A Night to Remember – Breakthru’s Second Inaugural Gala

Joshua Cook April 1, 2025 No Comments

Recently, Breakthru had the incredible privilege to host our Second Inaugural Gala for our clients, family members and carers! The night was a beautiful reminder of how, once again, our…

Celebrating National Carers Week 2024

Joshua Cook October 14, 2024 No Comments

Every year National Carers Week is celebrated from 13 October – 19 October, giving us a chance to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness for the 3 million Australians who provide…

Connor’s Story – Driving Success

Joshua Cook October 10, 2024 No Comments

Meet Taine, a young man who faced challenges with a positive spirit. With support from Breakthru's School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program and guidance from Josh, his support worker, Taine…

Breakthru client, Wayne, smiling happily in front of the Penrith Panthers club.

Harold and Wayne’s story

Courtney Dunn May 10, 2024 No Comments

We are humbled and honoured to share the story of an individual whose legacy continues to inspire us every day. For over 50 years, Wayne was a happy and engaged…

A young boy with Down syndrome smiles while playing a guitar in front of a class.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2024

Courtney Dunn March 21, 2024 No Comments

March 21st marks a significant day on the global calendar – World Down Syndrome Day. It’s a day where we will not only celebrate the unique individuals who have Down…

Inspire Inclusion: International Women’s Day 2024

Courtney Dunn March 6, 2024 No Comments

Inspire inclusion. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, our organisation, enriched with remarkable and empowering women, finds this theme deeply significant. From the leadership of strong women guiding teams…

What is the Difference Between DES and SLES?

Joshua Cook February 19, 2024 No Comments

Acronyms can be confusing at the best of times, and when it comes to looking for work, it can seem like they’re everywhere! New ones keep popping up and it’s…

An NDIS client meeting with support coordinators for a social outing

The Difference Between Core Supports And Capacity Building

Joshua Cook February 2, 2024 No Comments

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, also known as the NDIS, involves the provision of funding to eligible people with a disability. This is intended to enable access to services and…

A Breakthru client sitting at a desk with a laptop self managing their NDIS plan

How To Self-Manage Your NDIS Plan

Joshua Cook January 25, 2024 No Comments

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a form of funding for eligible people who have a disability. The goal of the NDIS is to promote independence and a better…

Yes Chef! Recipes for success

Courtney Dunn January 18, 2024 No Comments

In the bustling kitchen of the Ibis Styles Sydney, there are two diligent workers. They expertly navigate the chaos that surrounds them, confidently adding the final flourish to perfect plates…

Russell with a support worker at his supported independent living accommodation.

From limits to living life

Courtney Dunn January 4, 2024 No Comments

Meet Russell, an avid sports watcher who can’t get enough of footy and cricket on television. When he’s not immersed in sports, Russell indulges in his other passion – watching…

Hannah and the team at Breaking Grounds in Tuggerah

From shy beginnings to success

Courtney Dunn January 4, 2024 No Comments

In May 2022, 22-year-old Hannah reached out to Breakthru's Tuggerah office. Hannah had recently graduated from school and was spending most of her time at home drawing and being with…

International Day of People with Disability 2023

Courtney Dunn December 3, 2023 No Comments

There are 4.4 million people in Australia living with a disability. That’s 4.4 million people who continue to face barriers, who are often overlooked and under-appreciated. While we must strive…

Breakthru Dubbo unveil modern inclusive space for people with disability

Joshua Cook August 28, 2023 No Comments

Earlier this month we had the pleasure of unveiling our revamped Dubbo hub with a fresh and accessible new look, much to the excitement of the local community.The upgraded facility,…

breakthru and Royal Rehab open fully inclusive cafe Breaking Grounds

Breakthru and Royal Rehab open inclusive cafe: Breaking Grounds

Joshua Cook August 23, 2023 No Comments

breakthru and Royal Rehab open inclusive cafe: Breaking Grounds

Taine’s Story – Cairns’ Green Thumb

Joshua Cook August 22, 2023 No Comments

Meet Taine, a young man who faced challenges with a positive spirit. With support from Breakthru's School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program and guidance from Josh, his support worker, Taine…

Glenn’s Story – The Power of a Smile

Joshua Cook June 12, 2023 No Comments

This is the inspiring story of Glenn, a young man from Queensland who, with the support of Breakthru's Disability Employment Service, overcame confidence challenges to secure meaningful employment at Belbaker…

Ross’s Story – Brisbane’s Cheeky Side Hustler

Joshua Cook January 13, 2023 No Comments

Meet Ross, the Brisbane local who never fails to bring a smile to the team’s face with his jovial personality. Originally from New Zealand, Ross moved with his dad to…

