“I’d lost respect for myself. It’s demoralising the way people look at you [when you’re homeless]. Now I’m back on track, I’ve got my life back. I feel independent. I’ve got a dollar in my pocket, most of the time! I’m being constructive and giving back.”

Michael | Former job seeker

“People with disabilities are people too and more than capable of doing what able-bodied people do. The staff members we’ve employed who have disabilities, we’ve worked with every single one of them to find their strengths and develop these. We guide them and steer them in the workplace, so they gain confidence in their role and see that they too are capable of working.”

Tony | Employer | MIMAS Foods

“I’m so grateful for WISE Employment, I love this job and they helped me get it. They were always on my side when I wanted to give up. Most job agencies don’t help, you’re just another person to them, but WISE allowed me to see the good side of a job agency. For someone that was bullied at school and lacked confidence, I’m now feeling independent and excited for the future. This is more than a job, it’s my hobby. It gets me out of bed in the morning and gives me a sense of normality. It has changed my life.”

Eric | Former job seeker

“We’re not your typical accountancy firm; we’re family focused and put people first. Cathy has really surprised me with her abilities and we’ll continue to help her build her skills and increase her hours when she’s ready. I’d hope others in the community would consider employing people with disabilities – sometimes you’ve just got to give back, and give someone an opportunity.”

Julie | Employer | Jac’s Accounting

When you have a job, you can handle your life, and you can help others. I am not that person to just lie down and take Centrelink – I like to pay tax because I live in this beautiful country and I take it as my responsibility to contribute to it.”

Zak | Former job seeker

“I found it hard to find a job due to mental health issues and single parenting. WISE understood my needs, they were supportive, and helped me get a job that I love. I’m now the Operations Manager for my employer.”

Cassie | Former job seeker

“I had an aneurysm that led to a serious stroke. WISE gave me a lot of care and attention that I couldn’t find anywhere else and helped me get a job in a call centre. I would recommend WISE to anyone.”

Tim | Former job seeker

“I found it really difficult to get a job because of my dyslexia. They organised a job plan for me. They got me into training and now I just adore working in aged care. I love my clients. Now I’m pursuing a career in nursing, that’s my real main goal.”

Vicki | Former job seeker

“I have poor hearing, short memory and I have lower back problems. WISE are there to help you find work and push you forward in life. They’ve helped me find more work and given me more hours. I just love to work. I love to do something with my life and make myself feel useful.”

Jayson | Former job seeker

My disability is anxiety, bi-polar and depression, and working with WISE I overcome a little bit of it every day. Go and see WISE, they’ll get you up off the couch, they helped me find my career so I think if they can help me they can help anyone.”

Rebecca | Former job seeker

“Charlie’s given me a chance to live a normal life and go back to being a chef, whereas before I was in pain and miserable wondering when I’d be fit enough to return to work. Having an employer that’s behind me who is understanding and supportive means the world to me.”

Matthew | Former job seeker

“WISE Employment has done more for me than any other employment agency. With other job agencies, they call you once and you never hear from them again. With WISE Employment, they regularly keep in touch.”

Trevor | Former job seeker

“I want a profession. I want a qualification and a future. If it wasn’t for WISE, I’d be hiding in a room somewhere. Now I’m not wasting my time anymore, I’m existing and living. I feel confident. I am not the person I used to be.”

Corey | Former job seeker

“The WISE team treated me so well, they were like my brothers and sisters. I thought I couldn’t do the job, but WISE encouraged me and then when I started working, it changed my life. I got my confidence back and proved to myself I was capable of so much more.”

Mary | Former job seeker

“There are currently three people with a disability working in my department and I’m stoked to have them on my team. I would encourage other businesses to give everyone a chance. I’m confident that they’d be happy with the work delivered.”

John | Employer | Manningham City Council

“There’s a pool of talent out there and employers should broaden their horizons, because the people that come through WISE are loyal, positive in attitude, and make great employees.”

Nick | Employer | Owner at Bancroft’s Dry Cleaning

“It’s ironic that people who have the flu aren’t feared! More business owners should consider employing people who have a mental illness because, quite simply, they can do the job and do it exceptionally well.”

Karen | Employer | Owner Cataract on Paterson

“After my experience with employing Andrew I’m keen to hire more people with disabilities and I’d encourage other employers to do the same. The experience has been so positive and there are hidden benefits. Andrew brings a bit of a shine to the place and an enthusiasm which is just infectious – he’s an absolute joy to have around.”

Greg Matusze | Employer | Owner of Busy Bee Cafe

“There are no limitations on who we employ, says Paul. “If a person with a mental illness wants to apply for a job, we certainly wouldn’t exclude them from working with us. If we get the right person and the right work fit, it’s not an issue for us – if they’re the best candidate for the role, they will certainly get the job.”

Paul Harding | Employer | Operations Manager at Hume Doors

“An accounts manager at my bank mentioned she needed an extra worker and I told her I would put WISE Employment onto them! Things are tough in small business, but I tell people: give them [people who have a disability] a go, let them have a go at doing some work experience. And, you know, it makes me feel good.”

Barry Blackwell | Employer | Owner of Spirit of Bonsai

It’s amazing the difference you can make to someone’s life. It has a ripple effect. That’s what made me recruit the next one and the next one; it’s someone’s life changing. You don’t know someone’s journey: they could be depressed just because of the hardships they’ve experienced, but then if you change something in their life, like a job, that all changes – and for their families as well. I’m so glad I did that for someone. I think it’s something all employers should do: give someone a chance to turn their lives around.”

Belinda Wandabwa | Manager and Director of Nursing | Baptcare Karana Community

"The initial hesitation for employers when it comes to hiring people with a disability is that it’ll become too much work. But when you see someone successfully integrate into the workforce, it makes it all worthwhile."

Tony | Employer | McDonald’s Port Lincoln

“The support WISE Employment has provided from start to finish has been smooth and efficient. I’m very impressed with how WISE has serviced my business needs.”

Corey Mingari | Employer | Owner of McDonald’s North Hobart