Welcome to the are-able + IDEAL Placements Hub, your go-to resource for updates and information.

IDEAL Placements is set to become a proud member of the are-able Group. By coming together, we’re expanding our reach, sharing strengths, and opening up new opportunities to support even more communities.

Have a question? Use the form at the bottom of this page to ask, we’ll be publishing all questions and answers over the coming weeks to keep everyone informed.

Who is are-able

Vision

Building on over 35 years of advocacy and leadership, we strive to be the beacon of opportunity and inclusion. Together we create unstoppable pathways to employment and social engagement for people with disabilities in regional communities.

Purpose

are-able is dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. We partner with communities to create a ripple effect of social engagement and participation, understanding each individual’s unique abilities and aspirations.

Our commitment goes beyond employment services, advocating a holistic approach to supporting individuals. As a role model for regional, need-based frameworks, we lead with integrity, respect, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every person we serve.

Our Commitment

Our work goes beyond employment services. We take a holistic approach to supporting individuals, advocating for inclusive, community-driven solutions. As a trusted leader in regional Australia, we operate with integrity, respect, and an unwavering belief in every person’s potential.

Integrity

We're accountable for our actions - and we follow through.
Every person deserves to be treated in a fair and objective way. Our clients trust us. We owe them honesty and transparency.

Respect

Every person we serve is worthy of respect.
All people should be seen in their own unique context. Embracing diversity reveals new ways to build on and celebrate a person's strengths.

Empathy

Guiding relationships with compassion and purpose.
Everyone experiences life differently. Relating to each other helps us to understand someone else's perspective - so we can create solutions with true meaning and purpose for our clients.

Innovation

Using new ideas can solve challenges of all shapes and sizes.
How can we use innovation to make someone's life better? A little innovation can have a big impact on our clients - and the communities we serve.

  • Workforce Australia Employment Services
    • Enhanced Services (ES)
    • Transition to Work (TTW)
    • Career Transition Assistance (CTA)
  • Disability Employment Services – for employment of people with disability in open employment
  • Employer Recruitment Services
  • Education and Training
  • Social Enterprises / Supported Employment Opportunities
  • NDIS Plan Management
  • NDIS Finding and keeping a job
  • NDIS Activities
  • are-able Wellbeing Services
  • are-able Foundation
Jason Ernst - Interim Chief Executive Officer2:07
Andrew Giblin - Chief Operating Officer3:58
Stephanie Caunter - General Manager Communications and Marketing2:08
Trudy Marr - Head of Strategy and Projects3:32
Paul Hughes - General Manager of Social Enterprises2:21
Vicki Clayton - General Manager People and Culture2:26
Sky's Journey to Employment1:48
Donald’s Journey as a Supported Employee1:28
Sarah’s Journey to Employment2:52
Janelle’s Journey with are-able Education and Training2:26

Who are IDEAL Placements

For over 25 years, IDEAL Placements have been working across the Mackay region supporting our local communities by giving back. We pride ourselves in supporting and changing lives through the power of employment, training and community connections.

We have grown into a diverse and dynamic company providing a range of services to people living in Mackay, Whitsundays and surrounding areas. Focusing on meeting individual needs while still providing choice when considering employment options, IDEAL Placements delivers multiple programs in five office locations as well as providing flexible delivery options such as services2you in more remote locations.

Vision

  • Externally – to be the preferred service provider.
  • Internally – to maintain accuracy and efficiency in the provision of service delivery.

Mission

IDEAL Placements will provide quality services that improve the lives and increase quality of life and participation in an inclusive society.

Values Statement 

We aim to encourage independence in our clients and to give them self-confidence and accept responsibility for their decisions.

We understand that independence requires a holistic approach, so we view each person individually. Independence requires the integration of physical, emotional, social, and environmental aspects of life.

We value knowledge and appreciate its role in assisting people to participate in the decisions they make.

  • Disability Employment Services (DES)
  • Workforce Australia
    • Transition to Work (TtW)
    • Career Transition Assistance (CTA)
  • Employer Recruitment Services
  • Ticket to Work
Melissa Holmes - General Manager2:37
Brenda Harris - Quality and Operations Manager3:29

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we joining forces?

We’re joining forces to make an even bigger impact. By combining our strengths, we can reach more people, offer more services, and create new opportunities across the communities we serve.

Will my job be affected?

There are no immediate changes to your role. Both organisations will keep running as they are for now, while we look for ways to collaborate and learn from each other.

What’s changing right now?

It’s business as usual. If anything does change down the track, we’ll keep you in the loop well in advance.

What about our participants and stakeholders?

Everything stays the same for them too. If you get any questions from participants or external stakeholders, just point them to marketing@areable.org.au and we’ll be happy to help.

Will are-able and IDEAL Placements staff be working together?

For now, our day-to-day work stays separate. But we’re excited to start sharing ideas, learning from each other, and exploring new ways to add value together.

Why are we tendering for DES separately?

Because both organisations are still operating independently, we’ll each be submitting our own tenders in our usual regions.