A Place at the Table with All Things Equal

What inspired the creation of All Things Equal, and what need were you hoping to address for people living with disability? 

All Things Equal was established to address the significant barriers people living with disability face when trying to access meaningful employment. Many individuals have the skills and motivation to work but lack access to inclusive training environments and employers willing to invest in their potential.  Just 56 per cent of working-age Australians living with disability are employed, compared to 82 per cent of those without disability. The demand for meaningful work is undeniable. Our waitlist shows people want the chance to contribute, earn award wages and be part of their community. 

Hospitality was chosen as the platform because it is social, community-focused and offers hands-on learning opportunities. Through cafés and catering operations, All Things Equal provides practical training while helping shift perceptions about disability in the workplace. 

Can you explain how your Employment Pathway Program supports people living with disability to build skills, confidence and move into open employment? 

The Employment Pathway Program is designed as a structured journey into the workforce. 

Participants begin with pre-employment training where they develop foundational skills in food preparation, customer service, teamwork and workplace communication. They then transition into paid roles within All Things Equal cafés and catering operations, working in real commercial environments while continuing to receive mentoring and one-on-one support from our hospitality trainers. 

Our goal is not only to employ people within our own venues, it is to build confidence and capability so participants can move into broader employment across the hospitality industry and beyond. 
 
So far, All Things Equal has nurtured partnerships with key hospitality employment partners at W Melbourne (Marriott Group), Food & Desire, Arnold Bloch Leibler (internal catering services) and Delaware North (MCG).  

What impact have you seen on participants when they are given the opportunity to work at award wages in a supportive, inclusive environment? 

The impact is significant. Being paid award wages reinforces a strong sense of value, independence and belonging. Participants often develop greater confidence, stronger communication skills and pride in contributing to a team. 

We regularly see people grow into confident team members who are proud of their work. That transformation benefits individuals, families and the wider community. 

And of course, our customers also play an important role. By choosing to visit All Things Equal venues or use its catering services, they directly support inclusive employment in action. 

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for All Things Equal and for inclusive employment opportunities in the community? 

A key focus for the organisation is continued growth and increased visibility. An upcoming expansion to the Abbotsford Convent will introduce inclusive employment to one of Melbourne’s most visited cultural precincts, welcoming around 700,000 visitors each year. 

This expansion allows us to create more award-wage roles while reaching a much broader audience. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to shift perceptions about disability and employment. 

By strengthening partnerships and expanding its model, we aim to help create a future where inclusive employment is an integral and valued part of the workforce. 

LEARN MORE https://www.allthingsequal.com.au/