Dedication & commitment recognised at Oakdale Industries

PHOTO: Front row (left to right) - Kate Sherrin, Pauline Sherrin, award recipient Martin Sherrin and Mike Sherrin.

Back row (left to right) - Oakdale Industries Supervisory Team Michael Flanagan, Steven Watts, Richard Daly, David Absolom, Brett Howlett and Manager John Hollis.

An inaugural award that identifies ‘unsung heroes’ who work in the disability sector and recognises their dedication and commitment to their workplace and colleagues has been awarded to employees from Oakdale Industries by the Minister for Human Services Ms Lin Thorp, MLC.

Individual award winner Martin Sherrin received his award at a ceremony in Hobart recently in front of proud family members, colleagues, supervisors and members of the Rotary Club of Hobart – organisers and sponsors of the Rotary Pride of Workmanship Awards.

Martin is a production worker in timber manufacturing at Oakdale Industries, a position he has held since 2001. Manager John Hollis said despite many personal challenges, Martin has developed into a positive and committed team member.

“Martin works to direction, is very responsible within the workplace environment and is an extremely positive and effective team member. Although initially very shy, he has developed into a confident person who interacts very well with his workmates and supervisors. He is so eager to get to work that he gets his parents out of bed early to ensure he arrives on time.”

John also paid tribute to Oakdale Industries’ supervisory team who were presented with a Pride of Workmanship Award – the first time the award has been presented to a group of people in this category.

“Our supervisory team of Brett Howlett, Lyle Bedelph, Richard Daly, Steve Watts, Michael Flanagan and David Absolom were recognised for their significant contribution to the training and well-being of Oakdale Industries’ special needs employees. They are unique in that they care for and develop the skills of our supported employees whilst themselves being highly skilled in timber manufacturing.”

John has also been recognised for his achievements and awarded the level of Vanguard by the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA). This is the second year in a row that John has been awarded the level of Vanguard which recognises individuals who annually provide a considerable contribution to the timber flooring industry in Australia.

Oakdale Industries also sponsored the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award category of the 2009 ATFA Annual Industry Awards for Excellence. The award was won this year by Adam Mills of Inside Out Timber Floors and Decks in Queensland.