108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
IMPACT Community Services is supporting people with disabilities who want to be part of the local workforce through jobs at the city’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF), owned by Bundaberg Regional Council and managed by IMPACT Community Services.
IMPACT provides around 27 jobs at the facility for employees with disabilities under the Australian Government’s Australian Disability Enterprise. All of the waste from Council’s yellow-top kerbside recycling bins is processed at the MRF, which is located on University Drive in Bundaberg.
IMPACT’s manager of Australian Disability Enterprises Tim Van Kooten said the MRF provides a supportive work environment that allows workers to reach their full potential in this field of work.
“The Material Recovery Facility has a happy and motivated workforce, and some of our employees have been with IMPACT for more than 30 years,” he said.
Mr Van Kooten said each week the Material Recovery Facility processes around 38 council kerbside trucks of recycling – equal to around 114 tonnes of recyclable waste.
“The content is hand sorted, baled and sold to be made into new products,” Mr Van Kooten said.
“We also process commercial recycling, which is about 40 tonnes per week.”
The MRF is also the home of IMPACT’s first Container Refund Point, opened in 2018 as part of the Containers For Change scheme, which encourages Queenslanders to recycle drink containers by offering a 10 cent refund for every eligible container returned.
A second Container Refund Point, located at Green Solutions on Windermere Road, Qunaba, opened opened last year to keep up with the demand from Bundaberg residents and offer another convenient location for collecting container refunds.
Since IMPACT Launched their first Container Refund Point at University Drive in 2018, they’ve recycled more than 14,200,000 containers and put around $1.5 million back into the pockets of Bundaberg residents.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on making changes in your life and the NDIS Support Services at IMPACT.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
Making small decisions can lead to some of the biggest changes to your life, health, creativity, and overall wellbeing.
Whether it be to try something new or meet people, making small decisions for yourself is important.
It’s empowering and can provide you with a sense of purpose; a sense of joy; a sense of self.
And with the right amount of support, opportunity, and motivation, it can be transformative.
It’s part of the reason why IMPACT Community Services is committed to improving lives.
Whether it’s through building capacity and/or capability for individual personal or professional needs - IMPACT has numerous programs which support and enable vulnerable people to make changes and improve their life and community connection.
Within our NDIS Services these include the Focus on Fitness program and The Shed.
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, families and carers will have access to the help they need to support people with disability so they can participate in a life filled with community and employment opportunities.
The NDIS provides Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary support they need to enjoy life.
IMPACT has centre-based activities, community-based activities, individual support, and employment opportunities.
The Focus on Fitness program focuses on friendship and fitness by facilitating sporting activities and exercise.
There are currently two positions available in the program for anyone looking to participate.
IMPACT also has a plethora of opportunity for friendship, creativity and upskilling in The Shed.
Learning how to use power tools and build material objects along with confidence and new skillsets are among the opportunities supported in The Shed.
If you would like to participate in the woodworking program in The Shed, now’s your chance. There are currently two positions available.
Our support services promote choice and control and are tailored to suit one’s specific needs.
We aim to help you engage with your community and educational activities, to build independence and overall confidence. For more information about the support services click here or phone 4153 4233.
Bowling over success at Bundy Bowl and Leisure Centre, IMPACT Community Services’ bowling team has celebrated their year at the alley.
At the recent award presentation, it was revealed that our team has taken out the top gong in the friendly rivalry between IMPACT Community Services and CLS.
IMPACT's Bundy Incredabowls are certainly living up to their name!
Alongside this trophy, numerous individual awards were given out, some of which were:
Bruce Gossner – Best Overall Player
Patrick Jen – The Wise One
Adam Lawson – The Quiet Achiever
Luke Henry – The Larrikin
Norman Greer – Most Consistent
The team will be back in the alley next year on January 7.
If you would like to find out more information about IMPACT's community based activities, click here.
See some of the photos from the presentation below!
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on inclusivity and opportunity for International Day of People with Disability.
To see people for who they are and the things they are capable of is an incredibly simple and yet powerful gift.
When you encourage and support people to embody their potential, the impact can be monumental and that’s what IMPACT Community Services strives for daily.
Today, December 3, the International Day of People with Disability and this year’s theme is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.
IDPwD is about increasing awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
IMPACT has spent years helping people improve their lives in line with their goals and passions by creating diverse and inclusive opportunities.
Our support services promote choice and control and are tailored to suit a person’s specific needs.
Our aim is to help people engage with your community and educational activities, to build their independence and overall confidence.
