108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
When Levi Lamb was just 13 years old, his mum Karen began her fight against stage four melanoma cancer. Nearly a decade later, Karen battles on and, at age 21, Levi is motivated by his time caring for her as he works towards his dream career in the disability support sector.
Thanks to IMPACT Community Services’ CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support – Disability course, he’s weeks away from making his dream a reality.
He may be a fresh face in the disability space, but Levi said he’s got eight years of experience looking after his mum, taking on tasks for the first time, tasks that most teenagers couldn’t comprehend.
“It’s really shown me how to care for somebody. It’s actually brought me joy,” Levi said.
“I like seeing people achieve their goals and live as independently as possible.”
On top of his mum’s illness, Levi’s nephew has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities, while his nana is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s, adding to his first-hand knowledge.
However, while Levi has wisdom beyond his years in the hands-on art of personal care, he’s never had employment.
His disability training journey started when he told his youth employment agency, yourtown, that his heart was set on the disability industry. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code 0115), IMPACT was an obvious choice for yourtown’s team, who connected Levi with the organisation’s Disability Training and Assessor, Julie Wilcox.
Julie said that it took Levi a few weeks to find his feet. Having started the course two weeks late, he was under pressure from the get-go. Add to this his struggle to read and write, a product of his disrupted schooling, and it was no wonder that Levi was falling behind.
However, he was in good hands, because support is what IMPACT does best. In addition to assistive technology such as text-to-speech, Levi was backed by IMPACT’s new Student Support Coach, Christine Ortt, whose one-on-one support proved to be a turning point.
Drawing on her background as a skilled disability support worker, Chrissy spent days working alongside Levi, helping him navigate his learning challenges by breaking complex information into smaller, manageable pieces and building his confidence step by step.
Julie said Chrissy’s calm, practical approach helped Levi realise that his learning difficulties did not define his ability or his future.
“He suddenly realised he could do it,” Julie said.
“He took off and completed units to the end of the class, way before class was meant to be finished.”
Levi said the course is everything he hoped for, and he credits Julie and her 17 years of industry experience for the leaps and bounds he’s made since starting the 22-week class in February.
“I love this course. I really enjoy it,” Levi said. “It makes me happy because this is my dream job.”
“Julie is a really big thing in my life because she’s helped me and she’s a really good trainer.
“It just makes sense now and it’s opened my eyes to a lot of things.”
Julie said the disability sector will be lucky to have Levi, who brings a rare form of empathy and a lovely nature.
“He’s helpful. He’s always trying to do something for me. He’s just got a beautiful personality,” Julie said.
To put their learnings into practice, every disability student completes 120 hours of work experience over six weeks in the Bundaberg community.
Levi is continuing to learn and grow at Care Right Associates, a local disability service. He’s trying his hand at everything from feeding clients to supporting them with personal care.
Julie said that placements offer an ideal opportunity for students to get their foot in the door, with students who play their cards right often securing employment with their placement organisation.
She tries to match each student to a service provider that suits them, and after a representative from the service provider guest presented to the class, Julie knew Care Right Associates was the place for Levi.
Levi couldn’t agree more. He said he’s got his eye on a career at Care Right Associates that spans far beyond his placement.
“They’ve got a heap of variety. They’ve got music things, learning to cook. They go tubing,” he said.
“It makes me happy that there's companies out there that are making the disability sector more independent.”
As Levi nears the end of his studies, his mum’s journey to recovery isn’t over yet. Having recently been diagnosed with myeloid leukemia on top of her melanoma, she has been calling a hospital in Brisbane home for the last three months as she receives treatment.
However, Levi said he sees light at the end of the tunnel.
“I love my mum so much, and she’s come a long way,” Levi said.
“She’s a fighter. It’s been a long haul, but she’s getting there.”
Levi’s story is proof that good can come from bad, and through a combination of training, persistence and passion, dreams really can come true.
If you share Levi’s passion and want to gain accredited training in disability work, learn more about IMPACT’s Certificate III disability course at https://impact.org.au/employment-training/certificate-lll-training-courses/certificate-lll-disability/
The Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.
When Amy Macdonald first connected with IMPACT Community Services as a teenager, she was looking for a way into the workforce; she didn’t realise she was starting a seven‑year journey of growth.
