Breakthru made in Moreton Bay

A new employment centre has been launched in Strathpine to help tackle the job disparity for people with a disability.

Breakthru, part of the Royal Rehab group, opened its Strathpine Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) office last week at Shop 9 454 Gympie Rd.

It is one of 30 new employment centres on Australia’s east coast tackling employment imbalance for those with disability.

People with disability in this country are twice as likely to be unemployed, with workforce participation at 53.4 per cent compared to 84 per cent for those without disability.

Strathpine resident Elijah Tullberg, who lives with autism, is one of the first Breakthru clients to join under the IEA program.

He joined seven months ago and says it has helped him work as a shopping centre security guard, managing a team and safeguarding customers.

“Breakthru has helped me navigate a difficult situation with a manager, obtain my security licence and blue card and begin working towards my long-term goal of working in the police force,” the 30-year-old said.

“For me, the most impactful part of having a job is supporting my family, which includes my 18-month-old daughter, to ensure we can live a comfortable life.

“It’s incredible to see more employment services on offer for Strathpine residents living with a disability, especially from Breakthru.

“The support I’ve received from the team has been phenomenal and unlike any I’ve received from other employment services.

“Despite what someone living with a disability might be told, there’s a lot of strength that comes from living with a disability – we can achieve anything we set out mind to.”

The Strathpine office will help more than 320 people with disability providing practical support to find meaningful employment that builds on strengths and long-term goals.

Royal Rehab Group CEO Matthew Mackay said the new IEA program represented a major shift in how disability employment support was delivered.

“This is an exciting milestone for us as we continue to deliver person-centred care, offering flexible, tailored support aligned to each person’s skills, interests and goals to help people build meaningful, lasting careers,” Mr Mackay said.

“Meaningful employment can have a powerful impact on a person’s life, helping foster independence, valuable skills and a sense of purpose.

“With this expanded reach across New South Wales and Queensland, Breakthru is excited to connect more people to meaningful work and to collaborate with employers to build stronger, more inclusive communities.”

The Strathpine Breakthru IEA Office was officially opened on June 18 with a launch attended by Federal Member for Dickson Ali France.

Breakthru provides disability and employment services in NSW, Queensland and Victoria, with a person-centred model recognising unique needs and aspirations of every individual.

Royal Rehab Group is a leading not-for-profit provider of rehabilitation, disability, and community allied health services spanning more than 125 years.