Stawell’s Elie Enock has faced a lot of challenges in life, but she’s about to lead her native country on the world stage. She will be the flag bearer for Vanuatu at the Opening Ceremony for the Paralympics in Paris.

Ms Enock, who works for Thomas Foods International (TFI) Stawell and is about to start training at South West TAFE after completing her induction programs, will be the first female athlete to represent Vanuatu at the Paralympics as she pushes to win a medal in shotput.

It’s a long way from a life-changing car accident in 2009 when she was out celebrating her birthday. The accident took her leg and almost took her life. After the accident doctors had to amputate her leg, and Ms Enock said she “just stayed home doing nothing”. “I thought being a person with a disability, this was the end of my life,” she said.

But a chance encounter with Rainbow Disability Theatre changed that for Ms Enock, encouraging her out of the house and starting her on a pathway to become a disability advocate, actor and soon, an Olympian.

“From that time, I realised that being a person with disability, you still have access to every opportunity to enjoy your life,” she said. Her outlook on life is now “to not limit your challenge but challenge your limits”.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Ms Enock came to Australia in 2023 and is one of 40 employees from Vanuatu at TFI Stawell, hired through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. She has made great sacrifices to join the TFI team and provide a better life for her family, including being away from her 10-year-old son.

“I wanted to come here and have a go,” she said. “Many people in Vanuatu are afraid to go out and try different things, but I wanted to show people with a disability that you don’t have to look at that disability, you should look at your ability and what you can do.”

Ms Enock also hoped to raise money to help her son, who remains in Vanuatu with her mother, with his future education.

“Being in Stawell is a really good experience; totally different to where I came from but it’s good to experience new things,” she said. “Thomas Food International and South West TAFE have been very helpful and really good mentors and I’ve met a lot of nice people.”

A New Chapter in Athletics

Growing up, Ms Enock was not into sport, but because of her accident and the proactive Vanuatu Paralympic Committee she got involved in 2014, participating in her first competition in 2017 at the Pacific Mini-Games. Since then, she has been collecting medals and embracing the opportunities athletics has presented.

Ms Enock thought she was also going to have to sacrifice sport when she came to Australia. Instead, TFI Stawell operations manager Shane Wittmann and South West TAFE meat training Australia teacher Mick McCartney have been helping with her shotput training, as well as supporting her at work.

Support from the Workplace and the Community

TFI has built a frame and training arena onsite for Ms Enock, as well as arranging a gym membership, coaching and an endless supply of encouragement. Mr Wittmann would also travel to Paris to support Ms Enock.

“Elie has always been backed by a loving and supportive family, we are proud that TFI is now a part of that,” he said.

Mr McCartney also enjoyed helping on her working career and sporting prowess.

“Elie’s determination to succeed is a real credit to her and we wish her all the best on her Olympic journey,” he said.

The Journey to Paris

Now Ms Enock is counting down to the event.

“I’m so excited to be the flag bearer and to represent my country,” she said. “Shane and Mick have been great help and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Was she confident? “I will try my best,” Ms Enock said.

Elie Enock’s story is a testament to the power of human resilience and the importance of support. She has faced a lot of challenges in her life, but she has never given up on her dreams. With the help of her supportive family, her new workplace at TFI, and her dedicated coaches, she is now ready to take on the world stage and make her mark on the Paralympics. She is an inspiration to all, and her journey is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it and have the courage to challenge your limits.