Summary of Innovation Fund projects
Table of contents
Table of contents .................................................................................................................................... 1
Disadvantaged job seekers ..................................................................................................................... 5
Access Community Services Limited (formerly Assisting Collaborative Community Employment
Support Services Incorporated): Business and Social Enterprise (BASE) Project ........................... 5
Anglicare Canberra and Goulburn: Home to Work......................................................................... 5
Australian Training Alliance Pty Ltd: Intensive Support Workforce Preparation Program ............. 5
Box Hill Institute of TAFE: Our Patch............................................................................................... 5
Brotherhood of St Laurence: Yarra Centre for Work and Learning ................................................ 6
Coffs Harbour Employment Support Service Inc (CHESS): Coffs Coast Community Farm Program
........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Encompass Community Services Inc: Pathways to a Brighter Future, A Northern futures
initiative .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Hanover Welfare Services: The Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program (CSSP), known as
Street Soccer ................................................................................................................................... 7
Job Futures Ltd: School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia – "People Powered" Job Creation in
Disadvantaged Communities .......................................................................................................... 7
Mission Australia: Changing Places – A Neighbourhood Social Enterprise Demonstration Project
........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Mission Australia: Working Futures Initiative ................................................................................. 7
O Group Incorporated: Tasmanian Pulp and Forest Workers Assistance Project (formerly Burnie
and Wesley Vale Assistance Project) .............................................................................................. 8
TAFE NSW: Establishing Home-Based Businesses That Can Provide Specialised Child Care
Services ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, trading as
Catholic Care – Centacare: CONNECT 200 ...................................................................................... 8
Twin Rivers Community Care Association Inc: The Eagleby Community Garden Project .............. 8
ACE North Coast Incorporated: Fresh 2 U Tomatoes ..................................................................... 9
Job seekers with disability and/or mental illness ................................................................................... 9
ACE North Coast Incorporated: Lived Experience Project .............................................................. 9
Ballarat Community Development Centre Cooperative Limited, trading as BEST Community
Development: Catering For All Abilities ........................................................................................ 10
Better Training and Consultancy Pty Ltd: TOOL MIX Wood Work Job Opportunities Project...... 10
Disability Employment Australia: DES Employment Practitioner Capability Framework and
Training Program........................................................................................................................... 10
Disability Employment Australia: A Guide to Employer Engagement – From the Employer’s Voice
...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Disability Works Australia Ltd: Disability Employment Manager hosted by the Australian
Football League (AFL) .................................................................................................................... 11
Disability Works Australia Ltd: Sustaining Employment Economic Development (SEED) ............ 11
Interwork Limited: Youth Mentorship Programme ...................................................................... 11
Job Futures Ltd: IMPACT WorkEngine .......................................................................................... 11
Jobsupport Incorporated: Evidence-Based Training and Technical Assistance ............................ 12
MAXNetWork Pty Ltd: Wellness through Work ............................................................................ 12
Melbourne Citymission Inc: Intowork ........................................................................................... 12
Mission Australia: Featherweight ................................................................................................. 12
ORS Rehabilitation and Placement Services Pty Ltd: Fit For The Job Clinic - Bankstown ............. 13
Ostara Australia Limited: Staying Well ......................................................................................... 13
Pathways Rehabilitation and Support Services Limited: The Madcap Cafe – Geelong ................ 13
Pathways Rehabilitation and Support Services Limited: Pathways to Open Employment .......... 13
Social Firms Australia Ltd: Local Employment Access Partnerships (LEAP) for job seekers with
Mental Illness ................................................................................................................................ 14
Social Firms Australia Ltd: Software Testing Social Firm .............................................................. 14
STEPS Disability Qld Inc: AllAbilities Labour Hire .......................................................................... 14
TAFE NSW: The Shoalhaven Skills Garden - Growing capabilities ................................................ 14
WorkFocus Australia Pty Ltd: What it DOES take – better employment outcomes through
stronger linkages ........................................................................................................................... 15
Yooralla: Community Cafes – Social Enterprise Development & Linkages Project ...................... 15
Culturally and linguistically diverse job seekers ................................................................................... 16
Adult Multicultural Education Services: Green Works Social Enterprises start-up phase ............ 16
Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASETTS) Incorporated: FIRST STEPS
PROJECT ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Job Futures Ltd: Growing Towards Employment .......................................................................... 16
Migrant Resource Centre (Southern Tasmania) Inc: African and Emerging Communities
Employment Support Services ...................................................................................................... 16
Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre: Time for Coffee .................................................................. 17
The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Sydney: Mamre Refugee
Transition to Work and Enterprise................................................................................................ 17
WISE Employment Ltd: Incito Maintenance ................................................................................. 17
Indigenous job seekers ......................................................................................................................... 18
AMA Services: Good Health – Great Future ................................................................................. 18
Desert Peoples Centre Incorporated: Kelmwerr Ampwa Anewakerr (Good Life for our Elders) . 18
Industry Education Networking Pty Ltd, trading as ITEC Employment: Men's Skills Shed
Millingimbi .................................................................................................................................... 18
Jaragun Pty/Ltd: Indigenous Training and Employment in the Aquaculture Industry.................. 18
Job Futures Ltd: Development of an online Indigenous cultural awareness training module ..... 19
Kimberley Land Council Aboriginal Corporation: Kimberley Aboriginal People Accessing Entry to
Mainstream Employment ............................................................................................................. 19
Kimberley TAFE: Community Employment & Training Officers (CETO's) ..................................... 19
Murdi Paaki: Wilcannia Radio Station........................................................................................... 20
STEPS Disability Qld Inc: Building Capacity through Art – The Meeting Place.............................. 20
TAFE NSW: Marambul Yuganha .................................................................................................... 20
Disadvantaged young people................................................................................................................ 20
Anglicare WA: Foyer Oxford Interim Foyer Project ...................................................................... 20
BoysTown: Fresh Start Literacy ..................................................................................................... 21
BoysTown: Northern Adelaide youth enterprise partnership ...................................................... 21
Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc: Youthinc Employment Project ...................................... 21
Community Colleges Victoria Inc.: Making Trax ........................................................................... 22
MAXNetWork Pty Ltd: Reconstructing Lives ................................................................................. 22
