A N N U A L
R E P O R T
2024
WorkVentures respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
the lands and waters on which we live and work. We pay our respects
to Elders past and present.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY
We recognise the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Peoples to this land, which spans thousands of generations,
and honour their ongoing cultural and spiritual practices.
WorkVentures is committed to listening, learning and working together
in the spirit of reconciliation, acknowledging the injustices of the past,
and striving for a future of mutual respect and understanding.
MESSAGE FROM
OUR LEADERSHIP
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35
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COMPANY HISTORY
2024 OVERVIEW
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
SOLUTIONS
IT SOLUTIONS
LOGISTICS
SOLUTIONS
TECHNICAL
SOLUTIONS
OUR THREE-YEAR
STRATEGIC PLAN
FINANCIAL
SUMMARY
COMMITMENT TO
RECONCILIATION
CYBER SECURITY
SOLUTIONS
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37
OUR TEAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WorkVentures gratefully received
funding
support
from
Telstra
Foundation, ACCAN and the City of
Sydney to support the scaling of a
National
Device
Bank
and
progression
of
targeted
pilot
programs. Telstra’s 2024 Australian
Youth Digital Access identified that
1.16m young people don’t have
suitable
devices
at
home
to
support their education, while our
programs demonstrated that 8 in
10 students without appropriate
access reported falling behind.
We also deepened our impact
through enhanced delivery of our
programs. We increased levels of
support with new targeted digital
coaching content focused on the
real
challenges
faced
by
communities. We delivered this
along with refurbished devices to
over 5k homes.
MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Welcome To Our Company
As we reflect upon 2024, the year
stands out as one of substantial
transition for WorkVentures. With
a
focus
on
enhancing
our
offerings and expanding our
partner
network,
we
made
positive strides in our mission to
transform
Australia
through
technology,
skills
and
meaningful career pathways.
We doubled down on our work
to Bridge the Digital Divide
The first year of our 3-year plan
saw us deliver upon our ambition
to catalyse our impact through
enhanced program measurement
and advocacy.
We turned our 2024 KPMG report,
highlighting the criticality of digital
access for students, into a powerful
advocacy
tool
for
nationwide
digital equity. Since our media
campaign
recommending
‘National Device Bank’ in January
2024, this collaboration with Good
Things
Australia
and
Good360
Australia has gained substantial
momentum, supported by partners
in the ecosystem, such as ACCAN,
the Low Income Digital Inclusion
Forum (led by nbn), the First
Nations Digital Advisory Group and
the
Australian
Digital
Inclusion
Alliance and being contemplated
as part of digital inclusion policy
thinking at a state and federal level.
We grew our work supporting
NFPs to address cyber threats
As
cyber
threats
continue
to
escalate for NFPs across Australia,
we
continue
to
adapt
our
approach to support the sector. We
expanded our portfolio of offerings
to
add
governance
training
supporting
NFP
boards
to
proactively address the increasing
cyber threats. Over the course of
2024, WorkVentures supported 31
NFPs, providing vital protection to
over 570,000 vulnerable individuals.
02
Through delivering this support, it
became clear that this threat level
and the challenges the NFP sector
faces
to
address
it
require
elevation as an issue nationally. We
completed
a
detailed
project,
identifying the extent and impact of
cyber threats to NFPs across the
sector, with the results to be
published
and
used
as
an
advocacy tool in 2025.
We delivered meaningful
career opportunities
We concluded our 2 year, federally
funded,
cyber
career
pathway
program
which
provided
100
people from diverse backgrounds
with the opportunity experience our
1 month Cyber Explorer course and
progress to our 1 year Cyber
Kickstarter and Cadet programs.
Our
Cadet
program
produced
outstanding
outcomes
with
all
participants
progressing
to
ongoing careers in cyber and
achieving
an
average
post
program 64% salary increase.
With 40% pursuing careers in the
public sector, 40% in the corporate
and 20% at NFPs the program offers
a
promising
framework
for
improving sovereign capability.
Our
traineeships
continued
to
deliver
impressive
completion
rates,
72%
compared
to
the
national average 56%.
We transitioned our
operational business model
As we navigate this transition, we
are optimistic about our growing
impact
and
are
continuously
grateful
to
our
staff
for
their
unwavering commitment.
