If you could go back in time, what would you say to yourself?
Wednesday, 30 August 2023
Let’s share knowledge this Women’s Health Week 2023 Some days feel like they drag on forever. But others fly past in an instant. A click of the fingers. You are five years old. It’s your first day of school. Your backpack is almost as big as you are. The classroom is loud, and your ears…
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Cockatoo Cafe perfectly blends family, passion, and inclusion
Thursday, 10 August 2023
Family is a huge part of our lives. For some of us, it’s the centre point of how we live – our job, our hobbies,…
A fresh batch of inclusion from the fresh food people
Tuesday, 2 May 2023
At the end of a long day or work week, sometimes we just want to relax. We think of that recipe we’ve always wanted to…
Coffee the way you like it, with a side of diversity and inclusivity
Thursday, 23 March 2023
Bundaberg’s Deli Café special leaves a good taste in everyone’s mouth! For as long as it’s been around, Queensland’s city of Bundaberg has been all…
There is still a long way to go before equal pay
Monday, 19 September 2022
Everyone has a right to equal pay and meaningful employment. International Equal Pay Day is dedicated to making this right a reality. International Equal Pay…
Repurposed goods aren’t the only thing you can get at the World’s Biggest Garage Sale
Tuesday, 6 September 2022
Meet the garage sale that’s changing waste practices and creating better consumer habits one damaged or faulty good at a time. The World’s Biggest Garage…
Workplace inclusion is possible – just ask ASA
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
The idea of a data analytics business almost exclusively employing neurologically diverse people may seem impossible, but that is simply not true. The Brisbane-based business,…
Misconceptions about cerebral palsy
Thursday, 5 May 2022
Complex health conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP) are widely misunderstood. Across the globe, almost 17 million people and 34,000 people here in Australia…
Earles Paint Place brings out a new shade in their inclusive workforce
Monday, 21 March 2022
Every person with disability has a right to meaningful employment. Melissa White, the Director of Earles Paint Place in Maryborough, is one employer making this…
Support you can find in every aisle: FoodWorks Hervey Bay supports the disability community
Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Like most small cities, Hervey Bay is passionate about placing community first. One small business is putting this ethos into action. Tucked away just a…
Misconceptions about bipolar disorder
Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Complex mental health conditions, such as bipolar are incredibly misunderstood. Whether it is due to a general lack of understanding or believing in damaging stereotypes…
Everyone is welcome at the Cape Gateway Motel
Wednesday, 5 January 2022
The Cape Gateway Motel in Mareeba takes pride in providing warm and friendly customer service, where everyone feels welcome. Part of creating this positive environment is…
New year, new priorities: CSR is not a box-ticking exercise
Tuesday, 14 December 2021
The new year brings lots of anticipation about the next 12 months that lay ahead. There is a clean slate for new goals, new opportunities,…
Tatts Hotel recognised for their inclusive hiring in business awards
Monday, 15 November 2021
Tattersalls Hotel in Bundaberg, affectionately nicknamed Tatts, takes diversity and inclusion seriously. The grand hotel has been a Bundaberg community icon for over 130 years,…
Diversity and inclusion lead to a more robust and productive workplace
Friday, 12 November 2021
At the Seville Mercy Conference Centre (Seville) inclusion and diversity are two very important factors that contribute to their success. Rod Cole-Clarke is the Manager…
Answering questions about hiring someone with a disability
Thursday, 23 September 2021
Hiring someone with a disability for the first time can be daunting. At EPIC Assist (EPIC) we encounter many employers wanting to employ someone with…
What the Paralympics are teaching employers about inclusion and accessibility
Tuesday, 21 September 2021
It started as a small shindig tacked onto the back of the Olympic Games for military veterans that use wheelchairs. Today, it’s the biggest international…
“Everyone deserves a fair go”: attitude put into practice at Grafton Sunset Caravan Park
