The employment program helping young Melburnians living with disabilit...

People with disabilities face an unemployment rate nearly double that of the general population. Nationally, only 25 percent of working-age NDIS participants hold full-award-wage jobs in open employment. These figures highlight a gap in the workforce, but specific programs are changing outcomes for individuals in Melbourne.

Brendan Wiseman, a 23-year-old living with an intellectual disability, serves as a prime example of how structured support leads to career development. After finishing school, Brendan joined Wallara Australia to find a professional path. He identified his interest in hospitality and began working as a barista.

Today, Brendan works at Cafe W and Sages Cafe, where he manages coffee service and interacts with a broad customer base. This routine improved his social confidence and allowed him to expand his network. His mother, Trudy De Vries, notes that the transition moved him from uncertainty to an active role in his community.

Wallara Australia operates five hospitality venues throughout Melbourne, employing more than 40 people with disabilities. These individuals receive guidance from professional chefs and baristas to learn trade skills. Last year alone, the team served over 43,500 coffees. The organization also runs day programs where 33 additional clients currently learn foundational hospitality skills.

Brendan has earned certificates in food safety and responsible alcohol service. He now contributes to his local football club and pursues an interest in cricket. This model demonstrates that with targeted training and inclusive workplaces, young adults can secure meaningful employment and professional independence.