MAX

At MAX, reconciliation is embedded in how we work. Over the past year, we’ve continued to support Indigenous voices, build cultural capability, and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities. Here are some highlights from our journey:  - New programs on Indigenous Cultural Capability and the Effects of Racism.  - Enhanced onboarding and peer support for Indigenous staff.  - Partnerships with 22 Indigenous businesses, including Ethan Indigenous, a - - Supply Nation-certified business driving social impact.  - Continuing Indigenous Health Yarning Groups for customers in Murgon. We also marked a leadership milestone, with Eddie Mills, a proud Wagedagam man, stepping into the role of Chair of our Indigenous Advisory Committee. These achievements reflect our commitment to reconciliation, guided by our third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024–2026. 

"John is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” says Job Coach Hayley, describing the resilient and warm-hearted man who recently came to MAX seeking employment support. John’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After undergoing brain tumor removal as a teenager, he lives with hearing impairment and short-term memory loss. Despite a strong background in manufacturing, machining, and parts assembly, John felt that his age and disability had become barriers to securing work. Determined to overcome these hurdles, John began visiting the MAX office several times a week to work with Hayley. Together, they updated his resume, crafted compelling cover letters, and practiced for job interviews. When an opportunity with Australia Post arose, Hayley helped him navigate the application process and even attended medical screening and physical testing appointments with him. When John was offered a seasonal role as a parcel sorter and van driver, new challenges emerged. Tech issues with login credentials threatened to derail his induction, but Hayley immediately reached out to Australia Post’s Diversity & Inclusion Team. Thanks to her advocacy, the problems were resolved quickly. To ensure John could succeed, MAX provided him with a computer and a volume-adjustable headset, and arranged for captions on all training modules. John completed his induction at the MAX office, where Hayley and the team were on hand to assist with any issues. Australia Post, known for its inclusive workplace, has been a supportive environment for John. For instance, he was hesitant to wear his hearing aids at the facility due to their expense. Hayley liaised with Australia Post’s HR and Safety Team to secure specialised noise-reducing earphones that allowed John to perform his duties confidently and comfortably. Through it all, John’s character shone. “He’s always friendly and great at connecting with others,” says Hayley. “He often encourages other MAX customers who are feeling discouraged. With his sense of humor and positive outlook, I have no doubt he’ll excel in his new role.” As we celebrate International Day for People with Disability this week, this year’s theme—Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future—reminds us that inclusivity goes beyond support; it’s about empowering people to showcase their strengths. John’s story shows how workplaces that embrace inclusivity allow skills and determination to shine, not barriers. By working together, MAX and Australia Post have demonstrated that when inclusivity is prioritized, everyone benefits. #IDPwD #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveWorkplaces  

Injuries can happen at any time, and the ability to respond immediately is crucial. MAX Health’s 24/7 Triage Service ensures employees have access to expert care whenever they need it, helping organisations maintain safety and support around the clock. Why 24/7 Availability Matters: ✅ Prevents Delays: Immediate access to assessment and advice reduces the risk of complications or escalation. Research by Monash University highlights that early workplace rehabilitation and timely treatment are key to preventing prolonged absences. ✅ Supports All Work Hours: Industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare often operate outside the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. A service designed to support these extended hours ensures employees get the care they need without delay. ✅ Boosts Compliance: Classifying injuries with tools like the TOOCS system provides organisations with insights into injury trends, helping them identify patterns and implement proactive safety measures. According to research by Monash University, these tools play a critical role in improving workplace health and reducing risks. “24/7 access reduces delays in early injury intervention, which is integral to maximising recovery. It supports clients with operating hours outside of Monday to Friday, ensuring timely care no matter the time of day,” explains Nicki Smith (Triage Services Manager). Round-the-clock injury management is about more than responding to incidents—it’s about creating a safer, more resilient workforce. With 24/7 support, organisations can provide timely, effective care, fostering a healthier workplace culture for all. 

