Man's best friend provides a helping paw

Disability Matters Inc in Far North Queensland received two for the price of one when they hired MAX customer Owen Mitchell.

Owen and his best mate, gorgeous Labrador cross Macy, go everywhere together – including to work!

When Owen’s lower back injury became too much, he was unable to continue driving trucks. Needing to find a new occupation that would not exacerbate his injury, Owen was referred to the MAX team in Mareeba.

With the support of his placement consultant Leona Hallam, Owen attended a Workability Queensland Careers in Disability Expo. 

These expos are designed to showcase the wide range of current and future job possibilities across the disability sector and provide an opportunity for those looking at employment opportunities in the sector to connect with potential employers. 

A speed interview session with employer Disability Matters at the expo ultimately led Owen into a role as a disability support worker. 

Macy now joins Owen at work, providing support to people with a disability, getting lots of cuddles and lighting up many smiles throughout each day. The duo has been supporting people in the Disability Matters family for over 12 months. 

“Owen and Macy have received such positive feedback from their clients that Macy has been made an honorary staff member and has her very own ID badge,” says Ms Hallam. 

“It’s amazing to see Macy and Owen helping to improve the lives of each person that they support on a daily basis,” says Ms Hallam.