Biala Employment Supports – Building More Inclusive Workplaces in Ballina

For Biala participant Dylan, starting his first job at the Ballina RSL was a turning point, not just for him, but for the RSL, his family and the whole community. 

For Dylan, having a role in a busy local venue meant independence, purpose and the chance to contribute. For the team around him, it was a reminder of what becomes possible when workplaces open their doors to inclusive employment. 

Behind moments like these is the quiet work of people like Petar, an Employment Specialist at Biala Support Services, who has been helping people with disability build confidence, develop skills and find meaningful employment within the community, for over 20 years.  

A Career Built on Supporting Others 

Petar has spent much of his working life around people. Before joining the disability sector, he worked in hospitality for many years, including running his own business. 

During this time, he realised that the part of his work he loved the most was mentoring others and helping them grow. This led him to the disability support sector, where he has now spent more than two decades helping people achieve goals, that many thought was out of reach. 

Today, through Biala’s NDIS disability employment supports, Petar works closely with participants, families and local businesses to create opportunities that build independence, capability and confidence. 

“As we know, employment changes how people see and value themselves,” Petar says. 

“It gives us purpose, independence and confidence. Seeing someone realise how capable they are, and how enjoyable that is, is the most rewarding parts of my job.” 

What Inclusive Employment Really Means 

For many people with disability, entering the workforce can come with its barriers. 

Sometimes those barriers are practical, such as gaining the right skills or experience. Other times they come from uncertainty among employers who have not had experience creating inclusive workplaces. 

Programs providing NDIS employment support and community employment support aim to remove barriers, by helping individuals prepare for work and supporting employers to create environments where people can succeed. 

At Biala Support Services, the focus is always individual and tailored to the participant and the employer. 

Participants are supported to identify their strengths, interests and goals before exploring opportunities that match those abilities. The aim is not just to find someone a job, but to find meaningful employment, where they feel valued, safe, and can thrive. And this approach is helping shape more inclusive workplaces and more opportunities for people with disability across the Northern Rivers, and Australia. 

Small Steps Lead to Big Changes 

Sometimes it can be useful for the journey into employment to begin with work experience. This gives the participant and the employer the opportunity to try out different roles and tasks to ensure a good fit for both parties. Biala’s School Captain; Shay began work experience at St Andrews Aged Care, giving her experience of a diverse and busy work environment, filled with new routines and responsibilities. 

It can be daunting at first, but with the right supports and lots of encouragement, Shay has quickly found her place, assisting staff, interacting with residents and learning the rhythm of a workplace. At Christmas she was excited to help in decorating the Christmas trees, which she took in her stride while she revealed her creative side. This, along with other tasks that align with her strengths has seen her confidence grow by the day. It is in these moments that the real impact of inclusive employment becomes clear. When people are given the opportunity to contribute, they often discover strengths they didn’t know they had. 

Employers Are Embracing Inclusive Workplaces 

Many businesses across the Northern Rivers are seeing the benefits of inclusive employment. 

For employers who partner with Biala, the experience often reshapes their understanding of workplace diversity. 

Participants with disability who are supported into employment frequently bring enthusiasm, reliability and dedication to their roles and their presence can strengthen team culture and morale, creating more supportive and enjoyable environments for everyone. 

For Petar, building strong relationships with local businesses is essential to creating these opportunities, with every partnership opening the door for someone to gain skills, confidence and independence. 

The impact of employment reaches far beyond the workplace. 

Parents often speak about the pride they feel seeing their child leave for work, contributing to the community in ways that once felt uncertain. 

Participants are not just building work skills, but they are building their social and life skills, which inevitably open other doors and friendships. Inclusive workplaces create environments where people feel valued for their contributions rather than defined by their limitations, and this is building their confidence to go out into the world independently. 

The Moment That Makes It All Worthwhile 

For Petar, there are moments that are powerful reminders of why inclusive employment matters, and he continues to do what he does best. 

“It is the moment someone realises they belong”, he says 

“It’s seeing the excitement when they get their first pay cheque, their confidence from learning new skills, and mostly it’s seeing the pride they have in themselves and their achievements”. 

When people are given the chance to work, grow and contribute, something extraordinary happens. They begin to see what has always been there – their potential! 

Contact us to learn more about our employment supports program in Ballina.