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  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • Our People
    • What We Do
    • Acknowledgement of Country
    • TURSA Careers
  • I’m An Employer
    • I’m An Employer
    • Workforce Australia
    • List Vacancy
    • Inclusive Employment Australia
    • Inclusive Employer Guide
    • Transition to Work
    • Wage Subsidy Claim Form
  • I’m A Participant
    • I’m A Participant
    • Workforce Australia
    • Inclusive Employment Australia
    • Transition to Work
    • Training Services
  • Explore & Learn
    • Explore & Learn
    • Articles
    • Celebration Stories
    • Helpful Links & Resources
    • Downloads
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Locations
    • IEA Direct Registration
    • TtW Direct Registration
    • Feedback Form

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Understanding Your Transferable Skills 

Most people have more skills than they realise. Whether you’ve worked in different industries, taken time away from paid work, volunteered, or raised a family, you have developed abilities that employers value. These are called transferable skills, and they often come from everyday life—not just jobs.

What Transferable Skills Are

Transferable skills are abilities you can use across many workplaces and industries. They demonstrate that you can adapt, learn, and contribute in a wide range of roles.

Common transferable skills include:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Organisation
  • Problem solving
  • Time management
  • Customer service
  • Digital confidence

Example:
If you have worked in a café or fast‑food restaurant, you already know how to:

  • Communicate with customers
  • Manage time during busy periods
  • Stay calm under pressure

These skills transfer beautifully into admin, retail, hospitality, community services and more.

How Life Experience Builds These Transferable Skills

Everyday life teaches powerful skills that employers value:

  • Parenting: managing routines, organising schedules, communicating with schools, problem‑solving daily
  • Volunteering: teamwork, empathy, responsibility, reliability
  • Moving towns or travelling: resilience, adaptability, independence
  • Playing sport: teamwork, leadership, commitment
  • Any previous job: specific skills plus core employability strengths

Employers see these as indicators of capability and strong character.

Article on Transferable Skill showing a parent holding child with sunlight glowing through the trees
Parenting Transferable Skills: managing routines, organising schedules, communicating with schools, problem‑solving daily
person smiling wearing a t-shirt that says volunteer for an article about Transferable skills
Volunteering Transferable Skills: teamwork, empathy, responsibility, reliability
Person sitting amongst moving boxes resting and enjoying coffee
Moving towns or travelling: resilience, adaptability, independence
Person playing volleyball showing them jumping up to hit the ball
Playing sport: teamwork, leadership, commitment
Social Tiles Feb 26 (6)
Transferable Skills, Any previous job: specific skills plus core employability strengths

What Employers Value

Jobs and Skills Australia highlights communication, problem solving, care‑based abilities, and digital confidence as some of the most in‑demand employment strengths across the Australian workforce. These skills matter in nearly every role.

Helpful resource:
👉 JobAccess Skills Information
https://www.jobaccess.gov.au

How to Identify Your Strengths

A simple way to identify your transferable skills is to list activities from different parts of your life and think about the abilities behind them.

Griffith University recommends breaking down regular activities to uncover skills like leadership, teamwork and communication.

Examples:

  • Coordinating school pickups → planning and coordination
  • Helping solve disagreements → communication and negotiation
  • Fixing things at home → practical problem solving
  • Managing household tasks → organisation and time management

Once you can name your skills, it becomes much easier to express them to employers.

Further reading:
👉 Skill identification frameworks
https://www.dlook.com.au

Using These Skills in Your Job Search

Knowing your transferable skills helps you describe your strengths clearly and confidently. Australian employment research shows that understanding your abilities improves job readiness and boosts confidence during interviews.

Example:
Instead of saying:

“I stayed home with the kids.”

Try:

“I managed daily routines, communicated with schools, and supported learning, which strengthened my organisation and communication skills.”

This gives employers a clear understanding of your value—and why you’re a great candidate.

