Recently, our Southern Adelaide Disability Employment Services team held a ‘Snag a Job’ Day.

Nine local employers attended the Daw Park, South Australia site and met with 19 participants.

Employers provided insight into their businesses and discussed the criteria they use when hiring new candidates. Participants were then given the opportunity to attend group and one-on-one interviews with the employers.

One participant was invited to a second interview with a local winery and made a great impression. He gained employment at the winery where he continues to thrive.

The ‘Snag a Job’ Day provided participants with valuable knowledge on how to address specific criteria when seeking employment and gave them insight into how different businesses work.

A fantastic day was had by all who attended, and we were able to further our relationships with local employers.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

More support for mature job seekers in Murray South East

Mature age job seekers in the Murray South East region of South Australia will have access to more specialised support when it comes to finding work after Sureway Employment & Training expanded their deliver of the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program into the area.

The program, which assists people aged 45+ to build confidence and gain the skills needed to remain competitive in today’s labour market, held its first class in Mount Gambier during November.

Nine learners commenced with a high level of engagement and enthusiasm.

Program participants will learn various skills to increase their job readiness for the modern workforce, such as how to articulate transferrable skills and experience in job applications, and be provided with practical assistances to enhance their digital literacy.

The program is also available from our locations across Goulburn Murray VIC, Central West NSW, Murray Riverina NSW, and Mid North SA.

 

Find out if you are eligible for Sureway’s CTA program and view our upcoming course dates at:
https://staging.sureway.com.au/job-seekers/career-transition-assistance/

Wrapping up our 2021-23 RAP

With the support of Reconciliation Australia, Sureway developed and delivered an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from April 2021 – April 2023. The intention of Sureway’s 2021-23 RAP is to acknowledge and demonstrate our respect for Australia’s First Peoples, by building respectful relationships and creating equal and equitable opportunities

As our business moves into the process of creating our 2023-2025 reconciliation commitments and targets, we thought it timely to share some of our key learnings and successes from the past two years.

We extend our thanks to our RAP Working Group members, our broader staff, and members of the communities for their input, support and guidance along our journey.

In 2021-2023, Sureway committed to enacting its Company Policy ? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy to work towards our goal of 5% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment across the Sureway workforce. We are pleased to report that as at March 2023, 8.29% of Sureway’s total workforce identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. As an organisation, we look forward to continuing this trajectory as we move into the second half of 2023 and beyond.

Other key activities and initiatives

Arrilla Cultural Awareness Project

Sureway has engaged Arrilla to provide cultural awareness training to our staff, providing management and staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to employ, retain, partner, procure from and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Arrilla delivers a range of services that help individuals, teams and entire organisations to become competent to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or to better understand the nation’s journey to reconciliation and their part to play.

First Nations Programs Officer

Sureway has appointed a First Nations Programs Officer to engage with Custodian Groups and other significant First Nations groups of influence to build stakeholder relationships and, where appropriate, engage in strategic partnerships. The First Nations Programs Officer will also coordinate and lead the implementation, monitoring and reporting of Sureway’s RAP and Indigenous Participation Plan commitments.

Corporate wardrobe

Sureway has extended our corporate wardrobe to include a RAP shirt featuring artwork ‘Journey along the Waterways’ created by Luke Penrith for Sureway.

“Gaining knowledge is like a river (Bila) always moving forward. The orange (U) symbols are the staff of Sureway supporting each client to gain educational knowledge, build their self-esteem and build capacity and capability in their chosen fields of work. The colourful circles represent a ripple effect of that journey.”

Our staff wear this with pride.

Reconciliation Hub resources for staff

Sureway has developed a Reconciliation Hub on our intranet with resources and information for our staff on cultural education, reconciliation initiatives and access to further ways to participate in their community. By giving these resources a place on our intranet, we acknowledge their importance on our day-to-day operations and are actively engaged in sharing learnings across our business.

Acknowledgement of Country at sites

Sureway have given our reconciliation artwork pride of place in our branding and storefronts. ‘Journey along the waterways’ by Luke Penrith is proudly displayed at the entrance to all Sureway offices with an Acknowledgement of Country. With this initiative, we aim to build respectful relationships within the community and acknowledge the connection to land of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on which we live and work.

Community sponsorship and participation

Sureway are proud to sponsor the Orange United Warriors, who have Rugby League and League Tag teams for the 2023 Woodbridge Cup competition. The Orange United Warriors are coming into their fourth year, underpinned by the community principle of building social capital. The inclusive sporting/community club welcomes people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and personal circumstances offering access to junior and senior sporting opportunities across the sports of Netball, Basketball, Touch Football, Soccer, Hockey and Dance in local, regional and state competitions.

For more information on Sureway’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, visit Reconciliation Action Plan – Sureway Employment Services.

Paralympic champion helping businesses embrace inclusivity

Retired Paralympic sprinter turned elite sporting coach, business owner, father, and motivational speaker Scott Reardon continues to channel his passion for helping others run a fair race after renewing his partnership with Sureway for 2023/24.

Hailing from Temora, Reardon has proudly partnered with Sureway since 2018 to inspire more businesses to actively embrace the employment of individuals with disabilities.

Reardon attributes much of his own success to the support he received during his youth, which allowed him to pursue a world-class career in athletics. His journey has led him to three Paralympic Games, including a spectacular gold medal victory in Rio in 2016.

Reflecting on his past, Reardon shared, “I lost my lower leg in a farming accident when I was 12. Shortly after that, I returned to Temora, and the support network around me helped me get back on my feet and embrace life again.”

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to forge a career in elite sports, which has granted me financial security, exciting challenges, and a daily sense of purpose.”

Reardon is passionate about helping other people with a disability have the same opportunities to pursue a rewarding career — and wants businesses to be aware of the benefits of employing them.

Driven by a deep passion to offer individuals with disabilities the same opportunities he was granted, Reardon aims to educate businesses on the advantages of employing them. He asserts, “Hiring a person with a disability can bring immense value to a business. Research demonstrates that these employees tend to exhibit greater reliability, productivity, and loyalty. So, not only is it the right thing to do, but the business case is also remarkably strong.”

Reardon also highlights that studies indicate hiring a person with a disability doesn’t incur additional costs compared to employing someone without a disability. In fact, the benefits extend to increased workplace morale and an enhanced reputation among customers, potentially leading to greater economic prospects for businesses.

Businesses partnering with Sureway receive customised support and may even qualify for wage subsidies for their employees.

“Sureway ensures that the placement aligns with both the employee and employer’s needs and provides continuous support to help individuals thrive in their jobs,” Reardon emphasises.

“For jobseekers, sometimes all it takes is for someone to give you a chance, to have faith in your abilities, and it can open up a world of confidence and opportunities.”

While Reardon has retired from competitive racing, he remains dedicated to using his influential platform to advocate for positive change and continue his mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

 

Ready to find out how you can recruit great staff? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

Narayan from Horsham Vic kicking goals with AFL

Horsham Disability Employment Services (DES) client Narayan, who featured in our Oct-Dec 2022 edition of Sureway Stories, recently celebrated over 9 months of employment with Australian Football League (AFL) VIC as a Support Program Officer.

Narayan is an avid AFL supporter who knows his AFL stats dating right back to the game’s early days.

A rare opportunity to turn passion into work, Narayan’s role involves supporting children’s AFL skills clinics that focus on helping disadvantaged young people be part of the football program.

Giving an update on his employment journey so far, Narayan said, ‘I was excited (to get this job) because I wanted to work with the AFL. I enjoy helping the kids and seeing them smile and enjoying footy.’

Asked how his life has changed since gaining employment, he said, ‘Being employed has helped with my confidence. I’ve been able to meet new people and I work with a bunch of good people.’

Narayan’s future goals include getting his driver’s licence so that he can travel further for his employment at other football clinic locations.

Need help to find a career path that works for you? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.

This year, Sureway Employment & Training is celebrating 20 years of providing support to jobseekers and employers through the delivery of Employment Services.

Currently, Sureway provides Disability Employment Services (DES) at 44 locations across Australia. We are proud to announce that as of July 1^st, 2018 we are expanding our DES services to more than 70 locations across regional NSW, SA and VIC.

Sureway are committed to providing high quality services that aim to change lives and build strong communities. The upcoming expansion will provide more Australians with a greater choice and control of their services.

As part of our expansion, we welcome Paralympic Gold Medalist Scott Reardon as our Disability Employment Services Brand Ambassador.

Sports-mad Scott Reardon was raised in a small NSW country town named Temora. Scott, like any kid had free and unrestricted dreams of what he wanted to achieve throughout his life. Scott was a rising star in Rugby League when a freak accident put a hold on his football career. At the young age of 12, Reardon caught his shoelace in the power take-off shaft of a tractor, severing his right leg through the knee.

At a 2018 conference Scott exclaimed “in a short period of time I went from this kid who had huge aspirations of being the best rugby league player and the best athlete I could possibly be until a handbrake kind of got put on, I didn’t really truly understand what my life was going to be and what I was going to be able to do”.

At such a young age, with so many fears and uncertainties Scott prevailed and showed the power of positivity. Scotts resilience and instinctive strong character chose to stand up and fight for the life he wanted to live.

“At 12 years old I remember pulling myself up, look we got a choice to make here. I could sit home and complain about the rest of my life, or I can get back out and I can live life to the best I possibly can”

Not only did Scott opt for mental resilience, he showed immense physical determination also.

“Within six months of my accident I was back water skiing again. About ten months after I lost my leg I won two silver medals at the Australian national championships for water skiing”.

