Our volunteers are actively involved throughout locations in Caloundra, Maroochydore, Nambour and Cairns in Queensland, as well as Casuarina in the Northern Territory, and support programs and services including STEPS Pathways College, Café on George, STEPS Garden Centre, Mental Health Programs and Education and Training.

Carmel Crouch, Managing Director of STEPS Group, said she was extremely grateful to STEPS’ team of wonderful volunteers who make a positive difference to the lives of both students and staff.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to every single volunteer who not only dedicate their precious time to STEPS, but also provide valuable life experiences and skills that help to inspire and uplift everyone they meet,” Ms Crouch said.

“I truly believe volunteering is incredibly enriching for everyone involved and we are very proud to recognise and celebrate this group of very special community-minded individuals,” she said.

Linda Ritchie has been volunteering at our STEPS Pathways College and supporting students for nearly seven years.

“Volunteering with a great team here and working alongside students really is my happy place,” Ms Ritchie said.

“I can’t believe I finally find my purpose in my 70s. I go to bed knowing I made a difference and that is a wonderful feeling,” she said.

“I have a sister with a disability who was in a care facility for over 50 years and never had the opportunity to live an independent life. To attend a graduation and hear and see the STEPS Pathways College students brimming with pride and self-confidence is priceless and I’m proud to contribute to their learning and give them opportunities my sister was never able to access.”

Ms Ritchie is one of three STEPS volunteers nominated for Queensland Volunteer of the Year at the annual Queensland Volunteering Awards which are being held in Brisbane on 22 May.

Our STEPS Teams have arranged activities to thank our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, including Devonshire Teas at its George St, Caloundra Head Office.

If you would like to volunteer at STEPS, please visit www.stepsgroup.com.au/steps-pathways-charity Volunteer opportunities currently exist at Café on George and assisting students with independent living skills at the STEPS Pathways College.

Of the influential women nominated, STEPS’ General Manager of SEE and AMEP, Cassie Stanley, was one of the Women’s Recognitions award nominees. This inspirational nomination recognised Cassie’s continued support and dedication in her role with STEPS Group Australia and her engagement throughout the greater Cairns community.

Despite not receiving the award, Cassie was honoured to have been nominated for this award, stating, “I feel grateful and privileged to have been nominated for the Cairns Regional Council International Women’s Day Recognition Award. The nomination was an honour, considering the many talented and passionate women nominated. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners today. It is truly inspiring to see such positive recognition and celebration of women happening across the region,” Cassie said.

Accompanying Cassie on the day were two of our influential AMEP students who have consistently strived to make positive contributions throughout their time in the AMEP, helping spearhead initiatives supporting our students and the greater Cairns community, Gloria and Mary.

We appreciate the robust and influential women who have made a difference in the lives of many others and work to uphold the daily values that International Women’s Day stands for.

The festival’s unofficial mascot is an orange monster nicknamed ‘Tentacle Mike’. This year the council has asked STEPS AMEP students to utilise their sewing skills to transform the virtual monster into a tangible stuffed toy.

Our talented AMEP students used their creativity to create ‘Tentacle Mike’, working with only a sketch and picture of Mike’s top half. Together they created a pattern for the sewing group to use, and from the pictures, it looks like they have successfully bought Mike to life! The ladies will be making 20 of these lovely mascots for the upcoming Palmerston Youth Festival happening from 6-12 July.

Pictured is our lovely Lidia from the Ukraine, who created the first ‘Tentacle Mike’ based on the design brainstormed by Mr White along with their teacher.

Chloe enjoyed her time at the veterinary hospital, but her time was cut short as she had an allergic reaction to some of the animals.

Chloe performed all tasks competently and showed initiative at times when her supervisor was busy.

Nyalueth has a great work ethic but needs a little more practice in answering business telephone calls. Our trainer Wendy has been working with Nyalueth to assist her with answering phones in the workplace.

Nyalueth performed all tasks competently and showed initiative at times when her supervisor was busy.

To help with the transition to work in Australia, Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students may be eligible to participate in STEPS’ Ready for Work program. Interested? Follow the link to find out more.

Niv was very happy with the work Mai carried out at the retail store.

Mai performed all tasks competently and showed initiative at times when her supervisor was busy.

