EDGE invited its top 50 employers to a celebratory function at its Subiaco headquarters. EDGE Chairman, Mark Barnaba welcomed the assembled employers and introduced Richard Goyder CEO of Wesfarmers, which has employed 367 people with disability through EDGE since 1984.

Speaking on behalf of the employers, Mr Goyder said, "The partnership between Wesfarmers and EDGE has been mutually beneficial to both organisations and Wesfarmers is committed to extending the partnership across the group. I encourage other employers to follow suit".

EDGE Managing Director, Sue Robertson, thanked Mr Goyder and acknowledged the many hundreds of employers who had employed people with disabilities through EDGE over the past 25 years.

"Employment has a huge impact on the meaning and quality of life of everybody, including people with disability. EDGE is proud to have profoundly influenced the lives of so many people with disability who now proudly and productively take their place in the Western Australian workforce," Ms Robertson said.

Employers Jobs Wesfarmers Group 367 Disability Services Commission 116 Department of Health 85 Woolworths 79 Department of Education and Training 61 University of Western Australia 47 IGA 45 Department of Housing and Works 39 Curtin University 31 Police WA 30 St John of God Healthcare 28 Burswood Entertainment Complex 28 Sizzler 27 Spotless Group 25 Hospitality Group Training 25 McDonald's 23 Department of Commerce 23 Parins 22 KFC 21 Hungry Jacks 20 Chicken Treat 19 Landgate 17 Chamber of Commerce and Industry 17 Australia Post 17 Darowa Corp / CTI Logistics 15 Bankwest 14 WA Football League 14 Lincraft 14 Pinetec 13 Danish Patisserie 13 Miss Maud 13 Croissant Gourmet 12 Crazy Clarkes 12 Kaefer Integrated Services 11 Association for the Blind WA 11 Delaware North 11 Formstone Australia 11 Waldecks 10 ISS Facility Services 10 Department of Culture and Arts 10 Inglewood Products Group 10 Department of Corrective Services 10 Phoenix Metalform 9 City of Wanneroo 9 Jet Jol Trampolines 9 Brightwater Care Group 9 City of Bayswater 9 Anodisers W.A. 9 Bakers Delight 8 Government Employees Superannuation Board 8		Mark Barnaba (EDGE Chairman), Richard Goyder (Wesfarmers Group CEO), Susan Robertson (EDGE Managing Director). Jacob Rechner (William Buck), Li Lian Kim (EDGE), Mark Yeak (BHP Billiton). Mike Bradford (Landgate) and Mal Wauchope (Public Sector Commissioner). Rick Cullen (C.B.H Legal), Susan Robertson (EDGE), Laurie Burns (Brightwater Care Group).

James Pearson receives CCIWA's Leading EDGE Award from Sue Robertson.

CCI Chief Executive James Pearson said he was delighted to accept the award, which recognised their contribution as an employer of people with disabilities.

"We see the Leading EDGE award as an acknowledgement of what we are doing, on behalf of our members, to help Western Australian employers recognise that people with disabilities can bring valuable skills, commitment and diversity to the workplace," said Mr Pearson.

"We are pleased to work with EDGE to help CCI and our employees with a disability, meet our goals."

CCI also released a major research paper in 2008 which aimed to expose some of the myths surrounding the recruitment of people with a disability.

CCI Human Resources Manager, Keeley Hayward, said there were many unfounded ideas surrounding the employment of people with disabilities.

"We continue to work with our members and key stakeholders to remove barriers to employment," she said.

Leading EDGE awards are presented to companies leading the way in the corporate sector and community in their employment of people with disabilities.

	Sue Robertson (l) and Mark Barnaba (r) present Ron Gibson and Jacob Rechner with their awards.

As an Assurance Manager at William Buck Chartered Accountants, much of Jacob Rechner's role involves meeting with clients, one of which is the Disability Services Commission (DSC). Through his networks he has introduced new opportunities for EDGE to place job seekers.

"It was through DSC that I met Nathan and Sue from EDGE and developed a passionate interest in helping people within the disability sector," said Mr Rechner, who added that winning the award was totally unexpected.

Ron Gibson, who is widely regarded as one of Australia's foremost authorities in the field of business networking and relationship-building, is a long time advocate for people with disability.

"Receiving the award was a wonderful surprise which made me feel rather special, in that few companies these days make the effort to recognise their advocates, which makes this award very gratifying," Mr Gibson said.

EDGE Chairman, Mark Barnaba, presented Mr Rechner and Mr Gibson with their awards at a ceremony in May 2009.

"These individuals have set a great example to other businesses of the two-way benefits that can be gained by giving people with disability the opportunity to be part of the workforce," said Mr Barnaba.