That’s because everyone’s differences are celebrated, and catered for, at Greenacres – one of three major Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) in the Illawarra.

On Wednesday those organisations, their workers, and their families and supporters had great reason to celebrate after a Fair Work decision secured their future.

In a preliminary decision handed down on Monday, Fair Work rejected a push to impose a productivity-only method of assessing wages for people with disabilities.

That method, known as the Supported Wage System (SWS), would have been the death knell for many of the 180 ADEs across Australia – and their supported workers – according to the CEOs of the Illawarra organisations.

It would have inflated employee costs for the non-profit organisations, by imposing higher wages for those undertaking simple, repetitive tasks while disadvantaging those doing more highly skilled work.

Flagstaff CEO Roy Rogers thanked the Illawarra community, and beyond, for their ongoing support of the My Job Counts campaign.

“Over the last four years we’ve been growing and developing and investing – but it’s always been in the back of our minds that it could all be for nothing,” he said. “Now, while there’s still much work to do, our future – and that of our employees – is secure.”

Kathy Hubbard has played a leading role in the campaign – starting a petition which has since garnered 10,000 signatures to protect workers.

No-one loves their job more than 33-year-old Brenden, who has Down syndrome, according to Ms Hubbard.

‘’He’s been there for eight years and he gets up every morning to go to work with a smile on his face,” she said. “He gets shy and likes to mime everything instead of talking, and he’s accepted for who he is at work – and supported.”

Flagstaff employee Jordan Bowater, 23, also joined in the celebrations at his workplace.

“I work five days a week for Flagstaff Paper to Paper and love it – I worked in open employment but it didn’t work,” he said.

“I’m autistic and Flagstaff are great as they give lots of support for people with different disabilities, and realise that it’s not one-size-fits-all.

“Once my disability pension is factored in with my wage, I’m earning what the average person earns, and I’m more than happy with that.”

The commission has now called on ADEs, the Commonwealth Government, and other stakeholders to come up with a new classification structure for wage determination. Greenacres CEO Chris Christodoulou is keen to get started.

“First we’re soaking up the victory – then we will get on with the job of assisting in the process of finding a nationally consistent way of assessing wages for people with disabilities,” he said.

“Something that takes into account the parameters set by the Fair Work Commission, and looks at things like skills, work value and responsibilities.”

Fair Work has urged the Commonwealth Government to get involved in the process, something Mr Rogers said has been lacking to date.

However Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said he looked forward to seeing more government input.

“It’s not just about jobs – it’s about confidence, it’s about encouragement and support, it’s about leading fulfilling lives,” he said. “The opportunities organisations like Greenacres and Flagstaff offer, the dignity they provide, is invaluable.”

Keira MP Ryan Park, who wrote a submission to the Fair Work hearing in support of the ADEs stance, also welcomed the decision.

“Supporting people with disabilities to have meaningful employment helps contribute not only to their life, but to our broader community,” he said.