NAIDOC Week 2026: Sometimes the best opportunities start with a simple conversation

Eboni from CoAct Connect + Five Bridges took the initiative to reach out to Queensland Corrective Services (QCS), not to fill a vacancy, but to explore something bigger. She wanted to build a real, ongoing relationship with a focus on creating meaningful pathways for First Nations peoples into Custodial Correctional Officer roles.

A few weeks later, QCS’s Talent Recruitment Advisor got in touch, and the two organisations sat down (virtually) to talk through the roles, what recruitment looks like, and how they could work together to open up genuine referral pathways for customers.

From there, things moved quickly. QCS and CoAct Connect + Five Bridges organised a dedicated information session at the office for customers interested in the corrections industry. Theo from QCS attended in person and gave customers a real look at what a Custodial Correctional Officer role involves, the day-to-day expectations, how to get through the recruitment process, and the career opportunities that come with it.

Four customers came along, and the energy in the room was great. Everyone was engaged, asking questions and keen to explore where this could take them. The result? Customers are now being actively referred for opportunities with QCS.

It’s still early days, but Eboni and Theo are already in conversations about how to grow the partnership, with plans to extend support to customers across Woorabinda, Gladstone and Browns Plains.

This is what good partnership looks like: two organisations working together with a shared goal of creating real opportunities for the people who need them most.

Reach out to Five Bridges today.