome, and the variety of tasks means the participants have built a whole new range of skills.”

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 3 December 2021.