Sarina Russo Job Access (SRJA) is committed to supporting customers with complex barriers by partnering with specialist service providers who deliver culturally responsive and holistic support.
One of these valued partners is Legacy Connect, with Manny Iakopo facilitating the Walking Stronger program across the SRJA Darling Downs region. Manny works closely with SRJA staff to support First Nations customers, as well as the broader caseload, who are experiencing significant personal and wellbeing challenges that impact their ability to engage in employment.
Below, Manny shares his experience working with SRJA customers through the Walking Stronger program.
Manny shares his experience
"For many Sarina Russo Job Access (SRJA) customers, the biggest barrier to employment is not a lack of motivation — it is the life challenges they are carrying. Through a partnership between Sarina Russo Job Access and Legacy Connect, the Walking Stronger program is helping our First Nations and the other customers address these challenges and rebuild the stability, confidence, and wellbeing needed to move toward employment."
Walking Stronger is a culturally responsive counselling and mentoring program designed to support customers experiencing complex barriers such as trauma, addiction, anxiety & depression, problematic behaviours, and family conflict. Legacy Connect prioritises building trust and rapport quickly with customers who may feel more comfortable engaging with someone who understands their cultural background and lived experiences. Within the first two months of delivery, the program has already supported 24 SRJA customers experiencing complex barriers.
Early outcomes from the program show encouraging progress:
- 88% of referred customers engaged in counselling support
- 63% reported increased motivation toward employment or training pathways
- 42% began actively searching for work or engaging in job‑readiness activities
Customers have also reported improvements in managing anxiety, anger, and stress. Many participants are now using practical strategies such as breathing techniques, structured routines, and emotional regulation tools to better manage challenges in their daily lives. Several customers who previously struggled to leave the house due to anxiety are now attending appointments consistently, going for walks, shopping independently, and reconnecting with their communities.
For example, one participant shared that the last time they had consistent employment was in 2009. After engaging in the Walking Stronger program, they recently attended a job trial, marking their first step back into the workforce in many years.
Another participant had been connected to the employment system for over three years but rarely attended appointments. After engaging in Walking Stronger counselling, they began attending sessions consistently and have since started participating in additional programs and courses through SRJA. Staff reported they were genuinely surprised, with one commenting, “I didn’t even know what they looked like until now.” They were encouraged to see them finally engaging regularly with services.
Another participant who engaged in the program made significant personal changes and was successfully accepted into the Australian Defence Force, highlighting the powerful link between wellbeing, stability, and employment opportunities.
The partnership between Sarina Russo Job Access and Legacy Connect demonstrates that when customers are supported to address the underlying challenges affecting their wellbeing, they are far better equipped to move toward employment and long-term stability. Legacy Connect is proud to walk alongside SRJA customers as they walk stronger toward a more stable and hopeful future"
Legacy Connect is proud to walk alongside SRJA customers as they walk stronger toward a more stable and hopeful future.
For more information about our First Nations Employment Services, click here.