David’s Story – Finding His Voice

Joshua Cook December 8, 2022 No Comments

David’s story begins in early 2017 when David was in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend Peter – for whom he was a full-time carer. Both were staunch advocates for…

International Day of People with Disability 2022

Joshua Cook December 3, 2022 No Comments

Did you know that around 1 in 6 Australians are living with a disability?According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare that equates to approximately 20% of the Australian…

Your Guide to SLES

Joshua Cook November 4, 2022 No Comments

Graduating from high school is an exciting yet daunting transition, as you begin to consider possible pathways into the real world. That’s why our School Leaver Employment Supports, SLES, is…

World Mental Health Week 2022

Joshua Cook October 15, 2022 No Comments

Did you know that 2 in 5 Australians have experienced mental illness in their life?That’s a whopping 44% of the population, with ongoing social and economic disruptions causing this percentage…

World Allied Health Day

Joshua Cook October 14, 2022 No Comments

Did you know over a third of Australia’s health workforce are allied health professionals, delivering a whopping 200 million health services annually? This World Allied Health Day we want to…

What Is The Difference Between An NDIS Support Coordinator And Plan Manager?

Joshua Cook October 7, 2022 No Comments

Are you an individual or carer currently sorting out your individualised NDIS arrangement? At Breakthru, we provide comprehensive information in relation to your NDIS duties, requirements, and future planning. One…

What Does A Support Coordinator Do For NDIS?

Joshua Cook September 23, 2022 No Comments

Though the NDIS is a highly-valued service that helps so many people in their day to day lives, the NDIS system can be challenging to navigate. A support coordinator can…

R U Really Ok?

Joshua Cook September 6, 2022 No Comments

Did you know that for every death by suicide, there are over 30 people who have attempted to take their life? That means that yesterday alone over 240 people attempted,…

Finding a New DES Provider

Joshua Cook September 2, 2022 No Comments

As the doors close for over 8 Disability Employment Service (DES) providers nationwide, many job seekers have been left feeling more confused than ever, wondering what their next step towards…

Behavioural Support Services Expand in Brisbane

Joshua Cook July 24, 2022 No Comments

Breakthru is excited to announce that our clinical services continue to expand in Brisbane with the introduction of our newest Behavioural Support Practitioner, Sarah. As a very welcome addition to…

Clinical Services Expand in Brisbane

Joshua Cook March 2, 2022 No Comments

Today Breakthru is excited to announce that our clinical services are now expanding in Brisbane, with the introduction of both Speech Therapy and Counselling to our growing portfolio of Allied…

How to help someone with depression

Joshua Cook December 17, 2021 No Comments

Depression is a serious but treatable mental health condition that affects the lives of millions of people across the world. In our previous article, we talked about depression, what it…

Breakthru Merge with Royal Rehab

Joshua Cook November 24, 2021 No Comments

Monday, 29 November 2021 Today Breakthru announced that it has merged with Royal Rehab, a leading not-for-profit provider of rehabilitation and disability support services. With a combined 26 locations and…

What is depression, the possible causes and the signs?

Joshua Cook November 12, 2021 No Comments

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. It affects approximately 280 million people, and it is one of the leading causes of disability globally.…

Jack’s Story – Cairns’ Cake-Making Star!

Joshua Cook October 22, 2021 No Comments

Following the rich aroma of the roasting coffee beans, there’s this beautiful genuine smile behind the coffee machine. That is Jack, making a coffee for his customer on a lovely…

Ethan’s Story – Central Coast Champion

Joshua Cook August 9, 2021 No Comments

Meet Ethan, a wonderful, extremely hard-working young man from the Central Coast.Ethan was born with a rare genetic condition called Cerebellar Hypoplasia which meant he had developmental challenges growing up.…

Collaborating at the Hornsby Employment Open Day

Joshua Cook March 30, 2021 No Comments

With jobkeeper coming to an end, a global pandemic still looming and volatile economies to top it all off, there’s no wonder job-seeking has become so difficult in recent times.…

Breakthru Response to Violence and Abuse Issues Paper

Joshua Cook February 25, 2021 No Comments

In December 2020 the Disability Royal Commission released an Issues Paper on Violence and Abuse of People with Disability at Home. As part of our commitment to creating positive change…

Finding Your First Job After School

Joshua Cook January 25, 2021 No Comments

Are you unsure what to do after school? The transition from school to the “real world” can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Graduation opens the…

The benefits of seeing a Psychologist

Joshua Cook December 8, 2020 No Comments

Did you know that 32% of adults with disability have undergone high or very high psychological stress compared with 8% without disability? Anxiety, depression and stress are some of the most common conditions posing barriers that prevent people with…

International Day of People with Disability 2020

Joshua Cook December 3, 2020 No Comments

Since 1992, countries from around the world have come together to celebrate International Day of People with Disability. Each year on December 3rd, we promote inclusion and celebrate the fantastic contributions made by people with disability…

Malcolm’s Story – Holy Cross Laundry

support November 23, 2020 No Comments

This is Malcolm, one of the most easy-going and jovial blokes you’ll ever meet. A hard-worker with a can-do attitude, Malcolm was diagnosed with a mild hearing impairment at a…

Happy NAIDOC Week!

