Living life on his own terms:
Tim’s story

A big part of his week is work, and it is something he takes a lot of pride in. Tim works as a process worker at Scope Packaging Solutions in Seven Hills, moving between the factory floor and reception. His days start early – up, out the door, a train to Seven Hills and a walk to the worksite before his 7:30am start. He knows the local transport network inside out and gets around with total confidence. 

“I know the public transport system in and out in this area, better than what I had when I was living in Windsor,” he says. “Catching the train is no big deal.” 

Landing the job during COVID remains one of his proudest achievements. 

“I got the job, which is the greatest achievement,” he says. “Most people lost their jobs during COVID – they couldn’t get back into work. I got a job.” 

Since then, Tim has picked up Employee of the Year, Employee of the Month, and a Work Health and Safety award. He contributes to household costs, enjoys the things his income allows him to do, and has seen his pay grow over time – something he takes as recognition of his effort. 

“I work hard to earn the money,” he says. “I’m happy to have this job for many more years to come.”

Ask Tim about life outside work and one thing comes up fast: history. His bookshelf, his watchlist and his game library all trace the same line – ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, through to Australian military history and the major events of the modern world. 

“The ancient world fascinates me,” he said. 

Tim describes learning about history as a bit like travelling back in time. He can happily spend hours watching documentaries about the Roman Empire, Alexander the Great or major military campaigns, and proudly calls himself a history nerd. 

“I was a history nerd in school, so I’m now a history nerd as a young man,” he said.  

Gaming gives him another way to explore that interest. 

Tim enjoys games including Assassin’s Creed, Cyberpunk 2077 and
Far Cry. The historical settings in Assassin’s Creed are a particular draw because they allow him to explore versions of the ancient worlds, he already spends so much time learning about. 

When he feels like something quieter, there is always Netflix, a history documentary or one of the books in his collection.  

He’s also a proud, if pragmatic, Penrith Panthers supporter. “It’s just my local team,” he laughs. “It’s not because they’re winning.”.

Tim regularly heads out to the movies at Blacktown or Rouse Hill, and makes time for long walks around the area – sometimes up to an hour, tracked on his Fitbit, with a target of 5,000 to 6,000 steps. Over time, he’s lost weight, and counts that among his proudest achievements. 

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in my life – with my weight loss, with my work, with what I have,” he says. “I’ve achieved a lot in my life.” 

The people in Tim’s life matter as much as anything else. He speaks warmly of his brothers and sisters, his nieces and nephews, his workmates, his housemates and the McCall team who support him. His mother passed away several years ago; and a photo from the last time she visited still has a place in his room. 

“It’s a good memory,” Tim said. 

“My family’s dear to me,” he says. “I don’t take them for granted… ever.” 

“The people here at McCall have done a lot for me. I appreciate them.” 

Since first receiving support from McCall in March 2018, Tim has built a home he loves, a steady job, and the confidence to manage much of his life independently. He’s now keen to build his cooking skills further – he already helps with meal prep at home – as part of continuing that independence. 

But there’s no sense he’s waiting for life to start. It’s already happening. 

“I love my life where I live, with my house, my job,” Tim says. “My life is actually a lot better than it was prior to the 22nd of March 2018.” 

“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.”