When 61-year-old Diana Strong, a proud Bundjalung woman from Casino, joined VERTO through the Workforce Australia program in 2023, she was facing multiple barriers to employment.
With limited work history, physical limitations, and low confidence, she had experienced several setbacks and found it difficult to secure and maintain steady work in a role she enjoyed.
“I’d had a few false starts before, so I wasn’t sure if things would be different this time, but I was willing to give it another go,” Diana said.
With the support of her Employment Consultant, Julie Gronow, Diana began addressing these challenges step by step. She received assistance to obtain essential documents, including her birth certificate, Police Check, and Working with Children Check, helping her become job-ready.
She also completed her First Aid certificate, attended VERTO’s Employment Preparation and Personal Development workshop, and was referred to the Career Transition Assistance program to further build her confidence and readiness for the workforce.
“Diana showed great commitment from the beginning,” Julie said. “She stayed engaged and continued to put in the effort, even when things felt challenging.”
With a strong interest in cleaning and support services, Diana worked closely with Julie to explore suitable opportunities aligned with her goals. In February 2026, she secured casual employment with Jim’s Cleaning, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
“I was nervous starting something new, but I was also excited,” Diana said. “It felt really good to finally have that opportunity and prove to myself that I could do it.”
To support her transition into employment, Diana received daily Post Placement Support, helping her navigate the early stages of her role and work through any challenges. She was also provided with practical support, including work clothing, work shoes, car repairs, and fuel vouchers, ensuring she had everything she needed to succeed.
As she settled into her role, Diana continued to build her confidence and capability in the workplace, taking on work across the region and expressing a strong interest in increasing her hours.
With ongoing support from Julie, Diana successfully secured a second casual cleaning role with ISS and has completed her onboarding, with a start date expected soon.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved,” Diana said. “I feel more confident now and I’m keen to keep going and build on it.”
Today, Diana continues to thrive in her employment, with support gradually reducing as she becomes more independent in her role. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right opportunities, it’s never too late to take the next step and create new possibilities.
“Seeing Diana grow in confidence and take on new opportunities has been incredible,” Julie said. “She’s worked hard for this and should be really proud of how far she’s come.”
Whether you’re re-entering the workforce or facing barriers to employment, VERTO’s Workforce Australia program can help you take the next step with confidence.
Learn more about Workforce Australia: https://www.verto.org.au/employment-services/workforce-australia
