In 1992, WISE Employment looked very different to the organisation it is today. A small office in North Melbourne with only two people at the helm, it operated as an employment agency for people in Victoria living with an intellectual disability.
But while the not-for-profit has seen significant growth across both its impact and physical presence, its founding philosophy has always remained. Founding CEO John Bateup says WISE set out on a mission to create a better life for people – balancing the heart of a charity, with the commercial mind that’s required to bring about sustainable change.
“WISE has always aspired to enable durable and long-lasting social and charitable outcomes in the community, alongside strong business acumen and strategic foresight – working with a balance of heart and mind,” says John.
Disability employment programs in the early 1990s were few and far between across Australia, encouraging John and his founding partner Sue Ranking to recruit other like-minded people to join their journey.
“That’s when we approached Professor Joe Graffam from Deakin University who specialised in the disability employment area. He joined the board as one of our founding members and has been integral to the business ever since,” reflects John.
In 1998, WISE began providing services under what is now known as the Workforce Australia program in Victoria, and from there began to expand rapidly. A year later, WISE grew from three to ten offices around Melbourne, and in 2003 officially became a nationally registered training organisation.
Joe, who is now the Chair of the WISE Employment Board, attributes the business’s fast growth to its appetite to evolve and learn from the communities in which it operates.
“What was once a small disability employment service has diversified exponentially 30 years on. We now have programs to cater to anyone’s needs,” says Joe.
From programs that support asylum seekers, First Nations and remote communities, ex-prisoners and LGBTQIA+ groups, WISE’s expansion and diversification has ensured its services are tailored to each individual’s needs – something that’s integral when it comes to breaking down barriers.
“I think having steady, stable employment has taught a lot of people that it is a vehicle to a better life, but it isn’t the endpoint. WISE ensures there can be tailored, end-to-end services for our customers to best support them in achieving meaningful and productive lives. The employment figures we’ve achieved are great, but you can’t measure the immense success it has on our customers’ wellbeing,” explains Joe.
Fast forward to 2022, WISE Employment now boasts a workforce of more than 1,500 people. On average, it has seen an annual 25 per cent year-on-year growth for 30 years, contributing over five million dollars back into community programs.
When reflecting on his favourite moment across WISE’s 30-year journey, John finds it hard to pinpoint one memory in particular.
“There have been so many amazing times, but I think seeing first-hand the transformative nature of our work tops it all. You see someone who once had low self-esteem and confidence transform into a person who is proud of what they do, and they feel they are contributing to their community. A joy and thirst for life is born within them, and that’s something that drives our team on a daily basis,” says John.
Just as important to WISE’s success are the many businesses who partner with the organisation.
“Employers that partner with us on a regular basis feel comfortable with the support they gain from WISE and see first-hand the benefits our customers bring to their workplace on both a personal and professional level. We like to describe it as a relationship rather than a partnership,” says Joe.
Through WISE and his own research, Joe has seen first-hand the value of employing someone with a disability.
“If an individual can get the right job that is suitable to them, they can be a big asset to the employer. Nine times out of ten you will have a person who values their job a whole lot more, and is dedicated and passionate about getting the job done. It’s the responsibility of the rest of us to restructure things so they are not at a disadvantage,” adds Joe.
Both John and Joe are adamant that WISE will remain strong and expand its offering for decades to come, continuing to diversify its programs, social enterprises and charitable work within the community.
“We of course want to thank our employers. Without them, our growth and success would never be possible,” says Joe.
“WISE’s success is thanks to a huge amount of excellent work by many good people. The hard work has been done in cementing the vision right down to its core and we are confident the organisation will continue to grow and empower people, and serve our community for many years to come,” concludes John.
View our community projects and stories from the last 30 years of WISE.