Community Employment Partnership

Belonging Matters is a not-for-profit, education and advisory service that was established in 2003 by people with disabilities and their families. The main purpose of Belonging Matters is to assist people with disabilities to belong and contribute to the social and economic fabric of the community.

Belonging Matters has been recognised as a leader through a National Disability Award in Social Inclusion and through its various partnerships with the University of Melbourne and the National Alliance of Capacity Building Organisations.

A pilot project, fully funded by the Department of Social Services will work together with business communities and networks to develop jobs for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. The project’s aim is to adapt and replicate the successful Alberta Rotary partnership and develop a partnership with local Rotary clubs, to create employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and autism

Patricia Wilson joined Belonging Matters in 2019 as the Community Employment Partnership (CEP) Project Manager.

She has worked in disability for over 20 years and has a Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma in Disability Studies. Her previous roles have included supporting people to make the transition out of traditional disability day supports, to create valued roles in their local communities, through customised employment or volunteering. She has also previously supported school leavers to participate in inclusive post school education, volunteering or work opportunities. In the last couple of years, she has supported individuals and their families to navigate the transition to the NDIS.

Jenny Royale is a member of the CEP Project team.  Jenny has extensive experience as a leading educator and career specialist, with senior teaching roles in secondary schools, and post-school partnership coordination with a key focus on creating successful school-to-work transitions for young people with disabilities. Jenny holds a Graduate Certificate in Careers Practitioner Practice, and strongly believes that everyone can and should have access to a working future to reach their goals.