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.

Australian Idol Gets Sureway Transition to Work Participants Songwriting for Success

If you’re a young person preparing for work or study, every experience can help you on your journey – even a workshop with a nationally famous musician like Emerauld.

Originally published by Murray Bridge News

Life is a journey, and you deserve a chance to live it to the fullest no matter how far along you are.

The team at Sureway understand that – that’s why they invited a nationally famous musician to come and work with a group of young people in Murray Bridge last week.

Emilie Suter – also known by her stage name, Emerauld – shot to stardom when she featured on Australian Idol earlier this year.

On Thursday, her incredible voice filled a conference room as she guided participants in Sureway’s Transition to Work program through a songwriting workshop.

Participants took turns suggesting lyrics or talking about the things that made them feel happy.

What does that have to do with getting ready to enter the workforce, or start a new course?

Sureway gets that you’re a person with passions, hopes and dreams – not just a box to be ticked.

The more experience you gain, in any field, the more prepared you’ll be for the next chapter in your life.

The Transition to Work program is open to people between the ages of 15 and 24 who need assistance to get ready for work or education.

The program is designed to build participants’ skills, confidence and readiness for work.

Sureway Youth Consultants can:

• Help you build your pre-employment and personal skills through training, work experience and education.
• Talk to you about apprenticeships and internships.
• Connect you with local community services and job opportunities.

Sureway know that everyone is different, so they tailor the program to your needs to make sure you get the right support.

Photo and story courtesy of Peri Strathearn

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.

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.

Courtney from Phillip ACT graduates Hospitality Course

Workforce Australia Phillip ACT Participant Courtney made us all proud by graduating the On the Sparks Hospitality Program this month. Sureway were invited to attend her graduation ceremony at CIT Reid ACT where we were able to hear all that Courtney had learned and achieved over the course of the program.

She has persevered and shown great resilience to complete seven units in four weeks with her Sparks Hospitality Job Trainer, in partnership with ClubsACT and Canberra Institute of Technology.

Courtney and her Employment Consultant have worked closely together since the start of 2023 to overcome her barriers and to improve her self-esteem and motivation.  A huge improvement has been seen in Courtney, who has now found the confidence to step out into the workforce.

Starting the course shy and reserved, Courtney has not only now graduated but has made heaps of new friends.

Courtney’s Employment Consultant has expressed how proud she is “I couldn’t be prouder of Courtney, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Sureway wishes Courtney all the best with her future endeavours.

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.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Reconciliation Walk

Each year to celebrate National Reconciliation Week, the Queanbeyan NSW Council holds the Queanbeyan-Palerang Reconciliation Walk which is held on the main street of Queanbeyan NSW.

Workforce Australia (WAES) Phillip ACT Employment Consultants- Meaghan and Rachael, WAES Tuggerangong ACT Employment Consultant- Annmaree and WAES Queanbeyan NSW Employment Consultant- Carlie, participated in the walk to celebrate National Reconciliation Week.

The walk started with a Smoking Ceremony at Marj Christian Park before a walk to Sunken Gardens in Queanbeyan Park, where the Welcome to Country is delivered by Ngunnawal Elders.

Diverse speakers from the different cultures of Australians delivered the message that all attendees were able to learn from. Through their speeches, we learned about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

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.

Cultural Walk for Community with Wiradyuri Elder, Uncle James Ingram

To honour National Reconciliation Week 2023, our Wagga Wagga Workforce Australia team members attended Cultural Walk for Community to work towards the goal of building respectful relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Led by local Wiradyuri Elder, Uncle James Ingram from the Bidya Marra Consultancy, the Cultural Walk for Community helped to build our awareness of the significance of Wiradyuri culture in the city of Wagga Wagga NSW.

Wiradyuri Elder, Uncle James Ingram shared his knowledge of the Murrumbidgee River, the Wollundry Lagoon and other significant sites around the local Wagga Wagga area.

Commencing at Riverside, Wagga Wagga Beach with a Welcome to Country, participants experienced stomping on Country and weaving with the Hands-on Weavers group, followed by a tour of the Riverside precinct and the Wollundry Lagoon.

Employer Relationship Coordinator Deb Thacker highly recommends the Cultural Walk for Community.

“There were things that I didn’t know that existed within a 1-2km walk of our culture.”

Deb explains “The day started with a Smoking Ceremony at the Wagga Wagga Beach and later, dancing that led into Ceremony. Significant landmarks and artefacts were explored. We explored the Stolen Generation Rock at the Civic Centre and a tree of significance and gathering at Wagga Wagga Beach.”

“Later participants of the Cultural Walk for Community were invited to a Yarning Circle where stories were shared, with all later participating in Wiradyuri Weaving.”

“The most impactful part of the Cultural Walk for Community was the Smoking Ceremony. We got to participate within the culture. Meanings behind the Smoking Ceremony were given with words and dancing. We were then blessed with the Stone Smoke”.

“The Cultural Walk for Community allowed participants to feel a part of the culture and I highly recommend it to all.”

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.

Full-time factory work and a healthier outlook for Brendan

Workforce Australia participant, Brendan was referred to Sureway Health and Wellbeing due to multiple non-vocational barriers. These barriers included excessive alcohol consumption, unstable housing, financial hardship and poor mental health.

During his first session, Brendan explained that he drank alcohol to numb his feelings of shame.

Brendan agreed to continue engaging with Sureway Health and Wellbeing for psychosocial support, while working with his Employment Consultant to progress his work goals.

Collaboratively, Sureway Health and Wellbeing and his Employment Consultant assisted Brendan by helping him to find full-time work in a local factory.

Brendan was provided with new workwear for his job and a referral to The Salvation Army, who were able to obtain housing for him.

Brendan was also put in touch with a local community centre for food and personal care items.

Through the journey, Brendan was also encouraged to see a GP, which resulted in a medication review and referral to a psychiatrist.

Soon after starting his job, Brendan was able to save enough money to buy a car, which made it easier for him to commute to and from work, and to travel around in his non-work time.

In his last session with Sureway Health and Wellbeing, he reported that it felt good to be working. He also explained that he is drinking less alcohol, is looking healthier and has more confidence in himself.

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.

Stable housing for Dean and his dog

Phillip ACT, Workforce Australia participant Dean, 29, was referred to Sureway Health and Wellbeing, as he was homeless. He was alternating between sleeping on the streets and couch surfing. As Dean has a dog, this made it more difficult for him to access housing.

With assistance from Sureway Health and Wellbeing, Dean was able to secure social housing for himself and his dog. Sureway Health and Wellbeing also helped him to obtain furniture and appliances by contacting various charitable organisations.

Dean reports that he is finding it easier to focus on work. Since attaining stable accommodation, he has had a string of casual labouring jobs. He feels that he now has the chance to maintain ongoing employment. He no longer constantly worries about where he will be sleeping from night to night.

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.