atWork Employee Wins Pride of Australia Medal
7/11/2011
Wayne Simmons has a passion for basketball. As a reverse marketer at the atWork Joondalup office, Wayne also has a passion for helping disadvantaged job seekers find purpose and improve their prospects of finding employment. His success at combining these two passions has been recognized with a Pride of Australia medal
Now in its seventh year, the Pride of Australia Award is an acknowledgement of the extraordinary things that ordinary Australians do within our community. They are often unsung heroes yet their contribution helps make our nation a better place to live.
Wayne was the recipient for the ‘Fair Go’ category in Western Australia. The nomination criteria states that this category is “For an Australian permanent resident or citizen, born overseas, who has enriched Australia through their community involvement, hard work and willingness to embrace their new home.”
Recently Wayne took a WA-Sudanese team to Sydney where the side finished second in the national basketball tournament. In addition, six players were invited to trial for positions at US Colleges. The team consisted of young people, many of refugee status who have come to Australia with very little.
The biography from the awards stated that “Wayne has never quit on the boys and has given them a focus and belief to take the right path. As well as a pathway to professional basketball and further education, Wayne has taught his team a sense of community and has helped keep the boys off the streets.”
atWork Australia congratulates Wayne on his outstanding achievement.