Success Stories

Grace is a quadruple amputee, having contracted meningococcal when she was just a baby. Now 26 and fully independent, Grace spends her free time volunteering at the local animal shelter. “Growing up with animals, I have always loved spending time with them,” Grace says. In October 2022, Grace connected with CVGT Employment’s Disability Employment Service…

Mark who is Autistic, has battled mental health struggles his whole life. In a dark place and needing support, Mark connected with CVGT Employment Disability Employment Services in 2022. Four months ago, he found meaningful work at Battery Service Australia Pty Ltd, thanks to the support of the CVGT Employment Wodonga team. “It’s given me…

For Jordan, being an unemployed single mum of two boys came with many financial challenges –paying bills, rent and putting food on the table. However, she was determined to return to work to improve her family income, she just needed some support to get there. Jordan joined the CVGT Employment ParentsNext program in October 2022….

A terrible work experience stripped Karen’s confidence away. Suffering poor mental health, she became reliant on social welfare for 12 years. She recently found the perfect job at Thomson Linen Company and couldn’t be happier.  After connecting with the Workforce Australia team CVGT Employment in Mildura, she met employment skills mentor Danella who developed a…

Alanna finally found the right balance, juggling motherhood, starting a personal training business and teaching fitness skills to kids.   CVGT Employment first met Alanna when she joined the ParentsNext program at the Ringwood office. Returning to work after becoming a parent Wanting to explore a new career path after being a stay-at-home parent her…

After a debilitating neck injury in 2018, Greg was left bedridden. “I was lifting one day and the next day I woke up and couldn’t move,” Greg, Disability Employment Services participant says. “My C6-7 disc in my neck popped out and was pushing on a nerve that runs down my arm and into my finger….

Tracey is a vibrant mum who has lived a remarkable journey to become a CVGT Employment ParentsNext Transition Support Coach, inspiring other parents to conquer hurdles and pursue meaningful employment opportunities. “[Being a single mum] was a tough time on so many levels,” Tracey says. “My son Chris was five years old when his dad…

Chloe is Autistic, and like so many Disability Employment participants she faced difficulties finding the right job. However, in a heart-warming tale of serendipity Chloe was offered a customised permanent part- time administration assistant position with the Snowdome Foundation in August 2022, aiding in the fight against blood cancer. Chloe gets connected through work experience…

Jennifer is someone who has worked hard her whole life.  But she feared she might be “on the scrap heap” as she looked for new employment that could cater to her age and medical needs. With a background in office administration, for many years she ran her own bookkeeping business, serving clients across Melbourne.  “I worked…

While James endured significant barriers to employment there were two things that helped get him through – the Wangaratta CVGT Employment team and the motivation to finally make a change.   “James had been long-term unemployed and battling some significant barriers to employment,” Danni Dacre, Wangaratta CVGT Employment Consultant says.   “James had been through tough times,…

John*, a former owner-operator of a local business, joined CVGT Employment’s Disability Employment Service in March 2022 to find employment in management, finance, or administration. He attended CVGT Employment’s Launceston Speed Interviewing event, where he spoke to nearly 40 employers and gained insight into new career opportunities. The Launceston Speed Interviewing event, hosted by CVGT…

Becoming a parent came late in life for single mum Mel. After a long career in the automotive industry, she took time away from work to raise her daughter. But with the girl approaching school age, Mel started thinking about her future. Returning to work after becoming a parent Returning to her former occupation would…

At a recent charity event in southern New South Wales, the guest speaker was a successful, confident woman named Alisa. Helping to raise money for children with cancer and their families, Alisa had the room under her spell as she addressed the gathering from behind the microphone. What maybe wasn’t obvious to those attending the…

For Cameron, having a job that is thoroughly enjoyable makes the 35-minute drive to work go quickly. In the past 18 months, he has been making the roundtrip from his home to Bangholme in south-east Melbourne to work with PSW. Cameron, who is Autistic, is a warehouse associate and works eight hours a week. A…

Zavier suffered from poor mental health that led her down a dark path to addiction and violence. After being released on bail, Zavier knew she needed help to turn her life around. In December 2021, the Youth Justice Department referred her to the CVGT Employment YConnect program where Antonella (Anty) became her youth mentor.   Recovering…

Laura was lost during the COVID-19 lockdowns.   But during 2021, she chose to join CVGT Employment’s YConnect program to help find her way.  After working with her employment mentor Vanessa, she landed her first job at Woolworths. I am very grateful for Vanessa’s help and for the YConnect program overall.They supported me during the process…

International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD) is on Saturday 3 December.  What is IDPwD? The annual international celebration is a United Nations observed day and aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of people with a disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. This year’s theme This year’s annual theme is:  ‘Transformative solutions…

Perri loves nothing more than serving you a coffee with a smile at the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Perri, who has Down Syndrome, joined the CVGT Employment’s Specialist Disability Employment Team (SDET) program in 2022. It was during the Pathway to Independence program that Perri and her disability support service provider Onemda agreed she…