In fact, Mr Mitchell is more than happy to make the two-hour trip, waking at 4am to catch two trains before getting a lift to the final leg of the journey to Rushmore Distributors in Glendenning for his 7am start.

Mr Mitchell, who has a disability, has been with the company, working as a packer, for the past 14 years.

He found the job with the help of Break Thru Employment Solutions.

He said he loves his work.

``My day begins at 4am. I walk to the station and catch two trains and get a lift from my supervisor [David Lee] to make it to work,'' he said.

``I don't take days off as others will miss me. Working has allowed me to buy and collect radios, video tapes and DVDs as a hobby.

``I can also save money for holidays and visit my family members in Queensland and Lake Macquarie.''

Mr Lee, Mr Mitchell's supervisor for 10 years, said he was impressed by his dedication to work.

``Doug's commitment is due to his good work ethic,'' Mr Lee said. ``He rarely takes days off and is very reliable and punctual.

``He also has a great sense of humour, which makes it great working with him.''

Kevin Stainer, CEO of Rushmore, said employing people with a disability had made good business sense when backed up by an organisation like Break Thru.

``Doug is very consistent in his work and is a model employee,'' he said. ``Having Doug on board encouraged us to hire two more workers with a disability.''

Break Thru CEO Ross Lewis said he liked to help people like Mr Mitchell achieve their dreams as well as providing motivated employees for companies.