At IMPACT there are various avenues in which we are helping people with a disability engage and participate in the community.
From supported employment opportunities at the Material Recovery Facility, to developing new skills in Rob’s Shed and creating a fun and inclusive environment with the community choir; there’s something for everyone.
In Rob’s Shed, participants are taught how to use power tools and materials to construct a range of different items safely.
Time in the workshop is not only affording participants a chance to engage in a different activity, but also giving people an opportunity to learn and develop skills to move into employment.
The work done in Rob’s Shed is helping to build confidence, skills and of course woodworking projects.
Some of the past creations in the shed include bird boxes, toolboxes, pallet furniture and dog houses.
IMPACT also has Manga art sessions, craft and cooking activities designed to boost individual independence and fun!
For more information about IMPACT’s support services, call 4153 4233.
IMPACT Community Services is excited to offer three new NDIS services to assist the Bundaberg community.
To help celebrate, the not-for-profit organisation will have the Hitz 93.9 Bundaberg radio station performing a live broadcast from their Bargara Road head office on Wednesday June 30 from 9am to 12pm.
The new services include Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, Support Coordination, a Dungeons and Dragons group, and the Lights, Camera, Action film and photography group.
NDIS Manager Sorelle Mackinnon said the programs would provide a level of support not yet provided in the community.
“The Psychosocial Recovery Coaching offers a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health to eligible participants,” Ms Mackinnon said.
“We build respectful relationships and facilitate essential day-to-day assistance, coaching, support, and resilience building.
“At the moment this service is not offered through any other NDIS provider in Bundaberg even though it is so greatly required, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this for our community.”
The program will also offer support coordination.
“For over 20 years we have provided disability supports to the community, but coordinating services to fit a participant’s needs is a step in a new direction for IMPACT,” Ms Mackinnon said.
IMPACT staff will consult with participants, assess their NDIS plan and goals and connect them to varying services available within the broader community, providing comprehensive service provision.
Ms Mackinnon said it had been identified that services tailored to the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community were heavily underrepresented.
“In light of this we have created two group-based activities to facilitate a level of social interaction people with ASD might be comfortable participating in,” she said.
The new Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) support program is currently taking expressions of interest, with a very keen NDIS participant eager to begin their role as the IMPACT Dungeon Master.
D&D is a fantasy storytelling game where players can take on roles and complete mystical battles against creatures to get themselves out of trouble.
While there are many online gamer options available to D&D enthusiasts, playing the game in-person provides a unique experience and creates an opportunity for social interaction between players.
“Because it’s a game that a lot of people already play online we’re hoping many will feel a sense of comfort to participate in this in-person experience,” Ms Mackinnon said.
The second support program called Lights, Camera, Action will teach photo and videoing digital skills to participants to help them connect better with not only themselves but with others.
Expressing individual creativity and exploring different visual mediums can be a communicative experience for an artist who may struggle voicing their thoughts, emotions, or views verbally.
Photo and video creation can also allow for others to connect to the work and feel seen or understood as well.
The Lights, Camera, Action program encourages social media to be used as a positive tool to express oneself while teaching safe use of the online platform.
“These group-based services have been adapted to include people who normally might normally avoid social situations,” Ms Mackinnon said.
“Both groups provide a foundational common interest, which provides a potential talking point and effectively removes the first barrier of communication.
“Secondly, it’s a game that a lot of people already play online and feel a sense of comfort participating in.”
If you or someone you know could be interested in the services on offer, visit IMPACT at 108 Bargara Rd, East Bundaberg or phone 4153 4233.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
Connecting with others is one of the many ways people maintain a sense of belonging.
Sharing common interests or values usually forms the basis of most friendships, but some people find it harder to open up about their hobbies or passions to others.
IMPACT Community Services understands that starting conversations can be more difficult for some, particularly those who are comfortable in their own company or people who live with a disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
To help establish these foundations IMPACT has created two new programs that are tailored to certain hobbies to provide an environment where the common interest between participants has already been identified.
The new Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) support program is currently taking expressions of interest, with a very keen NDIS participant eager to begin their role as the IMPACT Dungeon Master.
D&D is a fantasy storytelling game where players can take on roles and complete mystical battles against creatures to get themselves out of trouble.
While there are many online gamer options available to D&D enthusiasts, playing the game in-person provides a unique experience and creates an opportunity for social interaction between players.
The second support program called Lights, Camera, Action will teach photo and videoing digital skills to participants to help them connect better with not only themselves but with others.