That journey reflects IMPACT Community Services’ long‑standing commitment to growing its own pipeline of talent, with Amy’s progression from job seeker to Container Refund Point (CRP) and Logistics Supervisor a perfect example.
The organisation was Amy’s job seeker agency when she was a teenager, paving the way for her to upskill through IMPACT’s Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. When Amy was working to attain this certificate in late 2018 and early 2019, her supervisor saw her potential.
Keen to see her grow alongside the organisation, he recommended her for a position opening at New iMAGE Laundry, one of IMPACT’s commercial social enterprises. The rest is history, with Amy marking seven years with IMPACT in February.
Amy said her four years at New iMAGE Laundry was a gamechanger, helping her understand the working world and giving her the skills she needed to thrive.
“I was 17 when I started there. It was all new to me,” Amy said. “I built my confidence in the workforce and got used to having regular work time.”
During her time at the laundry, Amy also began working Saturdays at IMPACT’s University Drive CRP, broadening her experience and helping her purchase her first home.
After leaving the laundry, Amy continued her Saturday shifts with IMPACT while working full‑time in the technology sector. Before long, however, she realised that recycling was where her passion truly lay.
She went on to take on additional hours at IMPACT, working casually at the Quanaba CRP until its closure in March 2025, before transferring to the University Drive site. It wasn’t long before a supervisory position became available, and Amy was a shoo‑in for the role.
Amy said her favourite part of the job is the people she works with.
“I like the team. I like that it's active,” she said.
The opportunities she has for growth and professional development also sweeten the deal. With support and funding from IMPACT, Amy secured her forklift licence mid last year.
Her ambitions don’t stop there, with Amy hoping to soon get her licence to step behind the wheel of IMPACT’s logistics trucks as a fill‑in driver. These trucks collect COEX container cages from the CRP depos that IMPACT services.
IMPACT Recycling and Collections Manager Gavin Steele said Amy’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved when people are given time, trust and opportunity.
“Amy has a very good work ethic and a high level of integrity, and she is not afraid to jump in and do any tasks required,” Gavin said.
“It has been a pleasure to see her take on new responsibilities. She leads by example, which is a great leadership trait.”
It just goes to show that when the right support is in place, potential can turn into long‑term success, not just for individuals like Amy, but for the organisation as a whole.
For more information on IMPACT’s recycling family, visit the IMPACT Recycling Hub website.
IMPACT Community Services is thrilled to welcome Tania Willett as the new Hospitality Trainer and Assessor for the Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622). With delivery paused through 2025 while IMPACT searched for the right person, Tania’s arrival marks the start of an exciting new chapter for our hospitality stream.
Tania may be new to training, but she’s anything but new to hospitality. With more than 25 years of industry experience, she has built a career across almost every corner of the sector.
“I started at McDonald's when I was 14,” Tania said. “In high school I completed my Certificate II in Hospitality, and I’ve continued building on that ever since. I’ve worked in everything from fast food to large-scale events with more than 700 people.”
With Bundaberg’s strong tourism industry and diverse local employers, Tania says hospitality is a career full of opportunity.
“Hospitality opens doors everywhere: cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, hotels, accommodation, tour guiding… even the reef,” she said. “Lady Musgrave recruits every year. Imagine having the Great Barrier Reef as your weekly commute!”
For Tania, one of the greatest strengths of the industry is its flexibility.
“It’s such an accessible career,” she said. “My husband and I took the kids travelling for two years, and I could find work wherever we went. Even starting as a dish hand can get your foot in the door. The pathways are endless.”
Her passion for teaching began five years ago when a long-time colleague encouraged her to explore becoming a trainer. Over time, she noticed a growing need for strong customer service and decided it was time to pass her skills on.
After completing her training and assessment qualification in December, Tania started looking for her first opportunity in the VET sector and found the perfect fit at IMPACT.
“Everything happened really quickly,” she said. “A lot of places want you to have classroom experience, but you can’t get that unless someone gives you a chance. IMPACT told me they were looking for the right people and the right culture fit, and that the rest I could learn.”
Tania now joins the team ready to inspire the next generation of hospitality workers with her industry knowledge, enthusiasm, and heart for people.
