Tag Archive for: Training

Smiling woman in a pink polo shirt holds a white fabric sheet at a textile manufacturing machine in a warehouse setting

Renee finds her confidence at New iMAGE Laundry

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When an employer knocks back your job application, it’s natural to want to know why. Not only do you want to improve future applications, but you also crave a sense of closure.

So, imagine how 44-year-old Renee Katts felt when years of submitting job applications amounted to nothing: no interviews, no jobs, no explanations.

“It’s a bit disheartening,” Renee said. “It weighs your confidence down.”

But in late 2025, that all changed when Renee put her hat in the ring for a job at New iMAGE Laundry. The Bundaberg-based social enterprise, which has been part of IMPACT Community Services since 2013, gives job opportunities to people facing employment barriers.

Instead of advertising positions on the open jobs market, New iMAGE Laundry recruits people through IMPACT’s programs and other local service partners. That’s how it reaches people like Renee, whose IMPACT Case Manager told her about the opportunity and encouraged her to apply.

“I was proud as punch when I finally got the phone call to say you’re starting on this date, so I was really excited,” Renee said.

After being unemployed for so long, it was a big step for Renee when she began at the laundry on Halloween in 2025, but her first impressions couldn’t have been better.

“Everyone was just so welcoming. It’s like a second family from home,” Renee said.

“They’re more than happy to help you, and if you’re not too sure, there’s always someone to give you a helping hand and show you the right way to do things.

“There are a couple of things I haven’t tried yet, but I’m always keen to learn new things.”

New iMAGE LAUNDRY leader Marika Svenson says that Renee has developed in leaps and bounds over her nine months at the laundry.

“When Renee first started, she was very quiet and didn’t speak unless you asked her a question,” Marika said.

“Now, Renee has grown in confidence within herself and her abilities.

“Learning new tasks is no longer a daunting process for Renee, and she tackles new tasks with a willingness to learn new skills.”

Marika said that the laundry’s culture of teamwork and giving people a chance has played a significant role in Renee’s progression, helping her learn what she’s capable of.

“Renee now has the confidence to contribute to toolbox talks and make suggestions with new ideas,” Marika said.

“She is also willing to help at our monthly BBQs and brings in food to share with the team.

“Renee has really found her niche and has become a valued member of our team.”

For Renee, reaching that point took years. She has a long history with IMPACT, having accessed employment support through the not-for-profit organisation’s Workforce Australia program on and off since 2013.

Back then, however, Renee wasn’t ready to re-enter the workforce.

“At the time, I was in Brisbane because my eldest daughter was 16 weeks early, so I was stuck down there for three months.

“That was a very difficult time because she was so tiny and that was my main priority.

“We were told we’d only have a 60% chance of her coming home and living a normal, happy life.”

Renee decided to pause job hunting while she focused on her family. Fast forward ten years to 2023, and while Renee’s daughter was thriving, Renee’s career wasn’t.

After several months in hospitality, changes in the workplace left Renee looking for work again.

Renee was back to square one, but her IMPACT Case Manager was there to help. She encouraged Renee to complete her Certificate III in Hospitality and Responsible Service of Alcohol training through IMPACT to boost her job prospects.

After graduating in February 2024, Renee once again started job hunting, but she didn’t have any joy, which ultimately led her to the laundry.

While New iMAGE Laundry isn’t the workplace Renee envisaged for herself when she finished her studies, she wouldn’t change anything about how it has all panned out.

“I wouldn’t mind staying here as long as I can. I’m quite happy here,” Renee said.

“A lot of people said to me that I’m a different person when I’m working. I’m a lot more cheerful and a lot happier.”

Renee’s story shows the difference that opportunity can make. To learn more about employment pathways through New iMAGE Laundry or ways to support the social enterprise, visit www.newimagelaundry.com.au

Turn your social enterprise idea into reality with Emerge

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Budding social entrepreneurs will have the chance to learn how to transform their ideas into a ready to launch social enterprise when IMPACT Community Services hosts the Emerge program this month.

IMPACT has partnered with StartSomeGood to Emerge. IMPACT will host the course in a face-to-face environment, allowing participants to benefit from learning alongside other likeminded people while building a local network and sense of community.

Program participants will learn how to take their idea for a social enterprise and develop a plan they can follow step by step to make their idea launch ready.

Social enterprises are organisations that apply commercial strategies to maximise improvements in financial, social and environmental well-being. IMPACT currently runs two social enterprises – New Image Laundry and our Material Recovery Facility.

IMPACT’s General Manager – Innovation, Nathan Spruce, said the program was a fantastic opportunity for budding socially conscious entrepreneurs to be part of a cohort of passionate founders who are on the same journey to design and launch a business that makes a difference within the community.

“IMPACT is excited to be partnering with Emerge to deliver this course, which will save participants time, money and frustration as they learn to organise their thoughts into a business model with thoughtful design for a product or service their customers will love, which generates profit and creates real change on the issues participants are seeking to impact,” Mr Spruce said.

He added: “The course is a fully subsidised program supported by the Social Enterprise Sector Development Grants, so there is no cost to those who take part.”

If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Spruce on 4153 4233.

