DES: Frequently Asked Questions
What are Disability Employment Services (DES)? How can Disability Employment Services (DES) help me get work ready? Who is eligible for Disability Employment Services? I have never worked before. I […]
Why choose CoAct as your employment services provider?
At CoAct, we start with you. We help people find a job they enjoy and want to stay in. With a network of teams in over 270 locations, CoAct is […]
Feb 4 is World Cancer Day
The theme for World Cancer Day 2024 is “Close the Care Gap”. World Cancer Day 2024 has a strong focus on the power of working together. As an employment services […]
Job seekers living with cancer could be eligible for Disability Employment Services
Living with cancer can present many challenges, including finding and keeping work – here’s how CoAct can help. The Australian government offers support to people with disability who are looking […]
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 […]
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 […]
January 4th is World Braille Day
World Braille Day Every year on January 4th, the world comes together to observe World Braille Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the life-changing impact of braille for people living […]
IDPWD: What is International Day of People with Disability?
What is IDPWD What is IDPWD in Australia The International Day of People With Disability theme for 2023 The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals How CoAct can help December […]
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 […]
BUSY Ability Performance & Partnership Leader 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 […]
How young jobseekers can build out their resumes with work experience and new skills
There are ways around this though and the solution begins with looking at all possible previous work experiences, no matter how simple it might seem, and sharing it in a […]
Networking for women: how to build a professional community
Here are some strategies and approaches to help you build a productive and potentially professional network. Join networking groups for women There are many networking groups and online communities that […]
A job seeker’s guide to disclosing an injury at a job interview
Job interviews can be stressful, and if you have an injury or health condition, working in how to discuss it during the interview can make it even more challenging. This […]
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 […]
Did you know you can receive Disability Employment Services support for mental illness?
If you’re looking for work and living with a mental health condition, depression or anxiety, CoAct can help you find and keep a job. Disability Employment Services (also known as […]
CoAct becomes a bronze member of The Australian Network on Disability
CoAct, a leading Disability Employment Services provider, is proud to announce its new membership status with the Australian Network on Disability, solidifying its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse […]
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 is taking him to new heights
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 Aspergers Syndrome – he was also being underpaid. Thanks […]
Recite Me Tool – Digital Accessibility on CoAct.org.au
Recite Me Web Accessibility and Language Toolbar Recite Me is innovative cloud-based software that lets visitors view and use our website in a way that works best for them. We’ve […]
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 […]
Navigating Job Search Stress: Discover the Stress Bucket Tool
If you’re currently experiencing the overwhelming weight of job search stress, you’re not alone. Stress is a common companion on this path, and it’s essential to find effective ways to […]
Anxiety in the workplace: Employers breaking the stigma
October is an opportunity to really understand the importance of improved mental health, and to normalise getting the help we need when we need it. One common mental health challenge […]
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 […]
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 […]
Kmart and Target are hiring for Christmas 2023
Kmart Kmart is looking for people to join them across Australia to “help build the future of retail.” “We celebrate your uniqueness and individuality. Because at Kmart it’s not just […]
Meet the Disability Employment Services Team at CoAct Connect Stones Corner
“This will be CoAct’s first DES direct delivery site and it will run alongside our Workforce Australia Program, also located at Stones Corner. This new DES site will provide employment […]
Ability Options Strengthens Partnership with CoAct Network
This strengthened collaboration kicks off on the 19th of August, and will serve Greater Western Sydney, Northern Sydney, the Hunter, and Nepean NSW regions. This partnership underscores the mutual commitment […]
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 […]
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 […]
What exactly is Multiple sclerosis – and how can it affect you finding or keeping a job?
Living with MS Signs and symptoms of MS can be different for each person affected by it, depending on how seriously damaged the nerve fibres are and where they’re located […]
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 […]
Mature-age workers: Why it’s never too late to learn new skills
Picking up new skills can be intimidating, but your ability to learn new skills just comes down to motivation and it’s never (ever!) too late to get started on learning […]
Living with autism? Five career choices to start you thinking
If you’re a job seeker on the autism spectrum, you’ll likely have some great, valuable skills that employers are looking for. But sometimes the hard part can be knowing what […]
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 […]
What funding is available to employers hiring people with disability?
In April 2023 the Australian government announced new funding for employers recruiting, hiring and retaining people with disability. Australians living with disability and their employers are now eligible for a […]
The 10 best jobs when changing careers after a major injury
If you or someone you know experiences a workplace accident or injury it could mean no longer being able to work in a current trade and having to change careers. […]
The right mentors can open new doors
Ricki’s Story Ricki is a 58 year old gentleman who moved to Mackay and changed DES (disability employment services) providers in the hopes of a more successful job search. Ricki […]
5 tips for job hunting with disability
Take a look at our top 5 job search tips, especially for people with disability, and let us connect you to community services for the tailored support you need. 5 tips […]
How to get IT equipment on a budget and avoid financial stress in 2023
Upgrading your devices is a strategic part of sticking to your new year’s resolutions and whether you’re looking for a new job or prepping a kid for their first year […]
How to manage stress & anxiety during the holiday season
What seems like a time of joy, family, feasts and parties can be the complete opposite behind closed doors, and that disconnect between expectations for the holiday season and the […]
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 […]
International Day of People with Disability 2022
Join CoAct in celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Saturday 3rd December 2022. IDPwD aims to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It’s a […]
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 […]
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 […]
Guide to transferring DES providers
The Disability Employment Services (DES) program lets people choose how they want to get help and who they want it from. Here are the key reasons why participants in the […]
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/Worklink support him to get work experience and find a […]
Take on work trials and work experience to find a role you’ll love
Do you have little or no work experience in the field you want to work in? Or, have you not worked for a long time? If so, it might be […]
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 Aspergers, 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, says Amy from Consolidated Linen Service in Cannonvale
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 […]
When depression affects work performance
The top 3 roles we have successfully placed people with diagnosed depression Cleaners Administration and office support workers Nursing support and individual care workers. According to Better Health, the signs […]
When anxiety stops you from working…it may be time to consider a different career
Top 3 roles for people with anxiety Sales assistants Administration and office support Labourers According to the Black Dog Institute, anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. […]
CoAct’s unique not-for-profit collaboration wins new Workforce Australia contracts
CoAct has proven their unique approach to helping jobseekers is a winner. The leading not-for-profit provider has been awarded multiple licences to deliver the Australian Government’s new Workforce Australia program. […]
The Top 3 Jobs for People with Disability in Australia
Along with our network of trusted local community partners, we helped 1,340 people into employment, across Australia. This is an increase of over 30 percent on the previous year and […]
Applying for a job as an Individual Support Worker? Here’s our top tips for your cover letter and resume.
