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Serving Up Employment For All At Australian Open

12 February 2021

The Australian Open is providing a vital stepping stone for jobseekers who are experiencing barriers to gaining work, including people who are long-term unemployed, have a disability or speak English as a second language.

A partnership between JobsBank and Tennis Australia has supported 25 people into roles at Melbourne Park ranging from retail and hospitality to event management, providing experience working at one of the world’s great sporting events.

The partnership demonstrates the benefits of diversity in the workforce and is helping Tennis Australia to become a best-practice employer by supporting workers regardless of background.

Doubling the number of program participants from last year, Tennis Australia and JobsBank are helping people like Kelsey Carlisle, who is working in retail at the Open.

Kelsey has an intellectual disability and has found it challenging to secure and retain work. She tells prospective employers about her disability to allow for appropriate adjustments (such as minor simplification of instructions and a little more time to absorb tasks) but feels that this results in rejections.

Rebecca Desiree is a mother of two from France, of African heritage, and has been in Australia for 18 months.

She had previously worked in hotels but since arriving in Australia has found it hard to find work and has been working as a volunteer in a Brotherhood of St Laurence shop. Rebecca is working in hospitality at the Australian Open and is excited about the opportunities this role will provide in her efforts to find permanent work.

Lauren Quittner recently completed a TAFE diploma in travel and tourism. Given the disruption to this industry over the past year, she has pursued work in events and event management, as it is closely related to her field, and hopes it will enable her to gain valuable knowledge as she looks to builds a career.

JobsBank partners with employers to secure the benefits of inclusive employment and create more jobs for priority jobseekers. To learn more, visit jobsbank.org.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford

“Kelsey, Rebecca and Lauren are showing what people can do when they are given a chance, and it’s fantastic to hear how excited they are about their jobs at the Open and their plans for the future.”

Quote attributable to JobsBank chief executive Corinne Proske

“JobsBank and Tennis Australia are providing jobseekers with a life-changing opportunity through our partnership at the Australian Open. We are equipping them with the tools they need to enter the workforce.”

Quote attributable to Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley

“We’ve said a key focus of AO 2021 was to play a key role in the economic and psychological reinvigoration of Melbourne and Victoria, and this partnership enables us to help get jobseekers back into the workforce.”

Quote attributable to Australian Open worker Kelsey Carlisle

“It's amazing to be working at the AO after years of loving tennis. I'm excited to get some good work experience for my resume and very happy to be part of an organisation that promotes diversity and inclusion.”

Reviewed 11 February 2021

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