It’s been almost a year since Timothy Hackett had his whole life turned upside following a severe car accident that left the former assistant nurse facing months of rehabilitation.
Last week Timothy made his first tentative steps in returning to the workforce when BUSY At Work helped him secure part time work at Jen’s Garden Designs & Total Garden Maintenance, based in Nerang.
Having overcome major life threatening injuries that have left him with a disability, Timothy is determined to put the past behind him and one day return to his promising career as a nurse.
BUSY At Work National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO), Alisha Larkin said many people had been involved in helping Timothy make the initial transition back into the workforce.
“It’s been a collaborative effort between many agencies to help get Timothy to the point where he has been able to return to the workforce.”
“BUSY At Work was initially made aware of Timothy’s situation from his brother Phil. Phil had enquired to see what support was available to help Timothy find work. I then approached BUSY At Work’s Career and Placement Advisor Coordinator, Gillian Quinn who was able to find work for Timothy with Jen’s Garden Designs & Total Garden Maintenance, in close liaison with his employment service, EPIC Assist.”
“We are thrilled to see that we have collectively enabled Timothy to return to the workforce. Through a collaborative effort between agencies, Timothy is now able to work part time on Thursdays and Fridays,” Ms Larkin said.
EPIC Assist Employment Consultant, Rachel Fankhauser is delighted with Timothy’s success so far. EPIC Assist was able to support Timothy back into the workforce by providing uniforms and transport, ensuring he could attend work.
“Given that it has been less than a year since his accident and he has spent three months in rehabilitation, it is wonderful to see him making progress,” Ms Fankhauser said.
Jen’s Garden Designs & Total Garden Maintenance Owner Jenny Stuart said while it was still early days, Timothy was now building confidence in his ability to do things again.
“He has already proved to me that he is very capable in the short time he has been with us. He has a determined attitude and I’m sure he will continue to achieve the goals he has set for himself,” Ms Stuart said.
Prior to his accident in February last year Timothy had worked for many years as a professional landscaper and tree lopper. Nearly two years ago he decided he wanted a career change which saw him go on to complete a Certificate III in Assistant Nursing.
Having worked as an aged care nurse for 18 months, Timothy said his long term goal was to return to nursing.
“While I am extremely grateful for the support I have been given by BUSY At Work and Epic Assist in helping me find landscaping work which I have enjoyed since I was a teenager, my focus in the future is to return to nursing,” Mr Hackett said.
BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said that Timothy was an inspirational role model for others who had faced setbacks in their lives.
“BUSY is pleased to support and be an advocate for people like Timothy who are determined to make a valuable contribution in the workplace.”
“We congratulate Timothy in making the transition and know his dedication, enthusiasm and commitment will help him achieve his long goal to return to nursing,” Mr Miles said.
The National Disability Coordination Officer supporting South East Queensland including the Gold Coast (Region #19) is located at BUSY At Work head office in Southport. The NDCO can be contacted on 13BUSY (13 28 79).
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
