Towards Better

A Certified Social Enterprise Maximizing the valued role of employee and minimizing the footprint of the human services client role since 2020 . Deeply getting to know two parties: Individuals with Disabilities and Local Businesses, and 'building bridges' between the two through a variety of Good Life Strategies. . Founder & Principal Community Development Worker: Ricky Esterquest . #TowardsBetterTownsville

Did you know that 1 in 10 employees in Australia is neurodiverse? (And that’s just based on disclosure, it’s likely more). Is your business disability confident? A recent report, Pathways to Possibilities: Harnessing the Economic Potential of People with Disability, from Settlement Services International (SSI) highlights the immense economic potential of people with disability and provides a roadmap for businesses to embrace inclusion. The report outlines four key commitments for employers to foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace: 1. Put disability inclusion at the heart of your 2025 agenda (if it wasn’t even a topic of conversation this year, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to do it alone). 2. Build disability confidence across your team (don’t know how, that’s okay, seek some guidance) 3. Empower leaders to drive change (knowledge is power and so is learning by doing and reflecting). 4. Create and nurture a safe, supportive, and accommodating culture (yup) Key findings include: • One in five Australians lives with a disability. • Although 93% of large and 89% of medium-sized businesses are open to hiring people with disability, only about one-third actually do. • 88% of people with disability require no special workplace adjustments. • 60% of adjustments cost nothing, and funding is available for those that do. • The unemployment rate for people with disability has remained stagnant for over 30 years. Businesses that embrace disability inclusion are rewarded with higher productivity, staff retention, and an enhanced reputation. Yet the statistics show there’s still a long way to go in dismantling barriers and realizing the full potential of this untapped talent pool. Ready to take action? Connect with us to join the notification list for our exclusive beta Disability Inclusion Retainer Program launching in 2025. Let’s work together to empower your business and unlock new possibilities through inclusion. ✍🏻Ricky Esterquest #DisabilityConfident #Neurodiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership

"Lets Get to Work: The Research Technician at CSIRO", story of Customised Employment meeting and exceeding a business needs. CSIRO Wanted to improve the safety in their labs. This included Reducing the amount of access of people coming into lab. They also had a critical ongoing need for clean glassware, and sterilisation of glassware/media. So its a very important role. to the business and one that CSIRO knew "if someone can start by doing just this, our business and team would be more effective". Michelle is employee of CSIRO. She thought "I want our workplace to be one that is actually inclusive and employs someone with a disability". Her and HR Manager Lisa worked together to advertise position to be open to and seeking people with disabilities. They went out to Disability Employment Services (DES), but didn't move ahead because applications didn't meet criteria. But they then took a customised employment approach... Michelle worked in the role for some time so she could understand the tasks, potential teaching strategies, and non-negotiables such as safety, routines, processes, etc. She then tapped into her network. Knew of Gus through a personal friend. Asked him if he would be interested in the role. Rather than traditional 'sit and chat interview' they had a tour and hands on look at the role. Gave Gus and the CSIRO team a change to 'visualise him' in the role. During training they had a variety of small processes, lists, or routines to ensure Gus could not only learn the role, but communicate effectively (using pictures, repetition, easy to read documents). Over time they had refined and adapted the list, changed prototcols where they didnt work or included steps they felt were missed along the way. Gus is adapting as he has gone along. Started him at 2 hours per day with full support, and after 2-3 months increased his working hours to 3 hours per day and support stepping back. Michelle says: "This is Gus in the workplace doing his job as anyone else. There wasn't talk about subsidised wages. There wasn't talk about congregating and having a group of people with disabilities doing the job. This was focusing on one person, one set of needs of the business and someone who had the natural talents, passions and skills to do the job." Senior Scientist, Chris says: "He is a CSIRO employee (a Research Technician) and It makes our day easier to not have to think about those critical business needs like sterilisation". " We also appreciate his sense of humour as he goes about his day". Keen to have a chat about your business ot start understanding your unmet needs, essential business tasks, or opportunities for delegate. Make a free 15 minute discovery call with our Principal Communtiy Development Worker, Ricky Esterquest. Link: https://lnkd.in/gNticQUN Video Link: https://lnkd.in/ezSk2PSW #TowardsBetterTownsville #CustomisedEmploymentTownsville