What are the top skills and accreditation employers are looking for in Individual Support Workers? Good literacy and numeracy (for example, to calculate a medication dosage) Current First Aid Certificate […]
Applying for a job as an Administrator or Administrative Assistant?
Administrators carry out a range of tasks in an office or workplace. Their role varies depending on the organisation, but essential skills are being organised and a good communicator. The […]
Applying for a job as a Sales Assistant? Here’s how to build an application to impress
Many sales assistant roles don’t ask for qualifications or experience. Instead, an employer will want to know if you’re capable of the typical tasks and have the right customer service […]
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 […]
Flexible servicing to keep everyone safe
While mutual obligations have now resumed for all jobseekers, we continue to offer flexibility with how we service you. You may choose to attend your appointments with us face-to-face (when […]
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. […]
Our top articles of 2021
McDonald’s just got lucky National Mental Health Month kicks off I let my customers set the pace Maybe the most helpful thing is just being there Why you’re feeling so […]
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 […]
The new normal: looking for work and returning to work
The new normal Jobseeker requirements Workplace changes Protect yourself Remember the basics Know your rights Talk to an expert Coping with changes What will stay the same The new normal […]
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 […]
Build confidence, develop skills and get a promotion
In Natasha’s first few appointments, she didn’t want to talk or engage with us at all. She was angry at the lack of support she’d received from her employment consultants and felt she just wasn’t […]
Why you’re feeling so stuck right now (and how to move through it)
What is languishing Signs and symptoms Why might someone be feeling this? Why are people talking about this now? Tips for moving through it When and where to get help […]
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. […]
National Mental Health Month kicks off
Why is Mental Health Month important? Statistics you should know Supporting jobseekers and their mental health Where to get help Why is Mental Health Month important? This year’s Mental […]
Seven ways to help your teen plan for their future
Start the conversation Look at the big picture Be open Do some research Think outside the square Set some goals Talk to CoAct 1. Start the conversation It’s never too […]
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 […]
Receiving Centrelink payments and have a mental health condition, illness, injury or disability?
Are you getting the support you need? What is Disability Employment Services? Am I eligible? Why choose CoAct Register today Are you getting the support you need? There are a […]
Everyone’s asking R U OK? But what do you say if you’re not?
It’s OK to not be OK They’re asking because they care Be honest If you’re not ready to talk about it yet Tell them how they can support you Get […]
Working with schools to help students find the right job
Teachers, counsellors, principals and learning diversity leaders are in a unique position to guide students. They’re a vital link to connecting students with real-world support that helps them prepare while […]
Get ready for life after school
Organise your life admin Check your ID documents are in check – you’ll need them to apply for jobs. Think drivers licence, Medicare and any other cards you use regularly. […]
In lockdown? We can still help you find work.
These include Disability Employment Services, jobactive, Transition to Work, Careers Transition Assistance, Bridge Housing and Jobs Victoria Employment Services. Our employment support continues with appointments over the phone or Zoom […]
The five industries with the strongest job prospects right now
What’s a skill shortage? Finding job security Jobs to consider What next? What’s a skills shortage? A skills shortage is when there aren’t enough workers with the skills an industry […]
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 […]
Our promise to you
You told us what’s important to you, and we listened. We’re excited to launch our new customer promise. This sums up our network’s commitment to customers. It’s our rule book […]
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 […]
You may not be eligible for Disability Employment Services from 1 July 2021
The Government has announced changes to Disability Employment Services (DES). From the beginning of the new financial year (1 July 2021), fewer jobseekers will be eligible for DES. If you […]
Federal budget 2021 breakdown: what you need to know
Investing in young people Employer incentives Access to affordable training Apprenticeship opportunities The care industry Starting a new business Jobseeker payments Hiring those most in need Childcare support Mental health […]
Finding work after JobKeeper
The government’s JobKeeper wage subsidy has ended If your job is affected or may be affected, you could be eligible for government support, like JobSeeker or Youth Allowance If you’re […]
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 […]
How to plan and set goals
Setting goals helps define your path in life. The end destination should be a place where you feel balanced and whole. But how do you figure out what your they […]
How to manage job search anxiety over the holidays
Looking after yourself is extra important at this time of year – especially if you’re looking for a job. We spoke to Mind Australia to get their top tips on […]
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 […]