Thursday, 12 August 2021
As the Owner of Grafton Sunset Caravan Park, Malcolm Nott prides himself on creating a family environment. Part of creating that environment is having the…
The biggest barrier for people with disability is how society disables them
Thursday, 22 July 2021
Stereotyping, stigma, and discrimination are challenges people with disability face every day. Much of the disabled community faces exclusion from parts of society other people…
Inclusion is on the menu at McDonald’s Ballina
Wednesday, 7 July 2021
When McDonald’s Ballina was looking for a new team member, they decided to cast the net a little wider. Rikki, the McDonald’s Ballina Manager, contacted…
Misconceptions about people with PTSD
Monday, 7 June 2021
Over 1 million Australians have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is still a very misunderstood mental health condition. 27th June is PTSD Awareness Day,…
Dismantling the narrow view of disability
Friday, 21 May 2021
When we hear the word disability, most people think of someone in a wheelchair. In Australia, there are over 4.4 million people that have some…
Digital accessibility benefits everyone
Monday, 10 May 2021
Every user deserves a positive digital experience on the web. While digital accessibility was once thought of as a ‘nice to have’ element of a…
Community, support, and inclusion at its core for Bird’s Nest Restaurant
Wednesday, 21 April 2021
When Marie, the owner of Bird’s Nest Restaurant, started chatting to one of her regulars Bevan about what he did for work she never imagined…
How to interview job candidates with autism
Thursday, 15 April 2021
The interview process can be a stressful experience for anyone, but for candidates with autism, it can be particularly challenging. Traditional recruitment and interview processes…
Meet the café that’s serving up more than just your morning coffee
Thursday, 1 April 2021
Stepping up to the counter of Oasis Café in Redcliffe, you’ll find more than just cake and coffee on the menu. The café, which serves…
Thirteen years of ongoing support makes all the difference at the Sheraton
Monday, 15 March 2021
Not all Disability Employment Service providers are the same. What sets EPIC Assist (EPIC) apart from other providers is the ongoing support offered long after…
Taking the first steps to hire someone with a disability
Monday, 8 March 2021
Hiring someone with a disability can ensure your business is not missing out on reaching its full potential. Having employees with a disability means your…
Josh’s Asperger’s a benefit, not a barrier to his employer
Monday, 8 February 2021
For many people, finding employment is a long and daunting task. Endless job board searching, CV writing, and high-pressure interviews can become exhausting. However, for…
How to create kinder, more inclusive communities and workplaces this Feel Good February
Friday, 22 January 2021
Everyone can use more kindness in their lives. That’s the purpose of Feel Good February – to uplift communities and encourage everyone to take on…
Country Club just the tee for Tyler & Jack
Thursday, 14 January 2021
Finding supportive employers who create employment opportunities for people with disability is one of the core missions of EPIC Assist (EPIC). Traineeships and work experience…
Flexible work: the new normal for 2021
Monday, 11 January 2021
In 2020 we saw our world change in ways we would never expect. The coronavirus has transformed the way we live and work. Employers have…
EPIC and Kahwun-Wooga create employment opportunities for Maryborough community
Thursday, 3 December 2020
Nothing is more important to Peter Skuthorpe than community. The Community Justice Group Coordinator for Kahwun-Wooga Aboriginal Corporation in Maryborough explains: “Community to me means…
Inclusive leadership makes powerful teams
Monday, 23 November 2020
Inclusive leadership isn’t just nice to have. It makes good business sense. Teams with inclusive leaders are more likely to be high performing, have less…
Community key driver for Madill Motor Group
Wednesday, 30 September 2020
Madill Motor Group at Noosa have always fostered a feeling of community amongst their staff. With a focus on clubs within the local community and…
Taylah stands out as the perfect match for TADQ
Monday, 31 August 2020
The right person in the right role: a formula that has proven true for Taylah and her employer, Technology for Ageing and Disabled QLD (TADQ)….