IMPACT’s next Certificate III in Hospitality class starts on 9 February. To enquire, contact Tania and the team via training@impact.org.au or 07 4153 4233. For more information, visit the website.
At IMPACT Community Services, wellbeing isn’t a perk, it’s a foundation. For Jenna, one of our General Managers, joining IMPACT marked a turning point in her career and her life. After years of pushing through burnout in a high-pressure role, she found a workplace where people come first, balance is real and care is embedded in everything we do.
In my previous role, I was always wearing too many hats, constantly striving to meet unrealistic expectations, most of which I placed on myself. I rarely said ‘No’, pushed through exhaustion, and ignored signs my body was sending me. I didn’t know my limits, and over time, that relentless pace caught up with me. Burnout crept in quietly at first, but eventually, it consumed every part of my day.
It wasn’t one big moment but a collection of little ones. Constant fatigue, irritability, and a deep sense of detachment from the work that once excited me. I’d wake up already drained and that’s when I knew something had to give, and it couldn’t be me anymore.
The name IMPACT Community Services appealed to me straight away but it was the culture I saw reflected in how people talked about their work-life harmony that really pulled me in. I wanted a workplace where wellbeing wasn’t just a buzzword, but an actual practice. IMPACT promised me that, and I was ready to believe in it.
My first few weeks at IMPACT were refreshing, grounding and surprisingly emotional. I had space to breath, for the first time in years. The pace here values people, not just constant productivity. I wasn’t expected to hit the ground running with superhuman speed but instead, I was met with empathy, flexibility and time to adjust and find my feet.
Work-life balance now means I get to live my life AND do meaningful work. I have time to move my body, connect with loved ones and pursue interests outside of the office and I no longer feel guilty for logging off at a reasonable hour. To me, balance means feeling whole, not just functioning to try and get by.
Since I started work at IMPACT my wellbeing has improved immensely. My energy is steadier, my sleep has improved, and I’ve become more present in the everyday moments, and more reflective in the way I engage at work. I feel not only supported but genuinely empowered.
I can now set boundaries with confidence. I now know and trust that saying ‘No’ can actually be a strength, not a weakness and I have time for ongoing learning, passion projects and mentoring others, all things I longed for, but never had space for before.
My leadership style has also evolved too. I believe I now lead with empathy and an understanding that performance stems from wellbeing. I prioritise regular check-ins with my staff, celebrate small wins and make space for conversations beyond deadlines. I’ve shifted from managing tasks, to supporting people.
To others feeling burnt out in high-pressure roles, I’d say: listen to yourself. Your body, mind and heart will tell you when enough is enough, you just have to listen. Find the courage to slow down before burnout forces it on you. It’s okay to want more than just survival. You deserve a life where you feel fulfilled, not just efficient.
Burnout doesn’t make you weak, it’s a signal that something needs love and care and that something is you.
If you had told Lilly-Pearl Hancock two years ago that she’d soon complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), gain her independence, buy her first car, and be planning an exciting holiday—she would’ve laughed in disbelief.
Today, Lilly-Pearl is a proud graduate of IMPACT Community Services’ training program and one of the top three finalists for 2025 Equity Student of the Year in the North Coast region as part of the Queensland Training Awards.
But her journey wasn’t without struggles. It began with fear, self-doubt, and a lack of confidence.
“I didn’t think I could do it,” she admitted. “I was scared to commit because I’d struggled so much in school.”
Thanks to the unwavering support of her family, her Get Set for Work Youth Coach, Student Support Mentor Michelle, Trainer Sandy, and her classmates, Lilly-Pearl not only found the courage to continue—she truly excelled in her studies.
Completing her training became a defining moment in her life—a reflection of the determination, resilience, and commitment she showed every step of the way.
Trainer Sandy Baker reflected on her journey: “Watching Lilly-Pearl’s confidence grow and seeing her achieve her goals has been incredibly rewarding. She’s a true example of what’s possible with the right support and attitude.”
For Lilly-Pearl, the best thing that's come from her training is “a steady, meaningful, and rewarding job.”
“It’s given me purpose, pride, and independence,” she said.
