Families of young people with disability are scrambling to find alternatives after Wesley Mission Queensland announced it will close the ORCA Project, an employment-readiness program that has helped school leavers transition into the workforce since 2018.
The Brisbane-based service, operated by the Chermside-headquartered charity, will finish on 26 June. Wesley Mission Queensland says rising costs, increasing compliance requirements and changes across the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sector have made the program unsustainable.
Loss of a Pathway
For some families, the closure feels like the loss of a pathway they had spent years searching for.
Among those affected is a teenage boy who joined ORCA after leaving school. He lives with autism and a rare chromosomal condition that affects his communication, learning and overall health. His family said the program was helping him build a future around his strong interest in information technology while providing the support he needs to navigate the workplace.
Another participant, a young woman, attended ORCA while completing her schooling. She lives with Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that can affect learning and development. Her family said the program had helped her become more independent and confident, including learning practical skills such as using public transport on her own.
Families who spoke publicly following the announcement described feeling shocked and concerned about what comes next.
Built Because Families Could Not Find Enough Support
The ORCA Project was established after parents and disability advocates identified a gap between school and employment for young people with disability.
Rather than focusing solely on classroom learning, the program combined training with real workplace experience. Participants worked alongside employers, developed practical job skills and explored career options in supported environments.
What began as a small initiative grew steadily over the years. ORCA built partnerships with businesses, community organisations and employers across South East Queensland, creating opportunities for young people who might otherwise struggle to gain workplace experience.
More than 90 participants took part in the program during 2025, completing more than 300 work placements.
Why Wesley Mission Queensland Says ORCA Can No Longer Continue
Wesley Mission Queensland described the closure as a difficult decision.
The organisation said disability providers are facing increasing pressure from rising operating costs, compliance obligations and changes to funding arrangements. It also revealed attempts were made to transfer the program to another provider, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Participants have since been offered assistance to identify alternative programs and training opportunities.
The closure comes as the NDIS undergoes significant reform, with governments seeking to slow the growth of the scheme’s spending. While some families fear these changes are reducing available support options, the National Disability Insurance Agency says it funds participants rather than providers directly and has reported growth in employment-related supports.
More Than a Program Closure
Supporters of ORCA argue its value extended beyond job preparation.
Former participants have gone on to secure employment in industries including technology, retail and community services. Wesley Mission Queensland has previously promoted the program as a way of helping people with disability build independence while connecting employers with capable workers.
For families now searching for alternatives, the challenge is not simply finding another service. It is finding one that offers the same combination of workplace experience, individual support and long-term preparation for employment.
Published 22-June-2026
