Government

About BEST Employment Limited (BEST)

BEST is a not-for-profit organisation that has been changing communities and lives for more than 25 years across the New England North West and Far West Orana regions of NSW and Darling Downs and Granite Belt regions of Southern Queensland.

Our experienced and passionate staff and volunteers work hard to achieve our Vision, that “BEST will develop and support independent, thriving, and resilient communities throughout regional NSW and QLD” by delivering a high-quality service that empowers thousands of people each year to address employment, mental health, training and other welfare-related needs.

Our Values that underpin our culture and service delivery are:
• We are committed to people
• We exercise leadership by example
• We maintain integrity
• We operate with passion and positivity
• We strive consistently for high performance

Our vast range of programs and services assist people with a disability, jobseekers, employers, Indigenous community members and youth.

As a dynamic organisation based in regional Australia, BEST understands the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by rural communities. We actively pursue projects and collaborative partnerships that result in innovative solutions aimed at overcoming these challenges, thereby building more resilient and sustainable communities.

Our status as a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) and registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) assists us to achieve our Vision and keeps our focus on projects that support disadvantaged and impoverished sectors of the communities within our footprint.

BEST's Services

BEST delivers services from more than 20 locations; employs more than 175 staff and has more than 50 volunteers. We deliver Workforce Australia Services and Inclusive Employment Australia on behalf of the Commonwealth Government, multiple Community Programs on behalf of the NSW State Government, a Centrelink Agency, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Services and a Retail Opportunity Shop.

Workforce Australia Employment Services

Delivered across the New England North West and Far West Orana Employment Regions. Funded under contract with Department of Employment and Workforce Relations.

Inclusive Employment Australia

Delivered across the Warwick, New England and Keepit Employment Services Areas. Inclusive Employment Australia helps to create a more inclusive future where people with disability as well as those with injury or health condition can get support to prepare for, find and maintain work, and grow their career. Funded under the contract with Department of Social Services.

BEST has over 19+ years of proven success and a track record of demonstrating high quality employment services to people with disability.

BEST Community Connections

Delivery of registered NDIS services in the Inverell Local Government Area (LGA). We support adults with disabilities who have moderate to high support needs. Our services include Social and Community Participation, Assistance with Daily Life, Capacity Building, Finding and Keeping a Job, Supported Independent Living, and Plan Management. We also offer flexible respite supports.

BEST Community Services

Delivery of a wide range of Community Programs and Services across Inverell, Moree, Wee Waa and Tamworth LGA’s. Our services include;

Caseworker Support Program- Youth Justice caseworkers can refer young people to the Casework Support Program to help them meet their Youth Justice case plan goals. The program helps young people meet practical needs and goals, such as finding work, enrolling in education, getting ID, applying for Centrelink payments, and other essential activities.
Domestic and Family Violence Program - This program receives referrals through Youth Justice, to support not only the young person but the whole family who may be impacted by Domestic and family Violence. This is done through providing education, strategies, supported referrals, advocacy and therapeutic interventions.
Breakfast club - This service provides free breakfast to school age children who otherwise may not receive breakfast. This service is delivered from our Waratah Avenue location in Inverell.
Centrelink agency – Provision of Centrelink services in Wee Waa including self-service computers, phone, fax and printer to assist you with your Centrelink or Medicare enquiries,
Helping Hands - Indigenous clients between 12-20 years old, who have been incarcerated or are at risk are provided programs to re-engage with education, training and the workforce. We can also link our clients to counselling and accommodation supports.
Homework centre - Children in infants and primary are provided afternoon tea and access to computer, internet and printers to assist with homework at our Waratah Avenue location.
Sewing Group - Members of the community are invited to attend a sewing group at 16 Waratah Avenue. Sewing machines are provided, including lunch. Coffee and tea facilities are also available.
Suspended students room - This service provides a tutor/mentor to students who have been suspended from school. Suspended students attend BEST Community Services, 152 Otho Street, and are supplied work from their class.
SecondBite - BEST Community Services, in partnership with Coles, deliver the SecondBite program weekly. Quality surplus food from SecondBite is advertised on our Facebook page for community to collect from our Inverell office.

BEST Community Shed

A Retail Opportunity Shop that also provides Welfare Services to the Inverell Community. The BEST Community Shed is a charity, which was established to build and grow a stronger, more socially inclusive community. The BEST Community Shed provides the following services:

Collection and sales of donated furniture, clothing, electrical and homeware items.
Provides access to laundry and shower facilities.
Provision of welfare services.
Donates profits into local not for profit community organisations and community projects.

BEST Government Stakeholders

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Department of Social Services
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
The National Indigenous Australians Agency