🌟 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎶 We're thrilled to introduce our latest Towards Better Podcast Episode: "Power of Music, Inclusion, and Employee Growth: A Conversation with Kosta and Jules from King Konz School of Music". 🎧 📲 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g7uHvvBx 📲 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gKQ3r2vx Join us as our Principal Community Development Worker Ricky Esterquest sits down with Kosta and Jules, the passionate owners of King Konz School of Music – Townsville’s largest private music school dedicated to nurturing musicians of all ages and skill levels. King Konz is known for not only helping students achieve their musical dreams but also fostering a supportive and growth-oriented community. In this episode, we explore: 🔸 The journey of running a dynamic music school and creating a fun, engaging space for learning. 🔸 The importance of competency development in musicians, whether they're just starting out or perfecting their craft. 🔸 The transformative story of customised employment at King Konz. Hear how creating a role tailored to an employee with a disability not only met practical needs but also brought a fresh perspective, boosted workplace culture, and led to meaningful inclusion. 🎥 Plus, don’t miss out on the recent Customised Employment story video shared by Neil Chan - Creative Flare NQ , showcasing this journey and ithe positive impact on the employee, the business and the King Konz community. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/gDUJVYDD Tune in, be inspired, and see how customised employment and inclusive practices can make a difference in your workplace! #PowerOfMusic #Inclusion #CustomisedEmployment #KingKonzMusic #CommunityDevelopment #TowardsBetterPodcast

"I never thought of that before" One of the most common pieces of feedback we receive after meeting with a business is, "I never thought of that before." And that's because we dive into the unique needs and opportunities that often go overlooked. Here’s what we do: we explore and provide a detailed document for employers to build a customized job description, focusing on three key areas: ◾ Unmet Needs of the Business: "What kinds of things aren't getting done the way a business needs to have them done?" ◾ Tasks That Could Enhance the Business: Especially after we get to know the strengths and talents of potential employees, we identify tasks that they may excel at—tasks that align with what a business really needs done. ◾ Tasks Better Performed by Others: "Would it be helpful if someone else could take on these basic tasks so your higher-status team members could focus on higher-level work?" If you know a business owner or manager who is looking to make their operations more efficient, explore new ways to tackle recurring challenges, or free up their team's valuable time and would benefit from fresh, tailored solutions and wants to enhance their productivity, please pass our name along. Good Lives, Great Communities, Better Businesses Towards Better Video Example: https://lnkd.in/gDUJVYDD Audio Example: https://lnkd.in/gTbbsD3x

🚀 Customised Employment: Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow Are you looking to diversify your talent pool and reduce turnover? Or perhaps you’re seeking to create meaningful work roles for individuals with disabilities that benefit both your organization and the employee? Customised Employment offers a person-centered approach, focusing on the unique interests, strengths, and potential contributions of individuals. This tailored method matches employees with roles that align with their strengths and the needs of your business, creating a more engaged and productive workforce. Whether you're a HR Manager in a growing business, an Executive Director from a large non-profit, or an Operations Manager in retail chain, Customised Employment could be the key to better recruitment, retention, and team satisfaction. Watch our explainer video to understand how this approach can help attract and retain diverse talent, improve engagement, and create inclusive employment practices that work for everyone. 👉 Link to Video: https://lnkd.in/gRJtd5U8 Have questions like, What about insurance? Or what if I’m not hiring right now? You’re not alone in navigating these challenges, but don’t go it alone. Let’s talk about how we can help you integrate inclusive, sustainable practices into your workplace. Book a Free 15 minute discovery call: https://lnkd.in/gNticQUN #CustomisedEmployment #InclusiveHiring #DiversityAndInclusion #EmployeeEngagement #TalentDevelopment

