BREAKING: A South East man with an intellectual disability has just landed his dream job at Wintringham, a not-for-profit welfare organization, following significant support from Wallara. 35-year-old Camilo, whose father, Sergio, once worried about his son’s vulnerability, is now thriving in multiple job roles that showcase his talents and dedication.
Just announced, Camilo is now successfully working in four different employment environments, including Wintringham Residential Aged Care in Dandenong. This is a major achievement in a region where less than 50 percent of Australians living with profound disabilities are employed, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.
Camilo’s journey reflects the critical role organizations like Wallara and Wintringham play in providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Camilo is not only involved in open employment but also engages in supported roles across three Wallara divisions—Hospitality, Land Management, and Logistics.
“He absolutely loves being involved in the community, and from what we hear, all the people he works with love having him around too. If he’s happy, we’re happy,” Sergio shares, reflecting on his son’s newfound confidence and success.
In his roles, Camilo brings energy and a signature smile to various tasks, from making coffees and maintaining gardens to packaging products and supporting older residents. “I like doing different jobs — it makes the week fun. And I’ve learned I’m good at more things than I thought!” Camilo expresses enthusiastically.
His contributions extend beyond daily tasks. He actively participates in staff meetings and social events, forging friendships and enhancing the community spirit at Wintringham. “Having him on the team is good for everyone as it brings more diversity and certainly more happiness to our team,” says Bernadette Eddelbuttel, a representative from Wintringham.
The success story highlights the importance of creating open employment pathways for individuals with disabilities in Melbourne. Carolyn Bloch, Open Employment Advisor at Wallara, emphasizes Camilo’s unique qualities: “Wintringham is a unique environment, and it needed someone exactly like Camilo—personable, kind, friendly, inclusive, and focused on his work. He was the perfect match.”
With organizations like Wallara paving the way, more individuals like Camilo are finding their place in the workforce. This urgent narrative serves as a beacon of hope for families and advocates striving to improve conditions for those with disabilities.
As Camilo continues to thrive, the community watches closely, eager to see how his journey progresses and inspires others. The spotlight now shines on the impact of supportive employment structures, demonstrating that with the right backing, individuals with disabilities can achieve remarkable success.