Pow Wow Consulting Pty Ltd: Connecting Youth to Career pathways ......................................... 22
Southern Youth and Family Services Association Incorporated: The Foyer and Case Management
Project ........................................................................................................................................... 22
Stepping Stone Foundation (was Fifteen Foundation Australia): Stepping Stone Foundation - The
Kitchen Cat .................................................................................................................................... 23
The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Sydney: Educational and
Motivational Program of Activities Targeting Homeless Youth (EMPATHY) ................................ 23
UCA Assembly Ltd on behalf of Wesley Mission Sydney: Best Options Youth Mentoring ........... 23
Homelessness and people at risk of homelessness .............................................................................. 24
Australian Community Support Organisation Incorporated: McAuley Works-Employment
Program for Women ..................................................................................................................... 24
Community First International Ltd: Prospect House .................................................................... 24
TAFE NSW: Promising Futures – Partners in Learning And Community Enterprise (PLACE) ........ 24
Youth Futures WA Inc (formerly Joondalup Youth Support Services Inc): Youth Matters ........... 24
Pre-release prisoners and ex-offenders................................................................................................ 25
Extra Edge Community Services Inc: Companion Animal Service Employment Centre (CASEC) .. 25
Jesuit Social Services Limited: Kitchen Social Enterprise .............................................................. 25
Job Futures Ltd: Adult Voluntary Post Release Support Service................................................... 25
Outcare Incorporated: Stay Connected – An early intervention and unemployment prevention
strategy ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Task Force Community Agency Inc: Money for Jam ..................................................................... 26
United Synergies Ltd: Smarter Choices ......................................................................................... 26
Jobless families ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Job Futures Ltd: Kwinana Families Community Partnership ........................................................ 27
Sarina Russo Job Access (Australia) Pty Ltd: P.A.T.H.S- Providing Assistance Through Holistic
Services ......................................................................................................................................... 27
Work Savvy Parents: Parent Mentoring Program ......................................................................... 27
Support for social enterprises ............................................................................................................... 28
Job Futures Ltd: National Social Enterprise Development Support.............................................. 28
National Employment Services Association Limited: Connecting Social Enterprises ................... 28
Social Firms Australia Ltd: Creating jobs for people with mental illness or disability through
social enterprises .......................................................................................................................... 28
Disadvantaged job seekers
Access Community Services Limited (formerly Assisting Collaborative Community Employment
Support Services Incorporated): Business and Social Enterprise (BASE) Project
Logan and Beenleigh, Queensland
The BASE project developed local enterprises to respond to needs in the community. The enterprises
provided a diverse range of services. Enterprises involved in the project included gardening and
home maintenance in public housing estates, organic garden producers, removal businesses and
aged care and child relief work agencies. Income from the project was reinvested in the enterprise
to generate local solutions for the community, such as providing job seekers with the opportunity to
gain accredited training, work experience and develop skills for future employment.
Anglicare Canberra and Goulburn: Home to Work
Braddon, Campbell, Reid, Turner, Australian Capital Territory
This project provided integration of support services, such as skills development and training, for
participants living in public housing in the ACT. Participants in this project increased their capacity to
find and maintain employment through easier access to support services. The project had a strong
focus on collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors, with a citizen-centric service delivery model
being trialled. The project assisted Commonwealth-funded services (Job Services Australia and
Centrelink) and ACT-funded services (public housing, crisis and support services) to work together to
provide continuity of service provision to participants.
Australian Training Alliance Pty Ltd: Intensive Support Workforce Preparation Program
West Lakes (servicing Southern, Northern and Western suburbs of Adelaide
Spencer Gulf and Eyre Peninsula/Ceduna regions), South Australia
This project provided severely disadvantaged job seekers with a 12 week workforce preparation
program. Participants were from the Southern, Northern and Western suburbs of Adelaide, as well
as the Spencer Gulf and Eyre Peninsula/Ceduna regions of South Australia. The preparation program
addressed personal development and work readiness issues, and ensured participants were socially
included, through the provision of training and achievement of employment outcomes.
Box Hill Institute of TAFE: Our Patch
Doncaster, Victoria
This social enterprise project developed a community garden in Doncaster, Victoria. Participants
were engaged in the growing and selling of organic plant and vegetable produce. The project
engaged participants through skill development training in hospitality and horticulture. It linked in
with the local community through events hosted by participants, including cook-outs and other
fundraising events. The project targeted a range of disadvantaged job seekers including people with
disability, Indigenous people, youth at risk and those from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
background.
Brotherhood of St Laurence: Yarra Centre for Work and Learning
Fitzroy, Victoria
The Yarra Centre for Work and Learning (YCWL) was a demonstration project that promoted work
and learning opportunities in public housing neighbourhoods in Fitzroy, which have a high
concentration of unemployed people. A basis of employer demand and job seeker supply was used
by the YCWL to coordinate the efforts of Job Services Australia providers, employers, enterprises and
industry groups, training organisations and community and government support services. The
project worked closely with participants from public housing areas to offer them access to prevocational training, including English literacy and financial training. YCWL engaged with community
projects to create work experience opportunities for participants.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Coffs Harbour Employment Support Service Inc (CHESS): Coffs Coast Community Farm Program
Bonville, New South Wales
This program assisted highly disadvantaged job seekers living in the Coffs Coast/Coffs Harbour
region and addressed their barriers to employment through training, then obtaining and sustaining
employment. The project established a farm program and developed programs to improve service
providers’ and employers’ understanding of the needs of highly disadvantaged job seekers. The
project also incorporated a training referral service, with participants being offered training modules
covering off work readiness, including practical job seeking skills and interview preparation.
Encompass Community Services Inc: Pathways to a Brighter Future, A Northern futures initiative
Corio, Norlane, Victoria
Pathways to a Brighter Future was a collaborative partnership between the Northern Futures
initiative, local industry, local government, employment service providers and education and training
providers which provided a flexible, tailored training program for Geelong’s 3214 postcode
community.
The project relied on industry expertise and knowledge in its development and delivery, and met
local industry needs by addressing skills shortages in aged care, hospitality and transport and
logistics. It also provided intensive on-call support to high need long-term unemployed individuals
within the Corio Norlane area to effectively manage them through a tailored education pathway and
into sustained employment.
Hanover Welfare Services: The Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program (CSSP), known as
Street Soccer
Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra
The Street Soccer project was a place-based initiative that engaged the community through sport as
an effective means to address barriers to employment for disadvantaged job seekers. Street Soccer
reduced disadvantage, promoted social inclusion and assisted disadvantaged job seekers to address
barriers to obtaining and sustaining employment by: providing opportunities to create positive
personal outcomes; building social networks; increasing participation; developing pre-vocational
skills; linking to vocational training skills; and encouraging employment outcomes. The project
assisted disadvantaged job seekers across Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth,
Adelaide and Hobart.
