Impact Autumn '10: Dallas's story
One of Melbourne Citymission’s JSA clients is 24-year-old Dallas Graham. Dallas is from Darwin, coming to Melbourne last year to start a new life.
Prior to signing up with the service, Dallas didn’t have any friends and was unsure of his prospects in Melbourne.
I’m definitely gonna make it. I’m not gonna let anything stop me. ‘Cause now they’re opening doors for me.
He is now enrolled in a Certificate II in Hospitality with Victoria University and works on weekends as assistant manager in an Aboriginal hostel. Melbourne Citymission has also helped him find student accommodation near the university.
After his current course, Dallas wants to get further education and pursue a career as a flight attendant.
As Dallas points out, opportunities provided by Melbourne Citymission have made all the difference. ‘Then I had nothing and now I have a lot to go on for me…I’m definitely gonna make it. I’m not gonna let anything stop me. ‘Cause now they’re opening doors for me.’
What’s more Dallas’s positive experience prompted him to refer his friend Glen Duggie to the service. Twenty-five-year-old Glen came to Melbourne from Alice Springs four months ago because he wanted to pursue his childhood dream of being a hairdresser. Through the employment service Glen is on his way to fulfilling his dream. He is now enrolled in a Hairdressing Course with Victoria University and plans to later on also get training in beauty and makeup.
He has also been linked to student accommodation and receives support with train tickets to help him attend his classes in Melbourne CBD. ‘I’m just enjoying all of it. It’s really good to be here. I made new friends with a couple of the girls [in my class]. I feel really good about the future. People are really friendly; they’ve been really helpful to me,’ Glen says.
