OUR STORIES

Nathan Schimmel

RESOURCE RECOVERY AUSTRALIA

Nathan Schimmel has worn many hats – caretaker of a large property, labourer and enthusiastic backyard mechanic – but it was through work with Community Resources’ social enterprises, initially at Soft Landing and now at Reviva Dunmore, that he discovered the stability and confidence he was seeking.

He started at Soft Landing as part of a work-for-the-dole program and later became an employee, gaining valuable skills and confidence that prepared him for his next step within the organisation.

“When an opportunity came up at Reviva Dunmore, Jarrod Roskell [Resource Recovery Australia’s NSW State Manager] reached out to let me know,” Nathan says. “It was a great start – definitely different to anything I’d done before, and my first time in a customer service role.”

Today, Nathan’s role is varied and hands-on.

“I do a bit of everything – shop duties, test and tag, polystyrene processing, customer service, working at the transfer station, even truck driving,” he says.

It’s work that matters. Last year, Nathan and the Reviva Dunmore team served 14,781 customers, keeping quality items in circulation and reducing waste to landfill.

“What I enjoy most is helping the environment and the community, the customers and the team I work with,” Nathan says. “And I’ve learned a lot of new skills since starting here: customer service, merchandising and getting more experience in the waste industry.”

Through Reviva, Nathan has completed his forklift licence, first aid certificate, Community Recycling Centre (CRC) training and fire safety training, all part of the 4,069 training and development outcomes delivered across RRA last year – a 46.3% increase on the previous year.

“This job has given me more confidence in myself and more stability financially,” he says. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come with my confidence and work-life balance.”

That sense of growth has been matched by the support of his team – and by having his fiancée, Sarah, by his side.

“We’re just like a family. We support each other through the hard times and celebrate the wins,” Nathan says. “It’s even better that my partner Sarah works here too. We live locally and we love the community and area we live in.”

Looking ahead, Nathan is focused on planning his wedding with Sarah and continuing to grow within RRA.

Nasser Mustafa

SOFT LANDING

Nasser Mustafa’s days are about hard work, camaraderie and routine – unloading trucks, cutting open mattresses and recovering steel, textiles and timber alongside a tight-knit team at Soft Landing Perth. He makes it look easy, but getting here took time and determination.

Nasser explains: “I was born in the Middle East in 1993 before migrating to Australia with my family at the age of four to search for a better life, greater work opportunities and a safer climate to grow up in. I went through a variety of jobs when I was young – always expanding my knowledge – until I turned 18 and was blindsided by addiction, leading to a cycle of prison until I turned 30.”

After this, re-entering the workforce was a challenge: “I would do great in the interview, but once they asked me to supply my previous convictions, that’s when I would usually not hear anything back.”

Inside prison, an inmate told him about Soft Landing. “He said they will offer a job no matter your qualifications or background, as long as you’re willing to put in the work and look for a brighter future. I had just turned 30 and realised I needed to make a serious change, or I’d end up back in jail or worse...”

In late 2023, Nasser got his opportunity – a job with Soft Landing and a fresh start. He has since gone from strength to strength, building resilience and a strong support network.

“Working at Soft Landing has changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” Nasser says. “I’m learning the ability to push through and finish the day strong and ready for the next – and not giving up when a task might be too hard or frustrating. Having the routine keeps me on the right track. I don’t have time or energy for useless things.”

“Financial independence has been rewarding – I can give back to my family who supported me when I was at my lowest. And what I enjoy most is the sense of camaraderie. We’re all from different backgrounds and experiences, but we mesh together great and get on with it.”

He encourages others facing barriers to work to join the Soft Landing team, saying: “You’ll learn new skills, your physical toughness improves, and you’ll be with a supportive team that’s always willing to help.”

Nasser has his eyes set on the future: “I want to be financially stable, become a qualified personal trainer and keep smashing my fitness goals. Most importantly, I want to make my mum proud of her youngest.”