Dear Santa, I hope this letter finds you well and fully recharged after last year’s busy season! I’m reaching out because I’ve been working with a couple of fantastic businesses, and I think something that could make 2025 an even more successful year for North QLD companies is something we call Customized Employment. Oh, it’s Ricky from Towards Better by the way, Townsville's only Customised Employment Specialists! I know this time of year can be hectic and everyone’s feeling stretched, but trust me—this approach is designed to fit seamlessly into a business like yours. I know you might be thinking things like: ◾ “We’re too busy to add anything else right now.” ◾ “Our team is already full.” ◾ “Our insurance doesn’t cover that.” ◾ “We’re not sure there’s enough work to offer.” But hear me out! Customized Employment isn’t about trying to find a job for someone that already exists. Instead, it’s about aligning the skills, strengths, interests, and support needs of individuals to create a role that fits them and the business. This means you’re not filling an existing job opening—you’re tailoring the role to fit someone’s unique abilities, all while meeting the needs of your business and contributing to the community. To get started, we recommend a (free) discovery meeting where we’ll explore your current team structure, understand any gaps, and figure out how we can align Customized Employment with your business goals for the coming year. And here’s a little fun twist—you can pay us in hot cocoa (or coffee, eggnog, or whatever gets you in the holiday spirit!). Santa, if you know any small business owners who have been ‘nice’ this year and are looking to grow, improve productivity, free up experienced higher paid staff or build a long-term, reliable team in 2025, please pass along my details. Let’s chat over coffee (or eggnog!), or I’d be happy to drop by for a conversation and explore how we can make 2025 a truly great year for their team and community. Good Lives, Great Businesses, Better Communities Towards Better Merry wishes, Ricky P: 0447574600 E: ricky@towardsbetter.com.au W:

🌟 Empowering Communities Through Strength-Based Approaches 🌟 Here’s what a recent participant had to say about our Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop facilitated by Principal Community Development Worker Ricky Esterquest: “Such a diverse group you brought together, everyone bringing something to the table... With diversity comes opportunity. This workshop fueled me with ideas, thinking of our service users and what each person can bring to have a sense of achievement.” For leaders in NFPs, especially those working in human and community services, it’s critical to create environments where people are valued, encouraged, connected based on what they bring, not what they lack. The ABCD approach equips teams to tap into the unique strengths of every individual, fostering independence, choice, and real community connection to real communities across your local area. If your organization is ready to see the power of asset-based development in action, let’s talk about how this hands-on workshop can inspire your team and the people whos lives you aim to positively impact ("your clients") alike! . . #CommunityDevelopment #AssetBasedCommunityDevelopment #ABCD #NFPLeaders #Inclusion #HumanServices #CommunityServices #EmpoweringCommunities

💢 Mentor Needed: Embedded Systems Integration Mentor for Year 12 Student Tech Project 🧑💻 . . Are you experienced (or eager and semi experienced) in embedded systems and passionate about mentoring emerging talent? We’re looking for an Embedded Systems Integration Mentor to guide a project involving the integration of a radar sensor with a sensor system. Commitment would be paid (but open to volunteer), flexible time commitment but perhaps hour or two per week locally in Townsville. This role is perfect for someone who excels at problem-solving and has a background in: ◾ Embedded Systems Design & Integration ◾ Firmware Development & Optimization ◾ Power Management As a mentor, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping recent secondary school graduate and intern develop foundational skills in hands-on embedded systems projects. Your mentorship will focus on: ✔️ Skill Development: Provide guidance and resources for technical growth. ✔️Learning Experiences: Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world applications. ✔️Building Relationships: Foster professional networking and teamwork skills. ✔️Growth Mindset: Help young person set goals, reflect on progress, and build confidence as proactive professionals. If you’re an experienced or eager mentor who loves empowering others through learning, let’s connect! Expression of Interest Link: https://lnkd.in/g_8gvrhE Any queries contact Principal Community Development Worker, Ricky Esterquest on 0447574600 or ricky@towardsbetter.com.au

Kickstart Your Career in Support Work or Kickstart your team of Support Workers with a DISC & Coaching Session! Are you looking to start a career in support work? Or perhaps wanting to kickstart your team of Support Workers. ‘My Support Work Career Coaching Session’ is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and the insights you need to succeed in this rewarding field. Here’s what’s included: ✨ DISC Assessment – Discover your unique personality style and strengths, helping you better understand how you can thrive in support work. (Valued at $90) ✨ 45-Minute Coaching Session – We’ll dive into your DISC results and explore your best path forward, identifying actionable steps toward a fulfilling career. Session Snapshot •           Review DISC Results: Learn how your strengths and personality align with support roles. •           Career Goal Setting: Identify roles and skills that fit you best. •           Action Plan: Get next steps on how to enter the field with confidence! ✨ Follow-Up Guide – Receive a customized guide with practical tips, local contacts, and resources to keep you moving forward. Total Investment: $150 This is a powerful first step for anyone considering a career in support work or just needing guidance. Book your session now 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e9VpWa-v VIDEO (Snapshot of our Work): https://lnkd.in/gjBFjda8 VIDEO (Working with Towards Better): https://lnkd.in/gdGYC4Mz Our Team: And start building a career you’ll love!