Explore this opportunity via the StartSomeGood.com website: https://emerge.startsomegood.com/

STRONGER TOGETHER: International Day of People with Disabilities

STRONGER TOGETHER: International Day of People with Disabilities

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By Tanya O’Shea, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director

“STRONGER TOGETHER” IS A WEEKLY COLUMN WHERE TANYA EXPLORES KEY ISSUES. TODAY TANYA TALKS ABOUT EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

At IMPACT we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture.

Our ethos is based around helping people realise their potential and providing avenues to assist them in reaching their goals.

Our services range from family support, training, employment, mental health and disability support, just to name a few.

But one area of our organisation I am deeply proud of are the opportunities we have created for assisted employees.

The Material Recycling Facility (MRF) employs 23 NDIS participants, and our New Image Laundry is another avenue for supported staff.

Many of our supported employees have not held jobs prior to working at IMPACT and found it difficult to become employed.

See IMPACT’s NDIS services here

Yesterday, December 3, was the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD), with this year’s theme being “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”.

Everyone has been affected by Coronavirus in one way or another, and now as we focus on returning back to “normal”, I would urge people to consider what “normal” should look like.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018 almost 50% of employed people with a disability reported experiencing unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their employer.

Two in five reported that they experienced unfair treatment or discrimination due to their disability from their work colleagues.

This data shows Queenslanders have a long way to go when it comes to acceptance and inclusion of all people not only in the workforce, but in everyday life.

The conversation about the benefits of hiring people with a disability needs to be highlighted.

Our NDIS participants bring a mountain of life and joy to our organisation, and their happiness and willingness to learn is contagious.

NDIS participant Sarah creates impressive building blocks at Rob’s Shed

Some of our staff have been working at the MRF for over 30 years and their dedication is second to none.

Just like diversity in age and culture is important, so is a range of abilities in a workforce. It exposes people to a different “normal”, encourages greater understanding and generates acceptance, which benefits our entire community.

So have the conversation, do some research and encourage others to engage with disability awareness. We all deserve to be accepted.

IMPACT's leader recognised for excellence in community services industry

IMPACT’s leader recognised for excellence in community services industry

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CQUniversity has awarded Tanya O’Shea the 2020 Alumnus of the Year – Industry Excellence award in recognition of her significant leadership in community services.

CQUniversity’s Deputy Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Anthea Cuddihy said as the current Chief Executive of IMPACT Community Services and a sought-after board and committee member, Ms O’Shea had made substantial contributions to her community and industry.

Tanya is being recognised for her important role in employment, disability, mental health, social innovation and training services through exceptional leadership and management.” Ms Cuddihy said.

Under Ms O’Shea’s leadership, Bundaberg-based IMPACT Community Services has successfully managed significant events that threatened the organisation including major contract losses, cuts in funding and a resulting reduction in staff.

She successfully took part in a significant renewal plan over 10 years which enabled IMPACT to survive and thrive in tough conditions.

Ms O’Shea said that relocating IMPACT staff and operations to enable services to continue within 24 hours of being inundated by 1.1-metre floodwaters in the 2013 Bundaberg flood was something she was particularly proud of.

People came first during this event – it was a great story of resilience and courage. Staff who had been affected by the flood were putting our clients first and turning up for work instead of cleaning up their own homes,” she said.

We have amazing humans working for IMPACT – people who park their own problems at the door every day to support others to reach and realise their full potential. This is what inspires me to get out of bed every day and makes me incredibly proud of the work that we do.”

In 2013, the Bundaberg floods resulted in a loss of almost one million dollars, however, under Ms O’Shea’s leadership, the organisation emerged strongly from the natural disaster and continued a strong expansion and diversification over the next five years.

Her exceptional leadership has been recognised through IMPACT being awarded significant new long-term contracts, as well as the organisation receiving awards for excellence in innovative practice, sector leadership and quality outcomes.

Ms O’Shea also ranks her social enterprise work as a highlight of her career.

We tested and tried five different social enterprises with the aim of creating a model that provides employment opportunities for people with a disability and mental illness.

We accelerated one of these ventures, building a $2.8 million commercial laundry that now creates employment in an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation and aims to employ 25-plus people in the next five years.”

Ms O’Shea’s extensive leadership experience means she is a sought-after board and committee member and guest speaker.

She is also currently Director of Surf Lifesaving Queensland, the Board Chair of Shalom College and sits on multiple community committees.

Over the last two decades, I have been fortunate to work within an organisation that has allowed me to truly make a difference to the social outcomes of my community.

Having spent the last eight years as CEO, it humbles me to see the progress we have made and continue to make in our regional area.

I am a firm believer in regional areas, and regional leaders are a power to be reckoned with. We are incredibly invested and willing to continue our consistent practice of being a leader.

I choose to live, work and raise a family in our community; therefore, I believe that I need to give back and make a personal contribution.

This extends to representing my community at a state level as Director of Surf Lifesaving Queensland, regional level as a Regional Development Australia Wide Bay Burnett Committee member and local level as Chair of the Shalom College Board.”

Ms O’Shea is a two-time graduate of CQUniversity, having completed a Bachelor of Psychology in 2011 and a Master of Business Administration in 2016.

View original article at CQUniversity