Celebrating 21 Years of Easec
Danielle Rose, Head of Client Relations, interviews Julia Bunn, Founder and General Manager of Easec
To mark Easec’s 21st birthday, I sat down with our Founder and General Manager, Julia Bunn, to reflect on the journey so far. We spoke about how the business began, the values that have shaped it over the years, and what continues to drive our work in workplace rehabilitation and occupational health today.
From a Simple Vision to National Impact
“When I started more than 21 years ago, the vision was simple – work with good clients, deliver high-quality services, and build the right team around that,” Julia says.
What started in Brisbane grew steadily as demand increased. Julia says her commitment to Queensland has always been strong, with offices stretching from Cairns to the Gold Coast and a long-standing focus on delivering quality services to regional and remote communities. A national footprint was never the original plan, but it grew naturally over time.
A major turning point came in 2013, when Easec made a deliberate shift towards growth. Julia recalls that if the business was going to compete for larger tenders, it needed stronger systems, better infrastructure, and a clearer strategic focus. That period marked the move from a small business model to a genuinely competitive national provider.
Today, Easec operates in every Australian state, offering a diverse range of rehabilitation and return-to-work services.
Inspired by Legacy and Purpose
Julia’s background as an Occupational Therapist has always shaped Easec’s direction. She speaks with conviction about the value of work and the dignity, structure, and purpose it can provide in people’s lives.
That belief is also personal. Julia shared that her grandfather, a World War I veteran, completed rehabilitation through farm work after the war. Among his belongings, she later found documents describing his rehabilitation placement on a farm outside London while he awaited his return to Australia, what we would now describe as a work trial. She says that discovery shaped the way she understood rehabilitation and ultimately influenced both her decision to train as an occupational therapist and her motivation to start Easec. The document now hangs framed in her office as a reminder of where that inspiration began.
Fittingly, the name Easec comes from the military term ‘at ease’, reflecting Julia’s goal to bring a sense of ease and support to clients during challenging times.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Over the years, Easec has reached a number of important milestones, including appointments to national panels such as DVA, ORAMS, and Comcare, as well as state workers compensation schemes and life insurance panels.
For Julia, the biggest achievement is not a panel appointment or business milestone, but the impact the organisation has had on the people it supports, including both clients and team members.
She also points to Easec’s long staff tenure as something the business has worked hard to earn. As a values-based organisation, that continuity matters. It supports consistency for clients, strengthens culture, and allows people to build meaningful careers within the business.
Each year, Easec celebrates its Annual Values Awards, recognising team members who exemplify the company’s culture of care, respect, and collaboration. “It’s not about referral numbers, it’s about how we operate and support one another.”
Adapting and Innovating Through Technology
The way Easec operates has changed enormously over two decades. Julia laughed as she reflected on the move from filing cabinets and handwritten notes to fully digital systems, saying there has been a lot of shredding along the way.
She said the decision to invest in proprietary case management software nearly two decades ago was a significant one. It gave the business stronger workflows, better remote access, and more secure information management. Since then, Easec has continued to improve its systems and processes, including careful and responsible use of emerging technologies where appropriate.
That groundwork proved especially important during COVID-19. Because digital systems were already in place, Easec was able to continue supporting clients, track outcomes, and maintain service continuity during a period of major disruption. Julia sees that adaptability as one of the strengths that continues to shape the business today.
Community and Industry Impact
Beyond clients and technology, Julia’s commitment extends to the broader industry. She has been actively involved as a founding member with ARPA (Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association) since 1999. “I’m proud of that long-term commitment,” she says. “You can’t do this work alone, you rely on your colleagues, and ARPA provides a valuable community of collaboration and learning.”
Values That Endure
Remaining independently owned and operated by the same founder after more than two decades is uncommon in this industry. Julia said that continuity has helped Easec stay anchored in its values. She also acknowledged the role of the leadership team and long-term employees in shaping the culture over time. Respect, empathy, collaboration, and excellence continue to guide both client service and internal relationships.
Looking Ahead: Innovation, Inclusion, and Wellbeing
While Easec’s core purpose remains the same, helping people return to meaningful work, the broader workplace rehabilitation landscape continues to evolve.
Julia noted that the business is seeing more early intervention and pre-claim work, particularly in relation to psychosocial risks and workplace mental health. She said employers are looking for more practical support in these areas, and that Easec has responded by continuing to build its service offering accordingly.
One of Easec’s newer areas of focus is supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. Julia spoke about the increasing number of people being diagnosed later in life, including with ADHD or Autism, often after years of masking their challenges. She said the business has developed a program to support both employees and employers, with a focus on self-advocacy, communication, and practical workplace adjustments.
Julia said this work reflects Easec’s broader commitment to helping people understand their needs, communicate them confidently, and succeed at work in a way that is both safe and sustainable.
Advice for the Next Generation
When I asked what advice she would give to those entering the field, Julia’s response was practical and clear.
“Be open to mentoring, make the most of technology, and stay willing to adapt. This is a dynamic field. It calls for continuous learning, strong partnerships, and a genuine commitment to client wellbeing. Above all, never lose sight of the human impact of the work.”
Celebrating 21 Years Together
As Easec marks 21 years, this reflection is a reminder of how much has changed and how much has remained constant. The scale of the business has grown, but its purpose has not. For Julia, what matters most is still the difference the work makes in people’s lives, and that remains the most meaningful measure of the journey so far.
