Winner 2009 AAMI NEIS Change Award
Gary McInerney had been
unemployed for almost ten years, moving between various programs including the
Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) where one project he was
engaged on cleaning public tenant buildings after refurbishment work.
When he showed proficiency at this task, Gary was encouraged to look at contracting for the work and found himself enrolled in NEIS at NMIT learning how to run his own business.
The first year of the business was tumultuous as he struggled with a range of personal issues including homelessness and alcohol dependency. His NEIS mentors kept him on track and in his business and with perseverance Gary has now been alcohol free for nearly two years, has stable accommodation, has reconnected with his family.
With the assistance of NEIS he has established a successful cleaning business conducting builders and commercial cleans, that not only supports him,but trains and employs other people who were previously unemployed. Gary is a great example of what how lives can be changed with the assistance of NEIS.