Some of Our Parts

Curious About Employee Resource Groups?

Last month, Australian Network on Disability (AND) held two sessions on Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as Disability Employee Networks (DEN)s.

Hosted by global disability networking and professional development hub – PurpleSpace, the sessions provided practical tips on:

• Setting up an Employee Resource Group
• Implementing a high performing Employee Resource Group.

What is an ERG?

An ERG is a forum where people with disability, carers, allies and friends connect to drive organisational change.

Emily Matthews, Member Experience Manager at AND, says:

“Forums like ERGs are integral. Everyone who is interested in accessibility and inclusion has the opportunity to connect and make positive, tangible changes for people with disability in the workplace.”

What is the purpose of an ERG?

• An ERG drives organisational change through consultation, activity and conversation.
• ERGs create inclusive and accessible workplaces by hosting events, developing policies and procedures.

Why do ERGs form?

ERG’s can form for many different reasons. ERGs may form:

• To come together to support employees with disability and for those who care for people with disability. to raise ideas and discuss key workplace issues – including workplace adjustments (eg flexible work).
• To consult across business; monitoring accessibility and inclusion of systems, policies and procedures.
• To improve policies and procedures to provide a disability-focused forum, particularly at times when an organisation is undertaking substantial change, eg change of premises.

Currently 86 of AND’s members have an ERG – but that number continues to grow as employees see the value of connecting with other like-minded staff, especially as COVID has impacted the way work.

AND’s Tips on Starting an ERG

Getting started:

• Develop a clear sense of purpose for the group that drives change
• Establish Terms of Reference so everyone understands the processes
• Have a clear structure – assign a Chairperson, secretary and, if needed, a treasurer.

AND suggests including the following:

• A Senior Executive Disability Champion
• Disability Employee Network leader
• Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) practitioner.

We encourage bringing the ERG and the D&I lead together to set the agenda for each ERG meeting.

What Can an ERG achieve?

• Educate the broader organisation and raise awareness of inclusion and accessibility across the organisation.
• Establish disability inclusion action plans for the organisation, supporting all employees with disability to work equitably.
• Influence change – through activities or guiding decisions so inclusion and accessibility is considered.

Want to start an ERG with our support?

AND facilitates ERG formation workshops.

“We can help you talk through what your ERG can do, support you in identifying what you want to achieve in your network and also help you create the terms of reference,” Emily Matthews.

Last Chance for Stepping Into Internships Summer 2021-2022

Australian Network on Disability (AND) have extended the application deadline for Stepping Into Internships to midnight Sunday 10th October!

• AND have a great number of paid work experience opportunities across VIC this summer.

Internships are available to students with disability studying Accounting, Data, Law, Engineering, IT, Science, Commerce, Psychology, HR, Marketing, Social Science, Project Management and more!

Participating Victorian organisations include:

• Asahi Holdings Australia
• Australia Post
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• City of Greater Dandenong
• City of Yarra
• IAG
• Jacobs
• National Disability Insurance Agency
• NBN Co Limited
• RMIT
• Stockland Corporation Ltd
• The Royal Women’s Hospital
• VIC Department of Education and Training
• VIC Department of Health
• VIC Department of Treasury and Finance
• VIC Dept of Environment Land Water and Planning
• VIC Dept of Families, Fairness and Housing
• VIC Dept of Justice & Community Safety
• Yooralla
• Zoos Victoria

With over 200 internships available for students with disability, there are plenty of opportunities to gain paid work experience and add to your professional skills over the Summer break.

Head to AND’s website to view all available positions, and apply online by midnight, Sunday 10th October.

PLUS, if you have applied in previous intakes you don’t need to re-apply. Simply email applications@and.org.au with a list of at least 3 position preferences and we can use your previous application.

Want Some Interview Tips?