Now, inspired by the nurses she works alongside, Lilly-Pearl is setting her sights on becoming an Enrolled Nurse, then a Registered Nurse—and maybe even a trainer herself.
“I’ve thought about becoming a trainer like Sandy—her way of teaching really made a positive impact on me and showed me how powerful good training can be,” she said.
“I’m passionate about giving back and supporting others the way I was supported.”
Lilly-Pearl’s story is a powerful reminder of how the right support, combined with determination and quality training, can transform lives.
Are you ready to start a meaningful career in aged care like Lilly-Pearl?
Take the first step toward making a real difference in people’s lives by registering your interest in our Certificate III in Individual Support course here: https://impact.org.au/employment-training/certificate-lll-training-courses/certificate-lll-aged-care/
Alternatively, speak to a member of our Training team by calling 1800 179 233.
In 2020, Rick Gill faced a life-altering moment when a serious back injury at work led to severe anxiety and depression. Admitting that "it got pretty bad," Rick, who had experienced the toll of manual labour and management stresses, realised he needed a change.
"60-70-hour weeks and I just kept pushing till it ended up costing me three years of my life," Rick said.
Despite early signs of depression and anxiety, Rick's old-school approach led him to internalise his struggles, ultimately landing him in hospital.
Taking matters into his own hands, Rick sought a new path. Little did he know that this journey would lead him to a fulfilling career in the disability support industry.
Sharing his story to promote Disability Action Week (November 25 to December 2), Rick said he began with a commitment to self-improvement. It was a journey that connected him with the training team at IMPACT Community Services.
Attending an information day, Rick met Gay, Michelle, and Katie, setting the stage for a participation in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability).
Reflecting on his training experience with IMPACT, Rick commended the support he received.
“Given that I was going through what I was going through, and I didn’t even tell Gay about the depression and stuff. I had told her I’d had a back injury, but she just got it somehow,” Rick said.
"But it wasn’t just me. She was able to engage with the entire class on a personal level, which kept us all plugging through it."
Now employed in the disability support industry, Rick said it had been one of the most rewarding things he’d ever done.
While the journey to overcome depression and anxiety continues, he finds fulfillment in his work.
“This is the best medicine. When I do something for someone, it makes me feel better, so essentially, it’s part of my healing.”
"I'm not out of the woods yet, but I'm kind of good with that," Rick said, recognising the ongoing nature of his mental health journey.
He encouraged others to explore opportunities working with people with disabilities.
"If someone reads this and thinks, 'I'm in a similar situation, maybe I should reach out,' it's worth it," Rick said.
“You hear about people saying it’s not a job if you love it. You always hear it, but you don’t believe it until you’re in that position. I do actually look forward to coming to work.”
That’s what working in the disability sector enables.
If you want to find out more IMPACT’s training pathways, visit Certificate III Training Courses - Impact Community Services.
IMPACT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO code: 0115).
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses skilling our youth for success and breaking the cycle of generational welfare dependence.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
As we approach World Youth Skills Day on 15 July, I find myself reflecting on how we can support the young people in our community to break the cycle of generational welfare dependence. This year's theme, "Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future” highlights the essential role that educators play in providing skills for youth to successfully transition into the workforce and actively engage in their community.
In the current social climate, it’s more important than ever that we equip our young people with the tools they need to thrive in the workforce. I’m proud that IMPACT Community Services has a wealth of experience in supporting the young people in our communities to gain the skills they need to find and keep work, and to improve their life skills along the way.
Preparing our young people for the workforce is critical, particularly now with current modelling predicting that Queensland will need an additional 280,000 workers by 2024-2025. Equipping our young people for this surge in jobs will require some planning and understanding of workforce skills required, with a predicted 38% of workers requiring a vocational and education training qualification to meet the workforce needs. It is therefore imperative that families and educators are having conversations with young people now, to better understand their interests to ensure that we are adequately preparing them for the opportunities that lie ahead.
However, it’s not enough to enrol young people in training. To truly break the generational welfare cycle, we must raise awareness among our youth about the advantages of employment compared to relying on welfare. By instilling this understanding early on, we can empower them to make informed choices that lead to a brighter future, for them and their future family.
