One of the many amazing return to work journeys shared through
the Return to work Awards is that of Gary Watson.
Gary had been an overseer on cattle properties for 20 years,
when he sustained serious injuries when a horse he was breaking
reared and fell on him. Initially misdiagnosed and sent home
without treatment, he continued on for three months with a
dislocated shoulder and two torn rotator cuffs.
Seeking a second opinion, Gary finally got the surgery he
needed. However he was unable to return to his previous role on the
cattle property, and was forced to move to Brisbane, away from the
country life that he loved.
"I looked hard and long at a few different options I had to
return to work. It was a bit of a worry what I was going to do. I
didn't want to go on a pension, or be put out to pasture. I was
determined I was going to get some kind of employment. I didn't
care if I was folding paper - just give me something to do. I
didn't want to be useless or just fade away."
With the help of Return to work assist, a free program that
connects injured workers with training and job services, Gary
investigated his options and completed a course to become an
assistant nurse and undertook vocational training with the Wesley
Mission.
"I went straight into the workforce. They loved me and I loved
it - it all fell into place. When I completed the course, they
offered me a permanent part time position which I accepted."
Homesick for the country lifestyle, Gary and his partner later
moved to acreage in Bundaberg, where he was offered a job in aged
care.
"There have been a lot of positives - it has given me a new look
at life because I'm dealing with other peoples' lives everyday.
It's given me the attitude not to take things for granted. If all
this didn't happen I wouldn't have my own property now - we've
moved on successfully." Gary says.
"It's hard to get back to work, but there are definitely rewards
at the end. It's been difficult, and the light at the end of the
tunnel was a long, long way off, but in the end it has proved a
positive and rewarding change."
It's this amazing attitude and determination to get back to work
that make Gary an inspiration, and truly deserving of his
nomination for the Return to work Awards 2011.