McCallum

14/09/2026

A Great Day to Get Involved!

With the arrival of some beautiful spring weather last week, our St Arnaud Community Access Day Program participants were excited to spend some time outdoors enjoying the sunshine.

One of the highlights of the day came when Peter was watching our garden crew mowing the lawns and decided he'd like to help. So, the team got creative and organised a mower that had been safely adapted, allowing Peter to join in and work alongside the crew.

Peter took great pride in his new role, tackling the job with enthusiasm and a big smile. Most importantly, he was incredibly proud of what he achieved, and being able to get involved.

Moments like these remind us that meaningful participation isn't always about the task itself. It's about creating opportunities for people to explore their interests, build confidence, develop skills and experience the satisfaction that comes from contributing.

Interested in learning more about McCallum's Community Access Day Programs?
https://mccallum.org.au/disability-support-services/community-access

12/09/2026

YOUR SUPPORT. LOCAL IMPACT. LASTING CHANGE.

For more than 70 years, McCallum has been supporting people with disability across our local community, helping people build independence, develop skills, connect with others and achieve their goals.

As a registered not-for-profit organisation, every donation we receive is reinvested into supporting people with disability and strengthening our community. Contributions help create new opportunities, enhance programs, improve facilities and support initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

We are proud to be a 100% local organisation with a long history of delivering high-quality support and we're excited to launch our new online donation portal, making it easier than ever to contribute.

Whether it's a one-off gift or an ongoing contribution, every donation helps us continue creating opportunities, fostering inclusion and building a stronger community for people with disability.

💙 Your donation stays local and helps create opportunities for people with disability right here in our community.

💙 All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

👉 Donate today: https://mccallum.org.au/donate-now/

Together, we can create more opportunities, stronger connections and brighter futures for people with disability.

09/09/2026

R U OK? DAY - A CONVERSATION COULD CHANGE A LIFE

This R U OK? Day, we're encouraging everyone to take a moment to genuinely check in with the people around them.

For many people with disability, mental health challenges can be a daily reality. Research shows that people with disability experience significantly higher rates of psychological distress, highlighting the importance of connection, support and belonging.

We also acknowledge the incredible carers, family members and support people who dedicate so much of themselves to others. Research shows carers are more likely to experience psychological distress and social isolation, making it just as important to ask them, "Are you OK?" too.

A simple conversation can remind someone that they are valued, supported and not alone.

Today, and every day, let's make time to listen, connect and check in with the people in our lives.

At McCallum, we believe everyone deserves to feel connected, heard and supported. This R U OK? Day, take the time to start a conversation. It could make all the difference.

💛 Learn how to ask, listen and support someone at www.ruok.org.au

08/09/2026

What happens when 18 organisations come together to explore the power of inclusive employment? Meaningful conversations, new connections and real opportunities to create social impact.

Last Friday, McCallum Enterprises was proud to welcome representatives from 18 organisations as part of Social Procurement Week, showcasing how inclusive employment can create lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and the wider community.

Guests heard from an inspiring panel featuring Natalie Illingworth from Raven Collective, who shared how Raven supports women impacted by family violence to build skills, confidence and pathways back into the workforce, and Stewart Cullen, who spoke about McCallum Enterprises' Supported Employment model and the meaningful opportunities it creates for people with disability.

Attendees also enjoyed a fantastic morning tea delivered by our Youth Employment Assistance participants through the Golden Opportunities Coffee Van, demonstrating employment pathways and inclusion in action.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted the value of bringing people together to learn, connect and explore the impact of social procurement across our region.

Thank you to Workforce Australia Local Jobs Ballarat for supporting the event through the Local Initiative Fund, and to Social Procurement Australasia for their leadership in bringing Let's Celebrate Social Procurement Week to life.

Interested in partnering with McCallum Enterprises and creating positive social impact through your procurement decisions? Learn more on our website.

05/09/2026

NOMINATIONS OPEN MONDAY
for the 2026 International Day of People with Disability Awards

McCallum Disability Services is proud to be a sponsor of the Accessible Arts and Culture Award as part of the City of Ballarat's 2026 International Day of People with Disability Awards.

This award recognises a person with disability who uses their creative talents to express themselves, connect with others and challenge perceptions of disability.

With eight award categories celebrating people, carers, volunteers, clubs, businesses and organisations that are helping build a more inclusive and accessible Ballarat, now is the time to recognise those making a positive difference in our community.

