WDEA Works

05/09/2025

Our Mildura team is here today at the Family and Community Expo in Robinvale!

Come and say hi, explore local services, enjoy cultural performances, and take part in raffles, giveaways, and more. 🎉

-Robinvale Leisure Centre
-Friday 5th September | 10am – 2pm

All community welcome!

01/09/2025

📚✨Adult Learners' Week – 1 to 8 September ✨📚

This week we celebrate Adult Learners Week, a national celebration of lifelong learning and the opportunities it creates.

At are-able, we believe it’s never too late to learn something new. Whether it’s building career skills, exploring further education, or growing in confidence, adult learning opens doors and empowers people to thrive.

Learn more about our Education and Training opportunities here:
👉 www.areable.org.au/education-and-training

28/08/2025

💜 Today we proudly celebrate Wear It Purple Day 💜

This day shines a light on creating safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ people. It’s about visibility, respect, and standing together to embrace diversity in all its forms.

At are-able, we believe in communities where everyone belongs, where differences are celebrated and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.

Join us by wearing purple and sending a powerful message:
-You are seen
-You are supported
-You are remarkable

Learn more: www.wearitpurple.org

28/08/2025

🌸 Ready to BLOOM this September? 🌸

The BLOOM Volunteer Program (1-12 September 2025) is your chance to gain hands-on training, boost your skills, and explore the best of Greater Bendigo and Loddon!

What’s involved:
• Training days + tourism trips in and around Bendigo
• Learn photography, videography, and digital literacy
• Build communication, teamwork, and confidence
• Discover career pathways in tourism, accommodation & attractions

Become a Volunteer Ambassador and support the BLOOM tourism campaign while gaining transferrable skills for any future career!

Apply now: Better Impact – https://bit.ly/475RTeD?r=qr

Workforce Australia Local Jobs is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

27/08/2025

🌟 A Fresh Start: Jon's Path to Purpose and Wellbeing 🌟

After facing significant personal challenges, Jon was determined to create a better future for himself and his daughter. With the support of are-able’s Parent Pathways program and his mentor, Shenae, Jon found the confidence to retrain, secure meaningful work, and rebuild his life.

Today, he’s thriving in a role where he can use his lived experience to support others, while also studying a Diploma of Mental Health.

Read Jon's inspiring journey here 👉 www.areable.org.au/2025/08/a-fresh-start-pts-path-to-purpose-and-wellbeing

26/08/2025

Meet Chris – Back at The Big R's Shed!

Chris has recently returned to The Big R’s Shed after a short break — and he’s already making a big impact. You’ll find Chris on the register serving customers, out the back sorting and pricing donations, or out on the truck doing deliveries and pick-ups.

Chris loves working with the great team at Albert Street and says they feel like a second family. His favourite role is working on the register, as it’s helped him improve his social skills, build confidence, and meet lots of new people.

One of Chris’s proudest achievements has been bravely returning to work after six months away — a step that’s helping him achieve his personal goals.

Learn more about our Social Enterprises 👉 https://www.areable.org.au/ndis-social-enterprises

25/08/2025

Hamilton Tradie Breakfast – You’re Invited!

When: Thursday 28 August, 7:00am–8:30am
Where: 82 Brown Street, Hamilton
Cost: FREE – includes an egg & bacon roll and coffee

Join us for a relaxed morning of great food, networking, and valuable insights.
Hear from guest speakers about apprenticeships and traineeships, and learn how we can support tradies and their businesses.

RSVP now - www.areable.org.au/employment-services/tradie-breakfast/

Proudly hosted by are-able in partnership with the Western District Chamber.

21/08/2025

👋 We’re here today at the ABLE Meet in Bendigo!

Our Finding and Keeping a Job and Plan Management teams are ready to chat, answer your questions, and share how we can support you.

📍 Bendigo Library
🕑 All day today – Friday, 22 August

Find out more 👉 ableplus.net.au/events/bendigo-able-meet-3

Come and say hello – we’d love to see you!

21/08/2025

🚗 From Robinvale to the Road: Tina’s Learner Permit Milestone 🚗

For Tina, a mother of six living in Robinvale, getting her driver’s licence once felt impossible. With the closest major town over an hour away, driving would mean greater independence and opportunity for her family.

With the support of are-able’s Parent Pathways program and her mentor, Reney, Tina not only passed her learner’s test but also received her very first official photo ID, a huge milestone worth celebrating!

Her journey is a powerful reminder that big goals are possible with the right support and determination.

Read Tina’s full story here 👉 www.areable.org.au/2025/08/from-robinvale-to-the-road-tinas-learner-permit-milestone

20/08/2025

👋 Our Finding and Keeping a Job and Plan Management teams will be at the ABLE Meet in Bendigo tomorrow!

Come along to connect with us, learn more about our services, and discover how we can support you.

📅 Friday, 22 August
📍 Bendigo Library

Find out more 👉 ableplus.net.au/events/bendigo-able-meet-3

We’d love to see you there!

🌟 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 – 𝐚𝐫𝐞-𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐨! 🌟
We’re proud to have .community join us as our Elite Sponsor for Able Meet Bendigo! ❤️

💫 As a leading not‑for‑profit NDIS provider, are‑able has spent over 30 years empowering regional communities across Victoria and SA. Their mission? To create inclusive opportunities through NDIS support, employment services, training, social enterprises, and plan management — always putting people’s strengths and independence at the forefront. 🫶

Thank you, are-able, for championing meaningful support, local connection, and brighter futures. We can’t wait to connect at Bendigo!

19/08/2025

Welcome to Mental Health First Aid Day

Today, Tuesday 19 August, marks the inaugural Mental Health First Aid Day – a national day of action to celebrate and recognise the incredible impact of Mental Health First Aiders and Instructors across Australia.

For 25 years, Mental Health First Aid has been building circles of support for people experiencing mental health challenges. With 1.5 million Australians trained, these everyday heroes are creating safe spaces and turning conversations into lifelines, yet Mental Health First Aid remains one of our country’s best-kept secrets.
At are-able, we’re proud to be part of the movement that says every conversation matters. Whether you’re trained in Mental Health First Aid or just beginning your journey, today is a reminder that you can make a difference.

💙 Learn more or sign up for a course:
👉 www.areable.org.au/education-and-training/mental-health-first-aid

Let’s break the stigma, open up the conversation, and support each other.

14/08/2025

Meet David - Celebrating 49 Years at are-able!

David has been part of our team for an incredible 49 years – soon to be 50 in February 2026!

You’ll find David working in E-Waste and The Big R's Shed, as well as enjoying Out and About Wednesdays. He especially loves pulling apart e-waste and driving the forklift.

Over the past year, David has transitioned into The Big R’s Shed, where he’s developed new skills in communicating and interacting with customers – something he’s really proud of.

For David, being part of are-able means enjoying coming to work and being part of a supportive, friendly team.

Learn more about are-able Social Enterprises 👉 www.areable.org.au/ndis-social-enterprises