General News
29 April, 2026
Inclusive employment support comes to town
PEOPLE in Atherton living with a disability, injury or health conditions will now have access to invaluable employment support, as Breakthru, part of Royal Rehab Group, expands its offering with the opening of its Atherton Employment Hub.
Opened under the new Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program, Breakthru’s expansion is a step towards addressing the long-standing disparity in employment outcomes.
People with disability in Australia are consistently twice as likely to be unemployed, with workforce participation at just 53.4% compared to 84% for people without disability.
Royal Rehab Group chief executive officer Matthew Mackay said the new IEA program represented a major shift in how disability employment support was delivered.
“This is an incredibly exciting milestone for us as we continue to deliver person-centred care, offering flexible, tailored support aligned to each person’s skills, interests and long-term goals to help people build meaningful, lasting careers,” he said.
“Meaningful employment can have a powerful impact on a person’s life, helping foster independence, valuable skills and a sense of purpose.
“With this expanded reach across New South Wales and Queensland, Breakthru is excited to connect more people to meaningful work and to collaborate with employers to build stronger, more inclusive communities.”
From its opening this Thursday, the Atherton Employment Hub will support clients to build the life they choose, focusing on personalised, practical support that helps people with disability find work that compliments their existing skills and supports their long-term goals.
Among one of the first locals to connect with Breakthru under the new IEA program is Atherton local Sarah Broomhall who lives with complex PTSD and anxiety.
With tailored support, she has been able to maintain her role at Big W while also growing her confidence as an emerging artist and small business owner.
“Living with PTSD and anxiety can make work feel overwhelming, but with the right support I’ve been able to find stability and still grow my creative path at the same time,” Ms Broomhall said.
“Before meeting (consultant) Maruly and the Breakthru team, I struggled with work and my mental health.
“Now I’ve found a healthier balance where I can work, create and actually feel like myself again.”
Ms Broomhall said the support she received helped her recognise the value of her creativity in the workplace and beyond.
“My role in the cosmetics department at Big W and my art really complement each other,” she said.
“Working part-time, I get to help customers find cosmetics that they really love, and the work hours are great as it also allows me to grow my artistry business”.
She is now preparing to launch paint-and-sip sessions in her own studio – Humble Bumble Studios – building on her qualifications in visual arts and passion for community connection.
“Starting my own creative business is always something I’ve wanted to do,” Ms Broomhall said.
“With the right support around me, I’ve been able to rebuild that confidence and start planning for the future.”
Reflecting on her experience, Ms Broomhall said the transition to the IEA program has allowed her to continue progressing both professionally and personally.
“Breakthru have really supported me to build stability and keep growing, both in my work and my art,” she said.
The Atherton Breakthru Employment Hub is at 114 Main Street, Atherton.
