New WA branch offers customers convenience, time and cost savings

Konekt is opening a new branch in Rockingham on 1 June 2017 which will bolster onsite pre-employment medical examinations and injury management services for West Australians.

rockingham imageSMLKonekt Regional Manager Samantha Breust said “I am excited about the branch opening as we can save our customers time and travel costs with a branch closer to their work sites.

Some of our most experienced staff will form the backbone of our Rockingham branch, and we also are looking for experienced practitioners to further expand the number of staff in the region. With greater resources in the Perth region, it’s a significant benefit for our customers.”

Konekt’s Western Australian expansion is buoyed by the growth of Konekt’s business within the region. Konekt CEO Damian Banks said ‘I am delighted by our growth in Western Australia, although it comes as no surprise as we have a great team in WA, and our customers are responding positively to that exceptional service level.”

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Money and job fears a blow to injured workers, Konekt Market Report Volume 4 reveals

Worry2Fear about job security and finances are weighing heavily on the minds of many injured Australians – and it’s setting back their recovery and return to work, new research from workplace health solutions provider Konekt has shown. And it’s time for employers, insurers and healthcare professionals to consider biopsychosocial factors in treating injured workers, says Konekt.

The Konekt Market Report, compiled in conjunction with research and data-analysis experts Littleton Consulting, analysed more than 156,000 rehabilitation cases from around Australia over the past eight years – and it shows that for work-injured employees, financial and job security concerns are the second most common risk factor to rehabilitation and a return to work behind psychological factors

“Over the past 10-15 years, people have become more afraid to speak up when they have an injury because of job uncertainty – and these insecurities and chronic stresses have certainly been exacerbated in recent times by things such as mortgage stress,” says Dr Chris Stevens, Principal Psychologist, CommuniCorp Group, an expert in mental health in the workplace and workplace wellbeing programs.

“It’s why taking a holistic approach to rehabilitation is even more crucial than ever. Biopsychosocial injury management takes into account physical, psychological and social factors that can impact an injured worker’s ability to function and participate in work, as well as their motivation to find a new job.”

What is needed, Dr Stevens says, is ‘work oriented treatment’, which requires all stakeholders including employers, human resources managers, insurers and healthcare professionals, to better understand all factors impacting the worker – i.e. their physical and mental state, the work environment, home and wider community – and developing a suitable treatment plan.

To download your copy of the Konekt Market Report Volume 4, click here.

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Konekt Opens a Mildura Branch

mildura3Konekt has just opened a new Victorian branch in Mildura. The new branch is expected to deliver an unrivalled level of support to customers within the region.

Konekt Area Manager Heather Attard said “With the addition of the Mildura branch, and with the existing Renmark and Broken Hill branches, we will be able to better serve customers throughout the region with greater resources on the ground”.

Konekt CEO Damian Banks said, “We are delighted with the expansion of Konekt Victorian business, it’s great for our clients and customers.”

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Queensland Australian of the Year nominee an inspiration

michael-lyddiard-qld-sml

Michael Lyddiard

It is with immense pride that we congratulate Konekt Occupational Therapist and Queensland Australian of the Year nominee Michael Lyddiard. Despite missing out on the nation’s top accolade, he is considered a winner in the eyes of many.

“The Queensland award finalists are remarkable individuals whose efforts are changing lives, changing communities and changing the future,” says National Australia Day Council CEO Chris Kirby.

Michael, as some of you know, is an ex-Australian Army Sergeant who was severely wounded in 2007 while disarming an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Not only did he successfully re-build his life to become an avid athlete, but the father of three also has become a valuable member of the Konekt team who looks after injured ADF personnel.

“I want to let them know we’re here to understand the whole picture,” Michael explains. “I understand their anguish through my lived experience and am able to encompass the physical and the mental issues.”

Despite his physical impairments, the aspiring Paralympian often competes against able-bodied athletes in gruelling events including Adventurethons, the Mark Webber Challenge in Tasmania – a five-day kayak, bike and run event – and the Yungaburra Triathlon near Cairns.

“Physical activity keeps me balanced and helps me fundraise to help others,” he says.

From patient to practitioner

When Michael first encountered the occupational therapists at Konekt in 2008, he was a patient with severe injuries. Today he is one of us, applying his personal experiences and professional Occupational Therapy qualifications to help rehabilitate others.

