Jonathan gains his independence with a little help from CoAct
At 19 years old, Jonathan was ready to head out into the world of employment. The Disability Employment Services team at CoAct Connect Stones Corner helped him do just that. […]
From homeless to hope: how DES saved Shane’s life
Shane’s journey of complex, long-term challenges shows how the right support can change lives for the better. Shane has faced more challenges than most when it comes to finding a […]
Intensive support helps Ethin find meaningful work
With the right specialist support, Ethin found a job, some much needed confidence, and a whole new career path with room for progression. When Christeen from CoAct/Ability Options Liverpool first […]
Chris forges a new future for himself
When Chris was declared legally blind at the age of 30, he needed to find a new career path. The team at CoAct/VisAbility Victoria Park gave him the support he […]
Michael’s story: The right support to thrive at work
Michael moved from Murray Bridge in South Australia to Canberra in 2019. The move was to start an exciting Graduate Program with the ACT Government. Michael was eager to build […]
From volunteer to vocation: Jamie’s full circle moment
Jamie accessed employment services supports through CoAct service partner Ability Options. Anyone familiar with Bellingen Golf Club is familiar with Club All Rounder Jamie who works with the club crew […]
Employer spotlight: Youth Projects x Staff Australia
In August 2022 CoAct service partner Youth Projects embarked on a innovative partnership with Staff Australia to create opportunities for young people seeking meaningful employment. About Staff Australia Since 1999, […]
World Braille Day: Khan’s employment journey
Khan’s experience shows the practical value of braille in the modern workplace, recognises the amazing support provided by Khan’s employer, as well as the wraparound services provided by CoAct service […]
BUSY Ability Team Leader Joanne shares her lived experience of working with disability
BUSY Ability is a CoAct service partner providing disability employment services that help people with disability find sustainable employment that suits their individual needs. December 3 is International Day of […]
Patricia shares her lived experience of working with disability
BUSY Ability is a CoAct service partner providing disability employment services that help people with disability find sustainable employment that suits their individual needs. December 3 is International Day of […]
Thi’s story of finding employment is the beginning of a whole new chapter
CoAct service partner MTC Australia helps people with disability across Australia find sustainable work that suits their individual needs. MTC Australia’s solutions for Thi’s challenges How CoAct and our service […]
The future is Bright for Lachlan following intensive support from the Interact team
Lachlan had been in the DES program with CoAct service partner Interact for 85 weeks receiving support with his resume, his interview technique, and reverse marketing. Lachlan is a young […]
What a star! Kelly leverages previous experience
After over 12 months of unemployment, Kelly’s confidence had taken a hit. She was committed to finding work, but unsure where to start. Kelly was referred to the team at […]
The foundation for Rebecca’s beauty business was set at her very first interview
CoAct service partner BUSY At Work helped Rebecca start her own business. Contact us if you’re in a similar situation, our team and network are here to help. This good […]
Andy is now a teacher’s aide – a lesson on finding the right fit
CoAct service Partner Youth Projects helped single mum Andy find work that worked for her. Contact us if you’re in a similar situation, our team and network are here to […]
Service partner spotlight: Youth Projects employment consultant Amanda Baker
Amanda received the Highly Commended award for Employment Consultant of the Year at the NESA awards for excellence. The National Employment Services Association (NESA) has been the peak body for […]
Marcus lands a tidy new role straight out of school
CoAct and service partner VisAbility’s support young people with disability to find work that suits their individual needs when they finish high school education. VisAbility is a CoAct service partner […]
Chris’s drive to find work that works with fibromyalgia
Chris had not worked since 2018 due to health issues, now he’s completed six months training at Maccas Farm and learned a whole new set of skills. Chris is a […]
Richard’s recruitment team loved him so much they’ve snapped him up for themselves
Richard is a 24-year-old young man who did not think he would ever be able to work, due to his medical conditions. Richard has been living with rheumatoid arthritis since […]
Jason’s heartwarming motivation to work his way out of long-term unemployment and into a new job
