Some people keep showing up for others, even when life is at its hardest.
That was Andrew's reality when he first connected with VERTO Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) Employment Consultant Susan Bowman in May 2025.
Living near Bathurst, the 44-year-old was doing his best to make ends meet while also caring for an ageing and unwell friend. He helped around the property, cooked meals and did what he could to make sure his friend could remain at home.
After years of personal challenges and setbacks, Andrew had lost confidence in himself and in what his future might look like. Finding stable employment felt increasingly out of reach.
But despite everything he was carrying, he never stopped moving forward.
Every fortnight, Andrew attended his appointments with Susan. He listened, took on advice and slowly began rebuilding his life one step at a time. Over time, their relationship grew into one built on trust, honesty and mutual respect.
“Susan really got me,” Andrew said. “She understood where I was at and always pushed me to do better.”
“There were times when I had to be very honest with Andrew,” Susan said. “But he always listened. He kept turning up, kept doing what he needed to do and never stopped trying to improve his situation.”
One of Andrew's greatest milestones has been maintaining his sobriety for the past two years, reflecting the commitment he has made to building a healthier future. With the support of his recovery network, this journey has helped him rebuild his belief in himself and what he is capable of.
As his confidence grew, so did his determination.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to him, Andrew actively searched for work himself. Almost exactly one year after first connecting with Susan, his persistence paid off when he secured a position as a Warehousing Assistant with a local IGA store in Bathurst, commencing in May 2026.
For Susan, the moment Andrew came into the office shortly before starting work is one she will never forget.
“He walked in wearing his new work shirt, with a fresh haircut and some of his facial jewellery removed,” Susan said. “He looked like a completely different man. Not because of how he looked physically, but because of the pride, confidence and excitement he was carrying with him.”
Andrew couldn't stop talking about his upcoming first day of work.
“You could tell how much it meant to him,” Susan said. “After everything he had been through, he was excited about the future again.”
To help him get started, VERTO provided practical support including work boots, work pants, gloves and fuel vouchers.
"I'm proud of where I am now," Andrew said. "A couple of years ago I wouldn't have thought any of this was possible."
Susan said watching Andrew's transformation has been one of the highlights of her career.
“Andrew is one of the most caring, kind and passionate people I've had the pleasure of supporting,” she said. “Life hasn't always been easy for him, but he never gave up. Everything he has achieved is a result of the effort he has put in.”
Through regular guidance, goal setting and practical assistance, Andrew's journey shows what's possible when determination is matched with the right support. Today, he's building a more confident and stable future.
For more information about the Inclusive Employment Australia program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/inclusive-employment-australia.
