Over the past four years, Happy Feet has provided nine jobs for people with a disability, helping them to develop vital skills, confidence and experience.

The jobs have included childcare and cleaning roles.

Happy Feet Childcare Centre’s director Jenny Doueihi said it was honour to give back to the community and work with OCTEC consultant Courteney Prentice.

“The people they send me need help and I’m happy to give them a go,” Mrs Doueihi said.

“It’s giving them the confidence and support to follow their passions in life.

“We take work skills for granted, without OCTEC these people would have less of a chance, myself and other supporting business help OCTEC make a difference.”

As well as skills and experience, participants leave with qualifications.

Employment services deputy manager Adam Swist the national award was for celebrating “champion employers”.

“We’ve been working with Happy Feet since 2013, they’re a supportive employer, it’s high-level support and a great environment for our participants,” Mr Swist said.

“We’re very fortunate to work with a local employer who has provided our participants with these opportunities.”

Mr Swist said employers like Happy Feet provided a foundation for people with a disability which allowed them to go onto other jobs.

OCTEC was founded in Orange 40 years ago and Mr Swist said Happy Feet was the first employer to receive the national award – with plans for the award to recognise employers quarterly.