Believe in yourself and you can make your dreams come true!
Join us as Kate shares her story about her passion for gardening, flowers and the beauty of being out amongst Mother Nature in her tranquil glory. Her choice of career path comes as no surprise.
Kate’s mother, Narelle, went through some really difficult times that no parent should ever have to endure. Her beautiful daughter Kate suffered a brain injury changing their lives as they once knew it. But this inspirational story on how together they overcame the challenges ahead of them is completely heart-warming.
Narelle said that “when Kate came out of hospital, she was stiff in the body and had trouble feeding herself. Kate could also no longer read or write and had to learn how to do the simple things, which we often take for granted, all over again.” It was here that Kate’s journey with support services began. “Without these wonderful, patient carers, Kate would not be where she is now”.
On Kate’s road to recovery, she took a very important step to start focusing on her passion and make her dreams a reality. Kate enrolled in a floristry course! On completion of her course with great success, Kate’s confidence in her abilities grew.
This boost in confidence pointed to another move forward for Kate, so an appointment was made to meet with her Interchange Australia Consultant, Wendy, to discuss Kate’s desire to do more and follow her dreams.
Wendy organised for Kate to commence some work experience with Bunnings at Mittagong. It was not very long before Kate was offered a permanent position within the Garden Centre at Bunnings! Making the transition to green life at Bunnings was a success!
Kate now works at the centre 2 days per week, supported by an Interchange Australia Support Worker, Ben. Ben has become Kate’s ‘memory’ and assists her with routines, instruction and any support required throughout the day. It has been a perfect fit!
Only a few months in to her employment, Kate completed the Garden Expert Module offered through Bunnings which has been a great addition to her ongoing training and has also enrolled in the Certificate III in Horticulture at Moss Vale TAFE and is now well on her way to becoming a fully qualified horticulturalist.
Kate recently received an award for Excellence in Customer Service, receiving 3 exemplary badges. We could not be more proud of how far she has come with her dreams. She is loving working with Bunnings and studying as she continues to bloom into the horticulturist she dreams to be!
“Without these wonderful, patient carers, Kate would not be where she is now”.
Narelle has shown incredible strength every step of the way and has always encouraged her daughter to believe in herself.
Kate can do it, we know she can. Kate is determined and knows exactly what she wants, Kate keeps her head high and believes in herself.
On behalf of everyone at Interchange Australia, we would like to congratulate Kate in all her achievements to date and wish her every success in the future. Also a special thank you to Bunnings for giving Kate this wonderful opportunity!
A special note from Kate’s mother, Narelle. “Thank you so much, Wendy and Interchange Australia, for being there and giving care to my daughter.”
You can do it too with Interchange Australia’s Supported Education & Employment Program – Steps To Success, for more information on how we can help you achieve your goals and follow your dreams please call our office on 02 4868 6688 and or email us at events@interchangeau.org