Interact customer Jason had been unemployed for 12 months when they stepped in to help him find a new role. Jason had been employed as a long-term full-time carer when […]
Interact gave Travis a roadmap to a career path in the automotive industry
Interact customer Travis was working at a job that didn’t fit with his needs as a person living with ADHD and ASD – he was also being underpaid. Thanks to […]
Sharni’s journey took her from navigating lockdowns to loving her new job
This story discusses sensitive topics that some viewers may find distressing. If this story raises any issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Sharni was seeking a […]
Freya stayed the course despite the obstacles
Freya was ready to return to work after recovering from a significant shoulder injury. Freya’s injury had stopped her from lifting her arm and, although she was on the road […]
Jay’s story: From Tasmania to Canberra in pursuit of his dreams
Jay lived in Tasmania until he secured a new role in Canberra and moved interstate – and he did all of this with cerebral palsy. Jay is an Interact customer […]
Ethon’s story is a roadmap for getting back on track
Ethon recently started working with CoAct service partner BUSY At Work to find a new job he enjoys that fits well with his individual needs. Ethon’s story includes chapters where […]
Jason breaks down barriers to follow his path
Jason is a customer at Five Bridges Woodridge and he’s proven to be a huge success and inspiration for the team as well as his peers. Jason faced many transport […]
Nothing could stop Panisara working towards her goals
Panisara’s recruitment partner at MS Queensland describes her as a hardworking lady who’s been managing her MS symptoms while trying to find sustainable employment that suits her needs. Panisara (aka […]
Customer success story: Herbert found his Voice and his vocation
CoAct Connect customer Herbert joined the Ready Set Go program, with guest presenter AFL legend Simon Black. The Ready Set Go program The Ready Set Go Program is designed to […]
Customer success story: Sally found her purpose at Stones Corner
CoAct Connect customer Sally signed up for the Ready Set Go program, with AFL legend Simon Black attending as a guest presenter. The Ready Set Go program The Ready Set […]
Sydney’s success story: a lesson in committing to achieving goals
When I was first introduced to Coact Connect I felt unsure about beginning the unknown process of finding a new job. I thought it might feel like ‘jumping through hoops’ […]
Customer success story: Lewis finds his perfect fit
Meet Lewis, a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) customer on a Disability Support Pension (DSP) who receives intensive support from his employment services team at Community Solutions. Lewis is a […]
Customer success story: Supporting Manoli to support himself
Our service partners MS Queensland have been supporting Manoli since 2018, managing his MS symptoms so he can stay self-employed. Meet Manolo Manoli is described as a self-starter by his […]
NRL legend Joel Thompson inspires Henry to achieve his goals
CoAct service partner Five Bridges held a job club event with guest speaker NRL legend Joel Thompson and the results have been life changing. 21 lucky customers attended the Five […]
Three customer success stories: Five Bridges build bridges for Donna, Kenneth & John
Five Bridges is a not-for-profit South-East Queensland based organisation that’s passionate about assisting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with barriers to employment. Five Bridges is a CoAct service […]
A second chance for Elizabeth
Getting back into work when you have a mental illness can seem daunting. But a strong support network can help get you on the right track and give you the […]
What exactly does a Recruitment Partner do? We talk to Chess Connect team member Talara
Chess Connect is a Coact Employment service partner and a not-for-profit human service organisation that provides a range of specialist Employment, NDIS and Workplace Wellbeing supports. Former recruitment partner Talara […]
Thomas sews up a job in no time
At the end of Year 10, Thomas was keen to leave school and find out about the type of jobs and opportunities available in his local area. Determined to succeed […]
Donna left her comfort zone and ended up cow cuddling for a living
The best piece of advice I can offer to job seekers, especially those with mental health barriers, is to not be afraid to try something new. It may change your […]
3 moves that helped Eian end 3 years of unemployment
After a turbulent few years that saw him survive cancer, and the loss of his father and brother, Eian’s now back on track with a new job and an action […]
The word no motivated Joshua to strive for the ultimate yes
Meet Joshua, a 21 year old young man who was born with microphthalmos and sclerocornea. Complications that resulted in vision impairment in both of his eyes since birth and led […]
