Tourism Taster Cairns

27/06/2024

Here's more from our Tourism Taster wrap-up luncheon!

It was a great opportunity to reflect on how far we've come and all we've achieved with almost a year of unlocking opportunities and empowering abilities.

23/06/2024

Last Wednesday we had our Tourism Taster wrap-up luncheon.

It was a great opportunity to reflect on how far we've come and all we've achieved with almost a year of unlocking opportunities and empowering abilities.

03/06/2024

Here's an update on how we're doing at Tourism Taster!

Hear from our very own Trudy Nagle as well as employers from The CaPTA Group Cairns Convention Centre and Seville Mercy Centre as they speak about their experience with Tourism Taster.

Tourism Taster is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Give it a watch below 👇

15/05/2024

When Trudy saw a role advertised for Indigenous dancers at The CaPTA Group's Rainforestation, she immediately knew of two men who would be perfect for the part.

They had grown up dancing with their families, performed across the country, and had a stage presence that pulled you in.

Despite this, she knew the pitch would be a challenge. See, Leslie and Nathaniel are deaf.

“I knew they could feel the beat and had performed before, but it had all been volunteer work,” said Trudy.

Capta Group welcomed the men and their incredible talent, taking every adjustment in their stride.

For Trudy, Nathaniel and Leslie are the first of many more success stories to come.

“This opportunity shows the need for employers to think outside the box and to tweak the usual way they recruit. Leslie and Nathaniel are pathing the way for more paid employment for people who are d/Deaf.”

22/03/2024

Meet Zoltan, a guest liaison officer at the Seville Mercy Conference Centre. He's in charge of keeping everything tidy, serving guests and prepping them for their upcoming conferences.

Zoltan has a hearing and visual impairment.
"One of my eyes is lazy, I can't really see out of it. One of my ears is also partially deaf."

He connected with EPIC Assist when he was trying to complete his certificate, and they helped him get this very job!

He's surrounded by great coworkers and only has nice things to say about his bosses.
"Rod and Bridie are both very experienced and flexible, two great qualities in a manager."

According to Zoltan, work gives him two very important things: a routine and money. This new job has given him drive and purpose, and Zoltan aspires to be constantly improving his skills and impressing guests as he continues working at the conference centre.

Good on you Zoltan!

19/03/2024

Meet Stephan, a hardworking chef at Cairns Convention Centre with 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Entrée’s, mains, desserts, whatever you need him to whip up in the kitchen – he’ll take care of it.

Stephan’s career spans all manner of organisations and countries. He felt on top of it all until about 13 years ago. With several personal injuries and family-related trouble happening in tandem, Stephan ended up taking an extended break from employment.

Eventually, Stephan was ready to return to work. And after having all that time to think, he knew exactly what he wanted: variety and a big kitchen to thrive in. His sights set themselves on the Cairns Convention Centre, and with the collaborative efforts of CCC, U-Launch, and Tourism Taster, the rest is history.

“This job means everything to me, especially after my prolonged breaks after the unforeseen life situations. It was a large setback, but because I was in an environment that worked for me, I was able to recover.”

The constantly changing food and consumers of the Convention Centre gave Stephan the perfect opportunity for him to get back on the horse and re-enter the workforce.

Good stuff, Stephan!

08/03/2024

A big thank you to everyone who attended our diversity and inclusion in the tourism industry event at the Cairns Convention Centre at the end of February 🎉

It was incredible to see so many employers and community leaders all in one place united by a single cause – an accessible, inclusive tourism industry that everyone can enjoy.

It was a pleasure to hear the stories of their employment journeys, and the positive influence that employment and the support of Tourism Taster has had on their lives.
Here’s some of our personal highlights of the event!

20/02/2024

11/02/2024

We've got our diversity and inclusion in the tourism industry event in just over a week (20 Feb).

Those who attend will take part in a disability awareness training workshop, hosted by our very own Trudy Nagle!

If you're looking to employ a person with disability, disability awareness training establishes a common level of understanding and it leads to help create a more accessible and supportive workplace.

Follow the link below for more details about the event!
https://fb.me/e/6anrOdMcB

08/02/2024

Yesterday our very own Trudy Nagle attended the TTNQ (Tourism Tropical North Queensland) luncheon which was run by Cairns Chamber of Commerce.

She had her very own stall and a lot of interest!

04/02/2024

Our disability and inclusion in the tourism industry event is closing in ▶️▶️

The event will feature an inspirational keynote speaker: Paul Hockey. Paul lost his right arm to cancer at the age of 3 weeks, despite this he has lived a life of exhilaration, confidence, and a thirst to break the physical barriers in his life.

In 2005 he was the first person with a disability to climb Mount Everest from the North side. Climbing is just part of his story, however.

Don't miss your chance to hear this tale of inspiration! Register now to secure your spot and be part of a movement that celebrates diversity and inclusion in the tourism industry.

Follow the link below for more details about the event!
https://fb.me/e/6anrOdMcB

28/01/2024

You're invited to share in the success of the Tourism Taster Cairns pilot.

Join us for an exciting event that celebrates inclusivity in the Cairns tourism industry. Discover the role diversity and inclusion plays within the tourism industry and explore the opportunities it presents.

Immerse yourself in engaging sessions led by industry experts, where you'll gain valuable insights into the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tourism sector. From dispelling common myths to removing barriers to employment, this event will showcase the power of becoming disability-confident and creating inclusive experiences for all.

Follow the link below for more details about the event!
https://fb.me/e/6anrOdMcB