Compass supports people with disabilities via multiple ventures

General Manager Liza Brock speaking at the May 1 Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch Up.

Long-established Sunshine Coast organisation Compass continues to make significant strides in providing opportunities for people with disabilities through its diverse enterprises across the region.

Compass General Manager Liza Brock highlighted the organisation's mission and multiple locations serving the community at a recent Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catchup. 

"We've been operating on the Coast for many years, providing learning and development opportunities for people with disabilities to find paid employment and reach their NDIS goals," Ms Brock told local business leaders.

The organisation's 20-acre organic farm in Palmwoods serves as both a training facility and production centre, where clients—referred to as "trainees"—grow and harvest fruits and vegetables for the local community. Any unsold produce is transformed into value-added products like jams and chutneys in their industrial kitchen.

Compass has centres from Caboolture to Gympie, including  three campuses in Nambour: the Compass Connections Cafe, which hosted the Chamber event; a learning and development centre in Centenary Square (C Square); and the Wabi Sabi gift shop which features handcrafted items made by trainees.

"All of the profit made  in our enterprises and with the sale of our produce and products goes back into resources for people in the Sunshine Coast region that have a disability and have goals to have an independent life," Ms Brock said.

Compass also offers Farmstays which provides a unique and tailored experience for young people with disabilities on the 20-acre Palmwoods farm. 

The farm stay allows participants to engage in animal husbandry, grow their own produce, and explore various activities like art, cooking, woodworking, and metalworking.  

The experience is designed to cater to the needs of each individual, in a comfortable and supportive environment.

The farm stay is ideal for people with disabilities by providing tailored activities to work towards achieving their NDIS goals.  

Ms Brock said Compass would also participate in the upcoming Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show from June 13-15, showcasing trainee-made arts and crafts in the maker space.