employment
Nathan is pictured with Audrey Quealy
from Glasshaus Nursery and VMCH
disability support worker, Simon Barry.
wheelchair that would allow him
to stand up to work in his garden,
sell his plants at local markets and
interact with customers face-to-face
when talking to them.
“Nathan’s VMCH support team
also worked closely with Nathan to
Blossoming
passion
help him set up his own business
selling his plants at community
markets on weekends,” she said.
“His occupational therapist
contacted nurseries in the local area
asking them to consider Nathan for
a job until one day she found the
It did not take long for Nathan Hoare’s new boss to work
out that he had a good employee on his hands when he
started working at Glasshaus Nursery, in the Melbourne
suburb of Richmond.
“I
Nursery. A VMCH support worker
accompanies him to the shift that
usually lasts for two hours.”
Paul said bringing Nathan on
board has been a good experience
can see that Nathan gets happens to barrack for the same and he would encourage other
a lot of benefit from being footy team as I do, so it all works out employers to make their workplaces
in a beautiful environment well. He comes in, pots plants, and more inclusive.
and dealing with nature as all of us we have a bit of a joke about the
that work here do, that’s one of the footy,” Paul said.
reasons we do it,” Paul Hyland said.
“We enjoy having him around and
I’m glad that he enjoys it too,” Paul said.
Austin Street Manager, Jo “It’s really good for staff members
Herbert, said before Nathan’s here as well. When you see someone,
Catholic Homes’ (VMCH) Austin accident, where he fell from a two- who has had an accident like Nathan’s
Street, Victoria’s first purpose-built storey building, he was a plumber’s had, and they can still have such a
residence for 10 young people with apprentice. positive outlook on life, it’s pretty
Nathan, 31, lives at Villa Maria
an acquired brain injury who may
otherwise live in nursing homes.
Nathan’s passion is horticulture
and one of his goals since arriving at
“One of the things he missed was
the mateship with his co-workers. So,
he loves that now,” Jo said.
Jo said one of the major goals
inspirational.”
VMCH, in partnership with
registered training organisation
Catalyst, is offering Certificate I
Austin Street has been finding paid of the NDIS is to assist people with in Transition Education and Work
employment. disability who want to work to have Education courses in 2019 and is
the resources and support to do so. looking for people who are leaving
Paul, who owns Glasshaus
Nursery, in Swan Street, admits that
She said for Nathan, the journey
school at the end of 2018 or ready to
there is another reason Nathan has to his goal started with Austin take their next steps in life to come
the boss’ approval. Street staff and other supporters and explore employment and further
fundraising more than $20,000 education opportunities.
“It helps that he’s got an
infectious personality and he
46
suitable place for him at Glasshaus
employment
for him to purchase a standing
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