Ostara Australia

Founded in 2001, Ostara Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation that works closely with the Australian Government, member services, communities and employers to provide employment services for those job seekers who are the most disadvantaged in Australia. We recognise the barriers to employment for individuals disadvantaged through mental illness and disability, and also the particular challenges for indigenous and refugee communities, mature aged people and the youth. Our holistic approach addresses both the vocational and non-vocational barriers faced by disadvantaged job seekers. As such, we deliver personalised employment services, whilst also working in collaboration with countless community and welfare organisations to help job seekers with any mental, cultural or emotional issues. Through research and experience, we know that the high unemployment rate among disadvantaged people is the result of external barriers, rather than a lack of capacity or motivation. These barriers are often based on ignorance, discrimination, stigma or inflexibility in accommodating special needs within the workplace. We work with employers to remove these barriers to meaningful employment. Through collaboration we give employers a voice as champions and leaders in integrating equity, diversity, recovery and wellbeing within the workplace and beyond. Ostara Australia has a vision for creating a future for Australia where people and communities experiencing disadvantage are socially and economically included.