ReNew partakes in White Box’ groundbreaking national 'payment-by-outcomes' pilot to guide Department for Social Services

In a huge step forward for Australia’s federal approach to employment services for vulnerable cohorts, White Box Enterprises, in close consultation with the Department of Social Services, has published their first round of results on the pioneering $3.8M, three-year study into social enterprise efficacy and outcomes.

The 15 social enterprises participating in the trial, ReNew being the only WA representative, will see up to 170 award-wage jobs created for people living with a disability. The social enterprises will receive outcomes-based payments when participating employees maintain employment after 6, 12 and 18 months, with additional payments if the candidate has successfully transitioned onto further employment.

We know, and were reminded at the Jobs Summit in 2022, that there are persistently high numbers of people with different abilities who are finding it difficult to access work. While in its early stages, this Trial is proving that jobs-focused social enterprises create tremendously positive work experiences and are part of the solution to helping close this gap.”

“The collaboration amongst social enterprises employing the participants has exceeded all expectations and we are on solid ground to achieve the ambitious targets set for the Trial.” Angharad Lubbock, White Box Enterprises.

The study is the first of its kind to investigate the effectiveness of jobs-focused social enterprises delivering long-term outcomes for people living with disabilities.

We are so proud to be a stakeholder in this innovative scheme, laying the groundwork for a new way for employment services to be delivered in Australia. Work Integrated Social Enterprises (WISE) are highly effective at supporting people who have multiple and complex barriers in to the workforce, and can achieve outstanding outcomes at a lower cost than those services who rely solely on government funding to operate.

As the only organisastion from WA taking part in the scheme we're also proud to pioneer this in our state and represent the emerging social enterprise sector at a national level.

We thank White Box and the Department of Social Services for their leadership in making this happen and recruiting a star line up of other organisations across the country who are all working together, collaborating and sharing insights which is building a stronger sector and ultimately positive impact for the people we support. - Pat Ryan, CEO

BikeRescue lands in Mullewa

During the summer holidays, Dismantle partnered with Mullewa Youth Centre and The City of Greater Geraldton to deliver a condensed 3-day BikeRescue program to 10 excited young people aged 11-16. BikeRescue mentors worked with the young people over the three sessions, teaching them how to build and paint their own bikes. 

Half of the group were young girls that had never done anything like this before, and they all did amazingly and worked so hard. The teamwork amongst them all was astonishing. As soon as they had completed a task they were going to the next person and showing them how to do it. Their teamwork and problem-solving skills were greatly improved, and you noticed it immediately. There was a great sense of camaraderie and excitement. - Nav Tane, Mullewa Youth Development Officer

“We all had a lot of fun, making new connections and strengthening existing friendships, and test-riding the new bikes on bush trails as a storm broke was a magical moment." – BikeRescue Mentor 

This program was supported by the Synergy Community Giving Fund and proceeds from Dismantle’s Cape2Cape fundraiser.  

Thank you to Synergy, Mullewa Youth Centre, The Greater City of Geraldton and everyone involved in this program for supporting WA’s at-risk young people and allowing us to reach new regional communities.

BikeRescue at Banksia Hill Detention Centre

Dismantle has returned to Banksia Hill Detention Centre for another series of BikeRescue programs.

Banksia Hill DC is Western Australia’s sole juvenile detention facility, accomodating remanded or sentenced young people aged 10-17 years. Of which, less than half are sentenced, with nine males to every female and 76% of an Indigenous Australian background (Department of Justice, 2019). 

Incarcerated youth experience more complex barriers to attaining socially-esteemed roles within society compared to other disengaged young people; including homelessness, deficient family support, limited education and work experience, mental health conditions and substance use (Crabtree et al., 2016). Moreover, these individuals have limited opportunities to engage in social, educational and vocational activities due to poverty and marginalisation (RACP, 2011). 

Detainees on good behaviour were invited to participate in BikeRescue, refurbishing a bicycle for themselves to keep once released. Initially, participants conveyed very little optimism for their futures upon release.

“I’m worthless, too far gone . . . No one would hire me even if I tried.” (Male, 15).

“I won’t get a job now ‘cause I’m locked up. There’s no opportunities for me.” (Male, 15).

However, towards the end of the program these individuals appeared to grow in confidence in their ability to develop new skills and pursue employment opportunities. One program graduate expressed a renewed hope towards achieving his dream job, stating “I didn’t think I could do it before this”. Initially stating “I can’t” several times each session, another participant was later observed completing mechanical tasks for one of her peers. After a few sessions, one individual expressed an interest in studying and working within mechanics, asking BikeRescue Mentors in-depth questions about their employment and training and requesting to attend BikeRescue’s workshop once released. 

Over the course of 2020, a total of 50 juvenile offenders participated in BikeRescue. On average, each participant of the five-day program had an attendance of 95%. The main incentive and motivator for participation was receiving a bicycle, which participants expressed upon arriving to their first session. Participants with approaching court dates appeared more motivated to finish their bicycles in order to take them home. Ten participants indicated plans to engage with Dismantle post-release for volunteering, training and vocational opportunities, particularly older individuals.