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Towards Better is a social enterprise and a boutique training and community development consultancy based in Townsville, Queensland. We were founded in early 2020 and since then we have worked with thousands of people to create positive change in our communities through the inclusion of people with disabilities. We work with individuals, families, businesses, government entities, and organisations such as community groups, not-for-profits, and clubs to drive change around the inclusion of people with disabilities in everyday valued community life.
To discover, connect, and mobilize the assets, skills, and passions of individuals, communities, and businesses to create better communities through the inclusion of people with disabilities in valued social roles.
A world where all individuals are involved in ordinary community life and communities naturally step forward with authenticity to welcome their valued gifts, talents, and contributions.
Ricky Esterquest is the Founder & Principal Community Development Worker of Towards Better and founded the business in 2020.
With over 17 years’ experience in disability and community services as well as the not-for-profit and NDIS service sectors in Queensland, Ricky had the desire to drive positive change around inclusivity that could not be fulfilled in his previous roles. Through Towards Better, Ricky can guide individuals, families, organisations, and businesses to become more inclusive, cohesive, and successful, without the barriers associated with working in government.
Originally from Chicago, USA, Ricky moved to Townsville 7 years ago and his own valued social roles are family man, baseball player, committee member, an SRV teacher, good friend, avid reader, and cross fit exerciser. Sometimes.
Ricky’s main priority is the inclusion of individuals with a disability in work, learning, and other valued social roles.
Ricky holds qualifications and experience in Training & Assessing, Contemporary Service Design, Recreation Planning, and Grant Writing.
Liam is an outgoing, enthusiastic, and friendly Senior Community Development Worker who is passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential.
Born and raised in Townsville, Liam holds a Diploma in Community Development and a Certificate IV in Visual Arts. Liam has ten years’ experience in the automotive industry as Vehicle Processer and Trainer.
Liam is married with 3 young children and he enjoys music production, visual art, and health and fitness.
My name is Benjamin (feel free to call me Ben), and I am a passionate advocate for holistic growth and self-actualization. With 35 years of martial arts experience and a wide variety of jobs, (including the last 7 years within the “Mental Health/Disability sector) that have enriched my perspective, I bring a unique blend of discipline, adaptability, and insight to my work at “Towards Better.”
I hold a diploma in small business and am both a general and Master Practitioner of NLP, with additional certification in CBT. My journey has led me to teach breathwork and meditation, where I find great fulfillment in helping others connect deeply with themselves and their potential.
Communication is at the heart of what I do—I am passionate about both the written word and spoken language. My super-power lies in deciphering pathways that guide people from where they are to where they aspire to be, aligning their current roles with their deepest goals.
At “Towards Better,” I specialize in developing tailored programs that foster resilience, confidence, and self-discovery. My goal is to empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity, ultimately leading them to a more fulfilling and harmonious existence.
Jo has a deep passion, vast skillset, and extensive personal and professional experience and will be a great collaboration as a MicroEnterprise Consultant and part of the Towards Better team..
Jo says: One of the hardest things as a parent is to see your child rejected by society.
When my daughter was born with a disability, like many parents in a similar position I experienced society’s devalued ideas about my daughter and the box that she should stay in.
I am not sure why, but I had a very clear vision for my daughter. I wanted her to have the same opportunities as her brothers. I wanted her to have ‘A Good Life’. A good life will not be found in your bedroom, a good life is out in the community.
The community is a bit like a big club. If you want to ‘Belong’ you need to join the club, let it know what you have to offer. And very importantly, give the club something of yourself – your time, your money or your skills. Well, the community works in the same way.
Although my daughter does not read, write or have much verbal communication she has her own business that she works in 5 days a week. Working has afforded her the ‘Good Life’. Namely, a way to contribute, belong and matter. It has also given her opportunities to discover herself in a whole range of ways just like her brothers did when they began their working lives. Being seen as ‘valuable’ has provided her with a different lens to see herself through. This different way of seeing has given her the opportunity to explore lots of things, including travel.
Jo is very focused on one thing – The Good Life and helping to shape skills, gifts, talents and yes, obsessions into small local businesses. There are many benefits for a person with a disability having a small business. But I believe Autonomy is one of the most important reasons.
If you would like to have a cuppa and chat about how this might work for you I would love to hear from you.
We are always looking for people who believe in this vision and live our values especially people with lived experience of disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other diverse groups.
Please send us your details below:
