"A Job For Everyone"

A series of "free" business breakfasts, community lunches, networking dinners across Gippsland, showcasing the capacity people with a disability have to be employed to employers across all sectors within Gippsland. Drawing on international experience and comparisons with regards to disability in Australia, one of the most telling and challenging statistics is that Australia ranks 21st out of 29 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in employment participation rates for those with a Disability. It's also highlighted that Australia rates 27th out of OECD countries when it comes to relative poverty risk for people with a disability.

The project designed by "self advocates" with lived experience/disabilities including keynote guest speakers will increase morale, community participation and inclusion for individuals with a disability. It will demystify the stereotype that often exists amongst communities and prospective employers that persons with disabilities are not employable breaking down barriers including perceptions. The community engagement sessions conducted across Gippsland will empower persons with a disability, providing valuable insights for leaders in our community who have capacity to employ staff to: identify, connect, recognise and respond to what is a worrying trend in our region, state and nation whilst also benefiting our economy.