Long term unemployment didn’t stop Noelene find work
Noelene had been persistent in wanting to find work despite her barriers. Covid made that plan more challenging as she didn’t have access to a phone or computer. Bridge to […]
Rachel wears her Kmart employee 10-year name badge with pride
Rachel has been receiving support from CoAct/Community Solutions Mackay for the last 10 years. She has permanent hearing loss and needs regular ongoing support to stay in work. We’ve been […]
Change the Story: Nationwide storytelling project
Change the Story is a Nationwide storytelling project that has been running since 2018. The goal of Change the Story has been to help shift the thinking of individuals, employers, and […]
Anothai takes what he’s learned in his studies to a new hospitality role
Anothai enjoyed studying hospitality at high school but was at risk of not finishing Year 12. His school recommended that CoAct support him to get work experience and find a […]
Chelsea builds confidence with paid work while designing her dream career
With support from Lucinda at CoAct / Community Solutions Prosperine, Chelsea scored a job that works for her. Living with ASD, she wanted a job with limited people contact. Her […]
Brett’s new Landscape Labourer role is just what he was looking for
Health challenges meant that Brett had needed to leave several jobs that he physically couldn’t sustain. He lives with arthritis in his fingers and tinnitus in his ears and had […]
Dusting off 12-year-old qualifications to start his IT career
Ben left school in 2003. After going through different programs of support through various providers for 7 years or so, Ben decided to undertake a Diploma in IT. Ben graduated […]
Troy’s “a bucket of sunshine” to work with
What’s that saying about it all happening at once? Troy was recovering from a heart attack, experiencing housing problems and financial struggles. With the help of Lucinda, an employment consultant […]
Trusting your employment consultant: Austin’s story
Confidence in your employment services provider and team of employment consultants is crucial. If you have a good relationship with your employment consultant, you’ll feel more comfortable talking to them […]
Jamie’s world opens up as he transitions from supported employment to open employment
Those eligible for the NDIS can get access to quality support services to live life to the fullest through sustainable employment. This includes looking at ways for people to effectively […]
CoAct + Youth Projects take their youth employment program to West Melbourne
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been awarded exclusive rights to run the Australian Government’s Transition to Work (TtW) program in Western Melbourne. The employment program for 15- to 24-year-olds […]
Taking a chance pays off for Zen and his employer
Zen left school early with no clear idea of what work he wanted to get into. He has a cognitive learning disability. He was referred to the Disability Employment Services […]
Planning, pivoting and persistence pays off for Kieran
Kieran knew what career path he wanted to take, but when Covid hit, he had to think about a backup plan while his goals were put on hold. Now, after […]
When people throw rocks, build a tower
When Shane first came to us at CoAct / Community Solutions in Mackay, he was quiet and reserved. He’d put up some big walls around himself and didn’t trust anyone. […]
Paralympian Liz Johnson tells us how jobseekers can find work and stay COVID-safe
We spoke with Liz Johnson, a British Paralympian swimmer who’s now retired and working in disability employment services. Her UK-based business – The Ability People – educates employers on what […]
McDonald’s just got lucky
Four of our customers have joined McDonald’s thanks to determination, hard work and phenomenal support from their recruitment partner, Bron Rafter, at CoAct / Community Solutions. Each one is working […]
I let my customers set the pace
Jodie Dollery is a Recruitment Partner for CoAct in Cairns. She helps customers with mental illness find work, including those who live with anxiety and depression. Jodie says, “We work […]
Maybe the most helpful thing is just being there
Isaac and Cristian share how they unpacked what the right job for Isaac was, and how they went about building the self esteem, skills and timeline to get him there. […]
Putting food on tables and connecting customers with families
In mid-August there was a worrying COVID outbreak in Shepparton schools which put 25 percent of the population in isolation overnight. Annette Borradale, CoAct / Interact’s Recruitment Partner in the […]
Lucas grows a new mindset
Lucas hadn’t left home in 5 years when he reached out to CoAct / Youth Projects. He was living with extreme anxiety and made the decision to reach out for […]