Joshua Cook November 11, 2020 No Comments

This year from 8-15 November we celebrate NAIDOC week – an incredibly important event designed to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with people from all walks of life across Australia. As…

Two women having a conversation on a park bench about counselling

How Counselling fits into your NDIS plan

Joshua Cook October 27, 2020 No Comments

Trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety – when most of us think about “counselling”, these are the topics that first come to mind. But while a counsellor is prepared to help in all of these areas, that’s not the only purpose…

Quick Tips for Managing Your Mental Health

Joshua Cook October 13, 2020 No Comments

October is Mental Health Month, and with it comes plenty of talk about “better managing your mental health”, which is easier said than done in the middle of a global pandemic. As COVID-19…

The benefits of positive thinking

Joshua Cook October 12, 2020 No Comments

Do you consider your glass to be half-empty or half-full? Many have heard this question either at school, home or work and likely view it as cliché. However, your answer…

5 ways to make your workplace disability friendly

Joshua Cook October 6, 2020 No Comments

Did you know that people with disability are 30% less likely to have a job in Australia than any other nation? On the open employment market, people with disability face many assumptions, stereotypes and myths that hurt their chance of finding…

What is NDIS Capacity Building?

Joshua Cook September 30, 2020 No Comments

Do you feel unsure about where to start with your NDIS plan funding? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We receive hundreds of questions every year from participants who don’t fully…

Working through Job Search Anxiety

Joshua Cook September 17, 2020 No Comments

Have you ever experienced days where you feel unmotivated to search for jobs online? What about the thought of calling back an employer – does this make you extremely anxious?…

R U OK? Day 2020

Joshua Cook September 11, 2020 No Comments

Did you know 8 Australians took their own life yesterday? According to data published by Lifeline, suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15…

Breakthru Submission to Support Coordination Discussion

Joshua Cook September 11, 2020 No Comments

In response to the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) request for feedback and ideas on the support coordination service model, Breakthru has submitted a response that outlines 5 key issues…

Breakthru Submission to Disability Royal Commission

Joshua Cook September 3, 2020 No Comments

Did you know that people with disability are far less likely to have a job in Australia than in any other advanced economic nation? That’s what we discovered, and we…

How COVID-19 has improved workplaces for people with disability

Joshua Cook August 7, 2020 No Comments

COVID-19 has presented Australian businesses with numerous challenges. This has forced many to flexibly transform their workplace practices and increasingly use innovative technology to collaborate whilst working remotely. These technologies – such as Zoom and Slack – have provided Australians with the opportunity to embrace the…

How Work Assist Helps People with Disability Stay Employed

Joshua Cook July 24, 2020 No Comments

COVID-19 has presented employment challenges for many people. The increased health risk coupled with industry restrictions has resulted in redundancies, reduced hours and turmoil in businesses all across Australia.For People…

Liborio’s Story – Packing with Passion

Joshua Cook July 22, 2020 No Comments

The day Liborio woke up and started preparing for work started just like any other. The warm summer breeze, clear blue sky and fresh morning air were part of life’s small comforts.…

How COVID-19 has changed disability support services

Joshua Cook July 15, 2020 No Comments

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live. Whether it’s simply dropping into the bank or visiting your favourite restaurant, restrictions have meant many businesses…

Nathan’s Story – A Clean New Start

Joshua Cook June 12, 2020 No Comments

Job hunting can be a struggle at the best of times, and given the current state of the Australian job market it can all seem just that much harder. When Nathan first…

Available support for people with disability

Joshua Cook April 3, 2020 No Comments

Almost everyone will be temporarily or permanently impaired during their lives. Most extended families have a member with disability or, are responsible for supporting and caring for their relatives and/or friends that have a disability. There are…

Supporting customers through COVID-19

Joshua Cook March 27, 2020 No Comments

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to develop, we wanted to reassure our customers, their families and our employees, that we are closely monitoring the situation and adjusting our services with…

Stopping the spread of COVID-19

Joshua Cook March 17, 2020 No Comments

Please scroll to the bottom of this page for the latest updates. There’s no doubt your everyday life has changed as a result of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). With the World Health…

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2020

Joshua Cook March 8, 2020 No Comments

On 8 March each year, people around the world combine to celebrate International Women’s Day – a global day celebrating the great and varied achievements of women. The theme for this year is “Each…