Additional resource:
👉 Job readiness guidance
https://au.indeed.com

TURSA Is Here to Help

If you’re unsure how to identify your strengths or how to present them to employers, TURSA is ready to support you. Our team can help you:

  • Identify your transferable skills
  • Build confidence
  • Communicate your strengths clearly
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Connect with training or job opportunities

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Discover Your Strengths with TURSA

More than Jobs...
Click Here

The Apiary Toowoomba: A Model for Community-Led Change


Regional communities thrive when organisations come together with a shared purpose.

The Apiary Toowoomba is a powerful example of how meaningful partnerships can deliver long‑term outcomes for women, strengthen local economies, and create a lasting legacy of support, dignity and opportunity.


Developed by Protea Place Women’s Support Centre, The Apiary represents the next evolution of community‑led recovery and re‑engagement — a place where women can rebuild confidence, develop skills and reconnect with the workforce in a safe, welcoming environment.

From Crisis Support to Sustainable Opportunity

Protea Place was established to meet the urgent needs of women experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, and extreme disadvantage. Over time, it became clear that recovery does not end with crisis support.
 
The Apiary was created as a next‑step environment — bridging the gap between crisis assistance and sustainable independence. Within this purpose‑built community space, women can take practical steps forward while remaining connected to the support systems they trust.
 
This model acknowledges that long‑term outcomes are achieved not through single services, but through integrated pathways that respect each woman’s journey.

The Value of Strong Community Partnerships

At the heart of The Apiary’s success is collaboration. Long‑standing partnerships with organisations like TURSA have ensured that women are not only supported emotionally and practically, but also equipped with the skills, confidence and employment readiness required to move forward.
TURSA’s employment services, deeply embedded within regional communities, complement Protea Place’s trauma‑informed approach. Together, they provide:
  • Individualised employment pathways for women facing complex barriers
  • Safe and supportive environments to re‑engage with work
  • Skill development through real‑world hospitality and retail experiences
  • Ongoing encouragement, advocacy and belief in each participant’s potential
This collaborative approach removes isolation and replaces it with connection, capability and hope.

Purpose‑Driven Spaces Creating Real Outcomes

The Apiary Toowoomba brings together multiple functional spaces, each designed to deliver tangible outcomes:

Honeypot Coffee Lounge

A welcoming café providing hands‑on hospitality experience, helping participants build confidence, customer service skills and workplace routines.

Labels With Love Boutique

A purpose‑driven retail environment offering soft skill development while generating income to reinvest back into Protea Place programs.

Shared Community Spaces

Open, inclusive areas designed to be used by local workers, community groups and partner organisations — reinforcing connection rather than separation.
These spaces are not symbolic; they are active pathways that allow women to practise skills, test readiness and rebuild belief in their own abilities.

Creating a Legacy Across Regional Communities

The impact of The Apiary extends far beyond its walls. It demonstrates what is possible when:
  • Community organisations prioritise collaboration over silos
  • Employment services are embedded within trusted support environments
  • Regional communities invest in long‑term outcomes, not short‑term fixes
Together, Protea Place and TURSA have helped build a legacy that shows meaningful change occurs when services stand beside people — patiently, respectfully and consistently.
This legacy is measured not only in employment outcomes, but in restored confidence, renewed purpose and stronger regional communities.

A Blueprint for Future Collaboration

The Apiary Toowoomba stands as a blueprint for how regional Australia can respond to complex social challenges.
By valuing partnership, lived experience and community‑led design, initiatives like The Apiary prove that sustainable change is possible — and replicable.
As more organisations, funders and communities look for models that deliver real, lasting outcomes, The Apiary serves as a clear reminder:
When community partners come together with shared values, the outcomes reach generations.

Learn More

  • Protea Place Women’s Support Centre: https://proteaplace.org.au
  • Tursa Employment & Training: https://www.tursa.com.au

More Than Jobs: Songline Bush Café offers Inclusion

Inclusive employment is real when it feels like belonging.

Jess (Manager) shares what it’s like opening and operating a cafe where staff are supported, encouraged and given the space they need to thrive.

Songlines Bush Cafe logo

“I feel at home when I come to work.” — Heidi (Participant)

At Songline Bush Café, Heidi’s day starts with preparation — opening up, getting everything ready, and setting high standards before service begins.
 