To help with the transition to work in Australia, Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students may be eligible to participate in STEPS’ Ready for Work program. Interested? Follow the link to find out more.

Along with Work Mates, Seth has expanded his skill by undertaking voluntary employment with Hobart City Mission, where Seth has worked on building invaluable skills aimed at future employment including working across teams, coordinating stock, money handling, and customer support. This opportunity has allowed Seth to put into action the skills that he learnt in his time with the Work Mates program. This has also led to Seth seeking further volunteer employment with the Dogs Home of Tasmania where he has expanded his skills to include animal management and support.

Seth was then provided the opportunity to attend an info session with YourTown for a Pre-Employment Training Program offering the possibility of paid employment during or upon completion of the program. Seth attended a short interview after completing the info session, where he was asked questions about himself and knowledge of power tools. Shortly afterwards YourTown staff informed Seth that he was successful for the program and that they are looking forward to having him as part of the team.  

Laddaporn has a wonderful work ethic, and she was advised that she would be an asset to any company that employed her.

Laddaporn performed all tasks competently and showed initiative at times when her supervisor was busy.

As a teenager Ian had an apprenticeship in painting. He is very creative and has expressed that he would like to work in this or a similar area. 

Ian struggles with personal challenges from time to time, but says the Work Mates program has helped him work through some of these challenges. 

During the last 18 months of participating in the program, Ian has worked hard on improving his communication style to increase his opportunities within the community. He has recently been working with Job Readiness Trainer Aaron Kwong. During this time he completed assisted and independent research for voluntary work positions after identifying it would be a great stepping stone into work experience that could optimally lead to paid employment. 

With assistance from Aaron, Ian went face to face marketing to secure voluntary employment. In September, Ian was offered voluntary employment at the Willows Presbyterian Church.  His role there is a general handyman. He takes great pride in his work as he gets great personal satisfaction from knowing he is helping the community. 

Ian advised that he feels his life experiences assist him to build rapport and provide advice, knowledge and reflection with members of the church community.  This has assisted Ian to grow both personally and professionally. 

Ian attends Willows Presbyterian Church once a fortnight and looks forward to this as much as we look forward to supporting him to achieve his next goals towards paid employment. 

Please join STEPS Group Australia’s Managing Director and this year’s Australia Day’s Ambassador Carmel Crouch and the Gympie community in welcoming our newest Australians and to cheer on those who have gone above and beyond in the community this Australia Day.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program highlights the spirit of the day by connecting high achieving Queenslanders to communities across the state.

This year STEPS Managing Director Carmel Crouch has been selected to become Gympie’s Australia Day Ambassador and will take part in the council-hosted celebration, which will include the Australia Day Awards, Citizenship Ceremony and the Great Australian Bites event.

The event will kick off at 8am at Memorial Park and run until 1pm.

There will be something for the whole family to enjoy, including a free BBQ breakfast prepared from fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, live music, pop-up stalls, and cricket and giant games. Please come out, show your support and enjoy a fun day out!

Event Details:
When: Friday 26^th January 2024, 8am-1pm
Where: Memorial Park, River Road, Gympie

After 16 weeks of study in the Disability specialisation and four weeks of placement, Luisa obtained valuable understanding of the requirements of the industry. 

With a passion for aged care, 20 + weeks of dedicated study and real-life work experience under her belt, Luisa returned to STEPS to further complete an additional four weeks and three units, this time with STEPS trainer Josh Guinea.

Prior to Luisa reaching out to STEPS and completing not just one but two rounds of education, she was working casually but wanted to follow her passion to a change of career to secure more sustainable employment opportunities.

Fully qualified with a Cert III in Individual Support – Aged Care and Disability, Luisa is now working full-time with a local aged care business and says she is loving every minute of it.

At a meeting with his dedicated Job Coach Ricky Fry, Wes and his mum enquired about Steps Work Mates Program. At the time he was participating in a group program session like Work Mates at Break Through under SLES funding, and he thought the one-on-one service that STEPS can provide may have been more beneficial.

Since then, Wesley has been assigned with Job Readiness Trainer Anthony Doosjen, participating in 1:1 sessions while still attending his fortnightly DES appointments.

In March 2023 Wesley started working at a meat processing plant JBS to support his family, working 10-hour shifts four days a week. Although this was a great income opportunity for Wesley, the stress and physical demands on Wesley’s body meant that this employment opportunity was neither suitable nor sustainable.

