WDEA Works

14/10/2025

🌟 Student Success Story 🌟

Congratulations to Tiahna, who has completed both her Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with are-able Education and Training!

Tiahna’s study journey has been incredible — she started with her Certificate III under Liz’s guidance, completed her Diploma, and even gained her Certificate III in Individual Support in between. Throughout her studies, she showed true commitment by attending every virtual class and making the most of extra study nights for additional support.

Tiahna shared how much she valued her experience with are-able:
“I really enjoyed training with are-able as they are very supportive and go over and above to ensure students are looked after.”

Well done, Tiahna — we’re proud to have been part of your journey!
Learn more about our courses: www.areable.org.au/education-training

09/10/2025

🌟 Student Success Story 🌟

Meet Stephanie, who has just completed her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with are-able Education and Training!

Stephanie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring — balancing her studies while being pregnant, rarely missing an online class (often with baby in arms and two little ones by her side). Her determination, commitment, and resilience shine through every step.

Reflecting on her experience, Stephanie shared:

“I honestly don’t know where the last 18 months have gone. It’s been such a rewarding experience being able to work in the industry while studying and building my skills at the same time. I’m incredibly grateful for the flexibility, support, and encouragement from my trainer Ruth and the are-able team. Looking back, I feel proud of what I’ve accomplished and excited to take these skills into my career.”

Congratulations, Stephanie — your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to other students, parents, and future educators.

Learn more about our nationally recognised courses here: www.areable.org.au/education-training

09/10/2025

Celebrating Culture and Community

Last week, team members from our are-able Portland office, RAP Committee, and Executive team joined Glenelg Shire for the Kardermudelar Karweeyn Mirring Dance Ground Opening event.

We were proud to celebrate the opening of this important dance and ceremony ground on Gunditjmara Country, recognising and honouring the deep cultural connections to land, language, and tradition.

Thank you to Glenelg Shire and everyone involved for having us and for sharing such a special celebration.

08/10/2025

Meet Simon – Taking Steps Toward His Dream Role

Simon, a participant in our Finding and Keeping a Job - School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program, recently completed a 12-week work experience placement at Kyabram District Health Service - KDHS.

Guided by the incredible Eva Glover, who brings over 50 years of experience, Simon gained valuable hands-on insight into what it takes to be a Patient Services Assistant. With a clear goal and plenty of enthusiasm, he’s well on his way to turning his career aspirations into reality.

A big thank you to Kyabram District Health Service for providing such a supportive and inspiring environment for Simon to learn and grow.

07/10/2025

Building Confidence and Leading by Example: Aidan’s Story

From senior school captain to Youth Council member and now gaining hands-on experience at the Golden Dragon Museum, Aidan’s journey shows what’s possible with the right support and determination.

Through are-able’s Finding and Keeping a Job, School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program, Aidan has built confidence, explored leadership opportunities, and opened doors he never thought possible.

Read Aidan’s full story here: www.areable.org.au/2025/10/07/building-confidence-and-leading-by-example-aidans-story/

At are-able, we’re proud to support young people to take their next step, from school to work and beyond.

07/10/2025

We’re so proud to see Jon’s story shared by Parent Pathways AU!

With support from his are-able mentor Shenae, Jon has completely turned his life around — retraining, finding meaningful work, and now studying a Diploma of Mental Health.

He’s proof that with the right support, confidence, and guidance, anything is possible.

🌟 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

07/10/2025

⚡️Industry Visit – Ballarat ⚡️
A huge thank you to CitiPower and Powercor Australia for welcoming our Finding and Keeping a Job participants to their Ballarat Depot!

From touring the site and meeting the team to experiencing the Virtual Reality bucket truck, it was an exciting and inspiring day for everyone involved.

It’s partnerships like these that open doors and show young people what’s possible. 💪

02/10/2025

We’re so proud to share that some of our participants from the are-able Ballarat Finding and Keeping a Job program have had their artwork accepted into The Y’s Youth Art Exhibition.

They worked incredibly hard to prepare their submissions before the deadline, and seeing their art displayed in a gallery has been a truly rewarding experience. As one participant shared:
“It feels good seeing my art hanging on a gallery wall.”

The exhibition is now open at Barkly Square until Sunday 5 October. During this time, you can cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award – a fantastic way to show your support for these talented young artists.

Location: 25 Barkly Square, Ballarat Victoria (inside, near Our Social Kitchen Café)
How to vote: In person only – fill out the slip provided and pop it into the big acrylic “Y” container.
Voting closes Sunday 5 October.

Let’s get behind our participants and celebrate their creativity – head down to the gallery and show them some support.

01/10/2025

Learning from Lived Experience

Our Certificate III in Individual Support students were recently inspired by community member Brett, who shared his journey of living with disability, the role of the NDIS in his independence, and what he values most in a support worker.

Trainer Suzanne said, “Hearing from Brett gave our students a unique perspective that you can’t get from a textbook. His honesty, humour and lived experience really helped our students understand the impact they can have as future support workers.”

Read the full story here: www.areable.org.au/2025/09/29/learning-from-lived-experience-certificate-iii-individual-support-students-inspired-by-bretts-story/

30/09/2025

🌟 are-able Parent Pathways team are all set up and ready for the Colac Kids Festival! 🎉

Come say hello today at Bluewater Stadium from 10am – 3pm. It’s a fun-filled day for the whole family with activities, laughter, and community spirit 💛

We can’t wait to see you there!

30/09/2025

Get Online Week – Warrnambool

Join are-able Education and Training and Good Things for a special Get Online Week event!

Be Digitally Connected – Free Morning Tea

📍 52 Fairy Street, Warrnambool
📅 Tuesday 21st October
🕙 10:00am – 2:00pm
☕ Morning tea provided

Come along to learn, explore, ask questions, and build your digital confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment.

More details: goodthingsaustralia.org/get-online-week/events-calendar

29/09/2025

🌿 Mildura Community House ACFE Learn Local Open Day 🌿

Our are-able Mildura team will be there this Friday, 3rd October from 11am to 1pm at 8 Dove Place, Mildura.

Come along to learn more about local programs, connect with community organisations, and enjoy lunch provided by Mildura Lions Club and the Food for Work Program.

We’d love to see you there! 💛

📍 8 Dove Place, Mildura
🗓 Friday 3rd October 2025
🕚 11am – 1pm