WISE

What started as a NAIDOC Week celebration has already opened the door to new employment opportunities for First Nations participants ❤️🖤💛 Our Cannington and Victoria Park teams hosted a Deadly Cuppa and Yarn, bringing together participants, employer partners and the Waalitj Foundation Fit 4 Work team to celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week. Alongside the celebrations, participants connected with local employers, leading to Woolworths Supermarkets store walk-throughs and successful job offers, as well as discussions about upcoming opportunities with Oaks Civil Construction and Indigenous Managed Services (IMS). Several participants also registered for ongoing employment and cultural support through the Waalitj Foundation Fit 4 Work program. We're proud to support opportunities that celebrate culture while helping people take the next step towards their employment goals.

Confidence doesn't always come from big milestones. Sometimes it's built through familiar routines, trying something new, and having the right support beside you. For Riley, that looks like swimming each week, cooking meals for his mum, spending time by the beach, and gradually becoming more comfortable exploring new places and experiences at his own pace. With support from NIDS at WISE, Riley is continuing to build his confidence and independence, one step at a time 💫 Read Riley's full story: https://lnkd.in/gXGTfrjs

Last week, our Werribee team proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week alongside WISE team members from across Melbourne's west, community partners and guests. The day began with an Acknowledgement of Country and a Traditional Smoking Ceremony at the Werribee River, a place of deep cultural significance to the Traditional Owners. Following the ceremony, everyone came together for morning tea and a Yarning Circle, where we shared reflections, discussed how WISE can continue to celebrate NAIDOC Week in meaningful ways, and explored how we can further strengthen our support for First Nations participants. Community partners also shared information about the programs, services and employment opportunities available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The day was a reminder that recognising NAIDOC Week is about more than a single event. It's about continuing to learn, listen and build respectful relationships throughout the year.

Our WISE WFA Lake Haven team members recently attended the graduation ceremony for the Metal Matriarchs program. This 12-month program was delivered by The Skill Engineer, with support from WISE, Bara Barang Corporation and InTech. Funded through the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program, administered by the Office for Women, Metal Matriarchs provided a hands-on training program supporting First Nations women to enter non-traditional trades and engineering pathways.   Successfully completing their Certificate II in Engineering was a wonderful achievement for the six graduates, of which 3 are registered with WISE. During the program, each participant gained valuable experience in fabrication skills, manufacturing bespoke metalwork products, work readiness training, industry visits and cultural mentoring. Participants have described the project as a source of pride, purpose and confidence 💛   WISE is proud to be part of this partnership, and witness the program outcomes of formal qualifications, employment pathways, increased confidence and practical trade skills. We're excited to continue supporting our participants as they venture into employment opportunities and further training!

We recently welcomed job seekers, community members and partners to our new Clarkson office for an Open Day filled with great conversations, pups and colourful Jenga 🐶👋 Our customers had the chance to meet key representatives from the area, hear about upskilling opportunities and chat about upcoming employment and networking opportunities. The team also discussed how WISE can support local organisations to create more opportunities for people in the Clarkson community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and helped us celebrate WISE's new chapter in the area. We're excited to be a part of the local community and look forward to what's ahead!

Our WFA Lake Haven and The Entrance teams are again Finalists in the Local Business Awards for the Central Coast 👏👏 This represents the 3rd consecutive year for Lake Haven, and 2nd for The Entrance. The Local Business Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership in the business community.    NSW WFA Operations Manager Smith Vongkeneta says, “We are honoured to be finalists in the Central Coast Local Business Awards 2026. It’s a testament of the hard work and dedication of each team member in the region. Their unwavering commitment has driven our success and positively impacted our community. Special thanks to our Business Manager, Emily Maddocks whose leadership and passion have been instrumental in guiding WISE to this momentous achievement."   Winners will be announced Wednesday 19th August at the Presentation Night, being held at Mingara Recreation Club.  

What started as a local resource for Melbourne's south-east has grown into a national website supporting frontline settlement workers across Australia 👏 Over the past two years, WISE Operations Manager Mary Gyurcsik has worked alongside government and community partners to develop the new Settlement Services and Processes Guide, bringing together trusted information, practical tools and local services in one accessible place. The project was also a personal one for Mary. Having migrated to Australia herself, she understood how difficult it can be to navigate an unfamiliar support system without established networks. The guide was recently launched in Dandenong, where Mary joined an expert panel to share insights about the project and its role in helping organisations better connect newly arrived migrants and refugees with the right support. Congratulations to Mary and everyone involved in bringing this important resource to life!

“Lately, the cloud’s lifted and the laughs have returned.” 👏🙌 Read how Patrick found confidence, independence, and a renewed outlook on life with support from WISE. https://lnkd.in/gxZNADav

The SMRSS Careers and Pathways Expo was an excellent opportunity for the WISE team to connect with students, hear their stories, and discuss future pathways tailored to their unique talents and aspirations. The team were inspired by the excitement students expressed when speaking to them about career options and possibilities and the support available to help them transition into the next chapter of their lives. Another highlight was meeting other organisations that share the same passion for supporting young people and building more inclusive communities. A huge thank you to the team at Sunbury And Macedon Ranges Specialist School, the students, and partner organisations who welcomed us so warmly ✨

When Becca first connected with WISE, severe anxiety meant she missed her first two appointments. After eight years away from the workforce, getting started felt overwhelming. But with plenty of courage, a good sense of humour, and support from her Job Coach Jes, Becca found her confidence again and landed a housekeeping role she genuinely enjoys. Today, Becca is thriving in work, setting new goals, and no longer carrying the anxiety that once held her back 💙 Find her full story here: https://lnkd.in/gwyF2-9u