As one door closes, Ron builds another
Tuesday, 29 November 2022
There is a lot more that goes into making a working door than slapping some hinges on a piece of timber and bolting it next to a gap. Anyone with a working knowledge of these...
News and events
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International Day of People with Disability: an EPIC year in review
Wednesday, 23 November 2022
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally on December 3. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding,...
Benny’s cafe: a pillar of diversity and inclusion in the Caboolture Business Hub
Thursday, 17 November 2022
Jimmy is not someone who defines people with labels or assigns predetermined ideas of what others can and cannot do. "Everyone is different. Everyone has a...
From Employment Consultant, to job seeker, and back again. Cindy comes full circle thanks to inclusive work environment at EPIC
Friday, 11 November 2022
#InclusionAtWorkWeek 2022 is Diversity Council Australia’s inaugural week-long celebration of diversity and inclusion in Australian workplaces, celebrated from 14 to 18 November. #InclusionAtWorkWeek is an...
Access and Inclusion recognised at the Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards
Wednesday, 26 October 2022
EPIC Assist (EPIC) was proud to sponsor the inaugural Award for Accessibility and Inclusiveness Excellence at the recent Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards, held...
From homeless to living her best life. This is how Janelle found the job that changed her life
Monday, 24 October 2022
Five years ago, the idea of having a job, let alone a place to live, felt like an impossible dream for Janelle. She was homeless...
Meet Lachlan: EPIC’s resident game wizard
Thursday, 13 October 2022
The term nerd is thought of as an insult. But Lachlan at EPIC Ipswich wears the name like a badge “proudly.” EPIC Ipswich is a...
Resilience is an attitude
Tuesday, 4 October 2022
The past few years have tested the human spirit in more ways than one. From the global pandemic to widespread flooding, communities across Australia have...
Josh rides into meaningful employment
Friday, 30 September 2022
Sometimes it feels like we are riding through life in the wrong gear. Despite all our efforts, the wheels won’t turn fast enough and every...
Right out of the gate and already finding work
Wednesday, 28 September 2022
The cars are shining, and pistons are firing for four Logan locals, ready to hit the road on their latest employment journeys. Earlier this month,...
Meet the face of the RNA
Wednesday, 21 September 2022
If you have visited the RNA in the past year, you have probably met Zena, their customer relations consultant. Zena and her husband Craig are...
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...
Harry lines up to make a splash at the Special Olympics National Games
Thursday, 8 September 2022
EPIC Assist’s own Down syndrome swimming champion, Harry Cahill, is preparing to leap off the blocks at the 2022 Special Olympics National Games in Launceston....
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...
This Women’s Health Week it’s all about you
Friday, 2 September 2022
Women’s Health Week is a weeklong campaign held nationwide, focusing on improving women’s mental and physical health. Every year, thousands of online and in-person events...
We’re still here: EPIC retains all Disability Employment Services (DES)
Monday, 22 August 2022
Over the weekend, news circulated about the closure of Disability Employment Services (DES) providers across Australia and the end of Disability Employment Services (DES) contracts...
How to ask R U OK? all year round: It’s time we honestly answered, ‘How are you?’
Monday, 22 August 2022
When was the last time someone asked you, ‘How are you?’ Probably this morning when you walked in the door at work. Maybe last night...
A positive outlook can make all the difference
Thursday, 18 August 2022
“I just try to keep positive. I've been down the road of always thinking bad, and you don’t get anything. My legs might not work...
Workin’ at the car wash – Brock Tubb
Tuesday, 26 July 2022
Tipping your waiter might not be common practice in Australia, but there are still some jobs where you can make a few extra dollars -...
Taylor writes her next chapter at Australia Post
Monday, 11 July 2022
Sometimes, disability comes knocking on your door with bells and sirens. For others, it gradually sneaks up behind you. Taylor’s disability came as a surprise...
Celebrating 15 years of loyalty for Catherine at Woolworths
Tuesday, 5 July 2022
Employee Catherine is proof that people with disability can not only find and maintain long-term jobs but can also be a drawcard in the local community....
From oil and gas to acrylic and canvas – artist talk with Leah Cummins
Sunday, 3 July 2022
Every step along the winding path of life weaves together a rich and unique story. Describing a single moment is no easy task. I guess...
The mentee becomes the mentor: George finds his dream job supporting Indigenous job seekers
Friday, 1 July 2022
Proud Aboriginal man, George Blair, has three very important rules he lives his life by. “I have always been taught to stand up for what...
Nadya found a second family in her first job
Saturday, 25 June 2022
Determination, a positive attitude, a smidge of stubbornness, and a little bit of help from EPIC Assist (EPIC) is all Nadya needed to score her...
John Williams works at ISS (no, not the composer, nor the space station)
Thursday, 23 June 2022
When looking for employment, a bit of help from someone you trust can make all the difference. Just ask John. John was looking for suitable...
