Susan was running a successful business and felt like she was finally in a position to give back to her community. Then, she met Lachlan, and realised she might have gotten more than she’d bargained for.

 

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On his first day at work, Akbar was so shy that he barely said a word. That’s not him though, not really. The real Akbar wants to travel the world and surround himself with new people. He just needs to find some confidence first.

 

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Finishing high school, Jack felt like he was leaving the happiest days of his life behind him. Obsessed with musicals, movies and the bright lights of theatre - Jack wanted to be on stage. Growing up and going to work was the last thing he thought he’d enjoy. That was, until he found a job where he could bring his passions into the office.

 

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At school Kieren was an energetic kid that was misunderstood by his classmates. His autism made it hard to fit in, and relentless bullying left him hating life. But since then he’s found his niche. Working in a small family business, he’s discovered he has a natural talent for welding, and his workmates are introducing him to a love of heavy metal music.

 

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There are two Sharons. One’s a busy, obsessively clean, high powered sales executive. The other is a relaxed and loving childcare worker who likes to smell the roses. They’re almost opposite people - except that they’re the same person, separated by five years and a brain tumour.

 

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Karen’s first job in the factory at Kurrajong Kitchen has given her a life beyond being a mum, and it’s made her a better mum. After having to fight for her kids, she’s determined to be the positive role model that she never had as a child.

 

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Having a child with a disability forced Linda Fenech to confront how she – like most of us – rarely took the time to understand those who are a little different. Employing Tayla as a babysitter at her beauty salon, Linda thought that she was doing a favour, but quickly discovered she was getting more from the exchange than she ever expected.

 

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Ian finds comfort in the routine and repetition of hard work. He’s fresh out of a marriage breakdown and an interstate move that has separated him from his three kids. But in his job cleaning at a local warehouse, he’s found a team that’s a bit like family, and now he’s saving his money for a ticket to visit his children.

 

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It sounds unlikely – a qualified plumber who planned to take over the family business is now a doorman at the local RSL, and he’s never been happier. Jarrad loves speed, but at 20 years of age it got the better of him, and a near-fatal car accident left him with a traumatic brain injury. Through sheer determination he’s built a life that doctors told him he’d never be able to have.

 

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