Workfocus Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander RTW service

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander RTW service

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples face unique vocational and non-vocational barriers to recovery and return to work that are best supported through a specialist and culturally sensitive approach.

We have developed a specialised service model that acknowledges and incorporates family networks and history, community engagement and individual-led program design to improve outcomes.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culturally Competent Consultants

Our consultants and leadership team have completed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency course by the Centre for Cultural Competence Australia.

Establishing relationships with local land councils, AMS and Communities

In developing our service, we sought advice and collaboration from the community. We maintain strong relationships with community and land councils to foster long-term partnerships.

Leveraging knowledge and lived experience from our partnering organisations

We continuously learn from our leaders and partner organisations, as well as from those who support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, to provide a truly respectful and supportive service.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service provides:

A dedicated consultant trained in Cultural Competence

Respect and appreciation of cultural customs and beliefs which may impact return to work and recovery

Community support from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and medical centres

Mentoring and support services

Strategic Return to Work planning and supportive employment placement

Ongoing communication and guidance between all key stakeholders

Connections with remote communities through integration of traditional means and modern technology

Ensuring Australia’s First Nations Peoples receive culturally respectful recovery and return to work support

Kai Gibson

Meet our national Aboriginal Partnerships Lead
Kai Gibson

Kai is a proud Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi man from South East Queensland with 18 years of experience in the human services sector. He specialises in advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and culturally safe program delivery. Kai’s work is grounded in lived experience and a deep understanding of Aboriginal customs and kinship systems.

He is committed to holistic, person-centred approaches that foster connections and support positive, sustainable outcomes within workplace rehabilitation and recovery journeys.

Improving outcomes

Since the commencement of our service in May 2019, we have assisted

160+

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who suffered from a workplace or motor vehicle injury

58%

are clients recovering from physical injuries

42%

are clients recovering from psychological injuries

XX%

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Our logo symbolism

The circular shape of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service logo supports our holistic approach towards acknowledging and respecting the health, well-being, life and work goals of each person, while at the same time provides an unique visual identity.

The moving arrows symbolise that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service acknowledges, respects and provides for the cultural and individual needs of each client, with the focal point representing the overall goal of providing a culturally tailored, respectful and appropriate recovery and return to work service.