As a new member of CoAct’s national not-for-profit network, The Bridge Inc will deliver tailored, community-based employment services for people with disability, injury, or health conditions – working alongside CoAct to create meaningful and sustainable employment outcomes across the Monash community.
Replacing the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program, Inclusive Employment Australia marks a significant shift toward personalised support that champions choice and control for jobseekers and fosters stronger engagement with employers to drive inclusive recruitment practices.
As Australia’s leading network of not-for-profit community service providers, CoAct was awarded delivery of the Inclusive Employment Australia contract nationally, ensuring consistent, community-driven employment support across Australia with CoAct’s broad national reach.
Simon Brown, CEO of CoAct, congratulated The Bridge Inc on their appointment to the network, noting the strength that comes from collaboration.
“Our co-designed model brings together deep local knowledge, specialist expertise, and lived experience to deliver high-quality services tailored to the diverse needs of jobseekers and employers across Australia,” Mr Brown said.
“We’re excited to welcome The Bridge Inc into the growing CoAct network. Together, we’re building stronger communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through meaningful and sustainable employment.”
As part of Inclusive Employment Australia, the Australian Government has prioritised engaging a broader and more diverse network of specialist providers – organisations with expertise in supporting people with specific disability types and complex support needs. This approach recognises that no two jobseekers are the same and that employment support must be flexible, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience.
Mary-Jane Stolp, CEO of The Bridge Inc, said joining the CoAct network presents a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact in the Monash community. “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as a preferred provider for Inclusive Employment Australia in the Monash region”, Stolp said.
“This aligns perfectly with The Bridge’s strategy to expand our disability employment services, furthering our commitment to empowering individuals through employment opportunities. This partnership allows us to deepen our impact and continue to build a more accessible future for all.”
From November, The Bridge Inc will deliver services under Inclusive Employment Australia in the Monash region with services in Doveton, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Emerald, and Koo Wee Rup, working closely with CoAct, jobseekers and local employers to build more inclusive, diverse, and resilient workplaces.
