Walter

Walter (Wally) Gibson, a 56-year-old proud Wiradjuri man, has overcome immense hardships to secure a new role as a Youth Mentor. His inspiring journey is proof of the great impact of Evolve Housing’s Opportunity Pathways (OP) program. 

This NSW Government-funded voluntary program supports social and public housing clients to access employment, training and work opportunities. 

When Wally joined the OP program, he courageously shared the many hardships he had endured, including battling depression and anxiety, and grappling with injuries sustained during his successful 10-year career as a professional rugby league player. He also faced a broken-down relationship due to domestic violence, the tragic death of his nephew to suicide, his suicidal thoughts and homelessness. 

Things took a turn for the better for Wally, when he learned about the Department of Communities and Justice’s Start Safety program. Wally found housing in a private rental in the heart of Liverpool and was soon connected to Evolve Housing’s OP program to assist him with his employment goals. 

Paired up with his dedicated Evolve Housing case coordinator Trudie, the pair worked closely on preemployment activities such as creating a resume, conducting employment searches and interview preparation and training. 

Eventually, Wally was sent off to two interviews, one of which was with Aurora Foundation, an Indigenous organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to reach their full education and employment potential. He could not believe what happened next. 

“Aurora called me 30 minutes after the interview saying I got the job! I can’t believe it, even to this day. They told me that they’re prepared to put in the effort with me for the next 10 years. And that to me meant the world. Telling people I know that I’m an Indigenous mentor means a lot.” 

Wally started his new role on the 25th of May, embarking on a journey to change the lives of young people through his leadership and life experiences. This incredible opportunity for Wally aligns perfectly with his passion and purpose. He is enjoying making a difference in the lives of youth and is eager to share his knowledge, compassion and guidance. 

Wally said without Trudie, his case coordinator’s support and belief in him, he wouldn’t have found himself with a home or employment. “Without Trudie I wouldn’t have been able to be where I am today. Trudie is always there for me. Anytime I need her, she’s just a phone call away.” 

Some words of advice from Wally are: “Never give up. It’s easier to say that and at one point I was close to taking a different turn. But now I can reflect and have a little smile and say it didn’t get me. I didn’t give up.”