31/10/2026
Inclusive employment in action
Thank you to everyone who joined Barkuma’s Inclusive Employment Panel and Morning Tea on Tuesday 27 October, held as part of our 40 years of Employment Services celebration.
It was great to see interest from across a diverse range of industries, including the creative sector, academia, hospitality, government, insurance and finance. Inclusive employment is relevant to every sector, and our discussion highlighted practical ways businesses can make it work.
Our panellists shared their experiences and the difference inclusive employment can make to individuals, businesses and workplace culture.
Mei-Lin Ng from Accor Group Group shared how Sofitel adapts roles to align with people’s interests and skills while meeting business needs. She also discussed making recruitment more accessible through shorter, clearer job descriptions and building managers’ knowledge and confidence to support inclusion within their teams.
Tracy Elsworthy from Cafe Hopper Bility explained how developing her employees’ skills and confidence has helped the business expand its offerings and move into corporate catering, while contributing to a positive customer experience.
Dominique Evele from Amber Aged Care highlighted how they lived experience of people with disability can bring empathy and understanding to aged care, while strengthening workplace culture and benefiting the wider team.
Joe Quinzi from Quinzi's Confectionery reflected on employing a person with disability 28 years ago. What began as a learning experience for both parties has developed into a long-term employment relationship with a reliable employee who confidently manages the technical aspects of his role. Asked what advice he would give employers considering inclusive employment, Joe’s response was simple: “Just do it.”
The panel also explored the role of job coordinators in supporting employees to learn tasks, build workplace relationships and navigate training and compliance requirements.
The message was clear: with the right support and a willingness to adapt, inclusive employment can benefit employees, businesses and teams.
Thank you to Mei-Lin, Tracy, Dominique and Joe for sharing their insights, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.
As Barkuma celebrates 40 years of Employment Services, we remain focused on working with employers to create opportunities that recognise people’s strengths and help businesses build more inclusive workplaces.
Flinders University Minda South Australian Council on Intellectual Disability Inc Food South Australia
[Image descriptions - People attending Barkuma inclusive employment morning tea.]