Have you got a growth mindset? Read Lisa’s story
If we believe our skills and abilities can develop and improve, we have a growth mindset. If we believe our skills and abilities are personal traits that don’t change, we […]
I took back control and look what I’ve achieved – Peter’s Story
Baker extraordinaire, Peter, took back control of work by choosing his industry, role and employer. This has helped him move through many challenges. He lives with arthritis. Peter had been […]
Maybe it’s time we give everyone a fair go – Indigenous jobseeker Jessica’s story
In recognition of National Reconciliation Week 2021, we spoke with Indigenous jobseeker Jessica, her employment consultant and employer. This is a story that urges employers to give more people a […]
Interested in commercial cookery? Try an apprenticeship like Austin
It’s the perfect time for young people to take on an apprenticeship. The Government has just announced it’s extending funding to help employers hire young apprentices and trainees. So, what’s […]
Please see my son for who he is and what he can do
My name is Stuart I live in a small coastal town in NSW with my wife and 3 kids. We’re a dynamic, busy, fun loving and active family. We moved […]
GG’s Flowers is all about inclusion
GG’s Flowers is a social enterprise in Canberra that offers meaningful employment to people living with disability. We chatted with founder Nip Wijewickrema, 2016 ACT Young Australian of the Year, […]
Jesse scores a job during lockdown
We love this story, from our service partner Interact Australia, about helping people find work in the most difficult of circumstances. Jesse, who lives with disability, has found work at […]
Tom finds the right traineeship for him
Tom’s absolutely loving his traineeship at Banjo’s bakery. He gets to spend time with great people, learn new things and go to work each day. Watch his story. Tom received […]
At some stages I tried to give up. Listen to Rachel’s story
At the times when I put in resumes and everything, got the interview and they still didn’t choose me … I felt down. At some stages I tried to give […]
Connecting to Aboriginal culture through art
Deeann Natividad’s family ancestry lies with the Waka Waka peoples, whose traditional lands are in Queensland. She’s a Regional Strategy Specialist for jobactive and talented artist. In this post she […]
The last 6 months has been a rollercoaster, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat
Hi, my name is Jake and I’m a parcel sorter at Australia Post. I’ve been here since September last year and have been with CoAct and Interact for a couple of years. How has your health condition, including […]
It’s all about finding the right fit and never giving up
Over the past 8 years, Vincent has found it hard to hold down a job. He lives with a mental health condition and experiences anxiety, limited concentration and short memory. While he’s started several employment placements over this time, at the most they’d last […]
Grace’s Story: Uniting smart, skilled youth with support they deserve
When Uniting Case Worker Tamara first met Grace, the impacts of anxiety, PTSD and depression had left her unable to attend school. Now, with help from Uniting’s Smart Skilled and […]
Local employer is on the right track to inclusive employment
On Thursday, 27th of February we were very fortunate to invite local employer Katie Weisse, Talent Acquisition Specialist from Aurizon to speak at the Jobs Rockhampton event at Frenchville Sports […]
Bridge to Work changes the lives of jobseekers, guiding them into meaningful employment
The success of the program comes down to the hardworking case managers, who put so much time and effort into working closely with Bridge Housing and job seekers, no matter […]
How a deeper understanding of her disability helps Lee manage her job goals
Living with narcolepsy type 2, Lee is currently registered for Disability Employment Services (DES) with her local CoAct Service Partner, MTC. Narcolepsy type 2 is a lifelong non-curable condition that […]
When community services collide: A powerful collaboration
Karleen’s story Through her participation in the Bridge to Work program, Bridge Housing resident Karleen has been supported into a life-changing job opportunity with Tribal Warrior Cruises. Success finding sustainable, […]
Five Aussie shows that talk about mental health
October is mental health month, and that means we’re shining a light on all things mental health – including must-watch shows! We’ve put together our favourite Australian shows that bring […]
A pipeline for training opportunities
A new initiative from CoAct Service Partner Community Solutions is providing training opportunities to upskill Indigenous job seekers into the workforce. The Pipeline Employability Training Opportunities program was born when […]
Mick’s transition back to work
