If you ever walk into Avenue Frenchs Forest when Damo is working in the Hub Management team, you’re sure to be greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. That’s the kind of energy Damo brings to his work teams every single day.
He’s our resident entertainer with a brilliant voice, fantastic dance moves and a personality that fills the room, bringing people together with his infectious energy and natural charm.
Aside from this, Damo is also a natural leader, with the uncanny ability to lift team morale and inspire his fellow team members to do their best work everyday. He’s committed to building on his leadership skills further, and is finding opportunities at Avenue to do so.
“In my goals, I want to improve my management skills. I want to help other people out, help people stay on track and get stuff done.” said Damo.
“In Hub Management I use computers and do other tasks like checking the bathrooms, checking what stock we have, and making sure the dishwasher is packed properly. I also make sure everyone else is doing their job properly too.”
Damo’s skills aren’t confined to one team however. He’s a true all-rounder, lending his talents across Avenue’s many microbusinesses. In addition to Hub Management, he also works in the Markets team, Gigs and Flyers, and previously the Animals team.
His work in the Markets team involves packaging candles, organising products, and providing unrivalled customer service, while in the Gigs team he delivers flyers for our business partners, tracks how many flyers the team has delivered, and updates their daily log.
Through his work at Avenue, he’s not only learning leadership skills, but also life skills that will enhance his independence.
“I’m learning computer skills, money skills and reading,” said Damo. “I’m learning to save my money so I can buy something I like.”
The work tasks that Damo does in his varied schedule satisfy his managerial side, but his involvement in the Avenue Social team is what keeps him feeling connected and fulfilled.
“I’m making new friends and I’ve learned how to help my friends out and support them. I’m really good at helping people,” said Damo.
Avenue’s support staff have also been instrumental in his personal growth, helping Damo enhance his ability to regulate his emotions, contributing to improved emotional wellbeing. He credits his support worker, Bonnie, for providing support when he needs it.
“Bonnie helps me when I’m feeling down or upset. Sometimes when something happens, she helps me work through it.”
Damo’s story is a great reminder that with the right support, people can grow in all kinds of ways—whether it’s learning new skills, navigating the world with more confidence, or simply building meaningful friendships.
Damo is thriving at Avenue, and helping others do the same.