Creating inclusive workplaces takes strong community ties, open communication and employers willing to see potential in people. For several years, Castle has supported Millennium Cleaning Specialists to successfully build an inclusive team across multiple locations on the Central Coast, like at Lake Haven Shopping Centre, where five Castle participants are now part of the Millennium team.
(L - R) Meika, Patrick, Amanda, Adrian (Millenium supervisor), Liam, Bailey and Sarah (Castle)
Working alongside a broader team of 10, participants bring a range of strengths and experiences, while also navigating barriers including autism, anxiety and low vision.
Castle Employment Success Officer Sarah Lindsay provides regular on-site support, helping participants build confidence, develop workplace skills and navigate the day-to-day demands of the role. Sarah visits the site weekly, supporting participants with task prioritisation, communication, workload management and navigating the busy pace of the shopping centre environment.
Support also extends beyond daily tasks. Sarah assists participants with onboarding processes, rostering systems, HR platforms and workplace administration, helping make employment more accessible and manageable.
Castle works closely with Millennium supervisor Adrian to help ensure support is effective for both the business and employees. This includes helping identify tasks suited to individual strengths, navigating workplace challenges and acting as a point of communication when additional support may be needed.
“Adrian is incredibly patient and understanding of the barriers some of our participants experience and the personal challenges they may be navigating outside of work."
Sarah, Castle Employment Success Officer
"He’s also very accommodating in allowing me to be on-site regularly so we can work together to support our people and help them succeed in the workplace.”
When opportunities become available, Castle helps connect the business with motivated job seekers who are likely to be a strong fit for the workplace and team environment.
“The impact for the broader team at Lake Haven has been very positive and rewarding.”
Adrian, Supervisor, Millenium Cleaning Speciaists
Inclusive employers like Millennium Cleaning Specialists play an important role in creating opportunities for people living with disability to contribute, grow and succeed in open employment.