For
many
years,
WorkVentures’
impact
has
been
funded
by
income
generated
from
our
commercial
electronic
repairs,
delivered by previous participants
in
our
electronics
employment
programs. Unfortunately, over the
past 5 years we have seen demand
for repairs diminish, leading us to
transition
our
reliance
on
this
income.
In
2024,
a
material
reduction of a key repair contract
accelerated this transition and led
to one-off business restructuring
costs. We are very grateful to all
staff who supported these services
and their years of dedication.
As
outlined
in
our
purpose
statement, we cannot do this alone.
We thank and acknowledge the
support of our many partners,
customers and suppliers across the
corporate, government and for-
purpose sectors. Together, we have
every confidence that we can work
towards
an
equitable
Australia
where everyone can thrive.
Felix Wong
Board Chair
Caroline McDaid
CEO
Company Introduction
WHAT MAKES WORKVENTURES DIFFERENT?
The unique structure of our organisation means that we have the
capacity to provide dedicated and specialised support to those we
support. Each of our four business units focuses on their individual
missions while intrinsically linking their work to support other teams.
WorkVentures is a not-for-profit and social enterprise focused on
transforming Australia through technology, skills and meaningful
career pathways.
We work with businesses, government bodies and the for-purpose
sector to bridge the digital divide, provide equitable career pathway
opportunities and promote a circular economy.
04
An equitable Australia
where everyone can thrive
Purpose
Transforming Australia
through technology, skills,
and meaningful career pathways
Vision
Bridge the
digital divide
Promote a
circular economy
Provide equitable
career opportunities
Founded as Peninsula Community
Services in 1979, WorkVentures has
undergone many developments;
however, our core objectives and
dedication to the communities we
support have remained the same.
1979
A LONG HISTORY OF MAKING CHANGE
Company Introduction
Company History
1989
1990-1991
Our organisation started as a
local initiative to offer a range of
community development
opportunities, including children
and youth services.
We began offering computer
training facilities, and our focus
moved towards employment
services. In the following years,
we were invited by the Federal
Government to establish the
first Information Technology
Centre, partnering with
Microsoft. Two years later, we
opened ITeC – an electronic
repair business.
We were invited to take over the
operation of the Sydney Business
Enterprise Centre. We created a
new division focused on small
business advice, training and
practical support and adopted
the name WorkVentures to unify
our initiatives.
1997
2000-2002
We established WorkVentures
Group Training to offer
traineeships in partnership
with host employers.
In 2000, we expanded to
Melbourne with our ITeC
Repair Centre and in 2002, our
ongoing partnership with
Westpac began.
2005
WorkVentures won the Prime
Minister’s Award for Excellence
in Community Business
Partnership in the Longevity
category for our 19-year
partnership with Microsoft.
2008
We expanded our reach to remote
communities, supplying computers
and technical support to the Hope
Vale Indigenous Technology and
Knowledge Centre on the Cape York
Peninsula in Far North Queensland
with our Connect IT division.
2009
Connect IT delivered its 20,000th
low-cost PC to low-income
households.
2015
We expanded our traineeship
solutions in 2015 by launching a
KickStart Academy to provide IT
skills and training to disadvantaged
youth and migrant communities.
2021
WorkVentures won the 2021
Award for Outstanding
Community Organisation for
the Sydney Metro Business
Awards. This award recognises
an organisation that works to
improve the social, cultural, or
environmental wellbeing of the
community.
2022
We launched our cyber
security solutions to address
the gaps in cyber security
within the not-for-profit sector.
06
2019
WorkVentures celebrated our
40-year anniversary in 2019,
with all lines of business now in
two locations based in Sydney
and Melbourne.
2023
We launched our KickStart
program in 2023 to encourage
people from all walks of life to
expand their horizons and
engage in an exciting career in
cyber security.
OUR 2024 IN REVIEW
2024 Social Impact
In 2024, WorkVentures continued
to expand its reach and deepen
its impact. We marked key
achievements, including
supporting a record number of
young people through our
traineeship programs,
strengthening our cyber security
services, and building new
partnerships to deliver digital
inclusion initiatives that
empower digitally excluded
Australians across the country.
Increased NFP Cyber
Solutions Support
In 2024, WorkVentures significantly
expanded
our
cyber
security
solutions, providing vital protection
for 572,945 vulnerable individuals.
Through these efforts, we helped
people across the country stay safe
online, reducing their risk of cyber
threats and supporting greater digital
confidence and security.
