The Compass Story
The Compass Institute Inc. is an award-winning For-Purpose organisation, dedicated to providing support for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. At Compass, we believe in the extraordinary potential of human beings and are driven to create a world where EVERYONE can have the opportunity to create the life of their choice.
Many people implicitly associate disability with liability, and then assume that passive welfare is the solution. Our philosophy is to take an asset-based approach. We focus on unlocking each individuals’ unique potential through rich and meaningful learning and personal development programs, skills-based training and a multitude of vocational opportunities through Compass’ wide range of social enterprises.
IT FEELS GOOD TO BE SEEN
Celebrating 20 years of supporting people with disabilities to thrive.
Our Enterprises
Compass Connections Café in Nambour offers a full breakfast and lunch menu, along with tasty treats all made in-house with LOVE and served with a smile and lots of laughs by our amazing team of Trainees and café staff! Compass Connections Café Maroochydore is centrally located in Baden Powell Street and offers a full breakfast and lunch menu, along with tasty treats all made in-house with LOVE and served with a smile and lots of laughs by our amazing team of Trainees and café staff! Located in the picturesque Maroochy Bushland Botanical Gardens, Compass Garden Café offers an oasis of relaxation accompanied by coffee, tea, milkshakes and the warmth of our Trainees and team. Be sure to try Deharn’s famous home-made scones! Located at Compass Farm, Harvest Kitchen is a commercial-style kitchen that offers catering services to the Farm and also produces a wide range of beautiful home-made condiments including jams, chutneys, pickles, sauces and flavoured salts, which are sold to the public as speciality hampers. Produce can also be found in our Garden Café and Wabi Sabi Creations. Located in the heart of Nambour at C-Square, Wabi Sabi Creations is a unique store selling hand-crafted creations made by Compass Trainees from across our many campuses – from pottery, to woodwork, paintings, hampers and more – you won’t be disappointed! Rakes and Panes is a property maintenance service that covers lawn and garden maintenance along with window cleaning. Our Trainees, along with Compass Farm Trainer Jack, are only too happy to service your residential or commercial property for you at competitive rates and of course – always with a smile!
News and Stories
On Saturday November 30, almost 200 Trainees, families, friends and staff came together at the Maroochy RSL to celebrate Compass’ annual Awards night. The event’s theme was wearable art, and the night featured some truly impressive creations! One of the highlights was the fashion parade, where trainees proudly showcased their wearable art designs. After six… Each month, Compass trainees focus on a specific photography theme to refine their skills. Our judges then select a winner, and thanks to the generous partners that provide fantastic prizes. This initiative offers trainees a wonderful opportunity to learn and improve their photography. Compass Café lovers, vote daily for your favourite Compass Café for a chance to win $1000.Compass Annual Awards Night
Compass Monthly Photography Competition
Vote for COMPASS in the Best Café Awards 2024