The Disability Trust

The Disability Trust is delighted to have been awarded Employer of Choice (Public Sector & NFP) tonight at the 2024 Australian HR Awards. This recognition reflects an ongoing investment and commitment to our workforce and the contemporary HR practices we embed across our operations. The Disability Trust has an outstanding reputation as a service provider, and our people are vital to our goal of creating an inclusive world built on trust, respect and equality. This award recognises the best public sector or not-for-profit in Australia, with judging criteria focused on leadership, engagement, communication and employee benefits. This award signifies The Trust as a ‘great place to work’. The Employer of Choice award is the pinnacle of recognition for our organisation, a source of pride for all members of The Trust. HRD Australia #AusHRAwards #HRExcellence #HRRecognition #BestinHR

Yesterday, our Next Step Illawarra group hosted an R U OK? cookie stall at The Disability Trust's Wollongong office. Over the past few weeks, the Next Step members have been busy baking and decorating sugar cookies for the fundraising event. They enhanced valuable skills such as:   • Customer service • Cash handling and EFTPOS operations • Social interaction • Upselling techniques • Teamwork • Food safety and handling practices   All proceeds and donations from the stall will be contributed to R U OK?   Are you or someone you know interested in skill building and attending fun and practical experiences like this, reach out to our Next Step Illawarra program at https://lnkd.in/gK-g398Y, email nextstepillawarra@disabilitytrust.org.au or call 1300 347 224.   The Disability Trust and our partner organisations continue to highlight the importance of asking R U OK?, letting the people you care about know you're here, to hear them. We have internal wellbeing activities in place throughout the week and an online seminar presented to staff today. The seminar, presented by Evelyn Ireland, Clinical Psychologist and Senior Manager of Clinical Services, and Athena Madams, Senior Manager of People Safety and Wellbeing provided guidance on how to ask someone if they are OK, and ways to encourage action and offer support.   #RUOK #RUOKDay #NextStep #YouthEmployment #EmploymentServices #SLES

Last week, our fantastic team from Shoalhaven attended the Community Connect South Shoalhaven Expo in Ulladulla. Next Step Facilitator Isabelle, and Chloe and Narissa from Workskills Employment Consultants showcased our incredible support for school leavers and jobseekers.    The Next Step program offers a tailored, two-year pre-employment experience for school leavers aiming to kick-start their careers, while Workskills focuses on helping individuals with disability, illnesses and injuries find meaningful employment. Together, Next Step and Workskills support individuals aged 14 and above looking to identify their skills and abilities and join the workforce.    Are you interested in skill-building or finding your dream job? Visit https://lnkd.in/gK-g398Y or contact us at 1300 347 224, nextstepshoalhaven@disabilitytrust.org.au, or workskills@disabilitytrust.org.au.   #CommunityConnect #NextStep #Workskills #EmploymentSupport

Housemates from our Supported Independent Living home in Calderwood have created a bond like no other. The women originally struck up a friendship at a social program and moved in together in 2019. Disability Support Worker Jordan says "each of them have grown in their own little way, becoming more independent through a mix of social activities at home and in the community, while ensuring to complete their daily tasks around the house". Sarah's dad John added “When I see my daughter she’s far more resilient and confident and independent so it’s just been a wonderful experience, as a parent that means I can relax knowing my daughter is well looked after.” For the full story, visit

In August, our Shoalhaven Next Step group had the privilege of conversing with Michelle from TAFE Nowra. They discussed all things TAFE with Michelle, who provided information about course enrolment, current courses, and support on offer when completing courses. They took a tour of TAFE NSW's Nowra campus where they had the opportunity to explore the practical and theoretical side of various courses in action. TAFE NSW accommodates all skill levels and is looking forward to welcoming future students of all abilities. If you or someone you know is interested in skill building and attending practical experiences like this, contact our Next Step Shoalhaven program at nextstepshoalhaven@disabilitytrust.org.au or 1300 347 224. Visit https://lnkd.in/gK-g398Y for more information.

Have you watched ABC's The Assembly? Andrew Radford, a long-time participant with The Disability Trust, has been interviewing several famous Australians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Sam Neill, Amanda Keller, Adam Goodes, Delta Goodrem and Hamish Blake.  Learning under the expert eye of Leigh Sales, Andrew is continuing to perfect his craft to cut through the spin. Check out some of Andrew's highlights from the show.

The Illawarra community came together for the biennial Taj Mahal Dinner on Saturday to raise funds for The Disability Trust, The Illawarra Grammar School Foundation, Illawarra Passionate Cricketers Club and TIGS Sony Camp. The evening was full of colour and sparkle as we were taken on a journey to the Taj Mahal. More than 450 guests embraced the rich and diverse heritage of Indian culture through traditional dress and exquisite cuisine. There were performances by Bollywood Dance Company Sydney and the Four Tenors, Australia's very own iL Mondo at the University of Wollongong’s University Hall. The hard-working committee led by Doctors Sharad and Lata Tamhane, and Usha Fernandez, once again delivered an exceptional event. An update on the total amount raised will be announced in the near future. To read more and see the photo gallery go to https://lnkd.in/dQUSzC4U

Did you know that The Disability Trust has its own YouTube channel? Check out all our recent videos and a few blasts from the past from previous years https://lnkd.in/gm2QGqAU  Like and subscribe to not miss all the featured stories.

Welcome to our Robust Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – a place where comfort meets accessibility. Our single-storey, flat interior home features open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge areas designed for easy living. There is supportive railing in the bathrooms, wide walkways with ramps and a built-in wardrobe in the vacant bedroom.  Meet our vibrant community of three young, active male residents who love to cook BBQs, embark on group outings, and enjoy outdoor activities like swimming and visiting parks. They bring energy and friendship to this welcoming home, creating a lively and supportive environment. If you're looking for a supportive, accessible, and engaging living space, this is the place for you! Visit https://lnkd.in/gaa_Ku6D for more information. Call us at 1300 347 224 or email SILEnquiries@disabilitytrust.org.au to enquire today. #SupportedLiving #DisabilityAccommodation #SIL #SDA #Dapto #InclusiveLiving #DaptoHomes #AccessibleLiving

Earlier this week, our Next Step Shellharbour group had the exciting opportunity to spend the morning at Moduplay Group, where they learned about the intricate design, manufacturing, and operational processes involved in creating playgrounds. The tour covered: • Rope • Post • Metal • Timber • Poly • CNC area • Final assembly • Warehousing There's no better way to grasp what a job truly entails than by witnessing it first-hand! Are you or someone you know interested in skill building and attending practical experiences like this, reach out to our Next Step Illawarra program by emailing nextstepillawarra@disabilitytrust.org.au or calling 1300 347 224. Visit https://lnkd.in/gK-g398Y for more information. #NextStepIllawarra #YouthEmployment #EmploymentServices #SLES #Moduplay