Towards Better

17/12/2025

Seeking Short‑Term (12 Month) Home Arrangement

Hey Towards Better community 👋

Were working alongside woman in her mid‑30s who is looking for a private, self‑contained home arrangement for approximately 12 months.

A bit about her:
Single, no children
Non‑smoker
Works full‑time
Quiet lifestyle outside of work
Keeps a clean, tidy, and well‑maintained space

The challenge: She earns too much to qualify for subsidised or social housing, but not enough to comfortably secure a larger family home in the current rental market. And she has not had great luck with housemates or co tenants in the past and with just 12 months left in Townsville would prefer to have the place to herself.

What she’s looking for:
Granny flat, studio, or self‑contained caravan
Private and independent (not looking to share with others)
Calm, respectful living arrangement

Timing:
Ideally a 1‑year arrangement
Planning to relocate down south toward the end of 2026

Additional notes:
Low‑impact, reliable tenant
Has access to storage for excess belongings if space is limited

If you, or someone you know, have a granny flat, self‑contained space, or caravan setup that might suit, please feel free to comment or send me a private message or email to ricky@towardsbetter.com.au

Sometimes the right home arrangement doesn’t sit on realestate.com; it sits within community connections 🤍

16/12/2025

🌟 Real Experiences in Discovery: When Data Meets Reality 🌟

At Towards Better, a recent mentee experience highlighted both the promise and challenge of career exploration and the gap between what workforce data and industry rhetoric say versus what happens in real practice.

Across Queensland, health and social care is one of the largest employing sectors and is projected to grow significantly over the coming decade, with the health workforce expected to expand by tens of thousands of roles to respond to population ageing and increasing demand for services. Queensland anticipates needing an additional 19,000 nurses and midwives on the frontline and tens of thousands more health workers overall by 2032, including doctors and allied health professionals. Nearly 46,000 extra healthcare workers are expected to be needed to meet demand by 2032. Queensland Government
(Source: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100889)

In North Queensland specifically, health and social assistance is the region’s largest employer and demand continues to grow as new hospital infrastructure and services expand. Demand for healthcare professionals including nurses and carers is expected to rise as workforce gaps persist and the region grows. Regional Development Australia Townsville and NWQ
(Source: https://www.rdanwq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Environmental-Scan-FINAL_March-2025.pdf)

Despite this demand and frequent industry reports about staffing shortages and unmet workforce needs, what we experienced in practice was quite different. We arranged for our mentee — a youthful, energetic person who already has qualifications, experience, a family history in healthcare, and personal exposure to the sector — to do an informational interview with a hospital volunteer manager. The intention was to uncover how volunteering works in the hospital, what skills are involved, and how this could connect to study pathways and hands‑on experience. The goal was to provide a real building block for understanding healthcare roles and developing skills.

However, during the meeting the volunteer manager told our mentee and our team:

“We don’t see what you can do here.”

It is hard to overstate how discouraging it feels to hear that to your face, especially when local employers and health leaders often say they need more staff, have shortages, and cannot find people. And the person sitting in front of you has existing qualifications, practical experience, warm and welcoming personality, great energy, plus a family history of healthcare careers and personal experience long term (huge empathy). But the reality in practice can be very different: people’s potential goes unseen and opportunities to learn are too often overlooked.

This experience reinforced why guided support, mentoring, and discovery pathways matter:
✅ We must create spaces where potential is seen and nurtured, not dismissed. This starts with these types of decision makers having the knowledge and guided support externally plus support internally to overcome their own mindsets (such as "we dont think someone with a disability has much to offer") so they can be empowered to 'have a go' together.
✅ Informational interviews and real‑world exploration still offer learning, even when initial responses are discouraging
✅ Pairing accredited study with structured, supported experience builds skills, confidence, and tangible evidence of capability

To healthcare professionals, whether in hospitals, private practice, allied health, dental, or other specialties, if you have a “glass half full, let’s explore what’s possible” mindset, let’s grab a coffee and have a chat about how we can build meaningful paths into healthcare together.

16/12/2025

🌱 Good to Great Workforce Development – Practical Training for Support Workers 🌱

Are you an independent support worker, sole trader, or someone supporting a family member with disability? Or do you know someone who works in this space and wants to strengthen their skills?

