[Pictured: Roland, David, Maxima's Tahlia Robinson-Solczaniuk, and Geoff at the Department of Health WA office]
For more than seven years, Maxima has proudly supported a dedicated team of admin support officers living with disability who work within the Department of Health in East Perth, Western Australia. The team of seven provides vital behind-the-scenes support that helps the department run smoothly, taking on a variety of administrative and operational tasks.
From binding and laminating to guillotining, data entry, packing campaign materials, scanning, and ushering visitors, the team’s work touches almost every corner of the department. They’re often the friendly faces greeting interview candidates or the steady hands ensuring that time-sensitive projects are delivered with care and accuracy.
The group’s day-to-day work is allocated by Helen Frantom, Manager Information Services, Department of Health WA and is managed by Maxima’s employment support partners Tahlia Robinson-Solczaniuk and Amanda Boardman, who share a role that is co-located with the team. Tasks are allocated based on each person’s strengths and interests.
‘Everyone brings something different,’ Tahlia says. ‘We match tasks to what people do well, but we also give them opportunities to learn new skills. It’s not just about getting the work done – it’s about challenging the team and helping them grow.’
During a recent visit, we met David, Roland and Geoff – three long-serving team members who between them have more than 40 years of combined service.
David enjoys the structure and pace of the work, and the strong relationships the team has built with department staff. ‘It’s a great place to work with great people, and I’ve learnt a lot of new skills. Maxima has been really supportive and helpful,’ he says. Outside of work, David channels his precision and focus on hosting video game tournaments and playing snooker.
Roland, who uses a wheelchair, is known for his sharp eye for detail – and his sense of humour. His careful approach ensures that data entry tasks are completed to a high standard and away from work, he is learning how to build websites.
Roland recalls a time when he had fallen from his wheelchair at home and couldn’t get help right away. When he didn’t arrive for work, Tahlia noticed and called to check in. ‘It’s just another thing that work gives you,’ Roland said. ‘People were expecting me – and when I didn’t turn up, they put out the call for help. It’s nice to know I was missed.’
Geoff, a keen tenpin bowler who often travels across the country to compete in National tournaments, recently tried his hand at ushering. His role was to greet interview candidates in reception and make them feel comfortable as he guided them to their interview location. ‘I was pretty nervous to start with,’ he said. ‘But it really helped my confidence and Mum noticed that it helped me come out of my shell.’
Tahlia says the role she and Amanda play is all about supporting independence. ‘Each team member has different strengths, and we work together to figure out who’s best suited to each job,’ she says. ‘Our role is to shape the day, not to do the work. We’re there to offer guidance and to make sure everyone has the chance to learn and enjoy what they do. The two half days I spend here each week are honestly so much fun, but also really rewarding.’
‘It’s incredible to see how much pride the team takes in their work and in supporting each other,’ Amanda said. ‘Every day, they show what’s possible when people are given the chance to contribute their strengths in a meaningful way. The growth in confidence, connection and capability we see is something really special.’
Having the team based in the department’s open-plan environment has also had benefits beyond the work itself. ‘People see and get to know the team,’ Helen says. ‘They appreciate that there’s a person on the other end of their request, not just an anonymous admin service. The team brings energy, connection and a great sense of purpose to the workplace.’
‘They add more than just clerical support – they’ve become an important part of the team and a living example of what inclusive employment looks like in action.’
Maxima supports David, Geoff, Roland and the rest of the team through the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) service, an Australian government-funded program which provides support for people living with disability, injury or a health condition to find and keep meaningful employment.
The success of the Department of Health’s admin support team is a shining example of how inclusion and teamwork can transform a workplace. When people are valued for their abilities and supported to thrive, everyone benefits: the individuals, their colleagues, and the wider community.
To find out more about accessing Inclusive Employment Australia services through Maxima, click here