15 Years - 15 Stories of Belonging: ReadyUp Skills

When ReadyUp Skills first joined The Place as tenants in 2021, it was a small, emerging organisation with a vision to create meaningful opportunities for young people with disability to build confidence, independence, develop skills and connect with their community.

Operating from The Place, ReadyUp delivered its activities, met with participants and families, and began building the foundations of what would become a thriving organisation.

More than simply providing office space, The Place offered a welcoming community where connections could be formed, partnerships could grow and new ideas could take shape. What began as a tenancy soon evolved into a lasting partnership grounded in community, connection and belonging. As ReadyUp reflects on those early years, they acknowledge the role The Place played in their journey.

“Our relationship began in the early days of ReadyUp, working from office space within the centre and building a shared vision of inclusive, community-focused support for young people. Over time, this connection has grown into a meaningful collaboration that continues to create opportunities for connection, skill development and belonging.”

Today, one of the most significant outcomes of this collaboration is the Place Based Abilities (PBA) Program — a free social and capacity-building program for neurodivergent young people, whether or not they are eligible for the NDIS. Welcoming participants from all backgrounds and identities, the program creates opportunities for young people to connect in a space where everyone feels valued and included.

Delivered weekly across two age groups, PBA is shaped around participants' interests and aspirations, building confidence, social skills, independence and long-term capacity. The program empowers young people to take the lead in their own learning and development, resulting in innovative projects such as an Accessibility App and their own podcast, Placed to Speak.

Today, ReadyUp Skills has grown into a successful and respected organisation supporting young people across our region. While much has changed since those early days as a tenant at The Place, the connection remains strong. Through ongoing collaboration and a shared commitment to inclusion, ReadyUp and The Place continue to create opportunities for young people to build skills, form relationships and find their place within the community.

As The Place celebrates 15 years of impact, the ReadyUp story highlights the power of community in helping people and organisations thrive. The Place has long been committed to creating opportunities for people and organisations to come together around a shared purpose, and its relationship with ReadyUp demonstrates how nurturing emerging initiatives can create lasting benefits for the wider community.

“Together, ReadyUp Skills and The Place continue to champion inclusion, empowerment and community connection for young people across our region. Thank you, The Place, for being such an important partner to the ReadyUp Skills team, and congratulations on 15 years of impact.”