Paul rebuilt confidence and found purpose with Inclusive Employment Australia

Six months ago, Paul rarely left the house.

A father of six daughters, he had spent much of his life outdoors and always dreamed of working for his local council. But anxiety, PTSD and depression had made that dream feel out of reach.

“Six months ago I wouldn't have been able to talk to many people,” Paul said. “Suffered from bad anxiety and PTSD.”

The challenges had gradually shrunk his world.

“I was feeling depressed, didn't really leave the house, I stayed at home all the time,” he said. “I just didn't trust people.”

Despite everything, Paul never lost the desire to build something better for himself and his family.

When he connected with APM through the Inclusive Employment Australia program, Employment Consultant Corey saw much more than the barriers standing in his way.

“Paul is a really nice guy. For starters, he has really good values,” Corey said. “His family means a lot to him.”

Rather than focusing on what Paul couldn't do, the team focused on what made him who he was.

“We listened to what he needed,” Corey said. “He wanted more than what he was able to get with his boundaries and he wanted to succeed.”

Together, they explored opportunities that matched his strengths. One thing was immediately clear: Paul belonged outdoors.

“Yeah, I grew up in the bush,” he said. “I love doing outdoors and looking at the sun. Being in the weather.”

APM worked alongside Paul to pursue a role with the council, a job he had wanted for years.

Today, he helps maintain parks, playgrounds and community spaces across the region.

“We go and fix the bollards and fix gates and dog parks,” Paul said. “We go and do daycares, make sure everything's nice and safe for the kids and do a lot of park work.”

It didn't take long for his employer, Darren, to recognise the value Paul brought to the team.

“Paul is very team orientated,” Darren said. “He's a good listener, willing to take on any role that's given to him and if he doesn't know, he's willing to learn.”

Over the past six months, Paul's confidence has grown alongside his skills.

“He's worked well with the team members and really come a long way,” Darren said. “He's now a full time member of Greenbank City Council.”

For Paul's daughter, Tamara, the change has been impossible to miss.

“APM's been really understanding towards him,” she said. “They took their time with him and reassured him. Yeah, just overly helped him out.”

What started as a search for work became something much bigger.

“Everyone needs a purpose in life,” Paul said. “And yeah, I found mine here at the council.”

Today, he is planning for the future again. Holidays. Time with family. The kinds of things that once felt uncertain now feel possible.

“Now I can plan ahead, plan holidays and plan to see my kids and family,” he said. “They love me working. They see I'm so much happier now.”

For Paul, employment has provided more than a pay cheque. It has restored confidence, connection and a renewed sense of purpose.

“Working's just made me feel better about myself,” he said. “It's just changed my life totally.”