Employment offers more than just financial stability; it fosters a sense of purpose, personal growth, and self-reliance. Through employment, young people can gain valuable experience, develop crucial skills, expand their networks, build confidence and learn responsibility and discipline in addition to achieving financial independence. Employment also cultivates a sense of pride and accomplishment that cannot be replicated by welfare dependency.
To support our youth effectively, it’s essential that school, parents, and the broader community work together. We must create an environment where young people are encouraged to pursue education, training, and apprenticeships. By forging partnerships with local businesses, we can facilitate work experience opportunities, internships, and mentorship programs, further enhancing the independence, practical skills and knowledge of our youth.
This World Youth Skills Day, let’s consider how we can work together to support our youth in breaking the cycle of generational welfare dependence, and the role we all play in empowering them to build a transformative future both for themselves and our community.
Bundaberg man Josh Bridge is proof that a positive attitude can change your life.
The 22-year-old has turned his life around from unemployment and homelessness with the help of the three local organisations, a positive attitude and sheer determination. He says help is available to those who need it, but you must take the initiative and ask for it.
Josh was a boilermaker apprentice but after going through some family issues he and his partner went travelling. When he returned to Bundaberg the couple found themselves homeless and Josh was unable to get work.
With the help of IMPACT and yourtown, Josh and his partner have now secured a home and Josh has a Certificate III in Disability Support from IMPACT and fulltime employment at Without Limits Disability Support.
From then to now
When Josh couldn’t find work, Services Australia put him in touch with a job provider who then referred him to yourtown, a transition to work provider.
yourtown’s Business Manager Karla Jurczakowski said: “When Josh met with yourtown, Job Placement Coach Bradley Weymouth took the time to understand where he was at and where he was wanting to go on his journey with us.”
Karla said Bradley was impressed with Josh's tenacity.
“Despite personal challenges, he had a clear direction on wanting to help people. Josh was referred to an IMPACT youth support program, where in addition to getting the support he needed, he was referred on as a possible candidate for a Certificate III in Individual Support – Disability.”
yourtown's Youth Worker Kylie Price assisted with obtaining Josh's Blue Card, Yellow card and a mobile phone, and the organisation also supplied a laptop to help with his continued study.
“When Josh was on placement, we kept in contact to ensure he had everything he needed,” Karla said.
“We were very happy in October when we were able to pay for his license, just in time to start his first paid shift.
"We are very proud of Josh and his resilience and perseverance, and while he has been too busy to keep in contact, knowing he is succeeding is fantastic.”
IMPACT’s Clinical Care Coordinator Jayne Watkins said Josh presented with a positive and open attitude from the first appointment.
"We wish Josh and his family all the very best in his career and want him to know we are always available should he need support again at any time in the future.”
IMPACT Trainer and Assessor Gay Wilson said when she met Josh she was shocked that someone so determined, intelligent and approachable was unemployed and living out of his car.
“Once class commenced it was evident that he was keen to learn and heavily invested in the material he was studying. Thankfully he was able to overcome the negativity and disappointment from his previous life and move forward,” she said.
“Josh contributed greatly to class discussions and soon became a natural leader and mentor to other students.”
It was during his studies that Josh was introduced to Mike Hayman, Industry Lead at IMPACT. Mike said: “I met Josh as a student in the course. At the time he was homeless and there was a significant need for him to have employment to be successful and have a house. One of my contacts, Marie Blundell, was looking for someone at the time, so Josh went for an interview and blitzed it.”
Gay said she didn’t have to think twice when Without Limits Disability Support were seeking someone to fill a role – Josh was the perfect choice.
“I am very proud of the way Josh has turned his life around. He is now sharing a lovely home with his partner awaiting the arrival of their baby girl and living the life he has earned and deserves.”
Marie Blundell, Director at Without Limits Disability Support Services, said after hearing about Josh's living situation and gaining an understanding of his motivation, determination and work ethic, she couldn't wait to sign him up and hasn't regretted it since.
"To hear that Josh had gone through so much in life, was couch surfing and living in a car with his pregnant partner, and yet presented at classes, well dressed and willing and eager to learn, impressed me,” she said.
“Josh conveyed that he was determined to not go back and was motivated to give the disability industry a go because he realised that he wanted work where he could care for people."
