Getting to know our team with Blea

At Bamara, we’ve welcomed a new team of passionate mentors across NSW, NT and QLD, all dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their communities.  

Among these hard-working individuals is Blea, whose journey into inclusive employment is driven by empathy, and a deep commitment to supporting others to succeed. 

Born in Slough, England, Blea spent years moving between the rainy UK and the tropical warmth of Cairns before finally settling in Cairns for the last seven years.  

With beginnings in retail, working her way up to store manager, she identified her passion for helping others and moved to pursue a career where she could do just that.  

Moved by experiences from her friends and family living with disability, Blea set out to leave a positive impact in the disability support sector.  

Living with ADHD and anxiety, Blea understands the value of inclusive and flexible workplaces, and is committed to helping people with disability, injury or health condition find the right fit for them.

“I struggle with anxiety and ADHD myself, and I haven’t always had the best experiences in the workplace. I like to help others who may be going through the same thing to let them know they can pursue that job, or they can pursue their passions and can go far,” Blea said. 

She has a knack for problem solving and finding new ways to tailor solutions to provide the best support, not just for participants, but for her team as well.    

Now, as Regional Manager for Inclusive Employment Australia, overseeing the Cairns and Townsville region, Blea leads with empathy and compassion to ensure her staff are well supported in their roles. 

Each day starts with a check-in with her team, opening the floor for anyone who may need support to get what they need, sharing wins, and setting the pace for the day ahead. 

She believes that getting the best out of people starts with supporting their wellbeing, both mental and physical. 

“While our main goal is to find participants meaningful employment and get them job ready, I think it’s important to make sure that they’ve got the other support that they need because it all works together that way. If you haven’t got the mental health support or the physical support that you might need, you might not feel ready to also get into a long-term employment role,” Blea said. 

When asked what makes this job so rewarding for her, Blea’s passion shone through, answering without a moment of hesitation that finding someone’s dream role is what makes it all worth it. 

“It’s a nice feeling to know you’ve actually helped someone do something great. You see a light in their eyes that may not have been that bright for a while,” Blea said. 

As Blea continues her journey with Bamara, her leadership and commitment to inclusivity set up a strong foundation for positive impact across the Cairns and Townsville region. 

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.