Expressing individual creativity and exploring different visual mediums can be a communicative experience for an artist who may struggle voicing their thoughts, emotions, or views verbally.
Photo and video creation can also allow for others to connect to the work and feel seen or understood as well.
The Lights, Camera, Action program encourages social media to be used as a positive tool to express oneself while teaching safe use of the online platform.
Another fantastic service we have recently implemented is our new Psychosocial Recovery Coaching program.
This program offers a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health to eligible participants by building respectful relationships and providing essential day-to-day assistance, coaching, support, and resilience building.
Managing our mental health and wellness is so important, and having the right people to talk to can make a huge difference in our overall wellbeing.
The program also offers support coordination which connects all eligible NDIS participants to the wide range of services available within the broader community.
Our support workers consult with clients according to their plan and goals and match their needs to provide comprehensive support both at IMPACT and through external organisations.
To learn more about out suite of NDIS services, visit us on Wednesday June 30 as a local radio station performs a live broadcast from the front of our building.
You will be able to view Cooee and Manga artworks on display, and our NDIS staff will be available to speak about our various programs.
The IMPACT Community Choir will also be on deck and welcomes everyone to view their weekly rehearsal from 10am – 11am.
It’s going to be a great morning celebrating our NDIS community – don’t miss it!
Check out our NDIS services here and download our weekly calendar.
Jo took up her new role just last week and says of her first rehearsal, “It went really great.”
Jo has big plans for the choir and one of those is to get it up and running as soon as possible to entertain the citizens of Bundaberg.
Jo has lived in Bundaberg for the last 15 years after moving from Melbourne with her musician husband Peter Knight.
She became one of the area's busiest singing teachers, with students travelling from as far as Agnes Water, Childers, Gin Gin and Tiaro.
Jo was trained herself by many outstanding singing teachers including Jonathan Welch OAM who conducted The Choir of Hard Knocks.
During her halcyon days of the eighties and nineties, Jo fronted some of Melbourne’s top cover bands which supported the likes of Concrete Blonde, John Paul Young and Renee Geyer at Melbourne clubs like Billboard and The Palais at St. Kilda.
Now her stage is the community venues of Bundaberg, bringing joy to our local residents and making sure the choir has as much fun as possible.
Jo is no stranger to working with people with a disability as she has taught many in one-on-one sessions, but hadn't yet tackled the challenge of a whole choir.
“Singing brings them out of themselves,” she said, “and they can't hide their joy.”
“Most people when they sing are reserved or self-conscious, but they don't care what people think and their joy is infectious. And everyone loves a singalong.”
Jo plans to incorporate more hand movements and subtle choreography into the performance.
Currently they are working on 'Crazy little thing called love' and 'Eye of the Tiger' and with the latter she will encourage them to punch the air and make other movements that will bring the song alive.
“It's going to be fun,” she said.
“We'll work it out together, and grow together as we do. It's a great opportunity for them to shine.”
The IMPACT Community Choir has been shining since 2011 and consists of a range of different people from varied organisations and of all abilities who love to sing.
Our choir members are people with a disability or psychosocial barrier, support workers, volunteers and IMPACT staff, and has performed at local aged care facilities, community groups and events.
If you love to sing and would like to join in please phone 4153 4233 and ask to speak with our NDIS department. If you'd like to invite the choir to perform at your venue or next event, go to https://impact.org.au/support-and-wellbeing/disability-mental-health/community-choir/
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
I recently sat down with one of our Cooee participants to discuss how she was finding the group, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and fulfillment as she opened up about her experience.
Cooee is an arts and crafts group for women who are living with a mental health condition or have a NDIS plan.
The ladies meet twice a week to make everything from pot plants and dream catchers to paper lanterns and hot meals, and plenty in between.
But it became overwhelmingly clear during this conversation that it wasn’t the crafts these ladies came for; it was each other.
Each story this woman told came back to togetherness.
To friendship. To healing.
Research shows that when we use our hands on a task that doesn’t demand much cognitive capacity, it gives the mind a chance to relax.
As our hands busy themselves, the cogs in our brains get a break from everyday thinking, and this is when we start processing less demanding tasks.
“The Breakout Principle” suggests that when we engage in a repetitive task, completely taking our minds off the issues we have been struggling with, the solution will often appear.
The Cooee program provides this for our participants, because we’re in the business of improving lives.
These women have overcome various personal hurdles, and the thing they credit most is the time spent with others, sharing a coffee, and being able to voice whatever might be on their mind.
A safe space; a listening ear; an understanding nod.
