Zoyie Lee Newham has been recognised for her contribution to the community of Young ahead of International Day of People with a Disability on Thursday.
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Zoyie is a talented artist with a flair for drawing and photography who lives with an intellectual disability.
She works two jobs as a cleaner at Job Centre Australia's local office and at Annette's Place Early Education.
She received a highly commended award for her artwork 'Mystery Under The Sea' entered in the 2019 Challenge Services Competition, open to people with disability and young people living in foster care across NSW.
Zoyie, whose passion for art blossomed at high school, says the best thing about art is seeing it bring a smile to a person's face.
"I just like making people happy and seeing my work on display. I love drawing and painting, and just art. It makes me really happy, and I make people happy with my art," she said.
"When I finished school I just wanted to paint and draw because it takes me to another place. I mostly sit outside and figure out what to draw, or look online and put my own spin on it. I mostly do it when I'm free after work."
Steph Cooke MP visited Gallery 78 in Young with Job Centre Australia staff on Monday. She said it was great to hear about Zoyie's success.
"It's wonderful she has the confidence in her own abilities and people around her have the confidence in her and her ability to express herself through this medium. That then transfers to the workplace. Zoyie has not one but two jobs so she's making a tremendous contribution to the local community and her family, not only through work but art. Zoyie is to be fully congratulated, and we also recognise the employers and the contribution of Job Centre Australia and their efforts in the employment services space to ensure people like Zoyie get fitted with the right employer and doing the right type of work," Ms Cooke said.
Job Centre Australia is a diversity recruitment partner specialising in disability.
General manager of operations Sarah Stratford was proud to recognise Zoyie as part of International Day of People with a Disability celebrations.
"Job Centre Australia's vision is communities where all people can achieve their potential and this is action in progress. We also have to look at her employers and those in the community arts. It's not just about disability it's about diversity and inclusion. Zoyie is showing what can be done in communities."
Zoyie's beautiful paintings are displayed at Gallery 78 on Main Street, Young and her Facebook page 'Zoyie-lee Art Work'.
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