The BUSY Group has been supporting people with employment, training and education for nearly 50 years and are an Australian success story, improving careers and positively impacting communities by implementing their innovative models for employment services support, skills and education in Australia and internationally, including New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom.
A part of The BUSY Group, BUSY Ability has been supporting employers with diversity and inclusion and individuals with disability to find and maintain meaningful employment for almost 40 years.
Sharon Potaka, Executive General Manager for Employment Services at BUSY Ability, stated, “The Disability Employment Services contract came to a close in 2025 and was replaced by the Inclusive Employment Australia contract. Partnering with CoAct, BUSY Ability is now delivering our successful service model in the Western Australia’s southern region.
“We have 26 locations in Southern Western Australia. Some of those locations, we have moved into sites where prior providers delivered, and we have the intent to deliver the same excellent service to these clients that we have been providing in Queensland for close to 40 years. Since providing in the south-west region of WA, we’ve offered a seamless transition for clients, continuing to support them to achieve their employment goals.”
Supporting South Western Australia People with Disability into Employment
BUSY Ability / CoAct are now delivering Inclusive Employment Australia services in these South Western Australian towns:
- Albany
- Augusta
- Bridgetown
- Brookton
- Brunswick Junction
- Bunbury
- Busselton
- Capel
- Collie
- Corrigin
- Cowaramup
- Denmark
- Donnybrook
- Dunsborough
- Harvey
- Katanning
- Manjimup
- Margaret River
- Mount Barker
- Nannup
- Narrogin
- Pingelly
- Wagin
- Waroona
- Wickepin
- Williams
Sharon further stated, “We work with people from all walks of life, including people with disability, a treated illness, injury or mental health condition. Our free, tailored support includes recruitment and workforce planning, access to wage subsidies and workplace modifications, as well as diversity and inclusion education for employers.”
With estimates of only 1 in 10 people with disability employed in Australia, there is an often overlooked and untapped workforce available to businesses. Many people with disability are overlooked, regardless of prior skills, knowledge and the experience they can bring to the workplace.
Sharon further emphasised this point, stating, “There is a large pool of available workers that employers can tap into to address skills shortages, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Sometimes, all it takes is a small workplace modification (and there is potential government funding to access, so this won’t even cost the business) or a little flexibility with working hours, and employers have found themselves a highly capable and loyal employee. The positive impact of this on the individual, the business, and their customers too, cannot be underestimated.”
Access to Inclusive Employment Australia services is at no cost for individuals or business, and BUSY Ability / CoAct Connect, can also help businesses to build a high-performing, productive team with confidence.
Pizza Hut franchisee, Priyasaid of her experience, “I wouldn’t have considered working with people with disability before because it felt like it was too hard. Having had the first few candidates being such successful employees, I’ve really changed my mind. In the future, I’ll be making sure any workplace I’m in is an inclusive one for people with disability.”
Sharon said specifically of the new regions and service offerings, “We’re excited to be a part of these regional communities and trust that the community will also embrace our support for their members, as we get to know them and their skills and employment needs.
“We focus on what people can do and, with the tailored services provided under this particular program, we build a service around our customers need. We don’t come in telling clients, ‘you must do X, Y, Z’, we really listen to our clients, we understand and care for their future, connecting them to places in the community that help them in their journey. When we are discussing work goals and capabilities based on the individual and their circumstances (whether that be a few hours or 30 plus hours a week, based on their capability), we also, where appropriate, talk with employers about our customer-specific needs so that both parties are happy.”
Funding and training support for Western Australian business
BUSY Ability / CoAct Connect help you navigate the funding and training opportunities available for businesses when employment someone with disability, illness or injury.
These incentives include:
- Inclusive Employment Australia Wage Subsidy
Funding ranging up to $10,000 may be available to businesses that hire eligible individuals into ongoing jobs. Different subsidy levels are offered depending on the hours of employment provided by the employer.
- Employment Assistance Fund (EAP)
Financial help for eligible employers and clients to buy work related modifications and services.
To support your business recruiting needs, find out more about financial and other incentives.
If your business is looking for staff, Lodge a Vacancy or Contact Us today to discuss your workplace needs.