Over the years, I’ve noticed something important: sending a “to-do” list or guidelines rarely works if a support worker doesn’t have the knowledge, experience, or confidence to put it into practice. This often leaves both the worker and the person they support feeling unprepared and unsure how to achieve meaningful outcomes.

But here’s the thing – individuals with disabilities and families already know what they want. You (families) know the outcomes that matter and you’ve often brought others into your circle to help make it happen. What if those people don’t yet have the skills, experience, or strategies to turn those goals into reality?

That’s why I’m running the Good to Great Workforce Development Program, a practical, small-group training series designed to help support workers, families, and anyone involved in support roles:
• Build confidence and practical skills for everyday support
• Support valued roles and meaningful participation
• Strengthen relationships, friendships, and social inclusion
• Develop strategies for volunteering, study, and employment pathways
• Turn intentions and goals into real-world outcomes

Program Details:
📅 Starts: Tuesday, 20 January 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00–2:30 PM
🔁 Recurring every 6 weeks on Tuesdays, same time
💻 Online via Zoom or in-person (Townsville & regional QLD)
👥 Small groups (2–5 participants) for interactive learning

You can choose to attend a single session or the full 6-session series for a more complete experience.

👉 Register & find out more: https://events.humanitix.com/good-to-great-workforce-development-practical-training-for-disability-community-and-aged-care-support-workers

Whether you’re a support worker looking to upskill, a family member wanting your team to be more effective, or someone connected in this space, this program is designed to collaborate, share knowledge, and build practical skills that make a real difference.

I’d love to see you or your independent support workers there! Let’s work together to make support work more effective, practical, and rewarding for everyone involved.

Ricky

14/12/2025

🎙 New Podcast Episode | Connecting Learners to Futures

How do we better connect learning to careers, especially for neurodiverse and non-traditional learners, while also supporting local businesses and the future workforce?

In the latest episode of the Towards Better Podcast, host Ricky Esterquest is joined by Liam Thomas, Co-Founder & CEO of All Access Education Group Pty Ltd., to explore what inclusive education looks like in practice and why it matters now more than ever.

We discuss:
• The story behind All Access Education Group and its three businesses
• Gaps in traditional education to career pathways
• What inclusive, neurodiversity-informed learning really means
• What employers often miss when engaging diverse learners
• How education, allied health, and real-world experiences can work together
• Practical ways local businesses can partner to support learners and future talent

AAE Group is a Queensland-born organisation supporting learners from early primary through to adulthood through tutoring, academic coaching, allied health-informed support, and immersive STEM programs. Together with Rozi Thomas, Liam has built a model that blends strong teaching, innovation, and inclusion to create real outcomes for learners and communities.

This episode is especially relevant for:
✔ Local businesses and employers
✔ Educators and training providers
✔ Families and learners navigating education and career pathways
✔ Organisations interested in partnership and collaboration

🎧 Listen to the episode and learn more about AAE Group:
https://www.towardsbetter.com.au/news/towards-better-podcast/

🔗 Follow and connect with AAE Group:
https://www.allaccesseducation.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/allaccessedu/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/all-access-tutoring/
https://www.instagram.com/allaccesseducationgroup/

Hear inspiring stories of inclusion and valued roles. The Towards Better Podcast shares ideas and people creating stronger, more connected communities.

07/12/2025

🌱 The Power of Learning, Vision and Mindset Together 🌱

Today’s pre-work reminded us of something important: when we pause, reflect and come together with a clear sense of direction, the future changes in real and meaningful ways.

At Towards Better, we love working with individuals and families who lead with hope, celebrate the present and stay focused on creating a strong future.
Taking just two hours for a session like today can spark real shifts in mindset, confidence and in how we see what is possible.

To guide our learning, we explored four videos that show the impact of vision, belief, and the right relationship between individuals and services:

⸻

🎤 Mindsets: Susan Boyle

https://youtu.be/deRF9oEbRso?si=xc8CEPCjTa0adXYh
This video encourages us to think about how quickly we form mindsets, what shapes those perceptions, and how they shift when someone is recognised for their gifts.