Job Futures Ltd: School for Social Entrepreneurs Australia – "People Powered" Job Creation in
Disadvantaged Communities
Chippendale, New South Wales, Southbank, Victoria
This project provided learning and development opportunities to people with a passion for social
change and the entrepreneurial drive to make a real difference in their communities. Participants
from highly disadvantaged communities were identified as social entrepreneurs and supported to
create sustainable initiatives and enterprises that met an identified social need and served to boost
local employment.
Mission Australia: Changing Places – A Neighbourhood Social Enterprise Demonstration Project
Darwin, Palmerston, Northern Territory; Inala, Ipswich, Logan, Queensland; Banyule, Darebin,
Victoria
This project researched and provided seed funding to large scale social enterprises in Banyule and
Darebin, Darwin and Palmerston and Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan to enable them to become
sustainable in the long term. Changing Places created transitional employment and work experience
opportunities for highly disadvantaged job seekers. An evaluation was undertaken during the project
and lessons learnt were shared. The project provided insight into a replicable model of social
procurement for social enterprise development.
Mission Australia: Working Futures Initiative
Melbourne, Victoria (social enterprises were primarily engaged from Melbourne, among other
localities, and the project was delivered from multiple locations nationally)
This project provided an evidence base to inform options on how the capacity of social enterprises,
operating as intermediate labour markets, could be supported to employ highly disadvantaged job
seekers on a sustainable basis. A financial contribution was provided towards the costs of employing
and training highly disadvantaged job seekers in social enterprises. This project operated from a
number of sites, focussing on Victoria, but also operated through interstate social enterprises.
O Group Incorporated: Tasmanian Pulp and Forest Workers Assistance Project (formerly Burnie
and Wesley Vale Assistance Project)
Burnie, Devonport, Tasmania
This project focused on assisting disadvantaged job seekers made redundant due to closures of pulp
and paper mills in Burnie and Wesley Vale, and the restructuring of the Tasmanian Forestry Industry.
The project was delivered state-wide with particular focus in the North West/Northern Tasmania
priority region, where entrenched disadvantage is already a major issue faced by the population. The
project assisted these job seekers through a rapid response approach, incorporating three phases:


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information and personal evaluations
coordinators and Project Officers providing Intensive personal support
ongoing support for job seekers.
Project participants also had a ‘skills audit’ conducted. Coordinators and project officers were
sourced from retrenched staff, where appropriate, and assisted participants by engaging them with
services available to help them on their pathway to employment.
TAFE NSW: Establishing Home-Based Businesses That Can Provide Specialised Child Care Services
Wyong, Kariong, New South Wales
This project recruited, trained and supported participants to establish home based businesses as
family day care or in-home carers on the Central Coast of NSW. Job seekers from highly
disadvantaged backgrounds were provided with assistance. Participants received training through a
specialised course, which was developed with Wyong TAFE. The participants’ training allowed them
to work with parents and children with additional needs, such as low functioning autism spectrum
disorder, behaviour disorders and global developmental delays.
Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, trading as Catholic
Care – Centacare: CONNECT 200
Newcastle West, Toronto, Windale, New South Wales
This project targeted highly disadvantaged people of working age in Southlakes, Lake Macquarie,
Windale and Port Stephens. Participants were provided with information on available community
services and engaged in training, including practical experience suitable to their capabilities. A
number of programs were run to address identified areas of skills shortage in the area including
hospitality aged care and health services. Partnerships were established with a number of
community and industry organisations, as well as other relevant stakeholders, including employment
service providers.
Twin Rivers Community Care Association Inc: The Eagleby Community Garden Project
Eagleby, Queensland
This project provided participants with formal instruction and practical experience in gardening
techniques. Participants also took part in construction and maintenance of vegetable, herb and
flower garden beds, bush tucker gardens, egg-laying chickens and their coop, a propagation shed
with seed raising, fruit trees and worm farms, and took part in composting. Training was provided in
harvesting, menu planning, food preparation and nutrition. The project fostered social inclusion for
local unemployed people to work collaboratively with community groups and the general
community. Participants gained an insight into other employment and education areas including
office skills, hospitality, catering, tourism, construction and landscaping.
ACE North Coast Incorporated: Fresh 2 U Tomatoes
Alstonville, New South Wales
This project focused on increasing employment opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers on a
wait list at Summerland House Farm, located in the Richmond Local Government Area. The project
utilised existing infrastructure and expertise to develop a new business within the existing social
enterprise, providing sustainable employment for disadvantaged job seekers. Fresh 2 U Tomatoes
was a hydroponic tomato growing business that leveraged off existing growing and packing
infrastructure, horticulture expertise and distribution agreements.
The project employed disadvantaged job seekers who completed either a Certificate II or III in
Horticulture, and provided a sustainable long term employment and trainee scheme for additional
trainees. Trainees continued to move through the model and developed transferable employment
skills in a fully functioning business environment, progressing to further open employment
opportunities upon completion of the training.
Job seekers with disability and/or mental illness
ACE North Coast Incorporated: Lived Experience Project
Lismore, New South Wales
This pilot project focussed on developing and piloting a training, coordination and support package
to transition people with chronic mental illness into permanent employment as peer support
workers in the Mental Health Sector in the Lismore, Byron and Tweed Local Government Areas.
The project identified suitable job seekers with a range of mental health conditions and linked them
to local employers (Employment Partners) in mental health services to access work experience and a
continuing job at the end of the project. Participants undertook work experience and training to
meet the requirement of Certificate IV in Community Services Work. In addition, the project worked
with local mental health services and Disability Employment Service providers to develop an
employment education package to support employees with mental illness, providing peer support in
the workplace.
Ballarat Community Development Centre Cooperative Limited, trading as BEST Community
Development: Catering For All Abilities
Melbourne, Victoria
This social enterprise provided opportunities for unemployed people with disability and/or mental
illness living in the co-located 660 Elizabeth Street Common Ground Supportive Housing complex.
The project was designed to provide quality catering services to business and the community whilst
providing supportive employment and training to marginalised job seekers. The project provided
onsite access to paid work, work experience and training in retail and hospitality through training,
mentoring, vocational rehabilitation and pathways as well as brokerage into mainstream open
employment.
Better Training and Consultancy Pty Ltd: TOOL MIX Wood Work Job Opportunities Project
Eastern Shore - Mornington, Tasmania
This project provided assistance to job seekers with an acquired disability. Working within an
existing open intermediary employment social enterprise (a traditional wooden toy factory) the
TOOL MIX project addressed barriers to employment and provided open and integrated
employment opportunities into a wide range of jobs across the various woodworking sectors.
