When 51-year-old Natalie Hammond first came to our VERTO Workforce Australia office in Broken Hill, she knew one thing for certain: she didn’t want to go back to the cleaning jobs she had done for most of her life, or the short-term roles that never gave her stability. After two years away from work to focus on her mental health, she was ready for something new.
“She was a little shy and quiet in that first meeting,” recalls her Case Manager, Lily Gill. “But what stood out to me was her openness to change and her determination to find a new path.”
Natalie explained that she loved the customer service side of hospitality, and with her RSA already in hand from previous roles, she just needed someone to believe in her and help her take the next step.
“I really wanted a role where I could connect with people, not just another short-term job. Lily understood that and supported me every step of the way. She’s been amazing,” Natalie said.
That same afternoon, Lily encouraged her to deliver her resume to the Junction Hotel, who was looking for a bar attendant and waitress. The employer saw her potential immediately and hired her on the spot for 10 hours a week.
To help Natalie get started, Lily organised work clothes, shoes, and fuel vouchers. She also supported her to complete her RCG through Robinson Community College, adding another valuable skill to her hospitality toolkit.
Lily wanted to make sure Natalie felt supported not only in her new role but also in her personal growth. She invited her to join VERTO’s Employment Preparation and Personal Development program, and later a Digital Literacy course to build her confidence with workplace technology like registers, email, and online tools. It was during this time that Lily noticed Natalie often had headaches and struggled to read small text. An eye test revealed she needed glasses, which VERTO helped her access.
“The glasses made such a big difference,” Natalie said. “I could finally focus at work without headaches, and that led to me being able to take on more hours.”
With each step, her confidence grew. Soon she was not only taking on more shifts but also becoming a valued member of the Junction Hotel team.
“Getting this job has given me back my confidence and made me feel like myself again,” she said.
Today, Natalie has passed her six-month milestone and now works close to full-time hours. Her employer praises her reliability, work ethic, and willingness to step in whenever needed.
For Lily, watching Natalie’s journey has been inspiring. “Natalie is one of those people who quietly makes such a big impact. Her kindness, her willingness to learn, and her reliability make her a real asset. She’s an absolute delight to support and has worked so hard for where she is now.”
With her confidence restored, new skills under her belt, and steady work she enjoys, Natalie is proof that it is never too late to start again, and that with the right support, new beginnings are always possible.
If you’re ready to find work or explore a new career path, VERTO’s Workforce Australia program is here to support you. Call us on 1300 483 786 or visit verto.org.au/employment-services/workforce-australia.