⸻

👩‍👦 Vision: Wendy Strove’s Story

https://youtu.be/T5jplnSQfVo?si=vTpRdKsH8LexzTHN
Wendy’s clarity about what a “good life” means for her son Alex shows the strength that comes from having a clear vision. Vision helps guide us through challenges, supports respectful relationships and anchors long-term planning.

⸻

💼 Employment and Belonging: Rachel and Knox Leisureworks

https://youtu.be/DA28ARrbJNc?si=IZpfomN3K6kYJSHm
This story highlights the power of inclusive workplaces, supportive attitudes and community members who believe in contribution rather than limitations.

⸻

🏨 Front of House: Rach Works

https://youtu.be/beBkqodTNeo?si=dFdEAYzNUaQ00TDa
A reminder that when expectations rise, support is respectful and environments are welcoming, people can express their identity, capability and purpose.

⸻

Each video offers something different, but together they highlight one important truth:
✨ When we hold a strong and hopeful vision and work together, people flourish.
✨ Mindset matters.
✨ The relationship between services and individuals matters.
✨ The future becomes brighter when communities come together to learn, reflect and lead.

We are grateful to walk alongside families and individuals who are imagining and creating good lives filled with contribution, belonging, relationships and valued roles.

Here is to today’s learning and to the futures we are building together. 💛🌿

03/12/2025

Today is International Day of People with Disabilities – a day to celebrate inclusion, connection, and the power of meaningful roles in work and study. 🌍✨

We’re especially excited to celebrate that two of our mentees have taken the first steps in their customised roles today – one with a tree-lopping company and another as a chef in a local pub kitchen! 🌟👏

This day is also about recognising the incredible work of 20+ businesses, training organisations, and voluntary associations who have partnered with us to create customised roles that meet organisational needs while aligning with the skills, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities.

A huge shout-out as well to our mentees and their families, who have embraced the journey to develop skills, knowledge, and discover how their talents and interests connect to meaningful workplace contributions, and of course, our amazing team of job mentors who make it all possible.

Watch this short video to see how connecting people with and without disabilities through meaningful work and study roles brings the objectives of this year’s IDPwD theme to life:
➡️ https://youtube.com/shorts/mAWXallgH-E?si=EstWU6YK8ztJJa_S

Let’s continue building inclusive workplaces and valued opportunities here in Townsville and North Queensland!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/12/2025

🎉 Six Months at Fairfield Fresh Market & Deli. A real Milestone Achieved! 🥦🍎

Today we’re celebrating James’ 6-month anniversary with the Fresh Market team and what a great journey it’s been!

Over the past six months, James has grown in confidence, skill, and independence, excelling across a wide variety of tasks:
✅ Using the lifter daily; ndependently and safely
✅ Troubleshooting and problem-solving on the floor
✅ Mastering the EFTPOS register, scales, and stock rotation
✅ Setting up, restocking, and labelling displays
✅ Handling a fast-paced, hot/cold environment
✅ Packing produce, weighing items, and applying signage accurately
✅ Cleaning, maintaining organisation, and supporting team members
✅ Taking calls and managing stress or anxiety at work
✅ Understanding his payslip and tracking hours worked

Staff consistently describe James as:
💬 “Warm, friendly, respectful, and hilarious; he fits in perfectly.”
💬 “Quick to learn, proud of his progress, and always willing to give new tasks a go.”

We’ve also been supporting James with:

Learning the names of all produce (keyring photo guide in progress!)

Developing strategies for independent travel to and from work

Expanding his understanding of workplace processes and responsibilities

James’ dedication, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn make him a valued member of the team; and his co workers have developed as a result.

💼 Looking for a reliable, upbeat team members for your supermarket, hospitality, or retail environment who can do customised tasks really well to meet your business needs long term? Let’s talk!

📍 Fairfield Central

🎉 Three Months at Fresh Market — and Counting! 🥦🍎
It’s been just over three months since James joined the Fresh Market team — and what a journey it’s been!

James has steadily built confidence and capability in a variety of areas:
✅ Using the lifter daily — independently
✅ Troubleshooting and problem-solving
✅ Mastering the EFTPOS register and scales
✅ Setting up and restocking displays
✅ Handling a fast-paced, hot/cold environment
✅ Taking calls from work and managing stress
✅ Packing produce, weighing items, and applying signage with care

Staff consistently describe James as:
💬 “Warm, friendly, respectful, and hilarious — he fits in perfectly.”
💬 “Quick to learn, always giving things a go, and proud of his progress.”

