Rachel Ovari, 22, loves what she does for work, and she’s grateful every day for the opportunity to have found fulfilling employment.
Living with a disability, Rachel said, employment never seemed within reach.
But with the support and encouragement of Belonging Matters, a Rotarian and Knox Leisureworks, she found her way into a job that brings her so much joy and financial independence.
Two years into her role, Rachel has grown from restocking merchandise and cleaning the cafe’s tables to being a front-of-house customer service officer, where she gets to greet people and use her interpersonal skills.
“Getting the job in the first place was one of my proudest moments, as I didn’t think I would ever be working for lots of reasons,” she said
“I enjoy it because it’s a nice area and everyone’s really nice. I like meeting new people.”
Through the Belonging Matters Community Employment Partnership program, Peter, a Rotarian from the Brunswick/Tullamarine club, secured Rachel a position at Knox Leisureworks through his business connections.
In the lead-up to finding Rachel’s position, she said a Belonging Matters representative spoke with her to ensure the perfect fit could be achieved.
“When they first met me, they came out to our house and asked me what I like doing, what my interests are, what I would like to do for a job and stuff like that. And I said, I like working with people and being around new people,” she said.
The support didn’t end there, either, Rachel said, “they helped and supported me a lot when I first started as well”, especially because “it was very scary originally”.
Starting her first paid job in December 2023, Rachel said it was exciting, overwhelming, and also extremely rewarding.
“Earning my own money is one of the best things,” she said.
“And I enjoy having a job.”
For International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday 3 December, Rachel said it was important for her to send a message of encouragement to others who might be looking for work.
“It would be to not give up, keep trying, and something will be out there, because there are jobs for everyone.
“Everyone can get a job somehow, doing something.”
Her manager, Francois Etienette, told Talks that Matter, a Belonging Matters video series, that Rachel has become such an integral part of the team.
“Rachel has had a huge impact on the team and really raised the bar of the standards that are expected of them,” he said.
“Ever since she started, she’s actually got the team following her lead around, keeping the merchandise organised, as well as really delivering the highest levels of customer service.”
Using her own interests to help strike up conversations with people, Rachel said, as someone who loves arts and crafts, music and movies, she often asks people about their favourite movies or what they’ve seen recently.
Rachel said her colleagues are more like friends.
“I’ve made a lot of friends with this job and I like the people I work with.”
Even on her days off, Rachel said she will sometimes pop in to say hi.
“I love coming to work. I even come here sometimes when I have free time for a swim.”