“It’s not something that I dread doing. It’s something I’m happy to go and do every day.”

“I do the prep work, open up, start everything, do cleaning, make sure everything’s ready for the day.”

Heidi -Participant

Creativity in the kitchen — and connection to culture

For Heidi, the best part of working at Songline Bush Café is the kitchen — being creative, contributing, and working in a place that reflects her culture and community.

“I like all the cooking most… being able to be creative in the kitchen.”
“I’m Aboriginal, so working with my own culture as well.”

 
Songline Bush Cafe Corindi Beach

“I love waking up and knowing that I get to come here, be around my people and work at Songline.”

Heidi -Participant

Getting ready to return to work

After time away from employment, Heidi describes losing motivation — something many people experience.
Returning to work at Songline helped her rebuild routine, confidence, and momentum.

“It helped me get ready to be back at work… I kind of lost motivation, but it definitely helped me get that back.”

“It definitely helped me get that back.”

Heidi - Participant

The support behind the opportunity

Heidi’s role at Songline Bush Café came from being connected to the right opportunity at the right time — and then being supported to settle back into work. “I just got a call saying there was a job opportunity open. I said yep, I’ll take it.”
  • Connecting participants to local job opportunities
  • Supporting the transition back into work
  • Working with employers like Songline Bush Café
  • Ongoing support focused on sustainable employment

Heidi’s advice to others

Heidi’s message is practical and honest — take opportunities where you can, keep moving forward, and build confidence. “Try to find any opportunity you can, even if it’s volunteering.” “Gain confidence in yourself — employers notice when you’ve got something going on in your life.”

Goals in motion

With work at Songline back in place, Heidi is focusing on her goals — including licensing, saving, and exploring further training in cooking or baking. “I’m actually getting a lot of my goals done.”

Songline Bush Café shows how inclusive employment can work when employers are supported to build strong, respectful workplaces.

If you’re an employer and want to explore inclusive employment, TURSA can help you understand options and support sustainable outcomes.

Heidi’s story shows it’s possible to return to work, rebuild motivation, and feel a sense of belonging.

If you’re looking for support to find the right opportunity and stay supported once you start, TURSA can help.

Want to learn more about TURSA?

Whether you’re an employer looking to build an inclusive workplace,or a participant looking for the right opportunity, TURSA is here to support you.

contact us

Staying motivated during a long job search can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. Many job seekers experience cycles of hope, frustration, and doubt. The good news? With a few simple strategies and the right support, you can stay focused, confident, and ready for the right opportunity when it arrives.

Understand the Emotional Stages of Job Searching

Job seekers often experience predictable phases: initial optimism, frustration, self‑doubt, and eventually renewed determination. Understanding these emotions can help you recognise that what you’re feeling is completely normal—not a sign of failure.

Research in psychology highlights that acknowledging emotions helps reduce stress and increases resilience during periods of unemployment (Source: Careerday Blog – The Psychology of Job Searching).

Why this matters:
Recognising emotional patterns allows you to step back, reset, and refocus—rather than feeling stuck or discouraged.

Helpful resource:

  • The Psychology of Job Searching: Maintaining Motivation and Mental Health | Careerday Blog
    https://careerday.com/blog/the-psychology-of-job-searching

Create a Simple, Sustainable Routine

Maintaining structure is proven to improve mental wellbeing during unemployment. Setting regular “job search hours,” creating a dedicated workspace, and giving yourself achievable daily goals helps the process feel organised instead of overwhelming.

A consistent routine helps you:

  • Maintain momentum
  • Reduce stress
  • Avoid burnout
  • Build healthy job‑search habits

Learn how TURSA supports job seekers with structure and personalised job search guidance:

  • Workforce Australia Provider | Tursa Employment & Training
laptop showing image of jobsearch

Create a Simple, Sustainable Routine

Maintaining structure is proven to improve mental wellbeing during unemployment. Setting regular “job search hours,” creating a dedicated workspace, and giving yourself achievable daily goals helps the process feel organised instead of overwhelming.