Recently, MAX hosted an expo in Sydney East, bringing together employers like Transdev, ICOMBINED360, and Prisoner’s Aid NSW to connect with our ex-offender customers who are eager to re-enter the workforce. The event provided a valuable platform for our customers to meet potential employers face-to-face, learn about job opportunities, and build their confidence. In addition to connecting with employers, customers explored a range of training and education options to upskill or re-skill, opening pathways to industries where they can thrive. Events like this are about creating opportunities—helping customers take meaningful steps toward employment while supporting employers in discovering talented, motivated individuals ready to make a difference in their organizations. 

Cruiz’s job search was filled with frustration and rejection. His hearing impairment made noisy environments challenging, and his intellectual disability created barriers with focus, following instructions, and learning tasks at typical workplace speeds. When Cruiz’s occupational therapist connected him with MAX, we were ready to help. Known for tailoring support to individual needs, our team has a reputation for helping people overcome barriers to employment. MAX Job Coach Nikki took the time to understand his strengths and discovered his passion for cars. That insight became the foundation for personalized support. From reworking his résumé to attending his interview and helping him prepare for workplace tasks, we supported Cruiz every step of the way. Today, Cruiz is thriving as a car detailer—a role that aligns with his interests and has given him the confidence and purpose he’d been searching for. Swipe through to see how our tailored approach made a difference in Cruiz’s journey. #DisabilityEmployment #IDPwD 

Did you know that early intervention can reduce recovery times and halve workers’ compensation claim costs? Research by Monash University also shows that early intervention can improve return-to-work outcomes for employees by addressing injuries before they escalate.  At MAX Health, we understand the importance of acting fast when a workplace injury occurs. Nicki Smith (Triage Services Manager) explains that the MAX Health Triage Service operates within an early intervention framework, providing targeted, evidence-based treatment protocols to employees: “This proactive approach is key to maximising recovery and keeping employees productive.” Coordinated early intervention strategies significantly improve recovery and reduce work disability, according to research by Monash University.  Here’s how our Triage Service maximises recovery and minimises disruptions: ✅ Proactive Care: The Max Health Triage Nurses work to a phone-based triage clinical protocol framework that assists in assessing high level injury risk as well as directing clinical recommendations. The development of this protocol is supported by internal medical doctors experienced in occupational medicine. Our nurses provide a clinical assessment immediately after an incident, using advanced tools like injury imaging. ✅ Guided Recovery: Employees receive first aid, activity, and medication advice tailored to their injury, keeping them engaged while they heal. ✅ Cost Savings: Organisations see reduced claim costs and improved productivity when injuries are addressed early and effectively. The Early Intervention Service Pilot conducted by Comcare demonstrated significant cost savings for employers by improving recovery outcomes, reducing the likelihood of chronic conditions developing, and lowering the risk of secondary injuries or illnesses among participants. Whether it’s a minor strain or a serious injury, timely intervention leads to better outcomes for employees and businesses alike. 

NAPLAN results provide a snapshot of current educational performance, but they also offer insights into historical educational trends and their long-term impacts. The NAPLAN 2024 results show long-standing educational disadvantages remain entrenched across Australia. For previous generations, similar patterns would likely have existed, meaning those who experienced educational disadvantage in the past are now adults who may still struggle with literacy and numeracy. By acknowledging and recognising long-term disadvantages, the Skills in Education and Employment (SEE) Program provides tailored interventions to address the specific needs of these adults. A key approach used by MAX Trainers is to incorporate real-world applications for students in the Program. These range from filling out forms such as job applications to communicating with others in society, understanding budgeting and finances, and navigating online services. Proficiency in these skills significantly enhances economic opportunities and social participation by enabling individuals to access better job prospects and engage more fully in society. According to a report by the ABC (link in comments) , students whose parents held a bachelor’s degree or higher tended to score better in NAPLAN than their classmates whose parents had lower education qualifications. Therefore, providing training in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills to adults directly influences the next generation’s education outcomes. The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.    #NAPLAN #literacy #numeracy #digitalskills