Parliamentary Breakfast
for Anti-Poverty Week
In partnership with The Smith Family,
we co-hosted an Anti-Poverty Week
event
at
the
NSW
Parliament,
addressing the pressing issue of digital
poverty. At this event, we had key
speakers including Hon. Minister Jihad
Dib and The Hon. Natasha Maclaren-
Jones MLC who shared their insights.
WorkVentures embarked on a mission
to bring greater digital access to all
Australians.
With
support
from
Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF),
we are partnered with Anglicare TAS,
TasCOSS
and
TasNetworks
to
establish a pilot digital inclusion
program in Tasmania.
New Partners
& Programs
55%
3%
42%
National Average
56%
73%
Completion Rate
Progressed to higher
roles in new jobs
Moved onto
further study
Promoted with
host employer
Post Traineeship
Trainee’s Industries
Business
18
Legal
Community
Services
10
Marketing
IT
14
Accounts
Male
35%
Non-binary
1%
Female
64%
Demographics
People with Disabilities
First Nations
LGBTQ
Linguistically Diverse
Mums
Young People
13%
13%
8%
7%
3%
56%
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
2024 Social Impact
08
We
supported
5,624
people
with
technology
70%
of laptops received were
refurbished & provided to
digitally excluded individuals
Protected
572,945
vulnerable
individuals
Partnered with
105
NFPs on digital
inclusion projects
60% Students
15%
10%
5%
5%
5%
People in Low Economic Areas
First Nations Peoples
Seniors
People with Disabilities
Job Seekers
DIGITAL INCLUSION
2024 Social Impact
Answered 4720 calls
Spent 654 hours
on digital coaching
Responded to 921
online chat messages
Our Support
Centre Team
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
2024 Social Impact
10
Repurposed into affordable computers
Responsibly sent to e-waste
32%
21%
47%
Held in inventory
Among 30,616 units collected
We diverted over
127
tonnes of e-waste
from landfill
We delivered
$8,869,668
in Social Procurement
Services to customers
Our 2024 Social Impact :
We completed
4947
repairs, and dispatched
parts
8566
Affordable Laptops + PCs
Digital Inclusion Packages
National Device Bank
Cyber Security for NFPs
IT SOLUTIONS
E-waste
3PL
Commissioning
Decommissioning
LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
Technical Services
Refurbishment
Staging
Repairs
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
Sourcing Trainees
Traineeship Program
Work Placement Program
Cyber Security Careers
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS
OUR DEPARTMENTS
Company Overview
Offering equitable
employment
opportunities
Supporting digital
inclusion & the
National Device Bank
Providing logistics
solutions promoting
a circular economy
Delivering high-
quality technical
solutions
IT SOLUTIONS
What We Do
Technology Packs
distributed to digitally excluded
people across Australia.
Our IT Solutions department refurbishes
pre-owned corporate devices and sells
them at affordable prices with six
months warranty included.
We understand that achieving digital
inclusion requires a holistic approach,
including the need for education and
digital literacy.
Our local call centre team provides
digital coaching and technical support
What We Do
to digitally excluded Australians so
they can feel confident in using their
new devices.
In collaboration with our partners, we
provide
technology
bundles
with
connectivity—another
fundamental
component of digital inclusion. Our
mission is to empower individuals,
organisations and communities to
flourish in the digital world.
12
At WorkVentures, we are passionate
about bridging the digital divide. We
strive to ensure that all Australians
have equal opportunities to access
technology. We support individuals and
organisations nationwide by providing
devices,
connectivity,
technical
support, and digital coaching.
Digital Inclusion
100,000+
Recognising this challenge, WorkVentures has partnered with TasNetworks to
help close the digital divide and ensure Tasmanians have the tools they need
to thrive in an increasingly connected society.
Over the past three years, TasNetworks has donated approximately 350
devices to WorkVentures. These devices have been professionally refurbished
and distributed to community organisations delivering vital services across
Tasmania. Through this partnership, more Tasmanians can now access
essential
online
services,
educational
and
training
opportunities,
job
applications, health information, and ways to stay socially connected.
PARTNER CASE STUDIES
IT Solutions
Access to technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Yet for many Tasmanians, lack of access to a device remains
a significant barrier to participating fully in the digital world.
Tasmania has the lowest rates of digital
ability in Australia.
Tasmania is the second most digitally
excluded state/territory in Australia, only 1
point higher on the ADII than the Northern
Territory.