A consistent routine helps you:

  • Maintain momentum
  • Reduce stress
  • Avoid burnout
  • Build healthy job‑search habits

Learn how TURSA supports job seekers with structure and personalised job search guidance:

  • Workforce Australia Provider | Tursa Employment & Training

Celebrate Small Wins

Long job searches often lack positive reinforcement. Small achievements, sending an application, updating your résumé, making a phone call, help rebuild motivation by offering those “reward moments” your brain needs. Experts recommend tracking and celebrating these small steps to maintain a sense of progress. [hr.linkedin.com]

Every little step counts, and acknowledging them boosts confidence.

Stay Connected and Supported

Talking to others, whether it’s networking conversations, support from friends, or guidance from employment services, increases motivation and reduces feelings of isolation. Experts highlight that connecting with people in industries you’re interested in keeps you energised and opens unexpected opportunities. [hr.linkedin.com]

Reaching out isn’t just practical, it strengthens your emotional resilience too.

Look After Your Mental Wellbeing

Unemployment can take a toll, with surveys showing that many job seekers experience increased stress and emotional strain.
Practising self‑compassion, pacing yourself, and making time for activities that lift your mood can help you stay motivated long‑term. [jobaccess.gov.au]

Remember: A long job search doesn’t reflect your worth. TURSA is here to support you with practical help, confidence building, and personalised guidance whenever you need it.

In Australia, most medium‑to‑large employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter reads them. Many employers also use AI tools inside these systems to rank candidates. If your resume is hard for software to read, it may never reach a hiring manager.
This Australia‑specific guide explains what an ATS is, how it’s used by Australian employers, and how to write a resume that is easy for both software and people to read.

Quick Summary (If You’re in a Hurry)

  • Use a simple, one‑column layout (no tables, no text boxes).
  • Use standard headings Australian recruiters expect (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education).
  • Match your resume to each job ad using the same skill words (without keyword stuffing).
  • Save your resume as DOCX or a clean PDF exported from Word or Google Docs.
  • Show results using numbers (%, $, time saved, growth).
  • Use Australian spelling (organisation, programme, analyse).

What Is an ATS? (Plain English)

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software employers use to collect resumes, pull out key details (name, skills, work history), and sort candidates. In Australia, ATS platforms are widely used by large employers, government roles, universities, healthcare providers, and companies advertising on SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
Many ATS platforms now include AI and language tools that check how closely your resume matches the job description.
What the software usually does:
  • Reads your resume and turns it into data (called “parsing”).
  • Looks for skills, job titles, and experience that match the role.
  • Ranks resumes so recruiters can review the best matches first.
Get Past Resume Screening Software ATS picture of laptop on a desk

How ATS Is Used in Australia (What’s Different)

1. Selection Criteria and Capability Language

Australian employers—especially government, health, education, and not‑for‑profit organisations—often use selection criteria or capability frameworks. ATS systems scan resumes for these exact terms.
Simple tip: If a job ad lists capabilities (for example, communication, stakeholder engagement, compliance), include those words in your resume and back them up with short examples.

2. Skills‑Based Screening Is Growing

Australian hiring is moving more towards skills‑based hiring, especially for corporate, tech, marketing, and operations roles. ATS systems place strong weight on:
  • Skills sections
  • Job titles
  • Recent experience
Simple tip: Put your Skills section near the top of your resume.

3. Clean Design Still Matters

Even in 2026, ATS systems used in Australia can struggle with:
  • Tables and columns
  • Text boxes
  • Icons and graphics
  • Canva‑style layouts
A simple Word‑style layout is still the safest option.

