At Avenue, we’re proud to offer a wide range of opportunities that cater to different interests and passions. Our micro-enterprise teams are built to combine meaningful work with personal fulfillment – and that’s exactly what Alex has found in Botany’s Markets Team.
Alex has a passion for creativity, and he channels it into sculpting works of art from discarded metal. His sculptures are beautiful and often inspired by animals, but what makes Alex’s sculptures even more special is that they’re something he creates with his grandfather.
“I make the sculptures with my grandfather and I thought it would be nice to sell some with Avenue because I like my sculptures to be enjoyed,” Alex explains. “And if it helps us make money at Avenue, then that’s another bonus.”
For Alex, the sculptures represent more than art. They’re a way of contributing something personal and unique to Avenue’s community, blending his creativity with his love of helping others.
Teamwork at the markets
Alongside selling his sculptures, Alex contributes significantly to the Avenue Markets team in many other ways. Each week, he sets up the stall, serves customers, and packs up at the end of the day. He also lends a hand to Avenue’s support workers, assisting participants when needed.
“I like working with the team,” said Alex. “They’re all really nice, and it’s satisfying to help run the store and work together.”
This teamwork has brought out his natural leadership qualities, giving him the chance to guide others while continuing to build his own skills in customer service and stall management.
“I think I’ve always done a bit of leadership, but I’ve done more of it since starting with Avenue,” said Alex.
Music, resilience, and more creativity
Creativity flows through Alex’s life in other ways too. A keen drummer, he practises daily, has completed a music performance course at TAFE, and performs with his band, The Going Ons. He is also part of the Support Band program, run through Rock Stars Music School in Leichhardt, where he performs alongside other musicians with disability. Excitingly, the band will soon be releasing an original song on Spotify.
His journey with music is also a story of resilience. After a brain injury, Alex had to relearn fundamental skills like walking and talking. He also learned to play the drums again. With determination and support, he not only regained these abilities but found new confidence as a performer.
This resilience carries through to his work at Avenue, where he approaches challenges with patience and positivity.
Friendships at Avenue a source of pride and joy
Alex has a lot to be proud of – in life, and at Avenue. He’s renowned for his willingness to step in and support others, and he works hard to contribute to the collective success of the Markets Team.
But above all, Alex has found his friendships to be his greatest accomplishment at Avenue.
“I’m proud of how well the team works together, and how well we all get on. I’m proud to say I’m friends with everyone I work with,” said Alex.
Alex’s story highlights what Avenue strives to create – a place where people can grow, collaborate and connect.
Want to learn more about Avenue? Check us out at avenuecoworking.org.au