When Brisbane local Deanne Wilkinson first connected with VERTO’s Inclusive Employment Australia program in November 2025, she was carrying a lot on her shoulders.
At 66 years old, living with a lower limb deficiency and caring for her 90-year-old mother, Deanne was trying to find a way forward that would allow her to support both herself and her family.
At the same time, she was facing housing uncertainty, making the need for stable employment even more urgent.
“I wanted to get back into work, but everything had to fit around caring for Mum,” Deanne said. “It wasn’t just about finding a job, it had to work for my life.”
Working closely with her Employment Consultant, Alayna Whiteside, Deanne focused on finding an opportunity that matched both her experience and her circumstances. With a background in hospitality, she set her sights on returning to a chef role, but one that offered the flexibility she needed.
It wasn’t long before an opportunity presented itself, when local café Jo & Co Café approached VERTO’s Browns Plains office looking for a casual chef to work up to three days per week.
Deanne was quickly put forward for the role and stepped into the interview and work trial with determination.
“I just wanted to show them I still had it in me,” Deanne said.
The employer quickly recognised her potential and after a successful trial, Deanne commenced employment on the 3 December 2025, marking a turning point in what had been a very uncertain period.
To support both Deanne and the employer, a wage subsidy was arranged, giving the business the confidence to invest in her training and long-term success. Alayna also provided practical support to help Deanne get started, including work uniforms, new glasses, and access to Logan Demand Responsive Transport, a reliable and affordable service that ensured she could consistently travel to and from work.
“Deanne had a lot to manage, but she never lost sight of what she wanted,” Alayna said. “Once the opportunity came along, she gave it everything.”
The impact of gaining employment was almost immediate.
Within a short period of time, Deanne was able to secure a permanent place to live, regain her driver’s licence, and purchase and register her own vehicle, restoring a sense of independence that had previously felt out of reach.
“It’s changed everything for me,” Deanne said. “Having that stability, knowing I can support myself, has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.”
Today, Deanne continues working while balancing her caring responsibilities, having found a role that not only suits her experience but fits around her life.
Her journey is a powerful example of how one opportunity at the right time can create meaningful and lasting change.
If you have a disability, injury or health condition and are looking for flexible work that fits your lifestyle, VERTO’s Inclusive Employment Australia program can support you to find employment that works for you.
For more information about the Inclusive Employment Australia program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/inclusive-employment-australia.