The project utilised training, work experience, intensive case management and mentoring to deliver
a place-based solution to unemployment for highly disadvantaged job seekers.
Disability Employment Australia: DES Employment Practitioner Capability Framework and Training
Program
National
This project was generated by a desire (from HR professionals’ perspective) to redress the
disconnection between what employers are looking for when they set out to employ a person with
disability and what Disability Employment Services providers are offering.
The project facilitated employment outcomes for job seekers with disability through the
development of a framework which enhanced resources available to disability employment
practitioners and built capabilities that were better aligned the needs and expectations of business
recruiters. It also generated greater interest and participation in employment programs by the
business community.
Disability Employment Australia: A Guide to Employer Engagement – From the Employer’s Voice
National
This project developed resources to provide practical advice to Disability Employment Services
providers on the services most valued by employers and better practice employer engagement. Hard
and soft copy guidelines and video accounts from employers outlining case studies were distributed
to all Disability Employment Services outlets, supported by briefing sessions held in each capital city
and webinars for remote locations.
Disability Works Australia Ltd: Disability Employment Manager hosted by the Australian Football
League (AFL)
National, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney
This project placed a Disability Employment Manager into the Australian Football League (AFL) to
develop and drive a Disability Employment strategy from within the organisation. The Disability
Employment Manager worked towards increasing the recruitment of people with disability and/or
mental health issues within the AFL and its affiliates. The project developed a best practice model
that other employers, particularly AFL sponsors, can support and adopt.
Disability Works Australia Ltd: Sustaining Employment Economic Development (SEED)
Moonee Valley, Melbourne, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, Victoria
This project focused on forming a partnership between four local councils (Moonee Valley,
Melbourne, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay), the Western Region Development Association and
Disability Works Australia to assist young disadvantaged job seekers to gain employment. The
project developed a personal participation plan that identified potential barriers and needs to
enable the job seekers to participate in sustainable employment or training. Job seekers were
matched with an employer in a paid work placement for a minimum of 26 weeks. They were also
paired with a workplace mentor provided by the employer or the SEED project.
Interwork Limited: Youth Mentorship Programme
Mile End, South Australia
The Youth Mentorship Program built a ‘safe bridge’ between Labs’ n Life and Interwork’s Disability
Employment Service. Underpinned by reengagement strategies, this program increased life and
employability skills and developed peer and community networks and vocational training, leading to
employment outcomes. At risk youth with disability and a history of disengaging from services were
recruited from Labs’ n Life which trains dogs to become ‘Dogs for Assistance’. While working with
the dogs, the young people gained life and employability skills needed for employment and life
stability.
Job Futures Ltd: IMPACT WorkEngine
Bundaberg, Queensland
IMPACT WorkEngine was a demonstration project which built business sector awareness of people
with disability in the local workforce and profiled their value as workers. The employment
preparation and promotional campaign elements integrated work experience, training, mentoring
and work trials over eight weeks with direct transition into open employment.
Jobsupport Incorporated: Evidence-Based Training and Technical Assistance
National
This project replicated, and vigorously evaluated, the evidence based training and technical
assistance (TTA) model used by the Virginia Commonwealth University across a sample of Australian
employment services. The project focused on measuring and testing the assistance provided to job
seekers with an intellectual disability. The project quantified what improvement in outcomes for
highly disadvantaged job seekers could be attributed to the provision of evidence based TTA.
Training was provided to employment service provider staff. TTA delivery skills were imparted to
Jobsupport staff and selected staff of other providers as appropriate.
MAXNetWork Pty Ltd: Wellness through Work
Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Penrith (Western Sydney), New South Wales
The Wellness through Work project assisted mental health consumers moving from inpatient mental
health units in Western Sydney to make a successful transition to the community, through a
combination of transitional and ongoing health and vocational assistance.
Melbourne Citymission Inc: Intowork
Broadmeadows, Fitzroy, Victoria
The Intowork project provided disadvantaged job seekers with disability with tailored employment,
education and training opportunities. Sourcing participants from the provider's disability social
inclusion programs, a training and career development plan was created with each participant and
customised training provided based on identified areas of skills they required. Employment
opportunities were provided through the social enterprise café at Meadows Primary School.
Mission Australia: Featherweight
Bellambi, New South Wales
This project focused on establishing a complementary social enterprise called ‘Feather Weight’,
which manufactured punching bags and protective sports equipment. The project included recycling
constituent waste material into protective equipment including goal post pads, and sports
equipment including punching bags. Feather Weight provided services including traineeships in
waste management. The target group focused on people with disability, with priority given to
Indigenous or long-term unemployed people with disability.
ORS Rehabilitation and Placement Services Pty Ltd: Fit For The Job Clinic - Bankstown
Bankstown, New South Wales
This project provided a central meeting point for employment and health services, enabling them to
work as one team and linking their services to assist participants in a welcoming environment.
Participants with mental health issues or disability accessed necessary services to assist with their
recovery, enabling them to search for sustainable employment. A number of service providers took
part in the project through delivering services from the clinic over the life of the project, including
Job Services Australia and Disability Employment Services employment consultants, clinical staff
from the NSW Health Mental Health Team, psychologists, a general practitioner, and other service
providers.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Ostara Australia Limited: Staying Well
Glenroy, Victoria; Fortitude Valley, Queensland; North Ryde, New South Wales
This project achieved sustainable employment outcomes and significant improvements in wellbeing
for people with mental illness through the implementation of an innovative employment
preparation, training and mentoring program. The project provided a community-based model of
assistance which complemented specialist mental health interventions. Mentoring activities were
provided during both pre and post-employment stages.
Pathways Rehabilitation and Support Services Limited: The Madcap Cafe – Geelong
Geelong, Victoria
This project established a social enterprise model, the MadCap Cafe, in Geelong, Victoria. The
project provided employment positions and traineeships for people with disability, particularly those
experiencing mental illness. The project delivered locally coordinated work training, mentoring and
placement support services. Participants received a Certificate II in Retail. This project established
the first franchised MadCap Cafe, developing a not-for-profit franchising model which can now be
replicated across Australia.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Pathways Rehabilitation and Support Services Limited: Pathways to Open Employment
Geelong, Victoria
Through Pathways’ social enterprise, Clearwater Business Services (a cleaning and gardening
business), this project provided supported employment to people experiencing mental illness in an
‘integrated’ work crew (weighted specifically to 50/50 supported and non-supported employees). It
also embedded an appropriately skilled ‘transition’ worker to assist other employees to up-skill
through training and education, and begin to transition to open employment opportunities.
