Nikolaos Moutsatsos, a Tasmanian Disability Employment Services (DES) and STEPS Work Mates Client, has been named Goal Kicker Participant of the Year at the 2024 Tasmanian Disability Awards.
Saturday night’s awards ceremony, hosted at the Theatre Royal, recognised the progress and success of Tasmania’s disability community, from participants and community figures to support workers and disability service providers.
Anita Herbert, the Tasmanian Regional Manager for STEPS Group, says the entire team and their participants are inspired by Niko and his story.
“Hearing Niko announced as the winner and seeing him up on that stage with his bright smile was amazing. I really can’t overstate how happy I am for him,” she said.
“When we first met Niko, it was clear that he’s an incredibly kind and hard-working young man. He had been struggling to find work by himself, and all he really needed was some guidance to make sure his work suited his strengths and his goals.”
Niko was nominated for the award due to his incredible personal journey; non-verbal until the age of nine, he credits the unwavering support of his family for his progress over the years, developing his communication skills and attending a mainstream school.
With the help of STEPS, Niko is now thriving, having secured paid employment in the hospitality industry.
“He’s always had a real passion for the hospitality industry, so our team worked with Niko to develop personalised training plans and support for him,” Ms Herbert said.
“Niko’s charisma and zest for life shines through in everything he does, he really draws you in with his energy. These achievements are nothing short of incredible and Niko is such a valued member of the STEPS community and the Tasmanian Work Mates Program.”
In September 2023, Niko began working with STEPS through their Work Mates program, which supports NDIS participants in seeking and maintaining employment through work experience and skill-building.
Niko had the opportunity to complete work experience at Subway Hobart, which he said was “a great chance to get some hands-on experience in the food industry.”
“I gained a lot of confidence and got very valuable training. I got a real feel for the general day-to-day tasks that needed to be done, and I’m ready to find permanent work,” Mr Moutsatsos said.
Prior to his time with STEPS Work Mates, Niko was an active member of the greater Hobart community, engaging in community projects throughout the region, attending TAFE classes, and volunteering for local organisations, including the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Hobart City Council, and The Greek Festival.
Following his work and training, Niko secured a permanent position at McDonalds, which he says he enjoys every day thanks to his true passion for the hospitality industry.
Niko isn’t just thriving in the workplace; he has recently been approached to represent Tasmania in the Special Olympics in swimming, and is dedicated to training for his next competition.
The STEPS Work Mates team is incredibly proud of Niko and his accomplishments, and that’s no secret; they threw a surprise morning tea party to celebrate his success and recognise his hard work.
Niko says his experience with STEPS Work Mates has helped him build his confidence and equip him with the skills he needs to thrive in the industry and activities he truly loves.
