John is embracing independence through skills and connection

We first met John in August 1997, when he lived and worked on a farm caring for cattle and horses. In 2008, he moved his supports to Gympie, where he began working on a farm in Goomboorian that specialised in growing various fruits and vegetables. However, as the demands of farm life grew, John decided to shift gears. He started at Gympie L&L, where he takes great pride in maintaining the on-site garden and getting involved in the hub’s programs and community activities.

John’s love for hands-on work blossomed early in life while helping on his grandfather’s custard apple farm and his uncle’s flower farm. These experiences ignited his passion for flowers, which he plants wherever he goes, and laid the groundwork for the handy skills he continues to use today. 

Currently, John lives with two housemates in a complex with five other houses. Over the years, he has formed close bonds with his neighbours and is always ready to lend a helping hand. Most recently, he restored a neighbour’s chair by sanding and oiling it with impressive skill. His knack for fixing things consistently earns him admiration from others.

With a strong desire to be as independent as possible for as long as he can, John has also discovered the joy of cooking – not just for himself, but for his housemates as well. Guided by his support workers, he is steadily building his confidence in the kitchen and loves the happiness it brings to everyone.

In addition to cooking, John has a flair for sewing. He takes pride in mending clothing for himself and others, further demonstrating his resourcefulness and desire to contribute.

Outside of home, John enjoys visiting the Solace Farm in Imbil, where he rides horses and feeds chickens regularly with one of his neighbours.

Through developing new skills and putting them into practice, John has become more social and engaged in his community. With every skill he learns, John grows increasingly independent and fulfilled from the positive impact he has on those around him.