Merriwa was a very different company when Operations Support Manager, Ruth Belan, joined the company on 23 September 1998.

“Merriwa was much smaller. There was only the timber division, packaging division and defence industries. We offered day programs for those with disabilities, but not respite or residential services,” Ruth said.

Joining a small team of day program support workers after Merriwa acquired the services from another organisation, Ruth soon found herself promoted to the role of Day Services Co-ordinator.