I started to think how, in our own busy lives, we often overlook that cup of coffee at a friend’s place.
In a world where many strive for perfection, or the appearance of perfection, I wondered if perhaps we had forgotten how to be vulnerable, and in doing so, overlooked the importance of vulnerability.
We choose to meet out for coffee so our friends don’t see the messy lounge room or the laundry yet to be folded.
We apply filters to our photos to look a little less tired.
We don’t share that old memory to social media because we’ve certainly gained weight during those additional years living.
Our mental health starts with us, and is supported by those we hold closest.
So invite that friend into your home and forget the mess, because everyone’s got mess, and simply focus on connection.
While you’re at it, give the filter the flick, because everybody has imperfections, and share the moments that make you happy.
After all, your happiness is what really matters, and it starts with vulnerability.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary support they need to enjoy life.
Under the NDIS families and carers have access to the help they need to support people with disability so they can participate in a life filled with community and employment opportunities.
IMPACT Community Services has been providing disability support services to the Bundaberg community for 20 years.
The disability sector has evolved significantly over this time, and IMPACT prides itself on its ability to continuously adapt with the climate.
After assessing and reviewing the needs of people with a NDIS plan in the Bundaberg region, our NDIS department has put together some new programs to better meet our community’s needs.
We are eager to have our mental health recovery program begin in the next few weeks, which will offer one-on-one mental health support to NDIS participants.
STRONGER TOGETHER: Community Hub to benefit Bundaberg
Research shows many participants require mental health support however few have access to appropriate services.
Support coordination will also become available shortly at IMPACT, which will involve a dedicated staff member who will work with participants to assess their goals and find complimentary and beneficial services.
Lights, Camera, Action is another new program which will be group-based and teach participants how to shoot and edit video content to make short films.
Our fourth and final new addition to our suite of NDIS services is a Dungeons and Dragons group.
Another group-based program, the D&D service will provide a space for likeminded people to meet and play the fantasy game in a safe space, topped with a Dungeon Master (Support Worker) leading the way.
STRONGER TOGETHER: Your mindset begins with you
We are also thrilled to welcome two new NDIS support workers to our IMPACT family who will host these new programs for our participants.
These fantastic new additions join our already popular suite of services; the Cooee arts group, Manga drawing class, Fitness for Fun, Rob’s Shed, Community Access Group, and the famous IMPACT Community Choir, which will be singing once again this Wednesday, April 21.
If you or someone you know might enjoy or benefit from our inclusive and welcoming programs, please reach out by phoning 4153 4233.
It is such a joy to see our NDIS community engage in rewarding activities that allow them to reach their goals.
IMPACT is in the game of improving lives; let’s work together to make a difference.
Jannene Thorn knows a thing or two about lending a helping hand to those in need of support.
Jannene is IMPACT Community Services' Manager of Mental Health Services and has worked at IMPACT for 10 years across at least four different programs.
Jannene loves the work she does and the reputation IMPACT has in the community.
“I work here because the mission, vision and values align with mine,” Jannene said.
“And I work here because I enjoy empowering vulnerable people so that they become independent and no longer need support.”
Jannene said that IMPACT was great because of its diversity, scope and wrap-around services.
“Someone will come as a jobseeker and wind up in parental support, or one of our other programs which is right next door,” she said.
“People are being referred across programs all the time – it's a one-stop shop here.”
Mental Health programs at IMPACT Community Services
Jannene was a chef before entering the community services field, but after 19 years she felt “burned out” and needed a change of career.
She has a brother with disability so had plenty of experience in caring; it seemed natural to work in that sector. Jannene started working eight hours a week at IMPACT as a casual disability support worker, but soon became full time.
“My lived experience with my brother made me stronger as a support worker,” she said.
“You already know what standards of care are needed to look after someone properly.”
IMPACT's Community Hub: A one-stop-shop of service providers
Jannene spent three years as disability support worker before moving to early intervention in parenting as a Team Leader.
She then worked in supported employment at our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), looking after our workers with a disability.
“I really loved it and almost didn't want to leave,” she said.
But then Jannene found her calling as Manager of Mental Health Services, looking after a vast area of the Wide Bay. She now manages nine programs and organises the collaboration with other various support services.
“We collaborate well with the community,” Jannene said.
“We partner with other services, all with the end view of a better outcome for the client.”
Jannene manages a staff of 10, all mental health experts with vast experience.
“We use a strengths-based recovery approach,” she said.
“It’s whatever works well with the client.”