Knowing Wesley’s passion was for the automotive industry, Anthony approached Automotive Repair Centre (A.R.C.) to build a relationship and seek out work experience for him. This opportunity was the foot in the door that Wesley needed to work towards aligning his passion with employment. A short time later Anthony and Ricky worked together to negotiate for a paid position for Wesley at Burson’s Auto Parts. Wesley is now a sales assistant for automotive spare parts. Wesley now has a much healthier work life balance in an industry he loves, and his employer is very happy with the great passion and work ethic Wesley brings to the team.

At this stage Wesley is doing a lot of stock work and learning where everything is. He will soon be learning more about customer service. Ricky and Anthony will continue to support Wesley in his employment.

Wesley’s career goals remain to secure an apprenticeship in motor mechanics but currently he is very happy to be working with car parts and learning about the industry that he is so passionate about.

Due to her disability and personal challenges, Sue-Anne Gibson was long term unemployed and transferred to STEPS Group Australia through DES from an alternate service provider in October 2022.

STEPS have assisted Sue-Anne with building a new resume, obtaining a Blue Card, and even assisted with the birth certificate process prior to applying for a blue card as Sue-Anne had lost her birth certificate in a previous move. STEPS ensured Sue-Anne was well prepared for entering the workforce and completed interview prep with her prior to her interview with The Good Shepherd Home in November of this year. She aced her interview and started her new employment journey at The Good Shepherd home.

Sue-Anne says she is very grateful for the opportunity to work again, and that being employed gives her back her self-confidence whilst making her feel like she is contributing to society.

Sue-Anne’s current position is in the laundry however she has quickly proven herself to be an asset in her customer service abilities. With a love for a chat with her elderly clients she has been offered a transfer into a kitchen role where she will be able to interact more with the customers that she adores.

We look forward to further supporting Sue-Anne with her new employment and watching her grow with the company.

Are you struggling to find meaningful work and would like assistance? STEPS Employment Solutions may be able to help you. Get in touch with us today!

The aim of the exercise was to practice their communication skills as well as learning to work as a team, honing their time management skills and learning to complete tasks.  

The tasks on the worksheet included maths, reading, writing, oral communication as well as workplace, health, and safety (WHS) knowledge. Students took photos to share with classmates later in the classroom as a follow-up activity. 

With guidance from their trainer and in a fun and dynamic setting, students had the opportunity to learn outside the comfort of their classroom, boosting their confidence in speaking English in public and with other participants who come from other language and cultural backgrounds. They also benefited from boosting their social skills getting to know one another. Some students also enjoyed displaying their leadership skills in the team activity. 

Afterwards the class went through the tasks on the worksheet to make sure each team scored points for correct answers. The lesson ended on a high note when everyone got to enjoy a delicious ice cream!

The aim of the exercise was to practice their communication skills as well as learning to work as a team, honing their time management skills and learning to complete tasks.  

The tasks on the worksheet included maths, reading, writing, oral communication as well as workplace, health, and safety (WHS) knowledge. Students took photos to share with classmates later in the classroom as a follow-up activity. 

With guidance from their trainer and in a fun and dynamic setting, students had the opportunity to learn outside the comfort of their classroom, boosting their confidence in speaking English in public and with other participants who come from other language and cultural backgrounds. They also benefited from boosting their social skills getting to know one another. Some students also enjoyed displaying their leadership skills in the team activity. 

Afterwards the class went through the tasks on the worksheet to make sure each team scored points for correct answers. The lesson ended on a high note when everyone got to enjoy a delicious ice cream!

On December 1 the exhibition opened at Darwin Supreme Court, featuring a large selection of entries. The opening night of the exhibition was well attended. 

We are very pleased to announce that our Palmerston AMEP students won the “International Artist Award” for 2023.  This is a great honour for our students.

Deb Lewis has been a volunteer at STEPS for 12 months, helping to support and empower our students. Her love of hospitality means she was well suited at Café on George. Since then, she has become a reliable and multi-skilled volunteer. Her dedication and commitment are evident in her interactions with staff, the community and fellow volunteers. Her bright and bubbly nature makes Deb a well-liked and valued member of our STEPS community.

