Geoff Dent - 10 Years Employment
GEOFF CELEBRATES 10 YEARS EMPLOYMENT Twenty-eight year old Geoff Dent is like any Australian bloke who loves a good dose of sporting medicine on the weekends. Recently when the Broncos visited he met and was photographed with Wayne Bennett, Darren Lockyer and other members of the team.
On Monday morning the alarm goes off at 6 am and Geoff rises to prepare for a hard days work in St. Vincents Hospital’s industrial laundry. At the Hospital’s foundation day in May he’ll be presented with a badge for ten years of dedicated service. You mightn’t think this is much to celebrate but when you have an intellectual disability it’s quite a feat.
7 January 2004 was the actual tenth anniversary. His supervisor and another work colleague helped him celebrate this milestone with two cakes surrounded by ten candles. While enjoying these cakes, Geoff shared how while at Toowoomba West Special School he undertook the school’s work experience program on Mondays and Fridays at the hospital maintaining the garden, which was the beginning of his working life. Through the on the job training given by Personnel West, hospital management were extremely impressed with his work, and they offered him Wednesdays in the laundry.
“Initially we supported Geoff until he learnt how to fold clothes, loading and unloading driers and other duties,” says Peter Burton, Manager of Personnel West Employment Service. “Now I only call on Personnel West when I have any problems,” says Geoff.
Over his time he has seen lots of changes and worked in various sections. Armed with a friendly smile and positive attitude he is a well-known character around the hospital. Currently he brings his positive attitude and shares it with his nine colleagues in the laundry. He is very keen to stay with the hospital for as long as they require his services.
“My family are very proud of my achievements,” he says.
On his days off he does the shopping. During the Rugby League season he enjoys going with his work colleague and watch the Toowoomba Clydesdales play their home games.
Geoff’s story highlights that people with disabilities actively contribute to their local community.
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