Social Firms Australia Ltd: Local Employment Access Partnerships (LEAP) for job seekers with
Mental Illness
Footscray, Werribee, Prahran, St.Kilda, Dandenong, Northcote, Broadmeadows, Coburg, Preston,
Maryborough, Bendigo, Victoria
This project developed partnerships with a number of organisations to ensure more effective
delivery of employment, clinical and rehabilitation services to people with mental illness.
Participants in this project undertook training in the Health Optimisation Program for Employment
(HOPE) program, which provided skills in job readiness. This project tested how referral processes
could be improved for those people with mental illness and how support networks could develop a
greater understanding of the needs of this group.
Social Firms Australia Ltd: Software Testing Social Firm
Collingwood, Victoria
This project created sustainable employment for people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
through the establishment of a software testing firm that utilised the unique talents of people with
ASD. The firm employs staff with and without a disability, with 50 per cent of selected testing
positions made available to people with ASD. The social firm established a partnership comprising of
Social Firms Australia, Infoxchange (IXA) and Alpha Autism and operated as a division of IXA in
Melbourne. The firm will continue to develop over three years, after which it will be self-sustaining
and competing in the open market for delivery of testing services.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
STEPS Disability Qld Inc: AllAbilities Labour Hire
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
This project educated employers by offering flexible labour force engagement. It built strong
industry partnerships established in waste management and recycling, cleaning and property
maintenance, administration and telemarketing to produce employment outcomes for people with
disability, an acquired injury or mental health condition into integrated work environments.
TAFE NSW: The Shoalhaven Skills Garden - Growing capabilities
West Nowra, New South Wales
This project provided participants with access to wrap around services from a variety of providers. It
increased the capacity of a community focused enterprise to develop a range of sustainable food
production systems, with products being provided to disadvantaged community groups. The project
encouraged participants to develop their employability skills, receive mentoring and take part in
psychosocial programs. It assisted disadvantaged jobseekers with mental illness or disability to build
their capacity to undertake further training or enter ongoing employment.
WorkFocus Australia Pty Ltd: What it DOES take – better employment outcomes through stronger
linkages
Dandenong and Bayside, Victoria
This project focused on providing an integrated, practical approach to increasing employment
outcomes for people with disability by the creation of easier job pathways in Woolworths stores in
Melbourne’s south east region. A disability employment officer was placed to work with
Woolworths’ Human Resources area in divisions such as Beer Wine and Spirits; Woolworths Petrol;
Big W; Dan Murphy and Dick Smith.
The project included the development and distribution of 4000 guides on ‘how to employ a person
with disability’ to all Woolworths divisions and Disability Employment Service providers, to improve
the job seekers’ chances of employment within the company. The ‘How to’ guides included analysis
of 15 ‘high volume’ roles undertaken to identify how these roles could be adjusted for people with a
disability to perform better in the workplace. The project was a partnership between the
government, WorkFocus Australia and Woolworths.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Yooralla: Community Cafes – Social Enterprise Development & Linkages Project
Altona, Victoria
This project developed a community café located in the Altona North Community Library which
operated as a social enterprise and assisted people with a disability. The project enabled the
community cafés to employ, train and mentor a number of people with disability in the cafe setting
and assisted them to seek opportunities beyond the community café for employment with
mainstream employers.
Participants in the project undertook a Certificate I in Food Safety and Certificate I in Work
Education. They also undertook work experience in the community café, accessed mentoring and
were assisted in transitioning into mainstream employment on completion of their training and work
experience. Participants had access to a community development worker throughout the project,
who worked alongside them where required and supported them to access their place of
employment.
Culturally and linguistically diverse job seekers
Adult Multicultural Education Services: Green Works Social Enterprises start-up phase
Brunswick, East Brunswick, Victoria
This project was the start-up phase of the Green Works Social Enterprises. The project provided
hands-on training and generated permanent or intermediate labour market opportunities for
culturally and linguistically diverse job seekers to increase their economic participation in society.
The start-up phase focussed on the production and distribution of fresh produce and delivery of
organic fruit and vegetable packs to workplaces.
Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASETTS) Incorporated: FIRST STEPS
PROJECT
Perth (servicing north metropolitan Perth), Western Australia
The project explored the feasibility of adapting the Structured Training and Employment Projects
Employment and Related Services (STEP ERS) model—which incorporates pre-employment training,
employment support and specialised mentoring and was previously successfully implemented with
Indigenous people—to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and refugee target groups. The
project was undertaken in North Metro Perth and engaged a number of CALD and refugee
participants. It targeted specific individuals and cultural groups who experienced significant barriers
which prevented them from sustaining employment. Participants included those who were assessed
as being at extreme disadvantage and unlikely to be successfully placed in employment without
specialist support and mentoring.
Job Futures Ltd: Growing Towards Employment
Geelong, Victoria
Job Futures, in partnership with Diversitat, established a horticultural social enterprise that provided
learning and employment pathways for refugees in Geelong. Participants were engaged in activities
including growing, transporting, distributing and selling produce. Local employers were approached
to provide presentations, work placements and employment opportunities for participants.
Migrant Resource Centre (Southern Tasmania) Inc: African and Emerging Communities
Employment Support Services
Hobart, Tasmania
This project provided a hub for African community members to be informed and educated by Job
Services Australia providers, federal, state and local government agencies and non-government
organisations on relevant topics (for example employment, police, youth justice/Police Citizen’s
Youth Club, health including torture and trauma counselling, education, housing services,
governance and responsibilities). In partnership with the African communities, the project
coordinated specialist, niche educational training, mentoring, and community development
programs for African refugees in Tasmania.
Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre: Time for Coffee
Broadmeadows, Victoria
The project was a six-week foundation skills course at the Spectrum Education & Training Centre,
targeting Iraqi women residing in the identified low socio-economic region of Hume, Victoria.
Participants were given the opportunity to develop their computer and study skills, undertake an
accredited coffee training unit, and access information and resources to enable life and learning
pathways. The project promoted the value of education and learning whilst fostering positive
support networks amongst participants, providing a stepping stone to further education and training
opportunities that support life changes, including pathways to employment.
