Celebrating the milestones that shaped EPIC Assist and the communities we serve
For more than three decades, EPIC Assist has been helping people with disability find meaningful work, supporting communities, and championing inclusion. This page shares our story, our achievements, and the partnerships that have made it all possible.
Changing lives through employment
Since 1990, EPIC Assist has supported over 200,000 people with disability on their employment journey and helped secure 46,000 sustainable jobs. We worked side by side with job seekers and employers to create workplaces where everyone belongs. We’ve partnered with 32,000 employers and consistently achieved a 40% caseload employment success rate each year, above industry benchmarks.
Along the journey, EPIC has been committed to delivering a personalised and engaging experience with every job seeker and business. We proactively sought feedback from participants and employers regarding their experience with EPIC. Working with the Net Promoter Score (NPS) we have been able to improve our score from 37 in 2016 to a score of 89 in 2025.
Explore our employment success stories
Investing in inclusive communities
EPIC Assist is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities. Over the years, we’ve provided over $1 million in community grants, supporting programs that create opportunities and improve lives.
These initiatives reflect our belief that inclusion starts with community. From sports and arts to mental health and food security, EPIC Assist invests where it matters most.
Noosa Tigers Inclusion Program
Helping people with disability learn AFL skills and build confidence
Hand in Hand Community Project
Delivering food hampers to families in need across Moreton Bay.
Tropical Arts Theatre Group
Enabling inclusive Shakespeare productions and mental health awareness.
St Therese’s Saints Basketball Club
Promoting wheelchair basketball and social inclusion
Showcasing talent through art
From 2015-2019, EPIC Assist’s art exhibitions have provided a platform for artists with disability and mental health conditions to share their creativity, challenge perceptions, and earn income. These events celebrate inclusion and diversity while helping artists launch their careers.
EPIC’s exhibitions were free for artists to enter, with 100% of artwork sales going to the artist. They provided visibility, income, and confidence for artists who often face barriers in mainstream galleries.
Where we work
EPIC Assist operated across three states with 48 service centres, from the tropics of Far North Queensland to the cool air of Tasmania. Wherever we are, our mission is the same: to help people with disability realise what’s possible.
Innovation that makes a difference
We’ve led projects that break barriers and create opportunities:
- Tourism Taster was a government-funded pilot in Cairns helping tourism businesses embrace diversity and accessibility.
- EPIC Telecentre trained homebound individuals with disability to become qualified bookkeepers, meeting a critical need for small business support.
- Rural and Remote program extended employment and training opportunities to people with disability living in isolated farming communities.
- Get Set for Work supported young people transitioning into employment by providing weekly mentoring and a safe space to build confidence.
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters matched vulnerable youth with certified mentors to foster stability, resilience, and personal growth.
Opening doors in the tourism industry
Tourism Taster was a government-funded pilot program managed by EPIC Assist in Cairns, designed to help small and medium-sized tourism businesses overcome barriers to recruiting, retaining, and progressing employees with disability. The program focused on education, accessibility, and inclusion, creating real employment opportunities in one of Queensland’s most vibrant industries.
Program achievements
- 109 people with disability engaged through DES providers and community outreach.
- 40 interviews conducted with local employers.
- 23 participants completed work trials, leading to 20 job offers.
- 14 participants remain employed, demonstrating sustainable outcomes.
Success stories
- Cairns Convention Centre embraced diversity by hiring Stephan, who now plays a vital role in hospitality operations.
- Rainforestation Nature Park welcomed Indigenous dancers Leslie and Nathaniel, showcasing cultural heritage while promoting inclusion.
- Hospitality placements like Zoltan’s role in guest services highlight how tailored support and employer education can transform lives.
Tourism Taster didn’t just create jobs, it changed perceptions. Employers learned the value of inclusive hiring, and participants gained confidence, skills, and independence. This program is a model for how collaboration can break down barriers and build stronger communities.
EPIC Telecentre
The EPIC Telecentre was a groundbreaking initiative that supported people with disability who were homebound to become qualified bookkeepers. A team of accountants, bookkeepers, and employment advisors worked together to connect participants with small businesses needing help with monthly accounts and business activity statement (BAS) obligations. The program met a real need in the business community while providing meaningful employment for people whose disability made traditional work environments inaccessible.
Rural and Remote Program
Building on the success of the Telecentre, this program extended support to people with disability living in remote areas, often on farms with few employment options beyond physically demanding labour. A dedicated manager travelled at least once a year to visit participants in person, offering hands-on training and support. This was backed by regular phone and email contact, ensuring participants felt connected and supported throughout the year.
Get Set for Work
Get Set for Work supported young people transitioning into employment who needed guidance beyond their immediate family and friends. EPIC staff provided weekly meetings and supervised activities, creating a relaxed and welcoming space where participants could connect and grow. The program’s success came from its ability to offer stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during a critical time in each participant’s life.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
This mentoring program matched young people in need of a stable influence with certified volunteers—known as Big Brothers or Big Sisters. Monthly visits were structured to ensure the wellbeing of the young person remained the highest priority. The program created safe, consistent relationships that helped young people build resilience and confidence.
Celebrating inclusive businesses
EPIC, in partnership with Tourism and Events Moreton Bay, created the award for Accessibility and Inclusiveness Excellence to recognise businesses that lead the way in creating inclusive workplaces. This award highlights businesses that exceed expectations in creating inclusive workplaces and accessible services.
The award reflects our commitment to driving change in employer attitudes and practices.
- 2024 Award Winner: Acknowledged for their supported employment program that guarantees fair wages, and fosters accessible and supportive workplaces.
- 2023 Award Winner: Recognised for breaking down barriers and improving accessibility in the Moreton Bay region.
- 2022 Award Winner: Honoured for innovative practices that support people with disability and foster inclusion.
Working together for greater impact
We partner with leading organisations to amplify our impact:
- FAN (Food & Agribusiness Network) – Our six-year relationship with FAN on the Sunshine Coast helped to creating employment pathways in regional industries. Alongside FAN, we work to understand the local labour market, create employment opportunities for people with disability, & empower businesses to recruit people with disability.
- NDS (National Disability Services) – Advocating for better policies and practices.
- DEA (Disability Employment Australia) – Driving innovation in disability employment services.
These partnerships have resulted in new job opportunities, employer education programs, and stronger advocacy for people with disability.
Walking together with First Nations communities
EPIC Assist is proud to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culturally safe practices, employment strategies, and partnerships. With up to 10% of our participants identifying as First Nations peoples, we continue to strengthen our reconciliation journey. Our initiatives include:
- Publishing traditional place names for EPIC locations.
- Employing Aboriginal Liaison Officers to support participants.
- Providing cultural awareness training for staff.
Learn more about our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Lived experience at the heart of our work
Over 30% of EPIC staff have lived experience of disability, and up to 33% have a culturally and linguistically diverse background. This diversity ensures empathy and understanding in every interaction, making our services truly person-centred.
Explore Our People and Work With Us.
Sharing knowledge beyond borders
EPIC Assist has contributed to international projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives in Slovakia, Scotland, and the Czech Republic, promoting best practices in disability employment worldwide. Our global collaborations reinforce our vision of a world where everyone has equal access to opportunity.
Join us in creating inclusive futures
Help us continue this legacy. Partner with EPIC Assist, donate to our programs, or learn more about how we’re shaping a more inclusive society.