Although Deb started off as a volunteer, she found her passion in the disability sector and quickly became a student of STEPS Education and Training, recently completing her Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) at our Bulcock Street campus. Deb went on to do her placement through STEPS which has now led to her accepting a paid position with STEPS Community. Throughout her study and placement Deb continued to volunteer in Café on George and has ensured that her rostering in her new role includes leaving time to continue her volunteer position. Her dedication and commitment to our volunteer program is very much appreciated and valued.

Thank you, Deb for all of your hard work you do to help change the lives of others. We look forward to your ongoing supports through your volunteer work.

Under the guidance of her Job Readiness Trainer Carla Elliott, Illona studied and received her Supervisor Food Safety certificate and her Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate.

Illona’s goal was finding work in a supermarket. After door knocking and dropping in resumes across the Coast for several months, Illona got the opportunity to interview with the manager at Whites IGA Baringa, who offered her work experience. Illona had previously worked at Coles on the Gold Coast for ten years before relocating to the Sunshine Coast, so she came with some experience.

After her work experience finished, IGA offered Illona casual paid shifts. As a dedicated long-term supporter of STEPS, IGA continues to encourage and support people with disabilities and is in the process of hiring another one of STEPS’ Work Mates participants. Managers and staff at Whites IGA have included Illona as part of the team from day one. Without their continued support STEPS could not provide invaluable work experience opportunities for these participants.

Illona’s trainer Carla says Illona is very keen and dedicated to her job. The management and staff were immediately impressed with her cheerfulness and can-do attitude with every task she was given. Illona’s success goes to show she just needed an opportunity to showcase her skills and commitment. When asked how she feels about working at IGA, Illona expresses a sense of pride and happiness says Whites IGA ‘is the best place’ she’s ever worked at.

Find out how STEPS can help support you into employment today by visiting STEPS Work Mates.

The Queensland government, in line with this theme, is encouraging employers to recognise the dual benefits of fostering accessibility — not only does it improve workplace conditions for employees with disabilities, but it also proves advantageous to businesses’ bottom lines. By both recruiting and retaining staff with disabilities and ensuring their accessibility to customers living with disabilities, businesses can thrive in a more inclusive environment.

At STEPS, our commitment revolves around empowering individuals with disabilities. From assisting in employment to providing training opportunities that improve employability, we strive to advocate for accessibility at every turn. Our employment programs actively support people with disabilities, enabling them to make meaningful contributions through volunteer and employed work. Through NDIS services like Work Mates‘ job readiness training and job coaching through the Disability Employment Services, our trainers and coaches dismantle barriers, helping individuals create the lives they desire.

For the past 19 years, STEPS has proudly served as a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider, dedicated to supporting individuals in gaining and retaining jobs.

Reflecting on the positive impact of sustainable employment on DES clients, STEPS General Manager of DES Liz Leadbeater notes, “It has been a pleasure to watch the change in people’s attitudes to life and the enjoyment that comes from a weekly pay packet. We work with our clients prior to job starts to write a list of what they will be able to have through meaningful employment and what the celebration will be with the first pay. A footy game with the kids or dinner out. It’s a human right to be able to have employment, and our team has the privilege of supporting this to happen. Lives changed.”

Diversity and inclusion are fast becoming the foundation of great business in today’s world. Employers choosing to reognise and celebrate all abilities contribute to a more inclusive workplace. According to the Australian Chamber of Commerce, studies have shown “people with disability are reliable and productive employees, have fewer workplace accidents than employees without a disability and take fewer sick days.”

“People with disability know they can often need a bit more training and flexibility with onboarding. They are appreciative of opportunities and once settled will not want to leave an inclusive work culture and supportive employer. As the world moves to acknowledge diversity in all walks of life, we are encouraged by those employers who choose to see all abilities and embrace diversity in the workplace,” says Leadbeater.

STEPS Group Australia has been as a committed advocate in disability action, particularly through our DES program. “Our passion to deliver individualised service is an absolute priority. It is about the person in front of us and meeting their expectations. We start by finding what they don’t want to do and then focus on what they do want, and we make that happen. No two journeys are ever the same and their dreams are nurtured,” explains Leadbeater.

“We also deliver continuous servicing so that the customer has the same coach from induction through to long term employment. This makes all aspects of the DES service easier.”