10% of Tasmanians are considered highly
digitally excluded - 54,000 people entirely
lack either access or skills to be online.
According to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index:
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For individuals, it opens doors to learning, employment, and digital literacy.
For communities, it strengthens support networks and expands the reach
of local organisations.
For the environment, it reduces electronic waste by extending the life of
valuable devices, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.
This initiative creates a ripple effect:
Through this partnership, we demonstrate how practical, collaborative
solutions can deliver positive social and environmental impact. We encourage
other businesses and government agencies to join us in donating end-of-life
technology, helping to reduce e-waste and create life-changing opportunities
for those who need them most.
As a professional IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) provider, WorkVentures ensures
that all devices donated by TasNetworks are securely sanitised to meet
industry standards, issuing compliance certificates to align with TasNetworks’
stringent IT policies. Following secure data sanitisation, devices undergo
professional refurbishment and are configured with productivity tools and
cybersecurity software tailored to the needs of the recipients. Each device is
then distributed along with digital coaching and ongoing technical support,
enabling seamless repurposing of TasNetworks’ end-of-life technology while
upholding strict security and compliance standards.
Collect device
donations
Secure warehousing
& data sanitisation
Triage &
Imaging
Device
deployment
Call centre support
& digital coaching
E-waste recycling
WorkVentures’ partnership with The
Smith Family commenced in 2022
with
a
humble
yet
impactful
endeavour:
the
delivery
of
100
devices and internet connections to
support
disadvantaged
school
students. Witnessing the profound
impact of this initiative, we embarked
on a journey of growth, expanding
both the scale and scope of our
collaboration.
At the end of 2024, we proudly
celebrated the distribution of over
4,000
devices.
Our
commitment
extends to empowering students with
essential digital literacy skills through
personalised
coaching
sessions.
These digital coaching sessions, are
PARTNER CASE STUDIES
IT Solutions
thoughtfully designed to address
pertinent topics such as content
safety
and
screen
time
management, serve as invaluable
resources in fostering holistic growth
and development for those we serve.
As we reflect on our collective
achievements, we are reminded of
the
transformative
power
of
collaboration
and
compassion.
Together, we continue to champion
educational
equity
and
empowerment, ensuring that every
child has the tools they need to
thrive in the digital world.
Empowered Education
PARLIAMENTARY EVENT
Anti-Poverty Week
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WorkVentures and The Smith Family
co-hosted an Anti-Poverty Week
event at NSW Parliament House to
address the growing issue of digital
poverty. The event highlighted how
lack of access to devices, reliable
internet, and digital skills continues
to be a significant barrier for many
Australians,
particularly
young
people
from
disadvantaged
backgrounds.
Speakers, including the Hon. Minister
Jihad Dib and the Hon. Natasha
Maclaren-Jones MLC, emphasised
the link between digital access and
educational outcomes, noting that
as 87% of Australian jobs now require
digital literacy, addressing this issue
is essential for closing opportunity
gaps. Discussions also explored how
digital
poverty
exacerbates
educational and social inequality by
limiting students’ ability to engage
fully with their studies and future
career pathways.
The
event
attracted
media
coverage across several local and
state
outlets,
raising
public
awareness of the challenges faced
by
families
experiencing
digital
poverty.
It
also
showcased
initiatives such as the National
Device Bank program, which aims
to provide devices to students in
need and reduce the digital divide.
Ongoing
collaboration
between
government,
business,
and
community
organisations
was
identified as critical to ensuring
equitable access to digital tools
and
skills,
enabling
all
young
Australians to participate effectively
in
education
and
future
employment opportunities.
KEY OBJECTIVES
To highlight the issue of digital poverty as part of Anti-Poverty Week
To communicate findings from the digital poverty paper
To position a National Device Bank as a solution to reducing digital
poverty
KEY MESSAGES
One in four Australians are digitally excluded, and unequal access
to technology can deepen disadvantages among students and
jobseekers
With two thirds of employers using internet job boards and a
quarter utilising social media for recruitment, digital poverty has a
profound impact on access to employment opportunities
This Anti-Poverty Week (13-19 October), WorkVentures is calling
upon the federal government to address digital poverty through the
creation of a National Digital Inclusion Strategy
RESULTS
Total Media Items: 451
Audience Reach: 26,722,852
MEDIA CAMPAIGN
Anti-Poverty Week