When Gaby arrived in Australia in 2016, he was looking for safety. But he also carried something more—a determination to contribute, to build a life, and to feel part of something again.
Originally from Syria, Gaby had worked most of his life as a farmer before war forced him and his family to flee. After several difficult years in Lebanon, they were granted permanent residency and made the journey to Australia.
It wasn’t long before Gaby started looking for ways to be involved in his new community. He began volunteering with his local Assyrian church and even tried to join the NSW Fire Service—a long-held dream. But like many others from refugee backgrounds, he found that the language barrier and unfamiliar systems made things hard to navigate. He needed help to find his place.
That help came when Emmanuel, a WISE Employment Industry Employment Partner from the Fairfield site, reached out.
Support that’s personal—and practical
“Gaby was so keen to work,” Emmanuel recalls. “He had some health challenges but a strong work ethic, and he was well known in the community for volunteering. I knew he just needed the right introduction.”
After hearing Gaby’s story through the community and local radio, Emmanuel brought him into WISE and began advocating for him directly to employers. That included Parx Coffee House—a growing local café business that prides itself on giving people a fair go.
Gaby was offered a role in their Gregory Hills kitchen in 2019. He quickly became part of the team, supporting with prep, cleaning, and kitchen tasks. After some time away for health reasons, he returned to work at their newer Prestons café—closer to home and ready for a fresh chapter.
A job that feels like family
Gaby wearing an apron, holding freshly washed lettuceParx Coffee House is built on a
different kind of
business model—one grounded in community. Jessica Daniel, one of the co-founders, says that partnering with WISE has always made sense.
“We’ve been working with WISE for years,” she says. “Gaby’s one of those people who’s just solid. Always on time, always working hard. That’s the kind of team member you hope for.”
Jessica estimates Parx Coffee House employs around 60 staff across four café locations, and many of them have come through WISE.
“When you work with an agency like WISE, you’re not just hiring—you’re building a partnership,” she says. “If anything comes up, we can talk to their team, sort it out quickly. It gives us peace of mind and continuity.”
Someone to call, someone who listens
For Gaby, that continuity comes through his ongoing relationship with Jena, WISE’s Customer Employment Support Manager.
“Whenever Gaby needs something—whether it’s help with reporting, a form, or just a question—he calls us,” says Jena. “He knows we’re here, and that gives him confidence. It’s part of what helps him keep showing up.”
Gaby himself puts it simply: “I have two families—WISE and Parx. They always help when I need it. Always.”
He still volunteers at church every week and continues to be involved in his community. For him, working is not just a routine—it’s part of feeling useful, feeling included, and giving back.
At recent cultural events like Assyrian New Year, Gaby’s pride in his heritage was on full display. He spoke with heartfelt thanks for the support he’s received from WISE Fairfield and Australia more broadly.
“This country gave me a chance,” he said. “I want to keep working. I want to give back.”
More than a placement—it’s a partnership
Jena says Gaby’s journey is a great example of what happens when employment support is personalised and consistent.
“It’s not just about getting someone into a job,” she explains. “It’s about staying in touch, helping with the little things, and making sure they feel supported over time.”
Jessica agrees.
“We’re lucky to have Gaby,” she says. “And lucky to have a partnership that works both ways. That’s what makes a difference.”
Watch Gaby’s story here:
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