18/08/2025
With support from the CVGT Employment Disability Employment Services team in Preston, Andrew has found a meaningful role at Banyule City Council as a Data Analyst working three days a week through their Inclusive Support Program.
“It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve heard I am doing a good job with looking at data, everyone’s happy with my work so far. Also, everyone loves Fred the Guide Dog,” Andrew says.
Andrew has a vision impairment, but in this role, using screen reader technology, he could interpret ABS statistical data in a unique way to model predictions for future council planning.
“Every day I come in they put water out for the dog, ask how I am going, and are very supportive,” Andrew says.
Paul Browne, Senior Business Development Consultant at CVGT Employment, provided Andrew with support through the Disability Employment Services program to apply for jobs, get ready for interviews, work on interview questions and prepare his resume. He also assisted with purchasing suits for office work and transported Andrew to and from interviews, which helped support his preparation.
“It’s good because on the travel time, we could practice our interview questions on the way in, and on the way back he could tell me about how it went,” Paul says.
Inclusive Support Program Lead, Mahamed from Banyule City Council has appreciated the great contribution Andrew has made to the organisation so far.
“Andrew as a worker has been amazing, the team has really appreciated his Data Analyst skills. He’s also taught us as a council as well, better ways to support those who have low vision, introducing us to some new programs, strategies and techniques.”
Mahamed also expressed his thanks to CVGT Employment for their support. “CVGT have been an amazing support to Andrew during our time in the Inclusive Support program, assisting with providing clothes for work, getting to the work location, as well as supporting me to connect with other job seekers.”
The Inclusive Support program at Banyule City Council supports residents who have barriers to employment with a 6-month placement within the council.
The program has been a great success, with 86% of people participating in the program going on to find ongoing employment afterwards within the council or externally.
This has greatly contributed to the council’s goal of building a more diverse workforce, and there are plans to expand the program to other councils as well.
Andrew’s vision was impaired as a child following the removal of a brain tumour, but it did not stop him from having a life filled with remarkable achievements. Following completion of a Bachelor of Science at Latrobe University he completed a master’s in data science. He has also had some amazing achievements on the sporting field, including representing Victoria in cricket, Australia in soccer, and achieving a 3rd Dan Black belt in Taekwondo.
For other job seekers with a disability, Andrew offers some advice to encourage them to keep going.
“Be patient. It takes time to get a job. Work on the areas you need to work on. Be positive about what your strengths are. Don’t focus on what you can’t do, focus on what you can do to get yourself a job.”