Cai’s small steps to big change

Pictured: Cai and his cat, Sean.

It started with a walk to the shops – now, Cai is enrolled into studying for his ideal career. The small steps he’s taken since connecting with Bamara through the Inclusive Employment Australia service has amassed into meaningful progress in his personal life.

In December 2025, Cai connected with his mentor Katrina from our Townsville office. After the first few appointments, Katrina recognised that phone-based or online appointments, where Cai could engage in the most comfortable and supportive environment, were a better fit for his needs.

This approach allowed her to get to know Cai and his interests at a steady pace, in a space that felt safe and supportive for him.

Rather than diving straight into larger goals, Katrina instead focused on starting small, setting manageable challenges that gently encouraged Cai to step outside his comfort zone and try new things for himself. 

The first step was to go for a walk up the street to the shops. The next step, going inside. The next, making a purchase.  

Each time, Cai completed the task and would message Katrina afterwards with a quick update, often a short note or a simple thumbs-up. 

While Cai consistently applied himself and embraced each challenge, there were days when things felt more difficult. On these days, Katrina was there to reassure him that it was okay to pause and try again when he was feeling ready. 

As time passed, Cai’s trust in Katrina grew, and he began to open up more about his interests and goals – even showing pictures of his beloved pet cat, Sean.  

He expressed an interest in computers, and Katrina worked with him to explore what a suitable career path and work environment might look like for him. Together, they discussed potential study options in Information Technology and Cyber Security, helping him consider new pathways without pressure. 

Taking on her suggestions, he took the time to think over his options and arrived at the decision to undertake a Certificate III in Cyber Security.  

“I am so incredibly proud of Cai’s progress, and I feel so honoured that he trusted me, someone he had only ever heard on the phone to set mini goals and work together to achieve such great success,” Katrina, Mentor, said. 

Since early April, he has been working through the self-paced course with Katrina’s ongoing support, continuing to build skills and confidence as he works towards a bright future.

Connect with our Inclusive Employment Australia team

Bamara is a provider of Inclusive Employment Australia, a government funded specialist disability employment support program.

We provide flexible and responsive services in an inclusive and safe environment to ensure you receive the right support you need when you need it.