Blossoming at Apace

When Michael started volunteering at Apace Nursery & Revegetation Services in February 2024, he was taking his first steps toward building confidence in a work environment. What began as a weekly commitment soon blossomed into a journey of personal growth, social connection and skill development.

With the weekly support of his NDIS Employment Support Coach, Janette, Michael has not only learned new tasks but also built stronger relationships with his colleagues and fellow volunteers.

Behind Michael’s growth and development is the supportive Apace Team led by General Manager Zoe Johnson. Zoe shared her insight of the journey with us. “Over the past 12 months Michael’s confidence has grown, and he now enjoys some friendly banter with staff and fellow volunteers in and around the kitchen at morning tea time. He often brings watermelon to share but sometimes cheekily checks the fridge to see if there may be any cake on offer too.

Michael is helpful in the nursery helping to empty, sort and stack our forestry tubes which we steam and re-use for our seedlings. This is an important task and enables us to align with our values of sustainability. Michael has quickly become a valued member of the Apace family. His sense of humour, quick wit and intelligence make him great company.”

As Michael’s time and skills at Apace have progressed, the positive impact he has had on the team has been evident to those around him. Debbie Murphy, the Events and Community Coordinator, reflected on Michael’s growth and contributions, sharing, “It has been such a pleasure to have Michael on the volunteer team in the plant nursery at Apace and, with Janette’s gentle encouragement, to witness him settle in and start to interact with staff and volunteers. He is a quick learner, helping us out with a number of essential tasks, but he has also been teaching us a thing or too! We love having you here Michael and enjoy your gentle sense of humour.”

Outside of Apace, Michael’s creativity shines through in his woodworking projects at a Men’s Shed, where he crafted a sword and is now working on a shield. His active participation in Spectrum Space and his church youth group reflects his enjoyment in engaging with the community around him.

Michael’s story shows what is possible with a supportive working environment and finding something he loves.