Practical Pathways to Inclusive Employment
Description
Delivered in collaboration with the Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce, Waverley Council, and Ecolibrium Headquarters, the Inclusive Bondi workshop series has been developed to help bridge the gap between policy, business, and the broader community through practical, real-world conversations focused on inclusion, accessibility, employment pathways, and stronger community connections.
Workshop 2: Practical Pathways to Inclusive Employment focuses on inclusive employment, workplace participation, practical support pathways, and helping businesses better understand how inclusive practices can be both meaningful and workable in real-world settings.
Participants are expected to include representatives from councils, Chambers of Commerce, business leaders, employment providers, hospitality operators, community organisations, and stakeholders working across the disability and government services sectors throughout NSW.
Importantly, this is not intended to be a theoretical or awareness-only initiative. The focus is on practical implementation, stronger community engagement, and helping businesses and organisations better understand what inclusive employment and participation can look like.
The broader presenter lineup is currently being finalised. It includes contributors from organisations such as Friendship Circle, Fairhaven, Plan Tracker, Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions and other sector leaders, lived experience contributors, and professionals leading the way in their fields.
Date: Thursday 25 June 2026
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Online via Zoom
Additional information and presenter announcements will be released shortly.
Lineup
Emmanuel Constantinou, Principal & Owner, Kwik Kopy Bondi Junction & President, Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce
As President of the Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce, Emmanuel Constantinou understands the important role local businesses play in shaping inclusive, connected, and welcoming communities. Through his leadership and long-standing involvement in the Bondi business community, Emmanuel continues to advocate for stronger collaboration among businesses, community organisations, and local government. Emmanuel will share why initiatives such as the Inclusive Bondi workshops are so important, how they align with Waverley Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), and why creating more accessible, inclusive, and community-conscious business environments is not only socially important but essential for the future strength and sustainability of local communities and businesses alike.
Chana Kavka, Co-Founder, Friendship Circle & Friendship Bakery
Chana Kavka is the Co-Founder of Sydney Friendship Circle and the driving force behind Friendship Bakery, a unique social enterprise creating meaningful pathways for young people with disabilities through skills development, workplace experience, and genuine community connection. With a background in special education, Chana has spent almost two decades building inclusive programs that bring people together, challenge barriers, and create opportunities for participation, confidence, and employment. Under her leadership, Friendship Circle has grown into a highly respected community organisation supporting hundreds of families across Sydney. Friendship Bakery has become a powerful example of inclusion in action, providing aspiring bakers and baristas with disabilities the opportunity to develop real-world skills while engaging directly with customers and the broader community. Passionate about creating environments where people of all abilities can contribute and belong, Chana’s work demonstrates how inclusive thinking can strengthen businesses, workplaces, and communities alike.
Sam Sooialo MBA, Co-CEO from Fairhaven
Sam Sooialo MBA is Co-CEO of Fairhaven, a Central Coast-based not-for-profit organisation creating employment and support opportunities for people living with disability. With more than 20 years of experience across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Sam brings a practical and outcomes-focused approach to leadership. At Fairhaven, he leads growth, partnerships, and market development, with a strong focus on supported employment and social enterprise. Through initiatives such as CoPack, Fairhaven demonstrates how Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) can deliver high-quality, commercially viable manufacturing and packaging solutions while building confidence, skills, independence, and meaningful employment opportunities for supported employees. Passionate about aligning purpose with performance, Sam is committed to creating sustainable employment pathways that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and demonstrate the value that inclusive workplaces bring to both business and society. As part of the Inclusive Bondi Workshop Series, Sam will share practical insights into inclusive employment, supported workplaces, and the opportunities that exist when organisations invest in people’s abilities and potential.
Simone Stanley, Business Relationship Manager at Plan Tracker
Simone Stanley is the Business Relationship Manager at Plan Tracker, one of Australia’s leading NDIS plan management providers. In her role, Simone works closely with participants, families, providers, businesses, and community organisations to build meaningful partnerships and strengthen connections across the disability sector. With a strong focus on community engagement and collaboration, Simone is passionate about helping people navigate the evolving disability landscape while creating opportunities for greater inclusion, participation, and independence. Through her work at Plan Tracker, Simone supports initiatives that connect individuals, businesses, service providers, and local communities, recognising that true inclusion extends beyond funding and services to creating environments where people feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute. As part of the Inclusive Bondi Workshop Series, Simone will share insights into the importance of community connection, the changing disability sector, and how businesses and organisations can play a vital role in creating more inclusive opportunities and stronger community outcomes for people living with disability.
Rebecca Fletcher from Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions
Rebecca Fletcher from Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions will be contributing practical insights across both workshop sessions, drawing on lived experience, inclusive employment practices, and real-world implementation strategies currently being used across the sector. Discussion topics expected to include: * Lived experience perspectives and feedback from participants and families * Staff awareness and training considerations * Inclusive customer service and communication practices * Accessibility and inclusion within everyday business processes * Creating genuine feedback loops with customers and the community * Practical, low-cost adjustments businesses can implement immediately
Leon Goltsman from Ecolibrium Headquarters & Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce
Leon Goltsman is the Founder and CEO of Ecolibrium Headquarters, host of the Engaging Conversations podcast, former Waverley Councillor, and a Board Member of the Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce. With a background spanning community leadership, emergency services, business development, and stakeholder engagement, Leon is passionate about creating stronger and more connected communities through practical collaboration and meaningful engagement. Leon has worked extensively across local government, business, community organisations, and the not-for-profit sector, with a strong focus on inclusion, accessibility, employment pathways, and strengthening relationships between community and industry. As facilitator of the Inclusive Bondi Workshop Series, Leon brings together leaders from business, government, and the disability sector to encourage practical discussions, shared learning, and real-world outcomes that support more inclusive and accessible communities.
Agenda
- 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Running Order
10:30am | Welcome & Introduction Emmanuel Constantinou President, Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce Overview of the workshop, key objectives, and reflections from Workshop 1. ⸻ 10:33 am | Inclusive Employment in Practice Sam Sooialo MBA Co-CEO, Fairhaven Exploring supported employment, social enterprise, workforce participation, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for people living with disabilities. ⸻ 10:41am | Building Skills, Confidence & Pathways to Employment Chana Kavka Friendship Circle & Friendship Bakery How community-based initiatives can foster participation, develop skills, and create pathways towards employment and independence. ⸻ 10:49am | Connecting People, Business & Opportunity Simone Stanley Business Relationship Manager, Plan Tracker Strengthening community connections, navigating opportunities, and supporting individuals and families in an evolving disability landscape. ⸻ 10:57 am | Creating Inclusive Workplaces Rebecca Fletcher Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions Practical strategies for employers, workplace inclusion, and removing barriers to employment. ⸻ 11:05am | Audience Q&A & Community Discussion An interactive discussion with presenters exploring opportunities, challenges, and practical next steps. ⸻ 11:25am | Closing Remarks & Future Opportunities Leon Goltsman Ecolibrium Headquarters & Bondi & Districts Chamber of Commerce Summary of key themes, next steps, and opportunities for ongoing collaboration. ⸻ 11:30am | Event Close
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