Find out how STEPS Employment Solutions can help support you into employment today by visiting www.stepsemploymentsolutions.com.au

Thanks to Rosies for supplying the ingredients and letting us support you support our community!

“I enjoyed the tour and it was so majestic and I loved the ambience and the history of Parliament house. It was such a beautiful and wonderful place.”

AMEP Student

Now in its 27th year, the DCLS is an event led and facilitated by Darwin Community Legal Service annually,

In 2023, the United Nations (UN) have declared the International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace.

Recognising the importance of developing more peaceful societies through advancing equality, tolerance, human development and promoting human rights, and in this regard calling for investment in education, including through effective policies and practices, towards promoting respect, reconciliation and a culture of peace and non-violence.

This theme calls upon the community to resolve conflicts through inclusive dialogue and negotiation in order to ensure the strengthening of peace and trust in relations between communities as a value that promotes sustainable development, peace and security and human rights.

The Palmerston AMEP Students will share their stories through their art that will be part of this exhibition.

Our students Artwork will be displayed at the Darwin Supreme Court:

Friday 1 December – Thursday 14 December 2023 – open to the public

Opening Night and Award Ceremony: – open to the public

Darwin Supreme Court

5:30pm Friday 1 December 2023

Want to learn Enlglsh? Start your learning journey and further build your English language skills with STEPS AMEP. We have classes in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Call 1300 585 868 to find out more about classes in Casuarina and Palmerston and 08 8950 7600 for classes in Alice Springs. 

It is great to see all the students working together to create some wonderful dishes, while honing LLN (language, literacy and numeracy) skills as part of the SEE program.

Hosted by the Caloundra Country Women’s Association and Martin Duncan, Sunshine Coast foodie, Sconetime is a regular morning tea meet-up created for locals on the Sunshine Coast looking to connect with others.

The students assisted with setting up the event and setting the tables. During the morning tea, students served the community with tea and coffee and delicious scones with jam and cream.

The objective for the day was to give back to the community by volunteering.

While there Katrina and students were able to raise awareness in the local community of the great work STEPS Pathways College does to help change the lives of others by teaching young people independent living skills.

Students were able to increase their confidence and communication skills by conversing with locals from the community including business owners, aged care residents and members of local groups and clubs.

They also raised awareness of the volunteer program at STEPS and what locals can do to help.

“It makes me feel good to do good things for others,” says Elisha.

The students enjoyed setting up and making the tables appear as perfect as possible. They also enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy morning tea as a reward for the efforts of volunteering.

So we recently kept him true to his word and the students organised a community art workshop. They designed flyers and took them around town.

Greg had 15 local ladies attend and everyone had a go at painting a canvas using Greg’s Indigenous painting techniques. Since the workshop he has had 3 enquiries to do workshops elsewhere. What a star!

Although a qualified Dive Instructor and Swimming Teacher in Japan, Kashiko had to do a 2-day theory and 2-week practical training course with AUSTSWIM in English, completing the TSW327136 qualification -Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course. She is now a Swimming Instructor at the Woree Pool.

She has this to say about her time at STEPS:

I spent a long and happy time at STEPS. When I started, I couldn’t even write in my own diary. However, thanks to the kind and empathetic teachers, my skills improved.  I made some really great memories with these teachers and classmates.  I used to have a complex because I was not good at speaking English, but now I teach swimming to children and speak English every day. I am having a great time! I work 6 days a week now and although it may be physically difficult at times, I do my best because I am needed.

I was able to change my life because I had the courage to do so and I am grateful to the people at STEPS for their help!

As we transition into a vibrant Garden Centre, we’re delighted to introduce our new Manager, April Heard. April has extensive knowledge in horticulture and is particularly passionate about edible gardens.

Assisting April is our garden centre extraordinaire Skye Devitt, who works hard keeping the garden centre looking beautiful, and eagerly shares her expert gardening tips with customers.

Starting October 8th, we’re also extending our services to cater to your gardening needs every day of the week.

To mark the occasion, join us on Saturday October 7th at our Open Day as we welcome the vibrant season of spring and celebrate the exciting launch of our 7-day trade. Visit our Garden Centre on Ulm Street any time between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Get inspired with our team of gardening enthusiasts, immerse yourself in our wide selection of stunning plants and greenery, and receive up to 20% off selected items.

See you there!