After surviving a life-threatening heart issue in 2020, Grant was forced to stop work. Eighteen months later, the experienced driver re-joined the workforce to be part of Brisbane’s biggest flood clean up ever. In 2020, Grant was rushed to hospital for open-heart surgery. “They sent my family in to say their goodbyes,” Grant said. “Only…
A rewarding job in hairdressing has been life-changing for Dane, who is profoundly deaf. After arriving in Australia from Turkey in 2010, Dane dreamed of working in hairdressing. She had the right qualifications from her home-country and Australia. Yet, her English was limited and no one would hire her. “When I first met Dane in…
Surf Coast job seeker Steven has celebrated over 12 months working as a Barista at Narana, a not-for-profit organisation that educates visitors about the world’s oldest living culture. During his professional career, Steven had successfully worked as a social worker, a support worker and a hairdresser. He wanted a career change and completed a pathology…
Patience, resilience and hard-work, coupled with the right support, helped Chris secure a full-time job in a school book warehouse. The 63 year Cabramatta job seeker had a lengthy employment history as an Accounts Officer, including nearly 20 years of owning a Newsagents before coming to MatchWorks. “When I first met Chris, he was on…
Atoor knows first-hand the challenges of rebuilding a life in a new country. She was forced to flee her home country in 2009 when her life was threatened. Now the Iraqi refugee has landed her dream job helping other refugees find peace and stability in their community. Born and raised in Baghdad, Atoor worked…
Vision impairment hasn’t hindered Sonja’s efforts to find a rewarding career. The Adelaide job seeker who is blind in both eyes started looking for work in April this year. With years of administration experience and seven years as a non-paid Carer, it wasn’t long before a local NDIS provider recognised Sonja’s skills and lived-experience. “Bissycare…
Tahlia’s determination has successfully landed her a job that combines her passion for cooking and people management. When the young Bendigo job seeker first met with the MatchWorks team, she had a limited work history and was low in confidence. Her numeracy and literacy skills had been impacted by her intellectual disability and she needed…
After being forced to leave her career as a paramedic, Mandurah job seeker Keira has overcome mental health challenges to land a job in the mining industry. Keira relished her work as a paramedic and emergency responder until she was bullied at work. I was completely blindsided,” Keira said. “I thought I would retire as…
Young Perth job seeker Jessica has overcome a series of life-long health issues to land her dream job as an Individual Support Worker in a residential care facility. At two and a half years old, Jessica was diagnosed with leukaemia. She completed treatment successfully, but the medications she was prescribed affected her immune system, setting…
Port Adelaide job seeker Helena has overcome physical and mental challenges to reconnect with her passion, landing a job with Amazon Plant Growers. Helena has always had a love for the natural environment. Growing up, she spent many hours gardening with her beloved father, who she credits for her green thumb and appreciation for plants….