Dionysia’s Story: From study to employment opportunity
Determination, one step at a time CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Southport is proud to celebrate the success of Dionysia, a customer who has shown incredible determination and resilience […]
Corenna’s story: Journey to a Customer Experience Coordinator
Rebuilding after a life-changing setback Corenna’s recent commencement as a Customer Experience Coordinator at CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work marks a significant milestone in a career journey defined by […]
Christian’s story: A journey to becoming a trainer and assessor
A clear goal and a realistic pathway When Christian commenced with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work he was presenting with multiple barriers to employment. Despite these challenges, Christian demonstrated […]
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 […]
Nathan’s story: A journey to an MR/HR driver opportunity
Facing barriers head-on When Nathan first connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Mount Isa, he had been actively looking for work for some time but faced ongoing challenges […]
Renee’s Story: A journey to confidence and opportunity
Building momentum, one step at a time When Renee first met with her team at CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work, she was a devoted single mother and primary carer […]
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 […]
Kerry story: Her journey from Community Solutions to IMPACT Community Services
A fresh start, and a clearer view of what’s possible When Kerry first connected with Community Solutions (CSG), she was navigating a stressful and uncertain chapter in her life. What […]
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), […]
Mindi’s story: Strength, resilience and new beginnings
A journey shaped by determination Mindi connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work feeling lost and emotionally exhausted, having recently left an unsafe home situation. Her priority was clear. […]
Oliver’s story: from feeling overlooked to full-time work
Feeling overlooked and ready for a change Oliver connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work feeling overlooked and frustrated. He had been applying for job after job without landing […]
Coral-Lee’s story: a job that fits around family
Balancing family and the job search Coral-Lee connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work determined to find steady work close to home. As the main carer for her son, […]
Clint’s story: Finding the will to change
When Clint first connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Southport, life felt uncertain and overwhelming. He knew he wanted things to be different, but staying consistent was hard […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
Fenti steps forward with confidence
When Fenti connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work, she was going through a very challenging period in her life. Finding work felt hard to imagine. Transport was difficult, […]
Thomas finds his way back to work he loves
When Thomas connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work, he knew he wanted to get back into work he cared about. Like many people, the years after COVID had […]
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 […]
Building confidence and a fresh start
Finding her way forward When Amna connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Southport, she was at a turning point. Her previous job had ended, and as a dedicated […]
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 […]
Mark finds his way forward
At 56, Mark has a lifetime of experience behind him. He has lived and worked across Europe and built a strong set of skills along the way. But after a […]
Inez steps back into the workforce
Inez connected with CoAct Connect + Community Solutions ready for a new chapter. After spending the last 10 years raising her children, she was keen to get back into work. […]
Jamie’s decision to turn things around
Jamie was referred to Community Solutions after a long period without work. During that time, he was also dealing with personal challenges. It was a tough period, but Jamie made […]
Toni takes a chance on a new direction
Changing careers later in life can feel overwhelming. After years away from job searching, the process can seem confusing and stressful. For Toni, this was exactly how it felt. She […]
Violet sets her sights on a career in construction
Violet came to CoAct Connect + Community Solutions as a young job seeker with a clear goal. She wanted to build a future in the trade and construction industry. After […]
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 […]
Lauren’s story – Finding her way back
When Lauren connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Gold Coast, she was not feeling like herself. She had been out of work since late 2020 and had lost […]
Seaorni’s goal to get back on his feet
Seaorni started with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Browns Plains in August 2025. At the time, he was facing serious barriers to employment. He was dealing with personal challenges […]
Jaycom finds steady support in Beenleigh
When Jaycom connected with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Beenleigh in mid 2025, he was facing serious barriers to employment. He was living with severe depression and anxiety, which […]
Ben takes a big step forward
Ben’s journey to employment has not been easy. When he first connected with CoAct Connect + Community Solutions Maryborough for support, he was facing a range of serious challenges. These […]
Craig sets a goal and backs himself
Craig joined CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Aitkenvale in July 2022 with a clear goal. He wanted a casual or part time job. From the start, he showed determination […]
Aaron’s new start from Karragarra Island
Aaron has been a registered customer with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Cleveland for a long time. He really wanted to work, but it had been hard to find […]
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 […]
Brendan ready for a new start in Agnes
When Brendan first connected with CoAct Connect + Community Solutions in Agnes, he was keen to work and build a better routine. He wanted a real job where he could […]
Anne Maree’s fresh start in Gladstone
For years, Anne Maree tried different jobs and always gave it her all. But finding the right long-term role was not easy. Some jobs were too physical, and being a […]
Paul’s big goal to help others
When Paul first connected with CoAct Connect + Community Solutions, he already had a clear plan for his future. He is passionate about helping people and wanted a job that […]
