Barkuma

23/10/2025

Barkuma understands the importance of food packaging and labelling for safety, compliance, and consumer attraction.

We provide comprehensive solutions that cater to your specific needs, offering efficient and hygienic packaging alongside precise labelling services. Our skilled team can handle many container shapes. We offer both square and round options.

This helps your products stand out on the shelves. We offer expert labelling, automated and single batch solutions for olive oil, spices, wine, cosmetics, cream and more.

Trust us to help enhance your brand’s presentation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

Request a quote from Barkuma Commercial Service
> https://bit.ly/4ke0WgQ



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22/10/2025

At Barkuma, we’re with you every step of the way. We provide the support for people with developmental disabilities to move confidently from school to meaningful work.

Our programs are designed to help you start thinking about your journey beyond school, match your goals and interests to skills and employment pathways, and support you to gain real-world work experience.

When you choose Barkuma, you don’t have to worry about each step. We offer the full package - guiding you or your loved one towards a career that’s fulfilling and successful.

👉 Contact us to learn about how Barkuma can support you.

https://bit.ly/3lVjMQT



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20/10/2025

Meet Olivia Thorpe! In 2022, Olivia embarked on an incredible journey with Atlas McNeil Healthcare (Bunzl) thanks to the support from Barkuma. Overcoming challenges like cerebral palsy, vision loss, and a learning disability, she has achieved remarkable milestones.

Congratulations Olivia for your nomination at the South Australian Training Awards for the Trainee of the Year and receiving a certificate of achievement from the South Australian Skills Commission! 🎉🙌

Image of Olivia with Commissioner Cameron Baker at 2025 South Australian Training Awards Gala.

Let's celebrate Olivia’s inspiring journey and the motivation she brings to us all.



[Image descriptions - Olivia, in a formal dress, is holding a certificate of achievement at an awards night. Another photo taken with Commissioner Cameron Baker.]

20/10/2025

At Barkuma, we believe every person has the opportunity to contribute and be valued. Our Gardening and Maintenance services are proudly delivered by people with disability who are trained and supported to build skills, independence and confidence at work.

Together, we keep your outdoor spaces healthy, vibrant and cared for all year round. From mowing and trimming to fertilising, pruning and maintaining garden beds, our team creates tailored plans that suit your needs, budget and schedule.

By choosing Barkuma, you’re not only keeping your garden thriving - you’re supporting meaningful employment and helping people live their all.

Learn more about our gardening services today 🔗 https://bit.ly/4jFYsad



[Image descriptions - A worker is using a hedge trimmer to keep the trees neat and clean.]

16/10/2025

After 24 impactful years, including 7.5 as CEO, Simon Rowberry is stepping down to explore new opportunities. His leadership has been vital in championing employment for people with disabilities and guiding our transition to the NDIS.

Thank you Simon for your dedication to the Barkuma community.
The Board is now seeking a new CEO, with Maureen Lawlor as Acting CEO.

Read more in Barkuma Journal https://bit.ly/3KRYfVQ

14/10/2025

At Barkuma, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to explore their potential and find their path beyond school.

Our 12-month Transition Program supports final-year students with disabilities and learning difficulties to move confidently from school into meaningful work, training, and independence.

Through structured learning, accredited training, and real-world experience, students develop the skills and confidence to take their next step.

Why choose Barkuma’s Transition Program?

1️⃣ Barkuma has a long history of helping young South Australians with developmental disabilities build the confidence, skills and independence to transition successfully from school to work.
2️⃣ Students can complete nationally recognised VET qualifications in industries that match their interest and goals, including retail, hospitality, construction, or hair and beauty.
3️⃣ With connections to more than 100 employers across South Australia, Barkuma provides supported work experience placements where students can apply their learning in real workplaces.
4️⃣ The program doesn’t end when school does. Students graduate with clear connections to continued employment support through our other programs, ensuring a smooth pathway into open employment.

We walk alongside every student, helping them discover their strengths, prepare for work, and live their all.

🔗 Learn more about the Barkuma Transition Program and how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3GZy4eb



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10/10/2025

At Barkuma, we celebrate the unique strengths, talents and contributions of people with Down syndrome - not just this month, but every day.

