Gloucester’s Daniel Johnson is living proof that anything is possible if you dream big and work hard.
Thanks to the help and expertise of not-for-profit training organisation VERTO, Daniel, who lives with a disability, was given an exciting opportunity to work as a part-time marketing assistant for Laing and Simmons Real Estate – an opportunity he grabbed with both hands.
“Dan is the second marketing assistant that we have appointed through VERTO’s services and he always brings a positive, winning attitude – nothing is ever too hard for him,” Laing and Simmons Managing Director, Alex Cosway, said.
“We only have Dan for a few hours a week, but he doesn’t stop there. He is always learning new skills and every day is a new opportunity for him, not a hurdle.”
For every working shift, Daniel travels one hour by bus and train from his home in Gloucester into Taree’s township. It’s this dedication that is paying off, with Daniel having recently obtained his Learner’s driver’s licence, and even buying his first car, a Nissan Maxima.
“Tammy and Ben from VERTO are good people who help me search and apply for the jobs I want. They helped me get this job at Laing and Simmons, where I get to meet nice people when I’m on my delivery route,” Daniel said.
“I have saved money by working at Laing and Simmons for almost a year, and I have just bought my first car which I am very excited to start driving.”
Other than work and his new car, Daniel’s other passion is music. If he isn’t out and about in Taree completing his pamphlet delivery run, he is volunteering in the studio at Gloucester’s community radio station, Bucketts Radio, where he plays popular country music for his regular listeners.
“I love broadcasting the news and weather forecast, playing country-western music and talking about what’s happening in Gloucester,” Daniel said.
VERTO Chief Executive Officer, Ron Maxwell, described Daniel as a wonderful ambassador for people with a disability.
“The VERTO team are just so proud of Daniel and we are thrilled to play a small role in his employment journey, and helping him achieve his dreams,” he said.
“Daniel’s dedication and hardworking attitude really are second-to-none. He continues to grow in confidence and has become an important part of the Laing and Simmons team where he’s making a regular and valuable contribution.”
VERTO has more than 20 years’ of proven success and experience providing real-life employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities, and employers looking to employ them. For information, visit www.verto.org.au or phone 1300 483 786.
