Interchange Shoalhaven has received a Federal Government funding boost to provide sustainable training and employment opportunities for people with disability.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips announced Interchange Shoalhaven is one of 33 organisations that will share in $14.6 million as part of Round 2 of the Department of Social Services Structural Adjustment Fund.

The $494,000 grant will support Interchange Shoalhaven’s Skills Boost project which will provide participants with hands-on experience in real work environments, targeted skills training, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification opportunities.

“People with disability often face many barriers to finding and keeping employment, so it’s fantastic that the Skills Boost program will offer real-world training, mentoring, and job placement support in the Shoalhaven,” she said.

“Australians with disability can and want to work. They bring talent, curiosity, and fresh perspectives to our workplaces, which is why it is so important to break down those barriers and create real opportunities – because when we provide the right support, everyone in the community benefits.”

Skills Boost will begin on 7 July and Interchange Shoalhaven Community Engagement Specialist Sarah Ottley has invited people living with a disability to express an interest in the program, which will be run out of the organisation’s new Community Hub at 27 West Street Nowra.

“The program will leverage industry and community links, working closely with The Shoalhaven Food Network, to fully prepare potential employees with a disability (trainees) and match them with hospitality, retail and tourism employers in the area,” Phillips added.

“Trainees will take part in a hands-on internship, with support from a case manager and a mentor, giving them the maximum chance of success.

“We intend to put 65 trainees through our program from July 2025-2026 and feel that it will provide the perfect tailored support into a secure workplace for people in the Shoalhaven area living with a disability, while encouraging workplace inclusivity and diversity. “

Potential employers, including registered clubs, cafes, restaurants and tourism operators, are encouraged to register their interest in hosting a Skills Boost trainee.

The program is open to job seekers with a disability aged over 16 years living in the Shoalhaven region and includes workplace site visits, practical hospitality training, on-the-job opportunities, supported by industry mentors with the objective of meaningful ongoing employment. Mrs Phillips encourages local businesses to get involved.

“This is a great chance for local businesspeople to transform the lives of people with disability by providing opportunities for them to upskill, try different types of work or move into full or part-time employment,” she said.

The new Community Hub, complete with a training coffee kart, is a welcoming space where people with disability, their families and friends, and members of the public can enjoy the facilities and meet new people.

Interchange Shoalhaven encourages the integration of people living with and without disability to develop friendships and feel part of the community together at the new Hub which offers a hang-out space with pool table and a variety of social programs such as trivia and games nights.

Potential trainees, parents, carers, schools and employers can register their interest and find out more info at Interchange Shoalhaven.