MCM joins CoAct network to deliver new disability employment program in Westgate, Yarra and Plenty regions

MCM (Melbourne City Mission) is proud to announce that we will join the CoAct network to support local jobseekers and employers under the Australian Government’s new disability employment program, Inclusive Employment Australia.

As a new member of CoAct’s national not-for-profit network, MCM will deliver tailored, community-based employment services for people with disability, injury, or health conditions working alongside CoAct to create meaningful and sustainable employment outcomes across the Victorian regions of Westgate, Yarra and Plenty.

From 1 November 2025, MCM will begin delivering services under Inclusive Employment Australia working closely with CoAct, jobseekers and local employers to build more inclusive, diverse, and resilient workplaces.

MCM Services General Manager, Sean Spencer, said joining the CoAct network presents a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact in the community.

“At MCM, we’ve seen the barriers young people with disability face in finding and keeping meaningful employment. Being selected as a specialist youth provider for Inclusive Employment Australia is an exciting opportunity to change that. This program reflects our long-held belief that employment support must be person-centred, flexible, and grounded in dignity,” said Sean.

“Through a genuine co-design process with CoAct, we’ve developed a collaborative and innovative service delivery model tailored to the real-world needs of young people with disability. We’re proud to bring our expertise and wraparound support to help young people achieve their goals and to contribute to building a more inclusive workforce across Victoria."

Replacing the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program, Inclusive Employment Australia marks a significant shift toward personalised support that champions choice and control for jobseekers and fosters stronger engagement with employers to drive inclusive recruitment practices.

As Australia’s leading network of not-for-profit community service providers, CoAct was awarded delivery of the Inclusive Employment Australia contract nationally, ensuring consistent, community-driven employment support across Australia with CoAct’s broad national reach.

Simon Brown, CEO of CoAct, congratulated MCM on their appointment to the network, noting the strength that comes from collaboration.

“Our co-designed model brings together deep local knowledge, specialist expertise, and lived experience to deliver high-quality services tailored to the diverse needs of jobseekers and employers across Australia,” Mr Brown said.

“We’re excited to welcome MCM into the growing CoAct network. Together, we’re building stronger communities where everyone can thrive through meaningful and sustainable employment.”

As part of Inclusive Employment Australia, the Australian Government has prioritised engaging a broader and more diverse network of specialist providers - organisations with expertise in supporting people with specific disability types and complex support needs. This approach recognises that no two jobseekers are the same and that employment support must be flexible, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience.

To learn more about Inclusive Employment Australia and connect with your local CoAct disability employment services provider, visit www.coact.org.au.