Ability Works Australia

Ability Works Australia AWA create inclusive employment & design solutions for people with disability and those facing social exclusion.

Our work spans social enterprise, employment services, and inclusive design, focused on turning inclusion into practical, real-world impact. At Ability Works Australia, inclusion is more than a value – it’s the way business is done. We are a purpose-driven non-profit creating meaningful work and better-designed workplaces with and for people with disability and those who are socially excluded. Our

impact comes to life through three connected areas:

Social Enterprise (Supported Employment) – a work-integrated social enterprise providing supported employment through manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and 3PL logistics services for government and corporate partners. Employment Services – IEA and NDIS-funded customised employment supports, using the Griffin Hammis model to help people move into open employment at full wages. Inclusive Consulting & Training – partnering with organisations to design more inclusive workplaces, products, and services, so inclusion is built in from the start. For over 60 years, we’ve been part of Melbourne’s community, working alongside businesses, government, and community partners to create a future where everyone’s skills and contributions are valued. When you work with Ability Works, you help make inclusion standard practice – not a special project.

There's still time to join the Ability Works Open Factory Tour: Social Procurement in Action on 2 September.This exclusi...
29/08/2026

There's still time to join the Ability Works Open Factory Tour: Social Procurement in Action on 2 September.

This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour offers a unique opportunity to see how social procurement creates meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability while delivering real value for government, councils, and businesses.

If you're interested in supplier diversity, social value, or inclusive procurement, don't miss this chance to see social procurement in action.

📅 Wednesday 2 September 2026
📍 Ability Works Australia, Kew VIC
🎟️ Free to attend

For more information and to register your attendance visit the Ability Works website:
https://abilityworks.org.au/social-procurement-factory-tour/

Say hello to Ebony!Ebony has been with Ability Works for 10 years and is proud of how far she has come.She says having a...
28/08/2026

Say hello to Ebony!

Ebony has been with Ability Works for 10 years and is proud of how far she has come.

She says having a job has helped her build confidence, independence and strong relationships. Her favourite work is in the Transurban Mail Room, where she scans correspondence and E‑tags - tasks that make her feel skilled and independent.

Ebony believes inclusion changes lives. Her resilience and kindness inspire everyone around her.



(This story was adapted from the Ability Works 60-year Anniversary Book)

What does social procurement look like in practice?Join Ability Works Australia for an exclusive behind-the-scenes facto...
24/08/2026

What does social procurement look like in practice?

Join Ability Works Australia for an exclusive behind-the-scenes factory tour and discover how procurement decisions can create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability while delivering high-quality outcomes for government, local councils, and business.

Explore Ability Works' manufacturing, logistics, mailroom, inclusive design and employment services operations, and learn how social procurement can strengthen local supply chains, support inclusive workforce participation, and generate positive social and economic outcomes for Victorian communities.

📅 2 September 2026
🕙 10:15am to 12:15pm
📍 Ability Works Australia, Kew VIC
💲 Free to attend

For more information and to register your attendance visit the Ability Works website:
https://abilityworks.org.au/social-procurement-factory-tour/

At Ability Works we're "Outcomes Focused" Clear roles, clear goals, and accountability that supports growth.We set targ...
21/08/2026

At Ability Works we're "Outcomes Focused"

Clear roles, clear goals, and accountability that supports growth.

We set targets, work together to meet them, and celebrate progress - big or small.

Every purchasing decision has the power to create social impact.See that impact firsthand at the Ability Works Open Fact...
20/08/2026

Every purchasing decision has the power to create social impact.

See that impact firsthand at the Ability Works Open Factory Tour: Social Procurement in Action.

This unique event will showcase how an Australian Disability Enterprise delivers commercial services while creating sustainable employment opportunities for people with disability. Attendees will gain practical insights into social procurement, connect with like-minded professionals, and explore how inclusive supply chains can drive stronger community outcomes.

Whether you're in procurement, sustainability, economic development, social value, or supplier diversity, this tour offers real-world examples you can take back to your organisation.

📅 Wednesday 2 September 2026
📍 Ability Works Australia, Kew
🎟️ Free event

For more information and to register your attendance visit the Ability Works website:
https://abilityworks.org.au/social-procurement-factory-tour/

What happens when commercial thinking meets social impact? For Anu Khosla, it starts with creating opportunities. As Com...
18/08/2026

What happens when commercial thinking meets social impact?

For Anu Khosla, it starts with creating opportunities.

As Commercial Solutions Consultant at Ability Works, she works with customers to develop tailored solutions that deliver value while creating meaningful employment opportunities.

“Sometimes the biggest barrier is not a person's ability, it is whether they have been given the opportunity to demonstrate it.”

Every day, she sees what can happen when people are given that chance.

Read Anu's full story:
https://abilityworks.org.au/anu-khosla-meaningful-employment-opportunities/

Introducing Nadia!Nadia has been working at Ability Works for more than 25 years. She loves coming to work, staying busy...
31/07/2026

Introducing Nadia!

Nadia has been working at Ability Works for more than 25 years. She loves coming to work, staying busy, and taking on jobs that give her encouragement and joy.

She enjoys meeting different people each day and cherishes the friendships she’s made over the years. Working at Ability Works has also helped her build confidence and even supported her to gain a second job at an Op Shop.

Nadia appreciates the staff and supervisors who guide her, support her, and help her shift her thinking when she feels negative. She’s proud of the many skills she’s learned and is always keen to learn more.

She says Ability Works is a great place to work - and she would happily recommend it to others.



(This story was adapted from the Ability Works 60‑year Anniversary Book)

For many people with disability, barriers in public transport can affect access to employment, education, healthcare and...
27/07/2026

For many people with disability, barriers in public transport can affect access to employment, education, healthcare and community life.

Accessibility is about much more than ramps and lifts. It includes websites, ticketing systems, signage, wayfinding, service information and every step of the passenger journey.

By involving people with lived experience early in planning and design, transport operators can identify barriers sooner, reduce costly rework and create services that work better for everyone.

Our latest article explores why accessible transport benefits communities, improves user experiences and delivers long-term value.

Read the full article on our website:
https://abilityworks.org.au/public-transport-accessibility/

At Ability Works we're "Inclusive" Inclusion isn’t a buzzword - it’s how we operate.Equal opportunities, open minds, di...
24/07/2026

At Ability Works we're "Inclusive"

Inclusion isn’t a buzzword - it’s how we operate.

Equal opportunities, open minds, diverse teams, and real participation in decision‑making.
Everyone belongs here.

Address

1 Yarra Boulevard
Kew, VIC
3101

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30am
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+61398537080

Website

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