Nicole’s story: A Queensland first in Toowoomba
CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Toowoomba has reached a big milestone. It has become the first provider in Queensland to place a customer through the new Real Jobs Real […]
Teisha’s story of strength, support and a fresh start
Finding the courage to change Teisha’s journey over the past year is nothing short of inspiring. Not long ago, she was facing challenges that felt overwhelming. Life was difficult, and […]
Dylan’s fresh start in Aitkenvale
When Dylan first linked in with CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Aitkenvale, he was ready for a steady job again. He had been unemployed for some time which had […]
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 […]
Mason finds his pathway into meaningful work
At 25 years old, Mason had never been able to find employment, even though he held a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology. Living out of town without a car […]
Corina’s story: a licence to thrive
Corina is a mum who’s been part of CoAct Connect + Five Bridges since 2023. Like many parents, she found it hard to juggle raising kids and keeping steady work. […]
Shane’s comeback: the power of support, mentorship and a fresh start
After more than two years without work, supporting a large family and feeling options slipping away, Shane wasn’t sure where to begin. That all changed the moment he connected with […]
Finding strength in support: Shaquill’s journey begins
Shaquill is a proud young Bundjalung man, with deep family ties to Yuin Country. Growing up in the Northern Rivers, it was clear early on that Shaquill had the determination […]
Jeneya’s story: uncertainty to industry success
How Jeneya secured her dream job At the start of 2025, Jeneya was unemployed and unsure of where life was heading. As a single mum, she carried the heavy responsibility […]
Mark’s story: from caring at home to a career in support
A new chapter begins For more than 14 years, Mark put his own life on hold to care for his elderly mum. Every day was about making sure she was […]
Overcoming common job-hunting hurdles
Looking for a job is not always easy. Many people face challenges along the way, and it can sometimes feel like things are not moving forward. The good news is […]
Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities for mental health
When looking for work or starting a new job, it is important to understand your rights, especially when it comes to mental health. This can help you feel safe, supported, […]
Understanding mental illness and the workplace
Workplaces can be positive and supportive places, but if you live with a mental health condition you may also face challenges. The good news is there are ways to prepare […]
Getting back to work when living with a mental health condition
Starting or returning to work when you live with a mental health condition can feel like a big step. You might have questions about how to manage work, what support […]
Looking after your mental health while seeking employment
Searching for work can sometimes feel like a full-time job on its own. It takes energy, patience and a lot of courage to keep putting yourself out there. If you […]
May’s story: turning opportunity into action
May joined CoAct Connect + Five Bridges in 2025 and straight away showed she was ready to make changes. She was keen to overcome challenges, set goals, and build a […]
Stay motivated this winter: Smart tips for job seekers
Feeling the chill in the air and struggling to get moving in the morning? You’re not alone. The colder months can make everything, from getting out of bed to job […]
Building strong futures: supporting tradies’ Health this August
August is Tradies National Health Month, an initiative that shines a light on the physical and mental health challenges faced by Australia’s trade workers. Backed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association […]
A new beginning: Gary’s courage to try again
Gary, a proud Indigenous man from Rockhampton, had been long-term unemployed. At 65, he thought his age and extended time away from the workforce made finding a job nearly impossible. […]
Empowering the next generation: A very special interview for NAIDOC Week 2025
This week (6-13 July 2025) we’re celebrating National NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week is always a special week, but this year even more so because 2025 marks NAIDOC’s 50-year anniversary. That’s […]
What’s disability pride – and why do workplaces need to embrace it?
If you haven’t heard of “disability pride” before, you’re not alone. While things like LGBTQIA+ pride are well-known and celebrated, disability pride has nowhere near the same level of awareness. […]
Slayde’s story: from unsure to unstoppable
Finding direction and support At the start of the year, Slayde wasn’t sure what to do next. He was considering an apprenticeship or maybe joining the military, but with little […]
Did that go well? 7 signs your job interview was a success
You’ve walked out of the interview. You’re replaying every word, every smile, every “ummm”… and wondering, Did I nail that interview? Or bomb it? Let’s be honest, waiting to hear […]
Using the STAR method when applying for jobs: Useful tips
When you’re writing a job application or preparing for an interview, it’s not always easy to talk about what you’ve achieved. You might be thinking, I just did what was […]
Stuck at the starting line? How to tackle the job search with ADHD
Job hunting can be overwhelming, especially if you’re living with ADHD. The thought of polishing your resume, writing cover letters, and navigating applications can feel like a mountain too steep […]
Simone’s story: from stay-at-home Mum to confident job seeker
When Simone first reached out to CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work Mount Isa, she was ready to make a change. A stay-at-home Mum with no prior work experience, she […]
Researching a prospective employer: What you need to know, how to find it, and why it matters
When you’re looking for a job, one of the most powerful things you can do is research the employers you’re applying to. Understanding a company’s values, goals and culture helps […]
Ghosted by a recruiter or hiring manager? Here’s what to do
If you’ve sent countless resumes, prepared for interviews, and finally applied for the job of your dreams, it’s only natural to hope for some feedback. But what happens when the […]
5 Tips for reapplying to a company that has previously rejected your application
Rejections are tough, aren’t they? Especially when you’ve put your heart and soul into an application, only to receive a “no” in return. But here’s the good news, being turned […]
Don’t meet all the criteria in a job ad? Apply anyway!