Jannene's plans for the future involve co-designing mental health programs and trying to establish a wider footprint across Queensland.
And of course, helping more people to improve their lives.
IMPACT Community Services has been providing disability support to the Bundaberg community for 20 years with a mental health and goals-oriented focus.
The programs provided have changed with time and continue to grow with feedback from IMPACT’s NDIS and disability participants.
Arguably the most popular service at IMPACT, Rob’s Shed invites NDIS participants into the building and construction environment.
Here, students are guided in woodworking and craftsmanship, from creating bird boxes and toolboxes to pallet furniture and dog houses.
Woodworking is known for its positive effects on mental health and function.
This course, which runs on Monday and Thursday, is also a great way to meet new people who have similar interests and learn new skills along the way.
New participant Mannan joined Rob’s Shed a few months ago for one-on-one sessions, having an interest in sanding.
“Being sensitive to noise and finding it hard to concentrate, we are so happy to see him using different tools like the drilling machine, circular saw, nail gun and planer safely with assistance and following Rob’s instructions,” Mannan’s mother said.
“He is very excited for the small projects he works on. He looks forward for the sessions.”
IMPACT’s NDIS Coordinator Roz Blood said woodworking was great therapy for people with anxiety and mental health issues.
“And it's perfect for NDIS participants,” she said.
“Rob's Shed is more a social format and participants work on group projects… the skills you learn in this course you can replicate at home on your own.”
Check out our range of NDIS services
The service is run by experienced tradesman and namesake Rob Wallace who is big on workplace health and safety and prides himself on the fact there’s not been anyone injured during the three years his shed has been running.
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” Rob said about the role.
“There are a few of the people here who have been with me now for a couple of years.
“They really enjoy the work. We have quite a few projects going at any one time to make sure people don’t get bored.”
“It’s all about skilling people and making sure they know how to use the tools safely.”
Rob’s Shed now has two female participants who also enjoy the activities.
Other services on offer at IMPACT include the Cooee arts group, Fitness for Fun, Manga Art and the Community Access Group.
The monthly excursions and monthly Friday night outings were put on hold due to COVID but will be back and better than ever very soon.
While not exclusively run by the NDIS department, the IMPACT Choir is a big hit within the community and will also be returning next month.
The choir offers an inclusive environment for all people to sing along and perform together.
For more information on IMPACT’s NDIS and disability services phone 4153 4233.
Read about Sarah the Skip Truck Operator turned woodworking wonder
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
For 20 years IMPACT has offered disability services to the Bundaberg community, and we are thrilled to see the return of our Community Choir after it was put on hold due to COVID restrictions.
On March 17 we will hold our first choir group since February last year.
It’s sad to think it’s been 12 months since we’ve heard the joy of our choir, but to know it’s coming back better than ever warms my heart.
This year marks the 10th year of operation for the IMPACT Choir and our staff and participants could not be more eager to hit the stage once again.
Our Choir members are people with a disability or psychosocial barrier, support workers, volunteers and IMPACT staff who meet each Wednesday to rehearse and learn new songs.
Other community organisations are also welcome to attend and bring their clients along.
Previously members from Community Lifestyle Support, Endeavour, Carinbundi and YMCA have regularly been involved in rehearsals and performances to provide further social interaction for participants.
The Choir is supported by support staff who bring their own music accompaniment, expertise and love of music to assist each week.
Learn more about our IMPACT Community Choir
Research has found singing reduces stress, improves breathing and posture, and provides cognitive stimulation to help memory function.
While our choir members have formerly excelled in more traditional genres, this new chapter is looking to introduce modern hits from artists we all know and love.
The choir used to perform on alternate Wednesdays at venues such as aged care facilities, community groups and events, which we hope to begin again soon.
The smiles and delight our choir bring are such a pleasure for everyone involved.
If you haven’t treated yourself to an IMPACT choir performance yet, I urge you to keep your eyes peeled for the next public announcement; you’re sure to be overcome with a happiness only our choir can foster.
If you love to sing and would like to join in, or if you would like to volunteer your expertise, get in touch by phoning 4153 4233.
We need you! Join the choir today.
Tiffany Kelly began her training course at IMPACT Community Services with hopes of finding a career in disability support, but had no idea how quickly her dreams would become reality.
Tiffany is about to complete her CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at IMPACT and has managed to secure a job in the industry with a provider of community support services to people living with a disability.
Tiffany said she was excited at the prospect of working with such a great organisation.