With a hard-working attitude and motivation to-boot, Mick was able to secure a full-time permanent job that he loves, with thanks to the support of the Bridge to Work program. […]
Rimal is ready for take-off with the help of Bridge to Work
For a student, the prospect of finding a job after finishing their studies can be a difficult process. Rimal, a student in his final year of Aviation Management, was looking […]
Closing the gaps for women in the workforce: An exciting new initiative
A new mentoring initiative run by CoAct through their local employment services will support disadvantaged young women in the NSW North Coast region with identified barriers to employment. Helping women […]
Youth Projects helps Rayan work towards her bright future
• Rayan first sought the help of CoAct Service Partner, Youth Projects, in December 2017 as she was unsure of what she wanted to do with her career path. • […]
Motivation the key to success for Shane
• Lacking the skills and motivation to apply for jobs, the dream of becoming a Community Support Worker seemed out of reach for Sydneysider, Shane. • With the help of […]
Mandy gets the chance she has been waiting for
When Mandy came to CoAct Service Partner, Settlement Services International, she had been out of work for nine months and felt frustrated by employers who seemed unwilling to give her […]
IMPACT helps steer Callan down the perfect track into employment
With previous experience in the labouring industry, Callan, an ambitious and determined customer wanted to put his skills and knowledge to use in the rail sector. Having met with the […]
Jacob finds his ‘key’ to employment
Jacob proudly flashes his new master key from his new employer, the Compass Group Ltd, as a milestone of how his life has turned around – and the smile on […]
Daniel rises to new heights in his ideal job
Daniel walked into CoAct Service Partner, Youth Projects, as an early school leaver in 2017. With perserverance and the right ongoing support, he was able gain his first job, learn […]
Sammy’s story of ambition and growth
2.2 million Australian’s of working age are living with disability, but they are significantly under-represented in the workforce. We are working to reverse this trend by engaging local communities with […]
TTW helps young students network with potential employers
What is TTW? For a young person, entering the workforce can be a scary and daunting task. The Transition to Work program (TTW) program helps young people between the ages […]
Priya’s story of support and inclusion
2.2 million Australian’s of working age are living with disability, but they are significantly under-represented in the workforce. We are working to reverse this trend by engaging local communities with […]
Kelsey succeeds with strength and determination
As part of our ongoing commitment to disability employment services, CoAct have launched ‘Change the Story’ – an online short film festival, featuring seven short films that showcase the lives […]
John finds success through perseverance and hope
CoAct is an organisation that is passionate about breaking down the stereotypes surrounding disability employment. As part of our commitment to that cause, we have launched a project called “Change […]
Karleen finds meaningful work
Passionate about educating Indigenous communities and keen to give back to her community, Indigenous candidate Karleen came to the Bridge to Work program with dreams of working in community services. […]
Matthew’s dreams start to become a reality
With a dream to become a valued member of the army and military services, Matthew sought the help of CoAct Service Partner, IMPACT Community Services, to help him develop the […]
Caterina’s story of connection and confidence
As part of our commitment to increasing awareness about disability employment services in Australia we have launched “Change the Story”, an online film festival featuring seven short films that highlight […]
Bridie helps us Change the Story
Introducing Bridie In our first short film, we meet Bridie, who has 5% of her vision. Bridie’s story is all about how building confidence opens up opportunities so that people […]
Billie breaks down the stereotypes
At CoAct we are committed to changing the face of disability employment services in Australia. As part of that commitment we’ve launched an online film festival called ‘Change the Story’. […]
Bernie’s story of purpose and creativity
As part of our ongoing commitment to breaking down the stereotypes about disability employment, we’ve launched an online film festival featuring seven short films, which showcase the real human stories […]
David gains valuable work experience thanks to AccessAbility Day
David had been unemployed since high school, but thanks to the Accessibility Day initiative and CoAct Service Partner, Community Solutions, he was able to gain experience to add to his […]
