From Struggle to Strength: A Fresh Start in Hamilton

After more than two decades on government benefits and a history marked by personal and legal challenges, 58-year-old PT has turned his life around — thanks to the right support, his own determination, and a job that helped him rediscover his purpose.

PT’s journey with are-able began at the start of the Workforce Australia – Enhanced Services contract, though his connection to the organisation goes back even further. Over the years, he picked up occasional jobs such as track patching at local racecourses and removalist work. But consistent employment remained out of reach, often disrupted by serious anger and legal issues — including a violent workplace incident that halted his progress.

Three years ago, everything began to change. PT completed a six-month intensive anger management program that, in his Employment Consultant Matthew Hill’s words, “kick-started everything.” The program helped him develop a healthier mindset — not just toward work, but in how he approached life and family.

With support from are-able, PT enrolled in and completed a Civil Construction Course, followed by achieving his long-held goal of earning a traffic management ticket. Shortly after, he was offered a delivery driver role with a local dry-cleaning business in Hamilton.

What began as a modest 12-hour-a-week role soon grew into more than 30 hours weekly. PT’s dedication, reliability, and enthusiasm made him an invaluable part of the team, running a pick-up and drop-off service across Hamilton, Halls Gap, and Portland.

His transformation didn’t stop there. While still passionate about traffic control, PT recently began induction with a local traffic control company — his dream job. True to his newfound sense of responsibility and pride, he committed to staying on with the dry cleaning business for an extra two weeks to help train his replacement before making the transition.

are-able supported PT every step of the way — from accessing training to organising uniforms and offering continued encouragement. The result? A man who once struggled to maintain direction now speaks about work with pride, passion, and a strong desire to give back.

“This is by far the best good news story of my 13-year career at are-able,” said Matthew Hill, PT’s Employment Consultant.

PT’s story is a powerful example of how tailored support and meaningful employment can transform a life. If you or someone you know could benefit from support on their employment journey, reach out to are-able today. We’re here to help.