Wallara’s Open Employment Program helps people with disability explore opportunities in community-based employment. Through personalised coaching, workplace trials and ongoing support, the program builds skills and confidence while helping participants discover what works best for them.
The program creates genuine avenues for exploration: with 25+ inclusive employers now partnering with Wallara and participants exploring roles across industries from hospitality to horticulture, people can make informed choices about their career path.
Whether someone decides to increase their community employment hours, continue in supported employment, or try a combination of both, what matters most is having the choice and support to explore what’s right for them.
Q&A with Carolyn
As Wallara’s Open Employment Manager, I lead the Open Employment Program. I support participants with disability who are exploring work in open, community-based settings and help make sure the experience is positive for both them and the employer. I guide participants, support Wallara’s Open Employment Advisors, and build partnerships with inclusive businesses. I also work to raise awareness about inclusive hiring and its benefits for workplaces and the broader community.
I’ve worked in disability employment for nearly 10 years. My first four were in Disability Employment Services (DES), helping people move into open roles and supporting both them and their employers after placement. I joined Wallara more than four years ago, initially as a job coach in Logistics and as a health and safety representative. Since mid-2022, I’ve focused on developing and delivering the Open Employment Program.
Employment brings purpose, independence and connection and the chance to make your own choices. It’s about dignity and being a valued part of your community. Everyone deserves that opportunity.
Watching people achieve things they didn’t think they could. Whether it’s a small step or a big milestone, seeing someone grow in confidence through work is incredibly rewarding.
We start by listening to their concerns and providing clear, practical information. We create a tailored support plan before any commitment is made and provide ongoing assistance throughout the process. It’s about honesty, transparency and making sure the match is right.
Give it a go, at your pace, with the support you need. The program is built around you. Even if you try it and decide it’s not for you, that’s still progress. You’ve made a choice, and that matters.
There are more supportive employers out there than people think. We’ve seen some great outcomes. Inclusive employment isn’t just possible, it’s happening and it’s growing.
We start with a conversation to explain what open employment means and what it can look like. Participation is always voluntary. From there, we offer support through every stage – employer meetings, workplace tours, trials, onboarding and ongoing coaching.
I’m a wife and proud mum and step mum of five adult children and have five grandchildren! I love learning and spend time exploring topics like neuroscience, biology and spirituality. I also enjoy staying active and eating well.
Whether you’re looking for meaningful work or ready to hire inclusively, we’d love to talk.
