As you start to head north of Brisbane into Moreton Bay, you see the gorgeous countryside emerge. Suburbia gradually gives way to long stretches of greenery and farmland, and the only downside is everything is further apart! A planned route of travel is essential when making the trek from Caboolture to Bribie Island or vice versa. Luckily for locals and visitors alike, a company stepped up to the plate to make it easier – Caboolture Bus Lines (CBL).
CBL has been servicing the Moreton Bay region since 1988. In that period, it’s expanded from a humble two coaches to a fleet of 65. It’s everyone’s first choice when it comes to getting to and from school, urban areas, and community events. But believe it or not, there’s more to what makes CBL great than their impressive service and reputation in the community.
For over a decade now, CBL has been hiring staff with the support of EPIC Assist. EPIC Assist (EPIC) is a local Disability Employment Services (DES) provider that connects job-ready people with disability with supportive and inclusive workplaces.
When the current Workplace Manager, Rob Douglas, took over the role, EPIC Employment Advisor Megan wasted no time and organised a meeting.
“I had only just settled down when Megan came in for a meeting where we got chatting about recruitment,” Rob explained.
EPIC and CBL’s two-way street
This partnership between EPIC and Rob started back in November 2021. According to him, it’s been more than successful so far. Since the chat with Megan, Rob has always found that EPIC understands the priorities of CBL as a business and what sort of people and values they need on board.
“We’ve got some fantastic workers from EPIC. We were more than happy to provide them with the necessary training and experience for them to learn, grow, and thrive in their roles,” Rob said proudly.
For Rob, CBL valuing inclusion and diversity makes his job much easier. As someone in a recruitment role, it means he has very few restraints and restrictions on hiring criteria. It streamlines the process and enables CBL to do exactly as they wish when choosing new members of their team.
We asked Rob a little more about some of the EPIC job seekers that have found themselves a part of the CBL team and had a few words with them.
David and Travis put their career into gear
David drives CBL busses across to Bribie Island and is in the noble position of doing the school runs. He initially came to EPIC after a motorbike accident nine years ago, with the six years following that being spent in recovery and completely out of work. It was then that David decided to connect with EPIC, who helped him get his license and everything he needed to start work at CBL.
“After the accident, I really did think I would never work again. But here we are, and here I am,” said David with a confident smile.
David explained to us that much of his confidence to get back into the workforce was how well EPIC treated him. They understood the workplace adaptions that came with his condition. In his own words, EPIC were “the most friendly and helpful bunch of people.” He couldn’t say enough about how much he appreciated their help.
Travis works at CBL as a bus cleaner in the washbay. He’s been doing it for slightly over a year since August 2023. He had previously been a fogger cleaner at CBL since February 2022, so his CBL journey has been going on for two and a half years already! He’s been a long-time EPIC participant since 2009, transitioning from the first job he had with EPIC to CBL after 11 and a half years.
According to Rob, Travis had a long history with CBL as a passenger prior to him being hired. Everyone in the CBL team was on good terms with him already. He was always sure to give them a warm greeting and never caused any problems. Rob remembers the time fondly.
“Travis was part of the bowling league, and you can’t miss anyone in those bowling league shirts. So that meant that his transition into employment was very smooth for him. He was already surrounded by people he knew that had a high opinion of him.”
Travis drives the CBL team closer together
Once Travis came on board, the whole culture in the lunchroom seemed to shift overnight. It was nothing but laughs and good times to be had. It brought the team out of their shells.
Rob went on to remark that Travis had shown real development since starting. At first, he had been a little unsure about things, but now he’s taken ownership of the role. Rob chalks it up to Travis’ can-do attitude.
“At the end of the day, employees don’t grow unless they’ve got a thirst to. So, the fact that he has is a real credit to him. We’ve done our best to make his progression as smooth as possible. It’s meant that he’s been able to grow really confident here.
“It’s like I always say – you can hold the door open for people, but can’t force them to walk through,” Rob said matter-of-factly.
For Rob, the capability of people with disability is something he’s always believed in. His partnership with EPIC has only served to reinforce that. He acknowledges that there is an uncomfortable truth that most employers write off potential employees with disability. He reasons that it’s something we have to work together as a society to change.
“Socially we’ve already come so far with breaking down the stigma. The reality is that it won’t happen overnight. We’ve just got to keep chipping away at it,” Rob explained.
CBL paves the way
It’s thanks to open-minded businesses like CBL and employers like Rob that the stigma in question is being reduced every day. Rob went on to preach about just how important it is to have employment in your life. He reasoned that if the person has the motivation to chase it, it’s beyond important for companies like CBL and EPIC to do their best to ensure that those aspirations are fulfilled.
Before we said our goodbyes to Rob, David, and Travis, we asked them if they’d recommend EPIC’s services to someone in the same position as they had been before coming to them. And all three gave ringing endorsements!
“If you’re thinking of going for employment. Try EPIC, you might like it!” said Travis with a hearty laugh.
David’s life has changed in many ways since his accident. Having EPIC by his side has been critical in getting him back on his feet.
“EPIC are hardworking people who want the best for me and others like me. They’ve come through at every turn. It’s tough to come to terms with the idea you won’t be able to work the same way ever again. You need all the support you can get, and EPIC provide exactly that,” David said earnestly.
For Rob, it’s the thought and consideration EPIC bring that sets them apart from the rest.
“You don’t get the kind of support EPIC provides with agencies and other avenues. They really are above the rest in that regard. Bringing in the right people makes all the difference, and that’s exactly what Travis and David have been for us,” said Rob proudly.
If you have a disability, injury, mental health condition, or health condition, get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job you love.
If you’re thinking of hiring a person with disability, start the conversation with us today by phoning 13 EPIC (3742) or sending us a message.