If you have applied for the program and want more tips and tricks on interviewing – come along to our free Plan for Success online information session on Thursday 14 October, 3 – 4pm (AEDT) and Monday 18 October, 3 – 4pm (AEDT) in Sydney/Canberra/Melbourne time.

These sessions are beneficial for all applicants. In addition to interview top tips, we will take you through the timeframe for Stepping Into.

There’s no need to register – just log on 3pm Thursday 14 October.

You can find login details for the session here.

Not Too Late to Change Preferences

Already applied? More positions have been added since our first email. Be sure to check our website for the updated list, and email applications@and.org.au if you would like to change your preferences.

Have questions about your application or eligibility? Get in touch with the Australian Network on Disability. You can email applications@and.org.au or phone 1300 36 36 45.

• For a full list of the internships and position descriptions, visit the AND website.
• Don’t forget to follow AND on Facebook for updates!

APPLY NOW! Stepping Into Applications Close in Two Weeks!

Are you a university student with disability looking for a paid internship?

• Then don’t miss out on our amazing Stepping Into internship program!

With only two weeks left to apply, we have received many great applications for the over 200 internships available.

Whether you’re interested in public policy, sciences, mining or research – plus more –  there’s a role to suit you.

What is Stepping Into?

Australian Network on Disability’s Stepping Into program is a paid internship program connecting students with disability to leading Australian businesses for hands on work experience.

Through Stepping Into, you can:

• gain paid and valuable career-relevant work experience
• learn new skills
• grow your knowledge of your chosen industry
• develop networking and social skills
• join the Stepping Into Alumni community
• support provided throughout the program.

*Don’t miss out on your chance to apply

Applications are now open.

• For a full list of internship opportunities and to learn how to apply, visit our website.

With only two weeks left until applications close, don’t miss out on the amazing opportunity to launch your career.

• Applications on Sunday, 3 October.

GradWISE – Internship, Graduate and Mentoring Opportunities

For those interested in any of the opportunities listed below, please email your applications to GradWISE@wiseeemployment.com.au with the reasonable adjustment form.

GradWISE will advocate for any adjustments that you might need and help with your application.

Communiteer

Mentorship and Volunteer Opportunity

• You will be matched with a mentor for 12 weeks to accelerate your development in a variety of areas, including career path, job applications, interpersonal skills and more.
• You will also have the opportunity to undertake a skilled volunteering project for a not-for-profit in need with the guidance of your mentor.
• This is a 12 week mentorship commitment, express interest below:
• https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHSRXZL

Department of Social Services

Option one – Apprenticeship Program

• Commencement March/April 2022. Position located in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, and Adelaide. Please see link below:
• https://www.dss.gov.au/careers/ability-apprenticeship-program

Option two – Summer Internship Program

• Please see PD attached for more details, commence January 2022 for approx. 6 weeks (University break).
• Applications closing 5 October 2021, to apply applicants will need to send entrylevelteam@dss.gov.au your CV and a written statement, explaining why you want to work for the Department of Social Services and the skills and attributes you will bring to the program (maximum 1000 words).

EY

Primary School Facilitator

• Casual role based in Newcastle/ surrounds.
• Please see the below link:
• Facilitator – Primary Schools | Community Impact – Newcastle and surrounds (ey.com)

EY strongly encourages applications from candidates who have a disability, and so have lived experience which they can speak from.

The recruitment process will include an OnDemand video interview, followed by a formal interview/ audition with the Program Manager.

These are expected to be held from the week commencing 25^th of October

Major Roads Project Victoria ( MRPV):

Summer Internship

• Commence in Jan 2022 with a duration of up to a 6 month fixed term period.
• Please see link below, closing date is the 26^th of September
• https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/jobs/VG-MRPV-MRPV-1565801

Coles

2022 Operations Graduate Program

• Applications are open until Sunday 3^rd October.
• Find the latest information about the Operations Graduate Program and apply directly via the Coles careers page:
• https://careers.colesgroup.com.au/wp-content/Graduate-programs/?locale=en_GB

North East Link Project (NELP)

Summer Internships

Melbourne based looking for roles in:

• Government Relations
• Communications & Stakeholder relations
• Engineering or Equivalent
• Engineering (Civil)

*Please see attached job advert for more details.

