02/12/2025
A HUGE congratulations to Nathan Campbell One of our awesome players that helps train others but also gives it a red hot go at anything he challenges himself with. He's a great player for over 10 years wearing the black and white. Well done Nathan. Can't wait to have you back in 2026
Humans of NHW – To celebrate ‘International Day of People With Disability’, we spoke with Northeast Health Wangaratta Food Service Assistant/Kitchen Hand, Nathan Campbell.
“My name’s Nathan and I’ve been at Northeast Health Wangaratta for 9 years now. I work in the kitchen, so that’s everything from dishes to mopping to delivering meals to patients. I like being busy. You feel useful. You’re doing something that helps someone else.
I’ve got a learning disability and sometimes I get stuck on things like online modules or understanding the chemicals at work. I don’t always get it straight away. But my team jumps in every time. They sit with me, help me work things out, write things down if I need it. There are good people here. Good people everywhere, really. Sometimes you just have to ask, and most people will help if you do.
Outside of work, I have a full life. Sport keeps me going. I play rugby with the Wang Knights, soccer with the Rebellion, and I’ve played for the Magpies in the Disability League. When I was younger, I even played goalkeeper for Victoria in the Special Olympics. We came second. That week in Melbourne was awesome.
I try to give back too. At the clubs we do sausage sizzles, raffles, fundraisers for different causes. I don’t remember all of them, but that’s the point. You help where you can, and you get help in return.
One of my proudest moments was receiving a staff award in 2018 for being helpful [the NHW Award for Excellence in Operational Support]. That meant a lot. Another big achievement was going to the Wangaratta District Special School. I used to be really quiet, and they helped bring me out of my shell.
At work, one of my favourite things is being part of the Tidy Team. We’re a group with different disabilities and we meet every Monday. It’s half an hour of helping each other with things like online learning and paperwork, but it’s also talking about our days, our worries, having a laugh. It’s companionship. I’ve made great friends out of it, and it always puts a smile on my dial.
People don’t always see disabilities. Sometimes they’re invisible. More education would help, so people understand the different kinds out there. But I see a lot of good too - clubs that accept people, workplaces that help you grow, managers who listen, a whole hospital full of people willing to give you a hand.
I’ve got a full-time job now. I get to play sport, help the community, talk to people, be part of something. I really love my life, and I love being part of Northeast Health. I’m happy here. That’s the truth.”
International Day of People with Disability is a time to celebrate strength, inclusion and the power of community. Today, we're shining a light on the incredible individuals in our community who live with disability and make a difference every day.
Head to Rural City of Wangaratta and Gateway Health to meet Bob and Grace who share their experiences, perspectives and everyday lives living with disability.
