When Wendy connected with our Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) team in November 2025, she had already enjoyed a long and varied career. Over the years, she had taken on management roles, worked at Douglas Aerospace and even built her own successful business, selling to an international market.
Living with osteoarthritis and profound hearing loss, Wendy was ready to reconnect with the workforce and put that experience to good use. She was also keen to build new skills, meet new people and find a role where she could continue to contribute.
Returning to the workforce later in her career hadn’t been easy. Despite her extensive experience, Wendy had experienced setbacks with previous job applications and was yet to find the right opportunity. When she connected with our IEA Career Specialist Charmaine, they explored a different way forward – volunteering in an area Wendy was passionate about as a way to re-engage with the workforce, build confidence, develop valuable skills and make new connections.
During their conversations, Wendy mentioned that many years earlier she had tried Toastmasters to build her confidence and communication skills. As a passionate Toastmaster herself, Charmaine recognised an opportunity and introduced Wendy to Wagga Wagga Toastmasters Club President, Ava Atroshi.
It proved to be a wonderful connection.
Wendy began volunteering with the club and has since stepped into the role of Assistant Vice President Education. With ongoing support from the IEA team and mentoring from the club, Wendy has embraced the opportunity to learn new skills, contribute to her community and grow her confidence.
and appreciated.”
The President has also generously supported Wendy’s membership, allowing her to make full use of Toastmasters’ online educational programs and continue developing her skills.
While it had been many years since Wendy had explored public speaking through Toastmasters, she has quickly found her feet, already winning Best Speaker and Best Table Topics awards. One achievement in particular stands out for Wendy:
it, I was able to find the courage to stand up and give a speech to the Wagga Wagga Toastmasters Club. I even won the Best Speaker Award.”
Wagga Wagga Toastmasters Club President Ava Atroshi has also seen Wendy flourish:
“Wendy has quickly become part of our club and we love hearing her stories. We really appreciate all the hard work Wendy is putting in as a volunteer to make our club successful. We love having Wendy in our club.”
As her skills continue to grow, Wendy hopes to one day mentor other members looking to develop their public speaking skills and improve their own personal and employment opportunities.
Everyone’s path to employment is different, and for Wendy, building her confidence, stepping outside her comfort zone and embracing new opportunities has been an important first step. Each small step has helped Wendy reconnect with others, become part of an organisation and discover what she is capable of. Along the way, she has gained valuable skills and experience, strengthened her resume and, most importantly, built the confidence to keep moving towards her employment goals.
Wendy is now feeling confident, motivated and excited to work with our team as she takes the next step towards finding meaningful paid employment.
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Whether you’re in need of Youth NDIS Services as you transition from school or you’re living with a disability, injury or health condition and need help preparing for, finding, and maintaining meaningful employment, our team is here to support you.
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