Disability Super Fair 2021 | Tuesday, 28 September 2021

• 2:00PM to 4:00PM in NSW, QLD, ACT, VIC & TAS
• 1:30PM to 3:30PM in SA & NT | 12:00PM to 2:00PM in WA

 Are you wanting to discover employers who celebrate difference and have inclusive working culture?

Join us at the 2021 Diversity Careers Super Fair!

Who is this for?

The Students with a Disability Super Fair is for all students studying any degrees wanting to discover employers who have either a dedicated graduate program for students with a disability or offer otherwise attractive and inclusive opportunities.

• Register here

What will we cover?

• 2:30pm – Introduction to GradWISE
• 3pm – How to disclose and ask for adjustments
• 3:30pm – Recruitment pathways with disability confident employers

To help you feel confident and prepare to ensure you get the most out of the Careers Fair we have provided some handy resources below:

• Resources for tertiary students, young adults, parents and carers
• Guide to employer expos

We look forward to seeing you there!

Summer Vacation Research Scholarships/Internships 2021/22 (Rossjohn lab)

Applications Now Open for the 2022 Ability Apprenticeship Program at Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services (the department) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2022 Ability Apprenticeship Program.

The program is open to people with disability aged 18 years and over. Download the PDF Flyer here.

It is designed to create pathways into secure, ongoing employment within the department and the broader Australian Public Service (APS) and act as a stepping stone towards the participants’ long-term career aspirations.

Program Commences Early 2022

The program will commence in early 2022 and run for 12 months, with positions available in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth, and Adelaide.

Participants will start at the APS 3 level and undertake an individualised learning program tailored to the needs of their business area and their own career goals.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will advance to an ongoing APS 4.

Each participant will have the opportunity to connect with a disability employment services (DES) provider to support them throughout their employment.

The Entry Programs and Inclusion team at Department of Social Services will provide support for participants and their work areas.

Building a Diverse and Accessible Public Service

The program is an important step toward building a more diverse and accessible public service that better represents the Australian community. The APS Disability Employment Strategy 2020-2025 outlines the Australian Government’s commitment to this goal.

• For more information on the Ability Apprenticeship Program, go to www.dss.gov.au/abilityprogram or email AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au.

*Applications close Thursday 7 October 2021.

2021 Students with a Disability Super Fair!

You’re invited!

TUESDAY, 28TH SEPTEMBER 2021

• 2:00PM to 4:00PM in NSW, QLD, ACT, VIC & TAS
• 1:30PM to 3:30PM in SA & NT | 12:00PM to 2:00PM in WA

Who is this for?

The Students with a Disability Super Fair is for all students studying any degrees wanting to discover employers who have either a dedicated graduate program for students with a disability or offer otherwise attractive and inclusive opportunities.

• Register NOW!

How does it work?

This is an interactive virtual career fair designed to help you learn about graduate job and internship opportunities you can apply for.

The fair is conducted via video conference and split into two parts.

Who will I meet?

We’ve invited some of Australia’s best graduate employers to meet with you and share what a future working with them looks like.

• See All Exhibitors

Why should I attend?

Applying for graduate jobs is a bit like sitting your final exams; the lecturer usually gives away some handy tips in the final class!

• Don’t make the mistake of submitting job applications blind.

Attend this event to meet the employers you already know about, discover new ones, and find out what recruiters are looking for in your job applications.

• Register NOW!

Why Disability Employment is the Answer to Australia’s Skills Shortage

A free webinar for employers hosted by JobAccess

A slowdown in regional and international talent mobility has seen employers access an increasingly limited pool, as one in five Australian businesses faces skills shortages.

