In March this year, Mr Telford described himself as a strong, fit, healthy, reliable and hard worker while making an impassioned plea for a Ballarat employer to “give him a go” after months of job rejections … and Bunnings has done just that.

He now works 25 hours a week in the tool shop and warehouse of Bunnings, a store he is very familiar with after regularly frequenting the Creswick Road complex to buy items for household projects.

“I meet and greet the customers and guide them to the items they may be looking for,” Mr Telford said.

WATCH OWEN’S VIDEO IN MARCH BELOW

He said the last three months since starting work at Bunnings had been a big learning curve, but he was impressed by how well he has been welcomed by work colleagues and customers alike. So accommodating has Bunnings been to Mr Telford’s needs, they have installed a small fridge in the downstairs public cafe to store his lunch, rather than him using the stairs to access the second floor staff tearoom.

Earlier this year, Mr Telford, a former New Zealand Army soldier and qualified chef, pleaded for employers to give him a go after suffering several knock-backs from employers, including being rejected for a cook’s position and another at a major retail outlet.

Bunnings Warehouse Ballarat complex manager Justin Catley said Mr Telford was a welcomed addition to the team. “It’s great to have him on board,” Mr Catley said.

“We employ people who are the right fit for the job – team members with a passion for service and a great attitude. We have a really diverse workforce, with team members from all sorts of backgrounds, such as nationality, age, race, gender and those with mobility impairments or disabilities. This is an important part of our culture.”

Mr Telford lost both legs – one completely and the other from below the knee – in an horrific industrial accident 16 years ago.

His injuries have not stopped him living a full life. He drives a car, uses heavy machinery like bobcats and ride-on mowers, does all the cooking and gardening at home, loves white water rafting, quad bike riding and world travel. He is also heavily involved in the local Lions Club and the Scout movement.