The Story of Luke…
"Since starting work at St Laurence Community Services – Paper Services located in Victoria Street I haven’t looked back.
Whilst I grew up with a supportive family, at age 30 I was living at home and wasn’t really doing much just sitting on the couch watching daytime TV; I lacked a work ethic. I really wanted to get out of the house and achieve something. I was isolated and wanted to meet new people and deal with the challenge of living with a mental illness.
This is where my story turns around. I found a job at St Laurence Paper Services. Since working here I have gained more confidence and new skills. My role is working in the shed sorting cardboard and baling it for recycling. Sometimes I also get out in the truck making some recycling pick-ups for businesses in the Greater Geelong area.
I feel like this job has helped steer me in the right direction.
The staff and the people that work here have helped me tackle new challenges and helped me to expand myself. I am very grateful for their support and positive attitude towards me.
Apart from meeting new people and learning things I am very grateful to have paid employment which has helped me to have money to put back into my main interest, which is music.
I first became interested in music when I was seven years old and my parents sent me to attend lessons to learn the organ. When I turned 15 I taught myself to play the guitar after I learnt a few chords.
With the support of my family, I then went on to write my own songs finding inspiration from the ups and downs of life. I have also, with the assistance of a producer, put together an album entitled “Don’t look back” which I am very proud of. I am planning on having another album produced and would like to expand on the time I spend making music.
I now play gigs in Geelong, mainly on a Friday night which I really enjoy. It brings my music to the people and I don’t mind if I see that people are really enjoying it to play for longer than I have been booked. I have performed six gigs already and am looking to perform more.
Now I love my music so much that I usually play most weekends and can sometimes get carried away and play for half the day!" - Luke Beavis, St Laurence supported employee.
If you would like some more information on Luke including where to purchase his CD, or to book Luke for a gig please contact Luke at work on ph.: 03 5277 9888.