Working to build an all-inclusive family dining establishment, local business owner Mike has been partnering with Ability Options to provide employment opportunities to a passionate workforce eager to make a difference.
Over the past year, Tracey and Eddie, two Ability Options WorkReady participants, have become a key part of his team, and it’s been a real success story for everyone involved.
When Mike started hiring for his restaurant, he was looking for people who wanted to be part of something bigger.
“The most important thing for me when hiring is finding people who want to be part of our family,” he says.
“It’s not just about showing up to a job. We work with food, but we also work with love. That’s what I look for in my team.”
They’ve really blossomed since joining us, we’ve seen them grow so much. They’ve become more confident and they’re great workers,” Mike adds.
At the team Christmas party, Mike even recognised Tracey with an award for her hard work.
“Tracey is always looking for ways to help out. She’s a true team player,” Mike says.
“That kind of initiative is exactly what we need here at Chickanji.”
Since joining the team about eight months ago, Tracey’s confidence has grown. She loves her role and has particularly found food prep tasks calming.
“I’ve had a lot of support from Christeen – a Recruitment Mentor at Ability Options – to develop my communication skills,” Tracey says.
“I enjoy helping customers, but the prep work, like shredding chicken or making wraps, feels like my own space. It’s relaxing for me.”
Eddie, who’s been working in the kitchen for seven months, also feels like he’s really found his place. His job involves helping the chef in a busy kitchen, keeping things calm, and taking pride in the food they prepare.
“I didn’t think I’d last this long, but now I feel like I’m really needed,” Eddie says. “I’m saving money, and I’m not relying on Centrelink like I used to.”
For Eddie, WorkReady, Ability Options’ NDIS employment program, and the ongoing support from Christeen have been a huge part of his success.
“Christeen’s been there from the start, checking in with me regularly. It’s been a big change, but I’ve changed too,” Eddie says.
“I never thought I’d be in a job this long. Now I’m even thinking about going full-time!”
Christeen, an Ability Options consultant, has been with Eddie and Tracey every step of the way.
“I believe everyone has something to offer,” she says. “It’s all about helping them build confidence and giving them a chance.”
She remembers when Eddie and Tracey first started – Eddie was struggling with low confidence and was scared to start something new, while Tracey needed a little extra support with stress management and social interactions. But with Ability Options’ help, both of them found their footing.
“We worked together as a team, with me, the counsellors, and the employer,” Christeen explains.
“We came up with strategies to help them manage stress and communicate better with their employer. Mike was really supportive and made adjustments to help them succeed.”
The partnership between Ability Options and employers like Mike has been key to the success of people like Eddie and Tracey. “It’s a really good relationship,” Christeen says. “We make sure both the employer and the participant feel supported. It’s not just about getting a job – it’s about thriving in that job.”
For Eddie and Tracey, Chickanji is more than just a place of work – it’s a place where they’ve been given a chance to grow, and where they feel like part of a team that believes in them.
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