For over 50 years, we’ve proudly walked alongside South Australians with intellectual disabilities, supporting people to build confidence, develop skills and live their all through meaningful work, education, and community connection.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a reminder to see the ability, not the limitation and to continue creating inclusive communities and workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Down Syndrome: Let's Set the Record Straight
Watch video > https://bit.ly/46RaQ2E

Down Syndrome Australia,

[Image descriptions - Blue and yellow ribbon. Text says 'October. Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Shining a light on Inclusion.']

08/10/2025

October is National Safe Work Month.

This year’s theme, safety: every job, every day, encourages all workplaces – regardless of occupation, industry, location, and size – to prioritise safety in their job every day.

Find out more > https://bit.ly/46CnFPG

Safe Work Australia,

[Image descriptions - A worker smiles in the warehouse. Text reads: 'Safety. Every job, every day. National Safe Work Month 2025.' The Barkuma logo appears below the image.]

07/10/2025

🌟 We are proud to celebrate the success of our wonderful participant!

In 2022, Olivia Thorpe joined Atlas McNeil Healthcare (Bunzl) with Barkuma’s support. This opportunity was a significant milestone for Olivia as she navigated life with cerebral palsy, vision loss, and a learning disability. Congratulations Olivia on all your remarkable achievements. You are an inspiring source of motivation for everyone. 🌟

At Barkuma, we are committed to helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful work that empowers and inspires. Together, we continue to change lives! 💪



[Image descriptions - Olivia, in a formal dress, is holding a certificate of achievement at an awards night.]

Maybe it’s because we’re South Australians – but we love kicking goals! And a couple of weeks ago one of our own kicked a huge goal.

Olivia Thorpe joined the AMH warehouse team in 2022 and has been going from strength to strength ever since. For us it’s great to see women step into roles and areas of business not traditionally thought of as ‘suitable’ – we support diversity, equity and inclusion as part of our core values.

This year Olivia completed her Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (Warehousing Operations). And was nominated atthe South Australian Training Awards for the Trainee of the Year and received a certificate of achievement by the South Australian Skills Commission. We’re very excited and proud of Olivia, but it’s best you hear a bit more about this direct from her. . .

“I believe leadership is also about attitude, effort, and being a positive example to others. Before gaining employment at Atlas McNeil (Bunzl), I was involved in several volunteer roles where I always gave my best and tried to support others. With the support of (not-for-profit) Barkuma Employment, I was able to find my current role, and having a disability like cerebral palsy hasn't stopped me from working hard and taking pride in what I do.”

Read more about Olivia’s journey so far and her plans for the future… https://www.atlasmcneil.com.au/Breaking-Barriers-with-Hard-Work-Olivia-Thorpe-cms-20250930_101346

06/10/2025

Get ready for some fun with 'Guess The Job'! Take a look at the picture and use the skill clues to figure out what job the person in the image has. Let the guessing game begin!

🍞📦🔎

[Image descriptions - The first slideshow showcases a mystery person's skills, the second unveils their job, and the last provides Barkuma's contact info.]

03/10/2025

🌿Hot Tips for Spring from Barkuma's Gardening Team 🌿

🥕 1. Prep Your Soil
Enrich with compost or aged manure to kickstart healthy growth.

🌱 2. Plant Seasonal Winners
Tomatoes, zucchini, basil, mint—spring favourites that love the sun.

✂️ 3. Prune and Shape
Trim winter damage and tidy shrubs to encourage fresh blooms.

🌸 4. Feed and Fertilise
Use organic fertilisers suited to your plants—veggies, natives, citrus.

🐛 5. Watch for Pests
Spot aphids and caterpillars early—treat with natural remedies or sprays.

Get a quote for Garden Services and Maintenance with Barkuma Commercial Services Adelaide today!

Find out more > https://bit.ly/4jFYsad



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30/09/2025

Congratulations to our employee Alysia Potts on her recent success with her team at the Marie Little Shield taking home the Bronze!

Alysia inspires and support's her team and inclusive league, burning up the court and taking home the Naomi Perry Spirit award and recently winning the league back home in SA taking out the MVP.

Alysia shared her success with her co-workers this week and thanks everyone for their support.

Netball SA

[Image descriptions - Alysia holding medals and awards.]