The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Sydney: Mamre Refugee
Transition to Work and Enterprise
Orchard Hill, New South Wales
This project established an innovative Intensive Market Garden Action Learning Environment for
skills and enterprise development for the long-term unemployed humanitarian refugees in Western
Sydney. The project assisted the participants to gain employment and covered a wide range of
generic skills, transferable to other occupations. Participants received vocational training equivalent
to at least Certificate II level, in the form of Statements of Attainment in the appropriate modules.
Participants were supported by a range of community partner experts in employment, migrant
services and health care issues.
WISE Employment Ltd: Incito Maintenance
Darwin, Northern Territory
This project built a social enterprise called “Incito Maintenance” in the Northern Territory that
delivered a scope of services, including general carpentry/handyman services, gardening and
grounds maintenance, cleaning and labour hire services. The project was an amalgamation of the
anticipated demand in NT for construction industry workers, accommodating and advancing people
of culturally and linguistically diverse groups with transferrable skills in this industry, and a social
enterprise providing quality services whilst promoting a sense of social responsibility at the local
level. In addition to establishing Incito Maintenance NT, this operation also provided job seekers
hands-on experience and training in critical skills that can then be used to help them secure
employment. This specialised environment enabled job seekers to learn and hone their skills in areas
such as safe and effective use of power tools, plaster boarding, painting, carpentry, installing and
repairing windows, and other skills within the scope of Incito Maintenance NT operations.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Indigenous job seekers
AMA Services: Good Health – Great Future
Kwinana, Rockingham, Western Australia
A mobile bus provided integrated servicing to the local Indigenous community around the
Rockingham/Kwinana region including pre-employment support such as career guidance, self
esteem and interview skills and also referring participants to training, Indigenous employment
programs and Job Services Australia providers. It also provided basic health checks and information
on health programs and support services available within the community. Decorated with
Indigenous artwork, the bus provided its services to the community in a family-friendly environment.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Desert Peoples Centre Incorporated: Kelmwerr Ampwa Anewakerr (Good Life for our Elders)
Atitjere, Engawala, Mulga Bore, Northern Territory
This project provided training and mentoring in aged and disability care to members of the remote
Eastern Central Desert Australian Indigenous communities Atitjere, Nulga Bore and Engawala. The
project created a pool of skilled, knowledgeable and job ready carers within each of these
communities. Participants were engaged to gain employment within community-based services and
mentor other support workers in their community—work experience placements and job outcomes
were not expected in these locations.
Industry Education Networking Pty Ltd, trading as ITEC Employment: Men's Skills Shed Millingimbi
Millingimbi, Northern Territory
This project refurbished a shed in Milingimbi for the purpose of teaching project participants general
skills in areas of pre-employment and personal development and providing mentoring opportunities.
It established a workshop-type environment where specific skills such as repairs and maintenance,
welding, construction and other skill sets are taught.
The project encouraged community participation and social inclusion. The Men's Skills Shed
provided an inclusive environment for Indigenous men to practise their skills, which has greatly
enhanced the possibility of them gaining local employment. The shed was also available for use for a
range of community activities.
Jaragun Pty/Ltd: Indigenous Training and Employment in the Aquaculture Industry
Cardwell, Queensland
This project assisted Indigenous job seekers by providing certified training and on-site work
experience opportunities in the aquaculture/seafood industry. Job seekers participated in an
integrated package, including a Certificate I in Aquaculture and Skills Development provided on site
at Barramundi Waters, Cowley. At the completion of the five month course, participants were placed
into jobs.
Job Futures Ltd: Development of an online Indigenous cultural awareness training module
National
This project developed content for an online Indigenous cultural awareness training module,
available to Job Services Australia providers through the DEEWR online Learning Centre. The training
material includes best practice in culturally appropriate service delivery to Indigenous job seekers.
The training material references current employment services contractual arrangements and will be
suitable for application to future employment service contracts.
This package provides an innovative solution to addressing barriers to employment for Indigenous
Australians. Improved knowledge of cultural barriers will allow improved advocacy and employer
education on behalf of Indigenous job seekers, and help to move them into sustained employment.
Kimberley Land Council Aboriginal Corporation: Kimberley Aboriginal People Accessing Entry to
Mainstream Employment
Broome, Western Australia
This project assisted Indigenous people to enter mainstream employment by developing training
packages tailored to the needs of participants in the Kimberley Region. In addition, the project
delivered an employment training program, which provided information on the benefits of being
employed, employer expectations, access to work experience opportunities, one on one literacy
intervention and information about self care, including mental and physical health issues.
Kimberley TAFE: Community Employment & Training Officers (CETO's)
Kununurra, Western Australia
This project engaged, trained and placed Indigenous participants in one of two streams - one stream
for participants at various remote Indigenous communities across the Kimberley region to provide
educational support and build capacity in remote Aboriginal communities; and one stream for
participants to provide training support, workplace assessment, training delivery and build capacity
in regional and remote towns.
Murdi Paaki: Wilcannia Radio Station
Wilcannia, New South Wales
This project provided work experience and training in the media industry to Indigenous community
members, as well as offering an opportunity to address local issues and provide information relevant
to the area. The radio station allowed content to be programmed for and by Indigenous community
groups in the Wilcannia region, with broadcasts incorporating content to address Indigenous health
and financial issues. Participants were also supported through links to education, health and housing
services providers in the Wilcannia area.
STEPS Disability Qld Inc: Building Capacity through Art – The Meeting Place
Alice Springs, Northern territory
This project provided Indigenous job seekers with vocational and life skills training and sustainable
employment opportunities. The project built the capacity of these job seekers to enter the
workforce through strong community engagement. ‘The Meeting Place’, an interactive tourist
centre, was established as part of the project. It provided employment training and practical
experience for participants in an interactive and supportive environment by bringing Indigenous
artists, a retail shop and a bush tucker garden together. Visitors to the Alice Springs region are now
able to share in the Indigenous culture and storytelling through The Meeting Place.
TAFE NSW: Marambul Yuganha
Griffith, New South Wales
This project assisted young Indigenous people to move from being socially excluded and not
participating in vocational education and employment, to social inclusion, participation and
employment. The project developed strong links to industry, the private sector, employment
specialists and employers, allowing participants to receive assistance and mentoring to reduce their
barriers to employment. Through provision of services focusing on participants’ health and
wellbeing, a number of barriers to employment were overcome including, but not limited to, low
self-esteem, homelessness, unemployment, poor health, drug and alcohol issues, mental health
issues, low literacy/numeracy levels and learning disabilities.