“Already Josh is taking on responsibility for planning our Holiday Program and our Experiential Learning Weekends for young boys and has proved to be a very valuable employee.”
Attitude is everything
Josh was determined to not be a victim of his circumstances.
“I’ve had a lot happen in my life and I wasn’t in the best headspace. It was a really dark time for me. Getting into this course and putting all my determination and effort into get through the course and change my situation has put me in a better headspace”, he said.
“I’ve always had a positive attitude, despite all the tough times. You can only help yourself at the end of the day. No-one else is going to do it for me, so why wait? I’ve got to do it myself.”
Josh has recently completed his studies and now works 6 – 7 days a week. He is grateful for the services, support and encouragement that have been provided to him by IMPACT, Without Limits and yourtown.
“I’ve now got a house, my situation has changed from living in a car to living in a 4-bedroom house. It has been a full backflip, a complete 180. If it wasn’t for the services these guys have provided, I wouldn’t be sitting here today…. But you’ve got to reach out and ask for the help.”
Budding social entrepreneurs will have the chance to learn how to transform their ideas into a ready to launch social enterprise when IMPACT Community Services hosts the Emerge program this month.
IMPACT has partnered with StartSomeGood to Emerge. IMPACT will host the course in a face-to-face environment, allowing participants to benefit from learning alongside other likeminded people while building a local network and sense of community.
Program participants will learn how to take their idea for a social enterprise and develop a plan they can follow step by step to make their idea launch ready.
Social enterprises are organisations that apply commercial strategies to maximise improvements in financial, social and environmental well-being. IMPACT currently runs two social enterprises – New Image Laundry and our Material Recovery Facility.
IMPACT’s General Manager – Innovation, Nathan Spruce, said the program was a fantastic opportunity for budding socially conscious entrepreneurs to be part of a cohort of passionate founders who are on the same journey to design and launch a business that makes a difference within the community.
“IMPACT is excited to be partnering with Emerge to deliver this course, which will save participants time, money and frustration as they learn to organise their thoughts into a business model with thoughtful design for a product or service their customers will love, which generates profit and creates real change on the issues participants are seeking to impact,” Mr Spruce said.
He added: “The course is a fully subsidised program supported by the Social Enterprise Sector Development Grants, so there is no cost to those who take part.”
If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Spruce on 4153 4233.
Explore this opportunity via the StartSomeGood.com website: https://emerge.startsomegood.com/
Sometimes learning new processes or equipment can be a daunting task, but a supportive environment and a trainer who knows how to get the best out of you can make a world of difference.
At IMPACT Community Services, a supportive place to learn and gain experience is exactly what we offer with our SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality.
Hospitality trainer Leigh Francis said learning at IMPACT was a safe environment where students could learn how to cook and make coffees without the pressure of doing so in a bustling kitchen.
She said students would be learning around IMPACT’s friendly staff and “leave with a smile on their dial”.
Some of the units covered in this course include customer service, social and cultural sensitivity, hygienic practices for food safety, cleaning, safe work practices and much more.
Graduates with this qualification can apply for work as bar attendants, function hosts, waitpersons, restaurant hosts, kitchen hands, barista, or a short order cook.
Working within the hospitality can provide opportunities to work all over the world from pubs to island resorts and restaurants.
If you would like to learn more about what studying a certificate III at IMPACT is like, an information session will be held on September 6 and 13 at 9.30am.
The onboarding for next Certificate III in Hospitality at IMPACT will start on September 19, 2022, with the course kicking off on September 26.
This course runs Monday to Thursday from 8.45am to 3pm.
For more information phone 4153 4233 or visit the Certificate III in Hospitality page.
IMPACT Community Services is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0115).
Teamwork makes the dream work. It would be a tired cliché if it wasn’t true.
IMPACT Community Services is partnering with local businesses in the individual support sector to meet the needs of our community.
While IMPACT already has a strong offering of individual support courses, we are constantly looking to enhance delivery and likewise, businesses in this sector are looking for means to grow their operations and workforce.
Which is why IMPACT, Community Access Care, Community Lifestyle Support, and Care Right Associates have partnered for a new initiative set to benefit students, the future workforce and ultimately have a flow-on effect to people receiving care in the region.
