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Podcast – Nicholas Boyd

Nicholas’s Journey: Finding Belonging through Work and Sport

The “We Belong” podcast series is founded on a singular, transformative vision: a world that looks past the surface of disability to see only abilities. This mission isn’t just about inclusion in theory; it is about the tangible power of belonging in our workplaces and our social circles. Nicholas, a dedicated professional with a 15-year tenure at the Flagstaff Group, stands as a premier example of this vision in action. His story is a powerful testament to what happens when a community stops seeing a “label” and starts seeing a teammate.

 

Contributing to the Workforce: Nicholas at Flagstaff

For over a decade and a half, Nicholas has been a cornerstone of the Flagstaff Group. He describes the environment as having a “good atmosphere” with a “friendly” team, but his own contribution is what truly defines his success. Nicholas is the embodiment of workplace versatility, seamlessly moving between the physical demands of outdoor maintenance and the systematic precision of indoor production. His daily roles include:

 

  • Site Maintenance and Lawn Care: Managing the grounds with autonomy and pride.
  • Manufacturing: Contributing to on-site production lines.
  • Packaging: Executing systematic tasks within the packaging department.
His supervisor captures Nicholas’s professional essence perfectly, noting that he will “do anything you ask” and will always “give it a go.” Critically, his management understands that inclusion means playing to an employee’s strengths; as his supervisor instructs, “don’t put any paperwork in front of him. You just let him know what you want done and he can go ahead.” This reasonable adjustment allows Nicholas’s practical skills to shine, proving that he is a vital asset to the organisation.

 

Inclusion in Action: The Worrigee Sports Experience
Nicholas’s journey from the sidelines to the heart of the action at Worrigee Sports illustrates the true meaning of social acceptance. For a long time, Nicholas was a spectator, watching the lawn bowls every Thursday from the periphery. His transformation began with a simple, powerful invitation from the club members: “Why don’t you have a go? You’ll be right.”

 

Nicholas didn’t just “have a go”- he excelled. He picked up the sport so quickly that he sparked a genuine “sporting rivalry” among the regulars. The “oldies” at the club went from welcoming a spectator to arguing over who got him on their team. This shift from being an observer to a “wanted” player is the heartbeat of Nicholas’s story. By ignoring his disability and focusing on his skill with the ball, the group provides him with the ultimate form of respect. In Nicholas’s own words, “they just treat you like you’re one of them.”

 

Navigating Disability with Honesty and Confidence

Nicholas is candid about his challenges with reading and writing, which he traces back to a pivotal health crisis when he was 10 years old. He describes the moment with visceral honesty: “Apparently, I went bright blue or something.” Before that incident, he could read a hundred-word book perfectly; afterwards, his literacy became a source of frustration.

 

Rather than letting this define him, Nicholas has reclaimed his identity with a bold, self-advocating stance. He is upfront with new acquaintances, stating clearly that he is “not backwards.” To navigate social integration, he employs a sophisticated three-step approach:

 

  1. Direct Communication: He is immediately honest about who he is and what he is like to prevent any misconceptions.
  2. Observation: He sits back and listens to the flow of conversation until he feels comfortable with the topic.
  3. Active Participation: Once confident, he joins in and asks questions, using his curiosity to build rapport and drive the conversation forward.
Key Takeaways for an Inclusive Community
Nicholas’s journey offers a blueprint for building a community where everyone truly belongs:
  • The Power of the Invitation: Inclusion often starts with six simple words: “Why don’t you have a go?” An invitation can move a person from the sidelines to a position of leadership and value.
  • Beyond Labels: Nicholas’s insistence that he is “not backwards” challenges us to see the person, not the literacy level. Expertise in lawn care or a “give it a go” attitude is far more indicative of a person’s worth than their ability to fill out paperwork.
  • The Mutual Benefit of Inclusion: When Worrigee Sports invited Nicholas to play, they didn’t just do him a favour-they gained a competitive, skilled player who improved the “sporting rivalry” for everyone. Inclusion strengthens the entire group.
Building a Supportive Future

The Flagstaff Group is dedicated to providing the life skills and work opportunities that allow people with disability to thrive. Nicholas’s 15-year journey of professional and social success is a path available to others.

 

If you are finding it difficult to engage with community groups, or if you need support to pursue your favourite sport, your dream job, or a new skill, we invite you to reach out. Let us work together to build a future where you aren’t just a spectator, but a valued member of the team.

 

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The “We Belong” podcast series was recorded and produced on the traditional lands of the Dharawal, Jeringer, Yuin, and Wandi Wandandian people. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
Nick doing a thumbs up

Part 1

Part 2

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