But what if you were able to build a steady, sustainable pipeline of diverse candidates to fill your vacancies? Register here to find out how.

People with disability are reliable, safe and productive employees and yet are overlooked by businesses when hiring.

Nearly 50% of people with disability of working age are looking for work and can be a great resource for industries facing skills gaps.

Progressive organisations are tapping into the diverse skills people with disability have to offer. In doing so, they are reaping the long-term benefits of higher productivity, staff retention and market innovation*.

Register Now for This Online Event

How do they do it? Register for our free online event to hear from disability-confident organisations who will join Paralympian Katrina Webb OAM to share how they broadened their talent pool by attracting and employing people with disability.

*You might recognise Katrina as part of Channel Seven’s Tokyo Paralympics 2020 commentator team.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Learn first-hand a wide range of strategies and good practice to make your recruitment and employment processes more inclusive.
• Interact with a panel of disability-confident employers who will share their learnings and experiences in supporting employees with disability, including mental health conditions.
• Explore the free, sustainable supports and resources available to employ people with disability within your organisation.

When:  Thursday, 7 October 2021

Time:    1.00 pm to 2.15 pm – ACT, NSW, VIC and TAS
12.30 pm to 1.45 pm – SA
12.00 pm to 1.15 pm – QLD
11.30 am to 12.45 pm – NT
10.00 am to 11.15 am – WA

Where: Register to attend the webinar

RSVP:  Monday, 4 October 2021

• Access: This event will have live transcribing. You will be asked to provide any access requirements during the registration process. Interpreters and electronic copies of presentation are available on request.
• For more information or if you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at JobAccess@workfocus.com.

Kickstart Your Business with This Free 2-Day Workshop

This 2-day workshop is made for people living with disability.

This workshop will give you the confidence to explore starting up your own business or taking your business to the next level with expert facilitators.

IgniteAbility Small Business Start-Ups Program

The IgniteAbility® Small Business Start-Ups program started in 2016 to support people living with a disability to explore, start or grow a small business in Australia.

In the last 5 years businesses like Carly’s Coffee Couriers and MB Disability Consultancy have been supported to gain the knowledge, skills and capacity they required to make their dream a reality.

5 things you will take away from your workshop:

1. Ability to pitch your business idea to anyone.
2. Identify gaps in your business knowledge from product development to compliance management.
3. Understand the importance of a support network to grow your business.
4. Complete a business map for your business.
5. Opportunity to refer into our IgniteAbility® Small Business Start-Ups program.

This program provides free and ongoing business support with an expert facilitator.

FAQ

• How do I know if it is right for me?

Once you register, the team will reach out to help you answer the questions you might have.

• Does this cost me anything?

No. The workshop is completely free.

• What happens after I register?

You will be contacted with information about the best workshop for you and your needs.

Register Now for this 2-day online workshop!

Here are the dates:

• Group 1: 13 & 15 September – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 2: 14 & 16 September – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 3: 20 & 22 September – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 4: 27 & 29 September – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 5: 28 & 30 September – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 6: 04 & 06 October – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 7: 11 & 13 October – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 8: 12 & 14 October – 10am – 2:30pm
• Group 9: 18 & 20 October – 10am – 2:30pm

Click on this link to REGISTER NOW!

Mentoring at Monash LinkedIn Page and Group

There is a new Mentoring at Monash LinkedIn page, alongside our new Mentoring at Monash LinkedIn group.

Mentoring at Monash would like to invite you to follow the page and join the group as part of our Monash mentoring community!

Mentoring Tips, Advice, and Professional Development

The Mentoring at Monash LinkedIn page and group will be host to mentoring stories, tips and advice, professional development, mentoring opportunities and more.

The group in particular will be a great place for the mentoring community and even those new to mentoring to get involved, share your mentoring experiences and help other members with advice.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our new Mentoring at Monash LinkedIn.

• If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at mentoring@monash.edu.