Meet Dylan: A Journey to Independence and Growth

At Biala Support Services, we believe in transforming lives by creating opportunities for personal growth and independence. Today, we’d like you to meet Dylan — a young man whose journey embodies the very essence of what we do at Biala. His inspiring story is a perfect example of how our tailored support and community partnerships can pave the way for brighter futures.

Dylan’s Story: From Biala School to the Real World

Dylan’s journey began at Biala School, where he not only received an exceptional, individualised education but also developed leadership qualities that saw him serve as School Captain. Despite his many accomplishments at school, like many young people leaving a supportive educational environment, Dylan faced a challenging transition into employment. Determined to pursue a career in hospitality, he sought out opportunities to build the foundational skills necessary to succeed in the workforce.

Recognising his potential and genuine passion for hospitality, Dylan reached out for assistance through Biala Support Services. Our Employment Transition Coordinator, Petar Ilic, saw an opportunity to form a meaningful partnership with the Ballina RSL Club — an organisation known for its strong community ties and commitment to fostering local talent.

A Collaborative Work Experience Program

Petar’s initiative resulted in a groundbreaking work experience program designed specifically to support individuals with disabilities in the Ballina community. Dylan was the first candidate to take part in this initiative. Despite having faced setbacks in previous work environments, Dylan’s vibrant personality, exemplified by his signature bow tie, quickly won over the staff and members at Ballina RSL Club.

During his work experience, Dylan spent a four-hour lunch shift each week in the Boardwalk Restaurant. Under the warm guidance of experienced restaurant hosts and with tailored on-the-job support from Biala’s dedicated team, Dylan took on various responsibilities — from running meals to tables and engaging patrons with cheerful banter, to assisting in food preparation and clearing tables. Every day, he demonstrated resilience and a passion for hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on both colleagues and customers.

Building a Foundation for the Future

Dylan’s experience at Ballina RSL Club is more than just an employment milestone — it’s a stepping stone towards a future filled with promise. His role is continually evolving, with plans in place to increase his work hours, provide additional training in food preparation, and even offer barista training. Through this structured program, Dylan is gaining not only practical work skills but also the confidence to pursue long-term employment opportunities.

His journey underscores the core of what we do: empowering individuals through personalised support, meaningful partnerships, and real-world opportunities. Whether it’s through our specialised curriculum at Biala School or community-based programs like the one with Ballina RSL Club, our mission is to help every individual discover and develop their potential.

Fostering Independence Through Comprehensive Support

At Biala Support Services, our approach is holistic and person-centred. We understand that independence is cultivated through a combination of academic success, life skills, and social development. That’s why we offer a range of programs and services tailored to the unique needs of our students and participants:

Individualised Education and Therapy: From the early years through to Year 12, Biala School offers a curriculum that is adjusted to each child’s needs. Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and integrated therapy support, including speech and occupational therapy, ensure that every student can excel.

Practical Life Skills: Beyond the classroom, our After School Club — funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)—provides group activities and care, furthering the development of social skills and everyday independence.

Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local organisations, such as Ballina RSL Club, create opportunities for hands-on work experience. These partnerships not only build professional skills but also contribute to a more inclusive community.

Why Biala?

Choosing the right support network can make all the difference in a child’s journey toward independence. At Biala Support Services, we’re not just an educational institution—we’re a community built on compassion, understanding, and empowerment. Dylan’s success is a testament to the transformative power of personalised support and community collaboration.

If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for an environment where your child can feel safe, celebrated, and supported every step of the way, we invite you to learn more about what Biala has to offer. Contact us today to discover how our comprehensive programs can help transform your child’s future.

Call us at (02) 6686 4763 or visit www.biala.org.au to start the conversation.