5 Key Benefits of Hiring Young People

With 18% of the Australian youth labour force underemployed the employment outlook for many young Australians is profoundly different than...

A Guide to Picking a Disability Employment Provider

Little known fact: If you're engaging with the Disability Employment Service you get to choose which provider you use! Many jobseekers are referred to the DES service by Centrelink and may not realise that there are many providers they can choose from. If you are eligible to use the Disability Employment Service, you can pick the DES provider of your choice AND switch providers if you want to change.

What is Psychosocial Disability & How Can the NDIS Help?

Psychosocial Disability (PSD) is a term used to describe disabilities that may arise, due to mental health issues. There is potential for the upcoming National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to greatly improve the lives of people living with PSD

Valuing Ability in the Workplace

Workplaces that value diversity and inclusion are not only great places to work. They are workplaces that drive innovation, collaboration and enduring connections with customers and the broader community.

Turning short-term Christmas Casual work into long term opportunity

As we greet the festive season many of our jobseekers are beginning new roles in short-term casual employment. Whether it be retail, hospitality, or community care – casual work over the Christmas holiday period or ‘Christmas Casual’ work, helps local businesses manage the increased demand on services in the lead up, during and after the holiday period. 

Celebrating NAIDOC: Backyard Meals and Medicine

We live in such a diverse environment here in Australia. Many of us may not be aware of the medicinal properties and food sources available to us right here in our very backyards. There are many common native plants, trees and flowers that have been used by First Nation Australian in medicinal and food practice for thousands of years before introduction to our modern supermarkets and chemists.

Bush Medicine Provides Relief to the Lismore Mob

Port Macquarie-based bush medicine knowledge keeper Deb Munson collaborates with not-for-profit CHESS Connect and the Koorie Mail to donate and distribute traditionally sourced and crafted mozzie spray to the Lismore Community.

A hole in one for young jobseeker Jamie!

Patrons of the Bellingen Golf Club will be familiar with Jamie, the young Club All Rounder who works with the club crew and keeps the golf carts clean, fuelled and in tip top shape.

Disaster Funding & Grants

In collaboration with HeartStart Glenreagh we have created an inclusive list of current funding and other advice so individuals, businesses and community groups can quickly see what is available to them. This includes current Federal and State Government grants and allowances, charities, rebate schemes, subsidies, housing and wellbeing supports. We will continue to update this document as new funding opportunities arise. Please share with your networks and communities.

Meet Tyrone! Our Newest NDIS Support Coordinator

Support Coordination is an empowering, creative and supportive function of the NDIS that highlights the strengths of the participant and enables them to practice self-agency, get the most out of their plan and in a broader sense, control over their life choices. Tyrone is the newest Support Coordinator to join our team. We sat down with Tyrone to learn more about his passion - supporting clients to achieve their goals.

Supporting COVID Safe Workplaces. CHESS Connect introduces COVID Vaccine Policy

Regional NSW communities are facing the newest wave of pandemic disruptions. Businesses are looking to manage the effect of COVID-19, navigating the latest set of guidelines and rules whilst securing safe workplaces for their employees and customers.

How music can motivate and support wellbeing

Listening to music can help you feel better, motivate and lift your mood.

New Year, New You? What is Upskilling and Why Do It?

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss