In true blue Aussie spirit Bundaberg’s Nathan Curd takes every day in his stride and says he will not let his disability keep him from fulfilling his dreams.
Nathan is autistic. He has intellectual disabilities and epilepsy, but he's also a proud young man with a fighting spirit who runs his own small business, Tru Blu Mowing.
The 34-year-old said it was four years ago when he was given the opportunity of a lifetime.
With support from his parents, Andrew and Dianne Curd, and Community Lifestyle Support he ventured into the world of business ownership.
“Not in a million years did I think I would own my own business,” Nathan said.
“Now I’m excited to get out of bed each morning. I get up and get on with the job, helping others with tree trimming, weeding, mowing and general lawn maintenance.
“My business is registered with NDIS so I can help other people with disabilities too.”
Nathan said after leaving high school he became a client at Community Lifestyle Support, and from there he had many jobs including a trolley collector at Woolworths and a maintenance man doing odd jobs, but he always strived for more.
“CLS helped me get my business up and going,” Nathan said.
“And after I started, I registered with the NDIS because it is good to help others; it’s nice to see a smile on their faces, and to know others care and want to help them.
“I have a carer who comes with me as I do have epilepsy, so they are there as a precaution while I do my work.
“My dad helps me with paperwork, he's my number one supporter.”
Nathan Curd also a tenpin bowling champion
Along with owning a small business, Nathan said he keeps busy with his passion for striking it lucky at tenpin bowling.
Last year Nathan competed at the Tenpin Bowling Australia All Abilities Championships, taking on bowlers with and without disabilities. He was crowed champion for doubles, and won gold overall in the men’s section.
Nathan said he achieved his goals with the determination not to let anything get in his way, and he hopes others will follow suit.
“To the other people out there that have a disability, I say you never know. Stay positive, you never know what can happen or where you may go,” he said.
“I don’t know where tenpin will take me, but I just get up in the morning and get on with the job.”
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