Scotts total achievements in waterskiing are second to none.

“I won a total of 11 World Championship medals over a six-year career in in waterskiing”

Scotts next chapter began when he was casually watching television one night.

“In 2008 when I turned on the TV one night, the Beijing Paralympic Games were on. The men’s T40 100 meters came on, that’s the classification that I’m a part of. I remember the race being run in twelve point three two seconds. I remember thinking yeah that’s pretty quick, but I reckon I can run faster than that”

From here Scott was accepted into the Australian Institute of Sport. Like water skiing, Scott achieved the ultimate pinnacle in the sport.

“I’ve been able to pretty much achieve everything that there is to achieve in the sport. I’ve held every record in the book, I’ve won every championship in the book”

Not only does Scott strongly believe in taking opportunities, he also emphasizes the need to provide opportunities too. While Scott knows there was a lot of hard work involved in his success, he is humble in suggesting that his success ultimately came down to opportunities.

“I’m so very, very grateful of what I’ve been able to do, but this all came about because I had an opportunity. I 100% stand here to say losing my leg was the best opportunity that I’ve ever been given”.

“That’s what’s drawing me to be the Brand Ambassador for Sureway”

Scott is working with Sureway to create a change in the way employees and employers view individuals with disabilities. We want to encourage a shift from negative opinions to positive ones and begin to think that “disabled means incapable, to have a disability is very different to being disabled”.

Along with Scott, we aim to emphasise the necessity to see the value in somebody rather than their disability to spark a change in the way contemporary workplaces operate. Behind every individual with a disability is kindness, passion and motivation to succeed and we want to give everybody the opportunity to work.

Through our expansion, we will provide our clients with comprehensive support to find and keep a job. We will support both the employer and employee to manage any challenges that may come with a disability and help to ensure that they can operate to their full capacity.

Providing everyone, disability or not, with the opportunity to work not only improves their lives, but also improves our community.

We are both very optimistic about our partnership and the benefits it will bring to the community.

“It’s really a start of something big I think between Sureway and myself”.

As one of the country’s fastest-growing employment providers, Sureway Employment and Training is delighted to announce the appointment of Paralympic Gold Medallist Sprinter Scott Reardon as the face of their Disability Employment Service (DES) program.

To commemorate the new partnership, the two-time defending world champion will attend five events across New South Wales and South Australia. The tour will commence in Wagga and incorporate the launch of Sureway’s successful expansion of DES contracts into over 50 new locations across South Eastern Australia from July 1.

Matthew Hall, CEO of Sureway says the appointment of Mr. Reardon as the DES Ambassador comes at a significant time for the organisation as the Wagga-based provider also celebrates its 20th year of delivering employment services.

“Sureway is celebrating our 20th anniversary in employment services in 2018 and over the next few months as a business we will experience significant growth right across NSW, Victoria and South Australia, taking us close to 350 employees. The expansion in our DES contracts will extend our current reach, and further enable people with a disability to access Sureway’s employment services and receive the support they need to find a job.”

Mr. Hall says Scott Reardon will be a fantastic custodian of the Sureway brand. “Scott became a global household name after his historic 100m T42 gold at Rio in 2016, and his incredible story and talent makes him very accessible to a broad audience. Born and raised in Temora, Scott has a strong connection with regional Australia and is very familiar with the services that Sureway provides for our clients. He will play a very special role in encouraging those with a disability to find and keep a job.”

The two-time former World champion water skier who received the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2017 knows all too well the job limitations that come with a disability after he became a leg amputee aged 12 in a farming accident.

“I am honoured to have been chosen to perform this important role, and I welcome the opportunity to give back to an organisation that has been a lifeline for many. Australians with a disability are twice as likely to be unemployed as those without a disability and I hope my story will promote the DES program to job seekers and employers across rural & regional NSW, VIC and South Australia and metropolitan Adelaide. Ultimately, we hope to increase the number of people with a disability participating in the workforce across our local areas”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Sureway’s presence throughout the Riverina and Central West provided a vital service which helped keep unemployment levels below the national average.

“Congratulations to founder Judy Galloway and the whole team at Sureway for assisting job seekers in rural and regional Australia for the past 20 years,” Mr McCormack said.

“The expansion of the Disability Employment Service program is testament to the dedication of Sureway to provide the support for people with a disability to successfully enter the workforce.”

Scott Reardon will address guests in Wagga at an invitation event to share his inspirational story on April 17 and will also be appearing in Adelaide, Albury, Dubbo, and Orange later this month.

The Wagga event will be held at Uneke Warehouse, 140 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga

Tuesday 17 April 2018 at 5.30pm

 

For further information and images please contact:

Georgie Robertson

The Regional PR Co.

M: 0417 217 869

E: georgie[a]regionalpr.com.au