“Michael has certainly changed how I collaborate with clients,” says Fiona Smith, Konekt’s North Queensland area manager, who has gone from being his case manager and mentor, to being his colleague. “He’s in a unique position where he has lost a great deal and he understands what struggles people come up against.

“His ethos has been to prove to his three kids that if something bad happens, you pick yourself up and overcome what life throws at you. There have been ups and downs and struggles in adjusting to civilian life, but while he was once reticent, he now knows to ask for help when he needs it.”

Konekt, as Michael explains, has been a source of ongoing strength and support which at time “may be under-estimated”.

“From losing my identity and being at the lowest of my lows and not being able to feel emotionally, I was able to find purpose, meaning and love; love in what I do, helping others, who I work with and within myself.

“And trust me, when you lose your senses (sight, hearing and touch), touch and love for someone or something becomes one of the most important factors to drive one forward.”

Describing his work as an Occupational Therapist as “physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting at times”, Michael says it can also be empowering and enriching.

“As rehab consultants and managers in Konekt, I don’t think we see the true value and purpose in our roles all the time,” he explains. “But I can share this: Konekt saved me. A long time ago I was in a bad place – sitting on a mountain’s edge. From saving me, many people have been inspired and I’d like to think families too, because of my two rehabilitation counsellors’ actions, which were likely led by Konekt’s values.

“Although I wasn’t awarded the state title for Australian of the Year, I still want to do more as I know there is more in me.”

Konekt’s Chief Executive Officer Damian Banks says Michael is an inspiration to everyone he encounters.

“We are incredibly proud of Michael and what he has achieved,” Damian says. “Over the past eight years he has been on an amazing journey. He is a true inspiration to the people he helps in his OT role, his colleagues, his family and the wider community. He very much deserves this award and it’s something he won on his merits.

“Konekt is very fortunate to have helped Michael, and to now have him helping and inspiring us, and the people he helps with their own rehab.”

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Konekt expands further into psychological health services with agreement to acquire CommuniCorp Group Pty Ltd

Konekt Limited (KKT), Australia’s largest provider of organisational health, risk management and return to work solutions, today announced that it had entered into a contract to acquire CommuniCorp Group Pty Ltd, which operates nationally.

Konekt Limited Chief Executive Officer, Mr Damian Banks, said “We are delighted to welcome the CommuniCorp team to the Konekt group of companies. The market leading consulting and culture development solutions offered by CommuniCorp will broaden Konekt’s overall ability to meet the needs of our growing National customer base. Konekt’s strength in Corporate, Government and Insurer markets will be enhanced with the expertise and relationships built by the CommuniCorp business.”

CommuniCorp specialises in developing positive workplace mental health, wellbeing and resilience capabilities across Australia, offering services in mental health and wellbeing training, resilience training, psychosocial risk assessment and mental health advisory services.

Konekt and CommuniCorp have a number of shared long-standing customer relationships which will provide opportunities on both sides to further extend our service offerings to these customers and new prospects.

Mr David Burroughs, Dr Laura Kirby and Dr Chris Stevens have grown CommuniCorp into a preeminent provider of advice for Australia’s largest organisations. Konekt is pleased that all of the CommuniCorp team will be joining the Konekt Group.

“Our business has grown well over the past few years, and we see this move as the next step in our growth trajectory. Konekt has enviable customer relationships and there is significant demand for the advice and consulting services CommuniCorp provides within this customer base. The acquisition will see the continuity of the CommuniCorp brand in the marketplace” said Mr David Burroughs, Chief Executive Officer of CommuniCorp.

The acquisition will be funded from Konekt’s existing cash and credit facilities, and there will be a small EPS dilution in the year to 30 June 2016, with transaction costs outweighing earnings for the final month(s) of the year (May-June) post Completion. The transaction is expected to be EPS accretive in the 2016-17 full year.

The transaction is expected to close within four weeks and based on the expected completion timing, the acquisition is anticipated to contribute revenue to Konekt of approximately $0.25m in the remainder of FY16.

Konekt continues to focus on organic growth as well as assess acquisitions consistent with its criteria. ​

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Konekt ASX Announcement – Konekt expands in Disability Employment Services

Konekt Limited (ASX code KKT), has exchanged contracts to acquire the Disability Employment Services (DES) business of Artius Pty Ltd (Artius), headquartered in Ipswich, Queensland.

