Wade’s Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Children at Helping Hands Network

Staff Spotlight on Wade

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Since he was a kid, Wade Rix always wanted to work on the frontline – whether that be as a police officer, firefighter or even in the military. But a hearing impairment meant he had to rethink his childhood dream. 

Read Wade’s heartfelt story about overcoming tough challenges and finding his place at JAG: 

Name: Wade Rix 

Service name and location: Bounty Boulevard Helping Hands Network, QLD 

Role: Assistant Coordinator 

Years with JAG: 1.5 years 

For many years, Wade worked as a pilot escort driver, travelling in front of or behind a truck with wide or oversized loads. In this role, he traversed up and down the east coast of Australia. But when he had to hand in his driver’s licence due to a worsening vision impairment, he felt a bit defeated.  

“I was born with a hearing impairment, which I learnt to live with, but when I found out I now couldn’t drive, I felt my window of opportunities minimise.” 

Unsure of what came next, Wade connected with the RSL Queensland Employment Program, and with the encouragement of his wife, an Army veteran, he found a new path that aligned with his values in children’s services.  

“I’ve always had a desire to care for and help people,” Wade says. “Finding that sense of purpose again was very important to me.” 

Wade Rix - Educator at Helping Hands Network at Bounty Boulevard smiling for the camera

Wade joined the team at Bounty Boulevard Helping Hands Network in Queensland and quickly found his stride. Almost a year into the role, he’s now stepping into a new leadership position as Assistant Coordinator.  

“Just interacting with the kids and building that bond with them is probably my favourite thing about the role,” Wade says. “Knowing that I’m making a positive impact on their lives is really special, and I also get to be a kid again and let my inner child come out.” 

His Regional Manager, Shauna Nugent, says Wade’s growth has been inspiring to watch. 

“Wade has had an incredible journey with JAG and has now transitioned into an AC role at the service,” she says. “He brings warmth, empathy and a genuine connection with the children, and it’s been wonderful to see him thrive.” 
 
Wade is also studying a diploma in counselling, with hopes of one day becoming a school counsellor. For him, the opportunity to grow and make a difference is what makes this work so rewarding. 

“Career growth opportunities have always been important to me,” he says. “And because this company has services all over Australia, there are heaps of opportunities for a new role or growth within the company. It’s important to me to be able to keep growing and not get stuck doing the same job.” 

Wade’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful careers can take many forms, and that the right support can open doors to new beginnings. His presence in the service also reflects the importance of diverse role models in children’s lives and the value of bringing different life experiences into the care environment. 

We’re proud to have Wade as part of the JAG team and grateful to RSL Queensland for helping him find his fit. 

Credit: This story is from an original article published by RSL Queensland