Nathan’s Story
Nathan - RRA Dunmore
Finding Stability and Family at Reviva Dunmore
Nathan Schimmel has worn many hats – caretaker of a large property, labourer and enthusiastic backyard mechanic – but it was through work with Community Resources’ social enterprises, initially at Soft Landing and now at Reviva Dunmore, that he discovered the stability and confidence he was seeking.
He started at Soft Landing as part of a work-for-the-dole program and later became an employee, gaining valuable skills and confidence that prepared him for his next step within the organisation.
“When an opportunity came up at Reviva Dunmore, Jarrod Roskell [Resource Recovery Australia’s NSW State Manager] reached out to let me know,” Nathan says. “It was a great start – definitely different to anything I’d done before, and my first time in a customer service role.”
Today, Nathan’s role is varied and hands-on.
“I do a bit of everything – shop duties, test and tag, polystyrene processing, customer service, working at the transfer station, even truck driving,” he says.
It’s work that matters. Last year, Nathan and the Reviva Dunmore team served 14,781 customers, keeping quality items in circulation and reducing waste to landfill.
“What I enjoy most is helping the environment and the community, the customers and the team I work with,” Nathan says. “And I’ve learned a lot of new skills since starting here: customer service, merchandising and getting more experience in the waste industry.”
Through Reviva, Nathan has completed his forklift licence, first aid certificate, Community Recycling Centre (CRC) training and fire safety training, all part of the 4,069 training and development outcomes delivered across RRA last year – a 46.3% increase on the previous year.
“This job has given me more confidence in myself and more stability financially,” he says. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come with my confidence and work-life balance.”
That sense of growth has been matched by the support of his team – and by having his fiancée, Sarah, by his side.
“We’re just like a family. We support each other through the hard times and celebrate the wins,” Nathan says. “It’s even better that my partner Sarah works here too. We live locally and we love the community and area we live in.”
Looking ahead, Nathan is focused on planning his wedding with Sarah and continuing to grow within RRA.
“I’d love to work towards a team leader position and keep moving forward in RRA or Community Resources – and live a happy, healthy life.”
Nathan Schimmel RRA DUNMORE
RESOURCE RECOVERY AUSTRALIA
