When you think about workplace inclusion, does your business walk the talk?
At the Sydney Opera House, a simple interaction at the cloakroom is offering patrons something more than just customer service—it’s showcasing what inclusive employment really looks like. Meet Mikey: a Jigsaw graduate, local legend, and now, a valued member of the Sydney Opera House team.
Mikey’s new role as a front-of-house attendant is the result of job-ready training, tailored support, and a business willing to do things differently.
Before stepping into his position, Mikey completed Jigsaw’s work readiness program, which equipped him with the professional skills and confidence to thrive. Today, he’s responsible for greeting guests, collecting and returning personal items, providing directions, and—true to his nature—bringing warmth and connection to every interaction.
Behind Mikey’s successful employment is a system of integrated support. Jigsaw’s Connect team provided disability awareness training to the Opera House staff, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience and creating a workplace that not only welcomes difference – but understands how to support it.
“Tim Hayes from Jigsaw has been helping me with the process. We did a session with my new managers. It helped them understand me better—what I’m like, and how I work best,” said Mikey.
Jigsaw’s model doesn’t just prepare individuals like Mikey for employment—it also prepares workplaces to be inclusive. And that’s the real takeaway for business leaders: inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design.
Despite his positive experience, Mikey raises a critical point that all employers should consider.
“I’ve been to so many job interviews,” he says, “and I just don’t understand why it’s so easy for some people to get a job, but so hard for someone like me.”
In Australia, the unemployment rate for people with disability is still more than double that of people without disability. But the barrier isn’t capability—it’s opportunity.
Mikey has a message for Australian employers: “Give us a chance. If you want us to type something, we’ll do it. If you want us to learn something, we’ll do it. Just be more understanding.”
He’s not just talking about himself—he’s speaking for the thousands of talented, capable people with disability who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the workforce, if only they’re given the opportunity.
At the Sydney Opera House, inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s in action. Can the same be said for your business?
A heartfelt thank you to the Bowness Family Foundation, JACE Foundation, and Limb Family Foundation for making the Opera House’s Workplace Readiness Program possible.