108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
For about four months last year, Scott Feeney lived in a tent with his pregnant partner and their two young boys.
“There were times where I’d wake up and just cry because of the situation I was in,” Scott said as he reflected on the remarkable journey he’s been on to turn his life around.
The 34-year-old is now working full time in Bundaberg and recently celebrated an extra special Christmas with his young family.
He beamed as he talked about watching his young children open the presents he’d been able to afford because of his regular income.
“There was almost $1000 worth of presents for the children under that tree,” Scott said.
“Having a job, you can’t describe it, it’s the difference between living in a tent and having a home.
“When you’re on Centrelink and sitting there waiting for that $500 a fortnight, life is hard.”
Scott said the team at IMPACT Community Service’s jobactive program had enabled him to change his life.
“The team is so great, everyone just wants to help,” he said.
“They all bent over backwards to help me, they’re beautiful.
“I’m no good with computer skills, but they worked with me and helped me write up a resume.
“Without them I’d still be in that tent.”
Scott said he and his partner moved from NSW to Queensland early last year for a fresh start.
Family members had made the journey before them.
But the couple fell upon hard times as Scott struggled to secure work.
For about four months he said they lived in a tent in the Hervey Bay area, before someone suggested he move to Bundaberg for “work opportunities.”
“They told me there were plenty of jobs up this way,” Scott said.
“But once I got here, that didn’t seem to be the case.
“But the team at IMPACT helped me and I got a position as a process worker (at a Bundaberg farming facility) about four weeks after getting here.
“I was getting anywhere between 50 and 60 hours a week.”
He said his decision to register with the IMPACT team was crucial.
IMPACT is a high-performing jobactive provider in Bundaberg.
Due to the organisation’s extensive knowledge of the region’s labour market, it works to help unemployed people find work.
IMPACT jobactive is a member of CoAct.
If you would like to know more about what IMPACT offers call 4153 4233 or visit IMPACT's jobactive.
Please note: This website may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.