Good Sammy recognised for award-winning pathways into employment
Good Sammy Enterprises has been named a winner at the 2026 WA Disability Support Awards for Excellence in Supporting Employment Outcomes, recognising a proven, person-centred approach that is helping more Western Australians with disability move into work.
The award was underpinned by the learnings and impact of Good Sammy’s Pathways to Employment Pilot, co-designed with people with lived experience of disability, to remove barriers, build job readiness, and create genuine pathways into open and hybrid employment.
Good Sammy was also honoured to be recognised as a finalist for Excellence in Innovation, and to celebrate team member Brandan Macri, Senior Safety and Wellbeing Partner, for being nominated in the Outstanding Leader category for his leadership in supported employment outcomes.
This award recognises what we see every day – when we invest in strengths, remove barriers, and work alongside employers – people with disability thrive at work. We’re proud of the outcomes achieved through the Pathways to Employment Pilot and excited to partner with industry and funders to expand this impact.
I’d like to acknowledge the whole Good Sammy team for their continued efforts to address the systemic and under employment of people with disability in Western Australia.”
Kane Blackman, CEO Good Sammy Enterprises
About the pilot
Developed in 2023, the pilot was funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation and a private funder.
- 67 people with disability commenced accredited training (Certificate II–IV pathways, traineeships, forklift licensing and driver training), building practical, transferable skills.
- 72% training completion rate, reflecting strong engagement and high-quality support.
- Seven participants secured open employment, with a further 20 people moving into open or hybrid roles with external employers.
- 85% retention rate for people placed into open employment, demonstrating job fit, sustained support and employer readiness.
- 60% reported increased confidence and independence.
Perhaps most importantly, more than 90% of participants shared that consistent, individualised support and mentorship was key to sustaining employment.
Positioned for growth
Good Sammy’s Pathways to Employment Pilot was independently evaluated by the Social Policy Research Unit (UNSW) and the Centre for Social Impact (UWA), examining impact for people with disability, workplaces and families. The evaluation confirmed “the success of these trials demonstrates the potential for scalable, sustainable models of support that benefit both employees and employers.”
With independent evidence of impact and a structured, multi-phase pathway model, Good Sammy is positioned to continue to scale what works: increasing employer capability, strengthening job retention, and supporting more people with disability to secure meaningful employment.