Why inclusive messaging matters: 30 best practices
Monday, 17 August 2020
Messaging is everything. Today, 1 in 5 Australians live with a disability. But despite making up 20% of the population, only about 6% of businesses…
Art and beer the perfect brew for Richard
Thursday, 6 August 2020
Mateship, Sustainability and Inclusiveness. Head of Production at Your Mates Brewing Company Christen McGarry explains the Your Mates vision. “We always wanted to make sure…
Brett has the Cutting Edge
Tuesday, 21 July 2020
A lot can change in six months when you’re in the right role in a supportive workplace. Just ask Brett. Brett moved to the Sunshine…
What managers need to keep in mind when returning to the workplace
Wednesday, 17 June 2020
As restrictions lift and life slowly eases back to normal, you may be commencing your return to office preparations. During this transition, the health, safety,…
Let’s talk about men’s health in the workplace
Monday, 8 June 2020
If you had to choose, what would you rather be: healthy or successful? For many men, this is a decision that heavily affects their career…
The kindness amid the chaos: National Volunteer Week
Wednesday, 6 May 2020
It’s safe to say that the world is a little strange right now. But amid the chaos of 2020, something brilliant has emerged—the kindness of…
Leading a remote team through challenging times
Monday, 6 April 2020
Many leaders are suddenly finding themselves in new working relationships with their employees working remotely. Add to that the fear and uncertainty the coronavirus pandemic…
The world needs neurodiversity, but employers still don’t seem to get it
Thursday, 2 April 2020
Meet Liam. He’s a wiz at data analytics. He loves Microsoft Excel. His CV features a bachelor’s degree in computer science from QUT. An obvious…
Make corporate social responsibility a priority in 2020
Wednesday, 22 January 2020
Is corporate social responsibility a business goal of yours for 2020? In today’s socially conscious environment, customers and employees place great importance on buying from…
How to make your work party accessible to everyone
Monday, 11 November 2019
Corporate Christmas parties are a great way to boost staff morale, get the entire team together, and say thank you for all their hard work….
“EPIC made it so easy. I wish I’d done it sooner”- Matt
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
General Manager and Head Brewer of Brouhaha Matt Jancauskas was struggling to fill a role at his craft brewery and restaurant in Maleny on the…
Labour economist says that being disability-inclusive makes good business sense
Friday, 20 September 2019
Robert Sobyra is a self-confessed numbers guy. As Director of Evidence, Data and Innovation for Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) he knows that the numbers around…
Long term support key for employee of the month Clinton
Monday, 2 September 2019
Long-term Target employee Clinton’s enthusiasm and dedication has hit the mark, taking out the first ever employee of the month award for his Burnie store…
It’s time we close the pay gap for artists with disability
Tuesday, 13 August 2019
Art is one of Australia’s greatest and most important assets. Artists have the power to define and transform our country’s culture, identity, and future through…
5 questions about disability that employers can’t ask in a job interview
Tuesday, 13 August 2019
Job interviews are the most commonly used tool to test a candidate’s suitability for a role. Most employers have a bank of questions used to…
Inclusion on the Menu at Maryborough Cafe
Friday, 2 August 2019
Owner of Maryborough’s POPIN on Kent café, Deb, knows that the staff members she has employed through local disability employment service EPIC Assist are (in…
Top tips on how to be a more disability inclusive business
Monday, 29 July 2019
Becoming more disability inclusive will not only help you build a business that better represents our society (1 in 5 Australians live with disability), it…
#removethebarrier
Monday, 29 July 2019
I take my hat off to Dylan Alcott who recently launched the #removethebarrier campaign – a bold challenge to business owners and corporate Australia to…
“Take the leap because you won’t regret it” – Duncan
Monday, 29 July 2019
Managing Director of Avantix is reaping the benefits of hiring someone on the autism spectrum Brisbane-based information processing solutions company, Avantix, is learning that there…
Businesses urged to make a change this Stress Down Day
Wednesday, 3 July 2019
Everyone experiences stress at some point during their life. Whether it’s that impending deadline at work or a tough situation at home, some days stress…
Everything’s stacking up for Brayden at IKEA
Thursday, 16 May 2019
At EPIC Assist (EPIC), we’re committed to preparing people with disability for the workforce and supporting them to reach their potential. We recently chatted to…
How meaningful employment has changed Alex’s life
Thursday, 11 April 2019
Alex’s journey to meaningful employment has been tougher than most. He spent many years fighting an uphill battle plagued with misdeeds by previous workplaces, and…
My thoughts on Employable Me, season 2, episode 1
Wednesday, 10 April 2019
ABC’s Employable Me is back for a second season, with episode 1 of 3 screening last night. The show follows nine people with disability as they navigate…
What are reasonable adjustments in the workplace?