Konekt Chief Executive Officer, Damian Banks, said “we are delighted to welcome the DES business of Artius to our organisation, expanding our position in regional Queensland servicing local customers from five locations in Ipswich (2), Goodna, Warwick and Stanthorpe. The acquisition will increase Konekt’s Disability Employment Services (DES) Regional footprint from 16 to 18 regions, and expand our services to include both Disability Management Services (DMS) and Employment Support Services (ESS) for the first time.”

The acquired services will be delivered across 5 locations with contract tenure to 30 June 2023. Established in 2004, Artius has a strong presence in regional Queensland.

The proposed acquisition will be funded from cash reserves with a small earn-out based on future performance. It is expected that the acquisition will contribute revenues of $1.1 million to Konekt in FY20 (c.10 months) and be EPSA accretive in the first year.

The acquisition is subject to consent by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services and other standard conditions precedent. Completion is expected during the current quarter.

Konekt continues to focus on organic growth and acquisition opportunities that will strengthen its position and value for customers, staff and shareholders.

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Konekt ASX Announcement Jobactive 1 April 2019

1 April 2019

ASX ANNOUNCEMENT

Konekt announces jobactive Contract Extension to 30 June 2022

Konekt Limited (ASX: KKT) advises that it has accepted an offer by the Commonwealth of Australia, as represented by the Department of Jobs and Small Business, to extend its current jobactive contract by 2 years from June 2020 to 30 June 2022.

The contract extension includes both Konekt’s Employment Provider Services and its NEIS Services, which in 1HFY19 made up 97% of Konekt Employment’s divisional revenue, and 55% of group revenue.

Under the conditions of the extension, there will be no change to existing payment structure during the extension period. The Department has advised that it may require other changes to the operation of the contract in the extension period.

The two-year extension follows the Australian Government’s announcement by the Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations(1) on 20 March 2019 to transform the employment services system and deliver better outcomes for job seekers, businesses and Australia. The extension will enable the Government to fine tune its proposed program and ensure service providers are well prepared to implement proposed digital enhancements and other changes in July 2022.

An additional component of the proposed transformation will be to move from a contract tendering process for service providers to a licence-based system in July 2022. This proposed change will enable service providers to invest in service quality and people to deliver the best outcomes to the Commonwealth of Australia and the unemployed with a longer-term outlook.

Konekt Employment is one of the leading jobactive service providers and is looking forward to working with the Department in executing its objectives to help Australians find work.

Contact:

Damian Banks                                                               Mike Morris
Group Chief Executive Officer                                   Group Chief Financial Officer
+61 2 9307 4007                                                          +61 2 9307 4007

(1) https://ministers.jobs.gov.au/odwyer/jobactive-ceo-forum-melbourne-20-march-2019

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Konekt expands ACT presence with agreement to acquire SRC Solutions

9 February 2016
Konekt expands ACT presence with agreement to acquire SRC Solutions

Konekt Limited (ASX: KKT), Australia’s largest private sector rehabilitation provider, is expanding its ACT presence through the proposed acquisition of SRC Solutions.

Konekt, the market leader in injury management and return to work services, has entered into an agreement to acquire SRC Solutions, a leading provider of return to work services in the ACT. SRC Solutions has a number of significant federal and local government relationships which will further strengthen Konekt’s strong position in the government and insurance markets.

Damian Banks, Konekt’s Chief Executive, calls the acquisition “synergistic.”

“SRC Solutions is the right match with Konekt, both from a business perspective and culturally,” Mr Banks says. “Both groups are staffed by dedicated and passionate health and rehabilitation professionals. And we have a clear focus: to deliver safer, healthier, productive workplaces.

“This acquisition will further strengthen Konekt’s overall ability to deliver services and meet the needs of our growing ACT customer base. Our strength in federal government work will be enhanced by the expertise of SRC Solutions’ business, the combined team and our strong reputation in the local market.”

Konekt has a clear plan to continue growing its business in the ACT, which is a high performing region for the group. “SRC’s consulting staff have extensive experience, product and industry knowledge which, combined with the expertise and knowledge of Konekt’s consulting team in the ACT, means we can provide a unique service proposition to the local market,” Mr Banks adds.

Louise Hughes, SRC Solutions’ CEO, says the two companies hold similar values and principles and the combined group will benefit both staff and clients.

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Konekt further bolsters presence in return to work services – agrees to acquire leading NSW regional-based Insight Services Group

Konekt Limited (ASX: KKT), Australia’s largest private sector return to work provider, has announced it has agreed to acquire the NSW regional-based Insight Services Group, a rehabilitation return to work services provider.