The Safest ATS‑Friendly Resume Format (Australia)

Use this structure (clear and familiar to Australian recruiters):
  1. Name + Contact Details
(City/State is enough — do not include full address)
  1. Professional Summary (3–5 short lines)
  2. Key Skills (clear list)
  3. Work Experience (most recent first)
  4. Education
  5. Certifications / Licences (if required)
Formatting rules that work well in Australia:
  • One column only
  • Simple fonts (Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman)
  • Bullet points, not long paragraphs
  • No photos (not required or expected in Australia)
  • No date of birth, marital status, or visa details unless requested

Step‑By‑Step: Make Your Resume ATS‑Friendly (Australia)

Step 1: Copy Key Words From the Job Ad

Open the job ad and highlight:
  • Skills (for example: stakeholder management, WHS, SEO, budgeting)
  • Tools (for example: Salesforce, GA4, Power BI, Microsoft 365)
  • Qualifications or licences (degree, Certificate IV, White Card, etc.)
These are the words the ATS is most likely to scan for.

Step 2: Use Standard Section Headings

ATS software recognises common headings best. Use:
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Skills
  • Education
Avoid creative headings like “My Journey” or “What I Bring”.

Step 3: Write Strong Bullet Points (With Results)

Use this simple formula:
Action + what you did + result
Examples (Australian‑style):
  • Increased website leads by 28% by improving on‑page SEO and content structure.
  • Reduced customer response times by 25% by introducing a new triage process.
  • Supported a $500k project delivery by coordinating suppliers and internal teams.
Numbers make your experience clearer for both ATS software and recruiters.

Step 4: Build a Clear Skills Section

List skills that directly match the job ad.
Example:
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Project coordination
  • SEO and content optimisation
  • Google Analytics (GA4)
  • CRM systems (Salesforce)
Australian ATS systems often give strong weight to skills and job titles, so keep this section simple and easy to scan.

Step 5: Save the Right File Type

For Australian employers, the safest file formats are:
  • DOCX (Microsoft Word)
  • PDF exported from Word or Google Docs
Avoid scanned PDFs or image‑only files.

Step 6: Do a Quick “Plain Text” Check

Copy your resume text and paste it into Notes or Notepad.
  • If it looks messy or out of order, the ATS may also struggle to read it.

Common Resume Mistakes in Australia (Easy to Avoid)

  • Using two‑column or design‑heavy layouts
  • Including photos or personal details that aren’t required
  • Using US spelling instead of Australian spelling
  • Sending the same resume for every role
  • Ignoring selection criteria or capability wording

Helpful Links (Australia‑Relevant Resources)

These trusted Australian and global resources support the advice on this page:
  • FREE ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
  • SEEK Career Advice (Australia): https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice
  •  
  • Indeed Australia — ATS resume tips: https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters
  • Microsoft Word — ATS‑friendly resume templates: https://word.cloud.microsoft/create/en/ats-templates/
  • Australian Government — APS recruitment guidance: https://www.apsc.gov.au/working-aps/joining-aps/recruitment
  • AI resume screening explained (2025–2026): https://blog.theinterviewguys.com/how-many-companies-are-using-ai-to-review-resumes/
 

FAQ (Australia‑Specific)

Do Australian employers use ATS software?
Yes. ATS systems are widely used across corporate roles, government, universities, healthcare, and large organisations in Australia.
Should I include a photo on my resume in Australia?
No. Photos are not required and are generally avoided in Australian resumes.
Is Word or PDF better for Australian ATS systems?
DOCX is often the safest option. Clean PDFs exported from Word or Google Docs also work well.
Do I need to tailor my resume for every job?
Yes. Even small changes to skills and keywords can improve your ATS match score.
ATS computer showing AI on the screen with it sitting on a table

Optional Internal Links

  • How to ace your next job interview (Australia)
  • Best resume examples for Australian employers
  • Dress for interview tips for Australia

Overcoming Challenges with TURSA’s Support

When Justin first connected with TURSA, things weren’t easy. He felt unheard and even considered leaving our services. But with guidance from Christine , everything changed.

Accessing Resources and Training

Christine helped Justin access essential resources—like a bike for transport and training programs including CTA and Connect. During these programs, Justin discovered his passion for working at Spring Grove Fresh Food.

From Training to Employment

Despite initial setbacks, Justin enrolled in the Intro2Food Production course, partnered with Spring Grove. His commitment was unwavering—attending every session and leaving a lasting impression.

