Nasser’s Story
Nasser - Soft Landing Perth
Resilience, Routine and a Fresh Start at Soft Landing Perth
Nasser Mustafa’s days are about hard work, camaraderie and routine – unloading trucks, cutting open mattresses and recovering steel, textiles and timber alongside a tight-knit team at Soft Landing Perth. He makes it look easy, but getting here took time and determination.
Nasser explains: “I was born in the Middle East in 1993 before migrating to Australia with my family at the age of four to search for a better life, greater work opportunities and a safer climate to grow up in. I went through a variety of jobs when I was young – always expanding my knowledge – until I turned 18 and was blindsided by addiction, leading to a cycle of prison until I turned 30.”
After this, re-entering the workforce was a challenge: “I would do great in the interview, but once they asked me to supply my previous convictions, that’s when I would usually not hear anything back.”
Inside prison, an inmate told him about Soft Landing. “He said they will offer a job no matter your qualifications or background, as long as you’re willing to put in the work and look for a brighter future. I had just turned 30 and realised I needed to make a serious change, or I’d end up back in jail or worse…”
In late 2023, Nasser got his opportunity – a job with Soft Landing and a fresh start. He has since gone from strength to strength, building resilience and a strong support network.
“Working at Soft Landing has changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” Nasser says. “I’m learning the ability to push through and finish the day strong and ready for the next – and not giving up when a task might be too hard or frustrating. Having the routine keeps me on the right track. I don’t have time or energy for useless things.”
“Financial independence has been rewarding – I can give back to my family who supported me when I was at my lowest. And what I enjoy most is the sense of camaraderie. We’re all from different backgrounds and experiences, but we mesh together great and get on with it.”
He encourages others facing barriers to work to join the Soft Landing team, saying: “You’ll learn new skills, your physical toughness improves, and you’ll be with a supportive team that’s always willing to help.”
Nasser has his eyes set on the future: “I want to be financially stable, become a qualified personal trainer and keep smashing my fitness goals. Most importantly, I want to make my mum proud of her youngest.”
FY25 included the official opening of Soft Landing’s expanded Perth site – and ABC Perth highlighted Nasser’s story as part of that coverage.
“Financial independence has been rewarding – I can give back to my family who supported me when I was at my lowest. And what I enjoy most is the sense of camaraderie. We’re all from different backgrounds and experiences, but we mesh together great and get on with it.”
Nasser Mustafa Soft Landing Perth
