IMPACT wins Inclusive Employment Australia Strong Start Award

IMPACT Community Services was thrilled to take home the Strong Start Award at CoAct’s ConnectUp event earlier this month in recognition of the team’s early excellence in delivering the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) contract.

IEA, delivered by CoAct Australia-wide, is the Australian Government’s new specialist disability employment program that replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) in November 2025.

Serving Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Gladstone, Biloela and Agnes Water, the IMPACT IEA team’s innovative implementation of employment support across these communities and commitment to person-centred service delivery sealed the win for the organisation.

Four IMPACT staff members attended the Sunshine Coast awards evening in their tropical-themed finest to claim the trophy, including General Manager of Training and Employment Jenna Morrish and IEA Regional Manager Felicity Hill.

Jenna said the national award is one of the best outcomes the team could hope for, and it was the carefully selected, values-driven staff driving the program that got IMPACT across the line.

“Finding the right people to deliver services across regional areas was a challenge, but the passion we saw across our footprint made it clear who we needed,” Jenna said.

“Every person we hired brought heart, purpose, and a belief in what IMPACT stands for.”

CoAct commended the organisation on its collaborative and proactive approach and strong partnerships with local employers, community organisations and support services.

Laying this groundwork enabled MPACT to efficiently transition clients into the program, progressing them from the initial consultation phase to hands-on support delivery. By the deadline of 27 January 2026, the team had already commenced 66% of its caseload, surpassing the 60% target.

IMPACT also took centre stage for its impressive client employment outcomes. Less than three weeks into the program, the team had already anchored its first employment placement, with the tally now sitting at 14 placements.

Regional Manager Felicity said it was a team effort, with their outstanding early performance coming down to strong communication, relationships and systems.

“I’m proud of them because it wasn’t easy. When we were having hard days, we would jump on Teams and have a laugh to keep that team morale going,” Felicity said.

“Everyone’s ability to be adaptable, learn on their feet and work together was what got us to where we are now.”

CoAct’s strong onboarding and training before the IEA program’s launch and its ongoing support throughout the rollout was also invaluable, empowering the IMPACT team to put their best foot forward under the new delivery model. 

Award-winning or not, Jenna said the team’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed.

She stated, “You earned this. Your compassion, resilience, and commitment to doing what’s right for participants is what sets IMPACT apart.”

“This win is a celebration of your hard work and the difference you make in people’s lives.”

By putting people at the centre of decision making and building a values-driven team, IMPACT Community Services is creating pathways toward meaningful employment and ultimately doing what it does best: improving lives.