National Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect, respect, and take action. At Sarina Russo Group, we are proud to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers on their path to empowerment and employment.
This year, we celebrate the inspiring journey of Raymond—a First Nations man who turned his life around with courage, resilience, and the right support.
For over 30 years, Raymond’s life was caught in a downward spiral of addiction, crime, and incarceration. His journey was marked by hardship and loss—spending four out of six years in prison, losing his home, and even the irreplaceable memories captured in family photos. When he was released, he had nothing but the clothes on his back.
But Raymond’s story did not end there. It was the love and distance of his daughters that sparked a turning point. When his 27-year-old daughter made the painful decision to cut ties due to his lifestyle, Raymond was forced to confront the reality of what he had become. That moment of heartbreak became the catalyst for change.
Determined to rebuild his life and be the father his daughters deserved, Raymond made the courageous decision to leave behind the environment that had fueled his struggles. He moved away, seeking a fresh start and a path to healing. His goal was clear: to find stability, re-enter the workforce, and earn his way back into the lives of those he loved.
Raymond’s resilience paid off. In his very first week back in his hometown of Warwick, he secured a job at the local meat works. He found stable housing and, most importantly, began to reconnect with his daughters. Today, Raymond is not only employed and housed—he is present. He is rebuilding relationships with his family, including his brothers, and embracing the joy of being part of his daughters’ lives once again.
Thanks to Kylie from our Warwick team, Raymond received the support he needed to make the impossible possible.
Sarina Russo Group is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by offering tailored employment services that help increase Indigenous participation in the workforce. Each jobseeker is paired with a personal consultant who understands their unique story and goals. Through culturally appropriate programs, Sarina Russo Group provides access to job opportunities, training, mentoring, and holistic support to help close the gap and empower First Nations communities.
Raymond’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when support meets determination. During National Reconciliation Week, we honour stories like his—stories of healing, hope, and new beginnings.
For more information about our First Nations Employment Services, click here.