The acquisition is part of Konekt’s strategic expansion focus, and follows Konekt’s recent announcement that it is acquiring two South Australian businesses – Applied Innovative Services (AIS) and Innovative Training and Recruitment (ITR), and Insite Injury Management Group (Insite).

“We continue to focus on organic growth and review acquisition opportunities that will strengthen Konekt’s position and value for customers, staff and shareholders,” says Konekt Chief Executive, Damian Banks.

“As with the South Australian businesses, Insight Services Group (Insight) both complements our existing operations and aligns with our strategic direction. There are many synergies. Like Konekt, Insight is a well-established, Australian based business with a strong brand and well forged local presence.

“This proposed acquisition will enable additional growth opportunities in key market segments, servicing local, state wide and national customers, and it will enable Konekt to deliver enhanced services for customers. It also further bolsters our position as the largest and highest quality provider in Australia. Together these three acquisitions are expected to contribute additional revenues of more than $4.5 million to Konekt in FY16.

Established in 2002 by owner Greg Barton, Insight provides return to work, injury prevention, hearing testing, training and ergonomics solutions. It has a strong presence in regional NSW and the ACT, with its head office located in Orange, NSW and further offices in the Central & Far West of NSW, the Riverina, South Coast, New England and the ACT, in addition to metropolitan Sydney.

“The merged business will particularly allow us to strengthen our presence in some important regional centres,” says Damian. “In addition, Insight has complementary service offerings that will sit perfectly within Konekt.”

Insight’s rehabilitation division is the only return to work provider with a specialist psychological team based in regional NSW. In addition to providing highly effective rehabilitation of psychological injury cases, Insight is able to provide independent psychological treatment through the Insight Health division.

“Regional NSW has been served by Insight for over 13 years, and we have a proud record of achievement servicing insurance and government sectors, together with large and small local businesses,” says Greg Barton. “The power of partnering our unique geography with Konekt’s customers was compelling. As part of the Konekt Group we will be able to deliver our customers a wider range of services in our local markets. I am looking forward to growing the combined business.”

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Konekt expands in South Australia: Two strategic businesses a perfect fit

Konekt Limited (ASX: KKT), Australia’s largest private sector rehabilitation provider, is expanding its South Australian presence through the proposed acquisition of two businesses.

The group has entered into agreements to acquire two businesses – Applied Innovative Services (AIS) and Innovative Training and Recruitment (ITR), and Insite Injury Management Group (Insite). Based in South Australia, both businesses have additional operations in the ACT and Northern Territory (AIS), and NSW (Insite).

These businesses form part of Konekt’s strategy to strengthen its position in the South Australian market, whilst adding to capability in NSW and the ACT.

“We see the addition of these businesses as part of our strategy to broaden our workplace health solutions and grow our presence in the South Australian market – a market undertaking significant realignment,” says Konekt Chief Executive, Damian Banks.

“The past 12 months have been challenging for rehabilitation providers, as a result of significant marketplace changes. These businesses will provide Konekt with critical mass and will see Konekt, together with AIS, ITR and Insite, positioned as the largest and highest quality provider in the South Australian market – by any measure.

“We see these businesses as a perfect fit. Both AIS and Insite have a strong history of performance with ReturnToWorkSA and are significant providers to the state-based scheme, while Konekt is strong in the self-insured and government markets in South Australia. These complimentary customer portfolios and consultant skill sets means that together we will be a considerable force in the South Australian market.”

AIS and ITR operate from five locations in SA and one in the ACT and are the market leader in South Australia. They have long standing relationships with a number of local customers and are a significant provider to ReturnToWorkSA. ITR has an enviable position within the South Australian market – including being one of the few companies approved to provide Return to Work Coordinator certificate training.

“We are proud of the record of achievement of AIS and ITR since its inception 16 years ago. Growing from one employee to the current market-leading position has been a fantastic team achievement. This sale represents the next logical step in our growth. I will be joining the Konekt team – and am looking forward to our joint future together,” says AIS and ITR Chief Executive, Danielle Mik.

Insite Chief Executive, Leah Brown said: “Insite has a long legacy of innovation and expansion since its commencement. Growing, changing and expanding into NSW has provided opportunities for both staff and customers. This sale offers an opportunity for us to grow, yet recognises our strong history.”

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  • For all media enquiries about workers compensation, workplace health, injury prevention and rehabilitation please contact Konekt Marketing and Communications Manager Leonie Goucher on 02 9307 4048 or email by clicking here.

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