Newcastle, NSW – At Access Industries, we’ve always believed that if things in the workplace don’t quite fit for our supported employees, we adjust them and preferably with a dash of ingenuity and a bit of heart.
Around 30 years ago, our team faced a challenge: how could we make the fiddly, highly technical task of producing perfectly sized polypropylene lashings (or packaging twine) in a method to suit our supported employees with different abilities? The solution wasn’t to make people fit the machine; it was to make the machine fit the people. To address this, a new role and process were created to support employees, ensuring that everyone could participate meaningfully. The now-legendary Lashings Machine was born.
The brilliance of this invention lies in its simplicity. Rather than demanding years of technical skill or training, the Lashings Machine cleverly breaks the process into easy, repeatable steps. Employees simply wind a long-form rope around hooks, close the cabinet, and let the machine work its magic, heat-lasering perfect lengths of rope in seconds. The machine is designed to assist employees in their tasks, making the process accessible and efficient. From there, other supported employees step in to add the finishing touches: twisting, knotting, and looping the rope exactly as the client requires. It’s packaging perfection, delivered with teamwork and pride.
The Lashings Machine isn’t flashy, it doesn’t whistle, it doesn’t dance, and it doesn’t make coffee (though we wish it did!). What it does do is far more important: it provides stable, meaningful employment for people with disability, empowering them to gain confidence, learn new skills, and contribute to producing high-quality industry-standard products. This directly improves the quality of life for employees, supporting their independence and personal growth.
Over the years, many employees have proudly become “machine masters,” passing on their knowledge to others and proving that inclusion can be both practical and powerful. The program around the Lashings Machine offers structured employment support and valuable work experience for employees, helping them develop skills and advance in their roles.
Today, the Lashings Machine stands as more than just an industrial workhorse. It is a symbol of empathy, creativity, and the belief that with the right tools, everyone can shine. Access Industries is committed to supporting employees and providing ongoing assistance to help them achieve their goals. For three decades, it has been quietly churning out not just twine, but also opportunity, dignity, and independence. Innovation doesn’t always need to be shiny and new—sometimes the greatest inventions are the ones that keep on giving, year after year, lashing after lashing.
The focus of this initiative is on identifying and developing employee strengths, ensuring that each individual is supported to reach their potential. This project continues to support innovation and inclusion in the workplace.
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Australian ingenuity isn’t just about inventing new gadgets, it’s about finding creative ways to support people and help them thrive. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of supported employment services, where the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is opening doors for individuals with disabilities. Through supported employment, people can access a range of employment services designed to help them transition into meaningful jobs, achieve their personal goals, and feel confident in their abilities. Whether it’s through tailored training, workplace adjustments, or simply the encouragement to try something new, these services are funded and focused on helping every person gain the skills and security they need to succeed. By ensuring the security of your connection and completing the necessary steps, you can access supported employment opportunities and work towards your NDIS goals, all while becoming a valued member of your community.
Across Australia, supported employment services are changing lives one job at a time. With the help of supported employment funding and a well-crafted NDIS plan, individuals are gaining the skills and confidence needed to pursue their employment goals and build rewarding careers. Employment services offer a variety of supports, from travel training to job coaching, all designed to help people develop the abilities they need to succeed in the workplace. These programs don’t just prepare people for jobs, they empower them to participate fully in their communities and strive for open employment. By identifying their strengths and interests, supported employees can find roles that match their abilities and ambitions, making a real impact in businesses across the country. Every success story is a testament to the power of support, training, and the determination to achieve more.
Starting your employment journey with supported employment services might seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes a pathway to independence and achievement. The first step is to develop an NDIS plan that clearly outlines your employment goals and the supports you’ll need to reach them. From there, you can access a range of employment services, including job coaching, travel training, and workplace modifications, all designed to help you gain the skills and confidence required for success. Working alongside a supportive team, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your abilities and feel secure as you progress towards your goals. Remember to review the security of your connection before proceeding and verify you are human when accessing online resources, these simple steps help ensure your information stays safe as you move forward. With the right plan, support, and training, you can achieve your employment ambitions and take the next step in your career.
No one achieves their goals alone, and in supported employment, the strength of community and support networks makes all the difference. By connecting with others through supported employment services, individuals can share experiences, gain advice, and find encouragement on their employment journey. Community-based programs offer a wide range of supports, from job training and mentorship to social activities and information sessions, all aimed at helping people develop new skills and build confidence. These networks foster a sense of belonging and motivation, making it easier to overcome challenges and stay focused on employment goals. By participating in workshops and engaging with supportive teams, individuals can gain the training and experience needed to thrive in the workplace and achieve lasting success.