National recognition for positive employment partnership outcomes

genU disability employment services division, MatchWorks, in partnership with Derrimut 24:7 Gym, has been named a finalist for the Erin Carey Employer Partnership Award at the 2025 Disability Employment Australia (DEA) Awards.

This recognition highlights the strength of a long-term collaboration that has created meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for people with disability across Victoria and South Australia.

The Erin Carey Employer Partnership Award is a new category introduced in 2025. This inaugural award celebrates partnerships between employers and disability employment practitioners that have grown over time and resulted in quality, long-lasting job outcomes for Disability Employment Services (DES) participants.

Since the start of the current DES contract in 2018, MatchWorks and Derrimut 24:7 Gym have worked closely to provide valuable workplace opportunities for individuals living with disability. Derrimut has shown a proactive and inclusive approach to recruitment, focusing on jobseekers who experience barriers to employment, including people with disability, those who are long-term unemployed, and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.

The success of the partnership lies in its tailored, person-focused approach. 

One standout example is Angelina, a widowed mother who was determined to rebuild her life and career. After being made redundant in 2001 and losing her husband shortly after, Angelina faced the challenges of grief while raising her daughter and returning to work. Years later, she experienced new health concerns and lacked confidence. In 2019, she joined MatchWorks, where she received dedicated support including interview preparation, upskilling, help with technology and transport, and workplace modifications.

In 2023, MatchWorks secured a job interview for her at a local Derrimut 24:7 Gym for a casual cleaning role. Her determination was evident.

“Although I was successful starting as a casual cleaner, I wanted to get full-time. I wanted an opportunity to gain a career, which is exactly what I did,” Angelina said.

Within a year, she progressed to full-time work and began training new staff. She now supports her family with renewed independence and purpose.

“Employment has helped me provide for my family and give them a more comfortable lifestyle. Employment has helped me have purpose,” she shared.

Together, MatchWorks and Derrimut 24:7 Gym have created a culture that goes beyond employment by championing empowerment, diversity and resilience. As finalists for the inaugural Erin Carey Employer Partnership Award, they are a leading example of what inclusive employment can achieve.