For the first time in years Rod feels like his life is coming together. From being unemployed for five years, he has just received the Rising Star Award from Clean Force, his new employer. He is also living at Mind-Victoria Street Project, a 24-hour residential service, after struggling for years to find stable and safe accommodation. “I was going to do a lot of things when I was growing up,” he explains. “But it all got messed up. I’m getting things back on track now.”

It is the support of these two organisations that has been the catalyst for change in Rod’s life – along with his own spirit and optimism. A WISE Employment social enterprise, Clean Force is a commercial cleaning service that provides work for people who experience learning difficulty, intellectual disability or a psychological illness. “It is great being part of a crew,” says Rod. “You can learn a lot from talking to other people.”

Rod’s new home gives him peace of mind and stability. A place where his guitar, one of his most treasured possessions, is safe. Rod’s friends say he’s a gifted muso but with his characteristic modesty he shrugs and says, “Music is there to be played.” Much like his new life.

This story has been taken from WISE's 2009 Annual Review calendar. If you would like a copy of the calendar, please contact the Public Relations team on 03 8329 8800.