Launching the Inclusive Employment & Safety Guide + New Audiovisual Story Series

10 July

Proudly supported by the Victorian Government Farming Safe and Well Program

Ability Agriculture is proud to announce the launch of our Inclusive Employment & Safety Guide for Agriculture, alongside a new series of audiovisual stories showcasing lived experience, innovation, and resilience across the agricultural sector.

These resources mark an important milestone in our mission to build disability confidence across agriculture and strengthen safe, meaningful participation for people with disability.

A Practical Guide for Safer, More Inclusive Agricultural Workplaces

The Inclusive Employment & Safety Guide is a practical, easy‑to‑use resource designed to support both people with disability and agribusinesses.

For people with disability, the guide outlines:

Pathways into agricultural employment
Funding options for workplace adjustments
Safety considerations tailored to farm environments
Strategies for navigating supports such as NDIS, JobAccess, and the Employment Assistance Fund

For employers and agribusinesses, it provides:

Clear steps to build disability confidence
Guidance on inclusive safety practices
Tools to meet compliance requirements
Practical examples of adjustments that work in real agricultural settings

Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it strengthens teams, improves safety culture, and builds a more resilient agricultural workforce.

👉 Download the guide:‍ ‍https://www.abilityagriculture.com/inclusive-employment-safety-guide

Introducing the Inclusive Safety Series

Real stories. Real innovation. Real inclusion.

Alongside the guide, we are launching a new audiovisual series featuring members of the Ability Agriculture community. These stories highlight the lived experiences of people with disability in agriculture and the practical ways they are reshaping safety, accessibility, and participation.

Each story is now available on our YouTube channel.

🌱 Case Study Series: Meet the People Behind the Change

Billy Bubb — Cobden, VIC

After a motorbike accident left him with severe spinal and lung injuries and a traumatic brain injury, Billy was told he would never walk again. But Billy refused to give up farming. With modified equipment — including a hand‑operated tractor — and the support of his dog Goose, Billy is back on his beef farm, advocating for safety, protective gear, and disability confidence across rural communities.

Lincoln Budge — Yackandandah

At just 22, Lincoln became a paraplegic after a four‑wheel‑driving accident. Through determination and adaptive equipment, he returned to the land he loves and now uses his voice to champion safety and inclusion. Lincoln’s story reminds us that accidents can happen to anyone — and that with the right support, people with disability can thrive in agriculture.

Rise and Shine Eggs — Finniss, SA

Rise and Shine Eggs is more than a free‑range egg farm — it’s a social enterprise creating meaningful employment for people with disability. Owners Alistair and Heather Pierce teach skills like punctuality, teamwork, and animal care, helping workers build confidence and pathways into agriculture. Their farm proves inclusion isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business.

Sammie Longmore — NSW

After surviving two serious car accidents, Sam faced life‑changing disability. Instead of stepping away from agriculture, she stepped up — launching businesses, advocating for accessibility, and driving gender inclusion across the sector. Sam’s story shows how innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.

Zoe Carter — QLD

Growing up loving horses, Zoe dreamed of a career in the equine industry. Severe hip dysplasia and a serious riding accident changed her path — but not her passion. Today, Zoe runs Agriculture Jobs Auswide, helping young people find roles that fit their abilities. Her story proves there is a place for everyone in agriculture.

Why These Stories Matter

Agriculture is built on resilience, innovation, and community — and these stories show what’s possible when those values are applied to safety and inclusion.

The Inclusive Safety Series highlights:

Real experiences from people working in agriculture
Practical strategies for safer, more accessible workplaces
The power of adaptive equipment and workplace adjustments
The importance of disability confidence across the sector

These stories are a reminder that agriculture is stronger when everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

Acknowledgement of Funding

This guide and audiovisual series were proudly supported by the Victorian Government Farming Safe and Well Program, enabling Ability Agriculture to share lived experiences, build practical tools, and strengthen safety outcomes for people with disability across the agricultural sector.