The industry partners will play an active role in IMPACT students’ training and provide guaranteed interview opportunities to those who complete their studies.
IMPACT’s Employment and Training General Manager Nathan Spruce said training with IMPACT was about more than just studying for a qualification, crucially it was also about developing productive employment pathways.
Mr Spruce said forging productive relationships with industry partners was key to getting people into work in a sector where job opportunities were currently high.
Community Lifestyle Support’s Learning and Design Partner Wayne Morden said, “as the major employer of people in the disability sector in the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay regions, we are pleased to be a key partner in this pilot program”.
“What this means for Community Lifestyle Support is that we can be confident in the ground skills of new staff employed through this pilot program, enabling us to develop their skills further when working with our organisation,” he said.
This collaboration is a 12-month pilot program, but if successful it is hoped that the partnerships will increase with more businesses coming onboard.
IMPACT is hoping to apply a similar philosophy with local hospitality businesses to afford the same partnership and learning outcomes for students undertaking training in this field.
For more information on IMPACT’s training opportunities visit: https://impact.org.au/employment-training/certificate-iii-training-courses/
IMPACT is a registered training organisation, RTO Code 0115.
The team at Bundaberg Now captured the partnership between IMPACT Community Services' Green Gang and the Bundaberg Regional Council in a recent story on the boardwalk at Sharon Gorge.
See the article below and head to their website to watch the video!
IMPACT Community Services’ Green Gang trainees and Council’s natural areas team are extending the boardwalk at Sharon Gorge to improve access.
IMPACT employees working on the boardwalk are currently studying their Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, with the program employing up to 10 trainees.
Council’s Parks and Gardens spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said the project had been a great opportunity to improve the facilities at Sharon Gorge while making the walk more accessible to the public.
“During the recent rain events there has been damage to the Sharon Gorge walking track, and these works provide us the opportunity to improve the track and raise the height of the boardwalk, so it lasts longer,” Cr Honor said.
“Trainees from IMPACT Community Services have lent a helping hand to build the boardwalk in partnership with our Natural Areas team which is a fantastic opportunity for them to gain hands on experience.
“Upgrading the path by extending the boardwalk provides a safer and easily accessible path for our visitors.”
IMPACT Community Services is assisting in the project through their Work Skills Traineeships – Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.
Supervisor Rob Alder said the project provided the opportunity for their trainees to gain hands on experience to assist in building up their self-confidence.
“We have got ten trainees in conservation and ecosystem management who are employed by IMPACT Community Services with the help of SQW funding from the Queensland Government,” Rob said.
“This group of trainees are into their fourteenth week and have been doing other tasks but are really enjoying being out here doing the boardwalk.
“Projects like these give them the opportunity to upskill which is really important as some of these people may have lost their self-esteem.”
Rob said the trainees had come from a range of different backgrounds and the projects were a chance for them to make a difference within the community.
“The trainees might be youths straight out of school who have found it tough to get into the workforce or sometimes it is mothers who are re-entering the workforce after bringing up their kids or it could be people who want to change career,” he said.
“They might have started off being a concreter or a brick layer or something like that, but as they get on a little bit their body is not up to what they used to do so they need a bit of guidance as they may be down in the dumps because they have tried so many jobs and they cannot seem to get a job.
“Some of them were a little bit hesitant at first because they had never used any carpentry tools or anything like that, they also had to work out how to go around an arc in a boardwalk and work out the boards.
“Now they have been doing it for a week now they feel right at home, and they can sit back and look and think ‘wow what a difference we have made’.”
IMPACT is a Registered Training Organisation, RTO Code: 0115.
For more information about our traineeship Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, click here.
Now that borders are opening up all over the world, IMPACT Community Services has the perfect solution to help you work your way across Australia and the globe.
IMPACT's new hospitality trainer, Leigh Francis, believes that work in hospitality is the perfect way to finance travel to fascinating cultures and the world's top tourist spots.
And our next SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality course is just around the corner.
“I worked my way through England and Europe when I was younger, working in bars and restaurants,” Leigh said.
“It's the perfect way to fund your wanderlust.
“And let's face it, everyone's loves an Aussie behind the bar!”