Thanks to Christine’s advocacy and Spring Grove’s willingness to give him a chance, Justin secured a work trial that blossomed into ongoing employment.

Thriving in His New Role

Today, Justin is thriving, proud of his achievements, and grateful for the support that helped him succeed.

Inspired by Justin’s journey? Learn more about how TURSA and local businesses like Spring Grove Fresh Food are creating pathways to success.
👉 Contact TURSA to find out how we can assist you.

Hearts of Purple with the support of TURSA have further increased protection for domestic violence victims

Domestic violence is a national crisis.

In Australia:

  • 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15.
  • 1 in 6 women and 1 in 18 men have experienced partner violence.
  • 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced emotional abuse by a partner.
  • 1 in 6 women and 1 in 13 men have experienced economic abuse.
  • In 2023–24, nearly 9 in 10 hospitalisations for assault by a partner involved female victims.
  • On average, one woman is killed every 8 days and one man every 41 days by an intimate partner.
  • Around 6,500 hospitalisations each year are directly linked to family and domestic violence injuries.

These are not just numbers—they represent lives disrupted, families torn apart, and communities in crisis.

[aihw.gov.au]

Hearts of Purple, a Queensland-based registered charity, was founded in 2017 after the tragic murder of Teresa Bradford. Since then, the organisation has become a lifeline for high-risk victims of domestic and family violence—providing emergency accommodation, cyber safety tools, duress watches, relocation support, and emotional care. [heartsofpurple.org]

🎥 Operation Family Protect: A Life-Saving Initiative

Thanks to funding from TURSA’s 30 Year Community Grant Program, Hearts of Purple have expanded Operation Family Protect with additional cameras—a targeted safety initiative that installs surveillance cameras in homes of high-risk victims. These cameras:

  • Deter potential threats
  • Provide evidence for police intervention
  • Offer peace of mind to families living in fear [tursa.com.au]

This initiative is already saving lives and empowering victims to reclaim their safety and dignity.

“These additional cameras funded by TURSA are more than just technology—they’re a shield, a voice, and a lifeline.”
— Michelle Beattie, CEO of Hearts of Purple

🤝 TURSA: Supporting Communities for 30 Years

TURSA has been a trusted partner in employment, training, and community support since 1994. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, TURSA launched a $1 million Community Grant Program to uplift grassroots organisations like Hearts of Purple that are making a real difference in people’s lives. [tursa.com.au]

📢 How You Can Help

Support Hearts of Purple and be part of the solution:

  • 💸 Donate to fund safety equipment and crisis packages
  • 🧸 Sponsor a Child’s Package to help children fleeing violence
  • 🕒 Volunteer Your Time to assist with logistics, events, or support
  • ♻️ Join the Purple Bins Program to raise funds through recycling

Every contribution helps protect a life, restore hope, and build safer communities.


🔗 Learn More

  • Hearts of Purple Website
  • TURSA Community Grant Program
  • Domestic Violence Statistics – AIHW [aihw.gov.au]

Celebrating 30 Years of Community Impact

TURSA Community Grant Program & St Mark’s Anglican Church Casino
🏛️ Spotlight: St Mark’s Anglican Church Casino

One of the standout recipients is St Mark’s Anglican Church Casino, whose community hall is a vital hub for local connection. With support from TURSA’s grant, the hall has undergone a thoughtful transformation to better serve the Casino community:

  • Repainting internal spaces to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • Converting an underutilised room into a dedicated meeting space for workshops, support services, and community programs.

Importantly, the hall is a neutral, non-worship-specific venue, making it accessible to all members of the community regardless of background or belief. These upgrades will enable the hall to continue to host initiatives that foster connection, wellbeing, and inclusion.

🤝 TURSA’s Broader Community Mission

For three decades, TURSA has been a trusted partner in employment and training, helping individuals access opportunities and build brighter futures. The Community Grant Program is an extension of this mission—recognising and uplifting other organisations that share our values.