Osher Günsberg, one of Australia’s most recognizable media personalities and the host of The Bachelor franchise, recently shared his personal journey with chronic pain in an article published by the ABC.  Osher revealed how understanding the science of pain through the support of a pain psychologist transformed his ability to manage his condition. His story underscores a powerful truth: education and awareness are critical in helping people regain control over their lives.  At MAX, we’re taking this principle further with cutting-edge VR technology through our pilot program. Spearheaded by Matthew Pollack (Exercise Physiologist and Health Services Manager), our pilot program uses VR tools to empower our DES customers living with chronic pain to visualize how pain works and develop effective strategies for living well.  Osher’s experience with a pain psychologist highlights the importance of understanding how pain works in the body and mind—a critical step in managing chronic pain. Pain psychologists often use education to help patients grasp the connection between the brain and pain perception, which is foundational to retraining thought patterns and reducing pain.  Similarly, our pilot program uses VR as a tool to translate these complex concepts into an immersive, real-life experience. By placing customers in relatable scenarios and using visual and auditory feedback, the tool helps them not only understand the mechanisms of pain but also practice retraining their body and mind simultaneously. This is based on research done by leading researcher Dr. Lorimer moseley which demonstrated that education should be the frontline care for people suffering from persistent pain. In essence, while Osher gained insights through a psychologist’s guidance, MAX provides a hands-on, interactive way with guidance from our health professionals to empower individuals by making the science of pain accessible and actionable. In this video, Matthew explains the role of neuroplasticity in pain recovery and MAX customer Dave Tyrell shares his biggest takeaways from participating in the pilot program.  #VR #VirtualReality #ChronicPain #DisabilityEmployment 

Recently, students from our Belconnen, Belconnen Outreach, and Tuggeranong sites of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) came together for an inspiring Cultural and Sports Day at Margaret Timpson Park. A fun and engaging day out—it was a vibrant display of student growth and community spirit. The lead-up to the day was filled with collaborative artwork and engaging discussions on multiculturalism. Students honed their digital literacy by creating presentations on their home countries using Google Slides, which they then delivered with their newfound public speaking skills. On that day, the park transformed into a lively hub of traditional games and performances. From Tug of War and elastic jumping to football and badminton, students embraced both their own and each other’s cultural games. Highlights included traditional singing, dancing, and a guitar performance by a student’s family member. One student’s enthusiasm summed it up perfectly: “We can do this every week!” This event was more than just fun; it was a powerful learning experience where they developed essential skills like digital literacy, public speaking, and teamwork while deepening their sense of identity and cultural awareness. AMEP is funded by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. MAX is subcontracted to deliver AMEP services through Navitas Skilled Futures.   #CulturalDay #Community #StudentGrowth #Diversity #Teamwork 

Rick, a trainer in the Adult Migrant English Program, goes beyond traditional teaching methods – he uses music to connect students with language in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and incredibly effective.  Through music, Rick helps students develop crucial language skills such as pronunciation, rhythm, and prosody. After all, the structure of music parallels English in that both use rhythm, melody, and rhyme to tell stories, making language more memorable and aiding recall—much like how oral cultures use songs to pass down knowledge. Rick explains how singing together in a group-friendly atmosphere empowers learners: “Fear of failure inhibits learners from opening their mouths and having a go. Every opportunity for them to practise needs to be provided for them to acquire confidence to give it a crack. Singing songs within the comfort of a friendly group aids the first steps.” As an educator, Rick recognises the diverse learning styles and personalities of his students. Teaching a classroom of adults with varied levels of experience and confidence in English is not unlike getting a band to play together! Through paired class conversations and collaborative learning, Rick encourages stronger students to assist others, helping every individual feel they are part of the group.  There are parallels between teaching and performing music: both require a determined energy to engage. He explains how he adapts his teaching approach when he senses students who may be struggling with singing along:  “If students are struggling, I scaffold by reading lyrics line by line in call and response style before introducing the melody. I also play the song whilst students are settling into class or when working a worksheet to subliminally introduce it.” Rick’s classroom isn’t just a place to learn English; it’s a community. Students from diverse cultural backgrounds bond over shared melodies, creating a supportive environment that fosters a sense of pride and belonging. When selecting the soundtrack for a typical day in his classroom, he chooses simple uplifting songs that celebrate common shared sentiments – songs like ‘You Are My Sunshine’, ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ and ‘I Am, You Are, We Are Australian’. Check out the slides below to dive into Rick’s observations of the impact of his teaching method using music. AMEP is funded by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. MAX is subcontracted to deliver AMEP services through Navitas Skilled Futures.