In a groundbreaking initiative, The Disability Trust and Southern Cross Housing have joined forces to expand a program that is aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve sustainable employment. This collaborative effort is supported by the Federal Government’s Workskills and Workability Programs.

The program will promote the Workskills and WorkAbility programs to eligible Southern Cross Housing (SCH) tenants, providing them with the necessary tools and support to enter the workforce with confidence. The Disability Trust, renowned for its commitment to creating job opportunities for people with disability, will work directly with local employers and SCH tenants to carve out roles that not only match the job seekers’ strengths but also offer long-term career prospects.

The Federal Government’s Workskills and WorkAbility Programs are at the heart of this initiative, with aims that include:

  • Building employer-employee relationships to foster successful employment of individuals with disabilities.
  • Providing key employment skills such as resume building, interview preparation, and direct employer negotiations.
  • Offering workspace access for job searching and online applications.
  • Enhancing digital literacy through training in computers, smartphones, and essential software, thereby increasing employability and self-sufficiency in navigating government services.
  • Supporting current employees with disability facing job loss due to disability-related challenges.

In May 2024, The Disability Trust and Southern Cross Housing hosted the first of a series of free Employability Workshops for SCH tenants who are recipients of the Disability Support Pension or live with a disability.  A number of SCH tenants have since gained employment and/or are working towards that goal. Further workshops are being hosted in:

  • Ulladulla – 14th November 2024
  • Batemans Bay – 2nd February 2025

Shane Meijer, General Manager, Housing Services said “We are proud to be working on this project with The Disability Trust and are looking forward to the positive changes this project could result in as we work together to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.

What to expect at the Workshop
Understanding Disability Support Pension (DSP) and Employment
Information on the DSP- exploring Income, Information on how working effects the DSP, How much you can earn with the DSP? and information on work credits and Centrelink.
Getting Job Ready with Workskillls Employment Consultants-Chloe, and Narissa
• Learn about the services offered by Workability/Workskillls to assist participants into work.
• Strategies for interview preparation, crafting tailored resumes, and job applications.
Insights from Employer Representatives
• Discover employer expectations and how they are providing opportunities to create an inclusive work place
Navigating the Job Market with Isabelle,
• Overview of current job vacancies.
• Understanding employer expectations and customized training opportunities for people living with disabilities.
Success Stories
   • EC Aidan to introduce Andrew Radford ( Autism Ambassador and currently on Assembly ABC)
• Hear inspiring employment journey supported by TDT. This is Andrew our participant that is coming along to talk at our Batemans bay and Ulladulla events about his          employment journey he is very inspiring https://youtu.be/ZOtmELZ8ct8?feature=shared
Light Lunch and Refreshments

To register to attend the workshop please fill the form below