Disadvantaged young people
Anglicare WA: Foyer Oxford Interim Foyer Project
Mount Lawley, Western Australia
This project established and trialled the Foyer support service model at Mt Lawley with young
people, aged 16 to 25, who were homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Participants received
integrated accommodation, 24/7 holistic support, and wrap around support to set and achieve goals
for education, sustainable employment, and independent living.
The project also established agreements with providers of health, drug and alcohol, positive
parenting, employments services and other services for participants to access ongoing support, and
develop expertise and support models towards the opening of Foyer Oxford in late 2012. The
participants were the first residents of Foyer Oxford, post project.
BoysTown: Fresh Start Literacy
Elizabeth, Salisbury and Tea Tree Gully, South Australia
This project assisted young marginalised people in northern and western Adelaide with low literacy
/numeracy levels who had experienced failure in mainstream education settings. The project
involved trialling a new model for delivery of remedial literacy and numeracy education which
incorporated the use of a computer based assessment and tutoring program. The model led
participants into lasting and sustainable employment through providing training in language, literacy
and numeracy.
BoysTown: Northern Adelaide youth enterprise partnership
Elizabeth, Salisbury, South Australia
This project established a social enterprise which provided paid transitional employment and
training for marginalised young people from the highly disadvantaged areas of Playford in Northern
Adelaide. It established two work gangs to deliver an accelerated public works program allocated by
local city councils. The primary group were young people aged 15—25 at severe risk of long term
exclusion unless they made a successful transition to further education and employment.
Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc: Youthinc Employment Project
Munno Para, Fairview Park, Frewville, Pasadena, Findon, Murray Bridge, Port Adelaide, South
Australia
This project assisted disadvantaged and highly disadvantaged young job seekers into ongoing
employment and developed a retail industry model that can be expanded by other private
employers.
The project involved staged introductions of groups of employees in the South Australia retail sector.
Participants were provided with practical skills to enable them to enter employment, and were then
placed into employment in retail. An evaluation—including a process of continuous improvement—
was applied to the development of policies, procedures and practices over the life of the project.
Community Colleges Victoria Inc.: Making Trax
Yarra Junction, Benalla, Bairnsdale, Victoria
This project provided assistance to young men aged 16–25 who faced barriers to successful
participation in the community as a result of childhood trauma, violence, abuse and neglect. The
project worked with participants to determine their barriers to employment, education and training,
including barriers to engagement with their community. Participants were given opportunities to
overcome the barriers they faced through individual and group counselling, participation in work
experience, group activities, and intensive ongoing mentoring.
MAXNetWork Pty Ltd: Reconstructing Lives
Ingleburn, New South Wales
This project worked with youth living with entrenched disadvantage from the Macquarie Fields area,
to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment through a camping and support-style program. The
project offered strong links to the building and construction industry, and participants were provided
with mental and physical health interventions, recognised training and ongoing sustainable
employment.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Pow Wow Consulting Pty Ltd: Connecting Youth to Career pathways
Oakleigh, Victoria
This project targeted young people who had disengaged from school or who were at risk of
disengaging from school. It focused on people under 20 and offered support to early school leavers
up to the age of 25. The service combined individualised support, mentoring, training and work
experience, with family support strategies to overcome participant barriers to employment while
simultaneously addressing structural issues within the home and/or family environment.
Southern Youth and Family Services Association Incorporated: The Foyer and Case Management
Project
Wollongong, New South Wales
This project provided an integrated model of case management and early intervention of education,
training, pre-employment and other supports to participants. The project serviced youth participants
who were at risk, disadvantaged and homeless in the Wollongong/Illawarra region. The project
extended the core ‘Foyer’ Service of providing accommodation to participants, which included
providing care and exit placement options incorporating education, training and pre-employment
support.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Stepping Stone Foundation (was Fifteen Foundation Australia): Stepping Stone Foundation - The
Kitchen Cat
Melbourne, Victoria
This project provided youth participants who experienced barriers to employment and training in
the past with a package of pastoral/welfare support, chef training and employment in the hospitality
industry. A strong emphasis was placed on preparing participants to be work ready, with the project
providing intensive skill development, professional training, work experience placements and
tailored case management. The project worked closely with employers and industry peak bodies, to
ensure trainees developed the skills in greatest demand and were able to continue with
employment.
The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Sydney: Educational and
Motivational Program of Activities Targeting Homeless Youth (EMPATHY)
Bankstown, New South Wales
This project established a calendar of skills-based sessions that were advertised and available for
homeless youth across Inner Western and Southern Sydney. The sessions were tailored to the needs
identified by services and had the flexibility to be delivered in a range of locations. They
complemented services already being delivered to the target group.
UCA Assembly Ltd on behalf of Wesley Mission Sydney: Best Options Youth Mentoring
Batemans Bay, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, New South Wales
This project was conducted in Eurobodalla and Port Macquarie, and provided mentoring to highly
disadvantaged young people who were identified as behaviourally affected and who would benefit
from personalised and direct guidance. The mentors included disadvantaged job seekers who were
completing practical elements of accredited training in Community Services Support Work.
Community-minded volunteers were provided with training in mentoring to ensure young people in
the regions had a pool of mentors whom they could seek out for advice and counselling.
Homelessness and people at risk of homelessness
Australian Community Support Organisation Incorporated: McAuley Works-Employment Program
for Women
North and Western metropolitan regions of Melbourne, Victoria
This project focused on assisting women experiencing homelessness due to family violence or
mental illness to gain financial independence, self-confidence and a greater chance of self-reliance
and safety from violence through meaningful and sustainable employment. McAuley Works had a
dual approach involving working with the participants: directly assisting them to develop pathways
to employment and financial independence; and working with employers to build their capacity to
support staff who were experiencing family violence.
Community First International Ltd: Prospect House
Albany, Western Australia
This project assisted highly disadvantaged homeless males in the Albany area, Western Australia
through providing social skills training, education and mentoring, and delivering innovative
employment solutions to participants. The project enabled this socially disadvantaged group to
reconnect to the community through employment and accommodation. The project saw
participants move into transitional housing or into the private rental market at the end of three
months. Wrap around community services were engaged to provide intensive support and provide a
life skills and mentoring training program. The project substantially reduced the rate of male
homelessness and unemployment in Albany.
TAFE NSW: Promising Futures – Partners in Learning And Community Enterprise (PLACE)
Petersham, Redfern, Woolloomooloo, New South Wales
This project strengthened existing services and community relationships, and through these services
and relationships, found the best ways of assisting disadvantaged, homeless job seekers in Sydney.
