Workforce Plus expands NDIS services in Wonthaggi
Five new Workforce Plus staff members have started work at the former BCAL campus in Wonthaggi to deliver a range of training options including First Aid and CPR.
THE BASS Coast community is set to benefit from an influx of tailored disability support services from Workforce Plus operating out of the former Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL) site in Wonthaggi.
Five new Workforce Plus staff members began work in Wonthaggi last week to deliver a range of training options including First Aid and CPR. Funding has also been secured for a digital literacy course through Learn Local.
“It’s all very new,” said Prayer Hynes.
“A service desperately needed in the area,” added Kim Willshire.
The expansion marks a significant shift away from traditional, centre-based models.
Workforce Plus is prioritising individualized opportunities that help participants build self-confidence, learn practical life skills, and pursue personal or employment-related goals. By anchoring themselves at the familiar BCAL hub, the team aims to become a highly accessible resource for families across the region.
A major cornerstone of the new rollout is the introduction of specialised group and individual activities. This includes one-on-one work-based learning pathways, which partner directly with local businesses to offer hands-on training and career exploration.
For those looking to improve their self-advocacy, the organisation is introducing its signature 'MyVoice' program. This group-based initiative focuses heavily on communication training, helping participants confidently speak up for themselves and engage more actively in public life.
Youth services are also receiving a boost, with targeted evening activities for young people currently in the advanced planning stages. Additionally, standard daytime operations will feature custom community groups shaped directly by the specific interests of the local participants.
To make the expansion a success, Workforce Plus has called on the Wonthaggi business community and civic groups to help build an inclusive network. The organisation is seeking partnerships for volunteer placements, structured work experience, and community incursions. Rather than keeping participants isolated, the goal is to weave them into the everyday fabric of the region.
Early collaborative efforts are already underway to connect with iconic local mainstays.
Workforce Plus has identified several key partners for potential future projects, including local community gardens, the University of the Third Age (U3A), South Coast FM, and the Wonthaggi Woodcrafters.
Through these local networks, participants will have the chance to learn unique trades, share their voices on the airwaves, and give back through community service.
As Workforce Plus embeds itself deeper into the Bass Coast, the team invites local business owners, community leaders, and prospective participants to reach out, share ideas, and help build a more inclusive, supportive region.
