About the Tourism Local Navigators Program
Tourism Local Navigator was a 12-month pilot funded by the Australian Government. The program focused on providing work experience opportunities for people with disabilities, giving them a ‘taste’ of the tourism industry. Supporting small and medium businesses in Cairns was also important for the program and offering businesses access to disability awareness training and ongoing support.
The program ran from July 2023 to June 2024. Trudy Nagle became the Tourism Taster Coordinator who delivered the project. As a Cairns local with over 20 years of experience in the employment sector, Trudy was the perfect fit.
EPIC Assist developed the Toursim Taster Cairns brand and pilot program. EPIC supported Trudy for the duration of the project.
“Being given the opportunity to build this pilot project for local tourism industry has not just been about inclusiveness and diversity for people with disability in work, but also collaboration from the whole community that want to embrace and support the ideas, opportunities and work towards disability awareness as a whole,” Trudy said.
The program’s results
Tourism Taster Cairns was a true showcase of collaboration. Tourism operators, networking groups, jobseekers with disability, and disability employment service providers worked together to make the program a success.
The pilot program turned 20 work experiences into employment opportunities. Cairns Convention Centre, CaPTA Group (Rainforestation), Seville Mercy Centre, and Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside employed people through the program. Some of the employment roles included a chef, night auditor, laundry attendant, housekeeper, and Indigenous performer.
In the end, the program received glowing feedback. There was a strong desire from the community to extend the program. Creating connections with local high schools for more support with work experience placements.
“Great project creating awareness, education, and support for employers and employment opportunities for those living with a disability.”
“Fantastic initiative to provide job outcomes for people with a disability whilst addressing skill shortage in the tourism industry.”
“Great introduction for tourism business to consider how best to attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce.”
Trudy brought the program to life by networking with local tourism enterprises, people with disabilities, disability employment services, and the community. She became the face of Tourism Taster and helped fill the needs this program was addressing. Thank you to Trudy for the care and compassion you brought to the program. The feedback received at the end speaks volumes of all the hard work you put in to make the program a success.
“Trudy is very accessible and honest about whether a participant is right for the position. She takes the time to get to know all parties to make sure matches have the best chance for success. She is knowledgeable and happy to advocate for any adjustments needed, and to educate employers if required.”
“Trudy is very approachable if any questions need answering and takes the time to listen to the individual circumstances of the business.”
Tourism Taster Highlights
Trudy Nagle and employers from the CaPTA Group, Cairns Convention Centre and Seville Mercy Conference Centre share their experiences with Toursim Taster Cairns.
Local News Coverage of Tourism Taster
The program has worked with a number of employers to increase their knowledge and understanding of inclusive and accessible hiring practices. This disability awareness training has made it possible for people with disability across the region to find meaningful employment.
Tourism Taster Success Stories
If you are living with a disability, injury, health condition, or mental health condition and looking to find meaningful employment, contact EPIC Assist today.
