When he had commenced Year 11, Cameron was referred to BUSY Ability via his school, Xavier College in Ballina. The school has been referring students with disability to BUSY Ability for several years, gaining support for eligible students through Disability Employment Services, as well as NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Supports.
Loving the great outdoors, Cameron grew up in the idyllic Ballina region on a farm where his family grew sugar and then later, rice. With his upbringing and experience in farming, Cameron expressed his desire to pursue a career in agriculture or horticulture.
In collaboration with Xavier College, an opportunity to undertake a school based traineeship with a local macadamia farm was found for Cameron. BUSY Ability liaised with the employer’s requirements to ensure appropriate supports and assistance for both Cameron and the employer were in place, so that Cameron had the best shot at succeeding in his traineeship.
The timing was not fantastic due to the impacts of COVID-19 in the last two years and frequent lockdowns but Cameron threw himself into the opportunity and persevered. Despite home schooling and lockdowns, Cameron managed to accomplish his traineeship requirements and kept an incredibly positive attitude towards his future career plan.
His perseverance and resilience was noted by the school and when it came time to nominate for their yearly awards, Cameron was top-of-mind for the Success Beyond Challenges Award for 2021. BUSY Ability was honored to be invited to present the award at the school. When Cameron’s name was read out there was a huge cheer from his fellow students and Cameron was genuinely thrilled to be acknowledged for his efforts.
CEO for BUSY Ability, Jason Shield, stated, “Cameron has shown an enormous amount of resilience and perseverance in undertaking his traineeship and setting himself up for a future career. It is a real pleasure to be able to support young people living with disability who are transitioning from school and into the workplace, ensuring they have a solid foundation to be successful in life. That’s what we love most about working at BUSY Ability, watching clients like Cameron start a successful career path and the independence that brings, it is extremely rewarding”.
Find out more about BUSY Ability school leaver supports.
Cameron (L) receiving his 2021 Success Despite Challenges
award from Xavier College, presented by Petar Ilic from BUSY Ability.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Ryan
Ph: 0407 169 029
Email: marketing@busyatwork.com.au
The BUSY Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and their Elders past and present.