When you come across a job listing that excites you, do you often hold yourself back from applying because you don’t meet all the criteria? You’re not alone. Many job […]
Coping with job loss: A guide to navigating the job grieving process
Losing a job is one of life’s most challenging experiences. It’s not just about the loss of income; it’s about how a job shapes your routine, your identity, and your […]
How to answer the interview question “Tell me about yourself”
“Tell me about yourself.” It’s the one question job seekers can almost always expect in interviews, yet it still manages to trip up even the most prepared candidates. If you’ve […]
5 Steps to overcoming job application anxiety
Job applications can be a stressful process. The fear of rejection, the overwhelming competition, and self-doubt often create a storm of anxiety that makes it incredibly hard to get started. […]
Elliott’s journey: turning challenges into opportunities
For Elliott, a proud resident of Woorabinda, finding meaningful employment hasn’t always been easy. With limited reading and writing skills, securing and keeping a job was a challenge. But thanks […]
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 […]
Our impact snapshot
It’s been a huge year for the CoAct network, where continued economic challenges made our work even more vital. Our national not-for-profit network is dedicated to helping people reach their […]
First job after high school? Here’s how to stand out and land your first role
Starting your job search after leaving high school can feel overwhelming. You’re stepping into a whole new world with lots of competition and plenty of unanswered questions. But don’t worry, […]
Don’t let high applicant numbers stop you: Why you should apply for LinkedIn jobs anyway
Scrolling through LinkedIn job postings can feel overwhelming, especially when you see that a role has “50+ applicants.” It’s easy to think, What’s the point? There’s no way I’ll stand […]
Top in-demand skills employers are looking for in 2025
As we step into 2025, the job market is evolving faster than ever. Employers are seeking people with the right mix of technical and soft skills to help their businesses […]
Yeppoon’s Charissa List wins NESA Employment Consultant of the Year
CoAct and Community Solutions are delighted to announce that Charissa List, an Employment Specialist based in Yeppoon, Queensland, has been named Employment Consultant of the Year at the 2024 National […]
Celebrating CoAct’s NESA Employment Consultant of the Year finalists
We’re excited to announce that CoAct and frontline staff from our amazing service partners have been named as all three finalists in the Employment Consultant of the Year category for […]
Seasonal job interviews: 5 common questions and how to answer them
As the festive season approaches, job seekers have a unique opportunity to tap into a surge of seasonal job openings across various industries. Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash […]
5 Common Job Scam Examples and How to Avoid Them
Job scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and as a job seeker, it’s crucial to know the warning signs. Scammers often prey on people’s eagerness to find work, luring them in […]
Resume Clean-Up Guide: What to Delete for a Better Job Search
Your resume is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. However, some information can hurt your chances of landing an interview. Streamlining your resume by removing […]
How to use Linkedin to find a job: Tips and best practice
In today’s digital world, job searching is much more than sending out resumes. Your online presence matters, and LinkedIn is a crucial part of that. Whether you’re looking for your […]
Upcoming Webinar: AI and online applications
With the rise of AI in recruitment, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations invites you to an insightful webinar on how AI is reshaping the hiring process and what […]
How to write a resume when you have limited or no work experience
In the competitive world of job hunting, having little or no work experience can feel daunting. Whether you’re a school leaver, a parent re-entering the workforce or someone who has […]
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 […]
The top 5 jobs we’ve helped our Workforce Australia customers land
The good news is they’re all in demand and offer great job security. It’s been 18 months of CoAct and our network of not-for-profit service partners delivering Workforce Australia. We […]
19 occupations added to the 2024 Australian Apprenticeship Priority List
The Australian Government hopes this will help address cost of living pressures for current & future apprentices and trainees. The Australian Apprenticeship Priority List (AAPL) will now include 19 additional […]
How young jobseekers can build out their resumes
Are you a young job seeker looking to build out your resume? There are ways around this though and the solution begins with looking at all possible previous work experiences, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]