COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS CREATES WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCALS

Mackay local Ricki is not afraid of hard work, in fact, he’s happy to “put his back into it” - or so to speak.
Diagnosed at the age of 24 with degenerative facet arthropathy in his lower spine, Ricki needed to adjust his way of work.
“I was installing safes at the time when my back issue became apparent, and I found myself in constant rehab. After this extensive treatment to get me back on my feet, I was left with no other choice than to find a job that didn’t involve manual lifting,” said Ricki.
“I moved around and tried to find other work but that never lasted too long, as the employers at the time showed me little flexibility with the roles – I either did it or got out. The thing is, I’m an active person and I can do heaps of things. I just needed to be given the chance to show them what I could.”
“I did odd jobs to help make ends meet, all while trying to seek assistance through employment agencies, but they too really struggled to find me suitable employment,” added Ricki.
Within two weeks of arriving in Mackay for a fresh start nearly two years ago, Ricki landed a new role through leading Disability Employment Services (DES) provider, CoAct/Community Solutions.
Community Solutions is a member of the CoAct network. For more than 25 years, CoAct has united and powered locally-embedded community and employment for-purpose service providers to amplify their social impact.
“They listened to me, and what I could do, and how I wanted that job to see me through to retirement.
“Within no time, they’d found me the perfect role. I drive the forklifts, I do palletising, and now I’m a supervisor – it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I wish I had found it when I was first diagnosed,” confirmed Ricki.
Commencing with Reward Hospitality, Ricki said he felt supported by both CoAct/Community Solutions and his new employer.
“They were always asking me how I was going and if I needed anything. They understood my predicament and treated me like any other employee – with respect and without judgement.
“I have now built that up to five days a week and I am loving my new outlook on life as I now have self-worth and feel like I am contributing to society like anyone else,” added Ricki.
It’s stories like this one, CoAct/Community Solutions Mackay are keen to share with the locals whilst exhibiting at the upcoming Mackay Careers Expo on Thursday August 15.
Since commencing the DES contract in 2018, Mackay’s CoAct/Community Solutions site has placed nearly 500 customers into meaningful positions.

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