Mr Hook worked in construction for more than a decade when he developed persistent pain and arthritis in his back and shoulders.

He was unable to work and was losing confidence because of his unemployed status.

“Doing construction, pushing wheelbarrows around, picking up bricks and all that sort of thing takes it toll,” he said.

“I started experiencing niggles and pains.

“I thought my career was over, working in that area.

“I knew I had something left in me, but my confidence was starting to go down … I haven’t been trained for any other industry.”

Mr Hook experienced unemployment on-and-off for 15 years as his arthritis worsened.

He still wanted to work outside but knew his limited mobility and pain levels could cause problems.

He sought help from employment agencies and was referred by CentreLink to local disability employment service, Job Centre Australia, seven months ago.

They were able to secure him a job at the Junee Licrorice and Chocolate Factory as a gardener six months ago but Mr Hook is more than happy to help with whatever jobs need to be done.

“I’m employed as a gardener but if something needs to be done, a truck needs to be unloaded, everyone gets in and gives a hand,” he said.

“I could be packing chocolate one minute and mowing lawns the next.”

The licorice factory employs more than 60 people and has 130,000 visitors pass through their gardens and premises each year.

General manager Neil Druce said Mr Hook was a very welcome addition to the team.

“Waide is such a wonderful addition to our team,” he said.

“He has so much energy and a brilliant attitude to work.”

Job Centre Australia’s area operations manager, Jenny Garnsey, encouraged people of all abilities to contact them if they struggled to find employment.