New guide from the Australian Government: your Inclusive Employment Australia questions, answered
Starting with a new employment program can bring up a lot of questions. What happens next? What do I need to do? Who can I talk to? To help, the […]
R U OK? Day 2026: Why One Conversation Can Change a Life
On Thursday 10 September, Australians everywhere will pause to ask someone in their life a simple but powerful question: “Are you OK?” R U OK? Day began as a national […]
Mental health at work isn’t just a wellbeing issue: it’s a workplace right
Work takes up roughly a third of most people’s lives, which is a big enough share that it’s worth asking honestly: is the workplace helping, or hurting? Close to one […]
The conversation that changes everything: how managers can support mental health at work
Most managers aren’t mental health professionals, and they don’t need to be. What they do have (more than almost anyone else in someone’s life) is regular, everyday contact with that […]
Mental health at work: good for people, good for business
If you’re an employer, here’s something worth paying attention to: mental health is increasingly being recognised as part of business strategy, not something separate. Employees are paying attention too. Workplace […]
Feeling anxious about your job search? You’re allowed to take it one step at a time
Job searching can sometimes make it feel like everyone else has it figured out. They know what they want, they’re confident about their next step and they seem to be […]
Job searching and your mental health: five things worth remembering
If you’re looking for work right now, you probably know how exhausting it can be. And it’s not always about your skills or your CV. It’s the waiting. Applying for […]
A beginner’s guide to email: setting up, sending, and staying safe
If you’re looking for work, email is one of the most important tools you can use. It’s how employers often contact you, how you send your resume, and how you […]
How to handle work stress in a healthy way
In this article, we’ll share simple tips to help you understand work stress and how to handle it in a positive way. Whether you are using Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), […]
Strong. Proud. Deadly. Celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC.
NAIDOC Week 2026 | 5 – 12 July This week, Australia celebrates NAIDOC Week, a time to honour the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. […]
Why staying committed to inclusion is always worth it
During the month of July, Disability Pride Month, it is worth reflecting on what genuine, lasting commitment to inclusion actually looks like, and why it matters so much when organisations […]
Seeing the whole person: supporting LGBTQIA+ employees who also live with disability
During the month of July, Disability Pride Month, we celebrate identity in all its richness and complexity. And for many Australians, that complexity means navigating more than one aspect of […]
Every person deserves to feel safe at work, here is how we make that happen
During the month of July, Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, diversity and identity of people LGBTQIA+ people living with a disability. It is also a moment to ask […]
Building workplaces where LGBTQIA+ people with a disability are protected and supported
During the month of July, Disability Pride Month, we want to talk about something that goes hand in hand with celebration: protection. Feeling proud of who you are matters. But […]
Five things employers can do right now to make LGBTQIA+ employees feel welcome
During the month of July, Disability Pride Month, we want to focus on action. Because while the data on LGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion, including those living with a disability, it is […]
Belonging at work, what the research tells us and what we can do about it
During the month of July, Disability Pride Month, we want to talk about belonging. Not just in a general sense, but what it actually feels like to belong at work, […]
The invisible disability: Matthew’s story of working with chronic pain
For many people living with disability, obtaining some form of employment, even if it is voluntary work, can make a huge difference to their mental health. Matthew*, a client of […]
Getting used to a routine again before you start work
Starting a new job or heading back into the workforce can be exciting, but it can also feel like a big change, especially if you haven’t worked in a while. […]
Not about perfection, it’s about direction: Bradford’s story
Meet Bradford Feo, Recruitment Partner at CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work. Bradford works at the intersection of job seekers, employers and employment consultants building trust on all sides and […]
Building something strong from the ground up: Jenna’s story
Meet Jenna Morrish, General Manager of Disability Employment and Training at IMPACT Community Services and one of the driving forces behind IMPACT’s work in the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) space. […]
From participant to senior mentor: Liam’s journey
Meet Liam Hill, Senior Mentor at CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work and the 2026 winner of CoAct’s Steve Lawrence Employment Consultant of the Year Award. Liam works with jobseekers […]
Championing specialist support for regional Queensland and beyond
Meet Matt Tribodo, Employment Services Leader – Central Queensland at CoAct Connect + MS Queensland. Matt was named winner of the Leadership Excellence Award at CoAct’s 2026 ConnectUp Awards. We sat down with him to find out more about why the boy […]
Digital accessibility 101: Creating inclusive spaces for all
At CoAct, we’re committed to ensuring the digital experience we deliver is fair, usable and dignified for all. In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re running through the basics […]
Bias in the algorithm: How AI hiring tools may be working against diversity
Artificial intelligence has transformed the way many organisations recruit. From resume screening software to automated interview scoring, AI tools promise speed, consistency and objectivity. But there’s a growing body of […]
Here’s a talent pool most employers ignore
Australia’s labour market is under pressure. Across industries; healthcare, logistics, hospitality, construction and retail, employers are struggling to find and retain reliable workers. Job ads remain high, vacancies go unfilled […]
