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Kingfisher Bay Resort is one of the biggest and first real ecotourism builds in the country. The resort employs over 350 people across its four businesses and takes its role as an equal opportunity employer seriously.

When Kingfisher Bay Resort was recruiting for a trainee program, EPIC Assist connected with the resort to suggest some local job seekers with disability. Rebecca’s studies in Hospitality made her the ideal candidate and EPIC soon helped her land her a job on K’gari (Fraser Island) as a Hospitality Assistant.

When Rebecca was diagnosed with autism and ADHD back in grade 10, she didn’t ever picture herself landing a full-time job at a fancy resort on a tropical island. But after two years of climbing the ranks at Kingfisher Bay Resort and well on her way to becoming a team leader, it’s clear that’s exactly what she’s done.

“The person I was two years ago, I probably wouldn’t even recognise who I am now,” said Rebecca.

She spends her days serving up coffees and cocktails behind one of Kingfisher’s five restaurants and three bars and assisting with the 120 weddings and events the island hosts.

“When I actually first started, I knew nothing. I knew nothing about working in a resort, nothing about being a bartender, being a barista, nothing about waitressing.

“But they trust me with a lot of stuff now. I’ve memorised the whole cocktail list, I can do any of the cocktails on there, I can do any of the coffees.

Brisbane-based data analytics business, Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA), is forging a new path for diversity and inclusion. They almost exclusively employ neurologically diverse people who have a keen interest in technology and data sciences.

In 2020, ASA connected with EPIC and the team at Strathpine to help them hire job-ready, quality candidates with autism. Since then, EPIC has helped ASA hire more than six people into sustainable, gainful employment.

Harrison is one of the newest junior data analysts EPIC has helped secure employment for at ASA.

“I haven’t been stable for almost three years. And this is starting to get me there,” he said.

“I’ve been able to do such things as afford a haircut, which has been nice.”

For others like Louis, the best part of the job is learning and developing new skills and knowledge.

“I now know a whole lot more about the electrical grid that I didn’t know anything about before,” Louis said.

This 5-star resort is passionate about providing opportunities for meaningful employment. They currently employ two participants through EPIC, Angelica and Josh.

Angelica has been working in the Reef restaurant for over 10 years. She says she loves working there, and her job has helped her gain independence and confidence.

Human Resources Manager Michele says “Giving someone like Ange the opportunity to have meaningful employment is really important.”

Josh works in the hotel’s large scale laundry, where he has learnt to operate a range of machines over the past 12 months. Josh’s manager Rob says he is a hands-on learner and has a great capacity to retain knowledge.

“If you can find the right person for the job, whether they have a disability or not, the right person for the right job is what you look for,” Rob says.

EPIC has helped a number of job seekers find their dream job at Woolworths across the country.

Alex came to EPIC over 4 years ago and landed his first role collecting trolleys for Singh Enterprises. Through this role, his bubbly nature and outstanding customer service were noticed by Woolworths staff who approached him about a role inside their store.

Working inside Woolworths was Alex’s dream job, so he jumped at the opportunity.

Alex began his role with full support, which included being picked up from home, on-the-job support while at work, and getting dropped back home after his shift. We provided Alex with travel training, and he has since been able to travel to work unaided and work his shift alone.

Jolleen and her sister Catherine recently celebrated their 15th anniversary working at Woolworths.

Over the last 15 years, the sisters have become somewhat of a star at the store, with many customers seeking out their friendly smiles so they can say hello.

They’ve worked in many departments during their time at Woolworths, from restocking shelves to preparing biscuits in the bakery.

Over the years Grafton Sunset Caravan Park has employed five people with disability through EPIC, with three currently working at the park.

Warren, Shannin, and Trey came to EPIC at different stages of their employment journeys. They each have different disabilities, experiences, and career goals, which is why it is so important that EPIC provides holistic and personal support.

Warren is 67 and along with other injuries, he lost 90% use of his left arm after a bad accident. He could have retired when he moved to Grafton four years ago but wanted to keep working because he loves having something to do each day.

“I started working when I was 12. The thought of sitting at home all day, every day, I was bored. I need to work, I love work,” says Warren.

“I’ve worked at the Sunset Caravan Park for two and half years now and have enjoyed every minute of it.”

On the other hand, as this is Shannin’s first job, he needed extra support building a resume and practising for interviews. He is currently enjoying all the benefits that come with having meaningful employment.

“I’ve become a lot more independent. I’ve just been able to buy a new car,” says Shannin.

Working at a mortuary wasn’t something Kai had ever considered but he decided to give it a go. He went in for an interview and found out that he got the job three days later.

“I was really excited when I found out I got the job. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but it turned out to be the perfect match,” said Kai.

Kai’s daily tasks change from day to day which is something he enjoys. He states that he loves every aspect of his job and that every task is his favourite task.

“I love this job, being able to help people every day is so rewarding. I come home feeling like I’ve made a difference,” said Kai.

Brett moved to the Sunshine Coast in late 2018, looking for employment. His verbal communication skills were minimal, and when he was able to speak, he had a severe stutter and struggled to get his words out. Talking on the telephone was impossible.

Looking for Brett’s next role, EPIC thought Cutting Edge Cabinets could be a good match.

Cutting Edge Cabinets has been building kitchens on the Sunshine Coast since 2003. Around 12 months ago, they moved into their current, custom build premises at Bell’s Creek near Caloundra.

The company produces a huge 60-70 kitchens a month, which equates to 3-5 per day.

Six months later, Brett is in charge of the forklift operations, receiving orders from the multiple trucks that come in and sorting them into their separate jobs. His role also includes edging boards that form the structure for the kitchens.

“EPIC have been really great because they actively sought work for me and found me employment,” Brett said.

“It’s been great to have them there to find employment and support me now that I have a job.”

Village Roadshow Theme Parks has been working alongside EPIC for a number of years to offer employment opportunities to people with disability.

Since starting with Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Lolly Shop at Movie World, Tayah has fallen in love with her work. While being surrounded by lollies and chocolate all day seems like anyone’s dream job, for Tayah it’s more than that – it’s the goal she has worked so hard to achieve.

“It’s a good job to work at Movie World and it’s lots of fun,” says Tayah.

“I feel supported and it’s a safe environment.”