Leigh believes work in hospitality is the most portable job there is, for no matter what the culture, everybody has to eat and drink.
“You can work in fabulous resorts, tropical islands, even aboard luxury yachts,” Leigh said.
She encourages everyone to travel and this is the best way to do it, but advises for people to begin close to home, as, in her opinion, “our backyard is the best”.
IMPACT's Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622) will teach you everything you need to know about the hospitality industry and how to get the best out of the tourism industry.
The course has a cookery unit, a customer service unit, a coffee service unit and at the end you will also have RSA certification that will allow you to work anywhere in Australia.
And Leigh is eminently qualified to set you off on your journey.
Leigh spent seven years teaching hospitality and also working as front of house manager at the cafe at the Tom Quinn Centre. She has also worked at the RSL, Across the Waves, an Alice Springs casino and taught at TAFE.
Leigh believes now that all the borders are open, the hospitality industry is ready to renormalise after the disruptions of the COVID pandemic.
Venues had to close, or had to let go staff and couldn't replace them. But she believes all that is about to change.
There might even be stiff competition for hospitality jobs and those with the better training and credentials will have a leg up.
“You have great fun meeting people,” she said.
“It's the ultimate people-person job.”
So if working in hospitality floats your boat, let us help you set sail on it on a grand journey across the globe.
IMPACT is taking new students in May. For more information phone 4153 4233 or visit the Certificate III in Hospitality page.
IMPACT Community Services is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0115).
Looking to broaden your horizons this year?
IMPACT Community Services has two training courses, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community), starting on February 7, 2022.
IMPACT’s trainer and assessor, Robyn Green, said for anyone interested in this field training was vital.
She said for some of the clients who students care for, flexible and reliable support was crucial.
“The support person (students) needs to be highly trained in hygiene covid safe procedures to help themselves and their clients in their everyday routines,” she said.
The courses are delivered under a hybrid classroom/digital model to cater to student circumstances and commitments.
She said with the industry was in high demand, there was a huge variety of skills to be employed.
“There is around the clock shifts with a great hourly rate and room to upskill and gain a respectful employable role and reputation,” she said.
“Working in this industry has long term employment.”
IMPACT’s Innovation General Manager Nathan Spruce said the individual support qualification has three focus areas which can be mapped to each other allowing a choice of employment industries, all of which are growing in Bundaberg.
Looking at more than employment opportunities, Mr Spruce said it was a rewarding profession to support clients develop skills and live out their dreams.
There will be free information sessions ahead of the courses, on January 17, January 24 and January 31 at 9.30am.
More information on IMPACT’s training courses can be found here or you can call 4153 4233.
IMPACT Community Services is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0115), located at 108 Bargara Rd, Bundaberg East.
We are open from 8am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-4.30pm on Fridays, visitors are required to adhere to the Covid-19 safety regulations while on-site, this includes wearing a mask while indoors.
As a recent ‘member of the 70s club’, David Kirkwood is proof there’s no deadline on education and there’s no time like the present to pursue your interests.
Supporting and caring for others is something David has spent the last two decades undertaking in his personal life, and now he has a certificate to do so in an official setting.
He recently completed a Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) at IMPACT Community Services and is looking forward to the opportunities that are now at his feet.
The journey to his certification wasn’t without obstacles; he said Covid-19 caused his class to be split and postponed, and then there was a holiday road trip.
But his perseverance and encouragement from IMPACT’s trainer Robyn, saw him complete the qualification!
He said finishing the Certificate III felt ‘very good’.
David said the goal was to spend the majority of his time helping clients or carers.
No stranger to helping others, David has also been a volunteer with IMPACT’s AGED CARE VOLUNTEER VISITORS SCHEME (formerly Community Visitor's Scheme ) for the past five years.
And in 2009 he undertook a Certificate in Aged Care, but he didn’t do anything with his qualification.
Determined not to follow suit with this achievement, David is hoping to secure work in the industry early next year.
David recommended the Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) to anyone and encouraged people to give it a go.
The next Certificate III in Individual Support (Home and Community) will begin February 7, 2022.
Graduates of a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Home & Community) typically apply for work as:
IMPACT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Code: 0115). For more information about the course, click here.
