Rockhampton man’s journey from prison to prosperity

After a decade behind bars, Brenden has defied the odds. Today, he is a tyre fitter at a local mine and has taken significant steps towards reuniting with his son, who was once in the care of the Department of Child Services. But his journey isn’t over yet—he’s now working hard to buy his own home.

Brenden’s transformation began with the unwavering support of his wife, Bec. While in prison, he started training to become a personal trainer as part of a rehabilitation program to help him reintegrate into society. “Without my wife, I wouldn’t have been able to pay for it. It was really thanks to her that I actually became a personal trainer,” Brenden said.

Her support extended beyond financial assistance, providing the moral and emotional backing he needed. “Her moral support was crucial throughout my time in prison. It helped me stay focused on my personal training and my overall rehabilitation,” he said.

Upon his release, Brenden was determined to turn a new leaf and find employment. He reached out to IntoJobs, part of the IntoWork Group. With the guidance of his IntoJobs Mobile Employment Consultant (MEC) Tracy, Brenden set a clear goal: secure stable full-time employment and rebuild his life.

“I told IntoJobs I was more than happy to look for work anywhere I could,” he said.

Recognising his interest in warehousing, Brenden was supported through the Employment Fund to obtain his forklift license via SkillPath. Within a month, he landed a job as a Forklift Warehouse Operator at Bunnings in Yeppoon.

However, a new challenge emerged. Brenden was still based in the remote town of Emerald, with no housing options near his new job. IntoJobs stepped in, providing transport and fuel assistance to get him to Rockhampton and then Yeppoon. They also covered two weeks of accommodation, conveniently located within walking distance of his new role. This crucial period allowed Brenden to settle in and search for more permanent housing.

Tracy’s support extended beyond practical help. She understood Brenden’s unique situation and adjusted his job search requirements to balance his return to work with reconnecting with his son. “She helped me out a great deal. She understood my situation, and it made the transition a bit easier,” Brenden said.

Brenden’s hard work and determination didn’t go unnoticed. A few months into his role at Bunnings, he received offers for tyre fitter positions in the mines, a role he previously had before his incarceration. “I ended up working at Bunnings for six months, and then all of a sudden, I started getting callbacks for tyre fitter positions in the mines,” he said.

The financial transformation was significant. “Working 12.5 hours a day, it’s big money,” Brenden said.

Reflecting on his journey, Brenden emphasised the importance of each step. “Without the money from Bunnings, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the license I needed to apply for the mines,” he said.

The process of getting his son out of the Department of Child Services involved rigorous steps, including parenting courses and undergoing behavioural change programs. “I had to prove that I was off drugs, attend parenting courses, and get help from my parole officer. Behavioural change was one of the biggest challenges, and proving that I was drug-free was crucial,” Brenden said.

Today, Brenden is thriving and credits much of his success to his wife and the tailored support provided by IntoJobs. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help of Bec and IntoJobs,” he said.

Looking to the future, Brenden is focused on his next major milestone: buying his own home. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his goals and the well-being of his family.