THE BARKUMA JOURNAL
Barkuma and Cafetto Unite to Create Jobs and Skills in SA
Barkuma is proud to announce a new partnership with Cafetto, part of Dominant Australia, a national leader in high-performance cleaning products.
Inclusive Employment Australia is Here!
On 1 November 2025, Australia entered a new era of disability employment with the launch of Inclusive Employment Australia, replacing Disability Employment Services (DES). Barkuma is proud to be appointed as an Inclusive Employment Australia provider in South Australia, continuing a legacy that spans nearly six decades.
Transition Graduation 2023
Empowering Futures: A Glorious Evening at Barkuma's Transition Program Graduation In a night filled with joy and inspiration, Barkuma proudly celebrated the graduation of 28 remarkable individuals from its Transition Program. The event, held to honour the hard work...
Pathways to Employment with Barkuma Supports
From Transition, School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES), Supported Employment at Commercial Services and Disability Employment Service (DES). Barkuma offers tailored services that enable people with disabilities achieve their career goals.
Barkuma provides a seamless pathway between these supports and the flexibility to combine multiple supports to thrive in the workforce.
Barkuma’s response to the Disability Royal Commission
The Disability Royal Commission Taskforce is set to work across departments and agencies to coordinate the Australian Government’s response to the recommendations, engaging closely with the disability community. Simon Rowberry, the CEO of Barkuma, shared his perspective, “While some recommendations may not seem immediately applicable, they all share the overarching goal of inclusivity, which aligns with Barkuma’s mission.
FAQs About Home and Living with Barkuma
Supported Independent Living (SIL) encompasses a variety of services that support individuals with disabilities live independently.
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about Supported Independent Living.
Unlocking Potential: Barkuma’s Mentoring Program
Barkuma’s mentoring program is more than just support; it’s a pathway to empowerment, independence and self-advocacy. By focusing on developmental goals, person-centred practice and real, measurable outcomes, we are proud to be a trusted partner on the journeys of individuals living with disabilities.
Empowering Lives: Barkuma’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Unveiled
How can Barkuma’s 2023-2026 strategic plan help you? Watch the video.
The Business Benefits of Hiring Neurodiverse Talent
The Business Benefits of Hiring Neurodiverse Talent Barkuma is proud to champion the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals in the workforce. Danielle Broadway, Operations Manager - Open Employment at Barkuma, explains the advantages of hiring neurodiverse employees,...
Inclusivity and Excellence: Barkuma’s Commercial Services
With over 50 years of experience, Barkuma has carved a niche as a trusted name in commercial services. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality and tailored solutions, and we are committed to disability employment and inclusivity. We provide packaging,...
Micro-enterprise support with Barkuma
The micro-enterprise initiative helps people with intellectual disabilities start and manage their own affordable businesses. We plan to offer micro-enterprise support as a new employment option for our clients as part of our new strategy. This will be in addition to supported employment in Barkuma Commercial Services, and support in open employment via Disability Employment Service (DES).
A Collaborative Approach to Disability Services at Barkuma
Barkuma has embraced co-design as a way to revolutionise their offerings and enhance their clients’ experiences.
Skye’s Journey: Barkuma’s Approach to Support Coordination
Barkuma is actively working to enhance its Support Coordination services. The organization can now help more people with complex needs by offering Specialist Support Coordination.
The Evolution of ADE to Social Enterprise
Explore the transformation of ADE to a thriving social enterprise. Learn how Barkuma empowers communities through innovation and inclusive opportunities.
Debunking Myths About Disability Employment Support
Barkuma’s Transition Program supports students with disabilities and learning difficulties in Adelaide to move smoothly from school to their future.
Where are they now? We catch up with Barkuma’s Transition Program Graduates
Barkuma’s Transition Program supports students with disabilities and learning difficulties in Adelaide to move smoothly from school to their future.
Enhancing Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility
Businesses can partner with Barkuma social enterprise to fulfill their manufacturing and packaging requirements and support social and environmental responsibility and CSR initiatives.
Understanding the Uluru Statement from the Heart
You have probably recently heard and read about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the First Nations Voice to Parliament. The Uluru Statement is an important document in Australian history, and everyone should have the opportunity to understand its significance...
Leaving School NDIS Supports for Young People with Disability
What is SLES? Barkuma provides School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)for eligible people with disability. This support is designed for high school students and school leavers. It helps them get ready for work in open employment. They may not be ready to use a...
Barkuma response to Budget announcement for NDIS
The latest federal budget includes changes for the NDIS. Let’s look at how this could impact you and Barkuma. What was announced in the latest Federal Budget? Treasurer Jim Chalmers MP recently released the Federal Budget for 2023-24. It contains a “more than $720...
Disability Employment Service (DES) Provider: Top tips
Barkuma’s Disability Employment Service (DES) is free for people with disability in South Australia to access and is not a NDIS support. Our team is dedicated to working with people with Intellectual Disability, Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down...
Understanding the NDIS, SIL, Home and Living and Accommodation
NDIS, SIL, Home and Living, Accommodation Barkuma understands it can be overwhelming to dissect the vast amount of information available, especially if you are the primary carer, guardian or relative of someone with disability who is considering Supported Independent...