Wellways

04/06/2026

The Wellways Carer Gateway Vocational Pathways Program is helping carers across Queensland reconnect with their career goals, re-enter the workforce, study a new course or volunteer.

With a carer-led approach, participants work with Vocational Navigators that help them set their goals, gain their confidence back, update their resumes, prepare for interviews and support them in finding placements.

The program has seen over 100 carers go into employment, education or volunteering in the past six months; Melody is one of them.

“I wanted to be independent, an example to my children, and an inspiration to other African women,” she said.

Having partnered with her navigator Lisa, Melody, who was struggling to balance work and her caring role, has regained her confidence and is hoping to start her own business.

“I have completed a Certificate III in Small Business and I hope to one day get an ABN,” she said.

“With Lisa’s encouragement, after feeling like giving up, I’m pushing to follow my career pathway."

To read more inspiring carer stories, visit https://bit.ly/4amJ68D

03/06/2026

Reconciliation Week might be coming to a close, but reconciliation is something that never ends at Wellways.

Nothing brings that to life more than our annual on-Country Cultural Summit for First Nations team members and allies. This year, we gathered at Lake Mungo during Reconciliation Week, and honestly, we can’t think of a better place for a cuppa and a yarn.

Over the week, people shared stories, experiences and reflections with incredible openness and generosity. It created space for connection, learning and some powerful conversations.

It was the perfect way to close out the summit, and we’ve come away even more energised to keep walking this journey together.

28/05/2026

Across Wellways this week, we've been putting the kettle on, and having a cuppa and yarn about reconciliation, and what it means for all of us individually and as an organisation. 🖤💛❤

There's been so many great conversations, reflections and honest storytelling. It's been exciting to see how far we've come in our reconciliation journey together - here's to continuing that momentum, one bikie at a time. 🍪🫖

26/05/2026

21/05/2026

“I uphold human contact and connection with great importance, and just sharing my time in a small way to make a difference to someone means a lot to me,” says Rosita, who’s been a Life in Community (LinC) volunteer with us for four years.🫶

Compassion and empathy come naturally to Rosita who told us that mental health is a cause that is very close to her heart. She also says that volunteering helps her shift focus from daily life. 😍

Join us this National Volunteers Week in celebrating volunteers like Rosita. If you’re a volunteer, tell us about why you volunteer or what you love the most about it, in the comments below.

20/05/2026

Finding her footing, together.

Imagine helping someone return to their passion for dance after physical and mental health challenges left a 20-year gap? Ellie, a Life in Community (LinC) Volunteer (with Wellways), was able to do this by supporting Angie (a participant in the program) to attend ballet classes after a two-decade hiatus.

Stories by volunteers like Ellie (pictured below), are far from rare and all in a day's work. It’s a heartwarming reminder, especially this National Volunteers Week, of the incredible work our volunteers do for us and the wider community.

Read the full story about Ellie and Angie, here: https://bit.ly/4wH11AB

If you’re a volunteer or have been helped by one, share your story in the comments below.

18/05/2026

Small acts, massive impact

Volunteers at Wellways, like these wonderful humans from our ListenWell and Life in Community (LinC) programs, are the proverbial ‘gift that keeps on giving’. All year round, rain or shine, they show up with kindness. 🫶

We’re forever grateful for the work our volunteers do, as they continue to support us in improving the wellbeing of the people we serve, and connecting them with their chosen communities. Their patience, empathy and quiet resilience do not go unnoticed. 😍

Happy National Volunteers Week!🎉 Give a shout out to someone you know who's a volunteer (and make their day) in the comments below.

18/05/2026

🚴‍♀️ BREAK THE CYCLE 💛

Last week, a dedicated team from Wellways rode more than 500km across the Murrumbidgee region to raise awareness for su***de prevention and mental health in regional communities.👏

Travelling through Narrandera, Temora, Young and Junee, the riders met with local communities to share stories, connect with others, and remind people that support is available and no one has to go through hard times alone.

Su***de rates in regional, rural and remote Australia remain higher than in metropolitan areas, which makes connection, support and awareness more important than ever.

Thank you to every person, venue and community that welcomed and supported the team along the way. 🫶

The Break the Cycle ride was also featured by Seven News, helping amplify the importance of mental health awareness across regional NSW.

14/05/2026

Connection matters. But it isn’t always equal.

Small towns, with all their charm and close-knit community, have so much to offer. But for some LGBTQIA+ people, they can still feel lonely, and reaching out for support can be difficult.

“People can sometimes feel isolated and worried about judgement,” says Karrina from Program Support at Wellways Tasmania. “Representation makes people feel seen, safe and understood, and less alone.”

With International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) coming up this Sunday, it highlights something we see every day in our work: just how important inclusion, visibility and safe support is for our collective mental health and wellbeing.

Karrina says LGBTQIA+ workers and allies play an important role in community mental health. Their visibility and acceptance can make a real difference in helping people feel connected to services and to the wider community.

“Wellways recognises that everybody’s experiences and identities are unique, and that inclusive support and community connection are essential to mental health and wellbeing,” Karrina adds. “Being part of an organisation that values diversity, compassion and belonging is something I really appreciate.”

Pictured from left to right are some Wellways team members in Hobart (a mix of rainbow workers and allies): Mads, Maggie, Mary, Karrina and Kylie.