From backyard haircuts to scholarships and startups: A chat with Mo, CoAct Youth Ambassador
Mo Alizadeh is a young Logan-based entrepreneur and community builder working across grooming, fashion, tech and social enterprise. He launched his first venture, LocalBlendz, at 15 and has since founded […]
Meet Jasmine: backing yourself, finding your people, and turning passion into a pathway
Jasmine Watson is a facilitator at the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE), where she connects, empowers and inspires participants through interactive learning, community engagement and personal development activities that foster […]
Free and online courses to boost your job readiness
If you’re looking for work or planning your next steps, doing a short online course can help build your skills and confidence. And the best part? There are heaps of […]
How to build your confidence before you start job hunting
Looking for work can feel scary, especially if it’s been a while since your last job, or if you’re trying something new. Maybe you’re feeling unsure of yourself, or not […]
Celebrating our ConnectUp 2026 award finalists and winners
Earlier this month, CoAct’s national network of service partners gathered at our annual ConnectUp conference. It was a fabulous two days on the Sunshine Coast, where we did what CoAct does […]
Balancing work and DSP: How to keep your income support while working
Many people who register with Inclusive Employment Australia (previously DES) are worried they’ll lose their Disability Support Pension (DSP) if they work and earn an income. This isn’t always true. […]
A simple guide to meaningful engagement in Inclusive Employment Australia
Inclusive Employment Australia focuses on supporting participants to prepare for, find and maintain suitable work. As part of receiving certain Centrelink payments, you’re asked to meet participation requirements. In Inclusive Employment […]
Work-ready skills you can build at home
You do not need a job or a classroom to start building skills that employers value. Many work-ready skills can be developed right at home, using everyday activities and simple […]
Our top 10 most viewed articles of 2025
Over the past year, these ten articles stood out as the most viewed across our website, reflecting the topics that matter most to our community. Whether you’re balancing work and […]
Holiday closure information 2025 – 2026
As we wrap up 2025, we wanted to take this time to wish you a safe and joyous holiday season. Our sites will be closed from 12:30 PM local time […]
What the new Inclusive Employment Australia contract means for employers
CoAct Connect is one of Australia’s most trusted Inclusive Employment Australia providers. We bring together a network of not-for-profit community organisations, who deliver Inclusive Employment Australia nationally. We’re excited to […]
Your Employment Services Assessments – ESAt guide
Starting or restarting in Inclusive Employment Australia? You may need an ESAt or JCA. Why do I need an assessment? You’ll need an assessment if: you’re wanting to start or […]
Starting and finishing in Inclusive Employment Australia
Am I eligible? Before getting started in Inclusive Employment Australia, we’ll check if you’re eligible. Inclusive Employment Australia is open to a wide range of people with disability, illness, injury […]
Switching Your Inclusive Employment Australia Provider: What You Need to Know
If you’re part of Inclusive Employment Australia and wondering whether you can switch your provider — the short answer is: yes, you can. But like most things, there are rules, […]
New Campus tools to help you get job ready and find work faster
Campus just got even better! We’ve added two new online tools designed to make your job search and preparation easier and more effective. 1. My Learning Explore a growing library […]
Everyone’s asking R U OK? But what do you say if you’re not?
We all appreciate being asked “How are you going?”, but when you’re not really okay, knowing how to respond can be tough. Here’s how to be honest and how the […]
Inclusive Employment Australia: Job seekers and employers to benefit from new disability employment program
We’re proud to announce that CoAct, as a leading not-for-profit employment services provider, has been selected to deliver the Australian Government’s new disability employment program, Inclusive Employment Australia, through its […]
Alex’s journey into meaningful work
CoAct is a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider (now Inclusive Employment Australia provider) that specialises in supporting people with sensory impairments. Our goal is to help people with vision impairment […]
Navigating sensory disabilities in the work environment
At CoAct, we believe that everyone deserves a workplace where they can thrive, regardless of ability. For employees living with sensory disabilities, navigating the workplace can present unique challenges, but […]
Aged care careers: Higher wages and more opportunities in 2025
If you work in aged care or are thinking about joining the aged care industry, you’ll soon see better pay in 2025! The Australian Government has approved wage increases to […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Thi’s story of finding employment is the beginning of a whole new chapter
CoAct helps people with disability across Australia find sustainable work that suits their individual needs. Solutions for Thi’s challenges How CoAct and our service partners can help When Thi was […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Receiving Centrelink payments and have a mental health condition, illness, injury or disability?
Inclusive Employment Australia starts 1st November 2025 and replaces Disability Employment Services (DES). If you’re looking for work and living with disability, a treated illness, injury or mental health condition, […]
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) (now Inclusive Employment Australia) with her local CoAct Service Partner. Narcolepsy type 2 is a lifelong […]
Am I eligible for Disability Employment Services?
From 1 November 2025, the Inclusive Employment Australia program will support people with disability and long-term illnesses to prepare for, find and maintain work and grow their career. Inclusive Employment […]
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 […]
Ian’s can-do attitude leads to employment
Originally posted by Fairfield City Champion on September 27th Ian Clare is very aware of how hard it is to get work when you have a disability. His partner Pamela has […]