Happy Birthday, Sharon!
Monday, 20 June 2022
Over the weekend, one of EPIC Assist’s (EPIC) dearest participants, Sharon, celebrated her 40th Birthday. The celebrations kicked off last Thursday at Sharon’s work, Coles...
Emerging filmmaker Jala-Loka serves a fresh new take on the hospitality industry
Tuesday, 31 May 2022
You have heard the stories of how poorly staff in hospitality are treated. Chefs being underpaid and overworked, and waiters being abused by customers and...
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...
Happy Mother’s Day: celebrating our EPIC mums of children with disability
Wednesday, 4 May 2022
At times it is thankless, and the work never really ends, but you can’t be replaced and there’s nobody quite like you, mum. Happy Mother’s...
Determination and support led to employment success
Tuesday, 12 April 2022
Finding a job can be a rigid process. Each application has the same method of submitting your CV, completing an interview, offering referees, and then...
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...
Selected EPIC offices closed due to weather emergency
Wednesday, 2 March 2022
Edit (4th April 2022): All offices have reopened, except for Lismore. Lismore will continue to conduct appointments via phone or video conferencing where possible. EPIC Assist...
Rebecca makes a splash at Kingfisher Bay Resort
Thursday, 27 January 2022
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...
Mental illness is a chronic illness
Friday, 7 January 2022
Chronic illness is a very broad label that encompasses a range of long-term health conditions. The causes of chronic conditions are varied and complex. Unlike...
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...
Surf club makes an impact creating an inclusive environment
Thursday, 16 December 2021
Everybody has a right to have a job they love. Elliot is no different. He was looking for a role he could enjoy and use...
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,...
Hotel job takes Ryan sky-high at EconoLodge Park Lane
Thursday, 9 December 2021
Local Bundaberg resident, Ryan, knows first-hand how your life can change in an instant. Four days before Ryan’s 19th birthday, he experienced a stroke. The...
People with disability continue to succeed in a year filled with adversity
Wednesday, 17 November 2021
As we move into the final month of 2021, it is a time to reflect on the year gone by. This year has been filled...
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...
EPIC partnership drives Caboolture and Bribie Island
Wednesday, 10 November 2021
There’s a lot more to being a bus driver than just driving the bus, as several EPIC Assist (EPIC) job seekers recently found out. EPIC...
EPIC Mental Health consultants provide safe space to grow
Monday, 25 October 2021
Mental illness can affect anyone at any stage of their life. Mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability in Australia, with one in...
Paul celebrates his 42-year career at Uniline Australia
Wednesday, 20 October 2021
It’s not every day you hear about an employee who has worked their entire career at one company. EPIC participant Paul began his career at...
Rachael: ADHD is my strength, not a barrier
Wednesday, 13 October 2021
This October we are celebrating ADHD Awareness Month. With over 800,000 Australians living with ADHD, it is the most common neurodevelopmental condition yet still very...
Tune in to Mental Health this October
Friday, 1 October 2021
Tuning in to the world around us, as well as ourselves, provides a sense of clarity that is often lost in our busy lives. Practising...
Different ways to say R U OK?
Wednesday, 1 September 2021
Genuine conversations with our friends, family and colleagues are a vital step in combatting suicide and mental health issues. R U OK? Day is an...
EPIC launches new donations platform to raise funds for students with disability
Tuesday, 17 August 2021
At EPIC Assist (EPIC), we believe everyone has the right to meaningful employment. This starts with education for students with disability to create an easier...
“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...
“You are the man we need:” a niche skill set leads to permanent work
Thursday, 15 July 2021
There are many reasons why someone may consider their job meaningful. Someone may love their job because they are working in an industry they are...
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...
Jolleen celebrates 15 years at Woolworths and counting
Monday, 28 June 2021
What began as a small job in 2006 has evolved into a 15-year EPIC journey for Woolworths Narangba employee Jolleen. This month, Jolleen celebrated 15...
Art provides cultural connection and outlet for mental health
Thursday, 24 June 2021
Fourteen years ago, an Indigenous Elder threw EPIC Assist (EPIC) participant Lisa a rock and told her to start painting to help her work through...
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,...
Daniel’s passion to improve people’s lives has developed into a career
Thursday, 27 May 2021
When Daniel first approached EPIC Assist (EPIC) for help finding paid work, he had a clear goal: to one day become a Disability Support Worker....
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...
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...
Kyle carves out a future at Dundowran Engineering
Thursday, 25 February 2021
Kyle Clancy is no ordinary woodworker. The skilled Hervey Bay craftsman lives with an intellectual disability, and he spends his days turning slabs of timber...
What to expect when you first sign up to EPIC
Friday, 19 February 2021
Choosing a Disability Employment Service provider can be a tricky decision. It can be hard to know what to expect from each provider. At EPIC...
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...