TURSA Continues to Support Participants and Employers Amid Transition from Disability Employment Services (DES) to Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) 

As the Australian Government embarks on a significant transformation of the disability employment landscape, TURSA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting both participants and employers achieve their goals and meet their needs. The transition from Disability Employment Services (DES) to Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) marks a new era in inclusive employment, and TURSA is here to ensure a seamless and supportive experience for all involved. 

Chairperson Glenn Costello said that “This represents a significant opportunity to continue supporting people with disability find and keep a meaningful job. It also shows the Government’s trust in TURSA to deliver high quality services.” 

TURSA will be delivering the new Inclusive Employment Australia program across the Manning, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast areas from 1st November 2025. 

Supporting Communities 

For participants, the transition to IEA means continued access to a comprehensive range of services designed to address diverse needs. TURSA will provide personalised support to help individuals navigate their return to long-lasting employment through our Ability@Work Model. 

Employers play a crucial role in creating an inclusive workforce, and TURSA is dedicated to supporting them throughout this transition and meeting their workforce needs.  

Company Secretary Debbie, who has spent three decades with TURSA, commented that “TURSA is well placed, resourced and ready to support local employers and community partners to provide a supportive and effective wrap around service for Participants.  With over 30 years’ experience serving local communities, we look forward to continuing this legacy of providing high quality services to the most vulnerable in our communities.” 

Looking Ahead 

The transition from DES to IEA is an exciting opportunity to continue building a more inclusive and diverse workforce in Australia. TURSA is proud to be at the forefront of this change, and we are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our participants and the success of our employer partners. 

For more information about TURSA’s services and how we can support you during this transition, please visit our website or contact our team. 

For more information on Inclusive Employment Australia, please visit Inclusive Employment Australia | Department of Social Services 

Contact Information: 

Tursa Employment & Training 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: www.tursa.com.au 

Interview with Chris: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal with TURSA

Martin (TURSA):

Chris, thanks for sitting down with me today. I’d love to hear a bit about your journey—what brought you to TURSA and how have things changed for you since?

Chris:

Well, I’ll be honest—I spent a couple of years in jail. Getting back on my feet wasn’t easy. But the team here at TURSA, especially Laetitia, really helped me out. My forklift licence had expired while I was inside, and she helped me renew it. Then she supported me in getting my Heavy Rigid licence, which led to the job I’ve got now.

Martin:

That’s a big step forward. What kind of work are you doing now?

Chris:

I drive a 14.5-tonne vacuum truck. It’s got a 90mm vacuum sucker and a high-pressure gurney that blasts out 5000 PSI. We use it to dig around services without damaging pipes. It’s a crucial job—especially in the clean water section. Just the other day in Mullumbimby, we fixed 22 main bursts. It’s hard work, but I love it.

Martin:

That’s incredible. How has this job—and the support from TURSA—changed your life?

Chris:

Honestly, I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time. I still have some personal issues to attend to, but I’ve moved out of a bad living situation and am working every day. TURSA helped me with more than just licences—they got me emergency accommodation and work clothes and even set me up with counselling sessions.

Martin:

That’s a lot of support. Have you done any other training or workshops?

Chris:

Yeah, we did a first aid course and a workshop called “Connect” with Ryan. He demonstrated how to utilise AI to create resumes. I didn’t know anything about that before—it was pretty amazing.  They also helped me get a First Aid Certificate, Forklift Licence, Heavy Ridgid Truck Licence, Work Clothes, Emergency accommodation and Counselling.

Martin:

If someone else was going through what you’ve been through, what would you tell them?

Chris:

I’d tell them to come talk to TURSA. Laetitia knew my background and never judged me. That meant a lot. I’m done worrying about what people think. I’ve got a job, I show up early, I’ve got keys to the yard—I’m committed.

Martin:

And what’s next for you?

Chris:

They’re discussing offering me a full-time position. I’d love that. I’ve got a good reputation at work, and I take it seriously. I don’t drink on the job, I’m reliable, and I know how vital that truck is.

Martin:

Chris, it’s been inspiring hearing your story. You’ve come a long way, and we’re proud to have been part of that journey.

Chris:

Thanks, mate. I mean it—I really appreciate everything TURSA has done for me.

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