Finding the right Support Coordinator

Joshua Cook February 25, 2020 No Comments

Since the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) commenced in 2016, people with disability across Australia have accessed much needed supports to improve their quality of life. But while the NDIS has…

Signs of mental illness and where to receive help

Joshua Cook February 17, 2020 No Comments

What is mental illness? Mental illness is a term that refers to disorders affecting the mind. A mental illness is clinically diagnosable and affects a person’s thinking, emotional state, social…

Disability Employment Supports

Joshua Cook February 7, 2020 No Comments

Finding the right job can be exhausting. Fortunately, there are many services and supports available in Australia for people with disability, injury or mental illness to help them find meaningful employment. While having much choice can be great, it can also be extremely…

How to apply for the NDIS

Joshua Cook January 30, 2020 No Comments

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports over 180,000 people with permanent and significant disabilities in Australia each year. Designed to both help people participate in everyday activities and improve their independence, the NDIS has rapidly become one of the world’s most discussed support schemes. How do you apply for…

Breakthru makes submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System

Joshua Cook September 24, 2019 No Comments

The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System was announced on the 24th February 2019 and the community were asked to make submissions from the 18th April 2019. The Royal…

Shaun’s Story – From Customer to Consultant

Joshua Cook September 18, 2019 No Comments

Meet Shaun – Husband, friend and proud Father of two. A hard worker with strong interpersonal skills, Shaun fell on hard times after he was suddenly diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma…

Mike’s Story – The path to new home ownership

Joshua Cook August 9, 2019 No Comments

Meet Mike – runner, cyclist, data analyst and now new home owner. A shy yet outgoing and exceedingly friendly young man, Mike first commenced with Breakthru in 2015 when he…

Krystyna’s Story – Working with Autism

Joshua Cook May 16, 2019 No Comments

Meet our customer Krystyna – a highly intelligent, bubbly young lady from the NSW Central Coast. At just 20 years old, Krystyna has developed an attention to detail most people…

Eric’s Story – Finding a job with Cerebral Palsy

Joshua Cook May 7, 2019 No Comments

Meet Eric – an extraordinary young man with an infectious sense of humour from the NSW Central Coast. As a result of birth trauma, Eric was born with Cerebral Palsy…

How to choose the right DES provider for you

Joshua Cook April 5, 2019 No Comments

Are you looking to choose a new Disability Employment Services (DES) provider? Unsure where to turn? With such a wide variety of DES providers available, the process of selecting the…

Kathleen’s Story

Joshua Cook July 19, 2018 No Comments

In 2017, one of our team members met Kathleen – a lovely elderly woman who had lost her eye sight many years ago after a severe car accident. With no…

Breakthru hits a quarter century!

Joshua Cook July 5, 2018 No Comments

This year marks a very special 25th anniversary for Breakthru, an organisation founded with a vision of changing lives and empowering people with disability to achieve their goals. Breakthru is…

Stress Management & Self-help Techniques

Joshua Cook June 27, 2018 No Comments

Stress is inevitably present in the workplace, but it can also affect your quality of life or your physical and mental health, it’s important to take steps to manage this…

5 Tips to Bring Your Goals to Life Through Your NDIS Plan

Joshua Cook November 18, 2017 No Comments

The move to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a confusing one for many who take part. As a new participant it’s not always possible to know all…

10 Tips for Writing the Perfect Resume

Joshua Cook October 14, 2017 No Comments

The perfect resume. Does it even exist? With so much advice out there, and an amazing amount of it contradictory, how do you know what and what not to believe?The…

10 Tips to Ensure Job Interview Success

Joshua Cook September 18, 2017 No Comments

There aren’t many moments in a person’s life that are more ‘crunch’ than a job interview. Success could mean a whole new professional direction for you.Nailing the job interview process…

4 Benefits of Hiring a Person with Disability

Joshua Cook September 4, 2017 No Comments

Many business leaders have a misshapen idea of what is involved in hiring a person with disability. The widespread view is that people with disability are a liability to an…

8 Tips for School Leavers Looking for Work

Joshua Cook August 21, 2017 No Comments

For school leavers looking for work, leaving the structure and surety of school for the big, bad world of employment can be an intimidating experience. At 17 or 18 the…

Preparing For Your Initial NDIS Phone Interview

Joshua Cook August 7, 2017 No Comments

With recent changes in the NDIS rollout, the NDIA have been using phone interviews to create the First Plan for participants entering the NDIS. This new NDIS phone interview usually…

Breakthru’s History in Brain Injury Services

Joshua Cook July 24, 2017 No Comments

Breakthru knows firsthand the hardships that people can face after acquiring a brain injury. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 700,000 Australians have a brain injury, with daily…

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