Will snaps up childhood dream job at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Thursday, 28 January 2021
Some people are lucky enough to discover their passion from an early age and know exactly what they want to do when they grow up....
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...
Dusting off history is serving Josh well
Wednesday, 23 December 2020
Like many Year 12 students Josh spent 2020 thinking about what his future would look like and what career path he would take. This led...
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...
What do the next 30 years look like?
Monday, 30 November 2020
What is the future of disability employment? If the last 30 years are any indication, it will be remarkably different from what it is today....
International Day of People with Disability: people with disability can work anywhere
Tuesday, 24 November 2020
Disability does not define where a person can work. People with disability can be amazing doctors, paramedics, chefs, lawyers, tradespeople, artists, writers, sportspeople, and teachers....
Caboolture participant Alex becomes a face of EPIC!
Thursday, 29 October 2020
Alex’s smile and positive aura made him the perfect face to represent EPIC Assist (EPIC) in a new marketing campaign. His journey has shown how...
Very caring and naturally kind: Laurence is the perfect candidate for the aged care sector
Monday, 26 October 2020
After being unemployed for almost a year and a half Laurence has found the perfect role working for Rockpool Residential Aged Care in Morayfield. Laurence...
Mental health blog series: Darian
Thursday, 22 October 2020
In recognition of Mental Health Month, EPIC has released a mental health blog series highlighting the stories of members in our EPIC community who have...
Mental health blog series: Willow
Wednesday, 14 October 2020
In recognition of Mental Health Month EPIC has released a mental health blog series highlighting the stories of members of our EPIC community who have...
The unexpected place Kai found his dream job
Thursday, 8 October 2020
After working as a bartender for most of his professional life, Kai ended up landing a job in one of the most unexpected industries and...
Mental health blog series: Rachel
Tuesday, 6 October 2020
In recognition of Mental Health Month EPIC has released a mental health blog series highlighting the stories of members of our EPIC community who have...
Mental health blog series: Michael
Friday, 2 October 2020
We love hearing updates from our job seekers and seeing what they can achieve with the right support crew backing them up. We recently heard...
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...
Mental health blog series: Rebecca
Monday, 28 September 2020
October marks National Mental Health Month. The aim of this initiative is to advocate and raise awareness for mental health in Australia. With 1 in...
Understanding complex mental health conditions
Friday, 25 September 2020
In the past few years, a lot has changed to reduce stigma and increase understanding surrounding mental health. It’s great to see that as a...
Employed after 18 years on the side lines
Tuesday, 22 September 2020
After being diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 30, James, a father and grandfather from the Tweed region was unemployed for 18 years. At...
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)....
There’s more to say after R U OK?
Thursday, 27 August 2020
Finding the right words to help someone you care about can be a worrying thought. When you see someone in your life struggling, it’s only...
Women, work, and your health
Thursday, 20 August 2020
Finding the right balance between work, happiness, home-life, health, and mental health isn’t always easy. For millions of women all over the world, finding a...
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...
“It feels so good to know that EPIC has my back no matter what.” – Doris
Friday, 31 July 2020
Doris moved to Innisfail with her husband four years ago in search of warmer weather and a relaxed lifestyle. However, since the move, Doris struggled...
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...
From unemployed to administrative superstar in a matter of months: Joshua’s journey to job success
Monday, 6 July 2020
When Joshua came to EPIC Assist (EPIC) Launceston he was looking for a little extra support finding employment. At first, he was incredibly shy. It...
EPIC sites are open by appointment only
Tuesday, 9 June 2020
EPIC Assist (EPIC) is pleased to share that our doors have reopened and we look forward to welcoming job seekers with a disability, mental health...
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...
World Blood Donor Day: saving lives one donation at a time
Tuesday, 2 June 2020
The 14th of June marks World Blood Donor Day. It is a day that celebrates the amazing, life-saving contributions donors make. It also hopes to...
The board game of EPIC Assist: 30 years in the making [infographic]
Thursday, 28 May 2020
It’s true – EPIC Assist (EPIC) is 30 years old! We’ve come a long way in the last three decades. From our humble beginnings as...
Pivotal moments for disability over the last 30 years
Thursday, 7 May 2020
When EPIC Assist (EPIC) first opened its doors in 1990, the world was a very different place. EPIC only had four staff members, Bob Hawke...
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...
Mum’s the word: raising a child who is ‘different’
Wednesday, 29 April 2020
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience. Suddenly, someone else’s needs always come first. Your thoughts, words and actions have a direct impact on another...
International Guide Dog Day: celebrating our furry friends making a difference
Wednesday, 22 April 2020
Imagine that you are blindfolded. You are walking down a busy street. Obstacles clutter the footpath. Pedestrians whiz past you and brush your sides. Many...
Taking advantage of newfound spare time to up-skill and re-skill
Monday, 20 April 2020
Many Australians are finding themselves with lots of extra time on their hands due to unemployment or reduced working hours. As we are all restricted...