Participants received mentoring as well as being engaged in the ‘Learning to Work’ program, which
enabled alternate pathways to vocational education, training and employment to be identified for
engaged participants. Participants were referred to training and work experience in skills shortage
areas, such as hospitality, home and community care and construction, as well as receiving services
which allowed them to better engage with their community.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Youth Futures WA Inc (formerly Joondalup Youth Support Services Inc): Youth Matters
Clarkson and Joondalup, Western Australia
The Youth Matters program provided young people who were homeless (or at risk of homelessness)
and disengaged from mainstream systems with the opportunity to work intensively with a youth
worker to re-engage with these systems. The program focused on addressing the social barriers
preventing participants from engaging in healthy, fulfilling lives. The project engaged participants,
addressed their social barriers and provided positive opportunities that impacted on their ability to
be socially included.
Pre-release prisoners and ex-offenders
Extra Edge Community Services Inc: Companion Animal Service Employment Centre (CASEC)
Gosnells, Cannington, Armadale, Western Australia
The Companion Animal Service Employment Centre (CASEC) improved the prospects for prisoners
held in Hakea Remand Centre WA to gain meaningful employment through a community service
work site within the prison confines. CASEC focused on mentoring and advocacy, training,
employability skills and work experience with evaluation and feedback before release from prison.
Prisoners were mentored and supported through a program of caring for ex- racing greyhounds
including managing, training and assessing the dogs. CASEC rigorously focused on the development
of employability skills in a real work setting to facilitate employment outcomes on release.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Jesuit Social Services Limited: Kitchen Social Enterprise
Collingwood, Victoria
This social enterprise was targeted towards assisting ex-offenders and those with complex needs.
Through engagement with an employment service provider, participants were provided with
mentoring and contracted case management which assisted in addressing non-vocational barriers to
employment. Further, the project aimed to develop strong industry links in the hospitality and
marketing fields to increase employment opportunities for participants.
This project was reviewed as part of an evaluation of 12 selected Innovation Fund projects. The full
report is available by visiting www.deewr.gov.au and searching “Innovation Fund”.
Job Futures Ltd: Adult Voluntary Post Release Support Service
Corrimal, Warilla, New South Wales
This project supported people being released from detention centres, by assessing and addressing
their barriers to community reintegration. The program provided intensive support to assist the
participants in identifying and addressing their social, familial, health, housing, training and
employment needs. Participants accessed a ‘one stop shop’, with all their personal needs and
barriers addressed on a one-on-one case management basis.
Outcare Incorporated: Stay Connected – An early intervention and unemployment prevention
strategy
Canning Vale, Western Australia
This project provided early intervention to prevent job losses for people who are remanded in
custody pending court appearance. Participants’ families were also provided with support and
advice. The project supported participants by making contact with their employers to maintain and
re-secure their employment within their first week at Hakea Prison.
Task Force Community Agency Inc: Money for Jam
Moorabbin, Victoria
The Money for Jam project engaged females with a history of involvement in illegal activities and/or
undertaking community correctional orders in the Bayside ESA. These women had long periods of
unemployment and low levels of education, and were generally not engaged in employment services
support. The project provided wrap around services through the development of individually
tailored transition plans, improved family and community links and increased independence. It
assisted participants into employment, education and training options and built community
connectedness through improved social skills and networks.
United Synergies Ltd: Smarter Choices
Gympie, Queensland
This project provided a pathway of smarter choices to sustained employment and independence for
a specific group of highly disadvantaged and vulnerable young people who were appearing before
the children’s court. The incidence of reoffending behaviour in young people was reduced through
the establishment of a positive relationship with a dedicated and specialist youth worker focusing on
improving living/life skills, community connectedness and education, training and vocational skills.
Jobless families
Job Futures Ltd: Kwinana Families Community Partnership
Kwinana, Western Australia
This project worked intensively with jobless families affected by intergenerational unemployment.
The project worked with a number of families to develop pathways to ensure they obtained and
sustained employment. The entire family unit was provided with assistance including counselling,
access to other appropriate community services, re-integration into the community through
participation in sports and club activities, career counselling and access to training and work
experience placements. The project assisted participants to be placed into sustainable employment,
thus breaking the cycle of intergenerational unemployment.
Sarina Russo Job Access (Australia) Pty Ltd: P.A.T.H.S- Providing Assistance Through Holistic
Services
Bundaberg, Queensland
Providing Assistance Through Holistic Services, or P.A.T.H.S, is a family case management program
which supported jobless families in Bundaberg to develop pathways to employment and reduce
their dependency on welfare. The program provided tailored, holistic and intensive support for
families caught in a cycle of unemployment. P.A.T.H.S. offered wrap around service solutions and
links participants to relevant community, training and employment programs whilst providing
ongoing case management.
Work Savvy Parents: Parent Mentoring Program
Penrith, New South Wales (servicing job seekers in Western & South Western Sydney) and West
and Northern Brisbane, Queensland
This project assisted disadvantaged parents from jobless families in Western and South Western
Sydney and Ipswich/Logan, Queensland. Participants received one-on-one coaching to address and
assist with their specific needs and their barriers to social inclusion, including literacy or numeracy
deficits, housing problems and poor social or family networks. Participants received assistance with
vocational selection and assessment of their training needs, work experience placements, targeted
reverse marketing, advice on interview preparation and post placement support, such as visits to
employers’ premises. The project provided support to participants until an employment or
education outcome was reached.
Support for social enterprises
Job Futures Ltd: National Social Enterprise Development Support
National
This project provided a national business development support service for DEEWR-funded social
enterprises trading to provide employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged job
seekers. Led by a diagnosis of social enterprise business challenges, it delivered networking
activities, a social enterprise-specific business services directory and development and training
services.
National Employment Services Association Limited: Connecting Social Enterprises
South Melbourne, Victoria
This project tested and evaluated the social enterprise intermediary model to advance the business
objectives of a social enterprise, generate and enhance social innovation and support social
enterprises to generate employment outcomes. The project supported social enterprises currently
funded by DEEWR to become viable over the long term.
Social Firms Australia Ltd: Creating jobs for people with mental illness or disability through social
enterprises
Australian Capital Territory; Cairns, Maroochydore, Queensland; Abbotsford, Geelong, Northcote,
Wangaratta, Bendigo, Windsor, Maryborough, Victoria; Mt Barker, South Australia
This project supported the establishment of two social enterprises per year over the life of the
project. The social enterprises provided employment to participants with mental illness or disability.
The social enterprises also provided employment for people without disability over the life of the
project.