After being made redundant and finding himself out of full-time work for the first time in over 30 years, Corey Sultana faced a period of uncertainty. Returning to the job market felt daunting, and he began to worry that his age might be a barrier to re-entering the mining industry he had worked in for decades.
Determined not to give up, Corey engaged with VERTO’s Workforce Australia team in Broken Hill for support. Working closely with his Case Manager, Bree Bailey, he began rebuilding his pathway back into employment.
Together, they focused on practical steps to strengthen his job prospects. Corey received assistance with obtaining a police check and Working With Children Check, along with a mobile phone and reading glasses to ensure he was fully equipped for the job search process. He attended appointments consistently, showing real commitment and resilience during what could have been a discouraging time. Despite the uncertainty, Corey remained positive and good-humoured, often bringing a light-hearted energy to his appointments.
“I won’t lie, it was tough at first,” Corey shared. “After working for so many years, you don’t expect to be starting over. But Bree kept me focused, and I just kept reminding myself that I still had plenty to offer.”
Short-term employment followed, but Corey’s goal remained clear; he wanted to return to mining. Bree worked alongside him to identify opportunities and ensure he had the right qualifications to stand out. Corey completed training in telescopic materials handler operations, elevated work platform operation under 11 metres, first aid and obtained his White Card. He is also continuing to build his skills, with further training in Work Safely at Heights and Enter Confined Spaces scheduled this month.
When an opportunity arose with Byrnecut Australia Pty Ltd at Prominent Hill Mine Site in South Australia, Bree moved quickly to help Corey prepare. VERTO arranged flights and accommodation so he could attend both the interview and medical in Adelaide. The effort paid off. Corey secured the role and commenced employment on 23 December 2025, a well-timed early Christmas gift after a challenging few months.
Additional assistance was provided to support his travel and accommodation over the festive period, along with steel cap boots and work clothing to ensure he was ready to step back onto site with confidence.
“Corey never gave up,” Bree said. “He showed up every appointment with a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it took to get back into mining. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see him step back into the industry he cares so much about.”
In a surprising twist, Corey’s journey even gained national attention. While waiting at the airport before his flight, he was interviewed by Sunrise Reporter Hayden Nelson, where he shared an enthusiastic message for the Prominent Hill team, his family and fellow mining colleagues working through Christmas. Upon arrival onsite, managers congratulated him for representing the site so positively on national television, and HMR Drilling sent him a Christmas hamper in appreciation, as he was proudly wearing their hat during the interview.
Corey’s journey shows that even after decades in the workforce, unexpected change can happen. What matters most is having the right people in your corner and the determination to keep moving forward.
If you’re seeking employment or you’re an employer looking to connect with local job-ready candidates, VERTO’s Workforce Australia program can help.
Learn more about Workforce Australia: https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/workforce-australia