Nominations open at 9am on Monday and we encourage you to nominate yourself or someone they know who is creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and championing inclusion.

Nominations close: Monday 16 November 2026

We look forward to celebrating the incredible individuals and organisations helping make Ballarat a more accessible and inclusive community for all!

Check the link in our bio.

International Day of People with Disability Awards On this page Key dates Award categories Who is eligible for nomination? How do I nominate someone? Presenting Partners 2025 Award Winners and Finalists Quick Tasks Nominations for International Day of People with Disability Awards 2026 The City of B...

02/09/2026

At a time when many people with disability are feeling uncertain about broader sector reforms, it's encouraging to see local leadership focused on inclusion and accessibility.

We congratulate the City of Ballarat on the launch of its new Disability and Inclusion Action Plan and its commitment to engaging with people who have lived experience.

As McCallum CEO Rhiannon Williams shared, "Nothing about us, without us."

People with disability must have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. That's how stronger, more inclusive communities are built.

Read the full story via the link: https://shorturl.at/ofJ0f

📸 - Courier

28/08/2026

Don’t forget the container drive today at our Neerim Crescent site.
Bring your containers, grab a free coffee from the Golden Opportunities Coffee Van and support Foodbank Victoria.
See you there!

Your empties, full tummies. Make a real difference and help support Foodbank Victoria!

Donate your cans, bottles and carton refunds at the CDS Vic Depot Ballarat North operated by McCallum on Saturday 29 August and help turn recycling refunds into essential food support for people in our community.

📅 Saturday 29 August, 8am - 4pm (coffee from 9am - 12pm!)
📍 CDS Vic Depot Ballarat North, 6 Neerim Crescent, Mitchell Park VIC 3355
💜 Help raise funds for Foodbank Victoria

Not only do your 10c donations help provide meals for Victorians doing it tough, but every container returned via the Depot supports meaningful employment through McCallum Disability Services.

Plus grab a coffee in the morning and meet the team to find out more about the great work happening in Ballarat!

Save the date!

27/08/2026

WEAR IT PURPLE DAY

Today, we stand with LGBTQIA+ young people and celebrate the right of every person to be proud of who they are.

For people with disability who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community, feeling seen, accepted and included can sometimes come with additional challenges. That's why days like Wear It Purple matter.

At McCallum, we believe everyone deserves to live as their authentic self, to feel safe, respected and valued and to know they belong.

Today we're wearing purple to show our support for a community where diversity is celebrated and everyone is welcome.

💜 Because inclusion means everyone.

27/08/2026

YOUR NEXT ROLE COULD CHANGE A LIFE. YOURS.

At McCallum, we believe meaningful work starts with meaningful relationships. For over 70 years, we've been creating opportunities for people with disability while building a workplace where people feel valued, supported and empowered.

As a trusted, registered NDIS provider, we're growing our team and are looking for people who want a career with purpose.

We're currently recruiting:
✅ Disability Support Worker - Ballarat (Casual)
✅ Disability Support Worker - St Arnaud (Casual)
✅ Residential Disability Support Worker - Ballarat (Casual)
✅ Maintenance Officer - Ballarat (Part Time)

Whether you have experience in the disability sector or you are looking for a rewarding new direction, there's never been a better time to explore a career with McCallum.

Apply today: https://mccallum.org.au/careers/

27/08/2026

Join Women's Health Grampians for a FREE Wellbeing Afternoon for women and gender diverse people with disabilities, run by Women with Disabilities Vic, in partnership with Women’s Health Grampians, Grampians disAbility Advocacy and Stawell Neighbourhood House.

As part of this wellbeing afternoon, Cancer Council Victoria will be delivering a free cervical screening education session for women and gender-diverse people with disabilities.

Date: Thursday 10th September 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Stawell Neighbourhood House, 42 Sloane Street, Stawell 3380 Victoria.
Cost: Free

What to expect:
🦺Learn how cervical screening protects you
😎Tips for a comfortable and stress-free experience
❤️‍🩹Chat with a sexual health nurse
🤲Art activity with local artist!
💅Free self-care pack & resources
😋Enjoy lunch & connect with others

Registrations are essential to help planning for dietary and accessibility requirements.

Register via: https://events.humanitix.com/wellbeingafternoon

Supported by Cancer Council Victoria with funding from the Victorian Government