“Our trainer Elise said they were hiring three people,” she said, “so I went down there and they signed me up. It's casual to begin with but after three months (there is) the option of continuing on a more permanent and regular basis.”
Like many others, Tiffany became interested in disability support through personal experience. She has extended family members with a disability, one on the autism spectrum and one with cerebral palsy which has provided her with a unique insight into the challenges they face.
She would watch how their mother cared for them with great interest and would help when she could.
Tiffany is enjoying her training, making several good friends among the 19 other students and has one close friend who has maintained contact outside the course.
“The staff are really good and very helpful, very approachable about any difficulties you're having and how to find the right info,” she said.
Tiffany, a young mother of two, said she benefited from being able to study in the classroom with face-to-face interaction with Elise as well as the e-learning supports provided. She said having sessions recorded and available for review was beneficial.
“I just find it easier,” Tiffany said.
She's looking forward to her new career and helping her clients find their place in the world.
“I get to help them lead fulfilling lives and see they can be doing the things that everybody else does,” she said.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director
At IMPACT we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture.
Our ethos is based around helping people realise their potential and providing avenues to assist them in reaching their goals.
Our services range from family support, training, employment, mental health and disability support, just to name a few.
But one area of our organisation I am deeply proud of are the opportunities we have created for assisted employees.
The Material Recycling Facility (MRF) employs 23 NDIS participants, and our New Image Laundry is another avenue for supported staff.
Many of our supported employees have not held jobs prior to working at IMPACT and found it difficult to become employed.
See IMPACT's NDIS services here
Yesterday, December 3, was the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD), with this year’s theme being “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.
Everyone has been affected by Coronavirus in one way or another, and now as we focus on returning back to “normal”, I would urge people to consider what “normal” should look like.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018 almost 50% of employed people with a disability reported experiencing unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their employer.
Two in five reported that they experienced unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their work colleagues.
This data shows Queenslanders have a long way to go when it comes to acceptance and inclusion of all people not only in the workforce, but in everyday life.
The conversation about the benefits of hiring people with a disability needs to be highlighted.
Our NDIS participants bring a mountain of life and joy to our organisation, and their happiness and willingness to learn is contagious.
NDIS participant Sarah creates impressive building blocks at Rob's Shed
Some of our staff have been working at the MRF for over 30 years and their dedication is second to none.
Just like diversity in age and culture is important, so is a range of abilities in a workforce. It exposes people to a different “normal”, encourages greater understanding and generates acceptance, which benefits our entire community.
So have the conversation, do some research and encourage others to engage with disability awareness. We all deserve to be accepted.
Sarah Sturrock is a well-known face at IMPACT Community Services’ Material Recycling Facility and knows a thing or two about skip trucks and recycling.
But lately Sarah has been working with a different kind of material – timber.
One of IMPACT’s most successful NDIS programs, Rob’s Shed, teaches participants how to safely and effectively use power tools and materials to construct a range of different items.
Find out more about our NDIS services
Sarah’s hearing aids are so impressive that they not only amplify sound to help her hear, but they also mute noise for her automatically when she is working with machinery.
Sarah knew her nephew’s birthday was coming up so set out to build him a set of timber blocks to play with.
“I had learnt from my grandfather, he was in woodwork, and would make different types of things,” Sarah said.
“I learnt (woodworking) from high school and liked it, so thought I would try again.”
Her nephew was so excited when he received the gift that he hopped in the trolley and started wheeling himself around.
Sarah began making the blocks some six months ago and is thrilled to finally have them finished.
“My family said, ‘great job Sarah, about time’,” she laughed, as her nephew’s birthday had passed some months ago.
Sarah had spent three hours every fortnight for the past six months creating the blocks for her nephew.
NDIS Support Worker Andrew Lloyd said Sarah had been incredibly dedicated to the project.
Work with us: check the Careers page
“It’s a legacy to her pop and her dad and I think that’s beautiful,” Andrew said.
“She’s always here 15 minutes early with her tools and gives 100% in the workshop, she’s got a real passion for it.
“She had pictured in her head what she wanted to make and then it was just a matter of finding the time and staff to help her.”
Sarah is never short of ideas, having constructed a bookshelf from the slats of an old timber bed she had pulled apart and brought in.
“I’m really proud of what she’s achieved,” Andrew said.
“Everything that I’ve taught her, to make her a better woodworker, comes back to her as she’s working. You can see her confidence in using the machinery has really improved.”
Next on the construction agenda is a timber toolbox, made from recycled materials, to put her drill, sanders and other equipment in. We can’t wait to see the finished product.