We’ve also been working together to support his learning — from payslip literacy to remembering the names of produce. (Next up: a handy photo keyring guide for fruit and veg, understanding his payslip, and having a strategy to get to and from work on his own)

Want a reliable, upbeat team member who’s in it for the long haul?
Let’s talk!

Fairfield Central

02/12/2025

When is the last time you paid someone (Cleaner, Accountant, Personal Trainer, Coach, Consultant, Childcare Worker, Teacher) to sit and browse facebook listen to music, text with friends?

Never...yep

Besides the negative imagery/furthering sterotypes created by consciously 'ignoring' someone that others may ignore, there remains the fact that you are paid not to ignore this person..and furthermore paid to develop a relationship with and work in relevant, effective, and potent ways.

Its a double whammy and missed opportunity that I see at Libraries, Cafe's, Gym's, Shopping Centres Daily.

If youre that bored, not needed, not adding value, that you are only your phone "doom scrolling" then really why are you still needed for that work? Someone could save 100's of dollars they could use more effectively elsewhere.

If you want your support workers/team members to learn skills that allow them to build genuine rapport with the people they work with ("Clients") and use their phone as a resource/tool rather than a barrier/distraction, lets chat.

01/12/2025

Highly recommend you check out the Manufacturing Skills Queensland “Inclusive Work in Manufacturing” page.

Are you a business who is looking for long term employees to contribute and meet your business needs?! Let’s chat!

Are you someone looking for work or more work or a career change that wants assistance to create a profile that really highlights your talents and to apply for meaningful jobs? Let’s chat!

0447574600
ricky@towardsbetter.com.au

Connect with inclusive employers through MSQ’s Work in Manufacturing jobs portal. Put your skills and abilities at the forefront of the employment journey, and access employers who value diversity in their workforce.

30/11/2025

Businesses: Let’s Rethink Where Talent Comes From ✨

In the rush to fill roles, meet workforce shortages, and keep up with demand, it’s easy for businesses to overlook an incredible source of skilled, committed, and capable talent.

Sometimes we hear assumptions that people with disabilities “don’t have skills,” “struggle to learn,” or “don’t bring qualifications or experience.”

But here’s the truth; many already bring deep expertise, industry knowledge, and professional training that businesses are crying out for.

Just look at the kinds of skills and qualifications people in who we currently work alongside in our Career Development/Customised Employment service hold:

👨‍🍳 Qualified chef
🔧 Certificates in automotive and engineering
👶 Qualifications in childcare
🏗️ Certifications in construction
🛠️ Experienced maintenance person
💻🧬 Dual Bachelor of IT and Bioinformatics
🎼 Studied at the Brisbane Conservatorium of Music
📊💼 Dual Bachelor of Business and Finance
🥩 Meatworks employee for 30 years
✈️ Qualifications in Aviation
🤿 Open Water Dive Certified

These aren’t “entry-level-only” candidates.
They’re trained, experienced, and ready to contribute when the job is designed inclusively and matched to their strengths.

For businesses facing workforce gaps, retention challenges, or wanting to build a more resilient team, this isn’t just a social good; it’s a strategic advantage.

When businesses recognise hidden talent, they gain:

✨ Higher loyalty and retention
✨ Stronger culture and team cohesion
✨ Roles that are better matched and more productive
✨ Access to skills that often go unnoticed in traditional recruitment pipelines

The talent is already here; we just need to look , recruit, and reflect on our own “must haves “ differently to see it.

29/11/2025

Check out Thunder Designs NQ at Cotters Market Townsville today.

Great gifts for the car enthusiast, young or old, in your life!

🚗 COTTERS MARKETS THIS MORNING! 🌲✨
Come down and check out Thunder Designs — Shaun’s handmade, wood-turned boards featuring genuine vehicle badges. Every piece is unique, solid, and makes an awesome Christmas gift for the car lovers in your life. 🎁🔥

We’re set up right now at the Cotters Markets, just below the sugar shaker building, so swing by, say hi, and grab something custom and quality while stocks last! 👋🏽🪵🔧