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Six properties occupied by residents of Illawarra disability support service House with No Steps have received a mini-makeover by unemployed students paying off fines.
Eighteen students studying with Fusion Training Solutions spent three days battling humid conditions to enhance the properties in Bateman Ave, Albion Park Rail, and place smiles on the faces of the disabled residents.
Fusion trainer Mick Mather said the work included gardening, pruning, cleaning gutters, and sprucing up front lawns and footpaths, and was achieved by unemployed students undertaking courses in landscaping, horticulture and construction.
"They were given a hands-on experience outside the classroom and in the process beautified the area and made the day-to-day lives of residents much easier," Mr Mather said.
The work also enabled some students to reduce any outstanding fines by undertaking unpaid work through the Office of State Revenue's Working and Development Order Program.
Illawarra organisation Top Blokes Foundation also assisted students to reduce fines.
Top Blokes operations manager Lauren Gale said the work performed on the properties was a win-win situation.
"This three-day program has allowed us to decrease participants' fines by over $3500," she said.
Student Blake Law said linking with Fusion, House with No Steps and Top Blokes Foundation had been a positive experience for him.
"It was great to be outside, helping others, and working in a team environment," he said.
"I've learned life skills, presentation and a code of conduct."
Information: www.fusiontraining.solutions.com.au