Thursday, 28 March 2019
The right tools at work can make all the difference in helping people with disability reach their best at work. Understanding how to support your…
Jonathon finds his job satisfaction at Eagers
Monday, 11 March 2019
Throughout life, everyone finds themselves searching for job satisfaction. Some people find something that makes them proud; others work tirelessly to get there. Jonathon’s been…
Everything falls into place for Cody at Officeworks
Wednesday, 6 March 2019
Everything is falling into place for Cody after EPIC Assist (EPIC) helped him find work with Officeworks during their demanding back-to-school rush. For Cody, working…
Camera House snaps up the perfect employee
Monday, 4 March 2019
Time has flown by for Nick, who recently celebrated 12 months working at Camera House. Helensvale Camera House Manager, Robert, has nothing but praise for…
Sweet future ahead for lolly shop assistant
Thursday, 28 February 2019
EPIC Assist (EPIC) believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to find meaningful work. Village Roadshow Theme Parks wholeheartedly supports this concept, and over the last…
Camel careers for new recruits on Sunshine Coast
Tuesday, 26 February 2019
Three young people have started new careers on the Sunshine Coast with an array of furry friends by their side. Jo, Bryce and James are…
Six months’ success and counting for job seekers Sam and Danielle
Monday, 14 January 2019
Job seekers Sam and Danielle are successfully powering towards a huge milestone as they prepare to celebrate six months working with DDH Graham as office…
What does different mean to you? Lessons from artists with disability
Thursday, 3 January 2019
Late last year, EPIC hosted an event to mark the official opening of A World of Difference, our art exhibition celebrating International Day of People with…
Low Road café provides high road to employment for job seeker with disability
Wednesday, 28 November 2018
This week (26 – 30 November), employers all over the country are opening their doors to job seekers with disability for a single day as…
“It’s been such a positive experience for us” – Alicia
Wednesday, 7 November 2018
A six-week internship with the remuneration service department at Mercy Health is paying off for job seeker Michael, turning into a paid position after he…
Great staff make café all the sweeter
Thursday, 27 September 2018
There’s nothing as sweet as landing a great new job, especially when it involves coating raspberries in chocolate every day. Devonport local Matt started his…
“This job gives me a purpose in life” – Adam
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Since Adam began his role with Devonport Chaplaincy four years ago, his passion for the community services sector has continued to grow. Adam has found…
Workplaces ideal environment for life-changing conversations
Thursday, 13 September 2018
R U OK? Day is all about creating communities and safe spaces where people can openly share their struggles. It’s about encouraging human connection in a…
“It’s been great, a win/win.”- Irwin.
Wednesday, 5 September 2018
A young web designer on the autism spectrum is expanding his skillset, thanks to regular work experience with leading Canterbury digital agency Chromatix. Shen has…
“It feels amazing to have a job.” – Emily
Wednesday, 4 July 2018
Now And Not Yet Café is an iconic part of the community in Warrandyte, Victoria. As a social enterprise, the café’s profits go back into…
FTC Computers hires computer guru
Friday, 29 June 2018
FTC computers began hiring last year for a computer guru who was also skilled in accounting and administration. Owner Steve, having no luck with traditional…
Job seekers with disability urged to dream big
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
ABC’s popular Q&A program last night hosted a disability special, providing people with disability and their advocates a valuable platform to share their experiences. The…
“People with a disability can do a lot more than what society labels them with.” – Emma.
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Hiring people with disability at Crepe Café Aspley has been a game-changer both personally and professionally for owner Emma. In the three years she has…
“Peter is Petite Waffles, he brings such an amazing atmosphere to this company.” – Eli.
Monday, 25 June 2018
The success of Petite Waffles was revolutionised when they began hiring people with disability, says manager Eli. Petite Waffles began working with EPIC six years…
Part 2: Homelessness through Roberts eyes
Tuesday, 5 June 2018
The causes of homelessness Following my last article, I would like to continue to share the experiences of Robert, an EPIC job seeker who has…
Part 1: Homelessness through Robert’s eyes
Monday, 21 May 2018
Housing issues In a recent article, I mentioned that in the lead up to the CEO Sleepout I will be sharing the stories from our EPIC job…
It’s not about changing a person with autism
Friday, 11 May 2018
There was a time not too long ago when autism diagnoses were far less common than they are today. Nowadays, almost everyone knows someone on…
Final reflections on the ABC’s Employable Me
Wednesday, 18 April 2018
Last night signalled the end of the ABC’s 3-part series Employable Me, which followed 9 people with disability as they searched for jobs. It’s been a…
Further reflections on the ABC’s Employable Me
Friday, 13 April 2018
Watching the second episode of Employable Me last night inspired me to write another reflection piece. Last night we met three new job seekers on the autism…
Reflections on the first episode of the ABC’s Employable Me
Thursday, 5 April 2018
For a while now, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to watch Employable Me, a 3-part documentary series following people with disability as they look for…
Listen and learn: the importance of parking our prejudice
Thursday, 5 April 2018
I was moved to write this piece after listening to Jon Faine’s interview with Carly Findlay last Wednesday. Carly is a blogger, writer, speaker and appearance activist who…
“Hiring Tim has been a great thing for us personally and professionally.” – Griffith Graphics
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Tim Stockley may have only been on the job for six weeks, but he’s hit the ground running in his new role at Griffith Graphics….
“Hiring people with disability is a win-win whichever way we look at it.” – SEVA
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Specialised Emergency Vehicles Australia (SEVA) has been working with EPIC for almost two years, and have welcomed 4 valuable team members during that time. Engineering…
“We believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of society.” – Compass Group
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Natasha Caflisch, Diversity Projects & Indigenous Engagement Coordinator at Compass Group, took some time out to tell us all about Compass Group’s experience of connecting with…
“EPIC has a professional, client serving culture within their company.” – Impact Office Supplies
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Craig Stanton from Impact Office Supplies shares their experience of finding quality staff through EPIC. “Let me start by saying that we attempted to use…
“We are getting great joy and satisfaction from watching these young people learn.” – Bouganvillia Dell Nursery
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Christine and Don McDonald from Bouganvillia Dell Nursery & Landscape Supplies talk through their mutually beneficial experience working with EPIC. “Over the past 18 months since…
“Instead of using the word ‘disability’ we need to look at people’s abilities.” – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Monday, 26 March 2018
Some said Sam’s cerebral palsy would prevent him from ever working, but he’s proven the cynics wrong, recently celebrating his two year anniversary at Moncrieff…
“Elizabeth has proved to us all, including the customers, that having a disability does not hold you back.”
Monday, 26 March 2018
17-year-old Elizabeth has been a much-loved part of the Donut King Yeppoon Central team for almost a year, charming customers and colleagues alike with her…
“Katinka is fantastic. She is faster than my other staff in her duties.” – Tewantin Noosa RSL Club.
Monday, 26 March 2018
Each day Katinka bring her infectious personality and bubbly demeanour to work, bringing her team members up with her. Katinka is employed part-time in an…
Trust and the NDIS
Monday, 26 March 2018
Aside from headline-grabbing articles about the sustainability and costs of the NDIS lies a lesser-discussed element of the scheme, providing important insight into the hearts…
Disability is not an excuse for bad behaviour
Friday, 23 March 2018
Don Burke blaming Asperger’s syndrome as his excuse for his behaviour is just that. An excuse. TV personality Burke recently appeared on national television claiming…
Mental health in job seekers on the autism spectrum
Friday, 23 March 2018
Entering the workforce or starting a new job can be a stressful time. Many of us feel vulnerable as we navigate a new workplace. This…
The importance of brave conversations
Friday, 23 March 2018
Any day is a good day to check in with family, friends or co-workers that may be experiencing mental health issues in silence. People who…
We should be ashamed of the low employment levels
Friday, 23 March 2018
I thought it timely to round out Disability Action Week by sharing some insights from the 2017 Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC17), which I attended…
Love them and let them go
Friday, 23 March 2018
A recent screening of ABC’s Australian Story featured the captivating tale of a couple who decided to take an unorthodox approach to challenging their son’s…
How disability confident is your workplace?
Friday, 23 March 2018
The Disability Confidence Survey Report reflects a positive shift in disability awareness levels among small to medium enterprises, but concerns remain that this increased awareness is not…
